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.
samedi 10 novembre 2018
Amazon Released Its Top 20 Children's Books of 2018, So Here Are Our Kids' Stocking Stuffers
As a huge reader who was an even bigger reader as a kid, lists of the year's new books, especially the best ones, make me giddy. Which is why I'm thrilled looking over Amazon's list of the top books of 2018, especially the picks for children's books. Even if your kid isn't a major book-lover and has plenty of trendy toys on their wish list this year, books make for amazing stocking stuffers, and these all sound too good to pass up.
Check out the 20 top children's books of 2018 that we can't wait to give our kids as gifts. (Because is there anything cuter than a mini reader? We think not.)
Mom Draws Cartoons That Perfectly Sum Up the Utter F*ckery That Is Parenting in 2018
Every so often, you stumble upon something that speaks to you on such a personal level, you wonder how it could even exist outside of your own brain.
For me and - I imagine - most newish moms out there, Helene Weston's illustrations do just that. The British mother of a 4-year-old daughter doodles about modern-day parenting on her Instagram account, and the resulting cartoons are so accurate, it's as if she got access to our nanny cams and Google search history and has been stalking us for material.
"Every single day I experience something as a parent that makes me wonder, 'Surely this can't just be happening to me?!'"
"I get my ideas from my everyday life," she told POPSUGAR. "Every single day I experience something as a parent that makes me wonder, 'Surely this can't just be happening to me?!'"
Her illustrations, which she had been doing long before she became pregnant, cover all aspects of her "new life" as a parent in today's modern, often isolating world. From meeting (and avoiding) potential mom friends to comparing kids' milestones and the stresses that come with posting even the most benign comment to social media, she touches on topics we don't even discuss with our closest confidantes.
And her posts have quickly been shared among the parenting community, some getting polarizing responses from her followers.
"The illustration that has received the biggest attention is the one of the mom having a snooze while her kid watches [British children's television channel] CBeebies, which is literally how I have survived the past four years," she told us. "The comments make me laugh. One woman was having a panic attack that the child in the picture might be at risk while her mom closed her eyes for five minutes! Seriously?! These kind of women are the reason we all have such mom guilt, and quite frankly need to chill the frog out."
Generally, though, she hopes her art is relatable and gives viewers a chuckle.
"Parenting is so tough, the toughest thing I've ever done, in fact, both mentally and physically! The strange thing is we all know it's bloody hard, really lonely at times, and completely overwhelming most of the time, yet nobody wants to admit it. I hate that some moms make others feel like they're not good enough. For f*ck's sake, you grew a whole human being inside your own body, gave birth, and are keeping it alive every single day! You're bloody amazing!" she said.
Read on for her most popular cartoons so far.
Get Comfortable: We Found 53 Perfect Presents For Every Woman in Your Life
Put that mug of hot chocolate down! It's time to get to the real business of the holidays: Christmas shopping. We know it can be hard to find presents for the women in your life, so that's why we created the ultimate gift guide for you to browse through. These items are excellent for mothers, grandmothers, sisters, BFFs, friends, and any other gal you know. Whether she's a fashion girl, couch potato, techie, or makeup maven, we have something she'll be thrilled to receive. You don't even have to get out of your pajamas to look through these goodies; they're all available to purchase online. Let's get going!
You're Going to Want to Take a Good, Hard Look at Gap's Black Friday Sale - It's Nuts!
Some people get so excited about shopping Black Friday that it's practically its own holiday (well, according to those of us who shop professionally). If you're still in the midst of making your lists, we have good news. Whether you need to pick up stocking stuffers or fun things for the kids, Gap and Gap Kids are having a huge sale. How does 50 percent off every single item in the store sound? And it gets better. You don't even have to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to take a crack at these sales. The deal runs from Nov. 20-26. Take a look at a few pieces we have our eyes on.
Mugler Created the Easiest Way to Travel With Fragrance (So Back Off, TSA)
The new Mugler Perfuming Pens in Alien ($24), Aura ($24), and Angel ($24) are genius. They enable overpackers like me the luxury of having a stash of our sexy fragrances to last us through an entire vacation.
The impulse to pack all of my makeup, hair, and skincare products, along with my entire wardrobe, is strong. For my last vacation to Japan, someone working at the airport I was passing through was eyeing one of my cosmetic cases. To say I panicked was an understatement, as I could have sworn that one of my favorite perfumes was in danger of being confiscated. Luckily, it made it through in the clear.
Mugler eliminates that panic with these pens, which come in three scents: Alien (which smells earthy with jasmine, wood, and amber notes), Aura (a blend of sweet vanilla and various woody and floral notes), and Angel (which smells sweet with notes of vanilla and honey). To use them, just uncap, swipe, and take a whiff of the warm, sexy goodness you just unleashed. You only really need one or two swipes per area, as the scent of each sweep is very potent.
So how does Mugler encapsulate its signature scents into these crayons? It's not like typical solid perfumes. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King explained that it is actually the same technology you find in those trendy transparent lipsticks that suspend flowers. "It's made with amid, silica, and a copolymer that seals in the fragrance," she said.
So a huge thanks to Mugler for freeing up space in my suitcase and also getting TSA off my back.
21 Things That Inevitably Happen When You Travel With Kids During the Holidays
My family usually hits the road for the holidays, heading to the beach with my extended family for a vacation that only in the last year (when my son was almost 4 and my daughter was almost 7) began to feel like one. Before that, it was a stressful trip that took so much time and energy to execute that if it wasn't for that alluring Florida sunshine, I might not have gone.
