Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.

Mental Health

Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.

Public health

Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.

Reproductive Health

For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.

Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

mercredi 21 mars 2018

How to Recycle Your Old Laptop Like a Responsible Adult

By  07:09   No comments

If you've got an old laptop that you no longer use, do yourself a favor and get rid of it ASAP. If it's still functioning, you may be able to earn a gift card in exchange - but know that it's only depreciating as it sits in your closet. Regardless of what it's worth, finally crossing this off your list and freeing up some clutter is guaranteed to be very satisfying.

But if you're planning on throwing it away, make sure that you don't toss it in the garbage like any other piece of trash. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you're avoiding air and water pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions by safely recycling or donating your unused electronics. So do the environment and yourself some good by properly getting rid of your laptop with the following steps below.

Related:
11 Things You Need to Throw Away

Step One: Back Up Your Computer

Store your files on an external hard drive or back up your data using iCloud if you have a Mac.

Step Two: Sign Out of Everything

Go the extra length to protect yourself. Sign out of all your applications, make sure none of your login information is stored in your keychain, and wipe your hard drive. Here's the full guide to deleting everything off your computer.

Step Three: Recycle Your Device at an E-Waste Location.

  • Apple Recycling Program: Apple accepts old devices online at any Apple store. If your Mac or PC has any monetary value, you'll receive an Apple gift card in the amount it's worth. To receive an instant quote online, enter your device's serial number on this page. Include your payment method and shipping information and in three to five days, you'll get prepaid shipping supplies sent to your door. Ship it back and wait five to eight business days for your refund!

    If your laptop has any value, you also have the option of trading it in for credit toward a new Apple product.

  • Gazelle: Gazelle is another reliable buyer that will take your old devices. Similar to the process above, all you have to do is enter your laptop's serial number and ship it to its processing center using the prepaid shipping supplies they've sent to you.
  • Best Buy: You have the option of dropping off your old laptop at any Best Buy store for proper disposal.
  • Staples: If your computer has any value, you have the option of trading it in store for a Staples eCash Card, or sending it in through an online process.
  • Goodwill: Drop off your laptop to any Goodwill collection center. According to its site, "One working computer given to Goodwill is worth 5.3 hours of career counseling."
  • Find a local drop-off center in your area: Do a quick search to see if any nearby stores accept e-waste. Many manufacturers, office supply retailers, and even hardware stores will be able to take your laptop off your hands!
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Ivanka Trump Did a Scientist Cosplay, and Naturally the Internet Lost Its Collective Sh*t

By  07:09   No comments

Another day in Trump's America, another drama - but this time, it's all about the First Daughter.

On March 19, Ivanka Trump set off a chain of events that was so thoroughly predictable, we found ourselves waiting for each shoe to drop: the daughter of the most powerful man in America shared a photo of herself cosplaying the platonic ideal of a scientist, in full lab regalia, in support of Donald Trump's (by all accounts failing) infrastructure plan.

"Talking #WorkforceDevelopment and Infrastructure in Iowa today!" Ivanka captioned the photo, adding, "@realDonaldTrump's #Infrastructure initiative includes a robust plan to expand skills-focused learning to prepare the next generation of American workers for 21st century job opportunities."

Naturally, the internet had a field day with this striking revelation and it would seem that for all intents and purposes, the current administration did not learn much from the whole KellyCards debacle last year, as they once again allowed a visual that could not slide under the meme radar (a fact was certainly not lost on the savvy denizens of the web).

In all fairness, Ivanka did at one point appear to be taking up the good fight when it came to women's rights and pay equality. But since her father took office, she's done the literal polar opposite. And at this point it's also probably worth noting that she wasn't out in the Beltway witnessing scientists develop a cure for illness - she was meeting with high school students and checking the nicotine levels in "vape juice."

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Students Given Detention For National Walkout Stage Peaceful Protest in Memory of Parkland Victims

By  07:09   No comments

A group of 46 students at a Pennsylvania high school who were given detention for participating in the national school walkout served their detention on March 17, but not without protest - the group linked arms and, wearing the names of the Parkland victims on their clothes, participated in an unprecedented kind of sit in.

Related:
The Most Striking Images From the National School Walkout Against Gun Violence

Pennridge High School in Pennsylvania issued detention slips to 225 students who walked out on March 14 as part of the national demonstration against gun violence that involved tens of thousands of students across the US. The March 17 detention was just the first of several Saturday-morning detentions, which have been staggered to accommodate the large number of students who participated in the walkout.

As seen in a video shared to Twitter by @NeverAgainPenn, the students - who call themselves Pennridge 225 - sat on the school's cafeteria floor in complete silence. The peaceful protest was organized by Pennridge senior Anna Sophie Tinney, who told The Morning Call it was disappointing the school wouldn't allow the students to protest, especially given the school historically teaches and praises the bravery of activists, including Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. The Pennridge 225 weren't the only ones who chose to stage a sit in on Saturday, though - dozens of community members showed their support for the students by standing outside the school with signs.

Pennridge is just one of many schools that issued punishments for students who walked out on March 14, including a school in Arkansas where a student alleges that students were paddled for having participated in the walkout.

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Cynthia Nixon Is Running For Governor of New York, and Twitter Has Opinions

By  07:09   No comments


It's official: Cynthia Nixon is running for Governor of New York. Of course, we know the actress her best for her role as Miranda in Sex and the City, but Cynthia is a born and bred New Yorker, and while this would be her first official political post, she's been campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights for years. And goodness knows, she won't be the first famous TV face to make the move to politics!

