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.
vendredi 21 décembre 2018
I Know What It's Like to Go Home For the Holidays - and Go Back in the Closet
In my teens and early 20s, when I was a bumbling little gay trying to comb out my identities in public and private, returning home to see family meant locking up different aspects of myself as I was still in the process of coming out to myself. Even as I eventually came out to friends where I lived, I went home and "played it straight": I did that thing where you mention you're too busy with school and work to date. I did that thing where you reveal only the lightest sketch of your life to anyone who asks, saying, "I've been busy!," without mentioning with what, exactly. I did that thing where you burble up various thoughts on queerness over Christmas dinner that are perhaps a little too informed for someone who isn't queer themselves. I even did that thing where you bring a straight friend home with you to help keep things in check, to prevent you from spilling all your queer beans, accidentally breaking out of your closet and taking over - and potentially "ruining" - the holidays for everyone else.
These are coping mechanisms; things you do when you feel you cannot be yourself. A lot of this is the effect of homophobia and general queerphobia. Research shows discrimination causes a pile-on, leading to poor mental health and poor coping skills. No wonder our behavior changes: as we become less open about our identities, our stress is likely to increase. Unsurprisingly, we code-switch. Unsurprisingly, we indulge in self-loathing.
This is hard to change. Even after I "officially" came out to my family, I was still uncomfortable fully owning my queerness in front of them. After nearly a decade of being out to my family, it has gotten easier to be myself in their company. Yet, the little nips at my heels to "play it straight" persist. This was definitely true at this past Thanksgiving: I may not have dropped my voice a few octaves or turned to more muted clothing, but I did find that I was frequently erasing the queer details of my life. "Just a lot, a lot of writing," I explained when my father asked about my work, leaving out the specifics of how my writing typically deals with LGBTQ+ subjects and LGBTQ+ issues. "Just some friends," I explained of recent trips and travels, leaving out details that these are people who are in my LGBTQ+ family of choice. I became a queer paper doll - flat, two-dimensional, and way less interesting - instead of the queer human that I am. My opportunity to share all the details of my life, to be realer than real, yielded to maintaining what I felt was the (straight) status quo.
Even after I "officially" came out to my family, I was still uncomfortable fully owning my queerness in front of them.
This temptation to "play it straight" in uncomfortable environments is so sexy to people like us because, in zones where being LGBTQ+ is no longer the norm, we do what we have to do to soften the blows of judgment. We're in places where we've gotta field really dumb, accidental homophobic commentary that turn up the volume on our internalized homophobia. In an instant, we can become that fish out of water we once were in these spaces all over again. In these moments, it's easier to pretend you can breathe air instead of admitting you'd like to be back in your rainbow lake.
Going home and seeing family is not easy, my queer friends. My experience has been a long process within a generally accepting family that is not the same for many young and old members of my LGBTQ+ extended family who have faced discrimination under their own roof. This is perhaps why I have tread so lightly in the department of being myself: there have been few conversations about what my queerness means to my family and if they are connecting the dots between a very homophobic government and my life and the lives of people like us. My hometown and family are lovely, but it's quite easy to see the bruises they left have yet to attend to.
This is why it's easy to submit to straightness, to slip back into an old self as to not distract or disturb anyone around you. These may not be behaviors you are intentionally participating in, but I can assure you: they happen. They creep up on you without your knowledge like a sticky, pale sweatsuit that is your personal ghost of Christmas past. Do not indulge them, particularly in a time when queer acceptance is being tested. Understand that it's a lot of work to not censor yourself and, for some LGBTQ+ folks, there are certainly risks to putting your queer life on the line - I'm certainly not advocating for anyone to put themselves in a dangerous situation.
It's hard to check yourself before you straight-wreck yourself. Find ways to be yourself when out of your comfort zones, budgeting in time for self-care, knowing your boundaries, and having the wherewithal to put yourself out there as the big ol' queer that you are. I've been there, and I've come out on the other side to tell you that you can do this, that the rainbow holiday spirit is alive and well with you. If you trip up, that's OK, too. Recognize this, and do what you can to get back to yourself.
The holidays are only as brutal as we allow them to be. It's up to us to reframe these messes into messages, to know that these affairs are for a limited time only. If queers are returning home, our friends and family must benevolently anticipate that we ain't turning off them sparkles just because we've returned home. If anything, we have to turn them up - and get them to invite a little openness into their heart as they welcome us in.
