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.
lundi 10 septembre 2018
I Was a 9-Year-Old New Yorker on 9/11, and It Changed Me Forever
As a native New Yorker, my experience on 9/11 was both similar to - and unique from - the 9/11 all Americans experienced. I was a third-grader at school in Manhattan when the principal tapped on the door and motioned for my teacher, Ms. Delgado, to step outside. When Ms. Delgado came back, she looked pale. Her voice kept going in and out as she told us the school was calling our parents and we were all going home.
The rest of my classmates and I were excited to go back home, but I could tell something was up based on how my teacher was acting. It was 8:45 a.m. and we had just started the school day. My mom's assistant came to pick me up and when I got home, I found my mom watching TV, holding her chest with her eyes wide open. I ran over and asked her what was going on, but she didn't say a word. She just pointed at the screen.
My dad volunteered to help with the clean-up efforts for a few days. He would come home exhausted, covered in grayish dust, but never spoke a word about his experience.
I saw "Avión Estrella Torres Gemelas" in big white letters: "Plane Hits Twin Towers" in English. At this point, only the North Tower had been hit. Just a few short minutes later, as we sat in front of the TV, we watched the second plane hit the South Tower. I immediately felt a wave of sadness and anger. My mom grabbed my hand and held it so tight. I started thinking about how many people were going to die because they wouldn't have enough time to escape, all the people on the plane who wouldn't see their loved ones again.
After the second tower fell, my mom called my dad. He was working as a building superintendent on the Upper West Side, so she just wanted to make sure he was OK. She called and called but wasn't able to get a hold of him. I remember my little brother and I waiting by the door that day until he walked in. My dad made it home eventually, having biked five miles after the trains stopped running. As soon as we saw him, my brother and I ran into his arms and started crying because we were so relieved to see him. My mom ran over to him too, they kissed, and we all just embraced each other in a big hug.
The rest of the day was a blur. We watched the news for more details and found out it was a terrorist attack, how four planes had been hijacked, how high the death toll was. The city completely shut down while we watched the TV in horror. My mom made me stay home from school for the rest of the week because she felt it wasn't safe. I was so glad - I was terrified to go outside. I kept thinking about what else could happen. Were there plans to attack other parts of NYC? But my fear started to dissolve in the days that followed, as Americans showed the world just how united we could be. People came together to mourn those we lost but also to help in any possible way we could. My dad volunteered to help with the clean-up efforts for a few days before returning to work. He would come home exhausted, covered in grayish dust, but never spoke a word about his experience. To this day, he doesn't talk about it.
Image Source: Getty / Andrew Burton
Being in the city on a day that no one will ever forget changed my life. At just 9-years-old, I learned I had to be more vigilant and mindful of my surroundings. The words "See something, say something" are always in the back of my mind now. For the first few weeks after 9/11, our lessons at school became about learning what terrorists and terror attacks were. My mom or my dad picked my brother and I up from school every day. They wanted to make sure we felt safe at all times.
A few years later, I remembering walking to my new middle school when a kid from the school across the street walked up to me and said "I'm going to bomb your school today." My first instinct was to run to my school, tell the security guards what had just happened, and call my mom. School officials got involved, asked me for a description of the kid and tracked him down. I found out later he was suspended from school because of what he said. After 9/11, I became more fearful and wary of everyone around me. I just didn't know who could be the next terrorist. But I also found an inner strength that is still strong within me today.
Ten years later, when the 9/11 Memorial opened in the Financial District, I avoided the place at all costs.
Ten years later, when the 9/11 Memorial opened in the Financial District, I avoided the place at all costs. It just didn't feel right to visit the epicenter of such a horrific event. It wasn't until a friend from college was visiting NYC for the first time and begged me to take her that I went. I felt so much anxiety walking through security knowing I was getting closer to the pools with all the names of those who died. The memorial features a slew of swamp white oak trees with two square reflecting pools in the center, where the Twin Towers once stood. The pools are surrounded with the names of people that died that dreadful day. The minute my friend and I got to them, I started crying.
I didn't lose anyone in the attack that day, thank God, but as someone who was born and bred in Manhattan, I felt like it was an attack on me, too. I haven't gone back to the memorial since the day I visited the museum. Going there just made me think about 9-year-old me watching the towers fall on TV, not being able to get in touch with my dad, and feeling so helpless. It's a memory I liked to keep buried deep down - but it's also a reminder of how strong I am and how important it is to still have faith in humanity.
What I've Learned From My Own Experience Dating While Disabled
Every day millions of people all over the world are being diagnosed with an incurable illness. As the population grows and more illnesses are being discovered, those afflicted may wonder what that means for their dating life. In 2008, I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder affecting my collagen. Collagen is the glue that keeps your body together. I can dislocate every joint in my body because of the lack of collagen in my body. Being newly diagnosed in 2008, no one could tell me what this illness meant for me long term. Since they didn't have the answer for that, then they certainly didn't have the answers for what my dating and relationship worlds would look like post diagnosis.
At 25, being diagnosed with an illness that has no cure isn't an easy pill to swallow. But, I was determined to still be able to live my life to the best of my abilities. Of course, this didn't happen right away. A lot of soul searching and unfortunately, a lot of alcohol consumption had happened during those first few years of my diagnosis. I can't even tell you what my Summer of 2010, looked like. It definitely was a whirlwind blur of dancing, clubs, and alcohol. But, with anything, if you do it too much, things get old. So in 2011, I set upon documenting my dating life as a disabled person.
Telling any potential new partners you are disabled or have an illness, but you look completely healthy, isn't easy. Most, if not all, assume I am exaggerating about my illness and its symptoms. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, being a newly diagnose-able illness, didn't have a lot of research to back up what I was saying that my body was doing to itself. Some guys I dated thought I was lying, but hey, scars don't lie. I have had 59 surgeries, I have 12 more pending that I have put off, so I can try to live a life without seeing an operating room every few months. Dating over the years has been interesting to say the least. You never know how someone is going to react when things get really real. I've had many surgeries where the guy I was seeing, who supposedly loved me, was MIA for. Most of the time, I prefer to do things alone, but I wouldn't have minded one of those guys I dated to be there for the after.
