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 17 octobre 2018
Nothing Says Fall Like a Weekend in a Cozy Barn, So Book 1 of These!
Fall is here and with the change of seasons comes cool, crisp air and the desire to snuggle up with your family, your significant other, or even your pet. Fall is also one of the best times to travel - it's not too hot, you won't run into crowds, and seriously, it's a great way to decompress from Summer before gearing up for the holiday season.
What could be more fun than to fuel your wanderlust with a Fall getaway? How about a Fall getaway in a barn? Yeah, we agree.
There are barns all around the country that can be rented for couples, families, and friends. Authentic, fun, and exciting, some of them are located near cute little towns that have shopping, restaurants, and other attractions, while others are completely secluded for a few days of bonding.
Take in the smells of the season and the foliage and enjoy the really unique experience that can be either hardcore Instagrammed or kept as cozy and quiet as these barns are.
This Wine Gives Details of Criminals' Pasts on the Bottles, and Yep, It's Perfect For Halloween
If you're like me and can't get enough of shows like I Am a Killer, Mindhunter, and Making a Murderer, then you know that watching true crime documentaries is a lifestyle we obsess over way past Halloween. Thankfully, 19 Crimes, an American wine company, has a line of reds and whites that's perfect for your scary movie marathon. And as the name suggests, there really are criminals on the bottles.
While sipping a glass of Chardonnay, wine-lovers can get a short backstory on just exactly how a criminal from the 1700s was sentenced to live out the rest of his or her days in Australia. And to be clear, Australia wasn't a haven for surfers, tourists, and wild animal wranglers back in the day. It was a prison colony, a place you got sent if you were particularly ill-behaved.
In fact, the brand provides plenty of history on its site, confirming that this delicious wine is right up my crime-loving alley.
"Nineteen crimes turned criminals into colonists. Upon conviction, British rogues guilty of at least one of the 19 crimes were sentenced to live in Australia, rather than death," the site explains. "This punishment by 'transportation' began in 1783 and many of the lawless died at sea. For the rough-hewn prisoners who made it to shore, a new world awaited. As pioneers in a frontier penal colony, they forged a new country and new lives, brick by brick. This wine celebrates the rules they broke and the culture they built."
Very interesting, indeed. So what are the 19 crimes, you might be wondering? Convicts were shipped off to Australia for many things, from "assaulting, cutting, or burning clothes" to "counterfeiting the copper coin" and committing full-on robbery. Read through to get a peek at all the 19 Crimes bottles, and try not to buy every single one.
The $32 Space Heater That Finally Made My Freezing Apartment Tolerable This Winter
My apartment doesn't have a heater. As a result, I normally spend the Winter cuddled up in flannel pajamas, an oversize bathrobe, fluffy socks, and extralarge slippers. This year, I decided to ditch the layers and invest in a space heater after I found this portable Lasko Ceramic Heater ($32) on Amazon. My apartment is old and hasn't been updated in a long time, so because of this I needed something that had low voltage. Years ago, my roommates and I had another space heater, but the voltage was so high that when we turned on another appliance, all of our electricity would go out. It became too much of a hassle, so we stopped using the heater. In my search for a new one, it was important to find something small yet mighty.
As soon as it arrived, I instantly turned it on and was impressed. My living room and bedroom are both on the large side, but within 10 minutes, they felt warmer. Now my favorite thing to do is stick it next to my feet while I'm watching TV or turn it on in my bedroom right before I take a shower so I can return to heated room. The lightweight design makes it easy for me to carry for room to room.
This Lasko heater was ideal because on a low setting it only uses 900 watts, meaning I could safely dry my hair at the same time. And if I want to turn it up, I can use the higher setting at 1,500 watts; I just make sure to not use any other large electronics simultaneously.
If voltage isn't a worry for you, this version of the Lasko Ceramic Heater ($39) is a little stronger (and it might ship faster).
I can safely say I'm totally reliant on it now.
14 Unique Tech Gadgets You Didn't Know You Could Find at Urban Outfitters
Known for its trendy clothes and cute home decor, Urban Outfitters has so much more to offer. It carries a unique range of fun tech gadgets you never knew you needed. From solar-powered phone chargers to smart gardens and even a music-blasting water bottle, these useful picks also make for great gifts. To make shopping easier, we rounded up the retailer's best products for you. Take a look at our favorites.
Target Has So Many Good Pet Pajamas We've Decided No One Else in the Family Even Matters
Does your four-legged bestie stare at you intensely with its deep, brooding eyes every time you come home? He's not asking you where you've been - nothing would impress him anymore - and he definitely doesn't care how your day was. So what does he want to say with that deep stare? That if you're going to make him wear outfits this cold-weather season, please take a look at the pajamas at Target. They're all adorable! Here are our favorites.
The Hardest Thing About Having Your Last Baby
When you're sure you're done having babies, when you know you couldn't possibly handle another child, when you finally feel confident you've brought your last newborn home, there's a feeling - something you can't explain until you get there. It's not that you'll really miss having a newborn, because that sh*t is hard. The cracked nipples, the postpartum bleeding, the all-night feedings, the confusion of nap schedules and bottle feedings as they get older, the cleaning up of high chairs and spit up, the diapers - it's certainly not all that.
I'll always miss that chapter, even if I've never been happier to give away rockaroos and bumbos.
It's that you'll never again be anticipating the arrival of a little human you can't wait to meet. That you'll never announce your baby's birth or introduce them by name for the very first time. That you'll never have that special quiet of a sleeping newborn in the house. That you'll never again be home in your pajamas wrapped up all day in your brand new little family.
