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 17 décembre 2018
These Presents Will Be on Everyone's Wish List This Year Because They Are Just That Good
Looking for the hottest Christmas gifts this year? Well, look no further, because we found each and every one of them. With gifts for everyone on your list - from kids to boyfriends - these presents will make holiday shopping easier than ever before.
Check out the most popular gifts this year, and be sure to save some room on your wish list, too.
- Additional reporting Macy Cate Williams, Krista Jones, Rebecca Brown, Alessia Santoro, and India Yaffe.
Wine Wrapping 101: 50+ Crafty and Creative Ways to Vamp Up the Vino
No one can go wrong with gifting wine during the holidays because it's a simple (and much-appreciated) present for all wine-lovers. This year, step up your gifting game by wrapping your wine bottles in beautiful, festive, and effortless ways. Just add tissue paper and tinsel!
Cheers to the holidays!
These Were the 10 Products Most Bought by Cat Owners in 2018, So Here Are My Cats' Holiday Gifts
I'm not necessarily the type of pet owner who buys my cats holiday gifts - if I see a cute toy or happen to need to replenish treats around the holidays, then sure, I'll wait until Christmas morning to give my two cats the loot. However, this year they're making out like the little bandits they are because Amazon shared a list of the top 10 products that cat owners purchased this year, and I'm about to add most of them to my cart.
Check out the products ahead - I'll say sorry in advance, because if you're anything like me, you're about to get really hyped and drop $30 on a water fountain bowl.
We Don't Want to Unwrap Presents Anymore - These Wrapping Papers Are Way Too Cute!
Step up your holiday gift wrapping game this year with some of the best decorative paper in the business. While most gift-getters are excited to find out what's under the wrapping paper, they will definitely appreciate the outside of their gifts just as much as the presents themselves.
With wrapping paper for Star Wars fans, cat-lovers, pop culture fanatics, and everything in between, your presents will never look better than they do under this year's Christmas tree. Shop more than 100 options ahead!
29 Last-Minute Gifts Under $50 So Good, You'll Stop Freaking Out About Shopping Late
So you dropped the ball on gift shopping this year. That's OK - we're going to help you out. We found some brilliant last-minute present ideas that are all under $50. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can get free two-day shipping on many items. Nordstrom and Shopbop also offer expedited shipping options. So look through these affordable options and get them ordered ASAP - you only have a little time left!
Trader Joe's Has Peppermint Bark Popcorn Coated in White Chocolate AND Salted Caramel
Do you ever feel like Trader Joe's just gets you? Like when it releases a snack you've secretly been dreaming about? That's how I felt when I discovered the new Peppermint Bark Popcorn ($3). Two of my favorite foods are popcorn and minty things (peppermint bark, mint chocolate chip ice cream, York Peppermint Patties - you name it). So my eyes just about popped out of my head when I saw this holiday snack in adorable, just-festive-enough packaging. Kind of like a present, this popcorn has layers. It starts with a crunchy piece of popcorn, which is then coated in salted caramel, dark chocolate, and a thick layer of white chocolate before it's finished with crushed peppermint pieces. Eating it is a gift to yourself, really.
The popcorn is salty, sweet, cool, and creamy all at the same time. I always need one of those huge tins of cheddar and caramel popcorn during the holidays, and I'm definitely adding this to the lineup, too. See more photos of the sweet treat ahead, and don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for more holiday gifts from Trader Joe's.
Um, You Guys? Where Has This GIANT Marshmallow Sheet Been All My Life?
If you're a marshmallow person - which, who isn't? - may I kindly suggest you sit down? I have some (literally) big news: a GIANT marshmallow sheet exists. Melville Candy's Giant Marshmallow Sheet is available at World Market for only $13, and you guys, the baking options are endless. As the packaging shows, the sheet can easily be cut into cute shapes, and how have I lived all this time without topping my hot cocoa with a perfect marshmallow snowflake? The sheet is 15 inches by 11 inches and half an inch thick, so it's also an ideal product for making s'mores.
After a bit of digging, I learned that Melville Candy also makes a whole bunch of marshmallow drink toppers that are already shaped and sprinkled into festive little treats! Holiday confetti marshmallow toppers? Check. Chocolate peppermint marshmallow toppers? Check. Chocolate-DIPPED toppers? Yep, Melville Candy makes those too. Check out the company's site to see all the holiday marshmallow toppers, and keep reading to see more pictures of the treats, which would make for great gifts or fun holiday party goodies.
