Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 9 décembre 2018
40 Festive Holiday Gifts From Trader Joe's - and They're All Under $10!
The holiday season, as twinkly and jubilant as it is, can be a real budget buster. All the yuletiding, festive gatherings, and thoughtful shopping can be a serious stretch, both time- and money-wise. Trader Joe's is already a thrifty choice for groceries, of course, but it's definitely nailed the definition of one-stop shop with its holiday selection this year. Dominating the festive and frugal game, there are options for seemingly everyone in your life: the kiddos, fine-food aficionados, booze enjoyers, and of course, the chocolate appreciators. With all the holiday "mixed swag" in store, Trader Joe's seems to just get us. A bold statement, but TJ's just may very well be our holiday shopping spirit animal.
The chocolate-covered everything beckons, people . . . and it's not gonna gift itself. You may find yourself gallivanting through grab-bag heaven in the gift-decked aisles, and that's encouraged. Good luck choosing, though, as the selection is merrily abundant. Shopping at TJ's infuses joy on the regular, so it's no surprise that during the holiday season it's downright dripping in it. And for this, we are not mad. So get your shopping vibes going with these 40 holiday gifts from Trader Joe's. They've turned time-crunch gifting into an art, and us into holiday rock stars.
Oh, and did we mention there's not a thing over $10? Boom.
Gift-Wrapping Hacks So Good, Even Santa's Elves Will Be Impressed
We know it's what's on the inside that counts, but sometimes it's nice for the outside to matter, too. Especially in the case of hand-wrapped Christmas presents, because nothing looks better under the tree than a beautifully wrapped gift. These holiday hacks will step up your gift-wrapping skills and make your presents shine from the inside out.
- Additional reporting by Macy Cate Williams, Patricia Pan, Emily Co, Laurel Stavros, and Sarah Lipoff
Why I've Fallen Head Over Heels For a Hot Water Bottle, and I Don't Care Who Knows It
On a recent trip to London, I found myself feeling extra charmed by all things British and reveled in every lovely thing my darling British friend offered me while staying at her house. There were nightly tea and cookie offerings, a warmed-by-the-dryer "dressing robe" (aka a robe), and on my first night there, to my delight, she asked (please read with English accent), "Would you like me to put a hot water bottle in your bed?" "You mean like those rubber things from old-time British movies?" I asked in unrefined American fashion. It was during this first night's sleep with the fuzzy-covered water bottle that my life changed forever.
I got one almost as soon as I arrived home.
Being someone who is naturally cold most of the time, I dread the Winters - yes, even in Southern California - where our old, drafty house turns freezing during the nights, and I'm forced to turn to drastic measures to stay warm. This usually looks like going to sleep dressed like Rocky in full sweatsuit practice mode and layering blanket upon electric blanket to keep myself cocooned in warmth. And as much as I love my electric blanket, the reality is that it's just not the easiest to sleep with.
Enter the hot water bottle. For starters, I'm a fan of nightly wind-down routines, so my new favorite part of the day is realizing it's time to put on the hot water for my warm fur baby. I fill up the kettle, wait for the water to get super steamy, then fill my little love muffin three quarters of the way up, push out the excess air, and seal it right up. Within seconds, the bottle begins to warm the fur cover, and from that moment I can barely be apart from it for the rest of the night. Click through for all the reasons I'm thoroughly obsessed with this inanimate object.
Urban Outfitters Has the Coolest Stocking Stuffers of 2018 - These 40 Picks Prove It
We love Urban Outfitters for its stylish clothes and cozy home decor, but the retailer carries so many fun games and gifts that make the perfect stocking stuffers. You don't have to waste your time searching the site, either; we shopped and uncovered its 40 hottest mini presents. From fun socks to glitter makeup brush sets, it will be hard to leave empty handed. Take a look.
50+ Christmas Desserts So Good, They'll Disappear Faster Than You Can Say "Kris Kringle"
Every Christmas dinner absolutely needs a delicious end, right? You can go for cookies, fudge, a pie, maybe a cake, or whatever else your heart desires, as long as your holiday meal has a delicious dessert. We've pulled together 57 ideas to choose from, yes, 57 of them, and no flavor or recipe type was left out, because we know you want options!
Scroll through to get inspired for what to serve after your savory start, be it turkey, ham, or prime rib. Maybe even pick three or four to serve - cookies make a great accent for a bundt cake! Whatever you choose, your guests will thank you for these decadent treats.
Burger King Is Bringing Back Cini Minis From the '90s, and We Already Smell the Sweetness
Gather round, '90s kids, because we have an exciting announcement that will leave your taste buds tingling: Burger King is bringing back Cini Minis! After being introduced to the fast food chain's breakfast menu in 1998 and later discontinued in the 2000s, the delicious miniature cinnamon rolls are making a comeback. Cini Minis will be available starting Nov. 29 for a limited time while supplies last.
According to a press release, the bite-size cinnamon rolls are baked daily in store ovens and made with "signature cinnamon sugar and creamy sweet icing for dipping." The Cini Minis come in a pack of four for just $1.49, but whether you want to share with friends or enjoy all four is up to you. (Sorry, y'all, I'll be going with the latter option.) You can also get a free pack of Cini Minis if you order BK delivery exclusively on Grubhub and spend more than $10 before tax and tip.
