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 3 octobre 2018
Turns Out, Your Gym Bag Is Crawling With Germs - Here's How to Clean It
If you're anything like me, you have a favorite bag you've used to lug your clothes, shoes, water bottle, and towels to and from the gym for years. After a workout, I always empty my bag, wash my water bottle and clothes, and remove my gym shoes so they can air out. But it wasn't until a client mentioned disinfecting her gym bag that I realized mine is long overdue for a deep clean.
The reality is your gym bag houses just as many germs as the items you place inside it. You can remove your shoes (ugh, the bottoms!) and sweaty clothes, but that doesn't mean they won't leave dirt and bacteria behind. Then there's the stuff your bag picks up from the gym and locker room floor. "Everyone thinks of locker rooms, showers, and gyms as reservoirs for germs, but your gym bag - used to store those sweaty clothes - can also be harboring bugs," Dr. Prachi Ranade, MD at Infectious Disease Consultants, PLC, told POPSUGAR. "Make sure to clean the inside of your bag often - at least twice a week."
What's the Best Way to Clean It?
Disinfectant wipes are one of the easiest ways to keep your gym bag clean. Keep the wipes in your car or wherever you pack your bag, and give it a quick wipe inside and out every couple of uses. For a deeper clean, you may be able to throw it in the washer. "If you use a regular canvas bag, you can simply wash with your favorite detergent, but be sure to wash in cold water as warm will shrink down the canvas," said Jacqueline Maria, owner of Ivy Glove Cleaning Services, who uses these methods to clean her son's football gear. "If you have a multi-fabric bag, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar, then add a small amount of Dawn dish soap. Use a soft sponge to wipe the bag down, both inside and out." However you clean your bag, the key is making sure to do so regularly.
Even better, prevent the spread of germs before it starts. Keep that bag off the floor, and do what you can to shield your clothes. "Most people are considerate and wipe down machines after using them, but those germs are persistent, and an additional wipe down before hopping on ensures more protection," Dr. Ranade said. Then, when you're done working out, be careful how you pack up. "Damp clothing attracts mold and germs," she said.
Maria suggests keeping those germs isolated. "For example, wrap wet or stinky shoes in plastic shower caps before placing them in your bag," she said. You can also keep dryer sheets in your bag if it tends to smell - and of course, you should empty it ASAP when you get home.
New to Weightlifting? Here Are 16 Exercises You Need to Know
Not only is weightlifting fun, it's one of the best ways to lower your body fat percentage and build lean muscle. In addition to losing fat, a 2006 review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explained that other benefits of weightlifting are: increased bone mass, improved cardiovascular fitness, strength, and an enhanced sense of well-being.
If you're a beginner, you're probably wondering what weightlifting exercises you should be doing at the gym, and I'm glad you're thinking one step ahead. Most trainers agree that compound exercises - moves that work multiple muscle groups at once - like squats and pull-ups, elicit a greater energy expenditure and enable the body to burn more calories and body fat. If that was too much to digest just remember this: the bigger the movement, the more muscles you use, and as a result, the more calories and fat you burn.
Now that you know types of movements to do, you may be tempted to start with more advanced exercises you see your favorite Instagram influencers and trainers doing; that is not a good idea. Instead, master the 16 exercises ahead. Once you've got them down, you can safely progress to the more difficult moves.
The following exercises are not meant to be done together as a workout. Instead, choose 3-6 exercises that are specific to a muscle group (arms, legs, etc.) and create a workout with them.
Let's Explain Once and For All What Taking CBD Actually Feels Like
I started taking CBD oil and supplements last Summer as an experiment, and since then, it has become a staple in my wellness and antianxiety routine. But I still get so many funny looks, nervous questions, and confused remarks about CBD's effects - some people are still really scared to take it!
And I understand that, because I was nervous, too. For decades, cannabis plants have been stigmatized and off-limits, so not only is research limited, but doctors and common folks like you and me haven't been able to have much experience with it (legally, that is). Until recently, CBD hasn't even been part of our everyday vocabulary and has been all but a mystery.
A brief refresher (in case you're brand new to this): CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in hemp, hops, and marijuana. It is nonpsychoactive, meaning it won't cause intoxication (read: it won't get you "high"). It is antioxidant, antianxiety, and anti-inflammatory. Studies are showing that it's also antitumor, antitremor (for cases of epilepsy), and antipsychotic. Seems incredible, right? That's because it is!
But nearly everyone I've encountered who is new to CBD wants to know one thing: how does it make you feel? And this is sort of the whole point with CBD . . . it's less about what you feel and more about what you don't feel.
Allow me to explain: with CBD, you'll experience the absence of anxiety - but nothing more than that. You won't feel an extrahappy feeling in place of that anxiety, but perhaps happiness or calmness that already existed and was suppressed by your anxious feelings.
You'll feel the absence of insomnia, but you won't feel extra sedated or groggy. You'll go right to sleep without feeling drowsiness or a hangover that you might get from something like NyQuil or sleeping pills.
And you'll possibly notice that you have less pain, but you won't have any kind of body high to replace the void your pain or woe left behind. It's not that CBD makes you feel "good" necessarily, but rather it makes you feel NOT bad. It eliminates whatever is plaguing you and allows your brain and body to return to its happy, healthy homeostasis.
Because CBD is a cannabinoid (and often comes from a cannabis plant), people usually confuse CBD with THC - the psychoactive compound - and expect to feel intoxicated or high in some way. This is absolutely not what happens. You don't get high. You don't get stoned. Nothing happens. For real.
All that said, if you're still nervous, that's normal given the circumstances. This seemingly miracle supplement has been kept from us for about a century, and we've been told it's bad for the body. You're going to have to see for yourself just how wrong that is!
Want to Try Out Intermittent Fasting? Here's a 1-Week Kick-Start Plan
Never heard of intermittent fasting but want to try it out? Already an intermittent faster but getting bored with it? A seven-day meal plan is just what you need then! For those new to intermittent fasting, it's a way of eating that doesn't tell you what to eat but rather when to eat. So technically it's not a diet, but you still want to practice healthy eating if you want to reach your weight-loss goals. Instead of limiting calories, intermittent fasting limits the times you can eat to a specific window. There are so many different ways to intermittently fast, but the most common method is called the 16 to 8 split - fasting for 16 hours and eating for eight hours.
