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 11 novembre 2018
Why Evanna Lynch and Keo Motsepe Make Such a Magical Team on Dancing With the Stars
Evanna Lynch is known by Harry Potter fans as Luna Lovegood, but she's so much more than that. On Dancing With the Stars this season, the Irish actress has been showing a whole new side of herself through dance, and fans are completely spellbound. While there have been plenty of magical performances throughout this season, what people have really come to love is her incredible partnership with Keo Motsepe.
The 28-year-old dancer first joined the show's cast during season 19, but he has really shined during season 27. This season marks the first time Motsepe has made it to the semi-finals, which is in no doubt due to how well he works with Lynch. It's clear the two make a great team, and fans are already rooting for them to make it to the final three (myself included). Ahead of the semi-finals, I had a chance to talk with the pair about everything from their favorite dances to who they would love to compete against for the Mirror Ball Trophy. See what they had to say ahead!
POPSUGAR: Evanna, when you first signed on to Dancing With the Stars, did you seek any advice from past competitors or did Keo give you any advice when you first started?
Evanna Lynch: Oh man, I didn't have any time to reach out to anyone else because I signed on a few days before it started. So, I didn't really get advice [from past competitors], but Keo's first words of advice to me was to just be myself. He said don't try and do the moves the same way other people do it or the same way that he was doing it, like I would have to find my own way to move, and that's something that he's still reminding me. The one thing I also remembered - because I did theater a good lot the past year - and the main piece of advice I was given was to get loads of sleep, and that has proved to be important for this one as well.
PS: I've really loved watching all of your performances together this season. It seems like you two work really great together. What has been your favorite dance so far?
Keo Motsepe: My favorite would be the samba. I think because samba is usually the hard dance with celebrities and with Evanna, every time she's in the studio, she wants to know everything, like tons of technique and how to do things. She's invested in everything and giving her all. I got to the point during the week, I was like, "That's a lot of information. I don't think she can handle that." And then she came on stage and did that, I was like, "Wow! That's my best samba on the show."
EL: I enjoyed the tango. With the intention that I had that week and the choreography Keo had, it just all fit together so well. I think at that point, I was just feeling a bit of frustration like I wanted to prove people wrong, I wanted us to get ahead of the competition, or just ahead of ourselves with what we had previously done. I just went in there with rage/frustration and the dance really gave me a space to express that. And [I enjoyed] the whole thing with being my cat self. I don't usually get to express that either and I fully enjoyed it.
PS: What has been the most rewarding part of this season for each of you?
KM: So many things. For me personally, it's just Evanna's growth. As a teacher and a coach and as Evanna's friend now, you invest everything that you have into someone and you're investing everything that I know and that I teach: the choreography, every moment, and our chemistry. I think our partnership and the growth of Evanna, that's the most rewarding.
EL: For me, it's [having Keo] as a partner because he is so talented and so hard-working and committed and also so creative. The fact that every week he's amazed in me and he thinks that I can do more. I'll be like, "Ugh, I want to be pushed." That's what I said in the first week, I was like, "I just really want to be pushed. I want it to hurt. I want it to feel like I'm growing," and Keo never backed away from that. Having somebody that's that talented and that hard-working to believe in me has really made me believe in myself and it gave me permission to go to places that I haven't gone before and express things I haven't expressed before.
PS: For you Keo, is there a specific moment you are especially proud of Evanna for?
KM: Yes, it's the week after the jazz number, we had a heart-to-heart. We were talking about the jazz number and how she wanted to get high scores and I remember asking the question, "OK, so what are you going to do about it? What are you going to change?" And she goes, "No! I am done pleasing other people, making the judges like me, or this and this. I'm going to do this thing for myself!" I know it's a small thing, but for me that was a breakthrough that Evanna realized she has to do this show for herself. This is her journey. She needs to leave this competition like, "I enjoyed that. That was super fun."
PS: It's been really great watching the two of your work together on the show and grow in your dancing. Why do you think you make such a great team?
KM: She's so open and we just get along. The first time we opened the door, we just clicked and our chemistry just grew. That's what this show does. I was looking at every season, like when me and my partner go home in week two or whatever, and I look at people that grow and I'm like, "Wow, they've become so close. Why is that?" And now, I'm in this position, and this is my first semi-final on the show, and I'm like, "Wow, yeah." You spend so much time with your partner in the studio.
PS: As we are getting closer to the end of the competition, who would you love to see in the final three, in addition to yourselves?
KM: Everyone just brings something different to this season. With these six, everyone is so different and you never know what the audience likes. It's up the audience and we just got to come out hard every Monday and just give everything that we have.
EL: I definitely want to be in the finale with Milo [Manheim] and Witney [Carson]. I love their partnership and I admire their choreography. They just have so much fun together. And then I think Juan Pablo [Di Pace] is such an amazing dancer that they [Juan and Cheryl Burke] definitely deserve to be there. Those would be two that if they're not in the finale, I'd be like "What?" But I admire everyone. I admire everyone's partnership.
Hands-Down the 27 Best Female Country Music Videos of 2018
This year was no doubt the year of women in country. Topping the charts we have regulars like Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert joined by some of our favorite rising stars, like Danielle Bradbery. We also got to see Taylor Swift join Sugarland in a stellar performance for the track "Babe," and Bebe Rexha's collab with Florida Georgia Line was playing everywhere you went. There were songs for everyone, about everything; from love to heartbreak and dare I say taking a dig at past lovers, these girls did not hold back, and it's safe to say we can't wait to see what 2019 has in store for country music. Ahead of next week's 2018 CMA Awards, watch the best country music videos by some pretty phenomenal women, many which are sure to take home a prize.
17 Revelations About Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Straight From the Set
When the onscreen Harry Potter franchise ended its illustrious run in 2011, many fans of J.K. Rowling's story went into immediate mourning; sure we all still have the books to keep us company, but seeing that marvelous, magical world up on the big screen every few years brought with it a special kind of joy. That's what made the hype around the 2016 film adaptation of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them simultaneously so strong and also a little hesitant - could it live up to its predecessors? As you hopefully know by now, it does . . . and then some.
Now we find ourselves just a few short weeks away from the premiere of its sequel, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. So far, the second film has been mired in a bit of controversy, courtesy of star Johnny Depp, who plays titular villain Gellert Grindelwald. But when I visited the sequel's set outside of London late last year, spirits were high, for good reason: the cast and crew were in the midst of creating some serious magic. The second movie in the five-part series aims to be even more dazzling than the first, which was confirmed to me repeatedly by stars like Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, and Callum Turner, as well as director David Yates.
