Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 21 octobre 2018
These 12 Keto-Friendly Casseroles Prove That the Best Meals Are Made in 1 Pan
When you hear "casserole," you might think of friendly (or nosy) neighbors welcoming a new family to the 'hood - at least that's how it played out in every movie and TV show of your childhood. And while it's true that casseroles aren't the sexiest dishes, there's so much to love about them. They allow you to take whatever you have lying around in your kitchen and give it new life: cost-effective, flavorful, and big enough to feed a crowd. In this case, they're also keto-friendly. The recipes you'll find here cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner - all made with the low-carb ingredients your diet demands. Keep reading, and let your oven do the work.
Related: Eating Low-Carb Is a Breeze With These Keto-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes
11 Low-Carb Fruits to Get You Through the Keto Diet
If you're on the keto diet, then you know that it's all about high-fat and low-carb foods. Unfortunately, that limits your fruit consumption because fruits contain sugar and sugar contains carbohydrates. However, there's still a pretty wide range of fruits that are low enough in carbs for you to literally make a fruit salad - the only caveat is that you wouldn't be able to eat too much of it, but sharing is caring, right?
According to Dr. Jason Axe, the recommended daily intake of carbohydrates in order for your body to go and stay in ketosis is 30 to 50 grams. If you're a fruit-lover, we've compiled a list of fruits that contain well under 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving. So go ahead and treat yourself to a slice of watermelon, or throw a handful of blueberries in your full-fat yogurt. Read through to see what other fruits are low in carbs, along with some keto-friendly recipe ideas.
Here's Why You Shouldn't Try to "Sweat Out" Your Cold in a Group Fitness Class
You've probably heard that "sweating out a cold" will relieve your unpleasant symptoms and help you feel better. Or maybe you are so excited for your group fitness class, you can't possibly cancel, even if you're not feeling well.
If you're considering showing up to a workout class while sniffling, sneezing, and fighting off a headache, you should reconsider - we spoke to some experts to find out whether or not it's a good idea to hit a boutique fitness class if you're feeling under the weather.
How Contagious Are You When You Have a Cold?
The symptoms of a cold may vary person to person, but the most common ones are runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and a headache. With all that phlegm and snot dripping out of your body, you're bound to spread your sick germs to other people.
"You are most contagious to others the first few days of your symptoms, and even the day before, but there is little you can do about that," internist Arielle Levitan, MD, told POPSUGAR. She explained that cold germs are most contagious via touching infected secretions, such as mucous and saliva, but not so much with tears and sweat. Colds are also somewhat contagious with germs in the air like from sneezing and coughing.
Edo Paz, MD, a doctor with the free primary care app K Health, echoed that the cold and flu, which are caused by viruses, are extremely contagious. "You should minimize proximity to other people while you have a cold, and if you absolutely must be around others, be sure to contain your germs by coughing into your elbows, washing your hands frequently, and throwing away your used tissues," he said.
Can You Work Out When You're Feeling Sick?
Even if you're feeling under the weather, you may feel like you're well enough to exercise. Kenton Fibel, MD, family medicine physician at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, said that the above-the-neck/below-the-neck rule is a helpful guide as to whether or not you should work out with a cold.
"Typically, above-the-neck symptoms like sore throat, runny nose, or congestion are OK to work out with, but below-the-neck symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, or muscle aches should be a sign that you should let your body rest and recover. If you have a fever, you should also try to avoid significant exercise."
So while you can work out if you have above-the-neck symptoms, you shouldn't go too hard; Dr. Fibel said if you work out too hard when you're sick, it can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infection and will take you longer to get better.
So, Should You Go to a Group Fitness Class With a Cold?
"As a doctor of internal medicine I would say that you can work out if you feel up to it," Dr. Levitan said. Dr. Fibel also said that overall exercise does improve your immune system. However, just because you can work out doesn't mean you should go to a gym or boutique fitness class, and potentially get other people sick.
"Every cold and flu season, I see people coming to the gym," NASM-certified personal trainer Allan Misner told POPSUGAR. "It is disturbing to see them hacking, coughing, and sneezing while they're using the treadmills, ellipticals, and other machines." Not to mention group fitness classes where you are using shared equipment and in such a small space with potentially dozens of other people. Instead, Allan encourages people to work out at home if they have a cold, maybe with a bodyweight workout or home cardio equipment.
In fact, family and emergency medicine doctor Janette Nesheiwat, MD, recommends not working out at all when you are feeling sick. "Let your body heal," she told POPSUGAR.
"You can make yourself more sick; a cold can turn into a pneumonia and you can pick up more bugs when you are ill," Dr. Nesheiwat explained. "If you are exercising in a group setting, you are likely contaminating the gym equipment and your fellow gym-goers." She recommends staying home to recover and drinking lots of fluids, including hot tea, taking zinc, and resting.