It may sound really hard at first, but at least eight hours of the 16 is spent sleeping. There's also a lot of downtime between dinner and sleeping that adds up. Just be patient with yourself, and you'll find your body adjusting to this new eating schedule in no time. If you're looking to get started now, what better way than planning what you're going to eat during your eight-hour eating window?
A Dermatologist Reveals the 5 Worst Foods For Your Acne
If you've struggled with acne, then you've probably tried everything you can: harsh face washes, over-the-counter creams, prescription topical gels, or even oral medication. But have you thought about what you're eating? Your diet can have a major impact on your skin, including acne.
We spoke with board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, of the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center, who broke down the five biggest offenders in your battle with breakouts. If you're trying to clear up your skin, you'd be best to steer clear of these foods. Of course, if you're really struggling with acne, it's best to visit your dermatologist to create a skincare regimen that works for you.
If You Struggle to Lose Belly Fat, These 9 Tips Can Change That
Exercise alone, especially doing hundreds of crunches or hours of treadmill miles, isn't the key to reducing belly fat. Although we can't spot-reduce fat from our bellies, all it takes is the right combo of lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, and you'll have a leaner torso - and you can keep it that way! Incorporate these nine simple, doable, expert-recommended habits to ditch belly fat for good. Start by incorporating these habits one at at time, and losing belly fat will feel easy.
Related: How Did I Lose My Belly Fat in 3 Months? I Did These 6 Things
Tonight, Fall Asleep Instantly With This Breathing Trick
Plagued by anxiety night after night? Relying on over-the-counter meds? Just not getting the sleep your body requires? If any of this sounds all too familiar, this breathing trick will help you get to bed sooner - no prescriptions required.
The exercise is called the 4-7-8 technique, and Dr. Andrew Weil calls it a "natural tranquilizer for the nervous system." Study after study has linked meditation to lowered stress levels, and this easy-to-follow exercise will help you reap some of the de-stressing benefits that come along with consistent meditation practice.
Beyond bedtime, Dr. Weil recommends performing this exercise whenever dealing with a stressful situation. The next time you can't curb sugar cravings, get into a fight with your partner, or can't hit the hay because you're overwhelmed, try it out for yourself. You'll start feeling more relaxed immediately. Here's how to do it:
- Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
- This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat three more times for a total of four cycles.
For more explanation, plus a video tutorial, check out this video:
I Gained Weight Running 4 Times a Week For 3 Months - Don't Make This Mistake
I started dabbling in running after college to help me lose the 40 pounds I had gained. For years after that, running was part of my life on and off, but I didn't seriously get into it until after baby number two was 2 and a half years old, and I was ready to ditch the baby weight I was still holding onto.
How Much Did I Run?
It was March 2016, and the weather was just starting to get nicer, which inspired me to commit to running more regularly, three times a week (three to four miles). After about a month, I kicked it up a notch and started running four times a week. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, I ran from 6 to 7 a.m. (six miles) with some mommy friends, then I did solo 80- to 120-minute runs on Saturdays. I kept up these four weekly runs for about three months, through the end of June.
What Happened?
After three months of running four days a week, at least an hour each time (getting in about 24 to 26 miles a week), I was excited to step on the scale, convinced all my hard work would show.
I thought something was wrong with the scale.
I thought something was wrong with the scale. I seriously thought something must be wrong because I had gained almost 10 pounds in the four months since I'd started running. Nope, it most certainly wasn't muscle, because when I compared photos of myself from April, my face and belly looked pudgier.
My first thought was that I needed to run more often, run longer, run faster, or do more hills. Then I came back down to earth and realized the issue wasn't how much exercise I was getting - I was doing more than enough! - I needed to point the finger at my diet.
My long morning runs caused insane hunger, and I was noshing all day long. A snack after my morning run, breakfast, another snack, lunch, a snack, dinner, than another little something before bed - I was eating a crap ton, but I thought that hour-long run gave me the green light to. I was actually burning way fewer calories than I thought I was, and eating in a calorie surplus is what caused the scale numbers to go up.
What I Did to Fix It
When I realized I was eating with reckless abandon, I took a closer look at my diet and cut out both the postrun and prebed snacks, so I was only eating three meals and two snacks in between. I focused on getting more protein and including healthy fats and more fiber at each meal. I also cut down on the processed carbs and sugar I was eating every day, and that definitely helped.
Aside from eating more than I needed, another reason I was gaining weight was because I was only focused on doing steady-paced cardio. So in July, I gave my runs a rest and started doing CrossFit. Now, almost two years later, I still do some running here and there, but adding weight training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) made a huge difference in my body composition.
I also incorporated intermittent fasting eight months after starting CrossFit, and that was the key to boosting my energy and helping me get a handle on sugar cravings and my tendency to eat all day long, which ultimately helped me lose the belly fat that running had actually increased.
Can Running Cause Weight Gain?
Absolutely! For me, running a lot, eating a ton, and not varying my workouts definitely caused me to gain weight. This was a huge surprise to me, since I originally started running to slim down! So if this sounds familiar, you're not alone. It is possible to run for weight loss. Just be sure you're running enough, mixing up your runs with some HIIT and weightlifting, and eating in a calorie deficit.
Doctors Agree: Coffee Can Help You Power Through an Intermittent Fasting Slump
Intermittent fasting, commonly referred to as IF, has become all the rage lately, and it doesn't look like the trend is going away anytime soon. The practice of intermittent fasting, or time-restricted feeding, is when a person limits the period of time in which they consume calories down to a limited number of hours. So for example, I practice IF with an eight-hour eating window, which means that I will only eat between the hours of 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.
People fast for so many reasons; some fast because they're trying to lose weight while others fast to improve medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The science behind intermittent fasting has slowly been piling up, too, with research showing that participants of intermittent fasting experience a reduction in weight and inflammation and improvement in insulin sensitivities.
Harvard-trained physician and author of The Paleovedic Diet, Dr. Akil Palanisamy further explains to POPSUGAR that "autophagy is the self-cleaning process by which the body's cells break down and recycle damaged proteins and components. This is activated by intermittent fasting, but anything other than water (even black coffee) disrupts it to some extent."