That's what's hard about being done for me. That I've come to the end of a chapter that has included some of the most precious moments in life. The ones you get teary-eyed just thinking about. The ones you're nostalgic for minutes after they happen. The ones you try desperately to hold onto through pictures and videos.
It's the end of a chapter that has all the best parts highlighted. The sweetness of a new baby, the tenderness of an emotional mom, the excitement of an older sibling. The way visitors whisper when they come over bearing food or flowers. The way friends and family check in, send cards, and offer help. The way you've never loved your partner more than when you see them look into your baby's eyes. The way watching them swaddle those tiny little arms and legs is enough to make your heart burst.
I'll always miss that chapter, even if I've never been happier to give away rockaroos and bumbos. To be done buying diapers. To go all day without worrying about nap schedules or feeding times on the horizon. To watch them play in their first soccer game and learn to read. To overhear their make-believe conversations and witness them say sorry without being prompted. To watch them grow.
But I'll always, always, look back so fondly on those sweet days. The ones that were beautiful even though they were hard. The ones that you may not remember the details of, but you'll never forget the feeling of.
30 Cool Stocking Stuffers For Teens - All $20 and Under
Buying gifts for teens doesn't have to be hard, especially when you're just looking for trendy things to fill their stockings with . . . that won't break the bank. The whole point of stocking stuffers is for them to be cheap and small, and fun to open in quick succession as they unpack their stocking on Christmas morning.
Ahead are our favorite cool gifts that are all small enough to shove into a stocking, and all of them $20 or under.
Are You Ready? 24 Toddler Halloween Costumes That Are Just Too Cute
If you knocked it out of the park with Halloween costumes when your little one was still spending Halloween in a stroller, you have your work cut out for you - you don't want to disappoint when they get older. Get ahead of the game this year, and sort out your family's costume plans early. We have 24 on-trend ideas that should help.
Keira Knightley Has a Strict Parenting Rule About Disney Movies, and the Reason Is Spot-On
Keira Knightley might work in the movie business, but she has a strict rule about which films her daughter can and cannot watch. The 33-year-old Nutcracker and the Four Realms actress recently appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and shared which Disney movies she's decided to not let her 3-year-old daughter, Edie, watch just yet.
"Cinderella - banned - because she waits around for a rich guy to rescue her. Rescue yourself, obviously," she said in explaining her parenting rule. The other movie that Keira has banned despite the fact that she herself loves it? The Little Mermaid. "The songs are great, but do not give your voice up for a man, hello! I love The Little Mermaid so that one's a little tricky, but I'm keeping to it."
So, which Disney movies are allowed? "Frozen is huge. Moana is totally fine," Keira said. Of course, there's also Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, to which Ellen said, "There's nothing wrong with Dory!"
These Mother-Daughter Halloween Costumes Will Make Everyone Say "Awww"
Settling on the perfect Halloween costume can be a real feat, especially if you're tackling it with your daughter. Whether she's 2 years old and pretty much down for everything or pushing 10 with her own unique vision, these costume ideas are sure to please both parties.
Since there's no such thing as being too matchy-matchy on Halloween, make the most of your night spent trick-or-treating in one of these creative get-ups.
7 Space Heaters You Need This Winter, Because Socks Just Don't Cut It
Do you find yourself perpetually complaining about the temperature at work or in your living room every Winter? Make 2018 the year you do something about it. Head on over to Walmart and pick up a space heater before it actually gets freezing and they fly off the shelves. The thing people like the most about space heaters is the personal control - you can warm up a tiny space like underneath your desk or even a bathroom. Not sure what fits your needs best? Here are some of the top-rated options.
5 Nonnegotiable Rules I'm Giving My Kids' Grandparents About Christmas Gifts This Year
The other day, I walked into my daughter's playroom. It's full of shelves, baskets, and bins that are stuffed with crap, and there was stuff strewn all over the floor. Normally, I'd make a mental note to remind her to clean it up after school, but I didn't. Instead, I cleaned it. And by cleaned it, I mean I went through it with a trash bag and threw in everything that hasn't been played with for as long as I can remember. I'll hang on to those bags for a little while to make sure she doesn't ask where something went, but the odds of that happening are slim. And when she doesn't ask, I'm donating them. Bottom line: she has too much stuff that she doesn't need, most of which came from her grandparents. And with Christmas coming, I'm putting an end to it before it gets worse.
My parents are the worst offenders when it comes to gift giving. My family has always gone all out for Christmas. We decorate on Nov. 1, the Christmas music plays on repeat in our house, and my parents take the mentality "it's better to give than to receive" quite literally. They just give too damn much. And while it's great they can and want to do that, I'm drawing a line in the sand - er, snow. Now that we have three children, it's time to set some nonnegotiable holiday rules for my kids' grandparents. Keep reading to see them all now.
The 1 Thing My Kids Do Every Year That Makes Them Forget All About Their Christmas Lists
My children are very lucky. They always know where their next meal is coming from, they've gotten gifts every Christmas, and they've always had clean clothes and a warm bed. While my husband and I work hard to be able to give them a comfortable life, we also want them to know that not everyone is as fortunate, and it's so important to give back to those who have less than they do. Around Christmastime, it's so easy for my kids to be spoiled with gifts from grandparents, godparents, and aunts and uncles. It's a lot, and most of it is unnecessary. So, to try to teach my kids about the spirit of giving back and not focusing on silly material things, our family "adopts" another family every holiday season.
It's been a tradition in our family ever since my children were babies. Every year, we get a list of families in our area that are in need, and my children help choose one we can help. There are usually three or four children in the family we shop for, and we get things the children need, along with a few special requests, too. My husband and I make sure our kids get to help pick out what we get them, but also explain to them why the family needs each item and how special things like a new pair of socks or a backpack are. And once my kids get in the store, it's hard for them to stop grabbing things for our adopted family. They always want to spoil the kids and especially love choosing books and things they love for them to experience.
