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.
jeudi 15 novembre 2018
Warning: These 55 Yankee Gift Swap Presents Are So Good, Everyone Will Be Fighting Over Them
For the fun, the wild, and the completely outrageous Yankee swaps going on this holiday season, these gifts are sure to take the cake for some of the most creative and wacky gifts in the game.
Cat calendars, bottle stopper gardening kits, and sloth-shaped mugs make these swap gifts range from totally creative to weirdly lovable.
We're sure you'll find exactly what you need for all of the quirky swaps you have this season. Shop them ahead!
7 Ways to Give Back and Make an Impact on Thanksgiving
As satisfying as a warm plate of roast turkey might be, nothing fills the heart up more on Thanksgiving than a newfound sense of gratitude and appreciation. And while that tenderness can stem from reminiscing with loved ones over a bountiful feast, it can also arise from giving back. If you're seeking meaningful ways to volunteer and/or donate over this holiday, here are a few ideas on how to get involved.
20 Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Sides the Whole Table Will Love
Chances are, you have a lot on your plate on Thanksgiving - literally and figuratively. With gravy bubbling on the stove, pie baking in the oven, and dozens of people milling about the kitchen, there's a ton to do before dinner makes it to the table. Here's an array of fast, simple, and delicious Thanksgiving sides that don't skimp on flavor or fun - because you deserve to enjoy a feast that's both restaurant-worthy and stress-free.
Heads Up, Holiday Shoppers: Ikea Has Some Amazing Holiday Gifts - Starting at $2!
Holiday shopping just got a lot easier this year, thanks to Ikea. With prices as low as $2 and $3 for tasteful holiday presents for even the hardest to shop for, everyone on your list will be floored by these affordable gifts. Check out trinkets, room decor, and functional pieces for any part of the house. This festive season, don't just stock up on holiday decor at Ikea, check off your gift list as well!
Related: Ikea Is Offering a New (Assembly-Free!) Toy Line This Fall, Just in Time For Holiday Gifting
Cinnamon Chocolate Milanos Will Make You Feel All Warm and Fuzzy This Winter
If the endless stream of hot cocoa products didn't tip you off already, the holidays are steadily approaching. Never a brand to sit out the festive season, Pepperidge Farm recently introduced a new cinnamon chocolate version of its Milano cookies. The cozy snack is already getting pretty positive reviews, too, with one shopper saying it tastes like a "fancy snickerdoodle" and another comparing it to Cinnamon Toast Crunch. After hearing that, we're sold! See pictures of the holiday cookies ahead.
You'll Want to Send These Cute Christmas Pajamas For Dogs to Everyone You Know
The holidays are all about spending quality time with family, preferably while cuddling in front of a crackling fire and holding a warm cup of cocoa. The only thing missing? A new pair of cozy holiday-themed pajamas, specifically one that fits the most snuggly member of your family: your dog. We've tracked down 30 of the cutest, silliest, and most Christmas-spirited puppy pajamas around. From pairs featuring your favorite characters from the big and little screens to styles that match your four-legged child's human siblings, these dog jammies are perfect for photo ops, at Christmas parties, or just to wear while waiting to see if Santa brings that chew toy at the top of their wish list.
12 Beautiful Holiday Wreaths No One Will Ever Guess You Bought on Amazon
If you're on the hunt for a pretty wreath to display in your home this year, we did the hard work for you and shopped the best picks on Amazon. From LED light-up choices to pieces you can make on your own, we found it all. The best part: they're all delivered right to your doorstep. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
Formerly Discontinued Banana Nut Cheerios Are Back by Popular Demand - They're THAT Good
If you want some good news, you're in the right place! Banana Nut Cheerios are finally returning after being discontinued, so get your bowls and spoons ready. General Mills must have heard everyone's pleas to bring back one of the best Cheerio flavors of all time, and the company is about to make a whole lot of people happy. A spokesperson confirmed that the flavor will hit grocery store shelves across the country starting the week of Nov. 14 for $4 per box, so keep your eyes peeled. The gluten-free Banana Nut Cheerios are made with real banana puree and cinnamon, and they sound even dreamier than we remember. Between this and new Sour Patch Kids cereal, it's a great day to be a cereal-lover.
This Dog Jumps Around Like a Rabbit, and We're Confused and Thrilled at the Same Time
Although the internet can often be a weird, scary place, it can also be a great place to slip down a rabbit hole chock-full of hilarious and heartwarming pet videos. Speaking of rabbits - our latest obsession? This adorable 7-year-old pup from Ireland named Swiper, who hops around just like a bunny.
While Swiper's prancing around is certainly adorable, the backstory as to why she does it isn't quite as sweet. According to her owner, Sabia Kelly, Swiper was bitten by a bigger dog when she was just 8 weeks old, resulting in brain trauma. But rather than putting Swiper to sleep, Sabia took her in and nursed her back to health. And obviously, her pup's strange way of getting around never bothered her.
Seven years later, Swiper is truly living the good life. "She loves playing outside - she is a wee joy to have in our lives," Sabia told BuzzFeed. "She is so loved in our house - I don't think I've ever seen a dog like her [with] all of her wee quirks."
Scroll through to get a look at how Swiper jumps around the house, and try not to squeal with delight.