When It Comes to the Hot 2018 Christmas Tree Color, Black Is the New Green
This just in: the latest craze for Christmas trees is an unexpected color. According to Wayfair, there has been a 70 percent increase in site searches for artificial black trees this year, and these ebony beauties have been popping up all over Instagram and Pinterest. You may be thinking that whoever said black was the new pine is seriously disturbed, but even if you think you're forever evergreen, you may just change your mind once you see how people are embracing this holiday trend. From Wayfair and Treetopia to Amazon and Walmart, you can find the black tree of your dreams, and then you can check out this gallery for some style inspiration.
I Tried to Quit My Smartphone Addiction and (Spoiler Alert) Failed Miserably
I need rehab. Actual, real-life, smartphone rehab. Listen, I knew I was addicted to my smartphone before I tried to go smartphone-free for one week, but I didn't know how addicted I was. Now that I know, I'm actually scared for myself and, dare I say, society as a whole.
Shortly after my daughter was born, I actually attempted this digital detox song and dance. Why? I caught myself checking my phone while I was driving my precious cargo in the car. I felt guilty whenever she saw me scrolling during playtime. I found myself taking drastic measures like actually hiding my phone just to stay in the present moment. I started to think that I had a real problem. Turns out that I do.
According to my phone's data, I spend an average of four hours and 23 minutes on my phone per day! It's clear that I need to get clean. So, I decided to take on the difficult, but not impossible, task of turning off all of my cellular data and WiFi dialing. I was determined to use my phone as 1998 intended - make calls, take calls, and maybe store a photo here and there. I want to be clear: this meant no music, no Google Maps, no email, no social media, no apps, nothing for one whole week!
Let me just tell you that this seemingly innocent experiment made with the intention of being more present in those picture-perfect moments (as opposed to ruining them by taking actual pictures) really opened my eyes to the severity of my smartphone addiction.
My name is Jen, and I am a smartphone addict. Here's my (attempted) recovery story.
Forget the Mistletoe! These Ugly Christmas Sweaters For Couples Are So Much Better
From the cheesy to the cute to the downright crazy, ugly Christmas sweaters are one of the best parts about the holiday season . . . and they just got better.
Grab your significant other (or best friend!) and get ready to be the best-looking couple at the holiday party this year with these Christmas sweaters for couples. Warning: these sweaters are about to turn up the heat on your Winter wardrobe (and your relationship).
The 100 Best High-Tech Gifts of 2018 for Any Guy in Your Life
It doesn't matter whether he's your dad, husband, or brother, shopping for men who already have their dens decked out with every tech toy imaginable is tough. So we've put together a gift guide for the guys who have it all. These are gifts he definitely won't expect.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Yi and Tara Block
36 Disney World Hacks That Will Make Your Trip Even More Magical
Want to avoid the long Walt Disney World lines? We can help with that. Some of the park's biggest fans came together on two Quora threads to offer tips and tricks for making your trip to Disney World even more magical - and more economical, too. These hacks will help you navigate the parks, find the best deals, and make the most of the happiest place on the planet.
Related: Disney World Is Infinitely Better Than Disneyland, and Here's Why
Start Saving Up, Because These Expensive Christmas Gifts Are Worth Every Penny
Class never goes out of style, which is why these presents are worth more than their price tags. With everything from luxe travel bags to dainty and delicate jewelry, there is nothing on this list that won't wow the person you are shopping for this holiday season.
So give the gift of downright luxury this year, and you will make the holidays more than just merry and bright.
- Additional reporting Krista Jones, India Yaffe, and Lisa Sugar.
The Quickest Way to Find Your Top 9 Instagram Posts of 2018
Seeing your top nine Instagram posts of the year always reveals a little bit about you, ya know? For me, that means two pastas and one pizza made the mix, which I'm zero percent shocked by. (Shout out to Barzotto in San Francisco for its very photogenic pasta with marinara and ricotta. If you, too, enjoy taking a look back and seeing which photos on your grid got the most likes throughout the year, the Top Nine app and website has you covered.
How to Find Your Instagram Top Nine of 2018
- Go to the Top Nine website or download the app in the App Store
- Enter your Instagram username; your account must be public
- Enter your email address
- Check your email, and you'll receive your Instagram Top Nine as a JPEG attachment
- Nod with agreement and say, "Yep, I remember that"
Top Nine will organize your most liked photos in order, and it'll also tell you your total number of likes for the year. Get ready for an influx of Top Nine grids in your feed as we scroll on through to 2019.
