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 10 octobre 2018
These 17 Grab-and-Go Keto Snacks Prove You Can Stick to Your Plan Anywhere
Eating keto looks like a lot of damn work: stocking your kitchen with high-fat, low-carb food, mapping out the restaurants where you can actually eat, and, of course, meal prepping (read: lots and lots of cooking). Fortunately, snack time doesn't have to be as labor-intensive.
If you find yourself hungry in between meals or stranded for hours at your desk after work, there's no excuse to reach for a sugary, high-carb snack from a vending machine. Stock up on these keto-friendly snacks instead that will leave you feeling satisfied without kicking you out of ketosis.
This Is Exactly How a Nutritionist Uses Turmeric For Health, So You Can Do the Same
Ever since kale was revealed to be the most super of all leafy greens, health-savvy eaters have been keeping an eye out for the next big thing in nutritious eating. Avocados were the leader in the category for some time, but there's a new hero in the superfood sect that's been around for centuries but only recently taken the mainstream by storm: turmeric.
Why should you eat turmeric?
By now you've heard the hype over this spice, but you're probably wondering if it's really all that great and if you should actually consider adding it to your diet. We get that. Thankfully, turmeric is not hype.
To the untrained eye, turmeric may resemble ginger, but it is richer in color with a heck of a lot more potent smell. The spice is actually a root derived from a plant called curcuma longa, which can be used whole or ground and is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. Think of it as a great blood cleanser, an anti-inflammatory agent that helps you excrete toxins out of your body, and a substance that also helps to maintain and promote a healthy digestive and immune system. Research published in the journal Oncogene found that turmeric is actually a more effective anti-inflammatory than over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Turmeric can also be used to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a growth hormone in the brain that, when low, is responsible for increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, depression, and a host of other mental ailments.
The curcumin in turmeric has also been proven to reverse symptoms of heart disease. Many other studies have found a parallel function and effect of the substance on your heart as compared to exercise. That means adding turmeric to your diet, and the curcumin therein, is almost as good for your heart as working out! Ultimately, the power of turmeric is in its ability to cleanse your blood from the inside out and the incredible benefits it has on your heart, brain, and muscles.
According to culinary nutritionist Keisha Luke, "The taste and smell can resemble a curry flavor, which may be overpowering for some people's taste buds, but a little goes a long way - you can still get a lot of great benefits from turmeric, even in small doses."
How should you eat turmeric?
There are a lot of turmeric recipes out there today. While we love the zeal with which everyone is embracing it, we'd be irresponsible to not point out that some are a little odd. That's why we decided to ask Luke how she incorporates turmeric into her diet. Here are her top methods of enjoying the taste and health benefits of turmeric in a nutritious diet.
- As a spice: Mix turmeric into a stir-fry for a flavor punch. You can also limit your use of pepper and salt when you use turmeric in your dishes.
- As a drink: Include it in your favorite shakes, especially green drinks and kombucha. You can also make a turmeric tea by adding 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, one cinnamon stick, and two whole cloves to three cups water and letting it boil until fragrant or it bubbles. Pour this into a cup and add nondairy milk with a sweetener of your choice. If the flavor is too strong, start by using less turmeric to begin - 1/4 teaspoon - and then work your way up if you so choose.
- On rice dishes: Use 1/2 teaspoon turmeric in yellow rice, Spanish rice with spinach, paellas or risotto, or soups.
How to Easily Carve a Jack-o'-Lantern Without the Mess and Stress
Does carving pumpkins freak you out? Not sure how to do it? We've come up with a simple step-by-step tutorial to teach even the most uncrafty people how to carve with confidence. It might be tempting to go all out with a Pinterest-worthy pumpkin, but even the simplest design can make a statement. Here's how it's done!
13 Stores That Will Welcome Your Dog With Open Arms
When Reddit user terriblesubreddit shared a picture of their adorable puppy in a Home Depot cart with the message that the store is totally pet friendly, we got to wondering about what other major retailers are also pet friendly. There are the obvious answers - Petco and PetSmart - but surprisingly, there are several other stores that welcome your pets along with you, provided they are always under your control and as long as you clean up after them should they make any messes.
Here are a few of the retailers we found that allow dogs, but keep in mind it's always wise to call a store before you go to make sure it's OK. We have found that though some store policies allow dogs, specific store managers will not, and though some store policies prohibit dogs, certain store managers welcome them. Always good to err on the side of caution!
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Barnes & Noble
- Macy's
- Pottery Barn
- Bass Pro Shops
- Restoration Hardware
- Bloomingdale's
- Anthropologie
- Gap
- Nordstrom
- Lush Cosmetics
- Urban Outfitters
For the most part, these stores (among many smaller, local stores) are said to be dog friendly, but like we said before, we highly recommend calling each establishment first. Rules will also vary based on where you live and how your local culture is. When I lived in a small suburb of San Francisco, everyone took their dogs everywhere - including the grocery store - and it was never an issue. So make some calls, check out some stores, and let us know if there are any major stores we missed!
If You're Always at War With the Thermostat, These 15 Gifts Will Warm Your Heart
I know from experience, there's nothing worse than being cold. With the AC blasting and temperatures dropping, I find myself wearing extra sweaters at my desk, and drinking tea just to hold on to the mug. If you've got a friend who's always at war with the thermostat, they'll love these warm, cozy gifts. I, for one, can't wait to get my hands on those adorable heated unicorn slippers.
Is That Your Childhood Calling? These 9 Mexican Candies Will Take You Back
Is there anything better than Mexican candy? Growing up, I was obsessed with spicy and sweet lollipops and delicious hard candies. So, it's kind of a big deal that I can find the hallmarks of my childhood on Amazon.
Especially if you're looking for trick-or-treat candy, these are some delicious options with unexpected flavor combinations guaranteed to make you smile; think of tamarind, chili, mango, and watermelon. Once you try this deliciousness, you won't be able to get enough.
9 Unique Fall Festivals Around the World
Fall may be about harvests and pumpkin spice everything, but there's a whole lot more going on that is worth checking out. There are also festivals around the world that you should add to your bucket list. Some of them are in far-reaching corners of the globe, so they may just be an excuse to plan a trip!
