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 14 janvier 2018
35 Secrets to Marriage Success
For many married couples, falling in love and saying "I do" was the easy part. Living happily ever after is the part that takes a whole lot of work.
My family history doesn't have the best track record when it comes to the vow "until death do us part." My parents divorced when I was 18, and on my mom's side alone, not one single marriage has lasted (keep in mind, she's one of eight siblings). One might think this would make me a cynic when it comes to marriage - but for some unexplainable reason, that's not the case. Maybe I'm an idealist, but I think you can fall in love with your best friend, grow old together, and even live happily ever after.
I sought out some honest advice from real people who might have insight as to what makes a marriage stand the distance. I reached out to all the married couples and divorcées I knew and asked them the burning question, "What's the secret to making a marriage successful?" Read their words of wisdom below:
- Share everything with each other. Most importantly, everything you are feeling. There is no way to be on common ground if you don't communicate how you're feeling.
- Whatever bad stuff happens, remember this, too, will pass.
- Affection breeds more affection. Touch each other, kiss each other good morning, and have plenty of sex (even when you're old!). It's too easy to get out of the habit, which makes you feel distant. Intimacy and physical affection really help keep you connected.
- Children can be stressful, but they, too, will grow up.
- Let the little things go and think big picture. Since you're in it for the long haul, are you really going to care who did or didn't run the dishwasher when you look back in 10 years? Remind yourself that your relationship is much, much bigger than any one minor incident.
- Fill the fridge with his favorites - it's easy to do, so just do it.
- Take time for yourself to do what you love, what makes you happy and gives you energy - being successful as a couple will only work if each of you is strong and fulfilled as an individual.
- Avoid giving the silent treatment. Talk about things that bother you as soon as possible; don't let your emotions build up, because you'll likely explode.
- Let go of hurts more easily, and try not to dwell on things that annoy you.
- Don't be afraid to compromise. It sounds like a bad word and like you are giving up on your "ideals," but in reality it's about the push and pull of a relationship. Try rating how much you want something on a scale from one to 10 and have your partner do the same. So if eating out is a five for you and staying in is a nine for him, then you should stay in that night.
- Don't take each other for granted. You have to work at it all the time.
- Be spontaneous. Change things up every once in a while, whether that means a last-minute vacation or a card for no special occasion. Grand gifts and the smallest gestures can go a long way when you're with someone for a very long time.
- Be nice! This can be harder than it seems sometimes, but remember that you (hopefully) love the person more than anyone else on the planet and you chose to marry them, so treat them with kindness.
- Be patient. You both might grow together at different times and in different ways, so you need to give and take to make it last forever.
- Celebrate when good things happen, and be expressive about it.
- Find new things, new hobbies to do together like road biking, a cooking class, or starting a garden. It's just another reason to spend time together building your bond, and it keeps the excitement going.
- Marry someone you like killing time with.
- Tell them what you need. As much as you want them to, they can't read minds. Tell them that you feel disconnected and that you want a day alone together or date night.
- Speaking of date nights, go on them and have fun! It's important to set time alone regardless of how busy either gets - especially when you have kids. Even if you're overworked, overtired, or low on funds, it doesn't take much time or money to reconnect. It can be as simple as going for a walk or cooking dinner together.
- Make a budget together. It's a great way to talk about your plans and dreams for the future and how to make them happen.
- Surprise each other like you used to do when dating with special notes, small gifts, baking them a favorite recipe, or planning a weekend away. It lets the other person know you're still in love with them, and it makes you feel the love, too.
- On the other end, when your spouse does do something special for you, show appreciation. They may know that you think all those positive things, but it's nice to hear them out loud.
- Build your partner up and support them to be all they can or want to be.
- Take time to put yourself in your spouse's shoes before judging. You want to avoid unnecessary criticism or negativity as much as you can.
- Make each other laugh. Try not to take everything so seriously.
- Communication is key. When your marriage hits certain speed bumps, remind yourself that when you come out on the other side, your relationship should be better and more evolved. Make sure the tough times lead to improvement, and if you keep making the same mistakes, reevaluate why.