Google Released Its Annual Year-in-Search Video, and My Tear Ducts Are Already Exhausted
Reflective year-in-review videos make us cry no matter how predictable they are, but what's interesting about Google's newly released Year in Search video is that it demonstrates how unpredictable 2018 really was.
Though it's worth watching in its entirety, the video features many triumphs, including the box-office success and cultural importance of Crazy Rich Asians, the hopeful outcome of the midterm elections, and Cardi B's banner year. There are moments for romance, like that Emmys proposal and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding, and reminders of how just how strange the internet can be. (Remember Yanny vs. Laurel?) Then, of course, there are moments to remember those we've lost, including Stephen Hawking, George H.W. Bush, and Anthony Bourdain. Watch the gracefully packaged video above.
We Asked, They Answered: A Bunch of Guys Share Their Best Dating Tips (That Actually Work)
Frankly, I was starting to wonder if my old tried-and-true dating tips have gotten stale, so I decided to take a break from my own online dating experiments and waxing poetic about dating apps to listen in on what the gentlemen had to say about what works and what doesn't when it comes to the art of romance. Here are their honest answers for single men and single women navigating the world of dating.
Score Major Points With 21 Gifts For Meeting the Family
When you're meeting your significant other's family for the first time over the holidays, the pressure can be on to bring something memorable - in a good way. So if you find yourself in that boat, we've got some gift ideas to make a great first impression and keep the meet-up stress free. Check them out now!
30 Gifts Your 30-Something Boyfriend Will Want This Year
Trying to find the perfect present for your significant other? We know it's hard sometimes. If you've got a husband or boyfriend in his 30s, we have a whole guide of gifts just for your guy. Let us do all the work for you and we guarantee you'll give your man something he will love. Check out our top picks.
40+ Gifts That'll Help Your Photographer Friend Get ALL the "Likes"
Finding the perfect gift for a photographer is almost as hard as a photographer getting the perfect shot. It has to be creative, thoughtful, and (pun intended) picture-perfect. Take a look at these gifts and get ready to snap a picture, because they are totally photo-worthy.
- Additional reporting by Erin Cullum
33 White Elephant Gifts Your Friends Will Actually Love
If we're being perfectly honest, nobody actually needs any of these white elephant gifts. But we promise that your friends will be ecstatic when they get their hands on these presents. If you're looking to buy a gift with a little humor to it, look no further. Check out all 33 brilliant products you'll actually be dying to own.
20 Gifts Your 20-Something Boyfriend Will Love
Giving presents to your significant other can be a real stressor, that's why we're here to be your holiday shopping spirit guide. Take a deep breath and open your Internet browser; it's never too early to begin holiday shopping. If you've got a boyfriend in his 20s, we have a whole guide of gifts perfect for your man. Check out all 20 of the foolproof options.
22 Mermaid Gifts For Aspiring Ariels
As an ode to the wave-riding girl who gave us an obsession with fins, we found tons of incredible mermaid-inspired gifts that will impress Ariel-lovers more than a dinglehopper. Check out all of these awesome gifts for your BFFs . . . or yourself.
30 Sparkly Gifts For the Glitter-Obsessed Girl
All that glitters may not be gold, but we don't really care, because sparkles are better anyway. We're not ashamed to say that we're drawn to shiny stuff like moths to a flame. There are plenty of other girls out there who would cover their bodies in glitter daily if they could, but unfortunately that's not office appropriate. Instead, we rounded up every sparkly gift we could find so that your glitter-obsessed friends can shine bright like a diamond all day every day. Check out all the products that would make Kesha and Elton John proud.
35 Gifts For the Guy Who Basically Has Everything
Men can be the toughest nut to crack when it comes to shopping. They aren't always vocal about what they want (and don't have 12,000 Pinterest boards like we do), and to make things worse, anything they have their eye on, they buy themselves. But we're here to help! No matter what your guy's interests are, we've got a gift idea for him! Check out our extensive gift guide now!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
These Wines Will Never Let You Down - Even If You're on a Budget
No matter if your wine preference is red, white, sparkling, or rosé, there is always one type of wine that is everyone's favorite - one that is flavorful and affordable.
However, it's not always easy to find a blend that checks all of your boxes when it comes to bargain bottles, and we are pretty sure there is absolutely nothing worse than popping a bottle of vino only to find out that the one you brought home with the last few dollars of your paycheck is pretty much the worst.
