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.
samedi 7 juillet 2018
The Surprising Way Rihanna Is Influencing Plastic Surgery Trends
A whopping understatement: Rihanna is a woman of many talents. She's a musician, multimillion dollar beauty mogul, and selfless wine savior. Turns out, she can add one more credit to her already-stellar resumé: plastic surgery influencer.
According to NYC plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Doft, "There are several different noses that people come in asking for. There's always a new nose everyone wants." Dr. Doft said that celebrities like Meghan Markle and Justin Bieber have some of the top requested schnozes out there. "Rihanna's nose definitely gets commented on," she added.
"They like the symmetry, the little upturn, and the fact that it's straight."
What makes Rihanna's nose so covetable isn't necessarily because people want an exact replica but, rather, they're trying to make things look proportional. "They like the symmetry, the little upturn, and the fact that it's straight," Dr. Doft said. "It doesn't project too far from their face."
Dr. Doft said that most clients don't want to dramatically alter their faces and become clones of celebrities. "The thing people most often say is, 'I don't want to look different. I want to look like myself, but I want it all to work better,'" she said.
Related: Tyra Banks Gets Refreshingly Honest About Her Nose Job: "We as Women Need to Stop Judging"
If you're in the market for any kind of rhinoplasty (Ri-inspired or not), Dr. Doft said it can be helpful to bring a photo for reference during your first consultation. That said, you shouldn't have your heart set on one specific nose. "You have to point out what you like about a picture, and that's what we can translate into your operation," she advised.
The surgeon also stressed that it's necessary to keep another part of your face in mind when discussing nose jobs: "The chin is really important to this procedure too, because sometimes it can be too small." If you're changing your nose, you might also consider asking your surgeon to consider altering your chin, building it out, or making it stronger.
Ultimately, Dr. Doft said that the best nose jobs leave patients looking like a better version of themselves; they should still be recognizable by friends and family post-op. "You want the nose to fit your face," she said. "You also want your chin to fit the profile. When you have both things, you get a new, striking elegance."
Related: Go Inside a Lunch Break Nose Job
Evanna Lynch Is Teaching Us to Lovegood With Her New Cruelty-Free Box
Evanna Lynch, know as the beloved Harry Potter character Luna Lovegood, is bringing even more joy to the world with her cruelty-free subscription box. The actress is a passionate vegan (she even has a podcast on the subject called The Chickpeeps), and announced the new service via her Instagram story alongside her cat.
Lynch explained that she's looking for her fans input on what they'd like to see in a cruelty-free box. You can even take her survey to tell her what you'd most like to see and what products you're most interested in.
While there aren't many details about the box other than it launching later this year, we'll have more details later this Summer, and we're excited to have even more cruelty-free options to fill our makeup bags with. There's no legal reason to test on animals in the United States or in the UK, and we're looking forward to seeing her favorite beauty picks.
Considering that Luna Lovegood becomes a Magizoologist in adulthood, we think she'd approve of Lynch's newest endeavor.
Emilia Clarke Loves to Break This 1 Beauty Rule
There are some cardinal style rules: no white after labor day, stay away from mismatching prints, only wear glitter in the nighttime. We're not sure who came up with these rules, but we like to think there was some medieval sartorial convention way back when. Of course, most of the fun of these absolutes is breaking them. Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke has become a patron saint of giving beauty tradition the middle finger via her most colorful beauty habit.
If you can manage to peel your eyes away from Clarke's beyond-sexy red carpet gowns (and many badass jumpsuits), you'll notice that the Solo actress doesn't play it safe in the makeup department, either. You've probably been told that red and pink don't go together - but thankfully, Clarke didn't listen. She usually pairs both hues in lipstick and blush combinations.
While the look is definitely bold, it's surprisingly versatile, too. The colors manage to work with the many different hair colors Clarke has sported over the years, from chestnut brown to Daenerys-inspired icy blond. Read on to see how the master makes a compelling case for ditching conventional style wisdom.
How a Burlesque Dancer Keeps Her Makeup Looking Sexy All Night
We're always on the lookout for life-proof makeup, and nobody knows the importance of budge-proof makeup quite like a burlesque dancer.
Calamity Chang is an in-demand performer and producer in New York City, and is known for her bold fetish acts. Her show, which is at the Prohibition-style bar Employees Only, is inspired by 1920s Shanghai, China. Through years of touring, she's learned a thing or two about dolling herself up and putting on a great show, so we asked Chang how she gets her makeup (and her pasties) to stay put through her sexy dancing all night long.
Shape Your Brows With Benefit and You Could Get a Free Wedding Dress
Brides have a to-do list with a length only rivaled by the train on a royal wedding dress. This Summer, Benefit Cosmetics can help you check two things off your list in time for your big day. Not only are the brow experts prepared to give you perfect, face-framing eyebrows, but if you're lucky you could also win a wedding gown.
From July 6 through August 31, brides can visit any Benefit Boutique for a free Bridal Brow Mapping session and quick makeover so you can get your brows in shape for your wedding. While you're getting pretty, you will be entered to win a free Morilee wedding gown by Madeline Gardner. The lucky winner will be announced on September 1 and be awarded a dress worth around $1,200.
Enter the contest online, and then find out where your closest Benefit Boutique is to get your consultation. Good luck!
vendredi 6 juillet 2018
Tone Your Abs and Legs With This 15-Minute Jump Rope Workout
Jumping rope isn't just an activity reserved for elementary school students. It's a great cardiovascular workout for all ages that elevates your heart rate, improves your cardiovascular endurance, and strengthens your muscles. Thanks to it's compact size (throw it in your purse or put it in your luggage), you can take your jump rope anywhere and get a great workout in. Save yourself some time with this two-in-one cardio strengthening workout. It only takes 15 minutes.
