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.
mardi 7 août 2018
Have You Noticed This 1 Common Thread in the Latest Celebrity Covers?
Vogue / Tyler Mitchell
If three recently released Fall magazine covers are to believed, the beauty forecast for the impending season can be described in one hashtag: "#TBT." Whether it's Rihanna wearing skinny retro eyebrows for Vogue UK, Beyoncé donning the most Beyoncé flower crown on Vogue US, or Zendaya opting for a Bardot half bun, it looks like vintage beauty is back.
Beyoncé's September issue is a landmark for many reasons. First, Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour gave Bey unprecedented creative control in all aspects of the shoot. According to The Huffington Post, Beyoncé picked the 23-year-old photographer Tyler Mitchell to shoot her cover. It is the first time in the magazine's 126-year history that a black photographer's work has graced the cover.
Beyoncé kept her go-to glam squad intact for this shoot; Sir John did her minimalist makeup and Neal Farinah kept her hair natural, leaving it in braids when it wasn't covered by what might be the largest flower crown in history. "I think it's important for women and men to see and appreciate the beauty in their natural bodies," she wrote. "That's why I stripped away the wigs and hair extensions and used little makeup for this shoot." The result is a breathtaking retro effect that brings to mind the "Lemonade" short film or Beyonce's tour de force Coachella performance.
Vogue UK / Nick Knight
Rihanna also wore a flower crown on the cover of Vogue UK, although more of Twitter noted the singer's barely there eyebrows. The look takes inspiration from a bevy of eras; 1930s Marlene Dietrich comes to mind, as does the '90s brow resurgence seen on celebs like Naomi Campbell, Drew Barrymore, and Cindy Crawford. Others noted that South African women have been wearing the look for years, too.
For Marie Claire, Zendaya channeled her 1960s mod side with a purposefully messy half-up courtesy of hairstylist Larry Sims. Against her Max Mara leopard print sweater and skirt, it brings to mind old-school beauty icons like Brigitte Bardot, Raquel Welch, and The Supremes. The actress is known for being somewhat of a hair chameleon who tries out scores of looks, and she has also been outspoken about the importance of representation for women with natural hair.
In the piece, Zendaya spoke with Janet Mock about auditioning for roles that were not necessarily written with a black actress in mind. While talking about casting for the 2017 Spider-Man reboot, Zendaya said, "I definitely went into it like, 'Hopefully they'll' - as they call it in the industry - 'go ethnic.' I remember making the decision to straighten my hair. I didn't know that they were going to be more diverse in their casting. I didn't know that I was walking into a situation where they were already breaking the rules. You get so used to having to break the rules for people."
Thomas Whiteside for Marie Claire
So: whether you're a '90s child or 1960s aficionado, these covers are giving you blanket permission to treat Fall like one endless #TBT. And even if you just can't get on board with Rihanna's gorgeous-but-tiny skinny brows, the good news is that Beyoncé and Zendaya are keeping them thick.
Thomas Whiteside for Marie Claire
The Gender Pay Gap Is Unacceptable - and It's Even Worse For Women of Color
In honor of Black Women's Equal Pay Day on Aug. 7, Lean In is raising awareness about the unacceptable pay gap black women face. A new survey by the National Urban League, SuveyMonkey and Lean In found that, on average, black woman are paid 38 percent less than white men and 21 percent less than white women. Lean In has launched the #38PercentCounts campaign to draw attention to that glaring inequality.
In the campaign video, shown above, black women of varying professions discuss the money they are missing out on as a result of the pay gap. In a press statement, Sheryl Sandberg said: "The pay gap facing black women is an urgent problem. We need to address the gender and racial inequalities that give rise to this imbalance and create workplaces where everyone's labor is valued, everyone is treated with respect, and everyone has an equal shot at success."
Lyft, Adidas, Reebok, and several other big-name companies have also joined in on the campaign. Adidas and Reebok, for example, will present thought-provoking messages about #38PercentCounts in stores and online. Meanwhile, Lyft will ask riders to imagine if their ride had suddenly ended with 38 percent of the route left to go.
Lean In has announced plans to launch a similar campaign on Latina Equal Pay Day on Nov. 1.
The Gender Pay Gap Is Unacceptable - and It's Even Worse For Women of Color
In honor of Black Women's Equal Pay Day on Aug. 7, Lean In is raising awareness about the unacceptable pay gap black women face. A new survey by the National Urban League, SuveyMonkey and Lean In found that, on average, black woman are paid 38 percent less than white men and 21 percent less than white women. Lean In has launched the #38PercentCounts campaign to draw attention to that glaring inequality.
In the campaign video, shown above, black women of varying professions discuss the money they are missing out on as a result of the pay gap. In a press statement, Sheryl Sandberg said: "The pay gap facing black women is an urgent problem. We need to address the gender and racial inequalities that give rise to this imbalance and create workplaces where everyone's labor is valued, everyone is treated with respect, and everyone has an equal shot at success."
Lyft, Adidas, Reebok, and several other big-name companies have also joined in on the campaign. Adidas and Reebok, for example, will present thought-provoking messages about #38PercentCounts in stores and online. Meanwhile, Lyft will ask riders to imagine if their ride had suddenly ended with 38 percent of the route left to go.
Lean In has announced plans to launch a similar campaign on Latina Equal Pay Day on Nov. 1.
Applebee's Now Offers $1 Strawberry Margaritas, So Start Planning Your Girls' Night Out
Hello? It's your wallet calling, to thank you for picking Applebee's for your next girls' night out. Here's the tempting reason you should consider stopping by: the food chain recently announced it will be offering $1 strawberry margaritas or "dollaritas" for customers - that's less than most fountain sodas!
Applebee's is known for its drink specials like the $1 Long Island Iced Tea and the $1 Bahama Mama, but this beverage deal is in a league of its own. According to People, strawberries, margarita mix, and, of course, tequila will be mixed together to create the dollarita and served in a cold 10-ounce mug.
The big catch: since this is the grill and bar's "Neighborhood Drink of the Month," it looks like it'll only be available during August. Eek! If you're interested in grabbing a discount drink (or two) for yourself, call your BFF and get planning before this deal goes away.
AAP Warns Against Putting Plastic Bottles, Sippy Cups, and Bowls in the Microwave and Dishwasher
A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published in the August edition of Pediatrics is calling for stricter regulations surrounding food safety in the US. The AAP particularly wants to warn parents about the dangers associated with reheating several types of plastic via microwaves and dishwashers.