There is no training manual for dating with an illness or disability. Self-help books claim to help you through the dating process, but none of them will be based exactly on you personally. You can take certain tips and mold them to apply to your situation, which can be helpful. Since there aren't many books on dating with an illness, I set upon writing one myself, Dating While Disabled. I know this book won't help everyone out there with an illness, but I am hoping it can be a guide on the good things I have done in my dating life and things you shouldn't do.
If you are single when you are first diagnosed, I highly recommend you take some time for yourself. Learning about your illness needs to be a priority, a bigger priority than dating. You have to learn to accept that this is your life now. And that will take time. It took me four years to accept my illness and learn to embrace EDS and all it has done for me and against me. Learning to accept your illness isn't something that happens over night. There will be tears, frustration, and depression. But, you will get past that period in your life and then it will pop back up in the most inconvenient time.
Dealing with your illness will be a lifelong love and hate journey. But, I behoove you to look past the negatives of your illness and the side effects that can cripple you. If you do not learn to accept that you have this illness, no one else will be able to see past it either. I've learned over the years that if I continue the poor me mantra, everyone else around me will only see my illness and the other parts of myself that the illness has nothing to do with, will no longer be there for them to see. I call this TMI, Too Much Illness. If you're having a bad day, absolutely vent and do what you need to get through the day. But, if you are seeing more bad days than good, it's time to re-evaluate your thought processes. I used to be consumed by EDS and what it was doing and some days even when my symptoms weren't that bad, I still only focused on it. Which caused my brain to think about the pain, which of course then amplifies the pain you are in. Making it much worse than it actually is.
Now that I am 10 years post diagnosis, I still have bad days, but they aren't as consuming as they were before. I've learned to accept that some days, I want nothing to do with the world. And on the days I do want to be involved I make sure I am completely present in the moment. Sometimes, you have to just be present. Thinking about all you've been through in the past on a daily basis will not help your state of mind. You literally make yourself stuck in the past and constantly wondering what your future may look like because of your past struggles. By doing this, you are allowing yourself to forget what you can do for yourself today, whether that's dating or just living your best life.
The EGOT: 26 Stars Who Are Almost There
With award season coming up, more celebrities are one step closer to joining Hollywood's most prestigious club. The EGOT - an acronym for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony - is Hollywood's grand slam of awards, and only a handful of celebrities (like Audrey Hepburn, Whoopi Goldberg, and Mel Brooks) have made the list. John Legend just took home an Emmy, making him the latest star to receive the honor. Veteran actress Jessica Lange only needs a Grammy, while stars like Taylor Swift, Adele, and Sam Smith are halfway there. Wondering who else is making progress?
Penn Badgley Didn't Initially Want to Star in Lifetime's You - Here's What Changed His Mind
Penn Badgley may be known as Dan Humphrey to many, but pretty soon, fans will see him in a completely different light. Nearly six years after wrapping his hit series, Gossip Girl, the actor is returning to TV with Lifetime's thriller You (based on Caroline Kepnes's 2014 novel of the same name). While the series has already gained attention for its similarities to the hit CW show, be warned that his character, Joe (a bookstore employee who uses social media to stalk a girl he becomes infatuated with), is a far cry from Lonely Boy. In fact, Badgley almost turned down the role because of the character's dark nature.
During You's premiere event in NYC, the actor told POPSUGAR that he was repulsed by the character when he first read the book. "I was compelled by the project but ultimately turned off by Joe himself," he explained. "Because I don't get to play anybody else, I don't get to do anything else in the show, but be Joe. And I really didn't like him." Even when he got the role, he wasn't too concerned with bringing the book version of Joe to life for one simple reason: "He scared me."
So, what ultimately changed Badgley's mind about playing Joe? The show's producers, Sera Gamble (The Magicians) and Greg Berlanti (Riverdale). "It was my conversations with them that really allowed me to see into what we were doing," he said. "And then it continued to be an exercise and trusting Sera and the others, a lot of the women - the directors, the writers, the producers - because I was like, 'Why are we letting him do this?' Ultimately, it was a really enriching experience for me, personally. I hope some of that is in some way part of the viewer's experience."
While the show is super relevant with the use of social media and themes of privacy, it also feels incredibly timely with the Me Too movement, something Badgley is definitely aware of. "It's funny because now that we're here, I wouldn't want this show to come out at another time," he said. "I wouldn't want people to not be willing to have this kind of conversation around it, because then I think it would be really toxic and desensitizing. Now it seems people are thinking and saying all the right things, so I'm down for it. Like even right now, I'm mostly interacting with women when it comes to this show. Like my publicist, my agent, my wife [Domino Kirke], the writers of the show, the creators of the show, the directors, the producers, the cast members, and everybody seems to be really encouraging and supportive of this project."
You premieres on Lifetime on Sept. 9.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Just Released a Ton of Details About Their Upcoming Tour
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are embarking on their first royal tour as a married couple. In June, Kensington Palace announced that the newlyweds would be visiting Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and New Zealand, and now we finally have more details about their upcoming 16-day trip. The pair will arrive in Sydney on Oct. 16, before heading to Dubbo, in New South Wales, a day later. From there, the two will visit Melbourne before returning to Sydney for Harry's Invictus Games, the event where they made their first debut as a couple in 2017.
The two will also visit Suva and Nadi in Fiji and Nuku'alofa, Tonga, during their trip before wrapping things up in New Zealand. "The program across these four Commonwealth counties will focus on youth leadership, environmental and conservation efforts - including the dedication of several new Queen's Commonwealth Canopy projects - and the recovery and rehabilitation of servicemen and woman through the Invictus Games Sydney 2018," the couple's office at Kensington Palace said in a statement.
Not only will it be Meghan's first royal tour, but according to Elle, the trip will double as a special reunion between Meghan and her former Suits costars. Harry and Meghan reportedly have some free time during their visit, so they'll be staying with actor Gabriel Macht and his wife, Jacinda Barrett, at their home in Noosa, Australia. We can't wait for even more royal appearances. See their full schedule ahead.
