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.
samedi 29 décembre 2018
The Gross Reason You Might Want to Reconsider Using a Sheet Mask During a Flight
Using sheet masks on long-haul flights has become common beauty practice for those dedicated to their hydration game. But what if we were to tell you the not-so-good news that this might not actually be as effective as you'd hoped? It's due to one thing: hygiene. Dr. Tatiana Lapa, medical doctor and managing director of Dr. Tatiana Aesthetic Clinics, explains to us why sheet masks may be unhygienic on board and how to maintain moisture without the breakouts.
But before delving into the topic of hygiene, let's discuss the basics. Why does the skin get so sucked of moisture when flying? "During a long-haul flight, the air pressure is lower than at normal sea level. In fact, it is equivalent to being 2,500 meters above sea level. The significantly lower air pressure acts like a vacuum on the skin and sucks moisture out of your epidermis (the top layer of skin)." But it's not only dehydration the skin is at risk of. "Add to this the germ-rich cabin environment of recirculated air and tightly packed passengers, and the skin is at higher risk of both dehydration and breakouts," Dr. Lapa explains.
Now for the actual sheet mask part. Dr. Lapa says that using one does actually have benefits when it comes to keeping the skin hydrated; however, you must consider germs before and during application. She suggests cleaning hands before use (a no-brainer, but a biggie) and only keeping the mask on for 20-30 minutes. Using unwashed hands or leaving the mask on for too long can lead to potentially worsening breakouts as "the moist, nutrient-rich environment of sheet masks can assist the spread of bacteria on the skin."
So what if you want both moisture and to reduce a breakout? Dr. Lapa recommends applying a seal with a blemish cream to any pimples before applying a sheet mask. Or if you've decided that wearing a sheet mask on board just isn't your bag, she recommends keeping a soothing recovery cream in your beauty travel essentials instead.
2019 Is Going to Be Your Skin's Best Year Ever, Thanks to These 12 Products
One of our beauty New Year's resolutions is to treat our skin better. You know, always taking off our makeup before bed, making sure to mask, and paying attention to our top skin concerns, whether that's dryness or uneven texture. In 2019, Nordstrom has the products we'll be using throughout the year, so just keep reading to shop our picks.
The Brilliant Makeup Trick Meghan Markle Always Does but No One Has Noticed
As we've watched her transition from TV actress to member of the royal family, one thing's become very clear: Meghan Markle has plenty of beauty tricks up her sleeve. Some she's borrowed from Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, and some she's established herself.
The Duchess of Sussex is known for her signature messy bun and a good dose of bronzer, but she also has a lip liner trick that you've probably never even noticed. Overlining the lips is nothing new, and the technique often gets a bad rap (thank you, the '90s), but recently the trick has been used in a far less obvious way, to make lips appear fuller without adding color. Markle has been doing this so subtly that it's barely noticeable, which makes all the difference in maintaining a natural finish. We asked celebrity makeup artist Nikki Wolff to share how to make lips look naturally fuller using liner at home, so keep reading to get all her top tips, and see all the photos of Markle making it look easy.
The Ballots Are In: These Are the Best Makeup Launches of 2018
2018 was huge - especially in beauty. Along with producing some of the most groundbreaking campaigns, the year rolled out formulas that wear longer and shine brighter, with textures and applicators we've never seen before. Between pretty palettes and lip products that look great on every skin tone, our editors have curated their picks for the best makeup products of the year.
See this year's highlights, ahead.
Is Romance or Heartache on the Horizon? Read Your 2019 Love Horoscope to Find Out
The new year is almost upon us, and that means it's time for brand-new opportunities in different aspects of life, with love and relationships being a high priority for many of us. The people we spend our lives with romantically really impact our well-being and happiness, as finding that special someone can provide comfort, care, and support through life's challenges. And that person also likely brings fun, laughter, and sweet little kisses to brighten your day. However, on the flip side, sometimes romantic relationships end, making room for that new person to arrive within the coming year. The good news is the zodiac offers predictions to help us navigate our love lives in 2019. Here's your 2019 love horoscope from astrologer Skye Alexander, the author of more than 40 books, including Magickal Astrology and The Modern Guide to Witchcraft.
Related: 2019 Book Horoscope: Let the Stars Guide You to Your First Read of the New Year
The Bouquets Had Lightsaber Handles at This Star Wars Wedding - and the Bride Wore Black
If you want to bring the Force to your nuptials, look no further than Crystal and Jonathan's gorgeous Star Wars-themed wedding for inspiration. The two first met while they were students at Purdue University, which is why the campus holds a great deal of sentimental value to the pair. They fittingly decided to have their wedding at the Purdue Memorial Union and embellished the place with decor inspired by their favorite film franchise. "Their reception was Star Wars-themed and it was amazing! They made most of the decorations and each table's centerpiece was a different world from Star Wars. Crystal hand made all of the bouquets with origami flowers and lightsaber handles," said Jasmine Norris-Dixson, the woman behind the camera who captured the happy moments from the wedding. "Also, the Star Wars theme was a surprise for all their guests."
The pair had so many more layers of unique ideas catered to their love story. For instance, instead of a traditional layered cake, they opted for a delicious cookie cake with the phrase, "'Til the Death Star do we part" written in frosting on it. The newlyweds explained their decision, saying: "We got Insomnia Cookies instead of a big fancy cake. We wanted to capture our time at Purdue in the food and feel of the wedding, and Insomnia Cookies is a big part of that." There are so many more cute details to look out for, so keep reading!
Related: This Office-Themed Wedding Deserves ALL of Michael Scott's Dundies
All the Latest Tech Products Worth Stocking Up On For 2019
Here at POPSUGAR, we love gadgets that make our lives easier. As we head into a new year, we've rounded up the 25 products we predict will becomes staples in our routines. From smart light bulbs (yes, really) to electric bikes and cool cameras, consider this your cheat sheet to what's hot in tech for 2019.
