Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 4 janvier 2018
34 Actors You Forgot Were on Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy has been on for 14 seasons - that's two short of ER and one more than Supernatural. Over the course of those many, many episodes, we've seen a ton of memorable guest stars pass through the hospital doors. Some big names even had longer arcs on the show, but we wouldn't blame you for forgetting about them. After all, so much happens on the series. With the season 11 finale rapidly approaching, we thought we'd take stock of who has appeared on the series over the years. Check it out, and when you're done, sob to these infamous Grey's Anatomy hits.
25 Movies You Won't Believe Turn 30 This Year
With the dawn of 2018, a slew of a great movies are turning 30 years old. Take a look back at 1988, when Tom Cruise was king (Cocktail, Rain Man), Bill Murray was Scrooge(d), and Bruce Willis was bringing some Christmas cheer and some ass-kicking to Nakatomi Plaza. Or perhaps you were discovering Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor, and Annabeth Gish in Mystic Pizza, or having some Dangerous Liaisons with Glenn Close and Michelle Pfeiffer. However your cinematic tastes run, we've got a little something here for everyone. And try not to let our list make you feel old (though it probably will).
You Already Know the Grammy-Nominated Childish Gambino by Another Name
Get excited, because the 2018 Grammys are almost here and Childish Gambino is one of the select few who is dominating the nominations. The 34-year-old rapper could join the ranks of Patti LaBelle, Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Beyoncé if he wins best traditional R&B performance for "Redbone," and that's just the tip of the iceberg! Get to know all about Childish Gambino and his Grammy nominations.
- You already know him by another name. The rapper is known as Childish Gambino in the music world, but his real name is actually Donald Glover. He's starred in TV shows like Atlanta and Community, and even appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Childish Gambino told Jimmy Fallon back in 2011 that he got his rap name from The Wu-Tang Clan Name Generator. "It was sophomore year of college and we were all hanging out, chilling, and drinking," he explained. "Mine came up and I was like, 'It's not funny anymore. This is something big.' I just really liked it. It felt like me. It's a little scary, but mostly cuddly."
- Sadly, he's taken. Not only is Childish Gambino in a relationship with a woman named Michelle, but the couple are parents to 1-year-old son Legend and are currently expecting their second child together.
- He's on his way to potentially winning his first Grammy. Childish Gambino is nominated for five Grammys this year, including album of the year and best urban contemporary album for Awaken, My Love!.
- He credits his career to Tina Fey. Before launching his music and acting career, Childish Gambino was hired by Tina Fey as a writer for 30 Rock. "I decided I wanted to write for television because of Tina," he told Wired in January 2017. "She was always so happy, and I was like, 'I want to be happy like that, too.'" In another previous interview with EW, Childish Gambino revealed that Tina "taught me how to write, but also about the politics of television."
- Get ready to say goodbye to Childish Gambino. The rapper recently announced that he will be saying goodbye to his alter-ego very soon as his next album will be his last. "I feel like there's gotta be a reason to do things and I always had a reason to be punk," he told The Huffington Post in June 2017. "Being punk just always felt really good to me and we always looked at Atlanta as a punk show and I feel like the direction I would go with Childish Gambino wouldn't be punk anymore. As much as 'Redbone' is a punk song because it's a gospel song that's on the radio, I'm like there's only so far you can go before you just are the radio." But don't worry, he'll still be around. In addition to appearing in the upcoming Han Solo spinoff movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story, he will also be playing Simba in The Lion King reboot.
100 Books to Read Before They're Films
There are always going to be books that are being made into movies, and we love to read them before they get the big-screen treatment as much as you do. If you like being able to say the book was better (isn't it always?), then we have 100 novels to dive into. Click through and see which books you need to add to your shelf - before they get to the theater.
Brace Yourselves, Potterheads - A Ton of New Fantastic Beasts 2 Photos Are HERE
We might have to wait one more year for the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them sequel - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - to hit theaters, but thankfully the studio has blessed us with plenty of magical distractions to keep us busy. The latest is a bunch of new photos of the cast, which we can't get enough of. There's a closer look at the movie's exciting new characters (including another shot of Jude Law's dashing young Dumbledore), as well as a glimpse of the film's controversial villain, Grindelwald.
This isn't the first time we've gotten a sneak peek at the sequel, either. Warner Bros. has been releasing some key details about the new movie over the past few months (like what the plot will be about back in July), but these photos are far and away the most revealing look at the next installment in Newt Scamander's (Eddie Redmayne) story. Take a look at every gorgeous image we've gotten so far before Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald hits theaters on Nov. 16, 2018.
Meet Vanessa Kirby, the British Actress You’ve Fallen in Love With on The Crown
There's no denying that the cast of The Crown is captivating from the very first episode. While Claire Foy's incredible performance as Queen Elizabeth II has been especially praised by many (including the SAG Awards), it's actually Vanessa Kirby's interpretation of the glamorous Princess Margaret that has been drawing a lot of attention now that the second season of the Netflix show is here. Over just a few episodes, she manages to show us just how relatable the Queen's sister is. As we wait to find out if she'll return for season three, here's everything you should know about the British actress.
Here's When to Expect Netflix's New and Returning Shows in 2018
Netflix is producing original TV series at a breakneck pace. It currently has over 100 original series being produced, between its full originals and its partnership series. In 2018, we can look forward to new seasons of several Marvel shows, like Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, plus continuations of Grace and Frankie, 13 Reasons Why, Arrested Development, and more.
Here are all the premiere dates we know so far!
Stop Debating - There's Proof That Kylo Ren Isn't Lying About Rey's Parents
WARNING: Spoilers for Star Wars: The Last Jedi follow.
Movies in the Star Wars canon are notorious for leaving fans asking more questions from film to film, but one of the biggest questions that emerged after The Force Awakens and still looms after The Last Jedi has fans puzzled and taking sides: Just who the heck are Rey's parents?
Not only do we not know the identity of Rey's parents by the end of The Last Jedi, but Kylo Ren complicates matters further by telling Rey that he saw her parents in a vision and that they were nothing more than common drunkards who abandoned her on Jakku.
"You come from nothing. You're nothing," Kylo tells a tearful Rey in a pivotal scene where he tries to convince her to leave the Resistance to join him, adding "but not to me" as he tries to convince her to join him on his destructive mission. Even Rey agrees with him that her parents were nobodies and that her quest to be trained by Luke Skywalker is just her way of trying to find a sense of place and belonging, but the question is, can you believe Kylo Ren?
Fans are split online, with some siding with Kylo and others firmly believing that he was just manipulating her because he knows that Rey's past is her weakness.
I'm a little surprised by how readily accepting the Internet has been of Kylo's claim that Rey's parents were nobodies. The second he said that I knew there was a 90% chance it was a lie. He was manipulating her by trying to make her feel insignificant to everyone but him.
- The MadSmatter (@MadSmatter) December 17, 2017
There are countless fan theories around Rey's parents, including that she's the daughter of Han Solo and Leia, or that she's the offspring of Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, Collider's interview with the film's writer and director Rian Johnson points to the fact that Kylo Ren isn't lying.
Regarding Kylo's statement that Rey's parents were nobodies, Johnson said:
"That's what Kylo sees and that's what he tells her and I think he's not lying in that moment. That's what he saw and she seems to believe it when she hears it . . . I'm not writing the next film, we'll see how they handle it going forward, and as we all know in these movies, there's always a certain point of view that's involved. But, for me, I'll tell you that was the . . . I can understand why that answer doesn't feel good. It's not supposed to feel good. It's supposed to be the hardest thing she could possibly hear in that moment."
Based on how family lineage is used in the Star Wars universe, it's surprising that a character as powerful as Rey would be the offspring of nobodies, but the decision speaks to a new direction that illustrates that anyone can rise to greatness, regardless of their background.
Whether Rey's parents are significant or not can't take away from the fact that she has become the ultimate badass. No matter her heritage, no one can argue that the force is indeed with Rey.
