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 9 octobre 2019
15 Designer Bags Our Editors Are Buying For Fall and You Should, Too
If you're a fan of Coach, we've got some good news for you. The popular brand just dropped tons of new designs and silhouettes for Fall, and they're so good, it will be hard to choose just one. From its signature printed bags to carryall totes for every day and fun backpacks, there is something for every occasion.
To make sure you find your match, we did the hard for your. Ahead we curated a list of its best picks of the season, so all you have to do is add your favorites to your shopping cart. Keep reading to shop them all.
A Dietitian Explains How to Eat Hummus Without Sabotaging Your Low-Carb Diet
There's so much to love about hummus: the creamy texture and filling protein, the way it pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables. But if you're following a low-carb diet, you may be unsure how the Mediterranean dip fits into your plan. After all, legumes are relatively high in carbohydrates, and most low-carb diets allow only 50 to 100 grams of net carbs per day. So, what's the verdict?
"The main ingredient in most hummus recipes is garbanzo beans (or chickpeas), which contain a notable amount of carbohydrates and should be consumed in moderation when on a low-carb diet," Kristen Smith, MS, RD, LD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told POPSUGAR. "However, most hummus recipes contain several other ingredients, including tahini and olive oil, which happen to be low in carbohydrates. When all the ingredients for hummus are combined, the outcome is a food moderate in carbohydrates."
More importantly, "all carbohydrate-containing foods in hummus are complex carbohydrates," she noted. "Complex carbs will take your body longer to digest and not cause a spike in blood sugar."
That means you can usually enjoy hummus on a low-carb diet, as long as you watch your portions. "The portion you can consume will depend on the total carbohydrates allowed per day on your plan," Kristen said. She explained that most people on a very low-carb diet can enjoy at least two tablespoons of hummus (that's 5 grams of net carbs, calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbs), while those following a more flexible plan can have at least 1/3 cup (13 grams of net carbs).
If you want to limit carbs even further, you can also try mixing up the recipe. "Hummus can be made with a variety of non-starchy vegetables, including carrots or cauliflower," Kristen told POPSUGAR. "Consider making your own, combining both garbanzo beans and cauliflower for a lower carbohydrate hummus option."
13 Scary Thoughts I Had Watching Beetlejuice Growing Up, Because That Sh*t Was Creepy
If you're like me, pretty much all of October is Halloween, and that means binging as many classic and not-so-classic scary movies as possible. As much as I enjoy horror films like Stephen King's It, Annabelle, and Jordan Peele's Us, it's the childhood favorites that stick with me, namely Tim Burton's chilling yet hilarious Beetlejuice. The film - which starred Winona Ryder, Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Jones, and Michael Keaton - was made to be hilariously terrifying, and it definitely succeeded. Does anyone else remember that freaky sandworm scene?!
Despite its crude humor and chilling '80s horror makeup, there was something haunting yet oddly soothing about the movie as a whole - which might explain why I freakin' love Lydia Deetz so much. It's been worthy of a watch every Halloween since 1988. Still, apart from the fact that my friends and I can pretty much quote this film by heart, it also had me shaking in my Halloween costume whenever someone got close to saying his name three times in a row. Keep scrolling to take an undead trip to the past - it's showtime!
mardi 8 octobre 2019
Nick Jonas Is Joining The Voice, and Blake Shelton Is Already Trying to Scare Him
Happiness begins on Team Nick Jonas! During a visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Monday, the youngest Jonas brother announced he'll be joining The Voice as a coach on season 18 in Spring 2020. He'll be taking the seat Adam Levine vacated back in May.
"The cat's out of the bag. I am so excited about this, I will be joining as one of the new coaches of The Voice," Nick said. "I think I'm actually looking forward to really trying to help any artist that comes on the show to grow," he continued.
Nick also received a special welcome message from his fellow coaches on Ellen's show, which included hints of a potential rivalry with Blake Shelton. Although, I'm not sure if anything will be scarier or more tense than the surprise Nick, Kevin, and Joe received at the end of the exciting announcement. Watch the full video above to see what went down, and don't forget to always keep your guard up when you're around Ellen!
