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.
lundi 29 février 2016
7 Things People With Clean Kitchens Do Every Day
Do you hate to cook? Do you turn your nose when entering your kitchen and hurry out the door once your microwave beeps, signaling your frozen burrito is ready? And if we're really being honest, have you forgotten the last time you changed out your sponge or scrubbed the stove free of pasta-sauce splatters? It sounds like you have a messy kitchen. Marie Kondo, the New York Times bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up sympathizes. That's why she developed a system, which is called the KonMari Method, that allows anyone, even the seemingly hopelessly messy, can take on successfully.
If you're curious about her unique purging technique, read about my experience of using the KonMari Method in my kitchen. After you've trashed all the dishware, cooking tools, and pantry items that don't "spark joy" - aka make you happy when you see, touch, and use them - it's time to take on these daily habits of people with clean kitchens to keep your own space neat without intense effort.
- Keep Everything Off the Kitchen Counter
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I know, this one seems like a tough one, yet your blender, sugar bowl, coffee maker, and other knickknacky things not only take up space on your counter, but they also actually make it impossible to clean. They gather dust and oily muck on and around them, and you ignore it. The person with a clean kitchen wipes down all appliances, etc. with a warm, damp sponge before storing the items in shelves or cabinets. Yes, even those things they use every day.
- Wipe the Stove, Sink, and Counter With Each Use
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Marie Kondo says, "Tidying your kitchen means wiping away any water or oil." If there's nothing on your stove, sink, or counter, it suddenly becomes really easy to run a sponge over these areas every day to clean up any splashes or spills. Ta-da! No crumbs or mysterious stains to be seen.
- Keep Dish Soap and Sponges Under the Sink
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Having tried this out myself, I can attest to its effectiveness. After washing dishes, simply squeeze out the sponge and keep it in a wire sponge holder under the sink along with your soap and rubber gloves. It's a surprising trick to keep your kitchen looking neat and inviting.
- Store the Trash Can Under the Sink
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There's something off-putting about having a trash can in the middle of the kitchen, even one with a sleek stainless steel design. Storing your trash can under the sink keeps it out of sight and out of mind. I also love taking the trash out more frequently so my kitchen never smells.
- Wash and Dry Dishes Immediately
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If you have a drying rack in your kitchen, get rid of it! It makes it all too easy to pile on the dishes without ever putting them away, plus the wet drippings pool and grow all sorts of gnarly things. Instead, do as the tidy person does and wash and dry the dishes immediately after a meal.
- Keep About 30 Percent of Your Fridge Empty
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Ever wonder where you are going to put your leftovers or newly bought groceries? If you always have a few clear spots in your fridge, it makes it easy to find a designated spot for new things.
- Give Each Thing a Definite Home (Away From the Stove)
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Though it's tempting to want to stash kitchen tools, spices, oils, etc. near the kitchen stove for easy access, this is a recipe for disaster. As things cook, the oil often splatters onto these items. In addition, the heat can drastically reduce the storage life of spices and oils, rendering them stale and rancid. Instead, store everything away from the stove. Before cooking, pull out all the equipment and food stuff you may need, and put each thing away, item by item, after its use. This makes cleanup way easier.
8 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Entertaining Pinterest-Worthy
Whether your outdoor space is a backyard garden or an apartment balcony, if you can fit a table there, you can entertain al fresco. But don't stop there - make your shindig truly memorable with beautiful, Pinterest-worthy decor.
To find out how to throw a stylish party on a budget, we consulted with Elizabeth Chambers Hammer, Today regular and co-owner of BIRD Bakery, which she started with her husband, actor Armie Hammer. Elizabeth's pro tips will take your next outdoor gathering from basic to unforgettable.
Here's what she had to say:
8 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Entertaining Pinterest-Worthy
Whether your outdoor space is a backyard garden or an apartment balcony, if you can fit a table there, you can entertain al fresco. But don't stop there - make your shindig truly memorable with beautiful, Pinterest-worthy decor.
To find out how to throw a stylish party on a budget, we consulted with Elizabeth Chambers Hammer, Today regular and co-owner of BIRD Bakery, which she started with her husband, actor Armie Hammer. Elizabeth's pro tips will take your next outdoor gathering from basic to unforgettable.
Here's what she had to say:
Every OMG-Worthy Oscars Look You Need to Know About
In case you missed the 2016 Oscars red carpet (or it's still sitting on your DVR waiting to be watched) the looks on the red carpet were as stunning as ever. From Jennifer Lawrence to Olivia Munn – these are the only looks you need to know about from this year's show.
Swipe Right to Vote For Your Oscars Best Dressed
You've already seen the gorgeous Oscars arrivals from the likes of Alicia Vikander, Mindy Kaling, and Sofia Vergara - now it's your turn to weigh in. Who were your favorites? Just swipe right to let us know!
See Every Oscars Red Carpet Look You'll Be Talking About Tomorrow
It's cliché but true: you save the best for last. And that's never more accurate than during award season when each red carpet - and each designer gown - is merely a dress rehearsal for the main event.
