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.
dimanche 16 septembre 2018
No Worms or Eyeballs in This Adults-Only Halloween Menu
Halloween parties don't have to be all about the kitschy hot dog ghosts and eyeball deviled eggs. Instead, plan a menu that highlights pumpkin, squash, apples, and other fresh Fall produce. Yes, black and orange colors make an appearance, but naturally and not artificially. Have a happy adults-only Halloween!
These Are the Perfect Gifts For Your Own Personal Ina Garten
As much fun as it is to go out to eat, home-cooked meals are usually our favorites. For the heroes in our lives, aka the awesome chefs, you want to get them something they'll love for the kitchen. These are the perfect presents for your resident Wolfgang Puck or Rachael Ray. Plus, if you give them something from this list, they'll probably be inspired to cook. Everybody wins!
7 Nontouristy Travel Destinations For Those Who Hate People
Some of us just don't like people, and that's OK. But the struggle of not wanting to be surrounded by crowds becomes even more real when it comes to travel - unless you know where to escape to. We've searched for stunning destinations that aren't overridden by tourists so that you don't have to sacrifice your sanity on your next vacation. The next time you really need to get away from everyone, look to these seven spots around the world.
20 Hocus Pocus-Inspired Etsy Products That Will Put a Spell on Your Home
Indisputable fact: Hocus Pocus is one of the greatest Halloween films of all time. So why limit yourself to watching the movie a few (or more than a few . . .) times each October? Whether you're throwing a Halloween bash or simply want to get your home looking freshly festive, some Hocus Pocus-inspired decor is the perfect way to celebrate the spookiest time of the year. From handcrafted signs to inexpensive decals, these 20 Etsy products are guaranteed to look way cooler than the boring plastic pumpkins you were planning on recycling from last year.
This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe Is So Tasty, Your Whole Family Will Love It
Who says chili always has to be made with ground beef and tomato sauce? There are so many varieties of chili you can make that can be just as delicious and possibly even lighter. I think white chicken is amazing to try in your chili. Not only is it a leaner cut of meat, but you can even play around with the flavor profile of the dish, too.
Even though this white chicken chili is a play off the American classic, by no means does that mean it is not as hearty and warm to the soul. It's packed with protein, fiber, and of course, lots of spices. So the next time you want to cozy up to bowl of chili, try this one out and maybe it'll be a new favorite of yours. Bring the whole family together for this Instant Pot recipe too, that's if you have it in your heart to share something so good.
50 States of Unbelievable Tourist Attractions
It's amazing how much there is to get out and do in the United States. Whether it's beautiful beaches to relax on or national parks to admire, there really is something for everyone. So pack your bags for a beautiful Fall vacation and check out one of these tourist attractions wherever your destination may be.
This DIY Dog Crate Furniture Piece Will Transform Your Living Room
Disclaimer: I am a crazy pet parent. I've wanted a baby Golden Retriever for years, so when the time finally came to start "nesting" before my furry baby would be coming home, I really invested myself into it. And that included some heavy-duty DIY.
The crown jewel in my living room is the crate for my pup that looks like a piece of furniture - I get endless compliments on it, and you'll almost never notice that the inside is just a standard dog crate! I live and die by a clean, polished aesthetic, and while I had every intention of crate-training my pup, I didn't want my living room to have a black wire dog prison as its centerpiece . . . so I decided to make my own piece.
Better-looking crates - ones that look like furniture - exist for purchase out there in the world but are typically less sturdy and definitely not chew-proof. What's more is that they're absurdly expensive, and I wasn't looking to drop $500 (or more!) on something that might be chewed apart within minutes of putting it to use.
After an embarrassingly extensive amount of unfruitful research, a little light bulb went off: I could create my own happy medium! Get the wire crate, and build a simple frame and lid around it to give it a furniture aesthetic and tabletop functionality.
I promptly called my dad - a retired construction exec and Home Depot frequent flier with a Tim Allen-status toolshed - and asked if he thought it would be doable, and if so, if it'd be affordable. A few screenshots and specs later, and we were meeting up at the hallowed halls of hardware, orange aprons, and sawdust.
Why It's Rad
Aside from being infinitely more aesthetically pleasing than the wire dog prison, this is a safe choice for your dog. The crate goes inside the wood frame, so the puppy never gets a chance to chew up the wood while they're teething. Paint can sometimes be toxic to dogs, and you don't want splinters getting lodged in their little gums, so this is a way for you to get the look you want while still protecting your pup.
Additionally, this serves as a more functional piece of furniture than a crate (while taking up the same amount of space in your home), making it great for storage, decor, and lighting. It also adds more of a den-like quality to the crate so your dog can feel safer and cozier when they camp out inside.
This is a frame construction; there is no bottom piece, and the wire crate is not attached to the "furniture" in any way. You're building a basic frame and a lid, so it's very simple and one of the least complicated furniture DIYs you'll ever try.
The Materials
We decided to make the entire piece from melamine that my local Home Depot had in stock. This saved us from having to (1) buy paint and (2) use paint, therefore saving time and money. Melamine is also cheaper than wood, so there was even more money saved. You don't have to use melamine - especially if you're looking to make your furniture piece a different color - but if you're into plain white and a good bargain, then boy do I have the materials for you!
Also, a heads-up: you'll need to have the melamine pieces cut. As in, sawed. If you don't have a saw and don't have any desire to use a saw, then fantastic! Me either. You can have the friendly folks at your hardware store make cuts so you can take home the perfectly sized pieces for your project.