Hysterical Dad Tweets Priceless Conversations Between Him and His Daughters
Comedian James Breakwell makes sure that every tweet he sends is absolutely hilarious - by recounting conversations he has with his wife and four daughters under the age of 6. His account, XplodingUnicorn, is full of priceless 140-character encounters with his little ladies, all of whom seem to have been passed down a bit of their father's comedic ability and give new meaning to the phrase "kids say the darnedest things."
Scroll through for some of his tweets, which will undoubtedly give you stitches in your side.
The $32 Space Heater That Finally Made My Freezing Apartment Tolerable This Winter
My apartment doesn't have a heater. As a result, I normally spend the Winter cuddled up in flannel pajamas, an oversize bathrobe, fluffy socks, and extralarge slippers. This year, I decided to ditch the layers and invest in a space heater after I found this portable Lasko Ceramic Heater ($32) on Amazon. My apartment is old and hasn't been updated in a long time, so because of this I needed something that had low voltage. Years ago, my roommates and I had another space heater, but the voltage was so high that when we turned on another appliance, all of our electricity would go out. It became too much of a hassle, so we stopped using the heater. In my search for a new one, it was important to find something small yet mighty.
As soon as it arrived, I instantly turned it on and was impressed. My living room and bedroom are both on the large side, but within 10 minutes, they felt warmer. Now my favorite thing to do is stick it next to my feet while I'm watching TV or turn it on in my bedroom right before I take a shower so I can return to heated room. The lightweight design makes it easy for me to carry for room to room.
This Lasko heater was ideal because on a low setting it only uses 900 watts, meaning I could safely dry my hair at the same time. And if I want to turn it up, I can use the higher setting at 1,500 watts; I just make sure to not use any other large electronics simultaneously.
I can safely say I'm totally reliant on it now.
I'm a Family Psychologist and These Are the 20 Most Common Parenting Mistakes I See
Most parents try to do what's best for their children. What happens when we don't even realize our behavior is harmful? Our friends at Fatherly share with us 20 common partenting mistakes.
What are some common mistakes parents make that could actually hurt their children's mental and physical health in the long term?
I have seen so many good intentions go horribly wrong over the years that can result in self-harm, suicide and, in extreme cases, even murder. Here are some of the most common mistakes that can be really harmful to kids.
1. Giving Them Too Many Choices
Many parents think children always should have endless choices, when the reality is kids can be overwhelmed if they're always given so many options.
2. Praising Them For Everything They Do
It's very common now to see kids who are almost junkies for praise. They won't do anything unless there is a payoff for them.
3. Trying to Make the Child Happy
Their job is to learn to make themselves happy, and you can never force a child to be happy.
4. Overindulging Them
They will almost always end up believing acquisitions lead to happiness. This sets up chasing the never-satisfying carrots, and can result in addictions and compulsions.
5. Keeping Them Too Busy
Most commonly with sports. Many parents wrongly believe "activities" will keep their kid out of trouble, but often times this will lead to the child being burned out or even becoming a bully.
6. Thinking Smart Will Save Them
It can be tempting for parents to promote smart as the end-all-be-all. Yet this can lead to a child becoming arrogant, thinking everyone else is stupid or secretly believing that they have to put on an act and are a fraud. As a result, nobody likes them.
7. Thinking a Strict Religion Will Give Them Perfect Values and Save Them
The first time they see hypocrisy in their parents or the touted beloved leaders, the house of cards start to fall.
8. Withholding Common Information About Important Topics - Like Sex
Many parents are terrified of talking about sex, and believe avoiding discussing it with their children will save them. But I've seen 13-year-old girls get pregnant, sometimes just to flaunt it at their parents.
9. Being Hyper-Critical of the Child's Mistakes
It can be easy to assume intense scrutiny promotes success and makes kids better. But kids raised this way are driven to perfection in everything from looks, likability, sports, smarts, or you name it. When a mistake happens, they are worthless as a human being and start getting so angry that in some cases they will resort to self-harm even to the point of suicide.
10. Using Shame, Shunning, or Threats
Never imply that there is a chance you might not love your child due to their actions, as some parents do so in order to get their kids to achieve compliance. It is a short term gain with abandonment lurking in the shadows. Then the child doesn't care either.
11. Making Kids Do Things Inappropriate For Their Age
I have 3 patients right now who, by age 4, were having to feed themselves and/or had to be in charge of a sibling also. I've seen many who didn't have children of their own because as they all said; "I raised my family."
12. Not Limiting Screen Time
Whether it's TV, video, games, phone or texting. I know a family where the mom and teenage son text each other constantly and no one else can get into their relationship link.
13. Not Letting Kids Get Bored
Some parents think children are supposed to be stimulated at all times and it's their job to avoid boredom. Then kids don't learn to be creative and find the way out of boredom in themselves.
14. Protecting Kids From Their Own Consequences and Loss
I see parents with good intentions get their kids everything, from a simple toy to buying them out of legal trouble, and suddenly are surprised when the child respects nothing. All of us need to learn losing is just another way to gain wisdom and experience about what not to do.
15. Not Letting Kids Play Dangerously
The Forest Kindergarten schools have shown the children get sick less, are more well adjusted and also get along better than their regulated indoor peers.
16. Not Debriefing Kids at Bed Time
"What happened today?" Children sleep better and feel loved when the parent shows an interest in what happened that was significant to them in their own lives.
17. Not Reading to Very Young Children
Reading requires the child to be still, be quiet, and use their imagination. All the things videos don't. It prepares them for listening in school and being able to use their imagination for creativity and alternatives as a resource.
18. Pulling Pacifiers Too Soon
Parents know the pacifier is an outward symbol of insecurity, so they tend to take it away as soon as they can, instead of getting the child secure where it would drop-out naturally. I have adult patients who secretly suck their thumbs.
19. Not Regulating Food
And especially inquiring: "Are you full?" When this happens, typically your kid will load the plate again. That is an old survival program from our heritage as scarcity, when food was not available. Kids then chase a full-filled sensation, not understanding each time you fill yourself, your stomach adapts to that as normal and expands.
20. Spanking Children Older Than 5
Parents think it will teach them to be good, but using corporal punishment never works as well as love. I see all kinds of patients where the concept of 'Spare the rod - spoil the child' was anything but. No spoiling, just oppositional, angry, bullying, deceiving, fearful or performing automatons.
Author Mike Leary is a psychologist who primarily deals with relationships and parenting.
This Mom's "Poem" About Public Breastfeeding Is Even Better Than Her Photo
If you've tried talking and writing and protesting and still can't seem to get people to accept you breastfeeding in public, perhaps you need to try a Dr. Seussian limerick?
That's what one mom, Whitney, did in the latest amazing way women are normalizing breastfeeding. Behold, her poem on the popular Facebook group Breastfeeding Mama Talk:
Anytime. Anywhere. You can stare, I don't care. I'll feed my hungry child, here or there, if you don't like my boob I still don't care. A Restaurant? A store? It's boob juice galore! A theater? A museum? But you're more focused on trying to see them! Bottle or boob. It's all just food. You still think I should cover? You should run and tell your mother. Pull out your phone and take a picture? But I'm the one who's the problem? Don't you wish we could all mind our business? That would sure solve them! Think I am disgusting? I could say the same? Think I am playing an attention-seeking game? You are wrong because you see, really I am only worried about the comfort of my baby and me!
Instagram Turned Barbie Into a Millennial Mom - and the Posts Are Spot-On
If you're a mom with an Instagram feed, there's a good chance you've posted the obligatory share-worthy snaps of your family. There's the classic baby-bump selfies, the chaotic-yet-expertly-coordinated family photos, and the aerial shots of your morning coffee. And of course who can forget the token "shirtless dad holding naked baby on chest" photo?
It makes sense then that Barbie's feed is no different. That's right: the famed Mattel toy is a married mom with two kids, and, aside from some rubbery joints, her Instagram feed shows her living out her days just like the rest of us, or at least like the real-life mommy bloggers we follow.
This hipster Barbie mom goes by Tiff, and her @tiff_thebarbie account, which has a whopping 12,000 devoted fans, features copious #momlife hashtags and Pinterest-worthy pregnancy announcements, gender reveals, and birth photos.
