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.
mercredi 1 mai 2019
You Can Buy Beauty Products From Macy's at a Steep Discount This Week
We hope there's room in your makeup bag for a few new beauty products, because the Macy's Friends and Family Sale is finally here, and you're not going to want to miss out on it.
From now until May 5, customers can shop the department store's beauty lineup and purchase items for 15 perfect off - and yes, Urban Decay's stunning Game of Thrones makeup collection is included in the sale, so if you haven't already purchased anything from the new lineup, now is the time to do so. Other brands included in the sale are IT Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Estée Lauder, and MAC (to name a few).
You can head to the beauty section of Macy's official website where you can use the code "FRIEND" at checkout to get the extra discount. Read ahead to shop some of our favorite products included in the sale.
Um, 2 People Have Been Diagnosed With HIV After Getting "Vampire Facials" At a Spa
"There will be blood" sounds more like something Count Dracula would promise his guests at dinner than the basis of a popular facial treatment, but alas, it's 2019, and the world of skincare has taken a grisly turn.
But is the buzzy, nonsurgical procedure known as the "vampire facial" - which requires drawing the customer's blood, extracting the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and then injecting it back into the face via microneedling - potentially dangerous? The short answer: maybe.
As CBS News reports, the New Mexico Department of Health has recommended that anyone who has gotten the facial at VIP Spa in Albuquerque, NM, get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C immediately. This comes after an inspections report on Sept. 7, in which officials revealed that the service could have put people at risk of these infections, especially if they got the treatment in May or June of 2018. (The VIP Spa has since closed. We were unable to get in touch with the owner for comment.)
"We undertook the inspection because a client of the VIP Spa developed an infection that may have resulted from a procedure performed at the spa," New Mexico epidemiologist Dr. Michael Landen told CBS affiliate KRQE.
While there is promising research behind PRP, with evidence showing that it can speed up skin healing and boost collagen production, this news sheds light on an important, often overlooked problem: it's finding a licensed professional to inject the stuff that is key.
Ideally, you want to find a physician who has a board certification to perform the types of procedures that involve needles or blood (or scalpels or syringes). Medispas might sound like they're all cucumber water and candles, but great skin will never be worth contracting a blood-borne infection.
Celebrate the Return of Festival Season With Iridescent Nail Polish
Some people spend hours planning their outfits for festival season, but we devote the same kind of time and energy on our beauty looks. When it comes to nail polish, there's only one way for us to go this season, and it's iridescent. With these 15 polishes on, you can't help but smile every time you look down at your nails.
The 16 Most Memorable Billboard Music Awards Beauty Looks of All Time
What's great about the Billboard Music Awards is that it's one of those fun award shows where the stars go full sex appeal and wear really fun things. Not to mention, the award show happens in Las Vegas, so the bigger and bolder your look, the better! We've seen some killer outfits on the red carpet over the years, but can we talk about some of the gorgeous hair and makeup these stars have also served us? They show up year after year with colorful makeup looks and bold hair statements, and we love every second of it. Get yourself ready for this year's award show on May 1 by taking a look back at some of our favorite beauty moments from years past.
The Frida Kahlo Animated Film Finally Has a Director, and She's Mexican!
An animated film telling the story of the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo finally has a director.
Lupus Films and Universal Content Group signed British actress and director Paloma Baeza to lead the project. She's known for her first animated film, Pole Apart, which won the 2018 BAFTA for best British animated short film, and is currently directing animated live-action feature The Toymaker's Secret.
"Frida Kahlo approached life with such vibrant energy, and was ahead of her time in many ways," Baeza told Variety. "With my Mexican heritage, it is particularly meaningful to have this opportunity to explore her deep and complex personality, as well as her relationship with Mexico's past and its future. Lupus Films have a reputation as a highly respected artisanal animation studio as this project couldn't be in better hands."
Frida Kahlo has been featured in many films and documentaries, most notably Oscar-nominated Frida starring Salma Hayek, but this animated feature will provide a fresh take on the inspirational Latina figure.
With all female producers on board, these women are working together to tell Frida's extraordinary story through 2D animation and some live-action elements. While the animated feature is still in the works, Baeza is working hard to develop the new piece every generation will love.
100+ Tiny Tattoos For True Travel-Lovers
For travel-lovers, the next adventure is always just around the corner. Sometimes that adventure involves hopping on a plane and flying to your next destination, but other times it means doing something a little more permanent. If you really love to explore, these tiny tattoo ideas will help fuel your wanderlust and commemorate the experiences you've already had.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Facebook's "Secret Crush" Feature Is Like a Dating App - Here's How to Use It
You know that Facebook friend you've secretly been wanting to ask out for months? Well, now Facebook is offering a way to find out if they like you, too. In a statement at the annual F8 developer conference on Tuesday, the social media platform announced that it's taking Facebook Dating to a whole new level with Secret Crush, a dating feature that encourages you to match with your friends.
As part of Facebook Dating - previously only available in Colombia, Thailand, Canada, Argentina, and Mexico - Secret Crush will now also be available in 14 new countries: the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guyana, and Suriname.
Create a profile, which doesn't show up on any other parts of Facebook, and the site will use your dating preferences and interests to pair you with the people who are most right for you. The best part? If your crush hasn't opted into Dating, chooses not to create a Secret Crush list, or doesn't put you on their list, no one will know that you've put their name on your list. So there's nothing to be embarrassed about if the feeling isn't mutual. Keep reading for a full breakdown on how to use Secret Crush.
Instagram's New Feature Lets You Add a Donation Sticker to Your Story
Instagram is now helping you raise money for your favorite nonprofit organizations - the app just rolled out a brand-new feature allowing users to add donation stickers to their Stories. The update is pretty similar to the Facebook feature that lets users collect donations from friends to give to specific groups, though Instagram's version is only available to U.S.-based users at the moment.
The feature was announced (among other exciting updates) at Facebook's annual F8 conference, and Instagram has made it clear that 100 percent of all proceeds collected through each sticker will go to the nonprofits being supported. To add the stickers, users can simply make a Story on their profile as they normally would, then select the newly-added Donation icon from the sticker tray. After that, users will be able to sift through a list of participating organizations for which you can collect donations before publishing the Story. The organizations that currently have donation stickers include Black Girls Code, GLAAD, Malala Fund, Boys and Girls Club of America, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Read ahead to get a closer look at how the stickers will work.