Aside from the melamine, we used the following:
- Melamine finishing tape
- Melamine finishing dots
- Screws
- Drill (to make holes for the screws)
- Power screwdriver, if you have it. Otherwise, biceps.
The Specs
The sizing of the wood pieces will depend on the specs of your crate. I opted for a 36-inch crate, which was the average size for a fully grown female Golden Retriever (joke's on me if she outgrows this). Keep in mind that when you get a puppy, you can partition the larger crate (most crates come with one!) to make them feel more snug and secure in a smaller space, and then move the partition as your pup grows. If you want to get the most time out of your furniture piece, I'd strongly recommend getting the largest crate necessary for your pup's expected adult size - then you never have to make another one!
Here are the sizes of the pieces we bought:
- One 42x29x1-inch piece of melamine for the lid
- Four 38x2.5x0.75-inch pieces for the long top and bottom crossbars
- Four 26x2.5x0.75-inch pieces for the short top and bottom crossbars
- Four 28x2.5x0.75-inch pieces for side A of the corner posts
- Four 28x1.5x0.75-inch pieces for side B of the corner posts
Cost and Time
This took roughly six hours to put together, broken up into two days. The out-of-pocket cost for the melamine materials was about $100. I scored the crate on mega sale at PetSmart for about $25. There are plenty of bargains for inexpensive but well-rated crates on Amazon, too!
Keep reading for the instructions!
6 Reasons to Visit Disneyland Alone
As my 31st birthday crept up on me, I knew I wanted to feed my travel bug. I tossed around ideas like a train ride to San Diego, a trip to Salt Lake City to hang out with my little sister, or a road trip to San Francisco. After going over those ideas, I decided to stay close to my new home in LA and go to Disneyland. Since my friends weren't able to make the trip with me, I decided to go solo. Yes, this single 30-something went to Disneyland with no children and no friends and had more fun than I've had in years. The Disney brand has a special place in my heart since it's where my family and I spent time at least one family vacation per year. We (OK, my dad) would pack up our van and drive eight hours to visit the most magical place on earth. We even went on a Disney cruise! So spending the day at Disneyland not only helped me create new memories but also helped me relive memories from my childhood.
10 Expert Tips to Keep Your Monstera Plant Growing Tall
It is safe to say that the monstera plant is absolutely breathtaking. Nicknamed the "Swiss cheese plant" for its giant, holey leaves, the monstera is a great household plant that has the ability to grow tens of feet tall. A native plant of Mexico and Panama, it is also very versatile. Whether you prefer your monstera in an industrial planter on a stand or you like to clip its gigantic leaves for a dinner centerpiece, its greenery can easily be incorporated into everyday life.
However, it can sometimes be hard to keep plants alive and healthy. If you are like me and have accidentally killed plants no matter how much you love on them, then keep reading. We spoke to Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms, and learned the best advice to keep monstera plants thriving.
13 Editor-Approved Liquid Lipsticks You Need For Fall
The fastest way to transform your beauty look from Summer to Fall is by swiping on a liquid lipstick. Many formulas have excellent staying power and boldly pop on your pout. Whether you're looking for a warm nude or a vampy burgundy, we rounded up our favorite options for you to choose from. Not only will these lipsticks make a statement, but they will take your autumnal look to the next level. Stock up on a few right now.
These Are the 17 Absolute Best Concealers, According to Our Editors
If there was only one beauty product I could use for the rest of my life, it would be concealer. The miracle product makes me look awake and fresh faced while hiding any blemishes I may not be all that excited about. Concealer is such a personal product, and it can be so tough trying to match your shade with your skin concerns. So, I surveyed the editors at POPSUGAR, who know a thing or two about beauty. These are our absolute favorite concealers. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some shopping to do.
Julia Roberts's Clapback to Someone Dissing Her Manicure Is Pure Gold
Note to everyone: don't diss Julia Roberts's manicure. ET reports, one person learned this lesson the hard way.
The actress may be fairly new to Instagram, but she has already perfected the art of delivering the perfect clapback. When the Instagram account The Vintage Costume Collector posted a side-by-side image of Roberts and Joan Crawford, one commenter offered: "Joan Crawford looks way better in my opinion more classic and refined and Julia is wearing ugly black nail polish." Roberts's response? "It is in fact a navy polish with garnets [sic] crystals as a grounding accent. In case you would like to edit your comment from 'ugly black nail polish' to ugly navy polish with Garnet crystals. Just sayin'…"
Fans in the comments section are loving her response, saying, "yas Queen you tell em'-" and "Julia Roberts is an icon who needs no comparison to anybody!" While trolling on Instagram is never appreciated, let this serve as a nice reminder to at least learn the correct nail polish shades before hating on someone's manicure.
samedi 15 septembre 2018
Better Times: Amy Winehouse's 25 Most Memorable Moments
Amy Winehouse died at the age of 27 in July 2011, but her spirit lives on in both her incredible singing voice and the recent, gripping documentary Amy. Despite her troubles with drugs and alcohol, Amy was a true talent - her music was raw, powerful, and (like the name of her debut album), frank. Her songs tugged at your heartstrings while also painting the picture of a deeply emotional and vulnerable soul, and since her tragic death, we've learned more and more about the woman behind the throaty vocals. We're looking back at some of Amy's best photos and performances in an effort to shed more light on the better times in her public life - keep reading to see them all now.