Tuesday, Oct. 16: Sydney, Australia
Wednesday Oct. 17: Dubbo, Australia
Thursday, Oct. 18: Melbourne, Australia
Friday, Oct. 19: Sydney, Australia
Saturday, Oct. 20: Sydney, Australia
Sunday, Oct. 21: Sydney, Australia
Monday, Oct. 22: Fraser Island, Australia
Tuesday, Oct. 23: Suva, Fiji
Wednesday, Oct. 24: Suva, Fiji
Thursday, Oct. 25: Nadi, Fiji and Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Friday, Oct. 26: Nuku'alofa, Tonga and Sydney, Australia
Saturday, Oct. 27: Sydney, Australia
Sunday, Oct. 28: Wellington, New Zealand
Monday, Oct. 29: Wellington and Abel Tasman, New Zealand
Tuesday, Oct. 30: Auckland, New Zealand
Wednesday, Oct. 31: Rotorua, New Zealand
Related: 15 Major Royal Milestones Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Have Already Hit This Year
Gigi Hadid's Clear Handbag Only Has a Champagne Bottle in It, and We're SHOOK
Gigi Hadid has been one busy girl during New York Fashion Week. After walking countless runways for designers like Prabal Gurung and Ralph Lauren, the model was seen at the Business of Fashion 500 gala. For the event, Gigi walked the red carpet in an ethereal yellow dress from Brandon Maxwell's SS '19 collection. (Gigi actually just walked in the designer's runway show with her sister Bella.)
While Gigi's canary yellow dress was eye-catching, to say the least, it was what she was carrying that stole the show. She finished her look off with a clear handbag, also from Brandon Maxwell's collection, that had a bottle of champagne in it and nothing else. The designer sent models down the runway carrying the same style as well. Read on to get a closer glimpse and Gigi's interesting bag and shop similar versions at the bottom if you want to give the trend a try too.
All 13 Hollywood Stars Who Have an EGOT
Few clubs in Hollywood are as exclusive as that reserved for EGOT winners. The acronym refers to winning the grand slam of all four major entertainment awards in a competitive category of the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys. That means the immensely talented individual will have displayed excellence in television, recording, film, and theater - clearly picking up an EGOT isn't an everyday occurrence.
While it took some winners their entire careers to nail all four corners of the entertainment industry, some (like musician John Legend) were able to knock out an EGOT before they turned 40. Read on to see who's been blessed with this exclusive honor (and the first awards that got them there), then check out all the Hollywood stars who are *this close* to getting their own EGOTs.
I'm a Trainer, and These Are My 15 Favorite Dumbbell Exercises For Building Muscle
What I'm about to tell you is no secret: lifting weights will help you decrease your fat mass and increase your lean muscle mass. There are many ways to build muscle, and the consensus is that lifting weights and incorporating compound exercises - moves that work multiple muscle groups at once - into your routine is the way to go.
As a trainer, I completely agree with this method, and I wanted to share some of my favorite dumbbell exercises with you. Some are specific to muscle groups, like the triceps extension, and others are compound exercises, like the 3-in-1 squat, curl, and press.
This is is not a workout - you can find a a bunch of them here. Instead, let these exercises inspire your next workout. Select three to five moves and add them into an existing program, or create a new workout with these moves.
Lady Gaga, Queen of Being Extra, Wore 4 Dresses In 1 Night at the Toronto Film Festival
Lady Gaga might have a totally pared down look for her role in A Star Is Born but her outfits (yes, that is plural) at the Toronto Film Festival certainly didn't follow that dress code. In fact, we were in for a treat with Gaga serving us four looks throughout the evening.
First up for the 32-year-old star's day of incredible looks was a one-shoulder, red velvet gown by Ralph and Russo, which she wore to the A Star Is Born conference and paired with black heels. Next up in her epic dress line-up was her red-carpet look consisting of an Armani Privé black gown, which she accessorized with a black veil, matching embellished hat, and Chopard jewelry. We're sure Morticia Addams would have been proud of this look, which instantly had us itching for Halloween season.
But that's not all. After all, it's Lady Gaga we're talking about, so two looks weren't enough. Later in the night, she changed into a silver Giorgio Armani slip dress for the public screening of the film, but kept the same black hat and heels. She then changed one last time for the afterparty, opting for another velvet number by Ralph and Russo, which consisted of a black and pink gown with a ruffled neckline. Phew! That's a lot of outfit changes, but we couldn't expect anything less from the ever glamorous Lady Gaga. Ahead get a closer look at all of her dresses.
The 1 Simple Thing My Husband Does to Show Me He Cares Every Day
Marriage is hard. For many of us, when we're engaged, we picture marriage to be blissful and peaceful. But after you become newlyweds, you quickly discover that marriage can be strenuous. You learn that your husband ticks you off because he can't seem to land his dirty laundry in the hamper. My husband and I are no different. We just celebrated our 10-year anniversary, and while I'd love to report that it's been smooth sailing, that would be a mammoth lie. Yes, we've endured a lot this past decade: cancer-stricken parents, job loss, and adding two children to the mix. But the one thing that has kept us strong is how we show the other person that we care, that they're appreciated every single day - no matter what.
The one thing that has kept us strong is how we show the other person that we care, that they're appreciated every single day - no matter what.
Believe it or not, the one thing that my husband does for me that means the most is simply making the coffee every morning. Regardless of what's going on in our lives, it's he who always takes the time to make that glorious caffeine brew. And while he drinks a little of it in the morning, too, he does it for me to show me that he cares.
Yes, making the coffee is a simple task. You pour the water, dump the coffee grounds, and press the "on" button. Voilà. In minutes, you have caffeine ready to circulate through your veins to help wake you up. But because I am a stay-at-home and work-from-home mother, my husband understands that this coffee is vital for me before the rowdy children wake up and wreak havoc on our home. He knows that I relish in my solitude during the early hours of the morning to kick-start my day. And he understands that I need that warm mug between my hands while I'm nuzzled on the couch to really help ground myself for all that the day will bring.
Related: What It's Like to Be Married to Someone With Anxiety
Between settling sibling fights and writing articles, juggling the day's responsibilities can be tough. My husband leaves home to go to his office every morning. So, while he doesn't really get the pressure of working from home with little terrors trying to rule the home, he does appreciate what I do inside of it. He gets that working from home with the kids also means scrubbing toilets, making three meals, and cleaning . . . all day long. My husband and I do our best to thank each other for the different roles that we take on within our family. No one is better than the other. No job is more difficult. And we appreciate it all.