Once we get home, we all wrap the gifts together. My kids put so much effort into picking the right wrapping paper and making the gifts look as pretty and perfect as possible (they check the list to see the kids' favorite colors and always make sure to incorporate that somehow). They talk about the family they've never met, and how they hope they love their gifts and have a great Christmas. And now that my kids are a little older, I know they're starting to really grasp how special it is to give back in this way. My son is almost 7, and he's starting to see this as more than just a fun activity he gets to do. He's beginning to realize how lucky he is, and when it comes to others who sometimes aren't as fortunate, he can actively do something to change that.
I'll always be grateful for the fact that I can give my kids what they need, and I love that the other adults in their lives who love them want to make them happy with toys and clothes. But I also want them to know how to be generous and think of others. Not all children are dealt the same cards - cards they don't ask for but are dealt anyway - and I believe it's vital that my kids not only understand this but understand that they can help do something about it, too. For now, that means adopting a family over the holidays, but hopefully it will mean even more to them as they get older.
This Is What It's Like to Have a Child You Don't Know Will Make It to Adulthood
Like most parents, my spouse and I think about our daughters' futures all the time. But unlike most parents, we also have to think about whether one of our children, Freyja, who was born with pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2 - a very rare and severe neurological disorder - will even have a future, and if she does, what it might look like. She's 7, and her diagnosis is so severe that most people born with it don't survive childhood. In some ways, she's more physically and neurologically capable than similarly diagnosed children, and she's simultaneously significantly delayed in virtually every way compared to her neurotypical peers, so we have no clear indication of her prognosis. In short, we plan for everything and prepare for anything.
Because we have no concrete reason not to, we operate under the assumption that she will live a long and healthy life. So does she. She has no idea that she has already outlived many of her PCH peers. Medically and developmentally, she continues to gain strength where others atrophy and regress. She learns slowly and makes measured progress, so we all have good reason to be optimistic. She often begins sentences with "When I'm older" and tells people she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Sometimes I find myself correcting her in my head. If you grow up, you mean. But then tears spring to my eyes at the horrific thought and I force myself to think positively, shooing away my pessimism with monthly contributions to her college fund.
She wants so badly to be independent, to be like everyone else - but she isn't like everyone else. She's different, and because of her disability, she may always need [help].
She may never be a teacher, but her doctors think she very well could grow into an adult with a livelihood, employed or otherwise engaged in some capacity or other. It's hard for us to imagine what independence in adulthood will look like for her, because it's hard for us to grapple with it in childhood. She wants so badly to be independent, to be like everyone else - but she isn't like everyone else. She's different, and because of her disability, she may always need accommodations that will make what you and I think of as fully independent living look very different for her. The problem with this is that's not Freyja.
In many ways, she's like any other 7-year-old. She likes to play dress-up, go swimming, and be read to. She loves cats, mac and cheese, and going to the movies. But then she breaks down when she can't rollerblade the way her sister can, crying, "Why can't I do it like she can? It hurts my legs and it's not fair!"
Accepting her difference is harder than one might think. She's deceptively interactive, and most of the time, her charm is captivating and engaging. Well-intentioned teachers, parents, therapists, and friends tell her all the time that she really is no different from anyone else and that she'll be able to do anything if she just puts her mind to it. This is sweet and flattering, but it also infuriates me, because it's untrue. I love my daughter and am wowed by her accomplishments every single day, but she has some very real limitations. Expressing this to the people in Freyja's world who love her can be a challenge, so finding a way to express it to Freyja herself is heartbreakingly difficult.
I believe my daughter is capable of great things. I believe she'll continue to surprise and amaze her neurologists with all she learns and does. But do I think she has the same career prospects as I did? No. She's not like all the other kids, and if she does grow up to be an adult, she won't be like all the other adults. I am and will continue to be her number one fan and her strongest, loudest advocate, but I refuse to set her up for failure to achieve the impossible.
We can't pretend that we don't see her disability, that she can do it, that she has an equal chance. It's just not true or fair to her. When she wants to do something on her own that all her friends are doing, she's not allowed to because it's often dangerous. At school, she has a full-time 1:1 paraprofessional whose responsibility it is to keep her safe. She can't cross the street by herself. She's been toilet trained since the age of 3, but multiple times a day, she has no choice but to surrender her dignity and allow adults to help her in the bathroom because the balancing act of undressing, sitting, wiping, and dressing is beyond her physical ability. It's humiliating and frustrating for her to have to be so dependent on another person, but it's not something I can change overnight.
Full independence is relative for our daughter at 7, just as it will be at 17 and at 27. Maybe she will always live with us but have her own space. In preparation for this, we bought a Cape house with an en-suite bedroom on the ground floor and had the shower renovated to be wide enough to accommodate a walker. For now she prefers to share the upstairs bedroom with her sister, but I anticipate that someday she will tire of being helped up and down the stairs multiple times a day. Maybe she'll live in a group setting, or in her own apartment with a personal care attendant to help her with activities of daily living that continue to be beyond her grasp. Maybe the living situation that awaits her is one we have not yet considered.
Similarly, employment, should it prove possible for her, may look very different. Her future employers will need to think outside the box when it comes to equal opportunity and ADA compliance. Her future boss will have to re-envision success. A ramp into the building and rails on the walls is a start, but pretending that she's like everyone else except for her walker or wheelchair won't work. I dream that there exists an employer who will take a chance on her, offering her a job that speaks to her strengths and gives her power, all while holding space for her challenges.
