Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mercredi 12 septembre 2018
You Won't Believe This Is a Backyard Wedding - but It Is!
If you're planning a destination wedding in our northern neighbor - or if you're Canadian and planning a hometown big day - get ready for some luscious lakeside inspiration. Tessa and Tyrell met as staff members at Camp Firwood in Bellingham, WA, and they tried unsuccessfully to keep the relationship from getting too serious due to all the family ties at the camp. Bride Tessa told us, "Since we both have lots of family that has worked at Firwood, our first conversation was about how we could never get married - otherwise all of the Camp Firwood staff would be related!" But just a year later, they began their two-year dating relationship. They were engaged for six months before tying the knot.
Taking place outdoors at Tessa's family's home on Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, the wedding had a beautiful, nature-filled backdrop that didn't require much in the way of decor. "We didn't really have a theme for our wedding," Tessa explained. "I just wanted it to be elegant. We chose to have it in the evening and have purple, charcoal, and black as our colors. We had lots of damask pattern in the dark colors, which I think helped us achieve the classy/sophisticated look that I wanted."
See stunning photos of the wedding and learn more about how it all came together ahead.
You Won't Believe This Is a Backyard Wedding - but It Is!
If you're planning a destination wedding in our northern neighbor - or if you're Canadian and planning a hometown big day - get ready for some luscious lakeside inspiration. Tessa and Tyrell met as staff members at Camp Firwood in Bellingham, WA, and they tried unsuccessfully to keep the relationship from getting too serious due to all the family ties at the camp. Bride Tessa told us, "Since we both have lots of family that has worked at Firwood, our first conversation was about how we could never get married - otherwise all of the Camp Firwood staff would be related!" But just a year later, they began their two-year dating relationship. They were engaged for six months before tying the knot.
Taking place outdoors at Tessa's family's home on Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, the wedding had a beautiful, nature-filled backdrop that didn't require much in the way of decor. "We didn't really have a theme for our wedding," Tessa explained. "I just wanted it to be elegant. We chose to have it in the evening and have purple, charcoal, and black as our colors. We had lots of damask pattern in the dark colors, which I think helped us achieve the classy/sophisticated look that I wanted."
See stunning photos of the wedding and learn more about how it all came together ahead.
Burn Up the Calories With This At-Home Cardio Workout
Not into running? No worries. We've got you covered for cardio. This 20-minute workout will get your heart rate up, and you don't even have to leave the house. You don't need any equipment, so press play and get at it!
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 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.
The Most Stunning Royal Weddings From Around the World
While many royal weddings don't garner the attention of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials, it doesn't mean that they lack in lavishness. These couples' weddings are part of a long tradition of elaborate royal weddings around the world. In 2012, Luxembourg treated its Crown Prince Guillaume to an extravagant affair when he married Belgian Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy. The celebration, which reportedly cost around $650,000 and was funded by taxpayers, spanned multiple days and included a guest list packed with kings, queens, and other royals from around the world. In Brunei, Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, the fifth daughter of Brunei's sultan, married Pengiran Haji Muhammad Ruzaini at her father's 1,700-room palace in front of 3,000 guests. A state dinner followed, and Queen Elizabeth II even sent her best wishes.
These royals make up some of the lesser-known but just as regal royals of the world. And just like the Brits, they know how to throw opulent weddings for members of their families. From the wedding for the future emperor of Japan in 1924 to Grace Kelly's Monaco spectacular in 1956 to Prince William and Kate Middleton's big day on April 29, 2011, here is a guide to the world's royal weddings over the years.
Princess Eugenie's Chosen a Wedding Dress Designer, and This Is What We Know
Since Princess Eugenie announced her engagement to Jack Brooksbank back in January, we've been pondering over what her wedding dress might look like. With only a few weeks to go until her big day, a few details have finally started to emerge, and while the designer will remain a secret until the very last minute, we do know one thing for sure: the gown will be from a British fashion house.
Eugenie confirmed the news to British Vogue, saying, "I'm not telling anyone who is making it, but I can say it is a British-based designer." During the interview, the princess also explained how her wedding dress was "the one thing that I was really decisive about. As soon as we announced the wedding, I knew the designer, and the look, straight away. I never thought I'd be the one who knew exactly what I like, but I've been pretty on top of it."
Of course, there are now strong rumors that Erdem could be the chosen designer. Over the years, Eugenie has worn numerous dresses by the fashion house, and she even chose one of them to pose in for her engagement portraits. However, there are also other names believed to be in the running. These include Vivienne Westwood, who designed the outfit she wore to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Ralph & Russo, who designed the gown worn by Meghan Markle for her engagement photos.
But could the princess choose a smaller house, such as Gainsbourg, who designed the gorgeous ensemble she wore to the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex? Only time will tell. As we patiently wait for her big day, take a look at some of Eugenie's most memorable fashion moments in Erdem, Vivienne Westwood, and Gainsbourg.
These 10 Fruits Can Actually Help You Lose Weight
In today's ever popular low-carb craze, you might be tempted to shun fruits from your diet, worried that the sugar and carbs will keep you from reaching your weight-loss goals. While it's true that there are varieties you should avoid, other fruits can actually assist with weight loss - thanks largely to fiber, a nutrient that keeps you feeling full and satisfied for fewer calories. Here, you'll find 10 fruits that are loaded with the stuff. Snack on them, cook with them, and feel slimmer too.
These Instant Pot Meals Are Under 6 Weight Watchers SmartPoints Per Serving
Is there anything the Instant Pot can't do? Whether you simply want to eat healthier or hope to lose weight, this handy gadget has you covered. But what if you are on Weight Watchers and need to stay under a certain SmartPoint threshold per meal? For that, we've got you covered - here you'll find 16 Instant Pot meals that are six or fewer SmartPoints per serving. Whether you want something veggie-full or packed with meat, you'll find plenty of options to keep you on track with your Weight Watchers plan. Keep reading and get cooking.
