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.
jeudi 27 décembre 2018
6 Artists Who Were Tired of Living in 2018, So They Made Nostalgic Videos Instead
This year could certainly be categorized as "rough," which could explain why so many of us were so obsessed with nostalgia in 2018. From switching up our fashion choices to binge-watching '90s reboots, looking back a couple of decades was all the rage - and music videos reflected it, too.
Drake reunited the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation for his "I'm Upset" video back in May, and Charli XCX and Troye Sivan brought it back to the golden age of my youth for "1999." But most recently, Ariana Grande took us all on a trip down memory lane when she paid homage to classic 2000s teen movies in the fun-filled visuals for "Thank U, Next." Ahead, see which artists turned back time in their videos this year.
Is It Hot in Here or Is It Just These Sweet, Sexy Celebrity PDA Moments of 2018?
There were tons of sexy PDA moments from celebrity couples last year, and even though 2018 isn't quite over yet, this year was even hotter! From award-show date nights to envy-inducing getaways to casual strolls around town, stars were clearly feeling the love and they weren't afraid to show it. See the sexiest PDA moments of 2018 ahead!
34 Photos of Prince Harry and His "Pa" Charles That Show How Special Their Bond Is
Prince Charles is going to be a grandpa again! Prince Harry is currently expecting his first child with Meghan Markle, and if Charles's relationship with Harry has shown us anything, it's that he's going to be a great grandfather to Harry's baby. Harry has always been open and honest about how much he admires his dad, and it's clear their bond is stronger than ever. "He's done an amazing job, without telling us what we should be doing or the direction we should go in," Harry previously said in BBC's documentary Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70.
Earlier this year, Charles proved that he'll always have his son's back when he stepped in to walk Meghan down the aisle at their wedding after her father, Thomas Markle, failed to attend. During the special moment, cameras captured Harry telling Charles, "Thank you, Pa," and naturally, hearts melted everywhere. Ahead, look back at some of Harry and Charles's best moments together.
10 Terrifying Films Only Fans of The Haunting of Hill House Can Handle
Halloween may be long over, but with a show as good as The Haunting of Hill House, we see no reason why you can't get spooked all year round. Based on the 1959 Shirley Jackson novel of the same name, this supernatural horror series follows the five Crain siblings as they struggle to come to terms with their childhood, when a house flipping gone wrong left their mother dead and the children haunted. From family secrets to insanely terrifying old houses, here are 10 haunting films that will have you sleeping with one eye open while we wait to find out whether The Haunting of Hill House will get a second season.
Bird Box: Yes, Dumplin's Danielle Macdonald Plays Olympia, and Yes, She's Wonderful
Bird Box is now streaming on Netflix, which means it's only a matter of time before you fall in love with Danielle Macdonald all over again. The 27-year-old Australian actress has been in films and TV shows since 2010, when she began her career with guest spots in Glee, Toolies, and Pretty Little Liars. Since then, she's gone on to more high-profile projects, most recently playing the beloved Willowdean Dickson in Netflix's Dumplin'. It's safe to say we can't get enough of her. Ahead, see Macdonald's most notable roles!
Priyanka Chopra's Music Career May Have Been Short-Lived, but Her Videos Were Sexy AF
It's pretty hard to go a day without hearing Priyanka Chopra's name. Whether you're talking about her marriage to Nick Jonas, her impeccable style, or her illustrious film career in both Bollywood and Hollywood, you can't deny that the actress is ridiculously gorgeous. While we've seen her put her smoldering good looks to work on the big screen, some may not be as hip to the fact that Chopra also showed them off during her brief music career. She may have only released three singles, but the accompanying music videos definitely show off her sensuous moves and undeniable charisma (one also features This Is Us's Milo Ventimiglia!!). Check them out ahead - we promise you won't regret it!
Curious About Why Aquaman's Postcredits Scene Is So Important? Here's the Deal
Warning: a tidal wave of spoilers for (and bad water-based puns about) Aquaman ahead!
Let's get this out of the way right now: yes, there's a postcredits scene in Aquaman. Well, technically it's a midcredits scene, which means, thank Poseidon, that you don't need to sit through the entirety of the credits to feast your eyes on the bonus footage. What's more is that there's just the one extra scene, so unless you truly enjoy watching the credits crawl by, you can be out the door faster than a sea creature screaming racist insults at Jason Momoa can vanish into the ocean floor (yes, a real thing that happens in this movie).
If, however, you're wondering what goes on in said midcredits scene, we've got you covered.
There are a handful of foes that Momoa's titular aqua-inclined superhero is forced to take on over the course of the film, from Patrick Wilson's King Orm to Dolph Lundgren's King Nereus. But also in the mix is Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who is mostly memorable due to his, um, shall we say, interesting choice of suit (those giant red bug eyes aren't scaring anyone, my dude).