Between buying and wrapping gifts early so I could ship them to our destination in time for Santa's arrival to renting baby supplies we couldn't fit in our suitcases to throwing our rules about screen time and sugar consumption out the window, traveling with kids for the holidays is a jolly sh*tshow. But hey, the holidays are all about togetherness, right? And nothing brings more togetherness than being stuck in a tiny condo for a week (or even better, a car for an eight-hour-plus drive) with your toddlers. If you're planning a trip with your kids over the holidays - to Grandma's house or somewhere more exotic - here are 21 things you need to prepare yourself for.
Michelle Obama Opens Up About Why She'll "Never Forgive" Trump
In Michelle Obama's upcoming memoir, Becoming, the former first lady speaks candidly about everything from the near-decade she spent in the White House to the difficulties she faced while trying to conceive her two daughters. According to a recent book review from The Washington Post, Obama also spends some time discussing Donald Trump's birtherism theory about former President Barack Obama and why she'll "never forgive him" for potentially endangering her family.
Years before being elected president, Trump pushed a conspiracy theory claiming that then-President Obama was born in Kenya. After some prodding from the former Apprentice star, Obama released his birth certificate in 2011, revealing that he was born in Hawaii. Michelle Obama calls the theory "crazy and mean-spirited" in her memoir, claiming that it was "deliberately meant to stir up the wingnuts and kooks."
"What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington?" she writes. "What if that person went looking for our girls? Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my family's safety at risk. And for this I'd never forgive him."
This, of course, isn't all she gets personal about. The former FLOTUS also opens up about marital problems that she and her husband have had in the past as well as her life as an advocate for women and girls. Becoming will officially be out on Nov. 13.
The Meaning of Diwali and How I Do It My Own Way
As an Indian-American who grew up celebrating Diwali every year, I've never quite been able to explain it in a sentence. I've described it to non-Indian friends as "the Christmas of India," in that it's the largest and most widely recognized national holiday. I've also called it "the Festival of Lights," since many celebrate light diyas, or clay lamps, to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, into their homes to be blessed with wealth and prosperity.
The author and her mother celebrating Diwali 2016 at Sri Bhaktha Anjaneya Temple in Frederick, MD.
But the truth is, unlike Christmas or Hanukkah - both widely celebrated across the US during this season - Diwali is a shape-shifting holiday. There are hundreds of holidays on the Hindu calendar, and Diwali is the biggest. Different people from different places of origin or religion celebrate it on different days, in different ways. Sometimes it's a four-day festival, sometimes five.
Diwali is a shape-shifting holiday. Different people from different places of origin or religion celebrate it on different days, in different ways.
According to National Geographic, Hindus interpret the Diwali story based on where they live. In Northern India, they mark the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps - part of the mythological story told in the famous work The Ramayana. In Southern India, people celebrate it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura (also based on mythology). Meanwhile, in Jainism, another religion, Diwali marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira. And for Sikhs, it celebrates the day a major guru was freed from imprisonment.
Here in the US in 2006, Kelly Kapoor (played by Mindy Kaling) hilariously celebrated Diwali on The Office with her coworkers. This writer explains why she thinks this episode works as a good starter representation of Indian culture in Hollywood (and I agree). But after watching "Diwali," we still don't know what it really means to more than a billion people who celebrate it in India and around the world. And perhaps that's a lofty place to start, but why not?
The author in New Delhi, India, circa 2000, celebrating Diwali with family and neighbors.
When a tradition with such diverse and complex origins is transported by a generation of Indian people to places like the United States - where an intersection of cultures, experiences, and influences flourishes - Diwali gets deconstructed, DIYd, mashed up, and remixed. Some universal markers of Diwali are setting off fireworks and sparklers, meant to express joy on earth to the gods in the heavens; the exchange and sharing of sweets, because why not; and the painting of a beautiful rangoli on the front doorstep to welcome Lakshmi and good fortune. It's a time for religious and spiritual reflection, for sharing and celebration. It is a colorful and festive start to a new year. Increasingly, it is very commercial. But like many, I borrow what is meaningful to me about the holiday I grew up with and create my own metaphors for each of these acts.
Diwali gets deconstructed, DIYd, mashed up, and remixed.
To me, the taste of Diwali is sweet and savory: homemade masala dosas, laddus (a popular Indian sweet), and a variety of other sweets and snacks, eaten all together for breakfast. The tradition in South India, where my family is from, is to wear something new for Diwali. My mom will collect and place these clothing items inside a small altar at home to be "blessed" by Lakshmi before we put them on. She will have a puja, or ceremony, to receive those blessings. The house would be lit with oil lamps, the front doorstep painted in colorful powder, and we would play classical Indian music performed on a nadhaswaram, a traditional Indian reed instrument. All of this would happen before I headed off to school, since I didn't take a day off for the holiday. In the Indian community where I grew up in Maryland, many people were from Northern India, and my family was from the South. This meant that even within the Indian community, the way my family celebrated Diwali was different. (I also loved how my mom was willing to break the law for Diwali by setting off "pattas," or fireworks, in my suburban Maryland neighborhood!)
Today, if I can't celebrate with my family, I try to approximate Diwali with a dinner out with friends in New York. My sister and I will travel to Jackson Heights, Queens - a melting pot of a neighborhood with a large Indian population - to buy fun Diwali tchotchkes (think clay lamps, small shiny statues of Ganesh and Lakshmi, and boxes of sweets) to share with our non-Indian friends who join us, in hopes of unlocking the mysteries of the holiday for themselves. There's no puja or religious aspect, but there is a feeling of renewal and connection.
A sweets shop in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York.
I've never had access to a hard and fast explanation of what Diwali is, and perhaps that's a function of holidays themselves. As future generations become more diverse, multifaceted, multiracial, and multilayered - and our identities find their origins from across oceans, cultures, religions, and stories - we will continue to build our own ways of celebrating these rich traditions. Right now, in America, it feels like a vital time to remember our roots in the ways that are most meaningful - and fun - to us.