These 6 Accessories Will Help You Avoid Getting Pickpocketed While Traveling
For all the incredible moments travel gives us - once-in-a-lifetime adventures, new friends, unforgettable meals - there are certain less-than-ideal realities that we all have to acknowledge can happen. Flights get delayed, hotels cancel, plans go awry, and pickpocketing happens. From tiny towns to a buzzing metropolis, theft can happen anywhere and will cast a serious dark cloud over the rest of your trip.
But we get it - it's hard to not get caught up when you're exploring somewhere new, and we're not about to bust out a 1980s fanny pack. So how can we protect the necessities while traveling? On your next trip, rather than put your valuables in a backpack or jeans pocket that can be easily reached by skilled pickpocketers, consider our list of six clever accessories that will help keep your things safe and sound.
You've Probably Never Heard the Incredible Story of This Heroic 9/11 Female Fighter Pilot
When Heather Penney entered the cockpit of her F-16 fighter jet on Sept. 11, 2001, she knew it was unlikely she would ever survive. Her task? Take down the United Airlines Flight 93 that was unaccounted for after two planes struck the Twin Towers. She would have to do so in an unarmed fighter jet because equipping the plane with missiles would require too much time. Her plane would be the weapon; it was essentially a suicide mission. Penney never completed the job, though, because Flight 93 crashed as brave passengers wrestled control from the hijackers while it flew over Pennsylvania.
The Washington Post first shared Penney's story in 2011, but it's worth revisiting on the anniversary of the attacks. Her interview was the first time she had spoken to the press about that day. "We wouldn't be shooting it down. We'd be ramming the aircraft," she told The Post. "I would essentially be a kamikaze pilot."
Penney, whose nickname is coincidentally Lucky, was a 26-year-old rookie pilot at the Andrews Air Force Base at the time. Not only had she just completed air combat training, but she was also part of the first group of female combat pilots our country has ever had.
"I would essentially be a kamikaze pilot."
On Sept. 11, she was accompanied by Col. Marc Sasseville in the air. The plan was that Sasseville would aim for the cockpit and Penney would ram the tail. Sasseville told The Post he considered the possibility that he could eject from his jet just before making impact with the plane. Penney was hesitant to eject because she was worried about what would happen if her jet didn't hit. "If you eject and your jet soars through without impact . . . " she told The Post, insinuating she would rather die than eject and fail at her mission.
Penney's intrepidity doesn't end there, though. Her father was a former fighter pilot who inspired her to enter the Air Force; he had retired but was flying commercial at the time of her mission - for United Airlines, on the East Coast. Though Penney had "no way of knowing whether [her] father was airborne or not," she still had a mission to do.
Hours after takeoff, Penney and Sasseville were informed that the plane, United 93, had crashed. They were tasked with escorting the president and Air Force One through the threatening skies for the rest of the day. "The events of that day really brought to bear how solemn a responsibility and what a privilege it is to serve my nation," she said to ABC News in the video above. "And that there are more important things than me."
Despite her willingness to die for her country, Penney doesn't consider herself a hero. "The real heroes are the passengers on Flight 93 who were willing to sacrifice themselves. I was just an accidental witness to history," she told The Post.
Penney has since retired from the Air Force; she is a mother and works as the director of Lockheed Martin's air superiority systems program. Her list of accomplishments exceeds one instance of heroism: she served two tours in Iraq and remains a National Guard reserve pilot. Even if Penney doesn't perceive herself as a hero, her readiness to sacrifice her life for our country certainly deserves praise.
9 Unique Fall Festivals Around the World
Fall may be about harvests and pumpkin spice everything, but there's a whole lot more going on that is worth checking out. There are also festivals around the world that you should add to your bucket list. Some of them are in far-reaching corners of the globe, so they may just be an excuse to plan a trip!
My Botox Treatment in Thailand Ended in Disaster, but It Was My Fault
Thailand is a dream destination for many travelers, and it's easy to see why. The country has so much to offer including stunning islands, rich culture, and friendly locals. Oh, and let's not forget the cheap Botox.
Yup. I was excited to go to Thailand, not just for up-close (ethical) encounters with elephants, but also to try out Botox for the first time. Things didn't go exactly as planned, and I ended up in the hospital less than 48 hours later. Before you make any assumptions, know that getting sick was mostly my fault. Having said that, I actually do recommend getting Botox in Thailand.
Confused yet? Let me explain.
Lady Gaga's Beauty Look Has Definitely Changed - but It's Never Been Boring
Lady Gaga has transformed her beauty look more times than we can count throughout her decade-long career. From bows made of hair to meat headbands, the star knows how to make an entrance, and we've had the pleasure of watching her approach to hair and makeup evolve with her music.
From yellow wigs and blunt bangs to red lips and bare skin, Gaga has proven she can pull off any style she tries, and watching her beauty metamorphosis inspires endless beauty ideas that we want to try ourselves. Keep reading to see how the multihyphenate star's look has evolved over the years.
Packing Your Gym Bag? These Are the Beauty Products You Can't Forget
Nothing dulls the endorphin high of a great workout like realizing we forgot a crucial component of our makeup bag. Whether you're exercising in the morning or evening, if you're getting ready at the gym, there are a few nonnegotiable essentials that you simply can't go without. So you never have to live through another emergency trip to Sephora, we're showing you a few products you should keep stocked in your gym bag.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Shattered-Glass Nails at Home
A scroll through Pinterest is unlikely to feel complete without browsing some of the pretty new nail art trends.
