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.
dimanche 15 juillet 2018
5 Methods For Grilling Fish That Will Earn You the Title "Grill Master of Summer"
From hot dogs to halloumi and wild leeks to watermelon, just about every provision can be made more delicious on the grill. My recent obsession is fish; a short trip to the grill takes its delicate flavor profile for a wild ride, imparting a char and an intoxicatingly smoky aroma that can't be replicated. Another reason to love fish on the 'cue: the versatile protein also works well in an extensive range of preparations. Here are five of my favorite methods:
- Grill it whole. If you're new to grilling seafood, it doesn't get much easier than grilling a whole fish. Anoint it with oil, sprinkle it with salt, and toss it on the grill. Once cooked, all it needs is a sprinkling (if that) of herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
- Grill a bunch of smaller, sustainable fish. Yes, that'd be heads, tails, and all. Serve it simply with flaky Maldon sea salt and lemon juice. Here's a step-by-step for how to do it the Spanish way.
- Shape patties for burgers. Pulse a firm-fleshed, meaty fish (such as salmon or tuna) in a food processor, then season it with salt and pepper. Pack the ground fish into a mold, then grill it until it's cooked through and serve it between burger buns.
- Grill the fish in a packet. This method will yield similar effects to the healthy French en papillote preparation, except you'll want to wrap the fish in foil rather than parchment packets to prevent burning.
- Use a cedar plank. Cooking on a cedar plank will impart even more dimension to the flavor of grilled fish. Purchase inexpensive, aromatic cedar planks, presoak them to avoid smoking, then cook the fish over a closed grill for extra earthiness.
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.
Related: 12 Dreamy Summer Destinations That Won't Break the Bank
30 Affordable Gifts For Women in Their 30s
Your 20s are over . . . thank God. Now that you're living it up in your 30s - hopefully feeling more confident and comfortable in your skin - gift giving and receiving should be even easier. Thirty-somethings appreciate thoughtful gifts that are practical, pretty, and useful in some way. Whether they're kitchen mavens, badass working women, or just in need of a little appreciation, we rounded up the best gifts for your friends in their 30s. Bonus: they're all affordably priced. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
Grill Like a Pro! 25 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners
"Grilling" and "intimidating" don't have to be part of the same sentence. If you're a complete beginner, look no further than these easy grilling recipes anyone can master, from basic grilled shrimp to juicy grilled chicken and grilled vegetables kabobs perfect for an outdoor party. Throwing vegetables and meat on the grill gives your food that irreplaceable flavor that won't be achieved from roasting, and you'll convince yourself you're an actual pro after trying out these 25 foolproof ideas. This Summer, crank up the grill and discover a whole list of new recipes you'll want to make every season from here on out.
The Completely Addictive Method For Grilling Burgers
I've grilled many burgers in my day, many of which were decent but none of which were restaurant-quality - that is, until I learned this technique from America's Test Kitchen. It's by far the most foolproof way to grill a burger with a charred exterior and juicy pink interior. The most important factor? Don't buy preground meat. Another little-known tip is to freeze the patties to prevent them from falling apart on the grill. Finally, let the burgers rest for a full five minutes to lock in their juices. Try this method for your next cookout, and prepare for everyone to ask for the secret!
You Won't Believe This Hack to Clean Your Grill
If you're like me, you might love a great BBQ, but the clean-up? Not so much. That was until I found a natural and easy method that worked like a charm every single time. With no need for harsh chemicals or rigorous scrubbing, this simple trick not only makes cleaning a breeze, but it's good for the environment, too. So now, when life gives me lemons, I use them to clean my grill. Here's how:
Travel Within the USA Is Underrated - Here's Why You Should Do More of It
Here in the United States, our country is experiencing some divisive times. And yet, in times like these, it becomes ever more important to dig deep into the country many of us call home and reacquaint ourselves with the variety of cultures and experiences this nation has to offer. This realization prompted me to think about some of my own experiences with domestic travel. Given that there are regions I have barely scratched the surface of in this vast country, I also talked with someone of my most well-traveled friends about experiences they have had. Here are five reasons you should be traveling in the USA.