23 Gifts That Will Make Your Best Friend Say, "You Get Me"
Your friends are your chosen family, and this season, let them know how important they are. When you're given something that really shows your personality, it feels incredible knowing the gifter took time to think about you. That's the feeling we're always trying to evoke when we give presents. You're the best best friend, so prove it with one of these 23 picks!
Plane-Friendly Face Masks That Won't Make You Enemies on Your Next Flight
It's one thing to see photos of people masking on a plane on Instagram. It's another to actually try it in real life. Some masks just aren't turbulent-friendly: They could be packed with ultraslick serums that may cause it to slip and slide off of your face. The serums and creams may make their way onto your clothing, or worse, the clothing of a stranger next to you who is just trying to mind their business and get some sleep. Here are our picks for plane-friendly masks that require minimal effort, clean-up, and risk of making enemies on your next 17-hour flight.
I Didn't Marry My "Dream Guy," but I Couldn't Be Happier
When I first met my husband, we were just a couple of 14-year-old freshmen in a sophomore-level math class. You would have thought we would have sat together in class like most kids the same age and grade would have done, but to be honest - and this is something I am definitely not proud of - I was a pretty shallow teenage girl back then, and I wanted nothing to do with him.
Throughout high school, my husband was a geek to the core. He was skinny and had braces and acne. He was incredibly intelligent and obsessed with Star Wars. His hair was never styled. I can still remember how his shaggy brown hair covered his eyes and ears. His clothes also lacked style. All I can ever remember him wearing were jeans that were way too tight for him and silly Far Side shirts. He was not my type at all.
I was a pretty shallow teenage girl back then, and I wanted nothing to do with him.
About a month before senior year ended, my husband and I somehow found ourselves in the same group of friends. His appearance and style pretty much looked the same as it did four years ago, but for the first time, I started noticing his personality. The boy was funny - as in super funny. He had a great sense of humor, and he could make me laugh like nobody else ever could. When I was getting ready for school in the morning, I looked forward to seeing him. After school, I found myself smiling just thinking about the way he made me laugh so hard earlier that day.
As we spent more time together during lunch, I learned more about him, and the more I learned, the more I liked about him. He had such a genuinely sweet and kind heart, and I couldn't get enough of him. At the time, it was hard for me to admit that I was falling for him, and I denied it to my friends. But deep down, I knew I had a crush on the boy I wouldn't have given the time of day to four years prior.
Related: These Are the Little Things Women Notice About Their SO When in Love
He asked me to the school dance, the very last dance of high school for us, and I said yes. We began dating, and the rest is history! We were married seven years later, which is a memorable day that will remain in my heart forever. I'll never forget how handsome he looked in his tuxedo as I walked down the church's aisle toward him - the boy I initially never thought would end up being the man of my dreams.
We recently celebrated our 10-year anniversary. My husband is still a huge geek, and I absolutely love him for it. He even turned me into a bit of a geek as well. I am so glad that I was able to let go of my shallow teenage girl ways in time to come to my senses back in high school and see my husband for who he really is: a funny, smart, sweet, and kind soul who can still make me laugh like no other and make my heart feel completely filled with love.
My Ethnicity Is a Mystery, but Here's Why I'll Never Take a DNA Test
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Carrie Carrollo
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me about my ethnic background, it's probably safe to say that I'd be living in a far bigger New York City apartment right now. But while everything about the answer to that question seems pretty straightforward on paper - I was adopted from China at 7 months old and therefore am Chinese, end of story - if you take one look at me in person, it's not so crystal clear.
With zero information about my birth parents, the idea that there could be more to my story isn't all that far-fetched.
As I've grown up and into my features, they've become gradually less characteristic of one Asian race over another. Sure, it'd be easy to brush off my so-called "racial ambiguity" and accept my birthplace as a clear answer about where my lineage lies. But with zero information about my birth parents - like myself, babies are often left in a public location with only their birthdate - the idea that there could be more to my story isn't all that far-fetched.
A rise in inquiries from others has only served to pique my interest in knowing more. I've been randomly stopped on the street, questioned by curious strangers in elevators. During a teenage hostessing gig at a Japanese restaurant, families from various Asian backgrounds constantly called me over - not to ask for extra napkins, but to ask where I was from. Among Uber drivers, it seems to be a favorite topic of (often uncomfortable) conversation, too. Inviting people to guess has become my default reply, because I'm genuinely interested to know what they think. I've heard everything from Japanese to Korean, Filipino to Hawaiian, and every mixed race in between - but Chinese is rarely anyone's first thought. Regardless of whether we share the same (supposed) background, everyone seems stumped by where I'm from.
Inevitably, I've entertained the idea of ordering a DNA test - and my mom even offered to foot the bill. With sites like Ancestry offering the ability to connect you with other people who share your DNA (cool!) and 23andMe offering the extra benefit of learning about your health . . . well, there have never been more options to choose from when it comes to discovering where you're from. But while I find the opportunities intriguing - and the health option extremely smart, given my unknown family medical history - a conversation I once had with a friend has kept me from taking the plunge. Jokingly, she asked what I'd do if the results came back "100 percent Chinese" and how I'd feel more generally once I finally had the answers. It's then I realized that instead of providing some sort of closure, the potential of both outcomes felt oddly disheartening.
I see my uncommon mix of features and ever-unfolding story as an asset - things that are completely, totally, unquestionably mine.
Knowing next to nothing about my roots has been a never-ending source of confusion in my life; it's been painful, often excluding, and it can leave anyone (especially a child) feeling completely insecure about who they are. For years, race was a subject that made me shut down, internally wishing for information that was impossible to know. But these days, I see my uncommon mix of features and ever-unfolding story as an asset - things that are completely, totally, unquestionably mine. I know I'll never look like another girl in the room, and I think that's actually pretty damn cool.