Sounds like you're better off waiting until you feel at 100 percent to get back into the gym. After all, who needs an excuse to stay home and watch Netflix?
If You Want to Burn More Fat and Calories, These Are the Exercises You Need to Be Doing
People are always looking for the quickest way to lose weight, get in shape, and build muscle, and honestly, there's no get-fit-quick scheme. Depending on your genetics, body type, and fitness level, it can take anywhere from a couple of months to years to see a transformation - and there's nothing wrong with that.
One style of training that can help simultaneously lower your body-fat percentage and build muscle is weightlifting. There are a lot of ways to lift weights like circuit training, bodybuilding programs, and HIIT workouts. Regardless of how you decide to lift, I highly recommend incorporating compound exercises into your weightlifting routine. Instead of focusing on spot reduction, I find that these moves will strengthen and define multiple muscle groups at once and allow you to have more efficient workouts.
Compound exercises are multi-joint movements that work groups of large muscle like squats, deadlifts, and push-ups. These movements elicit a greater energy expenditure (they require more energy to perform) and as a result, your body burns more calories and fat. The more muscle groups working at once, the more energy you will expend, which means the more calories and fat you'll burn.
Begin incorporating the following exercises into your strength routine in order to get maximal results at the gym. If you aren't sure where to begin when it comes to lifting weights, you can follow this four-week strength training program to get started.
Just 5 Keto-Friendly Meals at The Cheesecake Factory, Because You Deserve This
Let's go ahead and get the bad news out of the way: if you're on the keto diet and headed to The Cheesecake Factory, you won't be starting your meal with the restaurant's fresh "brown bread" or ending it with a slice of its famous cheesecake. The good news? You can still find something deeply satisfying on the menu. (Hi, it's Cheesecake Factory. How could you not?)
These five dishes, ranging from appetizers to salads to omelets, are low-carb, high-fat, and truly delicious. As for the cheesecake? You can always whip up a keto-friendly dessert when you get home.
- Appetizer: If you're feeling peckish, the Ahi Tartare has your name written all over it. Clocking in at only 13 grams of net carbs per order, this small plate from the Skinnylicious menu will hold you over until your next high-fat meal.
- Salad: The Gluten-Free Tossed Green Salad With Blue Cheese Dressing has only 11 grams of net carbs, and the dressing provides some hunger-crushing fats. To make it a meal, top your salad with grilled chicken or steak.
- Seafood: The Skinnylicious Grilled Salmon comes plated up with loads of fresh veggies and only 13 grams of net carbs. It does have more protein than fat, so be sure to up the fat in your other daily meals if you go for this option.
- Chicken: The Tuscan Chicken is almost keto-compliant without any modifications, but ask your server to hold the farro that comes with the dish. With the chicken, tomatoes, capers, and artichokes, you won't miss it.
- Eggs: We're always fans of breakfast for dinner, and surprisingly, you can order eggs any time of day at The Cheesecake Factory. Your best bet is to customize an omelet with bacon or sausage, cheese, avocado, spinach, and green onions.
I'm a Trainer, and These Are 3 Things You Need to Start Doing to Finally See Your Abs
When I'm not writing about how to get your abs to show, I'm training clients, who also want to know the answer to this question along with other hot fitness topics. While there's no exact formula for revealing chiseled abs, in my experience reducing your body fat percentage, doing high-intensity workouts that require a greater energy expenditure, and eating a clean diet typically get the job done.
Remember, abs aren't built overnight, and these tips are just a few tools that can help you work toward your goal of achieving a strong, defined core.
These 30 Protein-Packed Desserts Will Satisfy Even the Strongest Sweet Tooth
Craving something sweet? Dessert can be decadent and still offer some health benefits. Here are some recipes that offer a punch of protein while still satisfying even the strongest sweet tooth. Not sure which to make first? Go for the black bean brownie bites, the chocolate frosted doughnuts, or the freezer fudge - they'll be instant favorites!
No Gym? No Problem! Try These 6 Easy and Effective At-Home Ab Moves
Core strength isn't rocket science. No need to overthink this. Below are six exercises. You've seen them before. You've done them before. You've wished they worked before. The difference? You'll be doing them in a sequence that is most conducive to targeting your core muscles.
The added bonus? You'll only be doing one set of each - until you can't do them anymore. That's right. You chose your intensity and your body will decide how far you can go. This allows you to progressively get better based on your own fitness level. You don't need some guy telling you to reach 12 reps if you can't get past eight on your first effort. You do your best each time and this plan will get you to your best core strength ever!
