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.
lundi 26 novembre 2018
I Got Married on a Holiday, and I Have Zero Regrets
Wedding planning is tough. Choosing the perfect venue, dress, photographer, and more are almost always overwhelming for the bride. One giant factor can never be overlooked, either: nailing the date. Picking the right date for your big day can be just as problematic as everything else combined. We want to please our parents, Grandma, and even Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob. But we must keep in mind that that's impossible. While picking a date for our wedding, my husband and I desperately struggled with this conundrum. The venue we wanted only had one possible date that worked for us. So, after a lot of hemming and hawing, we took the plunge and decided on a holiday wedding date: the Fourth of July.
Related: I Planned My Wedding in Just 2 Months, and It Was the Best Decision
Right away, we caught the grief thrown at us for choosing a holiday for our wedding. Friends and family had the audacity to say in jest, "Way to ruin our holiday weekend!" or "I'll come only if there are fireworks." At first, I felt a little guilty. But then I simply chose not to care. It was our wedding, our big day - people should have shut their mouths. They should have simply called and said, "We are so excited to share in your day!" But no - many individuals just had to get that dig in.
I mean, how dare we ruin someone else's day off of work, for crying out loud? Honestly, I felt that it would possibly be a little upsetting that guests would have to give up their annual fireworks, but I never dreamed that our wedding bliss would cause such disgruntled behavior by those I thought I meant a lot to. But still, my husband and I didn't waver. We kept the date and scribed it in stone.
Related: I Didn't Marry My "Dream Guy," but I Couldn't Be Happier
My husband and I, we just went with the notion that if we meant enough to our guests, they would want to be there. It shouldn't matter what day of the year we got married on. If they wanted to join us in our celebration, they would toss on a dress or suit and cheers with us. If not, they'd partake in their other, more festive, plans. And that's pretty much what happened. Coming from a big, fat Greek family, we had to invite the entire congregation. Of course. My husband's family invited many important people in their lives, too. But out of the large invite list, one-quarter of the guests checked "Unable to attend." Hey, it cut our bill down tremendously. That was one perk!
If someone truly loves you and your future spouse, they'll make it to your wedding despite the date on the calendar.
And when our big day came, I didn't think twice about the people who weren't there dancing with us on the dance floor. I didn't wonder who was missing. Instead, I mingled with the people who made the trip to our wedding - a wedding they attended even though it was on a holiday. Maybe there were times when our guests dreamt about being on the lake and roasting marshmallows with their friends while watching the fireworks. But when it came down to it, they decided they'd much rather attend one of the happiest days of our lives. I'm grateful for all of our guests who made it to our big day because I think the holiday magic made it that much more special.
If you're thinking about having a holiday wedding, go for it. Do not let a silly date stop you. If someone truly loves you and your future spouse, they'll make it to your wedding despite the date on the calendar. Your guests will drop their plans because they'd rather be raising their glass toasting you than anywhere else.
50+ Rainbow Gifts That Are Straight-Up Magical - and Totally Meant For Grown-Ups
There's a rainbow obsession taking hold in fashion, and you don't have to be a kid to appreciate it. If you know someone who's obsessed with the print, consider this your ultimate guide to holiday shopping. Ahead, you'll find over 50 sweet gifts for fashion girls. From brands like Gucci, Anya Hindmarch, and even Alice & Olivia, these pretty pieces are meant to bring joy. Be careful shopping, you're bound to end up wanting one (or five!) things for yourself.
- Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley
This Year's Chicest Holiday Gifts Won't Cost You Over $25 - We're Serious
From your friends to your family and everyone in between, there's quite a lot of people on your gift-giving list this year. And while you'd hate to leave anyone out or make a few cuts, the fact of the matter is you're not spending an entire paycheck being thoughtful. Planning ahead must happen. And in order to do that, we rounded up 24 $25-and-under fashion finds that you should jump on now. From furry slides to chick baubles, you'll be able to get something for everyone on your list. With the extra dough you'll have left in your account, you might just want to grab one of these deals for yourself!
Jennifer Lopez's Sexy Shoe Closet Is Stacked, and She Definitely Has a Type
We know this might not be a groundbreaking observation, but Jennifer Lopez's wardrobe is stacked with sexy items. Though she might be known for her so-called naked dresses, the confidence-oozing multi-hyphenate also has quite the shoe closet, with her frequently worn styles including over-the-knee boots, gladiator sandals, and sleek pumps. J Lo's go-to style, however, appears to be ankle-strap platform heels - typically by Jimmy Choo - which she often wears to award shows and other red carpet events. Check out her fabulous footwear ahead, and shop similar styles.
How to Dress at the Airport: These Stars Turn the Runway Into a Catwalk
When you're thinking about what to wear on a flight, comfort is obviously the first thing to consider. But that doesn't necessarily mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. After all, they don't call it a runway for nothing. Thanks to the celebrities who know they'll be photographed on their way through LAX or London Heathrow, "airport fashion" has become a huge thing, and while some of the A-list looks are probably best left to those who fly first class, you can borrow plenty of tricks from Hollywood's frequent fliers. Whether it's dressing up your athleisure look with designer accessories or braving the terminal in your highest heels, these stars make sure they arrive at their destination in style. Keep reading for 50 looks you can copy next time you're headed to the airport.
I Was Always the Girl in the Camel Coat - Until I Found This $58 Pink Puffer
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a camel coat. Aside from the fact that it'll go with virtually every pair of shoes, every bag, every scarf, and every hat you own in the Winter, there's a slim chance it'll ever go out of style. But this season, the "go on and be bold!" bug began to bite, and something told me I should start with my outerwear.