How Microsoft Is Changing the Face of Disability Employment: "It Has Never Been More Important"
Disability is not inability, and when everyone can understand that it's what differently abled individuals bring to the table that matters - and not what their diagnosis is - is when we'll have a truly inclusive system. People with disabilities make up the third largest market segment in the US, and it makes business sense to tap into this pool of talent. Because of their ability to cope with challenges on a daily basis, differently abled employees bring with them a unique perspective and out-of-the-box thinking that helps solve problems. And fostering a disability-friendly culture of inclusion creates a stronger, viable organization.
Major companies like Microsoft are waking up to the potential that employees with disabilities possess and are now exploring ways to make their workforce more diverse. "A diverse and inclusive workforce will yield better products and solutions for our customers, and better experiences for our employees," Neil Barnett, director of inclusive hiring and accessibility at Microsoft, told POPSUGAR.
Microsoft has always been at the forefront of innovation and leadership, and when it comes to disability inclusion, it doesn't disappoint. Effective workplace diversity and inclusion practices have changed the face of Microsoft and have made it more attractive to differently abled candidates. "We learned that our traditional hiring process, the front door to Microsoft, could be a major barrier of entry for many talented candidates," Barnett admitted. So they decided to "adjust the shape of the door." With its commitment to disability inclusion, Microsoft is making sweeping changes to its hiring policies and workplace culture. Keep reading to find out more about how Microsoft is changing the face of disability employment.
POPSUGAR: What are some of the initiatives that Microsoft is taking to attract more differently abled candidates?
Neil Barnett: Microsoft's approach to inclusive hiring is not limited to just one program or initiative. We host job fairs, fund an annual scholarship for high school students interested in technology, and offer targeted hiring programs such as our Autism Hiring Program and Supported Employment Program. We also work with community partners to share information on Microsoft's inclusive hiring practices as they work to be an employer of choice for those with disabilities more broadly.
PS: Why is an inclusive hiring process so important to Microsoft?
NB: With over one billion people with disabilities around the world, it has never been more important to ensure that we reflect the diversity of our customers. So, we are focused on building an inclusive culture that celebrates the amazing skills, experiences, and backgrounds that all employees bring to the company. That kind of inclusion will enable us to deliver better products and solutions for customers, and better experiences for our employees - and that's essential.
PS: Can you expand a little bit on what the hiring process is like for someone with a disability (e.g. autism)?
NB: When we started the Autism Hiring Program in 2015, our approach was simple. We learned that our traditional hiring process, the front door to Microsoft, could be a major barrier of entry for many talented candidates. By adjusting the shape of the door, we could help candidates showcase and demonstrate their talent to hiring managers.
Résumés are screened for the skills and qualifications necessary in the identified open roles. A set of eligible candidates will be asked to complete an online technical assessment. Candidates may also be invited for a prescreening interview to gauge their interest, skill, and experience for the position. You may then be invited to a multiple-day skills assessment program covering workability, team building, and technical skills on Microsoft's Redmond campus. The goal of this multidate process is for candidates to showcase their professional skills. The hiring teams will meet and engage with the candidates during program exercises and job interviews. Based on the skills assessment and hiring manager feedback, the candidate could be offered a full-time job as a Microsoft employee. We're finding incredible talent through our hiring program efforts and are always looking for additional talent to join Microsoft.
PS: What are some of the strategies you use for better retention of such employees?
NB: Each hire is offered a more immersive onboarding process with a comprehensive set of services so they feel supported throughout. This includes training sessions for the teams and managers of the new hires to help them better understand autism, as well as a job coach from PROVAIL, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities to fulfill their life choices.
Microsoft has a large Employee Resource Group with a focus on supporting employees with more than 20 disabilities to get help for new hires. This is a great social bridge for questions about everything from "How do I use the bus system?" to "How do I put money on my meal card?"
PS: Dealing with the stress of a work environment can take a toll on a person with disability. Do you have support groups that help your employees navigate this challenge? How do you support employees who are struggling?
NB: To help foster diversity and inclusion, Microsoft has a rich community of Employee Resource Groups (ERG) and Employee Networks (EN). These organizations provide career development, support, networking opportunities, mentoring, community participation, product input, and assistance in activities that promote cultural awareness.
Of note - the community mentorship program, created as a benefit of the Autism Hiring Program, brings volunteers from around the company (typically parents of children with autism) in to be a friend, mentor, or buddy to new employees hired through this program. A community mentor is a friendly face and resource for questions about "life at Microsoft" and is there to help make the transition to the large company feel more comfortable and safe.
PS: What are some of the accommodations you have or plan to have to make the work environment more inclusive?
NB: We provide training sessions for the teams and managers of the new hires to help them better understand disabilities and how to help employees with disabilities succeed within the workplace. Managers also work to adjust their communication style to use less acronyms, provide feedback more frequently, explain things in more detail during meetings, and pause to ask questions in order to keep everyone engaged and on the same level of understanding.
Many managers have provided feedback that the trainings on becoming more inclusive in their approach have benefits for all their employees, including changing their communications style, giving feedback more often, and recapping meetings with detailed actions, etc.
PS: Do you also partner with disability groups and organizations to connect your employees with resources?
NB: Microsoft's disAbility Employee Resource Group (ERG) enters into partnerships with nationwide associations, nonprofit organizations, and special interest groups to increase disability awareness, drive joint objectives, and help organizations in need.
PS: How do you ensure better disability awareness and acceptance within the company?
NB: The disAbility ERG's goal is to enable employees at Microsoft to reach their full potential through inclusion, representation, and access to accommodations, and in doing so, be the employer of choice for people with disabilities globally. The ERG's three key priorities in pursuit of this goal have a direct impact on Microsoft and its employees:
- Drive internal visibility to ensure that there's an awareness of disability groups and that adequate accommodations and resources are available. Provide a resource pool of people who can share a wealth of knowledge and experience on how to succeed at Microsoft. In 2016, the entire Microsoft workforce (over 100,000) received training that aimed to reinforce Microsoft's commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
- Help Microsoft be best-in-practice with software, tools, buildings, and events that are accessible to all people with disabilities. Collaborate with our product teams to design, develop, and build accessible Microsoft products and drive accessibility improvements in the work environment.
