Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 17 novembre 2018
Mom Reveals a Rare Perspective on Husband Dying of Cancer: "We Have the Chance to Really Say Goodbye"
Cancer is a devastating disease - to say it ruins lives is an understatement. For one family, the illness will soon rip a beloved father from his wife and young child. But their perspective on life - and death - is one of hope and, surprisingly, appreciation.
Scott and Anne Sutton met as middle school students in Pennsylvania, but it wasn't until they reconnected at a mutual friend's wedding in 2011 that they fell in love. They were engaged two years later, they got married on Valentine's Day the next year, and it wasn't long before they welcomed their son, Alec, who is now 3 years old.
"It's really hard to find that balance of living life and not letting cancer take every single day away from you."
All the while, Scott has had medical issues - he has a hereditary condition called Von hippel-Lindau, and in 2009, doctors found a neuroendocrine tumor in his lung. They removed the bottom two lobes of that lung, and as Scott told POPSUGAR, "we had hoped that would be the last time anyone ever told me I had cancer."
Unfortunately, in January 2016, after months of lower back pain, he received even more upsetting news: he had another tumor, this one inoperable. "More tests would soon show that I also had neuroendocrine tumors in my liver, brain, and other parts of my bones," he said. It was deemed Stage 4. His son was just 8 months old at the time.
Throughout the next few years - which involved traveling around the world, including a stay at a hospital in Switzerland, to find a solution - the Suttons still managed to live a life similar to those of any other new parents, with a remarkable exception: Scott, along with his best friend, Alec Traub, wrote and published a children's book called I Love You Like . . . The story - illustrated by a cartoonist for the Garfield franchise - follows a grasshopper father explaining how much he loves his son. It's a sweet concept on its own, but it takes on profoundly deeper meaning knowing that it will one day serve as a reminder to young Alec of his late father's love.
Last month, Scott returned home from a three-week hospital visit, and he was given hospice care. "The doctors have given us an estimated time frame, and my goal is to have as many normal days at home with Anne and Alec as I can," he said.
With an honest perspective that in many ways is a rarity to witness, Scott, Anne, and their friend Alec opened up to POPSUGAR about what this experience has been like for them.
On Life With Their Son
From the beginning, when Alec was born in May 2015, Scott was "our rock," Anne remembered.
"Alec had colic," she said. "Cried and cried and cried. When I was sad that Alec was sad, Scott would take a photo of Alec crying on his phone and make it into a meme to make me laugh. He would send me photos of the vomit Alec spewed all over him while I was running an errand, to show that, 'hey, he does it to me, too.' I know I'm a better mom because of having Scott as my teammate."
And as Alec got older, his personality truly came into its own.
"Anne knows how I want to be remembered as a father, and I know she won't let me down."
"Alec is full of energy, always excited to see what's around the next corner," Scott recalled. "Incredibly empathic. Eats anything, including black olives. Seems to have a scary good memory - you can't pull anything past him you might have promised him a week ago. There's so much talent in there waiting to come out."
For Scott, Alec has been "the biggest joy of my life" and is "still excited" for all the amazing things to come in his future.
"My hope is that he'll do some of the things as a little boy that I did with my parents - I had a great childhood, so I'm excited he'll have one, too," Scott said.
On Writing a Book For His Son to Remember Him By
It's only a slight coincidence that Scott and Anne's son shares the same name as Scott's longtime friend, Alec. "It's sort of true we named our son after him," Scott said with a chuckle. "When Anne suggested the name as her number one choice, I immediately thought of Alec Traub and thought, 'would it be weird to name my son after a friend?' But he's a role model of a friend, and that's when I just knew it made sense."
In fact, for 15 years, the two had a silly tradition involving text messages that kept them close despite living in different states.
"Scott and I are two guys who never shied from telling one another how much we miss, love, and care for the other. One day, he randomly texted me, 'I miss you like the grasshopper misses grass . . . and hopping,'" Alec recalled. "I loved it, so then I texted him back, 'I miss you like the anteater misses ants . . . and eating.' It became our own fun, unique way to say I miss you."
When Alec visited Scott in Pittsburgh following his diagnosis in 2016, the two came up with the idea for a book.
"We were sitting all together talking about Scott's health and how much he wanted to be able to do something to leave behind for little Alec," Alec said. "We then immediately came to the idea of putting those text messages together and creating something for him. We had no idea where to go from there, but we knew it was something we couldn't afford to leave as just a cool idea. Time wasn't necessarily on our side."
So, they got to work. They watched YouTube videos about how to write a children's book, found a professional illustrator, and held Skype meetings until they were were ready to self-publish this past July. They've since sold more than 2,000 copies of I Love You Like . . ., and all of the profits go toward Alec's college fund. There's even a dedication to Scott's son, one of which any parent can relate: "For my son, Alec Sutton, who makes every day an adventure. Thank you for asking, 'Why?' each of the 1.4 million times. I love you buddy."
Selfishly, Alec is thankful for the book because, in their year working on it, the experience brought him and Scott even closer and taught him about taking something negative and flipping it.
"We turned that story into something so positive - for all of us," he said. "But if in the end, all it ended up being was something that I could create with Scott and that he could have for his son, then that was more than enough."
On Not Letting Cancer Change His Outlook
It's hard to imagine continuing on with the day-to-day once you receive a cancer diagnosis, but Scott was determined to keep a positive outlook.
"Even with everything that has been going on with me, there have been so many great things in my life worth living for," he said.
He and Anne share a few mottos - "always forward" and "worry when we must worry" to name a few - that, Scott said, "afforded us to live in the moment and truly just enjoy our time as a family."
"There are no bad memories. We did as much as we could together."
That time has included taking his son fishing for the first time, teaching him soccer, and even taking him to "Mickey's house," otherwise known as Disney World.
"There are no bad memories," he said. "We did as much as we could together, often packing the weekends full of activities with Alec and friends and family. We've built snowmen, we've gone minigolfing, I watched Alec ride a pony, we've seen the ocean . . ."
When asked what he hopes his son will remember most about him, he struggled to find words. "Anne knows how I want to be remembered as a father, and I know she won't let me down."
Her response?