- Have couple friends but also your own friends who you hang out with on a regular basis, without your spouse.
- Be more generous with time and money.
- Be happy yourself. If you're in a slump, there's a tendency to take it out on your spouse or want them to fix it. You have to fix yourself.
- Don't get defensive. Try to come at things from a place of love and kindness, and don't assume you're being attacked.
- Trust and be trustworthy.
- Try to always remember why you fell in love with your partner. Whether it was their sense of humor or ambition - always remind yourself.
- Say "I love you," and tell your partner they look attractive.
- Appreciate what you have and realize that marriages at times can be fragile and need to be taken care of.
- Enjoy the NOW. Add a house, kids, etc. to the plate, and things just keep getting more complicated. Whatever phase you're in, embrace it and enjoy it.
The Biggest Misconception About Keto, Debunked By a Doctor
The keto diet is still hotly contested, but clinical nutritionist Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNC chalks a lot of that up to one giant misconception: "It's not just butter and bacon."
Though it is a very high-fat diet (up to 80 percent of your calories come from fat!), Dr. Axe noted that most people don't understand how to eat healthy with that macronutrient distribution (and thus end up defaulting to butter and bacon).
While grass-fed butter is still a good fat source, he also recommends seeking healthy fats from natural sources like avocados and nuts. And while salad isn't the first thing to come to mind when you think "keto diet," Dr. Axe suggests "loading up on vegetables and water," while eating "some meat." He especially noted that vegetables, herbs, and greens are of the utmost importance, and are often neglected on the diet.
He told POPSUGAR that he emphasizes the importance of alkaline foods while in ketosis. "I have my clients on the ketogenic diet eat things like bone broth, mixes of veggie juice powder, or organic super green powder, veggies without sugar, celery, cucumber, spinach, turmeric . . . lots of cilantro and parsley. These are all really, really alkaline." This is to balance the acidity and the pH of your body while in ketosis so you can sustain the diet for a few months in a healthy way.
The Easy Eating Formula For Getting Rid of Body Fat
If you feel soft in the middle, you can either thank your mother for inheriting her blessed genetic predisposition for belly flab or your sweet kiddos who were created there. Whatever the reason, if you'd much rather have a sleeker midsection, as a mom of two, I can totally relate.
Although it's impossible to spot-reduce fat from specific areas, we've enlisted the help of Christmas Abbott, CrossFit competitor and author of The Badass Body Diet ($28), to help us ditch our pinch-more-than-an-inch tummies. As a formerly "skinny fat" woman who transformed her body through CrossFit and a dialed-in diet, Christmas understands how real women feel and also what they need to do to get the body they crave. "Food is your foundation, and fitness is the accessory," says Christmas. She believes that every meal and snack needs to embrace the macronutrient trifecta of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats to help reduce overall body fat, which will aid in reducing stubborn belly fat.
Christmas explains that all food can be categorized into a protein, a carbohydrate, or a fat. "You can't go wrong by dividing your plate into thirds and filling each section with a primo protein, primo carbohydrate, and primo fat." There are only two foods Christmas says to avoid - processed foods and alcohol - since these contribute to unwanted fat. If you want to know specifics about how many of each to eat, The Badass Body Diet outlines a diet plan based on your personal body type and goals.
What about exercise? Short, high-intensity training sessions are proven to help reduce belly fat faster than steady-state cardio. Below are some great examples of this type of workout.
- 45-minute walk-run-sprint interval workout for beginners
- 10-minute HIIT video from celeb trainer Astrid McGuire
- 60-minute walk-jog workout
- 7-minute workout that targets belly fat
- 20-minute full-body HIIT video workout
- 30-minute pyramid interval workout for the treadmill
- Tush-toning interval workout with hill repeats
And once the belly fat begins to dissolve, you'll want to reveal a carved, toned core with this 10-minute ab workout. Working out three times a week is great if you're starting out, then you can add additional days as your body becomes stronger. As a CrossFit competitor, Olympic lifter, and head trainer at CrossFit HQ, Christmas also makes a point that your workouts should be fun so you stick with them longer.