Guy Fieri Cooked Dinner For First Responders Battling the Wildfire in Northern California
Guy Fieri rallied behind the community affected by the ongoing fire in northern California by cooking for officials battling the crisis. The Food Network host brought a pulled pork dinner to Butte College in Oroville, CA, to serve hungry first responders and law enforcement officials. Guy is no stranger to lending a helping hand and extending his support to people in need.
Just last year, he cooked for wildfire victims after he and his family were forced to evacuate their own home in Santa Rosa, CA, as fires broke out throughout surrounding counties. He once again showed up to feed evacuees during the Carr Fire that affected northern California in July this year.
"Guy Fieri made a surprise visit to serve dinner to everyone at the law enforcement staging area at Butte College. Thank you so much Guy for filling our bellies and lifting our spirits," the Butte County Sheriff Twitter account shared. Volunteers are rallying behind California as devastating and deadly wildfires take place in both northern and southern parts of the state (the Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire, respectively). Find out ways you can donate to the countless people affected, and see heartwarming photos of Guy Fieri's visit ahead.
Follow POPSUGAR on TripAdvisor
Starting today, the world's travel guru TripAdvisor has a new itinerary. The site is now personalized around the friends and travel experts you follow, giving you an easy way to plan and make the most of every trip. You will now find travel ideas from videos, trip guides, articles, and reviews in your personal travel feed. If you're planning a trip, or just in the mood for some wanderlust, follow our POPSUGAR account on TripAdvisor for inspiration!
The Harry Potter Game From the Creators of Pokémon Go Will Magically Arrive in 2019
Update: Additional details officially revealed by Warner Bros. have been added to the original story below.
Merlin's beard! Harry Potter is about to make a serious comeback - on our mobile phones.
Last year, it was reported that Niantic Labs - the company behind the phenomenon that was Pokémon Go - is working on a follow-up to their 2016 AR masterpiece, and that the subject would be none other than Harry Potter. Niantic teamed up with WB Games to bring fans Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, which is expected to be released in 2019 on all devices (just like its predecessor). The official website for the game describes the gameplay as exploring "real-world neighbourhoods and cities to discover mysterious artifacts, learn to cast spells, and encounter legendary beasts and iconic characters along the way!" Here's what TechCrunch, who first broke the news, had to say about the development:
"The app is now official, but the details are still scarce, with the launch timeframe of just sometime next year, but it sounds like there will be significant influence from the Niantic game Ingress, which allows players to roam the real world collecting power-ups, defending locations and exploring their environment.
The mechanics of Ingress would actually translate pretty well to the fictional Harry Potter universe, and seems almost ready-made for a fantasy spell casting coat of paint to replace its science-fiction special forces veneer. Also, like Pokémon Go, it could benefit from the location database built up by Ingress originally (and expanded by the Pokémon title) to incorporate real-world locations into the in-game experience."
While we're still waiting for further details, at least we've now got the game's trailer to play on repeat. It looks like the Wizarding World is at risk of exposure . . . are you ready, witches?
All the Tech Gifts You Can Buy For Less Than $100 This Year
To make sure you give the tech guru in your life the best gift of the year, we've curated a list of great gadget accessories that will surely make them smile. The best part: they're all under $100, so you can maybe get more than one (and even for yourself). Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
Additional reporting by Nicole Nguyen.
This Year's Out100 List Is the Most Powerful, Diverse, and Heroic Yet
Keeping to its annual tradition, Out Magazine has released its Out100 list, shining a spotlight on the LBGTQ+ community's brightest voices in 2018. The group comes complete with an exciting crop of cover stars: outspoken activist Emma González, Pose star Billy Porter, music artist Sophie, and Queer Eye's Fab Five. What's more, additional awards are being bestowed upon Cynthia Nixon, Jeremy Scott, Renee Richards, Randy Barbato, and Fenton Bailey. But perhaps even more exciting is the fact that this is the feature's most diverse offering yet; at least 20 honorees identify as trans or nonbinary, and there are more than 40 people of color and more than 40 women.
The list was curated by Out's executive editor, R. Kurt Osenlund. "Women saw more hard-won, long-delayed acknowledgment and respect in 2018 than perhaps in any other year in our nation's history, and that has included LGBTQ women," he said in a statement to POPSUGAR. "We weren't just adamant about including a wide range of women in our portfolio - we simply looked at the culture and saw what was happening." Check out the FULL list in all its glory ahead. We're sure you'll recognize more than a few names, and the ones that aren't in your own sphere of awareness are surely worth looking up.
An Inflatable Shotski Exists, and Your Ski Trips Will Never Be the Same
Gone are the days of lounging around the pool on our trendy-slash-adorable-slash-Instagrammable floats, but have no fear, inflatable enthusiasts, because Funboy is back with a whole slew of Winter products and we're officially ready for some snow. The brand that brought us our beloved pool floats has dabbled in the cool-weather category, introducing us to a new obsession: the inflatable shotski. The product that's typically found in popular bars (or my off-campus college house) is now hitting the slopes in an inflatable version equipped with four plastic shot glasses perfectly sized for the float.