However, not everyone has the time, resources, or funds to see a manicurist every few weeks, but that doesn't have to be the case. While going to the salon is one of the best treats around, sometimes a rainy Sunday morning calls for DIY action. When it comes to re-creating the designs, sometimes it looks harder than it is. Once you have your hands on the materials, all you need is some practice before you're an at-home mani pro in no time.
For me, nail art is the one activity where I can't pick up my phone every 10 minutes or stare at a screen. It's the one hour in my week that is dedicated to my relaxation and creativity, so I've given my fair share of Pinterest nail trends a try. One of my all-time favorites? Shattered glass nails. Big in Korea, shattered nail art uses tiny shard-like shapes of iridescent paper to create a light-reflecting manicure. If you want to give this design a go, keep reading to see our step-by-step guide.
- To re-create this trend, you'll need:
- A base coat
- Your choice of nail polish color - gel polish is ideal but not necessary
- Iridescent shattered glass paper either pre-cut ($7) or sheets that can be cut to size ($2)
- A good top coat - I like Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat ($10)
- Nail glue
- Tweezers or cuticle clippers
The Clever Detail You Probably Missed on Blake Lively's Latest Nail Art Look
Blake Lively stepped out for the premiere of A Simple Favor in NYC on Monday looking stunning as usual. Ryan Reynolds joined her on the red carpet at the Museum of Modern Art to celebrate the highly anticipated mystery thriller film, which hits theaters Sept. 14. It's hard not to focus entirely on Lively's sharp black suit, but if you zoom in on her manicured nails, you'll notice a cool detail that pays homage to her character in the film: a martini glass. (It is used as a symbol throughout the film.)
Celebrity nail artist Elle created the look by using shimmery black nail polish and Swarovski crystals for the martini's "glass" and "stem." This sneaky detail is nothing new for Lively, who usually matches her nails to her outfit. Ahead, see photos of the actress's brilliant mani, and take a look at the exact polish she wore - which only costs $7.
9 Skincare Products That Harness the Power of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a funky-looking fungus that comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are absolutely delicious (we'll take a pile of oyster and enoki mushrooms, tyvm), some of them have psychoactive properties, and, yes, some of them can do wonders for your skin.
"Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help free radical damage and slow down the aging process," explains Simone Wan, a nationally licensed herbalist and the founder of IN:TotalWellness. "Mushrooms are also a tonic and, since skin is the largest organ in our bodies, it can help tonify our skin making it look firmer. They also have vitamin D and selenium, which helps inflammation, so adding this to a remedy for rosacea or an acne breakout can be helpful."
The most common mushrooms we see in skin care are reishi, shiitakes, chaga, cordyceps, and snow ear mushrooms. This roundup features all of the above!
2018's Hottest Netflix Movie Made This Probiotic Drink Fly Off the Shelves
Image Source: HEB
If you feel like you keep hearing the word "Yakult" everywhere, you are not alone. Yakult, the probiotic smoothie beverage created by microbiologist Minoru Shirota in Japan in the 1930s, has been having a moment since it recently appeared in the Netflix movie To All the Boys I've Loved Before. If you have seen the movie, then you may remember the scene where the Yakult-like product is front and center. One of the love interests of Lara Jean, Peter Kavinsky, takes a swig of the drink and exclaims, "Oh, wow, that is really good!" afterward. And the rest is history.
Image Source: Netflix
Since its appearance in the hit movie that came out in August, Yakult has been flying off supermarket shelves, with its stock on Amazon sold out as well.
I've tasted the drink before, as I grew up in an area of New York City where Yakult was always stocked at the local grocery store, and can vouch that it does taste good. It has a creamy, sweet flavor with a hint of tang to it and is reminiscent of a watered-down fruit smoothie. Besides taste, the adorable packaging is also hard to resist because of its convenient design - it is only 2.7 ounces and can easily be thrown into a purse or backpack to enjoy later. But taste and aesthetics aside, is Yakult really that good for you?
For starters, Yakult does contain a good amount of probiotics - 6.5 billion per bottle (!) - and probiotics can help aid the body in everything from boosting your immune system to keeping your heart healthy. It's also vital for a balanced digestive system. Probiotics aside, though, the health benefits from Yakult may be lacking.
"The first thing that jumps out is that each bottle is only 50 calories, so this is very small, and for those 50 calories, it has 12 grams coming from carbohydrates, less than a gram of protein, and 11 grams of sugar!" says Bryan Baia, precision nutrition coach at Athlete Training Club, an app that allows people to accurately assess and compare their pound-for-pound fitness and athleticism. "Now Yakult boasts an exclusive probiotic strain, Lactobacillus casei, but if it was really that exclusive, would we be putting it in a drink full of sugar?"
Instead of drinking tons of Yakult, Baia recommends looking into other yogurt options. "My number one pick for yogurt is Siggi's," Baia says. "Siggi's is sent from the heavens. With Siggi's, you're going to get 110 calories, 15 grams of protein, and only nine grams of sugar. It's the perfect snack, not to mention it includes six active probiotic cultures to promote even better digestive health than Yakult."
So while it may be tasty for a snack on the go, it might not be your healthiest option. If you would like to try out Yakult yourself, check out its store locator to find a store that carries the product near you.
Colton Is ABC's First Virgin Bachelor - Here's How His Fantasy Suite Episodes Will Work
Colton Underwood's time as a suitor on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette introduced us to his messy love triangle with Bachelor in Paradise's Tia Booth, his charitable foundation, and even a high-profile ex-girlfriend who just happens to be an Olympic gymnast. On top of all that, in an effort to prove just how devoted he was to Kufrin, Underwood made an honest confession during an emotional moment: he's still a virgin.