My eyes lit up at the glorious rainbow offerings from Aritzia when I stopped by the brand's preview, but for some reason, I didn't pull the trigger - not yet, anyway. I waited and waited, until I laid eyes on the POPSUGAR at Kohl's November drop and I singled out the Velvet Puffer in 0.5 seconds.
There's something about the subtle sheen that quiets down the sugary effect of this cherry blossom shade. It's soft to the touch and ridiculously warm, and the snap buttons make it a very easy jacket for layering. It rings up on sale at $58, and it's also offered in extended sizing, which I like even more. When I tried it on, I didn't want to take it off.
I thought about how I could glamorize it with drop earrings and a clutch over a dress for a night out. I pictured myself sporting it with yoga pants, tall socks, and trainers on the weekend. Open with overalls and a turtleneck for Sunday brunch? You betcha.
If it's not completely obvious to you at this point that I've switched over to "the dark side" and now own one of the chicest puffers on the street, just read on to see how cozy and happy I look wearing it, and join my pink parade.
Fashion Gifts For the Gal Who's Living in the '90s, No Matter What the Calendar Says
There are '90s looks worth re-creating (like pairing your acid-wash jeans with a graphic t-shirt and Dr. Martens), and then there are giftable, one-and-done pieces that spark nostalgia on their own. We've gathered those right here for the girl in your life who's a diehard fan of the decade. Her closet's probably already stocked with more Cher Horowitz plaid than you've ever seen in your life, and her band shirts are so golden, they're likely worthy of a treasure chest. That said, there's plenty more for her to collect this holiday season. Get on her good side, and help her out, why don't ya?
Princess Diana Owned the Coolest, Sexiest Swimsuits, and She Looked Like a Model in Them All
Some of the most iconic photos of Princess Diana include her vacationing with her family or sporting splashy swimsuits in the South of France. While her Summer wardrobe included gorgeous pleated dresses and preppy tailored separates, the late royal's swimwear reigned supreme. Your eyes have likely never glossed over a floral bikini set as picture perfect as Diana's, and her colorblock maillots and animal print designs are exactly what you were searching for before you started reading this. We rounded up some memorable snapshots of Princess Diana on holiday, and lucky for you, we found a handful of similar suits nearly identical to the ones she owned. If this doesn't prove that Diana is one of the most classic fashion icons to this day, really, what will?
How to Make Sure Your Instagram Feed's Up to Date With the Fashion World
We like to think of Instagram as a VIP pass to the best fashion parties, behind-the-scenes snaps, and off-duty stylings of our favorite models and fashion insiders. It's the number-one place to catch a glimpse of eye candy, from street style accessories to inspirational #OOTD looks.
Not sure you're following the right crowd? Just read through to find the handful of people who will keep you entertained and in the know all day long. From the most stylish actresses, funny fashion ladies, and renowned magazine photographers to major campaign stars, you can be sure this is one carefully curated list of industry insiders. Needless to say, your feed's about to get Insta cool. On Snapchat, too? Make sure you're following the right bloggers and It models.
7 Types of Underwear and When Exactly You Should Wear Them
Like the air we breathe and the water we drink, underwear is a part of life so ubiquitous that it often goes unnoticed. Don't let another year pass being unclear about your underpinnings - especially considering 99 percent of you are wearing them right now. (And if not, well, maybe you should be.) Whether you're looking for something sexy or comfortable, we have you covered. Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.
- Additional Reporting by Kate Schweitzer
22 Cute and Cozy Pieces Every Fashion Girl Will Be Hoping For This Year
Whether you're hunting for the perfect gifts for your loved ones or you're window shopping for your own wish list, try looking at Free People. The cool retailer carries everything from cozy coats to stunning jewelry and lush beauty products. We did the hard work for you and uncovered its 22 hottest picks of the year. Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.
Loft's Cyber Monday Sale Is What You've Been Waiting For - Everything Is 50% Off
Let's be real: Black Friday and Cyber Monday week is the perfect time to shop for gifts, but we're more excited to snatch up a few deals for ourselves. Loft is hosting an entire week of sales and they're too good to miss. With the code, "CYBER" you can currently receive 50 percent off your entire order. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry and shop before our favorites sell out.
OMG, Victoria's Secret Is Bringing Back Swimwear!
Almost three years after Victoria's Secret made the shocking decision to discontinue its swimwear line, the brand has apparently had a change of heart. The company halted the selling of swimwear in 2016 to focus on underwear and athleisure, but a recent change in leadership has caused the company to reverse that decision and bring back its extensive selection of bikinis and one-piece suits.
The news was announced during a company call with Stuart Burgdoerfer, the CFO of L Brands. According to Business Insider, swimwear will be available for customers to shop in stores and online by Spring 2019 - just in time for any postwinter getaways you might be planning. There's no official date for when the line is set to relaunch, but hopefully this means we'll be able to shop new styles in the early Spring. Fingers crossed.
12 Chic Tops That Will Totally Revamp Your Winter Work Wardrobe - All Under $40
Looking for an easy way to upgrade your Winter workwear wardrobe? We have a solution for you. Simply invest in a few new tops that will make all your jeans, trousers, and skirts feel like new. We shopped the newest POPSUGAR at Kohl's collection, because the line is filled with chic basics and fun printed choices. The best part: everything cost less than $40. Keep reading to shop our top picks.
Kendall Jenner Wore Silk Cargo Pants to the PCAs, and Now We Want to Wear Silk Cargos Everywhere
Kendall Jenner joined her sisters and mom Kris at the People's Choice Awards, where they skipped the red carpet and accepted the award for best reality show on stage. The five women took the time to address the recent shootings and devastating fires in California, ending the evening on a serious albeit important note.
While Kendall's sisters Khloé, Kim, and Kourtney wore dresses for the occasion, Kendall slipped into a sustainable look by Ronald van der Kemp, which came complete with a tiered top made of tulle and silk cargo pants. Kendall accessorized with oversize, thin hoops from Djula, flashy cap-toe pumps, and chunky black rings.