36 Disney World Hacks That Will Make Your Trip Even More Magical
Want to avoid the long Walt Disney World lines? We can help with that. Some of the park's biggest fans came together on two Quora threads to offer tips and tricks for making your trip to Disney World even more magical - and more economical, too. These hacks will help you navigate the parks, find the best deals, and make the most of the happiest place on the planet.
Related: Disney World Is Infinitely Better Than Disneyland, and Here's Why
These 17 Stylish Travel Bags Prove You Don't Have to Sacrifice Fashion For Function
We can't wait to fly off to some epic vacation or spend time curled up with loved ones this season, but the actual traveling part of holiday travel is rarely filled with joy. Well, that's all about to change. We know that when you look good, you feel good, and these travel bags will have you feeling like the organized jet-setter that you are, or at least aspire to be. Just keep reading to shop our picks - they also make great gifts!
7 Guilty Pleasure Romance Reads For Your Weekend Staycation
Cheesy romance reads have come a long way since the days of risqué novels featuring shirtless Fabio, front and center, on the cover. With messages of hope, happily ever after, and true love, romance novels have become a staple in every reader's collection. This weekend, indulge in the best new romance novels of the season, and prepare yourself for plenty of laughs and maybe even a couple of tears.
17 Ways Women Are Taking Travel Up a Notch in 2019 - Are You Ready For an Adventure?
Females are fierce, and our travel style is no different. The new year promises even more epic travel opportunities as we slide into 2019, so we hope you have your passport handy. We're craving diversity, far-flung destinations that promise adventures to remember, and refreshing our bodies and minds with a side of surrounding ourselves with strong women. Oh, and heavy on the culture, please. We're about to dish up some inspiration from your fellow jet-setting females based on upcoming travel trends for the new year. Follow suit, or forge your own way: either path will have you pioneering 2019 in various corners of the world, or, perhaps in your own backyard.
It's not just destinations that are trending; it's the type of travel luring us there. We've gathered trend intel from some top touring companies about how 2019 is shaping up for women specifically, and it's got us ready to book a flight (or 10). If you're into trekking, there are multiple locales beckoning you this year. If foodie travel is the name of your game, then get a whiff of some upcoming hot spots. Whether you're thinking of embarking on a solo venture or joining a group of badass explorers, there's a trip idea for everyone here.
While we can't predict everything on the horizon in the New Year, there is one thing for sure . . . 2019 promises a hard lean toward adventures of every kind. Are your bags packed?
2019 Book Horoscope: Let the Stars Guide You to Your First Read of the New Year
If you're all about reading your daily horoscope and finding out what the universe has in store for you, we have the perfect book recommendations based on your best astrological sign qualities. The stars know all the answers, and with 2019 on the horizon, it's time to start thinking about the year ahead and the new books you'll be adding to your astrological reading list. Matching some of the best new reads for 2019, we've paired our favorite books with the signs we know will love them. Trust the stars in the new year and discover the next book you won't be able to put down.
Related: Book-Lovers, Brace Yourselves: The 2019 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Is Here!
This Magical Wedding Shoot Is Like a Sparkly Unicorn in a Field of Horses
If you want to elevate your wedding and add some magical unicorn dust to it, then this styled wedding shoot is going to take your breath away! This shoot was designed by Jade from Let's Bee Together, who pulled off this entire gorgeous shoot only three weeks before her son was born. Jade enlisted photographer Cristina Ilao to help create these enchanting photos at the Styal Lodge in the county of Cheshire in the British countryside.
"I came up with a mood board full of pastel and iridescent colors and worked with a fantastic team of talented wedding vendors to put it all together," said Jade on bringing her vision to reality. "I am a huge lover of light and airy photography, so Cristina Ilao was the perfect photographer for this styled shoot - I couldn't have asked for better photos! The whole shoot turned out really well with lots of fairy tale feeling elements from the swinging cake stand, to the romantic lace boots, to the iridescent glassware on the tablescape, this shoot really had it all and I adored every element of the day."
The bride looks radiant in a custom-made gown with a multicolor pastel train and intricately embroidered detailing. Some of the highlights of this shoot include when the bride poses against a wall that is decorated with cream-tone flowers that perfectly contrast her glittery makeup. The reception features an array of unicorn-inspired food, but the showstopper is the three-tiered cake that has pink multi-tone flowers and shimmery details. Keep reading to see the lovely photos.
Are You Ready? The Kohl's Christmas Clearance Is Here, but You've Got to Act Fast!
It only happens once a year, but it's worth waiting for. The Kohl's Christmas Clearance sale is finally here, and everything from pretty dresses to classic denim and fun home accessories is seriously discounted, but only for a limited time. Act fast, and happy shopping!
Princess Diana Wasn't Too Cool (or Too Royal) to Kick Ass at Harry's School Events
Parents these days can sometimes be a little too involved with their children (you've probably met one on the sidelines at your kids' games), but if there's a time or a place to be fully invested in your little ones, it's at Parents' Day. And if there's a parent to model your participation after, it's Princess Diana.
Back in 1991, the Princess of Wales attended Sports Day (it's a thing in Britain, much like Field Day is in the US) at Wetherby School, where Prince Harry was a student at the time. And Lady Di didn't just show up; she went all in for the mother's race, even taking her shoes off to compete (while wearing a skirt and blazer, no less) in the big event.
Diana appeared intensely focused, pumping her arms and clenching her fists as she raced toward the string finish line. Sure, she was just one of a handful of involved moms competing for elementary school bragging rights, but you can't deny that she appeared 10 times more invested than anyone else.
Of course, Princess Diana's commitment to her son's school race should come as no surprise - there wasn't much she did halfway: philanthropy, motherhood, the list goes on. Plus, it wasn't the first time she'd participated in the event - she almost won in 1989 when William was a student. But, much like her humanitarian work, it can be an inspiration to parents everywhere.