Scroll through for this doll's social media highlights, and don't feel bad if you steal a few ideas for your own feed.
This Gender Reveal Photo Shoot Is What Disney Dreams Are Made Of
For soon-to-be parents Megan and Ryan, one of their first real loves was Disney. After getting married, the fun-loving couple even opted for their photographer to capture a playful honeymoon shoot at Epcot. When the pair found out that they were expecting, it almost felt fateful that their beloved wedding photographer already had a trip planned to Florida and they immediately knew that they wanted to plan a gender reveal session at Disney World.
The only problem with this exciting idea was that at Megan's most recent doctor's appointment, the doctor was unable to say the baby's gender with complete certainty. Although he suspected it was a girl, Megan wouldn't be able to find out for sure until the day after Dawn Browne's, of Degrees North Images, flight back to Texas.
To play it safe, they decided to take photos with both baby boy and girl props in order to be prepared for either gender. They spent the afternoon at Disney's boardwalk so they could have room away from all of the pedestrians while still taking advantage of colorful backdrops. When it was confirmed that the expecting parents were having a baby girl, nobody was more thrilled than Ryan! "Our dad to be was so excited (he would only take pictures with the little girl shoes)," Browne told POPSUGAR. "Now we are all looking forward to future photo shoots with the newest Disney princess!"
How a Necklace Made Me Question My Abilities as a Mother
While celebrating a past birthday with friends, we decided to wander the shops of our edgy downtown street. We stepped into one of my favorite places, a shop where vintage artwork popped from every corner and handmade jewelry hung from pegs. I hadn't planned on buying anything, but then I saw it: a pendant necklace that said, "Best Mom Ever."
"Can I buy this for myself?" I chuckled to my friends. Immediately, of course, they all said, "Yes." I took it to the register and paid.
I am my children's only mom, and therein lies a gift beyond any bronze chain, a gift that says no one else can validate nor eradicate what I know to be true.
When I got home, I showed it to my husband. "That's hilarious," he said, and we laughed together. I admit that I felt somewhat like Michael Scott from The Office, who kept a self-purchased "Best Boss Ever" mug on his desk. I know these types of things aren't meant to be purchased by the wearer, but given as a gift. But that necklace was beautiful and seemed like the perfect thing to dress up my frequent outfits of t-shirts and jeans. So why couldn't I get it for myself?
My children are still in the stages where they constantly shower me with love no matter what. They still want to snuggle in the morning and they always want extra hugs at bedtime. I'm still a valuable teammate for checkers, and I do all the good voices when reading their favorite books. "Your kids are great," my family and friends assure me, "and you're a great mom." But those words are just flattery unless I believe them, too.
When my oldest child - an always curious 6-year-old - saw my necklace, he read it out loud. "Best. Mom. Ever." Then he snickered and continued playing. A couple weeks later, he asked me why I wear it. "I like it," I said. "Do you agree with it?" "No," he said, "because sometimes we do bad things and you yell at us." I nodded, impressed with his honesty, and kissed him goodnight.
And he's right. I yell sometimes, frustrated over the little things. I can be grumpy every morning and snippy in the afternoons, and I question anyone's authority to speak to my parenting strategies. I know that no matter how rightful and loving my motherly discipline is, it doesn't always come out in the calm manner I know it should.
No, when compared to many other moms, I would likely not win the title that my necklace boasts. Still, I wear it because I have three children whom I love. Three self-purchased red words hang over my heart and speak a truth that goes beyond opinion or anecdotes. This truth is something that may take years to develop, but something that seeps positivity into all the minutes I spend with my children.
I am my children's only mom, and therein lies a gift beyond any bronze chain, a gift that says no one else can validate nor eradicate what I know to be true. I am the best if I choose to take on the title.
Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Shakes During Delivery
I felt prepared to give birth. I'd read my books, I'd taken my classes, and my friends shared a few too many gory details prior to the big day - but they didn't share everything.
Heading into my C-section, I was confident and full of anticipation. I knew what the procedure entailed and how long it would take. I knew the schedule for the baby afterward and had a plan so my husband would follow our baby as soon as he left the operating room. But once my son arrived, they came too - the shakes. Nobody warned me about the shakes. And these weren't just a little shiver felt throughout my body, but full-on, uncontrollable shaking that probably made me look like I was convulsing to the untrained eye. I honestly don't remember much about them - I was probably so pumped up on endorphins that they've been erased from my memory - but I do recall having trouble getting a full sentence out of my mouth because my teeth were chattering so hard. The whole "episode" probably lasted the total of an hour, and, like I said, it isn't anything I would have remembered, except that it happened again when my second son was born.
This time around, with a scheduled C-section on the books, I braced myself for some postpartum shaking prior to entering the operating room. My body, however, seemed to have something else in mind.
After receiving a spinal block and lying down on the table, I began to feel cold - like polar-vortex cold. I asked the operating-room staff to raise the temperature in the room, at which point my husband told me that the room was already very warm - he was sweating. Before I could say anything else, the shakes set in, and this time they were uncontrollable! Whether it was nerves (sometimes it's actually worse to know what to expect) or a side effect of the painkillers, I'll never know. But, thanks to a thoughtful anesthesiologist, my upper body was covered with an air-warming blanket that looked like it came out of Big Hero 6, which provided me some comfort and heat throughout the surgery. Before long, my second son was in my arms and the shakes were the furthest thing from my mind.
But consider this your warning. The shakes are real, and they're normal. They are part of your body's recovery (or in my case preparation) and nothing to worry about - unless they're accompanied by a fever. Because heck, you know you wanted your newborn to have an interesting first feeding session.
Did you have the shakes during your delivery?
Getting Away From Your Kids Just Might Save Your Marriage
I've yet to meet a woman whose marriage hasn't been affected by adding a baby or two to the mix. Even when those kids are out of diapers and more self-sufficient, they still require a lot of work and emotional energy - energy that you then don't have to expend on your partner . . . or yourself, which, if you're like me, might subsequently make you resent your spouse for needing more from you than a quick "How was your day, dear?"
Even the best marriages - ones where both parties are willing to put in the effort to keep the relationship strong - can feel the strain of too little sleep, too much stress, and too many things on their to-do lists.
In the last couple of years, my own marriage has gone through some struggles. The common, underlying theme? We just don't have enough time or energy to devote to each other and focus on our relationship when there's a 3-year-old to potty-train, a 6-year-old to drag out of bed at 6:30 a.m. so she can make her school bus, and a household and family schedule to juggle, each of which becomes increasingly more complicated as our family grows.
We both feel like we're bearing the lion's share of the responsibility to keep our family moving in the right direction, and while continuing to love each other has never been a problem, feeling connected to each other has often been tougher to accomplish. And who wants to sleep with someone they feel distant from?
That's why getting away for the weekend, not just once a year, but regularly, isn't just a fun escape for us; it's a marriage saver.
That's why getting away for the weekend, not just once a year, but regularly, isn't just a fun escape for us; it's a marriage saver.
The thing is, my husband of seven years and I still really do like each other - that is, when we get to spend time together that isn't focused on the kids, but these days, that is a rare event. Five days a week he leaves around 7 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m., meaning he has about two hours a day with the kids and me, and they happen to be the most stressful two hours of every day. The kids are competing for his attention, asking for wrestling matches and story time, while I'm just trying to get him to help me convince the two of them to get in the bath and go the f*ck to sleep.
The weekends aren't much less stressful, full of soccer games and birthday parties and family events and house maintenance, and, of course, still trying to convince those kids to bathe and go to bed. None of it is exactly conducive to cultivating some old-fashioned romance or to righting a relationship that's run off course.
But give us 36 to 48 hours away from the kids, and within an hour or two, we're buddies again, bonding over our shared love of good food and wine, laughing about old memories from our decade-plus together, and reconnecting in all the physical and emotional ways that every marriage needs to survive.
