Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 15 octobre 2018
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.
15 Instant Pot Turkey Soup Recipes to Bookmark For a Rainy Day
Everyone's always raving about chicken soup this and chicken soup that, but you know what doesn't get enough love? Turkey soup. Turkey is just as versatile as chicken and just as delicious and good for you. I especially love using turkey in my chili because it changes the flavor subtly enough to be different from a beef chili.
A turkey soup is also a great idea for after a holiday like Thanksgiving when you inevitably have leftover turkey from the big meal and don't know how to get rid of it. My brothers always opted for the classic turkey sandwich, but a hearty turkey and vegetable soup is my new go-to. You can do the same by choosing any of these 15 soup recipes. And the best part? They can all be thrown together in your Instant Pot!
There Are 2 New Kinds of Funnel Cake Fries at Disneyland, So BRB While We Stuff Our Faces
First Disneyland had us fawning over its Fruity Pebbles funnel cake fries, and now there is not one but two new Fall flavors to lose your Mickey-loving mind over. Over at the epically named Award Wieners eatery in Disney California Adventure Park, you can now find seasonal twists on the popular fried fair treat: pumpkin spice funnel cake fries and cookies and cream funnel cake fries. The pumpkin spice funnel cake fries are dusted with sparkly pumpkin spice sugar then drizzled with a pumpkin spice sauce and topped with a heaping pile of pumpkin spice whipped cream. The cookies and cream funnel cake fries are topped with crushed Oreo cookies and whipped cream and then drizzled with chocolate sauce.
So are they as tasty as they look? We tried them so you don't have to (except in this case, you WILL want to), and here's what we think:
The fries are a little chewy, which is probably so they hold up under all the toppings and sauces, but I had hoped they would have a more light and airy texture like a true fair funnel cake. That said, they were still good and addictive. I'm not a huge pumpkin spice fan (I know, I know), so I preferred the cookies and cream, which were a chocolate-lover's dream. The pumpkin spice fries were more on the sweet than spicy side, but the sauce did have a distinct pumpkin pie flavor, and my friend who is a fan of pumpkin spice thought they were quite good. So you can't go wrong!
The 17 Funniest Gifts of 2018 Will Make You Laugh So Hard, Your Stomach Will Hurt
If you're looking for presents for the friend who isn't afraid to get silly, we've found the perfect stuff. Whether you are headed to a white elephant party or just want to treat a loved one to something hilarious, we've got you covered. Keep looking to see these hysterical gift ideas for your comical pal.
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.
12 Harry Potter-Inspired Recipes You Can Bring to Life
Harry Potter fans can never get enough of the Wizarding World. Though it may be difficult (er, or impossible) for us measly muggles to re-create spells, one thing we can bring to life is the food and drink mentioned in the books. Though it may not be as easy as shouting "accio butterbeer!", these recipes are absolutely doable for the home cook.
13 of the Best Places to Celebrate Halloween Around the World
For more than a century, Halloween has been heralded as a major holiday in the United States, as people celebrate all things that go bump in the night. Initially a pagan holiday, All Hallows' Eve will find children trick-or-treating in their spookiest costumes and adults attending parties in homes and clubs lit by jack-o'-lanterns and orange bulbs shining through a fog of cobwebs. The United States, however, isn't the only place to celebrate the season. Continue reading to find out how people observe Halloween and other Fall holidays all around the world.
100+ Gifts Your Man Will Love (and Actually Use!)
Gift shopping for guys can be notoriously tricky. It's easy to go the kitschy and cute route, but for the holidays, we want our man to have something meaningful, too. We've rounded up more than 100 gift ideas at every price point, from fun cocktail glasses to beautiful leather accessories and bags. Take a look at this year's list.
- Additional Reporting by Hilary White
7 Ways to Win the Heart of Your Mother-in-Law
Let's be honest - sometimes mothers-in-law can be intimidating. The pressure to get along may be there whether you have gotten to know your mother-in-law well through the years or have only met her a few times throughout your relationship. She may live right down the block or across the country. She may be easygoing and flexible, or you may have a history of hitting a few roadblocks with her in the past. But no matter what details exist, it all boils down to this: you love your spouse, your spouse loves you, and maybe you just really want their family to love you too. To alleviate some of the anxieties involved, here are seven ways to win the heart of your mother-in-law.