So, if you thought it couldn't get better than the Golden Globes or bolder than the Grammys, you'll want to pay close attention to what every star is wearing to Hollywood's grand finale of fashion - the Oscars.
Make sure to check out all of POPSUGAR's Academy Awards coverage, from the best preparty style to our live reporting right on the red carpet!
Kate Winslet Goes Back to Basics With Her Ralph Lauren Oscars Gown
For Sunday's Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Kate Winslet went back to basics. She selected a black, slightly shimmering strapless gown from Ralph Lauren to attend the show. The piece was custom-made for Kate, and made of silk lamé. She kept her accessories light too, wearing danging diamond earrings. The total effect was something Ralph's team dubbed "stunning" in a post on Twitter. But Ralph wasn't the only main main during Kate's night, as she also walked the red carpet with Leonardo DiCaprio.
We're Crowning Cate Blanchett the Osars Cinderella
Living up to her red carpet reputation, Cate the Great, aka Cate Blanchett, wowed at the Oscars in a Cinderella-esque 3D-floral-appliquéd gown. The Armani Privé gown has all the elements of a fashion fairy tale, though it takes someone with Cate's style sense to bring it to life. Read on to get a glimpse of the showstopping moment from every angle.
Jennifer Garner Just Went Dark at the Oscars: Are You Into It?
For the 2016 Oscars, Jennifer Garner opted to switch things up. Not only did the star - who recently opened up about her split from Ben Affleck in Vanity Fair - go solo to the show, she also decided to wear a look that was dark, glam, and completely classic. Stepping out in a black, one-shouldered Versace number, Jennifer took our breath away, but what about you? Are you diggin' the switch-up for the usually understated star? Get a good look ahead, and tell us your opinion in the poll. Then check out more gowns from Sunday night's red carpet.
Reese Witherspoon and Tina Fey Are Matching at the Oscars - From Every Damn Angle
All right, Reese Witherspoon and Tina Fey, let a girl know what's up. Did you plan this matching moment in purple dresses just for the Oscars? Tina's wearing Atelier Versace with a Bulgari statement necklace, while Reese opted for Oscar de la Renta and Tiffany & Co. diamonds. But even if it's just a happy coincidence, we can't get over how similar both their designs are. Each silhouette is strapless and has a little add-on at the back - Tina's a chiffon gathering and Reese's a structured bow. And yeah, both gowns happen to look fabulous with a handful of jewels. Read on to take in this #twinning situation from another angle, and then let us know which look you'd choose between the two.
dimanche 28 février 2016
Proven Ways to Find Jaw-Dropping Designer Deals on Craigslist
Interior designer Victoria Solomon of Victoria Elizabeth Design has turned Craigslist bargain hunting into an art form. Not only does she use the resale website to source fantastic pieces for her greater New York and Boston-area clients' spaces, but she's also had major personal success on the site; Victoria's NYC apartment is a treasure trove of designer steals. It contains a spectacular campaign dresser she scooped up for a jaw-dropping $65 and an authentic 1970s Pace Collection brass and glass coffee table she purchased for $85 - it retails for around $3,500.
Beyond incredible patience and diligence (it took her eight months to find all the furniture in her apartment), we wanted to know the nitty-gritty of Victoria's winning Craigslist technique. Here's what she had to say.
POPSUGAR: What types of furniture pieces is Craigslist best for?
Victoria Solomon: Craigslist is definitely best for case goods like tables, cabinets, chests, or desks. Buying anything fabric-related on Craigslist would definitely freak me out (unless you're planning on replacing the upholstery)!
PS: Any search secrets?
VS: I use an app to find what I'm looking for - it's called cPro Craigslist, and it's fantastic. It allows you to search for an item across any geographical area in the US . . . if you use the app I mentioned, it's relatively quick and just scrolling through quickly until you see something. It's an easy thing to do while you're watching TV!
PS: Do you have any tactics for getting the seller to commit to you?
VS: The trick is to message or call the seller as soon as you find an item you like - even if you're not sure, begin a dialogue with them so they know you're is interested. If you really love the item, then set up a time - the sooner the better. That way you can ensure that you'll get first dibs on the piece.
PS: What happens if the piece doesn't live up to your expectations in person?
VS: Don't feel bad about changing your mind once you see the piece in person. Once I made the trip to see a wooden desk that looked fantastic in the photos, but when I showed up, it was veneer and it was chipping. I told the seller politely that I wasn't sure it would fit in my space and that I wanted to go back home and measure (an excuse I made up).
PS: Any price negotiation tips?
VS: Try hesitating for a bit. Ask some questions about the piece such as, "Oh, it looks a little scratched here?" or "Oh, it seemed much bigger in the photo." This might push them to offer a lower price. But if you know you're getting a fantastic deal, just take it.
PS: What are your tips for determining if an item is authentic?