Experts looked at several studies and determined that "chemicals found in food colorings, preservatives, and packaging materials may harm children's health." The report listed the dangers of certain substances, like bisphenols, phthalates, and nitrates - indirect additives that are often found in foods' processing and packaging - that can be especially hazardous to infants and kids.
"We're especially concerned about significant gaps in data about the health effects of many of these chemicals on infants and children."
"Since heat can cause plastics to leak BPA and phthalates into food, avoid microwaving food or beverages (including infant formula and pumped human milk) in plastic when possible," said the report. "Also try to avoid putting plastics in the dishwasher."
Currently, the FDA doesn't have the authority to retest packaging on items that have already been approved for the market, so the AAP has drummed up some ways parents can keep their children safe from these potentially harmful chemicals:
- Buy and serve more fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and fewer processed meats - especially during pregnancy.
- Since heat can cause plastics to leak BPA and phthalates into food, avoid microwaving food or beverages (including infant formula and pumped human milk) in plastic when possible. Try to avoid putting plastics in the dishwasher.
- Use alternatives to plastic - such as glass or stainless steel - when possible.
- Avoid plastics with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene), and 7 (bisphenols) unless they are labeled as "biobased" or "greenware."
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching food, and clean all fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled.
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, MD, an AAP Council on Environmental Health member and lead author of the policy statement, said that enforcing these guidelines should be a top priority for parents.
"There are critical weaknesses in the current food additives regulatory process, which doesn't do enough to ensure all chemicals added to foods are safe enough to be part of a family's diet," he said. "As pediatricians, we're especially concerned about significant gaps in data about the health effects of many of these chemicals on infants and children."
We Found the Chic Bouncer You’ve Been Staring at From Joanna Gaines's Nursery
If you spent the earlier part of the day drooling over the chic wooden rocking chair from Joanna Gaines's nursery and have been curious about what other items she has inside of baby Crew's room, then you probably also devoted your lunch break to zooming in on the minimalist bouncer in the far left corner where Crew was resting.
Made by designer Charlie Crane, the simple rocker has an obvious Scandinavian aesthetic with a slick wooden frame and neutral-toned fabric for baby. It's available in a number of calming shades, and you can shop it ahead. Given how many people have been looking for this online, we wouldn't be surprised if it sold out.
Itching to See Eighth Grade? There's a Free Screening For Adults AND Kids
Has your big kid been itching to see Bo Burnham's debut film, Eighth Grade? Well, Wednesday, Aug. 8, is your child's chance to catch the flick for free. A24, the production company behind the movie, recently announced that Eighth Grade will be playing in 50 theaters - one theater in each state, to be precise - without the R rating enforced for one night only.
So what exactly does that mean for parents? Moviegoers, including kids in eighth grade up to age 18, can get a firsthand look at the movie without a parent sitting right next to them. Moms and dads should keep in mind that the movie received an R rating for language (the f-bomb is dropped five times) along with "some sexual material," according to Indiewire.
A recent tweet from A24 jokingly said that the movie will be "rated L for Lit," but make sure your tweens and teens get there early. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis in every theater.
7 Ways to Slowly Introduce Your Baby to Spices
The following story, written by Emily Farris, was originally published on Bloom Baby.
You've probably heard that the food you eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding can help shape your baby's tastes. But did you also know that you could undo all your good work if your baby only eats bland cereals and watery purées for the first few months of solids? According to Bee Wilson, author of First Bite: How We Learn to Eat, it's important to introduce new foods during what she calls a "flavor window," when infants are most open to trying new flavors. For most kiddos, she says, that's between 4 and 7 months old. And because many experts recommend waiting until six months to introduce solid food, that doesn't leave much time for culinary creativity.
Luckily, it's easy to whip up some basic baby foods with a wide range of flavor profiles. Here are seven to get you started. Keep in mind you should always start with small amounts of spice, working your way up, and there's no need to add salt! If you have a history of food allergies in your family, it's a good idea to leave a few days between introducing new foods and keep a log of what your baby eats and when. And always talk to your pediatrician before introducing solids and new foods.
- Peas With Turmeric - Keep a bag of sweet peas in the freezer for this homemade baby food you can whip up in minutes. Simply thaw frozen peas in hot tap water, then strain them and put them in a food processor with a little water. When they're sufficiently mushy, stir in a pinch or two of ground turmeric and serve! (Just remember that this vibrant spice leaves vibrant stains, so maybe take off the white onesie before dinner.)
- Scrambled Eggs With Salsa - Eggs are a great source of protein for a newbie eater, especially when they're soft scrambled with milk. To add some excitement and get your baby used to a wide variety of flavors and textures, add a little mild (or even medium!) salsa. Obviously, you'll want to use the smooth kind - nothing with chunks baby would have to chew or could choke on. Start small (think a half teaspoon per egg) and gradually increase the amount until you get to a tablespoon or so.
- Apples With Cinnamon - Apples and cinnamon are such a classic combination, and it's a great way to introduce your baby to the wide world of spices. The easy way is adding ground cinnamon to store-bought applesauce. You can also peel and slice apples, and sauté them until soft in butter or coconut oil, then mash them with a fork (or puree) before stirring in the cinnamon.
- Sweet Potatoes With Ginger - When it comes to homemade baby food, root vegetables are the most labor intensive, but they freeze well, so you can make a big batch and freeze it in small containers or ice cube trays for later use. For this creamy combo, puncture the skin of whole sweet potatoes several times with a fork, then roast in a 425°F oven for about 45 minutes or until cooked through. Let the potatoes cool to the touch, then peel and mash or purée with ground ginger. For an even creamier consistency, puree the sweet potato with a little coconut milk before adding the spice.
- Carrots With Curry - Your baby's not really eating solids until you post a picture to Facebook of her covered in carrot puree, right? (Right.) Well, in addition to providing cute photo ops, carrots are a great vehicle for curry powder - which is made up of a handful of spices and is a great way to get baby used to more complex flavor combinations. Roast or sauté the carrots until soft, then mash or purée before adding a pinch of curry powder. But really just a pinch - since some curries can be on the hot side of spicy, you definitely want to start with a small amount, and as always, taste it before feeding it to your kiddo.
- Avocados With Cumin - Avocados make such great baby food - as long as you can pick out a perfect one at the store. In addition a handful of vitamins, they're packed with good fats, fiber, and potassium. And all you need to turn an avocado into baby food is a knife (to cut through the skin) and a fork to mash it all up. If you want your baby to really embrace spices, add a pinch of cumin, which is good for digestion and immunity. You may not think of it as as super baby-friendly flavor, but your baby doesn't know that.