Since he was eliminated just before going into the Fantasy Suites with Kufrin, and we assume he didn't hook up with Booth in, um, that way during their recent time together on BIP, plenty of fans in Bachelor Nation are wondering what will happen on the next season of The Bachelor. And by that of course we mean: will Underwood take advantage of the Fantasy Suites and lose his virginity on national television? According to host Chris Harrison, it's a possibility.
"He probably won't have his shirt on after night one, so it's going to be a good season," he joked during an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Monday. "It's part of the storyline, the fact that Colton's a virgin, clearly. How will the women react to that? How is he going to handle that? It's something that he's obviously dealt with his entire life and he got emotional about it. About when he was in the NFL and having to fake it. So, we are going to deal with that. We'll dive into that."
Harrison also acknowledged the fan backlash to ABC's choice. "No matter what we say, if we said Jason, if we said Blake, it doesn't matter. There's going to be backlash, that's the way social media works these days," the host explained. "Colton's going to be good TV, and that is the reason we chose him."
Next year can't come soon enough, you guys.
50 Kevin McKidd Pictures So Hot, You'll Be Calling For a Doctor
He may not be Doctor McDreamy or McSteamy, but Kevin McKidd - also known as Doctor Owen Hunt on Grey's Anatomy - doesn't need a nickname for us to know how gorgeous he is. Whether the Scottish actor is showing off his backhand on the tennis court or his kilt on the red carpet, he's always giving off majorly hot vibes (and giving Prince Harry a run for his money for the title of hottest redheaded celebrity). Here are just 50 Kevin McKidd pics that will perhaps make you faint and be rushed to Seattle Grace Hospital.
Are Ashley Benson and Cara Delevingne Dating? We Have Confirmation Now
Dating rumors about model Cara Delevingne and Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson have been circulating for quite some time now after they were spotted kissing at a London airport in August. Those rumors continued to swirl when fans also noticed Ashley wearing a necklace with the initials "A" and "C" in an Instagram post and wondered if the letters stood for their names.
Now, it appears as though we have confirmation that the two Her Smell costars are dating. On Monday, Cara posted a photo of herself wearing a shimmery Balmain ensemble at TIFF, and Ashley simply commented, "Mine." She later posted on her Instagram story that her account was hacked, but didn't specify whether or not that particular comment was really her. Considering Ashley and Cara's previous PDA and Instagram selfies, it isn't too far-fetched to think a romance is brewing between them.
Ashley has said that she prefers to keep her relationships private, so we doubt there's going to be some big announcement. They were seen at a Lauryn Hill concert together in May and recently celebrated Cara's 26th birthday. So, if they are in fact dating, perhaps the Instagram comment is Ashley's subtle way of telling us. Hopefully, we'll get undeniable truth about their relationship status soon. In the meantime, let's look at how their relationship has blossomed over the past few months.
Warning: These Photos of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper Might Make You Wish They Were a Couple
We first caught wind of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's surprising friendship when they were spotted taking a ride on the actor's motorcycle back in 2016, and once it was announced that they'd be working together in a reboot of A Star Is Born, all eyes were on the unlikely pals. Not only do Bradley and Gaga get along well in real life, but they translated their mutual love and respect for each other onto the big screen as well. In her new interview with Vogue, Gaga opened up about her "instant connection" with Bradley: "The second that I saw him, I was like, 'Have I known you my whole life?'" she said, adding, "It was an instant connection, instant understanding of one another."
Now that the two are hard at work promoting A Star Is Born on the film festival circuit ahead of its Oct. 5 release, we're getting even more sweet glimpses of their chemistry on the red carpet and in interviews. Most recently, at the Toronto Film Festival, Bradley got a rise out of the crowd when he adorably helped lift Gaga's intricate veil. We'd be lying if we said we didn't wish these two could date. Keep reading to see their best friendship moments so far.
Did You Catch That Sneaky High School Musical Reference in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser?
You know all those jokes about Noah Centineo being the new Zac Efron? Well, it looks like there's a bit of evidence that corroborates this claim. For those who have seen Centineo's latest Netflix rom-com, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, the rising star plays a romantic jock who falls in love with someone he thinks he knows . . . until it turns out he's getting catfished by someone else entirely. Centineo's performance in this film, as well as To All the Boys I've Loved Before, has pretty much made him everyone's internet boyfriend.
The parallels of high school drama, romance, and sports have made many people believe that Centineo's character in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, Jamey, is basically the Netflix version of Troy Bolton from High School Musical. It's not that much of a stretch, considering Jamey's charming personality, athletic ability, and need to hide who he is in front of his teammates. Of course those aren't unusual tropes in the rom-com genre, but a certain detail in the movie creates a direct connection to High School Musical. A fan noticed that Jamey wears the same jersey number as Troy Bolton. Coincidence? I think not!
Jamey from Sierra Burgess Is A Loser and Troy from HSM wear the same number jersey. Noah Centineo is the new Zac Efron pic.twitter.com/IASyy2vxNx
- Kate Song (@k9defenseunit) September 7, 2018
Maybe this was an intentional nod to the Disney classic, or maybe they simply picked the number out of a hat. (Or, just maybe, this is an alternate timeline within the same movie universe.) Until we have confirmation, we won't know for sure. But for the sake of nostalgia, we'll just go ahead and say these movies are connected, OK?
Zendaya's Sexy Confidence Shines Through in Every Single One of These 25+ Photos
When it comes to Zendaya, what truly makes the 22-year-old so stunningly beautiful and sexy is her confidence and comfort in herself. Whether she's going totally makeup free just because she feels like it or demurely showing off a little skin, she looks completely flawless, and when you add her intelligence and charm, she's the epitome of what I call goals.