The best part is, while it might be 6 feet long, when deflated, it fits right inside your pocket, and the brand promises it inflates in just a few breaths. For just $19, you can pack up the Funboy ShotSki for the second you hop off the chairlift and want a mid-mountain drink - or just keep it on you for when you and your friends feel the urge. Read on to shop the genius shotski and see photos of it in action.
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
33 White Elephant Gifts Your Friends Will Actually Love
If we're being perfectly honest, nobody actually needs any of these white elephant gifts. But we promise that your friends will be ecstatic when they get their hands on these presents. If you're looking to buy a gift with a little humor to it, look no further. Check out all 33 brilliant products you'll actually be dying to own.
15 of the Most Inspirational Books For Women, Because 2018 Has Been a Year
As a woman in 2018, every day can feel like a battle, so there's always room for a little inspiration. Reading powerful, meaningful words helps us get through our days stronger than ever, and we'll take any extra boost of confidence we can get. If you're looking to be reminded of your own worth, or trying to find a cool, thoughtful gift for a special woman in your life, you've got to check out these books. They'll have you raising your fists in solidarity.
20 Gifts Your 20-Something Boyfriend Will Love
Giving presents to your significant other can be a real stressor, that's why we're here to be your holiday shopping spirit guide. Take a deep breath and open your Internet browser; it's never too early to begin holiday shopping. If you've got a boyfriend in his 20s, we have a whole guide of gifts perfect for your man. Check out all 20 of the foolproof options.
This 1 Hack Completely Saves My Sanity While Traveling With My Kids During the Holidays
Holiday travel is always crazy, but it's especially chaotic and stressful when you have kids. The traffic, the crowded airports, the rest-stops, the long lines, and did I mention the traffic? No matter how you get around during the holiday season, it's usually never entirely pleasant. When I was a kid, it was all about long road trips to visit family. And since I never enjoyed being in the car for long stretches of time, my mom came up with a genius idea to keep me entertained; every hour - if my brothers and I behaved - we would each get one mystery bag with some little activity inside that would hopefully keep us occupied until the next bag, and the next, until finally, we'd arrive at our destination. While I give my mom full credit on this one, I'm far too lazy to make individual bags for each of my kids for every hour we're in the car, so I came up with my own hack to keep them happy: road trip baskets.
The first time I used these [travel] baskets on a six-hour road trip with two kids, it was the easiest trip we'd ever taken.
My family and I mostly travel up and down the East Coast by car, but this one big travel hack could work for planes and trains as well. It keeps my kids occupied, keeps me from hearing the dreaded "Are we there yet?" question a thousand times, and ultimately keeps me sane on the usually dangerous roads full of other holiday travelers. Each child gets one basket, and inside are crafts, books, activities, and snacks to keep them busy for hours. I put them in an easy-to-reach spot and my kids can take out whatever they want whenever they want without having to ask me. The first time I used these baskets on a six-hour road trip with two kids, it was the easiest trip we'd ever taken. Since that trip, I've made countless baskets and am currently working on a few for the upcoming holidays.
I don't love giving my kids a ton of screen time, so plugging them in for a six-hour trip isn't very appealing to me. But there's a definite time and place for kids to lose themselves in a TV show or movie, and a long stretch of traveling is one of them. We use tablets as backups, but they aren't the main focus of the trip. I wait until the right time to pull movies out like when they're overtired or melting down in a traffic jam. But until that happens, their road trip baskets are the focus, and they really do love it.
The first thing I do to create these baskets is think about each child's current interests and what keeps them entertained. I pack some of their favorite books and toys, but also introduce new things to keep them intrigued. Once I've put together in my head what will excite them, I begin collecting things they might like. I shop on Amazon, hit the dollar bins at Target, and scour the Dollar Tree shelves for little trinkets, toys, puzzles, books, and games with not too many pieces that will get lost in car seats. Big hits have included dry erase boards (bonus if it's magnetic), mini action figures, interlocking blocks or beads, interactive books (electronic or pop-up/pull-out pages), magnetic tiles, water paint books, and road trip bingo boards.
We also head to the library before the trip and I let the kids pick out books on CD that they can play on the DVD player and follow along with. Another thing my oldest really enjoys is her very own road trip binder. For this, I bought a three-ring binder with sheet protectors and a few three-ring pencil cases which I loaded up with new crayons and markers. I filled the sheet protectors with pages I printed off the internet or tore from an age-appropriate workbook like mazes, I-Spy pictures, or connect-the-dot pages. Because they can be wiped off, the sheet protectors provide a place for the kids to do a page more than once or erase mistakes. Behind the sheet protector pages, I also put in some blank construction paper and another pencil case filled with stickers, stamps, and fun rolls of tape for them to create whatever they want.
When it comes to traveling with kids, snacks are key, and I always make sure to pack goodies in their baskets. I try to make it a mix of their go-to snacks and some things they aren't usually allowed to have. It's a balance of salty and sweet, so there's always something they're in the mood for and they can't tell me there's nothing they want (well, they could, but spicing up the snack department helps curb the hunger complaints).
The road trip baskets have been a traveling lifesaver for us, and they're so easy to recreate with your own unique spin. It could be a backpack full of things for a long flight or a bag for each child to rummage through on a long train ride. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor everything to each child. It's also pretty fun keeping everything a surprise until the kids are packed up and ready for travel. If I'm ever worried they'll blow through everything quickly because they're so excited to see all the new things in the basket, I keep a few things in a bag in the front seat with me, because this mom has always got a few tricks up her sleeve.