Two days of that, and we can return to the kids a stronger unit, no longer accusing the other of doing too little or resenting how underappreciated our own efforts are by the other. We're a team, and it makes us both stronger. And that's good for everyone . . . especially the kids we occasionally leave behind.
16 Inspiring Prints That Will Motivate You to Live Your Best Life in 2018 - All From Etsy
We could all use a little motivation every once in a while. If you want to start 2018 on a positive and productive note, we have the perfect items to help you along. We gathered all of our favorite inspirational prints on Etsy that you can hang in your home. They are incredibly affordable and will give you the affirmations you need. Choose a few of these pretty prints and use them as wall art throughout your space. Not only do they give off good vibes, but they're also totally Instagram-worthy. So what are you waiting for? Start off January right and make some purchases ASAP. You'll be so glad you did.
Dr. Harvey Karp Thinks He Knows What May Lead to Autism in Some Children
In the years since the link between autism and vaccines was proven to be based on fraudulent data, study after study has proven that vaccines are not to blame for autism spectrum disorders. But what they haven't done is explain what does cause the disorders and why the number of children diagnosed each year is skyrocketing.
At a Healthy Child Healthy World and Environmental Working Group luncheon designed to raise awareness about pollutants in our food and environment, Dr. Harvey Karp - the pediatrician probably best known for his wildly popular The Happiest Baby series of parenting guides - turned to the topic on many parents minds and addressed concerns about autism.
He said:
"Something has changed and we all know about all this discussion about immunizations and is it mercury in immunizations, all this kind of stuff. Doesn't seem so. Lots of studies [are] being done now, as much as you can know something in science, [and] we know that immunizations are really good and they're not associated with autism.
So the question is: well then what is going on? And there's two explanations currently. One is that we're just calling things autism that we didn't used to call autism - there's a shift in diagnosis. That clearly has happened; it might be attributed, maybe, to half of the cases. But, it seems that there's another half of cases that never existed before, that are new and that shouldn't be happening. And so, we have to ask ourselves why.
And one theory, is it's an exposure to a certain class of chemicals that are called endocrine disrupting chemicals . . . It turns out that there are many different types of chemicals that are endocrine disrupting chemicals that are in plasticized plastic. You've heard of BPA, that's an endocrine disrupting chemical. BPA was first created to be an estrogen. Then they found they could put it into plastics. Every single one of you have BPA in your bodies just from all the exposure you have. You have phthalates, which are plastic parts, as well which are in every new car...things like that. All of those have a hormonal effect and there are dozens of others; all different classes. The weird thing is that hormones are signalers, they tell cells 'Do this, don't do that' and what can happen is these hormonally active chemicals make it into the brains of young babies or even before birth and shift the brain's development.
The reason I think that this could be related to autism is because it's something that isn't split evenly between boys and girls. Boys get more autism, boys get 4 times more autism, they're diagnosed 9 times more with Asperger's Syndrome. So it could be that if we just pushed it a little bit further, that may be the reason that we're seeing this increase. I don't know the answer, but I do know that we have to find the answer. Scientists are looking for that now, but we need to do more research on it."
So just what is BPA and why did it seep into our kids' brains?
According to the EWG, it was invented 120 years ago and was most recently used to manufacture hard plastic water bottles, baby bottles, and epoxy linings of metal food cans. "BPA can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body and disrupt the endocrine system, a danger to developing humans and animals." In 2009, studies showing that BPA was leaching out of baby bottles and infant formula cans and into humans pressured leading bottle manufacturers to stop using the chemicals in their manufacturing processes, and over the next year, most states banned the use of BPA in children's products, but it is still used in many canned foods. But according to Dr. Karp, BPA's replacement, BPS, may be just as dangerous. A recent study shows that "in utero exposure to BPS might lead to neurodevelopmental disorders later in life" and "that male hormones might be particularly disturbed by this abnormal cell development."
So what's a parent to do?
BPS is not clearly marked on products and can actually be found in BPA-free products. According to The Soft Landing, parents will want to:
- Steer clear of any plastic containers marked with #7. These BPA-free products appear to be made with BPS.
- Eat as many fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables as possible. Cans used for canned fruits and veggies can be lined in BPA and BPS.
- Choose silicone storage products. They're BPA and BPS free.
- Sign up for EWG's alerts that will keep you up to date on all the latest studies and findings.
The Property Brothers' 1 Simple Tip For Making Every Room in Your Home Look Better
If you want to do a house flip on time, on budget, and on trend, there's only two people you turn to: Drew and Jonathan Scott, aka HGTV's Property Brothers. These real estate and home design gurus know their stuff, so when they recently offered their one big tip to making every room in a house look better, we listened. As they explain in the video above, the key is to add a single, beautiful focal point to every space. In the bathroom, this could be a show-stopping clawfoot tub while in the kitchen it could be dazzling backsplash.
And for those sexy rooms homeowners value the most, like the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, "you have to have a little bling," Drew explains. Hanging a crystal chandelier or swapping in brass hardware can make a world of difference when it comes to giving your home that "wow" factor. Taken one room at a time, this is totally doable!
What Every Nursing Mom Needs to Know About Avoiding Foods
One of the hardest parts of being pregnant was having to avoid some of my favorite foods and drinks (things like sushi and certain teas were forbidden). I thought that once I had given birth, I could go back to eating and drinking to my heart's content. While this is mostly true, there are still some things that need to be limited by women who nurse. Here are 10 foods and drinks to be careful of when breastfeeding.
- Coffee and chocolate. Even though this is the time where you need caffeine the most, it's still best to limit caffeine while nursing, especially while the baby is young, since newborns have difficulty metabolizing caffeine. Chocolate, which contains caffeine, should consequently also be avoided.
- Fish. Mercury is a worry for nursing moms, thus fish is problematic. It's best to limit fish to no more than twice a week, choose fish that is lower in mercury like salmon, and avoid sushi to prevent the likelihood of food poisoning. According to the FDA, nursing women should still avoid tuna, swordfish, and other fish with high levels of mercury.
- Dairy. Some babies develop dairy allergies that can surface in things like eczema or trouble when breathing. It's a rare condition but still best to talk over any concerns with your doctor.
- Peppermint. That soothing cup of tea may sound great, but it's also possible that it lowers milk supply. It's best to proceed with caution.
- Orange juice. Even though there aren't any studies to support this claim, women are often told to avoid orange juice and other citric-heavy foods. Considering the potential risk of doing damage to the baby's GI tract, it may be best to limit just in case.
- Wheat. If your baby starts to show signs of stomachache and painful stools, talking with your doctor about avoiding wheat for a while might help.
- Garlic. Yes, garlic is flavorful, but it also can flavor your milk, which might not be the desired taste you were going for. If your baby starts to avoid the breast or seem discomforted, try limiting your garlic intake.
- Sugar. Sugar can dehydrate you, and when you're nursing, you need all the hydration and healthy nutrition you can get.
- Gassy foods. If a food, like beans and cauliflower, makes you gassy, it's possible that the baby will get gassy too.
- Spicy foods. Those flavorful and hot dishes, while delicious, can alter the taste of breast milk. Beyond creating a flavor that might be unappealing to babies, there is also a potential for the baby to experience gastric distress and become colicky.
Not All Couples Will Survive Marriage - Here's How to Make Yours Last
You said "Yes!" You bought your dress, chose your venue, mailed your invitations, and engaged in mildly inappropriate (but appropriate, if you know what I mean) bachelorette party behavior. You walked down the aisle, locked eyes with your soulmate, and repeated the words that have been echoed by all of the blissful(ly naive) husband and wives-to-be that have come before you: ". . . for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." You are married.
Fairy tales will tell you that happily ever after has been achieved and your life is now complete. However, I hate to be the wicked witch, but not all married couples will withstand the tests of their marriages. Fact.
Falling in love is easy. Showing up on your wedding day (unless you are the Runaway Bride), also not that difficult. Honeymooning and celebrating the milestones that follow is the best! That's what married couple do. What's not easy, what's not fun, is those moments – "for worse," "for poorer," and "in sickness" – that are in between. It's these moments that will differentiate between simply "being married" from a true marriage.