She's certainly ready for a fight. "We are sick of politicians who care more about headlines and power than they do about us," she says in her video advert. "It can't just be business as usual anymore." Here's her announcement video in full:


And here are some of the best Twitter reactions to her announcement:

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Daniel Mallory Ortberg Talks The Merry Spinster, The Toast, and "Dear Prudence" in the Era of Trump and #MeToo

By  07:09   No comments
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Does Donald Trump Have a Dog? No - and That’s Not Even the Craziest Part

By  07:09   No comments

Presidents tend to have a lot in common. They are married to spouses who work to carry on American values, with whom they live in the same house and with whom they assumedly sleep in the same bed. They raise largely successful children who don't work for them and who they've never mentioned wanting to sleep with. They are hardworking and smart, available at all hours to fight for America. They rarely take time off for leisure save for brief reprieves with literature. And they have a dog - or two.

Much of the same cannot be said of our current president, Donald Trump. In fact, Trump is the first president in more than 100 years to be dogless. This gaping hole in Americanness shouldn't be that shocking given Mr. Trump's contrarian, "Drain the swamp!" style.

Several presidents have gone dogless, but the last president to be without a dog was William McKinley, who was commander in chief from 1897-1901. However, according to the Presidential Pet Museum, McKinley did have pets: he had a parrot, two angora kittens, and roosters. Does Trump have any pets? The Presidential Pet Museum believes not.

Also of note before McKinley is Andrew Johnson. He didn't have a dog, was impeached in 1868 and apparently "left flour out at night for a family of white mice playing in his room" amidst the political drama. Pet food for thought.

One fluffy, silver lining is that Trump has reportedly attempted to get a dog in recent months, specifically a goldendoodle named Patton. As the New York Post reported in January, Trump was set to adopt the pup from friend Lois Pope, but Pope kept the dog after forming a connection with it herself. Pope claims Trump listed his constant traveling as a reason why he'd be a poor owner. Hmm.

Further proof that Trump seems to be anticanine? He loves insulting people by saying they failed or choked "like a dog" on Twitter.

We're anxious to know what will become of Trump's presidential pet ownership, but we do know one thing: getting a dog might help solve his failing disapproval ratings. As the Washington Post observes, a presidential dog offers good publicity and bipartisan relatability. They also provide personal benefits like stress reduction and loyalty.

Might not want to let that sleeping dog lie, President Trump.

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Attention Music Lovers: Here's Why You Should Consider Investing in an Apple HomePod ASAP

By  07:09   No comments

The Apple HomePod has been years in the making - and now that it's totally available in retail stores and online, it's time to truly consider if the $349 price tag is worth it. While it may not be the smart home assistant of the future just yet - and if you're looking for that capability, there are other options on the market which will suit you better - there is a strong case to be made for it being the ultimate music lover's speaker. Not only is the sound quality out of this world, the HomePod also comes armed with the most incredible range of music personalization available. After spending a couple of weeks using the combination of Apple Music and Apple's smart speaker, I can officially say that it dramatically upped the quality of my music game (and, naturally, opened my eyes to a whole world of new music that I never knew existed.)

Scroll on to take a deep dive into HomePod's brilliant Apple Music-powered skills - and yes, we'll be covering not just what you need to know as a prospective buyer, but also what every HomePod owner should know about their brilliant new device.

Hey Siri, Play Some Music

With HomePod, the simplest command - "hey Siri, play some music" - opens a whole new world of music that's customized around the preferences you've entered into Apple Music. The company says that you're guaranteed to get a couple fresh tracks every time you do this, and it's a great way to get some sound going in your home without having to know exactly what it is you want to hear at that very second. But it doesn't end there: the more you tell Siri about what you do and don't like - "hey Siri, I love this!" - the better your picks will be going forward. And if you're totally over what it is you're listening to, just say "hey Siri, play something different," and voila, you'll find the polar opposite of what you were just sick of mere seconds before.

Don't Sleep on Apple's Curated Playlists

One of the most important things to note about Apple Music's curated playlists is that there are no machines involved - each and every playlist is handcrafted by human editors who love the music just as much as you do, and feel passionately about the songs that are chosen to be featured. And while the better-known feature for playlists is that you can ask Siri to play a specific kind of music or genre, it's important to note that you can also dive into a specific artist as well - for popular artists, their discography will be sliced into three categories: Essentials, Next Steps, and Deep Cuts. For a newbie, Essentials is clearly the place to start, whereas Deep Cuts will play the fan favorites that maybe didn't make it to the top of the charts but are just as good (and in some cases, even better!)

Siri Can Hear You - No Matter What

Before I brought home the HomePod, one of the things I truly struggled with when it came to my existing speakers was getting the smart assistant to hear me over the (ever-increasing) volume. Not only does HomePod blow the max volume of every single other speaker out of the water - and trust me, I did some pretty extensive testing to try and confirm that fact - but Siri also always heard my voice, no matter how loud the volume went or how crazy the music got. And that's not to say that I had to stand in front of the speaker, either; instead, I could shout from across the room and Siri instantly responded to my call. In other words, you never have to worry about having to fiddle with buttons or search for your phone, and there's no way to emphasize just how much that changes the quality of your listening experience.

Tap Into Apple Music With Your Voice

While we're on the subject of Siri, it's worth noting that there's an enormous range of information available in Apple Music that lets you ask questions about the musician, song, or album with just a couple key words. "Hey Siri, who's the lead singer of this band?" may seem like a no-brainer, but when it's a cover or something along those lines there's no need to ask a search engine or even go near your phone to get the skinny. And if you find something that you really can't get enough of - and trust me, the more you use HomePod, the more you'll find this happens - you can add it to your playlist instantly through Siri and listen to it on all your other Apple devices right away.

Finally, a Podcast Can Sound Good

One of the biggest complaints I've had about speakers as of late is the quality that's displayed when you play your favorite podcast. In general, it tends to feel flat, weird, and somewhat out of bodyish - and yet with the HomePod the quality doesn't go down, it shoots through the roof. Another game-changing podcast feature is that there's no fiddling around with third-party apps to try and find what you want to listen to - just tell Siri want you want to listen to and it instantly plays. You can also subscribe to the podcast should you choose to, and they'll automatically populate in your iOS Podcast app when there's a new episode to check out.