His vendetta against Aquaman, aka Arthur Curry, begins early on in the film when we encounter Manta and his father trying to violently overtake and ransack a Russian submarine. Their plan is foiled by Aquaman, who makes quick work of their crew, but in the ensuing confrontation, a large pipe falls on Manta's father and crushes him to the floor. As the sub fills with water, Manta begs Arthur to lift the pipe and save his dad. Aquaman is basically like, "This is the price you pay for being a pirate. Later." Manta's father drowns, but his grudge against Aquaman bubbles to the surface! (Hey, I warned you about these subpar water puns.)
So, back to the midcredits scene. If a future Aquaman sequel ever comes to be, the scene functions as a way to set things up for another potential conflict between Aquaman and Manta. You see, Aquaman defeats Manta in the third act by going head-to-head with the villain during a carnage-filled brawl through Sicily that ends with Aquaman smashing Manta's helmet and throwing him off a cliff.
That's the last we see of him until the midcredits scene picks up with Manta floating unconscious on some wood in the middle of the ocean. He's rescued by some men on a boat who don't seem all that important at first . . . until a shot of the boat's interior reveals whoever owns it is clearly interested in learning more about Aquaman's identity (newspaper clippings posted inside have that red "I'm a crazy conspiracy theorist" string hanging all over them). It doesn't take long before said conspiracy theorist is revealed to be Doctor Stephen Shin (Randall Park), who makes a pact with Manta: if Manta can lead Shin to Atlantis, the scientist will not only fix his broken helmet but also help him find out Aquaman's true identity.
If Shin does indeed team up with Manta, Aquaman might be in real trouble. After all, the doctor is a renowned scientist with genius-level intellect in the comics, so crazy conspiracies or not, he could certainly help Manta get the revenge he so desires. A sequel has yet to be confirmed, so in the meantime, we'll have to do a little theorizing of our own.
How Prince George's Royal Duties Will Evolve Over the Next Few Years
At the moment, Prince George of Cambridge has two jobs: attending school and being the cutest little boy in the world. But all that will change someday in the near future. After all, the prince isn't just any member of the royal family; he's a direct heir to the throne and a future king! Royals often start their duties early, especially if they're so close to the throne. What sort of royal responsibilities will Prince George eventually take on?
George's age means that his responsibilities are minimal at the moment. So far, he's made a few appearances with the rest of his family and served in the wedding parties of his uncle and aunt, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and his father's cousin Princess Eugenie. Otherwise, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have deliberately kept his life private in order to give him as normal a childhood as possible. However, his royal duties started when he was less than a year old: he went on his first royal tour, breaking protocol in the process, at the age of 9 months in 2014. Those trips are likely to increase as he gets older, although he will still be expected to put his education first.
If we want a good idea of what George's future looks like, we should look at his father, Prince William, who also grew up as a modern heir. Prince William attended elite schools, which George is also likely to do, and focused on his education, with only a handful of public appearances alongside senior royals. George will also probably follow in the footsteps of the other men in the royal family and serve in the British military once he is of age. He might become a pilot like his father or join the army like his uncle Harry!
Once George reaches adulthood, his duties are likely to increase exponentially for a number of reasons. By that point in time, it's pretty certain that his grandfather Charles will be the king, bumping George up to second in line for the throne, behind his father, who will become Prince of Wales. His age and his increased nearness to the throne will likely result in an increase of his duties across the board, from state occasions to meeting foreign dignitaries to charity patronages and more. Like his father, George will be trained from an early age on matters of state, preparing him for the day when he becomes king himself.
Unlike other royals, whose duties are more for show and for charity work, George will always undertake his responsibilities with the understanding that he will sit on the throne one day.
We're Drooling Over These Shirtless Mark Wahlberg Photos, So Now We're Shopping For Bibs
Everything is just beachy for Mark Wahlberg! A day after he shared his family's sweet holiday card on Instagram, the 47-year-old actor was spotted hanging out on the beach in Barbados with his wife, Rhea Durham, and their four children - Ella, 15, Michael, 12, Brendan, 10, and Grace, 8 - on Wednesday. Mark went shirtless, showing off his chiseled abs, and wore a pair of bright turtle-print swim trunks. He relished in the gorgeous views of the Caribbean island while splashing around in the water.
Mark and his family also visited Barbados at the very beginning of the year when he and Rhea showed some hot PDA by locking lips in the water. Evidently, Mark has maintained his muscular physique throughout the entire year, and it's probably because of his insane workout regimen. Although we won't be partaking in 4 a.m. weightlifting or foam rolling anytime soon (or ever), we can appreciate the fruit of Mark's labor with these photos.