You Don't Need the Power of Three to Grab Any of These 18 Charmed Gifts
Charmed may have been rebooted this year, but that doesn't mean we've forgotten about the original version. The Halliwell sisters charmed their way into our hearts (see what I did there?) with their lovable personalities, relatable everyday struggles, and strong sisterhood. With the holiday season upon us, what better way to bring joy to the heart of a Charmed fan than giving them a little something special under the tree? From fun apparel to stationary repping your Power of Three pride, we have everything you need to celebrate the Charmed Ones.
Related: Charmed Is Getting Rebooted, but Where Is the Original Cast Now?
42 Moments From Elf That Still Fill You With Joy
Struggling with the holiday spirit? We have a solution: The movie Elf is guaranteed to put you directly into a festive mood, every single time. The Will Ferrell-starring holiday flick has everything going for it: it's hilarious, it's sweet, it's totally quotable, and it makes you psyched about Christmas. There are too many good parts of it to name, so we're just going to show them here. Try not to smile too hard, since it's your favorite!
13 Brand-New November Books to Add to Your Reading List
Already finished all of our picks for the best books of October? If so, that's great news, because there are a whole bunch of new books to dive into in November. In addition to the highly anticipated memoir from former First Lady Michelle Obama, there are some heart-pounding mysteries and thrillers, as well as some gorgeous collections of short stories to keep you entertained throughout the last few weeks of Fall. Take a look to see what's new in literature!
Target's Game of Thrones Sock Advent Calendar Will Keep Your Feet Warm When Winter Comes
Take one look at your current sock drawer, and in the wise words of Aerys Targaryen, "burn them all!" Seriously, though. With holiday season upon us, Target has gotten a head start on releasing its 12 Days of Socks Advent calendars, and well, you're really going to want to make some room for this year's products. While Game of Thrones fans patiently await the eighth and final season of the beloved HBO show, Target's feeding our obsession for 12 straight days with its sock-filled calendar.
Keep your feet warm for when Winter comes, because we can all agree that it's going to be a long one. The package features a mix of both low- and crew-cut socks adorned with your favorite Game of Thrones references and quotes. Think: "Mother of Dragons," "I Drink and I Know Things," "Hodor, Hodor, Hodor, Hodor, Hodor," and of course, house sigils. My personal favorite? The Carolina blue "Winter Is Coming" crew-cut pair.
We have a feeling the Game of Thrones 12 Days of Socks Advent Calendar is going to sell out faster than Tyrion Lannister goes through a bottle of wine. Read on to purchase yours, and then, check out the ultimate gift guide for GoT fans.
Thanks to Jimmy Kimmel, Ex Sarah Silverman's Walk of Fame Ceremony Turned Into a Sweet, Hilarious Roast
You would think that having your ex show up at an event you're being honored at would be awkward, right? Well, not for Sarah Silverman. On Friday, the comedian received the 2,649th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and her ex Jimmy Kimmel popped up to show his support. The two happily posed for pictures with Sarah's commemorative plaque and star, and Jimmy even took the stage for a speech.
Jimmy discussed the first time he met Sarah at the Hugh Hefner Friars Club Roast in 2001, saying she called him "fat" with "no charisma." His speech then turned into a hilarious roast as Jimmy went on to make fun of her fashion choices and her getting fired from Saturday Night Live. "Sarah and I dated for seven years with a brief break in the middle . . . after we parted ways, I stopped following Sarah's career, but I heard it went - is going very well." Ouch! Things then took a sweet turn when Jimmy praised Sarah and said she ranks above the great comedians and is "a vastly underrated and excellent actress." John C. Reilly and Sarah's sisters, Laura and Susan, were also in attendance.
Sarah and Jimmy dated on and off from 2002 to 2009. Even though things didn't work out romantically, the two have remained friends. In fact, Sarah stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live in September and gave Jimmy a quick update on her love life following her split from Michael Sheen last year. Jimmy, on the other hand, is now married to producer and writer Molly McNearney, and they have two kids together.
Gossip Girl: These 25 Blair Waldorf Stocking Stuffers Are Fit For a Queen B
When it comes to Manhattan's elite, Blair Waldorf is practically royalty. Not only is she the queen of Constance, but she also practically rules the Upper East Side. If you're a fan of Gossip Girl, then you've probably wished you were Blair at least once in your life . . . or at least had her insane wardrobe. While we might not be able to make the latter happen, there are a few ways you can channel your inner Queen B. From fashionable headbands to perfume, you'll be feeling like Blair Waldorf in no time with these stocking stuffers.
The 1 Thing Sarah Ferguson Misses Most About the Late Princess Diana
When it comes to royal friendships, Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson had one for the books. Though the two were childhood friends, their friendship really made headlines when they both married into the royal family and became sisters-in-law. They were often spotted joking around and having fun during official royal events. Although the two, unfortunately, had a falling out prior to Diana's death in 1997, Sarah still holds the the Princess of Wales in the highest regard.
In a rare interview with Daily Mail, the Duchess of York briefly opened up about her friendship with the late royal. While discussing her daughter Princess Eugenie's recent wedding to James Brooksbank, she admitted that she was incredibly sad that Diana couldn't be there to celebrate. "I thought of absent friends and family; of Diana - but she's with me all the time," she said, adding that what she misses most is "her tinkling laughter."
"Diana was my best friend and the funniest person I knew," she continued. "She had such timing and wit. It was a total joy to be with her because we just laughed and enjoyed life so much, and I know she would have loved the wedding." Read ahead for some of their sweetest friendship moments.
You're Not Crazy - These 10 Actors Are All Over Netflix's Original Content
If you watch a lot of Netflix, you've probably noticed some of the same faces popping up over and over again. Whether it's a new leading man or a pitch-perfect character actor, Netflix often tends to stick with its favorite actors. Given how broad Netflix's programming slate has gotten, covering everything from comedy to horror to historical drama and more, it's a pretty big feat for an actor to appear in multiple shows on the platform. We couldn't even begin to list the actors who have been in two Netflix shows, but there are just a handful who have appeared in even more. Read through to see if your favorites made the list!