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This Math Problem Will Make You Question Everything You Ever Knew About Algebra

By  07:09   No comments

Math isn't everyone's best skill - and even those who are good at it are questioning everything after trying this algebra problem.

The question originally went viral in Japan, after a study discovered that only 60 percent of 20-somethings could actually solve it. Are you already feeling frustrated and hopeless at trying to know what the answer is? Watch the video below, posted by YouTube user MindYourDecisions, a popular math puzzle channel. In it, Presh Talwalkar, the mastermind behind this question, will guide you to the right answer.

As you can see, not even a calculator can help you, as it will read the problem wrong and arrive at the answer of 9. To solve it correctly in a calculator, you need to write it out like this: 9-3/(1/3) + 1, which will lead you to 1 as the correct answer. The problem tests your knowledge of PEMDAS, the order of operations formula, which says you must get to the answer by following these steps in this order: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction. In this question, that means dividing 3 by the 1/3 first, which is the same as 3x3. That will then lead you to 9-9+1. From there, 9-9=0 + 1 = 1. Ta-da!

If you arrived at 3, 7, or 9 as your answer, you're not alone. Most people have forgotten how to use PEMDAS or interpret the fraction of 1/3 the wrong way. Still not feeling much of a challenge? Try this other math question that not even parents could solve.

Related:
Solve the Brain-Teaser That Is Driving People on Facebook Insane
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So, Royal-Wedding-Inspired Condoms Now Exist - and They'll "Make Your Prince Come"

By  07:09   No comments

Rather than boring you with a lengthy introduction about the beauty of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's love story, I'm just gonna cut to the chase here, people. Royal-wedding-themed condoms now exist, and I can honestly say those are words I never thought I'd type in succession during my writing career. But hey, it's 2018 and anything is possible - am I right?

Crown Jewels, a London-based prophylactic manufacturer, just started selling boxes of limited-edition Royal Souvenir Condoms to celebrate Meghan and Harry's upcoming wedding in May. The novelty rubbers are "tailored to a regal fit and drizzled with lube" to "promise discerning love-makers a royal union of pleasure and style," according to Crown Jewels's website. If that tantalizing explanation wasn't enough to hook you, they're also apparently "artisan-style" condoms, which is a descriptor I honestly only thought was used for high-end cheeses imported from Italy or something.

These commemorative condoms are packaged in a box that's honestly fancier (and more entertaining) than anything I own. The front features a photo of Meghan and Harry looking adorable, as per usual, along with some elaborate designs and gold text. The back offers some hilarious details about the luxurious sheaths, along with the instruction to simply "lie back and think of England." Yup, it goes there.

Related:
Everything We Know About Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Upcoming Royal Wedding

When the box is opened, a recording of America's "Star Spangled Banner" and England's "God Save the Queen" is played as you stare at another photo of the royal couple. Oh, and the inside of the box also says, "Your Prince will come," in cursive writing. LOL. Crown Jewels really didn't hold back with these puns, man.

Although decidedly no one asked for these condoms to come into existence, I've gotta admit they're pretty effing hysterical and would make a great gift for that obsessive royal family follower in your life. The box costs $14 (plus a bit extra for shipping if you live in the States), which may seem expensive for just four rubbers - but remember, it does play that glorious musical mashup upon opening.

The regal rubbers - which are not officially endorsed by the royal family in any way, shape, or form - are now available for preorder on the Crown Jewels website. Ahead, catch a glimpse of the soon-to-be-viral condoms . . . and the completely necessary certificate of authenticity that's included in each box.

Related:
23 Times Harry and Meghan Made Their Love For Each Other Loud and Clear
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An Astronaut's Genes No Longer Match His Twin's - What's to Blame, Space or Stress?

By  07:09   No comments


Astronaut Scott Kelly is remarkable for many reasons. He is a twin, has written multiple books, was commander of the International Space Station, and once had a serious Twitter bromance with Barack Obama. He also set the record for the longest consecutive time in space by an American astronaut, spending a total of 520 days in space with his longest run being a 340-day mission.

But Kelly's most remarkable feat was recently revealed to be a byproduct of his ultralong space runs: Kelly's DNA has changed so much that it no longer matches that of his identical twin, Mark Kelly.

NASA studied both twins as a part of its Twins Study to compare what happened when one twin spent an extended period of time in space while the other remained back on Earth. The findings, according to CNN, found that seven percent of Kelly's genes are no longer the same and no longer match his brother's. That seven percent mismatch - which scientists are now calling "space genes" - represents changes in RNA and DNA that are likely the result of oxygen deprivation, radiation, and calorie restriction, among other factors. It's also worth noting that space enables a "hyperactive immune activity" as well as changes in blood clotting and bone formation, likely the result of extended time in zero gravity.

What's most curious about Kelly's changes, though, are their connection to stress. The findings note that spaceflight stress can enable genetic mutations, turning genes on and off and affecting cellular functions. The stress was so big that his mitochondria - the so-called energizing "powerhouse of the cell" - may have been damaged due to his intergalactic travels. Similarly, the ends of Kelly's chromosomes, his telomeres, also changed in length - a signal typically attributed to aging.

While extended space time altering human DNA is fascinating, it raises a big question: did Kelly's genes actually change because of space or because of the stress associated with space?

It's an obvious question that isn't as far fetched (or as far away from an answer) as it might seem. For example, in late 2017, a study of mice revealed that stress changed the animals' DNA due to environmental factors. Moreover, a 2015 study by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found mitochondrial function can change due to mild stress, largely due to our response to said stressors. The latter study sought to recognize these changes in the hopes of helping physicians manage patient stress in order to curb the onset of stress-related diseases like heart disease.

