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 21 juin 2018
I Attended an All-Female Cannabis Retreat, and It Was Even More Amazing Than I Expected
"Make sure you grab some breakfast and hit the dab bar!" It was 8:40 in the morning and this was my first set of instructions when I arrived at the campgrounds just south of Half Moon Bay, CA. I shouldn't have expected anything less than a wake and bake at Ganja Goddess Getaway, a weekend-long retreat for female-identifying cannabis enthusiasts and basically my dream vacation.
I unfortunately missed the 4/20 festivities the day before - which were reportedly "f*cking epic" - so I joined the following morning from San Francisco instead. Some women were just getting out of their tents while others were sleepily eating breakfast or taking their first dabs of the morning. In case you're unfamiliar with dabbing, it involves heating a small amount of cannabis extract on a "nail" surface (that's usually scorched with a blow torch) and inhaling through a dab rig (a bong-like contraption). It's a potent method of consumption and probably sounds/looks gnarly to those who've never dabbed. So, I grabbed a poppyseed muffin and got in line for my turn.
Ganja Goddess Getaway was founded by cannabis expert Deidra Bagdasarian, aka Miss Bliss. At the start of 2016, Deidra had the idea for a cannabis retreat for women and began reaching out to the cannabis community. By the end of the year, she partnered with four more women who make up the founding sisters today. Although GGG is hosted at various sites throughout California, from the Bay Area to Coachella Valley (with the exception of one event in Oregon), the mission is the same for all: "To help women connect to their inner goddess using cannabis as a creative and spiritual self-improvement tool. And to get high AF," Deidra said.
My overnight stay with about 130 other women included activities like morning meditations, a women in cannabis panel, belly dancing, laughter yoga - and of course, all-you-can-smoke weed. The only rule, aside from "puff, puff, pass," was that no alcohol was permitted on grounds, as it was prohibited by the event center. In hindsight, the no-booze policy was probably for the best because I had never been so high for 28 hours straight before this weekend. In addition to the dab bar, Joint Ferries walked around regularly making sure everyone had something to smoke on. The joints, volcanoes (a giant bag of vaporized cannabis), edibles, pipes, and blunts the size of King Kong's fingers never slowed down. It was more weed than I knew what to do with, and I never thought I'd find myself running away from a joint before. "Please, no more, I can't," I laughed half-jokingly, half-in all seriousness. At one point around the campfire, we had lost track of how many joints were in rotation and we'd end up with two joints at a time. I thought I smoked a ton of weed, but damn, these women could hang.
Being completely stoned off your ass among a hundred strangers can really go either way, which is why I didn't expect to feel so comfortable with every woman there. When I first pulled up to the address, I had no idea which direction the campgrounds were in. Thankfully, two sisters from Wisconsin who had just returned from their quest for coffee helped me carry my things to the site, setting the tone for the rest of the weekend. Never at any point did I feel judged by anyone there, and never did anyone walk past me without smiling and saying "hi."
But one thing I most appreciated was the eclectic mix of people. It was such a beautiful and diverse range of ages (from 21 to 70-somethings!), ethnicities, backgrounds, etc. Over half of the sisterhood traveled from out of state and even out of the country to enjoy a weekend of legal marijuana with other women. I met a mother and daughter who were using their trip as a bonding experience, childhood friends from Miami who had found out about GGG on Facebook, and mothers who live in states where marijuana still isn't legalized and constantly fear hearing a knock on their door. Despite all of our differences, one thing each and every one of us shared was our love for cannabis. If others could hear how passionately these women spoke about it, it would make even the biggest skeptics reconsider their stance.
In-between workshops, some of us smoked and colored in adult coloring books while others wrote sweet notes to other sisters on the Goddess Board, but many of us were also participating in engaging conversations about cannabis. Living inside my bubble of San Francisco, I often forget that weed is unwelcome in most parts of the US. Women shared stories of how they use it to relieve nerve pain, how marijuana helps them be a better parent, and how frustrating it is to live in a state that still supports green prohibition. The fact there was zero cell reception also helped us stay present and connected to one another.
Ganja Goddess Getaway is far more than just about getting high - although that's also a huge component. It's built on sisterhood, self-love, friendship, inclusivity, and female empowerment, all of which I witnessed and felt during my stay. There were crystals and tears and plenty of other things that would normally make me uncomfortable. But because everyone who was part of this retreat was so incredibly open-minded and welcoming, I felt a strong need to reciprocate in the same sense. It felt like Summer camp as a kid - but better. Not only because there was endless weed available, but because I was able to be a part of this community of incredible women I never would've had the chance to meet otherwise. After the closing awards ceremony, social handles and hugs were exchanged, and I officially became part of a community of Ganja Goddesses.
How to Make Missionary Your Most Orgasmic Position Ever
Blah, blah, blah, missionary is the worst, blah, blah. This is what we've all been told in the wake of sexual liberation. Women no longer have to lie back in this tired position. Now that we are sexually free, the position options abound and we can do away with missionary.
Um, hold up. Missionary is the best. I know that is an unpopular opinion, but it's true.
You get to lie back and relax, you can totally focus on your pleasure, and you have full access to your partner's face for sloppy makeouts. It's intimate and sexy to have your bodies smooshed together in all that sexy, melty goodness.
"Lie back and think of England"? More like lie back and do zero work during sex, so yay.
The issue arises when you're not doing missionary correctly. If you're hating on missionary, I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess it's because you're not having orgasms during missionary.
Don't throw missionary to the bottom of the bucket along with your worn-out sex toys. You don't want to deprive yourself of the gloriousness that is old faithful. Here is how to make missionary your most orgasmic position ever. You are so welcome in advance.
1. The pillow method
For women, missionary's greatest design flaw is the lack of clitoral stimulation that comes with straight-up spread-eagle sex. It's hard to reach down and touch yourself when your partner's abdomen is squishing you and the pelvis is too far down to rub against. Your partner runs into the same problem. He or she is busy staying upright.
Enter coital alignment technique (CAT), or the pillow method (the cute name I made up). What you need to get in on that pelvic action is a lift. Take two to three pillows and place them under your butt for some extra elevation. This will allow your partner to hit your G-spot and give you the ability to rub your clit against his or her pelvis. Boom. Orgasms galore.
2. Get Eva
Dame Products is a company founded by women for women. Its innovative vibrator, Eva, makes missionary the best position ever. You'd think I was making money with how much I push this vibrator, but I'm not. It's just life-changing.
Eva looks like a beetle. It is small, cute, and nonthreatening to any partner. Its wings hook under the labia, while its body sits on the clitoris, giving you clit action while having penetrative sex, completely hands-free.
While you can use Eva in any position, the weight of your partner's body pushing down on an already buzzing vibrator will get you off in just a few minutes. This toy legitimately made me multi-orgasmic, and that rarely happens in my world.