Of course, taking a DNA test would be helpful. But the lack of information challenges me to learn about myself in far more profound ways than any vials of saliva or percentages on a computer screen can fulfill. Whether it's some form of security blanket or simply that I just like the mystery, I'm now at peace with the "unknown" - and not only is that refreshing, but has become a part of my identity. When you're an adopted kid who shares no physical traits with your family, the things you can own and feel confident about are the ones that become significant. What's really important to me is that, even without any clear answers, I still feel whole. And as an added bonus, I'll always have an interesting way to break the ice.
Throw a Wedding Even Cinderella Would Be Jealous of With These Disney Details
Ah, weddings. Two people coming together to show their undying love to one another, then dancing and drinking Champagne all night. We love a good themed wedding, and right now, we're especially loving Disney-themed weddings. From adding a bit of the couples' favorite movie into the reception to the table assignments being inspired by classic rides at Disneyland, the options are truly limitless when it comes to adding touches of Disney to your wedding. Whether you're looking for something more subtle or something over the top, click through to see some of the ways you can add Disney magic into your very own happily ever after!
24 Ways to Create a Rustic Chic Wedding
Are you imagining a wedding ceremony in a restored barn? Or perhaps a reception in a field of wildflowers? However you envision your big day, elegantly rustic weddings are so on trend right now and there's no shortage of inspiration to draw from. Embrace all things outdoorsy and charming with these 24 chic examples from Be Inspired PR.
18 Things People Regret Doing on Their Wedding Day - Learn From Their Mistakes
Your wedding day can be one of the happiest, most memorable days of your life. But everyone who's planned one knows it can also bring its fair share of stress, chaos, and regrets (did you really need to invite Aunt Edna?). Thankfully for the rest of us who haven't yet tied the knot, other people's mistakes are ours to learn from. In an insightful Reddit thread about wedding regrets, people divulged lots of real-life examples of things they wished they'd done differently, and hearing their honest thoughts will save you from postwedding remorse.
With so much time spent planning months before the day itself, there might be things you forget about once the main event arrives - like eating a good breakfast! If you're just beginning to explore the world of wedding planning or you're curious to see whether you share some of the same frustrations from your experience, read on to see what 18 people shared.
These Grooms Broke Out Into Choreography During Their First Dance, and OMG, Those Moves!
Trust us when we tell you: PJ and Noah aren't regular grooms, they're cool grooms! Some couples take ballroom dance classes to practice for their wedding, but these two, well, they did something spectacular for their first dance as husbands, and they've swept us right off our feet. They started off slow dancing to Morgana King's "It's a Quiet Thing," which is when we imagine they whispered into each other's ears about how the guests had no idea what they were about to witness. Then, what seemed like a technical difficulty unraveled into "Conga" by Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Estefan.
PJ and Noah played it totally cool at first, acting like they were handling the music snafu nonchalantly, but BOOM, just like that, they broke out their greatest moves and the real dance began with songs from Madonna, KC and the Sunshine Band, and more. These two are so talented, and it's clear they put so much love, dedication, and effort into making sure every single guest could feel their passion. We just feel bad for the next couple getting married in their family, because how does anyone compete with that?! To my future husband, I hope you're reading this and practicing your footwork. Watch the mesmerizing first dance above.
I Planned My Wedding in Just 2 Months, and It Was the Best Decision
My 24th birthday will be one that I remember forever. It was the day my then-boyfriend popped the question. His proposal was perfect: he had taken me out to dinner at an elegant restaurant before bringing me back to the waterfront hotel and bar where we had met three years earlier. He ushered me into their largest suite where the candles had already been lit and a birthday cake sat waiting on the table surrounded by a pile of presents. Well, you guessed it. Inside one of those presents was my ring. I was in awe as he proceeded to get down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
Like any bride-to-be, I wanted to start planning immediately. We decided on a Fall wedding - early November when New England is at its most glorious - which gave us a solid 15 months to plan and save.
Exactly one month later, my dad was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, and his prognosis was grim. Once the dust settled, we decided on a new date. The only thing was that it gave us just two months to pull everything together.
With only two months to plan, we didn't have the luxury of stressing over details or feeling cheated out of the things we had to sacrifice in order to make our wedding happen. Having to make sacrifices on your wedding day for the sake of time and budget sounds awful at first. After all, you only get to do this once, right? (At least that's what most starry-eyed brides hope for, anyway.) But in the end, we were forced to sit down and think about what really mattered. For us, it was having the people we loved there to share in our day. Then everything else just fell into place.
We were forced to sit down and think about what really mattered. For us, it was having the people we loved there to share in our day.
Both our church and venue, which normally hosts up to three weddings at a time, were completely open on the day we chose. Since it was only two months away, and the odds of anyone else coming along to book the venue were slim, they gave us their grand ballroom, something typically reserved for events with a minimum of 300 people (a far cry from our 100). And with Christmas less than three weeks away, the entire venue was already beautifully decorated. Once ordered, my gown came in earlier than expected and needed minimal alterations, and the photographer, DJ, and limo service were happy to have some business in their quiet season. In fact, everything went so smoothly that I still wonder why people actually feel the need to spend a year (or more) of their lives planning a party.
So what, exactly, did we sacrifice? Not much. Since it was so close to Christmas, we chose not to burden our friends with the responsibilities and costs associated with being in a bridal party. Instead, we had a maid of honor and a best man. And rather than invite every single person we've ever met, we kept it intimate with just our closest friends and family members. I didn't get the $1,500 bouquet I had originally envisioned, but that's OK because the simple roses that I carried dried nicely and now serve as a decoration on our mantle. Other than that, I can't think of a single thing that we missed having.