A similar signal - the change in telomere length - has also been associated with stress depression. A study of women with stress-related depression by the Wellcome Trust Centre For Human Genetics sought to find if telomere length shifts in stressed women were the fault of stress. Once again using mice, the study found that stress did indeed contribute to shortening telomeres and that this happening is perhaps a metabolic reaction to stress. The silver lining here is that these effects can partly be reversed by how we handle stressful situations.

Naturally, the space stress and earth stress are very different, but the connection between them highlights how much stress can change the body. Considering how remarkably stressed Americans are (mostly because we don't know where our nation is heading), these findings are of note to more than just the Kelly twins and serve as a reminder of self-care and the devastating power of stress. If anything, Kelly may not be as unique as NASA thinks he is since we all might have "space genes" - the difference is we just call that being stressed out.

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Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Obliterated the Bootstrap Myth

By  07:09   No comments

If you've been paying attention to politics lately, you've definitely heard the phrase "pull oneself up by one's bootstraps." The term is most often used to refer to the belief that any citizen in the United States, regardless of social or economic status, can get ahead in life on their own merit, without seeking help from others or the federal government. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who also happens to be the first Latina justice to serve on the highest court in the land, recently shared her own thoughts about the contentious talking point for many fiscal conservatives during a chat with the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program.

"There's a continuing tension in America between the image of the person who pulls themselves up by the bootstraps and the person who believes that you need a lift to get up sometimes," Sotomayor said while speaking with Abigail Golden-Vazquez, the executive director of the program. "Those people who believe that everyone must pull themselves up - they don't believe that people are entitled to help."

Related:
Even Trump Supporters Can Admit This Protest Sign About Neil Gorsuch Is Pretty Epic

Sotomayor expressed her belief that sometimes we all need a lift up the ladder, "no matter how tall the heel on your boot is," especially when the barriers many minorities face are just too high to get over. "Unless you do something to knock it down or help that person up, they will never have a chance," she said.

Sotomayor also opened up about being a "product of affirmative action," sharing, "I am Puerto Rican, born and raised in the South Bronx. My test scores were not comparable to my colleagues at Princeton and Yale [but] not so far off so that I wasn't able to succeed at those institutions."

"So for me, that's a constant conversation. It's not an issue about whether someone is willing to lift themselves up. There are so many barriers that we have to bring down before we can change the outcomes."

Watch her full takedown of the bootstrap myth starting at the 45-minute mark below.

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No One Can Spot a Girl's Legs in This Photo and It's Driving People CRAZY

By  07:09   No comments

If you find yourself a bit bored and willing to test your patience, take a look at this photo that's going viral on Reddit. The photo in question is driving people a bit crazy because no one can find one person's legs in the picture.

The photo, posted by Reddit user jr0d7771, has amassed more than 400 comments from people trying to figure out where the legs of the girl sitting in the middle are. Is she floating? Is she wearing jeans the same color of the couch? Is this a dream? Is this another trick 2016 is playing on our hearts and brains for fun? Try finding the legs in the photo below.

Find the middle girls legs😳 from pics

Did you spot them? Think the actual answer this?

Still curious? Dive deep into the Reddit thread discussing the photo to see other answers (and plenty of jokes). Rather walk away and not let your mind go crazy? That's totally fine, too.

Related:
This Brick Wall Optical Illusion Is Making the Internet Go INSANE
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Yes, I'm a Stoner - but Here's Why You Shouldn't F*cking Judge Me

By  07:09   No comments

When you hear the word "stoner," the first thing that probably comes to mind is people like Jeff Spicoli, Cheech and Chong, Snoop Dogg, and others. While these pop culture potheads are definitely icons in many regards, the true stoner stereotype is outdated, to say the least. The phrase is no longer limited to lazy or male users - today's stoners are 35 percent female (and growing year after year) and span across all generations from Baby Boomers down to Gen Z. Among 10,000-plus respondents in a 2016 consumer report by Eaze, 51 percent of participating cannabis consumers had a degree or postgraduate degree, 91 percent were employed full-time, and 22 percent were parents. Essentially, the modern cannabis user completely shatters all existing stereotypes.

Take me, for example. I smoke or vape weed as soon as I get home each day and often enjoy my weekends in an elevated state of mind. I'm not any less active, less intelligent, or less of a contributor to society than someone who's never used pot. "But stoners are so lazy," some might say. Let's clarify: stoners are lazy when they're high, similar to how anyone's unproductive when they're drunk. The only difference is that functional stoners can actually get sh*t done - can you say the same for yourself after a few drinks? Just as how you wouldn't show up to work intoxicated, we too can be trusted to use responsibly. Think of my end-of-the day joint in the same way as your glass of wine, except I don't wake up with a hangover. In fact, ingesting weed poses little to no health risk, which can't be said about alcohol.

Related:
Smoking Weed Shows No Link to Lung Cancer, This Doctor Tells Us

The main reason marijuana continues to be a polarizing topic is due to the lack of education. Sure, weed is fabulous for recreational use, but its ability to change and save lives should be reason enough to sway critics. Keep in mind that long before Big Pharma vilified weed to reduce competition and before President Nixon classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug (the same category as heroin) in 1970, ancient cultures were using it as herbal medicine. Today, cannabis is straddling the line between drug and wellness product - despite our country's current opioid epidemic.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the leading cause of accidental death in the US was drug overdose. Among 52,404 lethal overdoses, 20,101 of them were related to prescription pain relievers. You want to call marijuana the "gateway drug"? Ninety percent of new heroin users all started out from misusing prescription painkillers. So before you begin to judge me or anyone else for using cannabis, please consider all the facts first - and we'll take stoner as a compliment.