- Build external awareness of Microsoft as the employer of choice for people with disabilities. Work with community partners to share Microsoft's approach and best practices in the areas of accessibility and ergonomic accommodations.
PS: How does disability inclusion align with your company's broader culture, vision, and values?
NB: Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As we transform our business and culture, the value proposition for diversity and inclusion within Microsoft is increasingly clear - a diverse and inclusive workforce will yield better products and solutions for our customers, and better experiences for our employees. We know that diversity gains will not be sustained unless we all do our part to encourage new and different perspectives, solutions, and innovative ideas to surface from all our employees. Being inclusive is not something we simply do, but rather it stands for who we are. We see our leaders and managers as role models in transforming the culture.
PS: What would you say to other companies out there to encourage them to open their doors to the differently abled?
NB: Invest and learn together. Be humble and hungry to understand more about this section of your customer base. You will discover insights and ideas that would never have been possible otherwise. With a culture rooted in a growth mindset focused on becoming continual learners, we are seeing positive benefits of sharing what we've learned while creating the program.
If you're looking for more ideas, Microsoft recently set up an Inclusive Hiring website to share our best practices, videos, and highlight opportunities, all with the intention to make it easier for people to find information about our programs. We have also started a coalition of Autism at Work employers that are looking to help other companies get started.
Alexis Wineman: Being Called the R-Word by a Teacher Completely Changed the Course of My Life
To the Girl I Used to Be,
I'll admit that this isn't a letter I ever thought I would be writing, yet, here I am. I've been thinking about you quite a bit recently, and even though that might be self-centered (considering I'm you 12 years in the future), my mind can't help but wander back to you from time to time. I think of the awkward times in middle school and puberty in a different light than most people I know. Fellow peers of mine talk frequently about how they would love to go back to middle school and relive their preteen years. I think you can agree with me when I say I definitely don't feel that way.
This past year for you has been nothing but hell. Bullies have become crueler, and you're finding it impossible to keep up with school. The toughest challenge, though, is one new word that has come into your life and taken over everything: autism. It's a word that has brought your family so much relief but has caused you nothing but headaches and confusion. After all these years, your family finally has an answer and can now find ways to help, but to you, the doctor could have replaced the word "autism" with "burden" and it would have translated just the same. Still, through all the meltdowns, screaming, nightmares, and crying, you have one thing that has kept you going, that bright star that you keep running toward: your future as an astronaut.
Autism: After all these years, your family finally has an answer and can now find ways to help, but to you, the doctor could have replaced the word "autism" with "burden" and it would have translated just the same.
To this very day, I still have not met anyone who is as excited about the future as you are. I can still see the space posters you lazily hung up in your bedroom despite mom's protests of using Scotch tape on the walls. I can still quote the space documentaries you would watch as if they were major box office films, especially your favorite one, the Hubble telescope 15-year anniversary DVD (Hubble is still up there, by the way! It's now 28 years old!). I can recall the taste of the freeze-dried ice cream you would sit in our room and eat in order to "train yourself to like it" so you wouldn't complain when the time came for you to survive off it. I remember that one of the best gifts you ever received was the blue NASA jacket and hat your grandparents got you at the Kennedy s Space Center. They told you that if you were going to be a "hot shot space woman," you needed to dress the part! You wear that thing as much as you can and become paranoid about eating in it. It's so precious to you that you don't want to ruin it.
You have dreams, and you're willing to put up with the bullying, stress, lack of sleep, and agonizing pressure building in your skull. And every time the dam bursts and the tears and screams erupt, it still doesn't matter to you, just as long as you keep moving forward.
The future will be better, you chanted to yourself as that girl punched you in the stomach in the hallway.
The future will be better, you claimed as that boy broke your glasses with a kickball and laughed at your bleeding nose in gym class.
The future will be better, you promised as you sat through another IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting where everyone said they cared about your best interests yet never acknowledged you were even there.
The future will be better, you whispered to yourself as you went into what seemed like the millionth meltdown that week.
But soon that optimism for the future is gone. You don't look up to the stars and see your goal. In fact, you don't look up at the stars at all, do you? The hope that you held only a little while ago has been ripped out, and the remaining void is rapidly filling with the negativity that you've been struggling to overcome. I remember the event that took your hope away so clearly that sometimes, I think of it as an eerie spirit haunting me rather than just a memory from my childhood.
Science class was once your favorite subject, however, the teacher we had certainly didn't care. Of all the people who would want to encourage you to expand your scientific potential and pursuits, it should have been a science teacher. But you learned the hard way that adults can be bullies, too. The only difference between her and the gallery of bullies you already had was that you actually valued what she had to say. But this woman seemed to get a high from your misfortune. She never followed the IEPs that were set, her excuse being that you didn't look disabled. She failed you on multiple assignments because of it, even though she later admitted that you could answer any question she threw at you. But you continued to press on, thinking that once the class reached the space unit in the textbook (which you had already read), your time to shine would arrive and finally win you this woman's respect. Until then, you would keep your head down and continue to absorb the hurt this was causing you.
You never suspected that the day the space unit began would become one of the worst days of your life. The teacher noticed your head was up, your hand eagerly raised, your voice loud and as clear, as your speech impediments didn't prevent you from answering question after question. She saw all of this, but instead of being excited that you were getting involved in class, she saw it as a problem. She held you behind after class and asked about your shift in attitude. You told her about your vision in grandiose detail, what you wanted more than anything. You were going to be an astronaut and be the first woman on Mars. You were going to be someone who would do things that made people proud.
She stayed quiet for a beat after your explanation. Then, she destroyed you with just five words: "Retards don't go to space."
Hope became extinct that day. I wish I could tell you that the impalement of those words eventually goes away, but I can't. You didn't tell your family what the teacher told you, although you knew they suspected something, considering all of your space and NASA memorabilia was soon shoved into the back of your closet. Your vision for the future changed to reflect what your bullies said rather than what you wanted. Instead of looking down on Earth through the INSS window, you were now accepting the idea that you're useless. The hopeful version of Alexis was murdered by those words, and the body was soon possessed by fear and self-hatred.
Your teacher was wrong. Your bullies were wrong. You are worth more than you could possibly know. And you do have a future.
