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.
mercredi 10 mai 2017
9 Important Guidelines to Keep in Mind When Flying With a Child
Between the impending Summer travel season and all the controversy surrounding the airline industry lately, there is a lot to know about the best ways to make your trip as seamless as possible. It's even more crucial to be prepared for traveling when you have little ones in tow, so we've broken down some of the most common questions that come up when you're getting ready to fly with your kids. However, keep in mind that these rules are constantly changing, and each airline is different. While this is fairly comprehensive, it never hurts to check with your airline or airport before you book anything and then before you arrive to make sure you've done all you can to have a stress-free flight.
Do I need to pay for a seat for my child?
The general rule across US airlines is that your child can be held in your lap on board a flight until he or she is 2 years old. Once they've turned 2, you're required to purchase a seat for them. While most airlines charge the same fare regardless of age, Southwest has child fares for those between ages 2 and 11. In the case that one parent has two children under the age of 2 with them while traveling, an extra seat must be purchased, as the adult is only permitted to have one lap child on the flight.
Can I use a car seat for my child?
Airlines will allow you to bring an FAA-approved seat on board a plane for your child, but it's extremely important to ensure it meets all the guidelines. The seats and restraints, also, cannot be used anywhere on the plane, so parents should do their homework before coming to the airport. Contact your airline to make sure your child's seat or restraint will meet the approved guidelines, and then make sure you'll be seated in an area of the plane where you'll be allowed to use it.
How old does my child need to be to fly?
United and Virgin America don't allow infants under 7 days old to travel with them. Southwest doesn't allow infants under 14 days. Delta requires a doctor's note for infants under 7 days, as does American Airlines.
Does my child need identification?
In general, infants and toddlers can get by with a copy of a birth certificate for identification at the airport. However, traveling internationally will still require a passport.
What happens if my child and I are not given seats together?
It's becoming more and more common for airlines to charge an extra fee to choose your own seat when booking a flight, but in the case that you want to ensure you're seated beside your child, it might be worth the cost. Southwest is the exception, since that airline has open seating and you get to choose where you sit, and because you'd get priority boarding with your child, you're all but guaranteed to be seated together. As far as seated airlines go, a ticket for your child over the age of 2 is generally considered an adult fare and treated as such. However, Congress last year passed an extension to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that should require airlines to provide seats together for children and their families, according to the Washington Post. The new rule hopes to establish the policy that "children under age 13 are 'to be seated in a seat adjacent to the seat of an accompanying family member over the age of 13' at no additional cost."
Can I bring a stroller on board?
Strollers can be checked at your gate at no extra charge to you. American Airlines appears to be the only airline that allows passengers to bring a stroller all the way on board the plane, provided it fits into an overhead bin.
Can I hold my child if they're being fussy during the flight?
We know how much you want to calm your child when they're being fussy. There are a few things to keep in mind, though. If your child is riding in your lap, this is obviously not an issue. If your child has their own seat, it's really not recommended to hold them on your lap, as all passengers in seats should be wearing their seat belts, regardless of whether or not the seat belt sign is lit up. If the seat belt sign is off and your child is fussy, you're more than welcome to walk them up and down the aisle to see if that helps. However, once you're back in your seat, your child needs to be in their own seat with a seat belt fastened.
Can I be kicked off a flight if my child is being too fussy?
While there doesn't seem to be any hard-and-fast rules about the legalities of removing someone from a flight for a fussy baby, there are policies in place, which state that not following safety rules and being disruptive can get you removed. There are a handful of reports of people with crying babies being removed from planes, but it's often chalked up to disruptive behavior that becomes dangerous to passengers and the pilots or it's a safety hazard, as in, passengers are not in their seats with seat belts fastened when they need to be. Oftentimes, flight attendants will provide parents with loud children with at least a warning, if not two.
Can I board the flight early with my child?
Priority boarding should be available across the board with any airline. When you arrive at your gate at the airport, check in at the ticketing counter to find out when you'll be allowed to get on the plane. There is usually a designated time set aside for families traveling with small children.
Before and After Photos of California's Drought Are Staggering to See
California looks a bit unfamiliar to residents these days: following historic rainfall, the state's landscape has bloomed, bringing life to its formerly brown hills dogged by drought. On April 7, California Governor Jerry Brown officially lifted the state's emergency water provisions, thus declaring an end to a record-breaking drought.
Brown, who's been particularly critical of President Donald Trump's climate policies, declared an end to the water restrictions he imposed in January of 2014. "This drought emergency is over, but the next drought could be around the corner," Governor Brown's statement read. "Conservation must remain a way of life."
California's six-year drought had reached unprecedented levels by the Spring of 2015. According to the United States' drought monitor, more than 30 percent of California was experiencing exceptional drought; at its peak, between 2012 and 2015, the drought emptied groundwater reservoirs, which ultimately forced Brown to implement restrictions for farmers and citizens.
Now recovering, the Sierra Nevada mountain range has also witnessed a massive revival: its snowpack levels are currently 160 percent above average for this time of the year.
California's rainfall is certainly a reason to celebrate, but as Brown warned, it isn't evidence disproving the existence of climate change (as the new EPA director believes).
Ahead, see a series of images comparing the drought from 2014 and 2017; the photos on top are from the height of the drought and the ones right below are from present-day California.
The 31 Most Magnificent Gowns Michelle Obama Wore While in the White House
Since she arrived in the White House eight years ago, Michelle Obama has slipped into about 31 occasion gowns. As you can imagine, they're all pretty memorable. While our former FLOTUS keeps a few favorite designers in steady rotation - Jason Wu, Michael Kors, and Tadashi Shoji included - she's not afraid to get experimental, even in a fancy dress.
Michelle never played it safe at state dinners or celebrations, surprising us with a bold color or print and often even an accessory like coordinating elbow-length gloves. Read on to reminisce about her most regal style moments now that she's left her post. We're sure she'll be around again soon, making us swoon over yet another elegant number.
The 31 Most Magnificent Gowns Michelle Obama Wore While in the White House
Since she arrived in the White House eight years ago, Michelle Obama has slipped into about 31 occasion gowns. As you can imagine, they're all pretty memorable. While our former FLOTUS keeps a few favorite designers in steady rotation - Jason Wu, Michael Kors, and Tadashi Shoji included - she's not afraid to get experimental, even in a fancy dress.
Michelle never played it safe at state dinners or celebrations, surprising us with a bold color or print and often even an accessory like coordinating elbow-length gloves. Read on to reminisce about her most regal style moments now that she's left her post. We're sure she'll be around again soon, making us swoon over yet another elegant number.
9 Important Guidelines to Keep in Mind When Flying With a Child
Between the impending Summer travel season and all the controversy surrounding the airline industry lately, there is a lot to know about the best ways to make your trip as seamless as possible. It's even more crucial to be prepared for traveling when you have little ones in tow, so we've broken down some of the most common questions that come up when you're getting ready to fly with your kids. However, keep in mind that these rules are constantly changing, and each airline is different. While this is fairly comprehensive, it never hurts to check with your airline or airport before you book anything and then before you arrive to make sure you've done all you can to have a stress-free flight.
Do I need to pay for a seat for my child?
The general rule across US airlines is that your child can be held in your lap on board a flight until he or she is 2 years old. Once they've turned 2, you're required to purchase a seat for them. While most airlines charge the same fare regardless of age, Southwest has child fares for those between ages 2 and 11. In the case that one parent has two children under the age of 2 with them while traveling, an extra seat must be purchased, as the adult is only permitted to have one lap child on the flight.
Can I use a car seat for my child?
Airlines will allow you to bring an FAA-approved seat on board a plane for your child, but it's extremely important to ensure it meets all the guidelines. The seats and restraints, also, cannot be used anywhere on the plane, so parents should do their homework before coming to the airport. Contact your airline to make sure your child's seat or restraint will meet the approved guidelines, and then make sure you'll be seated in an area of the plane where you'll be allowed to use it.
How old does my child need to be to fly?
United and Virgin America don't allow infants under 7 days old to travel with them. Southwest doesn't allow infants under 14 days. Delta requires a doctor's note for infants under 7 days, as does American Airlines.
Does my child need identification?
In general, infants and toddlers can get by with a copy of a birth certificate for identification at the airport. However, traveling internationally will still require a passport.
What happens if my child and I are not given seats together?