While her outfit was all black, it definitely wasn't understated and still stood out by a mile (even next to Kim Kardashian's optical illusion number). Kendall definitely made the case for giving up a dress and working silk trousers instead this holiday season. Read on for any convincing you'll need to shop for a pair stat.
Meghan Markle's Tights Are Her Own Prerogative, Thankyouverymuch
In our opinion, Meghan Markle has worn some pretty awesome outfits since taking on her royal duties, including oh, I don't know, that Givenchy wedding gown. While we don't really mind if she shows her bare legs, like she did for her engagement photos, or layers with tights, it seems like many fans do care - and they're paying close attention to the pairs she chooses.
At the very least, people have made remarks about Meghan's willingness to break protocol. But after officially accepting the title of Duchess of Sussex and entering the royal family, Meghan is expected to wear stockings, according to royal expert Victoria Arbiter.
Victoria told Business Insider: "You never see a royal without their nude stockings. Meghan, from what I can see from the engagement photographs, it doesn't look like she was wearing tights or stockings. I would say that's really the only hard, steadfast rule in terms of what the Queen requires."
While Meghan did attend the Commonwealth Day Service in March in tights, it seems like now they just might be a given. Read on to see how she coordinated the outfit accessory with a Goat Fashion dress at the Prince of Wales's 70th birthday celebration for the first time since the wedding, then again during the Festival of Remembrance where some eagle-eyed fans spotted what appeared to be a spill (what gives?), and her latest outing in an opaque black style.
Victoria Beckham Just Tricked Us With This Airport Look - and That's Girl Power
While Victoria Beckham is more than excited for the rest of the Spice Girls, who just announced a reunion tour, she won't be accompanying the foursome as she focuses on her fashion career, and that's quite all right. Victoria has made it known that she'll always keep in touch with her Posh side. As the Spice Girls promoted their news, Victoria boarded a flight to Paris, and her cherry-red separates definitely brought us to attention.
While her look might at first appear to have been a midi dress, zoom in close and you'll find VB was in a ribbed turtleneck and silk skirt in exactly the same scarlet shade, just like her suede purse and pumps. Victoria finished her outfit with her signature flat-top visor sunglasses, a rose gold watch, and her sparkling engagement ring, toting a cozy ivory coat for layering. Read on for another glance, then shop her made-you-look pieces that threw us for a loop.
Meghan's Preppy Dress Looks Like It Could Well Have Been Borrowed From Kate's Wardrobe
Just a few days after having stunned us in a sequin top at the Royal Variety Performance, Meghan Markle stepped out in London for a solo appearance. On Wednesday, the Duchess of Sussex visited the Hubb Community Kitchen to see how the funds raised by the Together: Our Community Cookbook - which she launched back in September - are making a difference. For the occasion, she wore a preppy burgundy dress from Club Monaco that featured a Peter Pan collar, and she paired it with a matching coat, black tights, and black Givenchy ankle boots.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Meghan's ensemble immediately reminded us of a burgundy dress Kate Middleton wore at the same time last year, while she was pregnant with Prince Louis. Could the Duchess of Sussex - who is currently pregnant with her first child - be taking maternity style tips from her royal sister-in-law? We certainly hope so. Read on to get a closer look at how Kate and Meghan both styled their burgundy dresses, and get details on Meghan's relaxed beauty look.
Amal Clooney's Shoe Game Proves She Is Sexy From Head to Toe - Literally
Amal Clooney has captivated us for oh-so-many reasons: She's an accomplished human rights lawyer, she snagged (former) perennial bachelor George Clooney, and she's about as stylish as they come (just ask Anna Wintour, who invited Clooney to cochair the Met Gala this year).
It's easy to see why people all over the globe are crushing on this gorgeous mother of two: Amal always looks chic from head to toe. We'd love to take a walk in her shoes, literally, which is why we're taking a moment to pay homage to her unmatched footwear game. Whether she's speaking out on world issues or hitting the red carpet with her hubby, Clooney's shoes are on point - and sexy as hell. Check out all of her sultry styles, then shop your own versions ahead.
Black Friday's About to Deliver Major Discounts on the Latest POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's
The only thing that could make the November POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's drop sweeter is the major discounts coming with Black Friday. How's that for good timing? The cozy-cute layers and party-perfect dresses we launched this month are available with deep discounts as Kohl's rolls out its post-Turkey-day deals.
Here are the details: take an extra 15 percent off with promo code POPSUGAR. You'll also receive $15 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23, and can redeem Kohl's Cash earned from Nov. 24 to Dec. 5.
Get a head start and peruse the collection now, so you can act quickly once the sales hit stores - they won't last long.
7 Cozy Coats From Amazon That Will Be Your Favorite Cold-Weather Essentials This Fall
Not only is a fuzzy coat a total head-turner, it also keeps you especially warm. It's an excellent investment because it will look chic and relevant all the way through Winter. The fluffy texture will add drama and glamour to your look, so you can't go wrong. And not to worry - these coats come in all sorts of colors, from blush pink to classic camel. Shop through our favorite affordable options from Amazon, and treat yourself to something fun.
Gigi Hadid's Outfits Then Are Simply Not the Same as Her Outfits Now
While Gigi Hadid's modeling career began in 2013 when she was signed to IMG Models, she didn't really make waves until 2014. Her runway debut was at Desigual (you can backtrack some of her sexiest catwalk moments to date), and her street style back then was decidedly different. These days, 23-year-old Gigi works with stylist Mimi Cuttrell, and her outfits feature It pieces by some of the freshest designers.