3. Engage the nipples
Nipple play isn't for everyone, but for some of us, nipple suction or squeezing during sex can take us from a merely pleasurable experience to explosive orgasm. In missionary, your partner has easy access to your nipples. He or she can reach their head down to suck/lick/bite them.
Since you're on your back and don't require any balance, you can reach up and tease your own nips. While you can grab your nipples in a variety of positions, missionary is unique in that you are totally hands-free (unless you're rubbing your clit . . . but who says you can't have both? You do have two hands, after all).
4. Slow it down, cowgirl
Instead of going straight to Pound Town, slow the sex down. You want to concentrate on everything that is happening to your body. You don't have to choose slow sex every time you bang, but enjoying the change of pace can be the thing you need to come.
Light some candles, put on a sexy playlist on Spotify, and up the intimacy. Passionately kissing your partner while you feel their weight on top of you can help you feel close and connected. Sometimes that's all you need to achieve orgasm. Just kidding, you also need your clit engaged, but you know what I mean.
5. Introduce a little light bondage
Up all the passion set in motion by your partner's body on top of yours by adding in some handcuffs. Have your partner secure your hands above your head. This will give you the feeling of being totally consumed and ravished, which for some is very sexy.
Just be sure to get those pillows under your butt so you can get that much needed extra lift and hip tilt. Hands-free is all fun and games until you can't stimulate the clitoris.
6. Practice deep, measured breathing
In cowgirl, the only thing you're focusing on is not dying from the intense cardio workout that you are currently enduring. There is no time to breathe into anything when you're busy trying to breathe at all.
In missionary, you can focus on your breath and your body. It's a lot like meditation, only a lot sexier. It's a rare luxury in sex to have the opportunity to chill.
Lie back and breathe deeply. Feel the way the air fills and leaves in your body. The rush of oxygen can help you feel more relaxed and present, therefore helping you feel calm enough to let go and orgasm.
7 Healthy Travel Destinations You Should Add to Your Bucket List
Chemicals are out and all-natural everything is in. There's a surging urge to eat, live, and play better these days. However chaotic the world may seem, there's a rising number of us who are yearning for inner peace in favor of healthier physical and spiritual living.
A wellness revolution is in motion, and with that comes the desire to not only eat and live well, but travel well, too. For those healthy globetrotters who have been bit by the travel bug, there is a cure. There is an ever-evolving list of cities to fall in love with, oceans to explore, and mountains to climb. So, what are some wellness destinations that you can add to the list (for now)? All of you yogis, spiritualists, surfers, hikers, and chillers will want to keep reading.
10 Tips For How to Book a Cruise That Isn't Crazy Expensive
Cruising is a favorite mode of travel for many people, but it's not without its drawbacks. There's often a bunch of unexpected hidden charges, and you may find the big vacation splurge you saved for ended up a lot more expensive than planned. That said, there are lots of ways to score a better deal than you may have imagined possible.
To find the best deals on cruises, try waiting until Wave Season, which takes place from January through March. "It's basically a period of time where all of the cruise lines come up with their best promotions of the year to incentivize travelers to book nice and early," said Allison Kobasky, co-owner of Over the Moon Vacations, a luxury travel-planning company.
During this promo period, you'll find everything from discounted cruise fares to added perks such as unlimited beverage packages, shore excursion credits, prepaid gratuities, and onboard spending money. Here are all of the ways you can save when booking a cruise.
1. It pays to be local
If there's a cruise port in your state, you're in luck. Many cruise lines offer resident discounts that shave up to 40 percent off regular cruise fares. "If you can travel last-minute, the savings are even better," said Kobasky. "We find that cruise lines offer their unsold cabins at majorly discounted resident rates about a week before sailing, assuming those are the people that can hop on the ship with only a few days' notice." If the price goes down or a better promotion comes out before you've made final payment, you can always have your price adjusted. Trick of the trade!
2. Book early
"As supply and demand would indicate, cruise lines generally have the best offers further from the sailing date," said Lori Sheller, the vice president of cruise development for Tourico Holidays. If you wait until the last minute, you risk higher prices and limited cabin inventory.
3. Take a peek at the last minute
That considered, if you're the spontaneous type or you just didn't have the foresight to book early, you may not be completely out of luck. "Check sites like LastMinuteTravel.com. Oftentimes if cruises have a few extra rooms they need to sell before launch date, they'll offer them at killer rates," said Sheller.
4. Look for deals
Sign up to receive emails from all your favorite travel deal websites for promotions and last-minute deals. For example, sign up for CruCon Cruise Outlet's weekly email and receive deal alerts from all of the major cruise lines that can save you up to 80 percent off the cruise line direct prices. Also, research coupons, deals, and cash-back options. You can also sign up for cash-back sites such as TopCashback.com and receive cash back on your cruise purchases through third-party sites. Stacking sales is a great way to get the most bang for your buck. Expedia offers 12 percent cash back, Princess Cruises offers three percent cash back, and Orbitz offers $40 cash back.
There are also apps that offer serious deals. "Free on iOS and Android, Cruise Deals App allows the user to set her own price. As an example, choose 'New York City' as a departure port and $60 as a max price per night. You'll get a push notification when a cruise is offered out of NYC at that price," said Jeremy Camosse, owner of TheMusterStation.com. Once you've booked, download Ship Mate iOS or Android. You can set a price alert for your sailing. "If the price of your cruise moves by more than one percent, you'll get a notification. If your price drops, you can often recover the difference in onboard credit," said Carmosse.
5. Get the drinks package
Snagging a cruise offer that includes unlimited drinks is key - you don't realize how often you'll order a cocktail at the pool or a bottle of wine at dinner - and it really adds up. "Travelzoo often runs cruise deals with unlimited drink packages, and the value is immense. You won't have to worry about footing a hefty bill at the end of your trip," said travel and lifestyle expert Tara Kraft from Travelzoo.
6. Pay more upfront to save more later
The upfront cost of a luxury cruise line like Regent might seem a bit daunting, but when you factor in that everything is included (airfare, premium drinks, shore excursions, etc.) and the high-quality cuisine and service you're getting, it's completely worth it, said Kraft.
7. Try a travel agent
Consider leaving the deal search to the expert. Cruise agents will save you time and money. "They get you the best discounts and amenities (gifts, shipboard credit, etc.)," said Sheller. After all, they're professionals.
8. Prebook shore excursions
Make the most of your destination cruise experience. "Whether through the cruise line or third-party shore-excursion companies, book your activities in advance and save big," said Sheller.
9. Tour share with other cruisers
"If you're looking for shore excursions that won't break the bank, consider sharing a tour with fellow cruisers - you can explore independent excursions options, then split the cost across the group. To meet others you'll be cruising with, Cruise Critic offers Roll Calls, where you can meet and interact with other cruisers who will be sailing with you. One caveat: if your tour runs late, the cruise ship isn't obligated to wait for cruisers who booked their own excursions (they will for those who booked through the cruise line), so be sure your tours give plenty of time to return to the ship prior to its departure," said Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of Cruise Critic.