It's been years since we've had the fast food treat in our lives, but the hype has yet to die down. In fact, three years ago a petition was started on change.org to bring back the miniature treat. "Cini-Minis were a large part of my childhood and Burger King chicken-stripped them away from me like the jesters they are," wrote the creator of the petition. Ha! Over 2,300 signatures later, and this guy has a lot to be excited about. Read on to see photos of the delicious Cini Minis.
17 Genius Gifts For People Who Love to Cook . . . and Eat
For the person in your life that's always in the kitchen, it only makes sense to get them something they'll love and get use out of. Whether they could use a new cookbook for some fresh recipe ideas or an intense mixer to make their lives that much easier, everyone can benefit from these fun kitchen gifts. They'll be so excited to cook, and you'll be so excited to eat!
26 Top Gifts From Amazon So Genius, We Can't Believe They're Still Available
Sweating over what to get everyone in your life? Chill out, because we're about to make holiday gift shopping effortless for you. We hunted down the top presents from Amazon people are buying right now. There is truly something for each person on your list. Shop through these highly coveted items and get them before they're gone!
30 Ideas to Make It Snow in Your Powder Room This Christmas
When it comes to spreading Christmas cheer in your home, sometimes one of the most used rooms is the one most often forgotten: the bathroom. Though you may not see the need for decking out your powder room, bringing the Christmas spirit to your bathroom is probably easier than you realize. From shelf and sink knickknacks to novelty towels, adorable shower curtains, and seasonal candles, there are endless ways to impress your family (and your guests) beyond an eye-catching Christmas tree. Check out the gallery for 30 easy ways to make your bathroom one of the most holly-jolly rooms in your home.
22 Thoughtful, Personalized Presents - Starting at Just $7!
Looking for a gift with a personal touch? The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune for a unique personalized present. We've rounded up 22 of the coolest - and most affordable - customized gift options starting at just $7. (Did we mention they're are all $25 and under?) So whether you're seeking something embossed, embroidered, or engraved or a gift that has serious sentimental value, we've got a feeling you're going to love what's ahead.
Give Your Christmas Tree the Glow Up It Deserves With These 130+ Dazzling Decorations
Twinkling lights, glistening ornaments, and a shining star. Nothing is better than a newly decorated Christmas tree. This old tradition of decorating Christmas trees is one of the best parts of the holiday season. But, don't let the traditional feel keep you from getting new ornaments and sprucing up your holiday game.
Give your tree new life this year with these cute, classy, and cool ornaments, tree skirts, garlands, and toppers. We promise you'll love them!
- Additional reporting Tara Block, Rebecca Brown, Athena Sobhan, and India Yaffe.
Related: Everything's Coming Up Christmas at Kohl's - See What People Are Buying Right Now
52 Amazing Bar Carts That Will Inspire You to Style Your Own
Whether it's for the holiday season or just to bring the decor in your home up a notch, bar carts are the perfect multifunctional piece. They add fun visual appeal when not in use and then become the life of the party when you're entertaining friends and family. You can also score bar carts pretty inexpensively and make them look as upscale or as playful as you want.
While what goes on a bar cart may be common knowledge (booze and tools are the essentials), when it comes to styling one, there are so many ways to go about it. Do you go classic? Simple? Show off all the liquor in your home or just your favorites? And what about glassware?
We scoped out some stunning bar carts that may spark some creativity when it comes to styling your very own bar cart. From fully stocked to minimal, clean and coordinated to glam and decadent, take a look at what we found to help bring the bar cart of your dreams to life.
Lots of People Love the Holidays - I Am Not One of Those People
For some, the holiday season cannot come soon enough. I am sure that there are many people out there who relish the opportunity to commence their holiday season festivities, regardless of the date. I am not one of those people. As unpopular of an opinion as it may be, I do not like the holiday season. What some see as the most magical time of year, I see as a time of year that often brings out feelings of deep melancholy and impending anxiety. I know that I will once again need to live through the arduous build up to a disappointing event that feels as if it will never be as meaningful and special as society tells me it should be.
I know that I will once again need to live through the arduous build up to a disappointing event that feels as if it will never be as meaningful and special as society tells me it should be.
It wasn't always like this. When I was younger, I truly believed in Santa and the magic of Christmas. I would write Santa earnest letters detailing my hopes and fears, which I left anchored to the table under the glass of milk laid out for his enjoyment when he and his reindeers came around to visit me in the outer boroughs of New York City. As time wore on and I began to feel skeptical of the logistical practicality of a man zipping all around the world in one night, I started to conduct experiments. One year, I left out a piece of bread and asked Santa to take a bite, just one, so that the next morning I could then instruct my father to also take a bite from the same slice and compare their bite marks. I thought about setting up a surveillance video camera somehow, certain that at some point during the night a jolly old man would come barreling through my chimney. Instead, I accepted the fresh indentation in the cushion of my couch as proof that he had, in fact, been there over the course of that December night.
Related: Centering My Holiday Celebrations Around This 1 Thing Has Made All the Difference
I can remember the last Christmas my family had before my parents separated the following February. I was nine, and I can recall waking up with a pounding headache in my temples. I didn't feel well, a combination of over stimulation and physical discomfort that made me feel like I was running on fumes. I felt off, something wasn't right. Little did I know, (or maybe, somehow, I did), that this would be the last Christmas where my mother, father, brother, and I would be waking up under the same roof. After that, the holidays would never be the same.
Little did I know, (or maybe, somehow, I did), that this would be the last Christmas where my mother, father, brother, and I would be waking up under the same roof.