This Weighted Blanket Is "Like Advil PM For Your Whole Body"
Anxiety and insomnia are common problems these days, and while you could treat these issues by taking one of the many of drugs on the market, you can also try wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket. The deep pressure these blankets produce is akin to being embraced in a hug, which is said to stimulate the production of serotonin and endorphins, two naturally calming chemicals in the body. As a result, you'll fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Sounds incredible, right? There are a handful of weighted blankets on the market already (including the Swadl, Mosaic, SensaCalm, and BlanQuil), but a brand called Gravity has one of the most innovative and luxurious weighted blanket models out there.
"Taking design cues from renderings of gravity planes, we used the same grid-like pattern to evenly distribute the crafted poly pellets to specifically target pressure points throughout your body," the company said. To achieve the perfect seven to 12 percent bodyweight to blanket weight ratio, it's offering three different pound options made from nontoxic, food grade filling - 15-pound, 20-pound, and 25-pound - all retailing for $249. And unlike many of its competitors, Gravity's cover is a plush, ultrasoft fleece that comes in three different colors - a deep blue, granite gray, and cream. The 15-pound Gravity Blanket in Space Grey ($249) is available on Amazon, while the other options are available on the Gravity website.
Shop the various versions ahead, and prepare to get some much-needed zzz's.
Insider Tips For Saving Money on the Great Summer Road Trip
Picture this: the windows are down, your favorite tunes are filling the air, and there's nothing but the open road ahead. Oh yeah, we're talking about the great American Summer road trip. This country is so vast and diverse, you can take a completely different trip just about every year. Mountains, rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, 250-foot-tall sequoias – it's all here.
But we get it – funds can get tight. Don't let that stop you from planning your dream route! We asked the experts to weigh in on their proven methods for slashing costs of the great Summer road trip. So get your playlist ready, wanderlusters.
50 States of Grocery Stores: Where to Shop in Every State
Everyone has a favorite grocery store, whether it's Aldi, Costco, or Trader Joe's. But is your go-to supermarket the best one your state has to offer? From budget-friendly warehouse stores to family-owned grocery stores that have served communities for more than 100 years, there are so many stores across the US worth noting and adding to your list of places to visit for all your food-related needs. Ahead, see the best grocery store in all 50 US states and see if your favorites made the cut.
Consider this your supermarket bucket list. How many have you been to?
Related: Costco Sells 100-Calorie Vodka Ice Pops, and We're Buying Them by the Truckload
The Best Way to Grill Asparagus
Before I learned this method, my grilled asparagus always ended up stringy, charred, and shriveled. I had all but given up hope that it could ever taste good, unless wrapped in bacon. However, while at a dinner party, I learned a new way of cooking it that is foolproof.
- Buy thick, hearty stalks of asparagus. These are less likely to fall through grill grates. Prep the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends and then peeling the stalk skin.
- Lightly coat the asparagus in a neutral-tasting, high-heat oil, using your hands to evenly coat each stalk.
- In a medium-high grill, place the asparagus stalks perpendicular to the grill grates. Close the top and allow the asparagus to cook/steam for approximately 30 seconds. Open the grill top, use tongs to flip toss the asparagus around, close the top, and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Remove from the grill and salt and pepper to taste.
That's it! You can try leaving the asparagus on longer, if you prefer grill marks, but you will find this quick method cooks the asparagus through while maintaining a slight crunch.
The Right Way to Grill Hot Dogs and Sausages
Grilling hot dogs and sausages might seem like a culinary task so simple that instructions aren't necessary. In many ways it is (easy, that is), but to do it right requires a pinch of know-how. The key thing to know is that both of these Summer cookout staples are temperature-sensitive and prone to splitting and drying out. Instead of throwing them straight on a smoking-hot grill, follow one of these two methods:
- Simmer then grill: Parcook the sausages prior to grilling by simmering them in water (or beer!) until heated through, about five minutes. Once hot, grill each side for a couple minutes over medium-high heat, until golden brown.
- Grill very carefully: Build a two-level fire in your grill (meaning medium-high heat on one side, no flame on the other). Cook the sausages on the cool side, flipping occasionally, until warm. Once warmed through, grill each side for a couple minutes over medium-high heat, until golden brown.