10. Disconnect
WiFi packages on ships are very expensive and the service leaves a lot to be desired, cautioned Sheller. Turn off your data roaming and disconnect - you're on vacation!
43 Bangin' (and Beautiful) Tattoos
Tattoos are beautiful, badass, and undeniably sexy. Their level of sexiness can of course depend on where you put them and what you're getting. If you want to own your fierce confidence by displaying it in ink, then prepare to be very inspired by these beautiful, bangin' tattoos we rounded up. We want them all.
These Disneybounds From Dapper Day Will Make Your Retro-Loving Heart Flutter
Disneybounding - the creative practice of using regular apparel to channel a Disney character, food, or attraction - is always fun, but it's a whole different ballgame on Dapper Day. The semiannual event, which was founded to encourage fashionable park visitors to don their favorite vintage getups for a festive and oh-so-dapper Disney experience, attracts the most creative Disneybounders in the game. And the looks on display at the Spring 2018 Dapper Day meetup at Disneyland were some of the most incredible yet with intricate costumes inspired by characters, entire movies, and even Disneyland attractions themselves!
Check out these retro-fabulous Disneybounds and start taking notes. Whether you're gathering ideas for just yourself, a couples costume, or a group getup, this is definitely your perfect source of inspiration. Between other Dapper Day celebrations and Halloween, there's never a wrong time to appreciate - and draw inspiration from - these creative Disney costumes. The hard part is picking one favorite!
If You Have 30 Seconds, You Can Help Children Separated From Their Parents at the Border
Update: On June 20, Donald Trump signed an executive order promising to stop the practice of separating children from their parents at the border. The order, however, is written to allow for the indefinite detention of families and children together - another inhumane practice which is currently prohibited by law. In addition, the order does not address reuniting the thousands of children who have been separated from their parents already, making it just as urgent as ever for us to continue advocating for them.
Original story: As horror stories about what migrant children and parents are enduring at the US border continue to roll in, it's easy to feel powerless to help - but we shouldn't. The truth is there are many things regular American citizens can do to help push for an end to the Trump administration's separation policy by holding our lawmakers accountable, donating money to organizations that support migrant families, and raising our voices against this human rights abuse, which that has ripped some 2,000 children away from their parents in just the last six weeks.
Related: Former First Lady Laura Bush Denounces Donald Trump's Immigration Policy: "It Is Immoral"
Read on for four tangible ways you can make your voice heard and advocate for the end of this policy - in as little as 30 seconds.
23 of the Safest Sunscreens For Kids and Babies - Including Drugstore and Amazon Options!
Every year, the Environmental Working Group evaluates and reevaluates all of the new and old sunscreens on the market to ensure that it's informing consumers of the safest (and the most harmful) of the bunch based on a number of factors.
"The majority of sunscreens we assessed do not meet EWG's standards for safety and efficacy. About 67 percent of the products contain worrisome ingredients, like oxybenzone or retinyl palmitate, or offer inferior sun protection . . . [which] is especially worrisome for children because they are more vulnerable to sun damage. Getting severe sunburns as a child can double a person's lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer," Carla Burns, an EWG research analyst, told POPSUGAR.
She added, "EWG's best advice for concerned parents is to choose a product from our list of best-scoring kids' sunscreens. The products on this list don't contain troubling ingredients like oxybenzone, which is a skin sensitizer and hormone disruptor that is harmful to both adults and kids. . . . Overall, EWG recommends that people choose mineral-based products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide active ingredients, avoid products with hazardous ingredients like oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, choose lotions or sticks over sprays, and always choose products between SPF 15 and 50."
Everyone should be wearing sunscreen when outside on a sunny day, especially kids and babies, so read ahead to find out if your go-to brand is on this year's list of the safest products. If it isn't, the EWG is offering up these 23 as the best for you to buy, and many of them are available at drugstores and on Amazon!
I Bought This Heated Toilet Seat on Amazon - Now I Never Leave My Bathroom
My apartment doesn't have a heater, so needless to say, my morning bathroom stop is pretty chilly. Recently, my toilet seat was in desperate need of a replacement, so my roommates and I decided check out our options on Amazon and discovered this Brondell LumaWarm Heated Nightlight Toilet Seat ($136). We were so excited about the idea of being able to afford what felt like a luxury item, so, without hesitation, we ordered it.
It comes in two sizes, elongated and round, which was a foreign concept to me, but after a quick Google search, I learned that toilets are, in fact, made in two different shapes and you can figure out which one you have by measuring the length of your current seat.
We were excited when it arrived within just a few days, and it was easy to install - all we needed was a screwdriver. In order for it to work, we made sure we had an outlet close to the toilet because it is powered by plugging into the wall. It features three different heat settings and even a blue nightlight.
We instantly fell in love with it. Sitting on a regular toilet just doesn't feel the same anymore. The price tag was totally worth it.
I'm Not Ashamed to Say It - Alcohol Saved Our Sex Life After Kids
After our second child was born, it took a little longer for my husband and I to get back into the bedroom. My first baby was born via C-section, so although I had given birth to my second baby, it was the first time a tiny human had actually traveled through my downstairs business. Long story short: sh*t wasn't the same down there.
I was scared to have sex again, and to make matters worse, I joked that my daughter grabbed my libido on her way out. I had zero sex drive, was too damn exhausted, and honestly, never even thought about sex. But when my husband and I left for our first getaway after baby number two to an out-of-state wedding, I knew the sex had to come. Yes, with a hotel room and no children, I knew I couldn't avoid sex any longer.
Call me a lush, but I don't care. Drinking the booze worked.
There we sat, in the tight row of the airplane in seats E1 and E2. As the plane took off, we quickly ordered four (yes, four) Captain and Cokes. We guzzled them down like freshmen at their first frat party. I instantly relaxed. And then, I brought up the elephant in the room that couldn't be ignored for a second longer: "Umm, our daughter is almost 4 months old and we still haven't had sex," I said. "Yeah, I've noticed," my husband joked. My buzz intensified. "I'm kind of scared about it, but this alcohol is helping already," I said.
As we continued our journey to watch another couple start from the very beginning, the drinks continued to flow. My husband would have taken me into that tiny airplane bathroom if I would have let him. He didn't even notice the fact that my mom-of-two body could still hold a tiny kangaroo under my pouch - and he didn't care. When we got to our destination, we sauntered into our hotel room and did the deed. And to be very honest, it did hurt. I felt where I tore. But my husband was gentle and we leaped over the hurdle of awkwardness together.