Make Sure the AC Is Cranked Before You Check Out These 25 Sexy Nicki Minaj Pics
Four out of five scientists agree that Nicki Minaj is actually sex in human form. Every album cover, music video, and stage performance Nicki delivers is borderline NSFW sexy, and we're just here to bask in her glory. Nicki is hot as hell and an actual saint to boot (and we're not just talking about her Saints and Sinners Met Gala outfit), so it's no wonder every photo taken of her serves to project her radiance.
Here are just 25 of the most gorgeous photos captured of Nicki this year, both on stage and off.
Miley Cyrus Doesn't Have as Many Supersexy Videos as You Might Assume
Miley Cyrus has been creating hits for well over a decade, and recent years have seen her releasing sultry videos to accompany her tracks. "Adore You" features her singing seductively in a bath tub, in "Malibu" she shows her softer side while dancing on the beach, and how could anyone forget her 2013 single, "Wrecking Ball," where she bares it all while swinging from the ceiling? Given the amount of headlines she's made over the years, we're actually surprised she doesn't have more crazy-sexy videos. Then again, she's only 25! Until she unleashes more music on us, here are her top five sexiest videos.
Justin Bieber and Jimmy Fallon Hilariously Photobombed a Ton of Unsuspecting Tourists
Justin Bieber might be busy planning his wedding to Hailey Baldwin, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have time for a little bit of fun. On Thursday, Jimmy Fallon shared a video in which he and the 24-year-old singer surprised unsuspecting New Yorkers by lip syncing and dancing to "What Do You Mean?" while in disguise - and the result is absolutely hilarious. From playing the pan flute to showing their best dance moves, Fallon and Bieber visibly had a great time filming the musical photobomb in Central Park, and we would be lying if we said we hadn't already watched it a couple of times. See what the funny duo got up to in the video above.
Chrissy Teigen's Anniversary Message For John Legend Is Just Classic Chrissy
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have been delighting the internet with their love for over a decade. On Sept. 14, the couple celebrated their five-year wedding anniversary, which also falls on the exact day they met 12 years ago. "We have two babies and some pups and a life I am grateful to have," Chrissy wrote in a sweet Instagram post featuring a picture from their 2013 wedding in Lake Como, Italy. "My everything, I love you and am so proud of the story we've created."
Because it's Chrissy, however, of course she had to sneak in a little dig. Joking about the timing of her Target kitchenware launch on the same day it was announced that John would be joining The Voice, Chrissy added, "But you are an assh*le for releasing your @nbcthevoice news on my Target launch day for real."
In his hilarious anniversary post shared shortly after, John dutifully plugged Chrissy's Target collection. "What can I say on a day like today? I could talk about the 12 beautiful years I've known you. I could talk about the 5 years of wedded bliss, the 2 wonderful children we've brought into this world. But I feel the urge to say something far more important," he said. Adding, "I LOVE your new kitchenware line at @Target. I can't wait for it to come out on September 30th."
He didn't stop there either! While he was at it, John also made sure to mention Chrissy's forthcoming cookbook. "I'm so proud of everything you've done in your career and how much joy you bring to people's lives. Did I mention that your Cravings Cookbook is coming out Tuesday? Because it's coming out Tuesday. I love you, baby." That's true love right there, people.
Mel B Says a New Spice Girls Tour Is "100 Percent Happening," But With 1 Person Missing
On Thursday, Mel B sat down with late-night host James Corden, alongside Olivia Munn and Dr. Phil, to talk about upcoming projects, including the Spice Girls reunion tour that practically everyone wants to happen. James cut right to the chase, asking Mel when the group is going to make every '90s music fan's dream come true after "stringing us along" for months.
Although concrete details about the tour are still pretty scarce, Mel confirmed that four out of the five spices will definitely be making their rounds on tour together: Mel (Scary Spice), Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice), Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), and Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice). When Olivia questioned whether Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, would be joining them, Mel simply answered, "Well, we'll see about that one." She said she hopes that Victoria will be able to do a few shows, but if not, Olivia had the idea of having celebrity guests fill in as Posh Spice, which is pretty genius, no? Apparently Mel has Katy Perry on her radar.
Rumors about a Spice Girls reunion have been circulating for years. For a while, it all just seemed like wishful thinking, but now that it's actually happening, we're pretty pumped about it. Watch Mel talk more about reuniting the Spice Girls - and finding her old performance costumes - in the video above.
Brace Yourself: The First VERY Creepy Teaser For Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Is Here
Netflix is giving Sabrina the Teenage Witch a very, very creepy new makeover in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which has finally dropped its first teaser! In it, Sabrina (Mad Men's Kiernan Shipka) is on the cusp of celebrating her 16th birthday, aka when she has to sign her soul away to the devil. Tonally, the trailer evokes old-school horror movies like Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist, so even though familiar faces like Harvey Kinkle (Ross Lynch), Aunt Hilda (Lucy Davis), and Aunt Zelda (Miranda Otto) make appearances, this is going to be a totally different series than the one Melissa Joan Hart starred in years ago. Watch the teaser above before it hits Netflix on Oct. 26.
This Heated Mattress Pad Is a Total Game Changer For Those Cold Ass Nights
A heated mattress pad may sound like the sort of bedding accoutrement that your elderly grandparent boasts about, but lend me your ear. When the temperatures dip to the high 30s at night (at least they do where I live in Northern California), there's nothing quite as uninviting as climbing into a frigid bed. The sheets can feel glacial and rough, and while I'm not actually elderly, my bones can hurt.
On a whim, I ordered this Sunbeam Quilted Heated Mattress Pad With Dual EasySet Pro Controllers ($70) because it had over 1,900 Amazon reviews. I wasted no time introducing it to my bed and climbing aboard.
