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.
vendredi 1 septembre 2017
You'll Love Seeing Princess Diana and Kate Middleton With Their Kids, Side by Side
Though Princess Diana died tragically in August 1997, her spirit lives on through her two sons, Princes William and Harry. In addition to carrying on her legacy with their philanthropic efforts - Harry has said that his late mother is the "motivation" for his charity work - William is already keeping many of Diana's parenting traditions alive with his own children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Most recently, during William and Kate Middleton's royal tour of Canada, we saw the couple engaging with their little ones in ways that would make Diana so proud. Scroll through to see photos of William and Harry with their mom as kids along with William and Kate's cutest moments with Charlotte and George.
9 Times We Just Couldn't Get Enough of Cindy Crawford and Presley Gerber's Sweet Bond
Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber are the proud parents of two kids, 15-year-old daughter Kaia and 18-year-old son Presley. Good genes clearly run in the family, and both Kaia and Presley seem to be taking after their mom when it comes to their careers. Kaia has been landing fashion campaigns left and right, and Presley is signed to IMG Models and has already made his runway debut. Back in April, Presley shared the best piece of modeling advice he's received from his mom, telling ET, "'If you don't want to do something, don't do it.'" In honor of their sweet bond, take a look at Cindy and Presley's cutest moments together.
Here's the Cast of American Horror Story: Cult
Information about season seven of American Horror Story has been rolling in! While last season was (unfairly) shrouded in mystery until the premiere, we actually have more morsels about season seven since this year's Comic-Con, including the new title, premiere date, and details from Ryan Murphy himself. A few regular cast members have gotten on-board, but there are also some newbies we were really not expecting (Lena Dunham?!). We'll update you with more casting news as it's revealed, but for now, take a look at the returning alums and fresh faces.
Emilia Clarke Once Dated This Famous Actor, and More Fun Facts About the Game of Thrones Star
Emilia Clarke is most well-known for playing Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones, but even though she's been in the spotlight for a few years now, there are still a few tidbits you may not know about her. While the 30-year-old London native has never actually dated her Game of Thrones costar Kit Harington, she did date another famous actor in 2012, though they split a year later. Read on for more fun facts about the star.
- She did the funky-chicken dance for her Game of Thrones audition. "It was a lot of adrenaline," she told Jimmy Fallon back in 2014. "I was very nervous. It was a big-deal audition, obviously. There were lots of people from HBO there. And I was kind of anxious, and did all of the scenes, and at the end I was asking them if I could do anything else. And David Benioff [a creator of the show] suggested I do a dance. So I did. I did the funky chicken."
- She turned down the role of Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey. "I really wanted to work with [Fifty Shades director] Sam Taylor-Johnson because she's f*cking amazing," she explained in Marie Claire UK's July 2015 issue. "But there is a huge amount of nudity in the film. I'll never say 'I'm never doing nudity' because I've already done it, but I thought I might get stuck in a pigeonhole that I would have struggled to get out of."
- She dated Seth MacFarlane. The couple reportedly began dating in 2012 but broke up in 2013. According to E! News, they split because the long distance just didn't work for them. In Glamour's May 2016 issue, Emilia opened up about the problem with dating someone famous, saying, "Well, a con is you have strangers giving you love-life advice like, 'I'm a big fan of the show, and I'm not sure what you're doing with that guy,' which I didn't react well to. That happened in New York when Seth and I were together. This guy started to give me advice: 'Can I get a selfie? And by the way . . .' Unh-unh, bro."
- Before her big break, she was a licensed real estate agent. While attending New York University, Emilia worked in real estate for two Summers.
- She backpacked through India when she was 16. Emilia flew into Delhi and "went all the way up almost into Tibet" to scatter the ashes of her Delhi-born grandmother. At 18, she did Southeast Asia, making stops in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, and then South Africa.
- She has a bumblebee tattoo on her pinky finger. Emilia got the design after finishing her film Me Before You in 2015. "The bumblebee is the symbol of the story end of the character and I had the best time on it ever, ever, ever, so I wanted to remember it forever and ever," she told Hip Hollywood in July 2015.
The Reason Princess Diana Never Wanted to Become Queen Is Extremely Touching
Princess Diana grew up around royalty. She was born Lady Diana Spencer (her family had British nobility with royal ancestry), and she became a princess when she married Prince Charles in 1981. But despite her various titles and obvious connection to the monarchy, it turns out that Diana never had any interest in one day becoming queen. As soon as she became an official member of the royal family, she majorly repaired what some people considered to be a huge divide between the British royals and the country's common people. She was affectionate, she was personable, and she deeply cared about the health and safety of others. And it was this passion that was her sole reason for not wanting to be anything other than the people's princess.
Diana spoke about why she never saw herself becoming queen during her infamous BBC interview with Martin Bashir in 1995. "I'd like to be a queen of people's hearts, but I don't see myself being queen of this country," she said. "I don't think many people would want me to be queen, and when I say many people, I mean the establishment that I'm married into. They've decided that I'm a nonstarter, because I do things different, because I don't go by a rule book, because I lead from the heart and not the head. And albeit that's gotten me into trouble in my work, but someone's gotta go out there and love people."
The Details of Laci Peterson's Murder Will Still Chill You to Your Very Core
There are very few murder investigations that capture the attention of the entire country, but the ones that do usually stay with people forever. Laci Peterson became one of those cases when she went missing on Christmas Eve in 2002. While any missing persons case is devastating, people became enamored with the beautiful 27-year-old because she was eight months pregnant with her son, who was to be named Connor, when she vanished. Those closest to Laci, and the general public, couldn't understand why someone would want to hurt a woman who didn't appear to have any enemies. But as the days turned into weeks following her disappearance, the details of what happened slowly began to fill in the confusing puzzle, and it still remains one of the most chilling murder cases in recent years.
Laci's husband (and Connor's dad), Scott Peterson, quickly became the police's main suspect due to his bizarre behavior, his repeated refusals to take a polygraph test, and his general lack of interest in the investigation's progress. Scott was eventually found guilty of murdering his wife and unborn son and was sentenced to death in 2004. He is currently on death row at San Quentin State Prison in California, where he recently spoke out for the first time in over a decade for A&E's docuseries The Murder of Laci Peterson. Here are six heartbreaking facts from one of the most infamous murder cases in history.
1. Laci Was Last Seen on Christmas Eve 2002
On the morning of Dec. 24, 2002, Scott left their Modesto, CA, home to go fishing, while Laci took their dog for a walk. Later that afternoon, a neighbor saw their dog wandering around while still wearing its leash. Scott later told police that after leaving their house that morning, he went to his nearby warehouse to send emails and get his boat, which was backed up by email time stamps and a warehouse receipt. He said that after about 90 minutes of fishing, he returned home to an empty house and showered, thinking Laci had gone over to her mom's house. Scott called Laci's parents that evening to ask if they knew where she was, and they immediately called police to report that she was missing.