The Workout
- Jump rope, two minutes
- Forward backward lunges, 30 seconds
- Jump rope, two minutes
- Push-ups, 30 seconds
- Jump rope, two minutes
- High knees, 30 seconds
- Jump rope, two minutes
- Mountain climbers, 30 seconds
- Jump rope, two minutes
- Plank with shoulder taps, 30 seconds
- Jump rope, two minutes
- Reverse lunge with knee drive, 30 seconds
The 10 Best Places to Travel Alone in the US
The world is meant to be explored, and so often, we compromise self-care on vacation to accommodate family, friends, and work. For those who want to unwind from the daily routines and to wander without distraction, traveling solo does wonders for the soul.
There are endless adventures sprinkled across the United States, each of which will illuminate a certain side of you. Push through your comfort zone and walk the streets of a new city for a weekend. Whether you prefer to be pampered, immerse yourself in nature, or find a steamy party scene, these are some of the most awesome getaways to take all by yourself.
This Waterfall in Brazil "Swallows" You Whole (and Spits You Back Out in a River!)
There's a waterfall in Brazil that's for true adventurers only: it appears to "swallow" people whole beneath a rock and spit them back out on the other side. Pedra que Engole, or "a stone that swallows," is in Trindade, Rio de Janeiro, and it attracts people not only for its beautiful views along the river, but also for its adrenaline-increasing activity.
Once you reach the rock formations after a bit of a hike, you'll come across the small waterfall that sucks you in with its rapidly gushing water. People scoot right up to the opening between the stones and push themselves downward before they completely disappear beneath them. It looks like they're either crushed or trapped underneath the rocks, but they come out safely on the other side a few seconds later. Just watching videos of people doing it is enough to get your blood pumping!
You Can Now Get Married at the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom, So Planning Starts Now!
Disney weddings are about to get even more magical because couples can tie the knot in front of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. Disney shared the exciting news on July 5, saying, "The iconic centerpiece of Disney's Animal Kingdom serves as the picture-perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding. Lush trees and exotic flowers surround the space, creating an enchanted setting." One look at the photo opportunities, and you'll totally agree!
Along with the Tree of Life, new to the list of Disney wedding venues are the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and the Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you've already found your perfect match who loves Disney just as much as you do, you just might want to start planning your dream wedding. Take a look one couple's beautiful ceremony - the very first one at the iconic Animal Kingdom destination - and you'll feel inspired to re-create your own.
25 Places That Are Perfect For a Midday Break at Disney World
A Disney World vacation is full of fun, excitement, and lots of magic! In addition to touring the parks and meeting your favorite characters, it's also important to pace yourself and give your kids a chance to rest, especially when the temperatures start to rise. Luckily, there are lots of places to take a break without having to head back to your hotel. We've rounded up the top spots to rest and cool off at each of the four Disney World theme parks, from rides and shows to stores and kid-friendly restaurants.
20 Signs Your Child May Be Gifted
"Is my child gifted?" Parents often wonder at one point or another whether their child is gifted. Here we've rounded up some basics to help you identify signs of giftedness in your child.
What Does "Gifted" Mean?
The term "giftedness" is used by different schools, organizations, and cultures in different ways, with some using the term strictly to indicate people with well-above average intelligence as measured by IQ scores, and others embracing a broader range of criteria. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) offers the following definition:
"Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10 percent or rarer) in one or more domains. Domains include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g., mathematics, music, language) and/or set of sensorimotor skills (e.g., painting, dance, sports)."
100 Baby Names You've Never Heard of but Are Going to Want to Use
Every baby is special and unique, but the list of the country's most popular names Sophia, Emma, Jackson, and Aiden, to name a few â reveal that many babies are crawling around sporting the same name. We looked further into the United States Social Security Administration's (long) list of popular baby names and picked out the most unique of the bunch for you to consider for your one-of-a-kind baby.
Read through for 100 unusual baby names you've never heard of, but are definitely going to want to put to use!
I Fought So Hard to Give Birth on the Toilet, but My Doctor Refused to Let Me
Of all the possible scenarios I'd gone over in my head, how my birth story ended up playing out was pretty much the opposite of what I expected. You see, I wanted to give birth on the toilet . . . adamantly. Good thing my nurses and doctor wouldn't let me.
That's when another nurse arrived, and along with my labor and delivery nurse, the two of them literally picked me up off the toilet and carried me to the bed.
My bathroom birth story started when I went into the hospital for a scheduled induction. Once my doctor started my Pitocin drip and broke my water, my labor began, fast and furious. I went from four centimeters to 10 in less than half an hour. At that point, I was making what my nurse later described as "devil sounds." Suddenly, I felt pressure down in my rear end like never before. I begged the nurse to help me make it to the bathroom because I had to go NOW. She told me it only felt like I had to use the bathroom because the baby's head was bearing down on my rectum. Still, I was convinced I had to get to a toilet ASAP.
Even as my nurse tried to stop me, I was dragging my IV across the hospital room floor, making a beeline for the bathroom. "I can't let you have your baby on the toilet, honey," she told me. Her words barely registered. My body had taken over and all I wanted to do was go.
Just as I was sitting down on the toilet, my doctor burst into the room, ready to deliver my son. I heard the nurse explain that I was insistent on going to the bathroom, and he quickly informed me that the toilet was the wrong place to deliver my baby. "I'm not coming in there," he said, sternly. I didn't care. I had decided it was going to happen here with or without him. And no one, not even my desperate husband, who was perched helplessly in the doorway, could persuade me otherwise, as contractions ripped through my body and dulled any ounce of logic I had left in my head.