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Anderson Cooper Interviews Rex Tillerson and Anthony Scaramucci in This Hilarious SNL Skit

By  07:09   No comments

Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and John Goodman took over Saturday Night Live's cold open with a hilarious skit that might piss off President Trump. Hader, who hosted SNL this week, reprised his role as the ousted White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, while Armisen returned as Michael Wolff, author of the scathing book Fire and Fury, which Trump's lawyers reportedly tried to halt from going public.

Goodman also reprised his role as the recently fired secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, for a sit-down interview with Anderson Cooper (Alex Moffat). With a bunch of legends in one setting, it all makes for comedic gold. Watch the six-minute cold open above, and prepare to laugh until it hurts.

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5 Reasons Introvert and Extrovert Couples Make Great Parents

By  07:09   No comments

You know what old wives' tales say: opposites attract. So if you find yourself in a relationship with an extrovert when you're an introvert, or vice versa, then you're well-aware of all the benefits that come with having a partner who's the yin to your yang. And while it's no secret that agreeing on a restaurant to eat at - or whether to even go out to eat at all - can take a little longer for you compared to other couples, guess what? Partners who decide to have kids are in luck because, according to Jennifer Kahnweiler, PhD, a public speaker and author of The Introverted Leader and The Genius of Opposites, there is a multitude of pros for children who are raised by one parent who's an introvert and another who falls directly into the extrovert category.

Related:
7 Reasons Introverts Make Exceptional Parents, According to Experts
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Mom Designs the First Swimsuit Especially For Postbaby Bodies - That Actually Looks Good

By  07:09   No comments

Thanks to two kids in swim class, I'm in the pool twice a week, which means that two out of every seven days, I put on an ill-fitting swimsuit that reminds me how uncomfortable I am with my body. I resigned myself to this setup - I've tried to find a swimsuit that covers my larger-than-usual boobs and both of my butt cheeks that isn't in the maternity section or styled for the previous generation and that doesn't cost half my salary, and let me tell you right now: it does not exist.

But it soon will, thanks to a new mom who, like me, cringed at the thought of getting in a swimsuit . . . and she's a children's swimwear designer!

Related:

When I'm at the beach, I'm there to lifeguard, build sandcastles, supply treats, re-stand the umbrella every dang time...

Posted by imomsohard on Thursday, May 18, 2017
These Moms Talking About Swimsuits Will Have You Nodding So Hard Your Head Will Fall Off

Danielle Estrada, founder of family-owned Olivia + Ocean, has found success at making adorable suits for kids but discovered the "universal" frustration her mom shoppers felt. She now hopes to reclaim the "mom swimsuit" label by creating a brand-new line of swimwear made especially for the needs of a postbaby body and the wants of the woman in it: to be comfortable and functional while still being sexy and empowering.

"I think we can all relate to feeling a little lost when it comes to identifying with our changing body postbaby. This was challenging for me; you really have to relearn what works and makes you feel good," Danielle told POPSUGAR. "What makes it extra tough is no brand is designing suits with these needs as the priority . . . unless you count the cliché mom tankinis and the frumpy ruching."

"No brand is designing suits with these needs as the priority . . . unless you count the cliché mom tankinis."

The idea behind the suit came after a girls' trip to Mexico in which all of her friends had packed the exact same style of wrap dress. "It sparked a conversation about how this cut dress flatters every body type and makes everybody feel really beautiful and confident when they wear it," she said. "A light bulb went off in my head."

The suit she developed follows that classic silhouette and has some seriously impressive features. The tie at the waist can easily open to facilitate poolside nursing, it's lined with high-compression premium lycra for lower tummy support (think of your most trusted pair of yoga pants), and hidden chest pockets hide additional padding you might need.

As Danielle said, "Moms have been asked to conform their bodies to the swimsuits that are currently on the market." But that - and my twice-a-week reminder that my body isn't what it used to be - ends with the debut of her mom-bod suit line on Feb. 19. "I'm really excited to solve that problem and get everyone feeling like themselves again."

Until they go on sale, get a peek at what the suits look like ahead!

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The 7 Words My Kids Hear Every Night Before Bed

By  07:09   No comments

My kids mess up. We apologize, forgive, and together decide what to do differently the next time. But then, we move on. I made a conscious choice a few years ago not to belabor their shortcomings.

Here's why.

Our kids have so many masters. Add to that a child who is incredibly eager to please, and even I am exhausted thinking about a goal of daily perfection with countless peers, teachers, coaches, parents, grandparents, and more. My eldest daughter is that kid; a capital P pleaser. (It takes one to know one.)

I wish I could fast forward her to where I am now - with a very small handful of people whose opinions matter to me - beyond one that's divine and those living under my roof. It is my and my husband's job to help her get there, but realistically, the urge to impress is likely to increase before it wanes.

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When she was 7 years old, I started to notice a recurring theme at bedtime, one of worry, a fear of failing and falling short of expectations. She suddenly used the words "overwhelmed" and "scared" a lot and seemed to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. My heart sank at the familiar feeling.

First, I was angry that she had such an intense need to please at such a young age. But then, I was the same way, especially with my parents. I remember falling asleep on nights after I had disappointed them or we'd exchanged harsh words, wondering if they'd be proud to call me their own.

Every night, I tell her in seven simple words: I am proud to be your mom.

Funny that unconditional love, which was never in question, alone was not enough. I wanted their approval too. This flashback inspired a habit I hoped would help my daughter turn off and truly rest. Every night, I tell her in seven simple words: I am proud to be your mom.

Behind the words is a silent mantra. It varies but generally includes these musings: The day is done. Flaws are expected. Mistakes teach us. The score is settled. The details don't matter. You are forgiven. You are loved. You are mine. And every single night, despite hard stuff, my head hits the pillow with immeasurable gratitude that I get to be yours.