You grow numb and quiet. You're tired, but your sleep consists of nothing but nightmares of being God's failed creation. After all, God has a plan for everyone but lied to you about yours. You not only take the bullying, but you start to see it as something you deserve. You see it as your punishment for being different, as if it's the only thing you're good for. You even welcome it with open arms, because no one hates you more than you hate yourself now. You don't eat much anymore. You see nothing worthwhile when you look in the mirror. You feel withered before you had the chance to bloom. Your grand plan now is to drop out of school and live with your parents forever.
You're wrong, though. Your teacher was wrong. Your bullies were wrong. You are worth more than you could possibly know. I'm writing to you because that moment in that classroom changes your life more than you can imagine right now. And you do have a future, Alexis. Granted, it's not one that you ever thought of or planned for, but that doesn't make it any less bright.
Thanks to your family's persistence, love, and support, you start to feel again. You get involved with things you thought you were not worthy of, like cheerleading and drama. You become cheer captain and a senior member of the cross-country team. You slowly find value in who you are, and though it confuses you at first, you find yourself smiling more and more. You start to make friends - real, true friends and you don't feel so alone anymore. The meltdowns aren't as frequent as they used to be, and you start to learn things about your autism and ways to cope with it instead of letting it define you. You learn to love yourself again.
Your plans change so many times in the coming years. Part of me doesn't want to tell you the unbelievable things your future holds. Nobody likes spoilers, after all! But I will say that you do graduate high school. You even earn a college degree. You live in an apartment that you pay for through a job that you love and work hard at. You have opened yourself up to amazing opportunities, and if there are times where those opportunities are few, you've learned to create your own.
The thing that still surprises me is that many people have found worth in what you have to say. You become a voice that people want to hear. You end up traveling across the country, sharing your story, and telling those who feel just as hopeless as you do that they are the ones who decide what their futures will be, that no one has the power or right to tell them that they're unworthy to dream. You become an advocate for people with special needs. Through the many speeches and talks I've given, I've found that there are people who, just like you, have been told not to dream, not to get their hopes up for a future they "can't achieve." I agree that living with special needs is very difficult and that reaching a goal is 100 times harder than it would be for those without special needs, but that doesn't mean they should be barred from trying.
Throughout everything - all the struggles, challenges, and pain to get to where I am today - I've realized that I've lost sight of something very important, and for that, I really need to apologize to you. For a while, I thought I'd left you firmly in the past. I wanted you to fade from existence because I emerged from the void stronger than before. But that's not true. You still exist within me. I haven't overcome you or outgrown you. You didn't stay in the past, because you were never supposed to stay there. There are still times when I become the scared girl I remember you being, but that's OK. You can't overcome fear or anger, and you certainly can't overcome autism, but you can't let them define you, either. You can, however, find ways to pick yourself back up and get back in whatever fight that got you down to begin with, because you'll find out that no matter the situation or obstacle in your way, you can and will rise to the challenge.
Word of warning, though: it will never be easy. People will continue to doubt your abilities, and that teacher is not going to be the last person to call you "retarded." But what happens in these coming years is for you to decide. No one has any power over you or what you do.
I love you, Alexis. I am proud of you. And I'll try to make more of an effort to remind you of that. It might sound conceited, but we've spent far too long hating ourselves. I refuse to hate myself anymore, not after seeing that I am capable of amazing things. I cannot wait until you see it, too!
Love,
The Woman You Are Now, Alexis Leigh Butterworth Wineman
Alexis Wineman is an autism advocate and author who was named Miss Montana in 2012. As the first contestant with autism in the Miss America pageant's history, she was honored with the "America's Choice" award at the pageant in 2013. She is also a motivational speaker at conferences around the US.
mardi 9 octobre 2018
Dancing With the Stars Season 27: Find Out Who Got Eliminated
Dancing With the Stars is officially back for season 27! This season, the cast includes quite a few familiar faces, including a Fuller House actor, a Harry Potter alum, and a Bachelor Nation star. After a fun-filled episode, the dancing competition sent home another contestant on Monday night. Find out who was eliminated ahead, and be sure to check back each week to see who is still in the running for the Mirrorball Trophy.
This Royal's Stunning Wedding Dress Had a Cape That's Straight Out of a Fairy Tale
If you're looking for a royal wedding that looks like it's plucked right out of a fairy tale, you've come to the right place. The Duke of Huéscar, who's the grandson of the late Duchess of Alba, married his long-term girlfriend Sofia Palazuelo in a lavish ceremony in Madrid, Spain. The couple got married at the groom's 18th-century family estate, Liria Palace, and they were surrounded by 750 guests including Spain's Emeritus Queen Sofia and designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada.
The bride, Sofia, wore one of the most spectacular gowns we've seen. Her wedding dress was designed by her aunt Teresa Palazuelo, and it featured the most amazing detachable cape and a beautiful lace veil. To complete her bridal look, she wore a dreamy feather headpiece by Teresa Briz. Keep reading to have a glimpse at the stunning wedding dress and ceremony ahead.
Alexis Wineman: Being Called the R-Word by a Teacher Completely Changed the Course of My Life
To the Girl I Used to Be,
I'll admit that this isn't a letter I ever thought I would be writing, yet, here I am. I've been thinking about you quite a bit recently, and even though that might be self-centered (considering I'm you 12 years in the future), my mind can't help but wander back to you from time to time. I think of the awkward times in middle school and puberty in a different light than most people I know. Fellow peers of mine talk frequently about how they would love to go back to middle school and relive their preteen years. I think you can agree with me when I say I definitely don't feel that way.
This past year for you has been nothing but hell. Bullies have become crueler, and you're finding it impossible to keep up with school. The toughest challenge, though, is one new word that has come into your life and taken over everything: autism. It's a word that has brought your family so much relief but has caused you nothing but headaches and confusion. After all these years, your family finally has an answer and can now find ways to help, but to you, the doctor could have replaced the word "autism" with "burden" and it would have translated just the same. Still, through all the meltdowns, screaming, nightmares, and crying, you have one thing that has kept you going, that bright star that you keep running toward: your future as an astronaut.
Autism: After all these years, your family finally has an answer and can now find ways to help, but to you, the doctor could have replaced the word "autism" with "burden" and it would have translated just the same.