VS: Do your research beforehand to figure out how you can verify if an item is authentic. If you're unsure, reach out to a local antique shop and send them a photo of the piece. Ask them if they think it's real. Don't send the whole link - they might realize what a good deal it is too!
PS: What are some of your other favorite sites for finding vintage furniture?
VS: Etsy - I found my fantastic Hollywood Regency brass desk there as well as my leather brass chair. They really have great pieces on there. I also love Chairish. eBay always has some good finds too! And a lot of the dealers on Etsy are open to negotiating as well. I always email them beforehand.
Proven Ways to Find Jaw-Dropping Designer Deals on Craigslist
Interior designer Victoria Solomon of Victoria Elizabeth Design has turned Craigslist bargain hunting into an art form. Not only does she use the resale website to source fantastic pieces for her greater New York and Boston-area clients' spaces, but she's also had major personal success on the site; Victoria's NYC apartment is a treasure trove of designer steals. It contains a spectacular campaign dresser she scooped up for a jaw-dropping $65 and an authentic 1970s Pace Collection brass and glass coffee table she purchased for $85 - it retails for around $3,500.
Beyond incredible patience and diligence (it took her eight months to find all the furniture in her apartment), we wanted to know the nitty-gritty of Victoria's winning Craigslist technique. Here's what she had to say.
POPSUGAR: What types of furniture pieces is Craigslist best for?
Victoria Solomon: Craigslist is definitely best for case goods like tables, cabinets, chests, or desks. Buying anything fabric-related on Craigslist would definitely freak me out (unless you're planning on replacing the upholstery)!
PS: Any search secrets?
VS: I use an app to find what I'm looking for - it's called cPro Craigslist, and it's fantastic. It allows you to search for an item across any geographical area in the US . . . if you use the app I mentioned, it's relatively quick and just scrolling through quickly until you see something. It's an easy thing to do while you're watching TV!
PS: Do you have any tactics for getting the seller to commit to you?
VS: The trick is to message or call the seller as soon as you find an item you like - even if you're not sure, begin a dialogue with them so they know you're is interested. If you really love the item, then set up a time - the sooner the better. That way you can ensure that you'll get first dibs on the piece.
PS: What happens if the piece doesn't live up to your expectations in person?
VS: Don't feel bad about changing your mind once you see the piece in person. Once I made the trip to see a wooden desk that looked fantastic in the photos, but when I showed up, it was veneer and it was chipping. I told the seller politely that I wasn't sure it would fit in my space and that I wanted to go back home and measure (an excuse I made up).
PS: Any price negotiation tips?
VS: Try hesitating for a bit. Ask some questions about the piece such as, "Oh, it looks a little scratched here?" or "Oh, it seemed much bigger in the photo." This might push them to offer a lower price. But if you know you're getting a fantastic deal, just take it.
PS: What are your tips for determining if an item is authentic?
VS: Do your research beforehand to figure out how you can verify if an item is authentic. If you're unsure, reach out to a local antique shop and send them a photo of the piece. Ask them if they think it's real. Don't send the whole link - they might realize what a good deal it is too!
PS: What are some of your other favorite sites for finding vintage furniture?
VS: Etsy - I found my fantastic Hollywood Regency brass desk there as well as my leather brass chair. They really have great pieces on there. I also love Chairish. eBay always has some good finds too! And a lot of the dealers on Etsy are open to negotiating as well. I always email them beforehand.
Worried About Zika? These 12 Plants Naturally Repel Mosquitos
If you're the type of person who can't stand outside for an hour without gaining a host of new bug bites, then this article is for you. Don't let another Summer pass by in itchy despair - instead, rid yourself of the mosquito problem once and for all! Using only your green thumb and a bit of time in the garden, you can create a pest-free oasis free of buzzing and biting. Here are 12 mosquito-repellent plants that you can incorporate into your outdoor living space.
Worried About Zika? These 12 Plants Naturally Repel Mosquitos
If you're the type of person who can't stand outside for an hour without gaining a host of new bug bites, then this article is for you. Don't let another Summer pass by in itchy despair - instead, rid yourself of the mosquito problem once and for all! Using only your green thumb and a bit of time in the garden, you can create a pest-free oasis free of buzzing and biting. Here are 12 mosquito-repellent plants that you can incorporate into your outdoor living space.
Study Finds Horrifying Link Between Scented Candles and Health Problems
Fall and Winter home decor wouldn't be complete without scented candles. Trust us, we love them as much as the next person (we even tested all the best pumpkin spice candles!), but recently discovered information has us seriously considering tossing them all out. Woman's Day and The Daily Mail have published results from multiple studies that link scented candles to major health risks - as serious as lung damage and birth defects.
What's even worse is that candles aren't the only culprits; scented aerosols, gels, and plug-ins are among "an array of hazardous substances which may cause lung damage and tumors, interfere with our hormones, and cause such lifelong problems as asthma," The Daily Mail reports. The scariest part? You don't even have to light the candles to be affected because "simple evaporation" can release the pollutants into the air. Common ingredients in many products are chemicals that you probably can't pronounce and that your body definitely doesn't want; these chemicals can even change the structure of your DNA.