We All Know About Royal Weddings - Here's What You Don't Know About Royal Anniversaries
British royal weddings are anything but low-key, but royal wedding anniversaries are surprisingly chill (unless, of course, it's a major anniversary milestone and you're the Queen of England). From shared dates to unexpected gifts, royal anniversaries have some strange occurrences, despite how little they're talked about (and how few royals seem to stay married). In honor of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's impending 71st wedding anniversary on Nov. 20, here are 10 wild tidbits about royal wedding anniversaries we bet you haven't heard before.
Sarah Ferguson Considers This Her Proudest Moment at Princess Eugenie's Wedding
Sarah Ferguson is one proud mother! Nearly a month after Princess Eugenie's wedding to James Brooksbank, the Duchess of York opened up to Daily Mail about some of her favorite moments from the big day. While she admitted that she never really understood why mothers of the bride cried during wedding ceremonies, it all became clear to her when she watched her own daughter walk down the aisle. "It's because it's so amazing to think your daughter is now grown up, leaving home and starting her own life," she said.
In fact, it didn't take too long before she started tearing up. "I'd just sat down in the chapel and everyone saw me go 'Phew' because I'd managed not to slip over in my high heels; then I looked across and saw my sister [Jane], and I watched her face and there were tears - and I'm doing it again, I'm welling up now," she said.
While the day was incredibly emotional for her, she admitted that she was especially proud of Eugenie for showing off scars from her scoliosis surgery. "My proudest moment was watching Eugenie standing tall, very proud to show her scoliosis scar in her low-backed dress," she said. "I'd gone to all the fittings and sat there beaming with delight, and because there was no veil it was a very strong statement." See more photos of Sarah at Princess Eugenie's wedding ahead.
The Best Gifts For Kids Under 10 Years Old in 2018
It's been a whirlwind of a year, but we're now ready to kick off the holidays! If you've got a little one on your list but don't know where to begin, don't fret! We've got you covered with age-specific gift ideas from birth through 9 years old, including some of the trendiest toys of the year.
Click through for the perfect picks for all the kiddos in your life!
- Gifts For Infants
- Gifts For 1-Year-Olds
- Gifts For 2-Year-Olds
- Gifts For 3-Year-Olds
- Gifts For 4-Year-Olds
- Gifts For 5-Year-Olds
- Gifts For 6-Year-Olds
- Gifts For 7-Year-Olds
- Gifts For 8-Year-Olds
- Gifts For 9-Year-Olds
My Son's School Made a No-Phone Rule For Parents, So Consider Us Rightfully Shamed
A couple of months ago, I attended my parent orientation at my son's preschool. This wasn't my first go-around at this particular school; in fact, it was my fifth (my daughter attended the school for three years, and this is my son's second year). I basically only went out of mom guilt, feeling like I should make an effort since this is my last year as a preschool parent, but I certainly didn't expect to hear anything new, and certainly nothing surprising.
At first, I was slightly offended. Was she saying that we collectively cared more about our Instagram feeds and incoming texts than our children? But her explanation made total sense.
I was pretty zoned out through most of the director's speech, noting when she made the same joke about "don't believe everything they tell you about us, and we promise not to believe everything they tell us about you," which is totally true, but not quite as funny the fifth time around. Once she got to the rules portion of the program, I tuned in a bit more, knowing my son can be a bit of a handful. Yes, I knew preschoolers had to walk, not be carried, into school. And I knew the rule about no toys from home and the one about easy-off pants for potty breaks.
I was about to mentally check out again when she announced a new rule, one that did surprise me: parents would not be allowed to be on their phones at pick up or drop off. If the director saw you typing or scrolling away while waiting with or for your child, she'd ask you to put away your phone. Repeat offenders would be asked to hand over their phones while in the building.
At first, I was slightly offended. Was she saying that we collectively cared more about our Instagram feeds and incoming texts than our children? But her explanation made total sense. "You have just a few minutes before, but mostly after, school to connect with your preschooler. When they walk out of their classrooms, they're dying to tell you about the craft projects they made, the games they played, the friends they sat next to, but after that few-minute window, they're on to the next thing, and you're going to get nothing from them."
From experience (like I said, fifth year of preschool here), I knew she was right. I carpool with a neighbor to preschool, and on the days I pick up my son, he exits his classroom jabbering about all the details of his three-and-a-half-hour school day. Five minutes later, he's already moved on to begging for a Happy Meal and trying to decide whom he should invite to his birthday party in three months. On the days when he's dropped off at home by my neighbor 10 minutes after school lets out, I can barely get more than a "it was fun" out of him.
Of course, the truth of this small window should be something we parents discover on our own, as we engage with our kids before and after their school days, but the reality of daily life is that yes, many of us are guilty of being distracted during that window by our girlfriends texting to ask if we saw last night's This Is Us. I know I've been that parent more than once.
The no-phones rule is a reminder of just how fleeting the time with our little ones really is, and how few the moments to connect with them about important things like learning the alphabet or developing friendships truly are. To soak them all in, I'll put away my phone without complaint. I'm just happy someone reminded me to do so.
Here's How Much You Should Tip Your Nanny For the Holidays
The holidays are that happy time of year when you inevitably get stressed about what perfect gift to get your kids, partner, in-laws, friends, neighbors, kids' teachers, and, yes, nanny. Luckily for you, there's a pretty easy answer as to what to give the latter: cash.
Like hairdressers and housekeepers, nannies often depend on bonuses. Still, it's not always easy to figure out exactly how much to give during the holiday season. But here's a good rule of thumb from the Emily Post Institute: full-time domestic help, such as a cook, nanny, or personal caregiver, should receive between a week's and a month's pay, plus a gift. Meanwhile, childcare finder Care.com says one week's salary is the norm but acknowledges that some families give more or less.
Of course, this depends on a number of factors, including your financial situation, the number of children you have, the demands of your nanny's job, and how long they've worked for you. If any of these numbers are higher than average, then it's wise to consider giving more than just one week of extra pay. You also might be extra generous if you're trying to keep them around for a while!
Aside from a cash bonus, a thoughtful gift - think a gift certificate to their favorite store or restaurant - from the children can go a long way. Personal, handmade items, such as drawings or baked goods, are another good option. Finally, any gift or tip should always be accompanied by a short, handwritten note of appreciation - after all, they do put up with a lot from your kiddos all year.