Gryffindors and Slytherins Agree: A Harry Potter-Themed Wedding Is "Always" a Good Idea
For a truly bewitching big day, nothing is more perfect than having a Harry Potter-themed wedding. There are so many creative big and little ways to incorporate the magic of Harry Potter in your wedding, so Harry Potter fans, have your quills at the ready. With Slytherin snake cakes, Honeydukes candy favors, enchanting emerald dresses, hauntingly beautiful decorations, and the spellbinding power of love, these weddings are worthy of the Triwizard Cup.
Take a look at some of the best Harry Potter-themed wedding ideas out there. Beware: they may put a spell on 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.
The Bride Wore Shimmering Stars at This Shakespeare-Inspired Wedding
Even though William Shakespeare published Romeo and Juliet in the 16th century, the iconic play has stood the test of time and inspired a whole range of work from paintings to movies to wedding themes. Photographer Sabrina Klomp definitely felt a creative impulse to channel the famous couple in this styled wedding shoot that took place at the Higuera Ranch in San Luis Obispo, CA.
"The concept for the shoot was a modern twist on Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet," Sabrina said. "With moody blues, gold accents, and inspiration from stars and constellations, the shoot created a youthful, romantic setting for today's young-at-heart bride and groom." The bride wore a peach-tone gown with metallic stars embroidered on it - a nod to the famous quote from the chorus of the play that refers to the couple as "a pair of star-cross'd lovers." The groom looked handsome in a black suit with long hair that is parted to the side, which is reminiscent of the Shakespearean era. The shoot also incorporated stunning decor that included vibrant flowers, long candles, and gothic tableware.
Keep reading to see this dreamy and romantic Shakespearean shoot.
Related: You'll Be Starry-Eyed Over This 1920s-Inspired Wedding - Complete With Showstopping Gown!
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.
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.
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Divorce
Now that I'm nearing the end of the divorce process (it's a marathon - not a sprint!), I'm starting to reflect on the things I wish I had done differently or, perhaps, the things I wish I had known before getting a divorce, period. I don't think there is any real book to prepare you for divorce, as each person's experience is so unique. But as you're headed down the aisle - that's the court aisle - of divorce, there are some things it wouldn't hurt to know as you sever your formerly "forever" relationship.
12 January Destinations to Shake Your Holiday Hangover
Holiday hangovers are a real thing, and we're not just talking booze-wise. (Although, obviously, that too.) Festivity madness is undoubtedly exhausting, between thinking of thoughtful gifts, shopping for and wrapping said gifts, attending multitudes of merry gatherings, and managing to survive family-house-hopping craziness (insert a glass of wine - or five). So, gifting ourselves a "refresh-cation" might just be the best idea we've had all year.
Whatever your post-holiday unwind style, this roundup of January destinations has your back. Maybe you need something to work off those Christmas cookies . . . because is it even the holidays without the cookies? Perhaps you just need some solo peace and quiet . . . no problem. Or, quite possibly, you're mulling over trying something new for that new year's reset - we've got that, too.
If anything, this post-holiday travel inspiration might just give you a daydream escape to help soothe the inevitable effects of fielding dating questions from wacky Aunt Susan. You've most certainly earned a mini or not-so-mini break to look forward to in January when the holiday dust has settled. Start 2019 off on a refreshed foot with these relaxing, detoxing, and utterly restorative spots.
Think: yoga, beach, massage, meditation retreat, cozy fireplace reading. Feel: rejuvenated, refreshed, rebooted - and get some long overdue "you time."
6 Ways I Benefited From Turning Off My Phone For Just 1 Week
I've had a cell phone since I was 11. I know - let that sink in for a second. Post 9/11, my parents wanted to make sure my brother and I had a way to get in touch with them in case of emergencies, so for the past decade and a half, I've had a phone essentially super glued to my left hand. In essence, I've been conditioned.
This past year, I hit my threshold of feeling overwhelmed. I was so tuned into everything around me and around the world 24/7, responding to everyone within seconds, constantly available . . . that I forgot to tune into what I needed. As such, stress levels contributed to atrocious mental health, chronic illness, and a destroyed immune system.
I needed to do a hard reset, and not on my phone - on my life.
The reset started with clearing my calendar, finding a place to chill out and rest, and then digitally detoxing. Phase one: move apps like Instagram to new folders on my phone and put new apps in their former places to see how often I was mindlessly opening them. Phase two: delete social media apps temporarily. Phase three: no tech for one week. GASP! I know. Here's what went down. (Note: this also went down on a week I was not at work - truly tech-free!)