So does that mean you should abstain from your caffeine fix when fasting? According to Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C., founder of DrAxe.com, bestselling author of Eat Dirt, and cofounder of Ancient Nutrition, tea and coffee are fine to consume as long as you don't add any milk or sweeteners. He explains on his blog, "If you're on a time-restricted fast and you're in no-eating hours, it's best to stick to no- or low-calorie drinks like water, coffee, (with no milk) and tea. If you're on an alternate day diet or something similar, even during low calorie hours, you can technically drink whatever you'd like - but remember, this will count against your calories." Dr. Palanisamy also agrees that during fasting, the "appetite-suppressing effects of coffee are probably beneficial."
Now if you're not used to drinking your coffee black, don't despair. There are some no-sugar options that can help lighten and sweeten your morning cup of joe. If you're like me and can't fathom the idea of drinking black coffee, consider adding a few splashes of unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Cutting out the sugar can be especially hard for some people, but there are sugar-free substitutes on the market, such as stevia, erythritol, or xylitol, that can serve as a great alternative. Another modification you can make in your coffee during IF is to consume bulletproof coffee. Simply by adding high-quality grass-fed butter and MCT oil, you may find yourself having a much easier time abstaining from food.
Whichever option you choose, there's enough evidence to show that intermittent fasting has many health benefits. Dr. Palanisamy sums it up best by saying, "The final caveat is that some fasting is better than none. So if having a regular or even bulletproof coffee is the only way that you can stick with the practice of intermittent fasting, then it's probably worth it."
We've Unwrapped the Calorie Counts of Your Favorite Halloween Candy
Who isn't tempted by a little fun-sized trick-or-treating candy? From the tiny Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to the Snickers bar you can wrap your hand around, there are Halloween candy jars everywhere these days. Go ahead and indulge in this tasty part of Halloween, just remember, the small little bites add up. Take a look at the chart below and see how your favorite fun-sized treat stacks up.
Related: 11 Reasons It Was Sweet to Be a '90s Kid
| 1 treat size (fun size) | Calories | Fat (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Musketeers | 63 | 2 | 10 |
| 100 Grand | 95 | 4 | 11 |
| Almond Joy | 80 | 4.5 | 8 |
| Baby Ruth | 85 | 5 | 10 |
| Butterfinger | 85 | 4 | 10 |
| Charleston Chew | 30 | 0 | 10 |
| Dots | 70 | 0 | 11 |
| Heath Bar | 77 | 4.7 | 8.7 |
| Hershey's Bar | 67 | 4 | 7.7 |
| Jelly Belly Jellybeans | 35 | 0 | 7 |
| Kit Kat | 70 | 3 | 7 |
| M&M's (Plain) | 73 | 4 | 11.5 |
| M&M's (Peanut) | 90 | 4.7 | 9.1 |
| M&M's (Peanut Butter) | 95 | 4 | 11.5 |
| Milk Duds | 40 | 2 | 6.3 |
| Milky Way | 80 | 3 | 10 |
| Milky Way Dark | 81 | 3 | 11 |
| Mike & Ike | 50 | 0 | 9 |
| Mounds | 80 | 4.5 | 7 |
| Mr. Goodbar | 90 | 4 | 7 |
| Nerds | 50 | 0 | 12 |
| Nestle Crunch | 60 | 3 | 7 |
| PayDay | 90 | 5 | 8 |
| Raisinets | 67 | 2.7 | 9.7 |
| Reese's Peanut Butter Cup | 110 | 6.5 | 10.5 |
| Reese's NutRageous | 95 | 5.5 | 7.5 |
| Skittles | 80 | .8 | 14.5 |
| Snickers | 80 | 4 | 8.5 |
| Snickers (Peanut butter) | 130 | 7 | 12 |
| SweeTarts | 10 | 0 | 2.4 |
| Take 5 | 100 | 5.5 | 9 |
| Twix | 80 | 7 | 8.5 |
| Whoppers | 100 | 4 | 13 |
| York Peppermint Pattie | 60 | 1 | 11 |
5 Moves Trainers Do Every Day to Feel Strong - in and Out of the Gym
If you're anything like us, you've got an insatiable curiosity about how experts live their lives. What exactly do dietitians eat? How do doctors fend off the flu? How do therapists stay happy? And of course, what do trainers do to stay fit?
That last question - about the routine of personal trainers and coaches - might be our most pressing. So POPSUGAR asked some incredible fitness stars for the moves they do almost every day. What we found? Staying healthy in and out of the gym is more straightforward than you might think! Try any of these moves the next time you hit the gym, or even right now in your living room or office - and start reaping the benefits.
Tina Lost 52 Pounds in 8 Months by Doing 2 Really Simple Things
If you are unhappy with your weight and feel like over the years, you've just kind of let yourself go, you're not alone. Tina Adams, 31, told POPSUGAR that at 5'2", her highest weight was 202 pounds. Her motivation to do something about it came from looking in the mirror and not liking what she saw. "It got so bad that I hated buying new clothes and hated taking pictures because it all was just a reminder of how much weight I gained over the years," she said.
Tina credits the weight gain to working night shifts and not being active enough. In the Summer of 2017, she finally made a decision to do something about it. Read her story about how she lost over 50 pounds, and if you're struggling with your weight, it'll inspire you to start your journey and stick with it.
I'm a Trainer, and This Could Be the Reason You Aren't Building Muscle - Here's How to Fix It
Have you ever been in the process of working out only to get distracted by how amazing you look in the mirror *snaps a selfie*, or by Beyoncé's latest Instagram post that leaves you in awe once again? Honestly, it happens to all of us more often than not.
Taking an extended rest to talk to friends, take pictures, and put a few songs in your queue isn't going to hurt you. But if you're trying to build muscle and increase your strength, it's essential to focus on how long it takes you to perform each set of a given exercise and how much rest you're taking in between sets.
"For hypertrophy (training for maximal muscle growth), a 45 to 60 seconds tempo [to complete a set] is optimal," Stephen Cheuk, certificate IV Australian Institute of Personal Trainers-certified trainer and founder of S10 Training in New York City, told POPSUGAR. As an NASM-certified trainer, I completely agree with this advice. If your goal is to build muscle, you should be moving efficiently - and always with control - throughout strength sessions. Most importantly, your rest period should be between zero and 60 seconds, although the exact amount of rest will vary depending on how your program is designed.