Related: 12 Reasons I'm Glad I Married My High School Sweetheart
No, our marriage is not perfect. We argue weekly about both the big and small things, from not refilling the Brita before it goes back into the fridge to not understanding my feelings on a heated subject. But when I wake up the next morning after an altercation and see that the coffee is made, my heart softens. Yes, the one thing my husband and I always try to do is show each other that we care. Because if we stop showing each other that we appreciate each other, what will we have left? So, while making me coffee each and every morning is a small task, I sure hope that my husband continues to do it when our skin is wrinkled and the hair on our heads turns white. Because not only does it revitalize my day, but our marriage, too.
I Quit Netflix For 1 Week, and Here Are All the Things I Had Time to Do Instead
I love the fact that nowadays we can simply type in a show or movie title and be able to stream it just minutes later. Gone are the days of trekking to Blockbuster to rent films or waiting for your Netflix DVDs to come in the mail. However, having so much access to shows and movies through streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has become maybe a bit too convenient.
According to research, on average Netflix users binge-watch up to five hours consecutively in one sitting. I personally can vouch for this as I pretty much watched the whole series of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in one day earlier this Summer (amount of time glued to the screen aside – it is SO good!). You always think that the next episode will be the last episode you watch, until, before you know it, you're on the last season and it is 2 a.m.
So this got me thinking: What would I have time for instead if watching any form of television was not an option for one week? Well, the answer is a lot. Read on to see.
I Quit Netflix For 1 Week, and Here Are All the Things I Had Time to Do Instead
I love the fact that nowadays we can simply type in a show or movie title and be able to stream it just minutes later. Gone are the days of trekking to Blockbuster to rent films or waiting for your Netflix DVDs to come in the mail. However, having so much access to shows and movies through streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has become maybe a bit too convenient.
According to research, on average Netflix users binge-watch up to five hours consecutively in one sitting. I personally can vouch for this as I pretty much watched the whole series of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in one day earlier this Summer (amount of time glued to the screen aside – it is SO good!). You always think that the next episode will be the last episode you watch, until, before you know it, you're on the last season and it is 2 a.m.
So this got me thinking: What would I have time for instead if watching any form of television was not an option for one week? Well, the answer is a lot. Read on to see.
This Minimalist Store Is a College Student's Dream
School is in full swing, and jelly pens and spiral notebooks are flying off the shelves in the dozens. However, heading back to college is an entirely different beast than grade school. Not only do you need writing utensils, you need like actual, real eating utensils. Interior decorating a space that is 1) tiny 2) not yours for longer than eight months, and 3) ugly is a real challenge. Sure, you could hang up fairy lights and Polaroids of your friends and call it a day, but not everyone wants their room to look like it was pulled out of a John Green movie set.
Enter MUJI. This minimalist store is full of the basics every dorm dweller needs without sacrificing quality for price. From stackable storage units and a stapler to a colander, this Japanese company has mastered the clean, simple, utilitarian vibe that will make your space look organized no matter how much of a mess your life may be.
In Case You're Confused, Here's EXACTLY How The Nun Connects to The Conjuring
Image Source: Warner Bros.
Warning: spoilers for The Nun are in this post!
Going in to see The Nun, there's no real mystery as to how it connects to the rest of the films in The Conjuring's expanding universe. After all, the demon Valak appears as the habit-donning monster in The Conjuring 2 and even shows up during a postcredits scene at the and of Annabelle: Creation. The real mystery, of course, is how. How does a terrifying nun monster from the 1900s come to haunt Lorraine Warren? Luckily, we do get an answer by the end of The Nun; not only does it connect back to the universe, but it also gives us a supercool full-circle moment that lands right back in The Conjuring's first film. Last chance to turn back before I spoil some things!
OK, so, I'm not going to spend a lot of time talking about the end of The Nun. The basic, basic gist is this: Father Burke (Demián Bichir) and Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) think they've vanquished the evil Valak with the help of a local farmboy who calls himself Frenchie, née Maurice. But in the last moments before we leave Romania for good, we realize it's not Irene we have to worry about, because Valak has actually possessed Maurice!
Image Source: Everett Collection
Cut to a scene that actually appears in The Conjuring: about 40 minutes in, we're at some kind of college lecture that Ed and Lorraine Warren are giving on possession. Carolyn Perron, whose house is plagued by some kind of presence, is in attendance. Ed and Lorraine play footage from an old case in which a man named Maurice was possessed by a demon. In the footage within the scene, we see the actor who plays Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), and he's clearly succumbed to the evil inside him. At the very last moment, he lets out an inhuman howl and looks directly at Lorraine. Lorraine screams.
And there you have it! Though Valak doesn't really appear until the second film in the Conjuring series, we get to throw it all the way back to the beginning to connect another thread. What's interesting is that "Maurice," who originally appeared in The Conjuring, is different, meaning they must have reshot that scene to tie it back into The Nun. Even so, it's cool to see how the creators found a way to throw it back. That's pretty awesome, right?
Pop Culture Halloween: 50+ Costume Ideas For BFFs
You know what's better than going to a Halloween party with your best friend? Dressing up with your best friend as best friends from a movie or a TV show. (Did I just blow your mind?) In preparation for the spooky holiday, we've rounded up some classic pairs from popular films and shows to inspire your pop culture Halloween. Click through and let us know who you and your BFF will be styled as come Oct. 31! If not of these strike you fancy, we have plenty of other ideas.
You'll Forget All About Fancy Weddings When You See This Couple's City Hall Nuptials
Many envision having a grand wedding ceremony and reception where all their friends and loved ones are there to witness a union. But Alva and Bo's intimate nuptials might convince you to downsize your guest list to two. The couple decided to have their own destination wedding in San Francisco to tie the knot at the gorgeous City Hall. The five-day trip included just them and their wedding photographer, exploring the city and Alcatraz.
"Alva had her dress custom designed with her favorite accent color, pink, and added fabulous pink patent-leather heels for her big day styling," said their photographer. "These two are so clearly in love and they do know how to have a good time, and it shows in all the photos."
See the pictures ahead!
12 Women Share What They Fantasize About When Masturbating
There's nothing wrong with taking some much needed "me" time for a solo session. In fact, masturbating is actually really good for you, as it's teeming with health and wellness perks! Plus, it obviously feels amazing, and as you come to learn more about your body and what gets you off, you're in for some mind-blowing orgasms. No matter how great your partner might be in bed, it's really nice to be alone with your own thoughts and hands, where you can control your own pleasure.
Yet, sometimes you run out of visuals or life's circumstances change. Perhaps you don't really want to think about your ex who crushed your heart into a million little pieces. Here are some fresh ideas from real women who know how to get that "O" every time.