2. Scott Quickly Became a Suspect
While many murder victims die at the hands of someone they know, it was Scott's questionable behavior in the days after Laci's disappearance that put him at the top of the suspects list. Police reported that Scott almost immediately began referring to Laci in the past tense as if she wasn't alive anymore, even before they found her body. But the biggest bombshell of all came when Scott's mistress, Amber Frey, revealed their relationship to the media shortly after she learned about Laci's disappearance. Amber agreed to record her phone conversations with Scott without his knowledge, and she told police that two weeks before Laci went missing, Scott had told her he was a widower and that this would be the first Christmas without his wife. Scott was also photographed laughing and smiling at a vigil for Laci just a few days after she went missing, where he called Amber and pretended he was partying in Paris on New Year's Eve.
3. Laci and Connor's Bodies Were Mutilated
In April 2003, four months after Laci went missing, a couple out walking their dog discovered Connor's body washed up on the San Francisco Bay shore. Plastic tape was reportedly found around his neck, and there was also a large cut on the right side of his body. One day later, Laci's body washed ashore just one mile from where Connor was found. She was decapitated, both forearms were missing, her right foot was severed, and the bottom half of her left leg was missing. Because her body was badly decomposed, her exact cause of death couldn't be determined.
4. Scott Appeared to Be on the Run When He Was Arrested
After months of speculation, Scott was arrested on April 18, 2003, at a golf course in San Diego, where he said he was staying to avoid media attention. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying $15,000 in cash, four cell phones, his brother's ID, and camping gear and had dyed his hair blond.
5. Scott Was Sentenced to Death
His trial began in June 2004, and a judge sentenced him to die by lethal injection that November. Similarly to O.J. Simpson's trial, people all over the country gathered in public places to hear the verdict and celebrate his conviction together.
6. He Still Maintains His Innocence
In a recorded phone call with his sister-in-law, Janey, from June 2017, Scott spoke from his prison cell about the moment the guilty verdict was read, saying he "had no idea" the jury would think he did it. "When they told me, I had just a terrible physical reaction," he said. "I mean it was a really emotional, physical reaction. I couldn't feel my feet on the floor. I couldn't feel the chair I was sitting in. My vision was even a little blurry. And I just had this weird sensation that I was falling forward - and forward and down and there was going to be no end to this falling forward and down, like there was no floor to land on. I, I was staggered by it. I had no idea it was coming." Scott is still appealing his case.
A Guide to Game of Thrones Season 7's Biggest Moments
Another season of Game of Thrones has come and gone. Season seven was only a scant seven episodes, but they were chock-full of exciting moments with no filler to be had this season. Before the eighth and final season of the HBO fantasy drama finally arrives, here are the biggest moments of this last season to help keep you in the know for the Seven Kingdoms and the fight for the Iron Throne.
Can You Handle Jennifer Connelly's Hottest Photos?
Jennifer Connelly has been a Hollywood mainstay since the early '80s, starring in movies like Mulholland Falls, Requiem For a Dream, and A Beautiful Mind, for which she won an Academy Award in 2002. Her dark hair, thick eyebrows, and sultry smile have caught the attention of cameras and the public and made her a fashion designer's dream - and in addition to steaming up the red carpet, Jennifer also has a habit of hitting the beach in sexy bikinis along with her husband, Paul Bettany. We've rounded up Jennifer's hands-down hottest photos over the years - can you handle them?
The Truth Is Here: Game of Thrones's Lady Olenna Looks So Different in Real Life
Game of Thrones probably broke your heart again when Lady Olenna willingly swallowed poison on Sunday night. While death wasn't obviously her choice, she took control of how she left the crazy world that is Westoros after everyone she loved was brutally murdered (she also delivered one hell of a truth bomb before she went). Despite her age, Olenna was one of the strongest and most badass female characters on the show, which was obvious during her recent chat with Daenerys Targaryen. "I've known a great many clever men," she said. "I've outlived them all. You know why? I ignored them."
While we'll sadly miss Olenna on the small screen, we still have the actress who plays her to obsess over: Dame Diana Rigg. The 79-year-old English actress has been around for decades, and she was (and still is) a total babe. While it's a bit jarring to see Diana out of her Olenna headpiece for the first time, there are plenty of her previous roles you can check out to fill the Olenna void in your life. Besides Game of Thrones, Diana is known for her work in TV shows like The Avengers, as well as movies like Theater of Blood and On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Keep scrolling to see Diana's glamorous beauty over the years.
Dancing With the Stars: Here's Who Is Joining the Season 25 Cast
Dancing With the Stars has added even more celebrities to its lineup for this season. As the dance competition gets ready to celebrate a huge milestone with season 25, they are turning the nostalgia up a notch with some of your favorite stars from the early 2000s. Not only is a 98 Degrees boy-band member joining the cast, but one of your favorite sitcom stars will be hitting the ballroom floor as well. While ABC doesn't officially reveal the full lineup until Sept. 6, see who has reportedly joined the cast ahead.
Picnic-Friendly and Portable: Healthy Beach Eats
Staying away from foods that bloat your belly before the beach is helpful, but a girl's got to eat. Grabbing goods from the market is always an available option, but packing some homemade snacks that are easily transportable to the sea can be a real treat. Here are a few ideas we love for picnic-friendly healthy beach eats.
17 Star Wars Products Your Kids Will Be Begging For on Force Friday
We don't know about you, but we can never get enough Star Wars in our lives. Now that it's Force Friday, fans are in luck, since a bunch of new products launch today in honor of the Star Wars: The Last Jedi movie.
And while we know that your brood is struggling to wait until the movie hits theaters on Dec. 15, we're hoping these amazing themed products for kids will hold them over.
Here's a list of the new products for kids that launch today, plus a few extra fan favorites.
How This Nurse's "Magic" Yarn Wigs Are Helping Kids With Cancer
A former cancer nurse realized that her work helping those suffering from the disease wasn't quite done. Upon discovering that her friend's 3-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, Holly Christensen didn't go back to her job at the hospital. Instead, she went to her local arts and crafts store in Alaska, bought some bright-yellow yarn, and set to work making a long, braided Rapunzel wig embellished with colorful flowers for the little girl to wear throughout her chemotherapy sessions.
It wasn't long before others began reaching out to Holly with more yarn wig requests. Soon, the Magic Yarn Project was born.
"While not the most severe of side effects, hair loss can still be very difficult for cancer patients - especially for little girls - and chemotherapy treatments often leave patients' bare scalps too sensitive for traditional wigs," she wrote on the project's website. "To create head coverings for little cancer patients that are both comfortable and whimsical, Magic Yarn volunteers crochet soft yarn into beanies and then transform them into long, beautiful princess hair."
All the wigs - most of which are inspired by Disney princesses like Frozen's Elsa and Anna as well as the frequently requested Jasmine and Ariel - are free to their recipients thanks to donations to a GoFundMe page. In order to turn her simple idea into an official nonprofit, Holly is hoping to receive $20,000. As of November 2015, she had raised more than $6,500. Now 23 months later, she has raised $49,162 of an updated $100,000 goal.
No matter what, Holly wrote on the submission page, "we promise to hold firm to the spirit of the project's intent . . . magic is something you make."
Can You Tell Which of These Items Is Actually a Drawing?
