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.
dimanche 17 mai 2020
100 of the Most Beautiful Baby Names
There are so many different monikers floating around and everyone wants their child to have a name that is simply gorgeous, right? We scoured the thousands of names out there to make a list of the absolute most beautiful baby names so you don't have to because "What a beautiful name!" is totally one of the best compliments a parent can get.
Scroll through for 100 of them, 50 for boys and 50 for girls (though we love most of them for either sex!).
Beautiful Names For Boys
- Anders
- Arlo
- Asher
- Axel
- Bailey
- Bishop
- Bodhi
- Brecken
- Brinley
- Brio
- Caspian
- Cayson
- Corban
- Easton
- Ellis
- Ezra
- Elijah
- Finn
- Gaige
- Gibson
- Greyson
- Holden
- Hurley
- Idris
- Jagger
- Jasper
- Jaxon
- Kai
- Kane
- Knox
- Laszlo
- Leighton
- Liam
- Maximus
- Oliver
- Orion
- Payton
- Phoenix
- Quinten
- Rhys
- Ronin
- Rowan
- Ryder
- Schuyler
- Stetson
- Turner
- Vaughn
- Wrennyn
- Wyatt
- Xander
Beautiful Names For Girls
- Adley
- Ameila
- Aubrey
- Aurora
- Avery
- Bexley
- Bree
- Brooklyn
- Camari
- Daisy
- Darby
- Delaney
- Delilah
- Elora
- Farren
- Fiona
- Hartley
- Ireland
- Isla
- Ivory
- Jaelyn
- June
- Kiera
- Larkin
- Leilani
- Lilith
- Luna
- Mae
- Nimah
- Pearl
- Penelope
- Quinn
- Rae
- Rayne
- Rhea
- Ruby
- Sage
- Sahara
- Savannah
- Sophie
- Tamsyn
- Teagan
- Thea
- Viola
- Weylyn
- Willa
- Willow
- Zaylee
- Zola
- Zuri
samedi 16 mai 2020
Adults Only! These Sexy TV Shows on Netflix Are as Steamy as They Get
Looking for a little steamy evening entertainment? Netflix has tons of sex-filled TV shows that you can stream whenever you want. From comedies like Dear White People to dramas like Mad Men, there's not a series in here that won't have you peeping with excitement. Whether you're by yourself, hosting a Netflix watch party with friends, or having a date night with your partner, these adults-only shows are worth the hype. Grab some popcorn, throw on your comfortable lounge set (or sexy lingerie), and check out these hot-and-heavy series.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano, Haley Lyndes, and Stacy Nguyen
Adults Only! These Sexy TV Shows on Netflix Are as Steamy as They Get
Looking for a little steamy evening entertainment? Netflix has tons of sex-filled TV shows that you can stream whenever you want. From comedies like Dear White People to dramas like Mad Men, there's not a series in here that won't have you peeping with excitement. Whether you're by yourself, hosting a Netflix watch party with friends, or having a date night with your partner, these adults-only shows are worth the hype. Grab some popcorn, throw on your comfortable lounge set (or sexy lingerie), and check out these hot-and-heavy series.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano, Haley Lyndes, and Stacy Nguyen
Adults Only! These Sexy TV Shows on Netflix Are as Steamy as They Get
Looking for a little steamy evening entertainment? Netflix has tons of sex-filled TV shows that you can stream whenever you want. From comedies like Dear White People to dramas like Mad Men, there's not a series in here that won't have you peeping with excitement. Whether you're by yourself, hosting a Netflix watch party with friends, or having a date night with your partner, these adults-only shows are worth the hype. Grab some popcorn, throw on your comfortable lounge set (or sexy lingerie), and check out these hot-and-heavy series.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano, Haley Lyndes, and Stacy Nguyen
Stay-at-Home Bakers Are Searching For Cake Recipes, and These Are the Most Popular Ones
Baking at home has seen a record high in recent months, thanks mostly in part to the global stay-at-home orders that have been put in place during the coronavirus pandemic. From perfecting Chrissy Teigen's renowned banana bread to whipping up drool-worthy cinnamon rolls for every breakfast of the week, bored bakers can't seem to get out of their kitchens. According to Google, stay-at-homers are now on the hunt for delectable cake recipes, and dang, they sound delicious. From Mother's Day ideas earlier this month to graduation treat inspiration and everything in between, we rounded up the top ten most popular cake recipes that are being searched for on the internet right now, including all-time favorites like vanilla cake and creative and easy-to-make mug cakes. See the whole list of the most popular cake recipes ahead, and get ready to turn your kitchen into an at-home bakery. Enjoy!
Related: Stay-at-Home Orders Call For Cocktails! Here Are the Most-Searched Libation Recipes in Every State
Should You Wear a Face Mask While Riding Your Bike? We Asked a Doctor
The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) now recommends that all Americans wear cloth masks in public spaces to help prevent the spread the novel coronavirus. As a general rule, doctors suggest wearing a mask even while you're exercising, and cycling is no exception.
Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, an internist at Crossover Health in San Francisco and founder of End Well, told POPSUGAR that wearing a mask while riding your bike is especially important in densely populated areas. "If you're biking in a city where others are around you, you should wear a mask," Dr. Ungerleider said. Keep more than the standard six feet between you and others, and if you're ever feeling unwell, stay home.
"Breathing harder, like during exercise, may release more virus into the air as you're taking deeper and harder breaths," she said. This means it's possible that breathing during exercise causes more viral spread, especially if you're outside where the wind can blow, causing droplets to travel even further.
If you're biking in a more rural area where no one is around, it's safe to ride without a face covering, Dr. Ungerleider explained - but always bring a mask with you to have handy in case you cross paths with someone.
Although most healthy people can exercise with a face mask on, it can feel constricting, and you should remain mindful of your breathing. "It's important to know that wearing any kind of protective mask decreases the flow of air into your lungs, which equates to less oxygen in your lungs and into your bloodstream to your muscles," Dr. Ungerleider said. You may not be able to perform at the same level that you would if you weren't wearing a face mask. Dr. Ungerleider recommends paying attention to how you're feeling and to stop biking if you feel severely short of breath, lightheaded, dizzy, or experience numbness or tingling, as these could be signs that you're exercising too hard.
"Those who are new to biking or haven't exercised in a long time should take extra precautions if biking while wearing a mask," Dr. Ungerleider said. If you have a heart or lung condition, check with your doctor about the safety of exercising with a face mask before you head out for your first ride.
When selecting a facial covering, Dr. Ungerleider said you should choose the material that's most comfortable. "Different kinds of facial coverings have varying levels of airflow restriction, depending on the type and thickness of the material," she explained. For example, a layered buff or neck gaiter can be stretched over your nose and mouth. Those coverings are typically made from thinner, synthetic fabrics, which may feel more comfortable than a tightly knit cloth mask. However, she cautioned that the more comfortable coverings may not be as protective because air can more easily flow through them, which is why it's so important to be vigilant about maintaining distance. "Try out a few different types of masks and fabrics to see what works best," Dr. Ungerleider said.
Stay-at-Home Bakers Are Searching For Cake Recipes, and These Are the Most Popular Ones
Baking at home has seen a record high in recent months, thanks mostly in part to the global stay-at-home orders that have been put in place during the coronavirus pandemic. From perfecting Chrissy Teigen's renowned banana bread to whipping up drool-worthy cinnamon rolls for every breakfast of the week, bored bakers can't seem to get out of their kitchens. According to Google, stay-at-homers are now on the hunt for delectable cake recipes, and dang, they sound delicious. From Mother's Day ideas earlier this month to graduation treat inspiration and everything in between, we rounded up the top ten most popular cake recipes that are being searched for on the internet right now, including all-time favorites like vanilla cake and creative and easy-to-make mug cakes. See the whole list of the most popular cake recipes ahead, and get ready to turn your kitchen into an at-home bakery. Enjoy!
Related: Stay-at-Home Orders Call For Cocktails! Here Are the Most-Searched Libation Recipes in Every State
Stay-at-Home Bakers Are Searching For Cake Recipes, and These Are the Most Popular Ones
Baking at home has seen a record high in recent months, thanks mostly in part to the global stay-at-home orders that have been put in place during the coronavirus pandemic. From perfecting Chrissy Teigen's renowned banana bread to whipping up drool-worthy cinnamon rolls for every breakfast of the week, bored bakers can't seem to get out of their kitchens. According to Google, stay-at-homers are now on the hunt for delectable cake recipes, and dang, they sound delicious. From Mother's Day ideas earlier this month to graduation treat inspiration and everything in between, we rounded up the top ten most popular cake recipes that are being searched for on the internet right now, including all-time favorites like vanilla cake and creative and easy-to-make mug cakes. See the whole list of the most popular cake recipes ahead, and get ready to turn your kitchen into an at-home bakery. Enjoy!
Related: Stay-at-Home Orders Call For Cocktails! Here Are the Most-Searched Libation Recipes in Every State
50+ Shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Other Streaming Sites With More Than 5 Seasons Each
Looking for something to binge-watch that's a little longer than your average weekend watch? Between all the major streaming services, there are quite a few long-running TV shows that are sure to keep you occupied for as long as you need to be. Every single one of the shows recommended here has run for at least five seasons - most of them have run for even longer - so they're perfect for quarantine viewing or just a long-term investment in a good story. There's something for everyone here, from superhero action thrillers to prestige dramas and heartwarming comedies. Keep reading for dozens of our favorite long-running shows that you can watch on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO right now!
The 6 Most Comfortable Face Masks to Shop Online, According to Our Editors
Now that Centers For Disease Control (CDC) has advised all Americans to wear cloth face masks while out in public, we've got to stock up on more than a few masks that we can wear and wash regularly. There are a bunch of different options available right now, and frankly, we've found firsthand that there are good masks and not so good masks. So, we asked our editors, and found six great options that are actually comfortable and easy to wear.