Taking 60 seconds of rest will allow approximately 85 to 90 percent recovery of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP (the immediate source of energy for exercise), and phosphocreatine, or PC (the energy that allows ATP to resynthesize) supplies. The shorter rest you take, the less ATP and PC will be replenished, and the less energy you have to perform. This commonly appears as feeling out of breath, fatigue, and the Jell-O feeling in your muscles.
To best prepare for future strength sessions and limit potential distractions, I recommend:
- Time your rest with an app or the generic timer on your phone or watch.
- Create a playlist in advance that has at least an hour of music so you aren't constantly trying to find songs you want to train to.
- Put your phone on airplane mode to avoid getting distracted by emails and texts.
- Work out without your phone.
This Health Coach Reveals 5 Essential Tips to Lose Fat For Good
Losing weight may seem like an uphill battle. After all, changing your lifestyle and implementing discipline takes work and forces you outside of your comfort zone. But if shedding fat seems overwhelming, health coach Sarah Duff explained that you really only need these five essentials for fat loss.
Sarah posted on Instagram her five key elements to losing fat. According to her, they are:
- Eating in a calorie deficit (with lots of nutrient-dense foods).
- Compromise.
- A willingness to take responsibility.
- Knowing your real why (usually more than just aesthetics).
- Consistency, consistency, consistency.
She explained there's no magical formula for finding your calorie deficit, but this formula is a good place to start and then adjust according to your results. As far as compromise, it could be a matter of choosing between wine or dessert or making sure you stick to just one doughnut. You also need to take responsibility for your actions and behaviors and not blame them on anyone else. Furthermore, finding your "why" will keep you motivated to keep going. And finally, you won't see any changes unless you stay consistent with your healthy habits.
If you can stick to these five things, you'll be able to reach your goals. It may not happen overnight, but with patience and consistency, you'll finally get the results you're looking for.
Can You Have Watermelon on the Keto Diet? This Dietitian and Keto Expert Explains
There's no denying that the keto diet is all the rage; the high-fat, moderate-protein, superlow-carb diet has helped countless people lose impressive amounts of weight. By cutting back so drastically on carbs, the keto diet turns to burning fat for fuel instead of carbs, which puts your body into the fat-burning state of ketosis.
On the keto diet, you should eat 50 grams or fewer of carbs a day. So what does that mean for the foods you can eat? Surprisingly, fruit, which is higher in carbs and fructose than many other natural whole foods, isn't off-limits; you just need to be careful which fruits you decide to eat. Take watermelon, for example: the delicious Summer treat clocks in at 22 grams of carbs and 18 grams of sugar, with less than two grams of fiber per two-cup serving.
"This amount of sugar and carbs can raise blood sugar and insulin levels and shut off ketone production," registered dietitian Sarah Koenck, member of the clinical team at Virta Health, told POPSUGAR. "To maintain nutritional ketosis, most people need to stick with around 50 grams of carbs or less. Given the high-carb content in watermelon, it is not a good option to include in your ketogenic meal plan."
Instead, Sarah recommends eating other lower-sugar fruits, such as berries (blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries), tomatoes, and avocados on the keto diet. In general, the keto diet should consist primarily of leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables, meat and protein, fats, nuts, and oils, and full-fat dairy.
Of course, you don't need to swear off watermelon forever - a bite or two won't throw you out of ketosis. Talk with your doctor or registered dietitian to figure out the best way to do a ketogenic diet for your lifestyle.
Scarlett Johansson and Chadwick Boseman Discuss Their First Times in This Hilarious Voting PSA
Do you remember your first time? Wait, no. Not that first time. The other first time . . . as in your first time voting. A handful of actors recently got together to hilariously tell stories about their "first times" in a short PSA urging citizens to register to vote in the upcoming midterm elections - though, admittedly, the innuendo-filled stories aren't as funny when you put them in the right context. But you get it.
The PSA was organized by March For Our Lives with help from We Stand United, and it stars several Marvel actors including Chadwick Boseman, Chris Evans, Don Cheadle, and Scarlett Johansson alongside other famous faces such as Zoë Kravitz, Rosario Dawson, and Mark Ruffalo. In it, they discuss their first times voting in between giggles and lots of seemingly dirty jokes. "My first time was in the back of a firehouse," Kravitz says before Cheadle follows up with, "Mine was in a church." Referencing Hillary Clinton, Chris Evans later jokes that his first time with a woman was in 2016. "It felt good, but it ended badly," he says alluding to the Democratic nominee's shocking loss.
The video is being released exactly one week before Oct. 9, which is the voter registration deadline in most states, and it aims to push young people to vote on Nov. 6. "While the video may make you laugh, the message is clear," March For Our Lives cofounder Delaney Tarr said in a statement. "No matter how or where you do it, all that matters is on November 6th we need all Americans to register and vote on Election Day. Our generation has the power to be heard all across America. We need every single American to join us in the fight." Watch the full video above and register to vote at MarchForOurLives.com.
These Fall Festivals Will Give You a Hankering For Hot Cider, Hay Rides, and Chunky Sweaters
Fall is this glorious season where the air is crisp, the sweaters come out, the wine is spiced, and weekends are spent indulging in seasonal sweets like caramel apples and pumpkin pie. It's also one of the best times to visit a festival. With apple and pumpkin season in full swing, Oktoberfest kicking off, and the tail end of wine-making season all converging in Fall, there are so many things to do to get in the mood for snuggle season. And there are some specialty festivals, too, that only come around once a year during the Fall.
Want to know what festivals are happening this year around the country? Grab your comfy boots and your favorite seasonal sweater, because we know where to be when it comes to celebrating the season. Hit them all up before it's time to hibernate for the Winter.
If You're Not Going to Disneyland in the Fall, You're Seriously Missing Out
If you're thinking about planning a trip to Disneyland, make it this Fall. Without a doubt, the Autumn season is the best time to travel to the most magical place on earth. Read on to understand why you should be planning for the coming months and make it your best trip ever!
mardi 2 octobre 2018
She's Back! Kate Middleton Returns From Maternity Leave to Visit a School in London
Kate Middleton is back from maternity leave! After giving birth to her third child, Prince Louis, in April, the royal returned to her royal duties when she visited Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden in London on Oct. 2. Dressed casual in brown skinny jeans, an olive green sweater, and a matching jacket, Kate looked relaxed and carefree as she chatted with teachers at the school.