To this very day, I still have not met anyone who is as excited about the future as you are. I can still see the space posters you lazily hung up in your bedroom despite mom's protests of using Scotch tape on the walls. I can still quote the space documentaries you would watch as if they were major box office films, especially your favorite one, the Hubble telescope 15-year anniversary DVD (Hubble is still up there, by the way! It's now 28 years old!). I can recall the taste of the freeze-dried ice cream you would sit in our room and eat in order to "train yourself to like it" so you wouldn't complain when the time came for you to survive off it. I remember that one of the best gifts you ever received was the blue NASA jacket and hat your grandparents got you at the Kennedy s Space Center. They told you that if you were going to be a "hot shot space woman," you needed to dress the part! You wear that thing as much as you can and become paranoid about eating in it. It's so precious to you that you don't want to ruin it.
You have dreams, and you're willing to put up with the bullying, stress, lack of sleep, and agonizing pressure building in your skull. And every time the dam bursts and the tears and screams erupt, it still doesn't matter to you, just as long as you keep moving forward.
The future will be better, you chanted to yourself as that girl punched you in the stomach in the hallway.
The future will be better, you claimed as that boy broke your glasses with a kickball and laughed at your bleeding nose in gym class.
The future will be better, you promised as you sat through another IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting where everyone said they cared about your best interests yet never acknowledged you were even there.
The future will be better, you whispered to yourself as you went into what seemed like the millionth meltdown that week.
But soon that optimism for the future is gone. You don't look up to the stars and see your goal. In fact, you don't look up at the stars at all, do you? The hope that you held only a little while ago has been ripped out, and the remaining void is rapidly filling with the negativity that you've been struggling to overcome. I remember the event that took your hope away so clearly that sometimes, I think of it as an eerie spirit haunting me rather than just a memory from my childhood.
Science class was once your favorite subject, however, the teacher we had certainly didn't care. Of all the people who would want to encourage you to expand your scientific potential and pursuits, it should have been a science teacher. But you learned the hard way that adults can be bullies, too. The only difference between her and the gallery of bullies you already had was that you actually valued what she had to say. But this woman seemed to get a high from your misfortune. She never followed the IEPs that were set, her excuse being that you didn't look disabled. She failed you on multiple assignments because of it, even though she later admitted that you could answer any question she threw at you. But you continued to press on, thinking that once the class reached the space unit in the textbook (which you had already read), your time to shine would arrive and finally win you this woman's respect. Until then, you would keep your head down and continue to absorb the hurt this was causing you.
You never suspected that the day the space unit began would become one of the worst days of your life. The teacher noticed your head was up, your hand eagerly raised, your voice loud and as clear, as your speech impediments didn't prevent you from answering question after question. She saw all of this, but instead of being excited that you were getting involved in class, she saw it as a problem. She held you behind after class and asked about your shift in attitude. You told her about your vision in grandiose detail, what you wanted more than anything. You were going to be an astronaut and be the first woman on Mars. You were going to be someone who would do things that made people proud.
She stayed quiet for a beat after your explanation. Then, she destroyed you with just five words: "Retards don't go to space."
Hope became extinct that day. I wish I could tell you that the impalement of those words eventually goes away, but I can't. You didn't tell your family what the teacher told you, although you knew they suspected something, considering all of your space and NASA memorabilia was soon shoved into the back of your closet. Your vision for the future changed to reflect what your bullies said rather than what you wanted. Instead of looking down on Earth through the INSS window, you were now accepting the idea that you're useless. The hopeful version of Alexis was murdered by those words, and the body was soon possessed by fear and self-hatred.
Your teacher was wrong. Your bullies were wrong. You are worth more than you could possibly know. And you do have a future.
You grow numb and quiet. You're tired, but your sleep consists of nothing but nightmares of being God's failed creation. After all, God has a plan for everyone but lied to you about yours. You not only take the bullying, but you start to see it as something you deserve. You see it as your punishment for being different, as if it's the only thing you're good for. You even welcome it with open arms, because no one hates you more than you hate yourself now. You don't eat much anymore. You see nothing worthwhile when you look in the mirror. You feel withered before you had the chance to bloom. Your grand plan now is to drop out of school and live with your parents forever.
You're wrong, though. Your teacher was wrong. Your bullies were wrong. You are worth more than you could possibly know. I'm writing to you because that moment in that classroom changes your life more than you can imagine right now. And you do have a future, Alexis. Granted, it's not one that you ever thought of or planned for, but that doesn't make it any less bright.
Thanks to your family's persistence, love, and support, you start to feel again. You get involved with things you thought you were not worthy of, like cheerleading and drama. You become cheer captain and a senior member of the cross-country team. You slowly find value in who you are, and though it confuses you at first, you find yourself smiling more and more. You start to make friends - real, true friends and you don't feel so alone anymore. The meltdowns aren't as frequent as they used to be, and you start to learn things about your autism and ways to cope with it instead of letting it define you. You learn to love yourself again.
Your plans change so many times in the coming years. Part of me doesn't want to tell you the unbelievable things your future holds. Nobody likes spoilers, after all! But I will say that you do graduate high school. You even earn a college degree. You live in an apartment that you pay for through a job that you love and work hard at. You have opened yourself up to amazing opportunities, and if there are times where those opportunities are few, you've learned to create your own.
The thing that still surprises me is that many people have found worth in what you have to say. You become a voice that people want to hear. You end up traveling across the country, sharing your story, and telling those who feel just as hopeless as you do that they are the ones who decide what their futures will be, that no one has the power or right to tell them that they're unworthy to dream. You become an advocate for people with special needs. Through the many speeches and talks I've given, I've found that there are people who, just like you, have been told not to dream, not to get their hopes up for a future they "can't achieve." I agree that living with special needs is very difficult and that reaching a goal is 100 times harder than it would be for those without special needs, but that doesn't mean they should be barred from trying.
Throughout everything - all the struggles, challenges, and pain to get to where I am today - I've realized that I've lost sight of something very important, and for that, I really need to apologize to you. For a while, I thought I'd left you firmly in the past. I wanted you to fade from existence because I emerged from the void stronger than before. But that's not true. You still exist within me. I haven't overcome you or outgrown you. You didn't stay in the past, because you were never supposed to stay there. There are still times when I become the scared girl I remember you being, but that's OK. You can't overcome fear or anger, and you certainly can't overcome autism, but you can't let them define you, either. You can, however, find ways to pick yourself back up and get back in whatever fight that got you down to begin with, because you'll find out that no matter the situation or obstacle in your way, you can and will rise to the challenge.