I say the seven words to all three of my kids, but it was my eldest who made me realize it was necessary.

If I'm honest, 17 years into a career, 12 into a marriage, and nine into parenting my own children, there are still few things that give me the same zing of encouragement or punch of deflation than my parents' response to me or my choices. I don't know if one ever outgrows that. As a teenager, I occasionally heard my grandmother criticize my mom and imagined how much it must've hurt.

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I'd like my kids to care less what others think, and we talk about it a lot in our house. But while we navigate that together, I never want them to question where they stand with me. My hope is that our routine bedtime exchange will remind them, no matter how many not-so-awesome choices they made or how harshly I reacted when they poorly handled a situation with a friend, disrespected an adult, or even lost an article of clothing (AGAIN), they have my unconditional love and no-strings-attached approval. Maybe, just maybe, it will make them less likely to overdo it when it comes to seeking approval from others.

One night, about a year after I started using the seven words, I heard a "Hey Mom!" in the darkness and paused pulling the door shut just in time to catch a sweet third-grade voice saying, "I'm proud to be your daughter, too!"

"Thanks, honey!" was all I could muster before I feared she would detect the ugly, happy cry brewing.

Now, on days when I feel like I am failing at this parenting thing, that memory reassures me. And I can rest better too.

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Say Goodbye to Disneyland's A Bug's Land, and Hello to Marvel's Super Hero Universe!

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After more than 15 years at Disney California Adventure, A Bug's Land is being replaced by a new park theme. In 2020, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland visitors can expect an exciting Super Hero-themed land that will feature the Avengers.

The immersive Super Hero Universe will mark the next major addition at Disney California Adventure after Pixar Pier. Though Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! initially replaced Tower of Terror as part of the park's Summer of Heroes experience, it now makes sense that Disney is completely transforming the surrounding area into an epic Marvel area, joined by Spider-Man. Currently, the space is occupied by A Bug's Land, which will permanently close in late Summer 2018.

As for Disneyland Paris, plans for Super Hero land will take course over a "multi-year expansion," according to Disney Parks Blog. Park-goers can expect a brand-new, live-action production to debut at this year's Summer of Super Heroes (June 10 to Sept. 30), followed by a "hyper-kinetic adventure" in 2020, featuring Iron Man and your favorite Avengers. The upcoming onstage experience will include special effects and projections.

Hong Kong Disneyland's expansion will take also course over multiple years. Guests will team up with Ant-Man and The Wasp for an exciting new attraction, which will join the existing Iron Man Experience that opened in 2017.

On top of all this thrilling news, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is set to open in 2019 - so prepare yourself for multiple Disney park visits over the next couple years. Get a sneak peek of what to expect at Super Hero Universe in the video above!

Image Source: Disney

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This Smart Home Device Is a Lifesaver For Anyone With a Yard

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Prior to buying a house, I associated all outdoor sprinkler systems with hose-attached versions that doubled as Summer entertainment for kids. It wasn't until I attempted to operate the '80s-era sprinkler system in my newly purchased home that I realized all sprinklers are not created equal. Despite only having two buttons, the sprinkler system was incredibly complicated and required me to memorize zones and push a +1-minute button 20 times to water the yard for 20 minutes. Needless to say, I realized I'd need an easier system equipped with 21st century technology if I wanted the lush, verdant yard of my dreams. Enter the Rachio Smart Sprinkler System ($180). I never thought I would say I love a sprinkler controller, but in all seriousness, this is a game changer for my sanity, my plants, and my water bill.

This sleek white sprinkler system is expensive at $180 for an eight-zone version, and my house, of course, required the larger system to cover all 16 zones, which set me back nearly $300. After spending a pretty penny on plants, it seemed silly not to purchase a tool that would keep them alive. Since it's a one-time investment piece, I can now say it was well worth the splurge.

Why I love it!

The system was pretty easy to install and only took about an hour. Once installed, I connected the controller with the Rachio app on my phone, and each sprinkler zone was set up with a name and photo, so it was easy to tell which zone was which.

Within the app, you can create different schedules depending on what is planted in the zone. These watering schedules can be based on just days of the week, or if you want Rachio to water based on your local climate, it can potentially save you from watering on those rainy days. These schedules allow me to water my veggies more frequently in Summer but keep those more established plants to fewer watering sessions. Rachio sends push notifications when it is altering watering schedules, so if the weatherman is wrong and we didn't get quite as much water as anticipated, it is easy to override.

My backyard does not just belong to my husband and me but also to several squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and possums. While my husband and I are mindful of the drippers I have lovingly placed on each plant, these critters don't care one bit and have designated certain areas of my backyard as their own personal digging playground or highway. So on a monthly basis, I will go around the yard to make sure none of the drippers has been moved. Prior to Rachio, I would have to run into the garage, remember the zone, and click the +1-minute button a million times (probably closer to 20) and quickly check the drippers and repeat 16 more times to cover every zone. Now with the Rachio, I just open the app, find the zone, and select the amount of time with one swipe.

If you are new to gardening, the Rachio will suggest how much time to water depending on the soil type, plants, location, etc. So even those with a black thumb have a pretty good chance of turning it green. I know this is a lot of money for something that few people will see, but trust me, it is worth the splurge.

While I have the 2nd generation Rachio, the brand just released the Rachio 3 Smart Water System ($280). The new smart sprinkler comes with enhanced weather data that looks at the weather within just feet of your property, so it is hyper local. In addition to the better weather data, they have also added a new Wireless Flow Meter that can help detect when you have a water leak in your yard which is so much better than waiting for your increased water bill to sign the alarm.


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Is This Magic? 15 Cool Harry Potter Gifts - All on Amazon For Under $20!