She experiments with hard-to-master trends, and her red carpet looks are, to put it simply, very hot. When Gigi first started out, she was defining her taste one event at a time, and you can check out a handful of those early fashion moments ahead. Read on for a glimpse at what Gigi was wearing just a few years back, and we promise you'll appreciate how far this birthday girl's come - most importantly in her career.
The 12 Most Comfortable Flats Every Woman Should Own
There's nothing worse than getting stuck in a pair of uncomfortable flats that have you running (or limping) for the band-aids. This Fall, in an effort to save your feet and spruce up your wardrobe, we rounded up a list of comfy and chic choices you'll never want to take off. Not all pairs are made the same, which is why it's smart to invest in a high-quality brand you know and love. Ahead, you'll find 12 stylish flats that are perfect for work, the weekend, date night, and beyond. Whether you want sleek slingbacks or a classic rounded toe, it's all here.
Related: You Don't Have to Wait a Second Longer to Shop 2018's Biggest Shoe Trends
dimanche 25 novembre 2018
Attention, Pet-Lovers: These Gifts Are Perfect For the Paw-lidays
Happy paw-lidays, howl-idays, and everything in between to all the pet-loving people out there! The holiday season is just another great reason to shower the four-legged friends in your life with treats, toys, and top-notch goodies.
The pet-lover on your holiday list needs something that will double as a present for them and their furry family member, and these presents do just that. With everything from personalized pet portraits to hats specially for cats, we have something for everyone to enjoy.
Happy shopping, Santa Paws!
A Bad Moms Christmas Is Returning to Theaters in December to Give You an Excuse to Get Out of the House
Mark your calendars, book a sitter, and grab your parent friends, because A Bad Moms Christmas is returning to theaters on Dec. 6, and you deserve a night out. The one-night-only second run of the hit film - starring your favorite bad moms Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn - will show in select theaters nationwide thanks to Fathom Events, and will even include a viewing of never-before-seen bloopers to keep the fun going postcredits.
"Fathom is excited to invite audiences to partake in this grown-up holiday tradition at the movies," said Fathom Events' Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas in a press release. "We love bringing back popular films for a second big-screen run and working with STX on this title has allowed us to do just that."
Buy tickets for a showing in your area on the Fathom Events website now! (Even if you've already seen the film, *that* Justin Hartley scene makes it worth the second viewing, no?)
It's Possible to Celebrate Christmas Without Religion - Here's How We Do It
Whenever I see the first Christmas lights hung in my town or hear the first few notes of a Christmas song on the radio, I can't help but get so excited for the season. I have a 3-year-old son who is finally starting to really understand the world around him - including Santa and all that entails - and I've been anxiously awaiting the chance to really get our family traditions started. I love Christmas, and I also participate in aspects of Hanukkah, but in our family, the religious elements of the holidays don't play a part in how we celebrate.
Religion in our family is kind of a smorgasbord. My husband is a lapsed Catholic and I was raised Jewish/Unitarian/whatever else my family decided to throw in, so neither one of us is particularly religious, and we aren't planning on raising our son with any one faith. I understand that Christmas is a huge religious holiday for many people all over the world, and I know the nativity story, but for us, Christmas is purely secular, and that's OK.
I want my son to have fond memories of Christmas and Hanukkah, and despite ignoring the religious aspects of this special time of year, I think I've truly gotten to the heart of what the season really means.
Christmas in our family starts the day after Thanksgiving, because yes, we are those people (and proud of it). We head down to our local tree lot, which ironically is in the parking lot of my son's Catholic preschool, and pick up the largest tree we can squeeze into our door along with a handful of comically oversized wreaths. We spend the day decorating and watching Christmas movies, and my husband and I drink martinis. My son has far too much hot cocoa and probably causes more destruction during the set up than he helps, but that's fine by me because he's 3 and we're making memories.
Over the next month, we'll do a variety of Christmas activities, none of which involve religion. One favorite is visiting our local Chriskindlemarket, where sellers from all over display ornaments and hand crafted items that show that there is more than one way to celebrate Christmas. This year, my son has been expressing an interest in ice skating, so I'll likely take him to the skating ribbon in the park, knowing full well that he'll find it frustrating and fall. There's the tree lighting ceremony in my neighborhood, wrapping gifts for others, making ornaments, and, of course, visiting Santa at Macy's. Our holiday season is filled with cheer without one mention of Christ.
For Hanukkah, I will light the candles in our menorah and together we'll say something we're grateful for. Sometimes we play with dreidels, but that kind of dexterity is beyond my son right now and he's not a very good gambler. I could certainly look up the actual prayers and read them off, but that's not really the point for my family. Even though I don't practice Judaism, I am proud of my family's history and want to share that with my son in any way possible. We don't go to temple and and he has no idea about the miracle in the desert, but for us, Hanukkah and Christmas are about so much more than the religions that founded them.
Just like all of those Hallmark Christmas specials that I surround myself with for over a month, religion doesn't need to play a part. That magical, warm, and fuzzy feeling I get when I see Christmas lights and hear my favorite carols is really about time spent with my family and an excuse to stop and taste the snowflakes. It's about traditions, showering our loved ones with gifts, and trying to make the people we care about more than anything in the world feel loved. I want my son to have fond memories of Christmas and Hanukkah, and despite ignoring the religious aspects of this special time of year, I think I've truly gotten to the heart of what the season really means.
What We're Buying Our Girls This Holiday
I love shopping for my girls. It's something I do year-round, but I do try to save lots of ideas for the holidays. We celebrate Hanukkah, so needing eight nights of gifts can get challenging. Luckily, we can get creative and give combined gifts, offer smaller, stocking stuffer-sized options, and include plenty of great books - you can never have too many! Here are some easy, guaranteed wins for my girls that I know will bring big smiles, belly laughs, and hours of fun for all three.