Expectant mothers might want to be especially cautious of the types of candles they bring into their homes. Some studies' evidence suggests that hazardous substances can affect hormones, and in turn, cause problems with babies' hormonal development. Popular brand SC Johnson, which makes Glade products, is just one company that has faced backlash for its reportedly harmful synthetic ingredients, but the company directly addresses this information on its site and assures it uses "the most comprehensive database worldwide of safety evaluations for fragrance materials."
Of course, no study or statement is all-encompassing, but this information is unsettling at the very least. Will you think twice about your favorite scented candles, or is this habit just not worth giving up?
Study Finds Horrifying Link Between Scented Candles and Health Problems
Fall and Winter home decor wouldn't be complete without scented candles. Trust us, we love them as much as the next person (we even tested all the best pumpkin spice candles!), but recently discovered information has us seriously considering tossing them all out. Woman's Day and The Daily Mail have published results from multiple studies that link scented candles to major health risks - as serious as lung damage and birth defects.
What's even worse is that candles aren't the only culprits; scented aerosols, gels, and plug-ins are among "an array of hazardous substances which may cause lung damage and tumors, interfere with our hormones, and cause such lifelong problems as asthma," The Daily Mail reports. The scariest part? You don't even have to light the candles to be affected because "simple evaporation" can release the pollutants into the air. Common ingredients in many products are chemicals that you probably can't pronounce and that your body definitely doesn't want; these chemicals can even change the structure of your DNA.
Expectant mothers might want to be especially cautious of the types of candles they bring into their homes. Some studies' evidence suggests that hazardous substances can affect hormones, and in turn, cause problems with babies' hormonal development. Popular brand SC Johnson, which makes Glade products, is just one company that has faced backlash for its reportedly harmful synthetic ingredients, but the company directly addresses this information on its site and assures it uses "the most comprehensive database worldwide of safety evaluations for fragrance materials."
Of course, no study or statement is all-encompassing, but this information is unsettling at the very least. Will you think twice about your favorite scented candles, or is this habit just not worth giving up?
This Ostrich Egg Chocolate Is WAY Better Than an Easter Bunny
It's not even March, and the Internet is freaking out over this chocolate ostrich egg from Hotel Chocolat. Yes, it's from the UK, and yes, it'll set you back £75 (plus £15 shipped to the US). That's roughly $125. Before you panic, listen to what's inside the adorable hatbox. The two extra-thick half-chocolate shells are actually different. One is 40 percent milk chocolate with crispy puffed rice and crunchy cookies (think fancy Nestlé Crunch bar), and the other is 50 percent milk chocolate with crisp feuilletine (think Ferrero Rocher). Inside the shells, there are 27 chocolate candies. The most delightful-sounding are carrot cake (with real carrots and walnuts), billionaire's shortbread (caramel, hazelnuts, and shortbread), and Eton mess (crisp meringue and strawberry mousse). But if that seems too excessive for you, there's always the Just Milk Extra Thick Easter Egg, which will only set you back £27 (plus shipping).
10 Under-the-Radar Decor Shops Design Girls Love
Finding a statement piece that turns a room from just OK to OMG doesn't mean you have to spend every weekend frequenting flea markets and scouring estate sales. Interior designers often rely on a trove of tried-and-true websites for treasure hunting, and you can too. Here are some of our favorites.
10 Under-the-Radar Decor Shops Design Girls Love
Finding a statement piece that turns a room from just OK to OMG doesn't mean you have to spend every weekend frequenting flea markets and scouring estate sales. Interior designers often rely on a trove of tried-and-true websites for treasure hunting, and you can too. Here are some of our favorites.
21 Next-Level Things You Can Make in a Waffle Iron
If you haven't used your waffle iron in a while, it's time to break it out. Plain waffles don't always sound appealing, but what about tater tot waffles? Waffle iron grilled cheese? Red velvet waffle cookies?! If you're intrigued, keep reading to find 21 insane things you can make in your waffle iron, both savory and sweet.
The Easiest Way to Get Rid of Old Knives
Sure, it's easy to recycle or donate muffin tins, dishes, and other random kitchen equipment, but what about kitchen knives? When you're ready to get rid of an old set, it seems dangerous and wasteful to toss them in the trash. Turns out, it's so much easier to deal with them than you think, and wrapping them up in bubble wrap or cardboard is unnecessary. After reaching out to Goodwill's customer service, a representative said they are happy to receive kitchen knife donations. All you need to do is pile them in a shoebox or another small box. I may use a Sharpie to write "CAUTION: KNIVES" so any handlers are aware of what's inside.