Aside from the most obvious and immediate benefit of having it - it made me warm and toasty - it soothed my muscles and back instantly. I'd used a heating pad in the past when my hips or back were tight (again, I'm not elderly), but I found I got way too hot, way too quickly. The mattress pad creates more of a lukewarm sensation that softly coasts through my bones . . . similar to what you might experience while getting a massage. And what's even better is that nothing changed, comfort-wise. There are no nagging coils, though occasionally I can feel the plug with my feet - it's located at the base of the mattress pad. It's not enough to irritate me, though, because I'm too busy blissfully falling asleep in my cozy cocoon.
Spend $11 on This "Sand" and Sit Back While Your Toddler Plays For Hours - With No Mess
You probably have a heap of plastic trucks, dolls, and Duplos for your toddler, but when those toys lose their luster and you've already maxed out on screen time, what's a toddler parent to do? Sure, you could put together some activities like painting rocks or making slime but, ugh, effort (and not to mention the mess!).
Enter: the best gift my kids have ever received. This Kinetic Sand ($11) was tucked neatly inside a bag that sat hidden under a pile of metallic bows at my son's second birthday party. After I stealthily hid all the gifts that made siren sounds or had more than three parts (what, you don't confiscate your kid's gifts before they can get to them?), I skeptically busted it open.
Sand? I mean, what kind of monster gives a kid sand?! The very thing that you try desperately to avoid getting into your car and house after sandbox playtime or beach trips. The very thing you can be sure you cleaned off your body, shoes, and clothes completely only to find tiny particles hiding in small crevices days later. But, since the giver was a good friend who I was certain wasn't trying to sabotage me, I pulled out the inner package and, to my absolute delight found the most amazing, albeit confusing, lump of "sand." Sand that did not stick to anything but itself. Sand that did not fall apart into miniscule granules. Sand that did not make any mess. What was this magical mixture?
I put it on a tray, added a few cars and trucks, and voila! Literally one uninterrupted hour of playtime from my 2-year-old. Yes, an hour. Trust me, nothing gets his attention for that long unless it's flashing on a TV screen. When the wheel play waned I threw in a handful of kitchen utensils and the quiet, independent fun continued - that is, until my 5-year-old noticed and wanted some for himself! Enter: Amazon prime. Two days later, we were back in business with a double batch of this miracle dust.
I still have no idea how it works, or how to adequately explain it. The package says it's "made with a special formula of beach sand and Polymers," whatever that means. But I do know this nontoxic Kinetic Sand is worth it's weight in gold. But it's nowhere near that expensive. A three-pound bag will cost you less than $11 on Amazon, so go ahead and stock up.
I keep extra bags in my closet for the inevitable weekend when that birthday party I put on the calendar two months ago and promptly forgot about happens, or when we need extra during play dates. But you certainly don't need a stash to replace yours, because like the package boasts, this stuff never dries up. We've had ours sitting out on the same trays in the dining room (yes, my children have taken over our house and I can't even fight it anymore) for months, and it's the same consistency as the day we opened it.
So there you have it, the inexpensive Prime purchase that every parent needs to make. It's guaranteed to make you the star of the birthday party circuit. Or even better, the star of your own home as your little one enjoys a day at the "beach" from the comfort of your kitchen table. No sunscreen or towels needed.
45+ Halloween Jokes For Kids That Will Bring Out Their Evil Laughs
Halloween can be a very spooky holiday (there's never a shortage of haunted houses, scary stories, and horror movies), but when you have kids, it's fun to lighten the mood a little to give things a less terrifying spin. And to them, there's really nothing not to love about Halloween. They get to dress up in awesome costumes, walk around their neighborhood with their friends, and get free candy all night long! And since kids love jokes - both hearing them and telling them - we've put together a great compilation of kid-friendly Halloween ones. They'll make you a hit at your kids' Halloween party and make them a hit with their friends at school. Keep reading to see them all now, and prepare to do your best evil "muhahaha."
21 Perfect Stocking Stuffers For the Wine-Loving Friend Who Always Says, "I'll Just Have 1 Glass"
While new socks and toothpaste are always much appreciated when it comes to stocking stuffers, it's really about finding ways to appeal to the recipient's, um, hobbies that are sure to bring them delight. For the 21-and-over set, that means wine gifts. From pool rafts that look like Rosé bottles (hey, you can roll them up to fit inside a stocking!) to funny plastic glasses, we found 21 little gifts that will warm their hearts with every sip.
Staying Home With Your Kids Is Harder Than Going to Work, Says a New Survey
Being a stay-at-home parent isn't easy, and a recent survey conducted by Aveeno Baby found it might even be harder than holding down a full-time job. Researchers asked 1,500 moms and dads in the UK, and 31 percent of parents said that staying home with their kids is harder than going to work every day.
Aveeno Baby Skin Expert Rebecca Bennett explained that the poll was done in the hopes of reassuring new moms and dads that caring for a child isn't always easy.
"Becoming a parent is an amazing experience, but we understand that entering this new chapter of life can also bring with it a great deal of stress and worry, so we wanted to discover more about what new parents experience in the first few years, what they wish they had known, and how best we can support them," said Rebecca.