It's becoming more and more common for airlines to charge an extra fee to choose your own seat when booking a flight, but in the case that you want to ensure you're seated beside your child, it might be worth the cost. Southwest is the exception, since that airline has open seating and you get to choose where you sit, and because you'd get priority boarding with your child, you're all but guaranteed to be seated together. As far as seated airlines go, a ticket for your child over the age of 2 is generally considered an adult fare and treated as such. However, Congress last year passed an extension to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that should require airlines to provide seats together for children and their families, according to the Washington Post. The new rule hopes to establish the policy that "children under age 13 are 'to be seated in a seat adjacent to the seat of an accompanying family member over the age of 13' at no additional cost."
Can I bring a stroller on board?
Strollers can be checked at your gate at no extra charge to you. American Airlines appears to be the only airline that allows passengers to bring a stroller all the way on board the plane, provided it fits into an overhead bin.
Can I hold my child if they're being fussy during the flight?
We know how much you want to calm your child when they're being fussy. There are a few things to keep in mind, though. If your child is riding in your lap, this is obviously not an issue. If your child has their own seat, it's really not recommended to hold them on your lap, as all passengers in seats should be wearing their seat belts, regardless of whether or not the seat belt sign is lit up. If the seat belt sign is off and your child is fussy, you're more than welcome to walk them up and down the aisle to see if that helps. However, once you're back in your seat, your child needs to be in their own seat with a seat belt fastened.
Can I be kicked off a flight if my child is being too fussy?
While there doesn't seem to be any hard-and-fast rules about the legalities of removing someone from a flight for a fussy baby, there are policies in place, which state that not following safety rules and being disruptive can get you removed. There are a handful of reports of people with crying babies being removed from planes, but it's often chalked up to disruptive behavior that becomes dangerous to passengers and the pilots or it's a safety hazard, as in, passengers are not in their seats with seat belts fastened when they need to be. Oftentimes, flight attendants will provide parents with loud children with at least a warning, if not two.
Can I board the flight early with my child?
Priority boarding should be available across the board with any airline. When you arrive at your gate at the airport, check in at the ticketing counter to find out when you'll be allowed to get on the plane. There is usually a designated time set aside for families traveling with small children.
Before and After Photos of California's Drought Are Staggering to See
California looks a bit unfamiliar to residents these days: following historic rainfall, the state's landscape has bloomed, bringing life to its formerly brown hills dogged by drought. On April 7, California Governor Jerry Brown officially lifted the state's emergency water provisions, thus declaring an end to a record-breaking drought.
Brown, who's been particularly critical of President Donald Trump's climate policies, declared an end to the water restrictions he imposed in January of 2014. "This drought emergency is over, but the next drought could be around the corner," Governor Brown's statement read. "Conservation must remain a way of life."
California's six-year drought had reached unprecedented levels by the Spring of 2015. According to the United States' drought monitor, more than 30 percent of California was experiencing exceptional drought; at its peak, between 2012 and 2015, the drought emptied groundwater reservoirs, which ultimately forced Brown to implement restrictions for farmers and citizens.
Now recovering, the Sierra Nevada mountain range has also witnessed a massive revival: its snowpack levels are currently 160 percent above average for this time of the year.
California's rainfall is certainly a reason to celebrate, but as Brown warned, it isn't evidence disproving the existence of climate change (as the new EPA director believes).
Ahead, see a series of images comparing the drought from 2014 and 2017; the photos on top are from the height of the drought and the ones right below are from present-day California.
Meghan Markle's Simple Polo Dress Has That Royal Touch
Meghan Markle arrived at Prince Harry's polo match dressed in neutrals - but not just any neutrals. The actress chose a sophisticated Antonio Berardi LBD that came complete with an asymmetrical hem and a double-breasted bodice. She topped the sleeveless design with a white Babaton for Aritzia blazer thrown over her shoulders.
The pairing was complemented with a polka-dot pouch and tasseled black heels, two accessories that definitely feel fresh and modern but aren't over the top. It seems Meghan's got elevated dressing down to a science, and it all starts with the foundation of a really beautiful, well-tailored dress. Scroll for a look, then shop the exact Antonio Berardi number along with similar button-front styles.
15 Things You Didn't Know About the Third Scott Brother
You may have thought that there was only double trouble when it came to the Scott brothers, twin stars of HGTV's Property Brothers. But Jonathan and Drew have an older brother who's taking the world by storm, and he's not afraid to share hilarious Instagram videos documenting his everyday life.
Presenting . . . JD Scott! You've probably already seen him hosting several shows on HGTV or All-American Amusement Parks on Great American Country. Maybe you've heard him spewing witty remarks on Off Topic with the Scott Brothers or other radio stations. Or maybe you've even seen him doing his part as a global ambassador for World Vision alongside his 37-year-old brothers. But if you haven't caught a glimpse of the Las Vegas-based Canadian, prepare to become utterly obsessed, because we've uncovered some fun facts about JD that are sure to make him your favorite of the three. So take your front-row seat as we unveil some things that you didn't know about the eldest Scott brother, including what "JD" actually stands for . . .
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7 Résumé Red Flags to Avoid
We all know how lying to your potential employer can create problems, but there are also a couple of résumé missteps you need to be aware of. Here are some red flags to avoid on your CV.
1. Spelling mistakes and other typos
If a recruiter spots typos on your résumé, she will assume that you don't pay attention to detail and you can possibly be careless, which isn't a very attractive trait for a job candidate. Keep reviewing your résumé for errors and ask at least three people to review it and give you feedback.
2. The wrong file name
Your recruiter will pay attention to this simple detail, so include your name when you're naming the file. This helps hiring managers better sort through the mountain of résumés. Just imagine trying to find a file named "résumé" among dozens of similarly named files.
3. Tacky email
Make sure you're using an email address that's professional. If you don't have one that's appropriate, create one. Also, if you're still at your current job, don't list your work email.
4. Résumé gaps
Gaps in employment are obviously noticeable, but don't fret too much about it because it's almost the norm in this economy. List what you've been doing in your time off if the activities are relevant to the position. Here are more ideas on how to fill the résumé gaps.
5. Irrelevant information
Having unnecessary information that's not related to the job is a waste of time for your hiring manager. Don't overshare - pick the right succinct sentences to showcase the skills that will be valuable in the position.
6. Being vague
It's always good to be specific and quantify your achievements so your story will be more convincing and believable. "Increased quarter one revenue by nine percent year over year" sounds a lot better than "increased revenue for the company." A résumé is always more compelling if you can back up your achievements with quantitative data.
7. Job hopping
Going through too many jobs in a short period can be a red flag for an employer. You may want to consider taking off jobs that you were only at for a month or two if they don't pertain to the position or if you already have a pretty full résumé. If you're going to include the short-term positions, be very clear about the big contributions you have made toward the company, so the recruiter will see that you have added value to all your previous jobs even if they were of varying lengths.
33 Men's Sneakers Every Fashion Girl Should Rock - Because F*ck Gender Norms
Are you so over the Adidas Stan Smith and Converse craze but still need some fuel for your undying sneaker obsession? Here's a thought: scope out the shoes in the men's department instead. Yes, really.
I've been rockin' my tried-and-true Nike Stefan Janoskis for four years now and can attest that shopping in the men's section is totally the way to go. All you need is some good old-fashioned arithmetic to convert shoe sizes (and maybe a little dose of courage to admit to the sales associate that you're shopping for yourself and not your boyfriend - or your imaginary one).
Don't get me wrong; I love a classic pair of Stan Smiths just as much as Gigi Hadid does, but sometimes an unexpected style switch-up is all you need to add some pizzazz to your wardrobe. So I dove head first into the men's sneaker scene to scope out the coolest kicks on the market that both dudes and dudettes can rock - because who the f*ck says gals can't wear "men's" stuff? If you haven't hopped on the sneakers bandwagon yet, the rad options ahead will convince you it's about that time.
50+ Photos That Show the Outpouring of Love at Princess Diana's Public Funeral
When Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car crash in August 1997, it seemed as though the world was mourning just as deeply as her own family. Diana, dubbed "The People's Princess," made an indelible mark on those in the UK as well as around the globe; her funeral, which was held on Sept. 6, was watched or listened to by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide - making it one of the most watched events in history. In London, a crowd of nearly one million people gathered to trace Diana's coffin from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey to her final resting place at the Spencer family's home in Althorp.
Diana's sons, Harry and William, followed their mother's coffin alongside their father, Prince Charles, and their uncle Charles, the Earl Spencer. The visibly moved onlookers blanketed the streets with heartfelt notes, bouquets, and teddy bears, and flower petals rained down from bystanders along the procession route. People also gathered in Hyde Park, where the ceremony was being aired on a giant screen, while celebrities like Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Hillary Clinton, and Elton John attended the official ceremony inside Westminster Abbey. We're looking back on the outpouring of love from the public at Diana's funeral. Scroll through to see all the tearjerking photos.