"I won't," she said. "And I know there are family and friends who will share stories, too. Over the recent weeks, we've had friends who have visited who have promised Scott they will take Alec hunting with them and their own sons some day; other friends who live in other states promising that our kids will grow up knowing each other and knowing their dads were good friends."
On What They Wish Others Really Knew
Like any other typical parent, Scott knows that familiar feeling that there's always something more important to do, that we should be doing something productive like "taking care of that email in your inbox that needs done right away." But, he said, "what's really important is right in front of you. You have to try to enjoy every day with your family."
For Anne, she doesn't yet feel ready to reflect on what she's learned through her experience with Scott. But she did note that she now understands that there are appropriate times to be sad and grieve and times where you simply shouldn't.
"It's really hard to find that balance of then living life and not letting cancer take every single day away from you," she said. "We make a good team and worked through those feelings together, always making sure we were on the same page."
"We have the chance to really say goodbye in a special way. I don't want to say that we are lucky, because that doesn't seem quite right, either."
She even shared a rare upside to these years spent fighting cancer alongside her husband. Following the tragic shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 people, Anne realized her family was given an opportunity that they've made sure not to squander.
"We've obviously been very sad since coming home on hospice care, working through a host of emotions," she said. "But when I heard the news stories of those innocent people losing their lives so unexpectedly, I sat here that day feeling even more sad for them. Today, even though we know what is to come, we know what's coming."
She continued: "Scott and I have the opportunity to reminisce, to laugh with each other while watching Alec play, to make sure as many friends and family visit as possible. We have the chance to really say goodbye in a special way. I don't want to say that we are lucky, because that doesn't seem quite right, either. Maybe just that it's not lost on us - the magnitude that there are people who didn't have the same opportunity that we do right now. We owe it to them to make the most of it."
This Is What the Holidays Are Like When Your Partner Works Crazy Hours
When I was growing up, I was lucky enough that my whole family was together on holidays. We celebrated with my mom, dad, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. I always envisioned doing the same for my children when I became a mom. And while our growing family does partake in all kinds of fun holiday traditions every year, it's become our norm that one person is almost always absent.
My husband has a shift work job, so we rarely spend a lot of time together as a family during regular months, but during the holidays, the overtime shifts and extra jobs offer a very enticing paycheck he understandably has difficulty turning down. It's never easy for him to miss out on seeing our daughter's face light up when we have breakfast with Santa or miss our toddler's squeals of delight at a lit up Christmas tree, but we make the holidays work for us, whether that means celebrating without him or celebrating on a different day.
As difficult as it can be for me to explain to two little faces looking up at me and wondering why daddy's not there, it's just as hard for him to be at work knowing they're missing him.
I've continued the traditions we did when I was a child, like spending time with extended family on Thanksgiving, taking the kids to see Santa, picking the perfect Christmas tree, and baking cookies, but I've learned to just plan things as though my husband won't be around for them, then if he happens to be home for one or a few, it's that much better! I can't say I don't care when he's not there, but that's just life for us, and I make the best of it for myself and our kids. And when he is around for those moments, we put even more focus and appreciation on being together.
The biggest thing we had to get used to during the holidays was learning how to prioritize those traditions. Everyone's calendars fill up quickly, so we ask ourselves things like, "Which events does he really want to be a part of and which ones is he OK (and will the kids be OK with him) skipping?" At the top of our list is getting our Christmas tree with my brother and his family, which my husband and I have done since well before we were married with children. It's our favorite holiday tradition, so we always try to make it work. It's been really fun watching our families grow from two couples to two pair of moms and dads with four kids between us. It's memories like these where we can slow down and spend quality time together that make the holiday hustle worthwhile.
Then there's things like holiday crafts, breakfast with Santa, and cookie baking and decorating. While my husband would obviously enjoy seeing the kids dip their hands and feet in paint to create a holiday-themed work of art or watch them go nuts spreading far too much frosting on sugar cookies, he's content with pictures and videos. And the kids are usually focused enough to not really miss his presence. Sometimes we get our Christmas tree and it sits bare in the living room for days before we can all decorate together, and sometimes he sets it up and goes to sleep before his next shift and we decorate without him. When we go to church on Christmas Eve and have dinner with our extended family, there's an obvious hole at our table if he's working. We just try to take it one memory-making moment at a time.
One Christmas, he was working overnight and was scheduled to come home Christmas morning. He didn't want to miss seeing our daughter come down the stairs to her presents under the tree, but she wakes up before he gets home. So, I kept her in my room reading Christmas books and painting her nails until he came through the front door, and we all went downstairs together. This year, he'll come home Thanksgiving morning and need to go to sleep while our house fills with family and I entertain and prep our meal. But he'll wake up and enjoy turkey with us before heading back to work, so everybody wins.
It just takes a little tweaking and understanding on both our parts. As difficult as it can be for me to explain to two little faces looking up at me and wondering why daddy's not there, it's just as hard for him to be at work knowing they're missing him. We've become very good at working together to communicate our feelings. If there's an event I really want him to be at with us, I need to tell him it's important to me and not brush it off like it doesn't matter. Not being honest about my expectations or desires would leave me feeling resentful and him feeling confused about why I'm upset. And this is where our village comes in, too. We make plans with friends and other family members to ensure we're getting the most out of every moment with or without daddy. I have a network of friends whose husbands also work crazy hours, and it's extremely helpful and heartwarming knowing we are here for one another.
While I sit and go over dates and events for the holiday season wondering which my husband might be able to attend, it's not far from my mind that some parents do this alone all the time. Some children's parents are overseas, some have to split their time between two houses, and some may have lost a parent. So, during the holiday season especially, we make sure to count our blessings and remain thankful for what we do have. If we celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Wednesday of the month or Christmas a few days late, who cares? We still have each other.
The 6 Movies Coming Out in Theaters This Fall That You Need to See With Your Kids
We know that the holiday season kind of has the trademark on "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," but we'd argue that as soon as Fall officially hits is when that time truly begins. From getting your freedom once the kids go back to school to Halloween fun and prepping for the holidays, Autumn is the time to get cozy, celebrate allllll of the best holidays, and settle into the seats at your local movie theater to see the newest flicks.
This Fall's movie lineup packs a serious punch, so pencil in the release dates for the following six movies on your calendars - and check out the trailers with your kids while you wait!