Nick Jonas Is Joining The Voice, and Blake Shelton Is Already Trying to Scare Him
Happiness begins on Team Nick Jonas! During a visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Monday, the youngest Jonas brother announced he'll be joining The Voice as a coach on season 18 in Spring 2020. He'll be taking the seat Adam Levine vacated back in May.
"The cat's out of the bag. I am so excited about this, I will be joining as one of the new coaches of The Voice," Nick said. "I think I'm actually looking forward to really trying to help any artist that comes on the show to grow," he continued.
Nick also received a special welcome message from his fellow coaches on Ellen's show, which included hints of a potential rivalry with Blake Shelton. Although, I'm not sure if anything will be scarier or more tense than the surprise Nick, Kevin, and Joe received at the end of the exciting announcement. Watch the full video above to see what went down, and don't forget to always keep your guard up when you're around Ellen!
Hannah Brown Channels Her Rage Against Ex-Boyfriends in Fiery DWTS Performance
Hannah Brown really did the dang thing on Dancing With the Stars this week. During Monday night's episode, the Bachelorette alum truly released her inner beast as she performed the Paso Doble with her partner Alan Bersten. Not only was the choreography insane, but Brown really channeled all her rage about the judges' recent critiques and her ex-boyfriends into the performance. It also didn't hurt that the song was set to "I Love It" by Icona Pop and Charlie XCX.
Ahead of the performance, Bersten and Brown hit up a rage room so that she could get properly into character for the number. Not only did she let out her frustrations about the judges' critiques about her being "too smiley" but she also called out her past loves as well. "These are all my ex-boyfriends!" she said while smashing a bottle to smithereens. Remind us to never get on Brown's bad side. See her fierce performance above.
Hannah Brown Channels Her Rage Against Ex-Boyfriends in Fiery DWTS Performance
Hannah Brown really did the dang thing on Dancing With the Stars this week. During Monday night's episode, the Bachelorette alum truly released her inner beast as she performed the Paso Doble with her partner Alan Bersten. Not only was the choreography insane, but Brown really channeled all her rage about the judges' recent critiques and her ex-boyfriends into the performance. It also didn't hurt that the song was set to "I Love It" by Icona Pop and Charlie XCX.
Ahead of the performance, Bersten and Brown hit up a rage room so that she could get properly into character for the number. Not only did she let out her frustrations about the judges' critiques about her being "too smiley" but she also called out her past loves as well. "These are all my ex-boyfriends!" she said while smashing a bottle to smithereens. Remind us to never get on Brown's bad side. See her fierce performance above.
The Only Beauty Products Makeup Artists Will Use On Halloween
Take away the medals or the yearlong contract with Kellogg's, and Halloween makeup might as well be the beauty equivalent of the Olympics for makeup artists. They are the Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps - pretty much genetically engineered to be good at it.
That's why, in a world where a single click can pull up 779 million tips, costumes, and tutorials, you're better off following their advice on the matter. So if you're dying to know the products you need for All Hallows' Eve, we asked the pros behind Cardi B, Sarah Hyland, and Ashley Graham's best beauty looks ahead.
When your face is dressed to thrill - that's worth its own pedestal.
50 Halloween Costumes From Amazon That Are Un-boo-lievably Cheap - All $50 or Less!
If you're trying to "creep it real" for a cheap price this Halloween, then we highly recommend giving Amazon a scan. The retailer is loaded with adult costumes, and we certainly found outfits that are more of a treat than a trick. From Fortnite costumes to adorable Stranger Things ensembles, and even, my personal favorite, a couple's avocado and toast costume, there are all sorts of options to choose from. No one should pay an arm and a leg for a night of dress-up, which is why we've gathered the best outfits to wear for $50 or less. Trust us, your bank account will thank you later. Have a glorious Halloween for a price that doesn't make you sick with the inexpensive costume options ahead!
