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.
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Fantastic Beasts: All the Details We Could Conjure Up About the Sequel
If you're still happily dissecting Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, we don't blame you, but there is even more magic in store. Not only do we have four more installments to look forward to, but we already have quite a few tidbits about the upcoming sequel. If you're just as obsessed with the franchise as we are, check out every detail we've managed to gather below.
What It's About
According to a statement from Warner Bros., the second film "moves deeper into an increasingly dark time for the wizarding world, where Newt and our other heroes have to decide on their allegiances." In April, Rowling told fans that Newt's patronus is a "big spoiler," and by July, a few crucial plot details had been released. The sequel will reportedly open in 1927, a few months after Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and Tina (Katherine Waterston) helped imprison Gellert Grindewald (Johnny Depp). The dark wizard has escaped into the city and amassed a dark army, so it's up to Newt and Grindewald's former friend, Albus Dumbledore, to stop him.
The Timeline
After the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, J.K. Rowling tweeted out a very important clarification about the timeline of the movies:
Our story starts in 1926 and ends in 1945. It's just too big to fit in one movie! https://t.co/fb5GOGvTxq
- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 21, 2016
The sequel picks up in 1927, but we're already looking forward to what happens in 1945, which happens to be a critical year for the Wizarding world. It's then that Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindlewald have their infamous duel, and it would be shocking if we didn't get to see this huge piece of the puzzle in the final film of the series. Coincidentally, 1945 is also the year Tom Riddle begins his rise to power as Lord Voldemort, so there's a lot of ground to cover.
Adding to all of this is the fact the studio recently held an open casting call for actors between the ages of 13 and 16 to play young incarnations of Newt Scamander, Leta Lestrange, and a mysterious character named Sebastian. They're also looking for older teenage actors (between 16 and 18 years old) for young Gellert Grindelwald and Albus Dumbledore.
The Production Team
After working on the first film together, David Yates will direct again with J.K. Rowling writing the screenplay. David Heyman, Rowling, Steve Kloves, and Lionel Wigram will also return as producers, and Rowling's agent Neil Blair, Rick Senat, and Danny Cohen will work as executive producers.
The Cast
Eddie Redmayne will return as Newt Scamander, and Johnny Depp is now in a costarring role. Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, and Katherine Waterston are reprising their characters from the first film, but the biggest news is that Jude Law is playing young Dumbledore! A young actor named Callum Turner has also joined as Newt's brother, joining a handful of other exciting actors in new roles.
The Release Date
The second installment is set to be released on Nov. 16, 2018.
A Judge Called a Rapist a "Good Man" While Sentencing Him For 11 Counts
One would imagine that a repeat history of sexually abusing and assaulting family members would disqualify a person from being considered "extraordinary" and "good." But Fourth District Judge Thomas Low used those exact words to describe the convicted rapist standing before him on Wednesday in Provo, UT.
According to The Salt Lake City Tribune, Low "became emotional as he handed down a prison sentence" to former Mormon Bishop Keith Robert Vallejo, who was convicted of 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape.
The judge stated: "The court has no doubt that Mr. Vallejo is an extraordinary, good man. But great men sometimes do bad things," reports The SLC Tribune. Vallejo's repeat abuse of two women (including his sister-in-law) is certainly extraordinary . . . in the disturbing, negative sense of the word.
Low's description of the convicted felon as "good" is a slap in the faces of his victims. That's why one of those victims, Julia Kirby, plans to file a judicial complaint against Judge Low.
"If he really, really cared about me or about the fact that this person was a criminal, he wouldn't have that kind of sympathy. It was shocking to me for that reason," Kirby said following Low's shocking courtroom comments.
Judge Low has faced criticism for his handling of the Vallejo case since before the inappropriate sentencing hearing commentary, particularly after allowing the former bishop to return home on bail to be with his wife and children, even after he was found guilty. Low's behavior regarding this specific case has resulted in a reported 40 emails, six voice mails, and multiple Facebook messages to the Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission.
Rainbow Ramen Exists, and It's Truly Magical!
In this generation that eats with their iPhones first, restaurants are advertising "rainbow," "unicorn," and "magical" to attract curious foodies looking to capture that perfect food-porn shot to make their followers salivate. Being one of those people who's constantly seeking out trends, I can say with certainty that a lot of them don't taste nearly as good as they look. Insert Rainbow Ramen, a new food offering from Chef Alan Valera at E.A.K. Ramen in Los Angeles. Originally conceived as a Pride Month nod of support, this cold Summer noodle dish does look incredibly pretty. Topped with that beautiful array of rainbow-colored veggies, two pieces of lotus root, and a sweet bean paste ground pork, it inspires snapping before eating.
But then you take a bite. The refreshingly chilled spicy-sweet soup base made from soy milk, sesame, and chili hits your lips. The chew on the thick, bold noodles is the perfect density to soak up the base, and the crunch from the fresh vegetables make this dish an absolutely refreshing delight for a hot Summer day. I hope this delight becomes a long-lasting trend, as it's not only delicious, but it's a great excuse to eat your fill of fresh veggies, something I'm sure a lot of us could use on a more frequent basis.
How to Pack a Perfect Mason Jar Salad
Packing a to-go salad in a mason jar seems like a great idea - it's an easy way to transport a vibrant, veggie-heavy meal without worries of dressing leaking into your bag - but if improperly assembled, it may end up underdressed, soggy, or less than fresh. Don't let that happen to you! Instead, follow this step-by-step guide, excerpted from Julia Mirabella's Mason Jar Salads and More: 50 Layered Lunches to Grab and Go ($16).
Reprinted from Mason Jar Salads and More by Julia Mirabella. Copyright (c) 2014 by Julia Mirabella. Published by Ulysses Press.
30 Recipes So Perfect You'll Almost Hate Them
The following collection of recipes has some of our personal favorites as well as the most popular recipes we have on POPSUGAR Food. We've included breakfast, lunch, appetizer, dinner, and desserts so no matter what you're in the mood to make, you're guaranteed to find something!
The 7 Types of Underwear and When You Should Actually Wear Them
Like the air we breathe and the water we drink, underwear is a part of life so ubiquitous that it often goes unnoticed. Don't let another year pass being unclear about your underpinnings - especially considering 99 percent of you are wearing them right now. (And if not, well, maybe you should be.)
We're exploring the wide yet sometimes very, very thin world of panties and breaking down the seven most common styles - sorry, no crotchless or C cups (we beg you not to Google Image search that) here.