Pumpkin Spice Not Your Thing? Scoop Up These Healthy, Fall-Flavored Treats
If you're still wondering what all the fuss is about everything pumpkin spice, while everyone you know has been lining up for a Starbucks PSL since August, we've got just the thing (12 of them, actually) to get you in the Fall spirit.
As the temperatures cool, sweet, toasty treats start popping up everywhere, and there's no reason pumpkin should get to have all the fun. Among the season's best flavors are apples, cinnamon, and cranberries - and you'll find them in abundance in this list of healthy treats. Keep reading, and you'll be so pumped for sweater season, you won't even roll your eyes when your coworker lights her pumpkin spice candle (again).
Kristen Bell Is Worried Disney Princesses Are Teaching Her Kids Bad Lessons, and She Has a Point
Although Kristen Bell absolutely loves reading to her kids before bed, she admits she's sometimes skeptical about the "lessons" her girls - 3-year-old Delta and 5-year-old Lincoln - are learning from Disney princesses.
"[Story time is] truly my favorite part of the day," Kristen told Parents. "I glance away from the book and see their brains working while we're all cuddled up like meerkats."
The 38-year-old actress says that despite playing Anna in Frozen, she has reservations about some of the messages in the older princess stories.
"Every time we close Snow White I look at my girls and ask, 'Don't you think it's weird that Snow White didn't ask the old witch why she needed to eat the apple? Or where she got that apple?' I say, 'I would never take food from a stranger, would you?' And my kids are like, 'No!' And I'm like, 'Okay, I'm doing something right.'"
Kristen also makes an important point about consent, as Snow White never gives the prince the go-ahead to actually kiss her. She makes sure she brings up the issue to her two girls as they're reading.
"Don't you think that it's weird that the prince kisses Snow White without her permission?" Kristen said she asks her girls. "Because you can not kiss someone if they're sleeping!"
And yes, now we're definitely thinking twice about the books we pick to read to our children before they hit the hay.
Target Is Selling So Much Halloween Decor, and the Little Kids Inside of Us Are Screaming
Whether Halloween is a time for you to dress up in a scary costume and frighten the crap out of yourself (and your family), or you truly enjoy the giving component that comes with passing delicious candy out to trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood, Oct. 31 likely holds a special place in your heart. You'll be particularly excited to learn then that Target has already started stocking decorations for this fine holiday, and they're so good. Cover your windows in creepy cobwebs, and get the house ready for a party - all of the ghosts and goblins you can handle are right this way.
These Insanely Delicious Instant Pot Meals Let You Feed the Whole Family For Less Than $10
Sure, Instant Pots make planning your weekday meals about a thousand times easier, but not all the recipes out there that cater to this pressurized cooker are easy on the wallet. From quick and easy chicken recipes that even your pickiest eater will enjoy to modern takes on your mother's casserole, these dinner ideas are tailored to your beloved Instant Pot and won't cost you more than $10 to whip up. Who doesn't love the sound of that? Scroll through to see some of our favorite options.
This Dad Has Dressed His Son Up in So Many Disney Costumes, It's Impossible to Pick a Favorite
Tucker Bohman has been a fan of the Toy Story movies since he was a kid, so when he and his wife found out they were having a son, it was only fitting that their gender reveal on Instagram was the film's logo with the words "Boy Story" and that at 2 days old, little Beckham, also known as "Hamm," was photographed in a Woody onesie surrounded by stuffed character toys Tucker had collected. After that, Tucker changed his Instagram handle to @ToyStoryDad and began posting a photo a week to his feed of Hamm dressed in various Disney costumes, from other Toy Story favorites such as Buzz Lightyear and Slinky Dog to Prince Charming, Olaf, and Aladdin.
"In early 2018 we took a trip to Disneyland and had Hamm dressed as Woody, and everyone at Disneyland was obsessed with him," Tucker told POPSUGAR. "We had crowds around us everywhere we went. People were asking to take his picture and talking about him throughout the park. We then had someone approach us and say, 'Hey, it's Toy Story Dad.' I couldn't believe that someone actually recognized us."
"Everyone at Disneyland was obsessed with him!"
From that point on, Tucker and his wife decided to start posting Hamm's costume photos daily, which required getting creative and hand-making most of his costumes. And because the family had a yearly pass, many of Hamm's costumes made their way to Disneyland. "We seriously just love what we do," Tucker said. "It is A LOT of work designing and creating these costumes, but the joy we spread around the world makes it more than worth it."
Scroll through to see some of our favorite costumes of Hamm's, and be sure to follow Tucker on Instagram for more (starting Oct. 1, the hashtag #HammsHappyHaunts will be populated with one Disney villain costume per day in the month of October - and we can't wait to see Hamm in each one!).