Whether you prefer masks with elastic or tie-on straps, these picks have been vetted, and they're actually useful. Whether you're going on walks or going to the grocery store, these are the ones to wear. Just keep reading to shop!
50+ Shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Other Streaming Sites With More Than 5 Seasons Each
Looking for something to binge-watch that's a little longer than your average weekend watch? Between all the major streaming services, there are quite a few long-running TV shows that are sure to keep you occupied for as long as you need to be. Every single one of the shows recommended here has run for at least five seasons - most of them have run for even longer - so they're perfect for quarantine viewing or just a long-term investment in a good story. There's something for everyone here, from superhero action thrillers to prestige dramas and heartwarming comedies. Keep reading for dozens of our favorite long-running shows that you can watch on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO right now!
Should You Wear a Face Mask While Riding Your Bike? We Asked a Doctor
The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) now recommends that all Americans wear cloth masks in public spaces to help prevent the spread the novel coronavirus. As a general rule, doctors suggest wearing a mask even while you're exercising, and cycling is no exception.
Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, an internist at Crossover Health in San Francisco and founder of End Well, told POPSUGAR that wearing a mask while riding your bike is especially important in densely populated areas. "If you're biking in a city where others are around you, you should wear a mask," Dr. Ungerleider said. Keep more than the standard six feet between you and others, and if you're ever feeling unwell, stay home.
"Breathing harder, like during exercise, may release more virus into the air as you're taking deeper and harder breaths," she said. This means it's possible that breathing during exercise causes more viral spread, especially if you're outside where the wind can blow, causing droplets to travel even further.
If you're biking in a more rural area where no one is around, it's safe to ride without a face covering, Dr. Ungerleider explained - but always bring a mask with you to have handy in case you cross paths with someone.
Although most healthy people can exercise with a face mask on, it can feel constricting, and you should remain mindful of your breathing. "It's important to know that wearing any kind of protective mask decreases the flow of air into your lungs, which equates to less oxygen in your lungs and into your bloodstream to your muscles," Dr. Ungerleider said. You may not be able to perform at the same level that you would if you weren't wearing a face mask. Dr. Ungerleider recommends paying attention to how you're feeling and to stop biking if you feel severely short of breath, lightheaded, dizzy, or experience numbness or tingling, as these could be signs that you're exercising too hard.
"Those who are new to biking or haven't exercised in a long time should take extra precautions if biking while wearing a mask," Dr. Ungerleider said. If you have a heart or lung condition, check with your doctor about the safety of exercising with a face mask before you head out for your first ride.
When selecting a facial covering, Dr. Ungerleider said you should choose the material that's most comfortable. "Different kinds of facial coverings have varying levels of airflow restriction, depending on the type and thickness of the material," she explained. For example, a layered buff or neck gaiter can be stretched over your nose and mouth. Those coverings are typically made from thinner, synthetic fabrics, which may feel more comfortable than a tightly knit cloth mask. However, she cautioned that the more comfortable coverings may not be as protective because air can more easily flow through them, which is why it's so important to be vigilant about maintaining distance. "Try out a few different types of masks and fabrics to see what works best," Dr. Ungerleider said.
Murder Mystery and Money Heist Fans Will Love Netflix's New Thriller Series, White Lines
If part four of Netflix's Spanish-drama La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) has left you hungering for another thrilling murder mystery, the streamer has you covered. The mastermind behind Money Heist, Álex Pina, has teamed up with the producers of The Crown to bring a new series full of drugs, music, sex, and of course, murder.
White Lines follows Zoe Walker, a young woman who leaves behind her quiet life when the body of her brother is discovered two decades after his mysterious disappearance from Ibiza. She returns to the Spanish island paradise, virtually a stranger, and her investigation leads her down a decadent and dangerous path. Caught in the world of dance clubs, lies, and cover-ups, Zoe is forced to confront the darker side of her character as she struggles to learn who to trust and how to survive. There's a thin line between the dream and a nightmare and Zoe's dangerously close to finding it.
Whew, I got shivers just writing that! White Lines features more than a few familiar faces, including Laura Haddock as Zoe, Tom Rhys Harries as Axel Collins, Marta Milans as Kika Calafat, Juan Diego Botto as Oriol Calafat, Pedro Casablanc as Andreu Calafat, Belen Lopez as Conchita Calafat, Daniel Mays as Marcus, and Angela Griffin as Anna. The 10-episode series is set in both Manchester and the Balearic Islands, as well as across two different periods in time - the '90s and the current decade - which means viewers are in for a lot of color and waves of nostalgia.
Watch the trailer above and check out some photos from the series before White Lines premieres on Netflix on May 15.
The 6 Most Comfortable Face Masks to Shop Online, According to Our Editors
Now that Centers For Disease Control (CDC) has advised all Americans to wear cloth face masks while out in public, we've got to stock up on more than a few masks that we can wear and wash regularly. There are a bunch of different options available right now, and frankly, we've found firsthand that there are good masks and not so good masks. So, we asked our editors, and found six great options that are actually comfortable and easy to wear.