Your Jaw Will Instantly Hit the Floor When You See This Woman's Afro Hair Sculptures
Laetitia KY has quite the unique way of celebrating her natural black hair: she twists, molds, and shapes her afro into an impressive array of artistic sculptures situated on top of her head. A Côte d'Ivoire-based aspiring fashion designer, Laetitia was inspired to delve into the world of hair art after coming across pictures of tribal hairstyles from back in the day.
"About a year ago I saw an album on Instagram presenting African women's hairstyles in diverse tribes from years ago – the hairstyles those women were sporting are impressive and represented an artform in themselves," she told Metro.
But her one-of-a-kind take on these styles is rather jaw-dropping, as she uses extensions to fashion her 'do into a variety of arrangements, from quirky hand gestures to flora-themed looks. The key to perfecting these works of art? Her "versatile" hair type! "I've got the most frizzy on the hair classification scale!" she told Metro. "It's a type 4C. As a result, it's the most versatile hair you can find. This texture gives a beautiful volume to my hair too and I find it awesome!"
Awesome is definitely an understatement! Read on to see the many ways Laetitia works wonders with her gorgeous hair, and be sure to follow her on Instagram to stay up to date with her latest looks.
This Haunting Figure Skating Routine Makes You Feel the Music in Your Bones
When it comes to rapidly flinging yourself across sheets of ice with actual bladed weapons strapped to your feet - or, as people involved in the challenging sport like to call it, figure skating - it's vital to have a partner you can trust with your life. And it's clear that French pair skaters Vanessa James and Morgan Ciprés have precisely that sort of bond, because during the International Skating Union's World Team Trophy 2017 competition in Tokyo, Japan, the duo delivered a jaw-dropping performance that has the internet buzzing.
Set to Disturbed's rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's classic hit "The Sound of Silence," the pair's graceful movements and impressive stunts have the effect of making you feel the music in your bones.
Starting around the 1:50 mark, the gorgeous routine takes a spin (literally) that will give you chills. As one video commenter so appropriately put it, "Some couples skate to music, this couple became the music. Outstanding!" James and Ciprés delivered a stunning performance that involved him legitimately throwing her across the ice, and their perfectly synced movements left audiences gasping and standing to applaud. Give it a watch for yourself, because there's a reason this video is quickly going viral on Facebook.
Saying Your Dog Is Your "Baby" Is an Insult to Moms Everywhere
We're happy to present this article by Elizabeth Broadbent from one of our favorite sites, YourTango.
I have a dog. Two dogs, in fact. We got our puppies before we got our kids, and we loved them. We kissed them. We cuddled them. We bought them too many toys; we overindulged them with treats. We gave them silly pet names and let them sleep in our beds.
But never did we call those beloved canines "furkids" or "furbabies." Because the last I checked, dogs ain't people.
Your puppy is not your child, so stop saying that he is. I have three children now, and I know this for certain - kids and dogs are not same.
Think about when you got your puppy. You probably picked him out at the local ASPCA, or selected him from the local breeder. Basically, you pointed to a dog and said, "That one."
On the other hand, most mothers went through nine months of body invasion, followed by one of the most intense physical experiences of her life. Then they dropped a baby on her chest. It was all agony and joy and angels singing.
And even if you adopt, you go through paperwork and waiting hell before you find yourself weak in the knees, hands atremble, as you weep with joy when someone hands you your child for the first time.
Getting a dog just doesn't stack up.
Yes, both puppies and newborn babies wake up in the night. It sucks to wake up and let a dog out, but it sucks more to wake up and attempt to latch an unwilling, wailing infant to your breast.
Then once you've managed to feed your bundle of joy, you have to get him back to sleep. The puppy doesn't decide to party until 5 a.m., at which point, it's time for another feeding.
Then there's babyproofing. You puppy-proofed your house - you removed all things chewable, took up poisonous plants, and provided appropriate chew toys.
When I babyproofed my house, I had to make sure little hands couldn't gain access to caustic cleaning fluids. I had to look for strangulation hazards (goodbye, Roman blinds) and put safety locks on all the cabinets (which are a giant pain in the ass).
If I failed in my duties, I'm not facing a chewed-up family heirloom; I'm looking at a dead kid and a DSS inquiry.
The stakes are a wee bit higher.
Not that owning a dog isn't high stakes. You're responsible for the feeding and caring of your dog. Pet ownership is a serious commitment that should only be taken up by those who really mean to care for an animal for the rest of its natural life.
You're stuck with your dog . . . except you're not because you can leave. Before my husband and I had kids, we traveled all the time - dropped the pups by the doggie spa, payed extra for playground time, and hopped the plane guilt-free.
I can't just leave my toddlers. Sure, maybe one day I'll be able to leave them with relatives for some overnights. But it's not quite as simple as plunking my credit card down at the kennel.
You can mostly ignore your dog. Yes, your dog lives in your house, and yes, you love it. But your attention is not focused on the dog every moment it's awake.
Five minutes of inattention on my part, and my toddler's drinking bleach and bathing in the toilet.
If my kids are awake, I need to know what they're doing, where they're doing it, and what they're doing it with. I don't have to follow them from room to room, but it helps.
And at the risk of sounding like an annoying parent here: kids do some amazing things dogs just can't stack up to. Sure, you can teach Fido to fetch, but that pride is nothing compared to your kid learning to read.
Both give sloppy kisses, but only one lisps, "I wuv you, mommy."
Potty training's more of a milestone. And can your dog draw you pictures with hearts on them?
None of this covers the myriad of things I have to do for my kids every day. My dogs watch me prepare lunches, read The Cat in the Hat, and wipe snot off people's faces.
While my pups take their business outside, my kids require constant diaper changes.
The dogs don't melt down when their favorite Star Wars figure breaks, and they bite me a hell of a lot less. They don't call me a "poop-head." This is just one of the reasons I love them.
I know you'll say I sound like a self-righteous parent here.
Maybe you don't ever want kids, which you'll somehow make germane to the discussion, but which is neither here nor there.
Say you love your dogs. Say they make your life worth living. Say they're your one-and-only. Call yourself a dog person.
But don't call your dog a baby. Don't call him your "furkid" or "furbaby."
Because baby, it's not even close.