33 Adorable Halloween Costumes That Won't Break the Budget - All Under $25
It's frightening how quickly all of the Halloween "essentials" can add up every year. From the perfect costume for your kiddos to decorating the house in all of the ghost and ghoulish figures you can find, it often feels like you're spending way more than you planned to. Rather than paying a big price for a costume that you know your kid likely isn't going to want to repeat (or even wear for that long!), consider a budget-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on cuteness.
Check out these 33 must-see costumes that are all $25 or less!
This New Cold Brew Spiked With Wine Has Over 12% ABV - Bye, Regular Coffee
Some days I'm pretty sure if you were to test my blood - or whatever it is that people test to see what you've been consuming as of late - you'd find high traces of coffee. Only coffee. Since having a baby, that's really the only way I get through the day. A cup to prepare for getting up. A cup to reward myself for having got up. A cup once I'm up. And then, of course, once the day is done and I've washed my last bottle and scrubbed the last bits of pureed mush off of the kitchen table, I eye my wine and open that up. A glass to prepare for going down . . . and so forth.
But now I don't need to separate these activities. I can have my favorite beverages in one place thanks to Cafe Agave's Spiked Cold Brew. It's exactly what it sounds like. A premium cold brew coffee that's steeped for 12 hours, then blended with cream, agave syrup, sugar, and, oh yes, wine. The ABV is at 12.5 percent! There's no way that drinking it can end poorly.
CBD Oil Is Amazing For So Many Things, but Breastfeeding Isn't One of Them (Yet)
What Is CBD?
CBD (short for cannabidiol) oil is derived from the cannabis plant. Both CBD and THC are found in marijuana, but the substances produce different results. THC is known for the mind-altering "high" it creates in users when the plant is smoked or cooked into food or other edibles. CBD, however, is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn't change the state of mind of the person who uses it. But it is thought to have numerous medical benefits, like helping with anxiety and depression, including postpartum depression.
Is CBD Oil Safe For Breastfeeding Mothers?
The short answer is, there's just not enough research to know for sure. Virtually no scientific studies have been done on lactating mothers who use cannabis in general or CBD oil specifically, meaning its effect on newborns and infants is unknown. The few studies that have been done have shown inconsistent results on whether CBD oil will affect a breastfed baby negatively, or at all.
Something to think about if you're considering using CBD oil while breastfeeding: data taken from heavy users of marijuana (not CBD oil) show that breastfed babies will test positive for the drug for up to two to three weeks. If for some reason a baby was urine tested and that test came back positive for cannabis, the pediatrician would most likely report this result to police or child protection services. It might not be a risk you're willing to take with your own baby.
What's a CBD Oil Alternative?
If you're dealing with postpartum anxiety or depression, your best bet is to talk to your doctor, according to Dr. Thomas Hale, Ph.D., the founder of the Infant Risk Center at Texas Tech University's Health Science Center and the author of Medications and Mother's Milk, currently in its 17th edition.
"Cannabinoid oil seems to be somewhat safer" when compared to the use of THC by breastfeeding moms, Hale said, "but we still do not know much if anything about it in breastfeeding or pregnant moms, or its potential effects or neurobehavioral outcome in exposed infants."
"That said, we do know a lot more about the use of the antidepressants in treating anxiety. They are both very effective and from numerous studies, have very few to no complications in pregnancy or in breastfed infants," he continued. Compared to the unknowns of CBD oil, an antidepressant might be a safer, and definitely more studied, choice.
10 Scarily Cute Tees For Lazy Halloween Moms
If you're not a Halloween person, the holiday can be a real struggle once you become a mom . . . mostly because it's pretty much guaranteed your kids are going to be totally into it (hello, free candy!). Their dedication to the spookiest day of the year means you're basically forced to buy into it, too. But if donning your own costume is just one step too far down the Halloween rabbit hole, don't worry. Rock one of the following 10 Halloween-themed tees and maintain your dignity while still showing your trick-or-treat-loving kids that you are supportive of the one day of the year they're allowed to take candy from strangers.
From sweet to subversive, cheap to expensively chic, keep reading to find the Halloween tee that will speak to the witch, ghoul, or ghost inside of you.
-- Additional reporting by Rebecca Brown
33 Gifts Your Mom Will Love So Much, You Won't Even Need a Receipt
Every year during the holiday season, finding a Christmas gift that my mom will actually like is quite literally my top priority. After all, is there really an appropriate gift for the woman who gave you life? Probably not. But regardless, I always feel that need to get her the perfect little something. If you tend to get stuck for ideas once the holidays roll around, have no fear. We've rounded up some of the best presents for moms that hit every price point and interest.
Scroll through to see some of our favorite gift ideas that your mama is sure to adore.