Ten years and three children later, there's a lot about my wedding day that I don't even remember. But I'll tell you what I do remember. I remember the look on my dad's face when he walked me down the aisle, and how we were both crying and laughing as we danced to the song he had chosen. I remember my new husband breaking it down on the dance floor to Michael Jackson (I had no idea he actually knew how to dance) and not being able to contain my laughter. I remember one hell of an after party at the hotel bar, complete with a live band, that continued on well into the night in the hallway of rooms that our family and friends occupied. So you see, the invitations, favors, flowers, and centerpieces are easily forgotten. In a couple of years, you won't remember the details of the party you worked so hard to plan. But you will remember the moments - especially if they're the last - you had with the people you love.
After This Couple's Wedding in Tulum, Mexico, They Had the Most Epic Trash-the-Dress Shoot
We've been in awe of some of the trash-the-dress photo shoots we've seen so far, and Roni and Romina felt just as inspired to do the same after their wedding. The couple met at the early age of 16 and didn't reconnect with each other until 20 years later. Clearly, the two hit it off when reuniting since they eventually exchanged vows on a beach in Tulum, Mexico.
After their nuptials, their photographer, Hernán Santiago, began the session in a cenote in the middle of the Mayan jungle. Roni and Romina were fully submerged underwater, making for some incredible shots! They then followed their epic photo shoot with equally beautiful sunset portraits on the beach.
Hernán told us that he loved working with this couple. "So in love, easy-going, and fun to work with," he said. "Favorite part of the shoot was definitely the beach shots; very challenging with the waves and all, but this couple were great and we had some pretty good laughs."
See the photos!
This Barnyard Wizard of Oz Wedding Will Make You Want to Click Your Heels 3 Times
Just when we thought we'd seen all the themed weddings possible, a Wizard of Oz-inspired shoot blew us away like the story's tornado. The styled wedding from BeInspired isn't just your average ode to Dorothy and her friends, either. Monica Relyea Events and a team of fantastic vendors brought the Emerald City to life, and with the utmost elegance at that. On top of a stunning geode cake, decor pieces, and glassware all in green, the shoot was even put together on a farm named Oz. And what's a Wizard of Oz wedding without red shoes and Toto?
See the beautiful photos!
I Solemnly Swear You're Going to Love This Harry Potter Wedding
Who said muggles can't experience the wizarding world of Harry Potter? No one said "Avada Kedavra," but you may die from excitement over this wildly creative Harry Potter themed wedding! This styled shoot was crafted by a community of dedicated Potterheads and one dedicated coordinator. J.K. Rowling's immersive stories come to life at the Malibu Lake Lodge in this darkly gorgeous shoot that was inspired by Harry's father, James Potter, and his friends growing up in the UK during the '70s. For all of the dedicated fans, see if you can spot the horcruxes that pay homage to this magically fan-tastic franchise ahead!
A Woman Surprised Her Girlfriend With a Same-Day Proposal and Engagement Party
Dillon thought she was just modeling with her girlfriend, Hayley, in a styled wedding shoot, but it turned out to be much more eventful than that. The couple posed as a married couple, and they were even able to trick Dillon into wearing a mic for a fake interview for their website. Talk about planning ahead. While she talked about their relationship and the reasons she loved Hayley, Hayley surprised her with a proposal! A sweet engagement party that was already planned without Dillon's knowledge followed. Everything was beautifully captured, and you can't help but tear up when you see the emotional moment that the surprise proposal is revealed. See her reaction and their photos ahead.
Liz and Molly's "Confetti Color Love Extravaganza" Might Just Be Our Favorite Wedding of the Year
From Summer camp to acai bowls, Liz and Molly's love story is romantic, sweet, and fun - and their joy-filled big day is sure to put a smile on your face with its beautiful details, meaningful moments, and copious amount of confetti.
Liz and Molly met as Summer camp counselors in Santa Cruz, CA, and, as Molly put it, "instantly hit it off." Friendship grew into something more, and the two dated - long-distance in the beginning - before Molly found a way to turn their their weekend tradition of eating homemade acai bowls in bed into a proposal. "One morning, I made Liz a special acai bowl with the ring on top of a strawberry," Molly told POPSUGAR. "I brought it to her in bed and told her I put something special on top. (She thought it was chocolate.) Then, as I brought the acai bowl closer, she saw the ring and screamed!"
"Every little detail was done with the intention of bringing colorful joy to everyone!"
Here's what Molly told POPSUGAR about what she calls their "confetti color love extravaganza" at The Fig House in Los Angeles. Keep reading to see all the fantastic details as well, from edible-glitter-topped cotton candy to a surprise flashmob, late-night pizza, and a silent disco. And make sure you watch the wedding video at the end for a story that'll bring on the waterworks.
POPSUGAR: What was your favorite decorative or event detail of the day?
Molly: Our favorite event detail of the day was the significance of hexagons woven throughout our wedding. Story behind the hexagon (words from our ceremony):
"People often say wedding bands are a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end. These rings are different. These rings are in the shape of a hexagon. Hexagons are strong shapes and symbols of union, harmony, and balance. They are the shapes that bees use to house their precious honey, and while one single paper-thin wax hexagon may be small and fragile, when joined together with the tens of thousands of others, it forms a honeycomb that holds dozens of pounds of honey. Just like bees, we become greater when we are open to seeing ourselves as a piece of a bigger puzzle. These rings symbolize the realization that you two are better together than alone."
Hexagons were everywhere on our special day: a wood hexagon altar made by Liz's dad, hexagon tiles as placards, hexagon table numbers, our hexagon wedding rings, hexagon-shaped cookies, and hexagon tiles at The Fig House.
Related: This Wedding's Cityscape Backdrop Was Almost as Gorgeous as the Bride's Twinkly Dress
PS: What was the most emotional moment of the day?