Dancing With the Stars Season 28: Find Out Who Is Still in the Competition
Dancing With the Stars is officially back for season 28! This season, the cast has a wide range of stars, including a former Bachelorette, a Dawson's Creek alum, a Queer Eye star, and even a few singers. The competition is shaping up to be pretty competitive this year. Though there are already a few front runners, everyone keeps surprising us with their moves!
On Monday night, the series sent home another contestant. See who is still in the competition ahead, and be sure to check back each week to see who is still in the running for the Mirrorball Trophy.
The Only Beauty Products Makeup Artists Will Use On Halloween
Take away the medals or the yearlong contract with Kellogg's, and Halloween makeup might as well be the beauty equivalent of the Olympics for makeup artists. They are the Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps - pretty much genetically engineered to be good at it.
That's why, in a world where a single click can pull up 779 million tips, costumes, and tutorials, you're better off following their advice on the matter. So if you're dying to know the products you need for All Hallows' Eve, we asked the pros behind Cardi B, Sarah Hyland, and Ashley Graham's best beauty looks ahead.
When your face is dressed to thrill - that's worth its own pedestal.
Dancing With the Stars Season 28: Find Out Who Is Still in the Competition
Dancing With the Stars is officially back for season 28! This season, the cast has a wide range of stars, including a former Bachelorette, a Dawson's Creek alum, a Queer Eye star, and even a few singers. The competition is shaping up to be pretty competitive this year. Though there are already a few front runners, everyone keeps surprising us with their moves!
On Monday night, the series sent home another contestant. See who is still in the competition ahead, and be sure to check back each week to see who is still in the running for the Mirrorball Trophy.
50 Halloween Costumes From Amazon That Are Un-boo-lievably Cheap - All $50 or Less!
If you're trying to "creep it real" for a cheap price this Halloween, then we highly recommend giving Amazon a scan. The retailer is loaded with adult costumes, and we certainly found outfits that are more of a treat than a trick. From Fortnite costumes to adorable Stranger Things ensembles, and even, my personal favorite, a couple's avocado and toast costume, there are all sorts of options to choose from. No one should pay an arm and a leg for a night of dress-up, which is why we've gathered the best outfits to wear for $50 or less. Trust us, your bank account will thank you later. Have a glorious Halloween for a price that doesn't make you sick with the inexpensive costume options ahead!
50 Halloween Costumes From Amazon That Are Un-boo-lievably Cheap - All $50 or Less!
If you're trying to "creep it real" for a cheap price this Halloween, then we highly recommend giving Amazon a scan. The retailer is loaded with adult costumes, and we certainly found outfits that are more of a treat than a trick. From Fortnite costumes to adorable Stranger Things ensembles, and even, my personal favorite, a couple's avocado and toast costume, there are all sorts of options to choose from. No one should pay an arm and a leg for a night of dress-up, which is why we've gathered the best outfits to wear for $50 or less. Trust us, your bank account will thank you later. Have a glorious Halloween for a price that doesn't make you sick with the inexpensive costume options ahead!
Meghan Trainor Included Some Subtle Nods to Kim and Kanye in Her "Wave" Music Video
Meghan Trainor's ethereal single "Wave" featuring Mike Sabath is appropriately named - it's easy to get swept away by the majesty of the music video. The 25-year-old singer dropped the video on Monday and opened up to POPSUGAR about the inspiration behind it: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
"I told [Charm LaDonna] I was kind of inspired by Sunday Services with Kanye West and inspired by his clothing line and Kim's SKIMS," she said, referencing the dancers and choreography. "I really loved her SKIMS and how they looked and we used them in the music video. I'm wearing them and a lot of my dancers are wearing them."
Trainor's newest track is three years in the making and based on a past almost-relationship, where she felt strung along by someone who wouldn't fully commit. For the video, she collaborated with director Matthew Cullen, and choreographer Charm LaDonna to create a human experience with a subtle nod to West's latest projects.
In addition to this Yeezy-esque look, Cullen suggested Trainor forego the obvious "water" theme for her video and instead try "drowning in people." "I loved that visual because it reminded me - we're all struggling in life, in relationships, in anything, in general, but we're all in this together." Trainor said.