New Mom Sobs as Her Best Friend and Surrogate Delivers Her First Child
Erin Boelhower has had a difficult journey to achieving her dream of becoming a mother. After six years of infertility, IVF, and losses, the mom welcomed her rainbow baby girl thanks to her best friend of 10 years, Rachel Checolinski, who offered to be her surrogate. Following a 12-hour labor, Rachel finally delivered baby Scottie, and Erin sobbed through the whole thing.
However, they weren't all exactly happy tears - some were out of Erin's concern for her friend. "How could I do this to somebody?" Erin said to Inside Edition of her thoughts during Rachel's labor. "She just looked miserable, and I know she wanted to do it and would do it again, but it was really hard seeing someone you love doing this for you in that kind of pain."
Despite Erin's concerns over putting her best friend through so much, Rachel, who has three children herself, feels emotional over being able to give her friend this gift. "It's hard for anybody, it's even hard for my husband, to see someone you care about in pain, and it's an immense amount of pain. I'd do it all over again," Rachel said, adding: "I felt immensely blessed. It was a feeling of immense gratitude and love. I started to cry. I felt like the lucky one that God used me to help my best friend achieve her dream of having a baby."
Erin says that Rachel is more than her best friend, they're like family. And baby Scottie - who is named after Erin's dad, whose birthday she was born on - is so very loved by her whole family.
Calling All Disney-Loving Parents! There's Now a Lilo & Stitch Version of Elf on the Shelf
Disney-loving parents! Parents of tiny Disney lovers! You are going to love this fresh take on Elf on the Shelf. Meet: Stitch on the Shelf!
Holiday Mischief With Stitch ($30) is a book and plush set that gives a little Ohana feel to the viral holiday game for parents (and magical tradition for kids). We spied this little guy at the (newly renovated!) World of Disney's holiday shop - on the shelf, of course - so naturally we had to take a closer look.
True to character in the beloved Disney film Lilo & Stitch, Stitch is bound to get into some mischief – just like his predecessor, the classic Elf on the Shelf. But he's ready to learn some good behavior, too! The choice is yours, parents - the marker on his hat determines whether Stitch has been naughty or nice.
The storybook that accompanies the posable plush doll (aptly titled Holiday Mischief With Stitch) teaches a story about a "blue" Christmas, and the meaning of ohana. We think this just might be be a treasured tradition in your own ohana, too.
Find your own little blue elf (shelf not included) at the World of Disney, Disneyland resort, or shopdisney.com.
We Have a Winner For the Most Passable Disney Costumes - This Dad and Daughter Wreck-It Ralph Duo
When Clay's then 6-year-old daughter Isla approached him about Halloween costumes in 2017, she stated that she wanted to be Vanellope from Wreck-It Ralph; and though Clay notes that he's more of a superhero guy himself, he flexed his DIY muscles to create the most spot-on Disney character costumes ever. Seriously, they look like they jumped straight out of their respective video games and into a backyard (where Clay also flexed his literal muscles).
"I usually focus on Batman, Deadpool, Pennywise, or big suits of armor, but this was a little different for me," Clay told POPSUGAR. "The clothes were basically what we had kicking around the house. What we didn't have, we went thrift store shopping for. The wigs were just a couple of cheap Halloween wigs that we styled. The sass is all my daughter. Everyone thought she looked supercute, and I made a passable Ralph."
Passable?! Both DIY costumes are literal perfection, in our opinion. See more photos of the adorable duo ahead!
31 Halloween Breakfast Ideas That Will Spook and Delight Your Kids All Season Long
Who says candy is Halloween's best edible offering? Start the festivities first thing in the morning with a Halloween-themed breakfast the whole family will love. From healthy (and superspooky) fruit creations to decadent pumpkin-filled pancakes, doughnuts, and more, the following 31 Halloween recipes are so fun and delicious, you'll want to serve them up all day (and maybe even all year) long. Is a mini cream cheese-stuffed cinnamon-sugar pumpkin bagel pop tart out of your comfort zone (though seriously, make them once, and you'll be addicted)? No worries! We've also found some supersimple breakfast ideas with major Halloween impact!
What to Know About Acute Flaccid Myelitis, the Rare Polio-Like Illness That's Affecting Kids
According to the CDC, cases of a serious condition that affects the nervous system, causing weakness in the arms or legs, is on the rise in the US. So far, medical experts have confirmed 62 cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) across 22 states. AFM has been linked to West Nile Virus as well as two common childhood viruses: enteroviruses (which present as a range of illnesses, including respiratory infections) and adenoviruses (which can cause pink-eye or bladder infections). While AFM is a rare condition, parents should be aware of what to look out for.
"We definitely just want to educate people about it," Dr. Sherri D. Onyiego, a chronic disease prevention physician at Harris County Public Health, told the Houston Chronicle. "We don't necessarily want to cause a panic and have everyone flood the emergency rooms or anything."