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.
36 Unicorn Gifts That Are Downright Enchanting
Maybe unicorns aren't real, but they are real cute. You don't need to be 12 years old to rock your mythical-creature pride; we have found 36 awesome unicorn gifts for grown-ass women. Check out all the adorable options and add them to your holiday wish list.
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.
You Can Stay in the Real-Life House From Steel Magnolias, So Grab Your Girlfriends!
Posted by Vicente Luigi Moreno on Saturday, December 2, 2017
It's been nearly three decades since Steel Magnolias was released, and yet the iconic film - inspired by a play of the same name - is still our de facto manual on life, loss, and friendship. How can it not be with lines like, "If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!"? As it turns out, fans can actually stay in the real-life home featured in the film.
As Southern Living pointed out, the home where M'Lynn and Drum Eatenton live in Steel Magnolias is now a bed and breakfast open for business. Located in Natchitoches, LA - about four hours outside of New Orleans - the Steel Magnolia House features six bedrooms, a lush landscape, and a guesthouse on the property.
The interior no longer resembles the one portrayed in the film - nor is it swathed in "blush and bashful" - and it now has a more antique aesthetic. As a nice added touch, however, each guest room is named after a character in the film: Shelby, Clairee, Ouiser, Jackson, and Annelle. To book a room, simply call the number listed on the official Steel Magnolia House website. We sense a girls' trip in the making!
This Aladdin-Themed Anniversary Shoot Is From a Whole New World
If you are a fan of classic Disney movies, then you know that they all end with that magical "happily ever after." But what happens after that fairy-tale ending? An Aladdin-themed anniversary shoot, of course!
Ruby and Eric tied the knot with a gorgeous Disney-themed wedding that was so fabulous that it made it on to Disney's wedding TV show. The pair decided to keep the Disney flame alive and enlisted photographer Jenna Henderson to help them capture their love with this Aladdin-themed shoot.
"They had reached out to me about taking Aladdin-themed photos, and from there we came up with creative ways to give their portrait session a magical touch," said Jenna. "We actually hauled a 'magic carpet' up hiking trails and rocks to make our session come to life, but we didn't mind for a moment because we had a vision in mind." And the photos are absolutely worth the effort because they are full of fantastic details - like Ruby's blue-and-gold necklace that alludes to Princess Jasmine's headband or the photo in which Eric is offering Ruby an apple, which is a direct reference to the iconic scene from the movie.
Check out the amazing photos from this shoot and then spot many more hidden gems!
24 Rose Gold Engagement Rings Worn by Real Brides and Brides-to-Be - They're Stunning!
Rose gold isn't going anywhere, and we can see why; the beautiful mix of gold and copper make for a shade that stands out among a sea of platinum rings. We can't help but stare at these pretty engagement rings worn by real girls. Check out our favorite sparklers to find out if rose gold is right for you!
This Is What It's Like to Have a Long-Distance Marriage
I would never choose to have a long-distance marriage. But I'm in one, and there isn't an end in sight. Due to work, my husband and I live across the country from one another. I'm in one state raising our four kids, while he's in another supporting us. We see each other only on the weekends and otherwise keep in contact via text and quick phone chats; we're both too busy to sit and say "I love you more" for hours on end. If I'm being honest, being in a long-distance marriage mostly sucks. But in some ways, the many miles we spend apart on a regular basis have brought us closer together.
If I'm being honest, being in a long-distance marriage mostly sucks.
I never imagined I'd live separately from the man I married over a decade ago. We are a very close couple who do everything together. We watch the same TV shows and go to bed at the same time. On the weekends we rarely go our separate ways, even running errands as a family. We socialize with other couples, not in groups of men or women. Of course, our preference for togetherness doesn't mean we never bicker or that we don't have any problems. Like any married couple, sometimes we have fights over issues both big and small. But I can count on one hand the number of times one of us has slept on the sofa in the past 11 years. And the amount of nights we've spent apart was equally small, until seven months ago.
That's when our living situation changed. I'd like to say it's getting easier being apart day after day, night after night, but that's not really true. Saying goodbye to my husband on Sunday night still pains me as much now as it did in the beginning. I know it will be another long week of solo parenting four little ones, with no break whatsoever. There are moments when he's away that I just break down and cry out of sheer exhaustion. But falling asleep alone is the worst part. That's when I get lonely and scared. Thank goodness for a fancy alarm system and awesome neighbors.