More juicy reads from YourTango:
11 Things I Really Envy About My Parents' Perfect Marriage
I Breastfeed My Baby - and His 3-Year-Old Brother at the Same Time
I Homeschool My Kids Because Public Education Breeds Passive Drones
6 Reasons I Believe Circumcising Your Son Is Genital Mutilation
The Completely Addictive Method For Grilling Burgers
I've grilled many burgers in my day, many of which were decent but none of which were restaurant-quality - that is, until I learned this technique from America's Test Kitchen. It's by far the most foolproof way to grill a burger with a charred exterior and juicy pink interior. Try it for your next cookout, and prepare for everyone to ask for the secret!
You Will Never Look at Oreos the Same Way Again After Reading These Facts
You may love Oreos, whether dunked in milk, crumbled over ice cream, or crumbled into pie crust. Despite the vast ways you've learned to enjoy the cream-filled sandwich cookie, have you ever stopped to think about its rich history? These fun facts will allow you to see the cookies in a whole new light.
- The origin of the name "Oreo" is unknown. Although, one Oreo exec says the name mimics the two O-shaped cookies that make the sandwich. Others claim the "re" comes from the "cream."
- Oreos are a total ripoff of Hydrox, the original cream-filled chocolate cookie, which came out in 1908. Oreos weren't released until 1912.
- Double-Stuf are actually 1.86 times more stuffed than regular Oreos. Do you feel slightly cheated?
- To date, Oreo has over 42 million Facebooks followers. In comparison, The New York Times has 13 million.
- Oreo's first crazy flavor was Birthday Cake, released in 2012 for its centennial celebration. Since then, the company releases new flavors quarterly, but our favorites will always be cotton candy and marshmallow crispy.
Alessandra Ambrosio's Sexy Beach Day in Greece Will Make You Say "Mamma Mia"
Alessandra Ambrosio knows how to do a Summer getaway right. The stunning supermodel recently jetted off to Greece to enjoy some Mediterranean sea and sun, and on Saturday, she was spotted hitting the beach in Mykonos. Alessandra looked amazing in a pink bikini as she frolicked in the water and walked in the sand. She was also spotted putting her hand on the belly of her pregnant friend and fellow model, Ana Beatriz Barros. There's nothing like sitting in your office and living vicariously through the glamorous vacations of celebrities, right?
65 Sexy Stars in Bikinis!
Because Summer means hot sand, cool breezes, and tons of swimsuit time, we thought we'd round up 65 of the hottest celebrities showing off their toned bodies in tiny two-pieces. Scroll through to see them all now, and be sure to check out stars getting busy on the beach and showing major poolside PDA to get your Summer vibes going.
This Is the Classic Shoe That Royals Wear With Everything
It seems as if there's always a new shoe style to add to our collections: white sneakers, black sneakers, loafers - the list never ends. But if you're on a mission to clean out your closet and get rid of options you never wear, you'll definitely want to hold onto a pair of black pumps. Not only are they timeless, but they also pair well with everything, and perhaps no woman knows this better than a royal.
Princesses, queens, duchesses, and more have been known to rely on this neutral pair of pumps, rocking them with everything from gowns to leather pants. Read on to see how some of the world's most powerful women have styled a pointy black heel, then invest in a pair you'll wear for years to come.
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez Are Having a Very Cozy Fourth of July Weekend
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez got their holiday weekend off to a great start. While the singer and actress had to record her Fourth of July performance, the new couple stayed closed determined to have the best long weekend ever.
As seen on Jennifer's Instagram feed, the couple kicked things off with a cuddling session backstage at Jennifer's gig. But the fun (and PDA) didn't end there, the happy pair was spotted walking hand-in-hand, and couldn't keep their hands off of each other even nuzzling a bit while their kids looked on. Now, per ARod's Instagram story, the two are taking a little time off in The Hamptons, biking to yoga class (ARod went shirtless, Jennifer wore a gray workout top and no makeup). Ah, love is surely in the air for them. Keep reading to see just what we mean.
This Disneyland Dessert Has Tajín, Chamoy, and Everything Dreams Are Made Of
If we had to close our eyes and imagine the perfect dessert, it would be pretty damn close to the mango bar from Disney California Adventure. Decked out in Tajín seasoning and chamoy sauce shaped like a Mickey Mouse silhouette, the frozen treat is more proof that Disneyland is absolutely killing it in the snack department lately. (Case in point: deep-fried elote.)
The mango bar is supposedly back by popular demand for a limited time, and the Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream menu lists the frozen snack at just under $6. So if you're tempted by the droolworthy photos of the mango sorbet treat ahead, be sure to head to California Adventure before it's gone!
7 Important Things That Happened After the Events in The Keepers
There are things in The Keepers that you can never un-hear. Netflix's latest true crime series explores the unsolved 1969 murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, and it's not long until the story takes a horrific turn. The seven-part series delves into allegations of unthinkable sexual assault, perpetrated by a trusted Father at the all-girls Catholic High School where Cesnik worked. Hearing from the victims is traumatizing enough, but the way the show concludes is both frustrating and depressing. That said, the story isn't over. Here's every bit of news that has come out since The Keepers wrapped production.
1. Maskell's DNA Was Tested Against DNA Found Near the Crime Scene
In February, Father Joseph Maskell's body was exhumed. His remains were tested by a forensics lab, and his DNA did not match a sample that was taken from the Cesnik crime scene. "For now, we've pretty well reached the end of the road when it comes to forensic evidence," said a spokesperson for the Baltimore County Police Department. "Our best hope for solving this case at this point lies with the people who are still alive. And we hope that someone will be able to come forward with conclusive information about the murder.
2. Maryland's Statute of Limitations on Sex Abuse Reports Has Been Extended
In April, C.T. Wilson, the delegate who was featured in The Keepers, was finally able to pass his bill. Beginning on July 1, survivors of sexual abuse will have until age 38 to sue their abusers.
3. The Justice for Catherine Cesnik and Joyce Malecki Facebook Page Has Been Shut Down
The Facebook group run by Gemma Hoskins and Abbie Schaub was shut down a few days after the release of The Keepers. While there were under 1,000 people before the series aired, membership exploded. "It was necessary to close the page temporarily due to a traffic jam and a technical glitch," Hoskins said, in an email to The Baltimore Sun. "Netflix and [Facebook] are working to resolve the issues." There is a new page that everyone is welcome to join: The Keepers Official Group - Justice for Catherine Cesnik and Joyce Malecki. Hoskins is monitoring the new group and attempting to read any pertinent information that is posted.