Attention, Pet-Lovers: These Gifts Are Perfect For the Paw-lidays
Happy paw-lidays, howl-idays, and everything in between to all the pet-loving people out there! The holiday season is just another great reason to shower the four-legged friends in your life with treats, toys, and top-notch goodies.
The pet-lover on your holiday list needs something that will double as a present for them and their furry family member, and these presents do just that. With everything from personalized pet portraits to hats specially for cats, we have something for everyone to enjoy.
Happy shopping, Santa Paws!
Behold: The Cute and Cozy Clothes We're Living in This Winter
If you're on the hunt for a few new cute and cozy pieces to get you through Winter, Loft is here to save the day. The affordable retailer carries so many pieces that you can mix and match with everything you already own. Plus, they're so comfortable and perfect for running errands and taking the kids to school. To save you time shopping (because who has time for that?), we rounded up 15 picks worth buying. Keep scrolling to find your match.
I Believed in Santa Until 5th Grade and I’m Not the Least Bit Embarrassed
The first time my lanky Jewish father put on a red Santa suit and knocked his slender frame throughout the house, I must have been a toddler. He wore all of the key accessories one would come to expect of Santa - the hat, the red suit, and the long, unmistakable beard. I couldn't get over his eyes, though. "Santa's eyes look just like daddy's," I'd told my mom the first time I met Mr. Clause.
There's something to be said about good performance art.
While Dad's showmanship eventually petered out and he became the Skipping Christmas-reading man I'd later come to know, I was impressionable and believed that I'd met the real Clause once. I needed to nurture our relationship somehow.
I decided to write him letters. Second grade. Third grade. Each December I penned notes to the legend, asking him for Christmas presents, and then, in fourth grade, buried at the bottom of a note - I smile remembering this - I asked him to "Please make Michael Anderson like me." Capital P. Yes, as adolescent hormones were getting the best of me, Santa was the only person well suited to deal with my pre-teen heartache. Evidently I mistook Santa for Dear Abby.
As adolescent hormones were getting the best of me, Santa was the only person well suited to deal with my pre-teen heartache.
Fifth grade was the tipping point. After seeing the leggy Suzanne Somers shill her miracle-working Thighmaster on TV, and convincing myself that if I had one, Michael Anderson would most certainly requite my love, I wrote to Santa my mom and asked for one. They could only be purchased over the TV, I explained, so he'd need to put the order in quickly. Along with my purchase order came another note. I plead with him to make this the year that Michael liked me back. And, if he could, "please also get my mom this pretty jewelry box she saw on QVC because she really deserves it."
Boom. That's how you unknowingly lay in the guilt. Up until that point in my career as a devout Santa-believer, my mom ate these letters up, getting a pure kick out of how much weight I'd given to Dad's Santa shtick. When that Christmas came and went, and a classmate made a flip comment about how no one believed in Santa anymore, I finally went to my mom for the truth.
She couldn't bare to lie to me any longer. Having become so mature and self-aware that I was using Santa's ear to ask him to buy presents for my mom made her feel immense guilt. Plus, I was now starting to ask for things that couldn't be purchased easily (how the heck was she going to get a Thighmaster?). This all told her that the right thing to do was to sit me down for a talk.
She sat me down on the couch, took a deep breath, and softy placed her hands on my knees. "I already have a jewelry box, honey."
Parents, Forget That Damn Elf and Give Yourself the Gift of Shiraz on the Shelf This Holiday Season
Back in the Summer of 2016, Dena Blizzard of One Funny Mother made every single parent pee their pants with her video spoofing the then-viral game Pokémon Go with her own creation, Chardonnay Go (now an actual board game). Last year before school started, she had every mom and dad nodding their heads profusely as she wandered the aisles of Target talking about school supplies. This year, folks, the mom has absolutely outdone herself with the creation of "Shiraz on the Shelf," an adults-only alternative to Elf on the Shelf - and yes, it's completely real.
The "tongue-in-cheek parody of the holiday season's much loved/hated elf" comes as a gift set that includes a large wine glass and hilariously illustrated booklet telling the story of the Shiraz on the Shelf, aka "the tale of a magical fairy filling the glass each night" for parents who need to indulge in a little self-care during the holiday season.
"Shiraz on the Shelf is an ideal gift for everyone on your list, but especially the harried, under-appreciated moms out there who might need a little help to survive the holidays. Wine not included, but highly encouraged," reads a press release for the hysterical product. However, Shiraz on the Shelf - which will retail for $30 - comes with a disclaimer: "Shiraz on the Shelf will NOT help wrap presents, bake cookies, or make your family nicer. It WILL give you something to look forward to after a long night of doing EVERYTHING, while your family does NOTHING and expects presents on Christmas morning."
Still sounds more than worth it to me! Check out the video above to learn more about the product, and visit Dena's store to purchase the gift set and get your Shiraz on.
Your Whole Family Will Love These Matching Elf on the Shelf Pajamas
Nothing quite signals the beginning of the holiday season for families like Elf on the Shelf. As the mischievous elf begins appearing on bookshelves, in kitchen cupboards, and anywhere else he can keep an eye on your little ones, it's time to start the countdown to Christmas morning. This year, carry the Elf on the Shelf tradition through to another classic Christmas ritual: pajamas! And what better way to amp up the excitement for the holidays than with matching pajamas for everyone in your family? From the youngest child to the oldest adult, these Elf on the Shelf pajamas will have everyone getting into the holiday spirit - even the Elf doll himself!
These Personalized Gift Sacks For the Holidays Will Seriously Up Your Santa Game
Despite promises to keep presents to a minimum and not go too crazy, without fail, my tiny living room is overrun with gifts each Christmas (I have a large Italian family). Since there's no way I'm going to turn into the Grinch and cancel the holiday (and I'm definitely not buying a bigger house anytime soon), I've needed to be on the look out for a solution to containing all those boxes. Enter these adorable and personalized gift sacks ($24-$32) from Etsy. Much like Santa's sack of presents, these let you give your kids their gifts in a fun and creative way. Another bonus? They'll probably want to keep the sack since it has their name on it, which could mean a sneaky way to keep their rooms clean from now on! Keep reading to see more of the present sacks, and get ready to take out your wallet.
Ali Fedotowsky Got Candid About Her Postpartum Body - and We're Loving Every Word
Former Bachelorette contestant Ali Fedotowsky knows how easy it is to get caught up in how your body used to look after giving birth. In a moving Instagram post, the mom explained that while it's hard not to notice that new wrinkle or stretch mark, it's best not to pay it any mind. And frankly, it's the reminder that every mom needs.