- Bananas With Cardamom - Like avocados, bananas make for a quick-and-easy baby food. While they're full of nutrients, bananas are also full of sugars, which makes them a perfect vehicle for a bold, warm spice like cardamom. Just mash or purée the banana (maybe with a little water for younger babies) and add a little cardamom. If the response is good, try adding cinnamon or vanilla the next time!
When you're in the thick of food experimentation, make life easier with a high chair that comes with two trays. Sliding one off to reveal another that's fresh and clean is like magic to any parent who is battling the great baby food mess. The Fresco includes both (no extras to buy) and is ready for anything baby throws at (or mushes into) it.
Emily Farris is a writer, recipe developer, prop stylist, and blogger. She lives in Kansas City, MO, with her husband, toddler son, and two rowdy dogs.
I Shared a Bedroom With My Baby Until She Was Almost 1 - Here's What Happened
The following story, written by Alyssa Shelasky, was originally published on Bloom Baby.
When I decided to have a baby on my own, I mostly worried about becoming a different woman. I feared I'd go from a cool, independent, and travel-happy writer to a mom lady who only talked about mom stuff to mom friends. That was a valid concern, sure, but in hindsight, I had bigger issues on the horizon.
My future daughter and I would be sharing a bedroom in a small one-bedroom apartment, possibly for the rest of time. Because my parents owned the small apartment and I got to pay a discounted rate, there was a good chance we'd be sharing that same bedroom until she went to college! I have no idea why this didn't make me anxious at all - especially because I planned to keep dating after having a baby, and, not to mention, I'm a major "need my space" person. Instead, I was comforted by the idea of us falling asleep and waking up together, sharing our dreams, retreating from the world . . . just us. As I mapped out the room, my heart danced with premonitions of all-night cuddles and, one day, all-night girl talk; a sense that mama and kiddo had our own tent, amid all the chaos; our own tribe, among the masses.
My mother - even earthier and less traditional than me - and I got to work on the bedroom while I was seven months pregnant and huge, sweaty, and chafed under my MuMuus. When we applied this metaphor of a tent within a village to visualize the room, we realized we didn't need much. There was just enough room for a full-size bed (which I already had), a new, beautiful crib (which, luckily, a close friend bought me for my baby shower), and . . . not much else.
I'm a minimalist at heart, so I was OK forgoing baby-room-y things like a rocking chair or proper dresser. We turned a cool, white lacquer piece I already had into a changing table by adding a changing tray up top. I bought a beautiful macramé for one wall, and I painted my own large watercolors for the other. I turned a little hallway outside our bedroom into a small, open closet for the baby. We draped her little dresses on neon pink baby hangers that we found at Ikea, which isn't my favorite place, but damn, I loved those things.
In the end, our tiny, shared bedroom with only a bed, a crib, and a faux changing table - a construct my more upscale friends might cringe at - was photographed by stylish home design blogs. It looked - and more importantly FELT - absolutely fabulous.
Before I knew it, I brought my new baby, Hazel, home to our wee bedroom. She came a month early and was a little small, so I had to nourish her and grow her around the clock. We spent a lot of time in that room trying to catch our breath and find our balance, just the two of us. Hazel was spectacular and had some spectacular lungs on her, too. She cried a lot! I had some serious blood pressure issues, and I had to constantly monitor that. It was an adventure, to say the least.
I don't envy any new mom in those first few days/nights of parenthood, but I look back at the beginning of things and wonder how I did it alone. My family helped as much as they could, but for the most part, I was a single mom, and that made me as proud as it did drained. I tried my best to stay poised and strong. Simple pleasures kept me sane. Vanderpump Rules while breastfeeding, almond croissants from the local French bakery when I was stressed, and our warm, cozy bedroom with a dedicated space for her and a dedicated space for me. It continued to soothe me at a time when I could have (and should have) been really scared.
Within a few weeks, Hazel reached a good weight and my blood pressure stabilized. However, despite her enviable crib, supercool bedroom, and amazing mommy (wink), Hazel was not much of a sleeper. This made it really hard for me to get my work done after bedtime or have any semblance of a social life. If I left her with anyone at night, she'd scream and scream. So, as soon as her doctor said it was OK, I sleep-trained her. I used a light, modified version of the "cry it out" method, and it took a full 10 days and nights before it worked. I had a baby who slept! We still shared a bedroom, but once she was on a good sleep schedule, I felt alive again. Hurrah! I could take on more writing assignments, see my friends, and even start to date.
One of the first guys I met (via Tinder) was Sam. Hazel came on almost every single date with us, and before long, the three of us were together all the time. Sam became my boyfriend and Hazel's favorite human being in the world. He never pressured me to move out of the bedroom – we'd often just hang out together on my couch in the living room and then I'd kick him out around 2 a.m. (sorry, babe!).
A few months into the relationship, when Hazel was almost 1, my instinct told me it was time to change up our sleeping arrangements. While I never needed a man to complete our story, Sam was the best thing to happen to us - and just like I had to nourish and grow my baby, I wanted to nourish and grow my love for him. On top of that, my maternal instinct told me Hazel was ready for her own space, too.
So I bought a plush daybed and a well-reviewed twin-size mattress and prepared to transition out of our shared bedroom into my only other option: the living room.
While I knew it was the right move, I was extremely emotional about moving out of the bedroom with Hazel. The thought of this new stage in our lives excited me, but it also broke my heart. Things were changing. She was getting older. I was falling in love with someone, someone who would eventually become her father. Those first few months, when it was just mamma and kiddo, were so incredibly sacred. We survived something so unique and otherworldly together. We existed on pure love and almost nothing else. Soon, those days would only be a memory. How do you turn the page on something so powerful?
You just do.
The daybed came. Sam helped moved furniture around. Hazel's bedroom got bigger, with a dreamy Moroccan rug and a lot more room. She immediately LOVED playing on the floor with all her dolls and blocks and instruments. Still, the first night we slept in separate rooms was rough. I peeked on her sleeping several (hundred) times and wept on and off throughout the night. Sam wasn't there. I was alone, like in the beginning. While my insides hurt and I missed her so much, I knew it was the right thing. It was time. Though I loved every minute of sharing a room together, our door was always cracked open to the magic of new possibilities . . . and look what happened . . . life is stunning.
Today, Hazel is almost 3, and we live in a new apartment with Sam. Hazel has her own bedroom and we have ours. Our home is joyful and spacious. Hazel's crib is in storage, in case we have another baby, which we're trying for - because, unsurprisingly, the three of us are really good at being a family. I still peek in at Hazel sleeping sometimes and get weepy over life's incredible beauty, inevitable pain, and the terrifying love that is parenthood.