33 Men's Sneakers Every Fashion Girl Should Rock - Because F*ck Gender Norms
Are you so over the Adidas Stan Smith and Converse craze but still need some fuel for your undying sneaker obsession? Here's a thought: scope out the shoes in the men's department instead. Yes, really.
I've been rockin' my tried-and-true Nike Stefan Janoskis for four years now and can attest that shopping in the men's section is totally the way to go. All you need is some good old-fashioned arithmetic to convert shoe sizes (and maybe a little dose of courage to admit to the sales associate that you're shopping for yourself and not your boyfriend - or your imaginary one).
Don't get me wrong; I love a classic pair of Stan Smiths just as much as Gigi Hadid does, but sometimes an unexpected style switch-up is all you need to add some pizzazz to your wardrobe. So I dove head first into the men's sneaker scene to scope out the coolest kicks on the market that both dudes and dudettes can rock - because who the f*ck says gals can't wear "men's" stuff? If you haven't hopped on the sneakers bandwagon yet, the rad options ahead will convince you it's about that time.
34 Books Your Mom Will Love This Mother's Day
If you're looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift for your mom or the moms in your life, we've got some books they're sure to love. Whether she's looking for something lighthearted and funny or an emotional memoir, these page-turners take on the issues mothers and mothers-to-be can relate to. And many of these are great for daughters, too, so if you really want to make Mom happy, you can have your own mother-daughter book club and read some together. Check out 34 books that will make great Mother's Day gifts now.
Stop Everything: There's a Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Lip Balm
If you'll drive all the way to Red Lobster just to get some buttery Cheddar Bay Biscuits in your belly and then beg the waiter for a bag of them to go, you're about to lose your garlic-loving mind. The cult-favorite snack is turning 25, and the seafood chain knows just how to throw it the party it deserves.
Red Lobster is offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience of owning a limited-edition Cheddar Bay Biscuit-flavored lip balm. That's right, if you are one of the incredibly lucky winners, you'll be able to taste the delicious flavor of your beloved biscuits every time you apply it to your lips.
If you're itching to get your hands on one of these buttery balms, all you have to do is register for the Fresh Catch Club by 5 p.m. on May 8. When you receive your email on May 8, follow the instructions listed, and wait for Red Lobster to randomly select 250 winners to score lip balms as well as t-shirts, foam biscuits, and even magnets.
Not only does this lippie smell remarkably like the cheesy goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits, but the balm is also cruelty-free and all-natural, so you know the balm will become one of your favorites. Mark your calendars for May 8 - and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Chrissy Metz Fires Back at Critics Over Her Smokin’ Hot Red Latex Dress
Since stealing our hearts on the hit show This Is Us, Chrissy Metz has become a role model for body positivity and confidence, and guess what? She is not here for body shaming. After appearing at the 2017 MTV Movie and TV Awards in a stunning red latex dress with ruffle sleeves and shimmery flats (which she had been planning with her stylist, Jordan Grossman, for over a year) the 36-year-old faced some negative feedback about her look.
But as Chrissy always does, she responded to the body shamers in an empowering way, reminding everyone that she can do whatever she wants. Following the award show, Chrissy took to Twitter, writing, "For the record, I wear what I want, when I want. News flash it's MY body. #thankstho," seen below.
For the record, I wear what I want, when I want. News flash it's
MY body. #thankstho- Chrissy Metz (@ChrissyMetz) May 8, 2017
We fully support this message. Keep reading to see the gorgeous photos of Chrissy presenting with her equally as sexy costar Milo Ventimiglia, then read up on the details of Chrissy's design, including how the fabric was sourced from Jane Doe Latex to nail the perfect image.
That Abandoned Wizard of Oz Theme Park? I've Stayed There
Land of Oz was a Wizard of Oz-inspired theme park in Beech Mountain, NC, opened in the 1970s by imaginative entrepreneur Grover Robbins. Unfortunately, Robbins's death from cancer just weeks before the park's opening was, in a way, a dismal sign of things to come. While Robbins had been previously successful with Tweetsie Railroad - a Wild West theme park that is still fully operational today - Land of Oz seemed fated to fail. The park was simply too expansive to maintain, both physically and financially. A mysterious fire destroyed much of Emerald City, including an archival museum that housed many of the dresses Judy Garland wore as Dorothy in the film. After just a decade of tumultuous existence, Land of Oz closed.
When I read that people can now tour Land of Oz or rent it out for private parties, I immediately laughed, because not only have I visited Land of Oz - I've stayed there.
In the early '90s, Land of Oz was partially reopened, this time not as a theme park but as a development complex with various cabins that could be rented out. As a Miami native, I had very rarely experienced the type of wintry vacation that is oftentimes synonymous with the holidays. True to the Wizard of Oz narrative, my family of six tornadoed out of Miami and toward the promise of a quaint skiing vacation; we had rented a picturesque cabin at the abandoned Land of Oz. What could go wrong?
When we got to the cabin, there was a deer just frolicking in the front yard, and I remember being so amazed and excited about seeing an animal that wasn't one of the parrot variety or some tropical inhabitant. But once we walked through the front door, I guess you could say I had my reservations. It was old and creaky in a way that was almost comically creepy. The furniture definitely had that antique thing going for it, and there was a painting of a stoic, haunting woman on the wall. We inexplicably named her Rebecca, I guess to just make light of it all.
My older sisters elected to sleep together in the least scary room, while my parents stayed in the master bedroom upstairs that had the most beautiful skylight. Meanwhile, I got to stay in "Dorothy's room," complete with a pair of ruby slippers. I slept on the bottom level of a bunk bed, which just altogether made me feel uneasy about who might be sleeping on the top bunk. Dorothy, is that you? At least the room had all these old-timey dolls to keep me company.
Then things got weird. We all started noticing these quirks that we, well, didn't appreciate. At midnight every night, a little tune - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - would float down the hallway from an old cuckoo clock. Except it was so old that the song sounded distorted and unbelievably eerie; it was like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on Xanax. One evening, a surly, inebriated older man appeared at our door. His drunken and incessant knocking on the front door woke up my dad, who then just casually waited for him to leave.
At one point, one of my sisters and I decided to take a stroll down the park's old yellow brick road. We thought to ourselves, "Wow, how cute is this?" We were, simply put, lying to ourselves. A few minutes into it, we both realized how incredibly unsettling it was to be walking down this path lined with charred trees and deteriorating giant lollipops and colorful mushrooms - remnants of what was once, I'm sure, a very vibrant re-creation of the film's "Munchkin Land."
Toward the close of our trip, my sisters decided to take a look at what was in the basement, the uncharted territory of the cabin that still gives me the creeps over a decade later. The owners of the old park had long ago decided to mysteriously store many of the park's old rides and decorations in the basement of the very cabin that was being rented out to my unassuming family. There it all was: an animatronic Wicked Witch of the West, carts belonging to amusement rides, a winding yellow ramp that led somewhere else underground. And no, we did not care to find out where that might have been. Needless to say, I was clicking my heels together and muttering, "There's no place like home" more convincingly than ol' Judy Garland herself. Our return to Miami couldn't have come any sooner - although we left with quite the tale.
When I texted my sisters for this piece to ask them about our time there, one simply replied, "That place was terrifying."
11 Totally Awesome Breakfast Scrambles
When it comes to fast and easy breakfasts (or breakfast for dinner), scrambled eggs are king. Not only are they speedy to cook, but they're stick-to-your-ribs kind of food; light, but satiating. Another reason we love a good scramble: it's near-infinitely riffable, as these 11 variations back up. Keep reading to learn a new technique or two (poached scrambled eggs, anyone), or to find a new favorite mix-in combination.
11 Totally Awesome Breakfast Scrambles
When it comes to fast and easy breakfasts (or breakfast for dinner), scrambled eggs are king. Not only are they speedy to cook, but they're stick-to-your-ribs kind of food; light, but satiating. Another reason we love a good scramble: it's near-infinitely riffable, as these 11 variations back up. Keep reading to learn a new technique or two (poached scrambled eggs, anyone), or to find a new favorite mix-in combination.