When you've been to your fifth Parents' Day, your 15th fundraiser, or you've stopped counting because you've been so involved, remember Princess Diana's intense facial expression, serious arm swing, and long strides. She wasn't embarrassed or shy, she wasn't too cool (or even too royal), and she wasn't so over the annual school event that she didn't give her best effort. So go out there - to Sports Day or Field Day, or whatever day they're doing these days - and play like a princess.
Bode Miller Remembers His Daughter While Skiing Thanks to This Sweet Christmas Gift
Bode Miller and his wife, Morgan Beck Miller have opened up a number of times about the tragic loss of their 19-month-old daughter, Emeline, after she drowned in a neighbor's pool on June 10. Last year, they spoke candidly about how quickly pool-related accidents can happen to anyone, and they've since shared little moments with the public about how they've chosen to honor their late daughter. Recently, Bode shared a picture of a Christmas gift he received that pays tribute to Emmy in a very special way.
"My favorite Christmas present. Taking my baby girl skiing today," he wrote on Instagram. The top of each ski has Emmy's portrait on it, and in the photo, dad Bode is smiling proud, remembering his daughter in the sweetest way. This is such a lovely and sentimental gift, and it captures her beautifully.
Gisele Bündchen Reveals She Regrets the Boob Job She Got After Breastfeeding Her 2 Kids
Most women struggle with their postpartum bodies after giving birth, and supermodels are no exception.
Gisele Bündchen – one of the most famous models on the planet – said she let her insecurities get the best of her after she finished breastfeeding her two children, Benjamin and Vivian.
In an exclusive interview with People magazine, she said that after nursing both of her kids for more than 18 months each, her self-esteem took a hit when she realized her breasts were now smaller than before, and slightly uneven.
"I was always praised for my body, and I felt like people had expectations from me that I couldn't deliver," she told People. "I felt very vulnerable, because I can work out, I can eat healthy, but I can't change the fact that both of my kids enjoyed the left boob more than the right. All I wanted was for them to be even and for people to stop commenting on it."
So, in 2015, she quietly had surgery to receive a breast augmentation – a decision that, as she wrote about in her memoir Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, she instantly regretted.
"When I woke up, I was like, 'What have I done?' I felt like I was living in a body I didn't recognize," she said. "For the first year I wore [baggy] clothes because I felt uncomfortable."
Her husband, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, supported her.
"He just said, 'I love you no matter what' and that I looked beautiful," she says.
In the end, she has accepted her new body, but the path to that realization is one she wished she wouldn't have taken: "This was definitely another lesson: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. But I wish I would have learned that a different way."
66 Positive Things You Should Be Saying to Your Child
In a world where saying "no" is usually a lot easier than saying "yes," it is important to bring up children who don't feel that negativity has a higher value than positivity. Encouraging words can have a truly lasting effect on your kiddos years and years after you've said them, so we should choose to use phrases that will make them feel good about themselves inside and out, things that will stick with them as words that got them through tough times.
Whether you want to tell them how great they were at their soccer game, or how much you love spending time with them, here are 66 positive and encouraging things to say to your child on a daily basis.
12 Reasons Taking a Disney Cruise Is More Magical Than Going to the Parks
Walt Disney World is known as the most magical place on earth, but I'm here to tell you that while, yes, it's pretty great, there's actually somewhere better. What kind of place could that even be, you ask? A Disney cruise.
Visiting Disney World or Disneyland is always a great time, but with all that fun comes lots of walking, waiting, and the hassle of trying to keep the family together in massive (and usually overheated) crowds. But all of those problems magically disappear when you step on board a Disney cruise ship.
A Disney cruise not only takes away a lot of the hassles of traveling (you don't need to plan as much!), but it adds on extra magic with amazing entertainment, a plethora of activities, pretty views, and, oh yeah, around-the-world destinations. Here are 12 reasons why a Disney cruise is the best Disney vacation of them all.
My Son With Asperger's Went to College and Has a Career, So Please Know It's Possible
Our son, Parker, graduated from college in May 2018, and I can honestly say that at one point, I never thought he would make it through grade school. When he was 5, I thought he was going to have to be homeschooled since his mind worked differently than other kids his age. He struggled with small motor skills, writing was difficult, and he got frustrated easily. When he was 6, he was diagnosed with ADHD, Asperger's, and Hydrocephalus, also known as fluid on the brain. I knew that being around other kids was good for him, so we kept him in our neighborhood school. Some aspects of socializing with his peers were difficult, like always being picked last for teams during recess, but he persevered. He made it through grade school with a few friends, graduated middle school with honors, then went on to high school.
Managing school and life for a child on the autism spectrum felt overwhelming most days. There were glimmers of hope when he made a friend or understood his homework, but those times were few and far between. I took each day as it came and tried my best to stay positive, no matter what teachers, parents, or disability experts threw our way. I learned to trust my instincts.
We didn't know what options he would have as someone on the spectrum, but he always said he wanted to go to college to become a doctor, so we planned for that outcome.
Parker enjoyed learning and worked extremely hard to get good grades in school. However, he didn't make any new friends in high school. Hurt feelings were a regular thing for him, and for me since I didn't know how to fix it. Then came his junior year, and he started thinking about going to college. We didn't know what options he would have as someone on the spectrum, but he always said he wanted to go to college to become a doctor, so we planned for that outcome. At the time, we didn't thinking about obstacles or tell him the challenges he would face. Instead, we told him he could do it.