That's when another nurse arrived, and along with my labor and delivery nurse, the two of them literally picked me up off the toilet and carried me to the bed. "You can go to the bathroom here if you need to," one of them told me, while I screamed and protested that I had to get back to the toilet.
As soon as the nurses laid me down on the bed, my husband excitedly informed me he could see our baby's head. Our son was born mere moments later. Seriously, I could have given birth on the toilet had my nurses not manhandled me out of the bathroom. I mean, thank god for them, and for my doctor who had stood his ground and refused to let me have my way. Dear Lord, I can't even imagine having to inform my son one day that mommy had him on a potty.
Later, once I was holding my beautiful baby in my arms and the room had cleared out, I asked my husband if he thought I was the first woman to ever insist on birthing her baby in the bathroom. Whether he was just humoring me I don't know, but he said, "No way." "Those nurses have seen everything," he told me, adding that I wasn't the first mama to feel insane pressure on her bottom and think she had to poop when it was really the baby about to come out.
Here's hoping he's right and someone out there can relate to my not-so-cute birth story. And um, a sincere apology to my nurses and to my doctor for being such a pain in the butt (pun intended)!
You Child Won't Be Able to Step Away From This Amazon Bestselling Toy
These days, there are so many children's toys available, it can feel overwhelming when you're trying to find a fun, educational present for your little one. Well, worry no more. We found the cutest toy on Amazon that your kids will be obsessed with.
This bestselling Mini Explorer Light Up Terrarium Kit ($25) is a little miniature garden with a built-in LED light, so it can grow anywhere. Your child will love layering the soil and sand, and taking care of their own little plant (that's basically foolproof). Plus, you can customize your terrarium with cute stickers! This little kit will teach your children about gardening, biology, and taking care of something. Plus, they'll be so engaged and excited about growing their plant, they won't even notice how educational this toy is! Appropriate for ages six and up, this is the perfect toy for any child. This will definitely be their Summer toy obsession.
This Mom Realized She Gave Birth to a Baby With Down Syndrome in the First 10 Seconds – and Her Response Is So Emotional
Amber DeAnn Rojas, a mother of five from Texas, knew after four pregnancies, which included a set of twins, that something felt different with this baby, and she was right. After a short labor, Amber gave birth to a daughter, Amadeus, who she quickly realized had Down Syndrome. She told POPSUGAR that she came to the realization almost instantly:
I didn't know why or how, but I always told my husband this baby was going to be different. My pregnancy wasn't different but I knew something was. The next thing I know, my sweet baby is in my arms and [I felt] so many emotions. As soon as I looked down I saw [that she had Down Syndrome]. I saw it on her face. I thought to myself: "My baby has Down Syndrome." At that moment, I totally forgot that we kept the baby's gender a secret. Then I looked down and to my surprise, it was a girl! I'm so excited, my thoughts of her having Down Syndrome went away because I was so happy we were having another girl!
After Amber's midwife gave Amadeus her newborn exam, she explained that their daughter had many of the Down Syndrome markers. And even though Amber admits she didn't know much about the condition, she wasn't fazed by the news.
We didn't care that she had Down Syndrome because we were all obsessed with her . . . she's like all the other babies we've had! She needs milk. She cries when she's wet or uncomfortable. She smiles when she sees us and we love her fiercely! Amadeus has brought us together. We are learning together about a whole community that we never knew anything about. God gave us Amadeus for a reason and to us she's perfect! We don't see her diagnosis or her label, we just see her as our daughter.
So far, Amber is enjoying bonding with her baby girl. And although baby Amadeus needs to have open heart surgery on Feb. 27 to fix a heart defect that children with Down Syndrome are sometimes born with, the Rojas family is hopeful that she'll have a speedy recovery.
15 Tips For Surviving a Summer Pregnancy, Because Sweat
Pregnancy. It's already not exactly known as the most comfortable time of your life, but carrying a baby in your belly during the hot, sticky, and crowded Summer months can make it feel more unbearable than usual. Moms-to-be, whose body temperatures are naturally higher than normal, are wise to beat the heat by protecting themselves from the sun, keeping cool, and staying hydrated. Read on for 15 tips to survive a summertime pregnancy and, dare I say, actually enjoy it!
I Just Had a Baby, So Please Don't Jokingly Ask Me If I'm Getting Any Sleep
Want to annoy the ever-loving f*ck out of a new mom? Just ask her this question: "So, are you getting any sleep?" Because, spoiler alert, there is a zero percent chance that she is!
As soon as I brought my newborn home from the hospital (seriously, he was just three days old), immediately neighbors, friends, and family started asking me, "So, are you getting any sleep?" And I had to wonder, did they really, seriously think that a 3-day-old baby sleeps through the night? Do they not know that a baby that age is up all night, every few hours to eat? And that I, his mom, am living on the edge of sanity, clinging to reality?
I mean, folks, in case you can't tell from the tone of this essay, I am about as sleep-deprived as a human being can get. Like all new moms, I have seen hours of the night a functioning member of society should never have to see and live to tell about it. At the bare minimum, I really shouldn't be allowed to even interface with other humans on such little sleep, which is why a question about whether I am getting any sleep is too much to even try to have a sense of humor about.
I beg of you, any person who considers asking a new mom if she's getting any sleep, please ask yourself first if there is any chance she will turn to you and respond, "Yes, I'm sleeping eight hours a night and waking up feeling well-rested!"
No. Here's my ultimatum for you: find a baby who lets his mom sleep. Once you find said baby, this question could possibly be excused or even tolerated. Until then, I must implore every person with even a granule of sense in their heads to ban this question from your list of things to ask a new mom. Might I suggest asking her if you can make her dinner instead? Or perhaps if she needs more coffee? Or ask her if her baby knows how to play the ukulele. That makes about as much sense as wondering about whether she's getting any sleep.