What Do You Even Gift a 1-Year-Old? Here Are 31 Brilliant Stocking Stuffer Ideas
If you have a few 1-year-olds on your gift list this holiday season but have absolutely no idea what to get them as a gift, you're not alone. Buying gifts for a child so young can be tricky, but wanting to include them in every part of Christmas morning, including unloading a stocking of goodies, is something you can definitely make possible.
Whether you're looking for gifts for your own baby or need inspiration for someone else's 1-year-old, find some of our favorite stocking stuffer gifts (aka small and perfectly sized for tiny hands) for this age group below.
Your Whole Family Will Love These Matching Elf on the Shelf Pajamas
Nothing quite signals the beginning of the holiday season for families like Elf on the Shelf. As the mischievous elf begins appearing on bookshelves, in kitchen cupboards, and anywhere else he can keep an eye on your little ones, it's time to start the countdown to Christmas morning. This year, carry the Elf on the Shelf tradition through to another classic Christmas ritual: pajamas! And what better way to amp up the excitement for the holidays than with matching pajamas for everyone in your family? From the youngest child to the oldest adult, these Elf on the Shelf pajamas will have everyone getting into the holiday spirit - even the Elf doll himself!
My Family's Favorite Christmas Tradition Is Something Nobody Else I Know Does
Ever since I can remember, I've always loved Christmas Eve so much more than Christmas Day. I remember always sleeping in on Dec. 24, waking up to the delicious smells of my mom's homemade cookies and warm bread rolls slowly making their way up to my room from the kitchen. I would head downstairs, only to relocate from my bed to the couch and hunker down under a pile of blankets to watch Christmas movies all day while I snacked on broken cookies and slightly burnt rolls that didn't make the final cut. Later, my extended family would come over for Christmas Eve festivities before we all headed to church together. And after church, my sister and I would race home to change out of our dresses and back into our pajamas to start our most beloved Christmas tradition: the Christmas Eve quiz.
It's something that's so unique to us (you'll hear my dad drop a random fact in June and say, "You might want to remember that for the Christmas quiz"), and it has given me so many amazing memories over the years.
It started when I was around 10 - I'm 30 now - and my sister and I still race home from church to do it (now with our equally excited husbands in tow). I'm not sure exactly how this tradition started, but the mastermind behind it all is my dad. While I watch Christmas movies all day on Christmas Eve, my dad stays in his den and works at putting together our Christmas quiz. He makes boards with different categories, envelopes with clues, and questions that fall under each one. He asks about random things he's mentioned throughout the year (How many miles is the moon from earth?), facts from nature documentaries that he thinks we should know (What do you call a group of whales?), and fun facts about each other (What is your sister's favorite saying when she's in a bad mood?). Some are open-ended questions, some are multiple choice, and others can involve visual aids or clues from each other. He also makes a lightning round and makes rules for when one of us doesn't know an answer (we can steal the other's prize). And those prizes have changed as we've gotten older. We used to play for things like lip gloss, CDs, and candy, and now we play for money (but still candy and lip gloss sometimes). To keep us on our toes, my dad also changes up the format of the quiz every year. One year we played for a suitcase filled with a mystery prize, which ended up being about 50 $1 bills; to my 15-year-old self, I had just hit the jackpot.
Before we play the quiz, my dad lights a fire, we all get cozy in our pajamas, my mom makes hot chocolate, and we gather around the TV while it plays It's a Wonderful Life. And once the quiz starts, my all-time favorite memories are made. We laugh until we cry, we poke fun at each other for not knowing very basic things, we get competitive in the funniest of ways, and we smile until our cheeks hurt. And every year during the quiz, I look around at my family and am filled with indescribable happiness. I love how my parents can still have fun like they're little kids, I love how they're dedicated to keeping holiday magic alive for us even though we're adults, and I love how we're all fortunate enough to still spend the holidays together. I think it's a huge reason I love Christmas Eve more than Christmas morning, because I know I already have everything I could ever want right there with me.
Even though I don't have kids yet, I can't wait to carry on this special tradition with my own family. It's something that's so unique to us (you'll hear my dad drop a random fact in June and say, "You might want to remember that for the Christmas quiz"), and it has given me so many amazing memories over the years. So while, yes, Christmas morning is pretty great, I wait all year for the moment on Christmas Eve when my dad busts out his custom-made categories board and says, "You guys ready?"
30 Uncommon Boys' Names That Are Definitely Going to Pop Up More in 2019
Naming your baby boy is no easy feat - to pick something that you love, that sounds good with your last name, and that you know will suit your child as he grows into an adult is a lot to think about. There's also the idea that you may want him to stand out from the crowd a bit, with a name that not every other boy around him has.
The following names - which all rose a bit in popularity in 2018 - are uncommon enough that you won't hear them multiple times on your son's class roster, and some might even be ones you've never really heard before. Spoiler alert: they're all adorable.
33 Gifts Your Mom Will Love So Much, You Won't Even Need a Receipt
Every year during the holiday season, finding a Christmas gift that my mom will actually like is quite literally my top priority. After all, is there really an appropriate gift for the woman who gave you life? Probably not. But regardless, I always feel that need to get her the perfect little something. If you tend to get stuck for ideas once the holidays roll around, have no fear. We've rounded up some of the best presents for moms that hit every price point and interest.
Scroll through to see some of our favorite gift ideas that your mama is sure to adore.
Hatchimals Released a $20 Advent Calendar, and Welp, There’s Our Kids’ First Presents
Since 2016, our homes have been breeding grounds for new Hatchimals - both the large interactive creatures and the tiny blind bag collectible versions - and knowing our kids and their interests, we're sensing no signs of a slowdown. This is why we know our little ones are going to be beyond pumped over the brand's Advent calendar for this holiday season, which includes exclusive CollEGGtibles characters that your kids won't see in any other blind bag egg sets, nor on their favorite unboxing YouTube channels.
