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.

jeudi 3 mars 2016

Find Out What Pope Francis Wanted to Be When He Grew Up and More in This Adorable New Children's Book

At any given moment, every child has a million questions - about life, the world, what's for dinner, if they can have a snack . . . no, a different snack - but kids all around the world were put to the test when they were asked, "If you could ask Pope Francis one question, what would it be?" Tons of children handwrote notes in crayon, marker, and pencil to the pope, and he sent responses - covering a number of topics - back to them. Now you and your little ones can check them out in an adorable children's book titled Dear Pope Francis ($19).

In the book, the 30 letters from the children that were chosen are shown side by side with the thoughtful and inspiring responses they received from the pope, like this one in response to the question, "Who did you want to be at my age (8)?"

I have to admit something. When I was your age, I wanted to be a butcher. Now don't be astonished. You know why? I used to go to the market with my grandmother, and I'd see a butcher I liked. He was a large fellow, and he had a long apron with a big pocket in front. When my grandma would pay, he would put his hands in the big pocket. It was full of money, and he would give the change to my grandma. I thought he was a very rich man. All this really affected me, and I wanted to be like him. It's funny, but I have to confess this to you.

Adorable, right?

Even though the letters came from 26 countries on six continents, many of the common themes in the children's letters will show your own kids that we have things in common with people all over the globe. Pope Francis believes that children are the future and that their voices should be heard, which makes this very special book even more meaningful, regardless of your personal beliefs.

Read through for a selection of pages from the book, which is available now.

The Swimwear You Need This Spring Break

Is it Spring Break yet? Because we're impatiently counting the days until we're able to escape the frigid snow and rainy weather, bring out our favorite sunglasses and light dresses, and put on a brand-new swimsuit.

To make sure we're all ready for that warm trip on the horizon, we've put together this inspiring shopping list of new swimwear as modeled by some of your favorite Latina fashion bloggers. Next time you're on the beach, you'll be rocking sheer paneling, a cross-front one-piece, and even long sleeves. Keep reading to find your shopping list.

The First Official Trailer For Ghostbusters Will Get You So Pumped For the Reboot

Hesitant to get too excited about the Ghostbusters reboot? We understand, but between the excellent cast and the behind-the-scenes pictures, we have faith that the new movie will be great. The first trailer also debuted on The Ellen DeGeneres Show this week, and it looks beyond amazing. Not only do the four leading ladies make us LOL, but there is also a special cameo by the gorgeous Chris Hemsworth. Summer can't get here fast enough!

It's OK to Keep Watching Beyoncé's "Formation" Music Video Over and Over Again

Just a day before hitting the stage at Super Bowl 50, Beyoncé dropped a new song called "Formation" out of nowhere. But that's not all! Along with the song, she also released a new music video exclusively to Tidal with a cameo from her adorable daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, and we must say, it's fire! Just take a minute to review the lyrics: "Y'all haters corny with that Illuminati mess/Paparazzi catch my fly and my cocky fresh/I'm so reckless when I rock my Givenchy dress."

In addition to featuring explicit lyrics, the video, which was directed by Beyoncé, takes on black culture and police brutality with a handful of powerful images, including a cop car, a police line, a Southern plantation home, and a shot of graffiti on a wall that reads, "Stop shooting us." But that's not all - we also dug up plenty of other interesting facts that you might not have noticed. Watch the video above now!

Want more Queen Bey?

9 Easy Ways to Add Instant Brightness to a Dark Room

Not every home is flooded with natural light, but luckily these decorating tricks can make a huge difference. No demolition necessary - it's all about optical illusions that add instant brightness!

9 Easy Ways to Add Instant Brightness to a Dark Room

Not every home is flooded with natural light, but luckily these decorating tricks can make a huge difference. No demolition necessary - it's all about optical illusions that add instant brightness!

Exclusive! Get the Most Badass Brows of Your Life With MAC's New Line

When we're looking to master a beauty trend, one makeup brand's expertise (and its army of professionals!) comes to mind: MAC Cosmetics. The team taught us how the "kitten paws" technique makes strobing look flawless, tricks for contouring every skin tone and face shape, and what to avoid when doing our own makeup for headshots. Now that bold brows are here to stay, MAC is advising us on how to get amazing arches with its newest collection, Brows Are It!

The brand tapped Damone Roberts, brow expert and beauty therapist (and former MAC artist!), as a consultant on developing this line. "I worked for MAC 20 years ago and I learned so much," gushed Roberts. "Then I went out to really explore the brow business because I saw how important it was. There are so many brow products out there, but they aren't the right products - they're just products that say 'eyebrows' on them."

The arch guru was adamant in his mission to achieve a range of formulas and hues that would work for everyone. "Your skin can be the palest pale to the darkest dark, and we'll have a shade for you," Roberts said. He worked with MAC to create eight new products, including brushes, powder duos, and three types of pencils, in an incredible variety of colors.