Do This Before Brewing Your Coffee to Instantly Become a Morning Person
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jae Payne
Coffee and chai combine forces to make one perfect cup of caffeine. If you love ordering dirty chai lattes (chai tea, steamed milk, and a shot of espresso), you're going to want to try out the trick to getting a similar taste at home: add all the chai spices to your coffee filter before brewing the coffee. The spices mix well with the coffee grounds, and the resulting brew is wonderfully aromatic (seriously, the smell alone is reason enough to make this).
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
Here are all the (ground) spices you'll need: cinnamon, black peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. I used half a teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon black peppercorns, and 1/4 teaspoon of all the rest, and the chai flavor was subtle - I added a touch of sweetness and creaminess with vanilla almond milk. If you want to amp up the flavors, you can double or even triple the amount of spice, or try it out a few times and see which ratios you prefer (More cinnamon? Less ginger?). If you've got all the spices in your cabinet, it's definitely worth a shot - you might discover your new favorite way of drinking dirty chai, and you'll save yourself many trips to the coffee shop.
9 Decorating Ideas to Steal From Olivia Palermo
New York socialite and fashion icon Olivia Palermo first caught our eye during her days on MTV's The City, but it's the reality star-turned-model-turned-blogger's recent Instagram posts that have us giving her another look - this time for her fabulous home style.
Read on to discover what Olivia Palermo's Instagram pictures taught us about home styling.
85 Unforgettable Looks From the Oscars Red Carpet
We're revving up for Oscars Sunday by taking a look back at the most memorable looks from shows past. The glamorous red carpet always brings out the most gorgeous, jaw-dropping (and sometimes mind-boggling) celebrity ensembles, and we can't wait to see what this year's show brings. From Gwyneth Paltrow's iconic white Tom Ford gown, to Celine Dion's statement-making backwards suit, click through to see 85 of the most unforgettable Oscars looks now.
9 Decorating Ideas to Steal From Olivia Palermo
New York socialite and fashion icon Olivia Palermo first caught our eye during her days on MTV's The City, but it's the reality star-turned-model-turned-blogger's recent Instagram posts that have us giving her another look - this time for her fabulous home style.
Read on to discover what Olivia Palermo's Instagram pictures taught us about home styling.
Unlikely Friends Are the Cutest Pair of Baby Animals Ever
For some animals, love knows no bounds. This is the case with Laura the piglet and Marina the kitten, two rescues at Santuario Igualdad Interespecie in Chile. When Laura was brought in from a slaughterhouse, she found a friend in Marina. Volunteers at the shelter put them together since they were both still babies, and they have become forever friends. Check out the video the shelter posted of the two of them snuggling (Laura is even wearing a pretty dress! We cannot deal!), and find even more photos and videos of them on Santuario Igualdad Interespecie's Facebook page.
Unlikely Friends Are the Cutest Pair of Baby Animals Ever
For some animals, love knows no bounds. This is the case with Laura the piglet and Marina the kitten, two rescues at Santuario Igualdad Interespecie in Chile. When Laura was brought in from a slaughterhouse, she found a friend in Marina. Volunteers at the shelter put them together since they were both still babies, and they have become forever friends. Check out the video the shelter posted of the two of them snuggling (Laura is even wearing a pretty dress! We cannot deal!), and find even more photos and videos of them on Santuario Igualdad Interespecie's Facebook page.
samedi 27 février 2016
18 Hacks For the BEST Chicken in the Land
Are you ready to freshen up your chicken-cooking routine? We're not talking about taking on sous-vide. These hacks offer little ways to boost the flavor of your chicken, like using ghee instead of butter - 100 percent doable and totally worth it. So what are you waiting for?! Read on for more chicken-cooking tips.
30 Luscious Milkshake Recipes That Will Make You Crave Summer
Sometimes you just need a milkshake. And I'm not talking about a simple vanilla shake, either. I'm talking about the ones you see here, like salted pretzel Nutella hot fudge, birthday cake, and lavender latte milkshakes. The best part about these ridiculously over-the-top treats is that you can make them right at home - no need to go to Black Tap in New York and pay $15 for one. These are recipes you'll want to keep on hand so you can try every single one this Spring and Summer.
13 Creative Ways to Have More Fun in Your Own Backyard
Skip renewing your water park pass, because your boring backyard is about to become a bad memory. Whether it's the squeal-worthy pleasure of swinging from a tree or the deep relaxation of soaking in an outdoor tub, these backyard additions will add a sense of adventure to any home.
Source: David Tsay for Domino
13 Creative Ways to Have More Fun in Your Own Backyard
Skip renewing your water park pass, because your boring backyard is about to become a bad memory. Whether it's the squeal-worthy pleasure of swinging from a tree or the deep relaxation of soaking in an outdoor tub, these backyard additions will add a sense of adventure to any home.
Source: David Tsay for Domino
25 Lip-Smackingly-Good Recipes That Combine 2 of the Best Things, Pasta and Bacon
Two of life's greatest foods are pasta and bacon, and when you combine them, it's pure heaven. If traditional pasta carbonara is the only way you've experienced the two together, it's time to up your bacon-y pasta game. Keep reading to find recipes for butternut squash and bacon macaroni and cheese, one-pot lasagna with bacon, slow-cooker five-cheese chicken bacon pasta, and more carby deliciousness.