There are a lot of other lousy moments. I end up feeling resentful a lot, even though I know my husband has to work and he'd love to be with me if he could. I just can't help but feel like a lot of the burden of caring for our kids and the house falls on me. Lately, I've done things that my husband always handled in the past, like change the smoke detector battery and deal with car trouble. When problems arise and he isn't here to help, I miss our partnership. Yes, he's there to support me, but only virtually. And we aren't good on the phone. It's a challenge to stay connected and not feel like we are leading separate lives. By Friday when he comes home, we have usually had at least one fight, and I'm not always running into his arms.
Sometimes I do, however, and that's where the fun part of a long-distance relationship comes in. Being apart has reconfirmed how much we love each other, and when we are together, we don't take it for granted. We are more affectionate because we are so darn grateful to be in the same place, and the sex is better, too.
The biggest obstacle we are working to overcome is how to stay connected and communicate effectively during the week. We have learned texting works better than chatting on the phone. We know that, by Wednesday, emotions are running high and we'll need to make an extra effort to be patient with one another. But a long-distance marriage is new to us, and it's a work in progress. I hope we get better at being apart, but at the same time, I hope we don't have to do this much longer.
If you had asked me if I ever expected to be alone after I got married, I would have said no. It's hard not to feel like going to bed alone most nights isn't what marriage is supposed to be like. But then again, marriage is about staying together through anything, no matter what, and that's what we're doing. I love my husband more than ever. And I miss him.
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!
Related: 13 Ways the Holidays Were Totally Different Back in the '90s
The Tech Gifts Guaranteed to Make Anyone Smile - They'll Arrive in Time For Christmas!
Tech gifts are a universal crowd-pleaser, so if you've waited until the last minute for a tricky person on your list, worry no more. From cool arcade games to smart watches and emergency kits, consider these gifts your holiday survival plan. What are you waiting for? Get shopping!
Skip the Crowds: Here Are 10 Alternative Destinations to Visit in 2019
We can all agree it's hard to pass up a trip to popular cities like Paris or Rome, but sometimes the best trips come from traveling off the beaten path. From a small fishing town in Croatia to a ski village in the Japanese Alps, we've rounded up 10 alternative destinations to add to your 2019 travel bucket list. In the New Year, ditch your go-to spots and book a trip to somewhere completely new.
These Politically Charged Music Videos Had Us Screaming "Do It For the Culture!" in 2018
Let's not mince words: 2018 was a year of major political and social conflict. There were hundreds of mass shootings in America, hate crimes were on the rise, we witnessed horrific acts of violence against marginalized groups, and the very cornerstones of democracy were threatened in myriad ways around the globe. But with every voice that's suppressed, another rises up to speak against inequality, call out social injustices, celebrate our differences, and advocate for change. And that, my friends, is what we call "doing it for the culture."
This year, countless musical artists used their platforms to not only address political and social turmoil, but uplift and encourage underrepresented groups. Childish Gambino hurled us into a gyre of "shook" when he dropped the music video for "This Is America" in May, and Beyoncé and JAY-Z practically stopped time when they released the video for "Apesh*t" in June. They weren't just clips imbued with spectacles and impeccable production value; they were powerful commentaries on hot-button issues that we've been forced to confront in recent years: gun violence, racism, and sexism among them.
While many music videos placed politics and social justice at the forefront this year, some stood out as especially impactful. Read on to see a few of the videos that generated constructive conversations, all while providing the masses with some serious bangers.
This Cool iPhone Feature Lets You Limit Your Screen Time (No Willpower Required)
Whether you're checking emails, perusing Instagram, or building a team of adorable cube-shaped creatures on Pokémon Quest, everyone could stand to spend a little less time staring at a phone screen. However, even if you don't have commendable willpower (or an excellent phone hiding spot), you can still achieve a new year's resolution of less screen time and more face time - and no, making phone calls via FaceTime doesn't count.
With iPhone's Screen Time feature, you can control everything from app usage to content controls, both for yourself and for your family (Be warned: the amount of time you actually spend on your phone might just freak you out a little bit). Check out this gallery for a step-by-step guide to easily monitoring both your own phone activity and your child's.