It's easy to be overwhelmed by your options when it comes to makeup in this category, and it's especially difficult to determine your perfect arch hue. Roberts recommends that you look at your roots. "Even if you're blond, your base is deeper. You want to match to the deeper base to your brow color," he suggested.

However, if you are ultrafair or your hair is black, skip matching your mane. "If your hair is really light, you want to go one to two shades darker, and if your hair is dark, you want to go one to two shades lighter," he counseled. This way, you'll get natural, believable-looking brows.

Still not sure whether you should be selecting a gel, powder, or a pencil? It's all about getting the shape you want. Roberts exclusively schooled us on the five hottest arch shapes for 2016 and how to achieve them with products from the MAC Cosmetics Brows Are It! collection. Trust us - the tips are supereasy to follow, even if you don't have the steadiest hands. Read on!

Our 3-Ingredient Homemade Take on Wendy's Frosty

The Swimwear You Need This Spring Break

Is it Spring Break yet? Because we're impatiently counting the days until we're able to escape the frigid snow and rainy weather, bring out our favorite sunglasses and light dresses, and put on a brand-new swimsuit.

To make sure we're all ready for that warm trip on the horizon, we've put together this inspiring shopping list of new swimwear as modeled by some of your favorite Latina fashion bloggers. Next time you're on the beach, you'll be rocking sheer paneling, a cross-front one-piece, and even long sleeves. Keep reading to find your shopping list.

It's OK to Keep Watching Beyoncé's "Formation" Music Video Over and Over Again

Just a day before hitting the stage at Super Bowl 50, Beyoncé dropped a new song called "Formation" out of nowhere. But that's not all! Along with the song, she also released a new music video exclusively to Tidal with a cameo from her adorable daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, and we must say, it's fire! Just take a minute to review the lyrics: "Y'all haters corny with that Illuminati mess/Paparazzi catch my fly and my cocky fresh/I'm so reckless when I rock my Givenchy dress."

In addition to featuring explicit lyrics, the video, which was directed by Beyoncé, takes on black culture and police brutality with a handful of powerful images, including a cop car, a police line, a Southern plantation home, and a shot of graffiti on a wall that reads, "Stop shooting us." But that's not all - we also dug up plenty of other interesting facts that you might not have noticed. Watch the video above now!

Want more Queen Bey?

Make Your Backyard Seriously Fun With This Outdoor DIY

When the weather gets warm, everyone wants to congregate outdoors - and there's only one thing better than relaxing in the backyard with an ice cold beer: doing it while your kids are entertaining themselves beside you. This DIY outdoor chalkboard can help you achieve this warm-weather bliss. It's big enough for multiple kids to scribble away at once, pretty enough to look great hanging on your fence, and fun enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Blogger Corey of Hey There, Home completed the project with just eight components, all of which can be found at a big box hardware store. The project is multi-stepped, but only moderately difficult. In other words, it's the perfect project to tackle this weekend. Get the full tutorial on Hey There, Home and brace yourself for hours of backyard joy.

Make Your Backyard Seriously Fun With This Outdoor DIY

When the weather gets warm, everyone wants to congregate outdoors - and there's only one thing better than relaxing in the backyard with an ice cold beer: doing it while your kids are entertaining themselves beside you. This DIY outdoor chalkboard can help you achieve this warm-weather bliss. It's big enough for multiple kids to scribble away at once, pretty enough to look great hanging on your fence, and fun enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Blogger Corey of Hey There, Home completed the project with just eight components, all of which can be found at a big box hardware store. The project is multi-stepped, but only moderately difficult. In other words, it's the perfect project to tackle this weekend. Get the full tutorial on Hey There, Home and brace yourself for hours of backyard joy.

60+ Popular Restaurant Dishes - Hacked!

From Magnolia Bakery's classic vanilla cupcakes to Red Lobster's addictive Cheddar Bay Biscuits, we've rounded up the best restaurant copycat recipes. (Some even come straight from the source!) Keep reading for 68 tempting options, but be warned: you're about to get very, very hungry.

A Ramen Salad So Simple You Can Make It in Your Dorm Room

You might think dorm room dining options don't extend much beyond a cup of coffee or some Easy Mac, but that's not true. With a little ingenuity, you can even make this ramen noodle salad. It's the perfect meal to pair with your late-night study sessions!

Want more dorm room dining hacks? Learn how to cook bacon and soft-boiled eggs with naught but an iron and a coffee maker.