It doesn't matter if you wear glasses or have 20/20 vision, this Playbuzz quiz will still play tricks on your eyes. The images below, which are taken from artist Howard Lee's Instagram, show two items side by side. While both look exactly the same, they are not. One of them - you can't even tell which one - is actually a drawing! Known for his optical illusion work, Howard has created a series of drawings involving the juxtaposition of real and fake items, ranging from hot dogs to matchsticks, and now, the Big Ideas Network has turned his art pieces into an addicting test. Take it to see if you can decode what's real and what's not.
17 Photos From the New HomeGoods Sister Store That'll Make You Grab Your Purse
Since it was announced that a new HomeGoods concept store was in the works, we've been chomping at the bit to see inside. And now Homesense, the sister store to the discount decor retailer, has finally arrived! Before opening to the public on Aug. 17, the brand-new Homesense store in Framingham, MA, hosted a group of influencers for an exclusive preview night. Luckily for us, the designers, bloggers, and decor buffs in attendance also posted some stunning snaps to social media!
We already knew that Homesense stocks bigger furniture items and name-brand designers, but we truly had no idea what to expect. Suffice it to say, the photos from inside the new store will have you clutching at your wallet! Check out the drool-worthy decor store, then find yourself a road-trip buddy (and a decently sized trailer to bring home your loot).
9 Ways Prince William Is Keeping His Mother's Memory Alive Within His Own Family
Prince William was just 15 years old when his mother, Princess Diana, was tragically killed in a car accident in August 1997. Now that he and his brother Harry are adults, they've been opening up more and more about how their mother's death has impacted their lives. Recently, William revealed that what perhaps upsets him most about her absence is that she never got to meet his wife, Kate Middleton, or their kids, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. "I would love her to have met Catherine and to have seen the children grow up," he told British GQ. "It makes me sad that she won't, that they will never know her."
In addition to more modern parenting traditions like bringing his children on royal engagements, sharing official birthday portraits, and making sure George and Charlotte lead lives that are as normal as possible, William has also made sure to honor his mother's legacy in other, smaller ways, from where he lives to the services he uses to his choice of gifts for Kate Middleton. Keep reading to see nine of them now.
Jack Throws Hilarious Shade at Brad and Angelina in the New Will & Grace Teaser
Pour yourself a martini, darling, because a bunch of trailers for the Will & Grace reboot have landed. The stars - specifically Debra Messing, Eric McCormack, Megan Mullally, and Sean Hayes - have aligned, and they are brighter than ever! The first official trailer (below) is the perfect tongue-in-cheek nod to the fact that everyone has gotten a little bit older, but they're all still ready to entertain us. The latest look, above, brings the comedy quartet into 2017, including references to Brad and Angelina's divorce and Fox News. NBC is bringing 16 episodes to primetime this Fall, so until then, we'll just have to make do with the latest teasers (below).
FDA urged to ban high-dose opioids
Safety advocates and state health officials are formally calling on the Food and Drug Administration to ban high-dose opioid painkillers to prevent accidental overdose deaths among patients and people who abuse drugs.
Why It Took Queen Elizabeth II 5 Days to Publicly Address Princess Diana's Death
Image Source: Getty / Graeme Robertson
It's been nearly 20 years since Princess Diana's fatal car accident in Paris, and the upcoming anniversary of her death has sparked renewed interest in the tragic event. When news broke that Diana had died in August 1997, Queen Elizabeth II was highly criticized for the way she handled the situation. Many accused her of failing to capture the mood of the nation and faulted her for being aloof in the days following her former daughter-in-law's passing. The queen conveyed a "business-as-usual" message by taking Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry (who were 15 and 12, respectively, at the time), to church at Balmoral in Scotland hours after Prince Charles had broken the news to them. She was also criticized for remaining at her Scotland residence for too long, failing to appear at tributes near Buckingham Palace, and not returning quickly enough to London.
Image Source: Getty / Tom Wargacki
However, according to the queen's first cousin and close friend Margaret Rhodes, the queen's choice to temporarily abandon the people was due to her overwhelming concern for the welfare of her grandchildren, William and Harry. In an interview with CNN back in 2012, Margaret came to the queen's defense, saying, "She was castigated . . . for staying up at Balmoral with the two little boys. She was being a proper granny. What was the point of bringing the boys down to sit in London with nothing to do but sit there feeling sad about mum. Personally, I think I would have behaved in exactly the same way."
It was only when then-Prime Minister Tony Blair intervened that Elizabeth came back to London and acknowledged the public's outpouring of grief. "She made it all right in the end by coming down and looking at all the flowers," Margaret stated. Five days after Diana's death, Elizabeth delivered a live address to the people of England from the Chinese Dining Room at Buckingham Palace. She paid tribute to Diana, calling her "an exceptional and gifted human being," and explained her reason for being at Balmoral, saying, "This week at Balmoral, we have all been trying to help William and Harry come to terms with the devastating loss that they and the rest of us have suffered." She ended her speech with a touching statement: "May those who died rest in peace and may we, each and every one of us, thank God for someone who made many, many people happy." Watch her entire speech below.
Veterans see access to medical marijuana curtailed over doctors' concerns
Veterans who use medical marijuana to treat post-traumatic stress disorder are having to go outside the network of clinics sanctioned by Veterans Affairs to get the drug due to concerns by doctors at the clinics about its effectiveness.
Motivation of Canadian Blood Services' olive branch to Calgary gay community questioned
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) says its first ever participation at Calgary Pride is meant to start a conversation and reduce misunderstandings of its policy prohibiting sexually active gay and bisexual men from donating blood. But a sexual health worker says without changes to that policy, the gesture is lip service at best.
Family loses fight for autistic son to have service dog in class
Ontario's human rights tribunal has ruled that a nine-year-old autistic boy in Waterloo, Ont. can't bring his service dog with him into class.
Give Your Home a Fall Makeover For Less Than $100
While some may associate Labor Day with long, leisurely weekends spent grilling and hanging by the pool, we have an entirely different agenda in mind: shopping! We've had our eye on key pieces from Target's Threshold and Nate Berkus collections that look super high end, despite the low price tags. With the store's Labor Day sale in full swing, there's a bounty of beautiful home goods under $100 - including furniture! Plus, with free shipping on all orders over $35, there's no reason to hesitate. If you've been considering a Fall refresh for your home, this is your weekend to shop.
Here's How to Travel Nashville Like a Local
Welcome to Nashville, your weekend getaway destination! Thanks to a growing music industry and the show Nashville, there's been a lot of hype over our little Southern town. But we're more than just country music and cowgirl boots. We love our craft beers, artisanal-meets-Southern food scene, music from punk to rock to roots in the '50s, '60s, and '70s, and the beautiful parks that make getting back to nature ridiculously accessible. Flights to Nashville are affordable from major cities all over the US. Get ready to pack and try the following - lesser known and personally curated - ideas for your very own Nashville getaway adventure.
Your Kitchen Will Be Unrecognizable When You Swap in These Budget-Friendly Ikea Products
Over the years, Ikea has morphed from the go-to furniture store for college students to the premier destination for affordable, stylish designs for all. And the brand's kitchen products are no exception. Ikea kitchens are reasonably priced and also put a premium on functionality. Pair this with their on-trend designs and eye for detail, and you have a pretty unbeatable one-stop shop for kitchens. With its latest designs and kitchen products, Ikea has proved that you don't have to shell out thousands of dollars to get your dream kitchen.