I come from a largely nonreligious family; my mother is culturally Jewish but not practicing, which meant no Hanukkah for us, and my father has his own liberally oriented religious beliefs that did not factor much into our home life. Because of this, our holiday celebrations were not moored in any religious belief or tradition. We observed Christmas in the way that I believe a lot of people do, unrelated to its religious origins and more as a holiday that is prominent in our culture and society. Without a large set of traditions to keep us tied to a classical observance of the holidays or a unified nuclear family, and with an extended family that did not see commemorating Christmas together as compulsory, the magic of the holidays began to slowly fizzle out for me. They became a source of discomfort and anxiety, as the world around me continued to constantly bombard my brain with content depicting how the holidays were supposed to be, a sad reminder that I did not fit into that mold.
Related: This Year, I'm Saying No to Black Friday
The narrative of Christmas can be hard to escape; sometimes it feels like, come November and December, we exist within an echo chamber of holiday spirit. We live in a society that is saturated with images depicting the holiday season, often in a highly idealized, glossy, and picture-perfect iteration. We hear jolly songs that consistently manage to skillfully incorporate the sound of jingle bells, watch movies and TV specials starring happy families that live in beautiful suburban houses where it always snows at just the right time, consume special food and drink out of seasonally patterned cups, somehow managing to integrate the events of a few days into a seasonal lifestyle that ensures the buildup to the actual event will last as long as possible. The holidays can become completely pervasive, almost impossible to avoid up until the quiet days that follow Christmas have arrived and provide respite - when the sad, festively packaged goods that have gone unsold wind up on clearance shelves and dried up trees line the curb, covering the sidewalk in pine needles.
There is no right and wrong way to celebrate the holidays, and it is your prerogative how you will integrate them into your life. Never feel badly because your holidays do not look a certain way.
As I got older, I became more aware of my experiences. Eventually, I learned Santa wasn't real (unfortunately). I began to see the strain of carrying a holiday season on the back of my now single parents, tense days that were split up between my mom and dad. To me, the holidays became performative, people attempting to observe these designated days in a certain manner simply because we were indoctrinated to believe that there was the correct way to do so. I saw through it, conscious of the ritualistic effort and lack of unity in my home. And to make matters worse, underneath it all, I knew I still I longed for my family to be all together in matching leisure outfits, walking through a blanket of fresh snow somewhere in the woods, a towering Christmas tree in a cozy living room, and maybe even a pet dog wearing a Santa hat. But that was never going to happen for me. Coming to terms with the incongruence of my reality and the dream I had created with the help of society's hyperperfected reality made me sad. Fractured holidays passed year after year, and I continued to breathe a sigh of relief once they were finally over.
I am beginning to see the holidays differently now. I no longer live in the same city as my family, and for the first time in a long time, I am looking forward to going home for the holidays and spending time together, no matter what that looks like. It may mean getting Chinese food with my dad and my brother out by the airport in Queens or going to the movies with my mom and her fiancé, but as long as we can enjoy each other's company, I will be alright with its rendering. For all the other people out there who may also struggle during the holiday season, my advice to you is to focus on making holiday events fit the circumstances of your life, and not the other way around. There is no right and wrong way to celebrate the holidays, and it is your prerogative how you will integrate them into your life. Never feel badly because your holidays do not look a certain way. Ultimately, no matter how you spend the holidays, I hope that they bring you warmth, comfort, gratitude, and merriment.
5 Beauty Products to Keep at the Office That Work as Hard as You Do
Your beauty routine doesn't have to end with what you can accomplish at your vanity. In fact, taking a few products to the office can make a world of difference in your workday. You might find that some have your back before important meetings, help you multitask as you grind through spreadsheets, and calm you down when you get that message that starts with "Per my last email . . . ."
Below are our picks for the best desk-side beauty essentials - the ones that work as hard as you do.
Your Heart Will Grow Three Sizes Once You See This Holiday Makeup Vault Inspired by the Grinch
If you're a beauty-lover who strongly believes that no holiday film will ever top Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, then we have some exciting news for you. Less than a month after Pur released a makeup collection inspired by everyone's favorite Who, the brand has now made the collection available in a collector's vault set.
The original Grinch collection made its debut on Nov. 9 and, in case you need a refresher, it includes a handful of special-edition items like a four-piece liquid eyeliner set, an eye shadow palette, a four-piece makeup brush set, a four-piece mask sampler, and a bright green skin-perfecting mask. The Grinch PR Collection ($119) comes with all of the items listed above plus a free sheet mask. The entire set is valued at $458, so we'd say this one is definitely a steal. It also comes with a jumbo ornament box for any customers hoping to buy the set as a gift. You can head on over to Pur's website to snag yourself one, or you can purchase one at Ulta.
Your Friend Obsessed With Evil Eyes is Going to LOVE This Palette
Makeup- and fashion-lovers have been going nuts for designer makeup lately (TonyMoly x Moschino anyone?), but our world was flipped upside down when we discovered the Kenzo World Eyeshadow Palette ($60). The luxe product - the first in makeup for the brand - comes in a glossy black container featuring a graphic bold eye, and the motif is repeated inside the palette, with each of the eight shadows also in an eye shape. Included with the product is a dual-sided sponge applicator to apply each of the shimmery washes of color to your eyes and a sample of the Kenzo World fragrance.
The product is exclusively available at Net-a-Porter and is shooting to the top of our holiday lists. It's a great gift for any fashion or beauty fan in your life.