After our trip, things began to heat up again. And you know what kept helping? The booze. Our new routine became watching The Voice while snuggled up on the couch with wine in our hands. It unwound me. The beer goggles made me feel sexy enough to actually enjoy sex. It was like we were newlyweds again. That king-size bed hadn't seen that much action since we were trying to conceive. Call me a lush, but I don't care. Drinking the booze worked, and when you're trying to reconnect with your spouse, you'll willing to try anything (almost). It was my magic potion to sexual gratification, and I was totally OK with it.
We don't necessarily depend on alcohol to keep us satisfied in the sex department anymore, but it doesn't hurt. And it most definitely got me back to feeling like a wife again - not just a mother. Having sex again after kids doesn't always sound very appealing. And yes, sometimes it's scary. But after getting over the awkward first couple of times with your partner, it does get better. It's OK to be nervous (your body just went through so much!), so but if you're open and honest with your partner, trust them, and yes, maybe enjoy a few cocktails, I guarantee you'll have a little fun again - just like you used to.
It's Not Your Imagination - Your MIL Hates You Since You Gave Birth to Her Grandchild
You had her favorite and only grandchild and so your mother-in-law couldn't be any more excited! Technically, you should be her favorite person, and for a while there, you were. She called and texted you constantly and couldn't wait to hear more about how the baby was doing. She even asked how you felt after labor (or a C-section) and brought you a little postbirth present. You two were sort of like BFFs. Well, as close as you can be with someone who's not your own mom and as close as she can be with someone who, well, took her son away. Sniff.
But now? Oh, it's a whole different ball game. Before you could do no wrong, as the bearer of the greatest of all: the grandbaby. But now? Now you are doing everything wrong, according to your dear old mother-in-law. Here are three signs your MIL kind of hates you after having her grandchild.
First She Says: "Don't Do That!"
She questions your every parenting move, from the type of diapers you use to your nursing or feeding process/schedule or what have you. She reminds you of what she did as a young mother, in a way to validate her own parenting, but also to tell you that "Hey lady: you are doing it all wrong!"
You've started telling her less, simply out of fear that you will get her angry or worse, get yourself entangled in a fight.
Then: She Gets In Her Son's Ear
Even if your hubby ignores her, she starts to bother him about what it is that she believes you're doing wrong. This way, she believes, she will have her son on her side and can get you to stop whatever supposedly offensive behavior you're doing. It's not that she hates you exactly, but more that as she sees you with the new baby, a part of her longs for those days back herself. A part of her is envious. Another part of her believes that she truly knows what is best for her grandchild and doesn't want to give up on her opinions.
Mostly, her son is tired of being in the middle and probably is on your side.
The best approach? Simply validate her feelings by saying, "I appreciate how much you care for the baby and that you may have done things differently than I am, but things always change with time and I am doing my best."
In other words? Don't engage the beast!
Lastly: She Admonishes You Publicly
She doesn't hold back from sharing her feelings about you and your parenting in public because most likely, you're following your own maternal instincts and not hers so therefore, she has "had enough." Whether it's at a family gathering or you have invited her to lunch or the park, you'll know she really dislikes you by how she picks you apart, whether it's for the dress you decided to wear, how you dressed your baby, how you breathe, where you bought your groceries, or where you plan on having your child's first birthday party.
Basically, you're doomed. How do you manage this situation?
You can't change her, but you can manage how you respond to her.
- First: Don't feed the fighting. Ignore her catty comments.
- Second: Acknowledge her care for her grandchild and that you're sure she was a great parent who raised great kids and that you're learning your own parenting style much how she did.
- Third: If she starts to be nasty, end the visit or tell your hubby, "It's time to leave now."
- Fourth: Kill her with kindness and include her. Yes, include her! Ask her for her input on other matters. Invite her to special events she might like and when she is nasty, always be kind. Will this stink for a while? Yes, but it may be that she's feeling threatened by you or perhaps just lonely or uninvolved. Making her feel needed may be the trick!
- Fifth and final: Avoid spending time with her alone if it's that bad and none of the other steps work.
It's not always easy getting along with your MIL but hopefully, this little angry stage will pass in time. In the meantime, take the high road and turn the other cheek!
Tea Drinkers, You'll Love This Elephant Mug (on Amazon!) For Its Handy Little Bag Holder
If you're addicted to sipping on a hot cup of tea every day, we have the perfect product for you. This cute Elephant Mug ($30) is available on Amazon Prime and the design is genius. The little elephant head acts as a compartment for your tea bag. That way, when you're done brewing, you don't have to get up to throw the bag away. It's a lazy person's dream come true.
The mug itself is made with a speckled glaze and a satin finish. It's both microwave and dishwasher safe, so it's quite easy to use over and over again. This would be an adorable gift - who else wants this mug? You better buy it before it sells out!
26 Cakes Covered in Candy, Because You Can Never Have Too Much of a Good Thing
Want to really wow your little one at their next birthday party? Then present them with the showstopping, beyond-cool candy-covered cake of their dreams. (Trust us: candy plus cake equals kid ecstasy.) Dripping with chocolate, lollipops, marshmallows, and more, the following 26 cakes might be the definition of sugar overload, but the postcake crash will be totally worth it for that moment when your kid's eyes light up when they see one of these sugar babies. Colorful, creative, and totally kid-approved, these cakes are sure to be the hit of any party. You know you want one, so keep reading to find your favorite.
A Passionate Open Letter to the Person Pushing Their Dog in a Stroller
Dear Dog Owner,
I'll never forget the time I began reversing my car out of a Starbucks parking lot and, true story, nearly hit a woman pushing her baby in a stroller. My heart, and the world around me, stopped. "What have I done?" I thought, panicked, but then relieved when I realized I'd seen them just in time. Understandably, the woman was upset and began yelling and gesturing at me far more kindly than I would have if I were her. But as she walked around toward the front of my vehicle, I saw that instead of a baby in the stroller, it was a dog. Now, do I go around trying to run dogs over with my car? Of course not! But I have to admit I felt deceived that even for a moment, I thought a baby's well-being hung in the balance because I hadn't seen the "mom" and her stroller behind my car.
I was pissed. Yes, I should have been more careful (people can also look where they're going more carefully), but this was a deception. Babies belong in strollers, not your four-legged friend. And if you can't (or don't want to) let them roam on a leash to explore the world around them because you think they're too special or good for such a simple task, then maybe you shouldn't have a dog in the first place.
Until science proves that things like grass and cement are too harmful for their precious paws, I'll expect them to be on the ground.
Look, I get being totally obsessed with your pet. I love my dog just as much as the next person. She's a cherished member of our family, and we can't imagine life without her. We do, however, treat her differently than our three children . . . because she's a dog. She eats dog food out of a bowl on the floor, poops outside, and sleeps in a dog bed. She also walks on a leash, both for exercise and because she. is. a. dog.
I understand there are some situations that warrant a dog being pushed in a stroller, like a broken leg or serious illness. But if they're perfectly healthy and you just choose to treat them like a pampered princess, they're probably dying to get down and run around. Again, they're animals. And I assure you they won't think you don't love them if you don't push them in a stroller or buy them expensive sweaters. In fact, I like to think they look a little bit embarrassed when they're seen in strollers. Like, "I'll never live this down at the dog park" embarrassed.