The Advent calendar contains 24 slots full of over 50 Hatchimals surprises to discover, including paper crafts and stickers that turn the calendar itself into a holiday Winter wonderland. Check out photos of the calendar ahead, and get a sneak peek at some of the creatures your child can find inside.
10 Ways to Show Your Kids the True Meaning of Christmas - Without the Gifts
Is there anything quite as magical as Christmas morning? Kids run downstairs at the crack of dawn, eager to get to the presents Santa has left them under the tree. And as parents, we get to watch our little ones rip open their gifts with huge smiles on their faces. Because it's so fun to give and receive, it can be really easy for kids to focus on gifts and forget about everything else that makes Christmas so special. They can overlook the truly special moments of the season, like spending time with family, helping others in need, and being thankful for everything and everyone they already have in their lives.
The truth is, when I look back on my own childhood Christmases, I barely remember any of the gifts I was given. What I do remember are the moments spent with friends and family and all of the other things that got me in the Christmas spirit. So this holiday season, try doing some of these activities with your kids to show them that Christmas is about so much more than just gifts.
Lego Is Making Building Sets For Adults, and We Can Feel Our Stress Melting Away
After working all day in your office or running around like a crazy person ensuring your kiddos get to every soccer practice, flute lesson, or choir rehearsal, sometimes mom and dad need to take a load off. But rather than reaching for that late-night glass of Pinot Noir or queuing up Netflix, Lego has another option for parents who need to veg out: just-for-adults building sets.
According to Indiegogo, the kits will be part of the brand new Lego Forma line, which aims to help stressed out adults unwind at the end of a busy day. Lego's senior marketing manager Kari Vinther Nielsen said, "Inside each of us there's a fundamental desire to be creative and a unique need to use our hands. When we reflected on those needs, we recognized there's an inherent relaxation that comes from these activities."
The Forma sets comes in Koi, Shark, or Splash Koi models, or you can go your own route by creating a customizable Ink Koi Skin. There will also be a mega box that contains all four model options for Lego-obsessed adults. Read through to get a look at these incredible 294-piece sets that will ready to ship in the US in January 2019.
We Have 44 Unique Holiday Gifts - You Won't Believe What We Found
Sometimes you feel compelled to do more during the gift-giving season than just hand someone a pair of socks and a new lip balm. You want to see them "ooh" and "ahh," and then you likely want to see them rush to use the thing you've just given them. So whether you suspect a massive 8-foot bean chair would be up their alley, or have a diehard Game of Thrones fan who already has every t-shirt they'd ever need, we have 44 holiday gifts that are sure to put a smile on their face. And yours.
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)!
55 Beauty Gifts (Under $50) to Grab Before They're Gone
Tis the time to start holiday shopping - yes, already. There's no such thing as starting too early, right? At the very least, steal some inspo and get a list going. Every year the ante is upped on the gifting front, and this season is certainly no exception. No matter where you fall on the spectrum (novice or pro), a beauty gift is a winning bet. If your bestie's idea of a productive weekend is spiraling deep into Instagram makeup feeds, or if you know someone who really needs some old-fashioned R&R, there's a gift to suit. And with this mix of options, that are as bomb as they are budget-friendly, you may even have a little left over to pick something out for yourself. Holiday happiness starts right here.
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe
We're Seeing Stars Over Milk Makeup's Limited-Edition Astrology Beauty Stamps
We've seen the Milk Makeup Beauty Stamps all over social media, but we weren't prepared for this. Just in time for the holidays, it's launched limited-edition Astrology Beauty Stamps! There's one for every sign, so whether you're a passionate Aries or a fun-loving Libra, you'll be represented. Plus, the product itself is so much fun to use and allows you to express yourself with makeup in a really unique way. It's also transfer-proof, water-resistant, and vegan; your makeup won't budge, and you'll be doing animals a favor. Astrology devotees and beauty fans alike are going to swoon over this collection, so hurry and shop before they're gone!
12 Beauty Moments That Pushed Major Boundaries in 2018
The turn of the new year tends to put us in this funny mental juxtaposition of past, present, and future. It causes us to look far into the months ahead of us as we contemplate goals, while also begging us to consider how the past 12 months have transformed our world in ways we may not even fully appreciate yet. This is true for everything ranging from important events to milestones to, yes, notable moments that happened in the beauty community. Today, we're focusing on exactly that, partially because it's fun to remember all those "she did what?" moments and also because it allows us to see how those very moments shaped the months that followed and are yet to come.
The Sephora Black Friday 2018 Deals Are Insane - Products Are $15 or Less!
As avid shoppers, we are beyond excited for Black Friday deals, especially the beauty ones. Sephora is offering incredible beauty sets from Tarte, Benefit, Kat Von D, and more - all $15 or less. We rounded up the deals so that you know what to score this weekend. With prices this good, you'll have an overflowing cart.
65 Pictures of the Tindall Family That'll Make You Wish You Were Growing Up Royal, Too
What's the one thing that's even cuter than Mike and Zara Tindall's many public displays of affection? How about their family moments? The royal couple have been spotted on many occasions having fun with their young daughter Mia, and now that they've welcomed a second little girl to the family, we're looking forward to more memorable moments to come with Lena. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis might be the most famous kids in the British royal family, but Mia Tindall is giving them a run for their money. Whether she's playing with her dad, cuddling up to her mom, or hanging out with her grandma Princess Anne, this tiny royal is definitely living her best life. Just keep reading for proof.
Fantastic Beasts: This Is How Leta Lestrange Is Actually Connected to Bellatrix
Warning: BIG spoilers for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald ahead!