5 Apps That Will Help You Organize and Style Your Home

Not long ago were the days when an "app" was the course before the entree. These days, however, the meaning is all about smartphone technology. And while you may not yet see the connection between technology and home organization and design, you will after checking out the five apps below. They were rounded up by Kishore Kumar, an organization expert and the CEO of number three on the list, AllThingsMine. If you need convincing that you should take advantage of technology to whip your house into shape, consider this: the National Organization of Professional Organizers has found that getting rid of clutter can eliminate up to 40 percent of house work. You could pay big bucks for a pro organizer to clean out your clutter or do it yourself with a little help from one of these free or nearly free apps. Here's what Kishmore had to say about them:

5 Apps That Will Help You Organize and Style Your Home

Not long ago were the days when an "app" was the course before the entree. These days, however, the meaning is all about smartphone technology. And while you may not yet see the connection between technology and home organization and design, you will after checking out the five apps below. They were rounded up by Kishore Kumar, an organization expert and the CEO of number three on the list, AllThingsMine. If you need convincing that you should take advantage of technology to whip your house into shape, consider this: the National Organization of Professional Organizers has found that getting rid of clutter can eliminate up to 40 percent of house work. You could pay big bucks for a pro organizer to clean out your clutter or do it yourself with a little help from one of these free or nearly free apps. Here's what Kishmore had to say about them:

Fire Up Your Wok With Fast and Easy Kimchi Fried Rice

Here's What Kendall Was Actually Doing at That Vogue Shoot

Kendall Jenner has just confirmed our original assumption that she would be a blast to hang out with. Even during her most stressful time - aka Fashion Month - the It model manages to joke around and laugh with friends, as evident by a new video released by Vogue.

Capturing Kendall in her element during NYFW, the hilarious clip shows Kendall getting her makeup done (a "natural" blue eye, she teases), dressing up with Gigi Hadid, and eating McDonnalds - topless! - while wearing thigh-high boots. The outfits and an appearance by Kim also confirm that thiswas what the brunette beauty was really shooting for Vogue, rather than that rumored cover (although fingers crossed that one still happens).

Laugh until you cry watching Kendall above, then check out all the killer looks she's worn recently, on the runway and off.

These Pictures of Hot Celebs With Cats Will Leave You Swooning For Days

Many of us can probably appreciate a good-looking man, but what happens when you take an attractive man and give him an adorable kitty? It's an amazing mashup of all the hot and the cute and the sweet, all rolled into one, and we love everything about it. Scroll through to see some of our favorite hot celebrities snuggling cats of all shapes and sizes, because why not?

These Pictures of Hot Celebs With Cats Will Leave You Swooning For Days

Many of us can probably appreciate a good-looking man, but what happens when you take an attractive man and give him an adorable kitty? It's an amazing mashup of all the hot and the cute and the sweet, all rolled into one, and we love everything about it. Scroll through to see some of our favorite hot celebrities snuggling cats of all shapes and sizes, because why not?

Brighten Up Your Kitchen With 25+ Picture-Perfect Springtime Tools

Spring fever is officially here. For some of us, that means cooking with what's in season, for others it means organizing your kitchen thanks to the KonMari method, and for some of us it means doing a little shopping to brighten up our kitchen space. Wouldn't you look forward to cooking more if you had an eye-catching Dutch oven? These are 27 picture-perfect springtime products your kitchen will thank you for buying.

mercredi 2 mars 2016

Breast Milk Has Been Sourced - and 6 Other Shocking Revelations About Reality Food TV

Image Source: Fox

Even if you've watched every episode of Food Network's Chopped or Fox's Hell's Kitchen, there's a whole world outside of the edited clips that actually may be more fascinating than the shows themselves. In case you've ever wondered what it's really like to work on the set of a competitive culinary show, I spoke to a source who works on reality food TV (they wished to remain anonymous) to talk about their experiences. Let's just say, the shocking insights lift the curtain to reveal the "real" truths behind the camera.

Image Source: Anders Krusberg / © Food Network / Courtesy: Everett Collection

All Logos Must Be "Greeked"

Unless a certain brand or grocery store is sponsoring the episode of a show, in general all logos on any item have to be covered up, or "Greeked," by the art department. What does that mean? For every wide shot of a pantry or faux "store" front, there's a whole team of people who've printed up generic logos and taped, painted, stickered, and doodled on every single box, can, bottle, and/or bag [that has a logo]. Did you know that the CH Sugar box has seven logos on it? Those were my least favorite to Greek.

Bacon Masks the Scent of Mystery Ingredients

Before certain challenges, mystery boxes, quickfires, etc., there are culinary and challenge teams who are working behind the scenes to test them out to make sure they work and figure out what will make for compelling television. That said, sometimes the kitchens they're working out of are right next to the set. To prevent contestants from figuring out what's being cooked and potentially have an upper hand, guess what they cook tons of to mask any scent of things being tested? Bacon! And lots of it.