But hey, if pushing your dog in a stroller makes you really happy, I'm not mad at you. I just don't think it's necessary. I know you're living your life and not hurting anyone (except maybe your dog's pride), just don't be surprised if you get a few eye rolls or deep sighs en route to wherever it is you're going. Because yes, your dog can be considered your "baby," but until science proves that things like grass and cement are too harmful for their precious paws, I'll expect them to be on the ground.
Respectfully,
Most People
How (and When) to Intervene When You See a Mom Struggling in Public
Every mom has been there. You're out in public, maybe getting groceries, mailing a package, or waiting to board your plane at the airport, when your child decides to flip the f*ck out. You start by trying to sweetly soothe the beast, praying that the tantrum will be short-lived. When it keeps going, you do your best quiet-yell voice (also known as the extremely firm whisper) combined with the hard stare, letting your kid know you mean business.
When that still doesn't work, you start to sweat and weigh your options: attempt to physically restrain your flailing child, knowing that will only escalate the situation; abandon your task and tend to your kid in a less public space, even though you really need those groceries; or just sit down and cry. Somehow, you survive, finding the alchemy that defuses the meltdown, deciding you'll return to the post office another day or relying on the kindness of strangers who help get your kid on that plane. But from that day on, you know your child has the potential to torpedo any public outing, and you just pray it never happens again.
Every mom has also been on the other end, watching a mom struggle with a child who's decided to save their worst behavior for a time when they could show it off to an audience. You probably felt that mom's pain and wanted to do something to help. But what? And is getting involved even appropriate? Here are the dos and don'ts for helping a mom who's struggling with her kid in public.
Dos
- Do evaluate the situation to see if your involvement would actually be helpful or just add to their stress. If you're not sure, ask. Extra points if you ask if you can do something specific instead of just asking if you can help in general. Even if she says no, she'll still appreciate the offer.
- Do engage in small kindnesses like opening doors or returning her grocery cart as much as possible.
- Do give her as many sympathetic looks and short words of encouragement and reassurance as you'd like. Compassion is never appreciated more than in moments of struggle.
- Do feel free to buy her coffee when you see how hard it's been for her to get through the line. She really needs that coffee.
- Do identify yourself as a grandma, mom of three, or uncle of 12 if you're trying to help. She wants to know that you're experienced and not just a weirdo who wants to engage with her kid.
- Do intervene if her child is putting themselves in danger (i.e., running into the street).
Don'ts
- Don't attempt to approach or touch a child without the parent's permission. You have little information about what's really going on. Don't assume you know how to handle the meltdown better than the parent does.
- Don't offer advice about how mom could be better dealing with the situation. She's doing her best.
- Don't start unloading grocery bags or approach a car without asking first. Stranger danger is a thing for adults, too.
- Don't offer the child candy or any other kind of treat. Just don't do it. You're only making Mom's life more difficult.
- Don't stand and stare. No one wants spectators for their child's worst moments. Tantrums happen, so if you can't help, offer a sympathetic smile and move on.
Can We All Agree That Participation Trophies Should Not Be Given to Kids?
A month before our local scouting program's boxcar race, my son excitedly outlined design ideas to make his boxcar a winner. Within hours, however, his excitement fizzled. The boxcar sat on the kitchen counter untouched until three days before the race. My husband talked my son around, and they worked in the garage for an hour before reappearing with a freshly painted red boxcar. When they showed me the finished product, I asked two questions: 1.) Do you think you should do more to it? and 2.) Do you think you tried your best? My son answered no and yes, respectively.
The day of the race, I wished my son good luck and told him that it's OK to be upset if he were to lose. I'm no engineer, but I was confident that simply putting red paint on a wooden car would not increase the speed. My son typically excels in school, his chess program, and soccer, so I wanted to prepare him for his impending letdown. I stressed to him that it's important to understand how he could improve so that he could have a better shot next time. When he returned from the race, he told me that his car was the slowest and that it didn't even have enough oomph to cross the finish line.
My son didn't do anything to deserve such recognition. He wasn't passionate about it, put in minimal effort, and wasn't fazed by his lack of success.
Fast-forward to the end-of-the-year awards ceremony. My son received pins and badges for activities he completed, then the den leader pulled out a trophy that honestly shocked me. As he described the person who matched the qualifications to receive the trophy, my son's face beamed with pride. Then he said it, "The Slowest Car Award goes to . . . " My son giggled and raced to the front of the room to collect his trophy. I looked around, and parents and other scouts were clapping for him as if he had done something notable to receive an award.
As we walked to the car, I asked him why he was so excited. He told me that he felt he deserved an award because other people got them. Before I knew it, I went on a 20-minute rant explaining how his trophy diminished the win of the child who had the fastest car. My son ignored the requests from his dad and me to get started, and he wasn't interested in attending the car preparation workshop. He simply showed up, was surprised that he didn't win, and then actually ended up with an award. I've never been a fan of participation trophies, but this one in particular is an example of overstating effort. My son didn't do anything to deserve such recognition. He wasn't passionate about it, put in minimal effort, and wasn't fazed by his lack of success. What kind of message is that sending to the child who spent hours making their boxcar the best it can possibly be?
As the school year ended, my son brought home more and more trophies that were awarded for actual talent and skill. I noticed the slowest car trophy became less visible on his nightstand to make room for his real accomplishments. When I asked why, he stated that his other awards made him proud because he knew he worked hard to earn them.
The whole experience taught me that kids don't need to be babied when it comes to participation. They shouldn't be celebrated just for showing up and doing the bare minimum. They should be recognized if and when they work hard, go above and beyond their duties, and excel at something they put their minds to. My son works very hard at many things, and those are the trophies I'm proud to see him earn.
13 Wonder Woman Cakes to Inspire Your Daughter to Be the Strong Girl She Is
The success of Wonder Woman last year proved that audiences were more than ready for a female-lead superhero film, and we're already looking forward to the sequel. But Wonder Woman has been a beloved character for decades, with her inspiring message of being a strong and empowered female. Since so many little girls harnessed their inner power because of their love for the film, it also makes a great theme for birthdays! While we can't be Diana, princess of the Amazons, we can fulfill our dreams of feeling like a badass superhero with a Wonder Woman cake. Click through to see some of our favorite Wonder Woman cakes that would make the perfect centerpiece for your little superhero's birthday party.
My Son and Daughter Share a Room, and I Don't Have Any Plans of Separating Them
In some homes, kids share a room by choice (usually their parents'). In others, it's a necessity due to lack of space. In our house, my two small children, ages 5 and 3, share a room because they want to. At first, it was just an experiment. They asked if they could sleep in the same room, so for fun, we let them, but it blossomed into the two of them permanently sharing space. But because our 5-year-old is a boy, and our daughter is younger, I know it won't be like this forever.