We got Parker's ACT results back and they weren't great, but he took the exam a few more times and got a higher score. Parker then applied to two nearby universities and was accepted at both, along with two out-of-state universities that he also got into. His high school grades, volunteer work, and being on the swim team most likely helped him get into those colleges. He ended up choosing the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and started out in pre-med, but later changed his major to economics. We were worried about him living in the dorms with a roommate his first year, so he got a room to himself. After having a hard time socially during high school, he thrived in college. He joined a few clubs, became an officer in one, and found some friends that completely accepted him. He's still friends with them today.
I'm not going to tell you that it was an easy five years - there were ups and downs as with everything. However, I can say that Parker is so proud of himself and has gained a tremendous amount of self-confidence. If your child is on the spectrum and is thinking about going to college, find out what kind of services they offer. Not all colleges have a Disability Services office, but if they do, I recommend registering your child. For Parker, he never wanted people to know he had a disability since he wanted to be like everyone else. He didn't think he'd need the services - such as a quieter space or additional time for taking tests - but he ended up using them on some of his finals.
I would never have picked a large university for our son if the choice was mine to make, but Parker loved the campus and how big it was. I thought smaller colleges would be better for giving Parker more help and attention when he needed it, but the larger university ended up offering more clubs, majors, and services. Despite my initial fears, it ended up being the perfect fit for Parker.
Parker went on several interviews during college until he was able to secure an internship at a private firm, and before graduation, he received an offer from his employer to stay on full-time. He accepted it right away and has loved working there every since.
Parker's journey to college and starting his career wasn't easy, but it was so worth it. I know how daunting and impossible it may seem for a child with a disability to achieve these goals, but know that it is possible. There are so many great services available and many employers are becoming more open to hiring people with disabilities. Park's belief in himself is empowering, and I know he can do anything he sets his mind to.
An Open Letter to the Snoring Loaf Next to Me, You, and Everyone Else
The revered Michael Scott once eyed his nemesis and HR rep Toby on The Office and said, "I hate so much about the things you choose to be."
It was a simple line, delivered to capture a series' worth of angst toward his coworker. And it's a line that perhaps might apply to your own life. That is, if you have a partner who snores.
So I write this letter on behalf of all of us. The person who has spent countless hours nudging the rounded shoulder of their (loving) partner in hopes of opening up a nasal pathway or dislodging an obtrusive booger, and, at times, has even walked themselves to the couch because, while the couch is a cold and lonely place to sleep, out there on the couch, no one snores. I pour this one out for you.
Dear Snorer,
Don't look around the room. I'm aware that you don't know you snore - it's one of your greatest attributes, that authentic naiveté - but it's you I'm writing to. You and only you.
It's around 1 a.m. when the cacophony of unidentifiable sounds emanate form your side of the bed.
When you come to bed at night and wiggle yourself comfortable next to me, I smile. The bed feels empty without you - colder, even - and though I'm already asleep and rarely acknowledge your addition to the bed, my sleep and my dreams are aware of your absence. I feel lucky that you choose to join me nightly.
That said, I need you to get it together.
It's around 1 a.m. when the cacophony of unidentifiable sounds emanate from your side of the bed. I've tracked the noise down to its creator, often starting with the dog because I don't want to blindly blame you: but alas, it's always coming from you.
Sometimes its dull and rhythmic, and I can survive it by incorporating the thuds into a dream where I'm dancing in a dank dance hall, but usually, more often than not, the sounds are an invasion. They're deep, with a reverberating baseline that sticks in my mind.
Pal, you have got to stop this.
While I know that many people who snore might do so because they have medical conditions, sleep apnea, and even allergies, for you, none of this applies.
I hope as we near the new year, you can take this letter with you and come up with a plan of attack. If not, I have a few ideas of things you can try.
- Tape a tennis ball onto the pajama top to encourage side sleeping, instead of back sleeping which promotes snoring.
- Avoid drinking alcohol near bedtime as it's known to increase snoring.
- Try wearing nasal strips to open up your nasal passages.
- Look into anti-snoring mouthpieces. Though often recommended for people with moderate sleep disorders, it's something to research.
Best of luck to you. To us.
Signed,
Awake
Dwayne Johnson Holds His Daughters Tight Before It's "the Last Place They Want to Be"
Dwayne Johnson may be a 6'5" former professional wrestler, but when it comes to his daughters, he's a big ball of mush. After welcoming his third daughter, Tiana Gia, earlier this year, Dwayne took the holiday season to reflect on the love he has for his girls. Holding 8-month-old Tiana and 3-year-old Jasmine (he also has a 17-year-old daughter Simone from a previous marriage), Dwayne had a powerful message for both of them, something that just about every parent can relate to.
"Daddy's arms," he wrote. "I ain't gonna be able to hold 'em like this forever, so you better believe I snatch these cookies and love 'em up every moment I can. Plus, I know there's gonna come a day where in daddy's arms is the last place they want to be. Baby Tiana Gia is already there with the 'help me' look on her face 😂. Can't guarantee I'll love and protect all my daughters for the rest of their lives, but I can guarantee I will for the rest of mine. #xmas #daddysarms #helpme."
So sweet! Between his manicure appointments with Jasmine and his "morning convos" with Tiana, Dwayne is often giving us a look at what fatherhood means to him, and we can't get enough of it.
2018's Top Dog Names Have 1 Clear Thing in Common: They're Very Human
Every year, it seems people get more and more creative with their pets' names. Or maybe it's just that they're looking toward their everyday lives for inspiration. In 2018, that seemed to be the case, with a vast majority of the most popular dog names being ones typically given to humans. Sparky, Spot, and Rover are so 2008.
In a list put together by Rover, all of this year's most popular dog names are names of people you might know, whether it's your neighbor, Charlie, or your former classmate, Lucy. Kate Jaffe, a dog-name curator for Rover, told NPR, "Increasingly, dogs are really the family you choose, and because we have this tight bond with our dogs and they really are a part of our family, it's not surprising to see that the majority of dogs names are human."
You can see the top 10 dog names of the year for both males and females below, and you can find a more extensive list of names and trends on Rover.