Looking For New Luggage? Shop These 10 Affordable Suitcases at Kohl's
Hunting for new luggage is never easy. There are so many brands and options to choose from, not to mention it can cost a fortune. To make your life easier, we shopped at Kohl's, because the retailer carries a ton of affordable options from great names like Samsonite and Delsey. Ahead, you'll find our 10 top picks we think are totally worth it. Take a look.
I Know What It's Like to Go Home For the Holidays - and Go Back in the Closet
In my teens and early 20s, when I was a bumbling little gay trying to comb out my identities in public and private, returning home to see family meant locking up different aspects of myself as I was still in the process of coming out to myself. Even as I eventually came out to friends where I lived, I went home and "played it straight": I did that thing where you mention you're too busy with school and work to date. I did that thing where you reveal only the lightest sketch of your life to anyone who asks, saying, "I've been busy!," without mentioning with what, exactly. I did that thing where you burble up various thoughts on queerness over Christmas dinner that are perhaps a little too informed for someone who isn't queer themselves. I even did that thing where you bring a straight friend home with you to help keep things in check, to prevent you from spilling all your queer beans, accidentally breaking out of your closet and taking over - and potentially "ruining" - the holidays for everyone else.
These are coping mechanisms; things you do when you feel you cannot be yourself. A lot of this is the effect of homophobia and general queerphobia. Research shows discrimination causes a pile-on, leading to poor mental health and poor coping skills. No wonder our behavior changes: as we become less open about our identities, our stress is likely to increase. Unsurprisingly, we code-switch. Unsurprisingly, we indulge in self-loathing.
This is hard to change. Even after I "officially" came out to my family, I was still uncomfortable fully owning my queerness in front of them. After nearly a decade of being out to my family, it has gotten easier to be myself in their company. Yet, the little nips at my heels to "play it straight" persist. This was definitely true at this past Thanksgiving: I may not have dropped my voice a few octaves or turned to more muted clothing, but I did find that I was frequently erasing the queer details of my life. "Just a lot, a lot of writing," I explained when my father asked about my work, leaving out the specifics of how my writing typically deals with LGBTQ+ subjects and LGBTQ+ issues. "Just some friends," I explained of recent trips and travels, leaving out details that these are people who are in my LGBTQ+ family of choice. I became a queer paper doll - flat, two-dimensional, and way less interesting - instead of the queer human that I am. My opportunity to share all the details of my life, to be realer than real, yielded to maintaining what I felt was the (straight) status quo.
Even after I "officially" came out to my family, I was still uncomfortable fully owning my queerness in front of them.
This temptation to "play it straight" in uncomfortable environments is so sexy to people like us because, in zones where being LGBTQ+ is no longer the norm, we do what we have to do to soften the blows of judgment. We're in places where we've gotta field really dumb, accidental homophobic commentary that turn up the volume on our internalized homophobia. In an instant, we can become that fish out of water we once were in these spaces all over again. In these moments, it's easier to pretend you can breathe air instead of admitting you'd like to be back in your rainbow lake.
Going home and seeing family is not easy, my queer friends. My experience has been a long process within a generally accepting family that is not the same for many young and old members of my LGBTQ+ extended family who have faced discrimination under their own roof. This is perhaps why I have tread so lightly in the department of being myself: there have been few conversations about what my queerness means to my family and if they are connecting the dots between a very homophobic government and my life and the lives of people like us. My hometown and family are lovely, but it's quite easy to see the bruises they left have yet to attend to.
This is why it's easy to submit to straightness, to slip back into an old self as to not distract or disturb anyone around you. These may not be behaviors you are intentionally participating in, but I can assure you: they happen. They creep up on you without your knowledge like a sticky, pale sweatsuit that is your personal ghost of Christmas past. Do not indulge them, particularly in a time when queer acceptance is being tested. Understand that it's a lot of work to not censor yourself and, for some LGBTQ+ folks, there are certainly risks to putting your queer life on the line - I'm certainly not advocating for anyone to put themselves in a dangerous situation.
It's hard to check yourself before you straight-wreck yourself. Find ways to be yourself when out of your comfort zones, budgeting in time for self-care, knowing your boundaries, and having the wherewithal to put yourself out there as the big ol' queer that you are. I've been there, and I've come out on the other side to tell you that you can do this, that the rainbow holiday spirit is alive and well with you. If you trip up, that's OK, too. Recognize this, and do what you can to get back to yourself.