Exactly What Went Into Priyanka Chopra's $186 Wedding Makeup Look
In case you've been living under a rock, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas got married in India over the weekend in a ceremony that very well could have rivaled her bud Meghan Markle's royal wedding. The 36-year-old actress looked stunning in her many bridal outfits, but we couldn't look away from the images of her in the custom Ralph Lauren wedding dress and gorgeous peachy makeup. Thankfully, we got the details on the exact products she wore during her Christian ceremony so you can look (almost) as good as Chopra herself.
Makeup artist Yumi Mori used more than $180 worth of Marc Jacobs Beauty products to give Chopra a soft and beautiful bridal look and even applied two never-before-seen products on the bride. Mori used Accomplice Instant Blurring Beauty Powder ($49, available in May), a powder that gives an airbrushed effect to the skin, and Accomplice Concealer & Touch-Up Stick ($32, available in May), a creamy concealer stick. Next, Mori used a wash of coral eye shadow in the Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette in Fantascene ($49) and swiped on the Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara ($26) to complete her eye look. On her lips, Chopra wore Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick in Boy Gorgeous ($30), a stained red hue.
Considering the star had a five-day wedding, we can't wait to find out about the rest of her bridal beauty looks. Keep reading to check out the products used for the Christian ceremony.
20 Gifts So Cute - and Cheap - You'll Want Them All For Yourself
Occasionally, a beauty product has such amazing packaging, it takes your breath away before you can say "Holy sh*t that's cute; I need it." Some of your favorite brands, as well as lesser-known, under-the-radar ones, have released holiday products that will have you grinning ear to ear.
This year, we've been blessed with glittery mascaras, Windex-shaped perfumes, and more, making it hard to choose what to give or add to our wish lists. We've collected some of the most adorable to help you out, so you don't spend too much time roaming around Sephora.
ColourPop Just Released a Makeup Vault So Big, You'll Never Need to Buy Eye Shadow Again
In my humble beauty-editor opinion, there are few cosmetics products on the market as fun as ColourPop's Super Shock Shadows. They are squishy, colorful, and always statement-making. One thing that might top it, however, is a vault with 25 never-before-released shades, all in a pretty pink box.
This holiday season, the buzzy brand is offering the Is This Real Life? Super Shock Shadow Vault ($99) that features so many new shades, you'll never run out of looks to try. It includes five tie-dye shadows, five split-pan duos, and 10 shadows stamped with adorable symbols like a rainbow, a star, and a lip.
While this vault would make an excellent gift, we're guessing you'll want to keep this one all to yourself.
I'm a Huge Mascara Snob, and This $8 Formula Blew My Mind
Colossal, voluptuous, "better than sex" - brands have long been describing mascara with every synonym of "huge" in the English dictionary, but I am particularly jaded by the jargon. After years of trying every tube I could get my hands on - hopeful each time that maybe, just maybe, it would be the one to make my lashes look longer than the Duggar family's Christmas wish lists - I finally (and with much frustration) accepted the truth: most formulas just don't live up to their promises.
Now, I skip right past the fancy words on the packaging and focus on three things: the brush, wand, and formula, which brings me to the Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara ($8). At first glance, it's pretty no-frills. It's housed in a silver tube with an hourglass-shaped bristle brush and basic black writing etched across the packaging. But damn, did it surprise me.
For starters, the wand curves ever so slightly to hug every last lash - even the tiny ones on the inner corners I always forget - and doesn't clump after I glob on my usual 100 coats. Instead, the brush combs through my lashes easily, making them look bigger, bolder, and more fluttery with each layer. The best part came at 8 p.m.; after wearing the formula for 12 hours, there was zero smudging or fallout under my eyes. For less than $10? Now that is huge.
For Whatever Reason, Brands Want Our Pits to Smell Like Holiday Cheer
I'm not sure if I should take this as a hint, but in the past week, I've received a vast array of deodorant on my desk. I'm not upset because deodorant is something I hate buying but actually desire to have on my body at all times. What's unique about many of these deliveries is that they are natural deodorants with a holiday scent.
Brands like Native and Schmidt's have come out with their latest holiday offerings. And you know what? Kudos to said brands for making deodorant relevant this time of year. They know that white elephant exchanges are all the rage in office environments, and that the last thing someone really wants to get as a gift is something to make you stink less. However, when you add a scent like peppermint or pine, it instantly becomes an aromatic, cute gift to share. And since most people prefer gifts they want, not need - mom doesn't want a vacuum, for example, she wants a 24-hour sabbatical from mom duties - the last thing you would think of picking up as a gift is deodorant. In this case, it can be a tongue-in-cheek present or a way to make yourself feel more merriment during the holidays. Well played.
Having tested several of these pitmas offerings myself, I can tell you that they work just like to any other natural deodorant, and the scent does not "mix with your sweat." (Many of my coworkers were curious what smell that might produce.) You apply and get a whiff of the smell, which then disappears.
Keep reading to see all the yuletide armpit offerings available for your stockings and office holiday gatherings.
9 Cute Makeup Bags That Make Travel So Easy - All Under $20
Makeup cases often take beatings, and - between spontaneous liquid foundation spills, marks from uncapped pencils and lipsticks, and the damage that comes with rough travel - you might have had to replace your beloved organizer more than once. Luckily, we're here to tell you that cute makeup bags that last do exist, and they don't always break the bank.
We've put together a list of the organizers that lessen the stress of the above scenarios with their attractive exteriors, ultrasturdy bodies, and affordable price points. From glittery clutches to statement (and slightly nostalgic) caboodles, ahead are our favorites - all for less than $20.