Sparkling, Seltzer, Soda: A Primer on Carbonated Water
Soda water, seltzer, club soda, sparkling water, mineral water: there are so many different fizzy waters out there. Are they all the same thing?
Carbonated water - water into which carbon dioxide has been dissolved - is a broad term that encompasses all fizzy waters; it's used interchangeably with sparkling water and soda water (a prewar term for the same thing). Within this category, there are several distinctions: seltzer, club soda, and mineral water.
Seltzer and club soda have both been artificially produced by passing pressurized carbon dioxide through water, but while seltzer contains no added ingredients or flavorings, club soda contains additives such as table salt, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate to add a slightly salty flavor.
In contrast, an effervescent mineral water such as Perrier or San Pellegrino is water that contains naturally occurring carbonation and minerals. Since it's bottled directly from a natural source, it tends to be pricier and has a more delicate effervescence than other carbonated waters. For these reasons, it's typically enjoyed alone, rather than used as a drink mixer.
13 of the Best Places to Celebrate Halloween Around the World
For more than a century, Halloween has been heralded as a major holiday in the United States, as people celebrate all things that go bump in the night. Initially a pagan holiday, All Hallows' Eve will find children trick-or-treating in their spookiest costumes and adults attending parties in homes and clubs lit by jack-o'-lanterns and orange bulbs shining through a fog of cobwebs. The United States, however, isn't the only place to celebrate the season. Continue reading to find out how people observe Halloween and other Fall holidays all around the world.
50+ Free Stencils That Will Take Your Pumpkin Carving to the Next Level
During the season of all things pumpkin, you can't go anywhere without seeing patches of orange. Time to pick out your perfect pumpkin - or five - and get it ready for Halloween.
Traditional pumpkin carving has its charm, but this year, you can take your skills to a whole new level with these unique stencils that can show off your style. Check out all these options that you can download and print at home.
Once you pick your perfect design, here are some tips for making your stencil:
- After printing it, cut out the shape of your stencil with a sharp X-Acto knife.
- To attach it to your pumpkin, either use tape or stencil adhesive spray.
- Use a stencil brush to paint over the stencil and let it dry for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, you can cut the lid off the circular lid of the pumpkin and remove all the pulp from inside.
- Peel off the stencil and get to carving that pumpkin. Consider investing in a pumpkin carving kit to make the process smoother.
Check out the stencils ahead!
There’s a Video of a Dog Flopping Around in a Teddy Bear Halloween Costume, and Now Nothing Else Matters
When it comes to Halloween, there are a lot of traditions that make the holiday so much fun. Putting together unique group costumes, carving pumpkins, and even indulging in bite-sized chocolates typically top our lists, but nothing really overshadows the joy we get out of dressing up our pets. Those innocent little furballs love their owners dearly, which is what makes succumbing them to Halloween that much more fun. Instagram user Harp + Lola knows this to be true. In a popular Instagram post, Rebecca put her adorable bull dog Poppy in a teddy bear costume and whipped out her phone to document. Like a baby learning to walk, Poppy the puppy looks at Rebecca forlornly before taking her first few clumsy steps. Turn the volume up so you can hear the little feet flopping about. It's magic.
Forget Pumpkin Pie and Make These 28 Savory Pumpkin Dishes Instead
Now that it's officially pumpkin season, we don't have any excuse to not be using this orange gourd in our kitchens. You might think pumpkins are only good for carving jack-o'-lanterns or making pie, but you can actually use them to make some amazing savory dishes. Whether you want a hearty dinner or a satisfying lunch, pumpkin is the perfect thing to cook with. So head on over to your local pumpkin patch (or grocery store, if that's easier) and get picking!
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.
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!
DIY Poo-Pourri: How to Make Your Own Smell-Suppressing Concoction
Gone are the days of air fresheners and lighting a scented candle after you go number two in the bathroom.
Poo-Pourri, aka the world's greatest invention ever, is a spray that one uses before going to the bathroom to mask any unwanted smells that come with pooping because, let's face it, nobody's poop smells like roses (except for maybe Beyoncé, of course).