The symptoms are sudden and obvious, according to Dr. Onyiego, so if you have any fear of your child contracting this after hearing the news of other children affected by it, be sure to know the pronounced symptoms:
- Sudden muscle paralysis in the arms or legs
- Facial droop or weakness
- Difficulty moving the eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing or slurred speech
Health officials haven't been able to pinpoint an exact reason for this illness cropping up, so the CDC suggests safeguarding yourself as much as possible. "While we don't know the cause of most of the AFM cases, it's always important to practice disease prevention steps, such as staying up-to-date on vaccines, washing your hands, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites."
If symptoms begin to present themselves in your children, they should be taken to the emergency room immediately. "If your child has some acute signs, like slurred speech or paralysis of an extremity, that's a real emergency situation," warned Dr. Onyiego.
14 Ugly Halloween Sweatshirts Because You’re Way Too Tired to Even Try
The Octobers when you spent weeks conjuring up elaborate themes with your friends for a night of trick-or-treating are long gone. With work, the kids, buying candy, and cleaning up after everyone decided this was the year they were going to carve pumpkins at your house, the last thing you have energy for is thinking of a creative costume. Before you fall victim of buying the first thing you see online, think about this: just get an ugly Halloween sweatshirt. You can wear them throughout the month, and because they require next to no effort to put on, you can appear festive in no time.
Trick or Treat! 64 Halloween Decorations That Are Cheaper Than Your Costume
Even if you aren't spending a fortune on your Halloween costume this October (if you need cheap ideas for the kids, look no further), stocking up on essentials for the house can be costly. If you don't feel like this is the year to invest in enormous front-yard inflatables, pick up some smaller items that make it easy to give the house a spooky update. Whether it's cobwebs for the windows, decorative pumpkins, or throws for the couch, we highlighted 64 of our favorite decorative pieces that won't break the bank. That's right, everything is under $25.
Target Just Revealed the Year’s Top Toys - Here Are 9 Hot Items You Can ONLY Get There
If you've already familiarized yourself with Target's Top Toy List for the year, we have a little more information for you to master. In addition to the long list of favorites, the retailer has a bunch of exciting exclusive toys you can't get anywhere else (think new Hatchimals species!). Prove to your family that you know what's trending by picking up something you can only find at Target.
You'll Want to Steal Lauren Conrad's Clever Mommy and Me Costume This Year
Lauren Conrad never disappoints when it comes to the creative Halloween costume category, and now that she's a parent, she's getting her son Liam in on the fun. Lauren just revealed this year's Halloween costume with Liam, and it doesn't disappoint. Dressed in a retro skirt suit with black pumps and bird hair ornaments, Lauren pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 film The Birds, while Liam serves as her adorable blackbird sidekick. Cute, right?! If you want to recreate the look, follow Lauren's DIY instructions on her blog.
Coordinated Halloween Costumes For Twins, Triplets, and Siblings
Get set to hear "oohs" and "aahs" as your little ones make their way through the neighborhood this Halloween. With a little planning and some cooperative tots, it's easy to create a family theme for your kids' costumes. Whether they're favorite characters from a beloved book or foods that go together, we've found lots of costumes that work together like peas and carrots or Thing 1 and Thing 2!
Scroll through and check them out!
10 Ways to Earn Money While You're on Vacation
Going on vacation is supposed to be fun and stress-free, but it can also be a pricey endeavor. If you're planning to go abroad for a longer period of time and don't have a destination in mind, there are some fun and easy ways to work abroad. But if this is not your idea of a vacation, then there are mini jobs you can still take on no matter where you go - even if it's just an out-of-state trip. The following 10 ways to make money while vacationing may even lead you to a new career path or reignite an old passion!
Ditch the Pumpkin and Carve a Spooky Pineapple Jack-o'-Lantern Instead - Get the DIY
There is no activity more fun around this time of the year than carving out pumpkins. That is, until we carved out pineapples! My favorite fruit has been and always will be pineapple, so why not bring a taste of the tropics to the Fall season? Pumpkins make for great jack-o'-lanterns, but pineapples make for a great spin off the Halloween tradition. Impress your guests and surprise your trick-or-treaters with this spooky fruit. If you're looking to try something new, follow this step-by-step tutorial for carving out a pineapple. The best part is there are no seeds, so less mess, and the cored-out fruit also makes for a sweet, healthy snack.
Related: Pineapple Jack-O-Lanterns and 4 Other Fruits to Carve This Halloween
Ikea's Holiday Collection Is Here, So Get Your Big Blue Bags Ready!
Ikea has done it again, folks. And this time they did it with one of the best Winter home collections we've ever seen - and trust us, we've seen a lot. The collection is complete with holiday-inspired trinkets, table settings for every kind of celebration, tree decorations (complete with the tree itself), and festive decor that is all dangerously affordable. So yeah, this collection is basically a holiday miracle.