If You Effing Suck at Applying False Lashes, Give These Ardell Ones a Try
When it comes to makeup, I consider myself pretty skilled. I can conceal and perfect my base, contour my cheeks to the gawds, and nail a damn good cat eye. But even though I've been able to master all the beauty basics, I f*cking suck at putting on fake lashes.
No matter how many tips or demonstrations I get from pros, I can never get false lashes right. I've tried holding a mirror beneath my face to carefully place strips along my lash line. I've used a variety of tools like tweezers and lash applicators but nearly poked my eyeballs into the abyss. Not to mention the countless number of cat eyes and shadow bases that I've destroyed with lash glue (RIP). So instead, I stick to lifting my fringe with good ol' mascara.
However, a few months ago, fellow POPSUGAR editor Brinton Parker tested magnetic lash accents, and I was intrigued. The innovative enhancement looked really natural and convincing on Brinton, but the lash novice in me couldn't imagine ever being able to apply magnetic pieces successfully, much less dropping over $50 on a set.
But magnetic lashes just became more accessible for beauty newbies and experts thanks to Ardell. The beloved brand is releasing a range of magnetic, no-glue lashes that you can pick up at the drugstore. The entire collection (which you can get January 2018 at CVS, Rite Aid, Sally Beauty, Target, Ulta, Walgreens, and Walmart for $14) comes in full strips and accents.
Because of my sticky history with applying faux strips, the lash dummy in me needed to put Ardell's new enhancements to the test. See how they cracked up ahead.
Here's What You Need to Know About the Big Changes Coming to Your Facebook News Feed
Big changes are coming to your Facebook News Feed, and they're all centered on "bringing people closer together."
On Jan. 11, the social media giant announced a massive algorithm shift that, according to Facebook's Head of News Feed Adam Mosseri, will "prioritize posts that spark conversations and meaningful interactions between people" and minimize the onslaught of news stories from brands and publishers. To be clear, you'll still see content from the pages you follow, but "posts from friends and family" will be ranked above "public content."
CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained the changes in a Facebook post, noting that the platform had "gotten feedback from our community that public content -- posts from businesses, brands and media -- is crowding out the personal moments that lead us to connect more with each other."
So what exactly do these changes mean for you? According to Facebook, here are four types of posts you can expect to see a whole lot more of in your News Feed going forward.
Major Life Events
You know how you've been seeing a bit more of your friends and family highlighting their most meaningful moments? Those births, engagements, first steps, first pets - all of them are going to make their way back to front and center on the News Feed.
Personal News
Instead of seeing what's going on in the world without any tether to the people you know, you're going to begin to see more of what people are grappling with on a daily basis. Be it brilliant news or the absolute worst, Facebook is aiming to make it easier to provide support to those who need it.
Big Events
Facebook uses Oprah Winfrey's epic Golden Globes speech as a touchpoint for what we'll be seeing in terms of newsy events - basically anything that gets people talking in a productive, meaningful way will be prioritized over "engagement bait" that's merely out for "likes" and comments.
Recommendations and Advice
Facebook prioritized all things local and community-based earlier this year, so it won't come as a surprise that it's going to start surfacing those little boxes that have begun popping up requesting advice and recommendations. To date, these have mainly been used to garner recommendations for a trip or a big move, but expect to start seeing this extend more toward personal advice and how to deal with the everyday issues we face in our lives.
After Being Pardoned by Trump, Former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio Announces Senate Run
Mere months after former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio was pardoned of criminal contempt charges by President Donald Trump, on Jan. 9 he announced his candidacy for the US Senate. Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt after ignoring a judge's order not to detain suspected undocumented immigrants, was the sheriff of Maricopa County, which includes the state's capital, Phoenix, for five terms, or 24 years. His tenure was widely reported on due to extreme policies, numerous lawsuits, and outrageous anti-immigrant rhetoric. Arpaio's criminal conviction came six months after he lost his seat to a Democratic challenger in 2016, and after Trump's pardon, he managed to emerge from the situation unscathed.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the longtime Trump supporter immediately honed in on the president's voting base. "I am running for the U.S. Senate from the Great State of Arizona for one unwavering reason: to support the agenda and policies of President Donald Trump in his mission to Make America Great Again," Arpaio announced on Twitter.