What makes Poo-Pourri spray different from standard air fresheners is that you spray it directly into the toilet bowl before you go, rather than spraying it into the surrounding air after the fact.
It smells wonderful and it's innovative, but it can be a bit costly. It costs $13 for a two-pack of the 1 oz bottle on Amazon, and for those on a budget (especially if you have a house full of roommates or family members), that can add up.
But have no fear! We have some instructions on how to make your very own Poo-Pourri at home.
Here's What You Need:
- 2 oz spray bottle
- Essential oils
- Rubbing alcohol
- Water
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.
Rescuing a Dog From a Puppy Mill Was the Hardest Thing I've Ever Done
In 2012, my then-boyfriend (now husband) and I rescued a 4-year-old Golden Retriever from a puppy mill in Taiwan. After we submitted home videos to a rescue group in Northern California and became preapproved adopters, the founder and "puppy matchmaker" at the organization sent us an email. We read the email together, shoulder to shoulder, like excited children on Christmas morning. The email said that our dog had just been rescued from an awful place, was currently getting care, and would soon be up to date on shots and strong enough to travel along with a volunteer to the United States. Jackpot!
"You're rescuing a dog from Taiwan?" people would gasp, emphasizing the wan in Taiwan as if doing so would make us realize how far away the dog was. "They have rescue dogs here," they'd finish.
But it was a common enough practice. The organization we used, Love and Second Chances, had a sister rescue organization in Taiwan. Once enough dogs were rescued, a volunteer would fly over dozens of dogs for eager families in the United States. We'd read up on common things to expect when rescuing a dog in general, but nothing could have prepared us for the journey.
Here are the eight most significant experiences I've had since rescuing.
15 Instant Pot Turkey Soup Recipes to Bookmark For a Rainy Day
Everyone's always raving about chicken soup this and chicken soup that, but you know what doesn't get enough love? Turkey soup. Turkey is just as versatile as chicken and just as delicious and good for you. I especially love using turkey in my chili because it changes the flavor subtly enough to be different from a beef chili.
A turkey soup is also a great idea for after a holiday like Thanksgiving when you inevitably have leftover turkey from the big meal and don't know how to get rid of it. My brothers always opted for the classic turkey sandwich, but a hearty turkey and vegetable soup is my new go-to. You can do the same by choosing any of these 15 soup recipes. And the best part? They can all be thrown together in your Instant Pot!
There Are 2 New Kinds of Funnel Cake Fries at Disneyland, So BRB While We Stuff Our Faces
First Disneyland had us fawning over its Fruity Pebbles funnel cake fries, and now there is not one but two new Fall flavors to lose your Mickey-loving mind over. Over at the epically named Award Wieners eatery in Disney California Adventure Park, you can now find seasonal twists on the popular fried fair treat: pumpkin spice funnel cake fries and cookies and cream funnel cake fries. The pumpkin spice funnel cake fries are dusted with sparkly pumpkin spice sugar then drizzled with a pumpkin spice sauce and topped with a heaping pile of pumpkin spice whipped cream. The cookies and cream funnel cake fries are topped with crushed Oreo cookies and whipped cream and then drizzled with chocolate sauce.
So are they as tasty as they look? We tried them so you don't have to (except in this case, you WILL want to), and here's what we think:
The fries are a little chewy, which is probably so they hold up under all the toppings and sauces, but I had hoped they would have a more light and airy texture like a true fair funnel cake. That said, they were still good and addictive. I'm not a huge pumpkin spice fan (I know, I know), so I preferred the cookies and cream, which were a chocolate-lover's dream. The pumpkin spice fries were more on the sweet than spicy side, but the sauce did have a distinct pumpkin pie flavor, and my friend who is a fan of pumpkin spice thought they were quite good. So you can't go wrong!
The 17 Funniest Gifts of 2018 Will Make You Laugh So Hard, Your Stomach Will Hurt
If you're looking for presents for the friend who isn't afraid to get silly, we've found the perfect stuff. Whether you are headed to a white elephant party or just want to treat a loved one to something hilarious, we've got you covered. Keep looking to see these hysterical gift ideas for your comical pal.
