Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 10 août 2018
Lady Gaga Recalls the Heartbreaking Day Behind A Star Is Born's Most Powerful Scene
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper appear in all their glory on the cover of Entertainment Weekly's Fall Movie Issue, and they're spilling all the emotional details about their undeniable award season darling, A Star Is Born. The exciting remake is already generating plenty of buzz with its chills-inducing trailer, which is jam-packed with emotional moments between the two stars. As it turns out, though, things were just as intense for the stars once the cameras turned off.
During the interview, Gaga opened up about one of the most captivating scenes in the film, when her character sings a powerful ballad at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. In a devastating twist of fate, the pop star lost her close friend to cancer while they were filming. That means the emotions we'll see on screen will be very heartbreaking and very real.
"All I ever wanted to do was sing. I'll never forget that day."
"My very, very, very dear friend Sonja died of cancer that day. We were supposed to shoot in, like, 30 minutes, and I left the set because her husband called me and I could hear her in the background and I just got in the car and drove. I missed her by 15 minutes and she died," Gaga recalled. "I literally laid with her, with her husband, and their dog, and his son . . . When I came back, Bradley was so gentle with me and we got through it. I performed the song. He was like, 'You don't have to do it again. It's okay.' All I ever wanted to do was sing. I'll never forget that day. It was really a special scene, and I'll always remember that moment."
Cooper, on the other hand, spoke to the film's greater themes, which deal with depression and addiction. "I mean, ultimately, it would be wonderful if it could impart some understanding of the human plight," he said. "I know that's why I wanted to tell this story, so I could even help understand it myself. Also, to recognize that trauma is real, and traumatic events that occur especially early in life, if they're not dealt with and aided, will have ramifications that go on and on and on and on." Wow. We already thought we were going to get emotional while watching the film, but now those chances have increased tenfold. A Star Is Born hits theaters on Oct. 5.
Look Back at All the Artists Who Have Won MTV's Coveted Video Vanguard Award
Jennifer Lopez will be the first Latin artist to win MTV's Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs this month, and it got us thinking about all the other musicians to receive the honor over the years. The Vanguard was created in 1984 and renamed after the iconic Michael Jackson in 1991; it recognizes artists' overall achievements in music and film, and there were actually two inaugural winners: David Bowie and The Beatles.
While there has been plenty of debate over who probably should have a Vanguard Award but doesn't - *cough* Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott *cough* - it doesn't get awarded every year and has sometimes been given as a lifetime achievement award instead. My favorite thing about the Vanguard Award is seeing how the artists celebrate and accept them. Beyoncé damn near performed her entire self-titled album; Kanye West damn near ran for US president; Justin Timberlake damn near resurrected *NSYNC from the dead; and Lady Gaga had me damn near throwing wine at the TV when she presented Britney Spears with an award while dressed as her male alter ego, Jo Calderone. I'll never understand why that happened.
Keep reading to see all the artists who have taken home the coveted Moon Person over the years, then check out even more unforgettable moments from the MTV VMAs.
Your Inner Hermione Is Going to Freak Out Over This New Harry Potter Audiobook
Image Source: Everett Collection
Get ready to channel your inner Hermione Granger, because Audbile and Pottermore have teamed up to bring us an exciting addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the form of a brand new audiobook.
If you can't get enough of all the ins and outs of the intricate, magical universe author J.K. Rowling builds in her bestselling series, then Harry Potter: A History of Magic needs to be at the top of your must-read (er, must-listen) list. Game of Thrones alum Natalie Dormer is the voice of the original nonfiction audiobook, which delves into "some of the hidden stories behind real-world magic and explores some of Rowling's magical inventions alongside their folkloric, cultural, and historical forebears."
If the audiobook isn't enough to quench your Harry Potter thirst, then be sure to check out the accompanying Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition at the New York Historical Society, which is scheduled to open on Oct. 5. "I've always adored the Harry Potter books, but it wasn't until I started speaking with the British Library's curators - hearing about the various myths, legends and cultures that have helped shape the wizarding world - that I really began to appreciate the richness and depth of J. K. Rowling's writing," Dormer said in a recent press release. "There are so many wonderful details to explore and A History of Magic unearths some remarkable gems of information that are sure to have listeners awestruck. It's been fun to join the Wizarding World family."
The audiobook itself will be available on Oct. 4, so head over to Audible.com to preorder a copy for yourself.
Warner Bros.
Colin Host and Michael Che Gave Each Other Lie Detector Tests, and I'm CRYING
This week, Vanity Fair subjected Colin Jost and Michael Che to lie detector tests. The two Saturday Night Live cast members took turns asking each other questions, and the results could not be more hilarious. Of course, the questions are straight-up savage; Michael asks Colin about his relationship with Scarlett Johansson, Donald Trump, and even Pete Davidson's engagement to Ariana Grande. Colin asks Michael about actual crimes he's committed, SNL boss Lorne Michael's favorite cast members, and, well, Donald Trump. But the real hilarity of the video comes from the fact that neither of them can seem to keep their composure for a few seconds before breaking down in laughs. Even the lie detector lady can't seem to keep it together.
If You Watched the Original Charmed, You Owe It to Yourself to Check Out the Reboot
Image Source: The CW
When I was growing up, all I did was watch TV. My family had cable, and whenever my sister and I were being "babysat," it was really just us babies being propped in front of the TV while our cousins did whatever teenagers did back in the '90s. I would imagine it was the same things the crew in Beverly Hills, 90210 got up to, because, as I was saying, TV is my native tongue.
One of my favorite shows to watch was The WB's Charmed. To my mother's distress, I loved everything about magic, witches, and the supernatural. My sister and I would spend hours debating which powers would suit us best and what spells we would want to use if it were possible. We devoted every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday night to our favorite trio of sisters and their messy, complicated lives. We mourned Prue's (Shannen Doherty) death, celebrated Piper's (Holly Marie Combs) babies, and wished Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) would just find a man already. We welcomed Paige (Rose McGowan) like she was our own and everyone else that came after. I doubt there was ever a more devoted pair of adolescent fans. So when I heard there was a reboot in development of my favorite series, I was excited - the power of three was rising again.
Of course, the internet quickly reminded me that it's never that simple. Now, don't get me wrong, I can totally understand where upset fans are coming from; having an entirely different family and story attached to the original show's name can seem off-putting. Some, like first series star Holly Marie Combs, may see this as "capitalizing on [their] hard work." But it's easy to look at the decision to keep the show's name as something negative rather than admitting that there is logic to it.
Maintaining the original name keeps the reboot relevant to the fandom. It shows that the series is in line with the original, even though it has a different cast and different stories. The big picture is still the same: Charmed will still be about three sisters working together to fight for their family and the greater good. It's just that the details making up that big picture - such as casting new witches Madeleine Mantock, Melonie Diaz, and Sarah Jeffery and bringing the story into the current year - are different. If this reboot had come under a different name, the only thing tethering it to the original series would be the concept and some key elements. It would seem more like a ripoff than a reboot.
