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 13 mars 2017
Spoiler Alert: Here's Who Dies on The Vampire Diaries Series Finale
Warning: major spoilers about The Vampire Diaries series finale ahead.
The moment has finally come. After weeks of speculating who the big character death would be on The Vampire Diaries finale, we finally have our answer: Stefan. Even though we totally called it, it doesn't make it any less heartbreaking. Before Mystic Falls burns down in hellfire (thanks a lot, Katherine), Damon finally does the unselfish thing for once and compels Stefan to leave town. However, his plan completely backfires when human Stefan, who has been on vervain this whole time, turns right back around to be the hero we all know and love. So, in the final few moments, he injects Damon with the cure and walks into the hellfire with Katherine to die.
Even though that death scene was totally emotional, it's his goodbye to Elena that really stabbed us in the heart. While passing through the in-between stage of life and death, the two have a bittersweet reunion in the hallways of Mystic Falls High School, aka the exact place they first met. He explains everything to Elena, letting her know that Damon has really changed for the better. "He's a better man," he tells her with tears in his eyes. "He's the right man. It was good to see you Elena, one last time."
As he exits the school building and walks into the light, he reunites with his best friend, Lexi, further confirming that he's found peace. After she jokes about his speech, he quotes her infamous line from season one - and the title of the finale - "I was feeling epic." It's OK. Really, we're fine. RIP, Stefan Salvatore. You will truly be missed.
The Vampire Diaries Finale Was Overflowing With Nostalgic Callbacks
There's only one way to describe The Vampire Diaries series finale: epic. Not only does it offer perfect closure - and open a few doors for the future - but it's flooded with little references to past seasons. From the heartbreaking soundtrack to all the returning characters, we couldn't help but feel super nostalgic. As you try to deal with the fact that TVD is officially over, relive some of these sweet callbacks from the finale.
The Best New Spring Items From The Pioneer Woman's Walmart Collection
Spring has sprung with the Pioneer Woman's new Spring collection at Walmart. If you loved her latest goods at the Mercantile Shop, prepare to swoon over these affordable pieces. Turn your kitchen into a rustic farmhouse with Ree's floral dinnerware, butterfly-adorned cast iron pots and cookware, and mason jar cups! Hurry and order these new items soon - the collection is selling out quickly!
Device allows patients to work remotely with physiotherapist from comfort of home
A Portugese entrepreneur's device, soon to roll out in North America, has the potential to reduce costs for physiotherapy by offering support remotely to patients doing exercises in their homes.
Olivia Culpo's Swimsuit Has an Ultraglam Detail You Need to See
Summer is on our minds, and Olivia Culpo just made us yearn for those beachy days spent in the sun like we've never yearned before. We already know the model and actress can rock a black swimsuit like it's her job, but the former Miss Universe winner just kicked it up a notch - or, like, 75 notches, to be more precise. She recently took a trip to the Bahamas with her gal pals and hunky boyfriend, and we couldn't take our eyes off her ultraglam bathing suit.
The red-hot color of her Norma Kamali bikini wasn't even the best part; a closer look reveals that it's lined with metallic disks, making a shiny statement that we can't get enough of. The bustier top combines with high-waisted bottoms for a modernized retro vibe that we're predicting will flood the beaches this season.
Read on to see Olivia rocking her embellished two-piece and where to find equally chic suits.
Device allows patients to work remotely with physiotherapist from comfort of home
A Portugese entrepreneur's device, soon to roll out in North America, has the potential to reduce costs for physiotherapy by offering support remotely to patients doing exercises in their homes.
Pink and Carey Hart Have One of the Best Celebrity Proposal Stories, Hands Down
Image Source: Getty / Jeffrey Mayer
Pink and Carey Hart's relationship hasn't always been easy (even though their bumps in the road have inspired some pretty dope songs), but the way they went from "dating" to "engaged" is a story for the books - and a nice reminder that sometimes, women should just take things into their own hands.
Image Source: Kinney Jones
In 2005, four years after they began dating, Pink pulled the ultimate badass move. While assisting on the track during Carey's race at the Pro 250 class finals in Mammoth, CA, the singer stepped out in front as Carey entered his third lap holding up a pit board that read, "Will You Marry Me?" When Carey failed to pull over, she added "Serious!" to it. As you can imagine, Carey finally hopped off of his bike and said "yes." The couple got married six months later in Costa Rica and have been making sweet (and sometimes salty) music together ever since.
Pink and Carey Hart Have One of the Best Celebrity Proposal Stories, Hands Down
Image Source: Getty / Jeffrey Mayer
Pink and Carey Hart's relationship hasn't always been easy (even though their bumps in the road have inspired some pretty dope songs), but the way they went from "dating" to "engaged" is a story for the books - and a nice reminder that sometimes, women should just take things into their own hands.
Image Source: Kinney Jones
In 2005, four years after they began dating, Pink pulled the ultimate badass move. While assisting on the track during Carey's race at the Pro 250 class finals in Mammoth, CA, the singer stepped out in front as Carey entered his third lap holding up a pit board that read, "Will You Marry Me?" When Carey failed to pull over, she added "Serious!" to it. As you can imagine, Carey finally hopped off of his bike and said "yes." The couple got married six months later in Costa Rica and have been making sweet (and sometimes salty) music together ever since.
Scared Straight - Protecting Kids From Our Phobias
Hannah Mayer is a nationally award-winning blogger, humor columnist, and exponentially blessed wife and mother of three. She would trade everything for 12 uninterrupted hours in a room with Jon Hamm and two Ambien. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog, sKIDmarks.
Everyone has something they're afraid of.
My sister sleeps with the light on to stave off potential clown attacks. One of my friends is terrified by large crowds and therefore "sick" every Mardi Gras. Another friend won't go in the ocean past his ankles lest he be attacked by a shark. Personally, the thought of a snake - ANY snake - makes my knees go weak and butt sweat profusely.
Although our phobias differ, the one thing we all have in common is that we try as hard as possible to push our crazy fears down deep to shield our kids, lest they become irrationally afraid of the same thing.
We try to push our crazy fears down deep to shield our kids, lest they become irrationally afraid of the same thing.
I don't have scientific proof that phobias are inherited, however, I can pretty much trace my intense snake phobia back to one afternoon when I was a little girl and went to visit my grandparents.
My grandma and grandpa lived in the country so I was used to the occasional run-in with wildlife. What I wasn't used to was my 4'11" tough-as-nails grandma bursting through the door screaming like a crazy person: "SNAKE! SNAAAAAAKE!!!!! GET THE DOG!" to my grandpa, who sprinted into their bedroom, grabbed his shotgun, and bolted outside as my grandma continued to unravel.
I then heard a string of gunshots, some new and interesting curse words, my grandpa scream like a girl, and another gunshot. I wondered if the snake had wrestled the gun away.
"Don't go out there!" my grandma warned, as if at that point that was even a remote possibility. I'm not saying my grandma was the reason for my snake phobia, but I don't recall being deathly afraid of snakes before that day. Further proof is my husband's similar inherited fear of spiders.