4. The Baltimore Police Department Has Created a Form to Report Information
As of May 23, the Baltimore City Police Department has created an easy way for citizens to report any sex offenses related to Father Maskell, or any individuals mentioned in the series. As they note in their Facebook post, the Sex Offense Incident Information Form is strictly for reporting sex crimes, since the murder investigations are being handled by the Baltimore County Police Department.
5. The Archdiocese of Baltimore Has Posted an "FAQ" About The Keepers
While Father Maskell is objectively the villain of The Keepers, the Archdiocese is painted in a pretty terrible light. In response to claims of a coverup, they have set up a Frequently Asked Questions page on their official website. In it, the Archdiocese says that it "immediately reports all allegations to civil authorities." They give their version of the events, and claim that the suggestion that the Archdiocese knew about the sexual abuse allegations prior to 1992 is "speculation and it is false." The Archdiocese also denies that they ever interfered with investigations and actually encouraged anyone with information to report it to civil authorities.
6. The Local Police Are Referring Anyone With Information to the FBI
The Anne Arundel County Police Department has received a number of calls about Joyce Malecki's murder, and they are requesting that people report information to the FBI. As noted on the show, Malecki's body was discovered on the grounds of Fort George G. Meade, which makes this a federal case. The correct contact is FBI Public Affairs Specialist Dave Fitz, who can be reached at david.fitz@ic.fbi.gov or by calling (410) 277-6689.
7. A Petition Has Been Started For the Archdiocese to Release Their Files on Father Maskell
Just like the online petition that popped up after Making a Murderer aired, a Change.org petition has been started to try to get to the bottom of Sister Cathy's murder. The petition asks the Baltimore Archdiocese to release whatever files they have on Father Maskell, and currently has more than 12,000 signatures. "The release of these documents will restore public trust in the Archdiocese, and confirm the Archdiocese statements regarding their handling of the sexual abuse claims," the petition's description reads. "This petition requests that the Archdiocese of Baltimore release their files regarding A. Joseph Maskell, who is now deceased, in an effort to throughly investigate all avenues that may have led to the murder of Cathy Cesnik in 1969."
Bayer recalls Costco-sold laxative due to potential choking hazard
Health Canada says Bayer is recalling a laxative that is sold at Costco due to a potential choking hazard.
A Few ASOS Bikini Models Have Stretch Marks, but Is That Enough?
As we head into a holiday weekend that celebrates our independence from the UK, we want to take a moment and tip our hats to the Brits for giving us a major boost of body positivity. As Twitter has noticed, ASOS didn't edit out its beautiful model's stretch marks.
Take a look for yourself.
Girl looks great, right? There you have it - everyone: you, me, ASOS models, even Chrissy Teigen has stretch marks and it's really NBD. Just in case you need any more proof that people are responding to this massive win, you can check Twitter.
So impressed with @Asos for not airbrushing the models stretchmarks👏🏼👏🏼 She looks amazing! http://pic.twitter.com/OKEZinpjKe
- Amy🦄 (@amyrowlandsx) June 28, 2017
My bum isn't that toned at all - wow... but so happy to see those zebra markings - THAT'S SO NORMAL! :D. Well done @ASOS x
- Rebecca Jane Brown (@BeckieJBrown) June 28, 2017
here's another one http://pic.twitter.com/41267HKO2R
- suzy 16 (@suzy1611) June 29, 2017
Of course, while the photos are a step in the right direction, some noted that this is by no means representative of all women's bodies.
Thouroughly unimpresses by this thin white model with enough stretch marks to count on one hand
- Mrs. T. (@HaitianoCentric) June 29, 2017
Don't forget that ASOS has come under fire before for categorizing a model with a 29-inch waist as plus-size. The site has also been accused of cultural appropriation by retailing a hair clip that bore resemblance to a South Asian tikka without explaining its symbolic importance (the brand later apologized).
Regardless, work your dang bikini this weekend and know that we're a smidge closer to better representation.
10 Red, White, and Blue Sneakers You'll Want to Wear Well Past Fourth of July
They don't call it "America, the Beautiful" for nothing. We love drawing inspiration from the country's flag. Not only will it make you feel patriotic, but the colors are also very versatile. You don't have to wear red, white, and blue sneakers on the Fourth of July only. These classic options will look great all year long. Take a look at our favorite choices, then invest in a pair. You'll want to wear them for years to come, we promise.
Tom Holland's Mind-Blowing Performance of Rihanna's "Umbrella" Needs to Be Seen
If you thought Zendaya's Bruno Mars performance on Lip Sync Battle was epic, you ain't seen nothing yet. In a preview for Wednesday night's episode, Tom Holland channels his inner good girl gone bad as battles against his Spider-Man: Homecoming costar. Aside from expertly lip-syncing Rihanna's "Umbrella" while dressed in a black wig and skin-tight leather jumpsuit, the 21-year-old shows off his impressive moves as he dances around in the pouring rain. Seriously, get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor.
14 Jumpsuits Women With Curves Will Love
Jumpsuits make an instantly chic outfit with minimal effort. Simply slip into one of these shirt and pants combos and add a bag, jacket, and shoes for a show-stopping outfit without a lot of time or planning. For curvy gals, hopping on this trend can be a challenge. It's important to accentuate our waists while supporting our busts and hips so the look is chic and figure-flattering.
Thankfully, we've rounded up 14 jumpsuits that will keep you feeling stylish and looking great while getting in on this low maintenance trend. Keep reading to see all the options.
Sorry Guys, Kate Middleton's Not the Only Princess Who Wears Jeans
Royals aren't always in a skirt or dress. Sometimes they want a dress-down day, too, say if they're visiting a farm or taking the children to school. So what's their go-to piece for a casual day, you ask? That would be jeans. Whether flare or skinny, white or dark blue, royals can't get enough of this basic piece - and they shouldn't. As Kate Middleton's proven, even royals can style jeans for all types of occasions. Though she has a strong denim collection, Kate isn't the only one to give them that princess touch. Ahead are several other royal ladies who have worn the everyday bottoms and looked just as polished.
Adorable Patriotic Preemies Celebrate The Fourth of July in the NICU
As families all over the US attend BBQs and fireworks shows this holiday weekend, the babies in the NICU at Advocate Children's Hospital in Illinois are celebrating as well, just in a more low-key manner. Nurses helped families in the hospital's NICU to celebrate Independence Day with a "parade of little ones" in which all of the babies were dressed in red, white, and blue to show off their USA pride - and they look so adorable it hurts.