I am running for the U.S. Senate from the Great State of Arizona, for one unwavering reason: to support the agenda and policies of President Donald Trump in his mission to Make America Great Again. https://t.co/ANppBdDOtp
- Sheriff Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) January 9, 2018
It's worth noting that Arpaio is by no means a shoo-in for the race; ultimately, he'll go head to head with Steve Bannon-backed former state Senator Kelli Ward and, if rumors prove true, Arizona Rep. Martha McSally. But it's pretty safe to say at this stage that the race to fill Jeff Flake's Arizona Senate seat is going to be one hell of a dog and pony show and we'll be keeping a close eye on this story as it develops.
The Reason I Finally Gave My Kids a Toy Limit
It's only been a few weeks since Christmas, and my house is being overtaken by toys - toys still in their boxes, rogue toy parts sprawled over my floors, and toys overflowing from the bins and baskets that seemed ample just a month ago. And this cluttered, overloaded state, my fellow moms, is exactly why I gave my kids a toy limit this holiday season.
Sometime in early December, I decided that three gifts (all toys because, let's face it, it's not really a gift to a kid unless they can play with it) was the perfect number of presents my kids should receive. I was so self-satisfied with the decision, thinking that I'd happened upon a magic formula that would both keep them Santa-satisfied and please my constant need for a tidy home not littered with tiny, sharp toy parts just waiting for someone to step on with a vulnerable bare foot.
It took every ounce of self-control not to let out the "Are you f*cking kidding me?!" that felt like the only reasonable response.
In the end, however, I realized that the exact right number of toys to give my kids should have been zero. It's not that they were particularly naughty this year; it's just that my plan didn't take into account the dozens of gifts they'd be receiving from my in-laws, my parents, their aunts and uncles, their teachers, and their favorite babysitter. Those gifts? They had already stolen my/Santa's thunder.
The WowWee Fingerlings I ordered for both of my kids in October from a third-party seller on Amazon that never showed up (I'm guessing the seller realized she could offload them for more than $15 somewhere else) that I then repurchased on eBay for $25 each? My kids got one from their uncle long before Santa's sleigh was ever loaded. Needless to say, my smile at their excitement was more of a grimace.
And the $70 L.O.L. Surprise! Big Surprise I was so thrilled to score when I happened to catch an Amazon restock? I didn't realize my mother-in-law had purchased one an intrepid salesperson at her local Toys"R"Us found hiding out on the wrong shelf. When my daughter opened it on Dec. 18 at our family's gift exchange, I figured she'd probably be excited to have two because the whole point of L.O.L Surprise! dolls is you never know what you're going to get, right?
"You know, honey, you asked Santa for that, too, so you might get to unwrap 50 different surprises!" I said, setting her up not to be disappointed. "No, Mom, all the big ones have the same things in them," she corrected me, citing the many YouTube videos she'd watched about them. It took every ounce of self-control in my holiday-overloaded body not to let out the "Are you f*cking kidding me?!" that felt like the only reasonable response.
The Hatchimal Surprises I got both of my kids were also a disappointment, quickly abandoned after they emerged from their eggs, bringing my grand total of wasted Christmas toy money to somewhere around $250. The only toy that landed was the Imaginext Eagle Talon Castle I bought my almost-4-year-old son on eBay. At three feet long and accompanied by a huge ogre, dragon, and countless tiny knights, animals, and accessories, it has now become the major decorative element of my family room.
Next year I think I'll get my kids stocks and bonds. They'll probably be cheaper, and I won't have to worry about stepping on them for the rest of the year. I've learned my lesson: the toys can come from everyone else.