Incidentally, we make awesome hiking partners. I walk ahead with my web-catcher stick, him behind with the snake-shooer stick.
However, I'm now worried about my reptilian phobia because I want to stop the cycle of being snake-scared and not pass it on to my kids. Now that they're old enough and I can take them hiking by myself without the snake-shooer, I think about nothing but a snake popping out and latching onto my foot as we walk through the tall grass. I always told myself that I would remain calm when snake day came (and I knew it would), and a few weeks ago that theory was tested.
I was sitting on the back deck minding my own business when out of nowhere a pack of neighborhood kids came running around the corner of the house. They then excitedly informed me there was a snake in the window well, like this news wasn't going to give me an immediate heart attack. My worst fear was realized, and as much as I tried to keep it together, I felt myself coming completely unhinged. "GET THE DOG!" (we don't have a dog) my brain screamed as I ran into the bedroom searching for the shotgun (we also don't have a shotgun).
My worst fear was realized, and as much as I tried to keep it together, I felt myself coming completely unhinged.
"Just need to run in and . . . uh . . . shave my back real quick!" I yelled to the kids. "Be out later!"
"Mom, do you want to come see it?" my daughter yelled through the window. "It's SO cute!"
On the one hand, I was relieved that my phobia hadn't seemed to affect my kids thus far. On the other hand, I was moments away from peeing my pants as I hid inside.
"Uh, no thanks. But cool!"
Although I was fairly certain the snake was going to make its way into our sewer system and subsequently into my toilet, I was super proud of myself for keeping it (mostly) together in front of my kids. Phobias are a real thing, and I had somehow managed to rein it in.
I was just finished patting myself on the back when my daughter burst inside, crying and frantic. "What happened?" I asked, grabbing her by the shoulders. "Did the snake eat one of your friends?"
"No," she sobbed. "Worse. Much worse. There's a huge spider outside. Can you please come kill it? I'm terrified of those things."
Apparently my husband could use some work.
Now That The Vampire Diaries Is Over, Is Caroline Heading to The Originals?
The Vampire Diaries is officially over, but we might not have to say goodbye to our favorite characters quite yet. Even though the finale revealed three big character deaths, it did leave the door open for a potential crossover with its spinoff series, The Originals. After Stefan's tragic death, Caroline and Alaric decide to open a Salvatore boarding school for supernatural children like her own. And guess who just happens to make a very generous $3 million donation? Why, none other than her former love, Klaus. Even though it isn't exactly the Klaroline reunion we were hoping for, Alaric's voiceover does state that it's "the beginning of another story." So, is the vampire heading to New Orleans?
Maybe, but not right away. While Matthew Davis, who plays Alaric, is already set to make an appearance on The Originals this coming season, that doesn't necessarily mean Candice King, who plays Caroline, will join him. "Obviously our timelines did not match up, so Caroline and Klaus are not coming face-to-face in this season," Julie Plec told The Hollywood Reporter following TVD finale. "That being said, we do have crossover elements in the upcoming season of The Originals that's about to start airing, and it all brings it back to what I see as a future for either The Originals or another piece of the franchise to launch off of the end of The Originals." If The Originals gets picked up for season five, it sounds like there is a good chance Caroline will be joining. And if not, there's always the potential for a Klaroline spinoff!
1 Look at This and You'll Know, Priyanka Chopra Is the Style Star You've Been Waiting For
Priyanka Chopra was already Miss World and big Bollywood name before her amassing a stateside following on Quantico. Now, the 34-year-old beauty is poised to become a Hollywood fixture with her upcoming role in this Summer's Baywatch. To that, we say, it's about time.
If you've been following Priyanka's rise to fame on the red carpet, you'll surely agree. The actress has already made a name for herself in the style world. But, if you've missed it, her April Marie Claire cover could show you that much. Here, you can catch Priyanka showing off Spring's biggest - and most daring - trends with ease and the confidence of a beauty queen. "I like to find my own way, which is something my parents always encouraged in me. They were like: 'You got you.'I think my inherent sense of confidence comes from that." Priyanka told the magazine. As far as we're concerned, that's the sound advice that'll make you unstoppable. Prepare to see Priyanka takeover, and in the meantime, pore over these stunning shots.
The Vampire Diaries Series Finale Victim Speaks
Warning: major spoilers about the Vampire Diaries series finale ahead.
On the big Vampire Diaries series finale, there's one big character death after a final showdown: Stefan. His death was actually pretty predictable, and this guy's a vampire, and the series was at the end of its run anyway, but it's still a little sad for viewers who have stuck with this character for eight seasons. But how was it for the man who played the vampire with the heart of gold, Paul Wesley?
Wesley, along with the other main cast, talked to Entertainment Weekly about how the series ended, and he revealed exactly how he really felt about being killed off: he wanted it.
"I didn't [know ahead of time about death]. I had been telling them that I think Stefan should die. He's been the Ripper; he was the one who caused his brother to turn into a vampire. All the murders Damon did were all my fault really, if it comes down to the genesis of it. I just felt like he's been the hero of the story to a degree and it only made sense for him to die at the end. They totally teased me and said that he wouldn't die, so they really taunted me for a couple months. I read the finale script on an airplane. The first five acts, I was kind of like, 'Okay yeah, this is interesting,' but it didn't really hit me until the sixth act. And then the sixth act I teared up and I never really tear up when it comes to sentimental Vampire Diaries-esque things. I thought how it ended was powerful."
Alton Brown and Bill Nye Are Joining Forces to Make Your Geekiest Dreams Come True
We're beyond excited for the premiere of Bill Nye Saves the World on Netflix and for one reason in particular: Alton Brown makes a guest appearance.
In the trailer for Bill Nye's new show, out April 21, we get a glimpse of fellow science geeks Alton and Bill up to something in a laboratory setting. As they toss their heads back in cackles of laughter, mysterious liquids in hand, we can only imagine what they're concocting. If this episode is anything like a hybrid between Alton's Eat Your Science tour and Bill's classic performances, we're in for a wild ride.
This news comes on the heels of Alton Brown's announcement that Good Eats is returning, kind of. The Food Network host is bringing back a show similar to Good Eats but called something different and available only online. In a tease to his fans, Alton mentioned his relationship with Bill Nye - once calling him his "hero" - admitting, "I'm not the Bill Nye of food. He is way smarter and has more bow ties than I do."
Me and my hero. http://pic.twitter.com/V9fe1Jm4p0
- Alton Brown (@altonbrown) April 21, 2015
Whether Alton is the Bill Nye of food or not, there's no denying that the reunion between the two is exciting. We're ready for a lesson in nitrogen, crazy chemical reactions, and whatever other educational recipes these two have up their lab-coat sleeves.
Food nerds, unite! Watch the full trailer below.
21 Kickass Female Chefs Who Are Changing the Food Industry
By now, it's no secret that restaurant kitchens tend to be a male-dominated space. Between harrowing sexism and societal pressures, choosing to be a female chef in an industry that many consider to be run by men is no easy move - and actually succeeding at it? That can prove even harder.