Get Ready to Get Roaring Like the 1920s With This Great Gatsby-Themed Wedding
If you have a love for romance and a passion for glamour, this Great Gatsby-themed wedding will take your breath away. Glittering gowns and sparkling decor transformed this wedding into an ode to the timeless tale. Covered in gold and complete with 1920s accessories, Gatsby himself would have been impressed.
"All the details were crafted with care to be vintage-glam inspired. The venue, Dramatic Hall in Peekskill, NY, is a restored theater. The stage was first built in 1870 and was recently fully restored to its former glory. The venue was the perfect place to host a dramatic Great Gatsby shoot and is a gorgeous venue that hosts weddings and events that really make you feel like a movie star!" said photographer Anna Ivanova.
Let this wedding take you back to a time when parties were roaring and the love was everlasting.
Gryffindors and Slytherins Agree: A Harry Potter-Themed Wedding Is "Always" a Good Idea
For a truly bewitching big day, nothing is more perfect than having a Harry Potter-themed wedding. There are so many creative big and little ways to incorporate the magic of Harry Potter in your wedding, so Harry Potter fans, have your quills at the ready. With Slytherin snake cakes, Honeydukes candy favors, enchanting emerald dresses, hauntingly beautiful decorations, and the spellbinding power of love, these weddings are worthy of the Triwizard Cup.
Take a look at some of the best Harry Potter-themed wedding ideas out there. Beware: they may put a spell on 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.
The Bride Wore Shimmering Stars at This Shakespeare-Inspired Wedding
Even though William Shakespeare published Romeo and Juliet in the 16th century, the iconic play has stood the test of time and inspired a whole range of work from paintings to movies to wedding themes. Photographer Sabrina Klomp definitely felt a creative impulse to channel the famous couple in this styled wedding shoot that took place at the Higuera Ranch in San Luis Obispo, CA.
"The concept for the shoot was a modern twist on Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet," Sabrina said. "With moody blues, gold accents, and inspiration from stars and constellations, the shoot created a youthful, romantic setting for today's young-at-heart bride and groom." The bride wore a peach-tone gown with metallic stars embroidered on it - a nod to the famous quote from the chorus of the play that refers to the couple as "a pair of star-cross'd lovers." The groom looked handsome in a black suit with long hair that is parted to the side, which is reminiscent of the Shakespearean era. The shoot also incorporated stunning decor that included vibrant flowers, long candles, and gothic tableware.
Keep reading to see this dreamy and romantic Shakespearean shoot.
Related: You'll Be Starry-Eyed Over This 1920s-Inspired Wedding - Complete With Showstopping Gown!
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.
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.
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Divorce
Now that I'm nearing the end of the divorce process (it's a marathon - not a sprint!), I'm starting to reflect on the things I wish I had done differently or, perhaps, the things I wish I had known before getting a divorce, period. I don't think there is any real book to prepare you for divorce, as each person's experience is so unique. But as you're headed down the aisle - that's the court aisle - of divorce, there are some things it wouldn't hurt to know as you sever your formerly "forever" relationship.
12 January Destinations to Shake Your Holiday Hangover
Holiday hangovers are a real thing, and we're not just talking booze-wise. (Although, obviously, that too.) Festivity madness is undoubtedly exhausting, between thinking of thoughtful gifts, shopping for and wrapping said gifts, attending multitudes of merry gatherings, and managing to survive family-house-hopping craziness (insert a glass of wine - or five). So, gifting ourselves a "refresh-cation" might just be the best idea we've had all year.
Whatever your post-holiday unwind style, this roundup of January destinations has your back. Maybe you need something to work off those Christmas cookies . . . because is it even the holidays without the cookies? Perhaps you just need some solo peace and quiet . . . no problem. Or, quite possibly, you're mulling over trying something new for that new year's reset - we've got that, too.
If anything, this post-holiday travel inspiration might just give you a daydream escape to help soothe the inevitable effects of fielding dating questions from wacky Aunt Susan. You've most certainly earned a mini or not-so-mini break to look forward to in January when the holiday dust has settled. Start 2019 off on a refreshed foot with these relaxing, detoxing, and utterly restorative spots.
Think: yoga, beach, massage, meditation retreat, cozy fireplace reading. Feel: rejuvenated, refreshed, rebooted - and get some long overdue "you time."
6 Ways I Benefited From Turning Off My Phone For Just 1 Week
I've had a cell phone since I was 11. I know - let that sink in for a second. Post 9/11, my parents wanted to make sure my brother and I had a way to get in touch with them in case of emergencies, so for the past decade and a half, I've had a phone essentially super glued to my left hand. In essence, I've been conditioned.
This past year, I hit my threshold of feeling overwhelmed. I was so tuned into everything around me and around the world 24/7, responding to everyone within seconds, constantly available . . . that I forgot to tune into what I needed. As such, stress levels contributed to atrocious mental health, chronic illness, and a destroyed immune system.