Related: Disney Just Dropped Its 2019 Release Schedule - to Say We're Amped Would Be an Understatement
Teacher Reveals to Deaf Students That People Can Hear Farts, and the Conversation That Followed Is So Amazing
There are certain facts most of us will go our whole lives knowing without ever realizing how monumental they really are. Anna Trupiano - a first-grade teacher at a school that serves deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students alike - discovered one such tidbit last month when, during her lesson, a 6-year-old child passed gas in the middle of the classroom.
According to Good, the child's, ahem, fart, was so loud that some classmates turned to look at the child, who was confused by the sudden attention. For the next 15 minutes, Trupiano found herself explaining to a group of deaf students - completely through American Sign Language - that people can actually hear farts.
She shared the conversation on Facebook, and all fart jokes aside, it's one of the most adorable, innocent conversations you'll ever experience.
Target's Selling Elf Costumes For the Entire Family - You Better Believe They Come With Absurd Shoes
If you've already stocked up on matching family pajamas (and maybe even some pet pajamas), the next best thing might be to figure out what to wear to your company holiday party or your family Christmas party. You can go the classic route and wear something festive but polished, like these ugly holiday blazers, or you can be totally over-the-top and pick up matching elf costumes for the entire family at Target. Check them out up ahead.
1 Teen Ate Lunch by Himself Every Day Until Some Kind Students Stepped In
Andrew Kirby, a 16-year-old high school sophomore who has a neurological disorder, had grown accustomed to eating lunch alone every day. But after a few students from the student council took him under their wing, the lunchroom became a lot less lonely. For Andrew's mom Kay Kirby, finding out that her son made friends at school was beyond reassuring.
"A lot of times at lunch I'll text Andrew," Kay told CBS. "I said, 'Are you eating with anyone? And he said 'No.' And I sat at my desk at work and I just prayed I said, 'Lord, please send somebody to eat with him.'"
As for the nice kids on student council who invited Andrew to pull up a chair? It was just second nature. "If we were sitting by ourselves we would want someone to sit with us, so we didn't want kids to have to sit by themselves," explained one student. Another chimed in saying, "Everyone needs to have someone and anyone can be a help with that."
Kay was thrilled to learn that the students at Andrew's school were so kind-hearted. Because as anyone who's attended high school knows, that's not always the case.
"It's very encouraging to know that there are teenagers out there that took their time. They weren't being in their own clique, they weren't being selfish, they took their time to reach out to somebody who might be different," said Kay. "And you know, you never know what a child is going through - maybe they've got a bad home life, maybe they're depressed, and there's a kid sitting by themselves and they noticed that. The peace I have now at lunch I don't feel like I need to text him and check on him."
The best part of this heartwarming story? Andrew's new friendships go beyond the cafeteria. Just recently, his new friends invited him to catch a movie. Isn't that sweet?
vendredi 16 novembre 2018
Carrie Underwood Went From Florals to Sequins and Back Again at the CMAs
Jaws, get ready to drop. Carrie Underwood was back at the CMA Awards to cohost for the 11th time alongside Brad Paisley, and of course she didn't hold back with her red carpet dress. The 35-year-old singer, who's pregnant with her second child with husband Mike Fisher, opted for a classically chic Uel Camilo gown embroidered with bold purple vines and pink flowers for the occasion. She paired the stunning ensemble with an Anabela Chan pink sapphire ring and JN Jewels earrings. The ethereal look kicked off the night with tons of glamour, and there was way more fashion to lust over once the show started. In total, Carrie wore eight different outfits throughout the evening, which is impressive, sure, but last year she changed a whopping 11 times! Keep reading to see all her incredible outfit changes.
The Alexander Wang x Adidas Collection Is Here, and I'm Gonna Need Those Rainbow Dad Sneakers ASAP
The dad sneaker trend has made its way to almost every brand at this point, and if you're a fan of Alexander Wang, then you have your trendy old man to thank for your next irresponsible purchase. Fresh off the heels of the launch of his Uniqlo collection earlier this month, Wang has joined forces with Adidas Originals to release a brand new, 18-piece collection with the famed shoe brand. The collection, which marks the fourth time that the designers have collaborated with each other, will feature five new footwear styles, including the multicolored pair pictured above.
In addition to the new shoes, the range will also feature outerwear, shorts, track tops, sweatpants, and dresses, all of which Wang describes as being inspired by the idea of repurposing and reimagining items from past collections. The Season 4 Adidas Originals x Alexander Wang collection will officially be available to shop in-store and online via both brands on Nov. 14. Read ahead for a sneak peek at some of the items.
Gigi Hadid's Airport Sneakers Say Her Name on the Tongue - LMK If It Gets Cooler Than That
Gigi Hadid is launching a new round of sneakers with Reebok, and she announced the news on Instagram, teasing a look at some black and gold kicks with her name embroidered on the tongue. But when the empowering supermodel jetted off to Tokyo, she debuted them in full at the Future Nostalgia party, where Gigi took the mic in athleisure. Later, she landed in Sydney, Australia, sporting the same trainers, this time with branded leggings, her Prada bag, and an oversize, acid wash denim jacket - the perfect airport look, if we do say so.
While Gigi has mastered on-the-go style so many times before, her most recent travels and appearances prove that all you need is a really cool, eye-catching pair of functional shoes to go with everything you packed in your suitcase. While you won't be able to shop Gigi's new Reeboks until Dec. 7, we found plenty of similar designs in the same flashy colorway, so you can get your fill early.
Related: If Gigi Hadid's Shoes Just Look Like Socks With a Sole, That's Because They Kind of Are
19 Home Gifts For Building a Hipster Haven
If you know someone who's a hipster, or at least loves chilled-out hipster-themed decor, you're in luck. This year, you can gift them something to decorate their home with. From tapestries to oil diffusers, we found it all at Urban Outfitters. Keep scrolling to see exactly what's on our wishlist.
- Additional reporting by Maggie Winterfeldt
Related: 55 Home Decor Gifts That Will Make You Never Want to Leave the House
20 Handmade Gifts So Thoughtful, No One Will Ever Guess They're From Amazon
Looking for a personalized and thoughtful gift to impress someone this year? You're in luck because shopping for handmade gifts is easier than ever. Amazon features a shopping section on the site filled with handmade and customizable items. From phone cases to necklaces and wine glasses, there's no doubt you'll spot something for your loved ones, and maybe even yourself. Take a look.