Get Inspired! 98 Bridal Shower Decorations That Will Have the Bride Gasping in Delight
If you're a bridesmaid or related to a bride-to-be, then chances are you have an event or two to start planning ahead of the big day. First up? The bridal shower! Whether you're in a pinch for planning or have endless amounts of time, one of the main components to the perfect bash for a beloved soon-to-be-bride includes coming up with a pretty theme and color scheme that fits her personality and aesthetic. Then, to pull it off, you'll need decorations - lots of decorations. Make the bridal shower a day to remember by topping it off in picture-worthy decor, from rose gold letter balloons to colorful confetti, personalized banners, and more. Shop our favorite decor pieces that will amplify the bridal shower and make the bride-to-be feel like a goddess.
I Didn't Have a Bachelorette Party and I Don't Feel Like I Missed a Thing
When my now husband arrived from Ghana as my fiancé, we had 90 days to get married or he would have to leave the country. Yep, we are a true 90 Day Fiancé-type story. Well actually, our engagement started months before his arrival, but we had a deadline. And fortunately for us, we were ready the moment we met to say "I do," so the quickness of our nuptials didn't scare us or have us second-guessing ourselves. It did however, not give us time to plan or have certain traditional pre-wedding celebrations, like bachelor and bachelorette parties and a wedding shower. Do I feel a pang of sadness about missing out on this typical rite of passage before getting married? Not at all.
I had never really dreamed of my bachelorette party. I always loved (and still love) a good dance party with my girls, but the importance of that "last single night" really held no weight with me. I've danced in New York City clubs until the early hours, been to burlesque bars, and even fell asleep in a taxi at dawn after a long night while celebrating other friends' bachelorette parties. But when it comes to my own kind of celebrating, I'm more of a go-to-sleep-early-with-a-good-book-or-Netflix kinda gal. I guess I could have invited my friends over for some rom-coms and seltzer, but that didn't seem like a necessary idea considering life and friendships go on after marriage, and I would still have plenty of nights with my girls.
Related: This Surprise Proposal at the Eiffel Tower Has an Astonishing Twist That You Won't See Coming
And honestly, a lot of my best friends are scattered all around the globe. From California to Fiji, it would have been really hard (and a lot to ask) to try to get everyone to fly to one place to make it work. Not to mention the cost. And for my husband who had just moved far away from every friend he knew, a bachelor party wasn't really an option for him, either. And we were both totally fine with that. Getting married and becoming a family was our biggest priority, and everything else - all those smaller details - just didn't seem necessary to us. Why put that pressure on ourselves and our loved ones?
We had no wedding either, just a tiny exchange of vows in an extra tiny chapel. I threw a bouquet to my mom and cut store-bought cake in the back of my dad's car. And it was perfect. We did it all pretty unconventionally and in our own way, which is a lot like our love.
And now that I'm married, I look forward to having so many other nights out with my girls. I'm always down for more dance parties - I just might need to go home by 9 p.m.
I Reunited With My First Love in Adulthood . . . and It Was a Disaster
It's the stuff rom-coms are made of: teen boy meets teen girl, and they fall in love, have typically dramatic breakup, reunite as adults, and realize the spark never died. Wedded bliss ensues, right? Right?
When my first love came sweeping back into my life a few years ago, I couldn't help but think that we were stepping into the happy ending of a Hallmark movie. After all, if cheesy films taught me anything, it's that the bigger the drama, the truer the love, right? And boy, did we have drama.
John and I were each other's first loves, but as they say, the course of true love never ran smooth. Back in high school, he won me over with his brash charm and secret romantic side, but to everyone else, he was known as a hothead with a hair-trigger temper. A soccer star, John was as infamous for his tantrums as he was for his hat-tricks. One time, he actually threw a folding chair at a referee, a move (dumb) 17-year-old me found exciting and manly. "That's not a red card, that's a red flag," my best friend Erin said at the time, but I just rolled my eyes and screeched that John was simply trying to find himself.
"I wasted the last 10 years of my life without you, and I don't want to waste one more," he declared.
But the occasional game-day meltdown (which he always laughed off) wasn't John's only sin. The morning after I lost my virginity to him, I found out he'd cheated on me with my friend Liza. Numb and reeling from the betrayal, I dumped him and never spoke to Liza again, which added a layer of pain and unfairness to an already agonizing situation. He went off to USC, and I threw myself into life at Cal Poly, not dating anyone seriously until senior year.
I kept up with John through mutual friends; I refused to add him on Facebook (I love a good grudge), so Erin would feed me info about him, from his burgeoning real estate company to the fact that he was - ahem! - still single and would ask about me whenever he ran into her.
Obviously John had grown up and matured, or at least channeled that tempestuousness into business prowess. So when he texted me "I miss you" out of the blue a decade after we called it quits, I found myself more than willing to pick up where we left off. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the idea of ending up with my first love. What could be more romantic than that? Besides, after five years of dating in New York City, I was aching for someone who knew the real me and who loved me when I was a dorky teen with a Justin Timberlake obsession.
After a flurry of FaceTimes and late-night calls just like way back when, John said he was coming to Manhattan for business - and to see me. "I wasted the last 10 years of my life without you, and I don't want to waste one more," he declared with the same boldness I'd fallen for as a teen, reinforcing my belief that, yes, all those youthful indiscretions were just that!
Well.
The first three days were spent in a bliss cocoon. I felt 17 again and giddily in love. All of John's typical teenage boy "feelings are stupid" vibes were gone, replaced by a steady and sure, grown-ass man. On day four, we had a wine-soaked dinner with his business partners, all friends since their frat days. The boys joked and teased each other in good fun, but things took a turn when John ribbed his partner Brian over his failed first marriage.
"Ha!" Brian guffawed, taking another slug of Cabernet. "Tough talk from a guy whose hairline is making a run for it." My eyes flashed to John's face, and I froze - it was the same look as when he'd tried to take off a man's head with a metal chair.