The holidays are only as brutal as we allow them to be. It's up to us to reframe these messes into messages, to know that these affairs are for a limited time only. If queers are returning home, our friends and family must benevolently anticipate that we ain't turning off them sparkles just because we've returned home. If anything, we have to turn them up - and get them to invite a little openness into their heart as they welcome us in.
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.
36 Unicorn Gifts That Are Downright Enchanting
Maybe unicorns aren't real, but they are real cute. You don't need to be 12 years old to rock your mythical-creature pride; we have found 36 awesome unicorn gifts for grown-ass women. Check out all the adorable options and add them to your holiday wish list.
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.
You Can Stay in the Real-Life House From Steel Magnolias, So Grab Your Girlfriends!
Posted by Vicente Luigi Moreno on Saturday, December 2, 2017
It's been nearly three decades since Steel Magnolias was released, and yet the iconic film - inspired by a play of the same name - is still our de facto manual on life, loss, and friendship. How can it not be with lines like, "If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!"? As it turns out, fans can actually stay in the real-life home featured in the film.
As Southern Living pointed out, the home where M'Lynn and Drum Eatenton live in Steel Magnolias is now a bed and breakfast open for business. Located in Natchitoches, LA - about four hours outside of New Orleans - the Steel Magnolia House features six bedrooms, a lush landscape, and a guesthouse on the property.
The interior no longer resembles the one portrayed in the film - nor is it swathed in "blush and bashful" - and it now has a more antique aesthetic. As a nice added touch, however, each guest room is named after a character in the film: Shelby, Clairee, Ouiser, Jackson, and Annelle. To book a room, simply call the number listed on the official Steel Magnolia House website. We sense a girls' trip in the making!
26 Last-Minute Gifts That Will Arrive Before Christmas - All Under $50
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!
Let's Face It, January Is a Tough Month - Here's How I Get Through It
After a whirlwind of holiday parties and family get-togethers, the month of January can feel a bit anticlimactic. Not to mention cold and dark if you live in the Northeast like I do. In addition to seasonal affective disorder plaguing many people, the "January Blues" manifests itself as sadness or depression-like symptoms after the holiday season. So, how do you keep yourself motivated and positive during the month of January? I've compiled my top 10 tips to help you navigate and even look forward to the beginning of the year!
The 35 Best Gifts on Amazon For 2019
It's no secret that Amazon is the easiest and quickest place to pick up gifts. Whether you're shopping for someone's birthday, housewarming party, or just because, we made it even easier by curating its best presents of the year. From record players to fitness trackers and even cheese boards, all you have to do is click "buy" and these picks will be delivered right to your door. Beware, though: you might end up wanting a few things for yourself. Keep reading to shop our favorites ahead.
The 45 Coolest Gifts You Can Buy For Every Guy in Your Life
Instead of giving the guy in your life just another gift card this holiday, go above and beyond by treating him to something extraspecial. To make your life easier, we scoured the internet for the absolute coolest gadgets and gifts out there, so all you have to do is shop. From gradient puzzles to sleek suitcases and even a glass version of Monopoly, you might end up wanting a few for yourself. Take a look.
35 Stocking Stuffers For Your Boyfriend So Good, You Might Just Have to Steal Them
Not exactly sure what to get your boyfriend this year? Instead of treating him to one big thing, try picking him up a few tiny presents he'll appreciate. You don't have to waste your time shopping either, because we did the hard part for you. Ahead, you'll find 35 top picks for every type of guy out there. From socks to games and cozy slippers, some of these are so good, you might end up stealing them for yourself. Take a look.
If You're Always Cold, These 21 Gifts Will Help You Survive the Season
There are two kinds of people in this world: people who are always cold, and everyone else. If you fall into the former category, you know the struggle Winter can bring. Hand warmers and extra thick socks are a nonnegotiable, and beanies aren't just a fashion statement, they're essential to survival. This season, conquer the cold with these 21 cozy products - you can thank us later.
52 Easy Yet Highly Effective Ways to Motivate Yourself
New year, new you! If you can't seem to get yourself motivated because you're dealing with the Winter blues, struggling with work or life stress, or simply in a funk, take a deep breath and try to motivate yourself with these simple yet effective tips. Hit "refresh" on your life - you deserve it!