When I think about our shared bedroom, which is quite often, I beam from the inside out. We were so cool. We were so us. I can't wait to see what comes our way next. Hopefully it won't mean giving up my new queen-size bed.
Alyssa Shelasky is a writer for New York, Cosmopolitan, Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, and Bloomberg. She is the author of Apron Anxiety: My Messy Affairs In & Out of the Kitchen and is currently working on a scripted TV series about her life for A&E Studios.
This Family's "Time to Put Down the Fortnite" Parody Will Have Parents Saying, "Thank God!"
Unfortunately, for parents with older kids, listening to them scream back and forth over the inner workings of Fortnite has become a common occurrence. And while some moms have taken to lip-syncing their children playing to make a point, the Holderness family took another hilarious route by parodying the Black Eyed Pea's pump-up song "I Got a Feeling" in a now-viral video. Of course, they swapped out some of the words to poke fun at their Fortnite-addicted offspring.
In typical Holderness family fashion, the song is catchy as hell, and any parent who has had to turn off the game on their kids after hours of playing can totally relate. The parents touch on how all-encompassing the game can be, describing the "ring of junk food around the rug" that magically appears and the fact that their kids become so engrossed in winning that they only take "seven steps" in a day. But the kicker? In all his efforts, the dad ends up becoming addicted to the game himself by the end of the video!
If only it was as easy as pulling the plug.
I Should Probably Feel Bad About the Halloween Prank I Play on My Kids Every Year, but It's Just Too Good
I love everything about Halloween. From the creative and cute costumes, endless scary movie marathons, and creepy decorations to the haunted house outings and the trick-or-treating, I go all out every year. Since my kids are still pretty young (4 and 6), I have to keep my love for all things spooky in check, but that definitely doesn't mean I still don't have a little festive fun with them. And one of my very favorite Halloween traditions I started with my kids is playing a harmless prank on them every year.
I pick a day during the month of October (I don't do this on actual Halloween because they'll see it coming, so I pick a different day every year) and run to the dollar store to buy a ton of fake bugs, spider rings, and more. While my kids are still sound asleep, I tiptoe into their dark bedrooms and carefully place all of these pretend bugs on their beds. I tiptoe back out, get back into my own bed, and fall back asleep. And every year, my husband and I are woken up by their surprised screams and calls for help once they discover what's all over their beds.
"Ahhhhh! Get off of me!" I hear them yell. They run down the hallway and away from the bugs as fast as they can before quickly remembering the annual prank their dear old mom plays on them year after year. They then start belly laughing uncontrollably and run to check what was put in the other's bed. The hilarity is contagious and quickly fills out whole house with the Halloween spirit.
"Mom! You got us again!" they always say over breakfast that morning before carefully devising a plan to "get mom back." They never do, of course, but just listening to their imaginations think up funny Halloween pranks to play on me (like we're in our very own prank war) makes me feel like a kid again. It makes them even more excited for trick-or-treating, and I get to relive the innocent joys of the Halloween season all over again.
I'm going to keep this family tradition going as long as I can - even when my children are teenagers (I can't wait for those eye-rolls and to hear, "Mom, you're so embarrassing"). Because no matter how old they get, I always want to remember to be silly together, because the trick part can be just as good (if not better) than the treats.
Ugly Nude Underthings, Be Gone - the Best Nursing Bras Are Chicer Than Ever
Do a quick search for maternity or nursing bras and you'll probably be left disappointed, staring at a sea of neutral-toned lycra undergarments so thick, they may as well be support stockings. Yes, you want a bra that will hold you without digging into your skin (underwire hurts and is believed to hinder healthy milk production), but it doesn't have to make you sad to wear it. You're in luck - we found seven chic nursing bras you won't be ashamed to wear. We can hear the cheers already.
Mila Kunis Admits Her Children Don't Have a "Normal" Life: "It's All Perspective"
Mila Kunis's childhood is remarkably different than her own children's, and she'll be the first one to admit it. She stopped by Sunday Today to chat with Willie Geist about her new movie, The Spy Who Dumped Me, when Willie asked her, "How have you kept your life relatively normal with cameras chasing you down the street?" Mila frankly responded: "We don't. There's nothing normal about our life."
Mila moved to Los Angeles from the Ukraine at the age of 7 with parents who didn't have much money, and now she's one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. She and her husband, Ashton Kutcher, have two young children together, and the parents do their best to give their kids experiences outside of their "bubble."
She said: "It's all perspective. Your version of normal and my version of normal is different. My kids' version of normal is incredibly different. So it's perspective. You try to surround them with diversity. We try to surround ourselves with all aspects of life and try not to stay in our bubble, but it's hard. It is really hard! And anyone who tells you otherwise is lying."
For example, Mila explained that her kids will never know the struggles that many others do. "My kids are never going to know what it's like to not have fresh groceries. My kids are never going to know what it's like to not have new clothes. I say no to my kids because I want to say no, not because I have to say no. It's a very different struggle," she shared. "They don't ask for anything. They don't even know why to ask. Everything's handed to them before [they ask]."
With Mila's self-awareness in mind, it comes as no surprise that she and Ashton don't give their kids Christmas gifts, nor do they plan on giving their children an inheritance. "We'll end up giving our money away to charity and to various things," Ashton said in a previous interview. Watch the full video above to hear more about Mila's parenting perspective.
Summer Who? These Disney Halloween PJs Are Putting Us in a Serious Fall Mood
If you've ever crossed paths with a small child (let alone a toddler), you know that wearing costumes, capes, and disguises is in no way limited to Halloween - dressing up is an everyday activity. That's why we're certain that these Disney Halloween pajamas are going to be your kids' newest obsessions. Forget October, they'll want to wear these "costume" jammies all. year. long.
Check out the cutest Disney Halloween PJs for kids below (as well as a few adult pairs so that moms and dads can get in on the action!).
If These Pictures of Dogs Photobombing Wedding Photos Don't Brighten Your Day, Nothing Will
For diehard dog-lovers, not including their pup in their wedding festivities is completely out of the question. And while there's no doubt that every single pooch out there is a very good girl or boy, sometimes the photos don't exactly go according to plan. Thankfully, some seriously talented wedding photographers were able to capture some memorable shots - and obviously we're forever grateful.
Scroll through to get a peek of some of the cutest puppers soaking up the spotlight on their owners' special day - and try your very best to keep it together.