You've Never Seen Glitter Highlighter Swatches This Bright Before
Many shimmery, holographic products claim to be "magical," but indie brand Glitter Injections's new highlighter actual is. The glitter strobing cream is blindingly bright, and it actually doesn't come off under running water (just watch the Instagram video ahead!). So you can really be a mermaid, swimming in the ocean with moonbeams on your cheeks - or bum!
The highlighters come in five festive shades: Fame (iridescent gold), Autograph (purple), She's Jelly (green), Own the Stage (red), and Fan Mail (green). Plus, now you can snag the whole set for $88 (normally $100) online here. Keep reading to see gorgeous swatches of these highlighters.
12 Luxurious Beauty Gifts to Pamper Your Mom With This Mother's Day
Maybe your mom is the one to thank for your obsession with makeup, or your passion for a solid skin-care regimen was instilled in you by her at an early age. Or, perhaps your mother is so low-maintenance, you're shocked you come from the same household.
Regardless, Mother's Day is fast approaching (May 14, for you procrastinators), and if you need a gift, there are few better ways to pamper your mama than with some sophisticated new beauty products. Ahead, we have the hottest hair tool on the market, the chicest bubble bath you've ever seen, and many more gifts for her that she'll adore almost as much as she loves you.
Soaking Up the Sun Has Never Been So Stylish With These Cute Round Beach Towels
We've already picked out our go-to Summer bathing suit styles, and we've been working hard at those beach-ready bodies, but now, we've found the one thing our Summer repertoires have been missing: stylish round towels. Gone are the days of digging through our linen closets for plain, old towels, because not only are round towels perfectly shaped, but they are also adorably Instagrammable.
Coming in trendy patterns like hamburger or pizza print, there are no limits to what your beach towel can achieve. Keep reading to see some of our favorite round towel picks for the Summer, and make sure you order yours ASAP.
The 5 Biggest Reasons You Wake Up Exhausted
Do you constantly wake up feeling like you could sleep for another three hours? Not everyone's a morning person, but when you wake up so tired you have a pounding headache, pour orange juice into your cereal, or practically fall asleep while checking your morning emails, then something's not right. Keep reading to find out what might be preventing you from waking up energized.
Yes, My 4-Year-Old Does Chores and No, She Isn’t Always Rewarded For Them
The other day I posted an image of my daughter's chore chart on Facebook alongside with a photo of her swiffering. Many parents eagerly clicked "like" and said how great it was that I have my young daughter actively taking care of the home she lives in. Of course, I had a few other people say how long her list was and how it was "way too much for a young kid to do."
On the list her chores are:
- Bring in the mail
- Clean & set plate
- Put away shoes when you get home
- Put dirty laundry in hamper
- Help mom fold laundry
- Help put laundry away
- Swiffer play area
- Wipe down bathroom sink with mom's help
- Dust with mom's help
- Make bed
There are no consequences if she DOESN'T do her chores, and many are ones in which she helps me rather than does the chore alone. This is also not a list of DAILY chores but rather of weekly ones minus one or two which are truly daily chores like, bringing in the mail and putting away your shoes. Time and again in source after source, all I have read is how chores are great for children so I was surprised to see a few parents protest. "Giving children household chores at an early age helps to build a lasting sense of mastery, responsibility and self-reliance," according to research by Marty Rossmann, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota as quoted in The Wall Street Journal. Article upon article tells parents to put those kids to work, yet it seems so hard for parents to enforce chores. Sometimes I must admit: it's easier to do them myself!
But when I stepped back and let my daughter "do the work" so to speak, it was a wonderful thing! Now my daughter eagerly puts stickers on her chore chart - or watches me put them on - after completing chores. I find her frequently counting up each sticker earned and sometimes when she's feeling incredibly industrious she tells me, "Add that idea to the chore chart Mommy!" I see a blossoming self-esteem, pride, and habit develop by doing these chores. Does she do them all each week? No. Does she do them all with a smile on her face each time? No. But the pride in her eyes upon completing a chore chart is enough for me to see that experts are right: chores are good for my child.
Not only has adding chores to her life helped her feel pride and accomplishment, but it has also helped her to adjust to a new home. After losing our marital home due to divorce, we quickly had to move out about six months ago, and doing chores has helped her feel as if the new place is really "her home" and our home. It's helped her bond with me as well as we venture down the road of this life called divorce.
To even further prove the benefit of chores I offer parents this: she's not getting rewards for a chore well done. On occasion, I will "catch her being good" and throw her a special treat for a job well done, but the chore chart isn't an excuse to rack up rewards and toys. It's meant to create a sense of responsibility for herself and her environment. It's meant to create those feelings of self-sufficiency and the warm glow you get when you realized you've done a "job well done." It's meant to create a commitment to hard work and understanding that sometimes, you've simply got to do something not for a reward or fun, but because it has to get done. No one claps for me when I do the dishes or make my daughter's lunch at night. Some jobs simply have to get done, or chaos erupts.
I credit some of my daughter's willingness and independence to her time in a Montessori school, in which practical living skills are taught. It's easy to find a Montessori chart with developmentally appropriate chores on the Internet, and I find it useful myself. While my daughter has always been independent, going to Montessori increased her ability and desire to learn and do. These desires are simply translated in whatever she does, including chores.
The next time you go to "just do it yourself" rather than have your child do it, step back and let your kids take over the work. The earlier you start, the easier it will be when you truly want your children to be hard-working and thriving. Plus, what parent wouldn't want his or her child to be hard-working and accomplished? Starting chores young without the allure of a reward is a great way to build your little one into a self-sufficient adult down the line. Start today!
The 5 Biggest Reasons You Wake Up Exhausted
Do you constantly wake up feeling like you could sleep for another three hours? Not everyone's a morning person, but when you wake up so tired you have a pounding headache, pour orange juice into your cereal, or practically fall asleep while checking your morning emails, then something's not right. Keep reading to find out what might be preventing you from waking up energized.
You've Never Seen Glitter Highlighter Swatches This Bright Before
Many shimmery, holographic products claim to be "magical," but indie brand Glitter Injections's new highlighter actual is. The glitter strobing cream is blindingly bright, and it actually doesn't come off under running water (just watch the Instagram video ahead!). So you can really be a mermaid, swimming in the ocean with moonbeams on your cheeks - or bum!
The highlighters come in five festive shades: Fame (iridescent gold), Autograph (purple), She's Jelly (green), Own the Stage (red), and Fan Mail (green). Plus, now you can snag the whole set for $88 (normally $100) online here. Keep reading to see gorgeous swatches of these highlighters.
12 Luxurious Beauty Gifts to Pamper Your Mom With This Mother's Day
Maybe your mom is the one to thank for your obsession with makeup, or your passion for a solid skin-care regimen was instilled in you by her at an early age. Or, perhaps your mother is so low-maintenance, you're shocked you come from the same household.
Regardless, Mother's Day is fast approaching (May 14, for you procrastinators), and if you need a gift, there are few better ways to pamper your mama than with some sophisticated new beauty products. Ahead, we have the hottest hair tool on the market, the chicest bubble bath you've ever seen, and many more gifts for her that she'll adore almost as much as she loves you.
Exactly How to Make Big Money Selling Your Furniture Online
We love when the warmer weather comes around and we get that urge to purge all our extra stuff. Offloading furniture - to make room for new, fun pieces - can be a bit tricky, but it's totally doable. These days, with so much technology at our fingertips, more and more people are turning to the internet to sell everything, including furniture.
We asked Geoffrey De Sousa, chief curator for Previously Owned by a Gay Man, for a breakdown of how to sell your furniture, where to sell it, and how to make it appealing - including the one photo rule you should never break.
There is no bad time to sell
"Anytime of the year can be a terrific time to purge unwanted things from your life," according to Geoffrey. He said springtime and right before holidays tend to be when he feels there's an uptick in wanting to clean out, but any time you feel like clearing clutter, it can easily be sold to someone else.
The online furniture market is bustling
While it may seem a little wacky to sell something as cumbersome as furniture online, Geoffrey insists that it's the way to go. "You can reach so many more people," he said, especially if you use a site like Previously Owned by a Gay Man or even eBay.
Be realistic about pricing
Geoffrey said it's extremely important to not only do your research when pricing what you're selling but to also forget about what you paid for it originally. "I find that can be a stumbling block for some people. You'll need to be realistic - what will someone pay for this item?" You want to clear out your space, so sometimes going down on a price is what you have to do just to get rid of it.