Like all parents, our daughters' futures are still uncertain, which is both scary and exciting. But unlike all parents, we're still hoping that one of them actually gets to have one.
Me to Pillsbury's New Buddy the Elf-Themed Sugar Cookies: "I Love You! I Love You! I LOVE YOU!"
Son of a nutcracker! Pillsbury is doing the most to ensure that it's spreading holiday cheer just as Buddy the Elf himself would, with packages of ready-to-bake sugar cookies featuring the green-and-yellow striped cap of everyone's favorite elf. The packs of 24 precut sugar cookies are visible but unavailable to purchase on Target's website as of now, but it's likely only a matter of time before they start actually cropping up in the refrigerated section of your local Target and grocery store (fingers crossed).
Smiling used to be our favorite, now these cookies are.
This Heated Mattress Pad Is a Total Game Changer For Those Cold Ass Nights
A heated mattress pad may sound like the sort of bedding accoutrement that your elderly grandparent boasts about, but lend me your ear. When the temperatures dip to the high 30s at night (at least they do where I live in Northern California), there's nothing quite as uninviting as climbing into a frigid bed. The sheets can feel glacial and rough, and while I'm not actually elderly, my bones can hurt.
On a whim, I ordered this Sunbeam Quilted Heated Mattress Pad With Dual EasySet Pro Controllers ($70) because it had over 1,900 Amazon reviews. I wasted no time introducing it to my bed and climbing aboard.
Aside from the most obvious and immediate benefit of having it - it made me warm and toasty - it soothed my muscles and back instantly. I'd used a heating pad in the past when my hips or back were tight (again, I'm not elderly), but I found I got way too hot, way too quickly. The mattress pad creates more of a lukewarm sensation that softly coasts through my bones . . . similar to what you might experience while getting a massage. And what's even better is that nothing changed, comfort-wise. There are no nagging coils, though occasionally I can feel the plug with my feet - it's located at the base of the mattress pad. It's not enough to irritate me, though, because I'm too busy blissfully falling asleep in my cozy cocoon.
21 Advent Calendars For the Whole Family - Some Even Have Wine!
When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck during the holiday season, it's hard to beat the practicality of an Advent calendar. It's a single item that you buy once yet get to open for anywhere from 12 to 24 days. Plus, you can set it out as decor, making all of December fun, as opposed to just specific days of the month. Whether you want to fill one yourself for the little ones or are hoping to unwrap decadent sweets - or even wine - for yourself, here are the top 21 options for the year. Star Wars included, of course.
Skittles Is Releasing a "Rotten Zombie" Bag, and We're Squirming Just Thinking About It
While reaching for an ordinary bag of Skittles, we usually expect to "taste the rainbow" and flash a colorful grin of sugar-stained teeth. However, the newest Skittles flavor, dubbed "Rotten Zombie," has a far more sinister vibe just in time for Halloween 2019. (Yep, you'll have to wait an entire year!).
We're especially looking forward to flavors like Blood Red Berry, Chilling Black, Cherry, Petrifying Citrus Punch, Mummified Melon, and Boogeyman Blackberry. How fitting, right?
Although the prices still aren't set in stone, little goblins-in-training can score their own bags of scary goodies for somewhere between $1.89 and $2.99, depending on the size.
Wanna Be the Coolest Halloween House on the Block? Stop Carving Pumpkins and Do This Instead!
I will fully admit that I am not a fan of Halloween, in general. I've been known to put my Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving and to decorate my house for Easter (who can deny the cuteness of bunnies?!), but Halloween has never really been my thing.
However, I do very much like two things: my two kids and any excuse for a party. The former do not seem to share my disdain for the strange combo of scary and sugarcoated that is Halloween, and their love of the holiday has forced me to also get minimally on board since they became old enough to realize that all those pumpkins on people's porches actually meant something. I, of course, put them in cute costumes, which they wear while walking around our neighborhood asking for candy, which I then attempt to covertly hide so they don't go into sugar comas. Fun, right?
Until last year, I was basically participating in Halloween while still not really enjoying it. And then we moved into a new house, in a neighborhood full of young families who quickly informed me that my home's previous owners were all about Halloween, passing out popcorn, beer, hot chocolate, full-size candy bars, and more than 200 hot dogs every year. Costumes, scary movies, and spiders I might not do, but throwing a party? That I could get on board with.
Costumes, scary movies, and spiders I might not do, but throwing a party? That I could get on board with.
Of course, as the mother of two small children, I've learned to accept my limitations and ask for help. I enlisted a new neighbor friend to do the hot dogs and another to do the popcorn, but the booze and the sweet stuff I was all over. I called in a few friends to let me borrow their Crock-Pots and started stirring up drinks.
For the kids, I whipped up two batches of No Biggie's creamy Crock-Pot hot chocolate. It was gone within the first hour of trick-or-treating, and while I was sad to disappoint many a child who'd heard a rich molten chocolate drink was being served on my front lawn, only to find my stash depleted, my ego was boosted by how big of a hit it was while it lasted. This year, I'm making four batches.
For the parents, I set up a cooler of beer, which no one touched until my trick-or-treating afterparty (more on that later). What did get a big response? My hot apple cider, spiked with salted caramel vodka (find a similar recipe here - I skipped the brown sugar). I filled up disposable, lidded coffee cups with the stuff, and not a single parent turned me down when I asked if they wanted one. Many came back for more.
Since Halloween was unseasonably warm last year, I set up a folding table on my front lawn and served everything there, next to my bowl of snack-size candy bars. I am a firm believer that three small candy bars is way more fun than one full-size one . . . plus, did I mention I was giving out hot chocolate and booze?!