But pioneers like Julia Child paved the way for modern revolutionaries, like these 21 kickass female chefs. No longer are women hitting the glass ceiling that was once sous chefs or pastry positions - and if they hit it, they aren't stopping. They are shattering through it, hopefully once and for all.
Best of all, they're doing it with style. From nose-to-tail animal cooking to fanciful, sugary concoctions, the cooking done by these women is not only done just as well as men do, but women can do it with their own signature spin. Read on to discover 21 names that should be on your radar - these female chefs are serving up some serious changes to the culinary industry as we know it.
High School Just Got Better Thanks to 1 Club That Ensures Nobody Eats Alone
There are 3,400 students who attend Boca Raton Community High School, but that doesn't mean that lunchtime can't be incredibly lonely for some.
As students break off into their groups and settle in the courtyard to eat, some kids end up eating alone. Although Denis Estimon is now a popular senior, he remembers clearly feeling isolated and alone during lunch when he started the first grade as a Haitian immigrant. So in an attempt to welcome new kids while also making a more inclusive atmosphere for current students, Denis started a club called "We Dine Together" to ensure that everyone has a place to eat with friends if they want to.
Although one student can't make a difference at every school across the country, Denis is determined to start making a change in his own school to put an end to the divisions.
"It's not a good feeling, like you're by yourself. And that's something that I don't want anybody to go through," Denis told CBS. "To me it's like, if we don't try to go make that change, who's going to do it?"
Denis's simple plan is having a major impact on fellow students. Jean Max Meradieu quit the football team so he would have more time to spend with the club and Allie Sealy now feels like she has a place at the school after transferring two years ago.
"I went from a school where I always had friends - to coming to where I had nobody," Allie said. "It just seems really unfair. It's honestly an issue. Meeting someone who actually cares and listens to what you have to say really makes a difference. And that can happen at lunch, that can happen at our club. It's going to make a difference."
You'll Want to Write a Song About How Cute Maren Morris and Her Boyfriend Are
According to Maren Morris, "girls don't cry," but we almost did after looking at some ridiculously cute photos of her and boyfriend Ryan Hurd. As if burning up the charts and slaying a performance at the Grammys weren't amazing enough, country music's next big thing also has a habit of letting her Instagram followers in on her sweet relationship with Ryan, who happens to be a fellow country singer. They first met during a songwriting session in 2013, where they ended up collaborating on what would eventually be Tim McGraw's hit song "Last Turn Home." Three years later, they made their red carpet debut at the CMT Music Awards, and it's clearly been a selfie-filled country music fairy tale ever since.
You'll Want to Write a Song About How Cute Maren Morris and Her Boyfriend Are
According to Maren Morris, "girls don't cry," but we almost did after looking at some ridiculously cute photos of her and boyfriend Ryan Hurd. As if burning up the charts and slaying a performance at the Grammys weren't amazing enough, country music's next big thing also has a habit of letting her Instagram followers in on her sweet relationship with Ryan, who happens to be a fellow country singer. They first met during a songwriting session in 2013, where they ended up collaborating on what would eventually be Tim McGraw's hit song "Last Turn Home." Three years later, they made their red carpet debut at the CMT Music Awards, and it's clearly been a selfie-filled country music fairy tale ever since.
The All-Day Energy Tips That Will Change Your Life
Tired of waking up without energy day after day? You're not alone. Your responsibilities and obligations might not be letting up any time soon, but there's good news: developing healthy habits has a huge impact on your energy levels.
Morning
- Don't hit snooze: Before you're even out of bed, this culprit sucks away energy for the rest of the day. Hitting the snooze button makes it harder to wake up and ends up affecting your energy levels all day long. A more consistent wake-up time will help you skip the snooze button and wake up naturally with more energy. If waking up on your own feels like a long way off, simply get up when your alarm goes off.
- Start hydrating ASAP: Drinking water helps your body perform at its top potential all day long, but first thing in the morning, it gives your digestive system a kick in the right direction and starts energizing your whole body. Keeping water at your bedside will help you start sipping as soon as you wake up.
- Choose the right breakfast: Eating a satisfying breakfast offers your body the energy and nutrients it needs to feel great all morning long. Take a tip from nutritionist Melissa Costello and go for foods that are a mix of complex carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. She says, "This will help balance [your] blood sugar for the day," which keeps your energy up and crashes away.
- Fit in a workout: Starting your day with exercise is one of the best ways to feel energized before you head to the office. Even better, during morning workouts, exercisers are more likely to burn more calories and work out harder - an added bonus! If you're not an early riser, don't fret; the most important thing is to make time for exercise at some point during your day.
Afternoon
- Get fresh air: Feeling stuck at your desk leaves you feeling drained and disconnected. Step away from work, go outside for some fresh air and sunny rays, and take a walk during your break. It may seem like a luxury to leave, but you'll come back to whatever you were working on with a fresh perspective and much more energy.
- Drink green tea: You might be tempted to reach for that second cup of coffee in the afternoon, but opt for green tea instead. It will keep give your body a boost - with a ton of extra benefits - and is less likely to affect with your sleep later that night.
- Declutter your workspace: When your desk (or inbox) looks like a war zone, it's setting you up to feel stressed out and wiped out. Take a few minutes every day to clean up and get organized, so it doesn't feel so overwhelming later. A calmer, more zen work environment keeps you feeling "on," connected, and productive.
- Eat an energizing snack: As tempting as those goods from the vending machine can be, they won't offer your body the sustainable energy it needs. Keep these healthy snacks on hand at work to stave off unhealthy cravings and support your needs.
Evening
- Skip the nightcap: After a long day, a few glasses or wine or a nice cocktail might seem like the perfect way to unwind, but alcohol can disrupt your natural sleep cycle and leave you feeling exhausted the following morning. If you're dealing with energy issues, it's best to just say no to alcohol before bed.
- Turn off electronics: If you keep your electronics on all night, it is affecting your sleep patterns and your demeanor the following morning. Before bed, skip the tube or your laptop, and wind down with an article or book instead. This change seems small but makes an enormous difference.
- Get to bed: Quality sleep is one of the best ways to ensure energy the next day. Those Netflix binges and extra chapters add up! Listen to your body, hit the hay earlier, and make sure you're getting at least seven hours of sleep every night so you wake up feeling fabulous, energized, and ready to take on your day.
People Are Freaking Out Over Supernatural's Huge Nod to The Walking Dead
It's been quite a few years since Jeffrey Dean Morgan left his role on Supernatural as John Winchester, the father of demon-hunter brothers Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki), but the long-running fantasy drama still finds ways to give the fallen patriarch a shout-out. In the latest season 12 episode, which aired on March 9, Dean strolls in after a hunt holding a bloody, barbed-wire-wrapped bat. "Man, Dad would love this thing," he says, a clear reference to the weapon The Walking Dead's Negan (played by Morgan) carries in the zombie show (a barbed-wire-wrapped bat named Lucille). Naturally, fans lost their minds a little bit.