Never put filters on sales photos
Filters distort what the piece of furniture truly looks like, so it's something Geoffrey said to always avoid. He recommends, however, taking the furniture outside to shoot in natural light, if you can. "It's great to show the piece head on, from all four sides, and from the top." He also noted that you should be sure to take detail shots, especially if your furniture has some wear and tear. You want to be honest with your potential buyers! He also suggested including photos of a label if it's a name that will attract more buyers.
Above all, make sure your furniture is clean
"Dust the entire piece, use some furniture polish on wood pieces, tighten any bolts that need to be tightened, fluff cushions - you know what I'm saying!" Put yourself in the buyer's shoes and think of it that way. Make sure your furniture is something you'd want to buy. Again. Since, you know, you did already buy it once.
How 1 Doctor Learned to Never Take Nurses For Granted
As a way of raising money and conducting a sort of workplace experiment, one Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) doctor in Alberta, Canada, shadowed a nurse for a 12-hour shift - an experience that he found utterly eye-opening.
After staff and physicians agreed to donate money to the PICU social committee if Dr. Laurance Lequier, Medical Director of the Stollery Children's Hospital PICU, spent a day as a nurse, Lequier shadowed registered nurse Brittany Collins for a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift. According to Alberta Health Services:
As a critical care physician, Lequier spends 15 to 30 minutes with each of his 12 to 16 patients; during his RN shift, he spent the day with one patient. "As a physician I think we take for granted that we write an order and the work just gets done," says Lequier. "As an RN I get to care for one family throughout the day . . . After my day as an RN, I am going to suggest that all the residents who train on our unit do the same. RNs spend more time with patients than we as physicians do, having an understanding of how they care for a patient and experiencing a completely different view can only make us better physicians."
While the experiment took place in early 2016, it picked up steam all over again on Facebook this week, as clearly the internet agrees with the value of this workplace role reversal, and gaining compassion and respect for your colleagues never goes out of style.
Yes, My 4-Year-Old Does Chores and No, She Isn’t Always Rewarded For Them
The other day I posted an image of my daughter's chore chart on Facebook alongside with a photo of her swiffering. Many parents eagerly clicked "like" and said how great it was that I have my young daughter actively taking care of the home she lives in. Of course, I had a few other people say how long her list was and how it was "way too much for a young kid to do."
On the list her chores are:
- Bring in the mail
- Clean & set plate
- Put away shoes when you get home
- Put dirty laundry in hamper
- Help mom fold laundry
- Help put laundry away
- Swiffer play area
- Wipe down bathroom sink with mom's help
- Dust with mom's help
- Make bed
There are no consequences if she DOESN'T do her chores, and many are ones in which she helps me rather than does the chore alone. This is also not a list of DAILY chores but rather of weekly ones minus one or two which are truly daily chores like, bringing in the mail and putting away your shoes. Time and again in source after source, all I have read is how chores are great for children so I was surprised to see a few parents protest. "Giving children household chores at an early age helps to build a lasting sense of mastery, responsibility and self-reliance," according to research by Marty Rossmann, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota as quoted in The Wall Street Journal. Article upon article tells parents to put those kids to work, yet it seems so hard for parents to enforce chores. Sometimes I must admit: it's easier to do them myself!
But when I stepped back and let my daughter "do the work" so to speak, it was a wonderful thing! Now my daughter eagerly puts stickers on her chore chart - or watches me put them on - after completing chores. I find her frequently counting up each sticker earned and sometimes when she's feeling incredibly industrious she tells me, "Add that idea to the chore chart Mommy!" I see a blossoming self-esteem, pride, and habit develop by doing these chores. Does she do them all each week? No. Does she do them all with a smile on her face each time? No. But the pride in her eyes upon completing a chore chart is enough for me to see that experts are right: chores are good for my child.
Not only has adding chores to her life helped her feel pride and accomplishment, but it has also helped her to adjust to a new home. After losing our marital home due to divorce, we quickly had to move out about six months ago, and doing chores has helped her feel as if the new place is really "her home" and our home. It's helped her bond with me as well as we venture down the road of this life called divorce.
To even further prove the benefit of chores I offer parents this: she's not getting rewards for a chore well done. On occasion, I will "catch her being good" and throw her a special treat for a job well done, but the chore chart isn't an excuse to rack up rewards and toys. It's meant to create a sense of responsibility for herself and her environment. It's meant to create those feelings of self-sufficiency and the warm glow you get when you realized you've done a "job well done." It's meant to create a commitment to hard work and understanding that sometimes, you've simply got to do something not for a reward or fun, but because it has to get done. No one claps for me when I do the dishes or make my daughter's lunch at night. Some jobs simply have to get done, or chaos erupts.
I credit some of my daughter's willingness and independence to her time in a Montessori school, in which practical living skills are taught. It's easy to find a Montessori chart with developmentally appropriate chores on the Internet, and I find it useful myself. While my daughter has always been independent, going to Montessori increased her ability and desire to learn and do. These desires are simply translated in whatever she does, including chores.
The next time you go to "just do it yourself" rather than have your child do it, step back and let your kids take over the work. The earlier you start, the easier it will be when you truly want your children to be hard-working and thriving. Plus, what parent wouldn't want his or her child to be hard-working and accomplished? Starting chores young without the allure of a reward is a great way to build your little one into a self-sufficient adult down the line. Start today!
Firework Oreos With Popping Candy Will Make You Feel So Nostalgic
Firework Oreos got us more excited than any other new Oreo flavor in a long time. There's popping candy inside of the cream filling! Eager to try this limited-edition, Fourth of July-inspired cookie, which hit store shelves on May 8, POPSUGAR editors got our hands on a package and braced ourselves for a bite. Knowing how much we love Pop Rocks - and how much they remind us of our childhoods - we were beyond pumped to see how Oreo's popping candy compares.
First things first: the tiny bits of candy really do pop in your mouth - it's just not a particularly intense pop. If you want to get the full effect, I recommend taking off the top cookie and biting into the icing by itself (although, isn't that the best way to eat an Oreo anyway?). The popping effect is subtle and takes a few chews to make itself known, but it's there. The crunchy pieces of red and blue candy speckle the sandwich cookie's cream, so they not only look festive, but they also provide texture to the soft filling. Reactions varied among Oreo-lovers, but overall, we highly recommend picking up a package of this fun, unexpected Oreo flavor while you have the chance. Why make a Fourth of July dessert when you can bring a holiday-approved, store-bought cookie instead?
Read on for more of our first impressions of the unique Oreo flavor.
- "The pop comes after and it's a fun taste of nostalgia!"
- "Weird concept. Prefer Pop Rocks by themselves . . . but nice try."
- "These are going to be my go-to Fourth of July treat!"
- "Tastes like a regular Oreo. Pops at the end . . . not the biggest fan."
- "Love these! The flavor is just like a regular Oreo, but the candy makes them way more fun."
- "More sugar in an Oreo! Nom."
You Won't Even Notice Alex Rodriguez, Because Your Eyes Will Be on J Lo's Coat
PSA: Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are for once, not wearing matching outfits! Though we've enjoyed their coordinating looks, we're happy to see them complement each other without wearing the same color palette.
The couple was spotted leaving a restaurant in New York City in completely opposite looks. Jennifer was wearing head-to-toe beige, while Alex wore a blue dress shirt, black jacket and pants with white sneakers.
But let's get to what's important: J Lo's jacket! The Valentino trench features bright floral embroidery with pink-feathered birds moving across it. It looks like a majestic garden was painted on her, and we love it. What we don't love is the price tag. The jacket retails for $7,900, but it's currently on sale for $1,979 - a far cry from the $55 accessory J Lo was sporting this week. Keep scrolling to see more photos of her amazing look and find a few links to shop a jacket of your own.
An Overwhelming Majority of Young Women Say They Dislike Ivanka Trump
Ever since President Donald Trump took office, many have been focused on his eldest daughter, Ivanka, and her budding role in the administration. We already know people are questioning her new White House position, but how do Americans - especially other young women like her - really feel about the first daughter? Well, Cosmopolitan just released a poll with some answers, and they're pretty intriguing.
The purpose of the SurveyMonkey poll was to gauge how Americans view the president's most notable family and administration members, and some of the results are interesting, to say the least. After surveying a sample of 5,493 adults ages 18 and up for a weeklong period, it was found that a majority of young women aged 18 to 34 - 52 percent, to be exact - have a particularly negative view of the first daughter. That leaves only 21 percent of young women noting favorable feelings about her (with the remaining 28 percent refusing to answer). On the flip side, Ivanka's favorability increases to 39 percent among older women aged 34 to 64 and is even higher, at 45 percent, for women aged 65 or older.