Obviously it isn't all Charmed fans who are vehemently opposed to this reboot, but the haters are very vocal about their feelings. If it isn't the name of the reboot that they take umbrage with, it's the idea that the new series seems to be trying "too hard" to champion diversity or that it's ageist to recast the reboot with younger actresses, which are ridiculous notions, to be frank. As someone who grew up during what people often romanticize as "the best era of TV," a lot of shows I watched as a kid are seen as sacred. Shows like Charmed are forever viewed with rose-colored glasses because they were so formative and empowering for people. And that's beautiful! But it's also close-minded.
Image Source: Everett Collection
Charmed premiered in 1998 and ran until 2006. That was 12 years ago - basically another lifetime in terms of what society looks like. The series was very much of its times while also being ahead of its time. The core themes of sisterhood and girl power could sometimes get lost in the torrid romances and absurdly complicated storylines. And when compared to shows from the last five years, the original Charmed proves to be lacking in a number of ways. One such factor, which also addresses that "championing diversity" gripe, is the predominantly white cast of the show. I can genuinely only think of about six people of color that had any significant presence in the entire series. (And by significant presence, I mean they were at least familiar faces during one season.) Only four of those actors were featured in more than one season, and only two were in more than two. If anything, the show needed to work harder to bring some diversity on the screen. It's 2018, and viewers want - and deserve - more from their shows.
As for being ageist, there are several reasons that could explain why the original cast wasn't asked back. The first would be that all those actors are busy and their schedules wouldn't allow for an appearance in the reboot. (Alyssa Milano is starring in Netflix's controversial new show Insatiable, for instance.) Another reason could be that the story of the Halliwell sisters ended pretty definitively in 2006. The finale features the sisters defeating the Big Bad and flashing forward to their future families, which is everything they wanted from the beginning of the series. The decision to move on to a new family with a different story isn't ageist; it's respecting the legacy that Charmed built to begin with.
Image Source: Everett Collection
We watched the Halliwell sisters go through their trials and tribulations and saw them battle the greatest evils and win. Not to mention, they were so powerful by the end of the series, we wouldn't even believe anyone would give them enough trouble for a whole new series of manufactured ups and downs. The introduction of new sisters (Macy, Mel, and Maggie) allows us to watch as another trio of women grow into that kind of power, the same way we watched Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige do the same.
It's deeply unfair to write off a reboot just because you want the original stars of your favorite show back on the screen. If you want to see the Halliwell sisters up to their usual hijinks, you can still stream the original series whenever you want. But this retelling isn't just for people who watched the series live on The WB. This show is also for a new generation of viewers who are looking to relate to these characters. It's for women who never thought they'd see someone like them, someone different, have a place in such a huge fandom. It's for people to discover that there isn't just one face to this kind of world and that there are so many different traditions, cultures, and ways to explore it. It's a new story that promises to be as exciting as our original favorite, but in different ways.
There's nothing wrong with still loving Charmed and wanting to hold on to the good memories that it brought you. There is something wrong with bashing the desire to take the foundations of that greatness and using it to bring something new to people. This reboot doesn't take anything away from the original. That still exists online and in your memories. This reboot is just an opportunity to fall in love with three new magical sisters who are finding themselves, and each other, in the craziness that is their world and ours. It's all the wonderfully Wiccan aspects we discovered 20 years ago, with a twist of new practices mixed in (like brujeria, for instance, the Spanish practice of witchcraft). That's a change to be celebrated.
When Charmed premieres on Oct. 14, I know I'll be tuning in. I would never want to miss a chance to dive into the showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman's reimagining of the world, and I'm looking forward to meeting Macy, Mel, and Maggie. We'll hopefully get to watch as they evolve into the powerful witches capable of invoking the Power of Three, and fans who enjoyed Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige should join me. Why would you want to miss out?
Maggie Gyllenhaal Will Make You Gasp in the Unhinged Trailer For The Kindergarten Teacher
Netflix's The Kindergarten Teacher isn't necessarily being billed as a thriller, but the first trailer for the Sundance and TIFF-award winner will leave you deeply unsettled. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Lisa Spinelli, a Staten Island kindergarten teacher who discovers that her 5-year-old student Jimmy (Parker Sevak) is potentially a gifted poet. Despite his parents' clear instructions that Jimmy not get involved with Lisa's poetic aspirations, the teacher finds herself heading down a dangerous path of obsession with the child. More than a few moments from the trailer will make you gasp, so check it out above before The Kindergarten Teacher hits the streaming network on Oct. 12.
Here's Who's in Charge of Paying For Princess Eugenie's Very Expensive Royal Wedding
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank are set to tie the knot at St. George's Chapel in Windsor on Oct. 12. We already know that her sister, Princess Beatrice, will serve as Eugenie's maid of honor and that there's a possibility that Prince Philip may not attend, but who is in charge of paying for the wedding? Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the wedding, but Eugenie is a royal and royal weddings are expensive, so what's the deal?
100 Pictures That Prove Mila Kunis Is a Walking Fire Emoji
Mila Kunis has been in the spotlight for over 20 years, but her career has never been better (and neither has her body). When she's not looking insanely cute with Ashton Kutcher or proudly defending her title as Realest Mom out there, she's killing it both on and off screen - most recently alongside Kate McKinnon in The Spy Who Dumped Me (which has gifted us with a comedic duo we never even knew we were missing from our lives). From spoiled teen Jackie Burkhart on That's '70s Show to a stunning mama of two, here are just 100 of Mila's sexiest looks along the way.
Midge Is Still the Queen of Stand-Up in Colorful Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 2 Teaser
Rejoice, because The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - or should we say "the Mad Divorcée of the Upper West Side" - is back! In the first look at the highly anticipated second season from creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, Midge (Golden Globe winner Rachel Brosnahan) is still slaying the stand-up comedy game while balancing the ups and downs of family life, her many day jobs, and a few potential new romances. Although an official release date is still TBD, the series (which has already scored a season three pick-up) looks just as colorful as ever. "Forget your troubles and just get happy" as you watch the brief teaser above.
Every Time Iskra Lawrence Was So Hot, We Thought We'd Melt Just Looking at Her
From innumerable Aerie swimsuits to a Justin Alexander ivory gown at Cannes, Iskra Lawrence can pull off just about any ensemble. Iskra has a booty that could launch a thousand ships and basically resurrected the rose gold hair trend, and if that wasn't enough, the curve model gives us a dose of self-love inspo on the daily. We know she looks stunning in a bikini, but here are just 100 of Iskra's sexiest red carpet looks - and believe us, her curves look just as good in a gown as they do on display.