Lounging Never Looked Hotter Thanks to These Winter-Wear Essentials
When the temperature drops, it's only fitting to turn up the heat on your quintessential Winter looks. Finding loungewear that is comfortable and cute is key to keeping you feeling hot on the coldest days this season.
So stay stylish all Winter long in these effortlessly comfortable loungewear pieces. From full pajama sets to oversize scarves and everything in between, staying warm never looked so cool.
How to Be the Very Last Guest in Disney World at the End of the Day
Every Mickey Mouse fan knows that Walt Disney World is a truly magical place, especially at night! It's hard not to snap photos every few seconds, but if you've seen those empty (and awesome) Main Street, U.S.A. photos, you're probably wondering how people got lucky enough to get those without the massive crowds in the background. Well, we're here let you in on a few strategies to get those empty park photos and be the last guest out of the Magic Kingdom each night (or any of the other three Walt Disney World parks) for a truly magical ending to the day. Typically, it takes an hour and a half to two hours after the park closes to get these empty Main Street, U.S.A. photos, but it's so worth it. Keep reading for three ways to be the last guest at a Disney Park.
Don't Even Try to Travel Without These Helpful New Products This Holiday Season
With so many new products released one after the other, all with the intention of making our parenting lives easier, it can be hard to sift through to find the new products worth our hard-earned dollars. Because the holiday season is fast-approaching, we're all in on the products that make traveling with kiddos more bearable and less stressful.
See some of our travel picks below (and one that isn't so much for traveling per se, but is so Insta-worthy, we couldn't not give it a mention)!
Lots of People Love the Holidays - I Am Not 1 of Those People
For some, the holiday season cannot come soon enough. I am sure that there are many people out there who relish the opportunity to commence their holiday season festivities, regardless of the date. I am not one of those people. As unpopular of an opinion as it may be, I do not like the holiday season. What some see as the most magical time of year, I see as a time of year that often brings out feelings of deep melancholy and impending anxiety. I know that I will once again need to live through the arduous build up to a disappointing event that feels as if it will never be as meaningful and special as society tells me it should be.
I know that I will once again need to live through the arduous build up to a disappointing event that feels as if it will never be as meaningful and special as society tells me it should be.
It wasn't always like this. When I was younger, I truly believed in Santa and the magic of Christmas. I would write Santa earnest letters detailing my hopes and fears, which I left anchored to the table under the glass of milk laid out for his enjoyment when he and his reindeers came around to visit me in the outer boroughs of New York City. As time wore on and I began to feel skeptical of the logistical practicality of a man zipping all around the world in one night, I started to conduct experiments. One year, I left out a piece of bread and asked Santa to take a bite, just one, so that the next morning I could then instruct my father to also take a bite from the same slice and compare their bite marks. I thought about setting up a surveillance video camera somehow, certain that at some point during the night a jolly old man would come barreling through my chimney. Instead, I accepted the fresh indentation in the cushion of my couch as proof that he had, in fact, been there over the course of that December night.
I can remember the last Christmas my family had before my parents separated the following February. I was nine, and I can recall waking up with a pounding headache in my temples. I didn't feel well, a combination of over stimulation and physical discomfort that made me feel like I was running on fumes. I felt off, something wasn't right. Little did I know, (or maybe, somehow, I did), that this would be the last Christmas where my mother, father, brother, and I would be waking up under the same roof. After that, the holidays would never be the same.
Little did I know, (or maybe, somehow, I did), that this would be the last Christmas where my mother, father, brother, and I would be waking up under the same roof.
I come from a largely nonreligious family; my mother is culturally Jewish but not practicing, which meant no Hanukkah for us, and my father has his own liberally oriented religious beliefs that did not factor much into our home life. Because of this, our holiday celebrations were not moored in any religious belief or tradition. We observed Christmas in the way that I believe a lot of people do, unrelated to its religious origins and more as a holiday that is prominent in our culture and society. Without a large set of traditions to keep us tied to a classical observance of the holidays or a unified nuclear family, and with an extended family that did not see commemorating Christmas together as compulsory, the magic of the holidays began to slowly fizzle out for me. They became a source of discomfort and anxiety, as the world around me continued to constantly bombard my brain with content depicting how the holidays were supposed to be, a sad reminder that I did not fit into that mold.
The narrative of Christmas can be hard to escape; sometimes it feels like, come November and December, we exist within an echo chamber of holiday spirit. We live in a society that is saturated with images depicting the holiday season, often in a highly idealized, glossy, and picture-perfect iteration. We hear jolly songs that consistently manage to skillfully incorporate the sound of jingle bells, watch movies and TV specials starring happy families that live in beautiful suburban houses where it always snows at just the right time, consume special food and drink out of seasonally patterned cups, somehow managing to integrate the events of a few days into a seasonal lifestyle that ensures the buildup to the actual event will last as long as possible. The holidays can become completely pervasive, almost impossible to avoid up until the quiet days that follow Christmas have arrived and provide respite - when the sad, festively packaged goods that have gone unsold wind up on clearance shelves and dried up trees line the curb, covering the sidewalk in pine needles.