Considering Ivanka's recent attempt at meeting with Planned Parenthood (which had no apparent effect on the administration's actions against the nonprofit), the broad perception that she is complicit in her father's many antiwoman policies, and her dad's history of misogyny and alleged sexual assault . . . well, let's just say we're not too surprised by these findings.
Ben Affleck Officially Moves Out of His Home With Jennifer Garner
Image Source: Getty / Steve Zak
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck finally filed for divorce in April after initially announcing their split in 2015 - and the fact that it's almost been two years isn't the most surprising part of it. People reported that the former couple actually filed together and without lawyers, which are two moves that are increasingly rare with dramatic Hollywood splits. They are also both seeking joint legal and physical custody of their children.
All in all, things sound downright amicable, though it's been kind of a rollercoaster of events ever since they first announced they were divorcing. The seemingly friendly exes had been throwing us for a loop, especially since there was news that the divorce was off and then on. To iron out this celebrity relationship timeline (and allow you to have the proper authority when discussing this with your friends at happy hour), we've put together all the information in one place.
Ben and Jennifer got married in 2005 in a a private ceremony in Turks and Caicos while Jennifer was pregnant with their first child, Violet. She gave birth to her later that year, and daughter Seraphina followed in 2009. Samuel was born in 2012. A few years after that, the happy family and iconic Hollywood couple were shaken up with the divorce news. Here's the complete timeline of their divorce updates.
2015
- June: The couple announces their plans to divorce on June 30, just about 10 years to the day from their anniversary. Together, they release the statement: "After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce. We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time. This will be our only comment on this private, family matter. Thank you for understanding." A flurry of rumors about why they split circulate, including infidelity.
- August: Ben is spotted with the woman he'd been accused of cheating on Jennifer with: their nanny, Christine Ouzounian. Ben has maintained that he was not unfaithful.
2016
- February: Jennifer drops a series of truth bombs in a tell-all interview with Vanity Fair, and she corroborates that Ben's alleged affair with the nanny wasn't a factor in their split, saying, "She had nothing to do with our decision to divorce. She was not a part of the equation." In the soul-baring interview, Jennifer also calls Ben the love of her life and shares her thoughts on dating post-split.
- March: Days after her interview drops, Ben and Jennifer are seen at the Vanity Fair Oscar party together, and Ben later addresses her interview publicly, complimenting Jennifer and saying it was fine that she talked about it. A few days after that, Jennifer opens up more, talking about how she and Ben are making it work in terms of taking care of their kids together.
- May: The two continue to say nice things about each other in the press and be pictured together while coparenting. In the meantime, the couple still hasn't filed for divorce, and rumors fly that they might reconcile.
- December: Ben and Jennifer continue to live together to take care of their children, but it's reported that they find it "annoying" to share a home.
Image Source: Getty / Gonzalo
2017
- March: People reports that Jennifer called off the divorce; Us Weekly disputes the story almost immediately, reporting that Jennifer "is still considering a permanent split."
Days later, Ben reveals that he completed treatment for alcohol addiction, publicly posting it on his Facebook page in mid-March. This is just weeks after he had attended the Oscars to present and see brother Casey win an Academy Award; he had reportedly gone with a sober companion.
A few weeks later, Jennifer and Ben are seen laughing it up together while pal Matt Damon spills on Ben's outlook, saying Ben "couldn't be happier," and that he was taking care of the kids while Jennifer shoots a movie.
- April: Jennifer and Ben file for divorce on April 13.
- May: Ben moves out of the family's LA home. According to People, the actor got a place of his own weeks after the couple officially filed for divorce. "The family house is for Jen and the kids now; Ben won't have any things at the house," a source told the publication. "The kids are doing well. They have been to Ben's new house."
An Overwhelming Majority of Young Women Say They Dislike Ivanka Trump
Ever since President Donald Trump took office, many have been focused on his eldest daughter, Ivanka, and her budding role in the administration. We already know people are questioning her new White House position, but how do Americans - especially other young women like her - really feel about the first daughter? Well, Cosmopolitan just released a poll with some answers, and they're pretty intriguing.
The purpose of the SurveyMonkey poll was to gauge how Americans view the president's most notable family and administration members, and some of the results are interesting, to say the least. After surveying a sample of 5,493 adults ages 18 and up for a weeklong period, it was found that a majority of young women aged 18 to 34 - 52 percent, to be exact - have a particularly negative view of the first daughter. That leaves only 21 percent of young women noting favorable feelings about her (with the remaining 28 percent refusing to answer). On the flip side, Ivanka's favorability increases to 39 percent among older women aged 34 to 64 and is even higher, at 45 percent, for women aged 65 or older.
Considering Ivanka's recent attempt at meeting with Planned Parenthood (which had no apparent effect on the administration's actions against the nonprofit), the broad perception that she is complicit in her father's many antiwoman policies, and her dad's history of misogyny and alleged sexual assault . . . well, let's just say we're not too surprised by these findings.
Maple Leaf breaded chicken products recalled over bacteria risk
Several breaded chicken products produced by Maple Leaf Foods are being recalled in Ontario and Quebec because they may contain the toxin produced by Staphylococcus bacteria, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The NYT Published an Antiabortion Op-Ed Without Clearly Identifying the Author's Bias
Following President Donald Trump's election, the nation's newspaper of note, The New York Times, has made a concerted effort to publish perspectives from a variety of contributors across party lines. Whether or not one agrees with The Times's commitment to reporting every possible viewpoint (regardless of its factual basis), the newspaper does owe its readers full transparency.
On May 9, The Times published an article written by Lori Szala, a director for the antiabortion group Human Coalition. Despite her objectively biased position, nowhere in the essay does Szala actually spell out the organization she works for; her position is included at the bottom of the story in small text with no hyperlink to Human Coalition's website (a key component of understanding the group's mission).
In her piece, Szala offers an attempted rebuttal to the progressive argument that abortion is an economic issue. Without giving too much credence to Szala's claims, she counters by asserting that describing abortion as an economic issue is "dehumanizing." Szala also contends that just because a woman receives an abortion does not mean her problems disappear. While it's certainly true that a woman "will leave the clinic still burdened by every single problem she came in with," it's the unfortunate truth that her life would be undeniably more difficult had she been forced to rear a child, or give it up.
Without mentioning the op-ed specifically, the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) subtly reiterated its position on abortion access on Twitter.
REMINDER: Abortion access is intrinsically tied to one's economic security. (And, y'know, it's a constitutional RIGHT.)
- NARAL (@NARAL) May 9, 2017
And NARAL's President Ilyse Hogue reacted more explicitly to The Times's lack of full disclosure.
Human Coalition has called abortion "The Worst Holocaust In Human History" for some context on the true motives of the author of this OpEd. https://t.co/g3gkjHN2cy
- ilyse hogue (@ilyseh) May 9, 2017
At face value, the Human Coalition appears to be a tolerant organization devoted to protecting life at all stages. In reality, the Human Coalition is a religious organization that operates a number of "pregnancy crisis centers" aimed at counseling women against abortion across the country. Szala herself operates the South Hills Pregnancy Resource center in Pittsburgh, PA, which tThe Times also failed to disclose.
I Shouldn’t Have Brought My Toddler to Your Cocktail Party
The following story, "I Shouldn't Have Brought My Toddler to Your Cocktail Party" by Alyssa Shelasky was originally published on Boomdash.
Are you a "chill mom"?
I've always identified as one. I like to think my lack of neurosis makes my daughter lighthearted and cool.
Last night, however, it only made us jerks.
Here's what happened. I was co-hosting a cocktail party with some friends, and I could not get a sitter. It wasn't a party I could skip in good conscience, and I was out of options. So I brought my daughter, Hazel.
Because . . . who doesn't love an 18-month-old in a Zara frock?
I'll tell you who: literally anyone trying to have a glass of wine and an adult conversation, surrounded by glimmering candles, great art, and meaningful things from around the globe.
The party was at my friend's gorgeous apartment in Chelsea. I asked permission to bring Hazel in advance, and my friend, a Great Hostess, said, "Fun!"
Of course, asking permission doesn't make everything OK . . . it doesn't make it a good idea. Though "Fun!" is what I told myself as I piled the two of us into an UberPool at 6 p.m., half an hour shy of Hazel's bedtime.
We arrived at the party unfashionably early. The apartment looked exquisite. Velvet-upholstery-and-crystal-goblets exquisite. I've been to her place before but, Jesus, it never looked this beautiful - and breakable.
I've been to her place before but, Jesus, it never looked this beautiful - and breakable.