To save you from that moment, we scoped out some of the best bargain bottles on the market today. We asked experts from the wine industry, including sommeliers and wine store owners, and scanned apps like Vivino for wines that have complexity on the palate and flexibility in the pocketbook (or wallet!).
Check out this list of bottles that are budget-friendly, but sip like they cost a pretty penny.
104 Christmas Gifts on Amazon So Cool, You'll Be Happy to Click Through Them All
It's time to stop procrastinating and start Christmas shopping. Don't freak out if you're behind; Amazon offers tons of clever gift ideas that come in just two days if you have a Prime membership. We sifted through all the site's products and created the ultimate present guide for you. There is truly something for everyone in your life. So click "order" and get these goodies wrapped up!
The Most Foolproof Way to Make Prime Rib Roast in an Instant Pot - Yes, an Instant Pot!
Planning dinner for the holidays shouldn't be stressful. If you're short on time and running around picking up last-minute gifts for loved ones, you're going to want to bookmark this recipe. No table is set without the star dish in the center - a roast! I'm not sure about you, but a perfectly cooked prime rib roast is my favorite thing to have. It's warm and comforting, especially with some roasted potatoes on the side. The best part about this recipe though is it can all be made in an Instant Pot. Instead of taking hours, this garlicky, buttery, herbed roast only takes around an hour to make.
Happy Holidays From This Downright "Dirty Santa" With a Sack Full of the Best Gifts Ever
This year at your Dirty Santa gift exchange, be sure to give the present that everyone is fighting for. From the weird to the totally wacky, these presents will have everyone saying, "I want that!"
Find the best present for your present swap right here, and let the tradition of Dirty Santa gifting continue every holiday season. (And don't worry about Grandma's stocking getting in twist - a "Dirty Santa" gift exchange is similar to a Yankee Swap or White Elephant gift exchange, just with more stealing!)
- Additional reporting by Macy Cate Williams, Krista Jones, Sarah Siegel, and Jaime Richards
Psst, Santa - All We Want For Christmas Are These Sweet Treats From Target
Yes, Target has great home decor, amazing beauty products, and some of the best candles, but have you even seen their festive holiday food? If you haven't, please make your way to Target ASAP.
These edible treats double as fun and easy presents, making your holiday shopping that much smoother. With cute packaging and tasty treats for everyone on your list, Target's got you covered. Be sure to save some room in you cart, because we can promise that you will want at least one festive food for yourself.
36 Disney World Hacks That Will Make Your Trip Even More Magical
Want to avoid the long Walt Disney World lines? We can help with that. Some of the park's biggest fans came together on two Quora threads to offer tips and tricks for making your trip to Disney World even more magical - and more economical, too. These hacks will help you navigate the parks, find the best deals, and make the most of the happiest place on the planet.
Related: Disney World Is Infinitely Better Than Disneyland, and Here's Why
There's a Reason Taylor Swift Swears by These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Back in 2014, Taylor Swift basically broke the internet by joining Tumblr and responding to diehard fans' questions. One fan may have asked the most important question - that is: what recipe does Taylor Swift use to bake her famous pumpkin chocolate chip cookies? Every Fall and Winter, the queen shares snaps of these freshly baked cookies and everyone goes crazy, wanting to just have one bite. Her holiday gift to fans for years to come was her answer: she uses this Food Network recipe by George Duran, except instead of milk chocolate chips, she uses semisweet or dark chocolate chocolate bars chopped up into chunks.
Whether or not you love her or her music, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The spicy notes of ginger and cloves paired with the ooey-gooey sweetness of melted chocolate is a match that can't be beat. Make these for your next holiday party, and we can almost guarantee you'll gain a reputation as a great baker among friends and family. Maybe you'll even start belting out, "Shake it off, shake it off!" when holiday family conversations get heated. In all seriousness, try baking these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and you'll understand our obsession. Get the recipe ahead!
With These Affordable Gifts, No One Will Know You Waited Until the Last Minute
Look, we get it, sometimes life takes over and holiday shopping goes on the back burner. But, you don't want to be the only one who shows up empty-handed. If you're an Amazon Prime member, these gifts can be at your door in just two days. And, as if it couldn't get better, these presents are all under $50, so go ahead and gift!
This Disneyland Churro Toffee Recipe Is a Dead Ringer For the Park's Hottest New Treat
Jenny Flake from Picky Palate is here to help you re-create Disneyland's trendiest new treat: churro toffee! Click through some of her step-by-step photos, and get the recipe at the end.