"Nurses and child life specialists helped parents dress up their little ones and decorate their surroundings with American flags and other festive decorations to celebrate their first Independence Day," Sarah Scroggins, social media manager for the hospital, told POPSUGAR. The babies were then photographed to provide their families with happy memories of their first Fourth of July, despite it being spent in the NICU rather than at a family BBQ.
Ahead, see the sweet babies dressed up for America's birthday.
Oh My Freakin' God! Kate Middleton Has a Short Haircut - And It's Gorgeous!
June 3, 2017, will always be the day that Kate Middleton debuted her new long lob (or mid-length) haircut. It's just as good as any of us could dream as the cut shows off her thick, shiny brunette locks. It looks voluminous thanks to longer layers and her signature polished curls.
Kate debuted off her new chop at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club wearing a chic polka-dot dress. To style your hair like hers, wear it in a side part and curl hair away from your face around a two-inch wand.
We could go on and on about how flawless she is, or you can just see for yourself as we've rounded up the best zoomed-in shots of her short, summery hairstyle!
Chris Christie Closed New Jersey Beaches, Then Took His Family to a New Jersey Beach
Governor Chris Christie may have spent his Sunday lounging on a beach that he closed to the public after a budget battle that led to a government shutdown, but he wants to make sure that you know that he "didn't get any sun."
PHOTOS: Christie, family soak up sun on N.J. beach he closed to public https://t.co/ZrisIYZBbc http://pic.twitter.com/qS56N38By3
- NJ.com (@njdotcom) July 2, 2017
It all began with a feud between Christie, a Republican, and Vincent Prieto, the Democratic speaker of the State Assembly. Christie swore to veto any budget that came across his desk without a provision providing funding for public heath initiatives - like the one that he's spearheading for addiction treatment - and remained true to his word, failing to submit an approved budget by the June 30 deadline and sending the New Jersey government into shutdown for the second time since Christie has been governor. And the timing couldn't have been worse for New Jersey residents, who were subsequently shut out of the many state-run parks, beaches, and public spaces just as they were gearing up for the Fourth of July holiday. It didn't effect Christie, though: the governor decided to decamp with his family to a taxpayer-funded summer house in Island Beach State Park, one of the very beaches he had just shut down for public use.
Christie recently entered his final six-month stretch in office with a shockingly low 15% approval rating - his response: "who cares?" - and by all accounts he seems ready to leave office. But that doesn't mean that he's given up just yet - after being caught on film enjoying an empty beach with his family, Christie was asked by tongue-in-cheek reporters at a press conference if he got any sun that day. "I didn't," he said. "I didn't get any sun today." His spokesman later clarified, "He did not get any sun. He had a baseball hat on."
25 Recipes to Salute the Kernel (Corn, That Is)
Like with tomatoes, out-of-season corn is hardly worth eating, so there's no time like the present to get your fix of this sweet, juicy veggie. Fresh-from-the-farm-stand ears are amazing whether grilled, steamed, boiled, or baked into goodies; keep reading for 25 exceptional ideas.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
Dior's Couture Show Takes You Around the World in Less Than a Day
Stars like Natalie Portman and Kirsten Dunst flew to Paris for Dior's Fall '17 Haute Couture Show and were treated with an "around the world" theme. To set the runway stage, designer Maria Grazia Chiuri partnered with Italian artist Pietro Ruffo to create a scene on exploration around the continents. Wooden sculptures such as giraffes, alligators, and deer were placed throughout the amphitheater to drive home the point.
Once the scene was set, Chiuri sent down a collection of prairie-inspired dresses in gray tones and muted sheer, tulle gowns in beige and gold. The bead work, as well as floral embellishments, on certain pieces were extravagant too, which invited you to pay attention to every look that came down the runway. We've already seen quite a few looks that would work on the red carpet come award season, so read on to check out the show for yourself.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2: Crucial Details About the Plot Revealed
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them might have ended with Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) saving the day, but it looks like the Magizoologist isn't done helping out the wizarding world. A few precious details about the Fantastic Beasts sequel have been popping up here and there ever since the first magical film in the five-part series was released in 2016, but now some major plot points have finally been revealed. What is the sequel about? Well, looks like we're going to see a whole lot of Albus Dumbledore in his prime (hopefully you like Jude Law!).
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling returned to pen the sequel's screenplay, which opens in 1927. Just a few short months after Newt and Tina (aka American witch Porpentina Goldstein, played by Katherine Waterston) managed to reveal the true identity of the infamous Gellert Grindewald (Johnny Depp) and help imprison him, he escapes into the city and quickly amasses a dark army. Keeping Grindewald's chilling last words to him in mind ("Will we die, just a little?"), Newt has to turn to the only wizard alive who can stop Grindewald once and for all: his former professor and Grindewald's former friend, Albus Dumbledore.
On top of the appearance of Dumbledore, the sequel - which is still untitled and being directed once again by David Yates - will also feature some "surprising nods" to the original Harry Potter films. We're still unsure of what those will be, exactly, but since the plot will take the gang from the streets of NYC to London (and then Paris), maybe some familiar landmarks will pop up (Newt might have to make a pit stop at Gringotts, or take a ride on the Knight Bus, you never know). Luckily there's plenty of time to obsess over the new information, since the sequel isn't slated to hit theaters until Nov. 16, 2018.
The Beautiful Way William and Harry Honored Diana on Her 56th Birthday
July 1 marked what would have been Princess Diana's 56th birthday, and her sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, honored her in a beautiful way. On Saturday, the royal siblings attended a private service at Althorp House, Diana's family's estate in Northamptonshire in England, to rededicate her grave. William's wife, Kate Middleton, and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, were also there, while Prince Charles did not attend due to his royal trip to Canada with wife Camilla.
The rededication comes after the estate underwent major renovations, which were put into place following accusations that it had been neglected over the years. Back in 2014, Diana's former chef, Darren McGrady, posted Twitter photos of the memorial covered in moss. "Sad to see Earl Spencer has neglected Diana's resting place," he wrote. "Please tidy up the vegetation on the island." It also comes a few months after William and Harry announced that they'd be commissioning a statue of their mother in the public gardens of Kensington Palace to mark the 20th anniversary of her death in August.