I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY HAD LUCILLE IN AN EPISODE.#Supernatural @JDMorgan Are you missing something? http://pic.twitter.com/Ufmnt1UmKH
- T-MAC ❤ (@TONiANN_ROSE) March 10, 2017
OMFC!!! THE BAT!! ITS LUCILLE #Supernatural
- sydney j. fury (@royally_syd) March 10, 2017
OMG I'M FREAKING OUT!!!
Dean: "Man dad sure did love this thing."
HE WAS HOLDING LUCILLE!!!! 😱 #Supernatural- Stacie Lynn💋 (@stacielynn89) March 10, 2017
THEY PUT THE LUCILLE BAT IN SUPERNATURAL OH MY GOD.
- Gen. (@nowandgcn) March 10, 2017
If Jeffery Dean Morgan ever returns to Supernatural it needs to have zombies in it & dress up like Negan with Lucille. Hunting trip gone bad
- Whirty (@CWhirt) March 7, 2017
This isn't the first time there's been a mini-crossover between Supernatural and The Walking Dead, either. Back in October, Ackles shared some behind-the-scenes photos of him holding the Easter egg while shooting the episode, captioning a photo, "Hey Dad, you left something in the impala. #spnfamily #walkingdead." Morgan, for his part, was totally game to get in on the joke and tweeted his former costar a hilarious burn. Maybe he can return the favor by having Negan drive an Impala around in The Walking Dead?
A Series of Unfortunate Events Will Return For Another Unlucky Season
On the 13th of the month, arguably March's unluckiest day, Netflix appropriately renewed A Series of Unfortunate Events for season two. The news came in the form of a website: http://ift.tt/2lTrhbm, which fans will recognize as the show's go-to V.F.D. initials. The site a letter penned by Lemony Snicket, played by Patrick Warburton in the series. He notes that many have "binged" the series despite his repeated warnings not to. "To my horror," Snicket writes, "Netflix has been encouraged by this, and funneled their ill-gotten gains towards a second season of this unhappy and unnerving series."
All macabre insinuations aside, the renewal is exciting news. The ill-fated movie franchise starring Jim Carrey never made it past the first film (which covered the books through number three, The Wide Window). Fans of the novels will be thrilled to see the series expand into the later installments. Plus, with so many unanswered questions and a shocking cliffhanger, we need answers. Expect more misery sometime soon.
The All-Day Energy Tips That Will Change Your Life
Tired of waking up without energy day after day? You're not alone. Your responsibilities and obligations might not be letting up any time soon, but there's good news: developing healthy habits has a huge impact on your energy levels.
Morning
- Don't hit snooze: Before you're even out of bed, this culprit sucks away energy for the rest of the day. Hitting the snooze button makes it harder to wake up and ends up affecting your energy levels all day long. A more consistent wake-up time will help you skip the snooze button and wake up naturally with more energy. If waking up on your own feels like a long way off, simply get up when your alarm goes off.
- Start hydrating ASAP: Drinking water helps your body perform at its top potential all day long, but first thing in the morning, it gives your digestive system a kick in the right direction and starts energizing your whole body. Keeping water at your bedside will help you start sipping as soon as you wake up.
- Choose the right breakfast: Eating a satisfying breakfast offers your body the energy and nutrients it needs to feel great all morning long. Take a tip from nutritionist Melissa Costello and go for foods that are a mix of complex carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. She says, "This will help balance [your] blood sugar for the day," which keeps your energy up and crashes away.
- Fit in a workout: Starting your day with exercise is one of the best ways to feel energized before you head to the office. Even better, during morning workouts, exercisers are more likely to burn more calories and work out harder - an added bonus! If you're not an early riser, don't fret; the most important thing is to make time for exercise at some point during your day.
Afternoon
- Get fresh air: Feeling stuck at your desk leaves you feeling drained and disconnected. Step away from work, go outside for some fresh air and sunny rays, and take a walk during your break. It may seem like a luxury to leave, but you'll come back to whatever you were working on with a fresh perspective and much more energy.
- Drink green tea: You might be tempted to reach for that second cup of coffee in the afternoon, but opt for green tea instead. It will keep give your body a boost - with a ton of extra benefits - and is less likely to affect with your sleep later that night.
- Declutter your workspace: When your desk (or inbox) looks like a war zone, it's setting you up to feel stressed out and wiped out. Take a few minutes every day to clean up and get organized, so it doesn't feel so overwhelming later. A calmer, more zen work environment keeps you feeling "on," connected, and productive.
- Eat an energizing snack: As tempting as those goods from the vending machine can be, they won't offer your body the sustainable energy it needs. Keep these healthy snacks on hand at work to stave off unhealthy cravings and support your needs.
Evening
- Skip the nightcap: After a long day, a few glasses or wine or a nice cocktail might seem like the perfect way to unwind, but alcohol can disrupt your natural sleep cycle and leave you feeling exhausted the following morning. If you're dealing with energy issues, it's best to just say no to alcohol before bed.
- Turn off electronics: If you keep your electronics on all night, it is affecting your sleep patterns and your demeanor the following morning. Before bed, skip the tube or your laptop, and wind down with an article or book instead. This change seems small but makes an enormous difference.
- Get to bed: Quality sleep is one of the best ways to ensure energy the next day. Those Netflix binges and extra chapters add up! Listen to your body, hit the hay earlier, and make sure you're getting at least seven hours of sleep every night so you wake up feeling fabulous, energized, and ready to take on your day.
Here's What Rihanna Eats, According to Her Personal Chef
Have you ever wondered what pop stars eat and who actually cooks for them? Bon Appétit recently interviewed Debbie Solomon, personal chef of Rihanna, and asked her everything from how she landed the job to the diverse foods she makes for the pop star. The Jamaican-born chef cooks for the singer on tour, at home, for parties, and for everything in between. Chef Solomon said Rihanna is "a moody eater" and craves specific foods every day, so she doesn't plan weekly menus and cooks on the fly. Rihanna eats "every protein that you can think of" along with "vegetables, rice, and pasta." Though you'd think Rihanna might eat rabbit food, the dishes Solomon has prepared for her look otherwise! "There shouldn't be shame in eating food . . . I won't waste my calories on bullsh*t," Solomon told Bon Appétit. Read the full, intriguing interview, and take a look at these mouthwatering dishes Solomon has prepared for Rihanna!
Bruno Mars and Jessica Caban Are 2 Hooligans Madly in Love
Bruno Mars is in love. The 31-year-old "Marry You" crooner has been dating 34-year-old Puerto Rican model and actress Jessica Caban since 2011. While Bruno is notoriously private about his love life, the low-key couple still manage to sneak in photos of their sweet romance on Instagram from time to time. See 12 of their most adorable moments together ahead, then be sure to check out 16 times Bruno Mars was so hot he made a dragon want to retire.
Bruno Mars and Jessica Caban Are 2 Hooligans Madly in Love
Bruno Mars is in love. The 31-year-old "Marry You" crooner has been dating 34-year-old Puerto Rican model and actress Jessica Caban since 2011. While Bruno is notoriously private about his love life, the low-key couple still manage to sneak in photos of their sweet romance on Instagram from time to time. See 12 of their most adorable moments together ahead, then be sure to check out 16 times Bruno Mars was so hot he made a dragon want to retire.