Hazel busted right in. "Hiiiiiiii," she said in her little squirrel voice. Adorable. She helped Great Hostess with some final preparations. Precious. She ate some radishes and chèvre and called them her "num-nums." Aw. She said please ("peas") and thank you ("tank ya") and called everyone, "Babyyyy."
And then Great Hostess went to light the votive candles, but not before asking if I was OK with that. And because I'm soooo wild-hearted and whimsy, I said, "No probs, Lady."
Here's another word to describe me in that moment: STUPID. It only took 30 seconds and a near catastrophe to realize that I put my daughter in danger. What was I thinking?
So when Great Hostess wasn't looking, I blew out all the votives and ditched them in unreachable locations. And so began a long night of moving, hiding, shifting, and destroying the evidence of, well, freakin' everything.
Wherever trouble lurked, Hazel found it. Artisanal steak knives; rare books; Bvlgari perfume. Forget the uncut grapes, unfinished cocktails, and unlocked iPhones she tore into. She wasn't naughty, she was just . . . 18 months old. But hey, we're the happy-go-lucky mommy and baby team. Right??? Wrong, wrong, wrong!
I deeply regretted bringing her. I wanted to socialize. There was an editor there whom I've tried to write for, forever - there was never a minute to approach him, but Hazel did cuddle his lower thigh. My best friend showed up from LA and I had hoped to introduce her to work contacts. But it was impossible. My head throbbed. There was prosciutto in my bra - and I don't eat pork.
So I pulled the ol' Irish exit and got us out of there STAT. I didn't thank Great Hostess. I didn't Instagram the Georgetown Cupcakes, which my girlfriends, the owners, sent over as a favor. I didn't clean up the stinky cheese that was smeared on the plush couch or the cashews that were sprinkled in the slippers. I bounced.
UberPool couldn't come soon enough. And that was another saga.
Needless to say, I woke up feeling like crap. Embarrassed. Why didn't I bring her toys and books? Why doesn't my kid sit still? Why didn't I bribe a friend to babysit?
My mother likes to remind me how well behaved my sister and I were. And it's true, we were. But we weren't toddlers trying to hang with New York sophisticates way past our bedtimes. We weren't waiting on UberPool in itchy tights after a full day of baby Jazz and rainy playgrounds with no afternoon nap. We were probably, like, 6, eating challah French toast and watching Care Bears.
What I'm saying is, none of this was Hazel's fault . . . it was all mine.
All I can do is learn from my mistakes. There's a nice way to balance chill and responsible. And most of the time, I walk that line. But no more slipping up. It's not "fun!" The only thing that matters, ever, is my daughter's well-being - and while exposing her to an electrifying livelihood is certainly a gift, so is a 100 percent safe environment.
I texted my best friend from LA this morning: "Do you think anyone from that party will ever speak to me again?" A second later, she wrote back, "What are you talking about? Hazel was the life of the party. You handle motherhood with such grace."
What?! Grace?! REALLY?!
We beat ourselves up as moms. We are tired and overwhelmed, and sometimes we feel things that aren't real. We think everyone hates us. We think we're screwing it all up. We think we need to back up the truck, and do it all over. And then again. More rules. Less rules. Be smarter. Stronger. Softer. Wiser. Better.
I still want to tighten up my game. And I still regret bringing Hazel to the party. But mostly, I wish I drank the Champagne.
More from Boomdash:
Make These 11 Changes at Breakfast to Save Calories and Lose Weight
There's no debate over whether you should choose a smoothie or a doughnut for breakfast, but when it comes to choosing between healthy foods, you'll want to make these easy swaps to save you hundreds of calories throughout the week.
| Instead of this: | Eat this: | Calories Saved |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tablespoons peanut butter: 190 calories | 1/2 avocado (about 3 tablespoons): 161 calories | 29 |
| 1 medium banana: 105 calories | 1 cup blueberries: 84 calories | 21 |
| 1 tablespoon butter: 102 calories | 1 tablespoon Smart Balance Buttery Spread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 50 calories | 52 |
| 1 cup skim milk: 90 calories | 1 cup Silk Unsweetened Original Almondmilk: 30 calories | 60 |
| 5.3 ounces No-Fat Vanilla Greek Yogurt: 110 calories | 5.3 ounces No-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt: 53 calories | 57 |
| 1 tablespoon strawberry preserves: 50 calories | 2 large strawberries, sliced: 12 calories | 38 |
| 2 packets maple & brown sugar instant oatmeal: 320 calories | 1/2 cup Cascadian Farm Organic Fruit & Nut Granola (202) and 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (15): 217 calories | 103 |
| 8 ounces orange juice: 110 calories | 1 orange: 69 calories | 41 |
| 1/4 cup raisins: 123 calories | 15 grapes: 45 calories | 78 |
| 2 slices whole wheat bread: 200 calories | 1 whole wheat English Muffin: 134 calories | 66 |
| 1 serving whey vanilla protein powder: 170 calories | 1 serving plant-based vanilla protein powder: 150 calories | 20 |
Make These 11 Changes at Breakfast to Save Calories and Lose Weight
There's no debate over whether you should choose a smoothie or a doughnut for breakfast, but when it comes to choosing between healthy foods, you'll want to make these easy swaps to save you hundreds of calories throughout the week.
| Instead of this: | Eat this: | Calories Saved |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tablespoons peanut butter: 190 calories | 1/2 avocado (about 3 tablespoons): 161 calories | 29 |
| 1 medium banana: 105 calories | 1 cup blueberries: 84 calories | 21 |
| 1 tablespoon butter: 102 calories | 1 tablespoon Smart Balance Buttery Spread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 50 calories | 52 |
| 1 cup skim milk: 90 calories | 1 cup Silk Unsweetened Original Almondmilk: 30 calories | 60 |
| 5.3 ounces No-Fat Vanilla Greek Yogurt: 110 calories | 5.3 ounces No-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt: 53 calories | 57 |
| 1 tablespoon strawberry preserves: 50 calories | 2 large strawberries, sliced: 12 calories | 38 |
| 2 packets maple & brown sugar instant oatmeal: 320 calories | 1/2 cup Cascadian Farm Organic Fruit & Nut Granola (202) and 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (15): 217 calories | 103 |
| 8 ounces orange juice: 110 calories | 1 orange: 69 calories | 41 |
| 1/4 cup raisins: 123 calories | 15 grapes: 45 calories | 78 |
| 2 slices whole wheat bread: 200 calories | 1 whole wheat English Muffin: 134 calories | 66 |
| 1 serving whey vanilla protein powder: 170 calories | 1 serving plant-based vanilla protein powder: 150 calories | 20 |
Till Death-Defying Climb Do Us Part - Couple Weds on Mt. Everest
Some couples opt for a casual wedding with no frills and little stress. Some couples don't. James and Ashley decided that instead of your average nuptials, they'd do something a little more adventurous. They were married at a Mt. Everest base camp and became the first couple to exchange vows in an actual wedding dress and tuxedo on the mountain.
"We trained for the year and planned to be on the mountain for two to three weeks in order to acclimatize our way up to base camp so James and Ashley can get married and get a few photos," said Charleton Churchill, the adventure photographer who shot the breathtaking photos. "I had attempted base camp with another in 2015, but the devastating earthquake of Nepal including the massive avalanche that swept EBC turned everyone around off the mountain. I wasn't sure if I would find another couple to get married on Everest anytime soon," he added.
James and Ashley, however, were ready to try it. The couple reached out to Churchill and were prepared to do what it took to hike to the base camp and say their "I dos" against the backdrop of the tallest mountain in the world. If there's any way to test the strength of a relationship, we'd bet it's by forging upward through snow and ice, facing high altitudes, physical stress, and unpredictable weather - together.
"There's no glory without suffering."
"Now saying this was an epic and amazing trip is true, but I would be remiss if I didn't share it came with some suffering, doubt, fear, anxiety, and physical pain. Often times when striving for something great, there's usually a cost. There's no glory without suffering. We worked hard for these images with much less time to photograph a short wedding than we planned. It started snowing hard a few days into the journey. According to our Sherpa guide, it dumped more snow on us than it had all winter. The temperatures ranged from -8 degrees to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from 14,000 ft. camp and above," Churchill said on his site. James also had a scare when he woke up having trouble breathing and had to sleep with an oxygen mask on the rest of the night. They ended up carrying the oxygen with them to the site of the photo shoot. "When we arrived to base camp, we were told we have 1 hour and 30 minutes to eat, get married, pack up, and get on a helicopter. So, we ate, drank, and got married in an hour. James and Ashley exchanged vows at Mt. Everest Base camp right in front of the famous Khumbu ice-fall where people use ladders to maneuver over crevasses, and with the beautifully carved Nuptse Face in the backdrop. Their epic wedding was surrounded by all these famous mountains."