As for Kanye? "I hope he sees it one day, and is like 'Yeah, that's cool' because he's like my inspiration for this."
Meghan Trainor Included Some Subtle Nods to Kim and Kanye in Her "Wave" Music Video
Meghan Trainor's ethereal single "Wave" featuring Mike Sabath is appropriately named - it's easy to get swept away by the majesty of the music video. The 25-year-old singer dropped the video on Monday and opened up to POPSUGAR about the inspiration behind it: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
"I told [Charm LaDonna] I was kind of inspired by Sunday Services with Kanye West and inspired by his clothing line and Kim's SKIMS," she said, referencing the dancers and choreography. "I really loved her SKIMS and how they looked and we used them in the music video. I'm wearing them and a lot of my dancers are wearing them."
Trainor's newest track is three years in the making and based on a past almost-relationship, where she felt strung along by someone who wouldn't fully commit. For the video, she collaborated with director Matthew Cullen, and choreographer Charm LaDonna to create a human experience with a subtle nod to West's latest projects.
In addition to this Yeezy-esque look, Cullen suggested Trainor forego the obvious "water" theme for her video and instead try "drowning in people." "I loved that visual because it reminded me - we're all struggling in life, in relationships, in anything, in general, but we're all in this together." Trainor said.
As for Kanye? "I hope he sees it one day, and is like 'Yeah, that's cool' because he's like my inspiration for this."
All the Celebrities Bringing Home Babies in 2019
This year, a handful of stars have added to their families. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their first child in May, but even more famous figures, like Shay Mitchell, will be expanding their broods as well. Lauren Conrad and William Tell are expecting their second child, while Anne Hathaway and husband Adam Shulman are also gearing up for another addition! Keep reading to see all the stars who will be bringing home cute little bundles of joy this year.
All the Celebrities Bringing Home Babies in 2019
This year, a handful of stars have added to their families. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their first child in May, but even more famous figures, like Shay Mitchell, will be expanding their broods as well. Lauren Conrad and William Tell are expecting their second child, while Anne Hathaway and husband Adam Shulman are also gearing up for another addition! Keep reading to see all the stars who will be bringing home cute little bundles of joy this year.
These Graffiti Nail Art Ideas Are Fresher Than the Prince of Bel Air
Just when we thought celebrity nail artists might run out of ideas, manicurist Chaun P. started to post graffiti-inspired nail art to Instagram. The retro-looking trend is usually painted on in bright neon nail polish and might remind you of airbrushed graffiti t-shirts that were popular in the '90s and early 2000s.
The nail art is so popular that his celebrity clients like Lala Anthony and social media star Heather Sanders have been spotted wearing the trend. We can't stop staring at his expert art, and many other artists have followed suit and posted their own graffiti nail art creations on Instagram.
Ahead, see the best graffiti nail art looks on Instagram that will convince you to try out the trend.
These Graffiti Nail Art Ideas Are Fresher Than the Prince of Bel Air
Just when we thought celebrity nail artists might run out of ideas, manicurist Chaun P. started to post graffiti-inspired nail art to Instagram. The retro-looking trend is usually painted on in bright neon nail polish and might remind you of airbrushed graffiti t-shirts that were popular in the '90s and early 2000s.
The nail art is so popular that his celebrity clients like Lala Anthony and social media star Heather Sanders have been spotted wearing the trend. We can't stop staring at his expert art, and many other artists have followed suit and posted their own graffiti nail art creations on Instagram.
Ahead, see the best graffiti nail art looks on Instagram that will convince you to try out the trend.
9 Spring 2020 Shoe Trends to Get on Your Radar ASAP
From New York and London to Milan and Paris, the fashion weeks from all four cities for Spring 2020 have left us with tons of fresh and fun shoe trends to lust after. With a little something for everyone, the newest shoe trends run the gamut from minimalist sandals to high-impact flatforms and comfy-cool sneakers you can pair with everything from jeans to dresses in the new season. For fashion-forward diehards, shoes with jewelry-like adornmonet, luxe loafers, and fresh takes one of our favorite toe-baring styles - the slide - are making their way into the spotlight, too.