In an instant, there was the sound of shattering glass. John had lobbed his water glass at the wall, nearly hitting a waitress. Before anyone could react, he stalked out of the restaurant and into the humid Summer night. We sat there, stunned and horrified. Had that just happened? Brian peeled off a few $100 bills to smooth things over with the staff, and I went to John's hotel, where I found him . . . completely unbothered.
"Yeah, sorry, Brian was just pissing me off," he said flatly, flipping through channels before switching off the TV and taking my hands in his. "Listen, thank you for putting up with me. You always have, and I know I don't deserve it. You're my angel, and I . . . I love you."
Even when we were dating, he'd never said it. Maybe part of him knew that this was exactly the right time to drop those three words to reel me back in. And I'm sad to say it worked. I put the incident behind us and spent the next week back in a happy(ish) bubble with him.
The night before John was set to leave, we had a long talk. He asked me to move back to LA with him, and I found myself saying yes. It all just seemed perfect, right? I mean, Brian probably knew better than to tease John about his hair. Who could blame him for flipping out, right?
"Look, I want to tell you something," he said slowly. "I just want us to start our lives together being honest, so . . . a few weeks ago, I slept with Erin."
"Erin, like, my best friend Erin?"
I actually laughed, because I couldn't believe it was true. A few weeks ago, John and I were already talking again. And even if we weren't, my best friend slept with my first love? Was I hallucinating? Was this happening?
I don't even fully remember what John said next, I was too disgusted to even hear him. Something about running into her after too many beers and only wanting her because she reminded him of me. That's when suddenly, while sitting on the bed in the Gramercy Park Hotel, it all became so painfully clear: John had not changed. He was still the same thoughtless, reckless, violent guy everyone else recognized him as. Only now he was just dressed up in a fancy suit. And he definitely didn't love me. If he did, he'd at least have had the courtesy to cheat with strangers instead of my best friends.
And even worse, I had to ask myself whether or not I had changed. Or was I basically just the same smitten teenage girl willing to make excuses for her obviously bad-news boyfriend, all in the name of some juvenile fairy-tale ending? I answered myself by walking out of John's hotel without uttering one more word to him - and haven't since. I blocked his number and told my friends to do the same. At least, the mutual friends I had left; Erin weepily apologized when confronted, but I couldn't bring myself to stay friends with her. Just like when I was 17, I'd lost the guy and the girl.
Looking back, I realized that life isn't - and shouldn't be - a rom-com plot. And getting caught up in the mythology of your first love can be a recipe for disaster. On one hand, yes, timing really is everything. But it's called a breakup because it's broken. So from now on, I'll keep my recycling to paper and plastic - not men!
9 Things You Should Never Feel Bad About Doing After a Breakup
Breakups are the worst. There's no instruction manual for how to navigate the end of a relationship, and even if you're the one who decided to call it quits, it can still hurt like hell.
While it's true that not every breakup turns into a total breakdown, some of them are definitely tougher to deal with than others. And in the aftermath of those really sucky splits, the very least we can do is cut ourselves a little slack. You can (and should!) wallow, eat ice cream, and feel sad and weird. It's all part of mourning what once was and moving on. So, if you're in middle of a rough one right now, read on for a few reminders of things you should absolutely not feel bad about while you work your way through a heartbreak.
Everyone Should Watch This Sobering Active Shooter Drill Led by a Middle School Student
March For Our Lives is making a sobering statement with a new public service announcement. Titled "Generation Lockdown," the video shows an expert leading an active shooter drill during an all-staff meeting at an undisclosed workplace in National City, CA. The "expert" is a middle school student.
Throughout the course of the video, Kayleigh offers blunt advice on ways to stay safe during a shooting, as several employees are overcome with emotion. (A spokesperson for the student-led organization confirmed to NPR that Kayleigh is an actual student and the reactions were not scripted.) "Sometimes we play the game 'who can stay quietest the longest,' so we all remember," Kayleigh says during a particularly heartbreaking moment.
Apart from illustrating the tragedy in children having to grow up learning drills of this kind, the PSA is meant to draw attention to the S.42 Background Check Expansion Act, which will require universal background checks on all gun sales if passed. The bill is currently awaiting action in the Senate.
This Mini Selfie Light Is a Must Have For Festival Season
There have been way too many times when I've tried to take a selfie with friends only to have it come out poorly because of bad lighting. Would-be great selfies while traveling on a beach vacation, meeting up for dinner, or singing along at a music festival are forever ruined by dark shadows or dim indoor bulbs.
If you're like me and want to avoid those not-so-stellar lighting moments as much as possible, then Missguided's Smart Phone Mini Selfie Light ($17) is for you. Conveniently portable and small enough to carry around in your bag, it's the perfect accessory to have, especially during festival season. Because how else would you be able to capture your awesome festival makeup and outfit?
What makes this little light even greater is that it's extremely easy to use. All you have to do is plug it right into your smartphone, make sure the light goes on, and you're all set. Gone are the days of carrying around oversize selfie lights with you everywhere or struggling to find the perfect lighting!
5 Things Everyone Is Afraid to Tell You About Getting Over Your First Love
I was 14 when I fell in love for the first time. We met on a warm Friday in May, shortly before our freshman year of high school ended, and by August, our parents were already warning us not to get too serious. Without the adult responsibilities of bills and jobs, all we had to focus on was each other. And we really, really did. We snuck out at night, laid underneath the stars, danced in the street, were each other's firsts for almost everything, and promised each other one chilly September night to never fall out of love. "It will always be you, kid," he said.
It was as if we were in on a secret that the entire world was naive to. We talked about getting married, thought seriously about finding a way to do it without our parents' permission, and mapped out our dreams for the future. He wanted to be a lawyer, me a writer. And while we knew we had not yet really entered the world, we relied on each other enough to want to tackle it together. I felt invincible, because I had found my closest, truest friend.
Of course, we broke up. We broke up several times. We fought about nothing and everything. But during our senior year, a few weeks after my 17th birthday, we broke up for the last time. And while we never got back together after high school, we followed each other to the same college.