In Like Father, Lauren Miller Rogen Delivers a Solid Comedy - With an Emotional Twist
It's easy to watch the trailer for Like Father and think you know exactly how the movie is going to play out. The film tells the story of Rachel, who gets dumped at the altar and drunkenly ends up on her honeymoon cruise with her estranged father, Harry, instead of her fiancé. You might assume you'll see relationship-focused comedy tropes that we've come to know, love, and grow tired of: a workaholic giving up her lucrative career for love, the handsome disaster who you can't help but be charmed by despite his major faults, and even the big musical number at the end that proves just how far the main characters have come. Yes, some of those do happen, but not necessarily in the ways you think they will.
That's what makes Lauren Miller Rogen's directing debut for Netflix a subtle masterclass in subverting said tropes aided by powerhouse performances from Kelsey Grammer and Kristen Bell, who play Harry and Rachel. From the melancholy core of the dramedy to the hilarious character played by Rogen's husband, Seth, I hopped on the phone with her to discuss everything that makes Like Father so special.
POPSUGAR: I have to confess that I've never been on a cruise, so this movie was very, very enlightening, and also a little scary.
Lauren Miller Rogen: [laughs] It's crazy, isn't it?
PS: What made you go with that location?
LMR: The idea was actually pitched to me by Anders Bard, the producer of the movie. The kernel of the idea, a woman who gets left at the altar and whose estranged dad shows up and they go on her honeymoon cruise. That very basic idea. I had never been on a cruise before either! I wrote the whole thing with the help of the internet, and also my in-laws are really big cruisers. They go on four or five a year. Not joking. [laughs] But really what it was is that it traps [Rachel and Harry]. If it was at a resort and they woke up there, they could just drive away. So, it's a device to force them to open up their story. What I really liked about it was the juxtaposition of this colorful cruise world with this really intimate, emotional story that was going on.
PS: It's definitely an interesting juxtaposition, especially because of how dark Harry's story gets. Surprisingly so. How did you go about casting Kelsey Grammer as Harry?
LMR: The casting process for our movie was actually happening at the same time they were shooting Neighbors 2, where Kelsey plays Chloë Moretz's dad. I happened to be on set the day he was shooting a scene, and he was so funny. I was like, "Wait, could he be Harry?!" We ended up sitting down together, and in addition to seeing him on set and knowing he was so hysterical, within the first five minutes of talking he brought up one of the more emotional scenes from the film, and started tearing up. He's really lived such an extraordinary life with so many ups and downs, that he has so much to pull from. Within the first few minutes of sitting across from him, I said, "Oh, he's Harry." It wasn't even a question. He's warm and funny, but sad and searching . . . he was perfect.
PS: And for Kristen Bell, she's in a lot of bubbly, comedic roles, but this really shows off her dramatic edge. What made you realize she was Rachel?
LMR: She and I have a mutual friend and we've met a few times, but didn't really know each other. I sent my friend the script like, "Can you email her and tell her that I'm a normal person and to read the script?" [laughs] I'd seen a lot of her comedic work and I'd seen a little bit of her dramatic roles, but not exactly quite like this. Within the first few minutes of meeting with her, it was the same thing [as with Kelsey]. She's a really intellectual actor. When I wrote the script I really wanted to create a character who felt three-dimensional, who felt like a real woman who goes on a quite emotional journey with a lot of ups and downs, and I wanted her to react to those things in a way that feels organic and authentic. Instantly, that was the first thing Kristen talked about. We were so on the same page. I had a real partnership with her in creating a woman who felt genuine, and hopefully women who see the movie will see themselves in her.
PS: Something I find so annoying in movies in this genre is the trope at the end where the woman totally gives up her amazing job for love. Obviously it's not the exact same scenario here, but it was so refreshing to see Rachel be praised for being successful in her demanding career, but also still be able to forge a relationship with Harry.
LMR: Yeah, I did not want to create a character who had to choose between her job and her life. I have a job that I love, and you know what? I also have a life that I love, that I'm very present in. I think that a lot of times in movies, like you're saying, that choice ends up happening. Like, "I need to quit my job to live my life!" I want to scream "No!" Because you can do something you love and also have a life. That's what Rachel does. She chooses to have a balance. That was important to both me and Kristen, because she's someone who loves her job, but also fiercely loves her family. It is work to balance those two, and that's what Rachel learns along the way, that she has to put in effort towards balancing them, and we really wanted to put that out there.
PS: In terms of Harry's character, I loved the scene when we finally find out who's at the other end of all of those phone calls he keeps getting. There's that incredible blowup between him and Rachel, but it ends up being a bit of a twist when he admits what's actually going on. How did you decide to go in that direction, as opposed to having him ask her for money or something along those lines?
LMR: It literally took me so long to figure out why Harry came back. I went through so many different versions. Was he sick? Did his wife die? Was he bankrupt? At the end, I was always so disgusted by him coming for money, so I put it in as a red herring. Anders, the producer, told me that was one of his favorite things when he read the script for the first time, that there were so many times where I take you down a road where you're like, "Oh, of course this is gonna happen," and then something totally different happens. Sort of changing that stereotype and twisting it a little bit is something I was very much conscious of. I wanted to push past those initial ideas, which is how I arrived at the fact that Harry was lonely, and that's why he came to her. How sad is that?
PS: That scene broke me, honestly.
LMR: Aren't they amazing?
PS: The energy between them in those quiet scenes was just phenomenal.
LMR: Don't they really seem like father and daughter? They're good actors. Very good actors.
Lauren Miller Rogen being an absolute boss on the set of Like Father.
PS: Did you know that you wanted to have Seth [Rogen, the director's husband] in your movie from the beginning?
LMR: Well, originally we had talked about him playing Owen, the groom. I liked the idea of him having a little cameo, someone you'd think would come back later. And then having him play Jeff just kind of accidentally happened. A few months before we were shooting we were in Canada, and the role of Jeff was originally written as a Midwestern guy. This sweet, sort of goofy Midwesterner. But we were in Canada, and as we were literally brushing our teeth I said, "What if Jeff was Canadian and I made funny Canadian jokes?" And Seth's response was, "I'm not going on the cruise ship." [laughs] Over the next few days, though, we just kept bouncing around jokes and ideas, and he'd never played a Canadian and gotten to make jokes like that. It got to the point where he was just like, "Man, it would be too funny. Alright, I have to do it." So that's how it happened! And why wouldn't I want my favorite actor in my movie?
[Editor's note: Reader, I "aww"d.]
PS: The estranged father-daughter relationship isn't usually one that we see explored in movies that often. Typically it's mother-daughter, or father-son. How did you go about making that kind of relationship feel authentic?
LMR: My dad is amazing, and we've always been together. [laughs] So it wasn't from experience. I have a friend who has a similar story that I had some good conversations with, who gave me some emotional context to include. I think as an actor, and I can't speak for other writers, but as an actor, when I write, I will sort of act the scenes out in my head a little bit. I'll improvise my way through them. When I was writing this script, I was going through what was a pretty dark time in my life. My mom, who has Alzheimer's disease, it was when she was just becoming really advanced, and I was sort of going through this pretty angry time. Writing these emotional scenes sometimes, even though the content wasn't necessarily reflecting my own personal situation, I put a lot of that emotion in it. To the best of my abilities I put myself in the emotional shoes of my characters, and try to always think about how they feel. I'd get dark when Rachel got dark, and was sad when Harry was sad. I'd just try to think about how this would really go down as I was writing it.