Ahead, discover nine new shoe trends from the 2020 collections we know you'll love. All superwearable for work, weekends, parties, and beyond, they're even better when imagined alongside the Spring 2020 clothing trends (and handbag trends, too!). Scroll through for a complete breakdown, or jump ahead to the trend you want to explore immediately.
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Slides 2.0
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Luxe Loafers
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Wood Work
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: All The Way Up
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Pump Up The Color
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Tied Up
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Thoroughly Modern and Minimal
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Futuristic Sneakers
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Extra Adornment
9 Spring 2020 Shoe Trends to Get on Your Radar ASAP
From New York and London to Milan and Paris, the fashion weeks from all four cities for Spring 2020 have left us with tons of fresh and fun shoe trends to lust after. With a little something for everyone, the newest shoe trends run the gamut from minimalist sandals to high-impact flatforms and comfy-cool sneakers you can pair with everything from jeans to dresses in the new season. For fashion-forward diehards, shoes with jewelry-like adornmonet, luxe loafers, and fresh takes one of our favorite toe-baring styles - the slide - are making their way into the spotlight, too.
Ahead, discover nine new shoe trends from the 2020 collections we know you'll love. All superwearable for work, weekends, parties, and beyond, they're even better when imagined alongside the Spring 2020 clothing trends (and handbag trends, too!). Scroll through for a complete breakdown, or jump ahead to the trend you want to explore immediately.
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Slides 2.0
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Luxe Loafers
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Wood Work
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: All The Way Up
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Pump Up The Color
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Tied Up
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Thoroughly Modern and Minimal
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Futuristic Sneakers
- Spring Shoe Trends 2020: Extra Adornment
Get the Party Started With These Killer Costumes For Every Halloween Party of 2019
Looking for a little costume inspiration this Halloween? You're in luck if you want an easy, cheap, and creative costume that you can whip up at the last minute. We get it, and we've got you covered. Whether you want to show up to Halloween parties looking super sexy or in a completely original outfit, these costume ideas are all DIY, so you can make them right when you need 'em.
Read ahead for all the best DIY costume inspiration of the season, and get ready for an absolutely killer Halloween.
Get the Party Started With These Killer Costumes For Every Halloween Party of 2019
Looking for a little costume inspiration this Halloween? You're in luck if you want an easy, cheap, and creative costume that you can whip up at the last minute. We get it, and we've got you covered. Whether you want to show up to Halloween parties looking super sexy or in a completely original outfit, these costume ideas are all DIY, so you can make them right when you need 'em.
Read ahead for all the best DIY costume inspiration of the season, and get ready for an absolutely killer Halloween.
Get the Party Started With These Killer Costumes For Every Halloween Party of 2019
Looking for a little costume inspiration this Halloween? You're in luck if you want an easy, cheap, and creative costume that you can whip up at the last minute. We get it, and we've got you covered. Whether you want to show up to Halloween parties looking super sexy or in a completely original outfit, these costume ideas are all DIY, so you can make them right when you need 'em.
Read ahead for all the best DIY costume inspiration of the season, and get ready for an absolutely killer Halloween.
These Are Hands Down the Best Eye Shadow Palettes Around
There are so many eye shadow palettes on the market, and new, limited-edition versions are launching all the time. This can make it hard to decide which are actually worth investing your money in. As editors, we try out each new launch and put them through vigorous testing to determine which are truly the best available. We've thought about everything, including how easy the shadows are to blend, how wearable or exciting the shades are, and how pigmented the powders are, to determine which are truly first-rate.
Ahead, you'll find stellar eye shadow palettes from luxurious brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills and affordable gems like NYX Professional Makeup.
lundi 7 octobre 2019
Target Is Selling a Dancing Venus Flytrap For Halloween, and It Has Captured My Attention
Target has really outdone itself with the Halloween decor this year. There are haunted houses for cats and on-theme pajamas, and to top it all off, singing succulents. That's right, the superstore stocked up on animatronic plants this year, and they're scary cute.