Top Names For Boys
- Max
- Charlie
- Cooper
- Buddy
- Jack
- Rocky
- Duke
- Bear
- Tucker
- Oliver
Top Names For Girls
- Bella
- Lucy
- Luna
- Daisy
- Lola
- Sadie
- Molly
- Bailey
- Maggie
- Stella
Warning: Do NOT Play These 15 Hilarious Games Until After Your Kids Are in Bed
Letting your 4-year-old beat you in Candyland for the thousandth time is fun and all, but as parents, we don't always want to play our kids' games - some of which involve getting hit in the face with a whipped cream pie or picking weird, gross items out of a plush head. Sometimes, we want to win at games, too, and sometimes, those games need to be weird, hilarious, and definitely inappropriate for little ones.
Turn's out, there are some pretty amazing games for parents who want to laugh at something other than the fact that almost every board game they own is for ages 2 and older. So when the kiddos are in bed and it's your turn to finally have some fun, try these adult board games at your next game night (which will probably break almost every rule you've ever laid out for your kids).
People Think This Sesame Street Clip Is the Next Yanny vs. Laurel, and We Tend to Agree
May have just found next "Yanni or Laurel" soundbite thanks to my daughter's obsession with Elmo. Listen once thinking Grover says "Yes, yes, that's a f**king excellent idea" then again KNOWING he actually says "Yes, yes, that sounds like an excellent idea." I hear either based on what I'm thinking from r/funny
First there was a blue and black or white and gold dress. Then came the great Yanny versus Laurel debate. Now, there's a another conundrum, centering around Sesame Street dialogue of all things. A Reddit user pointed out that they heard two variations of a line spoken by Grover, and one includes a big fat F-bomb.
"May have just found next '[Yanny] or Laurel' soundbite thanks to my daughter's obsession with Elmo," read the caption. "Listen once thinking Grover says 'Yes, yes, that's a f*cking excellent idea' then again KNOWING he actually says 'Yes, yes, that sounds like an excellent idea.' I hear either based on what I'm thinking."
And trust me, it's a real thing. (You may have to visit Reddit to hear the audio.) The first time I watched the clip, I 100 percent heard the word f*cking. But when I went to listen again a few hours later, I couldn't hear it anymore.
Why You Should Think Twice Before Putting Nail Polish on Your Toddler
I'm the guiltiest offender when it comes to quickly scanning labels instead of actually reading them. But when I became a mom, I made a huge effort to start paying more attention to the ingredients in the food and products I was buying for my daughter. But one thing I never really thought twice about was nail polish . . . that is, until my own mother recently questioned my decision to put a sparkly pink color on my toddler.
To be honest, I never thought nail polish could be harmful, but the more I looked into it, the more I began to worry whether or not bonding over nail polish with my 2-year-old might be putting her in harm's way. What if my daughter sucks her thumb while wearing nail polish? What happens then? POPSUGAR spoke with Dr. Katherine Williamson, a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Orange County, who shared things parents should consider before putting a fresh coat of paint on your little one's nails.
"Nail polish generally contains toxic chemicals which could be dangerous, because little ones often put their fingers in their mouths," Dr. Williamson told POPSUGAR. "According to the Food and Drug Administration, nail polish commonly contains phthalates, toluene, and formaldehydee. These chemicals can be listed by different names, and have been linked to skin irritations and allergic reactions, in addition to a variety of other health problems."
While these chemicals can potentially be harmful to a toddler's skin or lungs if ingested, Dr. Williamson explained that there isn't enough information to completely rule out nail polish for toddlers. "More research is needed to definitively say whether nail polish intended for adults is safe for kids," she continued.
But for parents who don't want to miss out on mani-pedi dates with their little one, don't panic. Dr. Williamson suggested opting for safe, kid-friendly nail polish brands instead. "Look for water-based nail polishes and removers that are free of chemicals," she said. That way, you don't have to worry about any additives or chemicals, and your toddler can still look darn cute rocking a new manicure.
This Son Paid Off His Parents' Debt For Christmas, and I'm Weeping Real Tears
Brady Singer, a professional baseball player who just received a $4.25 million signing bonus after committing to play for the Kansas City Royals, showed his appreciation for his parents in the best way: by paying off all their debt for Christmas. In a now-viral video, the 22-year-old pitcher gave his mom and dad a letter thanking them for helping him make his dreams a reality. To repay them for the numerous trips, nights spent in hotels, and meals on the road, he paid off their mortgage, as well as other outstanding debt they had.
"Today is very special to my heart," Brady wrote on Instagram. "To give back to the two people who have given up everything to support my brother and [me]. I can't thank them enough. Love you Mom and Dad."
In the letter, Brady urged his parents to treat themselves for once. "Instead of trying to save money every weekend to replace the savings account you drained on traveling to see me play baseball, you can spend it on yourselves." And yep, I'm pretty much in a puddle.
This “Text” Exchange Between a Cat and Its Human Is Literally How I Imagine My Cats Would Talk to Me
My two cats have approximately 4,000 toys between them. About 15 are toys my boyfriend and I bought them at the pet store - jingly balls and furry mice - and the other 3,985 are various pieces of trash, such as shag carpet strands, plastic clothes tags, and empty Amazon Prime boxes. I'll give you one wild guess whether they prefer the toys or the trash.
And it appears as though we're not the only cat owners who have found this fact to be true. In a pretend text conversation between a human and its cat looking for its "#1 joy in life" (a blue string), the human tries as best as they can to understand why their cat is so distraught over losing a piece of string (that may or may not have been thrown away) when it has plenty of other toys.
Their conversation is so damn relatable, you'll actually laugh howl out loud.