Whether you prefer masks with elastic or tie-on straps, these picks have been vetted, and they're actually useful. Whether you're going on walks or going to the grocery store, these are the ones to wear. Just keep reading to shop!
Exclusive: Netflix's Desperados Has It All: A Girls' Trip, Exes, and a Really Ill-Advised Email
It's safe to say we've all had a moment where we sent a message we didn't mean to, or more aptly, one we shouldn't have sent and wanted desperately to take it back, but Netflix's upcoming Desperados takes that experience to a whole new level - a level that we recommend no one attempts themselves!
Led by Saturday Night Live alum and Aladdin's breakout star Nasim Pedrad, the movie follows a panicked young woman and her two best friends (Anna Camp and Sarah Burns) as they fly to Mexico to delete a ranting email she sent to her new boyfriend. How, exactly, they hope to achieve that will no doubt lead to hilarity, but that's not even the best part. When they arrive in Mexico, they run into her ex-boyfriend, played by New Girl's Lamorne Morris, who quickly gets caught up in their scheming. We're pretty sure it's a terrible idea to let your former beau help with any shenanigans that regard your current paramour, but we're down to see how this plays out!
In our exclusive first look at the film directed by LP, we get a glimpse of the trio, as well as Morris and other film stars Robbie Amell and Heather Graham. We don't doubt the film will be hilarious since the cast is full of comedic actors, but the looks between Pedrad and Morris are giving us some strong pining vibes that we can 100 percent get behind. The pair have played a couple before, with their characters winding up married with children in New Girl, so we already know they have chemistry!
Keep reading to get a full look at the film, and mark your calendars; Desperados will be available on Netflix on July 3!
Grandma's Peach Cobbler and Your Favorite Campfire S'mores Just Got an Ice Cream Makeover
Grab a spoon because some of our favorite summer snacks just got a dessert makeover, à la mode. As part of its line of layered ice creams, Breyers released two new limited edition flavors: Layered Dessert S'mores Ice Cream and Layered Dessert Peach Cobbler Ice Cream. Perfect for serving with a slice of pie, the peach cobbler flavor is peach ice cream layered with buttery shortbread cookie pieces and actual chunks of of peach cobbler. For chocolate lovers, the s'mores flavor consists of vanilla ice cream packed with graham cracker pieces, chocolate, and gooey marshmallow bits.
Available now through the fall for $4 per carton, you can find these creamy treats via in-store pickup at Target and Walmart, and the s'mores ice cream can be ordered for delivery via Instacart. See what these tasty treats look like inside their cartons ahead, and try the summery new flavors for yourself before they're gone.
Murder Mystery and Money Heist Fans Will Love Netflix's New Thriller Series, White Lines
If part four of Netflix's Spanish-drama La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) has left you hungering for another thrilling murder mystery, the streamer has you covered. The mastermind behind Money Heist, Álex Pina, has teamed up with the producers of The Crown to bring a new series full of drugs, music, sex, and of course, murder.
White Lines follows Zoe Walker, a young woman who leaves behind her quiet life when the body of her brother is discovered two decades after his mysterious disappearance from Ibiza. She returns to the Spanish island paradise, virtually a stranger, and her investigation leads her down a decadent and dangerous path. Caught in the world of dance clubs, lies, and cover-ups, Zoe is forced to confront the darker side of her character as she struggles to learn who to trust and how to survive. There's a thin line between the dream and a nightmare and Zoe's dangerously close to finding it.
Whew, I got shivers just writing that! White Lines features more than a few familiar faces, including Laura Haddock as Zoe, Tom Rhys Harries as Axel Collins, Marta Milans as Kika Calafat, Juan Diego Botto as Oriol Calafat, Pedro Casablanc as Andreu Calafat, Belen Lopez as Conchita Calafat, Daniel Mays as Marcus, and Angela Griffin as Anna. The 10-episode series is set in both Manchester and the Balearic Islands, as well as across two different periods in time - the '90s and the current decade - which means viewers are in for a lot of color and waves of nostalgia.
Watch the trailer above and check out some photos from the series before White Lines premieres on Netflix on May 15.
How Surfing World Champ Carissa Moore Stays Motivated When All Bets Are Off
It was already going to be an unusual year for surfer Carissa Moore. After winning the 2019 World Surf League title, the four-time world champion made an unexpected decision: withdrawing from the 2020 season to focus her energy solely on the Tokyo Olympics, where surfing was to make its debut. The break was to follow a grueling season. The world title race had come down to the last competition of the year, a three-way, all-American battle that would also decide which surfers would represent Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics. Moore took the title and the first berth; then-17-year-old Caroline Marks took the second. (Moore's dramatic, season-long journey to the title was captured in Riss, a RedBull TV docu-film released May 11.)
All of which meant that when the coronavirus outbreak accelerated into a pandemic, shutting down sports and postponing the Olympics, Moore was in a different position than many athletes. "I hadn't really started training at all," she said. In March, when the Olympics postponement was announced, she was still in relaxation mode. "I was looking at April as [the month] where the intensity would pick up."