The Completely Addictive Method of Grilling Steak
The reverse sear method for cooking steak is arguably one of the best indoor techniques, and a similar concept can be applied when grilling steak outdoors on a charcoal grill. Instead of slow-cooking in the oven, the steak is first smoked (positioned away from the charcoal), and instead of searing on a skillet, the steak is finished directly over the charcoal for just a few minutes on each side. You're left with perfectly juicy steak and a crisp exterior, no burnt bits or accidental overcooking. You can do this, grill master, you.
Here's what you'll need:
- A charcoal grill
- Hardwood lump charcoal
- Gelled alcohol
- Stick lighter
- Barbecue tongs
- Mesquite wood chunks (or any other type)
- 2 (12-ounce) strip steaks (at least 1-inch thick)
- Ghee or clarified butter
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
In Case You Needed Further Proof, J Lo Is Not Afraid to Show Too Much Skin
Well, hello there, Jennifer Lopez's toned legs! The actress and singer wore the highest slits we have ever seen in a dress to perform her new song "Ni Tu Ni Yo" at the Macy's Fourth of July celebration with Gente de Zona. The long-sleeved Fausto Puglisi black dress with a high neckline, gold appliqués, and two waist-high slits looks like a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen, but if there's anyone that could make this work on stage, it's J Lo.
Jennifer got down to her new music, embracing the revealing details of her dress. But we know how she made it work: Jennifer wore a black leotard underneath, so even when she moved to the side, you couldn't see anything but her insane thigh muscles.
Later in the pre-recorded performance, Jennifer changed into another leotard, this time a sparkly one featuring an eagle and worn under a checkered dress that honored her boyfriend Alex Rodriguez's past as a baseball player. Matching her New York Yankees cap, J Lo's shirt featured a 13 in the back, in a nod to ARod's number with the team. Keep reading to see more photos of Jennifer's outfits at the Independence Day celebration.
The Full Cast of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2
The sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them won't be out until November 2018, but we've already amassed quite a few details about the film. Casting is chugging along nicely, and Jude Law recently joined in a very important role. He's not the only new addition, though! Take a look to find out who else you'll be seeing (old and new) in the sequel.
NSFW: 6 Nude Ashley Graham Photos That Are Sure to Steam Up Your Screen
Ashley Graham is a model, lingerie designer, TV host, fitness queen, and all-around joy to follow on social media. Since gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue in both 2015 and 2016, the 29-year-old has become a force to be reckoned with when it comes to inspiring body positivity and diversity in the fashion industry; she recently made her New York Fashion Week debut in the Michael Kors Fall '17 runway show and has generally been serving up serious motivation and encouragement for women of all sizes.
In addition to rocking the living hell out of a bikini, Ashley isn't afraid to bare all on Instagram or, like we saw recently, in her gorgeous nude shoot in V Magazine's Summer issue. Read on for all the times Ashley stripped down and steamed up our screens.
I Finally Gave Mom Jeans a Try, and I Have to Admit, I Didn't Hate Them
Like most people, I basically live in jeans. From skinny jeans to ankle-length baby blues, I pride myself on trying (and loving) all styles except one: mom jeans. With its superhigh waist, loose crotch, and tapered legs, this style just never seemed that appealing to me. First of all, I have hips, so I tend to stick to jeans that I know will look good on my body, and second, they're called "mom jeans" - not exactly the most compelling selling point.
But since the '90s are making a comeback and countless fashion girls can't get enough of them, I figured what the heck, let's give this trend a try. (Worst-case scenario, I'll just tell everyone I was trying to reenact the infamous SNL skit where Tina Fey and Amy Poehler prance around in hilariously bad jeans.) So, with this mission in mind, I slipped into a pair of vintage-hued DSTLD Mom Jeans ($105) to see what all the hype was about.
Much to my surprise, when I wore the jeans, I realized there's nothing really "mom-like" about this style. Contrary to popular belief, these high-waisted jeans didn't make me look frumpy or give me a flat butt. In fact, the stretchy texture hugged my curves perfectly, while the rips around the knees made the style look less outdated. Since I'm not a fan of tapered-leg jeans, I cuffed the bottoms to give them a more contemporary feel. Scroll on to see how I styled the jeans for three different occasions: everyday wear, brunch, and date night.
People Are Matching Their Glitter Manicures to Their Cats - And It's Adorably Glam!
Back in April, a woman gave her pet turtle a manicure and became my eternal #relationshipgoals. Luckily for my animal-loving heart, 2017 hasn't seen the last of pet manicures.
As the story goes, Cristi Hanzel, a 19 year-old from Littlerock, California, got her nails done. She then went to Target to get nail caps for her cat Wednesday ( "named after Wednesday Addams since they are both sassy ," she told Buzzfeed). As fate would have it, she found purple caps that were nearly identical to her own fresh new nails.
Hanzel took to Twitter to show off their matching looks and was promptly retweeted by a user who captioned the pic, "How I'm trying to be." Seriously, who taught that cat how to selfie and how do I learn from them? The newfound beauty icons recieved over 70,000 likes, and found themselves in a friendly competition between cat and dog owners over who wears it best.
As Hanzel reminded us, it's very important to stress that normal nail polish is toxic for pets' claws, so be sure to keep your new ColourPop Polish to yourself . Aside from looking fly AF, nail caps are designed to limit the effects of scratching and can be found at pet supply stores .
Kate Middleton's Wimbledon Dress Was as Sweet as Can Be
After wearing the tweed dress every working woman wants for Summer, Kate Middleton stepped out in another elegant dress. The Duchess of Cambridge chose an ultrafeminine dress by Dolce & Gabbana for Wimbledon.
While Dolce & Gabbana has been facing a lot of negative press recently, Kate looked stunning in the black-and-white polka-dot print dress, and definitely did the design justice. The silk-blend dress featured a scoop neck and cropped sleeves. The duchess finished her look with a pair of Oscar de la Renta earrings and a white structured Victoria Beckham handbag. Have a look at Kate's dress ahead and buy the same style for your closet too.
It's Clear That Wimbledon Is Kate Middleton's Happy Place
Kate Middleton couldn't look more excited as she attended the opening day of Wimbledon in London on Monday. After meeting with boys and girls from the All England Lawn Tennis Club, the mother of Prince George and Princess Charlotte settled down in the royal box to watch the matches. Sporting a new haircut and a polka dot dress, Kate flashed a huge grin as she cheered on the tennis players at the event. Aside from mingling with AELTC chairman Philip Brook in between shots, she also scored a seat in front of English actor Dominic Cooper.