Emily Ratajkowski Literally Stops Traffic in DKNY Intimates
Emily Ratajkowski has never been one to shy away from showing off her body. In fact, she's been known to celebrate her body with countless images on her Instagram account promoting body positivity. So we weren't surprised to hear that DKNY tapped the model as the new face of its SS '17 intimates collection - because really, who better than Emily?
The campaign, titled #GoodMorningDKNY, includes intimates, hosiery, and sleepwear priced from $12 to $62. In the campaign video, Emily wakes up in a quintessential Manhattan apartment and takes her dog out for a walk in nothing but her DKNY bra and briefs. Naturally, this causes taxis to collide in the busy streets of NYC.
Watch the traffic-stopping video and see images of Emily wearing the latest collection ahead.
YouTuber Eva Gutowski on How She Avoided Getting Bullied in High School
Eva Gutowski discusses her life on YouTube for a living, and with the release of her new book, My Life as Eva: The Struggle Is Real, she offers advice to her fans on how to overcome issues like bullying. As a freshman, Eva almost got jumped in high school but avoided doing so. She looks back at the experience with a laugh now, but at the time, it was frightening.
"Someone comes up to me and was like, 'Are you Eva?' And I'm like, 'Hi, yeah!' And they're like, 'Oh, uh, Candy wants to beat you up.' Apparently somebody had confused me with somebody else and had started a rumor, and that's how I got into the mix," Eva said. "This senior girl wanted to jump me after school. I didn't know her!" She ended up talking to "Candy" and sorted it out. "I was brave enough to talk to her and was like, 'I don't know who you are, I'm sure you're a great person, like, this is what's going on,' and we actually ended up fixing everything."
By confronting the situation, she was able to defuse a potentially destructive outcome. That's why she encourages people to take a step back and think before saying something about another person. "Bullying's a train. If one person bullies you, then you want to bully another person, then the other person wants to bully another person, and then it just keeps going to where a whole community of people are terrible people!" Eva said. "And the train is going to come to you and you have an option to keep the train going, and keep spinning negativity in the world, or you can stop the train dead in its tracks and suddenly everyone behind you has to get off."
Check out the full interview with Eva on this week's episode of Pretty Unfiltered, and be sure to catch her on Me and My Grandma on YouTube Red this year.
Who Knew a Rap About Cucumbers Could Be This Mesmerizing?
Cucumbers totally make us think of Summer (especially when eating this mouthwatering cucumber, black bean, avocado, and tomato salad). But after hearing this creative Jamaican rap, you'll learn that it's pretty darn good for you, too. Since it's made of mostly water, cucumber replenishes the skin, detoxes the kidneys, helps keep you regular, can reduce inflammation, and can even be used to make a hydrating drink. No wonder he wants to sing about it!
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Fry Eggs
One of the simplest yet most complicated cooking basics everyone learns is how to fry an egg. Simple because cracking an egg into a pan and waiting until it's cooked doesn't require much skill, but complicated because if you're not careful, you can easily end up with undercooked whites and an overcooked yolk. So how can you make sure your fried eggs are perfect every time? Taking a few tips from the experts is a great place to start. Here's how some of our favorite celebrity chefs and Food Network personalities fry their eggs.
Alton Brown: Cracked in a Ramekin
Alton Brown's number one tip for frying eggs is to not crack them directly into the pan. In his recipe for perfect eggs over-easy, he explains, "Never crack eggs directly into a pan - always crack them into a cup or ramekin. It's the only way to make sure they cook evenly, and you can pour them into the pan right where you want them." His other pro tip involves the proper way to flip the eggs without cracking the yolks. "Never flip the food up and bring the pan down. Try to meet the food with the pan as best as you can, thus preventing a hard - and potentially yolk-busting - landing."
Giada De Laurentiis: Fried in Olive Oil
Would you expect anything less from the queen of Italian food? To make Giada's Italian fried egg sandwich, you'll want to reach for the olive oil and forgo the butter. After adding the eggs to a pan with two teaspoons of olive oil heated over medium heat, Giada covers the pan in order to cook the whites quickly.
Ree Drummond: Basted in Canola Oil
Rather than covering the skillet with a lid or flipping the eggs over, The Pioneer Woman's tip is to carefully spoon the hot oil over the whites to help them cook evenly. Ree's final tip is important, too: she recommends removing the eggs and draining them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Mario Batali: Don't Touch! Then Flip
Mario Batali's first rule for frying eggs is to crack the eggs into the skillet and avoid touching them at all for the first 30 seconds. Then, using a nonstick silicone spatula, gently loosen the edges of the eggs and make sure the bottoms aren't sticking. Flip the eggs, and cook for 30 more seconds.
Chrissy Teigen: Fried in Butter and Olive Oil
You get the best of both worlds when you follow Chrissy Teigen's recipe for fried eggs. You won't find it online, but when you open her Cravings cookbook to the Breakfast All Day section, you'll find her popular recipe for Cajun Catfish With Over-Easy Eggs ("I am aware of how gross this sounds," she promises in the intro). To get a perfectly cooked and flavorful egg, Chrissy cooks in both butter and olive oil.
Paula Deen: Fried in Bacon Fat
A woman after my own heart, Paula Deen knows it's a wise decision to cook eggs in bacon fat. Paula's fried egg and avocado sandwich calls for bacon, and her pro tip is to reserve one tablespoon of the fat before discarding the rest. Use that grease to cook your eggs in the same skillet, and you'll have a perfectly fried egg seasoned with the salty and smoky flavors of the bacon.
The Unspoken Rule Chrissy Metz Thinks Curvy Women Should Break
We dare you to not fall in love with Chrissy Metz's debut fashion photo shoot. The This Is Us star channeled her inner pinup girl for Harper's Bazaar, and not only were the shots on fire, but her messages were powerful too. The star is known for being open about her weight and championing other women to accept themselves, no matter what size they are.
"If you can't love who you are now, you can't get to the place you want to be," Chrissy said. "It's a daily lesson for all of us. I'm paving the way for other women and men who know they're destined for greatness but they don't believe it yet."
In Hollywood, where slimness is celebrated, Chrissy's message of self-acceptance shines through. She not only looked happy (and amazing) in a polka-dotted dress, but her comfort in her own skin is empowering too. "There's more room for all of us now - no matter our sexuality, race, body size, gender or whatever else," she said. It's with these words and her own style that will motivate women all around. Scroll on to see more of Chrissy's photo shoot.
Who Knew a Rap About Cucumbers Could Be This Mesmerizing?
Cucumbers totally make us think of Summer (especially when eating this mouthwatering cucumber, black bean, avocado, and tomato salad). But after hearing this creative Jamaican rap, you'll learn that it's pretty darn good for you, too. Since it's made of mostly water, cucumber replenishes the skin, detoxes the kidneys, helps keep you regular, can reduce inflammation, and can even be used to make a hydrating drink. No wonder he wants to sing about it!