But lest you think the singer and Spider-Man: Homecoming actress is only about the Hollywood hype, let us remind you that she shops at drugstores and dyes her mom's hair like the rest of us. Just add it all to the list of why we love her.
To see exactly what we mean about her poise being so much of her sex appeal, keep reading for a whole bunch of pictures of Zendaya just being Zendaya.
In Defense of Meredith and DeLuca's Hot Sex on Grey's Anatomy
This week, we caught our first glimpse at the season 15 premiere of Grey's Anatomy, and boy, did we witness some pretty serious twists. Sure, we expected some kind of medical drama and we knew Teddy would run into Owen. We even anticipated seeing our hot new doctors, Dr. Nico Kim and the new "Ortho God", played by Alex Landi and Chris Carmack, respectively. And even though we've been told to expect a "season of love" for our favorite Seattle surgeons, we didn't necessarily expect the final bombshell: a hookup between DeLuca and Meredith.
Like many fans, I found myself completely surprised, mostly because it seems like Meredith isn't too interested in DeLuca in the season 14 finale, when he gives her a big, drunk kiss on the lips. But hey, things change. I've been there. Or, you know, maybe it's a dream sequence, and it hasn't actually happened yet. Whatever the case, I've seen plenty of people who are opposed to the hookup in light of the trailer's release. Do I wish she'd hook up with the beautiful Dr. Marsh, played by Scott Speedman, instead? Maybe. But you know what? I fully support this.
Meredith is a badass woman who doesn't need a man. She's a top-notch surgeon who won the coveted Harper Avery Award and then gave it back when his creepy sexual past came to light. She's an awesome mom who has her life together! But you know what? Just because she doesn't need a man, it doesn't mean she can't want or deserve one! Meredith was single for a while before Riggs, and it's been a while since Riggs left. If she wants to have hot, steamy sex, and that hot, steamy sex happens to be with DeLuca, I am here for it. It is the "season of love," after all.
And, listen, just because they hook up, it doesn't mean they're suddenly a couple and we should invent a couple name for them, like "MerLuca," or "DeRedith," or "MeLucadith." Maybe they're just having fun! Let Meredith have some fun! And even if she does end up like-liking DeLuca, more power to her. He's cute as hell - look at these sexy Giacomo Gianniotti pictures for reference - and we know he's a nice guy based on everything he's done in the past few seasons. And before you start in with a lecture about their difference in seniority, it's practically a Grey's rite of passage. There are so many couples from different levels in the hospital hierarchy: Derek and Meredith (hello!), Cristina and Burke, even DeLuca and Maggie for a hot sec!
Anyway, that's all. Can't wait to see all the steamy action when Grey's premieres on Sept. 27. Bye.
74 Things You Totally Did as a Teenager in the 2000s
Remember last decade, how you used to quote Mean Girls word for word while talking to your best friend on your Nokia cell phone? You wore low-rise jeans with tiny t-shirts and Rocket Dog sandals and spent your afternoons requesting music videos on TRL and learning the dance moves to "I'm a Slave 4 U." We'll be honest; we still quote Mean Girls and try to copy Britney Spears routines, but we look back on those days with equal parts dreamy nostalgia and sheer horror. We're taking a trip down memory lane with all the best (and worst) things about coming of age in the aughts. So here we go: you know you were a teenager in the 2000s if . . .
25 Great Horror Movies on Netflix - All From the 2000s and Beyond
Horror movies are just plain scary. Whether it's gory, gross, or built from completely twisted storylines, there are some really frightening movies out there that will have you on the edge of your seat while you're watching - and have you checking all of the locks, closing all of the blinds and wrapping yourself up as tightly as you can in your blankets before bed.
While classic horror films will hold a special place in our hearts, and so will those scary movies that are just a little bit scary, some of these horror movies have been recently upping the ante on the "boo" factor. Check out these movies from the 2000s and see if they don't give you chills for days.
This Is the Only Way That Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Will Become Queen
Queen Elizabeth II has been holding onto her title since she was 25 years old, but, eventually, another heir will take the throne in her place. We've all followed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's love story, so it's natural to be curious about whether Prince William and Kate Middleton will ever become king and queen of the United Kingdom. The short answer is it's very likely that they will.
If Queen Elizabeth were to retire, abdicate, or pass away, the line of succession shows that the Prince of Wales, aka Prince Charles (Prince William's father), would become king. If one of those same events occurred to him, then Prince William would be next in line since he is the oldest son. Prince Charles is 69 years old, and if he takes the throne, he'll be the oldest heir to do so.
The line of succession only includes blood relatives, so Kate would only become queen if her husband becomes king. This would technically make her a queen consort, since she's the queen through marriage, not blood. The more you know!
30 Times Dominic West Was So Sexy, We Had to Crank the AC
Dominic West has been steaming up our screens since 1991. Maybe you're a fan of his TV roles as Detective McNulty on The Wire and author Noah Solloway on The Affair, or maybe you prefer watching him in one of the countless movies he's starred in. Either way, there's no denying he's one of the sexiest Brits in Hollywood. Whether he's flashing a cheeky smile or giving a smoldering stare, we simply can't get enough. Ahead, check out 30 of Dominic's sexiest moments from over the years.
All the Kid-Friendly Halloween Movies You Can Stream Free With Your Amazon Prime Membership
An Amazon Prime membership is the best thing I invest in every year, simply for the free Prime shipping alone, but there's so much more you can do - that members often overlook - with your yearly membership, including video streaming. In the spooky spirit of Halloween, we took a peek at what's available on Amazon Prime Video for our kids to watch in prep for the holiday, and though the themed movies offered aren't beloved classics like Casper or Hocus Pocus, there are quite a few kid-friendly picks that you can stream for free to shake up family movie night.