How to Make Pie Crust, in Pictures
Have a hankering for cherry pie, but find yourself intimidated by the process of making crust from scratch? Look no further! Not only do we have a near-foolproof pie crust recipe to share, but we've broken the procedure down into a few simple steps sure to elucidate the process for visual learners. So stop fretting (it's easy, we swear!) and start baking.
Pizza Socks in a Pizza Box Exist, and I'm Both Hysterical and Hungry
Most people aren't terribly excited to receive socks as a gift, but that's all about to change. Upon first glance, this Pizza Socks Box ($26) is just a box of pizza. And don't misunderstand us, seeing a box of pizza under the tree is kind of the ultimate present, but inside the box is a pizza made of socks. Yes, you read that right. There are five pairs of comfortable socks in this pizza box, complete with pepperoni, veggies, pineapple (controversial, we know), and crust.
Why is this the best gift ever? I mean, have you seen it?! It's a box of pizza socks. And all toppings are represented, so everyone can feel included no matter their preferences. If you know someone who loves pizza, or loves being cozy, this is the gift for them. Plus, it's on Amazon, which means it can be yours in just two days. The only thing faster is a real-life pizza delivery.
Read on to shop this and more for your pizza-loving friends.
These Are the 5 Best Air Purifiers You Can Buy on Amazon
Ever worry about the air in your home? Pet dander, allergens, odors, smoke, mold spores, and dust mites - just to name a few - are some of the air pollutants that can be around you without your knowing it. This season is the right time to change that, as allergy sufferers are feeling the pain. Investing in an air purifier is one of the easiest ways you can keep your space clean and fight those nasty allergens. If you're convinced but not sure which one to buy, we did the hard work for you. We browsed through Amazon's bestselling choices and uncovered reviewers' favorites. Whether you're looking for something affordable or something quiet, we have you covered. Take a look.
21 Ooey-Gooey Corn Casserole Recipes That You'll Want to Make All Year Long
A delicious corn casserole is so versatile. It can serve as a side dish with a holiday or everyday meal, or it can be your main dish if it's got everything in it. We've rounded up a variety of options here that can play many roles on your dinner table. Some of them have both meat and vegetables in them, making them a main dish, and some let the corn be the star, which make them the perfect sides. All of them, though, are a delicious addition to your meal. Keep reading to see - and try - them all.
35 Stocking Stuffers For Your Boyfriend So Good, You Might Just Have to Steal Them
Not exactly sure what to get your boyfriend this year? Instead of treating him to one big thing, try picking him up a few tiny presents he'll appreciate. You don't have to waste your time shopping either, because we did the hard part for you. Ahead, you'll find 35 top picks for every type of guy out there. From socks to games and cozy slippers, some of these are so good, you might end up stealing them for yourself. Take a look.
Alert, Alert, Shoppers: Ikea Has Crazy Good Black Friday Deals
Black Friday is a blessing and a curse. Did I need to buy eight new hand towels? No. But did I because they were on sale during Black Friday? Yes.
Thanks to Ikea, I am now about to buy even more things because of these amazing sales. Head there from Nov. 22 to Nov. 26 and take $25 off a purchase of $100 or more, storewide. Ikea is also offering Black Friday deals for Ikea Family members that start on Nov. 23 and extend through Nov. 26 with savings up to 25 percent on comforters, armchairs, couches, and more.
And while Black Friday deals may be over on the 25th, the holiday savings will continue from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2 when Ikea Family members can also save on a variety of select rugs.
Happy shopping, Ikea fanatics!
BRB, Buying 1 of These Chic Wine Chillers For Every Rosé-Lover in My Life (and Myself)
Can it be Summer again already . . . please? I just stumbled upon the cutest product for keeping my Rosé nice 'n' cold on a hot day, and now I can't stop dreaming about cookouts and pool parties. A Texas-based company known as Vinglacé (pronounced vin-glah-say, in case you were wondering) has created a collection of genius wine chillers that totally beat having to constantly replace your bucket of melted ice.
Made with double-walled stainless steel, they're able to keep your Champagne or wine of choice cold for hours while you sip away. All you have to do is unscrew the adjustable top, place your chilled bottle inside, screw the top back on, and voilà! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that the portable wine chillers come in some pretty fun colors, including light pink and mint green.
As if the sleek design and cute color choices weren't enough motivation to purchase one of these wine chillers, there's also a charitable reason to do so: five percent of the proceeds from every Vinglacé product sold is donated to breast cancer research. Shop the fun collection below for yourself or your wine-loving BFF. Helloooo, gift-giving inspiration!
This Color-Matching Gadget Will Stop You From Losing Your Sanity Over Paint Shades
An innovative gadget is about to make deciding on a paint color so much easier. Described as "Shazam for colors," the Datacolor ColorReader is able to determine a paint color that closely matches any everyday object you might come across. All you have to do is hold the reader against any object, and the app will pull up the closest shade across all major paint brands.
The ColorReader is available for $99 on Amazon, and for $249, you won't even need the app because the ColorReader Pro is able to display the paint color on an embedded screen. Shop the time- and sanity-saving home gadget ahead.
25 Genius Gifts For Your Coworkers - All Under $25
Let's be real: even if you don't hang out with your coworker BFF outside the office, they probably still know your current financial situation, relationship status, and all your deepest, darkest secrets. This year, show them some appreciation by treating them to a fun present that will make them LOL. Ahead, we curated a list of 25 funny yet useful gifts that cost less than $25. Take a look.
38 Affordable Gifts For Men in Their 20s
If you're shopping for a 20-something dude and want to get him something cool and useful, don't overwhelm yourself trying to figure out what! Be it your brother, friend, boyfriend, son, or husband, any guy navigating his 20s would seriously not mind shredding through wrapping paper to open up these bad boys. Each one is $50 or less, so they're easy on your bank account, too!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
40 Travel Gifts That Will Get Them Excited to Book Their Next Flight
Traveling in style and comfort is always a must, so if you have a loved one who's always on the go, gifting to them is easy this year. Simply treat them to a useful present that will make all their travels so much better. We shopped and uncovered 40 cool products any adventure taker will be thrilled to open. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
32 Totally Unexpected Thanksgiving Sides
Sure, you've got Thanksgiving recipes that are never to be messed with (mom's pecan pie, for instance). But every now and then, we love the idea of pushing tradition aside for something unexpected. Sides are a great way to do that, because, let's be real, sometimes mashed potatoes could use an upgrade. Ahead, check out 31 out-of-the-box ideas.