I learned this the hard way, luckily with my marriage still intact, and in fact stronger than ever. So, for all of the newlyweds eager to type in the comments section that I've just robbed you of your marital innocence, you can let out a sigh of relief. Yes, your marriage will face challenges. Hard challenges. Terrible challenges. Challenges you can't even fathom at this state of your "bubble-still-intact" married life. And nor should you. Not only will your optimism serve you as your relationship navigates choppier waters in the future, but, your choppy waters will be your rite of passage into marriage.
For two whole years, my husband and I withstood massive blows to what I had thought to be our very solid foundation, ten years in the making. Our house of cards came crumbling down with breaches of trust, intimate betrayals, job losses, financial burdens, growing our family, and abuse from those we were once closest to. We were left individually and collectively broken. However, not once, did we question if our marriage would survive (though at times, it seemed unlikely), because we decided that it would. It wasn't easy, but nobody said a marriage is. These are the lessons we've learned along the way.
1. Marriage is a choice.
Marriage will present you with choices. Some will be small, like whose turn it is to take out the trash. And others will be big, like, "If I met you today, would I still say, 'I do.'" When the honeymoon wears off and marriage sets in - better turns to worse, rich turns to poor, and sickness overshadows health - you will either choose your marriage or you won't. If you choose marriage, you choose learning about yourself, your partner, and the relationship that sits beneath the surface of married life, waiting for an opportunity to reveal itself, and cement the intangible and unbreakable bond that you laid on your wedding day.
2. Hard times don't define your marriage. Your response to them does.
Every married couple will experience their unique set of challenges. The challenges are not what determine the fate of your marital status, but how you and your partner choose to respond to them will. Commit to holding yourselves responsible for your actions, take accountability for your wrong doings, and make amends. Marriage is the sum of your best times and how you respond to the hard times, together - showing up when no one is watching, fighting for it when you're not sure what you're fighting for, and committing, to yourselves, each other, and to the relationship, over and over and over and over and over again – in your darkest hours and in your longest nights.
3. Hard times don't last.
Emotions change. Bad luck runs out. Nothing is permanent. This is hard to remember when you feel suffocated with such intense feelings such as despair, rage, and grief, that are unavoidable in a commitment as vulnerable as marriage. In the midst of our marriage crisis, I can recall sitting in my living room, for three hours, just staring at the wall, overcome with anxiety, fear, and pain. Unaware if these feelings would dissipate, fearing that I would remain in a hopeless abyss forever. I didn't. Though it took years, and a lot of therapy, to cross the threshold from hurt to healed, eventually we made it to the other side, one day at at time.
4. Communication matters.
As our marital woes hit their peak, our heated debates grew hotter and our silence even colder. Though we practiced, "I" statements and intimacy building exercises, nothing helped us more than changing the way we spoke to one another. Affirmations, positive mantras, and expressing appreciation for one another, cleared our space of hostility and made room for the best parts of marriage.
5. Your relationship is only as strong as your individual selves.
Once your vows are said and your monogrammed towels are on display, it's easy to forget that your union is made up of two unique individuals. If your marriage was a bridge, you are each a pillar of its foundation. To keep the bridge intact - resilient from wind and guarded from choppy waters - you must ensure that your individual pillar is rooted, steady, and strong.
6. No one is perfect.
Throughout the course of your marriage, circumstances will change and your roles in the relationship will change with them. The once hurt, may hurt. The once strong, may become weak. And the once mighty, may fall. Marriage means allowing room for error, offering grace when necessary, and cultivating an environment for growth. Allow the one who once hurt you, try to heal you; the one who weakened you, help make you strong again; and when you've fallen, help get you back up. You never know what circumstance will transpire, placing the shoe on the other foot. It's in the grace of your errors that your relationship evolves from being married into a marriage.
Why the Unity of Hoda and Savannah Is So Important For Our Daughters
The climate surrounding women in the workplace has been bubbling hot for decades, and finally, women are sick of being burned. After Matt Lauer was fired from the Today show after multiple sexual assault allegations, Hoda Kotb stepped in and was recently named co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie. Two women will sit behind that famous desk and make history hosting one of the biggest shows on television - together. This one is for our daughters, and for Hoda and Savannah's daughters, too.
They're showing their daughters, and the world, that women can be powerful bosses at work and care for their families.
Both Hoda and Savannah have small children at home. Hoda's daughter Haley is still a baby, while Savannah's little girl, Vale, is flourishing in toddlerhood alongside her younger brother, Charley. And as us moms know, working while having kids waiting for us at home is really freakin' hard. Finding the right balance (no matter what job you have) is pretty much impossible. Guilt squeezes its way through, making it difficult to thrive as both a mother and a career woman.
After work, we find ourselves pressing our feet on the accelerators, wanting to get to our kids faster. And on the weekends, we revel in the time we get to spend with them. But our chosen careers are a part of our identity - ones that we don't want to bury under laundry and diapers. Hoda and Savannah prove that your identity can still stay intact even after you have children. They're showing their daughters, and the world, that women can be powerful bosses at work and care for their families. Men aren't the only ones who can fulfill that role. Women can do it too, and a lot of the time, do it better.
The female duo is also demonstrating the importance of female unity. Together, women can accomplish anything. When Hoda was first named Today's coanchor, Savannah said, "Hoda, you are a partner and a friend and a sister, and I'm so happy to be doing this." In return, Hoda said, "I'm pinching myself. There's no one I'd rather be sitting next to in 2018 than you." Their obvious comradery has already lit a fire and sparked inspiration in viewers everywhere. Since Hoda has taken over Lauer's spot, Today has beaten their ABC rival, Good Morning America, in ratings, which has both female and male cohosts. The public is ready for women to be in charge, and so are Hoda and Savannah.
Our daughters will grow up seeing that women will rise no matter what, that power means nothing if you abuse it, and by working hard, speaking up, and being kind, you will get where you want to go. They'll also realize that they don't have to choose between work and family. They can have both. We can hold our jobs, and we can hold our own.
17 Easy Breakfast Sandwiches You'll Leap Out of Bed to Eat
Whether you're rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely weekend morning, you want a breakfast that sticks to your ribs and keeps your family happy. There's no better solution, then, than quick and easy breakfast sandwiches, made with protein-rich eggs and other delicious ingredients that will tide you over until lunch. Peruse this mouthwatering list of sammies that won't take forever to make, and you're sure to find your family's new go-to breakfast.
Kids Are Capable of Learning Big Words, So Why Not Teach Them?
Kids pick up on words in a snap. One time, my toddler happened to be in my lap when I was stymied by a particularly tough level of Candy Crush, and I let out a frustrated "Well, sh*t." For the next two weeks, guess what he said every time he got frustrated? Yep, "sh*t." If he couldn't reach something on the counter: "Sh*t." If he couldn't snap two Legos together: "Sh*t." If I wouldn't allow him to have mustard for lunch: "Sh*t."
It only took me saying it once, albeit right in his ear, to embed it into his brain, because kids have an amazing capacity for language (whether we want them to or not). This is actually something we can take advantage of, though. Because little kids' vocabularies are developing at an astonishing rate, it's prime time to teach them all kinds of words - even beyond the basics - and set them up with an "extensive repertoire" of words to choose from rather than "a whole bunch." (See what I did there?)
A broad vocabulary will serve them well, not only throughout school but in adulthood too, and give them a wide variety of ways to verbally express themselves. It's like paint: why limit them to red, blue, and yellow when we could also - just as easily - add shades like cerulean, indigo, and crimson to their proverbial palettes?
Sometimes we underestimate the abilities of little people to learn big words, but you'd be surprised. They may have to work on the pronunciation a bit more, but at the very least, they'll know what it means. For example: when we're feeding our babies some sort of mushed veggies, we say, "Yummy!" - and we also say, "Mmm!" to convey the same thing. We say these things because they're simple (the words, I mean, not the babies). But while we're trying to convince them just how "yummy" those pureed peas are, we can also say, "Delicious!" and "Scrumptious!" and "A gastronomic delight!"