The 54 New Movies You Need to Watch on Netflix in September
Netflix blesses us with a bevy of new movies and TV shows to zone out in front of, and September is no different. From old-school classics like Jaws and Pulp Fiction to Disney's magical live-action reboot of Beauty and the Beast - not to mention the return of Narcos - the streaming service is offering up a pretty great selection for those cozy nights in. The following titles will be available throughout September, and in the meantime you can keep enjoying August's awesome picks.
43 Times Jason Momoa Was So Hot, We Almost Called the Fire Department
When first feasting your eyes upon Jason Momoa, there are a few possible reactions: fainting, drooling, or calling 911 because he set your heart on fire. The actor - who played Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and stars in DC's long-awaited Aquaman film - is, simply put, pretty damn sexy. Whether he's out on the town with his wife, Lisa Bonet, or bonding with his onscreen love interests, we can't get enough of the 37-year-old action star. So treat yourself to a few minutes of pure Jason Momoa appreciation and reflect on a few of the superhot moments that made us fall in love with him. (Go ahead and grab a tall glass of water. We'll wait.)
Halloween Decor You Can Score on the Cheap at TJMaxx.com
It might be a tad early to rush out to the store for Halloween decor, but as any Halloween enthusiast will tell you, if you don't shop for Halloween early, you'll miss out on all the best pieces. Point in case: these crazy-popular Hocus Pocus-themed nesting bowls that some shoppers have had luck finding at T.J. Maxx! While you may have trouble locating these viral bowls in your closest store, we've come up with a great compromise: adorable Halloween decor that is available right now online! It's low committal and super convenient since you can browse a vast selection of seasonal items from the comfort of your home when you visit TJMaxx.com. It's got a stylish assortment of Halloween goodies to spookify everywhere from your front porch to your tabletop. And all items are priced much lower than you'll find them at big department stores. Take a look at our favorite pieces ahead.
15 Ways You and Your Friends Can Be Lizzie McGuire Characters For Halloween
There are so many nostalgic Disney Channel costumes to choose from for Halloween, but some of the greatest inspiration comes from Lizzie McGuire. Not only was Hilary Duff our role model growing up, but the show was also full of some crazy fashion statements that are still iconic more than 15 years later. Yes, it's really been that long since the series premiered. Remember when Lizzie performed in front of hundreds of people at the Colosseum with an Italian superstar? What about simpler times when Miranda dyed Kate's hair a horrible shade of green? If you love (and miss) the show just as much as we do, pay tribute to your favorite characters by re-creating some of those iconic moments on Oct. 31.
7 Things You Need to Know About Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron's Circus Musical
Are you obsessed with musicals? Did you love the circus as a kid? Do you secretly still watch footage of Zac Efron singing and dancing in High School Musical? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, we have a real treat for you. Twentieth Century Fox has a brand-new musical biopic called The Greatest Showman in store, and it's sure to get your heart racing. The release date may be a few months away, but we still have a handful of exciting tidbits - including the first trailer and a gorgeous look at all of the circus performers! Get the details ahead.
1. Who's Starring
Hugh Jackman stars alongside Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, and Zendaya.
2. What It's About
The story focuses on American showman P. T. Barnum (Jackman), the founder of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
3. It's a Musical
Yes, you'll finally get to hear Efron's beautiful voice again. The songs are being written by acclaimed music duo Pasek and Paul (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), who are best known for their work on La La Land and Broadway's Tony-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen.
4. The First Sneak Peek
Thanks @Zendaya! @pasekandpaul, here's the @GreatestShowman #TrailerTrapeze. Catch! http://pic.twitter.com/i56Da25dZN
- Zac Efron (@ZacEfron) June 27, 2017
The cast teased fans with a few exciting clips from the movie before the full trailer dropped on June 28.
5. The Official Trailer
We can't get the song from the trailer out of our heads, which bodes well for the rest of the soundtrack.
6. The Poster
THE IMPOSSIBLE COMES TRUE. 12.25.17 @GreatestShowman @Zendaya @ZacEfron @kealasettle @pasekandpaul @20thcenturyfox 🎩 http://pic.twitter.com/XAoJ2h7zRv
- Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) August 28, 2017
In August, Jackman unveiled the poster for the film on Twitter.
7. The Release Date
After initially getting delayed, the musical is set to premiere on Christmas this year.
Toddlers and Hangovers: A Recipe For Disaster
The following story, Toddlers and Hangovers: A Recipe For Disaster, was originally published on HashtagMomFail.
Having to take care of a toddler while you are hungover is one of the worst feelings in the world. There is nothing like having to care for a miniature human that constantly acts like they are drunk, while you are laying on the couch, dizzy and nauseous with the cold sweats while feeling like you could vomit at any moment. I put this as way worse than any of the Heaven Hill vodka induced hangovers I had in college.
Let's set the scene: It was October of 2015 and one of my husband's family friends had just gotten married. It was an absolutely beautiful wedding followed by a beautiful reception. And you know those receptions always include an open bar. There was a band and dancing and we had a babysitter and I was having the time of my life. About five Mich Ultras later, things got a little fuzzy. I remember slow dancing with my husband and playing the tambourine. Eek!
Disclaimer: I don't know why I was binge drinking Mich Ultra. When you have as many beers as I did that night, the carb and calorie counts were obviously out of the question.
Next morning – approximately 6 am: I hear "Mama" being sung from Henry's room in his adorable toddler voice.
I open my eyes and a searing pain shoots through my head. All I can see is my wadded up Rent the Runway dress on the floor and my clutch purse on the nightstand. I had managed to make it into some pajamas and taken out my earrings. #MomWin
I think, oh sh*t, I hope I didn't make an *ss of myself and check my phone. All I have is a text from my sister-in-law asking when we left. Holy hell, what did I do with my life last night?
Disclaimer: This is not a regular event for me. I rarely go out. But something about a night out without having to worry about my kid turns me into Kristen Wiig on the plane in Bridesmaids.
Henry sings "Mama" again. I roll over, look at my sleeping husband who doesn't realize how bad his hangover is going to be, call him an *sshole under my breath and stumble out of bed. I go to the bathroom and don't bother to look in the mirror because that is just an image I don't want to remember. Oh the shame. Oh the guilt.
I enter Henry's room. He pops up in his crib and greets me with the cutest, most adorable grin and says "Hi Mama!" This always melts my freaking mom heart. Anyone with a toddler knows their greatest hour is between 6 and 7 am.
Even this adorable grin that is melting my heart doesn't heal the constant pounding in my head. I get him out of his crib, change a putrid overnight diaper that gives me the dry heaves and head downstairs to the living room.
Sadly, this is where the worst part begins. I will give you the abridged version because it gets messy.
Get Henry milk and a banana and sit him on the loveseat.
Turn a cartoon on Netflix because the episodes play one after the other without me having to press any buttons.
I take four ibuprofen and lay down on the couch, thinking about how I will never drink again.