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.
Hold on to Your Santa Hat, It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like a Christmas-Themed Wedding
Let's be honest, Winter is amazing. It's that time of year when you can bundle up near a fireplace and sip on hot cocoa all day and, best of all, you can spend your holidays with your loved ones. Well, photographer Jessica Palacios managed to capture the amazing essence of the holiday season in this gorgeous Christmas-themed wedding shoot. "By the time Halloween comes around, I'm ready for some holiday cheer. I know I'm not the only one!" said Jessica. "We wanted to embrace every essence of Christmas with the styled shoot. The textures of this shoot to the small details, I truly believe we captured Christmas in the form of a wedding."
This shoot absolutely embodies the Christmas spirit in every detail. Even the intricate embroidery on the bride's bodice is reminiscence of snowflake patterns. The groom looks festive in a sharp suit with a lapel pin above his breast pocket made from holly leaves. The food and drinks were laid out on a wooden table, which adds a rustic charm to the shoot, while mistletoe leaves, pine cones, and wreaths are elegantly used to decorate the room. In most of the photos, the most prominent colors are deep red, forest green, and gold, which perfectly reflect the magic of Christmas.
Keep reading to see these stunning photos and look out for more hidden details!
Meet the Best Stocking Stuffers of the Holiday Season
Shopping for stocking stuffers is anything but stressful; these fun, adorable presents are sure to make anyone smile! This season, we did the hard work for you and are here to share some of our favorite stocking stuffers of 2018. Think pretty beauty products, fun tech accessories, and games the whole family can enjoy. We might just need a bigger stocking!
We're Crying Over These Ugly Christmas Sweaters - They're All on Amazon and Under $40!
We'll be honest, we not-so-secretly love an ugly Christmas sweater. They're so much fun, and they make us smile. Now, there are sweaters that light up, sweaters with cats, and sweaters with funny sayings, so you can express yourself and your sense of humor at every holiday party. The best part? All of these picks are on Amazon and under $40, so why not pick up two? They make great gag gifts.
103 Gifts Your Best Friend Will Obsess Over in 2018
Best friends are like soulmates. They are there for you when you laugh and cry, and they want to know if their outfit looks stupid. She will agree with you when your SO is a jerk and be your wingwoman when it's time to look for someone new. Basically, BFFs are your everything and you would be nonfunctional without them. That being said, anytime is the perfect time to show your girlfriends how much you love them. We have compiled an ultimate gift guide for giving the best present ever to your best friend - in order of price, from $4 to $1,790. She'll obsess over these cute surprises.
40 Travel Gifts That Will Get Them Excited to Book Their Next Flight
Traveling in style and comfort is always a must, so if you have a loved one who's always on the go, gifting to them is easy this year. Simply treat them to a useful present that will make all their travels so much better. We shopped and uncovered 40 cool products any adventure taker will be thrilled to open. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
75 Times Harry and Meghan Made Their Love For Each Other Loud and Clear
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are going to be parents! The two have been going strong since the Spring of 2016, and they made things official when they tied the knot this past May. Whether they're out on a romantic date night or at a sports event or royal engagement, Harry and Meghan never shy away from showing PDA. On their big day, the two sealed their nuptials with a sweet kiss, and things only got cuter during their recent royal tour of Australia and New Zealand. As we await the arrival of Harry and Meghan's little one, take a look at the duo's sweetest PDA moments.
The Best Gifts From Goop's Annual Guide - and by "Best," We Mean Most Ridiculous
Ah, the annual Goop gift guide. Known for being expensive and oftentimes out there, the guide typically consists of gifts like a digital luggage scale for people serious about adulting, the nicest kitchen knives you've ever seen, a single white truffle, and - we mean this in the nicest way possible - a whole lot of useless home accessories. While the entire 2018 gift guide is a real treat to peruse, we know you're mainly interested in the most ridiculous gifts on the list. Here we go.
Aw! Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost Return to the Place Where They Made Their Debut as a Couple
We don't get to see Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost out together very often, but when we do, it's certainly a treat. On Thursday, the pair looked picture-perfect when they stepped out for the American Museum of Natural History Gala in NYC. Scarlett dazzled in a beautiful pink gown, while her other half suited up in a black tux. The couple appeared to be in a good mood as they walked arm in arm on the red carpet and exchanged loving looks. The museum benefit likely holds a special place in Scarlett's and Colin's hearts, as it's where they made their public debut as a couple last year. Also on hand for the event were Colin's Saturday Night Live costars, including Pete Davidson, Leslie Jones, Aidy Bryant, and Kate McKinnon.
Scarlett and Colin were first linked together back in May 2017, but it wasn't until six months later that they seemingly confirmed their romance with a passionate makeout session in NYC. The last time we saw these two out together was at the Emmys in September.
Hugh Jackman's Emotional Tribute to "Creative Genius" Stan Lee Will Make You Sob
The world shone a little less bright when Stan Lee passed away on Monday morning, and his Marvel family wasted no time sharing their sympathies regarding his passing and their favorite memories with the comics legend. One of those stars in question was Hugh Jackman. During a stop on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the Wolverine actor took a moment to share some kind words about Lee, calling him "a true gentleman" and "creative genius." "He changed the lives of many people, mine included," Jackman said. Stephen Colbert also shared one of his favorite memories with Lee, adding, "Thanks for all the great stories, Stan, and I know you're hearing this a lot today, but excelsior!"
Jackman is best known for his role as Wolverine in the X-Men films, which were based on Lee and Marvel cocreater Jack Kirby's comics. Shortly after the news of Lee's passing broke, the actor posted a snap of him and Lee on Instagram, writing, "We've lost a creative genius. Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I'm proud to have been a small part of his legacy and .... to have helped bring one of his characters to life."