This Sleep Mask Is Also a Pair of Headphones
I love listening to music or podcasts to help me quickly drift off into sleep. Most nights I spend a bit of time before bed to set up a soundtrack of relaxing or inspirational music, something that will help me sleep better and allow me to wake up refreshed. According to a study done by the Sleep Foundation, 45 minutes of relaxing music before bed is shown to help people fall asleep faster and sleep better.
But you know what I don't love so much? All the discomfort that comes along with lying down with headphones on. I usually wake up in the middle of the night with my headphones thrown across the bed, the wires wrapped around my arms, and the music still playing. Yes, it does look as awkward as it sounds.
So when I found out about this awesome Music Sleep Mask ($35) from Urban Outfitters I became very excited. Not only does its thick lining block out any light, but it also has headphones integrated into the actual eye mask. This means that you can lie down or relax without having to worry about any headphones poking into your ears. It also comes complete with audio cable and volume controls so you can truly customize your experience.
Convinced this multipurpose eye mask will help you comfortably doze off to dreamland? Shop it ahead.
You'll Forget All About Fancy Weddings When You See This Couple's City Hall Nuptials
Many envision having a grand wedding ceremony and reception where all their friends and loved ones are there to witness a union. But Alva and Bo's intimate nuptials might convince you to downsize your guest list to two. The couple decided to have their own destination wedding in San Francisco to tie the knot at the gorgeous City Hall. The five-day trip included just them and their wedding photographer, exploring the city and Alcatraz.
"Alva had her dress custom designed with her favorite accent color, pink, and added fabulous pink patent-leather heels for her big day styling," said their photographer. "These two are so clearly in love and they do know how to have a good time, and it shows in all the photos."
See the pictures ahead!
12 Women Share What They Fantasize About When Masturbating
There's nothing wrong with taking some much needed "me" time for a solo session. In fact, masturbating is actually really good for you, as it's teeming with health and wellness perks! Plus, it obviously feels amazing, and as you come to learn more about your body and what gets you off, you're in for some mind-blowing orgasms. No matter how great your partner might be in bed, it's really nice to be alone with your own thoughts and hands, where you can control your own pleasure.
Yet, sometimes you run out of visuals or life's circumstances change. Perhaps you don't really want to think about your ex who crushed your heart into a million little pieces. Here are some fresh ideas from real women who know how to get that "O" every time.
Related: I Masturbated Every Day For a Week - Here's What Happened
This Sleep Mask Is Also a Pair of Headphones
I love listening to music or podcasts to help me quickly drift off into sleep. Most nights I spend a bit of time before bed to set up a soundtrack of relaxing or inspirational music, something that will help me sleep better and allow me to wake up refreshed. According to a study done by the Sleep Foundation, 45 minutes of relaxing music before bed is shown to help people fall asleep faster and sleep better.
But you know what I don't love so much? All the discomfort that comes along with lying down with headphones on. I usually wake up in the middle of the night with my headphones thrown across the bed, the wires wrapped around my arms, and the music still playing. Yes, it does look as awkward as it sounds.
So when I found out about this awesome Music Sleep Mask ($35) from Urban Outfitters I became very excited. Not only does its thick lining block out any light, but it also has headphones integrated into the actual eye mask. This means that you can lie down or relax without having to worry about any headphones poking into your ears. It also comes complete with audio cable and volume controls so you can truly customize your experience.
Convinced this multipurpose eye mask will help you comfortably doze off to dreamland? Shop it ahead.
This Minimalist Store Is a College Student's Dream
School is in full swing, and jelly pens and spiral notebooks are flying off the shelves in the dozens. However, heading back to college is an entirely different beast than grade school. Not only do you need writing utensils, you need like actual, real eating utensils. Interior decorating a space that is 1) tiny 2) not yours for longer than eight months, and 3) ugly is a real challenge. Sure, you could hang up fairy lights and Polaroids of your friends and call it a day, but not everyone wants their room to look like it was pulled out of a John Green movie set.
Enter MUJI. This minimalist store is full of the basics every dorm dweller needs without sacrificing quality for price. From stackable storage units and a stapler to a colander, this Japanese company has mastered the clean, simple, utilitarian vibe that will make your space look organized no matter how much of a mess your life may be.
Skip That Cup of Coffee and Eat the Following 15 Foods For All-Day Energy
If you're in need of a boost in energy, it can be tempting to reach for another cup of cold brew or fizzy soda (we've all been there). While caffeine and added sugar will certainly perk you up, they can quickly lead to a surefire crash later. That doesn't mean you are doomed to a life of 2 p.m. fatigue! Luckily, there is an abundance of healthy food out there that will naturally raise your energy levels without the crash. The next time you're feeling sluggish, skip the sugary drinks and hit the recharge button with the following 15 healthy and energizing foods.
This Is Exactly How Much Salt You Should Be Eating in a Day, According to Dietitians
If you don't pour the salt shaker on all your meals or down a package of instant ramen noodles every day, you're probably not concerned with how much sodium you're ingesting. But it can lurk in even the most innocent of packaged foods, and since the standard American diet relies a lot on processed food and takeout, you could be eating much more sodium than you realize.
We spoke to dietitians who broke down just how much sodium you should eat in a day, what happens if you eat too much, and how to eat the right amount for weight loss. Read on to find out if salt is a hidden culprit in your diet.
John Legend Just Became an EGOT Winner, and Chrissy Teigen's Reaction Will Make You Melt
On Sept. 9, John Legend officially achieved EGOT status when he won an Emmy award for Outstanding Variety Special for Jesus Christ Superstar Live!, which he co-produced. For the very special occasion, Chrissy Teigen was of course in attendance, and no one could have been prouder of John's incredible achievement.
At 39-years-old, the singer is one of the youngest stars to join the exclusive club, and his wife made sure to document the moment. Once the adorable couple got home, Chrissy shared a sweet video of John proudly adding his new Emmy to his award shelf, writing "And I say hey, what a wonderful kind of day." Get ready to melt into a puddle of goo.