OK, so I'm kidding about that last one, but you're picking up what I'm putting down: even if they can't say it right away, they'll understand that there are several ways to describe something.
A firetruck can be "big," but it can also be "gigantic," "enormous," or "colossal," among other things. And teaching our kids all the ways to explain it is as easy as using a different word every time we point something out: "Wow, look at the size of this apple! It's enormous!" or "Whoa, that's a gigantic tower of blocks you've built there!" There are teachable moments all around - like telling them they've done a fantastic job instead of a good one, asking them if they can leap all the way from here to there instead of jump, praising how intelligent they're getting instead of how smart.
If they look truly confused, you can pair the unfamiliar word with a basic explanation - like the time I told one of my kids not to touch the "decorative" items and then clarified that decorative means "pretty to look at but not to put our fingers on." But for the most part, kids are only limited by our tendency to dumb things down for them when they don't really need it. You'll be amazed at their capacity to build an impressive vocabulary, even from a very young age; in fact, the younger you start, the better. They'll soak it up like the little sponges that they are - and then the words they're repeating will make you proud, not mortified.
. . . Just don't play any Candy Crush while they're around.
1 Dad Wrote a Man's Guide to Surviving an Ikea Trip With Your Wife, and Holy Sh*t, It's Amazing
Brad Kearns, a father of two and blogger at DaDMuM, seriously underestimated the saga that is stepping foot inside Ikea with this wife, Sarah. Like, seriously underestimated. The dad from New South Wales decided to give the world a play-by-play in a Facebook post, and we're so happy he did. To be honest, poor Brad seemed to be totally screwed from the very beginning, and we can't stop laughing:
On entering the store . . .
"We thought we'd quickly pop down on the weekend. Needed to sort out some storage for the kids' new toys. You know. Just pop in, grab a few things, get in and get out, duck in, nab some goodies and piss off. The carpark had three hours free as we pulled up. I laughed all the way into the centre like a cocky moron saying 'who could even be here for that long?'"
He was about to find out.
The trouble starting brewing as soon as Brad and his family walked in and he was handed an unusual shopping bag.
You pick up a big yellow bag upon entry. But this ain't no little shopping bag like Cole's or Woolies, this thing is a fucking sack capable of smuggling humans across a border. And everyone grabs one. As she gives it to you. You're thinking well this is a bit of overkill, but you go along with it anyway.
Then you collect your free led pencil and paper tape measure. "Mkay . . . free is cool." But what's the catch?
And then you look up at the sign that says "you are here" (points to the beginning of the domestic argument marathon).
And you realize this ain't no normal store. This ain't one of them "go directly to the aisle I need" stores. This was a "you ain't fucking leaving till your wife's seen every last thing" store.
It was like The Wizard of Oz and I was like Dorothy. We were on the yellow brick road with no way off and my weapon of choice was a blunt HB pencil.
I thought to myself "it's OK . . . if we can just rush to the storage part and then rush out it'll be fine." Hahahahaha what a knob!
On bickering. . .
Unfortunately for Brad, things didn't improve as they made their way to the living room section of the store. The pair fell into a classic pitfall all Ikea-loving couples know all too well: bickering.
Not even a minute in and nowhere near the storage section she stops and begins seriously considering a $150 fake indoor plant we don't need. What the hell lady. We're not here for plants. So then we start fighting because apparently, we in fact, needed an indoor plant more than we needed a man of the house.
I think the store was making her crazy. It was a spell clearly. Then to top it off we've entered at the same time as a gay male couple who were obviously moving into a new house together. They debated every damn thing the entire way next to us. "No Joshua, that won't fit, we need to look at something more contemporary." Sarah looked at me and said, "I should have come with one of them." Those fuckers, using all their constructive criticism bullshit making me look bad.
On not overbuying . . .
Brad also made another important observation: Ikea isn't exactly cheap when your wife wants basically everything in the store. He decided to protect the family's bank account by any means necessary. "So armed with nothing more than a led pencil and floppy tape measure, I spent the next three hours rebutting the color palette of all the shit we didn't need," he wrote. "Like a floppy-tape sack wielding Zorro defending our savings account I was the most shameless motherfucker there. I reckon my voice even had a bit of camp in it by the end but I didn't even care."
Hey, at least he owns up to it. He also had some advice for other men who ever happen to be in the same situation:
Listen up lads, if shopping next to these men taught me anything it's that if you say "we don't need it" or "it's crap" she gonna buy it because fuck you.
Or you could confuse her and say "oh babe I'm really not sure because the harsh orange and soft edges might not fit with the straight edge theme, Hamptons furniture and pastel accessories" she'll dead set look each way and say "Yeah, I think you're right." It's foolproof.
And that's how you save money.
You can literally just say whatever you want and as long as it sounds like a judge from The Block has said it you should be right. It's like a game. All you gotta do is put enough doubt into her mind over an object and she won't buy it.
"Really hun? I think the plastic ones that are 1/4 the price are better because the fit the color scheme of the kitchen." And plastic it is . . . boom!."
Well played, Brad. Well played.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Took Her Son For a Manicure, and Shocker: The Internet Flipped
Sarah Michelle Gellar is slaying more than vampires these days - she's slaying motherhood. The 40-year-old mom of two spent the holiday break surrounded by her family and friends, but it's one family outing in particular that has the internet talking. Like any mom trying to balance the holidays, parenting, and their beauty regimens, Sarah brought her 8-year-old daughter Charlotte and 5-year-old son Rocky along to her manicure appointment. Harmless, right?
After Sarah shared photos on her Instagram story of hers and Rocky's matching manicures, as well as a snap of her son enjoying the catharsis of a good pampering, the trolls poured in. Mic first reported the news about the actress's family outing, and the Facebook comments were incredibly polarized.
Big mood: Sarah Michelle Gellar taking her 5 year old son to get his nails done to match his mother's. http://pic.twitter.com/f88t7Vetgt
- Ξvan Ross Katz (@evanrosskatz) December 28, 2017
"This kind of thing should be outlawed as child abuse! It can cause a child to doubt their true gender," an outraged user wrote. "5 years old. . . you're brainwashing this kids with your sick ideologies," another added. We all know that keeping our kids entertained when they're off from school is a damn mission, so why condemn a simple and innocent activity?
As always, behind all the hateful criticism is a group of people who understand that not only is it pretty cool her son appreciates these little luxuries at such a young age, but it's adorable! "This proud daddy has pink and blue sparkly toe nails right now. . . this world needs more color," one person commented on Facebook. "He's a kid, what kid doesn't like that sort of stuff? I'm happy to see that she's not tied into the stupid idea of normal. Your picture girls. And [him getting] a manicure isn't hurting one goddamn person on the planet. She's a good mom," another added. Check out some more uplifting reactions from Twitter below.
Daughter got nail stuff for Christmas so I joined her doing her nails & did mine. It was three days before I had access to polish remover. I'm a big bloke with a beard & tats. Don't even care. http://pic.twitter.com/qtZdNs4U9L
- jojubs (@jojubs) December 29, 2017
What an iconic woman. Can she adopt me?
- Conor Byrne (@ConorPByrne) January 1, 2018
This was almost expertly applied by my talented little friend Marni... it's not weird in her world, so why should it be in ours??? #zeroshame http://pic.twitter.com/dVyNhUgDPO
- JJ (@JamieScotto) December 31, 2017
We don't deserve SMG.
- Billy (@Haveacigar_) December 29, 2017
8 Dinner Traditions You Should Start With Your Family This Year
Unless you're a top chef with a stocked, high-grade kitchen and all the time in the world, carving out time to make delicious meals for your family that won't take forever to cook (just to be denied by your picky eaters) can be tough. Whether you're a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, a mom of "carbs only" kids, or just a mom who needs some great ideas for quick weeknight dinners, we've got you covered.