Once it got dark, my neighbors brought over their leftover popcorn and hot dogs and we had a little afterparty, dipping into that stash of beer and giving the kids flashlights to play tag and tell ghost stories with. It was a great party and a perfect night, even if it is my least favorite holiday. I might not be a Halloween person, but being the Halloween party house? That I kind of love.
A Teary-Eyed Chiara Ferragni Opens Up About Her Son's Medical Procedure
Fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni and her husband Federico Lucia (Fedez) have never shied away from revealing the most intimate parts of their lives with fans. Whether it was their on-stage engagement, over-the-top wedding, or birth of their son Leo, they've always had the cameras on (it seems), documenting every bit of it - both the good and the bad.
Just this morning, Chiara shared a very honest post about her son Leo's health, and it certainly caught followers off guard. On Instagram she wrote, "Our little Leo got a very fast procedure at Children's Hospital to get eartubes in his ears to get rid of some liquid he's had since he was born that otherways could cause him hearing loss in the long [term]," she began. "His procedure was fast and super simple so we're super happy we did it and he's home with us now."
Fans were relieved to hear that it was minor and that Leo is doing well, but Chiara is a new parent and she was very affected by her experience at the hospital. "Seeing so many parents there having to witness their babies going through open heart surgeries made me cry nonstop and really understand that when you and your family have health, you cannot complain. It is the most important thing in the universe. And being a mum and seeing a child in pain makes you feel like you're dying. I'm posting this because it is important to acknowledge how lucky we are every day. Don't ever take it for granted."
Regardless of whether you follow her on Instagram, Chiara's message is definitely moving and relatable.
Out of Everything on Our Wish List, We're Hoping For These Cozy Slippers the Most
Everyone loves a pair of soft and cute slippers they can lounge around the house in. Therein, you have the perfect crowd-pleasing gift. To make it even easier on you, we searched the internet for the best picks of the year so all you have to do is shop. Ahead, you'll find 12 cozy choices at every price point. Keep scrolling to check out our favorite finds.
1 Mom Had the Best Reaction to Witnessing a "Meltdown of Epic Proportions" at Target
Katie McLaughlin, a mom and blogger, knows that bringing a toddler out in public can be challenging, especially if your kiddo is set on making your shopping trip difficult. She explained in a Facebook post how she stepped in when a stranger's 3-year-old daughter was having "a meltdown of epic proportions" inside Target, and frankly, we should all take a page out of her book.
"Behind me at the checkout, this 3-year-old was kicking and screaming and flopping around on the floor like a fish out of water," she wrote. "I tried to catch the mom's eye and give her an empathetic look, but she was too busy wrestling with her daughter to notice me."
Despite the fact the little girl was completely losing her sh*t, Katie remarked that the woman was "doing everything 'right'" as far as she could see.
"She remained calm. She spoke to her child in a gentle, reassuring tone. She was as attentive as she could be while also attempting to pay for her assortment of $10 tees and seasonal decor," said Katie. "But despite her best efforts, the meltdown only got bigger and bigger. The mom still stayed calm, but I noticed her cheeks were very flushed as she apologized profusely to the cashier."
"Empathy instead of judgment. Support instead of silence. Community instead of isolation. This is the parenting revolution."
Although Katie wanted to assure the fellow mother that she was doing a great job, she felt hesitant to approach a stranger who clearly had her hands full.
"Say something kind to her, I thought," said Katie. "She's embarrassed and alone and feels like a terrible mother. Remind her that none of those things are true. But then I thought, no, it's none of your business. LEAVE THE POOR STRANGER ALONE."
Eventually, Katie made up her mind and caught up with the other mom in the parking lot.
"I took my time on the way out," she said. "The girl continued screaming at the top of her lungs all the way to the parking lot. She fought fiercely as her mom strapped her into her car seat . . . 'Sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to say you're doing a great job.'"
In the moment, the struggling mom completely broke down: "She looked up at me, blinked twice, and then visibly melted," wrote Katie. "Tears started streaming. 'I think I feel as bad as she does.' I nodded [and said], 'I know it doesn't feel like it now, but you are rocking this.'"
The stranger's reply made Katie's efforts completely worth it: "'You have no idea how much I needed to hear that.' I did though. Every parent does," said Katie.
Katie has some advice for people who want to help parents who are having a hard time: just say something nice.
"So let's start saying it. Let's take the risk. That mom could have looked at me funny. She could have told me to mind my own business," said Katie. "But I took the chance and we are both better for it. Empathy instead of judgment. Support instead of silence. Community instead of isolation. This is the parenting revolution."
6 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Small Kids
It's not unusual for families to adopt a dog around the same time as having their own children. But are some dog breeds better suited for families with small children? We were recently asked that, so we reached out to Dr. Eva Radke, DVM, of the East San Rafael Veterinary Clinic in California to see what we could come up with.
There are various things to consider, according to Radke, aside from a dog just being a family-friendly breed. She recommends taking your own daily life into account. "Are you an active family who spends a lot of time hiking, running, and camping?" she asks. "Or do you tend to stay home cooking and enjoying movies? You will want to choose a dog whose temperament, size, and energy level best matches your family."
At the end of the day, it's also important to remember that your dog is just that: a dog. "Even the gentlest-mannered dog is still an animal with her own set of instincts and ways to express herself," Radke said. She suggests you never leave your small children unattended with the dog, just in case, and always supervise them when they're together. Your pup may always tolerate the ear and tail tugs from your kid, but you don't want to run the risk of the dog snapping one day when you aren't paying attention.