At least wait until her baby is 3 months old. No, 3 years old. Then ask again. If you dare.
Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Failed My Son in This 1 Major Way
When my husband and I decided that I would take a few years off from work to be a stay-at-home mom, I went into it knowing that it was the best decision for my family. The goal, of course, was that my son would have these precious years with me by his side before he went off to preschool, eager to get rid of me and excited to learn. Now, as the Autumn preschool start date inches closer than I would like to admit, I can't shake the feeling that me being a SAHM has actually failed him in one major way.
For all the things I have tried to expose him to [during my years as a stay-at-home mom], I have inadvertently forced him to avoid other adults.
During the past couple years, we spent our days exploring, with me trying to expose him to a variety of activities. We live in the city, so we're fortunate to be able to go to museums whenever we want, and we live in a neighborhood with more playgrounds than I could possibly visit in a single day. Most days I arrange playdates with his friends at local parks or I let him just to be a city kid and we ride the train until we see something neat and want to stop. Yet, for all the things I have tried to expose him to, I have inadvertently forced him to avoid other adults.
Never in his life has he been left in the care of an adult who wasn't related to him. While some days he gets time with his grandma, all he has to do is whine for me and I will come and get him. Sometimes he'll play independently with his cars or books, but more often than not, he wants me or his dad (who works from home) by his side. His dependency on us feels exceptional, although I don't have any other kids to compare it to. Other friends who have sent their kids to daycare don't seem to have their children cling to their every move. Worst of all is his inability to listen to adults, let alone be in a room with one without his parents.
Screams and full-on, gut-wrenching sobbing happened the one time I tried to leave him at the daycare center at my gym. Despite all the toys and other children, as he lay on the floor in the corner crying, the only thing he wanted was me. How is he supposed to learn and grow if the thought of being without a parent sends him into total fits?
Yes, I know this crying is temporary, and I know that he will eventually adjust. Babies do the same thing when dropped off at daycare, so it's unfair of me to expect him to react positively to something so drastically outside of his comfort zone. However, being the irrational parent that I am, I can't help but feel that my choice to be a SAHM was selfish, ignoring what was really best for him.
The thought of preschool currently has me sick to my stomach, but I'm confident that with some time, he'll eventually thrive there. He's ready to read and loves numbers and counting, and most of all, loves playing with other kids. Now I will have to make the unselfish decision, even if it's wrecking me. Starting preschool and being surrounded by adults he doesn't know may hurt in the short term (for both of us), but it's worth every future tear to help him gain more independence and trust in adults.
12 Insanely Relatable Cartoons About Life as a New Mom
So much happens in those first few weeks as a new mom that you often find yourself saying, "Why didn't anyone tell me it'd be like this?!" The truth is, even with all the warnings, there's just no way to truly prepare someone for parenthood. No one knows that better than Corinne de Vries and Ingebritt her Veld, two Dutch women who became first-time moms around the same time.
Corinne, a blogger, and Ingebritt, an illustrator, decided to team up to create cartoons that encapsulated the oh-so-relatable "things only moms know" - from pooping during delivery to being relieved that the baby spit up on you . . . not the bedspread.
With the series, the two creative parents hope to "depict the reality of motherhood, with all the - sometimes literally - painful, funny, and loving moments."
Oh, Say Can You See These Adorable NICU Babies Dressed Up For the Fourth of July!
The hospital staff at the Advocate Children's Hospital in Illinois certainly knows how to dial up the cuteness factor with their annual "parade of little ones." Recently, they took photos and even shot an adorable video to celebrate the babies who were spending their first Fourth of July in the NICU. Thanks to some helpful nurses, the smallest residents got all dolled up to ring in America's birthday, and we can hardly contain ourselves.
To make matters even cuter, the staff picked the perfect song - Katy Perry's "Firework" - as the video's background music while the sweet little babies dressed in red, white, and blue flashed across the screen. Scroll through to catch a glimpse of the most patriotic looks - mini flags and all!
11 Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Far, Far Away From You This Summer
True story: my husband has never been bit by a mosquito. While I'm not sure if this means that he secretly has a thick exoskeleton protecting him from those annoying and oh-so-itchy bites, what I do know is that some people are just plain lucky. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people, and neither is our son. But instead of avoiding the outdoors, I've found little tips and tricks for remaining as bite-free as possible. In order to actually enjoy the nice weather and make sure your Summer doesn't suck, follow these simple steps.
If You're Stocking Up on Healthy Snacks For the Kids, You Need These 16 Must Haves From Amazon
Buying food in bulk - way in advance - is a smart parenting and shopping strategy. It means you'll always have what you need in the house, and because you weren't making purchases in a rush, you likely bought better products. If you know in advance you're going to need to stock your pantry with healthy snacks for the school year, head to Amazon. The online retailer has plenty of guilt-free options available on its digital shelves. Whether you have a young child or a growing kid with a healthy appetite, we've rounded up the best bites there are.
Pink and Daughter Willow Share an Adorable Smooch on Stage During the Mom's Perth Concert
Pink is the queen of keeping it real when it comes to all aspects of her life, especially parenting. The mom of two, who has been on tour with her family since March, proved that mom life never stops during a July 4 concert in Perth, Australia, when she called her daughter, Willow - who recently fell asleep during one of her mom's concerts - up on stage just to grab a quick smooch.
This isn't the first time Pink has demonstrated or discussed openly that her kids, 7-year-old Willow and 1-year-old Jameson, are her first priority. In an interview for the June issue of Redbook, the singer and mom shared that bringing her kids on her Beautiful Trauma tour was a family decision. "I know this is going to be hard, but we'll make amazing memories," she said of juggling "so many damn plates" with the whole family traveling together.