And unlike athletes in many other sports, Moore's spot on the Olympic team is secure and will transfer over to 2021. "I feel very fortunate as a surfer, because for our team, everything got solidified fairly early," Moore told POPSUGAR. "I feel for the other sports, where people were in tip-top shape, getting ready to go into their trials."
Moore's unique situation means that her training schedule hasn't actually changed much since the shutdown. "In the mornings, I usually get up early and find some surf somewhere," she said. (Surfing is still allowed at beaches in Honolulu, where Moore lives.) In the middle of the day, she'll "get creative": reading, working in the garden, or scrapbooking. She'll train in the afternoon, doing home workouts, running, or hiking in the valley where she lives. "I'm very fortunate that I'm still allowed to do most of what I do normally," Moore said.
She's also been giving back, taking part in the World Surf League's #StayLocal campaign to support small businesses through the pandemic. The league asked athletes to make a donation to one of their favorite local businesses, promising to match the amount up to $2,000. Around the same time, Moore said she was approached by a local representative and asked to hand out school lunches at a local elementary school, which had closed down during the pandemic.
"That got me thinking, how cool would it be if I got to kill two birds with one stone?" Moore said. Choosing Banan, a banana-based fruit soft-serve shop, as her local business, Moore purchased 200 cups and brought them to Palolo Elementary School to give away with lunches.
It was a good way to practice something that Moore's been working on lately: staying present and focusing on daily goals, as simple as finishing the laundry or cleaning her house, to stay on track. "This is the first time in my whole life I've had to just slow down," she said. "The most challenging thing is finding ways to stay busy and motivated, physically and mentally." While she misses the constant on-the-road lifestyle of a pro surfer, she said she's working on finding space and peace in this moment.
"What's been helping me is finding three things to be grateful for every morning. Starting my day with a grateful heart," she said. "Just embracing the stillness. I'm trying to be as grateful as possible."
Lili Reinhart Talking So Openly About Mental Health and Body Image Changed My Life
Actress Lili Reinhart is best known for her breakout role as Betty Cooper on The CW's popular crime drama Riverdale and her role as Annabelle in the hit movie Hustlers. But she's also an outspoken advocate who uses her fame as a platform to try to normalize mental illness and push back on unrealistic beauty standards - and for that, I'm personally so grateful.
Reinhart has been very open about her mental health over the years. She once told W that, after almost five months of living in Los Angeles, her mental health reached an all-time low, forcing her to return home to Cleveland, OH, where she received professional help. Of course, she eventually returned to LA and landed the role on Riverdale - and by sharing her personal journey since then, she has helped me tremendously in overcoming my own struggles with anxiety and depression.
Having someone I admired speak out so publicly gave me the confidence to get the help I needed.
For the longest time, I refused to seek treatment because of the stigma associated with mental illness. I was scared I would be judged and ostracized from society for taking antidepressants and seeing a therapist. I thought people would define me by my mental illness rather than who I am as an individual. I also knew that getting help would mean acknowledging my struggles publicly, which I feared would mean being bullied and having fewer educational and employment opportunities. I was also frightened that doctors would pin any physical symptoms on my mental illness, therefore dismissing the seriousness of any physical conditions I may develop down the line.
Having someone I admired speak out so publicly gave me the confidence to get the help I needed. I'm no longer ashamed that I struggle with mental illness, and I even feel that the challenges I've faced have made me a stronger person. I've also never been more open about my mental health than I am right now, and I'm proud of that.
Reinhart is also an outspoken advocate for body positivity. She has shut down body-shamers countless times, once even calling out Cosmopolitan Philippines for photoshopping her waistline, by posting the original photo and the edited version on Instagram to show just how much her shape was digitally altered. She explained how disappointed she was to have her body photoshopped to conform to beauty standards and encouraged other celebrities to forgo the practice because of the negative impact altered images can have on young fans.
As someone who struggled with my weight growing up, Reinhart's words were exactly what I needed to hear. I often wore hoodies and sweatpants and avoided photos because I was so uncomfortable in my own skin, but watching Reinhart pull back the curtain on these unrealistic standards helped me realize that there's no such thing as a perfect body. Now, I celebrate my body for what it can do, and I don't let any negative comments shake my confidence. I know where real beauty comes from, and it's not from a person's appearance.
I feel fortunate to have come up in an era when celebrities are so candid about issues like mental health and body image, because that wasn't always the case. It may sound cliché, but I truly believe I wouldn't be the person I am today had Reinhart not been so brave in sharing her own struggles. I'd wish the same for any young fan who finds themselves in my shoes.
5 Stretches You Should Do Every Day, According to a Yoga Instructor
You probably already stretch before and after exercising, depending on the workout, but stretching is something you need to do every day, whether you work out or not. That's because it keeps your muscles from shortening (hello, tight hamstrings from sitting at a desk all day), and helps with flexibility, mobility, and range of motion. Aside from making you strong and limber, stretching regularly will protect you from injury, too.