The next four years were a blur. Being around each other without really being in each other's lives caused me more pain than I had ever known. My friends all offered the same advice, insisting that I just needed to give it time. But for me, time only made things worse. And while I was surrounded by so many people, I had never felt more alone. I knew I had to figure out how to move on on my own, I just had no idea where to start. Here's what I learned.
1. Sometimes time doesn't heal all wounds.
Despite what everyone told me, there was no special formula I could follow to get over him. Time just meant our past kept moving further away from me, alcohol made me emotional, and new relationships made me feel even more empty than I was before. After a few years, I even wept over the realization that the memory of the sound of his voice was beginning to fade. Instead of healing me like it was suppose to, time kept betraying me with every new day. Even today, when I think about it too much, it can be a little hard to breathe.
2. You eventually have to forgive yourself.
After we broke up, I punished myself because I thought I deserved to be hurt. I gave pieces of myself away to people who didn't deserve them and was reckless with my life because I stopped caring. I resented who I was, had no idea who I wanted to be, and buried myself under terrible things because of it. After four years of destruction, I knew I couldn't do it anymore. And as hard as it was, I started to forgive myself for the mistakes I made as a teenager. The person I was then wasn't there anymore, and I had to start acting like it.
3. Be alone. A lot.
I was born with an independent soul, but being on my own after my first heartbreak was more difficult than I had anticipated. It took me a really long time to realize that I had to stop searching for answers. Instead of trying to fill the void, I forced myself to feel every inch of it. And eventually, I started feeling comfortable not having anyone to call at night and started to enjoy the silence in between my thoughts.
4. Sometimes running away from your problems really is the answer.
We went to college 20 minutes from where we grew up, so by the time we graduated, I couldn't stand the sight of the city anymore. Everywhere I went was stained with memories and when I started to google things like "how do I survive this," I knew I needed to get out. Less than three months later, I packed up and moved to Ireland. I had studied abroad there in college and for some strange reason, Ireland felt like home to me. I knew next to no one when I moved back, but the second I stepped off that plane, my sadness suddenly lifted. I fell in love . . . with the people, the places, new friends, and most importantly, myself. I saw beautiful places not to share them with anyone else, but to make my own memories. And instead of wishing for happiness, I started insisting upon it. I brought myself back to life, and I will always be proud of that.
5. It may never completely leave you.
I've been in love twice in my life, once with him and once now, with the Irishman I met eight years ago. And while I constantly question how I lucked into the life I have now, with the man I have now, there will always be a small corner of my heart that will remain closed. The corner that I sometimes still can't believe is standing after what it went through. The corner that still stings at the thought of what once was and what could have been. The corner that I know would surely shake if I were to ever see him again. But it's there, and I'm here, living out the dreams we had talked about accomplishing together. And while getting over him was the hardest thing I've ever done, when my future daughter asks me about the great, big, life-changing love of my life, I'll smile and say, "You're looking at her."
Why I'm So Glad I Got My Heart Broken
I'd gotten my heart broken many times before, but this time, it felt different. There was an amazing sense of clarity that came along with knowing this time - no really - this time was it. This was the last time I'd let the same guy break my heart, like he had been doing over and over again for the past seven years.
As I laid on the floor of my apartment and replayed my final words on the phone to him, I knew I'd truly meant it when I asked him to never, ever call me again. "If you care about me at all, let me move on," I said. And then I hung up on him, something I'd been doing for nearly a decade. It would be the last time, though, after years of being lied to, cheated on, and emotionally manipulated. Somehow it finally clicked in my brain: this is not the guy for you - even though I'd sworn he was the one. But "the one" wouldn't make me feel this bad. He wouldn't treat me like I barely mattered, and at last, I got it. That's why I'm so beyond thankful this guy broke my heart - although maybe not repeatedly - because after a very long time spent going back to him again and again, I knew what I needed in a relationship.
Related: Why the End of the Honeymoon Phase Is Actually the Best
"Had I not fallen in love with someone totally wrong for me, I may not have known what a healthy relationship wasn't. It's not when someone cheats, lies, and makes you feel unimportant."
I was 19 and he was 20, and it was love at first sight for me. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world when he showed an interest in me, too. Of course, he showed an interest in a lot of girls, so I guess that should have been a red flag. But I was young, in love, and didn't have any way of knowing that his wandering eye and fear of commitment would torment me well into my 20s.
Back in college, we got serious quickly, or at least, that was my understanding of the relationship, mainly because we spent every waking hour together. During that time he told me he loved me more than anything in the world, but I guess not more than being with other women. After about a year together, I found out he cheated while on vacation, and I broke it off. That would be the first time he shattered my heart into pieces.
Right around the time I'd patched those pieces back together is when he'd call and swear he loved me, missed me, and would change. I wanted so badly to believe him. So I did. When he went off to graduate school, I wanted to make it work. I was still madly in love with him, so I "understood" when it took him a long time to return my calls and when he couldn't visit on a given weekend. Yeah, you guessed it. He was cheating again.
Related: 5 Things I Really Wish I'd Known Before Being in an Open Relationship
We broke up, and I began dating someone else. It would be years before we reconnected. I'd moved to New York City and he lived in Los Angeles. He got in touch and wanted to see me while he was on my coast. Why I agreed to a meeting, I'll never know. Probably because I was curious. Did I still have feelings for him? Of course I did.
Our weekend together left my heart yearning for another visit. So I traveled to the other side of the country, hoping for more. We enjoyed our time together and talked about a potential future, but he had his own life in California, and for now, it didn't include me. I left brokenhearted - again. Years of trying to get him out of my mind and my life for good proved unsuccessful. He'd always call or email and tell me he was thinking about me. And, like a fool, I'd go to LA to see him.
I got sucked into the mind games the last time when I was 26. Maybe I'd matured, or maybe I'd just reached my quota for bullsh*t. Either way, I'd just returned from a trip to see him and asked if he could come out to New York to accompany me to a friend's wedding. As per usual, he gave me a million excuses why it wasn't a good time. His friend was having a party. He was broke. Blah, blah, blah.