I have so much fun creating Disneyland copycat recipes! Stay tuned for more coming soon. This is "churro toffee," as I like to call it, from Disney California Adventure Park's Trolley Treats located on Buena Vista Street! Before you learn to make homemade English toffee, you'll need to purchase a candy thermometer. Check the kitchen section from any Target or Walmart. Some grocery stores even carry them. Amazon is my favorite to order for quick delivery! Be sure to check out my Mickey Mouse sugar cookies for more Disney magic at home!
These Presents Will Be on Everyone's Wish List This Year Because They Are Just That Good
Looking for the hottest Christmas gifts this year? Well, look no further, because we found each and every one of them. With gifts for everyone on your list - from kids to boyfriends - these presents will make holiday shopping easier than ever before.
Check out the most popular gifts this year, and be sure to save some room on your wish list, too.
- Additional reporting Macy Cate Williams, Krista Jones, Rebecca Brown, Alessia Santoro, and India Yaffe.
These Were the 10 Products Most Bought by Cat Owners in 2018, So Here Are My Cats' Holiday Gifts
I'm not necessarily the type of pet owner who buys my cats holiday gifts - if I see a cute toy or happen to need to replenish treats around the holidays, then sure, I'll wait until Christmas morning to give my two cats the loot. However, this year they're making out like the little bandits they are because Amazon shared a list of the top 10 products that cat owners purchased this year, and I'm about to add most of them to my cart.
Check out the products ahead - I'll say sorry in advance, because if you're anything like me, you're about to get really hyped and drop $30 on a water fountain bowl.
How Disneyland Is Decorated "Overnight" and More Secrets From Disney's Holiday Decorator
Sorry, Buddy, but we've met someone who could dress up a location with even more festive flair than the syrup-obsessed elf in Gimbels. Meet Cathy Carson, an official Disneyland holiday park decorator and a part of a small but mighty crew worthy of Santa's workshop. For Cathy, every day is like Christmas, since she is dreaming up holiday decor ideas for the Anaheim, CA, park year-round. Yeah, we'd say that's a pretty cool job.
Cathy started working for Disney in 2003 as a temporary employee for Disneyland's holiday installation. She clearly had a knack for it, since she was asked back year after year, and now she's bringing the magic full-time. We had the chance to speak with her about her very merry career, what makes the holidays at Disneyland this year so special, and the behind-the-scenes secrets we've always wanted to know. Like, when do they start planning for 2019? And is year-round glitter on your face just a part of the job? (The answer to the latter is a resounding "yes.")
Keep reading for the answers to these burning questions as well as more photos of Disneyland's 2018 holiday decor.
We Don't Want to Unwrap Presents Anymore - These Wrapping Papers Are Way Too Cute!
Step up your holiday gift wrapping game this year with some of the best decorative paper in the business. While most gift-getters are excited to find out what's under the wrapping paper, they will definitely appreciate the outside of their gifts just as much as the presents themselves.
With wrapping paper for Star Wars fans, cat-lovers, pop culture fanatics, and everything in between, your presents will never look better than they do under this year's Christmas tree. Shop more than 100 options ahead!
29 Last-Minute Gifts Under $50 So Good, You'll Stop Freaking Out About Shopping Late
So you dropped the ball on gift shopping this year. That's OK - we're going to help you out. We found some brilliant last-minute present ideas that are all under $50. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can get free two-day shipping on many items. Nordstrom and Shopbop also offer expedited shipping options. So look through these affordable options and get them ordered ASAP - you only have a little time left!
Trader Joe's Has Peppermint Bark Popcorn Coated in White Chocolate AND Salted Caramel
Do you ever feel like Trader Joe's just gets you? Like when it releases a snack you've secretly been dreaming about? That's how I felt when I discovered the new Peppermint Bark Popcorn ($3). Two of my favorite foods are popcorn and minty things (peppermint bark, mint chocolate chip ice cream, York Peppermint Patties - you name it). So my eyes just about popped out of my head when I saw this holiday snack in adorable, just-festive-enough packaging. Kind of like a present, this popcorn has layers. It starts with a crunchy piece of popcorn, which is then coated in salted caramel, dark chocolate, and a thick layer of white chocolate before it's finished with crushed peppermint pieces. Eating it is a gift to yourself, really.