PS: Over the last five or so years, a space has really opened up for these so-called "unlikable" female characters in movies and TV shows, who actually just seem like realistic women. Rachel definitely comes across as one of them.
LMR: There have been amazing portraits of women in movies prior to this, and I don't want to discount that. But I think people have trouble when women emote. They want someone like Kristen Bell to be happy all the time. They don't want to see Princess Anna sad, or angry, or yelling. We've been told that women should be happy, pretty princesses. And, again, I don't want to make a blanket statement and say that's never been in a movie before, because it has so many times in so many amazing ways, but I just wanted to make sure that what I was creating was going to feel real. I didn't want to sugarcoat it. I didn't want to make her likable for the sake of being likable, because women are real people who are allowed to be angry, and we're allowed to be sad, and we're allowed to make mistakes and f*ck up royally. I wanted Rachel to not have it right. I wanted to show that she was a woman who was struggling, who thought she had it all figured out and was so wrong, and had not paid attention to herself for long enough that she had let go so far off the rails. That's what's real to me. It was important to me to see that reflected in the story I was creating. I think that women in the past few years, we've seen that be OK. We've seen that become more and more acceptable. I just started the new season of Orange Is the New Black, for example, and it's great. Shows like that are so inspiring. Those women? Some of them are so far from perfect. [laughs] But they're so real. Don't you relate to every single one of them in some way?
PS: It's impossible not to.
LMR: Right? They're real people who make mistakes, and they're human beings. I just wanted to create a human being.
Drag Queen Story Hour Isn't Just Entertaining Kids - It's Opening Parents' Minds, Too
For decades, the art of drag has been relegated to the darkest hours of the night. Drag queens and drag kings alike come to life in dim clubs and hushed theaters, performing artistic numbers, doing death-defying splits and drops, and of course, snatching a dollar or two in tips. Sure, there are times when these gods and goddesses of the night wander into the sunlight; we have drag brunch, LGBTQ+ Pride Month festivals, and even RuPaul's Drag Con. But a drag queen in a library in the middle of the afternoon, reading a book to a group of preschoolers? That's an image that might not immediately come to mind. Luckily, Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) is here to undo expectations and to surprise and delight America's youth.
Drag Queen Story Hour began in San Francisco in 2015 and has since exploded across the nation and overseas. This Summer, it made a stop in Provincetown, MA, where HBO has launched a new creative experience celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The seven-week program is called The Studio, and it features inclusive events, inspiring art exhibitions, intimate talks, and more. One week is called Family Week, a move that makes absolute sense given the fact that Sesame Street is now on HBO. DQSH was featured as part of this exciting week with a gorgeous (and seasoned) queen named Harmonica Sunbeam holding live readings with kids.
To celebrate Drag Queen Story Hour's trajectory and HBO's encouraging move to support the LGBTQ+ community, I hopped on the phone to speak with Harmonica Sunbeam about her experiences. With nearly three decades in the business, she shed light on how far things have moved since her thrilling debut at an NYC drag ball; she walked in a category called "Butch Queen, First Time Up in Drag at a Ball" and won. Now that she's a part of DQSH, though, this new phase of her career has yielded so much more than she bargained for.
POPSUGAR: When did Drag Queen Story Hour come into the picture for you?
Harmonica Sunbeam: Drag Queen Story Hour originated in San Francisco with a woman by the name of Michelle Tea. Rachel Amy, from Brooklyn, went to San Francisco and saw it, and she brought it back to Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Public Library picked it up, and the first video they did went viral. They had such a demand for more girls - so many events were coming up - that they had an open call. And I saw it on Facebook, and went to the meeting and then to the training, and that's how I became involved. My first Drag Queen Story Hour was in the library in New York City, and it was going to be two pre-K classes.
PS: Oh my God!
HS: And a kindergarten class! About 75 kids. And so, right before I go out, they say, "Oh yeah, and The New York Times is here to talk to you, too." No first day of the job pressure there. [Laughs]
"We're trying to raise a new generation of kids who are tolerant of each other, who are open to being who they are, and understanding that we're not all the same and it's OK."
PS: What has your experience been like so far?
HS: It's been more than a year that I've been doing this, and I can tell you at some point during each reading, I think that I'm about to start crying, because it's such an emotional experience for me. Just to see the kids, dealing with the kids, seeing the parents, seeing the bonding between the kids and the parents, and just to see the connection. We're trying to raise a new generation of kids who are tolerant of each other, who are open to being who they are, and understanding that we're not all the same and it's OK.
PS: Have you found that you have to craft a new version of Harmonica when you do these hours?
HS: Well, the funny thing is that drag queens really make this program work, because they're used to dealing with audiences. And dealing with young kids is like dealing with drunk adults. [Laughs] There's a happy medium. Like, "OK, pay attention. OK, look at me. Look at me. OK, let's do this." The good thing about kids - most of them that is - is that they don't have cell phones or Grindr or Scruff or Tinder or anything else to take their attention away from you, as opposed to bars and nightclubs. And the kids really look forward to it. It's a great feeling as an entertainer to walk into a space and people are like, "Yay, she's here!" I might walk into a bar, and they're like, "Oh. OK."
PS: Is there any interaction that sticks in your mind as particularly special?
HS: Once, I was at a library uptown in New York City, and as I was reading, a little girl, she walked up to me, right in the middle of the story, and she tapped me on the shoulder. And I said, "Yes?" And she holds out her hands, and in her hands, she had been collecting all these sequins that fell off my dress.
PS: That's so sweet! And what about the parents?!
HS: Well, it wasn't a personal moment, but it was a written moment. I also do a story hour for kids with special needs in New York City. So there was a young boy, and his mother wrote to me. She said every time they go to story hour now, he has a hard time focusing. But he really, really focuses when I do story hour. And every time he comes to story hour, his question is, "Is Harmonica going to be there?" And it's just great, that he would remember my name, and that he's really looking forward to seeing me again.
"I may ask the crowd, 'Does anyone know what a drag queen is?' And at one particular library, a little girl said, 'Oh, it's a cross between a dragon and a queen.'"
PS: I love that so much. So usually, when you have one of these hours, is there a discussion section where you talk about gender expression and stuff with the kids? Or do you field questions from them? How does it kind of typically flow?
HS: Each place is different. I may ask the crowd, "Does anyone know what a drag queen is?" And at one particular library, a little girl said, "Oh, it's a cross between a dragon and a queen." And I was like, "OK! Yeah!" And so I explained to them what my definition of a drag queen is. And that's anyone who is dressing up to feel fabulous, dressing up in the way that you don't normally do. So you can be a drag king. You can be a drag queen, a drag princess, a drag prince. When we go to a wedding, that's not how we normally dress. Now, we're in drag, you know what I'm saying?