Image Source: Fox

For Some Shows, the Food Judged Is Cold

On Top Chef, Iron Chef, and Chopped, those judges are for sure eating hot food - contestants have to make multiple plates of their finished dish, some that go directly to the judges plus one extra called the "food porn" shot that goes directly to the cameras for those pretty shots. But on MasterChef, a show that works predominantly with amateur chefs, most of the time they're only able to make one dish, so those judges are well-trained to eat cold food. Interestingly enough, they also watch the contestants closely as they're cooking and "taste" sauces and extra food around their work station so they can form a full opinion of the dish as well as the techniques used to cook them.

The Crew Gets Black Truffles FOR FREE

When you work with great chefs, they want the best. Caviar, foie gras, black truffles - which means behind the scenes, the culinary team works to source all of these fantastic ingredients. If something gets screwed up in the first take, there always have to be backup ingredients. That means leftovers! In general, talent, producers, and the culinary teams do get first dibs, but crew members reap the benefits too, if they ask nicely.

Yes, Breast Milk Has Been Sourced

In addition to luxury items, the challenge team is always looking for . . . challenges. Forget caviar, culinary teams have to source everything from squirrel to live crickets to whole canned chicken and even breast milk. If someone can dream it up as an ingredient, then there's a whole team that will make it happen.

Image Source: Dale Berman / Bravo

Leftover Meat Gets Tossed

Produce from some pantry sets and any ingredients that are unused in the shots regularly get donated to local charities and food banks. The extra food also goes toward feeding the crew. For example, I didn't know what to do with a sunchoke before working on one of these shows, but I ended up taking home a few of them at some point. Plus, the culinary team gave me a bunch of different recipes and ways to cook them. Unfortunately, especially with some of the leftover meat/fish/proteins, after they've been sitting out on hot sets under all of the lights, they do have to be tossed for food safety reasons.

Part of the Job Is Playing the Mystery Box Challenge

Do you ever play that game of "What would I make with this challenge?" Well, one of the fun parts of working on competitive reality cooking shows is that you actually do get to play that game constantly. They're always looking to the culinary team to make sure that there are a ton of varied and not-obvious dishes that can be made out of every mystery box.

Home Challenge: 7 Days to a Grown-Up Apartment

First, the good news: you've moved out of your parents' home. Congrats! Now, the sobering reality. The giddiness of your newfound independence is beginning to fade as you realize you're still a long way from having the grown-up apartment your adult self has fantasized about. All it takes is a week of focus, a little purging, and a few space refreshers for you to really feel like an adult in your home. This seven day challenge will help you every step of the way!

Home Challenge: 7 Days to a Grown-Up Apartment

First, the good news: you've moved out of your parents' home. Congrats! Now, the sobering reality. The giddiness of your newfound independence is beginning to fade as you realize you're still a long way from having the grown-up apartment your adult self has fantasized about. All it takes is a week of focus, a little purging, and a few space refreshers for you to really feel like an adult in your home. This seven day challenge will help you every step of the way!

Our Take on Nutella-Stuffed Cronut Holes, Enough Said

Protective Kitty Loves Her Baby Human More Than Anything Else

Some animals are content to always keep to themselves, and some really, really love people. Panda the cat takes her job as caretaker to her human's baby very seriously. When Liel was pregnant, Panda would sit on her lap and avidly keep the baby safe and protected. Once the baby was born, Panda was a little bit confused, Liel told LoveMeow. But alas, Panda figured it out and now protects the baby just like she protected the baby bump. Scroll through to see all the sweet moments Liel has captured with her baby and Panda.

Protective Kitty Loves Her Baby Human More Than Anything Else

Some animals are content to always keep to themselves, and some really, really love people. Panda the cat takes her job as caretaker to her human's baby very seriously. When Liel was pregnant, Panda would sit on her lap and avidly keep the baby safe and protected. Once the baby was born, Panda was a little bit confused, Liel told LoveMeow. But alas, Panda figured it out and now protects the baby just like she protected the baby bump. Scroll through to see all the sweet moments Liel has captured with her baby and Panda.

70+ Vegetarian Meals That Aren't Pasta

Eating vegetarian often means boiling some pasta, sautéeing veggies, and topping with parmesan cheese. There's obviously nothing wrong with that, but it can be so easy to fall into a dinner rut that you forget what vegetarian possibilities are out there (and not just salad!). From soups to grain bowls to tacos and more, these 71 recipes prove there's way more out there for the vegetarian than pasta.

Zoe Saldana's Twins Are So Adorable on Instagram That You Probably Never Noticed This Was Behind Them

It's no secret that Zoe Saldana and her family are adorable. We're reminded every time we look at her Instagram account. It's what's behind Zoe and husband Marco Perego's twin boys in the pictures that you may have overlooked: a seriously stylish house. With its clean color palette and vintage farmhouse details, it defines contemporary coziness. Keep reading to check out 16 times we were impressed with their decor.