If my kids were both the same sex and they never complained about not having their own space, I'd keep them there until they went to college.
My husband and I are done in the baby-making department, so whenever my kids are ready, they can each have their own room again. But for now, the fact that they want to be together makes my heart burst. Studies have shown that, for many children, sharing a room with their sibling or siblings is more about inclusion than anything else. Before they reach the age when they want their own space, kids just really love being together, which is definitely true for my little ones. At night, we usually have to remind them to stop chatting because it's time to go to sleep, and they definitely get into mischief if they get bold and close the door. It makes me smile thinking about their imaginations bouncing off each other as they talk under the covers and the cute little memories they make together when we're not there. It's a pretty cute gig, but when will I have to, or should, move one of them out?
Honestly, if my kids were both the same sex and they never complained about not having their own space, I'd keep them there until they went to college, but I have a feeling things will get a little dicey in a few years as they head toward puberty. To curtail this potential awkwardness, I plan on separating their rooms before the onset of puberty - around the time my son is 11. I assume they'll both be ready for a little privacy by then anyway. But if one of them expresses a desire to have their own room before that time comes, I'm open to that too. I don't plan on forcing them to stay together if they don't want to, because what makes their current setup so special is their equal happiness in being there.
Before separate rooms (and puberty, ah!) needs to be a concern of mine, I'll sit back and watch my kids grow . . . together. So far, their shared room has created so many more good memories than bad. Sure, they fight sometimes like all siblings do, but they're also incredibly close. They share better, are able to solve conflicts easier, and don't tattle on each other to Mom and Dad as quickly anymore. Their tastes and interests are different, but their room reflects each in a perfect balance. Nobody is upset about a certain toy being on a shelf or a certain color on their bed sheets. So unless they ask to be separated, they'll share a room for the foreseeable future. Because it's been an experiment that I don't want to know the outcome of yet.
Editor's Note: This piece was written by a POPSUGAR contributor and does not necessarily reflect the views of POPSUGAR Inc. Interested in joining our POPSUGAR Voices network of contributors from around the globe? Click here.
10 Reasons Being a Divorced Mom Is Actually Kind of Awesome
I recently overheard some of my married mom friends discussing how they can't remember the last time they slept past 6:30 a.m, as if their kids waking them up at the crack of dawn was a universal mom problem. As I listened, I suddenly I found myself unexpectedly smirking. I sleep late every other weekend and every Tuesday morning. Divorce sure does have its perks, I thought.
As is often the case with life, I have been pleasantly surprised to discover that divorce is not nearly as awful as I had first anticipated. Once I got through the initial sadness and mastered the art of acceptance, I adjusted nicely to life as a divorcee. I soon caught myself smiling and laughing more often. On the weekends, when the kids were at their dad's house, I discovered creative methods of self-care that helped me embrace my time without the kids rather than sit in misery missing them. All of the pieces started to fit together, and just a few short years after the divorce was finalized, I fell in love with my life again. Here is what I love about life after divorce.
- The B Word (Balance) - A shared custody agreement comes with built-in balance for both parents. I'm forced to take time to myself, away from my children. I've learned to cherish my "off" days and take good care of myself with things like mani-pedis, visits to the gym, and a table for one at the nearest fine-dining establishment.
- Dating at 40? Hell, Yeah! - Dating is fun and exciting. I have new confidence in myself and zero expectations, which makes for a pretty good combo when swiping right. My life is full and complete, and I love myself, so I have nothing to lose in the world of dating. It's exciting to think that The One may still be out there, and that, at 40 years old, the best is yet to come.
- I Like My Ex a Lot More Now That He Isn't My Husband - I consider myself lucky, because I can honestly say that I get along well with my ex-husband. He's the only other person in the universe who loves our three kids as much as I do, and our interactions are restricted to children-related topics and activities only. We coparent and put the kids before everything else, so I'd say we get along about 92 percent of the time, which is pretty good considering our track record.
- Sleep Is Amazing - I may never get married again because I love (like, love with a capital L Love) sleeping alone. I can't ever imagine wanting to sleep in the same bed with another grown adult every single night for the rest of my life. I love my bed, my covers, and my pillows at the temperature of my choice. No snoring. No sleep talking. No one else waking up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, or, God forbid, hitting snooze five times on his alarm clock in the morning. No. Thank. You.
- I Love My Last Name Again - I reverted to my maiden name when I got divorced and it was a decision that plagued me for months. I didn't want to throw salt on the divorce wound and tell the kids, "I'm not a Walsh anymore." It was, however, something I needed to do to remain true to myself and thus it feels right, I have no regrets, and the kids are just fine. Sure, their friends still call me Mrs. Walsh, but hey, IDGAF. I will always be a Hayes.
- Like Destiny's Child, I'm an Independent Woman - I have fixed toilets, hung pictures, packed up moving trucks, painted walls, shoveled the snow, and paid my own bills. I load the dishwasher however I want, leave dishes in the sink overnight, and watch whatever Netflix series I want by myself. Independence feels good.
- I Found Myself - Being a wife and a mom at a young age, I lost myself. I fell into the mom role, not really knowing who I was or what I wanted out of life. Only after I got divorced did I truly find myself. I discovered hobbies that were all mine, I learned my strengths and weaknesses, and I created new goals for myself all because I had the freedom and independence to explore all things me.
- I Can Do It - There were days when I felt as though I could not get it all done. Sometimes the emotional toll of being a divorced mom was too much to bear. But the more I got through those days, the more I learned I could do it, and I would do it. No matter what. I look back on a handful of hard times and I'm proud of myself for getting through it all with strength, courage, and integrity. I use that to power through the next challenge.
- The Kids Are Closer to Each Other - I catch glimpses of my children comforting one another, laughing over private jokes, and even reading bedtime stories to each other. I know they're closer to one another because of the divorce, and for that I'm grateful. They have learned to be there for each other through thick and thin, laughter, and tears, and they're creating bonds that will last a lifetime.
- Silver Linings - Life after divorce has taught me to look for the silver lining in everything. If I can get through the end of a marriage and find blessings in the ultimate failure, well, damn, I can find silver linings in just about anything.
I Don't Enjoy Every Second of Motherhood - and Honestly, I Feel Sh*tty About It
Thanks to social media, we all get to see the Pinterest-worthy mother in our feed on a daily basis. She's the mother with the perfectly matched outfits for her children. She's the mother that's always smiling and laughing. She's the mother who always has a clean house. She's the mother who bakes a million cupcakes after a full day's work and happily decorates them until 1 a.m. She's the mother who thrives during tantrums, spit-ups, and sibling fights. She is not me.