How I Turned My Ikea Couch Into an $11,000 Designer Sofa
I don't believe you grow out of Ikea past the age of 25. I love the Swedish brand's minimalist aesthetic. And since I like to mix things up, the price point works for a design commitment-phobe like me. Despite my Ikea love, after three years, my Karlstad sofa started to look a bit sad. Since the low-profile sofa fit perfectly in my open living room, I decided to give it a designer-couch makeover instead of replacing it.
This Raleigh Sectional from Design Within Reach (pictured above) served as my inspiration. The walnut frame matched the midcentury vibe I strive for, and the light fabric color would add to the airy look in my bright living space. That sofa retails for as much as $11,000. I knew I could DIY the look for less. Read on for how I did it.
Tyler Florence's Hack Will Forever Change the Way You Make Mashed Potatoes
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Food Network chef Tyler Florence shared his mashed potatoes recipe with us, and I immediately had to try it. Traditionally, potatoes are cooked in water before being mashed together with butter and cream (or milk). However, Tyler suggests cooking the potatoes in the cream itself, so no potato-y flavor is lost. He explains, "Potatoes have a really delicate, beautiful minerality to their flavor profile, and when you cook potatoes in water and you pour that water down the drain, you've extracted all the flavor of the potato. So what I do with mashed potatoes - because you finish them with cream and butter anyway, right? - is I'll take that same cream and butter and add that to the potatoes and cook the potatoes in cream and butter." Would that actually work? Would it actually taste good? I had to find out.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
As Tyler instructed, I added "cold, peeled, chopped potatoes, cream, butter, and olive oil" to a pan. He also told us, "I like garlic. I like sage and rosemary flavor combinations, and a little bit of thyme." To my pot of 3 pounds of potatoes, I added enough half and half to just barely cover the potatoes. Frankly, I was scared about using straight cream, which is why I deviated slightly from his instruction. I then added about 3 tablespoons of salted butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. I added a few cloves of peeled garlic and half a bunch each of sage, rosemary, and thyme. I also included a significant amount of salt (at least a teaspoon) so the potatoes could absorb some of the flavor while cooking. I covered the pot and allowed it to simmer on medium until the potatoes became fork tender, about 20 minutes. The aroma in my kitchen was unbelievable.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Here's what Tyler told us to do next: "When the potatoes are tender, I put a bowl on the counter and a colander inside that bowl. I pour the potatoes through the colander, and the cream will collect on the bottom. Then I'll put the potatoes back into the pot and take the potato-infused garlic cream and fold that back into the potatoes, and it's the most incredible flavor profile. It's the best mashed potato you'll ever taste in your entire life." And so, I did just that. I drained the potatoes, collecting the rich liquid while discarding the herb stems. I then mashed the potatoes, adding back in the liquid until I created velvety smooth mashed potatoes with little specks of garlic and herbs. I salted and peppered to taste and served up with my lemon-garlic-parsley roast turkey and gravy. These mashed potatoes are pure heaven. I can now agree with Tyler's affirmation; they really are the best mashed potatoes I've ever tasted in my entire life. And even though I was scared it would be a huge flop, I'm never going back to any other method again.
Related: Mashed Potatoes So Creamy That They Need No Adornment
15 Gifts That Will Make Your Life WAY Easier
Stocking stuffers and novel gifts are fun and all, but they're not very practical. How many presents have you received that you never end up putting to use? Instead of giving someone an item that's just going to sit in their closet, give them something practical that they'll actually appreciate. Help make their lives easier with these 15 gifts.
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe
5 Steps to Pizza-Grilling Success
Of the less-than-conventional foods to throw on the grill, my favorite is probably pizza. I love a luscious, melted pie in any form, but there's something about the crunch and char of the crust from the grill that makes barbecued pizza irresistible. Thinking of throwing a pizza on your grates for the first time? Here are a few tips for grilled pizza pizzazz.
1. Make sure your grill is hot!
When it comes to pizza crust, the higher the temperature of your grill, the more blistery, chewy, and crispy your pizza will be. If you don't have a thermometer on your grill, then check the heat using the "Mississippi" test: hold your hand three inches over the grill grates, and start counting, "One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi," and so on. If you can only count to two or three before the force of the heat makes you pull back your hands, then you know you've got your grill at 600ºF or higher.