Zoe Saldana's Twins Are So Adorable on Instagram That You Probably Never Noticed This Was Behind Them

It's no secret that Zoe Saldana and her family are adorable. We're reminded every time we look at her Instagram account. It's what's behind Zoe and husband Marco Perego's twin boys in the pictures that you may have overlooked: a seriously stylish house. With its clean color palette and vintage farmhouse details, it defines contemporary coziness. Keep reading to check out 16 times we were impressed with their decor.

These Are the 3 Key Fitness Trends For You and Your Dog This Year

We've been noticing lately that people are treating their pets like humans more and more - even going as far as having a wedding for their dogs. It got us wondering what might be on the horizon in trendiness for our dogs, so we asked Dr. Louise Murray, veterinarian with Wellness TruFood, what she thinks will be the big things in 2016.

"People are starting to become more actively involved in their pet's health, and more of what we see in human health is beginning to trickle into the pet world," she said. Health and wellness are what everyone is really thinking about, and that includes involving our dogs, she continued. Here are the three key wellness trends to look out for.

  1. Fitness: According to Dr. Murray, people are starting to include their dogs in their everyday lives more than before, which includes their fitness routines. She has seen more and more dog-friendly fitness classes crop up and expects it to grow even more. "While this may be a fad and may not be for every dog depending on their sociability, any activities with your pet that reinforce bonding and promote exercise can be positive," she said.
  2. Wearables: "It can be hard to tell when your pet is healthy," Dr. Murray said. But thanks to wearable wellness trackers, it is easier to find out what's going on with our dogs. These trackers can look at everything from heart rate and temperature to calories burned in a day. Some of them even have GPS included so if your dog gets out, it's easier to track him down.
  3. Alternative foods: Natural diets have become the norm for humans, so it makes sense that our animals' diets would follow suit. "We're starting to see more interest in foods that are more akin to homemade human recipes, like Wellness TruFood, a new line of foods for cats and dogs made with fresh produce and high-quality meats that are slowly baked to seal in nutrients," Dr. Murray said.

These Are the 3 Key Fitness Trends For You and Your Dog This Year

We've been noticing lately that people are treating their pets like humans more and more - even going as far as having a wedding for their dogs. It got us wondering what might be on the horizon in trendiness for our dogs, so we asked Dr. Louise Murray, veterinarian with Wellness TruFood, what she thinks will be the big things in 2016.

"People are starting to become more actively involved in their pet's health, and more of what we see in human health is beginning to trickle into the pet world," she said. Health and wellness are what everyone is really thinking about, and that includes involving our dogs, she continued. Here are the three key wellness trends to look out for.

  1. Fitness: According to Dr. Murray, people are starting to include their dogs in their everyday lives more than before, which includes their fitness routines. She has seen more and more dog-friendly fitness classes crop up and expects it to grow even more. "While this may be a fad and may not be for every dog depending on their sociability, any activities with your pet that reinforce bonding and promote exercise can be positive," she said.
  2. Wearables: "It can be hard to tell when your pet is healthy," Dr. Murray said. But thanks to wearable wellness trackers, it is easier to find out what's going on with our dogs. These trackers can look at everything from heart rate and temperature to calories burned in a day. Some of them even have GPS included so if your dog gets out, it's easier to track him down.
  3. Alternative foods: Natural diets have become the norm for humans, so it makes sense that our animals' diets would follow suit. "We're starting to see more interest in foods that are more akin to homemade human recipes, like Wellness TruFood, a new line of foods for cats and dogs made with fresh produce and high-quality meats that are slowly baked to seal in nutrients," Dr. Murray said.

You'll Never Guess Who Target Is Partnering With For Its Next Collection

Design-lovers, prepare to mark your calendars: the Target and Marimekko collaboration hits stores on April 17. In addition to a line of clothing inspired by the summertime outdoors, Target is planning to release furniture and entertaining essentials perfect for the warm weather.

Of course, the collaboration will be full of Marimekko's signature patterns and colors. The sneak peek of vibrant tablecloths, tableware, and a fabulous printed kids' tent has us longing to see what else the Finnish design house will release. One thing is certain: this collection won't be lacking Marimekko's classic colorful flair. Even better news, the collection is pretty affordable. The prices range from $8 to $500, but most items are under $50. Just in time for Spring, you'll be able to add pillows, throws, towels, tepees, and everything you could possibly need for your outdoor space to your wish list. We're especially excited to see the hammocks and deck chairs Marimekko has designed.

If the Target and Marimekko partnership is anything like last year's Lilly Pulitzer collaboration, it will sell out fast . . . we weren't kidding when we said mark your calendar!


You'll Never Guess Who Target Is Partnering With For Its Next Collection

Design-lovers, prepare to mark your calendars: the Target and Marimekko collaboration hits stores on April 17. In addition to a line of clothing inspired by the summertime outdoors, Target is planning to release furniture and entertaining essentials perfect for the warm weather.