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Potterheads, there's no reason to go hunting for the perfect gifts. We have plenty of magical options, all in one place! If you love Harry Potter as much as we do, you'll be thrilled by all of the cool products available on Amazon. We were shocked by the massive array of choices. Take a look at our favorite picks, and then wrap them up for friends or family.

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Excuse Us While We Try to Look as Hot as Sofia Vergara Does on This $45 Bull Pool Float

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What You May Have Forgotten About Camila Cabello's Fifth Harmony Exit

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Fifth Harmony have decided to take a break in order to pursue solo ventures, but their original fifth member, Camila Cabello, did it first, and her solo career is on fire!

Even though Fifth Harmony just decided to go on hiatus in March 2018, Camila - who was an original member of the girl group that got its start thanks to being paired together on The X Factor in 2012 - left the group a few years ago, and she's always been pretty honest about why she did so.

In case you'd like a little bit of a refresher, the "Havana" singer called her time with Fifth Harmony quits back in December 2016. At the time, Fifth Harmony announced Cabello's departure, claiming her representatives told them she wanted out, and Cabello responded with a lengthy Twitter post to her fans.

She said that she was "shocked" to read their statement and was planning to pursue solo ventures, but did not intended to "end things with Fifth Harmony in this way, as sad as it is to see this chapter ending this way, I will continue to root them all on as individuals and as a group."

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In December 2017, Cabello talked to the New York Times about her split from the group - almost a year to the day that it all went down - and sighted her collaboration with Shawn Mendes as the beginning of the end.

"I was just curious and I wanted to learn and I saw all these people around me making music, writing songs and being so free. I just wanted to do that and it did not work," she explained before saying she was eventually given an ultimatum and she chose to leave.

"It became clear that it was not possible to do solo stuff and be in the group at the same time," she said, noting that she followed her own moral compass and thoughts, saying, "If anyone wants to explore their individuality, it's not right for people to tell you no."

In early 2018, while covering Net-a-Porter's The Edit, Cabello opened up even more about why she decided to branch out and pursue music on her own, but she is still grateful for everything she learned while being a member of the group.

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"With the experiences we had being in the studio, I became super curious about songwriting and it was around the time - I think it was the second year that I was with the group - that I wanted to start songwriting for other people," Cabello told the magazine. "But once I was old enough to experience my first kiss, or the first time that I went out on a date, I began writing songs about it, and I didn't want to give them away to anybody else because they were about me," she continued. "I was finding my voice, and with it, I found the passion that gives you a deeper meaning."

Taking the risk of going solo has definitely paid off for Cabello, who has now released her debut record Camila and not only booked her own tour, but will be opening for Taylor Swift on her upcoming tour, which, as fans know, is a massive accomplishment. Even if things started off rocky with the drama surrounding her departure from Fifth Harmony, Cabello's solo success has more than made up for it, and this is only her first album!

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Demi Lovato Gets Emotional While Discussing Her Sobriety With Dr. Phil - Watch an Exclusive Preview

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Demi Lovato hasn't been shy about her struggles with addiction and mental health, which is part of why she's become such an inspiring figure in the music world. The "Tell Me You Love Me" singer opens up about just that in an upcoming appearance on The Dr. Phil Show, which you can see in our exclusive look at the episode, airing March 20. Demi discusses how being bullied at age 12 made her turn to drugs and alcohol, which ended up having devastating consequences.

"At the rate that I was using and drinking, I wasn't going to live a long life," she said. "I turned to cutting. Every time I cut, it got deeper and deeper." Now, six years sober, the 25-year-old singer just wants to share what she's learned. Along with the help of Dr. Phil and CAST Centers, Demi sat down with fans for a therapy session ahead of her LA concert and hopefully changed some lives. Check out the preview above before the full episode airs!

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Selena Gomez Took a Break From Her Vacation to Share This Body-Positive Message

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Camila Cabello's Success Is Going to Be Hard to Beat - Here's How Much She's Worth

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While girl group Fifth Harmony may have announced Monday that they are going on hiatus to pursue solo projects, fans know that one of the founding members already did that . . . a while ago.

Camila Cabello departed the singing ensemble back in December 2016 amid some turmoil and - dare we say - disharmony among the group members. When she left, the group said in a statement that they found out about her departure via her representatives, something Cabello disputed in a statement of her own. The group later threw a little shade Cabello's way in their 2017 MTV Video Music Awards performance when a fifth female joined them on stage only to be thrown backward by the remaining members of the group.

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But perhaps it is Cabello who will have the last laugh, as she has gone on to have a decent solo career since leaving the group. In fact, two of her solo hits, "Bad Things" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer," were hits before she left Fifth Harmony. Since then, she's had hits with "Havana," "Never Be the Same," "Hey Ma," and "Almost Like Praying," among others. Her debut solo studio album, Camila, has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America and she has also inked deals with L'Oreal, Guess, and Sketchers.

According to International Business Times, prior to Cabello's departure from Fifth Harmony, her net worth was around $3.5 million, but it has jumped up to $6 million since fully embarking on her solo career. Not too shabby.

Related:
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The remaining Fifth Harmony members - Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane Hansen, and Lauren Jauregui - are surely hoping to mirror that success as they begin their own solo careers.

"Reflecting on the past six years since we started on X Factor, we've realized just how far we've come and we appreciate everything so much, more now than ever . . . After six years going hard, non stop, we also realized that in order to stay authentic to ourselves and to you, we do need to take some time for now to go on a hiatus from Fifth Harmony in order to pursue solo endeavors," reads the statement the group members posted on social media. "We are all very excited and grateful to be able to take this time to learn and grow creatively and really find our footing as individuals . . . To our Harmonizers, thank you for everything we have been able to build as Fifth Harmony."