That was the day I finally had had enough. That day, I told myself I wouldn't date anyone who wouldn't put me first. I just wanted to meet a guy who was nice to me. Was that so much to ask? Turns out, it wasn't. A few weeks later, I met the man who would become my husband. He was the complete opposite of the jerk I'd dated for most of my adult life. He always called when he said he would. He listened to me. He was nice to me. He made it clear I was his priority in life. I never looked back.
Related: 7 Types of Kisses and What They Reveal About How Your Partner Feels About You
OK . . . I did for a minute. But only because one day, years after I'd gotten married, the ex reached out over Facebook to see how I was doing. I didn't respond, but what I found out later from a mutual friend is that he'd sent me that message on his wedding day! I couldn't believe it. I learned he got divorced soon after. All I could think was that I dodged a bullet, and that I am so grateful he broke my heart.
Had I not fallen in love with someone totally wrong for me, I may not have known what a healthy relationship wasn't. It's not when someone cheats, lies, and makes you feel unimportant. It's hard to believe I put up with being treated like that for so long. In a way, it was worth it, though. Had I not been overlooked and underappreciated, I may not have learned to value the little ways my now-husband has always made me feel so special.
Like how, on one of our first dates, he wanted to know all about me; where I'd traveled, what my dog was like, where I saw myself in 10 years. How he never shied away from making real plans for our future. How he did what he said he was going to do, and still does. And most of all, I never have to doubt his love or devotion to me.
Can You Hyperlink Text in an iPhone Email? We Have the Annoying Answer
One of the advantages (or disadvantages, depending on how you slice it) of having an iPhone is being connected 24/7. You can be reached by anyone at any time, and that includes work emails. If you use your smartphone a lot to send quick responses to coworkers and bosses, you've probably wondered if you can hyperlink text in the Mail app, which means highlighting certain key words for someone to click on to bring them to a specific website instead of having to click on the long (and usually pretty ugly-looking) URL. And the answer is, honestly, pretty annoying.
You can easily add websites to an email in your iPhone's Mail app. All you have to do is type out the whole URL, put a space after, and then send the message off. It should automatically show up in the recipient's email inbox linked and ready to be clicked on. Easy enough.
Related: Accidentally Archive an Email in Gmail? Here's How to Find It
But when it comes to hyperlinking text, that's when things get a little confusing. You can't hyperlink text that's not the website URL. This means that if you would like to have the blue link show up as a fancier "Click Here" as opposed to a string of letters, periods, and slashes from a URL, you're out of luck.
After a lot of frustrating online research on ways to possibly get around this, and even a chat with someone at Apple's Genius Bar, it looks like this capability is not yet available for the iPhone's Mail app. So for now, all of those work emails containing URLs sent from your phone will have to look a little sloppy. In the meantime, at least we have the space bar hack!
I'm 32 and Single, and Sometimes I Worry That I'll Never Find Someone
Growing up, my parents were the basis for everything I believed about relationships. They were married at 22, started having kids a few years later, and lived happily ever after, so naturally I put myself on the same timeline. I assumed, when I was a preteen, that I'd be married by 25 at the absolute latest, and that would be that.
This is where I'd insert one of those ridiculous GIFs that says something like, "LOL, b*tch, you thought."
There are the times when I have minor meltdowns and realize that I'm in my 30s and not even remotely close to having a life partner.
Here I am 32 and so single that if you could be, like, negatively single, that would be me. For the most part, I don't care. I live in New York, all my friends are in the same age range and also single, and we have great, fabulous, fun, exciting lives. But then there are the times when I have minor meltdowns and realize that I'm in my 30s and not even remotely close to having a life partner, and I'm getting older and older every day. Not that I don't think it's perfectly fine to find love later in life, but I just don't know what's best for me.
But here's my struggle: I'm an extremely independent person and I like it that way. I like my life the way it is, with just me in my apartment with my cats and the freedom to do whatever the hell I want, when I want to do it. It's when the pressure of everything around me (people back home, pop culture tropes, society in general) starts caving in on me that I feel like maybe I should be more proactive about dating and concerned for my future than I currently am. Thankfully my parents haven't heaped that pressure on me, probably because my brothers are both married with a slew of kids to keep them busy and also because they're the best parents I could have ever asked for (even if they gave me unrealistic expectations of wedded life).
So yes, there are days when I worry that I'll end up being a cat lady who is the consummate bachelorette and travels the world with her other single-lady friends. But then I look at that and think maybe that's not such a terrible way to live. Though on the other hand, I am legitimately terrified that that will be my life and 30 years from now I'll realize maybe it's not what I want and should have done something about it sooner.
For now, I'm (outwardly) content about being single, with a bug in the back of my mind always reminding me that I'm not getting any younger. Some days I'm very much in the camp of being a strong, independent woman who needs no man in her life, and then other days I'm telling everyone I know to get me a date with their cute guy friends. I never know which version of me is going to pop out on which day, but maybe one of these days, I'll figure my sh*t out.
mardi 30 avril 2019
Not Into Drinking? Here Are the Best Bachelorette Destinations For Relaxation and Wellness
The purpose of a bachelorette party is to celebrate both your departure from singledom and the sacred bond of sisterhood. If, for you, that means dancing in a club all night and drinking cocktails from a suggestively shaped straw, then by all means, have at it! But not every bachelorette bash has to include jello shots and strippers. If you're searching for a less rowdy party that's more about recharging your batteries and relaxing with your closest friends, we've rounded up 14 unforgettable bachelorette destinations to celebrate your upcoming "I dos." From the rugged rainforest to breathtaking beaches, the following destination ideas focus on relaxation, wellness, and self-care - strippers not included.
Every Disney Fan Should Complete This Incredible, Edible Bucket List
If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, the abundance of food options across all four parks can be overwhelming, but rest assured that these 28 foods have been well-researched and reviewed in person so you know everything here is 100 percent worth your money (and the calories). While a few iconic treats have made the list (like the Mickey pretzel and Dole Whip), some are a little more obscure (pork nacho fries, anyone?). Expect this list to be a little sweet, partially covered in gooey cheese, and just a tad bit spiked, for those partaking. No Disney trip is complete without scouting out the best foods!