This Woman Learned a Very Important Lesson After Calling the Police on a Struggling Mom
While traveling in Tennessee with her husband a few years back, Megan Orr Burnside saw a scene at a gas station that made her uneasy, to say the least: a mother violently struggling to get her son, who appeared to be about 10, into the car. Not liking the looks of the situation, Megan reported the incident to the police. In a post to Facebook, Megan admitted to completely blaming the mom at first for whatever was going on and detailed just how much she regrets making that call now that a few years have gone by:
He was screaming and she was so angry and frustrated. We watched her get him in the car and there was a lot of physical fighting in the car. It looked like she was hitting him as well, so we called the police. They came and we left. We then got a call and they told us that the boy was autistic and she really struggled with him, and she had even asked for the police's help in the past to deal with him because he was very violent. They said they have been helping her and she's doing the best she can.
At that moment, Megan realized the error in her ways. Rather than calling the police at the drop of a dime, she should've offered to help out the struggling mom. "In my eagerness to protect the child, I neglected to offer help to the mother," she wrote. "Instead I 'turned her in' to the authorities. [My husband and I] sat and watched her struggle and called her in. I have felt guilt even years later that I didn't get out of my car and offer her some help. If I had helped in that moment, it may not have led to more violence."
Now, years later, a similar situation cropped up while Megan was shopping in a thrift store. She saw a mom getting "angry and explosive" with her two children in the checkout line, and this time she decided to intervene helpfully rather than reach for her phone. She wrote:
I remembered the experience I had in Tennessee and walked over to talk to the little boy and put my hand on his foot. He calmed down. The mother was so frazzled and apologized. She told me she worked nights and she couldn't even think in the day. I know there were other things going on, but in that moment I told her I understood what it's like to be overwhelmed. I told her she was a good mom. I told her everything was going to be OK. She cried, guys. She CRIED as everyone else watched her struggle with her burden.
Megan admits she learned a very important lesson that day: that people these days are quick to whip out their phones to document a stranger's imperfections when they could be offering a helping hand. "I know there's a place for the authorities to step in, but I feel like we have become a culture who watches for faults instead of opportunities to help. We have become more separated and condemning, instead of compassionate, loving, and serving," she wrote.
The takeaway here? Rather than immediately jumping to conclusions about a parenting issue, consider offering some help first. "When people are overwhelmed they need help, not condemnation," Megan wrote. "I know I have been guilty for doing this very thing and I see clearly how I probably perpetuated the problem instead of helping to uplift and assist others."
I'm That Overly Cautious Mom Who Throws Away All Halloween Candy That Isn't Totally Sealed
Hello! Allow me to introduce myself. I'm that super-overprotective mom who is paranoid AF. Especially around Halloween, when so many scary things can happen (literally). I need only have heard one story about one kid eating a piece of candy that was tampered with, even if it was way back in 1987 when I was a kid myself, to unleash some corporate-level quality control on my own kids' stash before they dig in.
Before my kids could so much as utter one word of protest, I had already tossed those repurposed cocoa solids in the closest garbage bin.
I operate under the assumption that a parent can never be too cautious when your children are basically taking candy from strangers. So, yes, every year, my kids have to wait while I inspect their chocolate bars and lollipops for, oh, I don't know, razor blades. If I happen to see a wrapper that isn't totally sealed (anything wrapped at the sides is gone) or looks iffy, like someone removed it and rewrapped it, or even just lifted up the edge, I toss that peanut butter cup or mini licorice pack faster than you can say "trick-or-treat."
Not that I encounter too much suspicious candy, but believe me, it's out there. Last year, my kids brought home several chocolate eggs in Christmas wrappers. Thinking about it logically, best case scenario, that candy was 10 months old. Indeed, a quick inspection inside the red and green foils revealed some rather questionable-looking chocolate that was covered in white powder. Before my kids could so much as utter one word of protest, I had already tossed those repurposed cocoa solids in the closest garbage bin.
Here's the thing: My kids don't need all the candy they score on Halloween anyway. Their teeth are probably already going to rot out from the stuff I let them keep that's totally on the up and up. I simply fail to see the need to keep candy on hand that gives me any reason to doubt whether it's safe for my children to eat.
Most of the time, my kids don't even notice I've edited their bounty and removed any candy I've either never heard of or that could possibly have been tampered with, no matter how unlikely. And even if they gave me a hard time, I'd tell them what my mom used to tell me: "It's better to be safe than sorry." One day, when they're parents, they'll understand.
Editor's Note: This piece was written by a POPSUGAR contributor and does not necessarily reflect the views of POPSUGAR Inc. Interested in joining our POPSUGAR Voices network of contributors from around the globe? Click here.
Chrissy Teigen Says Eating Her Placenta Helped With Her Postpartum Depression
Leave it to Chrissy Teigen to always speak candidly about the realities of parenting. The Lip Sync Battle host and mom of two recently made an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning's yet-to-be-aired 40th anniversary special, where she opened up about her experience with postpartum depression and revealed her method for keeping it at bay. Chrissy revealed she ate her placenta following the birth of her son, Miles Theodore, a measure that she thinks is part of the reason why she was able to avoid depression after giving birth for the second time.
"I don't think I can have you eating your placenta on primetime," host Rita Braver joked. "Really? That's not a normal thing?" Chrissy responded. "I'm in LA, it's very normal. They grill it here! You can try some of mine after."
The mom first spoke about her struggle with postpartum depression in a refreshingly honest open letter published in Glamour's April 2017 issue, writing that she realized she had been a different version of herself than she was a year earlier when she first gave birth to her daughter, Luna. "I couldn't figure out why I was so unhappy," she wrote. "I blamed it on being tired and possibly growing out of the role: 'Maybe I'm just not a goofy person anymore. Maybe I'm just supposed to be a mom.'"