While Kate has generally stayed out of the spotlight during her maternity leave, she has attended a few special events with the royal family, such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, Trooping the Colour, and Prince Louis' royal christening. We have a feeling she'll be front and center for Princess Eugenie's upcoming nuptials as well. Prince William and Kate's children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, are expected to play a special role in the bridal party. See more pictures from her most recent appearance ahead!
How Well Do Prince Charles and Meghan Get Along, Really?
In just a few short months, Meghan Markle has proved to be an impressive addition to the royal family. Not only has she nailed each of her official appearances - including her first solo engagement - but she's also revealed her first solo project, Together: Our Community Cookbook. With her impactful work - not to mention her enviable style - Meghan has won over much of the public, and it appears she has the hearts of her new in-laws as well.
It's been well reported that Meghan and her sister-in-law Kate Middleton are close and that she and Prince William have a solid relationship. She's even in the queen's good graces. But what about her father-in-law, Prince Charles? Let's just say they might be BFFs.
The most compelling evidence of this comes from Meghan's wedding day. After it was announced that Meghan's own father would not attend the nuptials, Prince Charles kindly accepted Meghan's request that he walk her down the aisle. A source told Us Weekly at the time that "Prince Charles was very touched to be asked by Meghan to walk her down the aisle, and he is very much looking forward to welcoming her into the family."
Image Source: Getty / Jonathan Brady
Not only did Prince Charles accompany Meghan on her big day, but he was also attentive to Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, escorting her out of the church alongside his own wife, Camilla, and engaging her in conversation. His attention to Doria speaks to his obvious affection for Meghan, which has become increasingly evident in photos from the events they've attended since the May nuptials.
The two were adorably in sync at Prince Charles's 70th birthday celebration at Buckingham Palace, where they giggled over Prince Harry getting swarmed by a bee. And less than two weeks later, at Meghan's first Trouping the Colour ceremony, she and Prince Charles were seen talking and laughing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. At each of their recent engagements, it seems the duo have found small moments to make eye contact or exchange pleasantries amid the busyness of their official duties, which speaks to their solid relationship.
But perhaps even more telling, and endearing, than their many amusing photos together, are the reports that Meghan has brought Prince Charles and Harry closer than ever. Charles is said to think Meghan is the "best thing to have happened to Harry" and apparently has a "real soft spot" for her, while Harry is "eternally grateful" to his father for giving him Meghan's hand in marriage. The couple even vacationed with Prince Charles and Camilla at the Castle of Mey in Scotland over the Summer.
Regardless of what may be going on behind the scenes (ahem, those Harry and Charles feuding rumors), there's no denying that the photos ahead paint a pretty adorable picture of friendship between Charles and his daughter-in-law.
Beaded Bags, Chunky Cardigans, and All the Clothes We're Actually Buying This Fall
October has most of us feeling fueled, and not because of all the pumpkin spice lattes. Watching the runways at Fashion Week would make any girl eager to shop, whether it's for a new trend already being worn on the street or a designer purse we've been eyeing for months.
This season, we're shopping mostly for essentials that have a long enough shelf life to be considered Fall 2018 staples but are kind of quirky or standout in some way. In other words, we're making all the new styles our own. Read on to see the looks we're excited about and how they're being worn, then find out exactly how we'd spice them up ourselves . . . and feel free to join us, credit card in hand.
This Move Will Help You Feel Your Abs Burn Like Never Before
A toned midsection can be hard to achieve unless you've got the right mix of exercise and diet. While exercise alone won't carve out a six-pack, the Russian twist can help! Coupled alongside a healthy diet and solid workout routine, this core-carving exercise is just what's needed to make your abs pop.
Warning: you might find yourself shouting obscenities after a few rounds of Russian twists because of how much you can feel it working deep in the core muscles. "The Russian twist is an excellent ab exercise because it doesn't just work the rectus abdominis (front ab muscles), it also incorporates the transverse abdominal muscle (TVA)," said Heather Neff, CPT. "The TVA is a deep muscle that runs along the sides [of the midsection] just under the obliques." When you strengthen and work the TVA, it acts just like a girdle and pulls everything inward, giving you that appearance of a flat belly.
Along with the TVA and rectus abdominis, the Russian twist incorporates the obliques and lower back as well. This exercise is everything you need for a tighter core in 360 degrees!
16 Cool Amazon Products That Will Change Your Life - All Under $30
Amazon is a truly magical one-stop-shop for everything imaginable. Though most people head to the site for everyday needs, there are some really useful and unique products we bet you never even knew existed. We've rounded up our favorite items - all under $30 - that are equal parts practical and fun. We bet they'll change your life!
Nordstrom Launched a Halloween Shop and It's Boo-tiful - See For Yourself!
When we think of Nordstrom, seasonal decor is not always the first thing that comes to mind. But you would be surprised by the retailer's expansive Halloween options this year - consider us impressed. We're talking embroidered pillows, gilded pumpkins, festive glassware, and more. We created a list of our favorite products from the department store so you can shop the highlights. Get them now before everyone swoops them up next month.
Haben Girma: Why I Never Tell People With Disabilities to "Just Work Harder"
"We shouldn't have hired you." The manager's words sent chills down my spine. When I flew to Juneau, Alaska, after my second year of college, I thought I had this cool job leading tours of the Capitol Building. The recruiters knew about my deafness. My public speaking skills impressed them, and we agreed I would receive questions and comments during the tours through my assistive technology. They knew about my racial status. I checked the box for African American on the application. There was just one thing they didn't know until I arrived at the Capitol. When I walked in for orientation with the other new hires, the manager pulled me aside.
The manager's cramped office felt suffocating. I sat up straight in my chair. "Are you telling me to leave because I'm blind?"
"No. It's because you're from California. These jobs are supposed to go to Alaskan residents."
My stomach dropped. For a moment I just sat there, speechless. "The paperwork showed that I'm from California. We even did the interview over the phone because I don't live here. You've known that for weeks. Why did you hire me if the position was only for Alaskans?"