It's no secret that Kate has always been an avid fan of tennis. In addition to playing the sport while attending St Andrews, Kate revealed during a BBC documentary that when she was eight months pregnant with George, she begged her doctor to let her go to Wimbledon but he "banned" her from attending, causing her to miss Andy Murray's victory against Novak Djokovic. "I was very heavily pregnant," she told presenter Sue Barker. "I wrote to him [Andy] afterwards saying sorry for not being there."
Justin Trudeau's Son Sleeps, Chugs Bottle During Canada Day Celebrations
You know that feeling when you see someone and you immediately think, "That person is me"? Well, Justin Trudeau's son, Hadrien, is that person for us. The adorable 3-year-old was not really feeling it when he stepped out for Canada Day celebrations on Saturday. Hadrien was accompanied by his handsome dad, mom Sophie, and siblings, Ella-Grace and Xavier. In addition to covering his ears during performances on Parliament Hill, he also fell asleep and happily chugged a bottle while relaxing in his mom's arms. The day also included a visit from Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who are in town for three days. Hadrien's hilarious antics remind us of another tiny royal who has better things to do (cough, Prince George, cough).
Enough With the Toxic Nail Polish - These Are the Best Safe Brands
Nail polish has always stunk. It was a fact we all grew up with. But the irritants in polish go far beyond just smelling poorly. Things like toluene, a chemical that's connected to reproductive abnormalities; formaldehyde, a potentially cancer-causing carcinogen; and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which is banned in Europe because it can cause reproductive challenges, have long been ingredients we've been using to paint our nails. But with the uptick of brands paying closer attention to toxicity levels in products, there are now many safe polishes to choose from. See how they stack up.
The 8 Best Summer Bronzers For Pale Skin
As a fair-skinned woman, my greatest makeup challenge has been finding a bronzer that doesn't make me look muddy. It's easy to grab something too dark or too orange that results in a ridiculous final look. Luckily, there are several products that give me a natural, sun-kissed glow I love. I'm all about embracing the pale during the Summer, but sometimes I want to add some life and color into my skin with a bronzer. These are the best options for all the fair ladies out there. You'll look like a warm, shimmery goddess in no time.
If Anyone Can Make Us Excited About True Detective Again, It's Mahershala Ali
After a dry, painfully slow second season of True Detective, HBO's gritty drama unsurprisingly lost a good deal of the fans who couldn't get enough of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in season one. Luckily it seems that network executives know exactly how to lure everyone back for a potential third season: Mahershala Ali. The Oscar-winning Moonlight actor is in very early talks to play the lead in the next installment of the series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. HBO, who declined an official comment on the casting rumors, is reportedly still unsure if they even want a third season at all, but casting Ali front and center would be a surefire way to bring in new (and old) viewers.
HBO programming president Casey Bloys has commented publicly in the past that he'd like to continue on with Emmy-winning anthology series created by Nic Pizzolatto (who has an overall deal with the network through 2018). In March news broke that Deadwood creator David Milch might come on board to take the reigns from Pizzolatto, and there's a good chance that might still happen. "We're open to someone else writing it with Nic supervising it; it's a really valuable franchise for us," Bloys revealed last Summer. "It's not dead, I'm just not sure we have the right take for a third season - yet."
In addition to captivating audiences on the silver screen, Ali has also done his fair share of work on "prestige" TV shows like House of Cards and Luke Cage. In other words, he's a perfect fit.
Tommy Hilfiger Just Teamed Up With Everyone's Favorite Street Wear Brand
That unbelievably cool sweatshirt you're going to see on everyone's back come Fall? It'll be from the new Vetements x Tommy Hilfiger collaboration, announced by Tommy himself on Instagram. WWD got the lowdown on the new collection, which will include hoodies, t-shirts, socks, and hats, and retail from $103 to $1,120.
We got a sneak peek at one of the pieces from the range, and the lookbook is a street style compilation from Zurich. Until we are able to check out more, we can just dream on about all the trendy, oversize sweatshirts we're going to be wearing . . .
This Is How Mary-Kate Olsen Rocks a Plain White Button-Down Shirt
Once you've studied Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's style, you realize it doesn't take too much to dress like them. You'll need the basics (like a button-down) and you'll need to learn the artful skill of layering. Case in point: Mary-Kate's latest business-casual-turned-rocker-chic ensemble. She wore a collared shirt, dark navy blazer trench, black pants, and pointy-toed leather boots, which added flavor to her otherwise standard outfit. The look had the Olsen trademark of being casual but sophisticated, and it's one you can easily re-create with the shopping picks below.
These Are Literally the Coolest Beauty Products and Treatments to Try Right Now
In the world of temperature-controlled beauty treatments, warming products get all the attention. Pore steamers, face towels, body scrubs, hair masks - there's no end to those heated beauty helpers. And not to discount the hot approach - when it comes to pore degunking and skin smoothing, they can't be beat - but too many people are oblivious to the myriad benefits of the cold. From eliminating puffy eyes to tackling stubborn pockets of fat, opting for the big chill can help address some of your most vexing beauty concerns.
To help make sure you don't get lost in this beauty blizzard, we've rounded up the 10 best treatments and products with magical frosty powers. Let's just say if Queen Frostine had a beauty regimen, you can bet these would be on her vanity.
The 1 Frozen Trader Joe's Dish That Tastes Best If Microwaved
The next time you go to Trader Joe's, stock up on this frozen bag of Japanese Style Fried Rice with edamame, tofu, hijiki seaweed, and carrots. We received this tip from Tara Block, our editorial director, who swears by this microwaveable meal as a quick-fix dinner. After months of talking it up to us anytime Trader Joe's came up in conversation (which, around here, is nearly every day), we finally took her advice and tried it ourselves. Tara says she accidentally stumbled upon this meal, which has since become a weekly staple. She has challenged herself to buy one new thing at TJ's every visit (what sage advice!), and when she discovered the Japanese Style Fried Rice, she couldn't believe how good it tasted. Having tried stir-frying the rice and steaming it in the microwave, she said, frankly, it tastes the same. Save yourself the dishes and effort and pop the bag in the microwave for four minutes, and boom - dinner is served.