Even Andy Cohen Would Probably Want These 22 Real Housewives Gifts
We all have our guilty pleasures, and chances are you probably know someone who can't get enough of The Real Housewives series. Regardless of whether they're fans of the Beverly Hills installment or the New York City one, we've found something for everyone on your holiday list. From personalized merch to hilarious Real Housewives-themed board games, something tells us even Andy Cohen himself would approve of these gifts.
The Tagline For Colton's Season of The Bachelor Made My Eyes Roll All the Way Out of My Head
Guys, I'm not sure if you've heard, but Colton Underwood is - *pauses to look over both shoulders for Chris Harrison* - a virgin. That's right. He's a big macho football player who's also a virgin. Can you believe?!
OK, OK - do I actually think Colton, 26, admitting he's never had sex before while appearing on national TV during his stint on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette is something to freak out about? No. In fact, I feel quite the opposite, even if it felt a little like a last-minute ploy to bond with Becca so she'd keep him in the competition. Emotionally manipulative? Maybe. But brave nonetheless? Fine, sure.
I don't think I need to explain all the gender norms associated with being a former football player in the NFL that makes his being a virgin - especially one who's had a number of high-profile relationships - so notable. We also have to take into account that he's a male contestant on a reality show like The Bachelor, which still has yet to cast a person of color as its leading man after 23 seasons. Twenty-three seasons, people! It's because of those old-fashioned, outdated ideals that Colton's honesty about his sex life ended up being such a Big Deal™ on both The Bachelorette and his subsequent appearance on Bachelor in Paradise. And now, his virginity will be central to his own season of the dating show, which is scheduled to premiere on ABC on Monday, Jan. 7.
How do we know that? Not only because ABC did the same thing to "virgin Bachelor" Sean Lowe in the past, but also because the poster announcing the upcoming premiere date features a tagline with a not-so-subtle nod to the fact Colton has yet to swipe his v-card: "What does he have to lose?"
Colton's journey for love begins Jan 7. @chrisbharrison has your first look at #TheBachelor poster! pic.twitter.com/vocx8Nc3Gj
- The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) November 15, 2018
Ba-dum tss! Worst Bachelor poster tagline in history? Let's just say Becca's "Let's do the damn thing" doesn't hold a candle to this one.
At this point, Colton's virginity has inspired an entire skit on Jimmy Kimmel, plenty of wink-wink, nudge-nudge quotes from host Chris Harrison, and this lame tagline, and it will presumably be central to the story that unfolds when season 23 premieres next year. Given the Bachelor franchise's consistently poor choices as of late, it's not surprising in the least. But it's also yet another sign that the series needs to rethink how it does things in an effort to evolve with the times, because if the only way to drum up excitement for their lead is by trading on his status as a virgin - which, gross - maybe it's time to switch things up.
Colton's Search For Love on The Bachelor Officially Kicks Off in January
It's hard to believe that we won't see two dozen women fighting over one gentleman (we use that term loosely) until next year, but we've been surviving with the help of exciting #BachelorNation updates. But now it's really time to dig our heels in and daydream about what Colton Underwood will get up to as the franchise's next leading man, since the premiere isn't that far off. So, exactly how long of a wait do we have? If you're a die-hard Bachelor watcher, season 23's start date probably doesn't come as too much of a surprise.
Past seasons of the dramatic show have premiered on the first Monday of the new year. Season 22 with Arie Luyendyk Jr. kicked off on Jan. 1, 2018, and season 21 with Nick Viall premiered on Jan. 2, 2017. History has a way of repeating itself with this franchise, which is why ABC likely picked the start date for Colton's season of The Bachelor to be Monday, Jan. 7.
Underwood was revealed as The Bachelor's latest suitor back in September, which followed his stints on both The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise. The pro football player initially competed for Becca Kufrin's heart on Season 14 of The Bachelorette, and then ended up in a love triangle with fellow Bachelor Nation alum Tia Booth. Now that his relationship with Tia has obviously fizzled (she has a new man now, FYI), Colton's much-talked-about virginity is going to be the main storyline of his season. So, uh, prepare for that.
Although this season still seems so far away, think about how you'll get to enjoy the holidays and, just as that settles down, your Monday nights will have meaning again.
You Know American Horror Story: Apocalypse Couldn't End the Season Without This Witch
Despite early attempts from Angela Bassett and Ryan Murphy to assure viewers that Marie Laveau would not appear on American Horror Story: Apocalypse, the voodoo queen, of course, had to make a triumphant return in the eighth season's plot-packed finale. Bassett last appeared in the sixth season, Roanoke, and though her comeback was painfully brief, it was enough to set social media ablaze.
When we last left her in Coven, Marie was left toiling in hell under the command of Papa Legba. Needing all the help she can get to defeat Michael Langdon, however, Cordelia Goode rescues Marie and offers the new voodoo queen Dinah Stevens to Papa as an exchange. After orchestrating this deal, Marie kills Dinah herself, sending her soul down to hell. Sadly, our time with the iconic character is short-lived, as Michael rips out her heart once they square off. Yikes.
Just like that, our forever voodoo queen will be missed . . . again. Ahead, read reactions from fans who couldn't handle the surprise.
Hmmm, This Part of the American Horror Story: Apocalypse Finale Just Isn't Adding Up
Can we talk about that American Horror Story finale?! In spite of all our doubts, the season managed to wrap up without too many loose ends. The apocalypse is reversed, just like we thought it would be. The Antichrist gets murdered by Mallory before he can even rise to power, the witches survive and thrive, and everyone lives happily ever after! That is, until Timothy and Emily, two characters we meet in the season premiere, somehow give birth to the next Antichrist. If you're scratching your head over that one, you're not alone. In fact, that exact outcome may be one of the biggest plot holes in the season as a whole.
As we all know, Michael Langdon is, indeed, the Antichrist. His parents are Vivien Harmon and Tate Langdon, or at least the spirit of Tate Langdon. They conceive in the very first episode of the entire series, when Tate dons the infamous Rubber Man suit and rapes Vivien. Later in season one, Billie Dean Howard explains how this is the prophesied creation of the Antichrist:
"When a new Pope has been chosen, and the bells of St. Peter's chime, he is shown into a small chamber next to the Sistine Chapel. They call it 'The Room of Tears,' named for the sublime mixture of joy and sorrow that he must contemplate at this moment. He is brought a key to this box. It has been said that this box contains the ultimate secret. It holds the secret of the end of the world . . . This piece of paper reveals the precise nature of the Antichrist: a child born of human and spirit will usher in the End of Times. It is the essence of evil. A perversion of the Immaculate Conception."