We Can't Wait to Get Our Fins - Er, Hands - on These Mermaid Makeup Brushes
As we continue on our never-ending quest to transform into a real-life mermaid, one beauty brand in particular is helping us along the way. Australia-based Mermaid Salon is currently breaking the internet with its adorable mermaid makeup brushes, and if you take one look at them, you'll immediately see why.
Now, these aren't your average brushes. With a flat and wide design like we've never seen before, the chubby paddle brushes are perfect for carving and contouring your face. They come in three chic colors - silver, rose gold, or matte black - and are each sold for $16.
Any Ariel wannabes who can't wait to add these scale-covered beauties to their collection should act fast. As of March 13, the brushes are available for presale due to their overwhelming popularity. To offset shipping costs, Mermaid Salon is currently throwing in a free velvet matte lipstick with every order - what a deal!
Read on to catch a glimpse of these glam multipurpose brushes.
Thalia Just Found the Sexy 1-Piece You'll Be Wearing All Summer
After months promoting her album Latina, Mexican superstar Thalia is finally taking a well-deserved vacation and, while at it, serving plenty of style inspiration! The 45-year-old singer and actress showed off her incredibly fit body in a beach photo posted to Instagram - do we think husband Tommy Mottola is taking these pictures, by the way? And though Thalia's toned muscles caught our attention, we couldn't peel our eyes off her low-cut one-piece swimsuit, featuring gold details and a silhouette that's both sexy and reserved.
Thalia didn't stop there. In more photos snapped during her beach vacation, Thalia wears a millennial pink dress that's just perfect for a lazy weekend day - and will only cost you $90. Scroll ahead for more photos of Thalia's getaway and beach style.
Every Mom Is Going to Want to Put This Genius Sign on the Bathroom Door
If you can't remember the last time you were able to pee or shower in peace without little fingers reaching under the door, toddlers screaming your name, or small hands pounding on the door, welcome to the club. As soon as that first baby comes along, there is just no such thing as privacy in the bathroom ever again - until now.
Posted to the Mommas Helping Mommas Facebook page, this hysterical sign is about to change the way your family reacts to you daring to lock yourself in the bathroom to do your business (maybe. OK probably not, but still, this is hilarious).
If mom is in the bathroom you are NOT allowed to . . .
#1 Knock, unless the house is on fire or someone is bleeding AND/OR dead.
#2 Scream questions at me if the shower is running! HOT TIP! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!
#3 Wait for me within inches of the door and then yell at me when you get slammed in the face like it's my fault.
#4 Slip me notes of any kind, especially the ones with those check boxes.
The perfect sign ends with the prompt, "Ask yourself this question before knocking . . . Can I survive the next two minutes without mom?" which is ironically followed by two check boxes marked "yes and "no."
Well done, mama.
Spring Reading List: 40 Books to Read Before They're Movies
Say hello to Spring! It's the season of longer days, blooming flowers, and Spring break. Maybe the sunny weather is propelling you to book a trip, and if you are, you're going to need a fresh list of books to read. Even if you're staying put, there's always a good excuse to pick up some new pages, so we're narrowing down this particular category: books that are becoming movies. We have a fresh stack of future adaptations that are either going to land on the big screen very soon or which recently got picked up to become movies. Either way, check these out so you can read them before they're immortalized on film.
Beauty and the Beast's Dazzling Pictures Will Take Your Breath Away
Even if you don't think Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast is your cup of tea - Chip reference intended - you have to admit the pictures are beautiful. Emma Watson is leading the cast as Belle, opposite Dan Stevens's Beast. You can practically feel the magic looking at these still photos of the ballroom scene, and Gaston (Luke Evans) is practically jumping out of the screen. See for yourself!
You'll Be Surprised These Celebrities Are Actually Twins!
In addition to famous twins like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Benji and Joel Madden, and the Mowry sisters, there are a number of celebrities that you may not have known are part of a pair. Ashton Kutcher, Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bündchen, and even Vin Diesel have twin siblings - and while some of their other halves keep a low profile, others have a place in show business as well. Keep reading to see 16 stars that you didn't know had a double!
You'll Be Surprised These Celebrities Are Actually Twins!
In addition to famous twins like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Benji and Joel Madden, and the Mowry sisters, there are a number of celebrities that you may not have known are part of a pair. Ashton Kutcher, Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bündchen, and even Vin Diesel have twin siblings - and while some of their other halves keep a low profile, others have a place in show business as well. Keep reading to see 16 stars that you didn't know had a double!
Severe Burns Aren't Even the Most Dangerous Part of the "Eraser Challenge" For Kids
Schools are speaking out about the latest online fad with kids that is leaving them with "serious burns" and an increasing number of injuries.
Although there is nothing new about erasers in school or kids challenging each other to do stupid things, many parents aren't aware of the "eraser challenge" and why it can be harmful to their children. This dare is continuing to bubble up on social media and capture the attention of young kids as they show off their wounds.
"Kids are rubbing an eraser across their skin while having to do or say something. It's causing serious burns," read a statement on Facebook from East Iredell Middle School in Statesville, NC. "These 'challenges' have gotten out of hand."
The challenge varies, but in one version, kids dare each other to recite the alphabet while they rub their skin as hard as possible with an eraser. Kids boast about who can last the longest even after they are left with burns and cuts from the "game."
"I think children are lonely. They sit in front of the internet and they don't have anyone to be accountable to," one parent told WCNC.
Part of the danger of this challenge is the different types of infections that can be caused from rubbing a dirty eraser into a wound. "It is important to understand that pencil erasers are far from clean. They may have been borrowed from a teacher or other student, in someone's mouth, or dropped on the floor, etc. Rubbing them against their skin until an opening in the skin develops can result in a severe infection," warned Warren Hills Middle School in New Jersey on their website. They also explained that that "eraser burn" can lead to staph or strep infections, or other diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.
"These are kids acting like kids. It seems like there's this bravado in it, there's this easy accessibility . . . when you're thinking about the social dynamics of children trying to belong, trying to get attention and show strength, it isn't that surprising," Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, a pediatrician, told Today. "Kids don't know this, but your skin isn't sterile, it's crawling and teeming with bacteria and when you open up your skin, that bacteria can crawl in and cause an infection."
Every Hair Color and Cut Demi Lovato Has Ever Had
You will never hear anyone say that Demi Lovato is not adventurous. The "Confident" singer hasn't found a haircut or color she hasn't wanted to try out.
Pink tips, blond ombré, shaved sides, blunt bangs - you name it, Demi has experimented with it. And while it seems like the star has found her sweet spot with her latest bob style, we'll always appreciate the rainbow of shades and endless cut inspiration she has provided us through the years. Keep reading to find every single one of those transformations, starting in 2008.
Queen Elizabeth II Shares a Message of "Peace-Building" on Commonwealth Day
While you were struggling to get out of bed and make coffee on Monday morning, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II spent a few hours celebrating the unity of the 52 countries that make up the Commonwealth of Nations (all in a day's work, right?). The 90-year-old monarch arrived outside Buckingham Palace with husband Prince Philip, Prince Edward, and Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin to launch the queen's baton relay for the XXI Commonwealth Games. Although she usually keeps a pretty straight face, the queen flashed a big smile while handing off the baton to retired Australian cyclist Anna Meares. The event follows the queen's message about building "peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community."