If there's one thing Harry Potter fans cannot abide, it's a mystery left unchecked. But we all know J.K. Rowling loves to throw curveballs that we don't expect, and with the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, she throws quite a few. From the appearance of a professor who seems to be Minerva McGonagall to the the film's biggest twist (that Credence Barebone is actually a Dumbledore . . . like, WHAT?!) there was a lot that left us digging into our Potter lore to figure out what's what. But perhaps the biggest head-scratcher of them all was everything surrounding Leta Lestrange - namely her relation to another very famous family member, Bellatrix Lestrange.
On her own, Leta is probably one of the best characters to come out of the Fantastic Beasts sequel. When we first hear of her, she's simply known as the former flame of Newt Scamander and the possible sister of Credence Barebone (yeah, he's been thrown around a bit). We delve deeper into Leta's backstory in The Crimes of Grindelwald, where we learn that she's a child of rape (so not Credence's sister after all), and that her half-brother actually drowned as an infant. Of course, after delivering that tragic bit of information, Leta sacrifices herself to save Newt and company, when she's seemingly killed by Grindelwald in the climax of the film.
Leta's tragic story is pretty much on par with her family's dark reputation. Similar to the Blacks and Malfoys, the Lestranges are one of the original Sacred Twenty-Eight (truly pureblood families) and are known for their extreme wealth, pureblood supremacy, and practice of the Dark Arts. Funnily enough, the most famous Lestrange is one only by marriage, and despite really adorable Instagram photos that make us wish it so, there is no blood relation between Leta and Bellatrix whatsoever. At most, Leta and Rodolphus Lestrange (Bellatrix's husband) are very distant cousins. After all, Leta dies - again: seemingly - before getting married to Thesus Scamander and never has any children, meaning that she couldn't be a direct ancestor of Rodolphus and that he must come from a different section of the Lestrange family. Even if Leta winds up living and getting married to Thesus (or any other wizard), any children she would have would take their father's name and not hers. So none of the Lestranges born after her time could be her children.
To be fair to fans, it seemed like there may have been plans before to connect the two more directly. In 2017, Kravitz told The Independent that she was playing Bellatrix's great-great aunt. So unless Rowling pulls another big twist during any of the remaining Fantastic Beasts movies where Leta is revealed to be alive and married to one of her cousins (she's a pureblood, so that could definitely a thing), it's safe to say that the Bellatrix connection is a very distant one. Plus, Leta was definitely the black sheep of the Lestrange family; it's doubtful Bellatrix would enjoy any association with her!
Nashville's Lennon Stella on Growing Up and Her "Graceful Evolution" Into a Solo Career
Image Source: Getty / Joe Maher
If you've watched Nashville, then you probably already know Lennon Stella's name. The 19-year-old singer and her real-life sister, Maisy, played Maddie and Daphne Conrad on the hit show and eventually rose to stardom with their addicting music covers. Now that the series has officially ended, Stella is forging her own way as a solo artist with a fresh new sound. In addition to releasing a few catchy singles, she recently teamed up with One Direction's Liam Payne and Jonas Blue for the song "Polaroid." And that's just the beginning.
Not only does she have a few concerts lined up (which are already sold out, by the way), but she also has a brand-new EP called Love, Me out on Nov. 16. I recently had a chance to sit down with the rising star at the Hyatt Centric Times Square for its first Sofar Sounds concert event, where she discussed all the exciting things she has in store and how being on Nashville helped spark her career as a solo artist.
Image Source: Getty / Jason Kempin
POPSUGAR: It's been a crazy year with Nashville ending and you pursuing a solo career. After being on the show for so many seasons and growing up in the spotlight, did you feel like you needed to reintroduce yourself to fans in a way?
Lennon Stella: Yeah, in a way, for sure. Because the music I was making on the show is so different than the music I'm making now. And the music from the show was a character. It wasn't me, so definitely. I tried to gracefully bring everyone along and have them continue being fans of my new solo stuff. But, yeah, it was definitely something I took into consideration because it is - I didn't want to have it be this shocking change. But that was always me, and I feel like I didn't ever really want it to be much of a transition anyway, just kind of more like a graceful evolution.
PS: How would you say that being on Nashville shaped your career as a solo artist?
LS: I think being on the show really allowed me to just experiment and really create and just discover what music I wanted to make. And I think that the show - it was the biggest reason why I was able to do that because I was on the show for so long and I was able to just figure out what I don't like and what I do like. I don't think I would've done that if I wasn't on a TV show because I would've gotten so antsy.
PS: Who would you say are some of your biggest influences?
LS: Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac is my all-time favorite. Lyrically, Andy Shauf. I love his lyrics. I love The Japanese House, Julie Bella, Bazzi. Yeah, that kind of vibe when it's more the sound of the overall thing. But I think as far as songwriting, I really like Bob Dylan.
PS: You've had a few new singles out lately, but I know you're also releasing an EP. How would you describe your new music?
LS: I guess it's kind of like pop, but they have a heaviness to them for sure. I think lyrically they have just a bit of weight. Like a bit of sadness to them. There's two new songs that'll come when the EP comes, and they're a little more upbeat, but they all have a weight to them. Every song, even if it's a fun dance-y song, there's a sadness to it, which I'm just drawn to.
PS: You're very open with your fans, and I feel like you're great at interacting with them on social media. What has that been like to kind of see their positive response to your new music?
LS: I honestly sit and read my DMs nonstop. Comments and DMs are obviously so nice, but having it be specifically about something that I've been working on for so long and having it resonate with them like it does with me is just so crazy and so cool to me. Like "Breakaway," for instance. Those ones specifically are just really a hard time that I was going through, and I wrote them for myself really. And I put it out, and I didn't expect people to relate as much as they did. So many people have said that "it's like you just took the words out my mouth," and I'm just like, that's so crazy because it's like we all feel the same things. It's really cool having them out in the world, and just the overall reaction has been awesome.