Of course, the collaboration will be full of Marimekko's signature patterns and colors. The sneak peek of vibrant tablecloths, tableware, and a fabulous printed kids' tent has us longing to see what else the Finnish design house will release. One thing is certain: this collection won't be lacking Marimekko's classic colorful flair. Even better news, the collection is pretty affordable. The prices range from $8 to $500, but most items are under $50. Just in time for Spring, you'll be able to add pillows, throws, towels, tepees, and everything you could possibly need for your outdoor space to your wish list. We're especially excited to see the hammocks and deck chairs Marimekko has designed.

If the Target and Marimekko partnership is anything like last year's Lilly Pulitzer collaboration, it will sell out fast . . . we weren't kidding when we said mark your calendar!


Retirement Home For Dogs Lets Senior Pups Live Their Last Days Comfortably

When our dogs get to be old and sickly, it can be hard to decide what to do with them. Many people know that to prolong the dogs' lives, they need a lot of care, which is sometimes not feasible. And many dog owners want to keep their dogs alive as long as they can. This is where Japan's Roken Honpo comes in. This retirement community - so to speak - is specially designed for senior dogs to get the care and assistance they need at the end of their lives and gives owners an alternative to having them put down unnecessarily. Akiko Hoshinos has a 17-year-old Shiba Inu that can't walk on her own anymore, according to the International Business Times. Hoshinos opted to put her dog in Roken Honpo's care, because while she's old and sickly enough to need extra care, she's not so sick that she needs to be put down.

The facility, run by Mie Kawaguchi and a team of dedicated dog-lovers, deals with various ailments in the dogs they care for, including Alzheimer's, joint problems, and vision issues. But they devote the time and care these old dogs need. The dogs are also seen very regularly by a vet to ensure that everything that can be done to help them is being done. And while this retirement facility can be costly for people to put their dogs into (about $660 per month), it can help prolong their lives in a comforting way. In the grand scheme of things, what's a little extra money if it means you get to spend more time with your best friend? Sounds worth it to us.

Retirement Home For Dogs Lets Senior Pups Live Their Last Days Comfortably

When our dogs get to be old and sickly, it can be hard to decide what to do with them. Many people know that to prolong the dogs' lives, they need a lot of care, which is sometimes not feasible. And many dog owners want to keep their dogs alive as long as they can. This is where Japan's Roken Honpo comes in. This retirement community - so to speak - is specially designed for senior dogs to get the care and assistance they need at the end of their lives and gives owners an alternative to having them put down unnecessarily. Akiko Hoshinos has a 17-year-old Shiba Inu that can't walk on her own anymore, according to the International Business Times. Hoshinos opted to put her dog in Roken Honpo's care, because while she's old and sickly enough to need extra care, she's not so sick that she needs to be put down.

The facility, run by Mie Kawaguchi and a team of dedicated dog-lovers, deals with various ailments in the dogs they care for, including Alzheimer's, joint problems, and vision issues. But they devote the time and care these old dogs need. The dogs are also seen very regularly by a vet to ensure that everything that can be done to help them is being done. And while this retirement facility can be costly for people to put their dogs into (about $660 per month), it can help prolong their lives in a comforting way. In the grand scheme of things, what's a little extra money if it means you get to spend more time with your best friend? Sounds worth it to us.

An Easy Trick For Keeping Light Fixtures Sparkling Clean

Not sure of the best way to clean your globe lights without breaking them? Dana Miller from House*Tweaking shows us how to get the job done!

Recently, I've had several readers contact me about the globe lights that are suspended above the kitchen island. I thought it would be helpful to address the questions in a post since others might have similar queries. The lights are the 11″ clear globe pendants from West Elm. I love how they punctuate the island. Since purchasing them 3 years ago, they're now available in a larger size (14″) and a different finish (milk finish with antique brass base).

One of the most popular questions I receive regarding the lights is, "How do you clean them?" A few times a year, I give them a deep cleaning. Here's what I do . . .

14 Interesting Facts About Mario Batali That Will Make You Love Him Even More

If you've ever been to Eataly in New York City, you can thank Mario Batali. The chef and restauranteur wears many hats (and many Crocs), and he's been gracing TV screens for years with his charm and unparalleled Italian-food knowledge - but could you ever have guessed what he would have been if he wasn't a chef? Keep reading for that plus more fun facts about the world-renowned culinary guru that will make you love him even more.