Every Girl Needs to See Barbie's Video on How Women Apologize WAY Too Much
Barbara Millicent Roberts - more commonly known as Barbie - got super real about how girls often feel the overwhelming need to apologize even if they haven't done anything wrong. In a recent YouTube video called "Sorry Reflex," Barbie laid out how detrimental being overly apologetic can be for young women - and we seriously agree with everything she has to say.
She explained that although saying sorry "is a learned reflex," uttering it because it's a force of habit without really meaning it can be harmful to girls' self-confidence. In an effort to make young women rethink how often they apologize, she explained how she challenged her friends and sisters to go an entire day without saying sorry.
So how exactly should women respond when they get bumped into on the street or send their food back at a restaurant? Barbie suggests framing your answer as a "thank you" rather than an apology. "There's so much more power in saying thank you instead of sorry," she said. "It really changes the dynamic in a way that you can feel when you do it."
Now, who's down to count how many times they say sorry throughout their day? We definitely are!
This $450 KitchenAid Stand Mixer Is Currently 44% Off at Target - Yes, You Read That Right
When my grandparents were moved up to New York from their home in Florida to an assisted living community, we all knew there were items they owned that they would no longer need or have room for, one of which was my grandma's beautiful KitchenAid stand mixer. I fought to get that mixer passed down to me harder than I've ever fought for anything in my life, and I'm damn glad I did because do you know how much those babies cost?! Spoiler alert: the "cheapest" model is $260, aka a hell of a lot of dough to drop for something that mixes, well, dough.
That said, they look absolutely gorgeous on any countertop, they come in a variety of colors to match anyone's kitchen, and most importantly, they make cooking and baking so much easier and streamlined (seriously, I would never have the energy to bake half the time if it weren't for knowing my mixer would do most of the work). So if wanting one is wrong, you should never aim to be right.
If you've ever drooled over one of these gorgeous kitchen accessories while trying to decide if it's worth eating ramen for a year to pay it off, I have excellent news: Target is having a huge sale on KitchenAid mixers, and the brand's $450 5-quart mixer is 44 percent off.
Yes, you read that right, but for the people in the back still doing the math: you can get the KitchenAid Professional 5-Quart Mixer for less than the full price of its cheapest model at just $250. Plus, a few other models are on sale.
So if you're still here, run, don't walk, to your local Target (or better yet, click add to cart online) to finally grab your very own KitchenAid mixer.
Related: KitchenAid Has a New All-Black Stand Mixer That Matches Your Soul
29 Things Parents Are Shopping on Amazon For Back-to-School - Starting at Just $3
Whether you'll be sending your pre-teen or curious toddler back to school this Fall, you can get a bulk of the shopping done online. In fact, staple items you know your young student will need can all be bought on Amazon. Not only can you get things delivered within two days if you have Prime, but by shopping it all online, you can avoid the ostensible in-store hassles entirely (good luck finding parking at your neighborhood office supply store come September!).
From bento boxes to backpacks, we found 29 back-to-school items that will help you get ahead of the game.
A Dog Completely Photobombed His Owners' Wedding - and This Needs to Be Framed
When photographer Chris Davis agreed to shoot his longtime friends' Angie Blumberg and Jayce Conway's wedding on July 28 in Big Sky, MT, he wasn't surprised that the couple requested ample photos of their 6-year-old Labrador Retriever, Boone. But little did the bride and groom know that capturing the perfect shot would be a heck of a lot easier than they imagined.
"Boone is such a good dog and a huge part of Jayce and Angie's life, so I think it would have been more surprising if he wasn't at the altar by their side on their big day," Chris told POPSUGAR.
As soon as the festivities ended, Chris made a beeline back to his room to see how the photos of Boone turned out - and let's just say this shot, in particular, did not disappoint.
"After I got back to my room after the reception, I was backing up my photos and giving a cursory glance at some of the key moments, and this was the first photo that I went to look for and was so excited that it turned out as well as it did," said Chris. "I immediately texted Jayce and Angie this photo, and they later told me that Angie would spontaneously erupt into giggles throughout the night when thinking about the photo."
"He just couldn't resist going over to say 'Hi!'"
Although Boone was the best man on paper, Jayce joked that his brother needed to step in to deliver the best man speech.
"He's a really well-trained dog," Jayce told Today. "I planned for him to stand between me and my brother. Boone was technically the best man, but he couldn't really give a speech, so I thought I should give my brother a shot."
Apparently, Boone was so overwhelmed by the fact that his owners were finally getting hitched, he had to interrupt to congratulate his mama.
"While everyone in the procession walked down the aisle, he stayed in his spot, exactly where he was supposed to be," said Jayce, explaining that, "until he saw Angie, and then he just couldn't resist going over to say 'Hi!'"
Angie added that the pair wasn't at all fazed by Boone's sudden desire to be in the spotlight: "During the ceremony, he decided to walk to the middle and roll happily in the grass a few times."
All we can say is congrats to the happy couple, and keep doin' you, Boone!
These Fully Insulated Purse Coolers Chill Everything From Milk Bottles to Wine Bottles
If you hate the camp-gear vibes of traditional insulated cooler bags but need something to keep food and drinks chilled on the go, these insulated handbags by Wild Eye Designs are exactly what you've been looking for. Available in three styles (teardrop, bowler, and tote) ranging from $35 to $40, these insulated purses are stylish enough to pass as handbags and are made from vegan leather. While we're already thinking about using them to keep baby bottles, kids' snacks, wine, and work lunches chilled, they're equally useful for keeping food and drinks warm. Check out the range of styles, and prepare to shop.
10 Delicious Trader Joe's Meal Hacks to Make Dinner Easy
How can you hack a delicious homemade meal in minutes without resorting to a frozen entree? We asked our editors to share their tips for fast, easy, and tasty dinners thrown together with a handful of Trader Joe's products, so you can become an even savvier cook on busy weeknights. With a combination of fresh and prepped ingredients from the affordable grocery brand, we've come up with some pretty ideal dinners that can easily be thrown together after work. From spruced-up soup to cheap chopped salad and spicy taco bowls, these ideas will inspire you to skip the takeout.
Liquid Electrical Tape Is the Ultimate Money-Saving Hack
Even though my iPhone and MacBook chargers aren't cheap, I don't exactly consider them a luxury item, and I throw them around without a second thought. Because of my reckless behavior (and regular wear and tear), I end up with wires poking out of the rubber tubes, creating both a safety hazard and an expensive issue.