"We made a mistake. I'm sorry."
Outside, a light rain drizzled over Juneau. People didn't come for the persistent precipitation. People traveled to the city for spectacular scenery, wildlife sightings, and chance to witness the majesty of Mendenhall Glacier. I hiked alongside waterfalls and dipped my toes in glacier water during my first trip. This time I hoped to fit in and find a job like all the other college kids. After the government, the tourism industry is the second largest employer in Juneau. With over a million tourists, about half of them arriving on cruise ships, many employers turn to the lower 48 to try to fill their many Summer openings.
Openings popped up on Craigslist every day. I sent out dozens of applications, focusing on those that matched my strengths in public speaking. Since helping to build a school in Mali, I'd logged in numerous hours speaking to audiences big and small. My experience impressed the Capitol Building recruiters enough to choose me over Alaskans, at least until I walked in with a white cane. The applications led to interviews, the interviews led to rejections. Back on Craigslist, I broadened my search, responding to ads that sought people with strong reading, writing, or analytical skills. The pattern continued: submit an application, brave an interview, then face a rejection. I changed my strategy, responding to nearly all the ads: shelving gift stores, baking cakes, folding laundry in hotels. Rejection. Rejection. Rejection.
When you do everything right and society stomps on you, over and over, it creates a piercing, gut-twisting pain. It causes you to question the conventional wisdom that a person who works hard will overcome all obstacles.
Unemployment rates for people with disabilities are about double general unemployment rates - 9.2 percent compared to 4.2 percent. For blind people, the unemployment rate is around 70 percent. Disability professionals warned me: work hard or you'll never find employment. So I studied hard in school, graduating high school as valedictorian. I spent a Summer at an independence training center for the blind, learning nonvisual techniques for everything from crossing busy streets to using a radial arm saw. I volunteered, both in my community and abroad. The statistic still managed to claim me, leaving me jobless in Jobville, Alaska.
Changing strategies, I reached out to my community for help. My friend's mom recommended me to Rachel, the manager of a local gym. Rachel reviewed my résumé, interviewed me, and hired me as a part-time front desk clerk. On our tour of the gym, Rachel taught me how to use the machines, clean up the changing rooms, and manage the cash register and merchandise. Rachel turned out to be a fantastic manager. My white cane didn't faze her. Whether I used sight or a nonvisual technique was less important than whether I got the job done.
One day a woman walked up to the front desk. "Hi, I'm trying to use a treadmill but it's not working."
"I'll take a look. Which one?" I followed her to a row of treadmills. She stopped by the second machine. Setting my cane down, I stepped up to the machine and pressed the on button. Nothing. I tried the other buttons on the panel. Nothing. Using both hands, I systematically searched the machine from top to bottom. Along the base I found a switch. When I flicked it, the treadmill whirred to life.
"Oh my god, thank you! That was amazing. I didn't even see that switch."
"I didn't either." My cathartic laughter got her laughing, too. Sometimes nonvisual techniques beat visual techniques.
At the end of the Summer, I returned to college with a new outlook on work. I believe in working hard, but I put more emphasis on working smart. When we feel we've hit a wall, it's better to develop a new strategy rather than struggling at the same wall. I went on to graduate with honors from Lewis & Clark College, study law at Harvard, and partnered with a Seeing Eye dog. Now I'm my own boss, working as a disability rights lawyer, author, and public speaker. In 2015, I introduced President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House's 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This Summer, I spoke at the Berlin Morals and Machines conference and met with Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Employment discrimination and high unemployment rates still haunt people with disabilities. Many work hard, develop impressive skills, and continually face discrimination in the hiring process. Hard work alone will not overcome the widespread discrimination against people with disabilities. Employers need to break down disability barriers. People with disabilities succeed when communities choose to be inclusive. The biggest barriers exist not in the person, but in the social, physical, and digital environments.
Employers that break down access barriers develop a stronger workforce. Numbering over 1.3 billion worldwide, people with disabilities are the largest minority group. Employers are missing out on numerous talented, responsible, and driven workers. Avoid assumptions about what people with disabilities can or can't do. People with disabilities often have alternative techniques that get the job done. The process of developing these alternative techniques leads to strong problem solving skills, fresh insights, and exciting new solutions. People with disabilities drive innovation, sparking the creation of many of the technologies we use today. Employers seeking a competitive advantage should invest in accessibility. These employers gain access to a large pool of talented workers, benefit from increased growth, and facilitate further innovation.
Haben Girma is a lawyer, author, and public speaker. Visit her website, habengirma.com, and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook @HabenGirma.
Glee's Lauren Potter Has a Message For Hollywood on Hiring People With Down Syndrome: "You Won't Be Disappointed"
Lauren Potter grew up with one big dream: to become a successful actress in Hollywood. As a child with Down syndrome, she faced a lot of challenges on her way to the top, mainly people telling her she wouldn't make it. Her reaction? To just keep going. "I only listened to the people who told me I could," she told POPSUGAR when we recently chatted with her about Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is this October. "Don't ever give up your dreams, no matter how hard it is or how impossible it seems."
And Lauren was great at taking her own advice. In 2009, she landed the role of a lifetime when she was cast as cheerleader Becky Jackson on the hit show Glee, which she continued to star in until the series ended in 2015. Since then, the 28-year-old has also guest starred on shows like Veep and Switched at Birth, in addition to touring the country and giving motivational speeches at conferences across the US.
While she's searching for her next big role right now, she continues to do her part to raise awareness for people with disabilities - or "differently-abled" people - not only in Hollywood, but in every workforce. "Everyone I know with DS works hard and gives 100 percent of themselves," she told POPSUGAR. "We're all more alike than different!" To see what else she had to say about her impressive career path, her all-time favorite costar, and the best career advice she's ever gotten (hint: it came from Glee's Jane Lynch!), keep reading.
POPSUGAR: Growing up, how did you handle people telling you that you wouldn't be able to have the dream career you wanted?
Lauren Potter: I did have people that told me that I couldn't do certain things, so, as I always say, I only listened to those who told me I could. My parents told me I could do anything as long as I tried hard. My mom did tell me that acting would be hard, but also that I could do it!
PS: Did you always know you wanted to be an actress? How did you go about making your dreams come true?