The Perfect Excuse to Stay Under the Blankets Today: Cuddling Has Some Pretty Great Effects
Maybe you like to cuddle on a comfortable couch with your partner while binge-watching Netflix or perhaps you're a fan of cuddling underneath the covers in the mornings before you start your day. No matter how you like to do it, it's hard to argue against the fact that cuddling can sometimes feel like the greatest thing in the world. Now you have an even bigger excuse to stay close: Cuddling comes with some positive benefits for your mind, body, and soul. Read ahead to learn more about some of the many benefits of this relaxing pastime.
14 Things You Forget to Do Before Leaving For Vacation
You have a million things to do before you leave for a trip, so it's very easy to let some important to-dos slip through the cracks. Read through our list of things people often forget to do before bidding adieu to their homes to make sure you're ready for your next travel adventure!
50 Summer Instagram Captions That Are Too Hot For Your Feed to Handle
I don't know about you, but by the time Summer rolls around, my Instagram goes from dull and dingy to vibrant and bright. There's something, dare I say, Instagrammable about beach days, blue skies, and leafy trees that really changes the look and feel of a feed. However, if you're a true Instagrammer, then you know that engaging your followers doesn't solely rely on a good picture but also a witty caption (and a few comments) to get your post boosted to the top. If you're looking to step up your Insta game this Summer, then read up on the cute Instagram captions ahead!
These 24 Restaurants Have the Best of Both Worlds: Instagrammable Decor and Great Food
If choosing your next meal is usually dependent on if the restaurant has natural lighting or cute decor, then you'll appreciate finding a spot that has the potential to go viral on social media. Whether it's colorful dim sum or eating in igloos on a rooftop, traveling across the world for an Instagrammable dining experience is totally worth it.
We've rounded up 24 dining establishments to visit when your Instagram feed is in need of a crave-worthy post. This is the list you need to know if your appreciation for a well-constructed breakfast spread holds as much significance as your love of trendy furnishings.
30 Things to Do by Yourself This Summer
The warmer weather and longer days of Summer bring us ample opportunities to get out and about to try loads of exciting activities, but so many of those are best done in pairs and groups. If you're flying solo during the Summer, you may think it's going to be more difficult to fill your time and get the most out of the season, but you couldn't be more wrong. There are a ton of Summer activities that you can do on your own, from the fun and frivolous to those that are more educational or practical. Keep reading for 30 things that will ensure your solo Summer is anything but boring!
45 Sexy Underboob Tattoos You'll Want to Get ASAP
What makes a tattoo truly sexy isn't always the ink itself but also where you place it. Underboob tattoos, or tattoos inked on the front of the ribcage, usually directly under the breast and sometimes between/under both breasts, are all the rage these days. They can be small and subtle or completely bold. Either way, they're beautiful! We've rounded up underboob tattoos that can serve as major inspiration for your own ink.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Yes, You Absolutely Can Say "No" to Being a Bridesmaid - Here's How
Being asked to be in someone's wedding is usually an amazing moment. I remember when my sister presented me with a hand-designed card that read, "Will you be my matron of honor?" I cried. Like, ugly cried. My best friend's bridesmaid proposal likewise left me in tears. I felt so special and excited to stand next to her on the most important day of her life. But then there was the time a friend, whom I didn't even think would invite me to her wedding, let alone ask me to be in it, hit me with, "I want you to be my maid of honor!" Um, huh? What? I wanted to sink through the floor. Because I figured I couldn't say "no." Yet, given how big of a time and financial commitment it is to be in a person's wedding, that's exactly what I wanted to do.
Unfortunately, since I worried about hurting her feelings, I said "yes." And guess what? Predictably, I regretted my decision. I ended up spending way more money than I could, and was forced to take time off from work to participate in the obligatory bachelorette festivities, the bridal shower, several wedding dress fittings, the rehearsal dinner, and of course, the wedding itself. Worst of all was that the bride-to-be acted ungrateful for everything I did. Why didn't I just go with my gut?
To solidify the fact that I had indeed made a mistake by putting someone I wasn't even that close with first and not thinking of my own happiness and mental health, I asked wedding etiquette experts if saying "no" to being a bridesmaid is actually OK. Jessica Garda, a wedding event planner from Pittsburgh, tells POPSUGAR, "I get that the idea of saying 'no' to being a bridesmaid terrifies most people, but the simple fact is that sometimes you need to say 'no.' Being a bridesmaid can be a huge commitment!"
She suggests talking to the bride about what her expectations are for the role: "Are they just expecting you to walk down the aisle and stand next to them? Or do they want you to plan all the pre-wedding events and spend potentially thousands of dollars on a dress, showers, and bachelorette parties?" Once you understand what being a bridesmaid will entail, Garda says it's perfectly reasonable to decline.
Um, but how? And without offending them or ruining your relationship? "Start by telling them how honored and touched you are that they asked you," she advises. "Then be honest about why you're saying 'no.' Try saying, 'This is huge responsibility and I don't think I have the time to fully commit to it.' Or, 'I'm just not in a place to afford all these expenses.'" Reasons to say "no" can be more personal, like if you just got divorced or suffered a loss in your family, but honesty is always the best policy.
Amber Anderson, from Refine For Wedding Planners, also offered this advice to POPSUGAR, saying, "You can absolutely say 'no' to being a bridesmaid and at times, it's actually the most loving thing to do. No one wants a wedding attendant that isn't fully committed, so it's important to take it all into consideration." She adds it can be helpful to tell the person that you're still so excited to support and celebrate them.
Phrasing your decision to say "no" so that's it's about the bride and not you is also a really good way to go. Krista Ostrander, Wedding Specialist on behalf of The Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor, NJ, offers up this suggestion: "Instead of saying, 'It will cost too much,' you might say, 'With starting my new job, money is really tight right now, and I would be uncomfortable being unable to contribute the same way as the rest of the group when it came to all of the special plans you deserve to have be a part of this adventure.' Or, you can say, 'With the previous commitments I already have, I worry that my schedule will really hinder what the group is trying to plan, and I don't want to put a damper on any of your wedding-related events.'"