"Self-love is a difficult thing to fully embrace," she wrote. "When I look at myself in the mirror I can't help but notice that my hips are wider than they used to be, my wrinkles are deeper than when I was in my 20s, and my stomach has lumps and bumps that didn't used to be there."
Although it's always easier to be extremely self-critical - motherhood is no easy feat, after all - it's important to embrace and celebrate the physical battle scars of parenting.
"But then I try to remember that my hips are wider because they give birth to two beautiful children," she said. "My wrinkles are deeper because I've spent countless sleepless nights making sure my kiddos are cared for, fed, and loved. And my belly is extra squishy because it spent 18 months making sure two sweet little babies had a place to call home. Sometimes what we see as 'flaws' on the outside, are actually what make us stunningly beautiful on the inside."
In True British Fashion, Prince Charles Reads Harry Potter to His Grandkids - With 1 Extra Touch
Lest you think the royal family was unrelatable, it appears the British monarchy has a bedtime ritual quite similar to one shared by countless kids around the globe. Prince Charles treats his three grandchildren - Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3, and Prince Louis, 6 months - to readings from the beloved J.K. Rowling book series Harry Potter.
"He reads Harry Potter and he can do all the different voices, and I think children really appreciate that," Charles's wife, Camilla, said in a BBC One documentary titled Prince, Son & Heir celebrating his 70th birthday. "He will get down on his knees and crawl about with them for hours, you know, making funny noises and laughing, and my grandchildren adore him . . . absolutely adore him."
Perhaps that's why Prince William wants his dad to spend more quality time with the family.
"I would like him to have more time with the children," Will said in the documentary. "Having more time with him at home would be lovely, and being able to, you know, play around with the grandchildren. What he's there, he's brilliant, but we need him there as much as possible."
Please Stop Whatever You're Doing and Peep These Photos of a Cat Wearing a Jean Jacket
I found a tiny denim jacket at goodwill pic.twitter.com/xRpr0ZEX8Q
- alysse (@alyssemazakian) November 4, 2018
Alysse Mazakian, a college student at the University of Texas Film & Advertising, knows that her tabby cat Oliver has the potential to be a fashion icon. In a now-viral tweet, the proud cat mama shared how she put a shopping spree to good use by finding a tiny denim jean jacket in Oliver's size for $1 - and thankfully, she included some photos of him showing it off.
This future "momager" captioned the pictures: "I found a tiny denim jacket at goodwill," and naturally, her tweet instantly went viral. So far, the photos of her kitty have racked up 307,000 favorites and more than 86,000 retweets. At the end of the day, Oliver can wear a jean jacket better than anyone who ever even existed in the '80s. Sorry, not sorry!
Related: 30 Photos of Kitties Sitting on Glass Tables That Will Make Your Day a Zillion Times Better
Anna Faris and Chris Pratt Won't Live More Than 5 Miles From Each Other Because They're Coparenting Pros
Despite the fact our hearts practically shattered the moment we found out Anna Faris and Chris Pratt were calling it quits, they're proving to be experts when it comes to coparenting their 5-year-old son, Jack. In court documents obtained by Entertainment Tonight, Chris and Anna agreed to live within five miles of each other for the next five years, until Jack finishes the sixth grade. While both parties can break the agreement if absolutely necessary, they're required to give the other person three months' notice.
Moreover, the document also noted that both parents will share custody of Jack and would be waiving both the right to spousal and child support. Instead, they've decided to maintain a joint bank account for their son's expenses and will make decisions together concerning Jack's extracurricular activities and medical needs.
"Anna and Chris have always maintained a respectful relationship after breaking up," an anonymous source told Entertainment Tonight last week. "From the beginning, their main focus has been their son, Jack. Anna and Chris support each other in their new relationships and want one another to be happy."
24 Spellbinding Harry Potter Gifts For Every Fan on Earth
There are an infinite number of ways to show your love for Harry Potter, and what better time to do it than during the holidays? If you're in need of a few gifting ideas, we did the hard work for you. From Hogwarts-themed bath towels to phone cases and wine tumblers, you'll have to be careful, or you might end up wanting a few for yourself. Shop these magical products ahead.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Nguyen and Ann Marie Alcantara
Bippity Boppity Boo, This Disney Princess Wedding Is a Dream Come True!
Life is not a fairy tale - but your wedding can be one. Photographer Yohanna Wendt decided to put together the perfect Disney-princess-styled wedding shoot, featuring an ensemble cast inspired by all the classic Disney princesses. Even the setting was fit for royalty: the shoot took place in an actual castle! Yes, these stunning photos were taken at The Ashley Castle in Chandler, AZ.
Disney fans will appreciate the level of detail that went into this breathtaking bridal shoot. For instance, Princess Jasmine's jeweled headpiece and classic banded bubble braid ponytail make her look straight out of Aladdin. Princess Aurora's light-pink gown is a more subtle nod to Sleeping Beauty. Despite each princess having a different look, they all look stunning together, too, for one cohesive and beautiful wedding shoot. "Disney princesses in real life need the perfect venue and dress for their once-in-a-lifetime wedding day! Dreams do come true when you have all the right pieces come together to showcase the love that is blossoming in your life," said Yohanna. We couldn't agree more.
Keep reading to see the dreamy shoot.
How 1 Transgender Military Veteran Stays Hopeful, Even on the Darkest Days
Image Source: Getty / Kimberly White
When Laila Villanueva began serving in the US Army in late 2003, she had not yet come out as a transgender person. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was in full effect. In order to serve, she'd have to hide her truth. The decision to join the military came from a long tradition of service in her family; her father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all had done the same. "It was a no-brainer for me growing up," she told POPSUGAR over the phone in late October. "I had kind of suppressed the desire to express myself as effeminate, as a woman. I made that sacrifice because I wanted to be part of this legacy."
Villanueva, now Ireland (she married Senior Airman Logan Ireland in 2016), went on to serve in the Army for 12 years before medically retiring in 2015. In that time, she was able to witness the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - she does note, though, that the repeal only really applied to sexuality and not gender identity. She also made a life-changing decision: to come out, to own her identity, and to participate in a revolutionary documentary that could put her entire career, her family, and her life at risk.