There is no right and wrong way to celebrate the holidays, and it is your prerogative how you will integrate them into your life. Never feel badly because your holidays do not look a certain way.
As I got older, I became more aware of my experiences. Eventually, I learned Santa wasn't real (unfortunately). I began to see the strain of carrying a holiday season on the back of my now single parents, tense days that were split up between my mom and dad. To me, the holidays became performative, people attempting to observe these designated days in a certain manner simply because we were indoctrinated to believe that there was the correct way to do so. I saw through it, conscious of the ritualistic effort and lack of unity in my home. And to make matters worse, underneath it all, I knew I still I longed for my family to be all together in matching leisure outfits, walking through a blanket of fresh snow somewhere in the woods, a towering Christmas tree in a cozy living room, and maybe even a pet dog wearing a Santa hat. But that was never going to happen for me. Coming to terms with the incongruence of my reality and the dream I had created with the help of society's hyperperfected reality made me sad. Fractured holidays passed year after year, and I continued to breathe a sigh of relief once they were finally over.
I am beginning to see the holidays differently now. I no longer live in the same city as my family, and for the first time in a long time, I am looking forward to going home for the holidays and spending time together, no matter what that looks like. It may mean getting Chinese food with my dad and my brother out by the airport in Queens or going to the movies with my mom and her fiancé, but as long as we can enjoy each other's company, I will be alright with its rendering. For all the other people out there who may also struggle during the holiday season, my advice to you is to focus on making holiday events fit the circumstances of your life, and not the other way around. There is no right and wrong way to celebrate the holidays, and it is your prerogative how you will integrate them into your life. Never feel badly because your holidays do not look a certain way. Ultimately, no matter how you spend the holidays, I hope that they bring you warmth, comfort, gratitude, and merriment.
Jennifer Garner Is Sharing a Yummy Family Recipe on Ina Garten's Thanksgiving Special
It's always a treat when Jennifer Garner and Ina Garten get together, and they're joining forces for Thanksgiving this year. Jennifer will appear on Ina's Thanksgiving special on Food Network, and she's making her grandmother's sweet potato pudding. "My feisty grandmother Exie Mae Garner's sweet potato pudding is getting its shot in the big leagues this Saturday," Jennifer captioned an Instagram photo announcing the special appearance.
Based on a sneak peek from Entertainment Tonight, it looks like Jennifer's recipe is a total family classic - scraggly handwriting and all. She peels the sweet potatoes, cuts them into large chunks, and then boils and drains them. After mashing the potatoes with a hand mixer until smooth, she adds butter, milk, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and sugar. Finally, the mixture is baked in a casserole dish with marshmallows on top until browned and gooey. Yes, please!
In case you haven't caught on to the fact that Jennifer Garner's Instagram is a true treasure, know that she's created her own "pretend cooking show" and shares videos of quick, easy recipes that she makes at home, like pan-fried fish sticks. We're thrilled that her "pretend" show is coming to life and that she's once again cooking alongside her longtime pal Ina. The Barefoot Contessa: Cook Like a Pro Thanksgiving special, which also features recipes from Nigella Lawson and Marcus Samuelsson, airs Saturday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m. ET on Food Network.
Warning: These 55 Yankee Gift Swap Presents Are So Good, Everyone Will Be Fighting Over Them
For the fun, the wild, and the completely outrageous Yankee swaps going on this holiday season, these gifts are sure to take the cake for some of the most creative and wacky gifts in the game.
Cat calendars, bottle stopper gardening kits, and sloth-shaped mugs make these swap gifts range from totally creative to weirdly lovable.
We're sure you'll find exactly what you need for all of the quirky swaps you have this season. Shop them ahead!
7 Ways to Give Back and Make an Impact on Thanksgiving
As satisfying as a warm plate of roast turkey might be, nothing fills the heart up more on Thanksgiving than a newfound sense of gratitude and appreciation. And while that tenderness can stem from reminiscing with loved ones over a bountiful feast, it can also arise from giving back. If you're seeking meaningful ways to volunteer and/or donate over this holiday, here are a few ideas on how to get involved.
20 Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Sides the Whole Table Will Love
Chances are, you have a lot on your plate on Thanksgiving - literally and figuratively. With gravy bubbling on the stove, pie baking in the oven, and dozens of people milling about the kitchen, there's a ton to do before dinner makes it to the table. Here's an array of fast, simple, and delicious Thanksgiving sides that don't skimp on flavor or fun - because you deserve to enjoy a feast that's both restaurant-worthy and stress-free.
Heads Up, Holiday Shoppers: Ikea Has Some Amazing Holiday Gifts - Starting at $2!
Holiday shopping just got a lot easier this year, thanks to Ikea. With prices as low as $2 and $3 for tasteful holiday presents for even the hardest to shop for, everyone on your list will be floored by these affordable gifts. Check out trinkets, room decor, and functional pieces for any part of the house. This festive season, don't just stock up on holiday decor at Ikea, check off your gift list as well!