Keep reading to find six dog breeds Radke said are best suited for families, based on each breed's typical personality traits.
25 Gifts Perfect For the Plant Person in Your Life
Being a plant person is a thing to be proud of! For the people in your life who identify as such, gifting should be a no-brainer; get them something plant related. However, we're looking beyond the traditional succulent, and we found some gorgeous pots, fun books, and home accessories we can't wait to display.
Target Has So Many Good Pet Pajamas We've Decided No One Else in the Family Even Matters
Does your four-legged bestie stare at you intensely with its deep, brooding eyes every time you come home? He's not asking you where you've been - nothing would impress him anymore - and he definitely doesn't care how your day was. So what does he want to say with that deep stare? That if you're going to make him wear outfits this cold-weather season, please take a look at the pajamas at Target. They're all adorable! Here are our favorites.
32 Gifts For Your Favorite Foodie (You Know, the One You Tag in All the Food Instagrams!)
The best friendships are made over a nice bowl of pasta - at least that's how Bradley Cooper's and Lady Gaga's started. But you and your bestie know that the strongest bond is with the person you tag in all the food pics. If your BFF eats, sleeps, and breathes food, then they only deserve the best this holiday. Sure, a gift card to their favorite restaurant is nice, but what about taco socks and some candy? Or a cookbook and a pineapple floatie? The options for foodies are limitless, just like their love of all things tasty and delicious.
57 Cheap and Original DIY Couples Halloween Costumes
The best part of any holiday (besides the food) is dressing up. Whether it's Fourth of July or New Year's Eve, putting together the right outfit is key to starting the celebration, and no other holiday calls for outrageous and funny costumes like Halloween. For this trick-or-treat celebration, these 57 DIY couples' costumes are not only effortless to make but also up your outfit creativity level. If you're planning to dress up with your partner but have no idea where to start, just get some sweet (or scary) inspiration now! You guys can make the outfits together and then stun the crowd at your Halloween bash.
26 Halloween Treats That Are Cute, Not Creepy
Whether you're hosting a Halloween party, sharing treats with your officemates, or looking for a fun Fall activity, you'll want to pin a few of these festive recipes. Cute, not creepy, these treats range from ghost marshmallow treats to jack-o'-lantern cake pops and are sure to captivate your imagination.
These Dinners Practically Make Themselves - All You Need Is an Instant Pot
Some days (most days, if you're me) when you get home from a long day of work, you just really don't feel like sweating over a stovetop to make dinner. This is truly where your Instant Pot comes in handy. It's genuinely there to make your life easier and help you cook faster. For those nights when you have better things to do than spend hours cooking, get your Instant Pot ready to do all the work for you with one of these tasty dinner recipes. We've got more than 30 options to choose from with a variety of meat choices and even some veggie options if meat's not your thing. Keep reading to see them all.
10 Fall Cocktails to Toast to This Thanksgiving
There are countless things to be grateful for, but let's face it: the best way to be thankful on Turkey Day is to kick back, bond, and have a drink (or three) with loved ones. To take Thanksgiving entertaining to the next level, match your courses with deserving wines, and start off with cocktail hour. Don't forget to stock your freezer with ice, because we've got 10 seasonal drinks that are guaranteed to be magnificent with your meal, including cranberry margaritas, sage sangria, and spiked apple cider.
Holy Sh*t -Urban Outfitters Is Selling a Glitter Toilet Seat Fit For a Princess
Does going to the bathroom feel more boring than usual lately? Not to worry; we have the solution your toilet has been waiting for. On a recent scroll through Urban Outfitters' home department, we discovered this Gold-Flecked Toilet Seat ($69-$79) and nearly stopped in our tracks.
The gold-flaked plastic seat will take your bathroom experience to a whole new level of glam. It comes in two different sizes, so you can figure out which one you need by measuring the length of your current seat. It comes with hardware so you can simply set it up yourself within minutes. So, what are you waiting for? You shouldn't have to use another simple porcelain seat again, because you deserve to be throned on gold glitter.
Haben Girma: Why I Never Tell People With Disabilities to "Just Work Harder"
"We shouldn't have hired you." The manager's words sent chills down my spine. When I flew to Juneau, Alaska, after my second year of college, I thought I had this cool job leading tours of the Capitol Building. The recruiters knew about my deafness. My public speaking skills impressed them, and we agreed I would receive questions and comments during the tours through my assistive technology. They knew about my racial status. I checked the box for African American on the application. There was just one thing they didn't know until I arrived at the Capitol. When I walked in for orientation with the other new hires, the manager pulled me aside.
The manager's cramped office felt suffocating. I sat up straight in my chair. "Are you telling me to leave because I'm blind?"
"No. It's because you're from California. These jobs are supposed to go to Alaskan residents."
My stomach dropped. For a moment I just sat there, speechless. "The paperwork showed that I'm from California. We even did the interview over the phone because I don't live here. You've known that for weeks. Why did you hire me if the position was only for Alaskans?"
"We made a mistake. I'm sorry."
Outside, a light rain drizzled over Juneau. People didn't come for the persistent precipitation. People traveled to the city for spectacular scenery, wildlife sightings, and chance to witness the majesty of Mendenhall Glacier. I hiked alongside waterfalls and dipped my toes in glacier water during my first trip. This time I hoped to fit in and find a job like all the other college kids. After the government, the tourism industry is the second largest employer in Juneau. With over a million tourists, about half of them arriving on cruise ships, many employers turn to the lower 48 to try to fill their many Summer openings.