10 Things Stylish Moms Know About Interior Design
As a first-time mom with a baby on the precipice of mobility, I can personally attest that childproofing the home is a daunting proposition. Of course, my first priority is to make everything as safe as possible for my son (bye bye, beloved vintage brass and glass coffee table), but I would be lying if I didn't admit that the idea of giving up my carefully curated selection of home decor makes me sad.
The design of my home is a reflection of my identity, and I want my child to enhance that, not usurp it. Sure, my husband and I quickly abandoned our vow to maintain a toy-free living room and, after numerous spit-ups, our precious new sectional is not so precious anymore – but that doesn't mean I want my home to become one giant, padded playroom.
Enter: Jennifer Wundrow and Heather Kendall Brock, owners of Nest Design Co., Inc. These ladies have given me hope that I can make my home baby-friendly without sacrificing my personal style. They've applied their superstylish interior design skills to many a kid-filled home, and they say it is absolutely possible to have a gorgeous, stylish home avec bébé – if you follow their 10 commandments of childproof interior design. Check out what they had to say below.
- Thou shalt not wait to decorate your dream house. "We think being afraid to do it while your kids are young is the biggest mistake. Make your home your retreat and enjoy your time living there with your family. Set rules but don't wait."
- Thou shalt design in a way that makes sense given the age of the children. "If we are designing for a family expecting a baby or with young children, it's different than designing for a family with older children," explain Jennifer and Heather.
- Thou shalt use indoor/outdoor fabrics. "Its easier to clean and more durable for sticky fingers."
- Thou shalt swap an ottoman in for a coffee table while children are young. "They have soft edges that won't hurt precious heads and are super functional for the family in general - add a tray when you are entertaining, purchase an ottoman with storage so you can hide away toys and blankets, etc."
- Thou shalt stay away from microfiber. "We actually feel that microfiber is one of the worst materials for stain and spill camouflaging. We much prefer a natural fiber (linen, cotton, wool) or an indoor/outdoor material that looks like linen. They are easier to clean because they are made up of natural fibers, a misconception by most."
- Thou shalt keep fragile, expensive, or important piece out of reach. "These pieces are much better off at a higher location so you don't have to feel precious or nervous about them. For example, since the coffee table is a play zone for most children, keep a tray, books, and other objets that aren't fragile on the table."
- Thou shalt not let children's toys takeover the house. "Designate spaces for your children's toys. It's not realistic to think the kids' toys aren't going to spill out of their rooms, but if you have special organization for these items, it won't feel like they are taking over. Make it easy for them to help clean up, like baskets where they can put their things.
- Thou shalt have plenty of baskets. "They are pretty and they help hide toys. They also make it easy for the kids to help with the clean up."
- Thou shalt have a beautiful but unfussy kitchen counters. "Quartz or porcelain countertops have come a long way and now emulate the veining that a natural marble has. We love using this type of material for kitchen countertops because they don't stain or etch and are much more durable than the alternatives."
- Thou shalt teach children the importance of nice things early on. "Never say never [to any home item]! Teach your children the importance of certain things at an early age so they know the rules."
You Might Also Like:
How to Have the Most Unique Nursery on the Block
10 Things Stylish Moms Know About Interior Design
As a first-time mom with a baby on the precipice of mobility, I can personally attest that childproofing the home is a daunting proposition. Of course, my first priority is to make everything as safe as possible for my son (bye bye, beloved vintage brass and glass coffee table), but I would be lying if I didn't admit that the idea of giving up my carefully curated selection of home decor makes me sad.
The design of my home is a reflection of my identity, and I want my child to enhance that, not usurp it. Sure, my husband and I quickly abandoned our vow to maintain a toy-free living room and, after numerous spit-ups, our precious new sectional is not so precious anymore – but that doesn't mean I want my home to become one giant, padded playroom.
Enter: Jennifer Wundrow and Heather Kendall Brock, owners of Nest Design Co., Inc. These ladies have given me hope that I can make my home baby-friendly without sacrificing my personal style. They've applied their superstylish interior design skills to many a kid-filled home, and they say it is absolutely possible to have a gorgeous, stylish home avec bébé – if you follow their 10 commandments of childproof interior design. Check out what they had to say below.
- Thou shalt not wait to decorate your dream house. "We think being afraid to do it while your kids are young is the biggest mistake. Make your home your retreat and enjoy your time living there with your family. Set rules but don't wait."
- Thou shalt design in a way that makes sense given the age of the children. "If we are designing for a family expecting a baby or with young children, it's different than designing for a family with older children," explain Jennifer and Heather.
- Thou shalt use indoor/outdoor fabrics. "Its easier to clean and more durable for sticky fingers."