The Hyde & Eek Boutique Animated Pumpkin With Dancing Vines ($35) are motion-activated and will belt out a tune with the swipe of a hand. If you've got a Little Shop of Horrors room going on, may we suggest this addition? But beware - these plants are so popular, they're already out of stock online. Luckily, certain shoppers are still finding them in storefronts, so get yourself to Target ASAP.
11 High-Waisted Jeans So Good, You'll Never Want to Wear Another Pair Again
It's not always easy finding the right jeans for your body type or your taste. From skinny cuts to baggy boyfriend fits, there is so much to choose from. No matter the style, high-waisted denim is an option that is comfortable with an added bonus: you don't have to worry about constantly pulling up the waist. The real struggle is shopping for the perfect pair.
We searched for the best and most popular brands that everyone is wearing right now, so you don't have to. Ahead, you can shop our 11 favorite pairs on the internet right now. From brands like H&M to Levi's and even Reformation, no doubt you'll have a hard time leaving empty handed. Keep reading to check them out.
Half a Pregnancy: What It's Like to Experience Vanishing Twin Syndrome
"Aren't you glad you didn't have twins?" My friend's words cut through me. I was venting about my baby girl waking me every 45 minutes at night when her response made me abruptly excuse myself. I had to hang up the phone before the tears started to flow.
I was supposed to have twins. I should have been complaining to my friend that there were two babies waking me every 45 minutes at night. Everyone who knew what happened seemed to be under the impression that since I was struggling with this new life with a newborn, I must be glad there was only one. After all, I'd finally given birth to one healthy baby - so I should be over the early loss of her twin.
The term describes an early loss in a twin pregnancy where one twin is miscarried but the other continues to grow and thrive.
The medical community refers to the pregnancy loss I experienced as vanishing twin syndrome. The term describes an early loss in a twin pregnancy where one twin is miscarried but the other continues to grow and thrive. You're only "half as pregnant" as you once were, but you're still pregnant. It's a strange dichotomy, where life and death coexist within a single uterus, and it's not as rare as you might think. The American Pregnancy Association reports that it affects anywhere from 20-30% of multifetal pregnancies.
My road to motherhood was not a particularly easy one. I fought hard to have a chance to see that beautiful second line appear on a home pregnancy test. As a same-sex couple, my wife and I were already at a bit of a fertility disadvantage. I also have PCOS, which further complicated our family expansion. After two years, 50 pounds lost, 7 IUIs, IVF, uterine surgery, and a frozen embryo transfer, I was finally pregnant. At six weeks, I had my first ultrasound; typical when you're working with a doctor specializing in fertility. The doctor was simply checking to see whether the embryo had implanted in the right place. In our case, we could see two tiny little dark spaces indicating that both of the embryos we transferred had implanted. Twins. Maybe. It was still early, after all. We weren't going to get excited until we heard heartbeats.
The next ultrasound was at the eight-week mark of my pregnancy and happened to fall on the day before Thanksgiving. I walked into the room feeling nauseous and anxious. Would we still see two? My doctor wasted no time getting to work, and it was clear right from the start of the ultrasound that both of those embryos had been busy growing. We stared at the screen in awe as we saw and heard the heartbeat of Baby A, followed by the heartbeat of Baby B. Definitely twins. Now we were excited (and terrified.) Mostly though, we were grateful.
I was too nauseous to eat our Thanksgiving dinner, but I was even grateful for my nausea. It felt like I'd never had so much to be thankful for. This was the first time I let myself relax and accept that I was actually pregnant with twins. After all our wishing and hoping for a chance to be moms, it was really happening. And we weren't just going to be moms; we were going to be twin moms. If felt like we'd been accepted into an exclusive club of some sort.
I immediately ordered a book about being pregnant with multiples and started reading it the moment it arrived. We started planning how we'd announce our pregnancy when the time came, and we busied ourselves by pinning everything twin-related that Pinterest had to offer. We even ordered two tiny little pairs of red Converse to use in our pregnancy announcement.