PS: Absolutely.
HS: I also think that it encourages conversations between parents and kids. There may be a kid who may be feeling a little bit different and, after an experience like this, may want to say a few things to the parent. Or the parent may notice how well the child responds to the experience, and then they ask them some questions. And if communication can start young, with people expressing themselves and saying how they feel about different situations, it really results in much better, open-minded adults, no matter what happens in the end, no matter what role the child takes. Now, it's that whole communication and that respect, whereas a lot of kids come up not being able to talk to anyone about how they feel, you know? They're afraid to say, "Oh, I feel like this," or, "Sometimes, I feel like this." They don't have anyone to reach out to, and so they take these feelings and they bottle them up.
PS: It seems like you're alluding to the fact that there are some people who aren't fond of the program. How do you deal with the naysayers?
HS: We just have to keep doing what we do. You know what I'm saying? You can't make [people] come to the event, but . . . the program is not going to stop, no matter how much they put the program down.
PS: It's so clear that this program is impacting a positive change. Do you find yourself thinking about other ways you can spread this more accepting message?
HS: I have to be me. And I'm happy with who I am. As long as I keep walking in my truth, somehow it's going to rub off on someone else. And that's even when I'm in a nightclub. We have a lot of adult people that consider themselves to be gay or lesbian. But they're still not totally out. At least the drag queens are living, walking in their truth, being themselves, enjoying life without the restrictions. And it makes a big difference.
PS: It's really crazy how much empowering yourself empowers others.
HS: Even when you don't even know it.
"As long as I keep walking in my truth, somehow it's going to rub off on someone else."
PS: And so now this is kind of a new exciting chapter: Drag Queen Story Hour has come to The Studio in partnership with HBO. How does it feel to have this platform to talk about the program and spread its message?
HS: I think it's a wonderful opportunity. I'm thankful that The Studio has brought me here. With all of the diverse programming they've done over the course of weeks, this really ties into family week. We had a really, really big draw in the studio today. And I think it will continue as we do Drag Queen Story Hour. And now, not to say that people didn't know about The Studio before, but more people know about it than ever.
PS: So, at the end of the day, what really makes Drag Queen Story Hour special?
HS: It bridges the gap between two different extremes. We don't always see drag queens and kids together. It's two different worlds meeting, and meeting in harmony.
Disneyland Just Revealed Its New Halloween Popcorn Buckets and Mugs, and We're Screaming
Planning ahead for Halloween at Disneyland is a full-time job, and the second that August is over, the park is prepped and ready. In addition to the many themed treats added to menus across the properties, there will be new popcorn buckets and special mugs available beginning on Sept. 7 that you won't want to miss. Remember the Snow White-inspired Poison Apple Stein from last season? It's back and even better this year thanks to its new, spooky color combo and glow-in-the-dark capability.
As for popcorn buckets, Halloween 2018 is all about cute and creepy - there's the green Cauldron Popcorn Bucket in addition to two other options that aren't quite as ghostly. Even if you can't decide on a favorite, one thing's for sure: these Fall-appropriate souvenirs will put you in the spirit and inspire you to book an October trip to Disneyland ASAP.
If you're just as excited about Halloween as us (as in, you've already bookmarked your favorite Target Halloween decorations), keep reading to see Disneyland's must-see lineup of collectible items, and get them up until the holiday while supplies last.
Related: 16 Disney Souvenir Cups That Are Actually Worth the Splurge
The Pioneer Woman's Most Popular Casseroles Will Inspire You to Cook
You know you can always count on the Pioneer Woman for easy and delicious recipes. Some of Ree Drummond's most popular recipes are her casseroles, and it's easy to see why: these one-pan wonders are layered with flavor and guarantee that dinner gets on the table fast. If you're looking to get out of your dinner rut or desperately need some inspiration to cook, look no further than Ree Drummond's top 14 most popular casserole recipes from Food Network, including hash brown casserole, cheesy turkey tetrazzini, broccoli wild rice casserole, and chicken tortilla casserole. The rave reviews don't lie!
FYI, Amazon Has a Section Filled With Disney Halloween Goodies!
Do you love Disney? Do you love Halloween? If so, you'll need to have a seat, because we have some excellent news. We just discovered that Amazon offers all sorts of cool Disney Halloween products. Whether you need decor or something to wear, it truly has it all. We rounded up the best options you need to check out, so shop through them all and get ready for the best holiday of the year!
13 Stores That Will Welcome Your Dog With Open Arms
When Reddit user terriblesubreddit shared a picture of their adorable puppy in a Home Depot cart with the message that the store is totally pet friendly, we got to wondering about what other major retailers are also pet friendly. There are the obvious answers - Petco and PetSmart - but surprisingly, there are several other stores that welcome your pets along with you, provided they are always under your control and as long as you clean up after them should they make any messes.
Here are a few of the retailers we found that allow dogs, but keep in mind it's always wise to call a store before you go to make sure it's OK. We have found that though some store policies allow dogs, specific store managers will not, and though some store policies prohibit dogs, certain store managers welcome them. Always good to err on the side of caution!
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Barnes & Noble
- Macy's
- Pottery Barn
- Bass Pro Shops
- Restoration Hardware
- Bloomingdale's
- Anthropologie
- Gap
- Nordstrom
- Lush Cosmetics
- Urban Outfitters
For the most part, these stores (among many smaller, local stores) are said to be dog friendly, but like we said before, we highly recommend calling each establishment first. Rules will also vary based on where you live and how your local culture is. When I lived in a small suburb of San Francisco, everyone took their dogs everywhere - including the grocery store - and it was never an issue. So make some calls, check out some stores, and let us know if there are any major stores we missed!
Drag Queen Story Hour Isn't Just Entertaining Kids - It's Opening Parents' Minds, Too
For decades, the art of drag has been relegated to the darkest hours of the night. Drag queens and drag kings alike come to life in dim clubs and hushed theaters, performing artistic numbers, doing death-defying splits and drops, and of course, snatching a dollar or two in tips. Sure, there are times when these gods and goddesses of the night wander into the sunlight; we have drag brunch, LGBTQ+ Pride Month festivals, and even RuPaul's Drag Con. But a drag queen in a library in the middle of the afternoon, reading a book to a group of preschoolers? That's an image that might not immediately come to mind. Luckily, Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) is here to undo expectations and to surprise and delight America's youth.
Drag Queen Story Hour began in San Francisco in 2015 and has since exploded across the nation and overseas. This Summer, it made a stop in Provincetown, MA, where HBO has launched a new creative experience celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The seven-week program is called The Studio, and it features inclusive events, inspiring art exhibitions, intimate talks, and more. One week is called Family Week, a move that makes absolute sense given the fact that Sesame Street is now on HBO. DQSH was featured as part of this exciting week with a gorgeous (and seasoned) queen named Harmonica Sunbeam holding live readings with kids.