The flavor of this fried rice tastes shockingly fresh. The edamame and carrots are vibrantly colored and crisp, as if they have just been steamed. The slightly sticky white rice resembles what you'd find at an Japanese restaurant. The tofu skin is just like flavorful inari sushi - you won't miss the scrambled egg one bit. And the sauce? Mirin, sugar, soy sauce, sake, sesame oil, and hijiki seaweed combine for one perfectly seasoned bowl, no additions needed. The package claims that this serves 3.5 people, but Tara warned me she's been known to finish the whole bag in one sitting. No shame! I would do the same. I split the bowl with another coworker and found myself still hungry, so that's the only downside of this dish. If you plan on picking up a bag, be sure to stock up on one per person!
The Pioneer Woman's 5-Ingredient Corn Casserole Is Your New Go-To Side Dish
You may or may not have seen the Pioneer Woman episode with Ree Drummond's baked cream corn casserole, but after seeing the recipe, you're going to want to make it ASAP. Like all of Ree Drummond's best recipes, this summery side is fast, easy, made with only a few simple ingredients, and - most importantly - satisfying. The five key ingredients are fresh corn, red bell peppers, fresh jalapeños, butter, and heavy cream. Like an elevated version of the standard creamed corn you've probably made before, this corn casserole has the freshness of the bell peppers and the heat of the jalapeños to cut through the richness of the cream and butter.
First, you'll want to cut the corn kernels off the cob into a deep bowl with a sharp knife (as pictured above). That's the hardest part, and from there, all you have to do is combine the rest of the fresh ingredients in the bowl, add plenty of salt and pepper, and pour it into a baking dish. You'll know the corn is ready to serve when it's piping hot and bubbling, which takes less than an hour at 350°F. Reviewers' comments include "best corn I ever ate," "never any leftovers," and "my new go-to side Summer side dish." The only change you might want to make is doubling the recipe. See the full recipe for yourself ahead, and prepare to pair it with your favorite Summer potluck recipe all season long.
Get the recipe: Ree Drummond's baked cream corn with red bell peppers and jalapeños
14 Universally Flattering Trends 2017 Has Blessed Us With
Some trends are short-lived but memorable (arm warmers, bubble skirts, the list goes on), while others have staying power. So far, 2017 has seen plenty of the latter, and we simply must pay them respect. These 14 trends aren't just eye-catching, they are also entirely figure-flattering and help us appear more confident in our clothes. We're taking a closer look at all the styles this year has brought us so far and shopping them just in time to wear all Summer - and beyond. Scroll to read up, get inspired, and hit the streets feeling fashion-forward and fabulous all at once.
Why Your Child Should Never Be Forced to Hug a Relative
As we head into the vacation season and into visits with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, there's one awkward situation that will arise in many families that most parents will be unprepared to deal with: relatives who expect hugs and kisses from little ones - even when those little ones don't want to show them affection.
To spare a relative's feelings, many of us will urge a small child to endure or even return this unwanted physical contact. But should we? What messages are we sending to our kids about their body boundaries when we do this?
How to Avoid Teaching the Wrong Lessons
A CNN article entitled I Don't Own My Child's Body that explores these questions is the subject of lively discussion here. Katia Hetter, its author, asserts that, "Forcing children to touch people when they don't want to leaves them vulnerable to sexual abusers, most of whom are people known to the children they abuse."
Assuming that giving Grandma a kiss on the cheek could have anything at all to do with the sexual abuse of a child might seem crazy at first blush, but Nichole M. feels Hetter's connection makes perfect sense. "You're violating their comfort zone and the kids may learn to accept anyone into those uncomfortable spaces." Lisa E. also agrees, and shares how she's teaching her own son about respecting his body and his own physical space:
"The boundary we're teaching our child is to listen to his own 'gut feeling.' He tells us whenever he feels uncomfortable around someone (usually whispering so he doesn't hurt feelings). He never has to touch or be touched if he feels uncomfortable - family or otherwise. I will never force him to kiss anyone - even if a great aunt is visiting who may get her feelings hurt. Hugs and kisses are his to give and are not compulsory."
Hetter also reminds us that forcing our kids to be affectionate when they don't want to can impact their sexual relationships as teens, because it "teaches them to use their body to please you or someone else in authority or, really, anyone."
"Affection should never be forced."
In addition to preventing abuse, many moms feel it's important to try to understand how your child feels when a relative demands physical affection. Jenni D. references her own memories from childhood as a guideline in her parenting: "As a kid, I didn't like to be hugged or kissed much except by my mom, and hated when my grandma would force me to kiss her goodbye. As an adult, I love giving kisses and snuggles to my kids, but if they would ever seem like they didn't want me to hug or kiss them I would respect that."
As Jenni D.'s comment points out, forced affection between a parent and child is concerning as well. Stacey's kids became uncomfortable when her husband, who is their stepfather, became too demanding of hugs and kisses. In situations like this, members urge Stacey to have her husband back down. Lorena M. explains that "kisses and hugs should come out because one feels like giving them and not because they're pressured." A reader who goes by "Dove" is even more emphatic: "Affection should never be forced."
How to Head Off a Relative's Hurt Feelings
Toddlers often test our patience by refusing to do things that we actually do have to find a way to make them do, such as eating, bathing, and behaving well. However, refusing affection should not be equated with bad manners or bad behavior. Hetter asserts that children can (and should) be polite and respectful while still maintaining their own personal boundaries: "Manners - treating people with respect and care - is different than demanding physical displays of affection."
A good first step may be to explain your policy to relatives. Adults, even close relatives, should be able to respect your decision. Hetter found that while it can be more work, it can also lead them to truly appreciate the affection they do get from your child. "I explain to relatives who want to know why we're letting her decide who she touches, and when she does hug them, the joy is palpable - not from obligation or a direct order from Mom," she says.
Hetter also offers suggestions for greetings that are less intimate, and that are perfect for a child in the early stages of getting to know a new family member. Instead of kisses and hugs, encourage a handshake or a high-five: "When kids are really little and shy, parents can start to offer them choices for treating people with respect and care. Even shy kids can shake somebody's hand or wave or do something to communicate respect and care."
Far from disappointing, these alternatives can actually strengthen a relative's relationship with your young child, as Angie S.'s story shows: "You could do what my boyfriend and our son do, they have a special hand shake. He will even stay awake, and when he hears his dad come home from work he'll come out just to do their shake."
How do you and your child handle social situations?
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.
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