Molly: The most emotional part of the day was hearing each other's vows. They were not traditional vows but rather full-blown speeches to each other. In Liz's vows, she told a story that had EVERYONE in tears. It's about a card from a gas station. The story is told at the start of our wedding video.
One more emotional part was feeling the massive amount of love energy that surrounded Liz and myself from the start of the wedding until the very end. Our guests cheered as we walked down the aisle; there was clapping and cheering during our ceremony; people were screaming when we came out to the song "Bend Ova" by Lil Jon and Tyga; and we were showered in confetti all night on the dance floor as people scooped up confetti from the confetti cannon blasts and poured it on our heads. The feeling of joy was overwhelming in the best way possible.
PS: What inspired the overall look and theme of the wedding?
Molly: The theme of the wedding was color and confetti. Colors make us feel joy, and we wanted that to be the feel of our wedding: joy! When we were picking our venue, we instantly fell in love with The Fig House because it's a colorful paradise. We told all of our guests to wear their most colorful wedding attire, and boy, did they listen! Our florist picked vibrant wildflowers that made the day so bright. Our bridesmaids wore radiant jewel-toned dresses. We hand-selected the brightest colors for the confetti cannon that blasted on the dance floor. Starting from the custom-made colorful invitations and ending with the dance floor being covered in 15 pounds of confetti, every little detail was done with the intention of bringing colorful joy to everyone!
Related: This Gorgeous Halloween Wedding Was Inspired by Disney's Haunted Mansion!
Each Table at This Harry Potter Wedding Reception Is Based on a Hogwarts House!
A little Disney can take any wedding to the next level, but a Harry Potter wedding? Now that's magical. This DIY reception somehow incorporated J.K. Rowling's series without being corny in the least bit. The bride even got a lightning bolt tattoo on the back of her neck at her bachelorette party! See the gorgeous photos ahead.
You'll Never Guess What Stella Maxwell Does With Her Runway Lingerie After the Victoria's Secret Show
Stella Maxwell still feels the same energy and excitement that she did when she walked in her first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, but 2018 marked her fifth. "Every time I do it, it kind of feels like the first time," Stella told me when I visited her at her first fitting, days before she took the runway. "I always appreciate that every outfit is styled and chosen for each specific girl. I always feel like my pieces suit me. [The VS team knows] 'Oh, Stella would love that!' and 'That would look good on her body,'" she told me as we admired the peach, rose-gold-painted wings that Parisian artisan Janaïna Milheiro crafted for her from scratch.
Janaïna actually thinks they might be her favorite wing design ever, even though this year alone, she's making 11 pairs. As soon as Stella laid eyes on them, I can attest to the fact that she literally lit up the room. I watched as Janaïna fiddled with the feathers surrounding the heart-shaped wire on Stella's back, and I talked to her about how she dreams up these incredible masterpieces. Ahead, get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a Victoria's Secret fitting from start to finish, find out how Stella is unwinding with pizza and friends right this moment, and learn what she does with her lingerie post-runway.
After the Victoria's Secret Runway, Bella Hadid Ran Through the Streets in Rad Pink High-Tops
After impressing us all with her lingerie on the Victoria's Secret runway, then changing into a chainmail Julien Macdonald dress with a plunging neckline for the afterparty, Bella Hadid spent some quality time at her own after-afterparty. She ran through the streets with Halsey, who performed at the show, and her boyfriend The Weeknd, who sat next to her mom in the front row, adorably showing his support by standing each time Bella stepped onto the catwalk.
Bella's final outfit of the night was definitely NSFW, the August Getty minidress being entirely sheer and ruched at the sides. But Bella's fun accessories, like emerald Lorraine Schwartz earrings, a sequinned handbag, and of course, those nifty pink Rombaut high-tops, which seem to be a custom design, stole the show. While we may not all have the confidence to spend an evening baring skin for an audience in panties, and then switching into something totally see-through, we'd certainly be down to rock Bella's awesome sneakers with a dress. Read on for another look, then shop some similar kicks.
Say Goodbye to Your Paycheck, Because Disney Announced Another Vans Collection
Vans and Disney are at it again. After joining forces last month to release a collection commemorating Mickey Mouse's 90th birthday, the brands have collaborated once more on a Mickey Through the Decades range. The line will celebrate how the beloved Disney mascot has evolved in the near-century since his inception, and it's set to include a special-edition pair of sneakers, a hat, and a long-sleeved tee. All three of the items are adorned with Mickey Mouse illustrations of years past, so now you have a few more things to go along with those Minnie Mouse sneakers you splurged on a month ago.
The new collection will officially be available to shop at Vans stores and online on Nov. 16. Take a look at a few of the campaign images ahead.
I Love This Flattering Midi Dress From Kohl's So Much, I've Worn It 10 Times in 1 Month
As a shopping editor, I'm a tough sell when it comes to dresses. The piece has to tick all my boxes: flattering, well-made, and versatile. That's why I got so excited when we released the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's Ruffle Smocked Midi Dress ($48, originally $64) - it's everything I could ever want in one design. I ordered it right away and was so pleased with it in person.
The silky-smooth fabric truly never wrinkles; it's one of those hassle-free dresses you can pack for traveling. It's also incredibly flattering. It cinches my waist and lays loosely over my hips. I am wearing a size large in this dress, but my friends of all shapes and sizes have bought it and look amazing. It also comes in extended sizing, so it is truly a piece any woman could incorporate into her wardrobe.
There are so many ways to make this piece work for the office, date night, and even weekend errands.
The smocked top and ruffle sleeves are very on-trend right now, so this dress seamlessly works with my existing wardrobe. I have styled it with a suede moto jacket and booties for work, but I have also worn it with white sneakers and a jean jacket over the weekend. No joke, I have only owned this dress for a month and I have worn it at least ten times. There are so many ways to make this piece work for the office, date night, and even weekend errands.