LP: Yes, absolutely. I performed all the Disney movies for my family and friends, and I also knew all the Disney songs and dances. I don't sing well, but I love to sing a lot! I just knew I wanted to act. I started dance classes when I was 3 and just loved performing. I knew then that acting was the career for me.
PS: What's one obstacle you've overcome in your career that you're really proud of?
LP: I'm really proud that I have Down syndrome and have been able to grow as an actor and show the world that Down syndrome doesn't stop me, and that I think I've become a really good actor. And I think I have some part in opening the doors for other actors with disabilities.
PS: What's something you still struggle with?
LP: I sometimes struggle to overcome life's challenges to become who I want to be. I just want to be accepted for who I am, and to be like everyone else. I want people to know who I really am and who I will truly be. I'm working hard on becoming the best I can be. Right now, I struggle with getting back to work and having someone recognize what I've accomplished and giving me another chance in a great role.
PS: Was there ever a moment you thought you couldn't do it? If so, how did you push through that?
LP: I guess so, but I have a lot of people around me who tell me to get off my butt and try harder. I think I used to feel that way when I was younger, but I've grown up a lot and have learned to push through. I sometimes get discouraged when I have an audition and I don't get the part, but I know I just have to keep trying!
PS: What advice do you have for someone else with a disability who wants to have a career and follow their dreams?
LP: Well, don't ever give up your dreams, no matter how hard it is or how impossible it seems! I want all people with or without disabilities to follow their hearts, follow their paths, and never give up their dreams. I hope I am proof that it can happen!
PS: What advice would you give to your younger self who was just starting out in her career?
LP: I would tell myself not to be afraid or scared or nervous around others, and to always be my very best self. I think I was a little difficult when I was younger, and I wouldn't be like that again.
PS: What do you want employers to know about people with Down syndrome applying for jobs?
LP: Employers should know that they will not go wrong hiring a person with Down syndrome. Not only will they be helping someone reach their goal of working, but they and other employees will learn so much about acceptance and love. Everyone I know with DS works hard and gives 100 percent of themselves. We're all more alike than different!
PS: What are some misconceptions about people with disabilities in any type of workforce?
LP: I don't really know, but I guess maybe they think we can't do the job, or that it will take too much time to help us learn, but that just isn't true. When I was on Glee, I always knew my lines and everyone else's, too! I never held up filming because I wasn't ready. I worked very hard and was always on time.
PS: What's your favorite part about your job?
LP: I love being part of a cast and crew on set. I love acting, and even learning my lines. And of course, craft service isn't too bad either!
PS: What's your dream acting role?
LP: I love any kinds of acting roles. I'm really good at comedy, but I would also really like to do a dramatic role, but really I love everything. My dream role would be one that wasn't just for someone with Down syndrome, but a really good, strong role for a young woman who is just a good actor.
PS: What's the best career advice you've ever gotten?
LP: Jane Lynch who played Sue Sylvester on Glee once told me in the very beginning of filming when I was still scared: "I know you're new to this, but everything is OK. I'll be here if you want me to help you go over your lines, or just be your friend. You will be awesome." She was always there for me and helped me grow as an actor.
PS: You've had some really awesome roles in your career so far! What's been your favorite and why?
LP: Of Course, I would have to say Becky on Glee. That was so fun and in the six years I was on the show, they let me do some really fun things. There were some scary and dramatic things, too, like when Becky brought a gun to school. But also some really fun ones, like "The Rocky Horror Glee Show" episode, being Lady Gaga and Max the dog from Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, the secret service for Sue, and of course, Helen Mirren doing my voice over (are you kidding me!!!). It was so much fun, and I loved the cast and crew and Ryan, Ian, Brad, and Dante. I didn't want it to ever end!
PS: Who is your favorite actor/actress you've ever worked with? Why?
LP: I love, love, love Jane Lynch. She's so awesome and was always there for me. One of my favorite actors is John Stamos because he's so cute and hot and I LOVED him on Full House and Fuller House. When we worked together on Glee, they called me "Mrs. Stamos" on set because I had a huge crush on him, which was so funny.
PS: What's your advice for how directors/producers/casting directors can make the entertainment industry more diverse and inclusive?
LP: I always say, think outside of the box (my mom taught me that) and give us a chance. You will not be disappointed. I want to be seen as an actress first, then as a really good actress who happens to have Down syndrome. But just because you have DS or some other different ability, that doesn't make you a good actor, you have to work hard and prove you can do it. I just want to be seen as the best actor for the role because I've shown I have what it takes.
PS: Have you seen any changes over the years in how inclusive the entertainment industry has become for people with disabilities?
LP: That's a hard question for me, but I think shows like Glee have made a difference. I still think we need to have more chances, though, and there is still a lot of work to do.
PS: What do you feel is a common misconception people may have about people with disabilities? What do you want to say to people with those misconceptions?
LP: I think people think that we are different with different feelings, but we are WAY more alike than different. I want what everyone wants: to be accepted for me, to have friends, to love someone, and have someone love me, to live independently, to work at my career, to have family and friends around me, and to enjoy living my life.
PS: Who are your biggest role models? Why?
LP: My biggest role model is my mom because she's my number one fan. She's been an awesome and amazing mom, and she's my true friend and my true inspiration.
PS: What projects are you working on now?
LP: I've had a couple of auditions, which sadly I didn't get the roles, but right now I'm waiting for more work. I'm still speaking around the country to tell my story and fight against bullying. I'm waiting for that next great role, and I hope it's coming soon, because I'm SO ready!
We Tried Disneyland's New Pumpkin Spice Shake, and It Tastes Like . . .
When it comes to Fall treats, Disneyland is not holding back this year, and if you're a pumpkin spice fan, run, don't walk to the Anaheim theme park. In addition to the pumpkin spice funnel cake fries, pumpkin spice Mickey beignets, and pumpkin spice churros, there is now a pumpkin spice milkshake - I repeat, a pumpkin spice milkshake - and we're here to give you the delicious details.
The shake is drizzled inside out with caramel sauce and topped with a heaping pile of whipped cream, graham crackers, and pumpkin-spice sugar. Because I'm not a huge fan of pumpkin spice, I had my friend Heather, a pumpkin spice aficionado, taste it as well and share her review. (Spoiler: she loved it.)