Soon, it was time for our third ultrasound. At 10 weeks, Baby A had clearly been growing, and we could hear the clear sound of that perfect heartbeat. At first glance, Baby B seemed to be a bit smaller, but I thought it might have just been the angle. It caught me completely off guard when my doctor turned to us and said, "I'm so sorry, but it appears that Baby B didn't survive long after your last visit."
For several ultrasounds following the loss, we would see the tiny space Baby B once occupied in my body become smaller until eventually, all we could see was our thriving Baby A.
The room spun. I stared intensely at the little ultrasound screen hoping to see something my doctor had missed. There was no flicker of a beating heart to be seen. Baby B was gone.
Most people associate a miscarriage with bleeding. Whether it happens naturally or with medical intervention, miscarriages generally result in the removal or shedding of the lining of the uterus and thus, the removal of any evidence of a pregnancy. I experienced some very mild spotting and a brief reprieve from nausea as my HCG levels fluctuated, but there was nothing about the physical experience that screamed "miscarriage" in the way that one might expect. It's different with a vanishing twin, because the cervix needs to stay closed for the remaining baby. Instead, the remains of the vanishing twin are reabsorbed by the mother's body over time, hence the vanishing part. In a way, I was fortunate that the loss happened early because a later loss puts the remaining twin at greater risk for complications.
I struggle with the terminology, because the word "vanish" implies that something is there one moment and gone the next - but that wasn't the case here. Baby B no longer had a heartbeat, but he hadn't actually disappeared. For several ultrasounds following the loss, we would see the tiny space Baby B once occupied in my body become smaller until eventually, all we could see was our thriving Baby A. There was no pain or bleeding; he was a like a shadow that faded until it was gone.
I was still fairly numb in the doctor's office that day, and the feeling stayed with me until a few days later when a friend joyfully announced she was pregnant with twins on social media. I was sitting on the couch when I saw her post, and the next thing I knew, I was wrapped up in my wife's stoic arms, gasping for air between heaving sobs. The shock had worn off, and I felt all of the pain of our loss - and my frustration over the unfairness of it all - wash over me. My wife took her cues from me in handling the loss, and her status as my safe place never wavered. She held me when I needed comfort, but more importantly, she gave me the space to sit with my feelings. She allowed me to process the loss in my own way and in my own time, never expecting that there should be a certain point in time when I should be "over it" the way some did.
I wanted people to understand why I was so anxious and why I often spoke of my impending motherhood as an "if" rather than a "when."
The rest of my pregnancy experience was dictated by fear. I was more anxious than ever, and I lived for those ultrasound appointments where I could have confirmation that our remaining baby was still healthy. It took me a long time to be able to see my pregnancy ending with the birth of a healthy baby rather than simply ending. I wanted to feel positive and to exude that radiance that people associate with pregnancy, but I couldn't silence my fears.
I wasn't shy about telling people about the loss of Baby B when it seemed appropriate. I wanted people to understand why I was so anxious and why I often spoke of my impending motherhood as an "if" rather than a "when." Sharing taught me that most people have no idea how to help someone grieve an invisible loss. The only way I found around that was to keep sharing until the loss wasn't quite so invisible anymore.
Despite all of my worrying, our daughter was born perfect and healthy six days past her due date. I've never felt such intense joy and relief as I did the moment I heard her cry. She wasn't hypothetical anymore. Suddenly, I had this very real baby in my arms. It was the first time I was able to mentally separate her from Baby B.
It's been four years, and becoming a mother has been the adventure of a lifetime. Most days, our little family of three feels just right. Still, I think of Baby B often - and sometimes I still wonder what our family might have looked like as a foursome.
11 High-Waisted Jeans So Good, You'll Never Want to Wear Another Pair Again
It's not always easy finding the right jeans for your body type or your taste. From skinny cuts to baggy boyfriend fits, there is so much to choose from. No matter the style, high-waisted denim is an option that is comfortable with an added bonus: you don't have to worry about constantly pulling up the waist. The real struggle is shopping for the perfect pair.