- Additional reporting by Maya Berry and Tara Block
jeudi 20 décembre 2018
Being Bold Never Looked Better - These 15 Statement Wallpapers Will Stop You in Your Tracks
Looking for a way to change the look of your home without changing too much? Look no further, because statement wallpaper is all you need. With some help from our friends at Sweeten, a free service that matches renovators with general contractors, we're here to give you some showstopping examples of wallpaper that packs a punch. With bold prints and wild designs, a simple touch of wallpaper could transform the whole look of any room in minutes. Don't be afraid to be bold and try these styles out. And be sure to check out even more 2019 home trends on the horizon here!
33 Unique Stocking Stuffers They Weren't Expecting but Will Totally Love
If you're stumped on what stocking stuffers to get your loved ones this year, not to worry, we made it easy by curating a list of the coolest choices out there. From robot salt and pepper shakers to mini chia pets and pretty candles, we found something for everyone on your list. Keep scrolling to shop our favorite picks.
45 Stocking Stuffers For Adults, Because We Deserve a Little Fun, Too
Stocking stuffers aren't just for kids; this year you can treat the adults in your life, too. Whether you're shopping for a sibling, SO, or parent, we searched the internet and found a plethora of both useful and funny little presents they'll get a kick out of. From sarcastic desk plaques to wine openers and even a swearing version of Mad Libs, you won't be disappointed. Keep scrolling to shop our top picks of the year.
Still Looking For the Perfect Gift? It Doesn't Get Any Easier Than This DIY Sharpie Mug
Do you have a plain, boring mug that needs a bit of spicing up? Personalize your cups and mugs by drawing on them! You can use them to add personality to your home or even give them as gifts to your loved ones. Here's how to start:
- Buy some white cups or mugs. You can find them in superstores, thrift stores, dollar stores, and online.
- Pick a Sharpie. For long-lasting results, choose oil-based Sharpie paint markers ($32 for 15). Regular Sharpie ink can come off even after baking. Pick a color to use on your mug. You can stay simple and choose one color, or be more ambitious and use multiple. If you're sticking to one color, then black is usually a good choice, given its striking contrast to the white background of the mug.
- Start drawing. Decide what you want to put on the cup, and maybe practice drawing it on a piece of paper before drawing on the mug. Pick a meaningful quote or a cute graphic to decorate the mug with, and get inspired by mugs being sold on Etsy or by clicking through the more than 80 examples we've shared here from Instagram!
- Dry it out. Let your mug dry for a few hours or overnight before placing it into the oven. You can also draw over it again if you'd like to make sure the pattern doesn't come off in the wash. If you draw over it again, be sure to leave it out to dry again before baking.
- Bake it. Bake the mug in the oven for 30 minutes at 350°F. Remember to place the mug in the oven before it heats up and leave it in until the oven cools completely so there won't be any cracks. You can choose to bake the mugs twice to really set in the Sharpie drawings.
- Care and wash. Hand-wash the mug gently instead of throwing it in the dishwasher, as a machine washer may ruin the design.
Some Sharpie mug DIYers may advise you to spray the mug with acrylic sealing spray to make sure the Sharpie etchings doesn't rub off. I personally didn't want to do that because the spray can be toxic. However, if you decide to go that route, be sure to avoid spraying near the top and on the inside of the mug. You can cover those areas with masking tape to protect them before you spray.
Keep reading to see more cute, creative, funny, and sentimental DIY mug examples for design inspiration!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
50+ Gifts So Thoughtful, No One Will Ever Realize You Ordered Them Last-Minute
If you procrastinated on your holiday shopping this year, not to worry. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Shopbop, and Nordstrom are here to save your sanity. They're all providing various shipping options to make sure that your presents will arrive just in the nick of time. To make it even easier for you, we shopped and curated over 50 of its best picks of the year. Don't drag your feet because Christmas is closer than you think. Hurry and shop ahead.
Amazon Is Selling Weighted Blankets For Dogs, Because They Get Anxiety, Too
Whether you have a senior dog or rescue puppy at home, chances are you've had to deal with their emotional triggers at some point. Pet behavior varies, and anything can set them off - a loud and unexpected noise, separation anxiety, or changes in everyday life. This holiday season, if you'll be taking your pup on a long road trip or having them stay elsewhere while you travel, try soothing their nerves with a Canine Coddler ($80).
It's a weighted blanket designed specifically for dogs. It applies pressure to the animal in the same way the blankets do for adults. Check it out ahead!