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.
12 Harry Potter-Inspired Recipes You Can Bring to Life
Harry Potter fans can never get enough of the Wizarding World. Though it may be difficult (er, or impossible) for us measly muggles to re-create spells, one thing we can bring to life is the food and drink mentioned in the books. Though it may not be as easy as shouting "accio butterbeer!", these recipes are absolutely doable for the home cook.
13 of the Best Places to Celebrate Halloween Around the World
For more than a century, Halloween has been heralded as a major holiday in the United States, as people celebrate all things that go bump in the night. Initially a pagan holiday, All Hallows' Eve will find children trick-or-treating in their spookiest costumes and adults attending parties in homes and clubs lit by jack-o'-lanterns and orange bulbs shining through a fog of cobwebs. The United States, however, isn't the only place to celebrate the season. Continue reading to find out how people observe Halloween and other Fall holidays all around the world.
100+ Gifts Your Man Will Love (and Actually Use!)
Gift shopping for guys can be notoriously tricky. It's easy to go the kitschy and cute route, but for the holidays, we want our man to have something meaningful, too. We've rounded up more than 100 gift ideas at every price point, from fun cocktail glasses to beautiful leather accessories and bags. Take a look at this year's list.
- Additional Reporting by Hilary White
7 Ways to Win the Heart of Your Mother-in-Law
Let's be honest - sometimes mothers-in-law can be intimidating. The pressure to get along may be there whether you have gotten to know your mother-in-law well through the years or have only met her a few times throughout your relationship. She may live right down the block or across the country. She may be easygoing and flexible, or you may have a history of hitting a few roadblocks with her in the past. But no matter what details exist, it all boils down to this: you love your spouse, your spouse loves you, and maybe you just really want their family to love you too. To alleviate some of the anxieties involved, here are seven ways to win the heart of your mother-in-law.
Our Wish Has Come True - Will Smith Shares a Look at Disney's Live-Action Aladdin Movie
Our wish is Will Smith's command. In an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, the 50-year-old actor confirmed that he will play the wise-cracking genie in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney's Aladdin. He shared a photo of the famous magical lamp, captioning it, "LEMME OUT!! Can't wait for y'all to see Me BLUE!" Although it's not a shot of him in character, we'll happily take it!
He'll star alongside other notable actors, including Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, and Marwan Kenzari. Considering Smith's comedic background, it makes sense that he's assuming the mantle - or lamp - from the late and great Robin Williams, who played the genie in the 1992 animated version. If you weren't already excited for this reboot, this news should definitely hype you up.
It's Time to Answer Hill House's Biggest Mystery: What's Behind That Red Door?
Warning: BIG spoilers for The Haunting of Hill House ahead!
I could sit here and type out praise for Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House all day long. The horror series effectively delivers genuine scare after scare while also serving up a gut-wrenching story of grief, love, and the lengths we'll go to protect our family. Oh, and it also unpacks a handful of compelling mysteries over the course of its 10 episodes that will gnaw away at you until you reach the final few scenes. One of the biggest among them is: what's behind that freakin' red door? Before I get to that, though, let's back up a second and review.
Olivia (Carla Gugino) and Hugh Crain (Henry Thomas) move their five children into the sprawling, decaying Hill House estate for a few months one Summer in hopes of flipping it and making a ton of money off the sale. Of course, things rapidly start to devolve once it becomes clear that someone - or something? - within the house wants to keep them from ever leaving the premises alive. Things only get worse when Hugh discovers that despite having the house inspected before they bought it, a massive swathe of poisonous black mold has blossomed behind most of the walls due to water leakage from somewhere upstairs.
Eventually Hugh and the house's longtime caretaker, Mr. Dudley (Robert Longstreet), realize that the water seems to be coming from a room upstairs with a red door that they've never been able to open; the large set of keys the Crains were given upon moving in doesn't include a key for that door, and no amount of physical force is able to break through the entrance.