I needed to do a hard reset, and not on my phone - on my life.
The reset started with clearing my calendar, finding a place to chill out and rest, and then digitally detoxing. Phase one: move apps like Instagram to new folders on my phone and put new apps in their former places to see how often I was mindlessly opening them. Phase two: delete social media apps temporarily. Phase three: no tech for one week. GASP! I know. Here's what went down. (Note: this also went down on a week I was not at work - truly tech-free!)
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.
Get Ready to Get Roaring Like the 1920s With This Great Gatsby-Themed Wedding
If you have a love for romance and a passion for glamour, this Great Gatsby-themed wedding will take your breath away. Glittering gowns and sparkling decor transformed this wedding into an ode to the timeless tale. Covered in gold and complete with 1920s accessories, Gatsby himself would have been impressed.
"All the details were crafted with care to be vintage-glam inspired. The venue, Dramatic Hall in Peekskill, NY, is a restored theater. The stage was first built in 1870 and was recently fully restored to its former glory. The venue was the perfect place to host a dramatic Great Gatsby shoot and is a gorgeous venue that hosts weddings and events that really make you feel like a movie star!" said photographer Anna Ivanova.
Let this wedding take you back to a time when parties were roaring and the love was everlasting.
1 Mom Opened Up About Giving Birth to Twins With Down Syndrome, and It's Powerful
After Rachael and Cody Prescott made the decision to cancel Cody's vasectomy and try for a third baby, they had no idea it was a moot point. According to an at-home pregnancy test, Rachael was already a few weeks along. And to make matters even more exciting, the family learned they were expecting twin girls. That meant the couple's sons - Easton, 5 and Hudson, 3 - were going to have baby sisters to look after. The couple attended several doctors appointments to ensure the girls were healthy and developing normally, but then they got some unexpected news: both of their daughters had congenital heart disease and possibly Down syndrome.
"To have a child with Down syndrome is like discovering your best self and winning the lottery at the same time."
"A lovely nurse practitioner came to my bedside and first told me our girls did, in fact, have Down syndrome," Rachael told POPSUGAR. "My response was, 'Really?! Yay!' I actually hadn't remembered my own response, but she later visited to tell me that I had said this and that it was a relief to her to see our happiness, because it had not been what she was expecting."
Minimal-Effort Instant Pot Breakfasts That Your Kids Will Actually Eat
Whether or not you already have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker (you'll likely be convinced to grab one after reading this post, to be honest), getting your kids to eat breakfast each morning before school can seem like a losing battle. But luckily for you, if you are the proud owner of an Instant Pot, you can spend way less time on making your family a delicious breakfast and more time ensuring it's devoured before everyone runs off to the bus (or on the go as they sprint to their bus stop).
Ahead, find Instant Pot recipes for breakfast foods that your kids will actually want to make the time to eat.
11 Snow Day Expectations vs. Realities For Parents That Are So Spot-On
Snow days are the perfect excuse to enjoy some quality time with your kids (if you don't have to work from home!). You'll finally have a chance to get your money's worth on that cute snow gear you bought for the entire family, the kids will love all the activities you have planned, and after the outdoor fun ends, you'll gather around the fireplace to warm up with some sweet treats, a cozy movie, and some hot cocoa. Your snow day will be just like the ones you see on the Hallmark Channel, right? Wrong.
When you're a kid, snow days are magical and amazing. But when you're a parent, they're . . . tough. You have to make sure your kids are entertained all day, sometimes it IS too cold to go outside, and you probably don't get more than 10 minutes of peace before someone says, "I'm bored!" Keep reading for 11 snow day expectations vs. realities that are so real, it almost hurts.
These Glitter Sneakers on Amazon Are So Sparkly, Even Queen Elsa Would Be Jealous
Amazon, are you spying on us or something? How did the shoe gods know that these SF Forever Glitter Jogger Sneakers ($15) are all we could ever need for 2019? We just discovered them on the site, and we can't take our eyes off of that magical, sparkly finish.
Beyond being pretty to look at, it's insane that these kicks are only $15. They have tons of great reviews as well, so you know it's a purchase you'll be happy about. They remind us of something Queen Elsa or Cinderella would approve of. Hey, adults need a little glitter too!
Snag these gorgeous sneakers while you can - they won't be around for long!
15 New Year's Resolutions to Make Together as a Family
Here's the thing about New Year's resolutions: they tend to get a bad rap for having famously low success rates (research shows only about eight percent of people actually stick to them each year). However, they do offer a stellar opportunity for you - and everyone in your family - to reflect on the past year and really think about changes you can all make for the better. This New Year's, rather than only focusing on individual ambitions, why not try making resolutions you can keep as a family? Not only will this help you to motivate and encourage each other, but having one common goal can also bring you closer as a team. Read on for 15 creative resolution ideas you and the entire clan can all strive for in 2019!