- Thou shalt swap an ottoman in for a coffee table while children are young. "They have soft edges that won't hurt precious heads and are super functional for the family in general - add a tray when you are entertaining, purchase an ottoman with storage so you can hide away toys and blankets, etc."
- Thou shalt stay away from microfiber. "We actually feel that microfiber is one of the worst materials for stain and spill camouflaging. We much prefer a natural fiber (linen, cotton, wool) or an indoor/outdoor material that looks like linen. They are easier to clean because they are made up of natural fibers, a misconception by most."
- Thou shalt keep fragile, expensive, or important piece out of reach. "These pieces are much better off at a higher location so you don't have to feel precious or nervous about them. For example, since the coffee table is a play zone for most children, keep a tray, books, and other objets that aren't fragile on the table."
- Thou shalt not let children's toys takeover the house. "Designate spaces for your children's toys. It's not realistic to think the kids' toys aren't going to spill out of their rooms, but if you have special organization for these items, it won't feel like they are taking over. Make it easy for them to help clean up, like baskets where they can put their things.
- Thou shalt have plenty of baskets. "They are pretty and they help hide toys. They also make it easy for the kids to help with the clean up."
- Thou shalt have a beautiful but unfussy kitchen counters. "Quartz or porcelain countertops have come a long way and now emulate the veining that a natural marble has. We love using this type of material for kitchen countertops because they don't stain or etch and are much more durable than the alternatives."
- Thou shalt teach children the importance of nice things early on. "Never say never [to any home item]! Teach your children the importance of certain things at an early age so they know the rules."
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If you're bold enough to offer to help decorate your boyfriend's apartment, first of all, you deserve a high five. Next, you may need to know a few things before you get started to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
After bravely volunteering to decorate my boyfriend's room, I quickly realized the extent of what I was promising. I thought I was going to be able to just decorate it however I wanted. These guys think they want to hand over all of the control, until the process actually starts. That's when I realized how much of a compromise this was really going to be and ended up learning a lot from the experience.
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If you're bold enough to offer to help decorate your boyfriend's apartment, first of all, you deserve a high five. Next, you may need to know a few things before you get started to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
After bravely volunteering to decorate my boyfriend's room, I quickly realized the extent of what I was promising. I thought I was going to be able to just decorate it however I wanted. These guys think they want to hand over all of the control, until the process actually starts. That's when I realized how much of a compromise this was really going to be and ended up learning a lot from the experience.
Celebrate the Beauty of Spring With 25 Green Pea Recipes
Even if you hate peas, these recipes will change your mind. Spring is almost upon us, and we can't wait to get our hands on seasonal Spring produce, including green peas. Some of these are light and bright (avocado, asparagus, and pea salad), and others are ridiculously indulgent (bacon and pea macaroni and cheese), and all will be devoured by everyone who tries them.
16 Inspiring Drought-Friendly Gardening Tips
Making do with less water is the new reality for gardeners and homeowners. Because of droughts across the country, and particularly in California where the state is mandating a reduction in water usage, many people are getting creative when it comes to cultivating greenery in their yards.
Even the pros are getting in on the less-water movement. Landscape experts Johanna Silver and Lauren Dunec Hoang created a drought-tolerant landscape for Sunset magazine's New Backyard Cottage and Garden project, an endeavor that focused on indoor small-space design as well as a well-planned exterior space. The topic is further explored in the magazine's new easy-care gardening book.
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Is Chrissy Teigen's New Cookbook Worth All the Hype?
Chrissy Teigen is one of my top five favorite celebrities, and I've been dying to get her cookbook, Cravings: Recipes For All the Food You Want to Eat, since I found out about it through her Instagram. My immediate response was to comment, "@boyfriend, Christmas present plz." Since then, I've been stalking the sh*t out of her Instagram and drooling at the cookbook photos she's been posting for months. If you're one of those people thinking, "What is a model doing coming out with a cookbook? There's no way she eats like that," let me stop you there.
The culinary-school-trained cook is known for bringing honesty, humor, and sass to the table and will put you in your place if you try to put words in her mouth: "I don't want to seem like one of those annoying 'I can eat anything I want anytime' chicks. It's just that I wanted to be honest in this book about the kinds of food I love, the kinds of food I crave," she writes in the book's introduction. Chrissy told Eater, "I didn't want it to be a celebrity cookbook where you're not sure if they really cook or if they just put their name on something. I wanted people to know that these are really the recipes that we love at home."
So you can imagine my squeal of joy when an early copy made its way into my hands at work, and my exclamation of "oh my god" as I opened the cover and turned to page 4 - the photo is everything (spoiler: it's from the photo shoot where John Legend ate chicken wings off her butt). Let's just take a moment to talk about the photos: they are so gorgeous and make me say "I want to make that" every single time I turn the page (they're by photographer Aubrie Pick). Plus, the book scores major points for including photos of Chrissy and John eating breakfast sandwiches in bed, demonstrating the definition of relationship goals, etc. It's like a food magazine and a fashion magazine had a baby.