I can sincerely tell you that this dress has pleased many women I know. Give it a try for yourself! With the holiday season approaching, we could all use a comfy dress like this.
If the LA Lakers Are Sweating, It Might Have to Do With Emily Ratajkowski's Courtside Shoes
It is possible that no one can make a courtside look sexier than Emily Ratajkowski - not when she's wearing this outfit, anyway. The supermodel attended the Lakers game, greeting Nick Jonas, posing for the cameras, and, yep, pouring Peanut M&Ms into her popcorn, as one does. Emily wore double hoop earrings, high-waisted Levi's jeans, a micro crop top, and a thick leather KHAITE belt.
But she also rolled up the hem of her pants to reveal the stars of the show: those eye-catching snakeskin boots with a shapely heel and square toe. Whether your night out consists of basketball, drinks at the bar, or dancing, these kicks deserve a chance to shine this season. Just ask Mary-Kate Olsen (whose style mantra might not be exactly the same as Emily's). Nevertheless, both ladies made room in their wardrobes. Go ahead and join them after the jump.
Alexander Wang Released a Line of Winter Basics With Uniqlo, and Everything Is Under $40
Alexander Wang might have just released his most affordable collection yet. The designer collaborated with Uniqlo on a line of stylish basics all made in the brand's innovative HeatTech fabric, which essentially conserves heat while also being incredibly lightweight. Not unlike something you'd expect from Yeezy, the collection consists of form-fitting bodysuits, tank tops, leggings, and more, in neutral colors like nude and gray - with neon green being the one exception.
Wang previously worked with Uniqlo exactly a decade ago for the brand's Designer Invitation Project. In a statement he said, "Uniqlo are the ideal partners for this collection of innerwear because we share an appreciation of functionality and utilitarianism, and I am thrilled our collaboration has resulted in developing a new HeatTech line." He added, "The perfect place to pick up from where we left off ten years ago."
With prices ranging from $10 to $40, it's highly likely this is about as affordable as Wang's designs will ever get. Shop the entire collection ahead.
We're Living Vicariously Through These Backstage 'Grams of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
It's all happening! The Victoria's Secret Angels have all gathered in New York for the 2018 fashion show. Elsa Hosk is the lucky angel who will be wearing this year's Fantasy Bra, which is worth over $1M! (If you haven't read our interview on how she found out she got the coveted wings, you're missing out.)
While watching the models walk down the runway in their lingerie and stunning wings is definitely a sight to see, we couldn't help but get excited over what was happening backstage. From Sara Sampaio working the camera while getting her hair done to Josephine Skriver and Jasmine Tookes, aka JoJa, posing for selfies, we're rounding up the best behind the scenes moments ahead.
If Hailey Baldwin's Holiday Outfit Is This Downright Sexy, Justin Bieber's in For a Treat
We've been keeping a close eye on Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber's coordinated couple style, especially after their surprise wedding. While we may not know what exactly she's wearing for their first holiday season as a married couple, we have a pretty good idea what Hailey will wear, thanks to Pretty Little Thing's new collection.
The 21-year-old starred in the affordable retailer's holiday collection, posing in an array of sparkly looks. Hailey dripped in sparkles while walking the red carpet for the launch in a silver suit. She styled a daring, low-cut blazer ($45) with a pair of matching wide-leg trousers ($38) perfect for the holiday season. She completed her outfit with bedazzled stilettos and hoop earrings. Read on to get a look at all angles of her outfit and buy her exact same suit or a similar option.
Bella Hadid Wore a Dress With a Plunging Neckline to End All Plunging Necklines
On Nov. 8, Bella Hadid turned up the heat at the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, held in New York. This season, the 22-year-old model stunned in a baby blue lingerie set that featured silver fringe, followed by a sporty black set coupled with a cropped jacket. But her afterparty look? Oh, believe me when I say that it was so damn hot, it could have set the red carpet ablaze.
Once the show ended, Bella changed into a Julien Macdonald halter-neck dress that featured the most plunging of plunging necklines, as well as a thigh-high slit. She accessorized with a small silver pouch, delicate jewelry, mesmerizing emerald earrings, and silver pumps, letting the incredibly sexy design do most of the talking. Read on to take a closer look at Bella's dress, and take a look at what other models wore to the afterparty.
Brace Your Wallets, Because Nordstrom's Fall Sale Is Here!
When we opened up Nordstrom's site this morning, we audibly gasped, because the store's Fall Sale is here! They've taken up to 40 percent off of your favorite everyday pieces and lustworthy designer finds, so you know we had to sort through everything and build our dream shopping cart. If you're looking to add to your Fall wardrobe, or score some deals on products you were already going to buy anyways, you've got to keep reading.
Kiss Your Denim Goodbye: These 11 Comfy Pants Are Perfect For Winter
If you're sick of wearing uncomfortable jeans, it's time to trade them in for a pair of cute and comfy trousers. These loose fitting pants are easy to mix and match with everything you already own, and they're so damn comfy. Whether you're looking for ones to wear to work or on the weekends, we've got you covered. Ahead, you'll find 11 stylish pairs worth buying. Take a look.
I Gave the Bucket Hat Trend a Try, and I've Gotta Say, I'm Sort of a Fan Now
I'm a sucker for trying out new trends. Biker shorts? Tried it. Dealing with my fear of mom jeans? Done it. Pretending to be royalty and dressing up as Kate Middleton for a day? Yep, been there! So, when I saw that bucket hats were suddenly back, you better believe I started dreaming up ways to incorporate this retro piece into my wardrobe.