In 2012, codirectors Gabriel Silverman and Fiona Dawson began to chronicle the lives of four transgender military service members. TransMilitary focuses on those who, in addition to risking their lives for our country, must fight for the right to serve openly with their authentic gender identity. Both Villanueva and Logan Ireland are featured subjects, along with Captain Jennifer Peace and First Lieutenant El Cook. The documentary will air on Logo TV on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. Watch the full trailer for TransMilitary below, then join us as we discuss why the timing couldn't be more perfect.
POPSUGAR: I'm curious about your own journey. Were you able to find your footing OK as a transgender soldier? Were you able to foster respect among your peers?
Laila Ireland: I endured going to basic training and being among all males and doing part of that journey. But once I got out of basic training and schooling for my particular job, I found camaraderie among other service members. What I learned about being in the military was that every person that was on the team that I was part of came from a different background. They came from different cultures, they came from different lifestyles, and everyone celebrated those differences. We brought something different to the table, and that's what made up our team and that's what makes us successful is that we were all different, very unique.
Part of doing this film and being a part of this movement was that it was an understanding that no one else is going to step up to talk about these things. So I made a sacrifice, understanding that if no one else is going to do it, who is? And I was willing to sacrifice my career, my livelihood with my family, everything that I had built up for in my service. I was willing to sacrifice that for people like me who will come after me, to be able to serve openly, to have a smooth process being in the military, and just having the same camaraderie and family.
"We just want people to see that we are people too. We have jobs. We go and do them every day, just like anyone else. We're very regular. We just want to be like everyone else."
PS: That's so incredible.
LI: Thank you. Fiona Dawson and Gabriel Silverman and Jamie Coughlin were able to capture the moments that really made sense to people in general. And what you'll find in this documentary is that it's really relatable. We try not to talk about politics. We just want people to see that we are people too. We have jobs. We go and do them every day, just like anyone else. We're very regular. We just want to be like everyone else. We have families who have the fears of their children growing up and what they're going to turn out to be and what they're going to do with their lives. This is a film that really highlights those things.
I feel like I can speak on behalf of the rest of the cast members in the film. Our families are very supportive. We are very lucky to have that. Not everyone in the LGBT community is afforded that same opportunity, the same support, during a transition or during just the journey of coming out. And so we're very fortunate.
PS: Well, first of all, thank you for your bravery in serving in the military and for your bravery in putting yourself out there for this project. When you started this project, I'm sure you couldn't have imagined how things would be in 2018, right? I'm curious how it feels to kind of be able to put this project forward in such a divided time and such a scary time.
LI: Thank you for asking that question. I think it's important to remember, even though TransMilitary talks specifically about transgender people in the military, this is not about the transgender movement. It's about just humanity in general. And like you said, we live in a very troubling, very scary time, but when I go out and talk to audiences, I always talk about living of different intersectionalities of my life. Being a person of color, being a transwoman, being a veteran, being [an] Asian-American Pacific Islander, being Hispanic. Just all these things.
The film's premiere on television is extremely important and couldn't come at a better time. We are at the forefront of this fight for equality, for the right to exist. And by sharing our stories and our struggles and obstacles and being visible, not only are we writing history, but we're creating it to be shared in the future by our future. I believe in and have fought for an America that was built on diversity, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless who they love, how they identify, and how they pray. It is important that we tell our stories, that we impart the language of the forces, that we represent and uplift. This is the reality that we choose, and we want to show the world that these actions truly have a larger impact for our success as people - every step, every word, every action.
PS: I think the general attitude is that this sort of oppression and attack on rights and attack on bodies, it's been happening for a long time. It's only just now that the general public is aware of it, right? Even though there are still atrocities happening every day, are you glad that at least it's becoming a national conversation?
LI: Absolutely. If you really look at it, we haven't really moved that far forward from African-Americans having equal rights. We haven't really moved really much forward from women having equal rights. It just seems like we're moving backwards. It baffles me. It's so crazy that we're still living in this time and we're still fighting for it. But again, this big thing now is we've awoken a sleeping giant . . . the conversation that has always been there. But now they are seeing like, "OK, they're really coming. Now what do we do?" Yes, it's scary, but wake up, people. It's happening. The time is now.
PS: What do you do on the days when you feel like it's kind of an unwinnable battle?
LI: Those days have come so often that oftentimes I have to just go home, sit back, and let everything sink in and see what my next move is going to be. I'm only one person, and if I can inspire other people . . . I'm doing the work, right?
In short, I guess, sometimes it is really tough. It's been overwhelmingly crazy. To kind of just sit back and look at everything and say, "Am I doing enough?" But I'm absolutely reassured by the people that I speak with or just by telling my story. The response that I get over social media or just in general in person - people that I never thought would otherwise even think about wanting to care about such a subject are reaching out and saying, "I'm so sorry."
People that I never have spoken to or have never met in my life have reached out on social media to say, "Hey, I'm checking on you. How are you? How are you doing? Is everything OK? I saw what happened in the news. This is a thing, and I'm sorry that this is happening." These are people that I have never met. So it just reassures me that what I'm doing is good, and it keeps me motivated, and it keeps me driven.
PS: Sounds like, on the darkest days, you just look for the light spots wherever you can.
LI: I do. Yeah. You just have to.
PS: Do you think that we'll ever be able to change the minds of the people who we perceive to be against us, on the opposite side of us?
LI: I truly believe that we are doing that. We are changing hearts and minds. What we see that is portrayed in the media is often people having reactionary participation in and influenced by what's going on on social media, right? But the majority of people are understanding. They are loving . . . I don't think it's something that we are wasting our time on. We have to be visible in order for change to happen. We have to create the world that we want to see and be in. [My husband, Logan Ireland,] and I want to raise a family, and we didn't want our kids to come into this world how it is now. We want them to be able to be free and express themselves the way that they want without having any consequence to it. We just want them to be able to just be and be happy, and so we have to continue the work.
PS: What can we do today to make a better tomorrow?
That's the question, right? What can we do? If we just live in the community, I think we have learned everything that we need to know when we were in kindergarten. Be nice to others, treat others how you want to be treated, share your things, right? These are fundamental things that we learn in kindergarten. But when it comes to such movements in this current climate, I think the best thing to do is speak up when something is wrong, obviously within reason. We want people to be safe. We want people to be able to react in such a way that helps other people without harming them even more.