Thankfully, it doesn't take a ton of time. These five exercises from Tessa Jenkins, training director for Bulldog Online and Bulldog Yoga, can be done in just five minutes at any point during the day. Whether you prefer to wake up and stretch or shake off brain fog with some midday poses, the benefits of this routine will help both body and mind.
I'm Seriously Thinking About Homeschooling Our Kids Next Year
The pandemic has wreaked havoc inside homes across the globe. We're very lucky to have our health and safety amidst all this. We've also been blessed with a few perks: Our family connection is much stronger and, strangely, my kids become more intrinsically motivated to learn. This factor alone has pushed me to seriously consider homeschooling next fall regardless of what happens with COVID-19 and whatever our school district chooses to do.
I saw it in my kids (second grade and kindergarten) right away - they relaxed once school was canceled for the rest of the year. Sure, they love school and missed their friends, but the stress from school evaporated once they no longer had to go. The long day, lack of free play, and overall rigid structure of the school day just seems too much for my kids. They'd always come home beyond grumpy and throw tantrums like they were toddlers all over again. And honestly, I didn't blame them.
But once the pandemic hit, and they were stuck at home, as awful as it is, they smiled and laughed more. As their new "teacher," I began to run with it. I reached out to their teachers and asked if I could do some things my way. Thankfully, their teachers obliged. Although I teach at the college level, I used to work with my kids a lot when they were younger to help them master their letters and numbers. So, over the past couple months of dappling with homeschooling, we've had fun with learning by doing more art, learning by moving our bodies, being in nature, and most importantly, giving my kids freedom and time to learn.
I immediately noticed that my second-grade son, who had turned into a reluctant reader (giant disappointment as an English teacher), began grabbing books and taking them outside to read on a whim. He'd devour chapter books in one day. He also dove into baking - something he never had time for before. My kindergarten-aged daughter has turned into a little Picasso. She takes items we'd typically recycle, like toilet paper rolls, and make art out of them. So, I get to have conversations with her about recycling and our environment. We're also having a lot of fun with games that get her busy body moving to learn her sight words and math.
Overall, things feel much more relaxed in our home. Learning feels how it should, with students taking the lead. This freedom gives my kids time to be curious about things that matter to them. My son, for example, wants to know about the brain: how it gets our bodies to do things. So we did a lesson on learning the parts of the brain and how it makes our body act. He's the one who wanted to learn about that, not me. This motivation makes me trust that homeschooling next year will be the way to go.
Things are not perfect over here. I lose my temper and miss being able to work in peace daily. My kids miss socializing with their peers and I'm sure they'd tell you I nag them too much. But examining the big picture, I'm realizing that they desperately need a slower life. Plus, I only have this one childhood with them. Our bond is stronger because I simply have more time with them. We have conversations about anything from boogers to coronavirus. I'm able to pause and listen, cuddle longer, and read with them until I almost fall asleep.
I'm doing my best to relish this time with my children because I know that there will be a time they'll desperately want to go back to school. But for now, I'm going to continue to research all I can about homeschooling and giving my kids the best education I can, without going anywhere at all.
My Boyfriend Gave Me a Brazilian Wax at Home and It Was An Experience We’ll Never Forget
Up until 2 months ago, I hadn't shaved down there in over four years. I had a standing Brazilian appointment at European Wax Center and you could find me there, like clockwork, every four weeks. I was always told that no matter what, I shouldn't try shaving in between waxes, because it would make the next session more painful. When my city closed all nonessential businesses back in March, I held out for a little over a month before coming to the realization that I was going to have to shave. I had always dutifully listened to my aesthetician's advice, but I was at the point where I couldn't take it much longer.
My first attempt at shaving went terribly. I was not prepared for how spiky and sharp my hair would feel post-shave, the nicks and cuts, or the feeling that with one wrong move I would suffer from severe rug burn due to my vagina stubble. Also, I wasn't even going to attempt shaving the hair back there. Putting a razor in an area I could barely see without a mirror? No thank you. Swearing off shaving for good left me with two choices: grow out a full bush or learn how to DIY a Brazilian wax.
Thinking back to everything I knew about DIY waxing, one anecdote stuck in my mind. During one of my past waxing appointments, in an effort to make the waxing experience a little less awkward, I asked my aesthetician if she got waxed or waxed herself. "Don't ever try waxing yourself," she told me sternly. "One time a girl came in here after trying that, but the wax had dried on her hair because she was too scared to pull it off. She was lucky we were able to get it off. She was about 30 minutes away from having to go to the hospital."
This story ran through my head every time I considered giving myself an at home wax. I knew I was brave, but just how brave? Was I "rip my pubic hair off with hot wax" brave? I wasn't sure. With that thought in mind, I realized I needed back up. I considered my options. I could call my mother, but she couldn't do much more than cheer me on through FaceTime. Could I ask a friend who lived down the street? My cousin?