The popcorn is salty, sweet, cool, and creamy all at the same time. I always need one of those huge tins of cheddar and caramel popcorn during the holidays, and I'm definitely adding this to the lineup, too. See more photos of the sweet treat ahead, and don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for more holiday gifts from Trader Joe's.
Um, You Guys? Where Has This GIANT Marshmallow Sheet Been All My Life?
If you're a marshmallow person - which, who isn't? - may I kindly suggest you sit down? I have some (literally) big news: a GIANT marshmallow sheet exists. Melville Candy's Giant Marshmallow Sheet is available at World Market for only $13, and you guys, the baking options are endless. As the packaging shows, the sheet can easily be cut into cute shapes, and how have I lived all this time without topping my hot cocoa with a perfect marshmallow snowflake? The sheet is 15 inches by 11 inches and half an inch thick, so it's also an ideal product for making s'mores.
After a bit of digging, I learned that Melville Candy also makes a whole bunch of marshmallow drink toppers that are already shaped and sprinkled into festive little treats! Holiday confetti marshmallow toppers? Check. Chocolate peppermint marshmallow toppers? Check. Chocolate-DIPPED toppers? Yep, Melville Candy makes those too. Check out the company's site to see all the holiday marshmallow toppers, and keep reading to see more pictures of the treats, which would make for great gifts or fun holiday party goodies.
Is Romance or Heartache on the Horizon? Read Your 2019 Love Horoscope to Find Out
The new year is almost upon us, and that means it's time for brand-new opportunities in different aspects of life, with love and relationships being a high priority for many of us. The people we spend our lives with romantically really impact our well-being and happiness, as finding that special someone can provide comfort, care, and support through life's challenges. And that person also likely brings fun, laughter, and sweet little kisses to brighten your day. However, on the flip side, sometimes romantic relationships end, making room for that new person to arrive within the coming year. The good news is the zodiac offers predictions to help us navigate our love lives in 2019. Here's your 2019 love horoscope from astrologer Skye Alexander, the author of more than 40 books, including Magickal Astrology and The Modern Guide to Witchcraft.
I Tried to Quit My Smartphone Addiction and (Spoiler Alert) Failed Miserably
I need rehab. Actual, real-life, smartphone rehab. Listen, I knew I was addicted to my smartphone before I tried to go smartphone-free for one week, but I didn't know how addicted I was. Now that I know, I'm actually scared for myself and, dare I say, society as a whole.
Shortly after my daughter was born, I actually attempted this digital detox song and dance. Why? I caught myself checking my phone while I was driving my precious cargo in the car. I felt guilty whenever she saw me scrolling during playtime. I found myself taking drastic measures like actually hiding my phone just to stay in the present moment. I started to think that I had a real problem. Turns out that I do.
According to my phone's data, I spend an average of four hours and 23 minutes on my phone per day! It's clear that I need to get clean. So, I decided to take on the difficult, but not impossible, task of turning off all of my cellular data and WiFi dialing. I was determined to use my phone as 1998 intended - make calls, take calls, and maybe store a photo here and there. I want to be clear: this meant no music, no Google Maps, no email, no social media, no apps, nothing for one whole week!
Let me just tell you that this seemingly innocent experiment made with the intention of being more present in those picture-perfect moments (as opposed to ruining them by taking actual pictures) really opened my eyes to the severity of my smartphone addiction.
My name is Jen, and I am a smartphone addict. Here's my (attempted) recovery story.
The Bouquets Had Lightsaber Handles at This Star Wars Wedding - and the Bride Wore Black
If you want to bring the Force to your nuptials, look no further than Crystal and Jonathan's gorgeous Star Wars-themed wedding for inspiration. The two first met while they were students at Purdue University, which is why the campus holds a great deal of sentimental value to the pair. They fittingly decided to have their wedding at the Purdue Memorial Union and embellished the place with decor inspired by their favorite film franchise. "Their reception was Star Wars-themed and it was amazing! They made most of the decorations and each table's centerpiece was a different world from Star Wars. Crystal hand made all of the bouquets with origami flowers and lightsaber handles," said Jasmine Norris-Dixson, the woman behind the camera who captured the happy moments from the wedding. "Also, the Star Wars theme was a surprise for all their guests."
The pair had so many more layers of unique ideas catered to their love story. For instance, instead of a traditional layered cake, they opted for a delicious cookie cake with the phrase, "'Til the Death Star do we part" written in frosting on it. The newlyweds explained their decision, saying: "We got Insomnia Cookies instead of a big fancy cake. We wanted to capture our time at Purdue in the food and feel of the wedding, and Insomnia Cookies is a big part of that." There are so many more cute details to look out for, so keep reading!