Amy Schumer's Morning Sickness Unfortunately Doesn't Take a Day Off: "So This Is Christmas"
Amy Schumer spent part of her Christmas in a less-than-ideal setting - on the side of the road, puking. The comedian and expecting mom recently shared a candid video of herself getting sick while on a drive, followed by several pictures of herself cuddling with dogs on the couch and the floor. "And so this is Christmas," Amy wrote on Instagram.
She has been brutally honest about her pregnancy woes since sharing the news in October. Amy first spoke about battling intense morning sickness after sharing an ultrasound video of her energetic baby. "It's moving all around . . . That's why I'm puking every day," she said at the time.
Shortly after, Amy disclosed she was actually suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. The condition forced her to cancel several comedy shows. In her post, Amy said, "I have hyperemesis and it blows. Very lucky to be pregnant but this is some bullsh*t!"
While hyperemesis gravidarum continues to give her a hard time, the good news is that symptoms tend to decrease in the latter half of one's pregnancy. Until then, at least Amy is surrounded by plenty of pets to cheer her up.
7 of the Best Maternity Jeans For All Growing Bumps
Everyone knows there are tons of changes to expect when becoming pregnant, and one of the many difficult things to adjust to is how to dress your growing bump. So whether you've just found out you're expecting or approaching your third trimester, maternity jeans are a great staple piece to have in your closet. They give, have stretch, and conform to your belly, while maintaining a structured leg that makes you feel like you're in your everyday jeans. Here are our top picks.
Woman Transforms Tiny Laundry Room With Dollar Tree Products, and We're Out of Excuses
If you're struggling to transform your messy and microscopic laundry room into a beautifully organized haven, there's a way to do it on a supertight budget. The secret weapon? The Dollar Tree! On her YouTube channel Hey Tonya, Tonya shows us how she made over the closet-size laundry room in her rental home. Using only a handful of items she already owned and affordable storage products she scored at The Dollar Tree, Tonya proves how easy it is to utilize every inch of a small space. Watch the video and prepare to be inspired!
2019 Is Going to Be Disney's Most Magical Year Yet Thanks to These 30+ New Attractions
Walt Disney once said, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." Well, he wasn't wrong, as Disney Parks across the country are getting quite a few new attractions, resorts, and festivals in 2019. Disney Cruise Line is also ringing in the New Year with some well-loved celebrations and magical ways to bring families together. The one thing we bet a lot of people are excited about is Star Wars, which is going to be highlighted across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. If you're ready for another magical year with Mickey Mouse and friends, keep reading to see everything that's in store!
Study Finds That Dogs Obey Women More - the Reason Will Give You a Genuine "Aha!" Moment
Ever wonder why all the princesses in fairy tales have such a great rapport with animals? A 2017 study that is resurfacing online has concluded that, although we can't actually speak to our furry friends like they do in Disney flicks, in real life, women are actually more fluent in "dog" than men. And as a result, dogs are often more obedient to women than their male counterparts.
In the experiment, which was published in the journal Royal Society of Open Science, researchers recorded the sound of nearly 20 dogs growling in different scenarios - guarding food from other dogs, playing tug of war, or feeling threatened by an approaching stranger - and had a small sample of 40 people attempt to identify the context of the growl.
On the whole, humans were good at associating the correct growls with the correct root emotion. But two types of people - women and those participants who were particularly experienced with dogs - consistently scored higher in this task.
Although that might be surprising information, the reason for this increased animal aptitude will probably come as a shock to not one woman. On the contrary, it likely makes perfect sense. Women had a "higher sensitivity to emotional stimuli," the study reported.
"Female participants seem to have an advantage in the recognition of the context," it continued. "It is known that women have a higher emotional sensitivity . . . women are likely more empathetic and sensitive to others' emotions, [which] can help to differentiate better the context of the emotional content of the growls."
I Have 4 Kids, and I Desperately Need to Make Self-Care a Priority in 2019
As a mom of four young kids, if I'm being honest, sometimes I don't have time to shower for more than two days (thank goodness for hats!). I ate dinner last night while breastfeeding, folding laundry, and catching up with my mom. At least once a day, I'll have to pee for so long that I start doing the potty dance like my 5-year-old until I can barely make it the bathroom. Given how jam-packed my schedule is, you may think it would be impossible to make time for self-care. But after a decade of mommying, I've learned that if I don't take care of myself, everyone suffers. So I'm determined to do one thing for myself every day in 2019, even if it's just for a few minutes. My happiness and sanity depend on it.