Make the Great Outdoors Even Better With These Gifts For Outdoorsmen
Every wilderness man deserves nothing but the best when it comes to outdoor essentials. The great outdoors requires tools that are durable, strong, and ultimately fit for survival - and these finds are all that and more.
Thanks to these great gifts, the outdoorsy guy on your holiday list (you know, the one who prefers tents to hotels and adventure to Netflix) will enjoy Mother Nature more than he already does.
- Additional reporting by Laurel Niedospial
Ho-Ho-HOMG! People Are Dressing Their Dogs as Santa, and Why Didn't I Think of This?
The sky is the limit when it comes to getting your pets ready for the holidays. You can indulge the entire family and get everyone matching pajamas, you can opt for a look more regal and get the dog festive sweaters, or you can do what dog parents on Instagram are doing and dress them up as Santa. Decked out in the fundamental red hat, these 16 owners have given us the greatest gift of all: the #SantaDog.
39 Best Gifts For Introverts That Are Under $50
If shopping for the thriving introvert in your life is giving you anxiety, you've come to the right place. Understandably, it can sometimes be puzzling to try to figure out what's going on in the mind of an introvert (at least, on a larger scale).
We've rounded up 39 gifts any introvert would be internally ecstatic to unwrap. Each gift is tailored toward their naturally pensive dispositions - these are adorable items that'll help them recharge after long days of social interaction, challenge their minds in conducive ways, or simply praise them for being the awesome people that they are! These gifts will be a hit with them and easy on your bank account. See for yourself!
- Additional reporting by Hilary White
Make Your Holidays Even Brighter With These 60+ Christmas Candles - You'll Want Them All!
What's better than the smell of freshly baked cookies, crisp pine needles, and warm, roasted chestnuts? All of those combined into a Christmas candle, that's what. This holiday season, cozy up with these fun and festive candles. With rich, seasonal scents in mantel-worthy vessels, these candles make Christmas time even cozier.
This App Lets You Send Cards Starring Your Dog Because No One Wants a Holiday Card of Just You
When did we collectively decide to send out family cards during the holidays? Sure, they're cute and all, but not nearly as adorable as the thought of sending out an animated card featuring your puppers. Whether you want to put a phony mustache or antlers on them, the new app Say BARK!, brought to you by the team behind BarkBox, lets you create and share the funniest animated cards imaginable, featuring your dog.
Take their picture, play with the filters, record a message, and send it off to your contacts. See it in action below.
5 Earth-Friendly Resolutions You Can Actually - Easily - Keep in 2019
This past year offered brutal proof that climate change isn't going anywhere. We suffered forest fires, hurricanes, and steadily rising temperatures - and that was just in the United States. The good news? Going greener in 2019 doesn't have to decimate your bank account, obliterate your social life, or require moving from your apartment into a tree house.
The alternative to taking action isn't pretty. A terrifying climate assessment released in November told us we should expect higher temperatures, continued environmental devastation, and millions displaced as sea levels continue to rise over the next series of decades if we don't get serious about climate change. Policies like the 2015 Paris Agreement will help, but much of this boils down to personal accountability in these contemporary, capitalistic times. How are we enabling environmental harm? How can we each help enact a broader sea change that can keep the planet calm and carrying on into our collective future?
The truth is there are lots of simple things we can do. As we enter 2019, this is the perfect time to use your resolutions to shift your lifestyle to one that pays respect to the feminist icon that is Mother Nature. Here are five easy-to-accomplish green resolutions that you can actually keep in 2019 . . .
This Ex-NASA Engineer Is Putting an End to Package Theft - One Glitter Bomb at a Time
Most of us know the feeling of having a delivery stolen from our porches too well. We also know the feeling of wanting the thieves who ran off with our packages to at least face some sort of consequences. That desire for revenge is what inspired former NASA engineer Mark Rober's latest passion project.
After being told by police earlier this year that not much could be done about a few packages that were stolen from his doorstep, Rober decided to take matters into his own hands by creating a bait package to teach would-be burglars a lesson. With the help of a few equally vengeful friends, Rober spent six months building a booby-trapped device that shoots out glitter and frequent bursts of fart spray when opened by thieves. He also rigged the contraption with four phones to capture the reaction of each thief on video. As you can probably imagined, the results are pretty sidesplitting. See how Rober's device came together in the video above.