Rather than hit you with a number of specific recipes that we both know will be filed in your brain under "I'll make that when I have time," we've come up with eight dinner traditions that your family needs to start in 2018 (enough for every night of the week!). Not only are these simple enough to replicate in a meal-planning pinch, but if you actually consider them traditions, they'll also be ones your kids will get excited about week after week and want to keep around forever.
10 Shows to Watch While You're Waiting For Stranger Things Season 3
Secret lab experiments, monsters, romance - the Duffer brothers' beloved Netflix series truly has it all. Even after two seasons, fans can't seem to get enough of Stranger Things' witty dialogue and suspenseful plot. Until season three rolls around, we've rounded up other creepy, clever shows that will fill the Demogorgon-shaped hole in your heart, marking down everything from classics like Twin Peaks to modern dystopian series like Black Mirror.
More midwives needed in N.L., says mom who gave birth in Shoppers Drug Mart parking lot
A new mother says her child's parking-lot birth could have been avoided if the province had been quicker making midwives available in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Free prescription drugs now available for anyone under 25 in Ontario
With the start of the new year, the provincial government will provide access to free drug coverage regardless of family income or private insurance.
California's newest drug dealers: like an Apple Store, but with weed
To rebrand legal recreational cannabis, you have to "get rid of stoner culture," says MedMen's head of marketing.
Feds to search social media using AI to find patterns of suicide-related behaviour
The federal government will launch a pilot project using artificial intelligence to monitor social media in search of trends that may indicate imminent spikes in suicide rates.
mercredi 3 janvier 2018
Fine-Tune Your CBD Regimen With Green Gorilla's Microdosing Oil Pump
New to CBD? Just beginning your antianxiety journey? Start with a small dose and a high-quality product. Our most recent favorite? Green Gorilla Pure CBD Oil and Olive Oil, 150mg ($26). There are more than a few reasons we love this oil, but for starters, it's combined with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, so the taste is really mild yet flavorful, making it great for taking as a tincture or adding to your food.
"Green Gorilla was the first company to use pure extra virgin olive oil as the carrier for the CBD," Green Gorilla told POPSUGAR. The significance of this? "Olive oil aids in the absorption of the CBD." It's also important to note the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil on its own, too.
And for newbies, the 150-milligram bottle is ideal for beginning your supplement routine. Each serving from a pump of this oil is only 1.5 mg - that's even less than the two-milligram chocolates we love. This allows you to be pinpoint specific with the dose you're taking and truly customize your CBD regimen.
As noted on the site, this product and all other Green Gorilla CBD products "are non-psychoactive, contain no THC, and are produced and sold in compliance with US federal law." So no need to feel nervous about any aspect of this supplement!
Our suggestion: start with a single serving either sublingually or in your food (think: salad dressing, on veggies, in soup or juice). Take notes about how you feel. Start to scale up until you reach desired levels of pain reduction and anxiety relief.
And as always, a friendly reminder: these supplements (and our suggestions) are not meant to replace any current prescription or therapy as recommended by your healthcare provider, unless they say otherwise!
I Swapped My Morning Coffee For Bone Broth, and Here's What Happened
Coffee and I have had a good thing going since my freshman year of college, when I started making "mochas" in the dining hall, because who can resist an all-you-can-drink hot chocolate machine? I added less and less hot chocolate to the concoction over time and eventually made the transition from mochas to sweetened lattes (Cinnamon Dolcé, anyone?) to unsweetened flat whites to brewed coffee with a splash of all-natural vanilla creamer.
While my Starbucks order has changed over time, my attachment to my morning cup of coffee has only intensified. After college, I entered the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workforce, started running and doing triathlons, and eventually got married and had a couple of kids - all of which made a jolt of caffeine and a simple morning ritual that much more necessary.
Every now and then, though, my eyes wander. I read an article about how coffee is bad for you, or how even small doses of caffeine can disrupt sleep, or how coffee is a diuretic and probably dehydrating me. I've considered leaving coffee or maybe just seeing what else is out there. I've made my coffee share a mug with MCT oil and butter. I've whispered sweet nothings to green tea and apple cider vinegar concoctions. A few times, I've cut off communication with coffee altogether, but never for more than a week or so. I always come crawling back.
A new morning partner caught me eye recently: broffee, the Brangelina of bone broth + coffee. Bone broth is everywhere right now, and one of my best friends even swears drinking it every day made her second pregnancy easier than her first. Maybe broffee was a two-birds-one-stone way for me to get some broth into my diet and - yet again - see if quitting coffee was a magical fountain of youth after all.
Broffee is an organic, grass-fed beef bone broth supplemented with coffee, coconut aminos and oil, cocoa powder, and spices. Nontraditional, sure, but I've always been a sweet-and-salty-lover (kettle corn is life), and this new elixir touted so many crunchy buzzwords that I had to test it out for myself. The fact that it contained some actual coffee (with caffeine!) made it feel like I was barely even cheating on my steady morning mate. I tucked the coffee maker out of sight, stocked my fridge, and set out to see what the broffee buzz was all about.
The taste never grew on me, my skin didn't begin to glow, and my energy level didn't go through the roof.
When I heated up my first cup on the stovetop, I was pleasantly surprised by the smell. Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg: it was a sweet and cozy scent that seemed promising. When I tasted it, however, I was reminded that this was definitely not coffee or hot chocolate or anything else familiar. It tasted . . . strange - not quite salty beef broth, not quite spice-infused coffee, but some sort of new, weird concoction that my taste buds didn't know what to do with. I thought maybe I'd acquire the taste, but I pretty much had to choke down that first mug.
I missed coffee already. The only noticeable effect that first day was a mild headache in the afternoon, which was likely because I'm used to more caffeine. "This is good," I told myself, congratulating myself for breaking my nasty caffeine addiction, which was to blame for pretty much anything and everything I hoped to change about my entire life. I vowed to power through.
On day two, I still hadn't come anywhere close to acquiring the taste. Committed to the challenge, I opted to let it cool to lukewarm so I could chug it and get it over with. My hands felt naked the rest of the morning, reaching for the insulated mug I usually sip coffee from until at least 10 a.m. I thought about all the lovely mornings coffee and I had spent together. I wondered if that was just the addiction talking. I stayed strong. I had less of a headache on the second day, which again I chalked up as a good sign that all those buzzwords were working.
By the third day, I no longer had a caffeine-withdrawal headache in the afternoon (pro), but I wasn't getting any closer to enjoying the taste, either (con). I slept great that night, which could have been from the lower caffeine intake, the buzzwords (Organic! Grass fed! Cold pressed!) or the fact that I sweated my face off in a killer bootcamp class that day. I told myself it was definitely the broffee, and I renewed my vow to finish out the week. Coffee who?
If you've had a rocky relationship with coffee, maybe broffee is exactly the healthy alternative you need.
At the risk of being totally anticlimactic, I felt pretty "normal" on days four through seven. The taste never grew on me, my skin didn't begin to glow, and my energy level didn't go through the roof. Other than the taste, I didn't have any complaints about the experiment either, though. It was probably good to cut back on the caffeine for a little reset, and the fact that broffee has some caffeine made this reset more tolerable than the times I've tried to go cold turkey in the past.
Broffee and I had a nice little Fall fling. It was good to get out of my morning comfort zone, try something new, and prove to myself that I can leave coffee any time I want. In the end, though, I eagerly welcomed my home-brewed coffee with vanilla creamer back into my life. I might add bone broth into the mix as an afternoon pick-me-up, but I think I prefer it with a little rice and veggies (also known as soup), to be honest.
If you've had a rocky relationship with coffee - if you're suspicious it's sabotaging your sleep or your gut or your energy levels - maybe broffee is exactly the healthy alternative you need. Coffee may not be perfect, but coffee has been good to me. I can't say I'll never let my eyes wander again, but for now, coffee and I have a standing date every morning until the end of time.
16 Fiery Keto Recipes That Require a Tall Glass of Water as a Side
There is no denying there has been a buzz surrounding the keto diet lately, as more people are turning to it to help them shed pounds and live a healthier lifestyle. A diet that is low in carbs, the keto diet relies on ketones produced by the liver for energy and sends your body into ketosis.