There are a few scenes throughout the series that see the children trying to find out what's inside the room as well. At one point, young Shirley (Lulu Wilson) and her little sister Nell (Violet McGraw) kneel before the door, jimmying with the lock, but they give up after a few minutes. As they turn their backs on it and walk downstairs, we hear creaking and see shadows moving around just under the space in the door inside the room, signifying that someone is moving around in there. Creepy, no?
By the time we reach the end of the first season, which sees the remaining adult Crain children returning to the home that scarred them as children, everything falls into place - the room appeared to all of them in different ways when they were little. For young Theo it's a mostly empty room for her to dance in, while it looks like a game room whenever Steven goes inside. For Olivia it's a cozy reading nook, and for Luke it's a tree house. (You get the idea.) It's not until Hugh tells adult Steven (Michiel Huisman) that the family never even had a tree house on the property - they were only planning on staying a few months, after all - that it all starts to make sense.
The house is as manipulative as any human character in this show. Its singular desire is to keep the people who end up living within its walls there forever; it feeds off of them in unique and horrifying ways in hopes of luring them into an eternal trap. So, what's actually behind the red door? Physically? It looks like an empty attic when the adult Crain kids are inside it in the finale, so, presumably, that's its true form. But over and over again, it molds itself to be whatever the kids (or Olivia) need in that particular moment in hopes of making them more comfortable there.
It's also worth noting that the room is where Hugh, Olivia, and Nell reunite in the final few moments of the series, hinting that it's the core of the house, or at least the doorway to its twisted purgatory. But, as with most things to do with this show, it might require another look . . . or knock, to be specific.
5 Fast Facts About the Suicide Squad Sequel
The entertainment world has been buzzing about the impending sequel of Suicide Squad. Even though the next installment of the bad-guy epic isn't on the official calendar of DC Comics releases, Warner Bros. has begun courting a director and breaking ground on the project. With so much up in the air, it's easy to wonder what we do know about the sequel. We did some digging and scraped together as much confirmed and speculative information as we possibly could.
1. James Gunn Is Writing and Potentially Directing
Although David Ayer wrote and directed the first film, it seems Warner Bros. may be veering in a different direction for round two. The studio was reportedly courting Mel Gibson for the job at first, but in October The Wrap reported that Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn is in talks to write and also direct. Back in July a right-wing troll began circulating a number of Gunn's old tweets, some of which included distasteful jokes about pedophilia. Despite apologizing, Disney fired him from his Marvel gig, so it would be interesting to see how he handles a film in the DCEU, instead.
2. David Ayer Likely Won't Return in Any Capacity
In March 2016, The Wrap inadvertently confirmed the sequel during a seemingly innocuous news report. As almost an afterthought, the site mentioned that Suicide Squad 2 was already on Ayer's 2017 schedule. Obviously things have changed since then, and Ayer is busy with the Training Day TV adaptation and the sequel to his fantasy-crime film for Netflix, Bright.
3. Most of the Original Cast Will Probably Return
The aforementioned report from The Wrap also mentioned that Suicide Squad's sequel was on Will Smith's schedule as well. Considering he was one of the biggest stars attached to the first film, it would make sense that Warner Bros. would want him to return as Deadshot. Jared Leto, Karen Fukuhara, Joel Kinnaman, and Margot Robbie are likely also going to come back, especially since the latter is locked in to play Harley Quinn in the Birds of Prey film. Rumored to be joining the cast is Dwayne Johnson, who would take on the role of Black Adam.
4. It Could Be Rated R
In Spring 2016, David Ayer talked about the sequel with MTV News. While the studio definitely aimed for a PG-13 rating on the first one, the second one is up in the air. Ayer remarked that an R stamp "would be worth lobbying for." In light of the runaway success of 2016's Deadpool, which made billions of dollars and became one of the most successful R-rated films of all time, an R-Rated Suicide Squad sequel sounds pretty appealing. Ayer is no longer involved with the project, but let's hope the studio still decides to take it in that direction.
5. Jay Hernandez May Not Be Gone Forever
Even though El Diablo goes out with a pretty epic blaze of glory in the first film, actor Jay Hernandez told ComicBook that the character could still return somehow. "Of course there is [a chance he could return]! I'm not saying anything, just that it's a possibility." Considering Superman kind of sort of dies in Batman v. Superman but also seems to have somehow come back from the dead to appear in the Justice League films, nothing is out of the question.