Jamie Otis Is Pregnant Again! Take a Look at Her Holiday-Themed Announcement
Congratulations are in order for Married at First Sight alum Jamie Otis: she's officially expecting a second child with her husband Doug Hehner. The soon-to-be mom of two announced her pregnancy in a simple Instagram post that featured her 16-month-old daughter Henley Grace bouncing up and down in a shirt that reads "Santa is promoting me to big sister."
"WE ARE SO, SO, SOOO happy to share this amazing news!!! I'm pregnant!," she wrote in the caption, adding that, "This Christmas was even more magical than last year - which was our first with Gracie so I didn't think anything could top that!"
The road to pregnancy hasn't always been easy for her for Jamie. In 2016, she opened up about her devastating miscarriage experience and shared the challenges that come with having a chemical pregnancy back in September. Congrats to the growing family!
An Open Letter to Anyone Considering a Unique Name For Their Baby
Dear parents considering a unique name for their child:
My name is Alessia, nice to meet you.
Chances are, you just saw my name and either stopped to read it again, you tried to sound it out but were definitely unsure of yourself, or maybe, because of the recent fame of pop star Alessia Cara, you knew exactly how to read and pronounce it (though I'm not too optimistic about that).
My name, which is actually fairly common in Italy, where my family is from, is not common at all in the US. I like having a name that reflects my cultural heritage and reinforces a sense of identity, as many others do, but parents who may be considering a complex name - especially one that's purely to be trendy or unique - should know that doing so could come with consequences they don't even realize.
I'm 26 years old and I can probably count on two hands the number of times a person has gotten the pronunciation of my name right on the first go - a surprising minority, considering it has the word "less" right in it. Whenever someone does get it right, my jaw drops, because these moments are few and very far between - I often consider hugging the person for making me feel so normal. But the other 99 percent of the time, people get my name wrong.
Your name goes hand in hand with your identity, and when it's consistently messed up, it makes you feel less validated.
Over the years, I've made it a habit to introduce myself to people by saying my name slowly - careful to enunciate all four syllables - only to have them repeat something totally incorrect back. After the initial correction, I usually get an "I'm so sorry!" or "That's such a beautiful name!" in response. But that doesn't help the situation much, especially when not long after that they make another unsuccessful attempt at my moniker.
I know what you're thinking . . . what's the big deal, right? The big deal is that your name goes hand in hand with your identity, and when it is consistently messed up, it makes you feel less and less validated as a person.
When I was younger, I'd dread the first day of school, knowing that I'd have to correct my teacher in front of the entire class when they inevitably mispronounced my name off the roster.
When I was a soccer player, I had to listen to my coach call me Alicia for years because eventually my correcting him became pointless.
When I graduated from college, my name was butchered - and thanks to bad acoustics, echoed several times - in front of thousands of people (including my parents who named me).
When interviewing for jobs, I worried about being dismissed in the first few seconds of the interview because I had to correct a potential employer after they read my name incorrectly off my résumé.
All of these incidents gave me social anxiety, made me feel like my feelings didn't matter, and put dampers on some of the most important moments of my life.
If someone mispronounces my name, can't remember it because it's less common than Emily or Nicole, or decides on the spot that instead of making an effort to get it right they'll come up with a nickname, that totally sucks. I don't want you to call me a variation of my first name that I didn't offer or refer to me by my last name - I want you to use my actual name, because that's what I introduce myself as.
Being called by your actual name is the smallest courtesy that a person shouldn't have to ask for.
Being called by your actual name is the smallest courtesy that a person shouldn't have to ask for.
As someone who often writes posts full of unique, differently spelled, and modern baby names, I totally understand the appeal of choosing a name for your child that isn't mainstream. Do I envy those with common names who have to go by Kate S. or "red-headed Sarah" because there are so many people sharing the same moniker? No - it's nice to have a name that isn't so ubiquitous.
One of my favorite bloggers wrote something about choosing her daughter's name a few years ago that really stood out to me:
My favorite girl's name over the past couple of years has been Soleil. I love the sound of it, I love the spelling of it, I love the meaning of it. But after running it by my friends and realizing not everyone immediately knew how to pronounce it, I decided it would be far better suited as a middle name. Luckily, John's favorite name, Briar, complemented Soleil perfectly. The name Briar was unique; it felt modern and classic at the same time. It was unlike anything we had ever heard before, but not so outlandish that it would haunt her forever.
I remember reading this post and thinking, "YES. She gets it! They get it! They're parents of the year!" They chose a name for their little girl that I've never come across in my own personal connections, but there is literally no question in my mind that anyone who reads it will be able to do so without fudging it up.
So please, when you're considering a unique name for your baby, think ahead. Is the name spelled phonetically and easy to read? Can people understand it after hearing you say it once? If you speak it out loud, would most people know how to write it out without asking you how?
These may seem like tiny, inconsequential details, but I cannot stress enough how these incidents build up and drive a person crazy over time. If you still choose to go unique with your baby's name, godspeed. Hopefully your child owns their name better than I have.
But you've been warned.
Signed,
Alessia (which, for the love of god, is pronounced uh-LESS-ee-uh)
Michelle Obama Has Advice For Meghan Markle, and I Have Tears in My Eyes
Michelle Obama has been busy promoting her new memoir, Becoming, and is opening up about everything from how husband Barack proposed to being a parent of two young women. In a recent interview with Good Housekeeping, the former first lady was asked if she had any advice for another first lady of sorts who is also gearing up to become a parent: Meghan Markle. Michelle was asked if she had any guidance for Meghan by a Good Housekeeping reader: "We've all fallen in love with America's princess, Meghan Markle. What advice would you give her for her new role, which is a little like that of a First Lady?"
"Like me, Meghan probably never dreamed that she'd have a life like this, and the pressure - from yourself and from others - can sometimes feel like a lot," Michelle answered. "So my biggest advice would be to take some time and don't be in a hurry to do anything."