The 100 Best High-Tech Gifts of 2018 for Any Guy in Your Life
It doesn't matter whether he's your dad, husband, or brother, shopping for men who already have their dens decked out with every tech toy imaginable is tough. So we've put together a gift guide for the guys who have it all. These are gifts he definitely won't expect.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Yi and Tara Block
50 Things You'll Remember About Christmas If You Were a Kid in the '90s
We aren't ashamed to admit that we're obsessed with the '90s. After all, we're talking about a decade that gave us Tamagotchi and Clueless! And as we listen to classic holiday albums by *NSYNC and Mariah Carey this month, we're reminded yet again of what made Christmas in the '90s so rad. There were cheesy Christmas sweaters (worn unironically), even cheesier pics of boy bands in Santa garb, holiday episodes of our favorite TV shows, and, of course, JTT in I'll Be Home For Christmas. See some of the most memorable toys, music, movies, and more from the holidays in the '90s!
11 December Must-Read Romances to Heat Up Your Winter
As the year comes to a close, there is no lack of absolutely swoon-worthy romances being released to steam up the holidays! Gather those gift cards you're bound to receive this season, and get ready to load up your Kindle or ereader with these new books. Emotionally-packed stories, sexy alphas, seductively sensuous passion, and so much more awaits you in these December romances!
36 Disney World Hacks That Will Make Your Trip Even More Magical
Want to avoid the long Walt Disney World lines? We can help with that. Some of the park's biggest fans came together on two Quora threads to offer tips and tricks for making your trip to Disney World even more magical - and more economical, too. These hacks will help you navigate the parks, find the best deals, and make the most of the happiest place on the planet.
Related: Disney World Is Infinitely Better Than Disneyland, and Here's Why
Meghan Markle Is Being Called "Difficult," and Black Women Can Read Between the Lines
Meghan Markle's name hasn't left the news since her engagement to Prince Harry was announced last year, and now that the two are married and expecting, the rumor mill is in full swing. Whether from "palace sources" or Meghan's own loose-lipped family members, it seems like no time was wasted in painting the incoming duchess as a "demanding" workaholic (how American!) with little respect or regard for royal protocol (I've seen the phrase "ripping up the rulebook" used quite a bit). It feels like every day there's a new story about Meghan not quite fitting in - and with each emerging rumor, it becomes easier for black women everywhere to read between the lines.
There are reports that Meghan made crazy requests for her wedding - though, honestly, I've heard crazier from my own engaged friends - and that she and sister-in-law Kate Middleton got into it after Meghan "berated" a member of Kate's staff. It's also been said that Meghan, a 37-year-old college graduate, philanthropist, and former actress, has such high standards and such clear visions for her royal agenda that it's become a problem. She's too used to working in a "Hollywood environment." She has too much "West Coast energy" (whatever that is). She has too many ideas, and she sends work-related texts and emails at 5 a.m. (OK, girl - if true, then that is pretty annoying). It was revealed in early November that Meghan's assistant, Melissa Touabti, left the job "in tears" after six months and, most recently, that her and Harry's (temporary) private secretary, Samantha Cohen, announced her plans to leave her (temporary) gig after the birth of their first child next Spring. This turnover is ostensibly due to Meghan's many "stressful" demands, which make her hard to work with.
I'm not exactly sure when having high standards became a bad thing in the royal family, but there's one word pervading these rumors that has me side-eyeing them all: "difficult." Like Meghan, I am a black woman from America with an abundance of "West Coast energy" who has lived and worked in mostly white spaces - and it's a descriptor that I've become all too familiar with hearing about myself.
I've spent the better part of 2018 trying to find ways to compare myself to and learn from Meghan Markle. She has inspired me to be more involved in the causes I care about, to remain outspoken about the injustices I see, and not to be afraid of busting into a room (or a constitutional monarchy) and shaking sh*t up. But as a black woman, it's not easy to take those actions without being perceived as "demanding" or "difficult." I learned at a particularly early age that people would assume my personality traits based on the color of my skin and their own unconscious biases. I understood sooner than most that I would "intimidate" people immediately upon walking into a room or sitting down in a meeting. Even now, I have to remind myself to keep resting b*tch face in check and to be careful with my words and tone because there's a chance they'll be considered "abrasive" even before they leave my mouth. I won't even get on the subject of my walking into a high-end store, eating at a nice restaurant, or staying at a luxury hotel.