Haha! I will drink again when the next wedding rolls around but I don't want to think about it.
I close my eyes for a few short minutes.
I hear Henry get off the loveseat, walk over to me, and begin poking me in the eyeballs.
I sit him next to me on the couch and try not to vomit, praying he will just watch TV for an hour.
One episode in, I smell poop.
I change the diaper and being that I am so hungover, throw it in the trashcan in the kitchen instead of the diaper genie upstairs in his room. HUGE MISTAKE!!
30 minutes later, Henry wanders into the kitchen where he REACHED IN THE TRASH AND GOT OUT THE DIRTY DIAPER! He hand delivered it to me on the couch.
I literally vomited this time. While puking with my head in the toilet, Henry closes the toilet lid on my head and laughs. Hysterically. I cried. While vomiting. This was definitely a low point in my life.
I run him a bath and plop him in the tub.
He continues his streak by pooping in the f*cking tub! Are you kidding me? Can this morning get any worse?
I pull him out of the tub, drain it, pour a whole bottle of bleach in it, turn on the shower and just hold him under it to get any excess poop off.
It was like when Rafiki holds Simba in the Lion King on top of the mountain but I was a hungover mom about to vomit with mascara still running down my face.
I wrap him in a towel while he giggles because he thinks this is really funny and head upstairs.
I burst into my bedroom, yell at my husband "YOUR TURN!" and I crawl back into bed. He looks at me like I'm a crazy person but doesn't know what I've just been through.
The moral of this story is, don't binge drink Mich Ultra at a wedding if you have to care for a toddler the next morning.
It will result in almost certain disaster.
I Learned More From My "Sh*tty" College Jobs Than I Ever Did in Class
I got my first "unglamorous" job when I was 16, when I was more than happy to strap on roller skates and skate around Sonic Drive-In for $6.25 an hour. I was incredibly proud when I got hired, relishing my sore legs and dirty apron after a long day of delivering burgers and milkshakes to customers. It wasn't until a classmate asked me when I was "quitting that crappy job" that I ever felt self-conscious . . . all that mattered to me was being able to buy my first car, an ancient stick shift older than I was, in cash.
My second "unglamorous" job came when I was 18, during my freshman year at college. I began working the morning shift at the local coffee shop, which required me to wake up daily around 4 a.m. and start baking pastries, scrubbing toilets, and churning out double espressos before a full day of classes. I also juggled two unpaid internships during the same year, essentially trading sleep for work experience and good grades.
My third (paid) unglamorous job, this time at a local thrift clothing store where people regularly tried to sell me dirty underwear, followed after two years at the coffee shop. There were also countless other unpaid internships and freelance writing gigs along the way.
When I had to bow out of social events because of my demanding work schedule, many school friends expressed sympathy for how "sh*tty" it was, but I rarely agreed. While everyone else was recovering from the latest frat party, I was waking up at 4 a.m. to make $7 per hour . . . and that was how I liked it.
Lessons My "Sh*tty" Jobs Taught Me
Instead of relying on my parents to pay for my groceries, cell phone bill, and rent, I was able to do these things on my own, maintaining my grades and even graduating a year early to avoid unnecessary student debt. Because of my "sh*tty" jobs, I had a full résumé before graduation and a healthy attitude toward working hard to achieve my goals. I learned perspective, self-sufficiency, and financial responsibility at an early age. Sure, I smelled like french fries, had coffee grounds in all of my shoes, and wore secondhand clothes because I got an employee discount, but I wouldn't change those things for the world.
Though many students try their hardest to avoid working in school, the lessons you learn from first jobs (no matter how "crappy" they are) are invaluable.
- Budgeting: When you start seeing dollar amounts in hours it takes to pay for them, it becomes a lot easier to skip a Frappuccino that costs an hour of work to earn.
- Time management: When you've got a shift at 5 a.m., you can't rely on your parents or roommates to wake you up. You learn how to go to bed on time, set alarms, and get out the door without anybody else motivating you.
- How to say "no": Working in college is a great exercise in standing your ground. You learn to say "no" to co-workers who need their shift covered during your mandatory attendance lecture, and you have to put your foot down if your manager asks you to stay late on the day of your final exam.
- Perspective: When you get a new job, you might quickly learn that it's not for you. This will help you set goals for achieving a career that suits your needs and desires, molding your perspective about what you want in life.
- Playing nice: Some people don't ever learn how to handle workplace drama, but it certainly helps when you start working young. Whether it's observing disastrous teenage flings between co-workers or having to spend eight hours in a drive-through next to somebody you don't enjoy spending time with, these "crappy" jobs teach you the art of the poker face and an undramatic disposition.
- Making friends: Working exposes you to many people you might not have met otherwise and gives ample opportunity to diversify your circle of friends. It's a privilege to come into contact with so many people of different ages, backgrounds, and life experiences!
- Respect: The ultimate lesson to be learned from working hard is respecting others who do the same. After working in a coffee shop, you'll think twice about complaining when the baristas take more than 30 seconds to whip up your drink; after scrubbing toilets, you'll be more courteous to those who clean up after you. This is the sort of thing that can't be taught in a classroom!
This Was by Far the Best Thing I Did on My Maui Vacation
If you're planning a trip to Maui, chances are you're already a little bit familiar with Haleakala National Park. Rising over 10,000 feet above sea level, Haleakala is the highest peak on the island. It's remote and otherworldly, far away from noise and light from the surrounding area. Given all of this, it should come as no surprise that it's a major tourist destination, especially for seeing the sunrise.
There is, of course, one small catch . . . given Haleakala's location and windy drive, you'll have to start your journey to the summit around 3 a.m., which is exactly why so many decide to skip out on this spectacle altogether. Let's be real: people don't come to Maui to wake up early - waking up early is the exact opposite of living on island time! But I urge you to do it. Just set the alarm and get in your car in the pitch black and make the drive; you will not be disappointed.
My partner and I were almost those people that skipped Haleakala. It wasn't until our flight to Maui that we decided to make the early morning trek. Even now it's hard to convey the pure majesty of a sunrise on Haleakala. Mark, my partner, is an avid rock climber and has seen hundreds of sunrises on peaks around the world. As the sun started coming up through the clouds that morning, he was left speechless. Later that day, he would share with me that this was the most beautiful sunrise of his life. From a man that spends his life climbing mountains, I took that to be a pretty impressive statement.
When you arrive, it's cold and dark and hard to see or get a sense of your surroundings. But as the sun starts to peek out, the clouds come into view and you can start to see outlines of Haleakala's deep valley below and rough volcanic rock. As this happens, a park ranger performs an ancient mele oli (chant) that was once sung by ancient Hawaiian priests hundreds of years earlier. It's an emotional moment to hear nothing but the sounds of this beautiful song while the sun reveals itself over a bed of billowy clouds. It's not very often that a large group of people are moved into silence because of beauty . . . this is one of those moments. I am not being dramatic when I say this sunrise will change your life. Thinking back on it now, I can't believe we almost skipped this.