  1. He was born in Seattle but went to high school in Madrid.
  2. If he had to live off three meals alone, they would be "linguine with clams, bucatini all'amatriciana, and a fried oyster po boy," he told Serious Eats.
  3. You know that he's known for wearing Crocs all the time, but did you know he's been a fan since the very beginning? "I fell in love with Crocs immediately," Mario told AOL Food. "They were originally fishing shoes from Colorado. I started wearing them and the rest is history. I have like 30 little [Jibbitz] things to put [on] them."
  4. He can't live without spaghetti or hot sauce.
  5. There's a reason that his signature color is orange: it reminds him of being happy. In fact, he once ordered 200 pairs of orange Crocs because the color was being discontinued.
  6. He practices transcendental meditation.
  7. If he wasn't a chef, he'd be a pool boy. "I would be a pool boy in Hollywood or Beverly Hills," he once told Food & Wine.
  8. Growing up, he thought he would be a football player. "Then I got the sh*t knocked out of me at age 11," he told Details.
  9. Unsurprisingly, his kids weren't picky eaters growing up. He told Time Out New York, "The way to not have a picky eater is for the kids to work with you in the kitchen. Once they've done anything to a vegetable, by the time it's cooked, they're like, 'Yeah, I'm gonna eat this. Of course I'm gonna eat this.'"
  10. Everyone in his family knew how to cook. "It was part of the fabric of our everyday life," he told Epicurious.
  11. His recommendation for a hangover fix? "Hair of the dog, my friend. Or full on hard exercise for half an hour."
  12. He thinks bad pizza is worse than bad sex.
  13. He thinks the most overrated food trend is . . . bacon. "I love bacon, but it doesn't need to be in every single dessert or savory dish," he told Time.
  14. He's not just on the East Coast! Batali has a line of organic salami at San Francisco butcher Belcampo Meat Co.

An Easy Trick For Keeping Light Fixtures Sparkling Clean

Not sure of the best way to clean your globe lights without breaking them? Dana Miller from House*Tweaking shows us how to get the job done!

Recently, I've had several readers contact me about the globe lights that are suspended above the kitchen island. I thought it would be helpful to address the questions in a post since others might have similar queries. The lights are the 11″ clear globe pendants from West Elm. I love how they punctuate the island. Since purchasing them 3 years ago, they're now available in a larger size (14″) and a different finish (milk finish with antique brass base).

One of the most popular questions I receive regarding the lights is, "How do you clean them?" A few times a year, I give them a deep cleaning. Here's what I do . . .

Welcome Spring With 10 Must-Have Foodie Finds For March

It's hard to believe March is already here, but these new food products will make you look forward to Spring even more. Whether you want to fill your adult-approved Easter basket with a sophisticated chocolate egg or need some springtime kitchen inspiration in the form of a new cookbook or bright coasters, you're sure to find a new food product that speaks to you. Keep reading to see what our editors are loving this month and why.

11 Cocktails to Serve at an Easter Meal

Whether you're planning an Easter brunch, late lunch, or early dinner, one thing's for sure: you must celebrate with cocktails that are just as festive as the food you're making! For a few springtime sippers to accompany your grand meal, keep reading.

Need a Laugh? These Animal Memes Should Do the Trick!

Just about everywhere you turn there's a silly animal meme: advice animals, grumpy cats, and puns galore. These cute pictures of pets with commentary are shared like crazy on Instagram and Tumblr. From dogs who can't wait to make breakfast to cats telling it like it is, here are some of the silliest snort-out-loud pet memes that guarantee a good laugh.

- Additional reporting by Sarah Lipoff

Need a Laugh? These Animal Memes Should Do the Trick!

Just about everywhere you turn there's a silly animal meme: advice animals, grumpy cats, and puns galore. These cute pictures of pets with commentary are shared like crazy on Instagram and Tumblr. From dogs who can't wait to make breakfast to cats telling it like it is, here are some of the silliest snort-out-loud pet memes that guarantee a good laugh.

- Additional reporting by Sarah Lipoff

An Ode to Dr. Seuss and His Incredible Creatures

It's Wednesday, March 2
And we must relay the news
That today's the birthday
Of the great Dr. Seuss.

From Horton and Yertle
To Biffer-Baum Birds,
He's delighted us all
With his characters and words.

So on this special day
In this silly feature
We'll honor him and amuse you
With our favorite Seussian creatures.

Smoothies That Won't Leave You Hungry Before Lunch

When you're rushing to make it out the door on time in the morning, you don't have to skip the most important meal of the day if you take a few minutes to blend up a smoothie. These 18 recipes are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, and the best part is they won't leave your stomach growling before lunchtime rolls around.

Breakfast Pasta: Your Newest Obsession

An Ode to Dr. Seuss and His Incredible Creatures

It's Wednesday, March 2
And we must relay the news
That today's the birthday
Of the great Dr. Seuss.

From Horton and Yertle
To Biffer-Baum Birds,
He's delighted us all
With his characters and words.

So on this special day
In this silly feature
We'll honor him and amuse you
With our favorite Seussian creatures.

Hack Shake Shack's ShackBurger

Why This Controversial Organizing Method Is Exactly What You Need

Letting go of clutter is hard to do. Anyone who has encountered the teachings of Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo knows that minimalism is currently all the rage; her housekeeping manual, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has inspired legions of readers to throw away their unneeded belongings - and Marie Kondo's newest book, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up is in January's POPSUGAR Must Have Box, which you can buy here! We love all things related to organization and have to admit to clearing out our drawers and closets in a fit of aspirational tidying ourselves.

