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
Mom Reveals a Rare Perspective on Husband Dying of Cancer: "We Have the Chance to Really Say Goodbye"
Cancer is a devastating disease - to say it ruins lives is an understatement. For one family, the illness will soon rip a beloved father from his wife and young child. But their perspective on life - and death - is one of hope and, surprisingly, appreciation.
Scott and Anne Sutton met as middle school students in Pennsylvania, but it wasn't until they reconnected at a mutual friend's wedding in 2011 that they fell in love. They were engaged two years later, they got married on Valentine's Day the next year, and it wasn't long before they welcomed their son, Alec, who is now 3 years old.
"It's really hard to find that balance of living life and not letting cancer take every single day away from you."
All the while, Scott has had medical issues - he has a hereditary condition called Von hippel-Lindau, and in 2009, doctors found a neuroendocrine tumor in his lung. They removed the bottom two lobes of that lung, and as Scott told POPSUGAR, "we had hoped that would be the last time anyone ever told me I had cancer."
Unfortunately, in January 2016, after months of lower back pain, he received even more upsetting news: he had another tumor, this one inoperable. "More tests would soon show that I also had neuroendocrine tumors in my liver, brain, and other parts of my bones," he said. It was deemed Stage 4. His son was just 8 months old at the time.
Throughout the next few years - which involved traveling around the world, including a stay at a hospital in Switzerland, to find a solution - the Suttons still managed to live a life similar to those of any other new parents, with a remarkable exception: Scott, along with his best friend, Alec Traub, wrote and published a children's book called I Love You Like . . . The story - illustrated by a cartoonist for the Garfield franchise - follows a grasshopper father explaining how much he loves his son. It's a sweet concept on its own, but it takes on profoundly deeper meaning knowing that it will one day serve as a reminder to young Alec of his late father's love.
Last month, Scott returned home from a three-week hospital visit, and he was given hospice care. "The doctors have given us an estimated time frame, and my goal is to have as many normal days at home with Anne and Alec as I can," he said.
With an honest perspective that in many ways is a rarity to witness, Scott, Anne, and their friend Alec opened up to POPSUGAR about what this experience has been like for them.
On Life With Their Son
From the beginning, when Alec was born in May 2015, Scott was "our rock," Anne remembered.
"Alec had colic," she said. "Cried and cried and cried. When I was sad that Alec was sad, Scott would take a photo of Alec crying on his phone and make it into a meme to make me laugh. He would send me photos of the vomit Alec spewed all over him while I was running an errand, to show that, 'hey, he does it to me, too.' I know I'm a better mom because of having Scott as my teammate."
And as Alec got older, his personality truly came into its own.
"Anne knows how I want to be remembered as a father, and I know she won't let me down."
"Alec is full of energy, always excited to see what's around the next corner," Scott recalled. "Incredibly empathic. Eats anything, including black olives. Seems to have a scary good memory - you can't pull anything past him you might have promised him a week ago. There's so much talent in there waiting to come out."
For Scott, Alec has been "the biggest joy of my life" and is "still excited" for all the amazing things to come in his future.
"My hope is that he'll do some of the things as a little boy that I did with my parents - I had a great childhood, so I'm excited he'll have one, too," Scott said.
On Writing a Book For His Son to Remember Him By
It's only a slight coincidence that Scott and Anne's son shares the same name as Scott's longtime friend, Alec. "It's sort of true we named our son after him," Scott said with a chuckle. "When Anne suggested the name as her number one choice, I immediately thought of Alec Traub and thought, 'would it be weird to name my son after a friend?' But he's a role model of a friend, and that's when I just knew it made sense."
In fact, for 15 years, the two had a silly tradition involving text messages that kept them close despite living in different states.
"Scott and I are two guys who never shied from telling one another how much we miss, love, and care for the other. One day, he randomly texted me, 'I miss you like the grasshopper misses grass . . . and hopping,'" Alec recalled. "I loved it, so then I texted him back, 'I miss you like the anteater misses ants . . . and eating.' It became our own fun, unique way to say I miss you."