After ruining one too many new chargers, I searched the internet for a solution. For less than the cost of my daily lunch, I found an easy fix: the Gardner Bender Waterproof Liquid Electrical Tape ($5, originally $11) is a protective coating you can use to fix any ripped electrical wire. The bottle of white fluid comes with a little paintbrush that you use to apply it over the ripped hole. The fluid will dry within 24 hours and reseal the wire within the coating, allowing you to use your charger for years to come.
I bought my bottle in 2016 and still have most of it left over. Most importantly, I'm proud to say I haven't had to purchase a new $80 Macbook Power Adapter yet.
Chip and Joanna's New Target Collection Is Oozing With Cozy Fall Vibes and We Want It All
If you find yourself beelining to the Hearth & Hand With Magnolia collaboration from Target every time you visit the store, you're in good company - this Instagram-worthy collection is always rife with everything our home needs, and we can't order it fast enough. Just when you thought you were over everything you owned, it's as though Chip and Joanna themselves were listening to your decor woes.
Out today, the Fall Hearth & Hand With Magnolia is oozing with everything you'd want for the new season, including rustic farmhouse pieces for the bath - yes, it finally includes items for the bathroom - and tons of woodsy accessories rampant with rustic farmhouse vibes (think thick flannel throws just waiting for you to curl up underneath them with a good book). Like always, these collections sell out fast, so don't delay.
11 Totally Awesome Breakfast Scrambles
When it comes to fast and easy breakfasts (or breakfast for dinner), scrambled eggs are king. Not only are they speedy to cook, but they're stick-to-your-ribs kind of food; light, but satiating. Another reason we love a good scramble: it's near-infinitely riffable, as these 11 variations back up. Keep reading to learn a new technique or two (poached scrambled eggs, anyone), or to find a new favorite mix-in combination.
100+ Ways to Win at Weeknight Dinners
Weeknights are rarely the time to bust out a complicated, time-consuming recipe, but that doesn't mean you need to skimp on flavor or rely on takeout either. Instead, choose from this extensive collection of dinner ideas - 107 recipes, to be precise - that can be ready in about an hour. (Many take even less time than that.)
- Additional reporting by Aemilia Madden and Hilary White
35 "Facts" You Learned in School That Are Completely Wrong
If you really think back to everything you learned as a kid, you'll probably realize how inaccurate a lot of the stuff was. Whether it was taught directly in the classroom or told by your parents, much of what we've always assumed as common knowledge is flawed. Like the whole Thanksgiving thing, obviously, plus a list of other lies many of us have believed our whole lives. Prepare to be surprised by the 35 false facts ahead.
Glenn Close's 101 Dalmatians Joke Was So Clever, It Made Jimmy Fallon Drop to the Floor
Glenn Close may have played Cruella de Vil in the 1996 live-action 101 Dalmatians, but when it comes to real-life, she's got nothing but love for cute puppies. The 71-year-old actress stopped by The Tonight Show on August 6 to promote her new film The Wife, and took part in the sweetest game ever - Pup Quiz. She joined Stranger Things's Finn Wolfhard and answered a series of trivia questions about animals, all while being handed adorable puppy to snuggle. When Jimmy told the actors that there were "300 puppies" waiting backstage, Close quickly corrected him. "Not 101?" she joked, as Jimmy fell to the floor laughing. Watch the hilarious video above and see how seriously she and Finn take their puppy time. It's so fun!
Star Trek Fans, Rejoice: Captain Picard Is Boldly Going Back to His Small-Screen Home
The captain is back! Patrick Stewart has officially signed on to reprise his iconic role as Jean-Luc Picard for the new Star Trek series on CBS All Access. Stewart played Captain Picard for all seven seasons of The Next Generation, as well as in four films. The new show will not be a reboot of Star Trek: The Next Generation but an exploration of the next chapter of Picard's life. Considering the number of reboots that have been popping up lately, this is definitely a refreshing concept for TV fans!
We first heard about a new Star Trek series in June, when it was announced that Star Trek: Discovery co-creator/executive producer Alex Kurtzman had signed a five-year deal to oversee the expansion of the Star Trek franchise. This entailed the development of a new series, a miniseries, and other content. Stewart confirmed the speculation about his return to the Star Trek universe with a surprise appearance at a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas.
"I will always be very proud to have been a part of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course," he said. "It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over."
Details of the untitled series are currently under wraps, but we do know that Stewart will serve as executive producer along with Kurtzman, James Duff, Akiva Goldsman, and Michael Chabon. There's no premiere date, but the show will air on CBS All Access, which currently airs Star Trek: Discovery and the short-form spinoff Short Treks. Stay tuned for more details as production begins!
Troian Bellisario and Patrick J. Adams Are Expecting Their First Child Together!
Congrats are in order for Troian Bellisario and Patrick J. Adams. According to E! News, Troian and husband Patrick are expecting their first child together. The couple got engaged in 2014 and tied the knot at the end of 2016 in a stunning California ceremony. The Pretty Little Liars leading lady and the Suits star were most recently spotted at pal (and costar) Meghan Markle's royal wedding.
Troian and Patrick have had a swoon-worthy romance since the beginning, guest starring in each other's shows, creating films together, and traveling the world side by side. We're excited as they start this next chapter. Congrats all around!
The Bachelorette's Newest Engaged Couple Already Have Babies on the Brain
Warning: major spoilers for the season 14 finale of The Bachelorette ahead.
There are usually only two ways an engagement from The Bachelorette ends: with a wedding or a breakup. But from the look of the latest season finale, Becca Kufrin and Garrett Yrigoyen will make it down the aisle; the question is, when? Luckily, since we can't ask the happy couple ourselves, Chris Harrison did it for us on the live finale.
"We're moving in together, we don't exactly know where yet," Becca said. "He'll come to Minneapolis for a little bit, I'll go to Reno for a while, and then I think we might come out to California for a couple years."
OK, Becca, but what about the wedding? "We don't have any wedding plans yet," she said. "We just want to be able to be normal and in public."
That's the kind of answer we were expecting, but Becca and Garrett have been open about how much they want to have kids. Thankfully, in true Chris fashion, he wouldn't let the couple get away without prying a bit more into their future together. When he brought up kids, the two didn't shut it down and said dogs would come first.
If that wasn't enough of an indication, in addition to an all-expense-paid trip back to Thailand where they got engaged, Chris also got the couple a minivan - equipped with a car seat and toys in the backseat - as an ode to how Garrett arrived at the mansion on the first night.
First came love, then comes marriage, then comes Garrett Jr. in a baby carriage?