Soon after being diagnosed with PPD, Chrissy shared her story with fans and revealed that she had begun taking an antidepressant and was close to starting therapy. And it sounds like she's generally feeling much happier these days. "I think people on social media are my friends," she told Braver about her decision to speak so candidly online. "And I think they deserved to know. I don't know, is that so weird?"
Does Caffeine Affect Fertility? An Expert Weighs In
If you're trying to get pregnant, you probably already know that several lifestyle factors can have an effect on your fertility. From eating a balanced diet to maintaining a healthy weight to limiting stress, an overall focus on healthy habits can only improve your chances of conceiving. Still, you may feel overwhelmed getting a grasp on what changes to your current lifestyle are truly necessary to boost your baby odds. For example, is it OK to keep drinking your treasured morning cup of coffee, or indulge in your craving for an afternoon Diet Coke? We've been there! So we decided to dig into finding out how much a prework stop at Starbucks actually figures into fertility.
Not surprisingly, it seems moderation is key when it comes to caffeine consumption. According to the Mayo Clinic, female fertility does not seem to be adversely impacted by a caffeine intake of fewer than 200 milligrams, or about two 8-ounce cups a day (one cup of coffee has about 95 milligrams of caffeine per the USDA). Meanwhile, Coke is relatively low in caffeine, with around 45 milligrams per 8-ounce bottle.
On the flip side, Dr. Zaher Merhi from the New Hope Fertility Center tells POPSUGAR: "High levels of caffeine consumption have been associated with decreased fertility." But you would have to drink five cups of coffee or its equivalent each day to decrease your chances of getting pregnant. Merhi confirms that moderate caffeine consumption, or one to two cups of your favorite java each day, is OK.
If you do have a five-or-more-cups-a-day habit (and we aren't judging!), Merhi suggests cutting down at least one month before you try for baby. Meanwhile, researchers have not found a link between semen quality and caffeine consumption, so men, you're probably in the clear to keep guzzling those lattes. But it's still important to maintain as healthy a lifestyle as possible for both partners.
The bottom line: drinking coffee, or whatever helps you start your day (or keep it going!) in moderation, is the best way to increase your chances of getting pregnant, whether you're using fertility treatments or not. And once you are expecting, Merhi cautions, "Caffeine consumption over two to three cups per day may increase [your] risk for miscarriage."
This Kid's Honest Answer to a Homework Question About Anger Is So, So Perfect
Teaching kids about emotions is important, but teachers need to know that if they intend to probe into their students' feelings, they better be ready to hear some hard truths.
Reddit user LucentPhoenix posted a snippet of his 10-year-old son's recent homework assignment online after discovering the boy's very honest answer about anger.
When asked to "describe a time when you've felt really angry," the fifth-grader didn't hold back: "When I found this homework in my backpack."
It turns out that the assignment was part of a popular social-emotional health "Second Step" curriculum. The lesson of this particular worksheet was all about empathy, and perhaps this introspective boy got the message. In his answer to the follow-up question, "What did you do?," he must have put his frustrations aside and rose above: "Did it," he wrote simply.
Now, we don't want to upset you further, dear student, but just a heads up: this is only the beginning of you needing to channel that anger. Keep it up!
15 Sensory Halloween Activities For Kids They'll Race Home From School to Try
As soon as you feel that first chill in the air, we're willing to bet that your little guys and ghouls start trembling with excitement about Halloween. And what's not to be excited about? From picking out their fun costumes to getting ready to eat buckets of candy to binging spooky movies, it's such a fun time of the year for kids. So why not add to the Halloween excitement by planning some spooktacular sensory activities with them? There's basically no right way to do these, they encourage free play, and they let your kids have fun and explore their senses with different materials. Keep reading for 15 ideas, many of which you can roll up your sleeves and get involved with, too.
31 DIY Halloween Decorations That Are So Simple and Easy, It'll Scare You
No other holiday inspires a range of decorations quite like Halloween. Ghouls, goblins, ghosts, black cats, pumpkins, and skulls are just some of the many motifs that captivate our imaginations in the Fall. But if you're starting to tire of the Halloween decorations available to you in stores, or just can't find exactly what you're looking for, it might be time to try your hand at the DIY approach! Whether you're decorating for trick-or-treaters outside or want to move the party indoors, try some of these DIY Halloween decorations that run the gamut from delicate festive touches to full-scale spooky displays.
These Twin Sisters Both Just Turned 102 Years Old, and Yup, They Still Got It
Ann and Gussie Crumby, two twin sisters from Hancock County, GA, have just cleared an impressive milestone back in May few people can ever lay claim to: they turned 102 years old . . . together. Now, the pair is celebrating their birthday with their family in Macon, GA. Although living long enough to be 102 is no doubt impressive, for Ann and Gussie, age is truly just a number.
"I don't even know I'm old," Ann told WMAZ-TV, "I think I'm still young." Gussie agreed, saying: "I don't feel no different than I did [than] when I was 101," she added that she always makes it a point to stay close to Ann. "When I look around, I see her and when she looks around, she sees me."
Born in 1916, the twins were raised on a farm and were raised by their grandmother. They attended a tiny school that only had one teacher and grew up to become seamstresses. Eventually, Ann moved up to New York when she met her husband, and Gussie and her husband stayed close to home. They lived separately for decades before reuniting in the late '90s.
According to a study from the University of Washington, identical twins actually live longer than others. David Sharrow, the study's lead author, told Science Daily exactly why that may be back in 2016. "There is benefit to having someone who is socially close to you who is looking out for you," he said. "They may provide material or emotional support that lead to better longevity outcomes."