On the drive back down, definitely reward yourself by stopping at Kula Lodge. The restaurant opens at 7 a.m. every day, which is right about the time you'll get there once you leave the summit. The restaurant is situated in the mountains and has incredible views of the western side of the island. It also has the most amazing macadamia nut pancakes (with coconut syrup!) I have had in my life.
Basic Tips Before Going
- You need a permit to enter the park: To limit the size of the crowd, the national park service (NPS) now requires a reservation for each car that enters the park. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and cost $2. If you do not have a reservation, it's very likely you will be turned away; we saw this happen to another party on our drive up. In addition to the reservation, you will also need to pay for an entrance fee of $25 per car at the time you enter the park. However, if you have an Annual National Parks Pass (like we did), the $25 fee is waived. You can opt out of driving yourself and pay for a tour, but I recommend driving. It's less hectic than dealing with a large group and you have much more control of what time you want to hit the road.
- It's freezing up there, so dress accordingly: The summit of Haleakala is 10,023 feet above sea level and the sun has yet to come out - it's going to be cold. Do not be one of those tourists that shows up in board shorts and a tank top; you will freeze. Before dawn, expect temps to be around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. I felt comfortable wearing a beanie, gloves, jeans, and several wool base layers under a jacket. My partner just opted to pack his puffy down jacket.
- Find a place away from the crowds: While there are two main viewing areas, there are several short trails that will take you to areas a little less populated to watch the sunrise. We chose the Pa Kaoao Trail (a .6-mile paved road), which got us a little above the main crowds and felt even more isolated since there were maybe only 10 other people up there. Do bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to wander off from the main viewing areas.
- Check the time: Depending on where you are staying on the island, the drive to the summit will take you two to three hours. Be sure to check what time the sun will be rising when you are there. The last thing you want is to miss it because you were late!
She Might Not Be Royalty, but Pippa Middleton's Homes Are Damn Regal
Image Source: Getty / Alex B. Huckle
Pippa Middleton's living arrangements have come a long way since her low-key beginnings deep in the Berkshire countryside. Her first home with her parents, little brother James, and big sis Kate Middleton, the future Duchess of Cambridge, was a red brick semi-detatched property where she spent much of her early childhood. The family also lived in a simple one-story flat-roofed building when dad Michael was stationed in Jordan for work, but the year that Pippa turned 12, the Middletons moved to a larger five-bedroom property in Berkshire called Oak Acre, and they never looked back.
Image Source: Getty / Danny Martindale
After student digs in Edinburgh while studying at university in her early 20s, Pippa moved to London to live with sister Kate. The Middletons reportedly bought the West London flat in 2002 for £1 million, and it was the perfect location for access to the nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants of the King's Road and just a 10-minute walk to the river. Pippa and Kate lived there for three years together until Kate moved with William to Angelsey and brother James moved in.
There was no hint as to how the sisters personalized their space, but later glimpses into Kate and William's Kensington Palace home give insight into Kate's home style, and it's likely the sisters would have shopped in some of the same decor stores. Pippa used the flat as her main base from 2007 to 2016, until she moved in with her now-husband James Matthews a year ago.
Image Source: Getty / Hoch Zwei
James bought his West London property in 2014 for £17 million, and the home features a gym, an underground cinema, an elevator, and six bedrooms. Planning permission was approved last year for a stacking garage in the basement and an extension to the master bedroom to add two dressing rooms and his and hers sinks to the en suite bathroom.
But that's not all! Pippa and James will also inherit the gorgeous Scottish Highlands family estate Glen Affric, where they spent a portion of their honeymoon. The Victorian property has pale gray turrets like a fairy-tale castle and sits in 10,000 acres of countryside. It is run as a vacation property, where prices start at £900 per person per night. Inside is all warm and cozy decor in shades of brown and neutrals, with lots of wooden paneling, leather armchairs, and window seats overlooking Loch Affric. There are eight bedrooms - some with cute four-poster beds hung with tartan drapes - plus a reading room, whisky room, and sunshine yellow dining room.
Leaf It to Us - 21 Places to See the Most Spectacular Fall Foliage in America
America really likes to show off in the Fall months. All you have to do is take a look around to see the incredible colors the amazing season has to offer. It's just about to be leaf-peeping season, so before you go on the hunt, make sure to know where you're headed. We have uncovered the absolute best places for foliage freaks to check out in the country. Keep reading to see the places you should add to your American bucket list!
15 Pitcher-Perfect Cocktails For Breezy Bartending Duty
Cocktails taste better when they're enjoyed with good company, but rather than craft a bunch of different beverages (I mean, who really wants to be stuck with bartending duty all party long?), make pitcher drinks like sangria, margaritas, and punch. All you have to do is make a large batch, and everyone gets a glass on demand. Hooray! Here are a few of our favorites, just in time for that pool party, BBQ, or whatever else you have planned for the holiday weekend.
- Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts
Kate Middleton Has Something That No Other British Royal Bride Does
Image Source: Getty / Handout
We've learned quite a bit about Kate Middleton since she officially joined the royal family in 2011, and getting to see her many milestones as the Duchess of Cambridge has been a real delight. Even though her new life as a duchess has afforded her the same opulent jewels, lavish living quarters, and frequent public appearances as everyone else, there's one thing Kate has that none of the other women in the family do: a college education.
When Kate and William met in 2001, they were both students at University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. They graduated in 2005, William with a master's in geography and Kate with a master's degree (with honors) in art history - making her the UK's first royal bride with a university degree. If Kate becomes queen, she will also be the first ever to have attended college.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein / ROTA
Though she didn't attend college, current monarch Queen Elizabeth II's education is nothing to sneeze at. She was essentially homeschooled but had the cream of the crop when it came to teachers. After she became heir to the throne in 1936, she studied constitutional history and law with Eton College Vice Provost Henry Marten. She also learned French, music, and literature from a personal governess and took lessons in religion from the Archbishop of Canterbury. When she was 18, she joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II, training as a mechanic and driver.
15 Ways You and Your Friends Can Be Lizzie McGuire Characters For Halloween
There are so many nostalgic Disney Channel costumes to choose from for Halloween, but some of the greatest inspiration comes from Lizzie McGuire. Not only was Hilary Duff our role model growing up, but the show was also full of some crazy fashion statements that are still iconic more than 15 years later. Yes, it's really been that long since the series premiered. Remember when Lizzie performed in front of hundreds of people at the Colosseum with an Italian superstar? What about simpler times when Miranda dyed Kate's hair a horrible shade of green? If you love (and miss) the show just as much as we do, pay tribute to your favorite characters by re-creating some of those iconic moments on Oct. 31.
7 Things You Need to Know About Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron's Circus Musical
Are you obsessed with musicals? Did you love the circus as a kid? Do you secretly still watch footage of Zac Efron singing and dancing in High School Musical? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, we have a real treat for you. Twentieth Century Fox has a brand-new musical biopic called The Greatest Showman in store, and it's sure to get your heart racing. The release date may be a few months away, but we still have a handful of exciting tidbits - including the first trailer and a gorgeous look at all of the circus performers! Get the details ahead.
1. Who's Starring
Hugh Jackman stars alongside Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, and Zendaya.