We searched for the best and most popular brands that everyone is wearing right now, so you don't have to. Ahead, you can shop our 11 favorite pairs on the internet right now. From brands like H&M to Levi's and even Reformation, no doubt you'll have a hard time leaving empty handed. Keep reading to check them out.
This Tim Burton-Themed Wedding Included a Drop-Dead-Gorgeous Vintage Wedding Dress
Lydia and Ed met years ago while they were both DJs in the electronic music scene, and they hit it off immediately. The two never had a traditional relationship, so after Ed popped the question on their 10-year anniversary, a conventional wedding was out of the question. While planning for their big day, the couple decided to have a so-called "Hallo-wedding," and base their ceremony off the Tim Burton movie Corpse Bride. With help from their family home, which is situated on an idyllic lake in North Carolina, Lydia and Ed held their chilling (and charming) Halloween wedding in the comfort of their backyard. The soon-to-be bride requested dead and dried flowers for the bouquets, and decided on a hauntingly beautiful dark purple and blue color scheme. The groom built the wedding's arbor by hand, while Lydia's stepmom and best friend decorated it with tea lights and butterflies. There was Halloween-themed music during the cocktail hour, spooky signature drinks served at the bar, and costumes worn by everyone in attendance.
Aside from the decor, there were many other details that made this Tim Burton-themed wedding a truly chilling celebration. Lydia's wedding dress was her mother's vintage dress from the '80s and was hand-airbrushed to match the style, color, and shading of the dress worn by Victoria in the movie. Ed's suit was specially made to mirror the era of clothing shown in Corpse Bride, and it matched the character's outfit to a tee. Both the bride and groom had thorough makeup applied to their face and bodies in order to match each of their character's skin tone and overall eerie effect, which made the day that much more enchanting.
This haunting wedding was full of frightfully festive decor and had a goosebump-worthy amount of love. Read ahead to see what a lively Corpse Bride wedding this really was, and just wait until you see the expression on the groom's face when his drop-dead gorgeous bride walks down the aisle.
Related: This Haunting Wedding Shoot Takes "Goth-Chic" to a Whole New, Sexy Level
This Tim Burton-Themed Wedding Included a Drop-Dead-Gorgeous Vintage Wedding Dress
Lydia and Ed met years ago while they were both DJs in the electronic music scene, and they hit it off immediately. The two never had a traditional relationship, so after Ed popped the question on their 10-year anniversary, a conventional wedding was out of the question. While planning for their big day, the couple decided to have a so-called "Hallo-wedding," and base their ceremony off the Tim Burton movie Corpse Bride. With help from their family home, which is situated on an idyllic lake in North Carolina, Lydia and Ed held their chilling (and charming) Halloween wedding in the comfort of their backyard. The soon-to-be bride requested dead and dried flowers for the bouquets, and decided on a hauntingly beautiful dark purple and blue color scheme. The groom built the wedding's arbor by hand, while Lydia's stepmom and best friend decorated it with tea lights and butterflies. There was Halloween-themed music during the cocktail hour, spooky signature drinks served at the bar, and costumes worn by everyone in attendance.
Aside from the decor, there were many other details that made this Tim Burton-themed wedding a truly chilling celebration. Lydia's wedding dress was her mother's vintage dress from the '80s and was hand-airbrushed to match the style, color, and shading of the dress worn by Victoria in the movie. Ed's suit was specially made to mirror the era of clothing shown in Corpse Bride, and it matched the character's outfit to a tee. Both the bride and groom had thorough makeup applied to their face and bodies in order to match each of their character's skin tone and overall eerie effect, which made the day that much more enchanting.
This haunting wedding was full of frightfully festive decor and had a goosebump-worthy amount of love. Read ahead to see what a lively Corpse Bride wedding this really was, and just wait until you see the expression on the groom's face when his drop-dead gorgeous bride walks down the aisle.
Related: This Haunting Wedding Shoot Takes "Goth-Chic" to a Whole New, Sexy Level
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