Now, the twins spend most of their time hanging out with each other. "We haven't been apart so much," they told the station. "We just mostly stay from one place to the other but we mostly stay together."
Ha! Carrie Underwood Admitted to Judging Her Son's Singing Ability, and Can You Blame Her?
Carrie Underwood swung by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote her new album, Cry Pretty, and of course, the soon-to-be mom of two was more than happy to chat about her home life.
After explaining that her 3-year-old son Isaiah wants to name the new baby after him (because toddlers), she admitted that she can't help but judge him while he's singing "his songs," like the theme songs from Fraggle Rock and Duck Tales.
"Is that wrong? That I'm judging my 3-and-a-half-year-old child to see if he can sing? If he is not musically inclined, that is fine. I'm excited to find out what he loves and is passionate about and is good at and I will support that, but I really want him to sing."
I mean, can you blame her?
Experts Reveal When It's OK For Kids to Trick-or-Treat Without You
Halloween takes on a new life once kids get a little older - the night becomes less about candy and more about spending time with friends, the costumes get a little more creative (and ones they'll definitely want to pick without your help), and their desire for a few hours way from adults continues to grow. The change usually hits toward the end of grade school, when kids are in their preteen years.
As parents, even though we usually know what's best for our kids and hone in on that superpower gut instinct, we don't always have the answer. The truth? A lot of us are out here winging it, and navigating the rules of trick-or-treating with (or without) supervision on Halloween is no different. Luckily for us, though, two top parenting experts chatted with POPSUGAR about when it's OK for kids to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision, and both agree that multiple factors come into play.
"So much of what determines the appropriate age for a child to go trick-or-treating alone (with a group of friends) depends on the neighborhood, along with the child's personality and level of maturity," Dr. Jenn Mann, lead psychotherapist, host of VH1's Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn, and author of The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids, tells POPSUGAR. "While most experts say 13 is a reasonable age for trick-or-treating with friends, it's important that parents assess the safety of their neighborhood and the maturity and judgment of their child."
Dr. Rosina McAlpine, CEO and creator of the Win Win Parenting Program and editor of Inspired Children: How the Leading Minds of Today Raise Their Kids, agrees: "While there is no one definitive 'appropriate' or 'safe' age for children to go out trick-or-treating by themselves that applies to all children, in all circumstances, many parents consider allowing their children to go on their own, without a parent or guardian accompanying them, around 10 to 12 years of age."
Both experts strongly stress that age isn't the only thing to consider for parents who are trying to figure out whether or not their child is ready to trick-or-treat without them - they have to prove that they're ready, too. "A child who consistently follows rules and keeps their commitment to their parent is showing a sense of responsibility and awareness," says Dr. Jenn. "Some other signs of readiness include being comfortable staying home alone for short periods of time and successful outings to safe places, like the mall, with a group of friends."
If an older child does seem to be ready for some solo trick-or-treating this year, Dr. McAlpine says it's crucial for parents to sit down with them and discuss how to handle unsafe scenarios while trick-or-treating. "Parents should have a heart-to-heart conversation with their child about what they intend to do, who they're going with, and how they might respond in various situations," she says. Dr. McAlpine also suggests asking kids situational questions, like "What if someone invites you into their home or car?" and "What will you do if you get lost or separated from the group?" to get a better feel for whether or not they'll respond properly in a risky or dangerous situation. "The maturity of their responses is one indicator of how they might fare alone," she says. "But parents should continue to guide and support them so they can manage these situations appropriately and safely."
The bottom line: a tween or preteen might fit all the requirements to trick-or-treat with just their friends on Halloween, but it's critical for parents to still provide them with the best safety tools - and enforce rules - before sending them off. "Children should travel in packs, and within the pack they should have a 'buddy' who they stay with at all times," says Dr. Jenn. She also suggests that children establish a safe meeting place in case someone gets separated from the group, have a plan for when a friend needs to use the bathroom, and to always allow a child to borrow a cell phone in case of an emergency.
Rihanna's Diamond Ball Gown Is Fit For a Queen, but Her Afterparty Jumpsuit Is the Real Showstopper
Rihanna is having the best week of her life already because she closed New York Fashion Week in style and debuted her new Savage x Fenty Fall 2018 collection. Now, she decided to up the ante yet again by hosting her fourth annual Diamond Ball in New York City.
For the swanky event, which was hosted by The Clara Lionel Foundation, Rihanna started off in a beautiful white ensemble by Alexis Mabille. She wore a sheer white lace jumpsuit with a skirt on top that featured a bow strategically covering her chest. Rihanna accessorized with Chopard jewels.
As for her afterparty look, Rihanna changed into a sexy black jumpsuit by Tom Ford that had two side cutouts that showed off some skin and a tiny bow in the front. She accessorized with retro Alain Mikli x Alexandre Vauthier sunglasses, David Webb jewels, feathered pumps, and a jewel-adorned Christopher Kane bag. Read on to see all angles of both outfits.
The Looks at Last Year's Emmys Are Still on Our Minds; Imagine What We Can Expect!
After admiring countless fancy gowns on the runways at Fashion Week, we are always more than prepared to see our favorite TV stars slip into fabulous designer looks at the Emmys in September. In 2017, with shows like Big Little Lies, The Handmaid's Tale, and Stranger Things scoring nominations, some of the boldest style stars - hello, Zoë Kravitz, Millie Bobby Brown, and Elisabeth Moss! - showed up in straight-off-the-catwalk dresses. Read on to see who wore what for the kickoff of award season last year, then check out all the stunning bags and jewels they brought, and be prepared to ring in 2018 with some gorgeous new looks on Monday night.