When Alec visited Scott in Pittsburgh following his diagnosis in 2016, the two came up with the idea for a book.
"We were sitting all together talking about Scott's health and how much he wanted to be able to do something to leave behind for little Alec," Alec said. "We then immediately came to the idea of putting those text messages together and creating something for him. We had no idea where to go from there, but we knew it was something we couldn't afford to leave as just a cool idea. Time wasn't necessarily on our side."
So, they got to work. They watched YouTube videos about how to write a children's book, found a professional illustrator, and held Skype meetings until they were were ready to self-publish this past July. They've since sold more than 2,000 copies of I Love You Like . . ., and all of the profits go toward Alec's college fund. There's even a dedication to Scott's son, one of which any parent can relate: "For my son, Alec Sutton, who makes every day an adventure. Thank you for asking, 'Why?' each of the 1.4 million times. I love you buddy."
Selfishly, Alec is thankful for the book because, in their year working on it, the experience brought him and Scott even closer and taught him about taking something negative and flipping it.
"We turned that story into something so positive - for all of us," he said. "But if in the end, all it ended up being was something that I could create with Scott and that he could have for his son, then that was more than enough."
On Not Letting Cancer Change His Outlook
It's hard to imagine continuing on with the day-to-day once you receive a cancer diagnosis, but Scott was determined to keep a positive outlook.
"Even with everything that has been going on with me, there have been so many great things in my life worth living for," he said.
He and Anne share a few mottos - "always forward" and "worry when we must worry" to name a few - that, Scott said, "afforded us to live in the moment and truly just enjoy our time as a family."
"There are no bad memories. We did as much as we could together."
That time has included taking his son fishing for the first time, teaching him soccer, and even taking him to "Mickey's house," otherwise known as Disney World.
"There are no bad memories," he said. "We did as much as we could together, often packing the weekends full of activities with Alec and friends and family. We've built snowmen, we've gone minigolfing, I watched Alec ride a pony, we've seen the ocean . . ."
When asked what he hopes his son will remember most about him, he struggled to find words. "Anne knows how I want to be remembered as a father, and I know she won't let me down."
Her response?
"I won't," she said. "And I know there are family and friends who will share stories, too. Over the recent weeks, we've had friends who have visited who have promised Scott they will take Alec hunting with them and their own sons some day; other friends who live in other states promising that our kids will grow up knowing each other and knowing their dads were good friends."
On What They Wish Others Really Knew
Like any other typical parent, Scott knows that familiar feeling that there's always something more important to do, that we should be doing something productive like "taking care of that email in your inbox that needs done right away." But, he said, "what's really important is right in front of you. You have to try to enjoy every day with your family."
For Anne, she doesn't yet feel ready to reflect on what she's learned through her experience with Scott. But she did note that she now understands that there are appropriate times to be sad and grieve and times where you simply shouldn't.
"It's really hard to find that balance of then living life and not letting cancer take every single day away from you," she said. "We make a good team and worked through those feelings together, always making sure we were on the same page."
"We have the chance to really say goodbye in a special way. I don't want to say that we are lucky, because that doesn't seem quite right, either."
She even shared a rare upside to these years spent fighting cancer alongside her husband. Following the tragic shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 people, Anne realized her family was given an opportunity that they've made sure not to squander.
"We've obviously been very sad since coming home on hospice care, working through a host of emotions," she said. "But when I heard the news stories of those innocent people losing their lives so unexpectedly, I sat here that day feeling even more sad for them. Today, even though we know what is to come, we know what's coming."
She continued: "Scott and I have the opportunity to reminisce, to laugh with each other while watching Alec play, to make sure as many friends and family visit as possible. We have the chance to really say goodbye in a special way. I don't want to say that we are lucky, because that doesn't seem quite right, either. Maybe just that it's not lost on us - the magnitude that there are people who didn't have the same opportunity that we do right now. We owe it to them to make the most of it."