While we all know that social media only showcases people's best moments, I know that these mothers are real. I've seen them in person and have heard them talking at school functions - smiling and soaking up chaotic mornings, gushing about how sleepless nights mean they just get to spend more time with their baby, and never having a public meltdown even when their child runs away from them in the middle of a busy parking lot. They have it all under control, and they love every chaotic, hard, heartbreaking, and tiring moment. As much as I envy them, I just don't get it. How could they enjoy every second of motherhood? Don't get me wrong - I love being a mom more than anything, but there are moments when I want to scream.
How can some mothers enjoy every second of motherhood? Don't get me wrong - I love being a mom more than anything, but there are moments when I want to scream.
You know the moms I'm talking about - the ones that are so in love with motherhood at all times while me (and most other mothers I know) swear under our breath before getting the kids into the car in the morning. We leave the house without brushing our own teeth - let alone our kids'. Our cars look like garbage dumps with processed food wrappers serving as the floor. In other words, we're sometimes a bit of a mess. Although we all love motherhood, we don't seem to revel in every aspect of it like they do.
How do they do it? Really. I want to know. Being a mother didn't come naturally to me at first, but the joy it brings me goes unmatched. When my children were babies, I loved being woken up in the morning by listening to their coos through the monitor. I adored watching all of their firsts, too. But there is so much of it that is not beautiful. But for the perfectly content mothers, everything is.
It makes me feel less than. No, I shouldn't compare. No one should. All mothers are badass superheroes, but sometimes we can't help it. When I see a mother happily reprimand her child (and her child promptly listen to her in response), I just think, "What the hell am I doing wrong?"
To all you blissful mothers out there, keep doing your thing, but maybe throw in the occasional F-bomb? Maybe don't brush your hair one day? Maybe give me that comforting "I've been there" look instead of a pity smile? Because then that way, the rest of us - the moms who don't or can't hide the rough sides of parenting - will feel more like we're in this together instead of like we're falling behind.
Editor's Note: This piece was written by a POPSUGAR contributor and does not necessarily reflect the views of POPSUGAR Inc. Interested in joining our POPSUGAR Voices network of contributors from around the globe? Click here.
See Ya, Sperm! Why My Husband's Vasectomy Was the Best Thing Ever
When my husband and I met, we had both been through divorces. While he didn't have any children during his first marriage, I was a package deal: it was me and my 4-year-old daughter. We talked about having more kids of our own, or more specifically, one kid of our own. With a front row seat to the ups and downs of parenting a smart and feisty little girl, he was more than happy with that offer. So happy, in fact, that he said if and when we had a baby, he would be heading straight to the doctor to get a vasectomy shortly thereafter.
Fast forward a handful of years and that 4-year-old little girl turned eight and welcomed a little sister. It was a traumatic pregnancy that came on the heels of a miscarriage, and was filled with hospitalizations and bed rest. Once our little miracle arrived, I was elated and grateful, but also knew I NEVER wanted to do this again. My husband, learning very quickly what true sleep deprivation was, felt the same exact way. We wanted to be able to maintain the status quo and divide and conquer, rather than be outnumbered. We were two and through.
At the hospital, as they wheeled him toward the OR, I told him I loved him and wished his testicles the best.
As we approached her first birthday, he decided it was time to take care of "it," aka get a vasectomy. We were in a groove, our routine was comfortable, and the idea of him being laid up for a few days seemed doable. After his consultation, he was nothing short of thrilled to tell me that after the procedure, he wouldn't be able to do anything strenuous for a few days. He made it sound as if I had him tilling land for acres of crops and tending to livestock after laying pavers in the driveway and cleaning the gutters. I looked at him and asked him to please tell me when he ever has to do anything "strenuous" in our home. Crickets.
The other doctor's order he was eager to share was that we would need to have a lot of sex, because the more sex we had, the faster he would be "cleared" of not having anything left that could result in a child. That's a double-edged scalpel right there, because the idea of sex resulting in another pregnancy when you're just recovering from the painful phase of adjusting to a newborn is enough to scare you into celibacy (if you know you're done having babies). However, you also want to speed up the process to ensure that sex is now solely for fun and not for procreation.
At the hospital, as they wheeled him toward the OR, I told him I loved him and wished his testicles the best. He was making jokes the whole time about getting neutered. They knocked him out, got down to business, and a few hours later we were in recovery waiting for him to pee, since that's apparently how you get the green light to go home. He spent the next two days laying in our bed, binge watching an obscene amount of shows, and cradled and numbed his groin area with a giant ice pack. If it wasn't for the pain, the rest of that scenario is basically his dream weekend. Fun fact: the day after surgery, still on pain medication and with frozen balls, he had a temporary moment of insanity and told me he thought he was ready to have sex. I laughed way too hard.
And now we wait. We wait for the day that I'll have to bring a hand-curated "sample" to his doctor to see if we're in the clear for good. In addition to my infinite job titles like, mom, wife, laundress, lunch packer, boo boo kisser, short-order cook, and dog ass wiper, I can now add sperm sample courier to my resume. But you know what? It was the best decision ever.
31 Musical Baby Names That Will Add a Whole Lot of Rhythm to Your Life
Music is an incredibly powerful thing. It can make you feel blissfully happy, help you through a dark time, or inspire you to run just one more mile. You also probably know of a song or two that holds a special place in your heart - music is the soundtrack of our lives, after all. So why not take some of that rhythm and put it into a baby name? From the most epic performers of all time to musical instruments, the possibilities really are endless. Keep reading for 31 musical baby name ideas that will make you want to do a happy dance.
- Lyric
- Aretha
- Joni
- Cadence
- Bari
- Calliope
- Zeppelin
- Reed
- Dolly
- Nashville
- Banjo
- Allemande
- Aria
- Adele
- Piper
- Harper
- Clef
- Harmony
- Clarinet
- Jazz
- Opus
- Hendrix
- Presley
- Lennon
- Wolfgang
- Elton
- Joplin
- Ludwig
- Armstrong
- Ellington
- Coltrane
These 22 Photos Show What Being a Toddler Is All About
Ah! What's not to love about toddlers? Their seemingly boundless energy? The fact that they can get into anything and everything in under a second? But all kidding aside, the toddler years can be simply magical. After giving birth to her son Jaxon, Connecticut-based photographer Alicia Levy knows this better than anyone.
"My son Jaxon is the person who brought this wonderful new creative outlet into my life," she told POPSUGAR. "I loved capturing his simple moments, like the first time he looked in the mirror or the first time he had his face painted. That inspired me to want to do that for other families. He is my muse and inspiration, and I feel so grateful not only to watch him grow, but to have captured all of these memories for us to look back on."
And as far as taking photos of toddlers specifically is concerned, well, they certainly know how to keep things interesting.
"To me, what is so special about portraits of childhood (especially babies and younger children) is that it captures the innocence and uniqueness of who they are as a child at the time, and it also brings the observer back to the nostalgia of their own childhood and feelings associated with it. Every single moment is spontaneous."