She May Be the Queen, but These Photos Prove Her Grandkids Just Think of Her as Granny
She may be the head of state for 53 countries, but Queen Elizabeth is just "Granny" to her grandkids. The monarch first became a grandmother back in 1977, when Princess Anne gave birth to Peter Phillips, and since then her brood has grown to include eight grandchildren (plus seven great-grandchildren). It doesn't matter how busy the queen's schedule can get, she always seems to make time to share a laugh and create special memories with her grandkids at family gatherings and official royal events. Get ready to royally swoon and scroll through to see some of her cutest moments with her grandchildren from over the years.
Jennifer Garner Gets Ready to "Lean Into the Cringe" on Camping
Jennifer Garner doesn't like not being nice. And she has to be not nice - a lot - on her new HBO series, Camping. In it, Garner stars as Kathryn Siddell-Bauers, a high-strung LA mom facing health issues. And marriage issues. And control issues. And - well, you get the drift.
"It was actually hard for me to lean into the cringe," Garner told a group of reporters at a press day for the show in LA this week. "I kept wanting to soften Kathryn . . . because I could see both sides of her in the words. I'd want to button the scene with a smile or just have a nice gesture, be maternal, just have something. And Jenni [Konner, cocreator and producer] was really strict with me, in a good way, to remember that I was Kathryn and not me."
Konner, who was seated next to Garner on a love seat, grinned: "It's hard to take the kindness out of Jenn Garner."
Camping, which comes from the same Girls producing partnership of Konner and Lena Dunham, sees them move their attention from 20-somethings to 40-somethings. The comedy, which premieres on Oct. 14, follows a group of friends as they come together and clash over a birthday weekend in the woods.
Konner is 47, and while Dunham is still in her 30s, she still brings plenty of her own real-life experiences to Camping. Notably, her own experiences with a hysterectomy and endometriosis; in fact, Dunham had to drop out of the Camping press day and premiere due to her own health complications. Garner spoke to playing Kathryn - who herself is recovering from a hysterectomy - and how Dunham informed her role. Did they talk about it together?
Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson Have Split and Called Off Their Engagement
Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson have called it quits after five months together, TMZ reports. The former couple had been linked since Spring of this year and surprised fans with news of their engagement back in June.
According to People's source, they split this weekend after realizing "it was way too much too soon." The two have been vocal about their relationship in the past, with Pete discussing their engagement on Saturday Night Live and Ariana recording a song named after him. They recently adopted a pig together, and share a number of the same tattoos, although Pete was seen with his ink for Ariana covered up.
The former couple faced a difficult past month, as Ariana took some time to "heal and mend" following the sudden death of her ex, Mac Miller. We wish both Pete and Ariana the best during this time.
Exclusive: Watch Ellie Kemper Read a Hilarious Story About The Office From Her New Memoir
Ellie Kemper's memoir, My Squirrel Days, is here, which means we're being treated to plenty of incredible - and typically hilarious - anecdotes from her life. Before starring on Netflix's The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Kemper got her start playing Erin on The Office, which allowed her to attend her very first award show: the 2010 Emmys. In our exclusive clip of Kemper reading a chapter aloud for her audiobook, she recounts having an unintentionally awkward run-in with Ricky Gervais on the red carpet. Watch it above, and then pick up a copy of My Squirrel Days for yourself!
The Scary-Good Beauty Products Makeup Artists Swear By For Halloween
Take away the medals or the yearlong contract with Kellogg's, and Halloween makeup might as well be the beauty equivalent of the Olympics for makeup artists. They are the Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps - pretty much genetically engineered to be good at it.
That's why, in a world where a single click can pull up 779 million tips, costumes, and tutorials, you're better off following their advice on the matter. So if you're dying to know the products you need for All Hallows' Eve, we asked the pros behind Cardi B, Sarah Hyland, and Ashley Graham's best beauty looks ahead.
When your face is dressed to thrill - that's worth its own pedestal.