Related: Every Parent Has (Unsuccessfully!) Attempted the Same Trick Pink Used to Get Her Toddler to Sleep
She added, in reference to Willow specifically: "This is the first time she's leaving behind friends and school and activities, so I asked if she wanted to do this, because we make family decisions. When touring stops working for the kids, if they decide they just want to be home and have a normal life, whatever that means, I'll stop, because they are by far the priority. But I think it's cool that they get to see their mom be the boss and work really freaking hard to realize a dream. I'd say it's 95 percent positive."
From what we can see, Willow still looks pretty delighted to be on tour with her badass rock star mama!
This Mom Is Warning Others After Her Son's Face Got Burned by a Common Baby Product
Kristen Milhone, a mom from Lowell, MI, is warning parents about the danger of putting babies to bed with pacifiers after her 7-month-old son, Jack, got burned by his in his sleep. She knew something was amiss when Jack woke up crying on the morning of June 20. Lo and behold, when she went to pick him up he had a nasty burn from his Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier on the side of his face. In a Facebook post, she explained exactly what happened on the morning of Jack's injury.
"This morning I woke up to my baby as usual but this time was a little different," she wrote. "My baby had a quarter-sized, reddened, raised and blistered spot on the left side of his head (the side he was laying on). I immediately thought chemical burn!"
Kristen knew she didn't want to take any chances and quickly gathered their things and headed to the hospital. On the drive over, she racked her brain in an attempt to figure out exactly how the accident happened.
"As I grabbed all of his things for an early morning car trip to Helen DeVos, I thought 'well maybe it was something in his cosleeper' but that thought quickly flew from my mind because it was just him and his pacifier. None of the things countless safe sleep books, ads, commercials, or doctors warn you of."
"He happened to have created a suction effect between his left temple and the back of the soothie."
Although the doctors weren't sure what caused the burns at first, they later confirmed that his pacifier was to blame for his injury by measuring the backside of the pacifier and comparing it to the size of Jack's burn.
"Upon further examination from one doctor, then another, they determined it was a SUCTION BURN FROM HIS THE SOOTHIE PACIFIER," she wrote. "As Jack rolled at night time he happened to have created a suction effect between his left temple and the back of the soothie. The diameter of the wound and the pacifier indentation were an exact match!"
Although Jack is on the mend and his burn is becoming less noticeable, she still wants parents to be extra cautious when putting their kiddos to sleep with their pacifiers. "I will no longer be using these products once we can find a suitable alternative for him and until then, [their] use will be closely monitored."
If You Deal With Any of These 4 Things, You May Want to Think Twice Before Breastfeeding
When it comes breastfeeding, it's generally seen as a wonderful experience. Not only does it bring mom and baby closer together in a shared bond, but it also has some pretty great health benefits and can help you shed some of that baby weight a bit faster. However, it also changes your hormone levels, which can pose a greater risk for those with hormonal conditions.
"Prolactin inhibits other hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, like the rise in levels and decline in estrogen and progesterone, which is why women who are breastfeeding tend to not have their period," Dr. Jennifer Landa, MD, an OBGYN and Chief Medical Officer at BodyLogicMD tells POPSUGAR. "Breastfeeding [basically] throws our bodies into a mini menopause. And we know menopause comes with a lot of negative symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, mood symptoms, vaginal dryness, and more." While it's manageable for most, some women may not be able to handle the complications breastfeeding can bring. If you deal with any of the following conditions, you should speak to your doctor to determine if breastfeeding is the right option for you.
Mom Receives Outpour of Support on Reddit For Canceling a Play Date With an Unvaccinated Kid
Play dates are more than just fun for kids - they're a way for little ones to socialize, learn from each other, and gives both caregivers an opportunity to speak to an adult for at least a small portion of the day. Mom and Reddit user, humboldtw3, values these interactions so much that she created a Facebook group to set people up for play dates, but recently, one user's views caused her to get banned from the page.
In a post to Reddit, the mom explained that she had a play date lined up, but decided to cancel after she found out the other child wasn't vaccinated.
"I don't hang out with people who neglect their children by not vaccinating."
"The other mom's response was, 'If your kid is vaccinated then what's the big deal?'" humboldtw3 wrote. "Nope. Not sorry. My kid is still a week or two away from being able to get his MMR [measles, mumps, and rubella]. And I don't hang out with people who neglect their children by not vaccinating. I blocked her and removed her from the play date Facebook group I admin so she won't inflict her dangerous views on anyone else. That might seem harsh but I would feel personally responsible if I found out her kid had given another kid from the group a preventable disease that they were too young to be vaccinated against."
Although the mom worried if her actions against this mom were harsh, other users were quick to comment on the thread to support her and let her know they would have done the exact same thing. It's not rare to see people supporting other pro-vaxxers, but it is pretty amazing to see so many positive comments in one place, rather than anti-vaxxers clogging up a thread with their "facts" about vaccines being detrimental, despite science proving otherwise.
Read through to see humboldtw3's original post and all of the supportive and informative comments she received - and if you've ever canceled a play date or delayed meeting a friend or relative's child because their parent was anti-vaxx, know you're most definitely not alone.
I Checked Off a Huge Bucket List Item With 2 Young Kids in Tow, Because Why Not?
I try to live life without regrets. I like to think I do a pretty good job at that when it comes to parenting and being a wife, but when it comes to doing things for myself, I'm severely lacking. When I kept finding myself having regret over the same thing multiple times, that's when I finally said to myself, "Life is too short! Enough is enough!" So, after many missed opportunities to check something off the top of my bucket list, I finally took the plunge and did it with both of my young kids in tow.