Her hand-off of the baton signals the start of the relay's 388-day journey around the Commonwealth. Eventually the relay will end when the baton arrives at the opening ceremony of the Gold Coast Games (which aren't set to start until April 4, 2018), much to the delight of the 2.5 billion citizens who make up the Commonwealth. Before it does, however, the baton will make another appearance in London during a service at Westminster Abbey, which is expected to see not only the queen and Prince Philip but also Prince Charles and wife Camilla, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
"Over the next 12 months, the baton will visit people living in the nations and territories of our Commonwealth family in every continent and ocean," the queen said. "Carried on its way by thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, by the time it reaches its final destination, the Queen's Baton will have brought together, through its route and symbolism, almost 2.5 billion people who share the special connection of being Commonwealth citizens. Contained within the Baton will be a written message that will be opened and read at the Commonwealth Games in Australia next year. However, there is an even more powerful message to be seen and experienced as the Baton passes from hand to hand, from seashore to mountaintop, through cities, towns and villages. It is the message of a peace-building Commonwealth."
Make Your Own Irish Cream
I have a great way for you to celebrate St. Patrick's Day: make your own Irish cream! More commonly known as Baileys, this rich, smooth, and delicious liquor can easily be made in the comforts of your kitchen. The recipe, which requires a blender, is similar to eggnog in that it combines a potent spirit, Irish whiskey, with eggs, cream, and seasonings such as vanilla and coconut extracts.
For a delightful after-dinner drink, serve it chilled or over ice. Homemade Baileys is also a festive gift; I've brought bottles to hostesses and always receive enthusiastic reviews. Get the simple but fantastic recipe.
Here's Where All the Vampire Diaries Characters End Up
Warning: major spoilers about The Vampire Diaries series finale ahead.
After eight seasons, The Vampire Diaries wrapped up with one epic death and a whole lot of peace for most of its characters. After one final showdown with the series's biggest villain, we get a little peek at how all the main characters end up - and who gets their happy ending. Don't read on unless you want to know how the series ends!
Queen Elizabeth II Shares a Message of "Peace-Building" on Commonwealth Day
While you were struggling to get out of bed and make coffee on Monday morning, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II spent a few hours celebrating the unity of the 52 countries that make up the Commonwealth of Nations (all in a day's work, right?). The 90-year-old monarch arrived outside Buckingham Palace with husband Prince Philip, Prince Edward, and Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin to launch the queen's baton relay for the XXI Commonwealth Games. Although she usually keeps a pretty straight face, the queen flashed a big smile while handing off the baton to retired Australian cyclist Anna Meares. The event follows the queen's message about building "peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community."
Her hand-off of the baton signals the start of the relay's 388-day journey around the Commonwealth. Eventually the relay will end when the baton arrives at the opening ceremony of the Gold Coast Games (which aren't set to start until April 4, 2018), much to the delight of the 2.5 billion citizens who make up the Commonwealth. Before it does, however, the baton will make another appearance in London during a service at Westminster Abbey, which is expected to see not only the queen and Prince Philip but also Prince Charles and wife Camilla, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
"Over the next 12 months, the baton will visit people living in the nations and territories of our Commonwealth family in every continent and ocean," the queen said. "Carried on its way by thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, by the time it reaches its final destination, the Queen's Baton will have brought together, through its route and symbolism, almost 2.5 billion people who share the special connection of being Commonwealth citizens. Contained within the Baton will be a written message that will be opened and read at the Commonwealth Games in Australia next year. However, there is an even more powerful message to be seen and experienced as the Baton passes from hand to hand, from seashore to mountaintop, through cities, towns and villages. It is the message of a peace-building Commonwealth."
Did Jennifer Lopez Post and Delete This Selfie With Alex Rodriguez?
Earlier this month, rumors surfaced that Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez were dating, and it looks like we might finally have some proof! On Sunday, the 47-year-old singer posted a selfie with a mystery man on her Instagram story, but the photo was only up for a minute before she deleted it. Fans were quick to snap photos of Jennifer's selfie, where we see someone holding Jennifer's head and kissing her.
The mystery man may be hiding behind Jennifer's hair, but from what we can see, he strongly resembles the former MLB star. Between the tan skin and defined hairline, all signs are pointing to Alex - especially since it's reported that Jennifer and Alex flew from Miami to the Bahamas for a romantic getaway, which totally explains the loved-up selfie. See the now-deleted photo below.
NYC's Cookie Dough Shop Is What Your Childhood Dreams Are Made Of
Remember being young and wanting to eat all the cookie dough that your mom was trying to bake into cookies? And your mom would tell you you shouldn't do that because of the eggs but you did it anyway, because cookie dough is God's gift to our stomachs? Yeah, Do Cookie Dough Confections creator Kristen Tomlan absolutely understands that, which is why she created a cookie dough that can be eaten raw. Her recipes use a pasteurized egg product and heat-treated flour, so you can rest assured that they're fully safe to eat by the scoopful.
I popped into Do's brand-new storefront in New York to check out this cookie dough that's taking over Instagram to see what all the hype is about, and you guys: I get it. Do is an experience. The employees are all upbeat and friendly and really passionate about the sweet treats they're handing over to you, and let me tell you, those sweet treats are amazing. The cookie dough menu contains 16 flavors, including gluten-free and vegan options, and I tried every last one. You can't go wrong with selecting the Signature Chocolate Chip option, which Kristen credits as being the most popular. "We easily sell three times as much of the Signature than any of the other flavors. Easily," she said.
All the dough is made on site, and you can even peek into the kitchen through the large glass windows while you're waiting in line for your dough creation. The shop goes through more than 1,000 pounds of dough in a day, which is no surprise considering the fact that the shop constantly has a line across the street to get in. I wondered if there was a magical time to show up to find the shortest line, and guess what? There isn't. It's always at least an hour long, but it's so worth the wait.
Once you've made it inside the shop, here is exactly what you should do: go to the fridge and get a container of the Signature Chocolate Chip for later. When you get to the counter, you have two ideal options: if you're into peanut butter, go with Fluffernutter (peanut butter base with dark chocolate chips and marshmallow fluff) and Nuts For Nuts (peanut butter base with peanut butter cups and candies) in a chocolate chip cone; if you're not into peanut butter, do Heavenly (sugar cookie base with Nutella, chocolate chips, caramel bits, and sea salt) with Brownie Batter (brownie batter base with chocolate chips) in a chocolate chip cone. Obviously add sprinkles on top no matter what you get, because everything is better with sprinkles.
Your container of the Signature Chocolate Chip will last in the fridge for up to three weeks or in the freezer for up to three months and can even be baked into real cookies, but let's be real, nothing is lasting more than three hours or ever making it into an oven.
Look through for a sneak peek at Do's shop and make sure you check it out for yourself if you're in the area. Your taste buds and your stomach will thank you.