11 Cute Jackets From Amazon For Under $30
A jacket is like the cherry on top of your outfit, so you have to choose wisely. If you love having plenty of options, we curated a selection of affordable picks that don't sacrifice style. From trenches to bombers, you'll be beyond pleased.
I Wore the Same Exact Outfit to Fashion Week Twice, Because Why the Hell Shouldn't I?
Dressing up for Fashion Week can be a total and utter nightmare. Not only do you feel pressured into wearing the latest designs and figuring out the coolest things to wear, but there's also a certain status that comes along with it. Since there are photographers everywhere during this time, people go out of their way to construct looks they know will get them photographed and land them in street style galleries. This season, I decided to do something different: wear an outfit I had already worn to NYFW exactly a year ago.
While I love my job and attending runway shows, recently, I have felt kind of "over" the stress of figuring out what to wear to Fashion Week. Sure, it's fun to play dress up, and women should feel free to splurge on what they're excited about and embrace the opportunity to wear emerging designers they care about. I borrowed a dress from Zimmermann and a pair of sneakers from Ash for this year's shows, but I wasn't about to go spend a thousand dollars on an outfit or pull 20 different outfits from designers to send over this time around.
As trends change each season, it's easy to get swept away in wearing the latest item of the moment, but it's also very important to stay true to who you are and your personal aesthetic. (That being said, I'm still always willing to try new trends from time to time.) For the Tom Ford Spring '19 show, I rewore the same Fame & Partners black and white gingham dress that I wore to Rihanna's Fenty x Puma show last year. Ironically enough, both shows ended up taking place at the same venue, the Park Avenue Armory.
I figured it's a super flattering dress, I bought it with my own money, and I felt so damn confident when I wore it - why shouldn't I be able to rock it multiple times? Gingham is a classic print that hasn't gone out of style over the years and I am personally very fond of it. With this in mind, I slipped into my minidress and styled it with the same short black booties and chain-link YSL bag I had carried last year. The only thing I ended up changing was the addition of a new pair of earrings.
I loved how I looked in this dress so much, I took multiple pictures of myself in the look during both seasons (shout-out to my boyfriend Pat, aka the OG Instagram hubby), and I didn't even care if any of my social media followers noticed. I've even worn it a couple of times in the Summer and posted it on the 'gram. In the end, this is my Fashion Week dress, and I'll wear it as many times as I want to - because why the hell not? Scroll on to see pictures and shop similar versions ahead.
This Is the Fall Accessory That Never Goes Out of Style
One of our favorite Fall accessories is a great scarf. There are so many varieties to choose from, whether it's s chic silk scarf or a massive blanket scarf. Large scarves in particular are our ultimate plane essential, because sometimes the air conditioning can be frigid. A pretty scarf keeps you warm and makes you look pulled together; what more could you ask for? Just keep reading to shop our favorite accessory!
Olivia Munn's Shoe Collection Is So Sexy, You'll Break a Sweat
Olivia Munn has a way of oozing sex appeal without even trying, and it's probably because she has one of the sexiest wardrobes we've ever seen. While Olivia loves to show off her killer body in barely there swimsuits and skintight dresses, her insanely sexy shoe collection is the reason she always looks good from head to toe.
Whether she's walking the red carpet or just heading out for a night on the town, Olivia's shoe game is always on point. From sky-high stilettos to over-the-knee boots and strappy sandals, her killer footwear can make the most boring outfits look hotter than hot. Keep reading to see all the times Olivia's sexy shoes left us reaching for a glass of water, then shop similar versions for yourself.
We Can't Believe Hailey Baldwin's Getting Married - but We Can Totally Envision Her Wedding Dress
Hailey Baldwin sent fans into a frenzy by stepping into a courthouse with Justin Bieber in NYC. Hailey batted away rumors about being married with a single tweet, but she has been amping up to be the perfect bride for years - or so it seems. Aside from being very adamant about specific details of her engagement ring, she's had plenty of practice wearing white. While she wore a flirty minidress and sneakers to the courthouse, Hailey and Justin still have time for a big wedding with family and friends, which will likely call for a gown.
Hailey rocks leg slits or extremely short minis whenever she can, so something tells us she'll have a party dress meant for dancing. She's a pro at trekking along in platforms, so the chance of bridal flats is slim to none. And, we have a few ideas for what designer she might tap for the job. Tommy Hilfiger, Virgil Abloh, and the team at Roberto Cavalli best be standing by the phone! Read on for our official guesses as to what Hailey will choose for her special celebration, and let us know if you have any doubts that it'll be damn sexy.
Related: How Hailey Baldwin Is Getting in Killer Shape Before Her Wedding to Justin Bieber
The 25 Best Boots Money Can Buy This Fall - For Less Than $100
We're ready to grab our wallets and splurge on a pair of Fall boots, but it doesn't mean we have to spend a fortune. To save both time and money this season, we went on a mission to find the best pairs the internet has to offer for under $100. From brands like Sam Edelman and Topshop to Steve Madden, we curated a list of 25 picks that look way more expensive than they are. Keep scrolling to check our selection and find your match.
This Is the Coat You're Going to Live In All Fall
One of the most exciting elements of Fall fashion is the addition of jackets and coats to our daily routine. This season, we're spotting a resurgence of the ultimate classic, the trench coat. It's no longer just a preppy staple; the silhouette is popping up in fresh colors and fabrics to add sophistication to any kind of look you can dream up. We can't wait to wear all these pretty finds; just keep reading to shop our picks!
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