Don't believe us? Scroll through to get a glimpse of some of our favorite shots.
If You Have 30 Seconds, You Can Help Children Separated From Their Parents at the Border
Update: On June 20, Donald Trump signed an executive order promising to stop the practice of separating children from their parents at the border. The order, however, is written to allow for the indefinite detention of families and children together - another inhumane practice which is currently prohibited by law. In addition, the order does not address reuniting the thousands of children who have been separated from their parents already, making it just as urgent as ever for us to continue advocating for them.
Original story: As horror stories about what migrant children and parents are enduring at the US border continue to roll in, it's easy to feel powerless to help - but we shouldn't. The truth is there are many things regular American citizens can do to help push for an end to the Trump administration's separation policy by holding our lawmakers accountable, donating money to organizations that support migrant families, and raising our voices against this human rights abuse, which that has ripped some 2,000 children away from their parents in just the last six weeks.
Related: Former First Lady Laura Bush Denounces Donald Trump's Immigration Policy: "It Is Immoral"
Read on for four tangible ways you can make your voice heard and advocate for the end of this policy - in as little as 30 seconds.
The 35 Sexiest Man Selfies of 2018 Are So Hot, Your Computer Screen Will Shatter
Feeling a little thirsty these days? Us too. Gather around friends, because it's the best time of the year. Annually, we carefully select the hottest man selfies on Instagram for your viewing pleasure. It's a job we take seriously - there's a lot of staring and voting involved. This is definitely our best year yet with 35 smoldering guys - some are models, some are regular dudes, and some are just so hot we don't care what they do. We put them all in one convenient place for your viewing pleasure, so sit back and enjoy the eye candy. If you're a good friend, you'll share it all with your BFFs too.
Nina Agdal's Cheeky Bikini Will Catch You by Surprise Once You See It From Behind
Nina Agdal does not slow down when it comes to swimsuits - she's always bringing the heat. The 26-year-old model can rock a low-cut one-piece or a barely-there bikini and have jaws dropping either way. So when you see the cheeky suit Nina broke out for a getaway with her boyfriend (Jack Brinkley-Cook) and Christie Brinkley, it's only natural to do a triple take.
Nina posted a shot of her sexy swimsuit on Instagram, opting for a white top with straps and high-cut teal bottoms. She hilariously captioned the photo by writing, "Apparently wedgies are in now so I'm keeping up with the trend," and she gave photo credit to another swimsuit legend: Christie herself. When it comes to swimsuits, Nina doesn't play it safe, and her swimsuit "risks" pay off every time. If you're looking to join in on the sultry Summer fun, keep reading for more suits like Nina's daring pick.
11 Pretty Dresses You Can Wear to a Wedding and Everywhere Else in Life
It's no secret that finding the perfect wedding outfit is no easy feat. This season, don't throw on that old dress you've overworn or end up splurging on something you'll never wear again; instead treat yourself to an investment piece you'll treasure. We looked to Reformation because this sustainable retailer is known for its eco-friendly and flirty dresses that have a touch of sex appeal. If you've been hesitant about spending on the brand before, use this as an excuse to get that perfect pick you can rock to a wedding, the office, on date night, during vacation, and beyond. In case you need more convincing, we rounded up a few of our favorites. Take a look.
Behold! We Found the Perfect Summer Sundress - Available in 16 Colors For Only $18
Sick and tired of wearing the same old outfit every Summer? We have a solution for you! This MSbasic Sleeveless Strappy Summer Dress ($18) is here to save the day. We saw the adorable piece trending on Amazon and it's up almost 200 percent in sales! WOW!
It comes in five pretty solid color choices and 11 beautiful patterns. The flattering silhouette makes for a great layer piece. You can pair it with sneakers and a denim jacket for work or sandals and a beach bag for your next vacation. The best part: the price! It features over 600 positive comments on site of reviewers raving about the quality of the affordable pick.
Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite designs. At this price you can buy them all!
13 and Counting: All the Times Meghan Markle's Outfits Broke Royal Protocol
Every fashion girl knows that rules are meant to be broken, and that's one of the many reasons we love Meghan Markle. On top of doing her wedding her way, the Duchess of Sussex has also chosen to ignore some of the royal style rules more often than not, opting for risky necklines and frowned-upon colors - and we've been loving every minute of it.
Thanks to her impeccable outfits, Meghan always manages to stand out among the crowd, and the fact that she has broken protocol so many times only makes her more relatable. Read on to see all the times she won our hearts with her rule-breaking outfits.
Related: Meghan Markle's Style Isn't Quite Like Kate Middleton's, but It's Still Approved by the Royal Court
26 Stylish Outfit Ideas That Are So Comfortable, You'll Want to Wear Them Every Day
Finding the perfect outfit to wear during the Summer can feel like such a burden. How exactly are we supposed to find something cute to wear when it's 90 degrees outside and be comfortable wearing it in the heat all day long? Since we're sick of the basic t-shirt-and-shorts pairing, we turned our attention to street style pros to pick up a couple of fresh outfit ideas that are anything but boring.
Rather than wasting your time rummaging through your closet, turn your attention to our list of stylish outfit ideas that will get you through the warmer months. From a breezy denim-on-denim look to a modern LWD - which is basically the Summer equivalent of the classic little black dress - these stylish Summer outfits are not only comfy as hell but easy to replicate too. Keep reading to see how the pros take on the heat.
Behati Prinsloo Wearing a Swimsuit Is Hotter Than an Angel in Her Wings and Lingerie
Behati Prinsloo is practically known for posting flavorful Instagrams, many of which include swimsuit mirror selfies. She has used a bikini to announce her pregnancy, following up with consistent shots of her growing belly. The 28-year-old's edgy-meets-boho style means that her swim drawer is filled with everything from mesh to cutout one-pieces, bright neon fabrics to barely there, cheeky designs. There's really no swim trend the supermodel won't try.
Even though Behati does look like a glowing goddess when she slips on her Angel wings for the annual Victoria's Secret extravaganza - heck, she opened the show in both 2014 and 2015 - we're more excited by her playful two-pieces that truly keep us on the edge of our seat. Ahead, take a look at all the silhouettes she's worn and posed in proudly.
When It Came to Maternity Style, Candice Swanepoel Wore Everything - or Nothing at All
He's here! With a quick and adorable Instagram post, Candice Swanepoel announced to fans that she had given birth to her second baby boy. While we're overjoyed for the Victoria's Secret Angel and swimsuit designer and her fiancé, Hermann Nicoli, we must admit, we'll surely miss all of Candice's sexy maternity outfits. As her belly grew, the new mom continued sharing snaps of what she was wearing, from super boho looks to itty-bitty bikinis, like this red polka-dot number. Candice dressed just as effortlessly during her first pregnancy too. Read on to reminisce about her cozy-meets-edgy-chic maternity street style in celebration.
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