That's all fine and dandy. Vivien is the human. Tate is the spirit. Michael is the Antichrist. But then, well, Michael dies. The witches think they've thwarted the End of Days and in turn thwarted Satan. But Timothy and Emily make the next Antichrist. The only thing is, aren't Timothy and Emily both human? Doesn't the Antichrist need to be created, as the prophesy states, through the union of human and spirit?
There are a lot of explanations for why this is. In the Apocalypse premiere, we find out Timothy and Emily have "special DNA" that makes their survival a matter of paramount importance. So I guess that could have something to do with it. Then there's the fact that the Rubber Man seems fixated on them once they're down in Outpost 3. You could also argue that this entity, who is more of a demon than anything else at this point, is ready to foster in the next Antichrist. You could even argue that this "perverted Immaculate Conception" only needed to happen once, and that Michael Langdon brought the "spirit" of the Antichrist into the physical world. With Michael dead, it simply finds a new host.
I guess all these could be valid explanations, but none of them is explicitly conveyed on the show. If you're going to change the prophecy of the end of the world, one that literally is scribbled on a piece of paper and locked away in a fancy box in the Vatican, you might want to give everyone a heads up. Or, you know, wouldn't the Vatican have some information on what were to happen if the original Antichrist failed? Just a thought! Anyway, I'm not buying it. And since AHS is one of my favorite shows, I wish they'd put a little more care into preserving the cast and complex universe they've built.
Have Yourself a "Cozy Little Christmas" With Katy Perry's New Holiday Tune
The most wonderful time of the year just got even better thanks to Katy Perry. The singer and bubbly judge of the American Idol reboot has dropped a new Christmas song right in time for the holidays, after teasing the song on Instagram, saying, "Christmas comes early!"
In the jolly jam, Perry sings of wanting to enjoy the holiday with a loved one without getting caught up in the materialism of the season. "I don't need diamonds, no sparkly things," she belts."'Cause you can't buy this feeling. Nothing lights my fire or wraps me up, baby, like you do. Just want a cozy, a cozy little Christmas here with you." It's an upbeat ode to the warm feelings Christmas gives you, and we're already singing it at the top of our lungs. The song, cowritten by Perry and Ferras Alqais, is an Amazon Music exclusive and is available to stream or purchase now.
And if you're really getting into the holiday mood and want to compile the perfect Christmas playlist, we suggest taking a listen to these cheerful melodies.
40 Gift Ideas For People Who Still Aren't Over Friends
Friends may no longer be on the air, but that doesn't mean Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Joey, and Chanandler aren't in our lives anymore. It's quite the opposite, actually. When we're not streaming the series on Netflix, we're quoting its famous one-liners, and chances are you or your loved ones are doing the same. With the holidays quickly approaching, we've decided to make your life a little bit easier this year by rounding up the best gift ideas for Friends fans.
The Bachelor's Tia Booth Is Off the Market! See the Cute Photos With Her New Man
It looks like most of the leading women from Arie Luyendyk Jr.'s season of The Bachelor have moved on from his famed "pillow lips." Becca Kufrin is happily engaged to Garrett Yrigoyen, Kendall Long is still going strong with Grocery Store Joe after a whirlwind stint on Bachelor in Paradise, Bekah Martinez is pregnant with her first child, and now Tia Booth has a new man in her life.
The girl-next-door from Arkansas appears to be dating Cory Cooper, a guy from Tennessee who somewhat surprisingly doesn't seem to have ties to the Bachelor franchise. He attended Carson-Newman University and is currently a co-owner and executive vice president of his family company, Cooper Steel. We can't tell much more about Cory from his Instagram, as he's not much of an avid photo-poster, but it does look like he enjoys hanging with friends, family, and, of course, Tia. He's shared a couple of photos with the former Bachelor contestant so far, with one caption referring to her as an "unforgettable person." Aww!
To refresh your memory on Tia's track record with the Bachelor franchise, it began when she made it to all the way to hometown dates during Arie's season, only to be sent home heartbroken. Then she was linked to Colton Underwood, a contestant on her pal Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette. The two attempted to rekindle the flame during season five of Bachelor in Paradise, where Tia also had a brief fling with Chris Randone, but she left the beach in Mexico alone shortly after Colton did.
Though Tia hasn't officially confirmed her budding relationship with Cory or officially referred to him as her boyfriend on social media, we're more than happy to see that she's officially moved on from her past - conveniently just in time for the premiere of Colton's season of The Bachelor, might I add. Ahead, see the few glimpses we've gotten at Tia and Cory's relationship so far.
The New, Magnificent Trailer For Glass Will Absolutely Give You Chills
You might think you're ready for M. Night Shyamalan's Glass, but are you? Really? On Thursday, an extended teaser was unleashed unto the world, and it has everything: we've got all sorts of new personalities bursting out of Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), plus terrifying new glimpses of his "Beast" persona (who appears to clash with Bruce Willis's David Dunn). We even get a few glimpses of costars Sarah Paulson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Spencer Treat Clark, and Charlayne Woodard.
Previously, the first few teasers and trailers for the third film in the series - which includes 2000's Unbreakable and 2016's Split - were each only 15 seconds long. The film will follow David as he goes after Crumb, while also contending with Samuel L. Jackson's manipulative Elijah Price (code name: Mr. Glass), who wants to harness the Beast's power for his own nefarious cause. Watch the latest footage in all its glory above, then refresh your memory of the first trailer and teasers below.
Official Trailer 2:
Official Trailer:
Teaser 1: "The Beast"
Teaser 2: "David Dunn"
Teaser 3: "Mr. Glass"
Mariah Carey Celebrated NYC’s First Snow of the Season the Only Way She Knows How
The Queen of Christmas has spoken, so we can officially begin our holiday countdown! On Thursday, Mariah Carey shared a festive video on Instagram of herself riding around the Big Apple listening to - what else? - "All I Want For Christmas Is You." Even though Mariah usually waits until she's in Aspen, CO, to play that song every year, she decided to get a head start to celebrate the first snow of the season in NYC. If Mariah's snap has you feeling the holiday spirit, you'll definitely want to listen to these new Christmas albums.