Stock up on decor that lifts your spirits and gets you ready for everything that the holiday season entails. According to the press release, Ikea is as ready as ever "to prepare you for the intense, relaxing, social, solitary, cold, warm period we call the Winter holidays." And based on this dreamy first look at their new goods, we have to agree. Read on to see some of our favorite pieces from the collection, and don't forget to keep your wishlist close by!
Related: Ikea Gave Us a Glimpse of Its 2019 Products, and Redecorating Never Looked So Good
We're in "Shoulder Season" - Here's How It Can Help You Save on Travel
The time has come to officially bid farewell to Summer, but don't shed a tear just yet, wanderlusters. Summer's end also marks the beginning of Fall "shoulder season," a glorious time of year where both crowds and prices start to thin. Don't give up on that dream getaway you thought was out of reach just yet.
So what is shoulder season exactly? It simply refers to the period between a destination's high and low seasons. The airline industry experiences the season as well, as carriers are striving to maintain passenger traffic in the off season. As a result, many airlines and hotels will lower their rates or offer special packages this time of year. So if you want to take advantage of this prime cost-saving travel season, now is the time to do it! Read on for various ways you can save some serious cash this Fall.
10 New Fall Novels About Badass Women That Also Happen to Be Written by Badass Women
There's nothing better than reading a novel about a badass woman who takes control and shows those in her life just how brave she really is. If you're a fan of female characters who take the world by storm, these 10 new fiction picks of Fall will have you believing that women really are the future.
10 Ways to Earn Money While You're on Vacation
Going on vacation is supposed to be fun and stress-free, but it can also be a pricey endeavor. If you're planning to go abroad for a longer period of time and don't have a destination in mind, there are some fun and easy ways to work abroad. But if this is not your idea of a vacation, then there are mini jobs you can still take on no matter where you go - even if it's just an out-of-state trip. The following 10 ways to make money while vacationing may even lead you to a new career path or reignite an old passion!
45 Book-Themed Gifts For the Literature-Lover in Your Life
Book-lovers are pretty easy to shop for - all you really have to do is make contributions to their already-overflowing bookcases. But why stop there? This year, get creative with your gifts for literature-lovers and think outside the book box. We've rounded up more than 40 ideas for the bookworm in your life, from jewelry and clothes to fun games and home decor. Read on!
We're in "Shoulder Season" - Here's How It Can Help You Save on Travel
The time has come to officially bid farewell to Summer, but don't shed a tear just yet, wanderlusters. Summer's end also marks the beginning of Fall "shoulder season," a glorious time of year where both crowds and prices start to thin. Don't give up on that dream getaway you thought was out of reach just yet.
So what is shoulder season exactly? It simply refers to the period between a destination's high and low seasons. The airline industry experiences the season as well, as carriers are striving to maintain passenger traffic in the off season. As a result, many airlines and hotels will lower their rates or offer special packages this time of year. So if you want to take advantage of this prime cost-saving travel season, now is the time to do it! Read on for various ways you can save some serious cash this Fall.
50 Incredible Gifts For Your Favorite Couple
Shopping isn't always easy, and it can be even more difficult when you're shopping for not one gift recipient, but two. But shopping for couples can have a lot of advantages, including saving a bit of money and time - two necessities many of us could use more of around the holiday season. Shopping for couples also gives you the chance to gift them something they can do or enjoy together, whether it's an idea for a date night, a decoration for their home, or some inspiration for their next trip abroad. No matter what you choose or what your budget is, these cool and unique gifts for couples certainly don't lack thoughtfulness!
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.
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.
10 Ways to Earn Money While You're on Vacation
Going on vacation is supposed to be fun and stress-free, but it can also be a pricey endeavor. If you're planning to go abroad for a longer period of time and don't have a destination in mind, there are some fun and easy ways to work abroad. But if this is not your idea of a vacation, then there are mini jobs you can still take on no matter where you go - even if it's just an out-of-state trip. The following 10 ways to make money while vacationing may even lead you to a new career path or reignite an old passion!
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!
28 Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes
Last minute doesn't mean less amazing! Here is a list of costumes that you can put together in minutes. Most of them can be created with items you already have in your home!
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
Ditch the Pumpkin and Carve a Spooky Pineapple Jack-o'-Lantern Instead - Get the DIY
There is no activity more fun around this time of the year than carving out pumpkins. That is, until we carved out pineapples! My favorite fruit has been and always will be pineapple, so why not bring a taste of the tropics to the Fall season? Pumpkins make for great jack-o'-lanterns, but pineapples make for a great spin off the Halloween tradition. Impress your guests and surprise your trick-or-treaters with this spooky fruit. If you're looking to try something new, follow this step-by-step tutorial for carving out a pineapple. The best part is there are no seeds, so less mess, and the cored-out fruit also makes for a sweet, healthy snack.