2. What It's About
The story focuses on American showman P. T. Barnum (Jackman), the founder of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
3. It's a Musical
Yes, you'll finally get to hear Efron's beautiful voice again. The songs are being written by acclaimed music duo Pasek and Paul (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), who are best known for their work on La La Land and Broadway's Tony-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen.
4. The First Sneak Peek
Thanks @Zendaya! @pasekandpaul, here's the @GreatestShowman #TrailerTrapeze. Catch! http://pic.twitter.com/i56Da25dZN
- Zac Efron (@ZacEfron) June 27, 2017
The cast teased fans with a few exciting clips from the movie before the full trailer dropped on June 28.
5. The Official Trailer
We can't get the song from the trailer out of our heads, which bodes well for the rest of the soundtrack.
6. The Poster
THE IMPOSSIBLE COMES TRUE. 12.25.17 @GreatestShowman @Zendaya @ZacEfron @kealasettle @pasekandpaul @20thcenturyfox 🎩 http://pic.twitter.com/XAoJ2h7zRv
- Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) August 28, 2017
In August, Jackman unveiled the poster for the film on Twitter.
7. The Release Date
After initially getting delayed, the musical is set to premiere on Christmas this year.
These Are the 10 Best Foundations, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
If you want to improve your makeup game, the key is to start with a good foundation. For many, that's easier said than done. Shade matching and finding that unicorn formula - the one that looks like a better version of your skin instead of a cakey mask - can seem impossible. To help make the search for Mr. Right Foundation easier, we took these challenges to the pros in hopes of separating the flaky from the flawless. Read on for some of the ones they and their celebrity clients have come to love.
10 Things People With Good Credit Always Do
Quick: what's your credit score? Don't know? That's a problem. Your credit score is a snapshot of your financial health and can have a far-reaching impact. Nicole Lapin, a financial expert and author of Rich Bitch: A Simple 12-Step Plan For Getting Your Financial Life Together, explains: "It's connected to anything you do with borrowing money - from the rate you get on your credit card to a mortgage or car loan." In addition, Lapin points out, "sometimes employers look at it or landlords before you rent to see how responsible you are."
You knew that, right? But did you know maintaining a good credit score goes beyond avoiding late payments? Or that not using any credit at all can negatively impact your score? With the help of Lapin and Bethy Hardeman, chief consumer advocate for monitoring site Credit Karma, we've discovered the 10 habits of people with good credit.
1. They Have Available Credit - and Don't Use It
Having credit available that you don't use is important. "Credit utilization - the amount of debt on your credit cards divided by all of your credit limits - is a major factor that goes into calculating your credit score," according to Hardeman. "Try to keep your credit card balances under 30 percent, aiming for less if your budget allows it." For example, if you have a total $10,000 credit limit, put less than $3,000 on your cards. This approach will also help you avoid overspending.
If you're confident about your spending habits, you can also call your credit card company and ask them to increase your limit to improve your ratio. If it's increased to $20,000, but you still spend under $3,000, your score will be better off.
Your amounts owed relative to your available credit accounts for about 30 percent of your score. And when a high percentage of your available credit is being used, it signals to credit-reporting agencies that you might soon miss a payment. That being said, you want to use your cards! FICO says that using a small amount of your credit is often better than not using any of your available credit at all.
2. They Never Cut Up Cards
"You might think you need to go cold turkey to beef up your credit score," Lapin explains. Wrong. Even if you're trying to cut back your reliance on credit cards because you've overextended yourself, Lapin suggests keeping a consistent bill on a card, like a utility bill or autopayment, to show that you are a steady payer.
3. They Keep Old Accounts Open
The length of credit history accounts for about 15 percent of your score, according to FICO. To get that number, credit rating agencies average the age of your credit. Say you have two cards. If you've had one card for 15 years and another for five years, your average length would be 10 years.
"Try to keep your credit cards open, as long as you're not paying any annual fees to do so."
"Try to keep your credit cards open, as long as you're not paying any annual fees to do so," Hardeman recommends. If it does come with a fee, go ahead and close it, but open a free card that you can plan to have around forever, putting one or two bills on it. Hardeman explains that a card might "fall off" your credit report because of inactivity in seven to 10 years.
Your old cards will also help keep your credit utilization rate low, because it ups your overall limit, assuming you're able to keep your spending in check.
4. They Pay Bills on Time Every Time
"I know this sounds patronizing, but pay your bills on time," Lapin says. "It's the best thing you can do to start becoming a star student with your financial report card." That means any bill, including your student loan, car payment, or medical bill from your doctor.
According to FICO, your payment history is the most important factor, accounting for 35 percent of your score. The agencies look at: how late you were, the size of the payment, how recently it happened, and how many delinquent marks you have.
5. They Ask For Forgiveness
"If it's the first time you've been late, pay your bill as quickly as possible, and then call your bank," Hardeman advises. "Explain the situation to them and remind them that it's your first time. They may be willing to consider it a fluke and help you. This may help keep a late payment off your credit report, keeping your payment history perfect."
If the delinquency has already hit your credit report, you can ask them to contact credit reporting agencies to correct the mark. You can also ask for a "do-over" if you miss another type of bill - like medical bill or loan payment.
6. They Use Their Credit Cards Like a Debit Card
Just because the credit card company offers a minimum payment doesn't mean you should take them up on it.
In addition to paying your bills on time, it's important to not carry a balance. Just because the credit card company offers a minimum payment doesn't mean you should take them up on it. "Using your credit cards and paying them off in full at the end of the month will show you're using your credit responsibly," Hardeman says. Plus, it avoids expensive interest payments.
People with good credit never put a large payment on their card if they know they can't pay it off in the next 30 days. That means no overextending yourself as you wait for a raise or year-end bonus.
7. They Set Up Direct Payments
I get it. You're busy. So to avoid missing a payment when life gets in the way, take a moment to set up a direct payment of your full monthly credit card balance from your checking account. Do this as soon as you open new accounts. It will also hold you accountable, since you know you can only spend as much as you have in your checking. Hardeman also has this tip: "If you don't like your current due date, you can always call your bank and ask them to change it."
8. They Use Free Credit-Monitoring Services
Credit Karma is a free credit-monitoring service that will give your credit score instantly or send you free reports every week. It also keeps you up to date on all your accounts and the factors that impact your score. You can break your score down by "credit factors" and get a snapshot in how you do in each category (and how important each category is). One of the best things about Credit Karma, in my experience, is that it will email you if something seems wrong. If you miss a payment on accident, for example, you can quickly address it with your credit card company.
With sites like Credit Karma, you can "make sure you know how your credit looks before a lender or landlord takes a look," Hardeman says. She notes that you can also file a dispute for free directly with the credit bureau on Credit Karma if you catch any errors on your credit report.
9. They Aren't Afraid of Opening New Accounts
"My FICO scores will drop if I apply for new credit" is classified as a myth by FICO. Opening new cards does lower your average age of credit, but it also ups the amount of available credit you have. The main thing to avoid is having a lot of money owed on a lot of cards. It indicates overextension.
Consumers worry too much about about hard inquiries.