"I spent the first few months in the White House mainly worrying about my daughters, making sure they were off to a good start at school and making new friends, before I launched into more ambitious work," she continued. "Once I was ready, I chose to work on issues that I had a strong personal passion for. I chose children's health because I'd lived through the difficulty of raising healthy kids as a mom. I focused on increasing access to education because I saw the power of education in my own life - that's why I spent years talking to minority and first-generation students about getting to and through college. I wanted to do whatever I could to help them rise above the doubters that would come their way. There's so much opportunity to do good with a platform like that - and I think she can maximize her impact for others, as well as her own happiness, if she's doing something that resonates with her personally."
Meghan officially became a member of the British royal family when she married Prince Harry in May, and the couple are expecting their first child next Spring. Harry has been longtime friends with the Obamas - he first worked with Michelle and Jill Biden on an event to honor military families in 2013, and they most recently came together for a visit to Chicago in 2017, just before he announced his engagement.
Michelle and Meghan finally met for the first time in early December, when Meghan attended Michelle's book event in London, and it's safe to say that they have a lot in common. Not only do they share a passion for education, health, women's rights, and the empowerment of girls, but Michelle can also certainly relate to the level of scrutiny the duchess faces; both have had to adjust to new lives in the public eye, and both have managed to remain poised and graceful while being attacked for everything from their race to their clothing choices.
In my opinion, if there's anyone who can give Meghan Markle advice on how to navigate her new world (besides, you know, her sister-in-law Kate Middleton), it's probably Michelle. She's got the experience, she's got the wisdom, and she's got the arms. Hopefully we'll get to see photos of these two extraordinary women spending time together soon, but for now, see Michelle's cute moments with Harry over the years ahead.
Our Hearts Are Melting Over Kate Middleton's Sweet Nickname For Princess Charlotte
The British royal family has so many sweet nicknames for each other, it's almost hard to keep track. Our hearts recently melted into mush after learning that Prince George refers to Prince William as "Pops," and now we're preparing for our hearts to dissolve yet again, because we just found out what Kate Middleton calls Princess Charlotte.
The Duchess of Cambridge was recently spotted during a Christmas shopping trip at The Range (a UK discount store), where she reportedly told her 3-year-old daughter, "Get up, Poppet." An onlooker explained that Charlotte was sitting on the floor with her 5-year-old brother George.
If Charlotte's moniker sounds familiar, it's because William just so happens to occasionally call Kate "Poppet" from time to time, along with other affectionate names like "darling" and "baby." Ugh, could this family be any darn cuter? We can't wait to see what adorable nicknames Prince Harry and Meghan Markle give to their first child!
Us: We Can't Get Over Some of the Theories Fans Have Put Together After Seeing the Trailer
In case you missed it, Twitter celebrated the holidays by freaking out over Jordan Peele's much-anticipated follow-up to Get Out. The Oscar-winning director debuted the first trailer for his upcoming horror film, Us, and fans subsequently lost their sh*t.
To be fair to the fans, the trailer is the perfect mixture of suspense and terror. What starts off as an innocent vacation to a family beach house quickly takes a turn for the insane when doppelgängers show up and start murdering everyone. The film's main protagonists, parents played by Black Panther's Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke, have to protect their children from said sinister doppelgängers - which Peele revealed to Entertainment Weekly are known as "The Tethered." The two-and-a-half-minute preview doesn't reveal too many solid details about the plot beyond that, but it was still more than enough to get the gears turning for fans.
Considering how Get Out was a complex maze of plot twists and metaphors that people are still puzzling out, we have no doubt that Us will be the same. So it's no shock that fans immediately began taking apart every second to form theories about everything from Nyong'o's tempo while snapping to Luniz's "I Got 5 on It" to the use of rabbits throughout the trailer. Though Peele has stated that the story of Us isn't about race, that definitely hasn't stopped fans from creating parallels between the imagery in the trailer and real life. Check out some of the most intriguing theories ahead, as well as some hilarious reactions to the trailer in general.
Yes, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch Is an "Interactive" Movie - Here's How It Works
After months of rumors about a potential choose-your-own-adventure episode of Black Mirror, we finally got the mysterious trailer for the interactive feature, Bandersnatch, on Thursday.
Now the film - yep, it's being billed as a full-on movie, rather than a standalone episode of season five - has arrived on Netflix, and it's indeed a choose-your-own-adventure story. Throughout Bandersnatch, you're given options to decide what happens next to the main character, Stefan. The options range from seemingly innocuous (deciding between Frosties or Sugar Puffs cereal) to life-altering, with the film ultimately ending up in five possible ways.
In case you've yet to watch Bandersnatch for yourself and want a few more spoiler-free tips on how to navigate the film, we've rounded up some key pointers ahead.
Barack Obama Revealed His Favorite Movies of 2018, So We Know What We're Watching This Weekend
At the end of every year, Barack Obama shares a few lists of his favorite pieces of art that have come out over the last 12 months. Whether it's movies, books, or music, the former president clearly has excellent taste, as evident by his picks for 2018, which he shared on Instagram.
"As 2018 draws to a close, I'm continuing a favorite tradition of mine and sharing my year-end lists. It gives me a moment to pause and reflect on the year through the books, movies, and music that I found most thought-provoking, inspiring, or just plain loved," he captioned his social media post. "It also gives me a chance to highlight talented authors, artists, and storytellers - some who are household names and others who you may not have heard of before . . . I hope you enjoy reading, watching, and listening."
If you're wondering which movies made the cut, keep reading!