Now that I've done it, I encourage all moms to throw away all the reasons why they shouldn't do something and instead focus on all the reasons why they should.
It may sound silly as a 34-year-old to have an obsession with a musical icon, but I do. I'm a HUGE Kelly Clarkson fan. I've seen her in concert countless times, usually at least twice each time she's on tour. My biggest dream in life (aside from becoming a mom) has been to see her live from the front row. The closest I've come is the fifth row, but that was until a few weeks ago. I was done letting my excuses hold me back, and I packed up my 11-month-old and my 4-year-old, grabbed my mom, splurged on a hotel room, and went to New York City to see her live on the Today show. It was quite the whirlwind, but it was 100 percent worth it. I never jumped on that "YOLO" bandwagon (I feel so weird even saying that phrase) - I was tired, the kids' schedules kept me busy, I couldn't find the time, and so on - so this was the biggest "what the hell" moment I've ever had. And now that I've done it, I encourage all moms to throw away all the reasons why they shouldn't do something and instead focus on all the reasons why they should. My kids' first concert was my favorite singer, someone they've both been listening to since they were in the womb. We made memories, we had meltdowns, but we made it happen.
But let me start at the beginning. Before I was married and had children, I lived about 45 minutes from Manhattan. Every time I'd see that Kelly was scheduled to be in NYC for something, I would dream of dropping everything and hopping on the train to see her. I never did it because I was working, in school, couldn't take time off, etc. I had all of the excuses. And in my current life, I have two young kids and a now over 90-minute commute to Manhattan, so my dream of hopping on a train to see her felt like it was slipping further away. I mean, you have to be in line at Rockefeller Plaza by at least 5 a.m. (some people camp out the night before), and with an almost two-hour trip to get there, that would mean getting myself ready, waking my kids up, and getting out of the house by 3 a.m. Then you have to wait in said line for hours before they even begin to let people into the plaza without a guarantee you'll be anywhere near the stage. THEN, once you're in, the actual concert doesn't begin until 8 a.m. (and lasts until 9 a.m.). Doing this as a young, single person doesn't even sound appealing, but with two kids? Impossible! Or so I thought.
So, maybe find a place to stay in the city for the night so the wake-up call comes a little before 5 a.m. instead of 3? But NYC hotels are expensive. And how do you make it around the city with a giant double stroller? Car seats in cabs? Nope. You're probably asking yourself, why not just leave the kids at home? Well, my husband works, my son is still nursing, and it's a lot to ask a babysitter to take care of a preschooler overnight or with a 3 a.m. start time. See what I mean when I say I had all of the excuses?
I don't know what came over me, but I finally said "Screw it!" and asked my mom (who I've turned into a Kelly Clarkson fan) two days before Kelly's scheduled Today show Summer Concert Series appearance if she wanted to go. She looked at me like I was crazy, but had a sly smile that gave me the feeling she wanted to be crazy with me. We decided to splurge on a hotel near Rockefeller and make the most of our trip to NYC. I went to the grocery store and bought any and all snacks for the kids. Then I headed to the Dollar Store and bought new toys, trinkets, books, crayons, markers, stickers, and anything small that would fit into the diaper bag. And as a last resort, because she doesn't get a lot of screen time, I downloaded my daughter's favorite shows on my mom's tablet and grabbed her fun cat-ear headphones. We packed everything we'd need in two backpacks, a big purse, and the diaper bag, threw them all in the double stroller, and headed to the train station.
Kelly preformed three songs, and I rocked out to all of them while simultaneously jumping up and down, singing along, holding the baby, and throwing snacks at my daughter.
We walked from Grand Central through Rockefeller to our hotel so we could see how long the walk would take in the morning. We checked into the hotel, went swimming in the rooftop pool, had pizza in bed for dinner, decorated a poster to hold up for Kelly, and went to sleep early with our alarm set for 4:30 a.m. When that time came, my mom and I got ourselves ready, gently woke the kids, and headed to our destination with the 4-year-old walking and me wearing the baby. We were lucky to have a family member with a connection at NBC and ended up with VIP tickets, which meant we didn't have to wait in line as long, and we were among the first group let into the plaza. We walked in, and the stage was right in front of us. I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a mistake and at any moment someone would snap, "You can't stand here." But no one did. We set up our spot where we'd reside for the next four hours, resting the diaper bag on the big amplifier in front of the stage, and waited as the crowds piled in. We chatted and made friends with some other concertgoers while my daughter ate cookies for breakfast (because it kept her quiet, and what the hell) and in the sea of people, I discretely nursed the baby. I became a little worried when the whining started less than an hour into our four hours of standing, so I pulled out some silly putty, bubbles, and more snacks, which kept my daughter occupied a little longer. The baby was content to be worn for a while until he wasn't anymore, so I unstrapped him and just held him until . . . wait for it . . . Hoda Kotb came over and asked to hold him! He went to her, they smiled at each other, and she danced with him a little while my mom tried to grab some good pictures.
Then the big moment came. Kelly came out, and I thought I might lose it. She was RIGHT in front of me. I could see the sparkle of her jewelry; I could see the texture of her hair; I could see the wires from her ear piece. I could have touched her if that wasn't an inappropriate and weird invasion of space. I got a glimpse into her behind-the-scenes routine while she and her band and music manager worked out the kinks during sound check for the live show. She even looked out into the crowd between songs, pointed to my son and said, "Look at that baby!" That's right - Kelly Clarkson was talking about my baby. The fact that my daughter was sitting on the ground pouting and whining about wanting to ride the subway couldn't have bothered me less in that moment.