22 Weight Watchers-Friendly Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker
When you're a busy person, the slow cooker is your best friend, but when you're on Weight Watchers, sometimes it takes a little more effort to put together a meal that you know fits into your daily points budget. Luckily, with a little research - and the help of these recipes - you can have both! We've pulled together 22 recipes that are all seven or fewer Weight Watchers SmartPoints per serving, and there's a little bit of everything: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They're pretty easy to throw together in your slow cooker and will either feed you and your family or give you multiple servings to package up and last you through the week. Weight Watchers doesn't have to be hard, and with this recipe guide, it definitely won't be.
This Fashion Week's Front Row Might Just Be the Most Stylish Ever
Fashion Month is officially underway, and the stars are out in force, ready for a seriously stylish September. Over the next four weeks, we'll see some of the world's most glamorous celebrities sitting from row in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, scouting out looks for future red carpet appearances and award shows.
This season, things kicked things off at Tom Ford's glamorous New York show, where Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson rubbed shoulders with Cardi B, Crazy Rich Asians breakout star Henry Golding, Hailee Steinfeld, and Suki Waterhouse. Keep reading to see all the celebrity attendees so far, and stay tuned for more front-row action as New York Fashion Week continues.
20-Minute Flat-Belly and Toned-Arms Workout
We like to think of this workout as a two-for-one! We're going to work your abs and arms with a bunch of multitasking moves that target both areas and more. If you're new to working out, don't worry. We offer beginner modifications for all the exercises throughout the video. Grab a set of dumbbells between five and 10 pounds, and get ready to feel the burn. Here's a printable PDF version of the workout so you can take it to the gym.
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Credits: On Anna BodyLanguage; On Brittany Puma, Koral, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL); On Kaycee BodyLanguage, Lululemon, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL); Manduka mats, and Corkcicle bottles
The Cast of Sierra Burgess Is a Loser Is So Good, We Can Barely Handle It
Justice for Barb at last! In the latest Netflix rom-com, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, Shannon Purser (also known as the legendary Barb from Stranger Things) is finally getting the starring role she deserves.
If you haven't watched the trailer yet, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is about an ambitious but unpopular high schooler who starts exchanging texts with a guy she finds herself falling for -- except that he thinks she is Veronica, the most popular girl in school.
A catfishing tale with good intentions, this movie is totally sweet, and the cast is absolutely stacked. Scroll through to check out who will be appearing in the film, which hit Netflix on Sept. 7.
9 Colorful and Affordable Makeup Items to Transform Your Look This Halloween
One of the best parts of Halloween is the ability to transform yourself into whatever character or creature you'd like using makeup. Unfortunately, this wonderful holiday only comes once a year, so you probably won't want to spend a fortune on the beauty items you're using to complete your costume. The good news is there are tons of affordable options available with rich pigments and easy-to-work-with formulas that will help you achieve your spooky goals. With these tools, you'll look like Pennywise the clown from It in no time.
Ahead, you'll find some of the most vibrant and incredible makeup available that are perfect for Halloween (or any time you feel like trying out a daring hue) all under $20.
John Legend Is Officially an EGOT Winner: "So Amazed to Be in Such Rarefied Air"
At the 2018 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sept. 9, John Legend officially achieved EGOT status. The 39-year-old singer won an award for Outstanding Variety Special for Jesus Christ Superstar Live, which he co-produced. Legend's starring role in the televised musical also earned him a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, which will be announced at the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 17.
Legend's wife, Chrissy Teigen, was in attendance and cheering him on. Prior to his big win,
Teigen tweeted, "If Jesus Christ Superstar wins, john will have his EGOT. And I will make an even uglier cry face," alluding to her now-famous expression at the 2015 Golden Globes. In an Instagram post following the award show, Legend said he was "so amazed to be in such rarefied air."
Throughout his prolific career, Legend has received 10 Grammys, a Tony for co-producing Jitney in 2017, and an Oscar for his song "Glory," which appeared in 2014's Selma. He is one of the youngest to join the exclusive club. Frozen and Coco songwriter Robert Lopez previously became the youngest ever EGOT winner in 2014 when he too was 39, the same age as Legend.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Met the Queer Eye Guys, and They're Already "Friends For Life"
All our celebrity friendship dreams are coming true! After trading tweets and comments with the crew over the past few months, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend spent Sept. 8 celebrating with the Queer Eye cast at an Emmys party, and let's just say, we wish we were invited. The 32-year-old model and author shared photos of the night on her Instagram account, and naturally gave the gallery a hilarious caption.
"I have no voice today. I am so happy to have met these wonderful humans yesterday," Chrissy wrote. "I feel like I've met friends for life. My groomsmen in my next wedding for sure." While Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, Tan France, and Antoni Porowski all got them memo, guess who was noticeably missing from this sweet meetup? Our constant hairspiration, Jonathan Van Ness. Guess they'll need to hang out again soon so we can live vicariously through more pictures he can join!
Mayans MC: Who Was Gemma Visiting in Prison - and What Will That Mean For the Show?
Warning: spoilers for Mayans MC ahead!
Sons of Anarchy fans didn't have to wait long to see a familiar face pop up in the new spinoff series, Mayans MC. Minutes into the premiere, Gemma Teller (Katey Sagal) makes a blink-and-you'd-miss-it appearance during a flashback scene, and her cameo could have some exciting implications for the series. Wondering what, exactly, was going on during that moment - and whether that opens the door for more SOA crossover? Check out our full breakdown below, then see how fans are reacting to Mayans MC.
When Does Gemma Make a Cameo?
Mayans MC takes place in a post-Jax world, meaning several of the main characters from SOA have already passed. A flashback prison scene with EZ brings us back eight years, though, and that's when Gemma appears in all her Gemma glory.
What Happens During Gemma's Scene?
EZ is in prison, where this then-girlfriend, Emily, shows up to share some news. He tells her he doesn't want to stay together because he's facing several years in jail and it feels cruel to let her hold out hope for their future. Upset, Emily abruptly walks out, but not before dropping sonogram photos on the table. When EZ realizes what's going on, he jumps up to follow her, attacking the prison guards when they try to stop him.
Oh, and who just so happens to be in the room, waiting to visit an inmate herself? Gemma. That begs the question: who is Gemma there to visit? Well, her presence (plus the eight-years-ago timeline) means the scene takes place in Stockton State Prison, because at that time, multiple SOA characters are in prison - including Clay and Jax. It's most likely that Gemma is visiting those two, but Tig, Juice, and Bobby are also in prison at that point.
Will Other SOA Characters Be on Mayans MC?