Openings popped up on Craigslist every day. I sent out dozens of applications, focusing on those that matched my strengths in public speaking. Since helping to build a school in Mali, I'd logged in numerous hours speaking to audiences big and small. My experience impressed the Capitol Building recruiters enough to choose me over Alaskans, at least until I walked in with a white cane. The applications led to interviews, the interviews led to rejections. Back on Craigslist, I broadened my search, responding to ads that sought people with strong reading, writing, or analytical skills. The pattern continued: submit an application, brave an interview, then face a rejection. I changed my strategy, responding to nearly all the ads: shelving gift stores, baking cakes, folding laundry in hotels. Rejection. Rejection. Rejection.
When you do everything right and society stomps on you, over and over, it creates a piercing, gut-twisting pain. It causes you to question the conventional wisdom that a person who works hard will overcome all obstacles.
Unemployment rates for people with disabilities are about double general unemployment rates - 9.2 percent compared to 4.2 percent. For blind people, the unemployment rate is around 70 percent. Disability professionals warned me: work hard or you'll never find employment. So I studied hard in school, graduating high school as valedictorian. I spent a Summer at an independence training center for the blind, learning nonvisual techniques for everything from crossing busy streets to using a radial arm saw. I volunteered, both in my community and abroad. The statistic still managed to claim me, leaving me jobless in Jobville, Alaska.
Changing strategies, I reached out to my community for help. My friend's mom recommended me to Rachel, the manager of a local gym. Rachel reviewed my résumé, interviewed me, and hired me as a part-time front desk clerk. On our tour of the gym, Rachel taught me how to use the machines, clean up the changing rooms, and manage the cash register and merchandise. Rachel turned out to be a fantastic manager. My white cane didn't faze her. Whether I used sight or a nonvisual technique was less important than whether I got the job done.
One day a woman walked up to the front desk. "Hi, I'm trying to use a treadmill but it's not working."
"I'll take a look. Which one?" I followed her to a row of treadmills. She stopped by the second machine. Setting my cane down, I stepped up to the machine and pressed the on button. Nothing. I tried the other buttons on the panel. Nothing. Using both hands, I systematically searched the machine from top to bottom. Along the base I found a switch. When I flicked it, the treadmill whirred to life.
"Oh my god, thank you! That was amazing. I didn't even see that switch."
"I didn't either." My cathartic laughter got her laughing, too. Sometimes nonvisual techniques beat visual techniques.
At the end of the Summer, I returned to college with a new outlook on work. I believe in working hard, but I put more emphasis on working smart. When we feel we've hit a wall, it's better to develop a new strategy rather than struggling at the same wall. I went on to graduate with honors from Lewis & Clark College, study law at Harvard, and partnered with a Seeing Eye dog. Now I'm my own boss, working as a disability rights lawyer, author, and public speaker. In 2015, I introduced President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House's 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This Summer, I spoke at the Berlin Morals and Machines conference and met with Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Employment discrimination and high unemployment rates still haunt people with disabilities. Many work hard, develop impressive skills, and continually face discrimination in the hiring process. Hard work alone will not overcome the widespread discrimination against people with disabilities. Employers need to break down disability barriers. People with disabilities succeed when communities choose to be inclusive. The biggest barriers exist not in the person, but in the social, physical, and digital environments.
Employers that break down access barriers develop a stronger workforce. Numbering over 1.3 billion worldwide, people with disabilities are the largest minority group. Employers are missing out on numerous talented, responsible, and driven workers. Avoid assumptions about what people with disabilities can or can't do. People with disabilities often have alternative techniques that get the job done. The process of developing these alternative techniques leads to strong problem solving skills, fresh insights, and exciting new solutions. People with disabilities drive innovation, sparking the creation of many of the technologies we use today. Employers seeking a competitive advantage should invest in accessibility. These employers gain access to a large pool of talented workers, benefit from increased growth, and facilitate further innovation.
Haben Girma is a lawyer, author, and public speaker. Visit her website, habengirma.com, and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook @HabenGirma.
40 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes That Won't Bore You to Tears
Let's face it: boneless, skinless chicken breasts aren't exactly the definition of exciting. Prone to drying out, the lean dinner staple can also be pretty bland if underseasoned and overcooked. And yet they're a staple for good reason: they're convenient, reasonably economical, and can even be delicious (really!) when treated right. Keep reading for plenty of dinner ideas ranging from a Tex-Mex pasta casserole to lemony-bright chicken piccata to a memorable chicken, kale, and avocado salad. You're bound to find a new favorite to add to your rotation - and then can change it up again! - with these 40 recipes.
Nothing Says Fall Like a Weekend in a Cozy Barn, So Book 1 of These!
Fall is here and with the change of seasons comes cool, crisp air and the desire to snuggle up with your family, your significant other, or even your pet. Fall is also one of the best times to travel - it's not too hot, you won't run into crowds, and seriously, it's a great way to decompress from Summer before gearing up for the holiday season.
What could be more fun than to fuel your wanderlust with a Fall getaway? How about a Fall getaway in a barn? Yeah, we agree.
There are barns all around the country that can be rented for couples, families, and friends. Authentic, fun, and exciting, some of them are located near cute little towns that have shopping, restaurants, and other attractions, while others are completely secluded for a few days of bonding.
Take in the smells of the season and the foliage and enjoy the really unique experience that can be either hardcore Instagrammed or kept as cozy and quiet as these barns are.
Lady Gaga's Marc Jacobs Suit Takes Extreme Tailoring to Stylish New Levels
Lady Gaga just made her second appearance in as many weeks dressed in a fresh-off-the-runway Marc Jacobs Spring 2019 look, and this time around, we were not distracted by her shoes. Instead, we were wowed by how the singer, actress, and future Oscar winner (just you wait) managed to make an oversize outfit look like it was tailored precisely for her.