The answer sat there on the couch next to me, watching Homeland: My boyfriend. Yes, he would be the one to go into battle with me. We could do this together. "Would you be willing to give me a Brazilian wax?" I asked him. "Sure," he said noncommittally. My eyes lit up as the wheels in my brain started turning.
A few days later when I brought up his everlasting love for me and his commitment to help me wax my nether-regions, he was still game. I already owned the Bliss Poetic Waxing Hair Removal Kit ($23) that had great reviews online. One of my coworkers had even tried it herself and noted that it was one of the less painful kits she had tried, albeit messy.
Image Source: Amazon.com
There were a few things I opted not to tell my boyfriend prior to beginning our waxing experience together. The first was that my aesthetician had given me the nickname "The Flincher" because every time she applied hot wax I would flinch. I figured my boyfriend would figure this out on his own. The second was that I was on my period. I had been waxed plenty of times while on my period, and I did what I normally did - showered and made sure I had a fresh tampon in. Again, I filed this under the "things my boyfriend would soon find out" category.
Prior to beginning, I read the wax kit's instructions in their entirety, and decided my boyfriend should hear them as well. As I sat there explaining the laundry list of tips to him, I could see everything going in one ear and out the other as his eyes glazed over. Figuring our best bet was just to dive right in, I shut up and decided to get to it.
The first thing we did was set up our space. I looked around for an area I could lay on that was about the height of a massage table, and my eyes landed on our kitchen counter. Not the most sanitary, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I laid two bath towels down and brought my full length mirror into the kitchen, where I set it against the fridge. Just because I was willing to let a licensed aesthetician do her magic with my eyes closed, did not mean my boyfriend was going down there unsupervised with hot wax in hand.
The waxing kit we used needed to be heated up in the microwave in 30 second intervals, which felt like a lifetime. Both of us were nervous, and by the time we hit our fifth minute I was worried my boyfriend was going to lock himself in a bathroom and refuse to come out. Finally, after the 6th minute, the wax seemed hot enough to apply. I hopped up on the kitchen counter and butterflied my legs.
At this point in time my confidence was beginning to sway, and I could feel myself starting to sweat. Who did I think I was? The girl who hopped on the kitchen island 10 seconds ago and butterflied her legs without a care in the world was not the same girl staring at me in the mirror. I was not a professional, and neither was my boyfriend.
I took deep breaths and tried to calm myself down. I mixed the wax and began spreading it over a patch of hair. My boyfriend came over and held my back so I could relax against his arms while I pulled the first strip. When it came time to do the actual pulling, I was a mess. My hands were sweating and my brain was melting at the thought of ripping this hair out. Seeing my hesitation, my boyfriend tried cheering me on, "Just rip it like a bandaid!" When that didn't work, he decided it was time to take the reins. He told me to lay back and get comfortable, and he got to work. As you can imagine, the first few strips were shocking, but eventually we got into a rhythm.
We got through the rest of the waxing fairly painlessly (OK, as "painless" for a Brazilian wax done by someone who has never done it before as it gets), with my boyfriend stopping occasionally to ask questions. He quickly adopted the motto of "scoop and spread" when applying the wax, as well as "breathe in, breathe out" when pulling strips of wax. Toward the end I was actually starting to feel like I was in a salon. A very inexpensive, not totally sanitary, and unlicensed salon.
The final portion was waxing the area that made this a "Brazilian" and not a "bikini" wax. The backdoor, if you will. This section went over fairly smoothly (get it?) except for my boyfriend's discovery of my hemorrhoid. His original commentary of "there are pieces of your butt coming out of your butt" was met with panic until I realized what he was talking about and very loudly and impatiently replied, "THAT'S MY HEMORRHOID!" Thank you to my boyfriend for discovering this and pointing it out multiple times throughout the process. He's nothing if not efficient.
Overall, while I did find myself stressed out for much of the experience, I also found myself laughing 99 percent of the time. I am truly proud of the fact that my boyfriend was able to handle this task in stride with a very minimal amount of complaining. Although I was pulling wax off of my butt in the shower for two days afterward, I would definitely do it again. Also, the kit was only $23 and my boyfriend's labor was free, so cheers to that!
My Boyfriend Gave Me a Brazilian Wax at Home and It Was An Experience We’ll Never Forget
Up until 2 months ago, I hadn't shaved down there in over four years. I had a standing Brazilian appointment at European Wax Center and you could find me there, like clockwork, every four weeks. I was always told that no matter what, I shouldn't try shaving in between waxes, because it would make the next session more painful. When my city closed all nonessential businesses back in March, I held out for a little over a month before coming to the realization that I was going to have to shave. I had always dutifully listened to my aesthetician's advice, but I was at the point where I couldn't take it much longer.
My first attempt at shaving went terribly. I was not prepared for how spiky and sharp my hair would feel post-shave, the nicks and cuts, or the feeling that with one wrong move I would suffer from severe rug burn due to my vagina stubble. Also, I wasn't even going to attempt shaving the hair back there. Putting a razor in an area I could barely see without a mirror? No thank you. Swearing off shaving for good left me with two choices: grow out a full bush or learn how to DIY a Brazilian wax.