It's sitting and listening to people tell their stories, and to hear the other side. It's easy to react and respond when emotions and opinions are heated. It really is just easy, but it's even harder to sit there and really try to understand someone, whether you agree with them or not. I think it's important to really understand people for who they are. And love them as you would love your brother or your mother or your father, even love them as your own. And when time calls for people to react as a whole, as a society, definitely choose to be on the right side of history. We don't want to go backwards because what happens when we go backwards is that we have to do even more work.
I think the generation now is just leading us to the front. These young kids are leading us to the front of what needs to be the next evolution. And I'm happy to be a part of that. I really am.
50+ Target Finds Under 50 Bucks For Your Boyfriend - He's Gonna Love 'Em
So, what exactly do you get your boyfriend for the holidays without looking like you tried too hard, overthought it for months, or called his mother on the phone last week and asked what he wanted? Yeah, it's a question we have all asked ourselves at one point or another.
To keep your relationship casual, cool, and right where you want it this holiday season, get your guy some of these fun and thoughtful gifts from Target. Shop our picks for the best boyfriend gifts ahead!
Related: 150+ Presents You Can Get For Everyone on Your List - All From Target!
Attention, Snow Shredders: Hit the Slopes at the Top Ski Destinations Trending This Winter
Bring on the twinkling lights, festive music, and just about anything pumpkin flavored. The arrival of the holiday season usually delivers frosty temperatures along with it, and you know what that means, adventure-seeking travelers. It's nearly time to bust out the ski gear and hit the slopes! To help you decide which mountain to conquer this Winter season, we're bringing you the top trending ski destinations for the 2018 holiday season and into the new year, according to data from travel search engine Kayak. Fresh powder, here we come!
Score Major Points With 21 Gifts For Meeting the Family
When you're meeting your significant other's family for the first time over the holidays, the pressure can be on to bring something memorable - in a good way. So if you find yourself in that boat, we've got some gift ideas to make a great first impression and keep the meet-up stress free. Check them out now!
5 Ways the Mixed-Bag Midterms Represented Real Change
The midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 6, were nothing short of historic. We saw Democrats reclaim control of the House for the first time in eight years, and several candidates across the country delivered historic wins for diverse representation. From the first Native American women - including the first LGBTQ+ Native American woman - elected to the House, to the youngest women ever elected to Congress, to the first openly gay US governor, the midterm elections reflected key progress for inclusivity. For the first time ever, more than 100 women have been elected to Congress, and that number could very well go up; as of the morning of Nov. 7, races are still being decided.
These victories amount to a Congress that looks more like our increasingly diverse nation. When white men comprise just 32 percent of the US population, there's no reason for them to hold 65 percent of all elected offices, and because of last night, we're closer to achieving parity. As a result of the historic victories of women and diverse candidates, powered in no uncertain terms by an influx of female volunteers and grassroots donors, we can be certain to see change.
That's because there are concrete, documented differences between female legislators and their male counterparts, from the issues they're more likely to work on to their levels of productivity. Female legislators on average introduce and pass nearly double the number of bills of male legislators, while primarily focusing on key, too-often-neglected domestic issues like health care, education, and civil rights. Frankly, female legislators' ability as candidates to overcome all the sexist barriers and hurdles that male candidates don't face lead to many female legislators being more skilled and tenacious in general. In a country where white male Republicans have been responsible for an estimated 75 percent of antichoice legislation in state legislatures, the election of more - and Democratic - women could be pivotal to protecting key women's rights, in an era fraught with uncertainty from the Supreme Court composition.
Here are some of the most impactful wins for diversity and American women from the midterm elections.
16 Gifts For People (Seriously) Obsessed With Pizza
Pizza is a way of life. That's not an opinion - it's a fact. If you know a girl whose heart is made of gold and stomach is filled with pizza, we've found the perfect gifts for her. Keep reading to see our 16 favorite pizza-themed gifts in all of their triangular splendor.
Related: 33 White Elephant Gifts Your Friends Will Actually Love
9 Unique Fall Festivals Around the World
Fall may be about harvests and pumpkin spice everything, but there's a whole lot more going on that is worth checking out. There are also festivals around the world that you should add to your bucket list. Some of them are in far-reaching corners of the globe, so they may just be an excuse to plan a trip!
What It's Like to Live in a Hurricane's Destruction After the World Stops Caring
Hurricanes are nothing new to the Florida Panhandle. A lot of people around Panama City, where I live, consider hurricane season a fifth season that falls somewhere in between Summer and Fall. When the news stations go haywire, we throw hurricane parties and stock up on booze and snacks. We roll our eyes and snicker because we know that we'll get a few days off from work and have some extra bonding time with our friends. Worst-case scenario, we lose power for a day or two and see a few street signs blown down.
With the exception of Hurricane Opal in 1995, Bay County's track record has been good for so long that I often wondered when our lucky streak would finally end. I never could have imagined that when it did, it would be this detrimental.
If I were to make a guess, I'd say that 90 percent of all Bay County residents did not evacuate for Hurricane Michael. That's close to 170,000 people who endured winds peaking at 155 MPH.
In less than 20 hours, the storm went from cautionary to life altering.
Judging from afar, people will probably question our decision to stay. They might even go as far as to say it's our own fault. But what most people don't realize is that our City Center was not ordered to evacuate. Only the areas in threat of storm surge were - primarily our beach and anyone living in mobile homes. The irony is that most of our beach residents evacuated inland to Panama City, and Panama City was demolished.
Also, keep in mind that Hurricane Michael underwent major changes between 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, and 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct 10, and was upgraded from a category 2 to a category 4 storm. By the time it made landfall about 12:30 p.m., it was one notch away from being a category 5. In less than 20 hours, the storm went from cautionary to life altering. It changed so quickly that it was too late for people to get out. The hurricane's force was compared to a massive EF3 tornado (the third most devastating tornado). In terms of pressure, Hurricane Michael is the third most intense hurricane to hit the mainland United States, after Hurricane Camille in 1969 and an unnamed Labor Day hurricane in 1935.
In Panama City, we were fighting to survive while the rest of the world was back to business as usual.
My neighborhood was hit hard, just as hard as my mother-in-law's, my parents', my best friend's, my third grade teacher's. There wasn't an area of our city that wasn't heavily impacted. My family (four adults, one 4-year-old child, and two dogs) rode out the storm in my 1,400-square-foot home. It was terrifying, to say the least. Trees crashed around us, the walls shook with fury, and the wind whistled in our ears like a freight train. If we lost our roof, we devised a plan to sit in my car, which was parked under my carport. It wasn't much of a plan, but it was all we had. We got lucky and didn't lose our roof.