Hardeman believes consumers worry too much about about hard inquiries. She explains that "hard inquiries generally occur when a bank or lender checks your credit report to make a lending decision. You typically authorize them to take a look at your credit report as a part of the application." While hard inquiries can lower your credit score, Hardeman admits, it generally only drops by a few points. "Remember that hard inquiries make up only 10 percent of your total credit score."
10. They Don't Rush to Pay Off Their Loans
People with good credit aren't scared of student loans, car payments, or mortgages. In fact, they know a healthy mix of credit types, including planned installment loans, can help your score. It signals that you are reliable, and it helps build your history. Hardeman says it's simple: "Using credit responsibly will help you build a positive credit score."
Now that you know these 10 secrets, you're on the way to building a strong score, too.
Skip the Gas Station Junk and Pack 1 of These Road Trip Snacks Instead
If hopping on a plane to an exotic destination isn't in the cards for you, fret not. Road trips (especially to America's top food cities and other culinary destinations, like food festivals) can be just as fun. Even if you can't afford to take a massive vacation, you can still enjoy peak travel season by getting in a car and driving somewhere fun. But as the old adage goes, sometimes the journey is the destination, so if you've ultimately got your sights set on good eats, then don't overlook the ever-important car snacks. Here are a few nibbles that are just as appetizing as they are portable and transport-resistant.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
Dad's Taken-Style Note Will Make Every Kid Think Twice Before Leaving Dishes in the Sink
My teenagers refuse to put their dishes in the dishwasher. So I put this above the sink.
Stuck on how to get your kids to do their chores? This dad might have a solution.
After one too many days dealing with a messy kitchen and dirty dishes left filling up the sink, this frustrated father channeled Liam Neeson - or rather his very industrious character from the Taken movies - and wrote a letter to his kids outlining a "very particular set of skills."
The note, which he printed out and posted on Reddit (in his words, "my teenagers refuse to put their dishes in the dishwasher, so I put this above the sink"), made his demands clear: either his kids do as he's instructed or prepare to have their wifi and data plans disconnected.
How this nail-biter ends, we aren't sure. We just know not to mess with a dad who goes to this kind of effort.
This post was originally published on July 27, 2015.
Proof That Jared Leto Has Had as Many Girlfriends as He Has Hairstyles
Jared Leto is one of the most eligible bachelors in Hollywood, and plenty of women have fallen victim to his enviable looks and undeniable charm over the years. You may recall that the Oscar winner and 30 Seconds to Mars frontman dated Cameron Diaz back in the day, and you're probably aware of that now-famous photo of then-girlfriend Scarlett Johansson trying to kiss him while he checked his cell phone, but how many of Jared's former flames do you really know about? We're looking back at his dating history, including serious romances and some maybe-true, maybe-not rumored dalliances. Keep reading to see them all now.
This DIY Bed Lets Kids Feel Like They're Camping All Year
We've all been there: you see an absolutely brilliant product on Pinterest, only to find out that it would cost more than your monthly paycheck. That's what happened to mom and Hello Bowsers blogger Sarah when it came to her toddler's room.
"I came across a beautiful toddler teepee bed with pull out trundle that I couldn't stop thinking about for days and knowing it would be perfect for my son . . . the price of this adorable piece wasn't listed on the site. I know, bad news bear. I later contacted the company for a quote when curiosity got the better of me. The bed is well over $2000 without shipping, tax and duty fees. Yikes!"
Instead of giving up when she found out how expensive her dream bed was, Sarah did something even better than buying it: she built her son a tent bed of his own, from scratch! It certainly wasn't easy - in fact, Sarah credits a few bottles of wine and a very patient fiancé for helping her survive the process - but the crafty mama designed and built a stunning tepee bed.
Like the idea of camping beneath the stars every night? Luckily for us, Sarah documented her entire experience and created a comprehensive tutorial, so now anyone can replicate her creative process. So don't give up on your dream kids' room - all it takes is a little perseverance, some wine, and a whole lot of wood to create the perfect furniture. Take a peek at Sarah's finished product below.
The Secrets to Getting Cast on Your Favorite HGTV Shows
If you're like millions of devoted home design show viewers, you've undoubtedly daydreamed about starring in an episode yourself. Whether you prefer the modern farmhouse look of a Fixer Upper reno or the open, contemporary style of the Property Brothers' makeovers, you've undoubtedly imagined the property you would buy and the big changes you would make to it if you were in the homeowners' shoes. Well, if you're ready to turn your daydream into reality, keep reading, because we have all the info you need to get cast on your favorite HGTV shows (and beyond) listed ahead.
This Facebook Account Is Dedicated to Every Single Instagram Boyfriend Out There
Not all Instagram photos are equal - some are taken with self-timers or using the ol' arm for a selfie. But others are taken by a special kind of photographer: the Instagram boyfriend. A Facebook page dedicated to the Instagram boyfriend is going viral because really, who can't relate?
The page, called Boyfriends of Instagram, boasts more than 14,000 "likes" and 81 user-submitted photos of boyfriends taking pictures of their significant other. The boyfriends go to great extents to take the right photo: some hover above a pool, while others will lie on a questionable sidewalk. Not all of these are boyfriends, either; some are kids of mothers who are taking the photos that will hopefully gain more than 76 "likes."
You can "like" the Facebook page or follow it on Instagram. Shout-out to all the boyfriends who don't complain and take your next profile picture. And let's be real: your next stop is becoming an Instagram husband.
18 Weird Things You Never Noticed About Your Favorite TV Show Sets
Are you a Netflix addict who always has a new show to watch? Well, then you'll love these fun facts about the iconic sets from your favorite series. From The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Sex and the City, there are plenty of secret set details that most viewers never notice about the shows they love . . . so prepare to have your mind blown! Trust us, your Friends marathons will be forever changed - you'll never see Monica's apartment the same way again.
13 Miracle-Working Night Creams For Women in Their 20s (All Under $55!)
Night is a cherished time for your skin. It's when you slow down and give your body's largest organ a break from exposure to the elements, allowing it to restore and repair itself. Of course, there are some top-notch moisturizers you can (and should) use to help the process along. While not everyone has the income for La Mer - including this editor - there are options for every budget. Before you slip between the sheets at night, consider grabbing one of these affordable buys from Sephora or Ulta. They're all under $55, and they're all packed with ingredients that will help your skin heal while you catch some much-needed zzz's.
You Haven't Lived Until You've Tried Sephora's 15 Bestselling Foundations
So many important factors go into buying (and falling in love with) a particular foundation. For starters, you need a hue that actually matches your unique skin tone. Then, you have to consider how it works with your skin type. You'll have to decide the type of finish and coverage you're seeking. And then there's a bevy of ingredients and skin care benefits to also take into consideration.
Needless to say, picking a foundation out isn't easy - especially if you prefer to shop online for beauty products. But this is why it's important to do research, and thanks to the millions of makeup-lovers who shop and review products on Sephora.com, the most complicated research is done for you.
If you're in the market for a new foundation, we've rounded up the bestselling options from Sephora.com. These top-tier complexion formulas have all been given a prestigious four or more stars by avid foundation-lovers, and include a variety of formulas for all preferences (including full cover, natural, and powder)! Keep reading to check them out.
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