Related: Ikea Is Offering a New (Assembly-Free!) Toy Line This Fall, Just in Time For Holiday Gifting
Cinnamon Chocolate Milanos Will Make You Feel All Warm and Fuzzy This Winter
If the endless stream of hot cocoa products didn't tip you off already, the holidays are steadily approaching. Never a brand to sit out the festive season, Pepperidge Farm recently introduced a new cinnamon chocolate version of its Milano cookies. The cozy snack is already getting pretty positive reviews, too, with one shopper saying it tastes like a "fancy snickerdoodle" and another comparing it to Cinnamon Toast Crunch. After hearing that, we're sold! See pictures of the holiday cookies ahead.
You'll Want to Send These Cute Christmas Pajamas For Dogs to Everyone You Know
The holidays are all about spending quality time with family, preferably while cuddling in front of a crackling fire and holding a warm cup of cocoa. The only thing missing? A new pair of cozy holiday-themed pajamas, specifically one that fits the most snuggly member of your family: your dog. We've tracked down 30 of the cutest, silliest, and most Christmas-spirited puppy pajamas around. From pairs featuring your favorite characters from the big and little screens to styles that match your four-legged child's human siblings, these dog jammies are perfect for photo ops, at Christmas parties, or just to wear while waiting to see if Santa brings that chew toy at the top of their wish list.
20 Frugal Gifts For the Savvy Traveler - $25 and Under!
Every traveling expert needs an arsenal of products to make the journey smoother. If you're stuck on what to get your friend or family member who loves to travel, then read on for some of these gift ideas!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
12 Beautiful Holiday Wreaths No One Will Ever Guess You Bought on Amazon
If you're on the hunt for a pretty wreath to display in your home this year, we did the hard work for you and shopped the best picks on Amazon. From LED light-up choices to pieces you can make on your own, we found it all. The best part: they're all delivered right to your doorstep. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
Formerly Discontinued Banana Nut Cheerios Are Back by Popular Demand - They're THAT Good
If you want some good news, you're in the right place! Banana Nut Cheerios are finally returning after being discontinued, so get your bowls and spoons ready. General Mills must have heard everyone's pleas to bring back one of the best Cheerio flavors of all time, and the company is about to make a whole lot of people happy. A spokesperson confirmed that the flavor will hit grocery store shelves across the country starting the week of Nov. 14 for $4 per box, so keep your eyes peeled. The gluten-free Banana Nut Cheerios are made with real banana puree and cinnamon, and they sound even dreamier than we remember. Between this and new Sour Patch Kids cereal, it's a great day to be a cereal-lover.
This Dog Jumps Around Like a Rabbit, and We're Confused and Thrilled at the Same Time
Although the internet can often be a weird, scary place, it can also be a great place to slip down a rabbit hole chock-full of hilarious and heartwarming pet videos. Speaking of rabbits - our latest obsession? This adorable 7-year-old pup from Ireland named Swiper, who hops around just like a bunny.
While Swiper's prancing around is certainly adorable, the backstory as to why she does it isn't quite as sweet. According to her owner, Sabia Kelly, Swiper was bitten by a bigger dog when she was just 8 weeks old, resulting in brain trauma. But rather than putting Swiper to sleep, Sabia took her in and nursed her back to health. And obviously, her pup's strange way of getting around never bothered her.
Seven years later, Swiper is truly living the good life. "She loves playing outside - she is a wee joy to have in our lives," Sabia told BuzzFeed. "She is so loved in our house - I don't think I've ever seen a dog like her [with] all of her wee quirks."
Scroll through to get a look at how Swiper jumps around the house, and try not to squeal with delight.
The 1 Thing You Should Discuss With Your Doctor If Your Sex Drive Has Suddenly Stalled
Talking to anyone, let alone your doctor, about your sex life can feel awkward, but if your libido seems nonexistent, that's exactly the conversation you should be having. What you shouldn't do? Chalk it up to your birth control. "The majority of women who take hormonal contraception have no libido issues, and for some women, it can actually increase their libido because they're not worried about getting pregnant," said ob-gyn Lauren Streicher, MD, founder and medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center For Sexual Health and Menopause. However, "there is a small percentage of women that do have a low libido because of the pill, and it's not in their heads."
How Does the Pill Affect Your Sex Drive?
While losing your desire for sex is the exception and not the rule on the pill, it can happen for a number of reasons. "For some people, it can be a cumulative effect," Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn in Los Angeles, told POPSUGAR. "It may not affect you at first, but over a longer period of time, it ends up decreasing your libido." That's because the pill increases levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that attaches itself to the hormone testosterone, quite literally tying up a key player in libido.
"There also seems to be a genetic component that makes testosterone receptors work improperly for some women on the pill," Dr. Streicher explained. "You can get two outcomes from this: a low libido and vaginal dryness." If that's the case, Dr. Streicher suggests going off the pill completely and applying a local testosterone and estrogen cream (prescribed by your doctor) to the opening of the vagina to help reverse the dryness and pain.
Should You Consider Switching Pills?
"It would be nice if the solution was just to change the pill, but we find that's not the case because there are so many things that can cause libido to fluctuate," Dr. Streicher said. If a woman notices that her sex drive has significantly decreased since going on the pill but really wants to stay on it - as opposed to trying another method like the IUD - Dr. Streicher said she may suggest changing formulas. "It seems to be that the third-generation lower-dose [estrogen] pills are more a problem than earlier developed pills," she said.