Gaga's pantsuit, which she wore to the Elle Women in Hollywood celebration, may have been designed with exaggerated proportions, but it fit her where it mattered. The hems skimmed the floor effortlessly, the plunging neckline added a little sex appeal, and the shoulders sat where shoulders are meant to sit. But that aside, it was all about volume. Gaga even managed to emphasize this by hooking her hands into her pockets under the jacket, giving the impression of even more dramatic draping at the sides. Teamed with slicked-back hair in a center part and smoky, contoured makeup that'd make a Kardashian jealous, Gaga made this look her own.
Keep reading to see the look from all angles, capped off with custom Giuseppe Zanotti booties, get details on how she confirmed her engagement to Christian Carino at the event, then look back at another of Lady Gaga's recent fashion moments, when she swapped outfits four times in one night.
Meghan Markle, Supportive BFF, Wore a Serena Williams Jacket During Her Royal Tour
Even continents away, Meghan Markle is giving a stylish nod to her close friend Serena Williams. During her royal tour stop in Dubbo, Australia, with husband Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex gave her BFF a subtle shout-out by choosing outerwear from Serena's own fashion line.
After stunning the day before in two beautiful dresses, Meghan decided to shake things up for her second day of the tour, opting for a crisp white Maison Kitsuné blouse ($219) and Outland denim ($195) to go with her Serena Williams Collection blazer ($145).
She tied the whole look together with a rare ponytail, jewelry from Sydney-based designer Natalie Marie - the Precious Initial Necklace ($357) and Diamond Sun Studs ($1,750), to be exact - and black J.Crew ankle boots ($178). Check out more snaps of Meghan's look ahead - we're anxiously awaiting what she'll wear next!
Dr. Martens Released New Gold Glitter Boots That Will Make You a Holiday Queen
I'll see you your sparkly sneakers and raise you even sparklier boots. Yep, life does get better. These brand-new Dr. Martens 1460 Pascal Glitter 8 Eye Boots ($120) just dropped on Shopbop, and we are losing our cool over them. The gold boots arrived just in time for the holiday season.
We love that you can swap out the classic laces for satin ribbon options, which give the classic shoe a special touch. These boots go with everything from dresses to jeans, so they're an investment you can feel good about. Just imagine how dazzling your Instagram feed will be.
FYI, these shoes aren't going to stick around for long. Special designs like this sell out before you can even finish saying, "Ooh, glitter!"
Keds Has Been Around For 102 Years, and the Brand's History Is Fascinating
Chances are you've probably owned a pair of Keds at some point in your life. The iconic shoe company first launched over 100 years ago and has been one of the most successful fashion brands in America ever since. The classic canvas-topped, rubber-soled sneaker is not only a wardrobe staple in closets of girls and women all over the world, but it has also been the go-to shoe for Hollywood's elite for decades. Everyone from Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn to Taylor Swift and Ciara has been spotted in the stylishly adorable kicks.
While the company originally launched with the goal of creating a "simple, yet chic take on canvas footwear," Keds has since expanded to include everything from women's accessories to men's shoes. Over the years, they've also dabbled with clothing line launches, and have helped produce some of the most popular footwear collaborations around with both celebrities and top fashion houses alike. Want to learn more about Keds and how they've managed to stay popular for over a century? Keep reading to find out everything you've ever wanted to know about the iconic shoe brand.
12 Dazzling Pieces of Silver Jewelry That Make Great Gifts
Silver jewelry is cool and striking, making it perfect for the holidays. Plus, when giving gifts, you can never go wrong with jewelry. Right now, we're into striking, architectural pieces and all kinds of hoop earrings. If you're buying presents for your best friends, your sister, or your SO, you're going to want to consult this list. We're obsessed with these pretty finds.
Related: These 11 Gifts Will Make Anyone Feel Like Meghan Markle Becoming a Princess
Meghan Markle's Pleated Dress Is So Chic, You Won't Be Able to Stop Staring
On her first day in Australia, Meghan Markle treated us to not one but two incredibly stylish outfits. After having stunned in a gorgeous white midi dress by Australian designer Karen Gee, the Duchess of Sussex changed into a green pleated shirt dress by Brandon Maxwell for an afternoon reception hosted by the Governor-General at Admiralty House in Sydney.
The design, which came in red in the designer's Spring 2019 collection, featured a collared neckline, pleated waist, and full pleated skirt. Meghan, who looked relaxed yet undeniably chic, accessorized it with some beautiful jewelry that once belonged to Princess Diana and Tamara Mellon pumps ($395). Could the duchess have become the first member of the royal family to shop an ensemble straight off the runway?
The Comfiest, Coziest Boots For Fall? We've Got You Covered
We love our cozy shearling boots more than anything, but they've traditionally been reserved for grocery store runs or lounging around the house. Well, no more. These nine shearling boots are both comfortable and adorable, just what we need for the Fall season. After you try a pair of these boots, you'll never look back. Just keep reading to shop our picks.
Lady Gaga's Most Memorable Red Carpet Looks Will Linger in Your Mind For Years to Come
Lady Gaga's style is anything but boring. Since making her silver screen debut in A Star Is Born, Gaga has continued to prove that she's a total style chameleon on the red carpet. She's worn everything from a Valentino gown that had more pink feathers than a flock of flamingos at the zoo to a Victorian-inspired Alexander McQueen dress that's worthy of a queen. We've decided to take a look back at some of her most eye-catching red carpet moments and, yes, we've even included her jaw-dropping meat dress from 2010. Keep reading to relive all of her most memorable red carpet looks through the years ahead.
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