Not everyone, though, is on board with KonMari, the nickname Kondo gave her techniques. As with any good trend, there's a corresponding backlash. Back in May, a writer for The New York Times extolled the virtues of living a life surrounded by things in an article called "Let's Celebrate the Art of Clutter."

Whether you're pro- or anticlutter, you must admit there's a certain calmness to be found in a well-organized drawer. Read through to see 25 examples of Marie's method at work, and see if you aren't a little inspired to take a turn at organizing your own home.

Why This Controversial Organizing Method Is Exactly What You Need

Letting go of clutter is hard to do. Anyone who has encountered the teachings of Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo knows that minimalism is currently all the rage; her housekeeping manual, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has inspired legions of readers to throw away their unneeded belongings - and Marie Kondo's newest book, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up is in January's POPSUGAR Must Have Box, which you can buy here! We love all things related to organization and have to admit to clearing out our drawers and closets in a fit of aspirational tidying ourselves.

Not everyone, though, is on board with KonMari, the nickname Kondo gave her techniques. As with any good trend, there's a corresponding backlash. Back in May, a writer for The New York Times extolled the virtues of living a life surrounded by things in an article called "Let's Celebrate the Art of Clutter."

Whether you're pro- or anticlutter, you must admit there's a certain calmness to be found in a well-organized drawer. Read through to see 25 examples of Marie's method at work, and see if you aren't a little inspired to take a turn at organizing your own home.

The Secret to the Cake of Your Dreams Lies in a Mix

Many cakes are better made from scratch - chocolate, angel food, and carrot for starters - but when it comes to yellow cake and Funfetti, we're proudly on team boxed cake mix. We're not sure what it is (some sort of magic dust, perhaps), but it just tastes right. That being said, there are a few things that can be done to make it taste even better.

First off, this is going to be controversial - but skip the Funfetti cake mix. Instead pick up a box of yellow cake mix (it's richer in flavor than Funfetti's white cake base) and a big container of rainbow sprinkles; you're going to make your own Funfetti! Don't even think about tossing a tub of store-bought frosting into your cart (sorry, but no - shortening-based frosting is just wrong).

Mix up the cake mix according to the box's instructions (in this case, we added 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs), and then fold in a whopping 3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (don't overmix, or the sprinkles' color can bleed). Bake the cake according to the box's instructions - we're partial to a good, old-fashioned sheet cake, for ease, but you do you - and let cool completely.

Meanwhile, it's time to make the frosting of your dreams. This is not the time for a swiss meringue buttercream, which is too airy, light, and, frankly, refined for this application. Rather, we're going for a dense, salty-sweet, butter-rich recipe that's like tub frosting but 100 percent tastier (and made with far less scary ingredients). Follow this salted buttercream recipe, scaling back all of the ingredients by half.

Finally, ice your cake, blanket it with a ludicrous amount of rainbow sprinkles, and decorate with the cutest candles you can find. On the hunt for candles? We've had the best luck at suburban Target and Safeway stores; Amazon also has some cute options.

Want to take your boxed-cake creations to the next level? Try one of these clever recipes that also start with a mix.

11 Bedroom Makeover Ideas Straight From Instagram

No need to think big when it comes to making over your home. Instead, we love the idea of small changes for an instant upgrade. The room that probably needs the most love (aside from your closet)? Your bedroom! This time around, we looked to rooms on Instagram for inspiration, and boy, are there some great tips.

Source: Instagram

Hatch These Deviled Egg Chicks For Easter!

11 Bedroom Makeover Ideas Straight From Instagram

No need to think big when it comes to making over your home. Instead, we love the idea of small changes for an instant upgrade. The room that probably needs the most love (aside from your closet)? Your bedroom! This time around, we looked to rooms on Instagram for inspiration, and boy, are there some great tips.

Source: Instagram

How to Create the Perfect Flower Arrangement (Hint: It's Easier Than You Think)

Regardless of whether you were sent a bouquet in the mail or purchased one at the grocery store, it's all about how you arrange them. But placing flowers in a vase is more nuanced than it seems. For a Pinterest-worthy tabletop floral display, we talked to BFloral owner and lead designer Bronwen Smith. Keep reading for Bronwen's six insider tips for creating a perfect flower arrangement.

How to Create the Perfect Flower Arrangement (Hint: It's Easier Than You Think)

Regardless of whether you were sent a bouquet in the mail or purchased one at the grocery store, it's all about how you arrange them. But placing flowers in a vase is more nuanced than it seems. For a Pinterest-worthy tabletop floral display, we talked to BFloral owner and lead designer Bronwen Smith. Keep reading for Bronwen's six insider tips for creating a perfect flower arrangement.