The Biggest, Most Product-Packed Holiday Beauty Gift Sets of the Year
While there are many gifts that your friends would be thankful to receive this year, there's nothing like unwrapping a massive present that makes you feel like a little kid again. Some of your favorite brands have released massive gift sets including bestselling or brand-new products that will make your loved one grin ear to ear.
For anyone on a budget, you may want to purchase one of these sets (usually with a higher value than the sale price) and break them up into different gifts for your friends.
Check out the dreamy gifts ahead.
Ariana Grande Just Got a New Hand Tattoo, and It's Enormous
Ariana Grande has a new tattoo, and it is her biggest yet.
After being named Woman of the Year by Billboard, Grande posted a series of Instagram stories of her getting inked with her family. The final product was a crescent moon with a face, paired with a sun on her left hand, etched into her skin by artist Mira Mariah.
But she wasn't the only one to get tattooed; Grande's grandmother, who she calls "Nonna," also tattooed the word "Ciccio" on her finger (which translates to Francesco or Frank, the name of Grande's brother).
Ahead, see more photos from the evening.
The '00s Called to Let You Know That French Nails Are Back in Style
Bon Qui Qui had her nail art, but suburban housewives? They had the french manicure. Back in the early aughts, everyone who was anyone walked around with white-tipped nails - acrylics optional, but not required - until all of a sudden . . . they didn't. A few years later and the look was all but swept under the rug, dismissed for the next decade by many as "too cheesy."
Then suddenly, inexplicably, french nails traveled in time to 2018, showing up in blockbuster movies, red carpets, and even music videos. (Ocean's 8 and "Thank U, Next," anyone?) "Fashion has taken a '90s turn from influence, so of course the trends have returned from that era," said Elle, celebrity nail artist for LeChat. "I'm enjoying the new modern twists, maybe because it comes from my era. But how you approach the modern take is vital; the nail shape should be a ballerina, not a square."
Unsure how to do it yourself? Follow the lead of Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, and more ahead. But remember: "If it's not done right, it will become 'basic,'" Elle said, which - to steal a phrase from one particular country - is the opposite of très chic.
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.
"Ugly Sweater" Nail Art Is a Thing, and It's Actually Cute
Baubles, glitter, clashing patterns - this is what outfit success looks like at an ugly sweater party. But if you don't want to buy an outfit you will likely never wear again (well, at least until next year), there's another option for you: ugly sweater nail art.
Yes, ugly sweater nails are now a thing, and that means those 3D embellishments and quintessential holiday knit patterns (you know the ones) have somehow been minimized to fit your fingertips. Ahead are our favorite designs - the ones that defy all fashion logic but still manage to bring the holiday cheer.
Scare Everyone in Your Household With This Grinch Sheet Mask
While beauty-lovers have been flipping out over Pur's Grinch-inspired products all holiday season, there is one secret treat fans may have overlooked: the Pur Resting Grinch Sheet Mask. While the product isn't available to purchase individually, it is included in the The Pur Grinch PR Collection ($119), and you'll get three of them for free when you purchase $50 worth of the brand's Grinch line.
Not only do these sheet masks moisturize and plump your skin, but they have the added benefit of having the Grinch himself printed onto the sheet, meaning you'll have endless fun scaring the crap out of your friends and family.
Have fun masking with all of Whoville.
10 Beauty Gifts to Get Your Friend Who Can't Stop F*cking Cursing
Everyone has that one friend that you're reluctant to bring around your young cousins because they just can't control their potty mouth. They're not exactly family friendly, but they're still f*cking cool, and we've found the perfect beauty gifts for them. There are plenty of fantastic makeup, fragrances, and beauty accessories adorned with profanity that they're sure to love.
Ahead, shop the products that will have your friend screaming, "Holy sh*t!," as they unwrap their gifts.
50 Gifts Teenage Girls Will Adore - For Less Than $50
It's no secret that shopping for teenage girls is no easy feat, so this year, we did the searching for you and unearthed 50 cool products she'll want to show off to her friends. So whether you're looking for your daughter, niece, babysitter, you name it, we found it all. With glitter lip gloss, cozy slippers, nail polish, phone cases, and much more, we know she'll be excited to open up these thoughtful presents, and they're all under $50! Take a look.
Gabrielle Union Wants People to Find Hope in Her Path to Parenthood: "You Are Not Alone"
Gabrielle Union has experienced immeasurable joys and sadness through her path to parenthood, and she hopes people can learn from her experience. During the special Oprah at Home with Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade & Their New Baby which airs on Dec. 8 on the OWN network, the 46-year-old actress opened up about the lesson everyone can take away from what she and Dwayne went through.
Gabrielle has been open about her journey to becoming a mother, revealing she struggled with infertility and experienced "eight or nine miscarriages" before she and her husband welcomed daughter Kaavia James via surrogate last month.
Oprah asked the couple what the "one thing" they wanted viewers to get from their experience is. "Hope," Gabrielle responded. She continued, listing knowledge and a sense of community as other attributes she would like observers of her story to adopt. "Every path is real, and beautiful, and valid, and worthwhile," she said. "But more than anything, you are not alone. You don't have to suffer in silence." Watch her powerful remarks in the video above.
Christmas Shopping For Teens Doesn't Have to Be So Hard - We Got You Covered
We know what teens want this holiday season, and we're here to help. With all the cool new products out there, it can be hard to narrow down what they want and what they will actually use. So we rounded up some of the coolest Christmas gifts of 2018, including tech gadgets, clothes, and games of all kinds, that will win over even the most skeptical tweens and teens.