Kelly preformed three songs, and I rocked out to all of them while simultaneously jumping up and down, singing along, holding the baby, throwing snacks at my daughter and picking her up so she could see, too. If she hadn't been woken up before the sun, she probably would have enjoyed herself more as well, but she'll always be able to say her first live concert was in the front row for Kelly Clarkson on the Today show in New York City, and that's pretty cool. My mom and I had an awesome time, and we were both pleasantly surprised at how well both kids held up. It was an amazing experience that would have only been made better if Kelly and I got to chat and she realized we'd be instant best friends like I've always known we would be. But, hey, I need a new dream now anyway, right?
The 10 Best Places to Travel Alone in the US
The world is meant to be explored, and so often, we compromise self-care on vacation to accommodate family, friends, and work. For those who want to unwind from the daily routines and to wander without distraction, traveling solo does wonders for the soul.
There are endless adventures sprinkled across the United States, each of which will illuminate a certain side of you. Push through your comfort zone and walk the streets of a new city for a weekend. Whether you prefer to be pampered, immerse yourself in nature, or find a steamy party scene, these are some of the most awesome getaways to take all by yourself.
This Waterfall in Brazil "Swallows" You Whole (and Spits You Back Out in a River!)
There's a waterfall in Brazil that's for true adventurers only: it appears to "swallow" people whole beneath a rock and spit them back out on the other side. Pedra que Engole, or "a stone that swallows," is in Trindade, Rio de Janeiro, and it attracts people not only for its beautiful views along the river, but also for its adrenaline-increasing activity.
Once you reach the rock formations after a bit of a hike, you'll come across the small waterfall that sucks you in with its rapidly gushing water. People scoot right up to the opening between the stones and push themselves downward before they completely disappear beneath them. It looks like they're either crushed or trapped underneath the rocks, but they come out safely on the other side a few seconds later. Just watching videos of people doing it is enough to get your blood pumping!
You Can Now Get Married at the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom, So Planning Starts Now!
Disney weddings are about to get even more magical because couples can tie the knot in front of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. Disney shared the exciting news on July 5, saying, "The iconic centerpiece of Disney's Animal Kingdom serves as the picture-perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding. Lush trees and exotic flowers surround the space, creating an enchanted setting." One look at the photo opportunities, and you'll totally agree!
Along with the Tree of Life, new to the list of Disney wedding venues are the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and the Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you've already found your perfect match who loves Disney just as much as you do, you just might want to start planning your dream wedding. Take a look one couple's beautiful ceremony - the very first one at the iconic Animal Kingdom destination - and you'll feel inspired to re-create your own.
The 10 Best Places to Travel Alone in the US
The world is meant to be explored, and so often, we compromise self-care on vacation to accommodate family, friends, and work. For those who want to unwind from the daily routines and to wander without distraction, traveling solo does wonders for the soul.
There are endless adventures sprinkled across the United States, each of which will illuminate a certain side of you. Push through your comfort zone and walk the streets of a new city for a weekend. Whether you prefer to be pampered, immerse yourself in nature, or find a steamy party scene, these are some of the most awesome getaways to take all by yourself.
Tired of the Same Lunch? Try These Office-Approved Summer Recipes
When it comes to eating lunch at work, packing a meal is an great way to save money and know exactly what ingredients you're fueling your body with this Summer. But eating the same thing over and over can quickly leave you feeling bored, and who has time to be creative when you're already scrambling for time to prep your lunch?
The good news is, we've put together a list of our best office lunch recipes. These convenient recipes bring major flavor with seasonal favorites, are easy to make, and will store well (in case that conference call runs long). Get inspired for your next delicious office lunch with our list of top 20 recipes.
9 Genius Products That Will Keep You Cool During the Summer Heat
The Summer heat is no joke, especially when the sun just bakes your home and the air inside becomes thick and motionless. If you don't have an air conditioner or just don't want to rack up a big electricity bill, there are other ways to cool off during this especially sizzling time. We found some brilliant products that promote air flow or lower your surrounding temperatures. These items will be your obsession for the months to come. Take a look!
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe
This Waterfall in Brazil "Swallows" You Whole (and Spits You Back Out in a River!)
There's a waterfall in Brazil that's for true adventurers only: it appears to "swallow" people whole beneath a rock and spit them back out on the other side. Pedra que Engole, or "a stone that swallows," is in Trindade, Rio de Janeiro, and it attracts people not only for its beautiful views along the river, but also for its adrenaline-increasing activity.
Once you reach the rock formations after a bit of a hike, you'll come across the small waterfall that sucks you in with its rapidly gushing water. People scoot right up to the opening between the stones and push themselves downward before they completely disappear beneath them. It looks like they're either crushed or trapped underneath the rocks, but they come out safely on the other side a few seconds later. Just watching videos of people doing it is enough to get your blood pumping!
These Adorable Ban.do Beach Towels Will Complete Your Summer Essentials
Summer means spending every free second by the beach or pool; we've got to take advantage of the warm weather while we still can! If you're looking to lay out, you need a cute beach towel because you're a cute person. Plus, the cuter the towel, the less likely anyone is to mistake it as their own. These ones from Ban.do are so adorable, we want one of each! They'll for sure help you stand out at the beach. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
Disney World Now Has a Peter Pan Ice Cream Float - and It Tastes Like Key Lime Pie!
Another day, another new Disney World treat that's making us want to book a theme park vacation ASAP. Magic Kingdom just debuted a refreshing dessert-drink hybrid to help cool you down in the scorching Florida heat: a Peter Pan ice cream float. The light-green snack features - are you ready to drool? - key lime soft serve ice cream, Sprite, and a red chocolate feather garnish as a nod to the one attached to Peter Pan's green cap during all of his adventures. How cute is that?!