The racism and sexism that Meghan has faced since her engagement was announced have been well documented, but even the palace's stern warning couldn't stop a relative from wearing this brooch in front of her or keep some jerk from mailing her a suspicious package. The latter incident was considered by authorities to be racially motivated and is just one part of Meghan's new life that she's had to get used to - when she's not being judged for her racial background by the public, she's being picked apart in the press by her family, most frequently her own father.
I think it's more likely that Meghan's blackness walked into the room before she did; that she was assumed to be "demanding" before she even made any demands, and she was considered to be "difficult" to work with even before anyone worked with her.
Black women aren't always afforded bad days or missteps, and that thing our parents tell us about having to "work twice as hard to get half as far" isn't based on a myth. It can be utterly exhausting to be black in America, and my sources tell me it isn't exactly a picnic across the pond, either. Although Meghan's "ethnically ambiguous" look - lighter skin, straight hair, freckles - does give her inherent privilege, she is most certainly still considered black to most of the world, and especially to most white people.
It's upsetting to think that someone so seemingly hardworking and dedicated to a new job - especially in the face of constant judgment based on her race - could be called "difficult" for diving into her royal duties. And listen, maybe Meghan truly did come in hot at Kensington and palace aides just weren't ready for early morning emails, incessant work requests, and that distinct type of "I need to be busy at all times and I'll sleep when I'm dead" energy that you can really only find in an American. But based on my own experience as a woman of color, I think it's more likely that Meghan's blackness walked into the room before she did; that she was assumed to be "demanding" before she even made any demands, and she was considered to be "difficult" to work with even before anyone worked with her.
Unfortunately, along with having to work twice as hard as our white counterparts, black women are doubly punished for exhibiting the traits that come from having such a relentless work ethic. Having ambition and drive make us "overbearing;" being assertive makes us "angry;" showing authority makes us "hostile;" and suggesting change makes us "rude," "demanding," or, even worse, "ungrateful." When people crystallize those biases in their minds before even meeting you, it feels like it doesn't matter what you say or how you say it. On top of everything else, you then feel the need to work even harder to change minds, to prove you're not a stereotype, and to clean up a reputation you didn't even know you earned.
Is it possible that Meghan Markle asked for air fresheners to hide the "musty smell" of Windsor Castle ahead of her royal wedding? Sure it is. But is it possible that this tidbit wouldn't be half as big of a deal if it were a demand from Kate Middleton? Also yes. Don't get me wrong; Kate Middleton is under an insane amount of pressure as the future Queen of England, and for that reason, I have to assume that she made her own crazy requests when planning her royal wedding, renovating her home, or choosing staff and caretakers for her children. What's interesting to note, though, is that there was no giant burst of dramatic headlines referring to Kate as a "difficult" new duchess or calling out how many of her aides quit their jobs. And even in the reports of rifts between Kate and Meghan, Meghan happens to be the aggressor, the "rude" black woman who came in with her newfangled ideas and bossy behavior. The undertones - that Meghan should feel lucky to be included, not bold enough to bring change - aren't hard to spot, either.
In a sad way, it really doesn't surprise me that the "difficult duchess" rumors have emerged. Meghan being an actress, born and raised in Los Angeles with a bevy of famous friendships and a marriage already under her belt, was already enough to elicit speculation about what kind of wacky American duchess she would be. Once you throw in her blackness and audacity not to hide it, it's easy to see how prejudgments were formed. When it comes to stereotyping black women as being angry and difficult - while subsequently expecting us to be strong and sassy for entertainment value - well, that train is never late.
Google Released Its Annual Year-in-Search Video, and My Tear Ducts Are Already Exhausted
Reflective year-in-review videos make us cry no matter how predictable they are, but what's interesting about Google's newly released Year in Search video is that it demonstrates how unpredictable 2018 really was.
Though it's worth watching in its entirety, the video features many triumphs, including the box-office success and cultural importance of Crazy Rich Asians, the hopeful outcome of the midterm elections, and Cardi B's banner year. There are moments for romance, like that Emmys proposal and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding, and reminders of how just how strange the internet can be. (Remember Yanny vs. Laurel?) Then, of course, there are moments to remember those we've lost, including Stephen Hawking, George H.W. Bush, and Anthony Bourdain. Watch the gracefully packaged video above.
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