If You Have to Work on Christmas, Santa Can Send This Sweet "Alternative Delivery Dates" Note to Your Kids
As magical as Christmas morning can be, many parents don't get so spend Dec. 25 with their families. And one mom from Virginia came up with a simple, sweet solution to help soften the blow for kids expecting Santa to come on a particular night.
When Stephanie Lynn, a mom of two kids, found out her husband Brent - who is in the military - would have to work Christmas Day, she decided they'd celebrate the holiday one day early, "when we can all be together." She then typed up a letter from Santa that offered "alternative delivery dates" to present to her kids.
She at first shared it on Facebook as just a sweet idea for working parents to consider, but after the immense response - nearly 10,000 likes and 55,000 shares - she decided to whip up a few different versions of her letter for families to use, free of charge. She created one specifically for military families and first responders, another for medical professionals, a separate letter for pilots and flight crews, and even one for families with divorced parents. There's even a "general use" letterhead for parents who work jobs not previously listed.
"I'm so glad to be able to bless your family with this," she wrote to the legions of doctors, nurses, flight attendants, police officers, waitresses, and single parents who commented. "Christmas isn't about a box on the calendar, but the feeling we keep in our hearts."
Read on for a look at the different variations of her letter, and click to download whichever one best fits your family.
Why I Wish I Hadn't Done Genetic Testing While I Was Pregnant
My husband and I conceived on the first try. I remember seeing those little two lines and thinking, "That was too easy." I had been on birth control since I was 16. How was it possible that we could knock it out of the park the first time up to bat? I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and then it did.
When I was nine weeks pregnant, we sat in my midwife's office, and she asked us if we both wanted to receive genetic testing. "Sure," we said, "sounds good." This was our first pregnancy, and we knew virtually nothing about the norms or what to expect. We were just going with the flow and following our doctors' and midwife's advice. In fact, I purposefully tried staying off the message boards and Google. "I don't have a medical degree," I remember saying to someone lecturing me on "natural birth." I was more than willing to let our doctors do their thing, but when our genetic tests came back, that changed.
I was at work when I got the call from my midwife. My husband and I were both carriers for a genetic disorder called Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS). Even as she solemnly broke the news to me, I remained perplexingly chipper. But as the conversation continued, her tone remained somber and sympathetic. I only really remember snippets of the conversation. She mentioned how this disease had something to do with developing cholesterol and that it could lead to heart problems. (Heart problems; those are treatable, right?) We had to go see a genetic counselor who could tell us more about our options. (Options? What options?)
Kind of numb and definitely in shock, I called my husband, who was working in Dallas at the time. He set about booking the genetic counselor, while I immediately went to Dr. Google. SLOS is way, way worse than a heart condition. It is a mutation in the DHCR7 gene, which provides the body instructions for making an enzyme called 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase. This enzyme is responsible for the final step in the body's production of cholesterol, which is necessary for normal development and function.
But the worst part? There was no way to know the severity of his condition.
So, yes, SLOS can cause heart defects. But it can also cause malformations in the lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and genitalia. It can be the cause behind intellectual disabilities and behavioral problems. And many infants with SLOS have weak muscle tone and experience feeding difficulties or failure to thrive. Suddenly the reason my midwife had sounded like her dog had just died made sense. This was serious. But the worst part? There was no way to know the severity of his condition (oh yeah, we also found out we were having a boy). Signs and symptoms vary widely, and while some cases only have minor physical abnormalities like webbed toes, some can be life-threatening with profound disabilities.
By the time our appointment with the genetic counselor came, I was so thankful to finally have someone give us some answers. She started off by walking us through the Punnett square (cue high school biology flashbacks) and explained that because my husband and I are both carriers of the SLOS gene, our son will have a 25 percent chance of inheriting the disorder, a 50 percent chance of just being a carrier, and a 25 percent chance of not inheriting the disorder or the gene. Laid out like that, it sounded promising that there would be a 75 percent chance he would be a perfectly normal little babe, but again, the genetic counselor was speaking to us in the most somber, serious tone. Anytime I tried to show the littlest bit of optimism, I got swatted down like a fly.