Word of warning, though: it will never be easy. People will continue to doubt your abilities, and that teacher is not going to be the last person to call you "retarded." But what happens in these coming years is for you to decide. No one has any power over you or what you do.
I love you, Alexis. I am proud of you. And I'll try to make more of an effort to remind you of that. It might sound conceited, but we've spent far too long hating ourselves. I refuse to hate myself anymore, not after seeing that I am capable of amazing things. I cannot wait until you see it, too!
Love,
The Woman You Are Now, Alexis Leigh Butterworth Wineman
Alexis Wineman is an autism advocate and author who was named Miss Montana in 2012. As the first contestant with autism in the Miss America pageant's history, she was honored with the "America's Choice" award at the pageant in 2013. She is also a motivational speaker at conferences around the US.
Build Muscle and Improve Your Stability With This Trainer's 5-Move Strength Workout
Morit Summers is an NSCA and RKC level 1 and 2 certified trainer who is changing the fitness industry with her all-inclusive approach. Morit believes that fitness is for everyone and wants all people - regardless of their ethnicity, size, and skill level - to feel welcome in any fitness environment, which led her to opening her own all-inclusive gym, Form Fitness, in Brooklyn, NY.
If you aren't based in NY and still want to check out Morit's style of training, follow along with this strengthening kettlebell workout she created. "Kettlebells are usually used as a tool to work on endurance and power," she told POPSUGAR. For those who don't like training with kettlebells or who have never used them, Morit said to substitute the kettlebell with a dumbbell, sandbag, or other weighted object.
The Workout
Be sure to warm up with dynamic drills or a light five- to 10-minute jog on the treadmill before getting started. Complete the five-move circuit two to four times.
- Kettlebell goblet squat with bicep curl: 8-15 reps
- Kettlebell reverse lunge with overhead press: 8-15 reps
- Kettlebell kneeling halo: 8-15 reps
- Kettlebell lateral lunge with high pull: 8-15 reps
- Kettlebell single-leg deadlift with row: 8-15 reps
Now it's time to get ready to work. Keep reading for detailed descriptions and GIFs of the moves. Don't forget to cool down after your workout.
14 Ugly Halloween Sweatshirts Because You’re Way Too Tired to Even Try
The Octobers when you spent weeks conjuring up elaborate themes with your friends for a night of trick-or-treating are long gone. With work, the kids, buying candy, and cleaning up after everyone decided this was the year they were going to carve pumpkins at your house, the last thing you have energy for is thinking of a creative costume. Before you fall victim of buying the first thing you see online, think about this: just get an ugly Halloween sweatshirt. You can wear them throughout the month, and because they require next to no effort to put on, you can appear festive in no time.
These Disney Halloween PJs Are Putting Us in a Seriously Spooky Mood
If you've ever crossed paths with a small child (let alone a toddler), you know that wearing costumes, capes, and disguises is in no way limited to Halloween - dressing up is an everyday activity. That's why we're certain that these Disney Halloween pajamas are going to be your kids' newest obsessions. Forget October, they'll want to wear these "costume" jammies all. year. long.
Check out the cutest Disney Halloween PJs for kids below (as well as a few adult pairs so that moms and dads can get in on the action!).
Deciem Is Temporarily Closing, According to the Founder's Latest Instagram Post
Deciem founder Brandon Truaxe has announced temporary closure of the entire company in a video posted on the Deciem Instagram on Oct. 8.
In a video posted on the social platform, Truaxe explained that "this the final post of Deciem. We will shut down all operations until further notice which will be about two months." He then went on to plead for people to take him seriously, later saying "almost everyone at Deciem has been involved in major criminal activity." Along with the video, Truaxe also wrote an caption listing people and companies that will allegedly face "criminal prosecution." The Deciem website has been completely shut down; however, stores in the UK seem to be operating business as usual. There is an alleged leaked email by an ex-employee that claims all stores will be shut down, effective immediately.
This isn't the first time there has been drama posted on the company's Instagram. In February, Truaxe fired co-CEO Nicola Kilner before letting go Deciem's entire US team in April. Despite all of the drama that follows the company, its affordable brand The Ordinary has continued to be in high demand for its transparent and low-cost skincare. So if you're running out of your affordable faves, you might want to stock up ASAP.
15 Quick and Easy Halloween Treats (No Tricks)
Whether your aim is to spook little trick-or-treaters or entertain grown-up revelers, these Halloween bites are essentially foolproof. From ghost toast to Rice Krispies mummies, we've rounded up 15 ideas that are easy on the effort but big on the impact.
15 Quick and Easy Halloween Treats (No Tricks)
Whether your aim is to spook little trick-or-treaters or entertain grown-up revelers, these Halloween bites are essentially foolproof. From ghost toast to Rice Krispies mummies, we've rounded up 15 ideas that are easy on the effort but big on the impact.
Ever Since I Bought This Bomber Jacket, All My Other Outerwear Is Collecting Dust
As a POPSUGAR editor, I take inspiration from what everyone in the office is wearing day to day, and ever since the POPSUGAR at Kohl's collection came out, it's been a fashion show on the regular. The one piece I kept seeing was the POPSUGAR at Kohl's Athletic Bomber Jacket ($42). People with very different personal styles were all rocking this piece, and I decided it was time to take the plunge. I'm so glad I did.
The jacket comes in a sweatshirt-like material, making it impossibly comfortable.
The jacket comes in a sweatshirt-like material, making it impossibly comfortable. It goes with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a feminine dress, and it really adds a cool, athletic vibe to any look. I've worn it to work, to brunch, and even out for a drink, and nobody knows how comfortable it is to wear. Plus, this jacket, like all our POPSUGAR at Kohl's pieces, comes in sizes x small to 3X. For reference, I go between a small and medium in jackets, and I took the small in this style. Last weekend, I was out shopping, and a salesperson came up to compliment my jacket, only he thought it was a pricey (think four figures) designer piece. It was my pleasure to inform him that it was from the POPSUGAR at Kohl's collection and he could buy one for himself without breaking the bank!