Related: 17 Movies That Blew Us Away in 2018
These Pictures Will Help Explain How Princess Charlotte Became Our Favorite Royal This Year
Princess Charlotte has pretty much been a star since she entered the world in May 2015 - this is a fact. And even though she's had a plethora of adorable moments during her three short years on earth, 2018 was when Charlotte really hit her stride. The sweet and sassy toddler - who apparently is fluent in Spanish, loves to dance, and prefers the color pink - is already proving to be the fun-loving, independent, and slightly rebellious middle child that birth-order experts would predict she'd be; from hamming it up on her first day of school to sticking out her tongue at the royal wedding, Charlotte's antics are truly entertaining to watch. This year is proof that it's Charlotte's world, and we're all just living in it. Keep reading to see her cutest moments in 2018.
Us: The Plot of Jordan Peele's Mysterious Thriller Is Vague but Incredibly Foreboding
It's been well over a year since Jordan Peele made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed horror flick Get Out, and fans of the Oscar-winning director are hungry for more of his work. Peele has been committed to giving them exactly that - the filmmaker has multiple projects in progress, including a reboot of The Twilight Zone, producing a new HBO series, and a role in Toy Story 4.
The one project we've been on our toes waiting for is Peele's first feature since Get Out, "a new nightmare" simply titled Us. Peele announced the project in May 2018 by dropping the movie poster and release date on Twitter, with the star-studded cast confirmations - Lupita Nyong'o, Elisabeth Moss - following soon after. While details surrounding the plot of the film have been scarce since Peele's announcement, /Film revealed a synopsis sent out with recent test screening invites that gives more information beyond our knowledge that the story focuses on two couples, one white and one black.
The story reportedly follows a couple (Nyong'o and Winston Duke) who take their kids to their beach house to unwind with friends (which include Moss and possibly her onscreen husband, Tim Heidecker). Their night "turns to chaos when some shocking visitors arrive uninvited." Though the synopsis is still pretty vague, it also manages to be hella ominous.
In an interview with Insider, Peele said that much like how Get Out examines race and racism, Us will center around "these innately human monsters that are woven into the fabric of how we think and how we interact." While he says the movie will follow the same tone as Get Out, it will be a completely different film and not focus on addressing race. Which leaves us wondering which monsters will Us be focusing on specifically, and how dark will it get?
However the story takes shape, we have no doubt we'll be poring over ever detail - just like we did with Get Out - when Us hits theaters on March 15, 2019.
15 Tragic Teen Movies That'll Destroy Your Tear Ducts
Sometimes nothing beats an emotional teen movie that'll just put you into a cathartic fit of tears. There's no shortage of dramas geared toward the complicated high school years, but the really special ones will certainly carve a space in your heart (and flush out your tear ducts). You know, the angst-drenched films that use sob-inducing music and jump into difficult topics such as terminal illness, forbidden love, depression, and deceased family members. If you have sad movie pangs, you're just in luck.
From sappy flicks like The Fault in Our Stars to serious fare like Precious, get your weepy fix now with these 15 iconic teen tearjerkers - tissues mandatory, of course.
Relive 2018, Which Was Definitely the Year of Jeff Goldblum
I've had a crush on Jeff Goldblum since 1993, when the original Jurassic Park movie blew everyone's minds. Few of my fellow high school classmates shared my affinity for Jeff, who was hardly a teen heartthrob. But in recent years, Jeff Goldblum has experienced a renaissance, and I couldn't be happier. Turns out, there are legions of fans who've been fostering a decades-long crush on Jeff Goldblum, and the actor is embracing it. Jeff's daring fashion sense, unique vocal stylings, hypnotic hand gestures, and silver-fox status have made him a viral Internet phenomenon - particularly in 2018. Here's a look back at the year in Jeff Goldblum.
Can We All Admit That Dan and Blair Were the Only Good Couple on Gossip Girl?
It's been six years since Gossip Girl officially ended, but I'll never be able to forget what we could have had. The lascivious exploits of our favorite Upper East Siders will live forever on Netflix, but that means more access to the tragedy of watching two people destined for one another marry the wrong people. Yes, I'm talking about Dan Humphrey and Blair Waldorf, and yes, I'm still bitter about it.
When Gossip Girl first introduced Blair and Dan to one another, their chemistry was instantly palpable. Their frenemies dynamic was electric from the start, but it didn't prevent them from seeing one another - I'm talking season one, episode four, the episode that really cemented the Dair ship - and forming an unexpectedly lovely connection that only the two could pull off. As the smartest of the pack (who were never shy about letting people know it), their know-it-all personalities brought out each others' intellectual sides - they visited art exhibits, watched classic movies, and talked pretentious literature together. Their conversations were reminiscent of our faves from Gilmore Girls: sarcastic, hella quick, and so full of pop-culture references your head would spin. Realistically, they were the only ones who could intellectually satisfy each other.
With Dan, Blair was her most mature and happy self, back to the independent queen who reigned supreme without feeling in the shadow of her best friend. Dan met his true equal in Blair and fully committed to her in a way he never had before. He finally felt like he belonged with someone, instead of being Lonely Boy on the outside. The two were even able to indulge their scheming sides together, not having to hide their slightly malicious selves and never crossing the line into truly evil shenanigans.
But of course, the powers that be couldn't let us have this one good thing. Somehow, Dan took a turn for the worst and attempted to emotionally suffocate Blair by isolating her from everyone else. Then Blair decided to return to her previous relationship (that we won't address because it's near 2019 and people who trade human beings for property aren't worth the breath), and the whole thing is regarded like it never happened. How, Sway!? How does one just forget the single healthiest relationship they've had? The guy who was down for raising her baby, who made her feel like a princess, who continuously reminded her to be the bad b*tch that she is meant to be? You're telling me they said things like, "Our relationship isn't about choosing one world or another. Our relationship is our world," then just brushed everything under the rug? Seems fake.
Sadly, since the series ended with Blair marrying that guy and Dan marrying Serena, we will never see the right ones get together. Unless you're like me and have fully scrubbed everything after season five episode 19 out of your brain. Trust me, it's better that way. In that same vein, join me on this walk down memory lane for some of Dan and Blair's sweetest moments.
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