Check out what's available to watch with your Prime membership ahead (and don't miss the kid-friendly Halloween movies you can stream on Netflix!).
Find Out What This Nutritionist Has to Say About Your Kid's Halloween Candy
The dreaded posthaul candy dump . . . it's the thing parents least look forward to on Nov. 1. Toddler negotiations reach an all-time high, and clever teens know to hide their stash before their parents can do inventory. While one of the most fun aspects of Halloween is the trick-or-treating, the aftermath - the candy sorting - is always a sore subject for families. The kids want to eat it all, and the parents, of course, want the opposite.
We reached out to registered dietitian Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, to find out whether parents should cave to the holiday pressure or stick to their guns. The biggest thing she had to say is to just remind everyone that Halloween - and Halloween candy - is about fun. "It's important for children to develop a healthy relationship with all foods and to learn that an occasional treat is perfectly fine," Kubala said. That said, read on to learn about the "worst offenders."
Don't Stress Over Halloween Costumes For Your 1-Year-Old - Here Are 44 Cute Options
Depending on the month your baby was born, you might only get one or two Halloweens in which you're able to completely own the costume decision-making. Once they start watching TV shows and movies and really getting into their bedtime stories, it's only a matter of time before they'll have an opinion on their yearly costume. While you're still running the show (for now), take a peek at one of these adorable costumes fit for a 1-year-old.
And if your toddler is already into making their own choices for everything, first, godspeed, and second, check out this epic list of toddler costumes they'll love.
Everything You Need to Know About the Fresh Hell of a Toddler Phenomenon That Is "Baby Shark"
There's a new catchy-as-hell kid jingle in town, and it's taking the parenting world by not-so-pleasant storm. The culprit? "Baby Shark." In fact, the tune gets stuck in parents' heads so easily, even Kylie Jenner isn't safe from still singing it hours later. So where exactly did this song come from? It was created by the Korean YouTube channel Pinkfong, and obviously, little kids love it.
Pinkfong is an educational channel that publishes dances and sing-a-longs that are super popular among the 5-and-under group. And with more than 10 million subscribers, it seems like the brand certainly knows its audience.
But the "Baby Shark Dance" video is definitely its most successful clip with 1.6 billion views. The video, which was released in November 2015, recently made the top 40 most viewed videos of all time list on YouTube.
And parents who have been subjected to listening to "Baby Shark" on repeat opted to have a little fun with it themselves by creating a Baby Shark Challenge, where moms and dads act out the song and dance and share their own renditions to social media. Creative, huh?
61 Costumes That Your "Too-Cool-For-Halloween" Teen Will Actually Want to Wear This Year
Just because your kid is already a teenager doesn't mean they're automatically going to be too old to indulge in some good ol' trick-or-treating, or, at the very least, attend a ghoulish party decorated in cobwebs and jack-o'-lanterns. So whether your high schooler will want to dress as something nostalgic and throwback (that potentially throws back to your childhood!), or they're more inspired by current pop culture happenings, we went through the spirited shelves and found 61 costumes that are perfect for All Hallows' Eve. We even have a few t-shirt and sweatshirt options if they're only willing to half commit.
You Heard It Here: These Are the Top Kids Halloween Costumes This Year
As a parent, the last thing you want to do is wait until the third week in October to bring your excited child to the costume store to peruse the shelves - chances are, there won't be much left. Avoid this Halloween hang-up entirely by getting ahead of the game now. Whether your kid is obsessed with all things Star Wars or likes to stick to the classics, we found 39 options that you're going to see all over this year.
60 P-P-Perfect Baby Names That Start With P
P is for . . . your baby's name! No, this isn't an episode of Sesame Street, just a note from a person who's passionate about names serving up some very specific content - baby names, both unique and common, that all start with the letter P. Whether you are going with a P theme for all your kids' names, know that the P sound goes well with your last name or the middle name you're going to go with, or just love browsing baby names for inspiration (same), the names on this list are about to grab your attention.
Scroll through for the p-p-perfect P names for babies.
Why I'm Finally Caving and Getting My 5th Grader a Cell Phone
I swore I'd never do it; not until she was at least 20. I've been so against it since I became a mom, but I'm finally caving and getting my fifth grader a cell phone, despite cringing when her friends bring their phones over to our house and thinking about how I was perfectly fine without a phone until I was in college! In this day and age, however, I've accepted at long last that my daughter is safer with a phone. And although she's only 10 years old, it's the right time to give up the good fight and give into reality.
The list of things for parents to worry about never ends. I can no longer deny that staying connected to [my daughter] at all times is necessary in today's world.
My daughter has asked me time and time again when she can get a phone. She'd swear every other kid in her class had a phone, and honestly, she was barely exaggerating. More kids than not have their own iPhones (with customized cases, I might add). But I refused to cave to peer pressure and climb on board. My main problem with children as young as first grade pecking away on their cells is that they should be busy playing instead. Whatever happened to 6-year-olds climbing trees or playing tag (with their physical bodies and not in a video game)? It seems like everywhere I look, kids are texting other kids who are feet away from them, or they're taking selfies that other kids can harshly judge online. I also couldn't imagine wavering on my belief that kids just don't need social media, and my daughter could definitely do without the many pressures that come with it. Plus, the only time she isn't with me is during school hours, or when she's playing with a friend whose family I feel comfortable dropping her off with, and whose contact info I store in my own phone. This is exactly what I've explained to her when she pesters me about getting a phone of her own.