"A little goes a long way," is my mantra about self-care, but I didn't always feel that way. It used to be that if I didn't fit a 4-mile run into the day, I got cranky and resentful toward my family. As we've added to our brood over the years, however, I have accepted that there won't always be an extra hour to devote to my personal fitness goals. There may only be 10 minutes when the baby is napping, the kids are playing independently, and before I need to start dinner or run someone to Girl Scouts or swim practice. But that 10 minutes is better than nothing. Maybe I'll roll out my yoga mat and do ten sun salutations. Maybe I'll stretch and focus on breathing deeply. Moving my body is always the best medicine for parenting angst. I feel my stress melt away and my patience recharge.
Moving my body is always the best medicine for parenting angst. I feel my stress melt away and my patience recharge.
Still, it took my husband to point out that I am a better mom when I take time to exercise and feel good about myself. He continues to remind his control-freak wife there's no reason to feel guilty when I leave the kids with my him on a Saturday morning so I can take a walk with a friend or try a new yoga class. My hubby jokes that "everyone wins" when mom is in a good head space. And the truth is, if I don't get that break to pay attention to my needs, I'll find myself snapping at one of the kids when they ask where their clean socks are or starting to cry as I'm nursing my son, feeling trapped and smothered.
To any parent out there who thinks they shouldn't take time away from the kids to do something for themselves, whether that's getting a manicure once a week or reading a book that isn't Goodnight Moon, I'd say you need to ask yourself who you're serving by neglecting you. I've been there, when it feels impossible to find even a few seconds in the day without a child hanging off of you. I can't tell you how many times I've showered with all four of my kids complaining and crying outside the shower door. I feel like I want to scream, and sometimes, I do. Then, I'll mentally berate myself for letting the kids down if I want to exercise instead of play My Little Pony or hide-and-seek after. Those are the moments when self-care is the most important - when I need to put myself first. Then, when I feel refreshed, I can play with a smile on my face rather than holding back tears while wondering what happened to my life.
Next year will only bring more parenting chaos and stress, especially since we are considering having another baby (yep, we're crazy!). Still, no matter what's happening in our family, I will not let one day go by when I don't take a time out for self-care. Some days I may get an hour, and other days it might be 5 minutes. It's about remembering, each day, that my needs are important, too.
The Best Present Anyone Got Me After Having My Baby Was a $15 Butt Washer - and It Was From My Husband
If you asked me a year ago if I'd ever pen a post about a butt washer, I would've shaken my head. Oh, no. Happy to talk about feelings and mental health, but writing about my rear? Not for me.
But then I went ahead and had a baby - well, to be accurate, a doctor vacuum-extracted a baby out of my vagina after two-plus hours of pushing - and my body was in so much agony following the delivery that my most cherished moments included soaking in a sitz bath (if you don't know what that is, I envy you) or rinsing myself with a FridaBaby Fridet, The MomWasher ($15), courtesy of my hubs.
He bought it for me as a half-joke, half-real new-mom must have. I rolled my eyes at him when he gave it to me, but was in complete appreciation when I found it in the bathroom during my first week home.
While the hospital gave me its own run-of-the-mill squirt bottle to use to soothe the pain in my nether region, the FridaBaby was so much friendlier. It had a 90-degree spout so that I could quickly get water where I needed to. Plus, the bottle itself was malleable, so I didn't have to work as hard to get water to come out. It made using the restroom almost tolerable.
Put it on your registry or buy it for yourself. You'll be happy to see it in your bathroom after you deliver.
The Internet Is Losing Its Sh*t Over This Second Grade Math Problem
Update: After waiting on the edge of our seats, Ayla's math teacher finally revealed the answer to the question that left parents scratching their heads: 42.5. And if that doesn't seem right to you since you really can't have half a dog, you're not alone.
Angie gave POPSUGAR an update after hearing back from the teacher, writing: "The district worded it wrong. The answer would be 42.5, though, if done at an age appropriate grade."
We'll take it!
Original Story: When Angie Werner unzipped her second grade daughter Ayla's backpack on Jan. 24, she expected it to be business as usual when she laid eyes on her math homework. All was going well until Ayla reached one problem in particular that isn't exactly a question most 8-year-olds would understand. Angie decided to ask fellow mamas about it in the Breastfeeding Mama Talk in Private Facebook group, and her suspicion was confirmed: the word problem is actually hard as hell.
The tricky question reads: "There are 49 dogs signed up to compete in the dog show. There are 36 more small dogs than large dogs signed up to compete. How many small dogs are signed up to compete?" And honestly, people are pretty torn on the correct answer.