The Bachelorette: What Becca and Garrett Had to Say About His Racist Instagram Scandal
Shortly after The Bachelorette premiered in late May, a troubling situation arose involving one of Becca Kufrin's suitors, Garrett Yrigoyen, and now both of the reality stars have addressed it head on following Monday night's dramatic finale.
Garrett, a 29-year-old medical sales rep from Reno, NV, was a front runner for Becca's heart from night one after receiving the first impression rose. Unfortunately, he soon got tangled up in an Instagram scandal that revealed he'd been "liking" disturbing right-wing memes for months. Some of the photos he double-tapped on the social media app included memes from right-wing Instagram pages mocking immigrants, feminists, Parkland high school student David Hogg, and transgender people.
At the time, Becca asked fans to "be open" about the situation. "I want them to go through this season with me and watch my love story unfold with all of these men," Becca told Entertainment Tonight. "I did things in the past that I'm sure [weren't] the best [things], but I just want people to stay open-minded to everyone." Garrett later apologized himself, saying he was sorry to those he offended and promising Bachelor Nation that the "likes" are not a true representation of who he is.
After the finale aired and we all found out that Becca had indeed chosen Garrett as her final suitor, the pair showed up to Chris Harrison's After the Final Rose special, and the host didn't shy away from asking Garrett about the scandal. "I didn't realize the effect of a double tap or a 'like' on Instagram," Garrett explained. "I didn't mean to hurt anybody's feelings . . . I stand by everything I said in my apology. I'm trying to grow on a daily basis."
When Chris asked the couple if the controversy made it tough to start their relationship, Garrett insisted that he and Becca have "been honest and open and transparent with each other from the very beginning" but admitted that he was "really worried" that he might lose her so early on. Becca added that her fiancé's Instagram "likes" were something they had to talk about early on in their relationship, but now that they've gotten through it, they're "growing, progressing, and moving forward."
"I got to see who he is, his heart, his soul," Becca continued. "The Instagram situation, I don't condone that. But I know he stands by his apology. He didn't mean it . . . I want to move forward, to learn, to grow, and to continue to educate ourselves."
Although Bachelor Nation hasn't exactly warmed to Garrett, they're going to have to get used to him - Becca confirmed that they haven't set a wedding date yet, but they're moving in together and planning on getting a dog (or two).
Are Becca and Garrett Still Together? This Is What Happened on The Bachelorette's Finale
Warning: major spoilers for the season 14 finale of The Bachelorette ahead.
While Bachelor Nation was watching their love story unfold on television, Becca Kufrin and Garrett Yrigoyen were already making memories as a newly engaged couple with secret rendezvous and weekend getaways. Not to be pessimists, but couples coming out of The Bachelorette don't have the greatest success rate, so you're probably wondering - are they still together even weeks after their season finale?
"We're so happy, so in love," Becca said on The Bachelorette's live finale with Garrett by her side in their first public appearance together. "Things have been wonderful, but they've been hard at times."
Becca and Garrett have already faced challenges at the start of their engagement. You may recall the backlash Garrett received when it was discovered that he "liked" Instagram posts mocking immigrants and transgender people. No wonder Becca asked for viewers to be open through the season!
Garrett addressed the controversy on the live finale. "I put out an apology, I didn't mean to offend anybody," Garrett said. "I apologize for that still, I'm very sorry."
The couple have worked through that hard time and are concentrating on one another and their wedding. Finally, Becca got her happy ending.
As a Reminder, Here's What Happened With Garrett's Instagram Scandal on The Bachelorette
Image Source: ABC
When Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette premiered, it didn't take long for a favorite to emerge out of the 28 handsome suitors: Garrett Yrigoyen. The Reno, NV, native planned out an adorably dorky introduction to convince Becca he's serious about their future together - he rolled up to the mansion in a minivan filled with soccer balls to prove he'd be a great dad - and later in the night, he stole her away for a private fishing lesson in the pool. Afterward, Becca told the camera that she was instantly "smitten" with the 29-year-old medical sales representative, which was why she decided to give him her first-impression rose. Unfortunately, it looks like the front runner has a troubling history on his social media accounts.
Although Garrett's official Bachelorette bio says he's "a true outdoorsman who loves fly-fishing, hiking, and snow-shoeing," it neglects to include his apparent interest in "liking" photos from right-wing Instagram pages mocking immigrants, feminists, Parkland high school student David Hogg, and transgender people. Screenshots of his "likes" were first made public by former Bachelor contestant Ashley Spivey, who said she was sent the images and didn't take the screenshots herself. "Not sure why I was sent these pics but I'm sure it has to do with me always calling out bull$h*t," she tweeted. "I'm fine being that person."
After Lee's problematic @$$, I truly thought this would be something we paid better attention to.
- Ashley Spivey (@AshleySpivey) May 24, 2018
Garrett has opened a new Instagram account and his old one has been deleted, but not before the anonymous (and also private) Instagram account @imwatchingyuuo posted the screenshots that were sent to Ashley. You can see screenshots of his original "likes" ahead:
- Ashley Spivey (@AshleySpivey) May 24, 2018
- Ashley Spivey (@AshleySpivey) May 24, 2018
- Ashley Spivey (@AshleySpivey) May 24, 2018
HuffPost also found more posts that Garrett's account had "liked," ones that signal his beliefs are far more concerning than simply supporting typical Republican causes. The memes, which were primarily from the Merica Supply Co. Instagram page, ridiculed trans and genderqueer people and also joked about throwing undocumented immigrant children over the proposed border wall (which you can see in the tweets below). Garrett also "liked" a post supporting the debunked theory that Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student activist David Hogg is a crisis actor, which is exactly the kind of conspiracy theory that leads to harassment of gun violence victims and grieving families.
- Ashley Spivey (@AshleySpivey) May 24, 2018
- Ashley Spivey (@AshleySpivey) May 24, 2018
- Ashley Spivey (@AshleySpivey) May 24, 2018
What makes the situation even more surprising is that Becca has been an ardent supporter of Hillary Clinton and left-wing causes, and (spoiler!) Garrett makes it all the way to become her fiancé. To be fair, Becca wasn't allowed to have her phone during filming and therefore wasn't able to stalk Garrett's interests on Instagram for herself. But then again, wouldn't a discussion of political beliefs come up over the course of their courtship? We'd like to think so.
Becca and Garrett addressed the issue during the season finale of the show, saying the situation put a strain in their relationship. "I didn't realize the effect behind a double tap or a 'like' on Instagram. I put out an apology, I didn't mean to offend anybody. I stand by everything that I posted in my apology, and I'm just trying to grow as a person," Garrett said, adding he thought he might lose Becca as a result.