Then comes the food. The food. I've never been more excited to flip through a cookbook in my life. The book is broken up into sections entitled Breakfast All Day, Soupmaster, Salads (For When You Need Them), Noodles and Carbs, Thai Mom, Party Time, Sh*t on Toast, Vegetable Things, Things That Intimidate People but Shouldn't, and Supper. Being the carb-obsessed Italian that I am, I immediately lit up at the "Noodles and Carbs" section and knew I had to make the Lemony Arugula Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, which is one of Chrissy's "top five in the book."
If there's one thing I know well, it's pasta, and let me tell you . . . this pasta is amazing. Here's everything that's in it: pancetta, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, LOTS of black pepper, parmesan, and arugula. It's like a combination of spaghetti aglio e olio and cacio e pepe - heavy on the garlic, spice, and cheese. I've only made it once and I can already tell it's going to make its way to my list of go-to easy dinners.
Also at the top of my must-try Chrissy recipes was a soup - she doesn't call herself the soup master for no reason, I assumed. So I tried out her chicken pot pie soup with crust crackers because her intro spoke to me: "This needs to be in some sort of hall of fame. It needs a ribbon in the county fair, its own show on TLC. They will literally put anything on television." While I'm pretty sure you won't see a show on TLC sometime soon called Chicken Pot Pie Wives (no promises), I am sure that this deserves to be in the soup hall of fame. It's way easier than scratch-made chicken pot pie, and more enjoyable, too. Scooping up the creamy, hearty soup with crispy, pie-crust crackers is basically the definition of eating comfort food.
After my experience cooking from a book I've thought about for a long time, I can say it lives up to the hype 100 percent. Chrissy officially has my soupmaster-nickname approval, and I know that I'll soon crave much of the food in Cravings.
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32 Obsession-Worthy Artichoke Recipes For Spring
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Best Vet Assistant Ever Comforts Puppy After Surgery by Holding Her
As animal-lovers, we know that those who work in veterinary clinics and shelters are some of the most amazing people ever. They go above and beyond to save animals and do everything they can to better the lives of those in their care. Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter surgical assistant Dennis Moses is no exception. When this puppy, Baby Meesha, was coming off her surgical anesthesia and started to get scared, Moses cuddled her and soothed her to calm her down. Watch the video to see the adorable moment, and check out even more amazing animal videos.
Best Vet Assistant Ever Comforts Puppy After Surgery by Holding Her
As animal-lovers, we know that those who work in veterinary clinics and shelters are some of the most amazing people ever. They go above and beyond to save animals and do everything they can to better the lives of those in their care. Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter surgical assistant Dennis Moses is no exception. When this puppy, Baby Meesha, was coming off her surgical anesthesia and started to get scared, Moses cuddled her and soothed her to calm her down. Watch the video to see the adorable moment, and check out even more amazing animal videos.
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vendredi 26 février 2016
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Source: YouTube user Philz Coffee
If your coffee is tasting flat, you can instantly improve the flavor with one incredible trick: aerate it. Aerating, or introducing air to the coffee, creates smoothness and rounds out the bitterness of the coffee, lending for a smoother, creamier cup. But how can you easily aerate coffee without fancy equipment? Allow me to explain:
I first discovered this information from a coworker, software engineer Vadim Todorov, while we were brewing our in-office Philz coffee. He said, "Have you noticed our Philz coffee doesn't taste quite like actual Philz?" FYI, Philz is some of the best coffee in the Bay Area. (For the record, I know we sound like annoying SF brats, but we're serious about our coffee around here, people). "That's because you have to aerate it." Vadim took his cup of coffee along with an empty cup over to the sink. He stretched the cup of coffee toward the top of his head and poured it into an empty cup around hip level. He did this process back and forth a few times. The result was a slightly foamy cup of black coffee. "I do that to my wine sometimes to aerate it and bring out the flavor. I thought I would try it on coffee, and it worked," he explained.
Source: Instagram user erincullum
It's true - I always noticed the unique, cascade-like pour-over technique at Philz (watch it in the above video), but I wasn't sure of the reason behind it. Sure enough, when I asked about it after ordering my favorite coffee, the Mint Mojito, my barista explained that aerating the hot water helps "extract the flavor of the beans" and improves the overall flavor. This is the drink, which, by the way, has no steamed milk - it's an iced coffee drink that's topped with this wonderfully light and airy foam thanks to the way it's prepared. To be clear, you can aerate your water or brewed coffee, depending on the type of coffee machine you have.
As mentioned before, the process of aeration also works in wine - it's the real reason people swirl their wine around in the glass, not just to seem like a fancy-ass wine connoisseur; getting "more oxygen into the wine" helps it open up and release the aroma and flavors. So, the next time you're unimpressed with your cup of coffee or glass of wine, try this out! You might be the one sharing the tip with your coworkers or friends.
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Fuller House in the Real San FranciscoFull House is back! Have mercy! Here's what the show would look like if they got San Francisco living right.
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How to Throw a '90s-Themed Wedding
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