While the most popular answer to this problem is 36, people aren't exactly confident with that number: "Wouldn't [it] be 49 dogs - 36 small dogs? That make 13 large dogs. So 13 large dogs + 36 small dogs = 49 dogs together. So the answer is 36. It's a trick question lol, right?"
Hm, that doesn't quite add up.
After a long-winded debate, one woman pointed to a previous comment that found yet another possible solution to the problem: "Y'all. A mom above figured it out. We were all wrong. If there is a total of 49 dogs and 36 of them are small dogs then there are 13 large dogs. That means 36 small dogs subtracted by 13 large dogs then there are 23 more small dogs than large dogs. 36-13=23. BOOM!!! WOW! Anyone saying there's half and medium dogs tho just no!"
But apparently, that's not right either.
A few people also suggested that the answer is 42.5, which makes sense mathematically, but is pretty hard to fathom since we're talking about dogs, after all. No one wants half a dog. EVER. "49-36=13. 13/2=6.5. 36+6.5=42.5. That's how I did it in my head. Is that the right way to do it? Lol I haven't done math like this since I was in school!" said one mom.
We're right there with you. As much as we hate to fathom half a dog, if you got 42.5, you've officially mastered second grade math.
The Way Kaley Cuoco Addressed False Pregnancy Rumors Deserves Booming Applause
No, Kaley Cuoco has not announced that she's pregnant, but she has some choice words for anyone suggesting she might be. On Wednesday, Dec. 19, the Big Bang Theory actress shared a photo of herself and her husband Karl Cook - whom she married in June - sharing a smooch. In the snap, Kaley and Karl are both leaning in, and the material of Kaley's maxi dress is draping down to the ground from where she's bent at the waist. Because of her position and the way her dress dared appear loose around her midsection, commenters on the photo for some reason felt compelled to ask, "When's the baby due??" and, "Are you hiding a baby bump?!?!"
With these comments and so many others piling up on what was simply meant to be a cute photo of the newlyweds, Kaley decided to use her Instagram stories to address the speculation. Over a screen grab of a couple of the rude comments, Kaley wrote: "I"m so sorry I bent over in a way to where my dress billowed in the wind and made you think this. Question. Would you walk up to me and ask this straight to my face?"
Related: The 1 Very Important Reason You Should Never Ask a Mom About Having a Second Child
Spoiler alert: no matter what you *think* your answer to that question is, the correct response is, "No, never in a million years because that is, of course, extremely rude."
So to recap: it is, 100 percent of the time, not OK to decide from one photo of a woman in a maxi dress that she must be pregnant. And it's definitely not OK to ask for clarification. Because even if she was pregnant, until she shares that news with the world, it's none of your damn business.
These Photos of Little Kids With Their Giant Dogs Are Actually Everything We Dream Of
Andy Seliverstoff, a photographer based in St. Petersburg, Russia, is 100 percent confident that dogs are truly man's best friend. While Andy has loved big dogs ever since a long-haired St. Bernard came into his life 25 years ago, he didn't start incorporating them into his work until he was asked to shoot a few photos for some friends years back.
"A couple Summers ago, some good friends asked me to shoot their toddler on a walk," Andy told POPSUGAR. "We agreed to meet at a neighborhood park, and they arrived at the shoot with not just their daughter, but with their dog as well - a fawn Great Dane. So we decided not just to photograph 2-year-old Alice, but her dog, too."
As soon as Andy shared the pictures on social media, they instantly took off for obvious and adorable reasons.
"Giant dogs are devoted, as well as gentle and careful with their little owners and smaller-size dogs."
"I posted these first photo shoots on Facebook and soon found out how popular and touching they were. Nobody, it seems, could remain indifferent to the juxtaposition of those large dogs and little kids," he said. "Since my circle of friends and my hobby as a dog show photographer give me access to a large number of dog owners, I decided to continue working on this subject. That is how Little Kids and Their Big Dogs ($36) was born."
Although Andy's series is essentially every dog-owner's version of heaven, he admits there there is still a stigma out there when it comes to big pups.
"I was always surprised when people asked me things like: 'Aren't you afraid?' and 'How do you cope with it?' This prejudice against large dogs that I encountered gave rise to my idea of showing that the size of a dog doesn't matter at all," said Andy. "Giant dogs are devoted, as well as gentle and careful with their little owners and smaller-size dogs."
Andy hopes to squash any misconceptions about big dogs' demeanors through his work. "It's no secret that some owners who become new parents are concerned about the dog's relative size," he said. "And that's very sad. Large dogs are gentle nurses for the kids who grow up with them. And most surprising is the close, emotional interrelation between the child and his or her great friend. It demanded to be shown."
Scroll through to get a look at some of Andy's stunning photography and try not to adopt a shelter full of pups in the process.
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