Switching to a pill with a different level of progestin - the hormone that's responsible for halting ovulation - may also help, but only in a small percentage of women. "Progestin is driving the train regarding side effects, which is why we keep having new generations of pills," Dr. Streicher said, noting that some help with PMS symptoms or skin, for example. Some women are fine on any pill, while others need options, she added.
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz agreed and emphasized just how complex uncovering the cause of low libido can be. In fact, a study in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 40 percent of female participants reported low libido prior to any birth control use, and researchers found no association between any method of birth control and a lack of interest in sex, reaffirming that most women on the pill won't encounter this issue.
Still, if you notice significant changes and side effects from the pill, it's worth mentioning to your doctor. Your ob-gyn can determine if it's your birth control or some other underlying issue. "What we try to stay away from is trying different types of pills to see if the libido comes back, and the whole time the root cause was another factor, like a patient's antidepressant prescription," Dr. Streicher said. "It's important to look at all the factors."
This Caribbean Dance Workout Is a Cardio Party
Get ready to burn some calories while having serious fun with this 30-minute Caribbean dance workout. Led by Selena Watkins and based on her Socanomics class, this cardio session will have you moving to the music while toning your abs, booty, and arms. Grab a towel or flag and turn your living room into a dance floor. Just remember: dance like no one is watching . . . or dance like everyone is watching!
If your fitness goals include a flatter belly and stronger core, you're going to need a solid plan, expert guidance, and a little outside motivation. Our 30 Days to a Flat Belly plan has all three! This comprehensive workout plan will give you the results you want without a pricey gym membership; you can do these workouts anywhere - and they're all 30 minutes or less.
Credits: On Selena: Under Armour outfit. On Allie: Terez top, Koral leggings, and APL shoes. On Christina: Gottex Studio top, Lorna Jane leggings, and APL shoes. Corkcicle water bottles.
Exercises Your Trainer Doesn't Want You to Do
There are literally hundreds of exercises you can do in the gym or at home. Some you love; some you hate. Some work; some don't. You can find any number of videos online with moves that the trainer, expert, or guru says you have to try. The truth is there are probably some exercises you shouldn't be doing - or ones you should do instead. We spoke with certified personal trainer Heather Neff and got her list of the top three moves she has her clients avoid and what to do instead.
If You Want to Lose Weight, This Is the Workout You Should Be Doing
A lot of women are turning to the weights to get into shape. It's a smart move. But for every woman picking up some dumbbells, there's an equal number who avoid them. Some think that weightlifting will make them bulky - which isn't true - and others don't think that pushing around some weight in the gym will help them lose a few pounds. But the truth? Strength training will definitely help you lose weight and is an integral part of how you can shape your body into the lean, fit machine you've always wanted! How does it work? What do you really have to do? What can you expect? Wow, you've got a lot of questions! Good thing we have all the answers!
Doing Naked Yoga on the Beach Looks as Hot as It Sounds (These Pics Prove It!)
Most of us are doing yoga on mats in hot rooms, but we'd much rather feel the sand beneath our toes and the fresh breeze on our skin. Strong and fluid like the ocean, these naked yogis on the beach make us feel warm and relaxed. If we can't get to a beach (or a hot yoga class!), scrolling through these inspiring photos is the next best thing.
Keep Moving Over the Thanksgiving Weekend With This 4-Day Plan You Can Do Anywhere
Do not head into this feast-filled holiday without a plan to get yourself moving. Don't you always feel better after a sweat sesh? Here are four days' worth of workouts to burn calories, stimulate your digestion, and just plain feel better. All these workouts can be done at home, too!
Trainer Shares Top 5 Mistakes That Prevent Weight Loss (and How to Fix Them!)
Have you been trying to lose weight for what seems like forever, but it's not working, and you can't understand why? Personal trainer and strength coach Susan Niebergall (@susanniebergallfitness on Instagram) said in a recent post that it may be as simple as fixing these five mistakes. "If you are not making any progress with your current diet, a few tweaks here and there may be all you need."
Why I Decided to Start My "New Year's Resolutions" in November
Let me first start off by saying that I don't love the term "resolutions." It implies that there's a problem that needs to be solved or a behavior that needs to be changed, and I believe that New Year's "resolutions" can be about improving oneself or simply adding structure after the holidays get the best of us. That's why this year I decided to kick off my fresh mindset and healthy routine in November.
Before Thanksgiving dinner, before the influx of holiday parties and what feels like incessant alcohol consumption, I preemptively flipped the switch and kicked off my New Year's resolutions end-of-year goals. There are a few solid reasons why I decided to do this, and I might even convince you to do the same. Think: looking fabulous at holiday parties, carefree indulgences, and of course, the lack of lines at the gym. Ahead, find out why November was my January and why my abs have never been so thankful.
Low-Carb Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Make You Forget the Stuffing
For someone who practices the low-carb way of life, Thanksgiving is a total buzzkill. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, various pies . . . even the sweet potato casserole is covered with marshmallows! Besides turkey, there aren't many dishes that grace the Thanksgiving table sans the white, wheat, or grain. So whether you're hosting or want to bring something mouthwatering to the party, here are a few low-carb dishes that will make everyone drool, from the appetizer to dessert.