5 Nonnegotiable Rules For Hand-Me-Downs
One of the great things about having friends, family, or neighbors with children is the almost endless possibilities for hand-me-downs. Kids grow so quickly in the first few years of their lives; one moment they fit perfectly into that Winter coat, and the next it's like a tube top. But because they grow so quickly and their clothes and toys are usually only slightly worn, it seems unreasonable to just get rid of them or to keep buying them brand new items every few months. While hand-me-downs are a great way to save money and to make use out of things that still have a lot of potential, there are some steadfast rules you should always follow, whether you're the giver or the receiver.
- Check Product Recalls. The last thing you want to do is give away or receive a product that's been recalled by the manufacturer. Whether it's clothing, furniture, toys, or other items, always be sure to check that the specific product you're giving or receiving is still safe to use. This is especially important for items like furniture, car seats, and other pieces that could put your child or someone else's child in danger if they're defective.
- Make Sure They're Extremely Clean. Whether or not you realize it, giving away your child's worn clothes or used toys without washing them could spread dangerous germs, allergens, and more. And if you're the one on the receiving end of the used items, make sure you wash them, launder them, and give them a good once-over to make sure they're really clean. It's not just a matter of sanitation, either - these kinds of items could even spread pests like bedbugs, which no one wants.
- Make Sure They're in Good Condition. A beloved toy or a well-worn item of clothing may have brought you and your child lots of joy, but consider whether the item has come to the end of its life and should be discarded of in a different way. Check toys to make sure they're not broken, and make sure clothing and shoes are only lightly worn. Items with holes in them or that are missing essential pieces are not necessarily going to be useful for another child.
- Don't Give Away Your Trash. Has your child stopped using a toy because it's missing pieces or because something is broken, causing it not to work anymore? Items like this belong in the trash and shouldn't be given away to unsuspecting friends, neighbors, or family members. Also a big no-no? Don't try to hide things you're too busy to throw away in a box of otherwise good items. No one wants to be disappointed to find out that half of the things you've given them are just junk.
- Be Clear About Sizing. Always be clear about sizing with the person you're handing off your worn items to. If you tell them that you have a collection of pieces in a certain size, don't throw in a bunch of other clothing in different sizes with it. Be respectful that the person receiving the hand-me-downs still has specific needs for their children and might not want every single piece of clothing you want to get rid of.
I Survived Breastfeeding My Preemie in the NICU
An entire month before my due date, I found myself being rushed to the hospital. My baby-to-be had reached a stagnant weight and was no longer growing, and she would need to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit right after I gave birth. To say I was an emotional train wreck is a serious understatement.
I quickly learned that having a premature baby in the NICU meant that I couldn't do a lot of things. I couldn't hold my daughter, cuddle her, or soothe her in my arms. I couldn't get alone time with her or share those special bonding moments new moms dream about. Since her lungs weren't fully developed, she needed to remain on oxygen until they became stable enough for her to breathe on her own. The doctors didn't know when that would be, so they informed me she would need a feeding tube until further notice. It also meant she would be staying in the NICU for an indefinite period of time.
One of those nurses even told me I should just stop trying altogether, which made me want to succeed even more.
I felt like breastfeeding her was all I had left to cling to. That was the end goal I became focused on. Until I could actually breastfeed her, though, I had to pump. A lot. Every hour that wasn't spent in the car driving to and from the hospital to visit her, I was pumping. This might seem a little excessive (trust me - it felt that way, too), but it was the only way to establish my milk supply and make it last since my daughter couldn't actually breastfeed on her own yet. I was awake all the time, and barely sane.
Between these never-ending pumping sessions were the best parts of my days. I would wash up, put on my latex gloves and scrubs (something all visitors have to do to reduce the germs that pass through the NICU), and go visit Grace. I always did the same thing, which was pull up a chair next to her isolette - basically a small, glass incubator - and read her books, sing her songs, or reach through the armholes just to hold her tiny, precious hand. She made all the trouble of pumping and everything else worth it. It was on day five of her NICU stay that I was told her feeding and oxygen tubes would finally be removed. To celebrate, the nurse gave me the OK to hold her for the very first time since she was born. We stayed that way for hours, until the lactation consultant from the hospital showed up in all of her angelic glory.