The couple said their vows to each other and exchanged rings at around 17,000 feet. "It was truly a moment of awesomeness, knowing where we were at that time, and how hard we worked to get there, this moment was finally happening," said Churchill. "They were getting married surrounded by an orchestra of mountains. The Khumbu ice-fall right behind them, the starting point in climbing to the summit of Mt. Everest. Truly unreal."
I Shouldn’t Have Brought My Toddler to Your Cocktail Party
The following story, "I Shouldn't Have Brought My Toddler to Your Cocktail Party" by Alyssa Shelasky was originally published on Boomdash.
Are you a "chill mom"?
I've always identified as one. I like to think my lack of neurosis makes my daughter lighthearted and cool.
Last night, however, it only made us jerks.
Here's what happened. I was co-hosting a cocktail party with some friends, and I could not get a sitter. It wasn't a party I could skip in good conscience, and I was out of options. So I brought my daughter, Hazel.
Because . . . who doesn't love an 18-month-old in a Zara frock?
I'll tell you who: literally anyone trying to have a glass of wine and an adult conversation, surrounded by glimmering candles, great art, and meaningful things from around the globe.
The party was at my friend's gorgeous apartment in Chelsea. I asked permission to bring Hazel in advance, and my friend, a Great Hostess, said, "Fun!"
Of course, asking permission doesn't make everything OK . . . it doesn't make it a good idea. Though "Fun!" is what I told myself as I piled the two of us into an UberPool at 6 p.m., half an hour shy of Hazel's bedtime.
We arrived at the party unfashionably early. The apartment looked exquisite. Velvet-upholstery-and-crystal-goblets exquisite. I've been to her place before but, Jesus, it never looked this beautiful - and breakable.
I've been to her place before but, Jesus, it never looked this beautiful - and breakable.
Hazel busted right in. "Hiiiiiiii," she said in her little squirrel voice. Adorable. She helped Great Hostess with some final preparations. Precious. She ate some radishes and chèvre and called them her "num-nums." Aw. She said please ("peas") and thank you ("tank ya") and called everyone, "Babyyyy."
And then Great Hostess went to light the votive candles, but not before asking if I was OK with that. And because I'm soooo wild-hearted and whimsy, I said, "No probs, Lady."
Here's another word to describe me in that moment: STUPID. It only took 30 seconds and a near catastrophe to realize that I put my daughter in danger. What was I thinking?
So when Great Hostess wasn't looking, I blew out all the votives and ditched them in unreachable locations. And so began a long night of moving, hiding, shifting, and destroying the evidence of, well, freakin' everything.
Wherever trouble lurked, Hazel found it. Artisanal steak knives; rare books; Bvlgari perfume. Forget the uncut grapes, unfinished cocktails, and unlocked iPhones she tore into. She wasn't naughty, she was just . . . 18 months old. But hey, we're the happy-go-lucky mommy and baby team. Right??? Wrong, wrong, wrong!
I deeply regretted bringing her. I wanted to socialize. There was an editor there whom I've tried to write for, forever - there was never a minute to approach him, but Hazel did cuddle his lower thigh. My best friend showed up from LA and I had hoped to introduce her to work contacts. But it was impossible. My head throbbed. There was prosciutto in my bra - and I don't eat pork.
So I pulled the ol' Irish exit and got us out of there STAT. I didn't thank Great Hostess. I didn't Instagram the Georgetown Cupcakes, which my girlfriends, the owners, sent over as a favor. I didn't clean up the stinky cheese that was smeared on the plush couch or the cashews that were sprinkled in the slippers. I bounced.
UberPool couldn't come soon enough. And that was another saga.
Needless to say, I woke up feeling like crap. Embarrassed. Why didn't I bring her toys and books? Why doesn't my kid sit still? Why didn't I bribe a friend to babysit?
My mother likes to remind me how well behaved my sister and I were. And it's true, we were. But we weren't toddlers trying to hang with New York sophisticates way past our bedtimes. We weren't waiting on UberPool in itchy tights after a full day of baby Jazz and rainy playgrounds with no afternoon nap. We were probably, like, 6, eating challah French toast and watching Care Bears.
What I'm saying is, none of this was Hazel's fault . . . it was all mine.
All I can do is learn from my mistakes. There's a nice way to balance chill and responsible. And most of the time, I walk that line. But no more slipping up. It's not "fun!" The only thing that matters, ever, is my daughter's well-being - and while exposing her to an electrifying livelihood is certainly a gift, so is a 100 percent safe environment.
I texted my best friend from LA this morning: "Do you think anyone from that party will ever speak to me again?" A second later, she wrote back, "What are you talking about? Hazel was the life of the party. You handle motherhood with such grace."
What?! Grace?! REALLY?!
We beat ourselves up as moms. We are tired and overwhelmed, and sometimes we feel things that aren't real. We think everyone hates us. We think we're screwing it all up. We think we need to back up the truck, and do it all over. And then again. More rules. Less rules. Be smarter. Stronger. Softer. Wiser. Better.
I still want to tighten up my game. And I still regret bringing Hazel to the party. But mostly, I wish I drank the Champagne.
More from Boomdash:
Archie Is Joined by All His Exes on Stage in This Riverdale Sneak Peek
It's the musical moment we've been waiting for all season long - Archie is finally teaming up with Josie and the Pussycats on Riverdale! Ahead of the season one finale on Thursday, the red-headed heartthrob sings an original song, "Share It With You," with the epic girl band. Not only are his ex-loves Veronica and Valerie on hand for the performance, but at one point, he even makes heart-eyes with Betty as she watches backstage. Needless to say, we are having a heart attack, especially since Jughead is completely MIA. We don't think our Bughead hearts can handle this.
Activate Your Emotional Intelligence to Nail Your Next Job Interview
Congratulations! Scoring an interview confirms it: your credentials are turning heads. As you prepare, you're probably thinking through answers to interview questions, amassing references, and contemplating all you've learned from your current position - all great prep.
The interviewers already know you're well-qualified. But you want them to leave the room saying, "I need her on my team." That's where your emotional intelligence (or EQ) comes in.
What's the deal with EQ?
EQ guru Dr. Travis Bradberry explains: "Emotional intelligence is the 'something' in each of us that is a bit intangible. It affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions to achieve positive results."
Nailing a job interview calls upon this "something." It's not just about answering questions. It's also about demonstrating fit. Here's how:
Forge connections
When you lead with your EQ, you view your interviewers not just as gatekeepers to something you want, but as actual people with whom you can connect. So think about connecting as much as impressing.
Break the ice by sharing your enthusiasm. You'll find it's infectious and will likely inspire your interviewers to share theirs. Do your research to find what makes this organization a unique and thrilling place to work. Also note factors about the environment that impress you. For example:
- "I was blown away to see that there's an org-wide green policy. It must feel great to work for a socially conscious institution."
- "Campus is electric when the students are changing classes. It must be inspiring to have that energy around you."
- "I've always admired this beautiful building. It must be cool to work in such a beautiful space."
Genuine enthusiasm is an attractive quality, so find an angle that helps you muster it. You may also find that connecting with your interviewers helps quell your jitters.
Slow down
Embrace your role as interviewee. You may or may not get this job, but there's value in this meeting either way. Calm yourself. Breathe. If a drink is offered, accept that hospitality. Doing so reminds you to relax into the moment, and it adds an air of friendliness - which is how it should feel because this is just a group of professionals discussing an opportunity. It benefits both sides for this conversation to go well. It speaks well of the interviewers to foster a productive interview, just as it speaks well of the interviewee to participate in one. You have a shared and attainable goal.
Readjust your mindset
Instead of thinking: "I just have to get through this and make these important points," try thinking: "I'm having a conversation about an exciting opportunity that could be a fit for me." Aim to enjoy this experience. Isn't it awesome that you have a greater realm of jobs open to you than you did the last time you searched? Look how much more you qualify for now!
An interview is just a conversation. You're not getting weighed for your worth as a human being. The job you're discussing may be one you really need or want, and that may tempt you to throw desperation at the project. But putting that hurdle in your way won't help. Get comfortable in your skin and in the situation - from that vantage point, you're much more inclined to enact your best work.
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