19 Wellness Gifts We'd Love to Receive This Holiday Season
We all have at least one friend who's obsessed with all things wellness. Whether they're crystal curious, always researching the latest supplements, or all about self-care, this holiday season, they want a wellness gift, and there are so many great items that will make them smile. These options are so covetable, we might just add two to our carts.
Loneliness Can Sabotage Your Health, but It's Never Too Late to Make New Connections
While alone time now and then is a real blessing (Hello, bathtub and good book!), feeling alone all the time can pose some actual risks to your health. "There is a difference between time alone and isolation," Kevin Gilliland, PsyD, executive director of Innovation360, told POPSUGAR. "The most savage of all symptoms that we struggle with is isolation and withdrawal; it is terrible for us."
He echoed the idea that stepping away from time to time is energizing and refreshing, but that isolation "shows up in a number of psychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse."
Erica Patel, MD, of the University of Southern California, expanded on this. "Loneliness negatively affects physical and mental health," she told POPSUGAR. "Multiple studies have shown increased rates of depression and frailty; poorer cardiovascular health and decreased immunity; and an increased risk of premature mortality in people suffering from loneliness."
The antidote to this - human connection - may seem simple enough, but can be daunting for those with distance between them and their loved ones (physical or emotional), or who are otherwise struggling in the relationship department. "The Harvard Study of Adult Development is one of the longest and most fascinating studies of adult life that has ever been performed," said Gilliland. "I hate to summarize 75 years of data, but it's actually rather simple: meaningful, loving relationships are the most important thing to our physical and mental health - more than diet and exercise."
So what can you do? As it turns out, a lot. And no, we're not going to leave you with the "Just go make some friends!" advice and call it a day. Here are tips that anyone can implement, from experts and those who have overcome loneliness themselves.
7 Myths Nutritionists Wish You'd Stop Believing
There's a lot of misinformation out there, but dietitian Julie Upton, MS, RD, of Appetite For Health, is here to shed light on seven nutritional myths that could mess with your weight-loss efforts and your health.
The Internet is like the Wild West when it comes to nutrition information: anything goes. Websites are rife with less-than-accurate nutrition facts, which only fuels food myths and adds to consumers' confusion about which picks are the healthiest. At best, you can hope there's a kernel of truth in what you're reading, but more often than not, there's no scientific basis for these myths. Below are seven of the most popular nutrition myths and the real deal on each.
If You're Beating Yourself Up For Missing a Workout, You Have to Read Bob Harper's Powerful Message
Since suffering a heart attack last year, trainer and fitness guru Bob Harper has overhauled his life. He went from eating a low-carb Paleo diet to eating mostly plant-based and plenty of healthy carbs. He also shifted his focus from intense cardio workouts to doing more low-impact exercise, including hot yoga.
But the biggest change Bob made had nothing to do with what he eats or how he performs in the gym. In fact, it's his lack of performance in the gym that's had the most impact. "I've cut myself a lot more slack when there are times where I can't work out," he told POPSUGAR. "I [previously] had to be at the gym every single day. If I wasn't, I was going to be a bear to deal with, and I've loosened the reins a lot more."
He added that he doesn't feel the need to have such physically taxing workouts anymore where he wants to fall to the ground from exhaustion. Although he still does CrossFit once or twice a week, he also does weight training and hot yoga nearly every day. If for some reason he can't make it to one of his workouts, he doesn't beat himself up about it.
It's a message he hopes to share with others who may be off their fitness game due to a chronic illness or injury, especially if you're used to being so physically active. "Life is all about change and evolution, and you've got to be able to go on this new journey as gracefully as possible and with information," he said.
We agree! Although eating well and being physically active are important for overall health, if you can't make a workout or need to take a break, it's not the end of the world. Cut yourself some slack and get back to your routine as soon as you feel up to it.
If You're Going Through a Hard Time, Aly Raisman Has an Encouraging Message For You
At the 2018 Glamour Women of the Year Awards on Nov. 11, Glamour honored Aly Raisman, the sister survivors, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, assistant attorney general Angela Povilaitis, and police detective lieutenant Andrea Munford.
Testimonies from Aly and the rest of the survivors who came forward had an integral role in former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State doctor Larry Nassar's 175-year sentence for sexual abuse.
In a joint acceptance speech, Aly said, "I am so inspired by the brave and powerful women on stage with me tonight and I would like to thank them for everything they have done." She added, "Amazing things happen when women support women." Aly continued her message, encouraging the audience to "Make kindness and empathy your superpower."
In a recent Instagram post, Aly shared a portion of her speech for her followers. "For anyone going through a hard time, I want you to know I believe in you. Your story matters and it deserves to be heard," she said.
"Sometimes when you speak up people may try to silence you - don't let them. I know it's hard, but I encourage you to keep fighting until you find someone who will listen and believe you."
If you are a survivor of sexual assault and need help and resources, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673).
You Can Thank These Songs For Getting You Through All Your 2018 Workouts
If you're one of those people who can't imagine working out without music but have grown tired of all your current playlists, we have good news: 2018 brought the jams! Tunes from Justin Timberlake, Cardi B, and Taylor Swift are our musical obsessions. Sprinkle in viral hits like "Lemon" (the song Serena Williams couldn't help but twerk to), and you have one banger of a gym playlist with the best of the year.
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