The moment I was waiting for was here: we would finally get to breastfeed! As much as Grace tried, though, she was still so weak and fragile. Every time she would finally start to latch on to my nipple and start sucking, she would either fall asleep or lose control and fall off - not to mention the cords and IVs I had to navigate around every time I had contact with her. I'll admit, being on the hormonal rollercoaster ride that happens postpregnancy got the better of me for a little bit. I felt like I had failed her, and almost every part of me wanted to give up. But I couldn't . . . I wouldn't. I loved her too much to just throw in the towel that easily. And while I had absolutely no problem formula-feeding or even pumping and feeding her through a bottle, I wasn't ready to let go of my breastfeeding journey just yet.
Grace and I worked with that angelic lactation consultant every day. It wasn't always easy, especially when a few of the nurses got annoyed that I would be keeping Grace out of her isolette for so long to try to breastfeed. I would quietly listen on as the lactation consultant stressed the importance of skin-to-skin contact and the benefits of breastfeeding to the nurses, who would then voice their concerns that preemies aren't supposed to be exposed to the outside world and germs often. One of those nurses even told me I should just stop trying altogether, which made me want to succeed even more. Regardless of anyone's opinion, it really felt like Grace and I were a team. If she could latch on and remain awake, I was happy. If she needed to be bottle-fed with my pumped breast milk that day, I was happy. Most importantly, I felt like even if we just made it that much farther, we could make it through anything.
Our breakthrough came on the second-to-last day of Grace's 10-day NICU stay. She had been moved up to intensive care and into an open crib. She had lost weight, making her a total of 4 pounds 12 ounces, but she was still healthy and thriving. Her lungs were doing great, and everything was looking up. It all felt too good to be true, but to make it even better, she had finally completed a breastfeeding session, emptying one breast, then the other. Little did I know this would be just one of many. I ended up breastfeeding Grace exclusively until her first birthday, and I enjoyed every single moment of it . . . especially since I knew how hard it was to get there.
15 Skincare Products You Should Try in 2018 - From Head to Toe
There's no better time to pamper yourself than the start of a new year. So if you feel like your skin can use a little pick-me-up, we have you covered. We rounded up a handful of products that will help all your skincare needs. So whether you're looking for a hydrating mask, antiaging serum, exfoliating body scrub, or even a sunscreen setting spray, no doubt you can treat yourself from head to toe with these soothing picks. Achieve a dewy glow and shop these luxe choices.
10 Inspiring Bloggers Who Redefine Society's Beauty Standards
This year, we've been inspired by some incredible beauty influencers who've documented their journeys to self-love on Instagram and YouTube. Whether they've faced a rare disease or celebrated their body hair (or lack of hair!), these 10 bloggers don't let their unique looks let them feel any less beautiful and encourage us to be confident in our own skin, too.
Get to know the new faces defying conventional beauty standards, ahead.
Meet the Star-Studded Cast of the Goldfinch Movie Adaptation
Donna Tartt's 2013 bestseller, The Goldfinch, will be adapted into a movie in 2019, and right on schedule, the film is amassing a star-studded cast. The latest star to be added to the tale of a young man who steals the titular painting is Luke Wilson, who joins previously cast stars like Ansel Elgort and Sarah Paulson. We previously learned that Brooklyn's John Crowley would direct, and while we daydreamed about who could star, here's the real cast of the big-screen version.
The 1 Parenting Lesson I Wish I Had Learned Earlier
Dear Second-Born,
You'll find out one day that parenting doesn't come with a map. I've been desperate for my own tour guide several times, but instead I've learned to trust my gut. Because of this, mistakes are made and lessons are learned, and there's one parenting lesson I wish I would have learned earlier.
I never should have compared you to your big brother.