Be sure to add these to your shopping carts - we know the teenager on your list will love them.
- Additional reporting by Alessia Santoro and Murphy Moroney
22 Genius White Elephant Gifts on Amazon That Will Make You Cry From Laughing
Sometimes the hardest gift to shop for is something for a white elephant party. You want an item that's funny, clever, and memorable. If you're on the hunt for a good option, we rounded up our favorite picks from Amazon. Not only are these presents LOL-worthy, but people will also be happy to receive them. See for yourself!
With These 15 Ugly Christmas Sweaters, You'll Be the Star of Your Holiday Party
Ugly Christmas sweaters are a polarizing subject: you either love them or hate them. Either way, there's a pretty high chance you'll be invited to at least one this holiday season. With that in mind, our favorite sweaters are always the funny ones, and we found 15 that'll definitely make you smile. If you've got to attend, get playful with your pick, and keep reading to shop our faves!
Fall in Love With These 30 Gorgeous Unique Names For Girls in 2019
Back in the '90s, all of my friends were named Emily, Michael, Nicole, or Daniel - and those were just some of the names of the decade that required kids to go by their first name and last initial (or, when there were two Matt L.s, a feature - "Matt L. with the blond hair"). Now, though, more and more parents are giving their kids unique names - take Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, who recently welcomed a daughter named Kaavia James.
Ahead, find 30 unique names that are our favorite picks for girls in 2019.
My Family Had a Tragedy Happen Around the Holidays, and Now They'll Never Be the Same
Grief is a difficult emotion to navigate, especially when someone you love dies tragically. And when that tragedy takes place around the holidays, it only magnifies the loss. My husband and I lost our best friend right around New Year's nearly two years ago. That loss changed the holidays for us forever, because he was an integral part of our family. Not only was Dave closer to us than a brother, but he was our kid's favorite uncle - one that our youngest still doesn't even realize wasn't his dad's real brother.
Dec. 31, 2016. I spent three hours on our annual FaceTime call with him. He was born on New Year's Eve, so we called him just before midnight to sing "Happy Birthday," and I stayed on that call until after 3 a.m. Living in California, "Uncle Fitzy," as our kids lovingly called him, had a way of forgetting that we were three hours ahead of him. And after our final lighthearted goodbye, I hung up the phone and went to bed.
As we approach two years without him, I'm already overwhelmed with the stress of planning a holiday. I want to find a positive way to celebrate the new year, but my mind is clouded by the pain and guilt over Dave's death.
Sometime in the first few days of the new year, Dave took his own life. It's unclear exactly when he committed suicide, but the last time I heard from him was New Year's Day. He sent me a text that read: "You are my total inspiration for this year. Thank God you called, sis. Made all the difference. Kiss everyone then have them kiss you for me. Love you, girl!" I've read this message over and over, finding it hard to believe that the same person who wrote it was struggling with thoughts that would lead him to take his life.
When it comes to having a million-dollar smile and a personality that can light up a room, Dave went beyond both. He had an enthusiasm for life that was unparalleled. His charismatic personality could even make my husband melt, which is no easy feat. His 350-pound muscular stature was just a shell for who he was on the inside - a big teddy bear. Dave loved hard. And while my husband and I knew he loved us, it was his passionate, unwavering love for our children that we've grieved the most since his passing. He was a constant, supportive presence that showered them with love, encouragement, and words of wisdom only an uncle can offer.
I'll never forget his reaction when our son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Too emotional that he couldn't speak to us on the phone, he sent this note instead: "May this be the toughest battle our little man has to overcome in his life, so that the worst is already behind him. When the fight gets tough, turn to Matthew 7:7-11. 'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.'" I often go back to that note and wonder why he didn't take his own advice. I wonder why he didn't turn to us. To live with the guilt that we couldn't offer him the support he so selflessly offered us breaks my heart. To move so quickly from positive, heartfelt conversation about inspiring each other to be great in 2017, to suicide, is unfathomable.
When someone you love dies by choice, the guilt and anger you feel are consuming. You try to understand why or how it happened. You blame yourself for not recognizing the signs and doing something. The feelings that surround a tragedy of this magnitude are intense. Dave was hiding a deep pain so severe that he felt taking his own life was his only option. He carried that pain without anyone knowing. A pain that didn't even surface during a three-hour conversation with one of his closest friends.
Because of this, the holidays will never be the same for our family. It's the anticipation of this time of year that we dread the most. The pressure to make it a time of celebration, family, and togetherness feels impossible when such an influential participant is missing. It's hard enough without him; it's even harder that the holidays mark the anniversary of his tragic death.
As we approach two years without him, I'm already overwhelmed with the stress of planning a holiday. I want to find a positive way to celebrate New Year's, but my mind is clouded by the pain and guilt over Dave's death. I know there's a lot to enjoy during the holiday season, but it still feels wrong to participate. Maybe one day we'll be able to start a new tradition that makes the holiday less heartbreaking for our family. But even if we do, it will never have that innocent and comforting joy that it had before his death. Because without him, our family will always be a little less whole.
Here Are the Top 25 Baby Boy Names of 2018
The first thing that may come to your mind when you think about naming your son is . . . "Oh, boy." You know in your heart that the perfect name is out there, but it's now up to you to comb through them all to find it. You can go the traditional route, the cool route, or the on-trend route, which leans heavily on what's popular right now. Lucky for you, 2018 has some amazing choices. To make that job a little easier on you, we've compiled a list of the top 25 baby boy names for 2018, in no particular order. Take a peek and find the one!