The bubbly Peter Pan float is currently being sold at Storybook Treats in the Fantasyland section of the theme park in honor of the film's 65 anniversary. So far, it's gotten pretty rave reviews from Disney visitors, with one happy customer calling it their "new go-to snack" and another describing it as "bright and flavorful." We're sold! See a few snaps of the thirst-quenching treat ahead, and you'll certainly feel inclined to sprinkle some pixie dust in your vicinity so you can sprout some wings and fly to Florida just to slurp on this goodness.
The 50 Sexiest Swimsuits of 2018 Are Here and Hotter Than Ever
Finding the perfect swimsuit that you'll love wearing all Summer long is easier said than done. If you're on the hunt for an ultrasexy choice this season, we have you covered. You don't have to spend your days endlessly searching online for your match, because we did the hard work for you. We scoured the internet for the hottest finds out there right now and found 50 sultry picks that will make you feel more confident than ever. Whether you desire a flattering monokini, a hot pink bikini, or a sporty one-piece, we found it all. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
When We Say Meghan Markle's Dress Is Brighter Than the Sun, We're Hardly Exaggerating
Meghan Markle kept on with her cool, sophisticated style as she stepped out alongside Prince Harry for the Commonwealth youth reception in London on July 5. The Duchess of Sussex bared her shoulders, albeit in a high-neck midi designed by Brandon Maxwell, who got his start as Lady Gaga's stylist. This number retails for $1,495, but was on sale at Net-a-Porter for $598 until it sold out.
Women often in the public eye, like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama, have tapped Maxwell for his sleek suiting and clean lines before. Meghan's ensemble, however, got an update in a flashy, marigold colorway. We'd hardly be surprised if she starts a trend and yellow dresses suddenly become all anyone wants to shop for. Ahead, read on for an all-angles view of the crisp outfit, which Meghan completed with neutral pumps and Adina Reyter earrings ($498), then shop plenty of similar options if you've been influenced by the Meghan Markle effect.
Selena Gomez's Red Denim Jacket Is the Most Magical Thing We've Ever Seen, and She's at Disneyland
Selena Gomez celebrated the Fourth of July in the happiest place on Earth: Disneyland. The songstress had a small Wizards of Waverly Place reunion and hung out with her former costar David Henrie. For the happy occasion, Selena rocked a red, white, and blue-themed ensemble, which was patriotic and stylish as hell. To top the outfit off, she wore a bright red corduroy jacket from Brandy Melville that only costs $45.
Selena styled her jacket with a pair of black pants and a custom Raglan tee that read "Tia Mouse." Another thing we noticed? Selena actually wore a pair of ankle weights to incorporate some resistance training to her day at the theme park. She accessorized with a pair of gold hoops and white Puma sneakers. Read on to get a closer look at her jacket and buy the exact same style, as well as similar options, ahead.
Sarah Hyland Proudly Showed Off Her Scars in This 2-Piece, and It's Empowering as Heck
You can always count on Sarah Hyland to keep it realer than real. Just a few days after sharing a makeup-free selfie on Instagram, the Modern Family actress showed off her scars in a series of bikini photos on the Fourth of July, making us feel simultaneously empowered and filled with swimsuit envy.
While celebrating Independence Day with a group of gal pals, Sarah rocked a mismatched two-piece that put her surgery scars front and center for all to see. "#scarsondisplay," she captioned a selfie posted on her Instagram Stories. Back in 2012, Sarah underwent a kidney transplant (her dad was her donor, BTW!) due to her struggles with kidney dysplasia, a condition that occurs in the womb when either one or both of a fetus's kidneys don't fully develop.
Sarah made a strong case for mixing and matching, as her bikini featured a white tie-front top and cheeky black bottoms. Her Arizona Daphne swimsuit top is unfortunately already sold out in white, but never fear - we found some lookalike styles for you to shop ahead.
14 2-Piece Sets From Nordstrom That Make Summer Dressing a No-Brainer
Between the uptick in temps and a busy social calendar this season, we'd guess the last thing you want to be doing is stressing over what to wear. That's where matching two-piece sets comes in. They're easy, they're effortless, and best of all, they leave you looking put-together without any hard work (or any work, really) on your part. Just throw on a coordinating top and bottoms and go! Whether you're looking for a set that's casual and vacation-ready or dressier for a Summer wedding, skin-baring or more covered up, or punchy and printed or sophisticated and solid, there's definitely a matchy-matchy something for everyone. Getting dressed has never been easier.
Need a Little Extra Lift? These Are the Best Push-Up Bras of 2018
Whether you have a bust on the smaller side and are looking to create the illusion of more cleavage or you have a large bust that needs extra support or coverage, owning a push-up bra is a total must. Finding the right one that's ideal for your body type and clothes is the hard part. We went on a mission to uncover the comfiest and most popular push-up choices, so all you have to do is shop. From cult-favorite brands like Spanx to Calvin Klein, you won't be disappointed. Ahead, you'll find our seven top picks that belong in your collection this year - take a look.
Kim Kardashian Wore This "#2" Bikini on the 4th, but We Give It a 10 on the Sexiness Scale
Kim Kardashian is no stranger to a vintage designer bikini. The Dior look she wore on Independence Day immediately conjured images of her strutting across the beach in Tulum, also in a Dior two piece. Or hey, remember that red hot Chanel suit she packed for Turks and Caicos? While her original coordinates were once available at Vestiaire Collective for $221, they've since been sold out.
We're not sure just how she's digging through the archives to find such flattering logo suits, but we do know they fit her like a glove, elongating her legs thanks to retro, high cuts. Kim coordinated her Dior set with sporty sunglasses and french braids while boating for the day - just read on for a second glance, then shop a handful of alternative styles we found.