To celebrate Drag Queen Story Hour's trajectory and HBO's encouraging move to support the LGBTQ+ community, I hopped on the phone to speak with Harmonica Sunbeam about her experiences. With nearly three decades in the business, she shed light on how far things have moved since her thrilling debut at an NYC drag ball; she walked in a category called "Butch Queen, First Time Up in Drag at a Ball" and won. Now that she's a part of DQSH, though, this new phase of her career has yielded so much more than she bargained for.
POPSUGAR: When did Drag Queen Story Hour come into the picture for you?
Harmonica Sunbeam: Drag Queen Story Hour originated in San Francisco with a woman by the name of Michelle Tea. Rachel Amy, from Brooklyn, went to San Francisco and saw it, and she brought it back to Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Public Library picked it up, and the first video they did went viral. They had such a demand for more girls - so many events were coming up - that they had an open call. And I saw it on Facebook, and went to the meeting and then to the training, and that's how I became involved. My first Drag Queen Story Hour was in the library in New York City, and it was going to be two pre-K classes.
PS: Oh my God!
HS: And a kindergarten class! About 75 kids. And so, right before I go out, they say, "Oh yeah, and The New York Times is here to talk to you, too." No first day of the job pressure there. [Laughs]
"We're trying to raise a new generation of kids who are tolerant of each other, who are open to being who they are, and understanding that we're not all the same and it's OK."
PS: What has your experience been like so far?
HS: It's been more than a year that I've been doing this, and I can tell you at some point during each reading, I think that I'm about to start crying, because it's such an emotional experience for me. Just to see the kids, dealing with the kids, seeing the parents, seeing the bonding between the kids and the parents, and just to see the connection. We're trying to raise a new generation of kids who are tolerant of each other, who are open to being who they are, and understanding that we're not all the same and it's OK.
PS: Have you found that you have to craft a new version of Harmonica when you do these hours?
HS: Well, the funny thing is that drag queens really make this program work, because they're used to dealing with audiences. And dealing with young kids is like dealing with drunk adults. [Laughs] There's a happy medium. Like, "OK, pay attention. OK, look at me. Look at me. OK, let's do this." The good thing about kids - most of them that is - is that they don't have cell phones or Grindr or Scruff or Tinder or anything else to take their attention away from you, as opposed to bars and nightclubs. And the kids really look forward to it. It's a great feeling as an entertainer to walk into a space and people are like, "Yay, she's here!" I might walk into a bar, and they're like, "Oh. OK."
PS: Is there any interaction that sticks in your mind as particularly special?
HS: Once, I was at a library uptown in New York City, and as I was reading, a little girl, she walked up to me, right in the middle of the story, and she tapped me on the shoulder. And I said, "Yes?" And she holds out her hands, and in her hands, she had been collecting all these sequins that fell off my dress.
PS: That's so sweet! And what about the parents?!
HS: Well, it wasn't a personal moment, but it was a written moment. I also do a story hour for kids with special needs in New York City. So there was a young boy, and his mother wrote to me. She said every time they go to story hour now, he has a hard time focusing. But he really, really focuses when I do story hour. And every time he comes to story hour, his question is, "Is Harmonica going to be there?" And it's just great, that he would remember my name, and that he's really looking forward to seeing me again.
"I may ask the crowd, 'Does anyone know what a drag queen is?' And at one particular library, a little girl said, 'Oh, it's a cross between a dragon and a queen.'"
PS: I love that so much. So usually, when you have one of these hours, is there a discussion section where you talk about gender expression and stuff with the kids? Or do you field questions from them? How does it kind of typically flow?
HS: Each place is different. I may ask the crowd, "Does anyone know what a drag queen is?" And at one particular library, a little girl said, "Oh, it's a cross between a dragon and a queen." And I was like, "OK! Yeah!" And so I explained to them what my definition of a drag queen is. And that's anyone who is dressing up to feel fabulous, dressing up in the way that you don't normally do. So you can be a drag king. You can be a drag queen, a drag princess, a drag prince. When we go to a wedding, that's not how we normally dress. Now, we're in drag, you know what I'm saying?
PS: Absolutely.
HS: I also think that it encourages conversations between parents and kids. There may be a kid who may be feeling a little bit different and, after an experience like this, may want to say a few things to the parent. Or the parent may notice how well the child responds to the experience, and then they ask them some questions. And if communication can start young, with people expressing themselves and saying how they feel about different situations, it really results in much better, open-minded adults, no matter what happens in the end, no matter what role the child takes. Now, it's that whole communication and that respect, whereas a lot of kids come up not being able to talk to anyone about how they feel, you know? They're afraid to say, "Oh, I feel like this," or, "Sometimes, I feel like this." They don't have anyone to reach out to, and so they take these feelings and they bottle them up.
PS: It seems like you're alluding to the fact that there are some people who aren't fond of the program. How do you deal with the naysayers?
HS: We just have to keep doing what we do. You know what I'm saying? You can't make [people] come to the event, but . . . the program is not going to stop, no matter how much they put the program down.
PS: It's so clear that this program is impacting a positive change. Do you find yourself thinking about other ways you can spread this more accepting message?
HS: I have to be me. And I'm happy with who I am. As long as I keep walking in my truth, somehow it's going to rub off on someone else. And that's even when I'm in a nightclub. We have a lot of adult people that consider themselves to be gay or lesbian. But they're still not totally out. At least the drag queens are living, walking in their truth, being themselves, enjoying life without the restrictions. And it makes a big difference.
PS: It's really crazy how much empowering yourself empowers others.
HS: Even when you don't even know it.
"As long as I keep walking in my truth, somehow it's going to rub off on someone else."
PS: And so now this is kind of a new exciting chapter: Drag Queen Story Hour has come to The Studio in partnership with HBO. How does it feel to have this platform to talk about the program and spread its message?
HS: I think it's a wonderful opportunity. I'm thankful that The Studio has brought me here. With all of the diverse programming they've done over the course of weeks, this really ties into family week. We had a really, really big draw in the studio today. And I think it will continue as we do Drag Queen Story Hour. And now, not to say that people didn't know about The Studio before, but more people know about it than ever.
PS: So, at the end of the day, what really makes Drag Queen Story Hour special?
HS: It bridges the gap between two different extremes. We don't always see drag queens and kids together. It's two different worlds meeting, and meeting in harmony.
This Is What the Too Faced x Drybar Glitter Spray Looks Like on Brown Hair
The second I heard that Drybar and Too Faced - two of my favorite brands - were teaming up to bring the Glitter Spritzer Sparkle Spray ($20) to the beauty world, I knew I had to try it. Not only have I been obsessed with every product I've tried from Drybar, but Too Faced has always been one of my go-to makeup brands.