- Logan
- Theo
- Arthur
- Reggie
- Jaxson
- Jack
- Harley
- Leo
- Noah
- Freddie
- Oscar
- Hunter
- Theodore
- Grayson
- Joseph
- Elijah
- Jake
- Dylan
- Austin
- Jamie
- Ben
- Oliver
- Harry
- George
- Charlie
Here's What Happened When I Actually Followed Through With Disciplining My Kids For a Week
Confession: I'm the queen of making threats to my three kids when they don't behave, then never following through. "If you do that one more time . . . " But there's always another chance. I'll warn them, "No TV" or "No friends over" or "You're going to bed early!" I don't enforce any of it. Since I rarely carry out a punishment, their little minds are thinking, "Mom's never going to take away my toys, so why should I stop fighting with my sister?" Sigh. After a particularly bad weekend of whining, bickering, and talking back, I realized my empty threats have got to stop, or else the undesirable behavior never will.
For one whole week, I vowed to follow through on consequences. If I said to my 5-year-old, "Stop taunting your sister or I'm taking away your manatee stuffed animal," I was going to do it. Of course, radically changing my discipline style is a tall order. Especially since the truth is, I struggle with making my kids face repercussions for their actions because I hate seeing them upset or unhappy. But my happiness is important, too, and I can't take one more day of their constant squabbles without losing my mind. I was determined to start getting serious about discipline, and this is what happened when I did.
Day 2 - It was my 8-year-old's turn to get a bit too rowdy. She wasn't playing nicely with her sisters, nor was she being particularly nice to me. I told her she could go to bed early if her attitude didn't shape up. Then, hours later at bedtime, I totally forgot and put her to bed at the same time as her siblings. File this under parenting fails.
Day 3 - No one told me this was a national day of bickering, but my children seemed to know! I grew tired of asking them to stop fighting over every little thing and threatened to tell their dad, who was on a business trip. The threat was enough; their behavior improved, albeit temporarily. I did end up informing my husband that the kids were on my last nerve though, so I could feel good about the day's follow through.
Day 4 - More fighting over what to play, whose turn it was, and who looked at whom with a "mean face." Ugh! The girls had planned to have a sleepover in one of their rooms, and I told them that was so not happening unless they knocked it the heck off. The good news is that the threat alone seemed to curb the behavior for the rest of the night.
Day 5 - Today's scandalous behavior: the little one pushed the middle one, then denied it. I told her, "If you're lying about pushing your sister, I'll call a babysitter, and you can't go out on the boat with us this afternoon." She fessed up quickly.
Day 6 - Whining plus complaining equaled me warning another early bedtime. And I warned the kids 10 times. Honestly, I was enjoying watching a football game with my husband from the comfort of our couch and didn't feel like getting up to enforce lights out. I know, I suck. But the upside happened the next day, when I warned my youngest daughter about whining yet again, and without me having to ask, she sent herself to her room. "Maybe this was working after all," I thought.
Day 7 - I asked my kids to clean up the playroom and get ready for swim practice at least three times, and no one even moved. "I'm canceling Christmas if you don't listen to me!" I sputtered angrily and then felt guilty. Although the kids quickly got up and got busy putting away their puzzles and crayons, I knew immediately I'd gone too big with my threat.
Here's what I learned after the week: you can't necessarily change your parenting style in a week, or at least I can't. If I'm keeping it real, I wasn't as consistent with carrying out consequences as I'd hoped. I guess old habits die hard. But I realized what I really need to work on is the punishment I'm threatening for undesirable behavior. Saying I'm going to cancel Christmas doesn't fit the "crime" of the kids not listening, and they know I won't actually do something that drastic. If I use realistic consequences, like taking away a stuffed animal or sending a child to their room, I can more easily show the kids that I mean business.
Bottom line: I still want to be better about disciplining my children. I hope to do my best to follow through with my warnings when the girls are giving me grief beyond this week. Just maybe my efforts will inspire better behavior more often.
23 Fortnite Gifts For Your Tween or Teen Who Can't Stop Flossing
If you have a kid who's either screaming at their friends via gaming console headset or flossing in the middle of the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready so they can get back to their game, welcome to the fold, mamas. With so many tweens and teens living, what is according to them, their best lives playing the popular video game in every spare moment they have between school, homework, and other necessary human activities like sleeping, it's likely that the holiday season will be full of Fotnite gifts-a-plenty.
If you have finally adopted the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" mentality, get a head start on your holiday shopping, and check out the Fortnite gifts for your tweens and teens - receiving them will only just be less exciting than being told they can quit school and become a professional video game player, probably.
Your Kids Will Be Sure to Stay on the Nice List Every Year If They Get These Presents
Call us Santa's new favorite helpers because we just found the best gifts for kids, and we didn't even have to go the North Pole. With gifts for kids of all ages, there is nothing on this list that won't be fun for everyone.
From board games to Barbies, this Christmas will be the most fun you've ever had. Make this year a reminder to your kids of how nice it really is to be on the nice list!
- Additional reporting by Alessia Santoro and Sara Ahmed
Your Holiday Shopping, Sorted: Here Are the 4 Most Bought Toys on Amazon Prime in 2018
If you're completely overwhelmed by all of the toys available to kids in 2018, we're not surprised - there are hundreds of hot toys out there. To make our lives a little bit easier and a hell of a lot less overwhelming, Amazon, though it released a list of its top 100 toys picks for the year last month, is cluing us into some prime - excuse me, Prime - information: there are three top toys that were most purchased by Prime members this year, as well as one toy that was the "go-to gift" in 2018.