Creator Kurt Sutter has been fairly candid about the crossover potential between SOA and Mayans MC. When Sutter discussed Sagal's cameo in the premiere, he told reporters at the Television Critics press tour that the scene is "a way of letting us know that he's in Stockton where the two worlds will collide, at least in memory."
Does Gemma's appearance in the premiere mean we might see more Sons of Anarchy characters in flashback scenes - possibly in prison with EZ? Perhaps. I'm not going to hold my breath for a Charlie Hunnam appearance, though, as he's been pretty honest about closing that special chapter of his life.
The actor recently spoke with Entertainment Tonight about how much he respects Sons of Anarchy and his character, saying, "I have his cut and, you know, people have been to my house and asked if they could try it on and I [say], 'No one will ever put that cut on again' and 'We've got to respect that dude. He's not with us anymore.' So I would never bring him back from the dead for something like that. It was seven years of my life. He sort of became sacred to me."
Just Want to Know What the Twist Is in A Simple Favor? We Got You
Warning: Spoilers for the A Simple Favor book below!
A Simple Favor is one of the Fall's most anticipated movies. The Gone Girl-esque thriller stars A-listers Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, plus Crazy Rich Asians's breakout star Henry Golding. It's based on Darcey Bell's 2017 novel about Stephanie, a lonely suburban mom and blogger who embarks on a sort-of friendship with another mom: glamorous, mysterious Emily. When Emily disappears, Stephanie begins to unravel a web of suspicion and secrets around Emily, her husband Sean, and their perfect facade. It's exactly the kind of psychological thriller that's been such a big hit lately. While it's likely that the film will deviate a bit from the book, as most adaptations do, let's break down the main players and twists in Bell's novel.
Stephanie (played by Kendrick in the movie) is first introduced to us via her "mommy blog," where readers see the posts she makes about the disappearance of her "best friend" Emily (Lively's character). The two met because their sons are best friends, and, according to Stephanie, grew closer, even though Emily is everything Stephanie is not (and sort of wishes she could be): well-to-do, glamorous and put-together, with a successful career as a fashion executive and a gorgeous, loving husband. Stephanie is a bit messier: a stay-at-home mom, a widow, sharing her life with the world on her blog.
Image Source: Everett Collection
When Emily disappears, suspicion first falls on her husband, Sean, a charming but reserved British businessman who works on Wall Street. It soon comes out that he's the beneficiary of a life insurance policy just taken out on Emily - to the tune of $2 million. But when Emily's body is discovered washed up in a lake by her family's Michigan cabin, it's ruled a suicide. During this time, Stephanie and Sean grow closer - at first because Stephanie is trying to help with Emily and Sean's son, but it eventually blooms into a full-on affair.
Stephanie and Sean move their families in together, and they come to suspect that Emily didn't kill herself. That's when the unthinkable happens: she discovers that Emily is alive, and the narrative switches to Emily's perspective. From her point of view, we learn that she planned the whole thing in order to escape, with Sean and their son, from her increasingly dissatisfying life. But because she thought Sean was too dumb to be part of her plan, she doesn't tell him enough, and grows furious when he moves on with Stephanie.
When she does reveal herself, Sean tries to make amends, but she threatens him instead. Stephanie learns that Emily had a sister, Evelyn, whom she claims was the body found in the lake. Emily kills the insurance man and convinces Stephanie to help her dispose of the body and car, but is still out for revenge for what she sees as Sean's betrayal. She lies to Stephanie, claiming Sean was abusive to her and her sister, and gets Stephanie to blog about her "truth" in an attempt to destroy Sean's life and take their son. Sean is forced to leave the country and all seems well - until the cops find Emily's one-of-a-kind ring in the wreckage of the insurance man's car. Emily charms the cops enough to buy herself time, and Bell ends the novel with Emily happily planning to flee the country with her son.
It's a tidy enough ending, and there's a good chance the movie will follow in its footsteps. Will there be any further twists? A Simple Favor is released on Sept. 14 - we'll just have to wait and see!
How Well Do Prince William and Meghan Markle Actually Get Along?
It's been mere months since Meghan Markle officially joined the British royal family, but by most accounts, she's been a seamless addition. Meghan and Kate Middleton are said to have a "wonderful friendship," and their warm public interactions serve as further evidence of that. It's obvious that she shares a special bond with Prince Charles since he escorted her down the aisle during the royal wedding in May. And she's even in the good graces of Queen Elizabeth II, who is reportedly impressed by Meghan's intelligence, politeness, and eagerness to learn.
But how does the newest Mountbatten-Windsor get along with her brother-in-law, the future King of England, Prince William? It appears that relationship is going swimmingly as well.
Meghan and William were reportedly introduced for the first time in the Fall of 2016, when Harry brought Meghan to Kensington Palace to meet his brother. Reports that the pair "got on fabulously" followed. Around the same time, Prince William publicly showed his support for Meghan by releasing a statement via Kensington Palace that defended Harry's plea for the press to stop harassing Meghan (simultaneously confirming their relationship). It said: "The Duke of Cambridge absolutely understands the situation concerning privacy and supports the need for Prince Harry to support those closest to him."
One year later, when Harry and Meghan's engagement was publicly announced, Prince William, along with his wife, once again spoke out in support saying, "We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together." Kate later shared with reporters at an event that, "William and I are absolutely thrilled. It's such exciting news."
Another indicator of Meghan's and William's friendship, and perhaps their bond as in-laws, is Meghan and Harry's decision to live at Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace. The residence is practically next door to William and Kate's apartment, and is telling given that Harry and Meghan could have chosen to reside almost anywhere - including the Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Castle estate that they received as a wedding gift from the Queen.
It appears all of this is a solid foundation upon which Meghan and William will build in the future. According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, who spoke to The Daily Express, Meghan "will take on duties on behalf of the monarch as we see the Royals do today for the Queen.," which means Meghan will play an even more important supporting role once William takes the throne.
And if each of these positive reports isn't example enough, one can look to images of the duo interacting during public outings for further proof.
11 Movies That'll Warm Your Heart Just as Much as To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Based on Jenny Han's young adult novel, To All the Boys I've Loved Before has pretty much swept the internet off of its feet. With a charming romantic lead, a heartfelt story, and a fresh soundtrack, it encapsulates everything great about the romantic comedy genre. While you keep your fingers crossed for a sequel, there are plenty of similar feel-good romantic movies to enjoy in the meantime. From Set It Up to Bridget Jones's Diary, we've gathered the sweetest, funniest films that fans of To All the Boys I've Loved will fall head over heels for - maybe even harder than for the tender Peter Kavinsky himself.