Related: Pineapple Jack-O-Lanterns and 4 Other Fruits to Carve This Halloween
Why Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Is Better With The Nightmare Before Christmas Theme
Halloween has officially arrived at Disneyland, and one of the best parts about the park at this time of year is the major transformation of the Haunted Mansion ride into its Nightmare Before Christmas theme. This may be a controversial opinion, but, personally, I love how festive and fun the Haunted Mansion becomes for the Halloween and holiday season, much more than when it's just a standard spooky ride.
It's vibrantly and creatively decorated (seriously, Disney doesn't miss a single detail), puts you in a happy Halloween and holiday mood, and has you humming the catchy songs from The Nightmare Before Christmas for the rest of the day. How could you choose the classic over that? Once you've been on Haunted Mansion holiday, the original ride just feels . . . boring. To prove my point, here are the best things about the themed version!
Related: The Top 30 Things You Need to Experience at Disneyland During Halloween
Ikea's Holiday Collection Is Here, So Get Your Big Blue Bags Ready!
Ikea has done it again, folks. And this time they did it with one of the best Winter home collections we've ever seen - and trust us, we've seen a lot. The collection is complete with holiday-inspired trinkets, table settings for every kind of celebration, tree decorations (complete with the tree itself), and festive decor that is all dangerously affordable. So yeah, this collection is basically a holiday miracle.
Stock up on decor that lifts your spirits and gets you ready for everything that the holiday season entails. According to the press release, Ikea is as ready as ever "to prepare you for the intense, relaxing, social, solitary, cold, warm period we call the Winter holidays." And based on this dreamy first look at their new goods, we have to agree. Read on to see some of our favorite pieces from the collection, and don't forget to keep your wishlist close by!
Related: Ikea Gave Us a Glimpse of Its 2019 Products, and Redecorating Never Looked So Good
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!
We're in "Shoulder Season" - Here's How It Can Help You Save on Travel
The time has come to officially bid farewell to Summer, but don't shed a tear just yet, wanderlusters. Summer's end also marks the beginning of Fall "shoulder season," a glorious time of year where both crowds and prices start to thin. Don't give up on that dream getaway you thought was out of reach just yet.
So what is shoulder season exactly? It simply refers to the period between a destination's high and low seasons. The airline industry experiences the season as well, as carriers are striving to maintain passenger traffic in the off season. As a result, many airlines and hotels will lower their rates or offer special packages this time of year. So if you want to take advantage of this prime cost-saving travel season, now is the time to do it! Read on for various ways you can save some serious cash this Fall.
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!
Pack Your Bags For Aldovia, Because A Christmas Prince 2 Finally Has a Premiere Date
Are you ready for more Amber and Richard? I sure hope so, because Netflix's sequel to A Christmas Prince, officially titled A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding, will be streaming for your viewing - and cringing - pleasure before you know it.
As you might recall, the unintentionally hilarious holiday romance, set in a fictitious European nation called Aldovia, became a holiday sensation almost immediately after its release last year. And, as you probably also recall, you can't hide guilty pleasures from Netflix. Despite its title, you shouldn't expect the sequel to live up to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle-worthy nuptials - after all, this is a continuation of a movie that shows a grand coronation that's decorated with all the splendor of the sad New Year's Eve "party" I threw in junior high . . . for four friends . . . in my basement.
That being said, I truly can't wait for more!
So, when will we get to see more of our favorite couple romping around Aldovia? According to EW, the seasonal romance will be available on Netflix starting on Nov. 30, just in time to kick off the holiday season. The film will follow Amber and Richard a year after she helped secure him the crown, with the two set to tie the knot in a royal wedding held on Christmas. Of course, not everything goes according to plan when Amber starts second-guessing if she truly has what it takes to be queen, and Richard deals with a political crisis that could destroy the kingdom he fought so hard for. But hey, at least no one is going to get attacked by wolves this time! Well . . . that we know of.
While you wait for the sequel to come out, feel free to watch the teaser Netflix posted for the film on Twitter back in May, which is full of tongue-in-cheek references to the most terribly hilarious parts of the first film. A "journalist" typing ridiculous notes into a Pages document? Check. Mentions of jellied meat? Check. A clumsy protagonist whose only pair of shoes are Converse sneakers? Check, obviously.
🔔🔔 Hear Ye, Hear Ye 🔔🔔
Ms. Amber Moore and His Royal Highness Prince Richard of Aldovia kindly request the honor of your presence at their royal wedding later this year pic.twitter.com/GIvO753tqX- Netflix US (@netflix) May 18, 2018
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