From there, it's up to the bride to graciously accept your decision. My advice: Stick to your guns! Don't allow the person to convince you to change your mind, because you may end up back at square one, wishing you could say "no." As Jen Avey from Destination Weddings Travel Group told POPSUGAR, "It's better to say 'no' upfront than to say 'yes' and then back out later on in the planning process. A last-minute change of heart could do more damage to your relationship than if you were to just decline in the first place."
In the end, I only wish I'd known how to politely decline the invitation to be a bridesmaid. Because no one wins if a bridesmaid is standing at the alter on a bride's big day, secretly not wanting to be there.
I've Been Going to Disney For 25 Years, and These Are My Best Tips
When my family first took me to Walt Disney World in 1994, we instantly knew it would be a place we would try to go to twice a year for vacation. And now, 25 years later, we still all go to the place where magic dwells, adults can act like kids when they see their favorite princess, and snacks are in endless supply. It's the best, and it will never get old.
And as someone who grew up going to Walt Disney World, and eventually venturing out to Disneyland in California, I've picked up on little tips and tricks about the Disney parks that can help save time, money, and stress when getting ready for a vacation with Mickey. Keep reading to see 35 of my best tips for tackling the Disney parks like a pro (because I pretty much am one!).
Thank Goodness I'm Not the Only One Who Just Learned How to Type a Degree Symbol on an iPhone
I'll admit that I'm not the most tech-savvy person you'll ever meet, which explains why I often find myself questioning how to do the most seemingly simple things on my iPhone. Like typing out a degree symbol, for example. Have you ever been casually texting a friend about the weather, only to have to describe the temperature by fully typing out the word "degrees" rather than simply using the symbol for it? You and I both.
Luckily, there's a way to type the degree symbol on your iPhone and save yourself a few keystrokes. The next time you find yourself talking to anyone about how hot or cold it is outside, all you have to do is press and hold "0" on your keypad. After holding the button for a second, a pop-up should appear on your keyboard giving you the option to add the degree symbol to whatever you're typing or to add a zero. It's a pretty simple trick, and it really makes me wonder how and why I'm just now finding this out after owning an iPhone for nearly seven years.
Give the quick trick a try for yourself - and while you're at it, familiarize yourself with a few other cool iPhone tips to help you lower your flashlight's brightness and share notes with friends.
Love at First Sight Is Real - I Know Because It Happened to Me
I was a non-believer. I may even go ahead and call myself a cynic when it came to love, fate, and the idea of love at first sight. Only a few months after a major breakup, I was so far from being a romantic that when I stumbled upon love and it hit me right in the face, I laughed a little. "OK, I get it, universe."
I remember exactly where he was standing. He was on the steps of the new restaurant the nonprofit organization I had moved to Ghana to work for had built. We had the same boss, and when that boss introduced him to me and my coworkers on the opening night of the restaurant, his smile and wave felt directed solely at me. He had this light and kindness that radiated from his smile. I was hooked.
Love at first sight is so real, but it is surely a complicated feeling.
Love at first sight is so real, but it is surely a complicated feeling. We were from different worlds, and I had only a few months in Ghana. How would I approach him? Would he even be interested knowing our days together were numbered? Was he even interested, period?
My doubts made me keep my feelings to myself, at least for a while. Most days when I arrived at the restaurant to do interviews for a book I was working on, I would scan the entire place for him, until our eyes met. If he didn't walk by my table or I didn't have a natural chance to interact with him while I was there, I went up to the counter to grab a water or ask a silly question just to get closer. He filled me up, made my stomach do flips and my heart race. The biggest crush I had ever had.
It wasn't until about a month after we met (or maybe a bit longer) that I finally got the guts to invite him over for dinner. I gave him my number but received no call. After waiting all night, when I saw him the next day, I felt a little broken. "I tried and tried, but the network was down," he explained, a common thing that happened to cell phone networks in Ghana. But I was leaving for a two-week trip to Tanzania the next day so, that was that, I thought.
Right before I left, I sat in my room overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the most beautiful places I had ever been, and I wrote about him. I wrote that I would return to this very spot in the hills that overlook the largest mountain in Africa married to him. It amazes me even now to think that on a solo journey, surrounded by such wildness and beauty, I found myself with my head in a cloud full of love.
And apparently I was not the only one in love. When I got back to Ghana from my trip to Tanzania, thinking it was done with him, I had several messages asking when I would return. Only a few moments after I turned on my phone after getting off the plane, I received a call from him. He had been waiting for me. From that conversation on, it became apparent that we were hooked on each other. The feeling was mutual and no amount of time apart, life curveball, or person could break us apart.
There are plenty of days when it is harder than I could imagine, but I always come back to that moment I first saw him, to that love at first sight.
We spent every single night together after I returned to him, learning about each other, our cultures, languages and hometowns. Life certainly tried to break us up. Time was not on our side and some people were not either, but we had this deep love that was unbreakable. When it was time for me to leave and I returned to the US, it didn't take me very long to realize I had to book a ticket back to him. It was an open-ended ticket that began this crazy journey we have been on for almost six years now.
Through immigration, distance, and parenting we have found our way. There are plenty of days when it is harder than I could imagine, but I always come back to that moment I first saw him, standing on the stairs of that restaurant, waving and smiling at me. I come back to that love at first sight that struck me so hard, there was no turning back.
We Guarantee That You Will Find This Sunrise Beach Wedding Absolutely Mer-mazing!
A golden beach venue, gorgeous floral details, elegant shell-shaped table decor - what more could a mermaid want when she is marrying her dream partner? This stunning beach-side wedding, which took place at the Mallard Island Yacht Club in Manahawkin, NJ, alongside Barnegat Bay, was the creation of ever-so-talented photographer Delaney Dobson and took over a year to plan!
All of the time and hard work clearly paid off, because this fairy-tale wedding shoot is breathtaking, and the photos showcase Delaney's artistic abilities. "Delaney chose to shoot a large portion of these photos on Fuji 400 film and had them processed at Photo Vision," Event Planner Jeanne Coon-Bogath said. "The end result is really stunning, and (in my opinion) a whole lot of fun!"