Parents know not to do this, yet sometimes things happen in our subconscious. When you were born, I considered myself a veteran mother. I had done it all before - the blowouts, the middle-of-the-night feedings, and the witching hours. I knew what babies needed and how to console them . . . or so I thought.
But you were stubborn from the beginning. In those first three months when you were growing inside of me, you sent me running to the toilet daily. Then you were five days late. And since your very first breath, you've let the world know you are a force to be reckoned with. You wouldn't comply. You'd do things at your own pace, usually faster or slower than the norm. For you, the rules were only meant to be broken.
Yes, you did some things quicker than your older brother, like climb up the slide, shake your hips while dancing on our kitchen table, and vehemently tell me no. There were also things you did slower than your brother: sleep through the night, walk, and learn your letters. You've proved that you're much more defiant, too. I've had to learn a few parenting tricks to get you to listen to me. And I admit, when you weren't hitting those milestones as early as your big brother did, I compared you to him at first. My gut told me that you were perfect and that you would do things when you were ready, but I let society's judgment creep in. I'm so sorry.
The other day, I was running around the house trying to get you and your brother ready for school, and you ran to me from the mudroom screaming, "I'm all ready, Mommy! Let's go!" There you were. A puny 3-year-old all dressed up for preschool: coat zipped, hat and gloves on, and boots pulled up successfully on the right feet. It hit me. You were born to be a little wild. You were also born to lead and be great - like your brother, only different. You may not get to where you want to go on the first try, but you will get there, and you'll have a lot of fun on the way. I know that now.
I'm glad I learned this lesson while you're still young. I'm embracing the beautiful and unpredictable paths you take to accomplish both the small and large tasks. I'll never compare you to your brother again, because I know that nobody can compare to you.
I love you always,
Mom
26 Breathtaking Shots of Ballerinas Against Stunning Beach Backdrops
Ease your daily stresses while you get inspired with these absolutely jaw-dropping photos of impossibly talented dancers; they'll make you think of the word "athlete" in a whole new way. David Hofmann, owner of Shark Cookie photography and dancewear, is known for his stunning shots of ballerinas and dancers against exquisite backdrops, particularly the beaches of Southern California. Scroll through these breathtaking shots for some fitness and dance inspiration - and a mental vacation at the beach!
The Heartbreaking Photos That Capture a Tragic Birth Story
"It was so beautiful and precious. I would do it again, and again, and again," Julie told Ela Wunderli of Itsy Photography, who photographed the birth of her seventh child, Lily, who would die shortly after birth.
In her 36th week of pregnancy, Julie and her family moved from Arizona to California. Having given birth six times before, Julie was an old pro at this pregnancy thing and was having a happy, normal pregnancy. Mixed into her week of unpacking and settling was a doctor's appointment at her new OB/Gyn practice. "At the appointment they wanted to do an ultrasound where they discovered many concerns," she said. "By the next day the doctors told us that our daughter most likely had Trisomy 13 or 18, but they couldn't be sure until after she was born and tested."
Trisomy is the presence of three chromosomes instead of one. The most commonly known trisomy is Trisomy 21, otherwise known as Down syndrome. Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) are genetic disorders that include health problems that affect almost every organ of the body. They are fatal diagnoses - more than half of babies affected with the conditions do not survive the first week of life, and survivors do not usually make it past their first birthday.
The room was filled with anticipation during the 20 hours of labor. "Everyone held their breath to see if she would survive the delivery," Ela shared. "She held her breath too! But when the doctors tried to intubate her, she let out a tiny cry and started to breathe on her own. It was a miracle!"
Baby Lily was put on a CPAP (a breathing assistance machine) and rushed to the NICU for monitoring. Later that morning, her siblings arrived to visit her. After receiving hand-washing lessons, they filed into the NICU to welcome their baby sister. Each child had an opportunity to touch her and welcome her in their own way, before moving on to Julie's room to spend some time with mom. Later that day, Julie spent some time with Lily in the NICU, and Ela had the opportunity to capture their moments together.