How a Stranger Kept 1 Mom Alone With Twin Babies From Being Kicked Off a Flight
What was supposed to be a simple flight for Mackenzie Murphy turned into an incredibly long day, and this woman wasn't even traveling with an infant. But the mom sitting a couple of aisles in front of Mackenzie wasn't as lucky, as she was hit with multiple problems while trying to fly alone with her twin babies, who Mackenzie estimates were likely under 6 months old.
Mackenzie described the scenario, explaining that because the flight was packed, airline staff began taking carry-on luggage to store under the plane. "A gate worker took this woman's car seat, meaning she would now have to hold both babies since they weren't old enough to sit up on their own in a seat," Mackenzie shared with the Love What Matters Facebook page. "When she sat down on the plane, a flight attendant immediately told her she couldn't hold both babies, and would have to leave the flight."
Before this mom could gather her babies and her things, a stranger sitting in front of Mackenzie volunteered to hold one of the babies during the entire flight. However, before they could even start their 45-minute flight, the plane ended up being stuck on the runway for two and half hours.
"Without a complaint this woman fed the other woman's baby and burped him," Mackenzie wrote. "Her own daughter started crying. This mom, so calmly, went on to explain to her young daughter that 'Our job is to help other people. This mom is all by herself with no help, and really needs another mom to help.'"
This kind woman continued to restore Mackenzie's faith in humanity as she went on to sing the baby songs and snuggle him as he slept. "My heart still feels fuzzy," she wrote. "Moral of the story is when you see people needing help, do the right thing and help them."
If You Find a Tick on Your Skin, Do This Immediately
The risk for Lyme disease is expected to be especially high in 2017, which is horrible news if you're the outdoorsy type. Blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, are the ones to watch out for since they carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, which causes Lyme disease.
Before heading outside, you can help prevent getting a tick by keeping your skin covered. Wear high socks and leggings and fitted long-sleeve shirts. The CDC recommends using bug spray that contains DEET on your clothing to deter ticks. After being outside, take a shower and inspect your skin for ticks - especially under the arms, behind the ears, the backs of the knees, between your legs, around your waist, and even in your belly button. If the tick is removed within 24 hours, your chance of contracting Lyme disease is pretty small so here's what to do if you discover an embedded tick.
- Get it out: Remove the tick using clean, fine-tipped tweezers, grabbing underneath the head of the tick as close as possible to your skin so you can remove the mouth of the tick. Do not squeeze the body of the tick, or twist or pull too fast - it'll cause the tick to spew back the contents of its stomach into your skin, putting you at greater risk of being exposed to the infections its carrying, including Lyme disease. If you can't get the head out of your skin, just leave it as is, and let the skin heal.
- Get rid of it: Submerge the tick in rubbing alcohol to kill it, then flush it down the toilet.
- Wash it: Clean the affected area of your skin with soap and warm water, rubbing alcohol, or iodine.
- Watch it: Symptoms of Lyme disease can occur three to 30 days after the bite so over the next few weeks, watch the infected area for signs of a round, red, "bull's-eye" rash. Only 70 to 80 percent of people with Lyme disease will get this classic symptom, so be sure to look for other signs including headache, high fever, severe neck stiffness, joint swelling or pain, dizziness, or heart palpitations.
- Get tested: If you have symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to get tested for Lyme disease, to see if antibiotics are necessary.
Ellen DeGeneres Made Kids Take a Powerful Oath to Get Into Her Squad
Wondering how you can be a member of Ellen DeGeneres's squad? Be your true self. During the Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday night, the Finding Dory star gave a heartwarming speech about self-acceptance while accepting her awards for favorite voice from an animated movie, favorite animated movie, and #squad. "It means the most to me that you would want to be in my squad," she told the crowd. "That, to me, is the biggest compliment that I would win #Squad. So here's what I would like to do because I would like for you to be in my squad. I would like everyone to take an oath so that you can be in my squad. Raise your left hand. No, I'm sorry. Raise your right hand. Raise them both. And just repeat after me . . . I am good enough just as I am. I am supposed to be unique and different. I'm not supposed to be like everyone else. I promise to be kind to people. I promise to brush my teeth every day and floss. And watch The Ellen Show every single day. I love you all. You're in my squad!" Aww!
What Does Kate Middleton Do With All Those Flowers?
One of the best things about Kate Middleton's royal walkabouts is getting to see her interacting with the people - both children and adults seem to soak up the duchess' sweet energy and don't hesitate to greet her arrival with cheers, homemade signs, stuffed animals, and flowers. If there's one thing you can expect from a Kate Middleton appearance (besides seeing her being supercute with kids) it's that you'll get to see her accept bouquet after bouquet from her well-wishers. Most recently, while wrapping up her royal tour in Canada, Kate even got her 1-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte in on the fun, letting the little one hold and sniff a bunch of roses from a young boy.
Kate has said that the rest of her family teases her for spending "far too long chatting," during her public appearances, but it's one of the things we've come to love most about the duchess. While she never turns down a pretty bunch of blooms, we do have to wonder: what does she do with all of them? Typically, she will hand them back to staff members walking through the crowd with her, and they often end up going to churches or charitable organizations - though we wouldn't be surprised if Kate keeps some florals for herself every once in a while.
If You Find a Tick on Your Skin, Do This Immediately
The risk for Lyme disease is expected to be especially high in 2017, which is horrible news if you're the outdoorsy type. Blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, are the ones to watch out for since they carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, which causes Lyme disease.
Before heading outside, you can help prevent getting a tick by keeping your skin covered. Wear high socks and leggings and fitted long-sleeve shirts. The CDC recommends using bug spray that contains DEET on your clothing to deter ticks. After being outside, take a shower and inspect your skin for ticks - especially under the arms, behind the ears, the backs of the knees, between your legs, around your waist, and even in your belly button. If the tick is removed within 24 hours, your chance of contracting Lyme disease is pretty small so here's what to do if you discover an embedded tick.
- Get it out: Remove the tick using clean, fine-tipped tweezers, grabbing underneath the head of the tick as close as possible to your skin so you can remove the mouth of the tick. Do not squeeze the body of the tick, or twist or pull too fast - it'll cause the tick to spew back the contents of its stomach into your skin, putting you at greater risk of being exposed to the infections its carrying, including Lyme disease. If you can't get the head out of your skin, just leave it as is, and let the skin heal.
- Get rid of it: Submerge the tick in rubbing alcohol to kill it, then flush it down the toilet.
- Wash it: Clean the affected area of your skin with soap and warm water, rubbing alcohol, or iodine.
- Watch it: Symptoms of Lyme disease can occur three to 30 days after the bite so over the next few weeks, watch the infected area for signs of a round, red, "bull's-eye" rash. Only 70 to 80 percent of people with Lyme disease will get this classic symptom, so be sure to look for other signs including headache, high fever, severe neck stiffness, joint swelling or pain, dizziness, or heart palpitations.
- Get tested: If you have symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to get tested for Lyme disease, to see if antibiotics are necessary.
Articles