When the pretty pink bottle arrived at my desk, I immediately sprayed it on my arm, expecting a small amount of glitter (the standard for most hair shimmers). To my surprise, what actually spritzed out looked like a solid block of sparkle that gave some major shine. So I headed to the bathroom to see if it would show up on my brown hair - and it did. When I lightly sprayed it on, I was delighted to see some subtle gold and silver shimmer, but this stuff is buildable: I then braided my hair and layered it on thick. The results were worthy of any festival or holiday party.
Although I did get glitter all over the sink and floor of the POPSUGAR office bathroom (sorry, team), I'm thrilled with the results of this collaboration and think it's a must have for fans of the brand and glitter alike.
8 Bestselling Beauty Products Customers Go Crazy For - All From Sephora Collection
We equate Sephora with makeup heaven. The retailer has a massive selection of must-have cosmetics that true beauty-lovers appreciate. If you're wondering what products you should be investing in for 2018, we curated a list of our favorite essentials from the Sephora Collection - a line made by the retailer itself. You can't find these items anywhere else, so snag them while you can!
9 Bestselling Products You Should Pick Up at Riley Rose
When Forever 21 announced that it would open Riley Rose, a new store dedicated entirely to beauty, millennials were ready to pounce. The popular clothing retailer is already on the pulse of all things fast fashion, so consumers couldn't wait to see what trends would come next in the cosmetics space.
While there are still only 11 stores in the United States, don't worry if there isn't a location near you. The website is packed with cult-worthy goodies you'll fawn over. Keep reading to shop some of the store's bestsellers.
Here's Why Your Nails Are Peeling and How to Stop It For Good
Dealing with weak, brittle, peeling nails is a superfrustrating issue. Not only does nail polish chip faster, but it's also super painful when you reach for something and your nails actually bend (ouch). We reached out to dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, to find out the cause of this uncomfortable problem and how to solve it once and for all.
"The medical term for peeling nails is onychoschizia," Dr. Jaliman explained. "Nails are made up of several layers, and the nail plate is made of keratin, which is a protein. When nails become thin and brittle, they can peel." While in rare cases, peeling nails can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, Dr. Jaliman said it's usually one of the much simpler reasons ahead.
Related: No, Your Nails Don't Need to Breathe (and 6 Other Nail Myths Debunked)
50 Adorable Tattoos So Tiny You'll Barely Feel the Needle
Tattoos don't have to be big or bold to make a statement. In fact, tiny tattoos can have just as great of an impact, depending on what you choose. If you're nervous about your first piece of ink (or if you're just looking for something a little more discreet), these 50 adorable tattoos might just what you're looking for. Read through to check out whether one of these sweet little tats might be the right fit for you.
What to Buy From LA's Cult-Favorite Beauty Store
If beauty stores were actual people, we'd want to be friends with all of them. Drugstores would be like your oldest, closest friends, department stores like your mom's chic brunch companions, and online retailers the fun kids you met in college. We like to think of Violet Grey, an ecommerce shop founded out of an LA store that's favored by Hollywood insiders and celebs alike, as that friend who's way too cool for you but inexplicably lets you into their circle.
Cassandra Grey, a stylist, consultant, and general insider, founded the store on Melrose Place. It has since expanded to an ecommerce site. Violet Grey only sells products that have been approved by its leader's network of celebrities, makeup artists, and hairstylists, so you know everything they sell has the American royal stamp of approval. Want to know the best of the best products? Keep reading.
To the Surprise of No One, Mila Kunis Has Pulled Off Any Beauty Trend She's Tried
If you're ever in need of some beauty inspiration, look no further than Mila Kunis. The Bad Moms actress not only brings her A-game every single time, but she's also seemingly fearless when it comes to switching up her hair and makeup looks. From eclectic bright blue eyeliner to trendy topknots and eyebrow-grazing bangs, Mila's tried it all and looked completely flawless while doing so. To prove it, we've rounded up her best beauty moments from over the years - read through to see them all.
There's a Reason You Have to Wait So Long For a Dermatologist Appointment
If you live in a rural area, you are probably used to waiting weeks to see a dermatologist. While you might be used to this delay and have learned to plan ahead, have you ever wondered why there are increasingly long wait times? Recent studies estimate that there are about 3.3 derms per every 100,000 people, which means there simply aren't enough doctors to treat all patients. "It is expensive to train dermatologists, and funding for these programs is not keeping pace with societal needs, particularly given the skin cancer and sun damage epidemic," said dermatologist Dr. Craig Kraffert, MD.
Skin cancer organizations have done an excellent job raising public awareness of the disease, which means more people are flooding dermatology practices to get checked. But as anyone who has ever googled "mole or cancer" knows, frantic internet searching of skin issues can lead to minor hysteria. "Doctor Google can fuel fear," said Dr. Purvisha Patel, a dermatologist based in Memphis, TN. "That will lead to an increase in demand for appointments, which causes longer wait times."
"Finding a dermatologist that accepts your insurance and is available seems to be a growing issue."
We have student loans to thank for six-week-long dermatologist wait times, too. "Dermatology is one of the most competitive specialties when applying for residency, because there are not a lot of training programs in the nation," Dr. Patel said. These programs only take about two to 10 new graduates each year, which means university health centers are churning out fewer doctors. "These graduates are generally eager to pay off their exorbitant student loans, and since they're so in demand, they can choose where they want to live." Because of this, they often end up in large cities, so those who live in the suburbs and rural areas are out of luck.
To help areas that need the most help, dermatologists have called in backup. "Physician assistants or nurse practicioners practice under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist, which enables more patients to be seen in a timely manner," she said. For timely but not life-threatening problems such as acne, you can download apps such as Curology and First Derm. Both platforms allow you to text a dermatologist pictures and questions about a skin condition.
For some, getting face time with a dermatologist is just half the battle. Dr. Rachel Nazarian practices with Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, a traditionally overserved area. "Finding a dermatologist who accepts your insurance and is available seems to be a growing issue," Dr. Nazarian said. "Since I take many insurances that other physicians do not accept such as Medicaid, some people come in from farther distances to see me. That's what keeps my schedule so full."
Despite these setbacks, dermatologists across the board agree that longer wait times are not discouraging patients from setting up appointments. "Most dermatologists have increased their hours and availability to accommodate the growing need for appointments," Dr. Nazarian said. Plus, practices triage visits, which means they book appointments first for urgent concerns. "If anyone is dealing with skin cancer, painful lesions, or rashes, we see them ASAP," Dr. Patel explained. That means if you ever have a skincare emergency, practices will make space to see you.
Just How Important Is an Early Rigid Sleep Schedule? More Than You Think!
I know I'm a pushover when it comes to my kids' bedtimes. After working all day and then running to an evening baseball practice or religious-school pickup, I'm happy to steal a few extra minutes with my kids. But an article up on Slate has me rethinking exactly what time I'm calling for lights out.