These Set Photos From the Veronica Mars Revival Are So Good, They're Basically Spoilers
Production on the Veronica Mars revival on Hulu has officially begun, and unsurprisingly, we're hungry for any sneak peeks we can get. As the cast get together for table reads and begin working on set, they're slowly giving fans the behind-the-scenes shots we live for. From script covers to set photos, we're getting small teases of what's to come for the new eight-episode season. Even though we have a ways to go until the revival airs on Hulu in 2019, we love seeing our favorite Neptune residents back in action! Check out all the sneak peeks we've caught so far.
American Horror Story: Apocalypse Has Ended, but We're Already Thinking About Season 9
Well, we made it through another season of American Horror Story. The harrowing season finale is behind us. Some fans loved Apocalypse, some hated it. But now, it's time to look forward. As you probably know, the series has been renewed for two more seasons, so we better settle in with all this dread. With that in mind, we're wondering what we might get out of the next installment.
Of course, we don't have any concrete information about season nine. I mean, there's a really solid chance it will include Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson, at least, since they've been in every season. But as for the theme and the contents? That's really a mystery until creator Ryan Murphy clues us in. But that's not going to stop us from firing up our big ol' theory engines, now is it? Based on some hints we may have gotten in Apocalypse, and some theorizing based on what the show hasn't done, we've come up with five solid theories about where we might be headed.
1. Space
This one actually comes direct from season eight! Any hardcore AHS fan knows that creator Ryan Murphy loves to sprinkle in clues that point to what's to come. Often, one season will have hints pointing to the next (like Freak Show's "top hat" mystery, which ended up being a major reveal about Hotel). When it comes to Apocalypse, there are a lot of hints pointing to outer space.
- Very early on in the season, the radio in Outpost 3 plays a song called "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" by the Carpenters. Enough said.
- The "Grays" in Outpost 3 could, on a very vague level, be referring to alien lifeforms. Gray aliens (sometimes simplified as "grays," actually) are the most common alien form, both in science fiction pop culture and in actual alien conspiracy theories!
- In the finale, Ms. Mead sings "Daisy Bell" as her decapitated head slowly stops functioning. It's an homage to 2001: Space Odyssey; the smart computer HAL9000 sings the same song while shutting down for the final time.
For the record, Evan Peters has wanted a space season for quite some time. Of course, space is technically not American, but would it be close enough if it were American astronauts or even an American space station? I'm just saying, there's so much untapped horror potential here.
2. Roswell
If we're really determined to keep the season on the ground and in American boundaries, the whole conspiracy surrounding Roswell could be a really solid choice. All of the spacey hints in Apocalypse could certainly apply here, and this would be a great way to flesh out the shaky alien side-plot from Asylum. If we already know they exist in the AHS universe, why not show us more?! Plus, the eighth season really seemed to dip, more than ever, into the world of government conspiracies, and Roswell is one of the most notable unsolved conspiracy theories in American history.
3. Boarding School
We're still not quite ready to let go of the Thatcher School, which gets a very cursory mention in the show's fifth season, Hotel. Doesn't that sound like the perfect setting for a horror story? Picture Hogwarts with way less magic and way more horrors and terrors lurking around every corner. Plus, with so many orphaned children in the AHS universe, a boarding school season would be ripe with crossover possibilities. Then again, maybe we should just do an orphanage instead? Or a Summer camp? There are lots of opportunities to put kids in freaky situations. We'd be here for any of them.
4. Cruise Ship/Ship Wreck
This is another one that might get dicey, since it's technically not on American soil. But hey, as long as it's in American waters, it should be fine, right? I'm just saying, a ship or boat of some kind is a pretty wild place to stage a season of American Horror Story. Everyone is trapped aboard, subject to whatever may be nearby. Sea monsters? A mass murderer? Other mythological nightmares? We're here for it.
Things might get even dicier if this ship were to crash. What if they're marooned on an American island that hasn't been explored or discovered? What if they happen to land someplace completely wild and arcane? It could quickly become a gripping story of survival. Throw on that caftan and scream, folks.
5. Wilderness
If this one seems a bit nebulous, that's because it was my intention. One thing American Horror Story hasn't quite captured is the fear of solitude and isolation. Picture a season in the arctic tundra, like The Thing. (Alaska or the Midwest would be great!) Or what about some kind of monstrous encounters on the open plains during the time of the Oregon Trail? What about a creepy community deep in the woods? There are a lot of directions to go when you're far away from any semblance of civilization. It would drive anyone mad.
These Are the 30 Must-Read Books of 2019
With 2018 winding down, it's time to start looking ahead to the books that will be at the top of your "to read" pile in 2019. The new year is already shaping up to be a major one for book fans. Whether you live for romance, crave bone-chilling thrillers, or just want a new fantasy series to dive into, the upcoming year has something for everyone. It's also full of new releases from authors that you already love, including Angie Thomas, Helen Hoang, and Ruth Ware. In other words, it's time to start making room on your nightstand for some fresh reads now, because you're going to want to get your hands on these 2019 books the moment that they're released.
The 5 Prestigious Titles That Won National Book Awards This Year
If you're looking for a few extra books to add to your reading list to close out 2018, we have five very solid suggestions.
On Nov. 14, the National Book Award gala recognized outstanding writers in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people's literature. The winners included novelist Sigrid Nunez and poet Justin Phillip Reed, as well as Elizabeth Acevedo, Jeffrey C. Stewart, and Yoko Tawada. The latter author won for translated literature thanks to his book The Emissary, marking the first time in decades that the National Book Awards had included the category.
At the ceremony celebrating those taking home top honors, host Nick Offerman took a break from cracking a few jokes to explain how he's viewed books as secret portals into new worlds, full of new information, ever since he was an elementary school student reading a Madeleine L'Engle novel. "Which meant that if I kept reading the right books, I'd come to know special things," he said. "This is a superpower available to anyone with access to the library that allows the human race to trudge ever forward in our journey toward enlightenment, and orgasms, and fine woodworking."
See all the titles that won awards ahead!