Check out the "Best of Prime" toys ahead, and if they don't seem like good options for your kids' interests or ages, check out Amazon's top 25 toys of the year for a bit more variety.
36 Elf on the Shelf Ideas That Will Make You and the Kids LOL
If we're being honest, setting up our kids' Elf on the Shelf dolls can get a bit grating after the first few days of December (I mean, you're already thinking about a million other things, like holiday party planning and which gifts you're buying your kids). It's one thing to have to remember to set them up every night before bed, but it's a whole other thing to have to think of creative ideas that won't feel boring or disappoint the kids when they wake up and go looking for their elf (though if you're looking to keep it easy this year, here are some of our favorite simple Elf on the Shelf ideas that are still amazing!).
To keep things fun for both you and your kiddos, check out some of these hilarious Elf on the Shelf ideas that will help get you through to Christmas with the whole family giggling. On Christmas Day you can watch your kids open up their gifts while breathing a sigh of relief knowing that you're done moving the dang elf for at least another year.
We Googled So You Don't Have to - Here's What "Fortnite Toys" Means on Your Kid's Wish List
If your child has asked for "Fortnite toys" for the holidays this year, you may be wondering: A) what even are Fortnite toys, and B) why would I get them video-game-themed toys when Fortnite is already the thing taking up all of my kid's free time? Welp, we can't answer the latter question, but we can kind of answer the first (thank you, Google).
Ahead, find the 18 Fortnite toys we found at Target - even if you still have no idea what Fortnite is and why your kids and teens are so obsessed with it, at least you get to shop at Target for these? (We're really trying here.)
How to Have the Ultimate Day at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
There are few things more magical than Disney World during the holidays. If you're a major fan of Christmas and also extremely obsessed with Magic Kingdom, then Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party just might rank as your all-time favorite Disney experience (and as a born and raised Orlando, FL, kid who practically grew up in Tomorrowland, I can fully attest to its magic). From the festive songs ringing throughout the park to the endless holiday treats, this event is the perfect way to jump into the holiday spirit. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your magical night!
Dear Everyone, If You're Not Disabled, Please Stop Parking in Those Spots
Since I was young, I've always had someone in my family who used disabled parking. First it was my grandpa in a wheelchair, then it was my aunt with cancer, then it was my grandma who was just ridiculously old (and adorable), and now it's my dad with cancer. I've always been around someone who needed that prime parking, so when I say I get fired up at people who park there when they shouldn't, I absolutely truly mean it.
It's common sense: a handicap parking spot is as close to a door as possible to help out a disabled person. They've been dealt a sh*tty hand otherwise, so let's cut them a break on this front. Whether they have a wheelchair, a cane, other trouble walking, or maybe even a breathing problem, they need that easier access from their car to a building.
Growing up in a small town, I never really experienced people taking advantage of a handicap parking spot when they had no right to. People in the Midwest are unbelievably nice and courteous, so it just wasn't something that was done. It wasn't until I got a little older that I realized how blasé people could be about something as simple as a parking space. How able-bodied people just don't think it's a big deal to park in that spot.
Here's my sometimes dilemma, though: while I'm a proponent of speaking out against someone I don't believe should use a handicap parking spot, admittedly, I don't know a person's life and don't know why they might have a handicap placard. If you look at my dad, you'd think he's completely normal. You can't visibly tell he has cancer, but he tires easily, so he parks in a handicap spot so he doesn't have to walk as far through a parking lot.
What I do have a problem with is those people who don't have a handicap placard at all, are "in a hurry," and park in a handicap spot for "just a sec."
I'm fine with this. If you have the placard, I trust your usage of it.
What I do have a problem with is those people who don't have a handicap placard at all, are "in a hurry," and park in a handicap spot for "just a sec." I put these words in quotes because people have literally told me these exact words before in their defense. Truly, I don't care about your hurry. What I do care about is when I'm driving my 95-year-old grandma to the pharmacy and there's nowhere for us to park because you were "in a hurry" and needed to park there for "just a sec."
I always tell people who don't care about others' needs to pretend it's your mom or your grandma who needs that handicap parking spot. It might make it a little more real to you, and you might care a little more. If that doesn't work and you still want to park in a handicap spot so you can literally run into the store for one thing - literally run - then I just have no time for you.
26 Genius Gifts Your Kids Will Love in 2018
If a birthday or holiday is coming up, we know gift shopping for your kids can get stressful. That's why we rounded up the very best options into one place for you this year. Check out these fun options and snag one for your child. Trust me, you'll be happy you did.
We Found 14 Disney Stocking Stuffers on Amazon . . . All Under $21!
So we kind of have a (big) thing for Disney. What can we say? It's the best. This year we're on the hunt for fun and playful stocking stuffers inspired by the most magical brand on earth. There are plenty of cool items that adults can enjoy. Take a look at our favorite affordable options on Amazon and drop them in your shopping cart ASAP. With prices like this, they won't stick around for long.
14 Disney Sock Sets That Would Make Genius Stocking Stuffers
Stumped on stocking stuffers? Good news: the Disney-lovers in your life will freak out over these unique sock sets. There are tons of cute designs for everyone, whether you love classic Disney characters or Pixar movies. Buy them now so you will be all set this holiday season.
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