Our Dear Connie Britton Is in Danger in the Dramatic Trailer For Bravo's Dirty John
Bravo's forthcoming adaptation of Dirty John is getting dangerously close. Starring Connie Britton and Eric Bana, the series will closely follow the one-season true-crime podcast, which details how successful interior designer Debra Newell got tricked by charming doctor John Meehan.
To no surprise, John already appears sketchy as hell in the recently released trailer. In it, viewers can see snippets of Debra digging into John's past as their romance progresses. For those who haven't listened to the podcast, let's just say it's not pretty. Watch the ominous trailer above before the series release on Nov. 25.
Trailer 1:
Behold, the Badass Cast of Margot Robbie's Birds of Prey
Margot Robbie's R-rated superhero team-up film is finally coming together, and we can't get enough of the cast. Birds of Prey, which will see Robbie's Suicide Squad character Harley Quinn leading a team of female antiheroes on a dangerous mission - Robbie has already called it a "girl gang" film in the DC universe - most recently cast Academy Award nominee Rosie Perez in a key role, and she's far from the only exciting name on the roster. Find out who she's playing, as well as who will portray iconic characters like Black Canary and Huntress, ahead.
Will and Kate Return For Their First Joint Royal Outing Together Since Prince Louis's Birth
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are back at work! Our favorite duo returned via their first joint royal engagement since the birth of Prince Louis in April.
Prince William and Kate visited a Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit at County Hall in London on Oct. 9, an initiative that aims to help those with mental health issues from around the world. The duke and duchess were joined by people from over 30 countries in an effort to promote treatments and end worldwide stigma surrounding mental health.
William has been busy this past month during his Commonwealth tour of Africa, visiting Namibia, Tanzania, and Kenya in an effort to help end wildlife crime. Meanwhile, Kate ventured out on her first solo engagement after her maternity leave, which was full of adorable moments. We hope to see the couple again at Princess Eugenie's wedding on Oct. 12, but Pippa Middleton is due to give birth the same week, meaning that sister Kate will be on call to help out.
Everything You Never Knew About Halloween Fetishes
Everyone knows of Halloween as being a day (or maybe a few weeks before and after, tbh) filled with candy and costumes. Yet it's actually quite the time to experiment with some pretty steamy Halloween sex fetishes, which, you may be surprised, can be a real turn-on. If your Halloween needs a little added spice and adventure thrown in, grab your partner (or go solo) and indulge in one of these superintriguing Halloween fetishes.
I Worked Out Every Day For a Month and Was Shocked at What Happened to My Weight
I worked out at Barry's Bootcamp for 30 days straight. Image Source: Lisa Richov
If nothing else, growing up with three brothers has influenced me in two ways: number one, my affinity for playing sports; and number two, my competitive nature. If there's a physical challenge on the table, I'm going to crush it.
Trying out extreme regimens for extended periods of time isn't new for me. I work at a place called Liquor Lab in New York City, and I gave up alcohol for 30 days. I've completed 20 SoulCycle classes in one month. I've taken four classes of Flybarre for six weeks straight. I'm a sucker for a good (PG-rated) dare. But, I digress.
In early March, I started a new challenge: 30 days of boot camp in 30 days - with no days off. I enrolled in Barry's Bootcamp: a high-intensity workout involving 25 minutes of cardio (treadmill) and 25 minutes of strength training (weights, resistance bands, floor exercises). In each class, participants jog, run, and sprint - sometimes on a steep incline - and switch from numbered treads to benches. Each day of the week is dedicated to a different section of the body: Arms & Abs; Butt & Legs; Chest, Back & Abs; Abs, or Full Body. There are six locations in Manhattan; I utilized four of them.
While enduring my adventure, I experienced a lot of new things, starting with how social media played into my workout . . .
Instagram Kept Me Honest - but I Didn't Disclose Everything
Naturally, like a normal 20-something, I documented my days via my Instagram stories. I posted pictures of the lobby, checking in, my after-class smoothies, and my friends who came with me to sweat. IG allowed me to take note of every session: how I was feeling, what time of day I was exercising, and how many more hours I had left.
But I didn't post everything. I left out what I learned about my body, my limits, and my friends during my journey.
Before and after 30 days of boot camp. Image Source: Hilary Sheinbaum
My Weight Remained the Same
When my challenge began, I had just returned from the Charleston Wine & Food Festival. (Read: I had stuffed my face for four straight days, with delicious southern delicacies.) I'm 5'5" and I weighed 117 pounds on March 4. Thirty days later, I weighed exactly 117 pounds.
To be fair, I may have lost fat and gained muscle, but I also amped up my calorie intake and never passed on dessert. After crushing at least 2.5 miles on the treadmill and lifting 10- to 15-pound weights every morning, I was a very hungry woman. I ate roughly 2,500-3,000 calories a day (which is far more than my usual 1,500-2,000 - even when I'm going to an average gym class). My healthier meals came from a fitness-focused meal plan called Kettlebell Kitchen, and my not-so-nutritious fare (roughly a pint of ice cream each day . . . nope, I'm not joking) came from my freezer. My goal was not to lose weight - it was to survive - and therefore, I have no regrets.
My lunch from Kettlebell Kitchen, before eating an entire pint of ice cream. Image Source: Hilary Sheinbaum
It Made Me Stronger and Built Up My Endurance
Even though the scale didn't shift, there was a very big difference in my body: namely, the way I was breathing and maneuvering through exercises.
The first few days were the hardest: I felt sore and had trouble catching my breath, which never happens. Despite typically working out five or six days on my own, I don't run every day, and I'm certainly not sprinting 10 mph on a 10-point incline.
Day seven of my 30-day bootcamp challenge. Image Source: Hilary Sheinbaum
By week two, my body was accustomed to the increase in exercise. It was amazing how quickly I adapted to the mileage and weights. Sailing through class in the low-to-mid range of speed was no problem - without gasping for air or needing to nap later in the day. With any type of workout, it's a good idea to increase your weights and/or your speed if you still want a challenge.