While not a diet recommended for long-term health (and keto brings a slew of side effects with it!), keto may, however, change your perception about food and make you realize what foods your body reacts positively to and which ones your body doesn't like.
While the momentum around the diet is not slowing down, it doesn't mean those on the diet can't enjoy life a bit. Check out some of these spicy keto recipes that will definitely bring the heat.
20 Simple Ways to Be a Better Mom in 2018
The pressures of modern parenting are enough to drive any mom to insanity, but if you take a step back and really look at your life as a parent, your kids don't need as much from you as you think they do. Not much has changed since you were a kid yourself, begging your mom to look at the Lego structure you spent hours building - kids just want to spend time with their parents and feel their love. It's easy to get distracted by our phones and busy schedules and to spend too much time comparing ourselves to the polished moms we see on social media, but the truth is, being a great mom isn't about how good the little square photos on our Instagram profiles look, it's about the connections we make with our kids and the things we do that will stick with them for a lifetime.
We're here to remind you that you're already a great mom, but if you're looking for ways to be a better parent in 2018, here are 20 simple things you can do to achieve your highest supermom status in the coming year.
This Is the Most Realistic Look at the First 2 Years of Motherhood We've Ever Seen
Motherhood is exhausting, but the first days, weeks, months, and years (yes, years) of it are perhaps the most tiring of all.
After giving birth to her daughter, photographer Anna Ogier-Bloomer decided to point her camera inward and capture the first two years in her "new role" as a mom, from the tender moments of nursing in bed to the painful aftermath of such experiences – a zoomed-in look at a pained nipple or a shot of her neck, replete with cuts and scrapes from a typical breastfeeding session.
"Here, I turn my lens on these physical elements: pain on the surface of the skin, illness, emotional outpouring of love and distress, the engorgement of the breast," she told POPSUGAR. "These things simultaneously bring excruciating physical pain and unparalleled emotional joy."
The new series, titled Letdown, demonstrates what she deems the "most difficult yet most meaningful work I'd ever done," and it shows. In just one image – her sitting up asleep, in just a bra with a nipple pad and hair tie strewn on the couch, with her dozing baby resting on her lap – she shows how demanding a journey motherhood is from the start.
"I confront the complexity of these seemingly contradictory states of being, and the ways in which women feel the pull of motherhood, their children, and their physical self and appearance in a way unlike anything or anyone else," Anna said.
Like any mother knows, her work is far from complete: "The physical act of motherhood begins at conception and continues to evolve through a child's life."
Keep reading to see her complete, relatable photo series. Some are NSFW, as they contain nudity, but the image of her in disposable diapers is sure to resonate . . .
These Photos Perfectly Depict What Parenting Really Looks Like
Life's not quite as picturesque as Instagram pictures make it look. Kids don't smile when you ask them to, family rooms aren't spotless and clutter-free, and moms don't always have it all together. That's why Danielle Guenther's Best Case Scenario series of photographs speaks so well to parents. The Hoboken, NJ-based family photographer has taken to adding some real-life (though somewhat exaggerated) photos into her mix, and the results are hysterical.
"I have a regular client that I photograph, and I was over at her house," Guenther explains. "It was at the end of the session, and the mom, [who] is always a total blast, just laid down on the couch, and I [said] we should do a funny one. She has a wonderful sense of humor, [and] she was all about it! And then it just spiraled out of control in a really great way."
From that single "Parenting Is Exhausting . . ." photo, a series was born. There are currently 13 pictures in the series - including "Fully Loaded" (above) - most of which are inspired by Guenther's 5-1/2-year-old son.
"A lot of these ideas you think back to when he was a baby," she explains. "The 'Hold On a Sec . . ." photo where they're crossing the street. Mothers are always doing everything with crap all over their strollers, picking up the dry-cleaning. That's the scenario: you running errands and your husband holding up his finger - hold on a second; I've got to check the score. That's life; that's how it is!"
Guenther is not inspired by the perfection that is so prevalent on social photo sharing sites like Instagram. Rather, she's inspired by the truth that is parenting. "This is real, this is life, this is parenting. Parenting is so ugly, but there are moments that are so beautiful. Just when you think you have it under control and you're like, 'Oh, yeah, this is great. My kid's using his manners,' they slam the door in your face and they scream at you! But nothing in life is perfect."
She will continue her photojournalistic-style family portraiture, but it is these stylized photos that really motivate her these days. "I want to know what's going on before you got to the shoot. I want to know what goes on at home, behind closed doors. If you can find a funny take on life, you're ahead of the game."
Read on to see Danielle Guenther's full Best Case Scenario series.
These 26 Crazy Kids' Rooms Will Make You Want to Redecorate Immediately
Redecorating any room of the house is a fun and exciting project, but decorating a child's bedroom is perhaps the most fun because you can use their interests and imagination to fuel your designs. These 26 crazy-cool bedrooms will give you inspiration for days if you're looking to amp up your son or daughter's room, or if you're just looking for some quirky ideas.
This Artist Turns Disney Princesses Into Parents - and the Results Are Perfection
Illustrators have had fun turning beloved Disney princesses into all sorts of things, from '50s-style pinup girls to Star Wars heroines. The only artistic mashup we haven't seen yet happens to be one that would most likely follow all the "happily ever after" storylines - what these fairy-tale characters would look like as parents.
Thankfully, artist Isaiah Stephens lets us in on what it'd really be like for Ariel to have a food-throwing toddler, for Belle to breastfeed, and for Jasmine to rock a baby bump with nine amazingly accurate depictions - all shared on his Facebook page and Instagram account. From Pocahontas to Queen Elsa, it's fun to see what realistically comes after their storybook ending. Take a look.
Mom Found Out She Was Pregnant 2 Months After Giving Birth - and Then She Did This
When Maya Vorderstrasse found out she was pregnant, it was a legit surprise - she had just given birth to a baby girl two months prior.
"When I found out, I took quite a few pregnancy tests because I was just in shock," she told POPSUGAR. "I needed some time to process it. Soon, I realized that this baby had a purpose in life and needed to be born. I felt so honored and excited to nurture her and bring her into the world!"
Maya soon found a renewed purpose herself - and it involved sharing the comical realities of both pregnancy and parenthood on her Instagram feed.
"I wanted my kids to have as much information and memories from my pregnancies and their childhood," she said, never thinking it'd garner her 21,000 followers and counting. "Something that was supposed to be a simple keepsake for my family is helping others . . . mothers are relating to my day-to-day issues and being OK with not having it together!"
So far, her hilariously relatable photos - with the help of a handy, on-trend letter board - describe the unparalleled joys of ice cream, the frustration of loose-lipped husbands, and the all-out bewilderment as to how the hell a baby the size of a watermelon can fit through something the size of a bagel hole.
Although having two daughters - 1-year-old Zoey and newborn Hazel - so close in age is a challenge, Maya still manages to be the embodiment of #momgoals:
"I wouldn't have it any other way," she told us. "It's extremely challenging to have two babies who need my attention and care full-time. They are on two different schedules and need different things, but I am adapting well. I even managed to get them to nap at the same time. Score!"
Read on for some of Maya's most-liked snapshots.
The 20 Best Baby Products For 2018
There's never been a better time to be a child. From stylin' fashion and cool gadgets to luxurious personal care, baby products are now so advanced that we're downright jealous. If you're looking to make a little one happy this year, read on for some baby steps.
10 Affordable US Babymoon Destinations That'll Blow You Away
Moms-to-be everywhere can agree that nine months of pregnancy is not a job to be taken lightly. Expectant mothers will go through it all, from swollen feet to morning sickness and back pains, which is why when it comes to pampering, they need it the most.
With the impending arrival of a baby, however, not every couple has the energy or money to spend on lavish getaways in a foreign country. Thankfully, there are just as many luxurious spas, resorts, and inns in the States that can make any mom-to-be (and dad-to-be) feel like royalty. So before baby arrives, read on to see where you and your loved one should travel to for an unforgettable babymoon.
Articles