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Fifth Harmony Announces They Are Going on Hiatus to Pursue Solo Careers in a Letter to Fans

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We have some bad news, Harmonizers: Fifth Harmony is taking a hiatus. The group members - Dinah Jane, Normani, Ally Brooke, and Lauren Jauregui - announced the sad news on Monday in a lengthy note on Twitter. "Reflecting on the past six years since we started on X-Factor, we've realized just how far we've come and we appreciate everything so much, more now than ever," they wrote. "We've really had one hell of a memorable journey together and can't begin to express our gratitude to y'all for coming along with us on this wild ride!"

After working nonstop for the past six years, the ladies explained that they need to take some time off to focus on solo endeavors. "We are all very excited and grateful to be able to take this time to learn and grow creatively and really find our footing as individuals," they added. "In doing this we are allowing ourselves to gain new experiences, strengths and perspectives that we can bring back to our Fifth Harmony family."

In December 2016, Camila Cabello famously left the group to pursue her own solo career. While the departure certainly left fans with mixed reactions, Cabello recently revealed that it had nothing to do with her friend Taylor Swift pressuring her to go solo.

In addition to explaining their hiatus, Fifth Harmony took a moment to thank their incredible fans. "To our Harmonizers, thank you for everything we have been able to build as Fifty Harmony," they said. "With your love and encouragement we will continue to build on ourselves, support one another in everything we do, and keep making you proud, each other proud and ourselves proud."

You can read their full statement ahead. In the meantime, we'll just be playing their greatest hits on repeat.

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What Happens to the Giant House Poster on Fixer Upper After the Reveal

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This Tiny Farmhouse on Wheels Makes 250 Square Feet Look Lavish

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If the tiny home movement and Fixer Upper fandom had a lovechild, it would be this 250-square-foot mobile farmhouse, built by Handcrafted Movement founder Matt Impola. With more than a decade of construction experience, Matt's new venture focuses on creating one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate ingenuity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Accented with warm wood tones, a concrete backsplash, buckets of white paint, and even a farmhouse sink, the tiny mobile home captures the modern rustic aesthetic we can't seem to get enough of.

Take a look to see the innovative yet stylish ideas Matt packed into this sweet little home!

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Carnitas, Al Pastor, Barbacoa: Here's the 411 on Mexican Meats

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The beer-drinking backdrop of a hot afternoon or evening would pair perfectly with a festive Mexican feast of tacos and grilled meats. But with a menagerie of Spanish monikers from carnitas to carne asada, taco meat terminology can get a bit confusing. Here's the breakdown of Mexican meats:

  • Carne asada: Grilled, marinated pieces of beef (typically sirloin or rib) served inside burritos and tacos.
  • Carnitas: Shoulder of pork that's been seasoned, braised until tender with lard and herbs (oregano, marjoram, bay leaves, garlic), pulled apart, and then oven-roasted until slightly crisp, then eaten alone or used as a filling for tacos, tamales, tortas, and burritos.
  • Al pastor: Crisp-thin shavings of vertical spit-roasted pork, marinated with guajillo chiles and achiote, then served on tortillas. Pastor means "shepherd," the name given to Lebanese merchants who immigrated to Mexico City in the early 1900s, bringing the concept of shawarma with them.
  • Cochinita pibil: Whole suckling pig or pork shoulder that's marinated in citrus with achiote, then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted. Historically, it's buried in a pit with a fire at the bottom.
  • Barbacoa: Traditionally, beef cheek and head that's covered in leaves from the maguey plant, then slow cooked over a wood fire in a pit in the ground. In America today, it also refers to spicy, shredded, slow-braised beef that's been made tender, then pulled apart.

Got all that? What Mexican meat goes in between your tortillas?

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I Tried the Pioneer Woman's Best Tomato Soup Ever Recipe and I'll Never Do Store-Bought Again

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One of my ultimate cozy dinner indulgences is definitely a bowl of piping-hot tomato soup accompanied by a grilled cheese. Depending on how ambitious I felt, I used to satisfy my cravings by whipping up a delicious but slightly labor-intensive Ina Garten recipe (which requires chopping four pounds of vine-ripened tomatoes) or cave and grab a sub-par store-bought version. It wasn't until I discovered Pioneer Woman's best tomato soup ever recipe that I realized I could actually pull off great-tasting tomato soup in just 25 minutes. I made this last night after work and even had the table set and wine poured by the time my husband walked through the door, which never happens.

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Leave it to Ree Drummond to come up with flavor-boosting, time-cutting hacks like adding a bottle of tomato juice, a can of diced tomatoes, and chicken bouillon for a quick and tasty soup base. The tartness of the tomatoes is balanced with a few tablespoons of sugar. Cream, basil, and parsley pull it all together at the end, adding a velvety richness that is brightened by the fresh herbs. After the first bite, it's easy to understand why more than 300 people are raving about this satisfying soup that doesn't require a single fresh tomato. If you're looking to treat yourself on a chilly night, whip this up with a side of grilled cheese. You won't be sorry.

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The Completely Addictive Method of Making Pasta Sauce

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The idea of making homemade pasta sauce might sound intimidating, but it's a lot less complicated than you'd think. And I'm not talking about a more involved project like a beef bolognese. My go-to way to prepare pasta is with a lemony, garlicky, buttery sauce that comes together in minutes - and practically out of nothing. The truth is that a "sauce" for pasta can be as simple as butter and parmesan cheese (cacio e pepe, anyone?), and a few simple staples, like lemon and red pepper flakes, can jazz it up and wildly enhance the flavor.

If you're like me and you believe there's nothing more comforting than a bowl of garlicky, cheesy pasta and you also don't have the patience to spend a lot of time on an elaborate meal, read on to discover the best and easiest way to prepare an A+ pasta sauce in 10 simple steps. You'll soon be adding this to your pasta rotation, too.

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