Shameless: This Is Everything That Happened in Season 8
If you're new to Shameless, the first thing you need to know is that the Gallaghers always look out for each other. After all, the family that schemes together, stays together. And while the Chicago clan often tries (and fails) to shed its dysfunctional roots, the eighth season proves nobody does bad better than our South Side heroes. Who can forget Frank submerging himself in a portable toilet to escape authorities? Or, the night Frank amputates three of Debbie's toes with a pair of pliers? Or better yet, Ian's turn as "Gay Jesus"? If we've lost you, don't worry.
The ninth season of Shameless is set to air on Showtime this Fall, and it sounds like it'll be Emmy Rossum's last as Fiona, so this is the perfect time to reexamine all of the juicy Season 8 details.
After You Watch Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, Check Out Noah Centineo's Other Films
Netflix's new original film Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is out, and we're canceling all our plans in order to give the film a proper marathon viewing. The movie has a major all-star cast, but there's one actor in particular we can't help but notice. Noah Centineo plays the role of Jamey, Sierra's love interest, who thinks he's texting with the popular cheerleader Veronica.
We can't help but swoon over Centineo's adorable smile and dreamy charisma, which is exactly how we felt when we watched him win Lara Jean's heart in To All the Boys I've Loved Before. He played Peter Kavinsky, a high school jock who ended up having a major sensitive side. We fell for him right then and there, but it turns out Centineo has been playing heartthrobs for a while now.
In addition to the following credits, you might also recognize Centineo from his stint as a music video star. He landed the role of Camila Cabello's love interest in the music video for "Havana" featuring Young Thug.
It also looks like there will be no shortage of Noah Centineo moments in the future. He plays Lance Black in upcoming film Swiped. He also plays the lead Brooks Rattigan in a film called The Stand-In. And, he stars with Kevin Kline in 2019 film The Diary.
The Internet is Losing Its Sh*t over This Second Grade Math Problem
Update: After waiting on the edge of our seats, Ayla's math teacher finally revealed the answer to the question that left parents scratching their heads: 42.5. And if that doesn't seem right to you since you really can't have half a dog, you're not alone.
Angie gave POPSUGAR an update after hearing back from the teacher, writing: "The district worded it wrong. The answer would be 42.5, though, if done at an age appropriate grade."
We'll take it!
Original Story: When Angie Werner unzipped her second grade daughter Ayla's backpack on Jan. 24, she expected it to be business as usual when she laid eyes on her math homework. All was going well until Ayla reached one problem in particular that isn't exactly a question most 8-year-olds would understand. Angie decided to ask fellow mamas about it in the Breastfeeding Mama Talk in Private Facebook group, and her suspicion was confirmed: the word problem is actually hard as hell.
The tricky question reads: "There are 49 dogs signed up to compete in the dog show. There are 36 more small dogs than large dogs signed up to compete. How many small dogs are signed up to compete?" And honestly, people are pretty torn on the correct answer.
While the most popular answer to this problem is 36, people aren't exactly confident with that number: "Wouldn't [it] be 49 dogs - 36 small dogs? That make 13 large dogs. So 13 large dogs + 36 small dogs = 49 dogs together. So the answer is 36. It's a trick question lol, right?"
Hm, that doesn't quite add up.
After a long-winded debate, one woman pointed to a previous comment that found yet another possible solution to the problem: "Y'all. A mom above figured it out. We were all wrong. If there is a total of 49 dogs and 36 of them are small dogs then there are 13 large dogs. That means 36 small dogs subtracted by 13 large dogs then there are 23 more small dogs than large dogs. 36-13=23. BOOM!!! WOW! Anyone saying there's half and medium dogs tho just no!"
But apparently, that's not right either.
A few people also suggested that the answer is 42.5, which makes sense mathematically, but is pretty hard to fathom since we're talking about dogs, after all. No one wants half a dog. EVER. "49-36=13. 13/2=6.5. 36+6.5=42.5. That's how I did it in my head. Is that the right way to do it? Lol I haven't done math like this since I was in school!" said one mom.
We're right there with you. As much as we hate to fathom half a dog, if you got 42.5, you've officially mastered second grade math.
Get the Most Out of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party With These 12 Tips
Cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice everything, and spooky costumes are on the horizon, as is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. This hard-ticket after-dark event is on select nights at the Magic Kingdom (from Aug. 17 to Oct. 31), and is full of spooky fun. From special character meet-and-greets and party-only snacks to new ride layovers, everyone in your family will have a screamin' good time. If you'll be a part of the not-so-scary fun this season, we've put together some expert tips on how to get the most out of your money and enjoy every magical moment. Keep reading to see them all now and get ready to brainstorm your little one's costume!
Dollar Tree Is the Place to Do Your Halloween Shopping - 11 of Our Favorite Finds
If you're anything like us, you get excited at any opportunity there is to decorate your home. It's an indication that festivities are coming, and during the Fall months, the decor possibilities only get better. All of that sprucing up can get expensive, though, which is why we're obsessed with Dollar Tree's Halloween assortment this year. From creepy skulls to spooky cloths you can use to drape over the windows, we found 11 items you're going to want to grab fast. When you shop online, you'll likely have to buy in bulk, so if you need only a few of each item, you can get them in store in smaller quantities.
This New Study Found That Parents Influence Their Kids to Play With Specific Toys
A study published in the September edition of Sex Roles suggests parents may have more of a say over which toys their children play with. According to the research, moms and dads can impact their kids' preferences by exposing them to playing with specific toys.
Rebecca J. Woods, the study's author and a researcher at North Dakota State University, analyzed 51 infants and 60 toddlers, as well as their moms and dads, to see if parents could influence their child's choices during playtime.
During an initial test, Woods discovered that 5-month-old babies didn't have a specific preference between dolls and trucks. However, when the subjects were tested again at 12 months, boys opted for trucks, while girls still had no clear preference.
"There is a good deal of debate about how differences in behavior between men and women come to be," Woods told PsyPost. "On the one hand, there are physiological differences that can influence behavior, and on the other hand, we can be socialized to behave in a particular way."
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