Funny story: I actually wore my Golf Le Fleur x Converse bucket hat earlier this year, and all my friends poked fun at me saying things like, "Off to vacation in the '90s, I see?" Ironically, everyone now wants to know how to give it a try after seeing it on the Spring 2019 runways at shows like Anna Sui and 3.1 Phillip Lim.
I ended up choosing three different styles of bucket hats - including a vintage Gucci hat from What Goes Around Comes Around ($650), my Golf Le Fleur sherpa hat, and a super cute plaid style from Bybabba ($40) - to really push myself out of my comfort zone and have fun with it.
My overall verdict is that the trend shockingly easy to style. Did I take myself seriously in some of these outfits? Nah. But, more importantly, did I have fun and would I wear them again? Hell yeahhh. Read on to see three easy ways I styled my bucket hats.
The Trendiest November Shopping List You Could Ever Ask For, Right Here
This November, we're looking ahead to party season, thinking about how to balance stylish looks with cozy fits, and accessorizing with warm layers. We're also super excited about the new POPSUGAR at Kohl's drop, which includes staples sophisticated enough for the office and outerwear that feels truly timeless. Whether you're in the market for a new pair of boots, some glamorous jewelry to spice up your evening attire, or even the freshest denim, we're about to inspire you big time.
19 of the Most Perfect Tech Gifts For Him, All Under $50
Even the man who enjoys the simplest things in life can be a hard person to shop for, and when you've got a whole list of gifts to buy, it's hard to make the final decision on what to get. Thankfully, we've got you covered! Behold, 19 perfect tech gifts, all made just for him and your budgeting needs. Get that credit card ready as you look through our ideas!
Mugler Created the Easiest Way to Travel With Fragrance (So Back Off, TSA)
The new Mugler Perfuming Pens in Alien ($24), Aura ($24), and Angel ($24) are genius. They enable overpackers like me the luxury of having a stash of our sexy fragrances to last us through an entire vacation.
The impulse to pack all of my makeup, hair, and skincare products, along with my entire wardrobe, is strong. For my last vacation to Japan, someone working at the airport I was passing through was eyeing one of my cosmetic cases. To say I panicked was an understatement, as I could have sworn that one of my favorite perfumes was in danger of being confiscated. Luckily, it made it through in the clear.
Mugler eliminates that panic with these pens, which come in three scents: Alien (which smells earthy with jasmine, wood, and amber notes), Aura (a blend of sweet vanilla and various woody and floral notes), and Angel (which smells sweet with notes of vanilla and honey). To use them, just uncap, swipe, and take a whiff of the warm, sexy goodness you just unleashed. You only really need one or two swipes per area, as the scent of each sweep is very potent.
So how does Mugler encapsulate its signature scents into these crayons? It's not like typical solid perfumes. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King explained that it is actually the same technology you find in those trendy transparent lipsticks that suspend flowers. "It's made with amid, silica, and a copolymer that seals in the fragrance," she said.
So a huge thanks to Mugler for freeing up space in my suitcase and also getting TSA off my back.
21 Things That Inevitably Happen When You Travel With Kids During the Holidays
My family usually hits the road for the holidays, heading to the beach with my extended family for a vacation that only in the last year (when my son was almost 4 and my daughter was almost 7) began to feel like one. Before that, it was a stressful trip that took so much time and energy to execute that if it wasn't for that alluring Florida sunshine, I might not have gone.
Between buying and wrapping gifts early so I could ship them to our destination in time for Santa's arrival to renting baby supplies we couldn't fit in our suitcases to throwing our rules about screen time and sugar consumption out the window, traveling with kids for the holidays is a jolly sh*tshow. But hey, the holidays are all about togetherness, right? And nothing brings more togetherness than being stuck in a tiny condo for a week (or even better, a car for an eight-hour-plus drive) with your toddlers. If you're planning a trip with your kids over the holidays - to Grandma's house or somewhere more exotic - here are 21 things you need to prepare yourself for.
Michelle Obama Opens Up About Why She'll "Never Forgive" Trump
In Michelle Obama's upcoming memoir, Becoming, the former first lady speaks candidly about everything from the near-decade she spent in the White House to the difficulties she faced while trying to conceive her two daughters. According to a recent book review from The Washington Post, Obama also spends some time discussing Donald Trump's birtherism theory about former President Barack Obama and why she'll "never forgive him" for potentially endangering her family.
Years before being elected president, Trump pushed a conspiracy theory claiming that then-President Obama was born in Kenya. After some prodding from the former Apprentice star, Obama released his birth certificate in 2011, revealing that he was born in Hawaii. Michelle Obama calls the theory "crazy and mean-spirited" in her memoir, claiming that it was "deliberately meant to stir up the wingnuts and kooks."
"What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington?" she writes. "What if that person went looking for our girls? Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my family's safety at risk. And for this I'd never forgive him."
This, of course, isn't all she gets personal about. The former FLOTUS also opens up about marital problems that she and her husband have had in the past as well as her life as an advocate for women and girls. Becoming will officially be out on Nov. 13.
23 Gifts That Will Make Your Best Friend Say, "You Get Me"
Your friends are your chosen family, and this season, let them know how important they are. When you're given something that really shows your personality, it feels incredible knowing the gifter took time to think about you. That's the feeling we're always trying to evoke when we give presents. You're the best best friend, so prove it with one of these 23 picks!
Plane-Friendly Face Masks That Won't Make You Enemies on Your Next Flight
It's one thing to see photos of people masking on a plane on Instagram. It's another to actually try it in real life. Some masks just aren't turbulent-friendly: They could be packed with ultraslick serums that may cause it to slip and slide off of your face. The serums and creams may make their way onto your clothing, or worse, the clothing of a stranger next to you who is just trying to mind their business and get some sleep. Here are our picks for plane-friendly masks that require minimal effort, clean-up, and risk of making enemies on your next 17-hour flight.
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