Until recently, I couldn't think of a single reason to alter my stance. But then a school shooting close to where we live changed all of that. I thought about how agonizing it must have been for parents who couldn't get in touch with their kids on that awful day. I knew if my child was potentially in danger, I'd immediately want to call her directly to make sure she was OK. Another scary incident that prompted me to do a 180 was an attempted child abduction in our area. The young girl who was approached called her mom for help right away. What if that had been my child and she had no way of reaching me or the police? What if my daughter is at a friend's house and someone starts playing with a gun, or bullying her to do something that makes her feel uncomfortable, or worse, unsafe? The list of things for parents to worry about never ends.
So, yes. It's time to get my daughter a phone. I can no longer deny that staying connected to her at all times is necessary in today's world. Of course, I've been so against the idea for so long that when I told her she could get a phone, she didn't believe me. Once the news settled in, she couldn't wipe the smile off her face for hours. I brought her back down to earth by clarifying some nonnegotiable phone rules: The phone will only be for communication purposes. No social media and no internet access. She can call and text a list of contacts approved by her father and me. The phone must be used in common areas of the house and at school, or while she's away from me only. And use of the phone is a privilege, and it will get taken away if she doesn't use it properly or if she isn't behaving.
Sigh. So, society wins. Another child in the world will soon have a phone. And I can only imagine that by the time my younger kids first ask for their own phones, I'll have surrendered my ideals completely and simply say, "Yes."
13 Horror Films That Won't Scar Your Tweens For Life
As a Certified Wimp™, there are only a few scary movies that I can really handle watching to ensure I don't spend the next week having nightmares over a film's plot. However, I was forced to watch tons of horror movies as a kid at sleepovers and birthday parties, because it's apparently some kind of rite of passage as a tween and teen to sit through scary movies with friends and not completely freak out (which I never once succeeded at, for the record).
Whether you're a horror film buff or not, you may have a budding scary-movie-lover on your hands (or just a kid who wants to watch all of the movies in various Halloween movie marathons on TV without really knowing what they're getting into). To ease your 9- to 13-year-olds into scary movies, there are a handful of classics and a few newer horror films that have just the right amount of fright - there's nothing too terrifying, but nothing too childish on this list. (You know your kid best, so before watching some of these films, you may have to consider what your child can handle, despite the age each film is considered appropriate for.)
Read ahead for 13 scary movies that are perfect to pop on at your tween's next sleepover, during a Halloween party, or on your next family movie night (and check out this larger list of Halloween movies for kids of all ages).
There's Halloween Decor, and Then There's Pier 1 - 28 Pieces You Probably Won't See Anywhere Else
What good is Halloween without the decor? It's like having a dinner party without any alcohol. Sorry, why are we here?
Part of what makes Oct. 31 so much fun is the amount of time we spend prepping for the big day. The cobwebs along the windowsills, the inflatable ghosts that are so big they practically swallow your front lawn, and the creative trinkets we arrange inside are almost more satisfying than the day itself. Almost.
To whet your appetite, we have Pier 1's spooky assortment, and it's better than ever. We found 28 items that are a must-see, from a trio of meditative skeletons to bat-shaped glimmer lights.
Why the Store Employee Refused to Pierce My 8-Year-Old Daughter's Ears
I decided long ago that I wouldn't pierce my daughter's ears without her consent. The way I felt about it was it's her body, so it should be her choice. For years, my 8-year-old has said she wasn't ready, which was perfectly fine with me. There's no rush. But after her little sister proudly announced she wanted to get her ears pierced for her sixth birthday, my 8-year-old said she wanted hers done, too.
The piercer looked at me and said my daughter wasn't mature enough to get her ears pierced. She told her she was not going to pierce her ears and to get off the chair.
I made an appointment at a well-established body piercing shop for my daughters. Although a bit scary to see a needle slowly piercing my little girls' tiny ears, I felt a lot more comfortable knowing a trained piercer would be taking care of them in a sterile and clean environment. I did a lot of research and found that it's much safer and more hygienic than having it done with a piercing gun at a mall. Before we arrived at the piercing shop, I gathered up fidget toys, lollipops, and even a calm down jar for my daughters to use in case they had jitters. I was much more worried about my 8-year-old, because she has anxiety. I knew she wanted to get her ears pierced very badly, but I also knew there was a high chance her anxiety would get the best of her - and boy, did it ever.
Although she watched her little sister get her ears pierced like a champ, my 8-year-old started crying once it was her turn. I tried my best to calm her down with the items I had packed, but it wasn't working. The piercer advised my daughter that she wouldn't pierce her ears unless she calmed down, but simply telling someone to calm down usually never works. I tried doing breathing techniques with my daughter, wrapping my arms around her, and letting her watch Tsum Tsum videos on my phone. None of it was working, and the piercer was getting more and more impatient.
The piercer looked at me and said my daughter wasn't ready or mature enough to get her ears pierced. She told her she was not going to pierce her ears and to get off the chair. This, of course, turned my daughter's tears into a full-blown emotional meltdown. My daughter has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and a part of ADHD is not only having heightened emotions, but emotional dysregulation. Through her tears, my daughter yelled at the piercer that she was ready and that she wanted to get her ears pierced, but she was just scared of the pain. Although my daughter could have used more of an inside voice when she said this, I was so proud of her for standing her ground. At this point, the piercer was fuming. I apologized and said we'd be back when my daughter was calmer.
We left the shop, and my heart broke for my daughter. What I had envisioned to be a special day in her life was turning into an absolute nightmare because of her anxiety. It was obvious that no fidget toy or lollipop was going to help her. What she needed was an honest reality check from her mom. As we stood outside the shop, I told her that piercing her ears will hurt, but just for a bit. I told her it's OK to feel nervous, but that she's completely safe. I would be with her every step of the way. She just needs to be brave for a few seconds, trying her best not to yell or cry. And after a few breathing exercises, she was finally calm. She looked me confidently in the eye and told me she was ready.