Thinking back to everything I knew about DIY waxing, one anecdote stuck in my mind. During one of my past waxing appointments, in an effort to make the waxing experience a little less awkward, I asked my aesthetician if she got waxed or waxed herself. "Don't ever try waxing yourself," she told me sternly. "One time a girl came in here after trying that, but the wax had dried on her hair because she was too scared to pull it off. She was lucky we were able to get it off. She was about 30 minutes away from having to go to the hospital."
This story ran through my head every time I considered giving myself an at home wax. I knew I was brave, but just how brave? Was I "rip my pubic hair off with hot wax" brave? I wasn't sure. With that thought in mind, I realized I needed back up. I considered my options. I could call my mother, but she couldn't do much more than cheer me on through FaceTime. Could I ask a friend who lived down the street? My cousin?
The answer sat there on the couch next to me, watching Homeland: My boyfriend. Yes, he would be the one to go into battle with me. We could do this together. "Would you be willing to give me a Brazilian wax?" I asked him. "Sure," he said noncommittally. My eyes lit up as the wheels in my brain started turning.
A few days later when I brought up his everlasting love for me and his commitment to help me wax my nether-regions, he was still game. I already owned the Bliss Poetic Waxing Hair Removal Kit ($23) that had great reviews online. One of my coworkers had even tried it herself and noted that it was one of the less painful kits she had tried, albeit messy.
Image Source: Amazon.com
There were a few things I opted not to tell my boyfriend prior to beginning our waxing experience together. The first was that my aesthetician had given me the nickname "The Flincher" because every time she applied hot wax I would flinch. I figured my boyfriend would figure this out on his own. The second was that I was on my period. I had been waxed plenty of times while on my period, and I did what I normally did - showered and made sure I had a fresh tampon in. Again, I filed this under the "things my boyfriend would soon find out" category.
Prior to beginning, I read the wax kit's instructions in their entirety, and decided my boyfriend should hear them as well. As I sat there explaining the laundry list of tips to him, I could see everything going in one ear and out the other as his eyes glazed over. Figuring our best bet was just to dive right in, I shut up and decided to get to it.
The first thing we did was set up our space. I looked around for an area I could lay on that was about the height of a massage table, and my eyes landed on our kitchen counter. Not the most sanitary, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I laid two bath towels down and brought my full length mirror into the kitchen, where I set it against the fridge. Just because I was willing to let a licensed aesthetician do her magic with my eyes closed, did not mean my boyfriend was going down there unsupervised with hot wax in hand.
The waxing kit we used needed to be heated up in the microwave in 30 second intervals, which felt like a lifetime. Both of us were nervous, and by the time we hit our fifth minute I was worried my boyfriend was going to lock himself in a bathroom and refuse to come out. Finally, after the 6th minute, the wax seemed hot enough to apply. I hopped up on the kitchen counter and butterflied my legs.
At this point in time my confidence was beginning to sway, and I could feel myself starting to sweat. Who did I think I was? The girl who hopped on the kitchen island 10 seconds ago and butterflied her legs without a care in the world was not the same girl staring at me in the mirror. I was not a professional, and neither was my boyfriend.
I took deep breaths and tried to calm myself down. I mixed the wax and began spreading it over a patch of hair. My boyfriend came over and held my back so I could relax against his arms while I pulled the first strip. When it came time to do the actual pulling, I was a mess. My hands were sweating and my brain was melting at the thought of ripping this hair out. Seeing my hesitation, my boyfriend tried cheering me on, "Just rip it like a bandaid!" When that didn't work, he decided it was time to take the reins. He told me to lay back and get comfortable, and he got to work. As you can imagine, the first few strips were shocking, but eventually we got into a rhythm.
We got through the rest of the waxing fairly painlessly (OK, as "painless" for a Brazilian wax done by someone who has never done it before as it gets), with my boyfriend stopping occasionally to ask questions. He quickly adopted the motto of "scoop and spread" when applying the wax, as well as "breathe in, breathe out" when pulling strips of wax. Toward the end I was actually starting to feel like I was in a salon. A very inexpensive, not totally sanitary, and unlicensed salon.
The final portion was waxing the area that made this a "Brazilian" and not a "bikini" wax. The backdoor, if you will. This section went over fairly smoothly (get it?) except for my boyfriend's discovery of my hemorrhoid. His original commentary of "there are pieces of your butt coming out of your butt" was met with panic until I realized what he was talking about and very loudly and impatiently replied, "THAT'S MY HEMORRHOID!" Thank you to my boyfriend for discovering this and pointing it out multiple times throughout the process. He's nothing if not efficient.
Overall, while I did find myself stressed out for much of the experience, I also found myself laughing 99 percent of the time. I am truly proud of the fact that my boyfriend was able to handle this task in stride with a very minimal amount of complaining. Although I was pulling wax off of my butt in the shower for two days afterward, I would definitely do it again. Also, the kit was only $23 and my boyfriend's labor was free, so cheers to that!
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