"It tasted like a pumpkin s'more," was her assessment. "There definitely wasn't any 'spice' to it. No cinnamon or nutmeg. More pumpkin, toasted marshmallow, and caramel flavors." She added that she thinks the graham crackers were what gave her a "cozy Fall campfire treat vibe." Her pro tip? Have napkins ready, because this seasonal treat gets messy!
You can pick up the pumpkin spice shake at Flo's V8 Café in Disney California Adventure for $6. The reusable light-up tire jack-o'-lantern straw (made from actual rubber tire tread!) is an additional $6 and can also be purchased at the Cozy Cone Motel. Drool over more photos of this ooey, gooey delight ahead!
Picture Slippers Made Out of Puffer Jackets That You Can Wear Outside - Here You Go!
When it comes to slippers, we've done it all. Expensive shearling-lined options that cower at the first drop of rain, and even adorable ones inspired by mythological creatures. Each year, as the temperatures begin to dip and our fuzzy socks just aren't cutting it anymore, we look out to the stars and wonder, "Is there anything better?"
Imagine a memory foam pair of fleece-lined slippers, filled with polyester, down, and fleece. If your toes are already smiling in anticipation of all that potential toastiness, we have good news. They exist. May we introduce you to YehopereDown Slippers ($19), available on Amazon.
1 Mom Gave Her Son With Autism a Full-On Jurassic Park Photo Shoot - and the Images Are Amazing
Samantha Bishop, a photographer and mom to an adorable son named Levi, loves to capture a sweet moment of Levi every now and then using her camera. However, Levi's autism diagnosis has made getting the perfect shot challenging for her in the past. In a recent Facebook post, Samantha explained the clever trick she used to get Levi comfortable in front of the camera. Thanks to a little help from Levi's 5-year-old cousin, Lola, and a dinosaur suit that Levi wore, Samantha was able to capture incredible images.
"The kids love Jurassic Park, and Levi thought the costume was hilarious," Samantha told POPSUGAR. "It made the whole process much easier. He loved doing the photos that way and for the first time has been asking to go do more."
"Sometimes it can be defeating when I can't get genuine smiles out of them. This time I did, and it was awesome."
For this mom, having Levi do a unique photo shoot with his cousin was a must. "They have been inseparable for years," said Samantha. "[Lola] loves him unconditionally, and it is as heartwarming as it comes. She loves him the way I wish everyone could love him. Both of them have always loved to dress up, but Levi especially."
As expected, Samantha loved nothing more than seeing the joy on Levi's face. "I always love taking photos of them, but sometimes it can be defeating when I can't get genuine smiles out of them," explained Samantha. "This time I did, and it was awesome."
Read through to get a look at the amazing photo shoot. Seems like a roarin' good time, eh?
We're Calling It Now: These Are the Most Popular Halloween Costumes For Kids This Year
Year after year, little ghosts, mummies, and witches run around screaming "Trick or treat!" as they wander through their neighborhoods carrying pumpkin-shaped candy buckets - but every year, there's a slew of costumes that make everyone say, "Yup, expected as much," for a different reason. Between all of the popular new movies, TV shows, books, and video games from the year, there are always a ton of new favorite characters to pretend to be each Oct. 31. From Fortnite characters to a select few trendy animals, we're calling it now: the following costumes are going to be the most popular of the year.
Just be sure that if your child's asking to dress in one of these costumes that they're sure it's the one they truly want - because shopping for a Halloween ensemble with indecisive kids is one of the worst parts of the holiday.
My Daughter Has Started to Turn on Me, and It's Breaking My Heart
Once upon a time, not so very long ago, my daughter felt like an ally. Of course, a 7-year-old cohort isn't exactly the kind that's going to get you out of a serious pickle or even pick up the tab for a pickle at lunch, but she brought other, highly valuable skills to our relationship: inside jokes that made us both laugh every single time, knowing looks when her little brother or dad were being annoying ("girls rule, boys drool!" we'd whisper to each other), a shared love of shopping and restaurants that serve actual green foods (her brother is a meat and potatoes guy), and a general understanding that we were each other's biggest fans, unconditionally.
I understand that she's struggling with both wanting to be my baby and wanting to be independent. I want to help her through that, even when it isn't pretty or fun.
Recently, however, things have started shifting. It started with eye-rolling, often delivered when I'd say something that used to make her laugh. Then the attitude and back talk started. "Time to pick your outfit for school tomorrow, honey," I'd say sweetly. "You do it," she'd fire back with venom, already knowing she'd reject every option I'd lay out for her. But the final blow was when I realized that my former sidekick had become a snitch, ratting me out to her father for every indiscretion.
"So, I heard you cursed in front of the kids three times tonight and said the f-word," my bemused husband said to me last week, annoyingly pleased to be enlisted as our daughter's conspirator. Of course, I was guilty of the cursing crime (which I still say isn't much of a crime at all) she'd accused me of, but she'd pushed me too far with the eye-rolling, snide comments, and abuse of her brother and me. And moreover, why was I being forced to defend myself against a 7-year-old?
Things have gone from bad to worse in the last few days, since she's added a side of violence and aggression to her tattling, hitting, kicking, and throwing things when she doesn't get her way, then further erupting when I discipline her for that inexcusable behavior. Rationally, I know I should be able to emotionally rise above her outbursts and see them for what they are: the growing pains of a child who's shedding the final layers of little kid-ness on her path to becoming an independent young lady. Of course that's what I want for her, but realizing that she sees me as an adversary she has to defeat to reach that goal? Well, that's just heartbreaking.
My hope is that she'll soon bring me back into the fold, recognizing that I am more than willing to transition into whatever role she needs from me, as long as she places me on her team and not the opposing one. That I understand that she's struggling with both wanting to be my baby and wanting to be her own independently capable person who doesn't need me at all. I want to help her through that evolution, even when it isn't pretty or fun. And I'm trying to show her every day that I'm not going anywhere. That she can yell or rat me out for swearing all she wants, but I'm still going to ride this transitional wave with her all the way, because that's what moms do. We endure, we adapt, and we love. But for now, I'll let myself feel a little sad, because the truth is, I miss my little ally, even though I know she's a narc.
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