"I couldn't have been happier to have caught her tiny eyes opening - even if it was only for a split second," Ela shared. "She cried a tiny little cry - and I must say it was like music to hear."
Lily lived for two and a half days. During that time her family showered her with love and threw her first and second birthday parties. She passed away peacefully - tube and wire free - in her mother's arms. Her family wrote her a beautiful obituary:
. . . She spent two-and-a-half celestial days with us. We celebrated her first birthday with lilies, handwritten birthday cards from her brothers and sisters, and a big shiny balloon in the shape of a number one. On her second birthday, we gathered round her. We held her. We hugged her and kissed her again and again. We told her how much we loved her, and how we were going to miss her so very much. And we said good-bye. For now.
Though heartbreaking, Ela says the entire two and a half days were beautiful. "I've never seen a mother so radiant and glowing. The faith of this family was beyond measure."
Read on to see the captivating photos Ela took that the family will cherish forever.
mercredi 10 janvier 2018
Charlotte Tilbury's Newest Product Will Actually Make Your Face Look Filtered
Thanks to the internet's obsession with celebrity beauty looks, the Golden Globes red carpet was the perfect testing ground for a new makeup product. Makeup master Charlotte Tilbury took full advantage of this when she debuted her latest skin-perfecting product on Sunday, Jan. 7. The new formula, dubbed Flawless Filter, was used on Mandy Moore, Greta Gerwig, Laura Dern, and Susan Sarandon.
Tilbury broke the news about this product on Instagram, stating: "Darlings, did you see what I used on the red carpet last night? The news is out! My 🌟Hollywood Flawless Filter🌟 is COMING SOON! What better way to unveil it than in Hollywood at the #GoldenGlobes! Is it a foundation? Is it a highlighter? Stay tuned!"
The product offers the benefits of both foundation and highlighter - all at once. Tilbury describes it in a press release as a "hybrid complexion innovation that creates an instant flawless filter across the skin for an award-winning, superstar-lit glow." The finish that it creates was inspired by social media filters.
On all four ladies, Flawless Filter was applied along with foundation to further smooth out their skin and add highlight. Makeup artist Matin applied the product to Moore's cheekbones, high points of the face, shoulders, and back. He shared via Instagram that his inspiration for the look was the girls from the '80s Roxy Music Album covers, with sculpted and glowy skin, gorgeous lips, and defined eyes. And he nailed it!
Flawless Filter contains a combination of a glossy oil and porcelain flower extract, which help to blur pores and give skin a healthy sheen by boosting circulation. The liquid face filter comes in seven shades and will hit CharlotteTilbury.com on Thursday, March 1. Consider our calendars marked!
Welcome to 2018: Topshop Is Selling "Fake News" Jeans
If you thought 2018 would be safe from questionable denim trends, think again. After clear-knee mom jeans and clear plastic jeans, Topshop recently came out with yet another contentious piece of merchandise: the MOTO "Fake News" Slogan Straight Leg Jeans. According to the site's description, these pants will help you "make a statement," and you'll be able to do so for a mere $90.
While we assume that the vertical stripe is taking a jab at the President's favorite phrase (it wouldn't be the first time it happened), some Twitter users have expressed concern over the fact that these slogans are being normalized and used to sell clothes. Read on to have a closer look at the jeans, and discover what people are saying about them on social media.
20 Recipes That Will Make You Want to Get an Instant Pot ASAP
Chances are you've been seeing Instant Pot recipes all over the internet lately. If you're scratching your head wondering what exactly that means or if an instant pot is the same thing as a slow cooker, allow this beginner breakdown to help. The Instant Pot is a countertop cooking tool that's like a cross between a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, and a sauté pan. According to its description, it's a "multi-cooker, capable of replacing a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker/porridge maker, sauté/browning pan, steamer, yogurt maker, and stockpot warmer."
Plenty of bloggers and cooks are fans of the Instant Pot and have figured out how to make chicken, soups, rice, and even cheesecake in the appliance. If you're curious about experimenting with an Instant Pot - and potentially replacing your slow cooker - read ahead for more recipes to start with.
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