The bride looked simply phenomenal in a purple gown and later changed into an actual mermaid outfit for this themed shoot. Her hair was braided with a silver crown that features starfish and flowers that matched her glistening scales. She had some help from the groom, who carried her, bridal-style, into the water for her closeup shots.
Overall, this mermaid-themed wedding shoot took a lot of planning and effort that was totally worth it. So if you want to add some of that mermaid magic into your own wedding, then make sure to check out this spectacular shoot ahead!
Related: Aquaman and Mera Say Their "I Dos" on the Beach in This Steamy, Sparkling Wedding Shoot
You Can Find Self-Care Online Thanks to These 6 Instagram Accounts
Just because self-care is becoming more prevalent in today's society, that doesn't mean it's a trend. It's not like celery juice or the latest diet; it's a necessity for our well-being. Self-care looks different for everyone - my practices may include journaling and gym sessions, while yours might include face masks and meditation - but it all has the same goal: to avoid burnout, with symptoms and signs like physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy.
Self-care has many different components. According to one professional in the wellness sphere and speaker on traumatic stress, Olga Phoenix, MPA, self-care is made up of six parts: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, personal, and professional. "Each dimension represents a part of our lives which requires our daily attention," she told POPSUGAR in a previous interview. To achieve happiness and manage stress, it's important to improve these aspect of our lives. For example, taking breaks at the office would fall under the professional dimension; reconnecting with old friends or compartmentalizing our goals would be personal.
We typically don't associate social media with self-care. After all, one way to find peace after a long day is to unplug. But what if we said you could practice taking care of yourself or find inspiration to do so, via Instagram of all things? Ahead, check out accounts that promote just that - one for each of these six self-care dimensions. If those aren't your style, here's a list of wellness apps to try. Let's focus on ourselves, shall we?
Looking For the Right Mental Health Professional For You? Here's What You Need to Know
If you're trying to seek treatment for your mental health, it may be overwhelming to figure out where to begin. Some mental health professionals can prescribe medication, others offer psychotherapy (aka talk therapy), while some can recommend an effective treatment plan overall, which may include medication, therapy, and other lifestyle factors. Not sure which professional you should seek out? We broke down the main mental health professions and what distinguishes them from each other.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, either with an MD (medical doctor) or a DO (doctor of osteopathy), who have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They can diagnose mental illnesses and mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and may even administer therapy. In addition to their medical degrees, psychiatrists also complete a residency training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists should be licensed in the state where they practice and may be board-certified by the Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.
Psychiatrists aren't the only medical professionals that can prescribe medication. A physician assistant (PA) who works in a psychiatrist's office may be the one who prescribes and monitors medication. Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners may also prescribe medication, depending on the state, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Your primary care physician can also prescribe medication, but it's a good idea to seek someone who specializes in mental health care (such as a psychiatrist); primary care physicians and mental health professionals can also work together on a treatment plan.
Psychologists
Psychologists have a doctoral degree, such as a PhD in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). They are licensed by boards in each state. Although psychologists can't prescribe medication, they can make diagnoses and provide psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists assess mental health through clinical interviews, psychological evaluations, and testing, according to NAMI. After an initial intake assessment or diagnosis, some people may choose to continue to see a psychologist for therapy.
Licensed Therapists and Counselors
Licensed therapists and licensed counselors are masters-level (MS or MA) professionals that provide therapy based on a person's mental health. Like psychologists, therapists and counselors can administer psychotherapy, such as in individual or group therapy. Through talk therapy, therapists and counselors can help change the pattern of patients' thinking and help them reduce symptoms. There are a number of different types of psychotherapy, and licensed therapists and counselors may provide a wide range of therapy or specialize in certain treatments.
The licensure for therapists and counselors varies by state. They may also vary based on specialty and the kinds of patients that are treated. Some examples of licensed therapists and counselors include: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LCADAC). Since "counselor" and "therapist" can be umbrella terms for a variety of professions, it's best to ask your care provider if he or she is licensed in the state where he or she practices.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical social workers may also provide therapy and are trained in assessing someone's mental health. They are also licensed to do other social work, such as case management, adoption services, and advocacy services. One of the most common types of licensed social workers who provide therapy are Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). Other licensed social workers include: Licensed Independent Social Workers (LICSW) and Academy of Certified Social Worker (ACSW).
What to Ask Your Mental Health Professional
It's important to verify that the mental health professional you are seeking is licensed to practice in the state where he or she works. "Somebody with a license is obliged to follow an ethics code and to keep your private information confidential, and can be disciplined if they don't," explained Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist in Chicago. Be wary of people who call themselves "coaches," since that's not a regulated term and those people may not have formal training or a license.
If you're concerned about cost, you should also ask if they take your insurance; in addition to verifying with the mental health professional, you should also double-check with your insurance company to see if he or she is covered. If the professional is in private practice and the sessions are out of pocket, you can call the professional's office and ask how much each session will cost ahead of time. Sometimes, professionals will offer services on a sliding scale, where they will determine a price for you depending on your income.
It's also reasonable to ask ahead of time to see if he or she can spend a few minutes on the phone answering questions before coming in for an official session or if the professional will offer the first session free, Dr. Daramus explained. You may need that initial call to determine if the therapist or doctor treats the condition you are seeking help for. An ethical therapist will be honest and let you know if your condition is out of the scope of their treatment.
"Trust your instincts," Dr. Daramus said. "If it just feels wrong, keep moving. It's OK to chat with two or three different therapists before you decide which one you want to work with."
These Are the 10 Healthiest Menu Options For When You "Accidentally" End Up at Chick-fil-A
Look, we know you're probably at Chick-fil-A for a milkshake and a fried chicken sandwich. And who could blame you? That stuff is tempting.
But on the off chance that you're out with friends, stuck at a fast food place, and trying to make a healthier choice, we put together a few options for you; think of it as your emergency backup plan for when you're in a bind and a drive-through is the only option. At the very least, you'll be getting a significant serving of protein, and chicken is almost always a healthier option than burgers, which are chock-full of saturated fats. Try one of these 10 healthy (or at least healthy-ish) Chick-fil-A options, available nationwide.
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