We walked back into the shop and I told the piercer my daughter was ready. She quickly shot me a look that said "Yeah right," but proceeded to get her materials ready. (We all could have done without that piercer's attitude and lack of compassion, but at this point, my determined daughter was on a mission and nothing was going to stop her.) My daughter quietly sat on the chair. I could tell she was directing all of her focus to breathing. I was so proud of her, because I knew how much strength and focus that took for her. I held her hand as the piercer pierced her ears. Yes! She did it! She proudly walked out of that piercing shop with the new earrings she'd so desperately wanted, and I wanted to shout it to the world. My daughter was - or should I say is - a rock star.
I'm certain that there will be plenty more instances when my daughter's anxiety will take over and wreak havoc. There will always be people doubting her, including herself, but there will also be opportunities for her to prove them all wrong. And I'll be there cheering her on every single time.
10 Tips For Keeping Your Kids Safe on Halloween Night
Halloween is known as a time for scary fun, but it doesn't have to be frightening for parents who worry about their kids' safety. Kids, especially tweens and teens who go trick-or-treating with their friends, should be especially careful and aware of their surroundings on a night that can also be potentially dangerous. In addition to pedestrian accidents and injuries, Halloween can also bring about potential "stranger danger," scary pranks, and more. In order to make sure your kids have a good time and stay safe, use the following 10 tips. You'll have peace of mind and they'll be able to have a night out with their friends. And if you still decide to dress up in a costume to spy on them for a few blocks around the neighborhood, just make sure they don't recognize you!
Bring On the Sugar - Walmart's Already Selling Halloween Candy, and It's En Route to Our Mouths
Prepping for Halloween requires serious focus. Not only do you have to decorate the house in only the best motifs and creepy cobwebs, but there's also the added pressure of outfitting the entire family in costumes that will excite and delight. To help you get ahead this season, we're doing a lot of the shopping work for you. So if you're already in the Halloween mood, check out the best candy you can order at Walmart. Stock up now before it's all gone and you're "that house" that passes out raisins.
These 6 Accessories Will Help You Avoid Getting Pickpocketed While Traveling
For all the incredible moments travel gives us - once-in-a-lifetime adventures, new friends, unforgettable meals - there are certain less-than-ideal realities that we all have to acknowledge can happen. Flights get delayed, hotels cancel, plans go awry, and pickpocketing happens. From tiny towns to a buzzing metropolis, theft can happen anywhere and will cast a serious dark cloud over the rest of your trip.
But we get it - it's hard to not get caught up when you're exploring somewhere new, and we're not about to bust out a 1980s fanny pack. So how can we protect the necessities while traveling? On your next trip, rather than put your valuables in a backpack or jeans pocket that can be easily reached by skilled pickpocketers, consider our list of six clever accessories that will help keep your things safe and sound.
These 16 Unique Gifts Will Have Everyone Saying, "Where'd You Find That?!"
Gift-giving is equal parts exciting and stressful. While it's fun to find that perfect present, the actual shopping can feel draining and discouraging - until now. We've scoured the internet to find the best unique gifts. You know, the ones they'll remember getting and actually want to use. This season, take the gift-giving crown with these cool finds.
6 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Small Kids
It's not unusual for families to adopt a dog around the same time as having their own children. But are some dog breeds better suited for families with small children? We were recently asked that, so we reached out to Dr. Eva Radke, DVM, of the East San Rafael Veterinary Clinic in California to see what we could come up with.
There are various things to consider, according to Radke, aside from a dog just being a family-friendly breed. She recommends taking your own daily life into account. "Are you an active family who spends a lot of time hiking, running, and camping?" she asks. "Or do you tend to stay home cooking and enjoying movies? You will want to choose a dog whose temperament, size, and energy level best matches your family."
At the end of the day, it's also important to remember that your dog is just that: a dog. "Even the gentlest-mannered dog is still an animal with her own set of instincts and ways to express herself," Radke said. She suggests you never leave your small children unattended with the dog, just in case, and always supervise them when they're together. Your pup may always tolerate the ear and tail tugs from your kid, but you don't want to run the risk of the dog snapping one day when you aren't paying attention.
Keep reading to find six dog breeds Radke said are best suited for families, based on each breed's typical personality traits.
The Best Way to Store Tomatoes
Although we typically recommend storing tomatoes at room temperature as it best preserves their flavor and texture, it's not quite as simple as that. Here are the best practices depending on how ripe your tomatoes are:
- Keep unripe green tomatoes, stem side down, in a paper bag or in a cardboard box in a single layer. Place in a cool area until they turn red in color.
- Perfectly ripe tomatoes should be kept at room temperature on the counter away from sunlight. Make sure they're in a single layer, not touching one another, and stem side up. Consume within a couple of days.
- Overripe tomatoes that are soft to touch with very red flesh are best kept in the fridge. The cold air will keep the tomatoes from ripening more, and they should last for another three days. Before eating refrigerated tomatoes, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This will allow the fruit to develop some of the flavor it has lost due to refrigeration.
10 Secret Sauces That Will Change Your Life
Sauce simply makes foods more succulent. Though it's tempting to just crank open a can of tomato or butterscotch sauce, nothing beats homemade. These 10 recipes are ultrasimple, yet the flavor payoff is so worth it. Go ahead and put them on your cooking bucket list.
9 Unique Fall Festivals Around the World
Fall may be about harvests and pumpkin spice everything, but there's a whole lot more going on that is worth checking out. There are also festivals around the world that you should add to your bucket list. Some of them are in far-reaching corners of the globe, so they may just be an excuse to plan a trip!
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