I later discovered that my friend, who lives one street over, did. She, her husband, their 5-year-old, and their 18-month-old huddled in their car during the worst part of the storm after their roof had collapsed. Another friend of mine lost her roof along with the safety of her car. She had no choice but to run outside, into flying debris, falling trees, and monstrous winds, to take cover at their neighbors' across the street. My friend Christy and her husband were trapped inside their home for three days after the storm with their 2-month-old and their toddler. By the time they were rescued, they were down to one bottle of water and no ice. The horror stories are endless.
Overnight, our town was transformed into a weather-beaten war zone. The first week of living in post-Michael conditions felt like living in apocalyptic times. I expected zombies to appear at any moment.
Overnight, our town was transformed into a weather-beaten war zone.
We had no running water, meaning we couldn't flush the toilets. We couldn't wash our hands, either; we had to ration the bottled water we had left for other things - like drinking. After the storm, we moved to my parents' house, where there is a pool. We often rinsed our hands in the black, murky, possibly snake-infested pool water, and then we used hand sanitizer to kill the germs. We obviously had no power, and no power means no air conditioning in 100-degree Florida weather. It also meant no street lights, no home lights, no refrigerators, and no way to charge our cell phones. Not that cell phones were of much use: more than 60 percent of all Bay County residents were left with zero wireless service. We had no way of contacting one another to see who was OK and instead drove around looking for loved ones. But driving around was dangerous, and there was no gas to refill the tank, so we couldn't drive far. If you were lucky enough to have a generator, you didn't have enough gas to run the thing. There was zero access to health care: our hospitals and clinics were demolished, and nurses and doctors were trapped inside their own homes.
But perhaps the scariest part of living in a city that is smashed to hell is the looters. A high percentage of homes were highly exposed to looters because they had no roofs and broken windows. There weren't enough authorities to guard every single street, so individuals had to take matters into their own hands, posting signs like "You loot, I shoot" or "weapon strong." One woman had her purse stolen right from her hands when looters trespassed into her home. So many cars were smashed by trees that people were forced to walk around instead of drive, adding to their vulnerability.
For every five people I know, four have lost their homes.
My husband, my son, and I stuck it out for a week, but we finally decided that we'd had enough. We also needed to get my son to a doctor. The day of the storm, he'd developed a nasty cough that was quickly getting worse. We drove five hours to Jacksonville to get him some medicine and to stay with some friends, hoping to return when things calmed down. Driving out of the wreckage and back into society felt perplexing. One-hundred miles up the road, they had cell service, flushing toilets, functioning restaurants, and gas. In Panama City, we were fighting to survive, while the rest of the world was back to business as usual. We tried to enjoy our time away, but we started to feel like we'd deserted our home. So on day six, we made our way back.
Upon our return, I'm not sure what I expected to see, but somehow leaving the mess and then returning made the reality of the situation truly sink in. Tears trickled down my face as we drove back onto the once-familiar streets that were now unrecognizable. Massive 100-year-old oak trees that once provided so many homes and parks with natural shade were blown to smithereens, their extensive six-foot-wide roots lifted from the earth, disintegrating entire yards. The 50- to 80-foot pine trees that populated every street and every yard were snapped in half, piled into colossal mounds that were so high, they blocked entire homes. Almost every roof carried a new shade of blue: tarps were their only barrier to block any potential rain.
It's been 29 days since Hurricane Michael, and our city is still in shambles. We are eternally grateful to all the linemen who came from all over the country. They restored our power in record time, and because of them, we are able to begin to put the pieces back together. As of now, 98 percent of our county has power and water, but the restoration of power doesn't mean our thriving community has been restored. We have some businesses reopening, but the ratio of open to closed is 1:10. A few grocery stores made it through, but the restaurants are few and far between. Our hospitals are only partially opened, and a massive amount of our clinics were wiped out. Countless doctors, lawyers, and teachers are twiddling their thumbs because they have no place to work. For every five people I know, four have lost their homes. They're either staying with family or have relocated to neighboring counties. Many of our schools are still being used as shelters, because there is no place for the homeless to go. When I use the word "homeless," I'm referring to the people who recently became homeless because of the hurricane.
But I am happy to say that aside from all the destruction, there is a light that shines bright. The old saying applies that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I've never felt so proud to be a Bay County resident. We have pulled ourselves out of the rubble and, somehow, through all of the mess, managed to hold our heads high. Our community has become a team, and everyone is adopting terms like #850strong and #wewillrebuild. Because we know that Hurricane Michael is not the end of Bay County, it's a new beginning.
It's Time to Give Thanks For These 16 Sexy Romances Out in November
It's the month to be thankful for family, happiness, and anything that makes our lives a little better - though, let's be honest: we're thankful for those things every day, right? But after we've finished giving thanks for the important things in life, I'd like to give a lot of thanks for these amazing must reads that are coming to our e-readers this month. I've compiled a whole list of sexy cowboys, dashing and domineering millionaires, and straight-up swoon-worthy men that we should all take a minute to be eternally grateful for - I hope you enjoy!
This Festive Game-of-Thrones-Themed Wedding Is a Medieval Fantasy Come to Life
Winter is coming . . . but so is wedding season, and this beautiful couple decided to celebrate their union Game of Thrones-style! You read that right: Claire and Chris tied the knot on the historic grounds of Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, WA, and their ceremony was filled with details from the iconic series amid a festive Christmas backdrop.
"Chris and Claire actually traveled down from Canada to celebrate in one of Washington's few celebrated castles," said photographer Jason Comerford. "They had their hearts set on a very authentic medieval-themed wedding due to their love of the Game of Thrones series. Their day was full of custom, handmade details, including their bridal party's beautiful outfits!"
If you take a close look at the pictures, the venue looks similar to the Red Keep, all decked out in holiday decor. Another fun detail is that Claire opted for a rustic metallic lantern with an elegant arrangement of pinkish-purple flowers instead of a traditional bouquet. Chris looked like 16th century royalty in a blue and gold jacket with ruffled sleeves. The ceremony was stunning; a string quartet played when Claire walked down the aisle, and later on, the couple drank from a chalice during their nuptials.
Check out the amazing pictures from the wedding!
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.
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