I Tried the Tatcha Primer Beauty Experts Are Loving, and It Kept My Makeup Perfect All Day
You could call me a primer enthusiast. As an editor, I'm on a never-ending quest to find the best, newest formulas that truly do what they're supposed to: fill pores, blur imperfections, and keep my makeup in place all day long. That's why I was intrigued when my friend, a fellow beauty-lover, insisted that I give the Tatcha Silk Canvas Protective Primer ($52) a try. After just one application, I became totally hooked; my other favorites are now pushed toward the back of my vanity.
This primer is quite unique; it comes in a pot instead of a bottle. The formula is a thick, balm-like consistency and you use a small disk to scrape your desired amount out of the pot. What first captured my attention was the incredible scent - the floral notes are pretty enough to be a perfume.
The velvety consistency melts into your face the moment you apply it; it's hydrating and sleek without feeling greasy. What makes it so satiny? Thin layers of silk smooth fine lines and keep you looking fresh. Even before I apply my foundation, I can see a huge improvement in my complexion.
What truly impresses me is how well this primer keeps my makeup in place; my foundation and cover-up look perfect from morning till night. I never have to reapply.
I can honestly say this product is worth the money. The pot last for months and months so you won't be running out quickly. If you're in the market for a new primer, I'm begging you to give this one a try.
This Mask Gave Me the Softest Skin of My Life
You know when you have a good skin day? The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and everything feels just a little bit brighter? That's the feeling I'm constantly chasing. I will try anything to soothe my sensitive, combination skin, but my number one priority is that it's smooth. Someone telling me I have soft skin is one of the highest compliments I've ever received. I moisturize religiously, and there are some days where it really works, but others where I feel like it doesn't matter what I do, the uneven texture will always prevail. Certain treatments and masks have helped to exfoliate and clear up my skin; their effects would last for a few hours post-treatment, but eventually the bumps would return, and I accepted my fate.
I woke up to the softest skin of my life. It was like a dream.
For all the research I do about the best, most potent products for my skin, I have to admit that I'm also a sucker for packaging, which is what initially drew me to the brand Summer Fridays. Its products come in the cutest colorful tubes that are made for both Instagram and my tiny bathroom. When I saw the brand's newest launch, the exfoliating Summer Fridays Overtime Mask ($44), I knew it was going to be my treatment of choice this Fall. I mean, it's the cutest shade of orange, and it even smells like autumnal spices. What I couldn't have predicted was how well this product works.
The mask is yellow, with exfoliating kernels that work to slough away dead skin cells. I applied the mask, watched an episode of Friends, and took it off. It came off pretty easily, which I always appreciate, and I went to bed pleased with the whole experience. But, you guys, I woke up to the softest skin of my life. It was like a dream. My makeup applied flawlessly, and as I walked into the office, I'm pretty sure I heard birds chirping. I've never had better skin days than I do the morning after applying this mask, and I'm not stopping anytime soon. I'm glowing like I just spent a week in Italy, my pores are clearer, and my skin is soft. Plus, the entire experience of applying the mask is so soothing and pleasant, I'm actually excited to use it every week.
I've never had better skin days than I do the morning after applying this mask, and I'm not stopping anytime soon.
If it isn't abundantly clear, I love this mask. It's formulated with pumpkin and apricot seed powder, and it smells like Fall, while remaining fragrance-, gluten-, and silicone-free. It's also vegan and cruelty-free, so it's a clean choice you can feel good about. Next time you're sitting home with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket, try this mask. I wouldn't be surprised if you wake up to a brighter day in the morning.
These Affordable Beauty Gifts Will Have Everyone on Your List Swooning
Everyone smiles when they receive a fun beauty gift, and Sephora's got so many sweet sets available, it's hard to pick a favorite. From gorgeous lip gloss shades to natural skin care and even an inner beauty set, these are the presents that will win you rave reviews. Plus, they're all under $50, so your wallet will be happy, too. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
Boost That Brain Without Breaking the Bank - 18 Educational Presents Under $25
There's a toy for everything these days. Whether you have a toddler who's just starting to explore on their own, or a budding scientist on your hand, chances are you can find creative ways for them to learn logic, coding, and even math - so creative that they won't even know they're learning! Here are the best educational toys for the holiday season. The best part is that they're super affordable.
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