By week three, my sweat sessions were purely mental. I anticipated sprints for 30, 45, and even 60 seconds. I knew if the incline increased two points, it would likely go up two to four more before switching rounds. I still looked forward to class, but I wished I had scheduled a day or two to rest my muscles or at least my brain.
During week four, I had a slight injury, but still pressed on (more on that later).
It Helped Me Sleep
Speaking of rest, I slept better at night. Historically, I am a terrible sleeper (translation: five hours for me is a feat). Instead of four to five hours of shut-eye, I was pushing seven hours. I wasn't tossing and turning, and my overall vibe was calmer. I even slept up until my alarm went off. This sounds silly, but, again, this never happens in real life.
I powered through a cold and a slight injury. Image Source: Lisa Richov
I Knew I Would Make It to the End, but I Worried, Too
Let me rephrase that: I was not the least bit concerned about completing 30 days of workouts. I was, however, definitely nervous I would get injured. Having run cross country in high school, played soccer for a number of years, and remained active through college and postgrad, I've endured a number of aches and pains - some more serious than others.
Paired with being a bit stubborn, I was not going to let a sprain stop me from completing this challenge. Within the first two weeks, I had a cold but powered through. By week four, my back was uncomfortably sore for days - perhaps because I pulled something or decided sprinting at 12 mph was a good idea . . . who knows. Instead of dropping out, I simply modified my floor routine, even opting for a day of double floor activity (no treadmill).
People Have a Lot of Opinions and Questions
The biggest takeaway from my 30-day bootcamp challenge was how involved my social circle became. Through texts, Instagram, and even emails, I would receive daily messages from friends, followers, and acquaintances.
Some people were eager to participate with me while others were skeptical. I was called everything from crazy, brave, strong, and inspiring, to annoying (for posting on my IG story every day), and beyond. Everyone had questions: was I sore? Did I lose weight? How was I still doing this? There was a mix of encouragement, confusion, and even admitted (friendly) jealousy.
Even after 30 days of tough workouts, I'd do it again. Image Source: Lisa Richov
I Would Do It Again
As my challenge concluded, a new question emerged in the last week: would I continue going to Barry's Bootcamp beyond my 30 days? (As in: are you sick of this yet?)
Truth be told, I'm going to take (at least) a 48-hour hiatus from the red room - but not because I'm over it. There's no doubt I'll be back, and I would absolutely do it again. But like I said, if I'm going to do another challenge like this, it's going to require a day or two to rest in between.
Everything You Never Knew About Halloween Fetishes
Everyone knows of Halloween as being a day (or maybe a few weeks before and after, tbh) filled with candy and costumes. Yet it's actually quite the time to experiment with some pretty steamy Halloween sex fetishes, which, you may be surprised, can be a real turn-on. If your Halloween needs a little added spice and adventure thrown in, grab your partner (or go solo) and indulge in one of these superintriguing Halloween fetishes.
Kate Middleton Is Positively Glowing, and I Bet Her Dress Has Something to Do With It
It's only been a week since Kate Middleton returned to her royal duties after being on maternity leave, and she's already making statements. After having stunned in a simple look during a visit to the Sayers Croft Forest School, the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out with Prince William to attend the Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in London wearing a gorgeous lavender dress by Emilia Wickstead. Accessorized with Mappin & Webb jewelry, the Aspinal of London Mayfair bag ($1,000), and a pair of neutral pumps, Kate's elegant outfit was a perfect fit for the important occasion.
Of course, royal fans will immediately recognize Kate's fit-and-flare midi dress, which she first wore in Germany during the 2017 royal tour she and her family took part in. Back then, she accessorized it with a red clutch by Anya Hindmarch and purple Kiki McDonough earrings and had an adorable mommy-and-me moment with Princess Charlotte, who was dressed in a cute little floral dress. Read on to get a closer look at both times Kate wore this Emilia Wickstead number, then shop similar dresses for yourself.
The 13 Biggest Risk Factors For Breast Cancer - 5 of Which You Can Change
Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women; the average woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer. And while the risk for developing breast cancer increases as you age, there are other risk factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing breast cancer in your lifetime.
The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) have outlined eight risk factors you can't change and five that you can. We also talked to doctors and breast cancer experts, who explained what these risk factors mean and how you can decrease your likelihood of developing breast cancer. You should start getting screened for breast cancer at age 40, with regular mammograms until you are 54. But it's never too early to start doing breast self-exams.
Kate Middleton Was the Belle of the Ball at Every Wedding She's Ever Attended
Every season is wedding season, and when it comes to style, who better to seek a little guest-spiration from than the first lady of fascinators, the Duchess of Cambridge. Over the years, Kate has rocked many different looks at the numerous weddings she's been invited to, and although some of them are perhaps best consigned to the history books, most are features in a masterclass on wedding-guest wow. From the time she rewore a Topshop favorite to the very special dress she chose for her sister's big day, read on to take a look at all the times Kate was the most stylish wedding guest you'll ever see.
- Additional reporting by Morgane Le Caer
This Rose Gold Rechargeable Hand Warmer Will Save Your Cold Hands
I am always cold. I keep an extra sweater at my desk at all times, and often use it as a blanket. I also frequently make tea just so I can hold it and warm up my hands. But no more! Now, I've been made aware that a rechargeable hand warmer exists, and in a gorgeous rose gold hue, no less.
The Survival Frog QuickHeat Rechargeable Hand Warmer ($25) is sleek and portable, and easy to tote in your bag, stash in your boots, or hold in your hands. You know how so many hand warmers lose their heat in a matter of minutes? Well, this stays warm for up to 10 hours, and you can adjust the heat level to your comfort. Not only is it rechargeable, it also allows you to charge your phone (how handy is that?!). And, in the time it took me to tell you about this little wonder product, I've already added it to my cart and sent it to my best friend. What are you waiting for?
Coffee Lovers Will Adore These Cute Gifts Almost as Much as Their Morning Cup
Honestly, who doesn't need a new coffee mug? Whether you're a latte lover or more partial to green tea, it's always fun to add a new cup to your collection, and they make the perfect gift. Anyone can have their coffee out of a classic white mug, but if your morning cup comes out of a mug shaped like a unicorn, so much the better. And those heat-changing options? We could watch them all day long. Consider these 17 mugs your foolproof, can't-go-wrong, gifting gold standard.
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