In her post entitled "In Defense of Absurdly Early Bedtimes," Melinda Wenner Moyer writes about adhering to strict 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. bedtimes for her almost-2-year-old and 5-year-old, respectively. She keeps her family's routine year round, regardless of the parties they are missing or the events she has to leave early. She writes:
"That's because my kids are happier and more fun to be around when I stick with a consistent and early bedtime. And ever since I've started looking at the science, I've become only more convinced that the earlier you say night-night, the better. Research consistently shows that putting kids to bed early is beneficial for their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Not only do kids tend to sleep more when the lights go out sooner, but they also may get a greater proportion of restorative sleep, too. Early kid bedtimes are also great for parental sanity. Sipping a glass of wine in silence? Snuggling up with your spouse to watch a grown-up movie for once? It's really quite lovely."
While Moyer admits that her early bedtimes might not work for everyone, the research and experts seem to agree that it's the way to go. While I've been living under the impression that it is the total number of hours a child sleeps that matter, Dr. Marc Weissbluth, the popular pediatrician and author of Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, suggests otherwise, saying "when a child sleeps is probably as important or maybe more important as how much."
So is it time to give your kids an earlier bedtime? It might be. In the article, Dr. Weissbluth says parents should observe their toddler's behavior between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. or between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. if their child is older. If they're grumpy, irritable, or lethargic, they may need an earlier bedtime. He suggests trying to put your child to bed 20 minutes earlier for a few nights in a row. "If he falls asleep easily, then chances are he or she should be going to bed earlier."
I'm still not sure if an earlier bedtime will work in my home, but I'm willing to give it a try. Because while those extra few minutes are nice, they're often filled with angsty behavior that just makes me wish we had put them to bed earlier. If you're not convinced that 7:30 p.m. is right for your child, check out this bedtime chart based on age and usual wake-up time that the administrators at Wilson Elementary School in Kenosha, WI, distributed to their families. It just may convince you that your child needs more sleep!
9 Things Organized People Have in Their Garages
Fall is one of those seasons that, for whatever reason, causes us to re-evaluate our homes. Perhaps motivated by the end of Summer and the return to school, we all find ourselves wishing for a bit more organization when we come through the front door. Whether you live in an apartment with a tiny storage area or have a home with a proper garage, narrowing in on that space is a particularly good idea because it tends to be the place where we offload everything . . . when we can't commit to throwing away Halloween costumes from yesteryear and tea lights that you'll never buy batteries for. Read on to see how you can sort through the madness and ditch the cardboard boxes taking refuge in your garage.
32 Adorable Onesies That Will Make Your Twins Instagram Famous
Whether you like the look of siblings in matching clothes or not, you're going to love these adorable onesie sets that are sure to make your little babes Instagram famous. From specific outfits for twins to onesie sets that work for any sibling pair, these 32 matching sets need to make their way into your kiddos' closets - or could be a winning baby shower gift for a mama expecting multiples.
11 Things Teachers Want You to Do BEFORE the First Day of School
As a teacher, the beginning of a new school year is always exciting. We have to organize materials, get the classroom ready, and finalize lesson plans. But just as teachers have to prep for going back to school, so do the parents. And I'm talking beyond checking everything off that school supply list.
As the most important people in the educational life of a child, parents do more than just drop their kids off at the beginning of the day and pick them up when it's all over. Parents help set the learning tone for the whole year, and without their support, everything cam go south. Keep reading for 11 things you can do ahead of time to make sure you, your child, and their teacher have the most successful and efficient school year yet.
Unsure If Plastic Baby Bottles Are Safe? Go Glass Instead With These 7 Options
There's an interesting conversation happening right now surrounding plastic baby bottles. A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlighted dangers associated with reheating certain types of plastic in microwaves and dishwashers. For bottle-fed babies, this data might be unsettling, as many parents frequently use the dishwasher to sanitize bottles and sippy cups.
Since heat could potentially leak BPA and phthalates into the bottles (they're not suggesting that it's definitely happening), you can avoid this potential hazard entirely by opting to use glass bottles instead. Find out what's on the market and see what's right for your baby.
I Don't Let My Kids Eat Their Halloween Candy, but I Swear I'm Not a Witch
Like most kids, Halloween was my favorite holiday growing up. Why? Candy, obviously. The costumes and haunted houses were fun and all, but my goal was to stockpile as much candy as humanly possible, ditch all the garbage nobody wanted (you know who you are, toothbrushes, dimes, and Bit-O-Honey), and see how much of that sweet treasure I could consume in one night.
Now that I'm a parent (who also happens to be a nutritionist), my views toward Halloween have changed just a smidge, and, yes, I am that mom who makes her kids trade in their trick-or-treat candy. Before you call me a bad mom and tell me how my plan is going to backfire in my face when my kids turn into candy-gorging monsters who hide empty wrappers under their bed, hear me out.
It's not easy, but I do try to strike a balance between being overly strict and allowing Halloween to turn into a month-long candy fest. I do this by limiting the number of Halloween activities we participate in and by having my kids turn in most of the Halloween candy they collect.
Seriously, though, when did the entire month of October turn into one long Halloween party? Before I had kids, I naively believed that you celebrated Halloween by trick-or-treating on Oct. 31. Now there are trunk-or-treats, school parties, and something called "Boo at the Zoo." At first, we got wrapped up in the excitement of taking our little guys out to show off their costumes. We quickly realized, however, that they were getting candy pretty much every weekend in October, and Halloween lost some of its sparkle. Now, we limit the festivities to one function during the month of October and then trick-or-treating on Halloween night. It's definitely helped to get the candy situation under control, and bonus, I don't have to constantly say "no" every time my kids whine for "just one more piece."
With the candy they do bring home, we let them go through it and pick out a few of their favorites (who am I to deny someone the joy of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup?), and then they trade in the rest of their candy for a special prize. We don't go over the top with it (I'm pretty sure my oldest chose a lightsaber from Target last year). And this year, I plan to give them a dollar limit and let them choose a toy or a few art supplies they've been asking for.
Even though I don't want all that candy in our house, I still feel guilty just throwing it in the trash. Last year, we found out through Facebook that a local dentist office was accepting candy donations to be sent to our troops overseas. We even have a local grocery store that will trade your candy for fresh produce!
Depending on where you live, you should be able to search the name of your city and "Halloween candy donation" or "candy buy back" and come up with a few options for donating your unwanted candy. If your search comes up empty, you can reach out directly to Operation Gratitude, Operation Shoebox, or Ronald McDonald House to find ways to donate. If all else fails, make this Halloween Candy Graveyard and invite a few friends over so you can share your sugary riches.
Amazon's Halloween Candy Game Is So Strong, We're Saying, "Bring On the Trick-or-Treaters!"
Name a more iconic duo than Halloween and candy . . . we'll wait. If you're itching to get your bucket of Halloween candy ready for trick-or-treaters (OK, OK, and for your own light snacking purposes), Amazon is ready to help you stock up sufficiently. From Mars chocolate variety packs to Hershey's candies like Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers, you're going to have enough Halloween candy to last through the night of Oct. 31 for months.
Check out all of the various candy bundles you can buy on Amazon now (with Prime shipping!).
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