This Gorgeous Rustic Wedding Elegantly Incorporates Nature Into the Nuptials
Leann and Carl tied the knot in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family, friends, and lots of joy. The pair decided to have a beautiful rustic wedding, and photographer Phylicia Willis was there to capture the magic. "This day couldn't have been more peaceful from start to finish," she said. "There was such a calmness to Leann as she got ready in the hotel. She had beautiful thought-out details, from her choice of apparel, colors, flowers, and the symbolic streamers that were waved at their ceremony exit."
The lush, nature-inspired color scheme enhanced the ambience, as the dark-brown wood made the ideal backdrop for the greenery from all the flowers and plants and the shimmering golden details. The bride wore a lovely strapless gown with a mermaid-cut and lace detailing. The groom chose a sleek white tuxedo with a black bow-tie.
As for the gorgeous ceremony, Phylicia said, "My favorite part of their day had to be the vows. Carl's vows were a tearjerker, but Leann singing her vows to him was the icing on the cake! I got to witness such a sweet day that was filled with the couple's closest family and friends, and I couldn't be more honored to have been a part of it."
Keep reading to see the lovely photos from this intimate Boca Raton, FL, wedding now.
Related: You'll Be Starry-Eyed Over This 1920s-Inspired Wedding - Complete With Showstopping Gown!
21 Signs You're Shamelessly Obsessed With Christmas
You smell that? It's the sweet scent of holiday cheer. That's right - it's time for all the Christmas fanatics to let their freak flags fly. They don't call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing, duh. If you're truly obsessed with Christmas, you'll totally relate to these 21 signs - let's put your seasonal spirit to the test.
These 17 Stylish Travel Bags Prove You Don't Have to Sacrifice Fashion For Function
We can't wait to fly off to some epic vacation or spend time curled up with loved ones this season, but the actual traveling part of holiday travel is rarely filled with joy. Well, that's all about to change. We know that when you look good, you feel good, and these travel bags will have you feeling like the organized jet-setter that you are, or at least aspire to be. Just keep reading to shop our picks - they also make great gifts!
These 120 Stocking Stuffers Are Already Better Than Whatever Is Under the Christmas Tree
Get ready for every 20-something's stocking to be overflowing on Christmas morning, because these stocking stuffers are just that good. They are totally cute and budget-friendly, and most importantly, they will fit perfectly in any size stocking.
From beauty sets to tasteful trinkets to even some nostalgic '90s goodies, these stocking stuffers will be appreciated by all young women on Christmas morning.
- Additional reporting by Jesa Marie Calaor, Macy Cate Williams, Krista Jones, and India Yaffe
Related: 50 Secret Santa Gifts That Will Make You Say, "I Hope I've Been Nice This Year"
Meet the Best Stocking Stuffers of the Holiday Season
Shopping for stocking stuffers is anything but stressful; these fun, adorable presents are sure to make anyone smile! This season, we did the hard work for you and are here to share some of our favorite stocking stuffers of 2018. Think pretty beauty products, fun tech accessories, and games the whole family can enjoy. We might just need a bigger stocking!
Tokyo Disneyland Has Been Crowned 2018's "Happiest Place on Earth" - Here Are the Pics to Prove It
Sorry Disneyland and Disney World, but according to Instagram's 2018 year in review, Japan's Disney park is the legit "happiest place on Earth." Tokyo Disneyland was 2018's happiest geotagged location in the world, with the most smiley faces used in photo captions on the social network.
If you've never visited Tokyo's two Disney theme parks - Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea - then you're missing out on one of the cutest parks out there. Opened in April of 1983 by the Oriental Land Company, Tokyo Disneyland is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year (and has since expanded into a full-scale Disney resort, with two theme parks, four Disney hotels, six non-Disney hotels, and a shopping complex. From the adorable culinary offerings to the insanely energetic shows, it's no surprise that Tokyo Disney tops the happiness charts. Don't believe us? Check out the gallery for all of the magic Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea have to offer and try not to smile.
Escape the Cold This Season at the Top Winter Sun Travel Destinations Around the World
Oh, baby, it's getting cold outside. The year's frostiest season is knocking at the door, promising months of icy temps and snow-covered landscapes. While the Winter season does bring with it the holidays and prime snow-shredding conditions, the shorter days and frigid nights can also bring on a case of the Winter blues. So, if you need to recharge and defrost this season, read on for 10 warm-weather destinations that are sure to provide sunshine-filled relief from the year's coldest months.
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.
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.
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