PS: I feel like a lot of your comments are always like, "I feel like we're best friends."
LS: Yeah. Which is the coolest thing. Every single person that DMs me feels like we're friends, which is so cool and I will forever keep that. I mean, I hope that stays that way forever. If feels like we're all just swimming together, and I think it's a cool thing and it feels rare. With social media, it's just hard to keep that where it feels super connected, so it's really important to me for sure.
PS: Do you have any big career goals you really want to achieve in the next year?
LS: Definitely in this next year an album and get that really locked in. As of now, there's so many songs that we just kind of have that I've just been writing for so long and so many that I love. But I think just kind of writing more and getting it all out of my system and then just focusing and narrowing it down to an album's worth of stuff and packaging it all together. That's the next thing in my brain is an album and then touring the album.
22 Times Kim Kardashian Got Naked For the World This Year
Kim Kardashian is known for pushing the limits when it comes to sharing sexy photos of her body, but this year, she certainly took things up a notch. We're well aware that the year isn't exactly done yet, but in just January alone, Kim posted ten NSFW snaps on social media. That must be some kind of record, right? From sizzling topless shots to mirror selfies, it's clear to see that Kim loves showing off her body. Can you really blame her, though? She looks amazing!
If You're Already in a Sappy Holiday Mood, Netflix Has Plenty of Festive Rom-Coms
With the sun setting at depression o'clock and a crisp chill in the air, there's no better time to cuddle up and binge-watch a ton of Netflix. A true friend who never lets you down, the streaming service is already stacked with new original holiday movies, plus an entire slate of classics that'll hold you over for quite some time. And for all you amorous angels out there, we have even more exciting news: within the selection is a whole bunch of romantic comedies, from Love Actually to A Christmas Prince! Get ready to swoon.
The Queen Ordered Charles and Diana's Divorce and More Dramatic Details You Didn't Know
Prince Charles and Princess Diana pose with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in March 1981, shortly after their engagement. Image Source: Getty / Hulton Royals Collection
The relationship between Prince Charles and Princess Diana was tumultuous, to say the least; they met after Charles first dated Diana's older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and only went on 12 dates before getting engaged in February 1981 and tying the knot five months later. By late 1992 (after collective affairs and embarrassing leaked audio conversations), Charles and Diana's 11-year marriage was a disaster - and the royal family couldn't hide it anymore.
Charles's parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, met with the couple for an intervention of sorts. Philip and Diana exchanged heartfelt letters that Summer in which he expressed his disappointment at both her and Charles's extramarital affairs and asked her to see both of their slip-ups from the other's point of view; at one point he seemed ready to give up, writing, "I will always do my utmost to help you and Charles to the best of my ability. . . but I am quite ready to concede that I have no talent as a marriage counselor." Their attempts at reconciliation were unsuccessful, and that December, Prime Minister John Major publicly announced the pair's "amicable separation," reading an official statement from the royal family.
Diana and Charles looked less than enthused during their royal tour of Canada in October 1991. Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
After their separation, more rumors of cheating emerged, and Diana conducted a tell-all interview with the BBC's Martin Bashir in which she disclosed details about her own infidelity and struggle with bulimia as well as Charles's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, making the famous quote, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." Ultimately, Elizabeth gave up too - likely fed up with doing damage control for Charles and Diana's cheating scandals and the blowback from Diana broadcasting their business, she sprung into action. On Dec. 20, 1995, Buckingham Palace announced that the queen had written separate letters to the couple ordering them to divorce ASAP, an unprecedented move at the time. "After considering the present situation, the queen wrote to both the prince and princess earlier this week and gave them her view, supported by the Duke of Edinburgh, that an early divorce is desirable," a palace statement said. It added that both Elizabeth and Philip would "continue to do all they can to help and support the Prince and Princess of Wales, and most particularly their children, in this difficult period." Charles agreed formally in writing soon after, but it took Diana until February to announce her agreement after negotiations with Charles and representatives for Elizabeth and until July for the couple to agree on the terms of their divorce.
Queen Elizabeth reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up.
Their divorce was finalized in August 1996, but some drama surrounding her title ensued. Queen Elizabeth reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up - instead, she was given the title Diana, Princess of Wales. The loss of the honorific separated Diana from the rest of the family in such a way that she had to curtsy to those that had it, including her own children. Heartbreakingly, a 14-year-old Prince William is said to have comforted his mother after the loss of her title by saying, "Don't worry, Mummy, I will give it back to you one day when I am king."
Diana, Harry, William, and Charles watch a parade in London in March 1995. Image Source: Getty / AFP
Diana was allowed to keep her apartment at Kensington Palace - which now serves as the official residence of William, Kate Middleton, and their two children - as "a central and secure home for The Princess and the children." She was given access to the royal family's jets and was able "to use the state apartments at St. James's Palace for entertaining," as long as asked the queen's permission first. She was also permitted to keep all the jewelry she amassed during her marriage, with the exception of the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, which Elizabeth gave to her as a wedding present after only wearing it once. It was lent to Kate Middleton in both 2015 and 2016.
Buckingham Palace publicly stated that as the mother of heirs to the throne, Diana would continue to be regarded as a member of the royal family and "will from time to time receive invitations to state and national public occasions" at the invitation "of the sovereign or the Government." She and Charles were granted equal access to Prince William and Prince Harry, who were 14 and 11 at the time, respectively, and the boys alternated holidays with each of their parents when they weren't attending boarding school. Things seemed to be civil between Charles and Diana as they worked together to coparent their boys after the divorce and up until Diana's death in August 1997. During an inquest into the tragedy in January 2007, Deputy Coroner of the Queen's Household Baroness Butler-Sloss said, "I am satisfied that at her death, Diana Princess of Wales continued to be considered as a member of the Royal Household."
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