The Bachelorette's Becca Kufrin Is Engaged! The Lucky Guy Is . . .
Warning: major spoilers for the season 14 finale of The Bachelorette ahead.
Becca Kufrin has found love again! After a dramatic season filled with many ups and downs, the 28-year-old gave out her final rose during the season 14 finale of The Bachelorette. It all went down when Blake stepped out of the boat first (we all know what that means) and proceeded to have his heart broken into a million little pieces. After he opened up to Becca in a romantic speech, she ultimately turned him down, explaining that they simply aren't the best fit for each other.
After Becca sent home a distraught Blake, she finally told Garrett she loved him. "You reminded me of home and you reminded me of one of the most important men in my life, and that was my dad," she told him. Following the sweet moment, Garrett proceeded to get down on one knee and propose with a Neil Lane diamond ring. Of course, Becca gladly accepted and presented Garrett with her final rose.
From the first impression rose to now, it seems like these two lovebirds have officially come full circle. Congrats to the happy couple!
Daisy Jones & the Six: Everything We Know About Your Soon-to-Be Favorite Book and TV Show
Reese Witherspoon is continuing her current book-to-TV reign. The Oscar winner is bringing the upcoming Taylor Jenkins Reid novel Daisy Jones & the Six to the small screen in a 13-episode series for Amazon, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Wednesday. Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine media brand recently acquired rights to the book, which follows a fictional rock band through their rise to fame and inevitable breakup in the 1970s. The complex format takes readers on a Behind the Music-style trip down memory lane and is a must read for music fans.
Witherspoon has been scooping up book-to-TV adaptation projects pretty rapidly this year. On top of Daisy Jones & the Six, Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine will bring Little Fires Everywhere to Hulu as well as three series to Apple (including a TV morning show drama starring Jennifer Aniston). Keep reading for everything we know about Reese's latest project!
Zara and Mike Tindall's Cheeky Butt Grab Might Have the Queen Clutching Her Pearls
Zara and Mike Tindall have never shied away from showing PDA, but they took things to a new level while attending the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in Stroud, England, on Sunday. The equestrian and her former rugby player husband, who have been married since 2011, stayed close as they checked out the fun and were snapped squeezing other's butts and stealing a few kisses in the crowd. Zara kept things casual in an event t-shirt and shorts and looked to be happy and relaxed in the sun; the 37-year-old gave birth to the couple's second daughter in June, naming her Lena Elizabeth Tindall. Lena is the queen's seventh great-grandchild and joins 4-year-old sister Mia.
Zara and Mike's cheeky afternoon squeeze is even a few degrees hotter than the PDA we usually get from Zara's cousin, Prince Harry, and his new bride, Meghan Markle. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex blew us away recently with their passionate kiss at a polo match, but this royal butt grab has to be the steamiest we've seen in recent years, right?
Related: 32 Times the Royal Family Broke Protocol and Packed on the PDA Anyway
Start Chugging Your Wine Now, Because The Bachelorette Finale Is Going to Be Emotional
Becca Kufrin is one step closer to finding love again, and you can bet there's going to be tears. In a sneak peek for the upcoming series finale of The Bachelorette, emotions are running high as the 28-year-old gets ready to hand out her final rose . . . and say goodbye to another man in the process. "I am nervous, I'm shaking because there's just one more goodbye before I can commit," she says in the clip. "The hardest goodbye." Only time will tell if that goodbye will be Garrett or Blake. See all the drama unfold when the episode airs on Aug. 6.
I Attended My First Taylor Swift Concert With My Mom, and We Had "The Best Day"
Image Source: Getty / Jason Kempin / TAS18
"You know you hate to say a cliché, but I've learned in life that clichés are there for a reason," Taylor Swift told thousands of fans at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, on July 21. "And that's why they tell you, you know your real friends will show up for you rain or shine. Regardless of what happens tonight, this crowd is absolutely sacred."
The singer was only a few songs into her Reputation stadium tour stop, and it was already pouring down rain. Though, it didn't seem to bother her, and it certainly didn't bother me. My mom and I were finally at our first Taylor Swift concert, and we were soaking it all in (pun intended).
I can't pinpoint the exact moment I became a "Swiftie," but I know it started sometime around when "Our Song" dropped. Since then, Swift has been the soundtrack for my life (cliché, I know, but you heard what Taylor said). I've essentially had one of her albums for every pivotal moment of my life: Taylor Swift for my first breakup when all I wanted to do was blast "Picture to Burn," Fearless for those awkward high school years, Speak Now for when I headed off to college and "Never Grow Up" became my anthem, Red for my carefree time in college, and 1989 when I entered adulthood and said, "Welcome to New York."
Image Source: Getty / Mike Windle / ACM2015
While I've always related to Swift's music, I've also related to the close bond she shares with her mom, Andrea. Over the years, Swift's mom has not only been her biggest supporter, but she's also been her closest friend, just like my mom is with me. They make dorky videos together, they cut up during award shows, and Andrea is usually there cheering on her daughter during concerts. Swift even wrote an entire song, "The Best Day," about their unbreakable bond. So, when the singer announced her Reputation stadium tour, I knew I would be taking my mom (aka my go-to concert buddy) to my very first Taylor Swift concert.
After scoring floor seats during the presale, we knew we had to go all out for the occasion, including finding the perfect costume. If you've ever been to a Taylor Swift concert, you know what I mean. We decided to go with Swift's song "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things," since it includes a reference to her mom. I dressed up as Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby for the line "feeling so Gatsby for that whole year," while my mom dressed up as the lyric "Here's to my mama . . . had to listen to all this drama" by wearing a shirt that said "Mama" in Reputation font and headphones that read "drama."
Once the day for our concert finally came, we were more than . . . ready for it. The days leading up to the big event, I made my mom watch countless Taylor Swift videos and had Reputation playing on repeat in preparation. Although, nothing could prepare us for the actual thing. Before the concert had even started, we were already both an emotional mess. As we made our way to our seats and found out we were sitting right next to the B stage, we actually broke into tears. The rest of the night played out quite similarly as we sang along to our favorite songs and danced in the storm in our best ponchos, fearless (sorry, I had to).
Image Source: Kelsie Gibson
While attending my first Taylor Swift concert was thrilling in itself, I'm even happier I got to do it with my best friend. We laughed, we cried, we got soaking wet in the rain, but we had the "time of our lives" singing and dancing together. It may sound cliché, but I truly had "the best day" with my mom.
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