"OK, so there is a 75 percent chance he could be fine!"
"Yes, but 25 percent that he will have the disorder."
"OK, but he could still live a normal life, right? It's treatable in some cases."
"It looks like the chromosome your husband has is spliced, which would make this case more severe with a high fatality rate."
Now, please note: I am by no means an expert. Any and all information I have was taken from the internet or told to me by my counselor. But mind you, it seems as if no one knows anything about SLOS. In fact, our counselor was looking up the syndrome in a textbook as we were speaking, and I remember our doctor telling us we probably know more about SLOS than he does. Only one in 20,000 to 60,000 babies are born with the condition. How does that number vary so much? Many times, it goes undiagnosed. Since SLOS manifests so many growth defects, in most cases, it isn't the first diagnosis. And even more likely, the baby wouldn't even make it to full-term, making the number of people who are carriers of SLOS much higher than we think.
After our somewhat disastrous appointment with the genetic counselor (for which we were billed $850), we met with the "high risk" doctor at our practice. In a somewhat pragmatic tone, he helped us craft our game plan. At 16 weeks, we would get an amniocentesis, an invasive procedure where they extract amniotic fluid for testing. In three weeks, we would get the results. We would go from there.
Suddenly, at 11 weeks pregnant, all plans halted. I stopped telling people I was pregnant. We stopped brainstorming names. I stopped adding items to my registry. It was all just too sad and too depressing. I spent the rest of the first trimester going through the motions without any of the joy. I remember our doctor telling us we were the "poster children for genetic testing." And sure, on one hand I was so thankful we knew, but what difference did it make? Could I honestly terminate a baby I had already grown to love? Because yes, that's what everyone recommended. The midwife, the genetic counselor, the doctor - they all recommended termination. I remember thinking to myself, I would take on any challenge if it meant he could live a happy life. Anything is better than a baby who has no chance at all.
This Video of a “Naughty” Kid Saying He’s Going to Punch Santa’s Beard Off Is the Next Box Office Horror Flick
For kids who patiently wait for Santa to come down the chimney every year, being on the nice list is serious business. While absolutely no one wants coal for Christmas, a little British boy by the name of Jackson is taking being in Santa's good graces more seriously than most. In a hilarious video, Jackson goes at it with his dad about whether or not he's on the naughty list. And, oh boy, things really take a funny turn with respect to Santa - particularly when he jokingly threatens to "punch his beard off" with an uppercut - which, by the way, looks pretty good.
We're not the only ones who let out a few chuckles under our breaths. As soon as a the video was posted on Twitter, it instantly went viral. The original poster shared the minute-long clip with the caption: "Guys my dad just showed me this video & I really hope it makes ur day just as it's made mine." With more than 9 million views, the comments section was chock-full of lol-worthy reactions. Scroll through to get a peek at some of our favorites.
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.
21 Things That Inevitably Happen When You Travel With Kids During the Holidays
My family usually hits the road for the holidays, heading to the beach with my extended family for a vacation that only in the last year (when my son was almost 4 and my daughter was almost 7) began to feel like one. Before that, it was a stressful trip that took so much time and energy to execute that if it wasn't for that alluring Florida sunshine, I might not have gone.
Between buying and wrapping gifts early so I could ship them to our destination in time for Santa's arrival to renting baby supplies we couldn't fit in our suitcases to throwing our rules about screen time and sugar consumption out the window, traveling with kids for the holidays is a jolly sh*tshow. But hey, the holidays are all about togetherness, right? And nothing brings more togetherness than being stuck in a tiny condo for a week (or even better, a car for an eight-hour-plus drive) with your toddlers. If you're planning a trip with your kids over the holidays - to Grandma's house or somewhere more exotic - here are 21 things you need to prepare yourself for.
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!
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
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