2. Know the basics.
Brush your dough with oil. Then, once you've hand-stretched it or rolled it out, gently drape the dough over the hot grates. Cook until the dough puffs and grill marks begin to appear underneath, about one to two minutes. Using tongs, flip the dough over, then cook until the other side is slightly charred, another couple minutes. Then add your cheese and cooked toppings, close the cover, and allow everything to meld and the cheese to become oozy (this will take several minutes).
3. Take advantage of the grill-oven hybrid method.
If you're adding toppings that require cooking time, or if you've got limited grill space and time, then try starting the dough on the grill, add your toppings, and then finish the whole thing in a preheated oven. This works especially well with toppings such as raw sausage in a hot sausage, pepper, and onion pizza.
4. Make sure your pizza's thin - but don't worry if it isn't the prettiest.
A superthick crust will mean the possibility of an undercooked, doughy pizza. Roll or stretch your pizza dough out to no thicker than 1/8 of an inch. That said, don't worry if your pizza's not a perfectly rectangular or round shape. The more uneven and rustic, the better.
5. Close the lid when your pizza's on the grill - always.
It's the only way to trap in the smoky flavors of the grill, and it's also the surest way to make sure your cheese melts.
Related:
7 Must-Have Healing Plants For a Lush Summer Spa Garden
Hands up if Summer is your favorite season of the year. Who can argue with sun, sand, and surf, right? The bad news is that all of those elements can wreak havoc on your skin. Humidity, heat, sun exposure, and wind exposure can all contribute to skin that isn't its cutest (think sunburn, blemishes, blotchiness, and dry skin, to name just a few potential issues).
Luckily, we've got you covered with everything you need to know to fix your skin with plants grown on your own balcony or backyard. That's right: no need to drop by the pharmacy for a new skincare product. These natural botanicals will have your skin glowing in no time. (Note: Before considering any herbal remedy, please consult a physician.)
5 Methods For Grilling Fish That Will Earn You the Title "Grill Master of Summer"
From hot dogs to halloumi and wild leeks to watermelon, just about every provision can be made more delicious on the grill. My recent obsession is fish; a short trip to the grill takes its delicate flavor profile for a wild ride, imparting a char and an intoxicatingly smoky aroma that can't be replicated. Another reason to love fish on the 'cue: the versatile protein also works well in an extensive range of preparations. Here are five of my favorite methods:
- Grill it whole. If you're new to grilling seafood, it doesn't get much easier than grilling a whole fish. Anoint it with oil, sprinkle it with salt, and toss it on the grill. Once cooked, all it needs is a sprinkling (if that) of herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
- Grill a bunch of smaller, sustainable fish. Yes, that'd be heads, tails, and all. Serve it simply with flaky Maldon sea salt and lemon juice. Here's a step-by-step for how to do it the Spanish way.
- Shape patties for burgers. Pulse a firm-fleshed, meaty fish (such as salmon or tuna) in a food processor, then season it with salt and pepper. Pack the ground fish into a mold, then grill it until it's cooked through and serve it between burger buns.
- Grill the fish in a packet. This method will yield similar effects to the healthy French en papillote preparation, except you'll want to wrap the fish in foil rather than parchment packets to prevent burning.
- Use a cedar plank. Cooking on a cedar plank will impart even more dimension to the flavor of grilled fish. Purchase inexpensive, aromatic cedar planks, presoak them to avoid smoking, then cook the fish over a closed grill for extra earthiness.
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.
Related: 12 Dreamy Summer Destinations That Won't Break the Bank
30 Affordable Gifts For Women in Their 30s
Your 20s are over . . . thank God. Now that you're living it up in your 30s - hopefully feeling more confident and comfortable in your skin - gift giving and receiving should be even easier. Thirty-somethings appreciate thoughtful gifts that are practical, pretty, and useful in some way. Whether they're kitchen mavens, badass working women, or just in need of a little appreciation, we rounded up the best gifts for your friends in their 30s. Bonus: they're all affordably priced. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
Grill Like a Pro! 25 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners
"Grilling" and "intimidating" don't have to be part of the same sentence. If you're a complete beginner, look no further than these easy grilling recipes anyone can master, from basic grilled shrimp to juicy grilled chicken and grilled vegetables kabobs perfect for an outdoor party. Throwing vegetables and meat on the grill gives your food that irreplaceable flavor that won't be achieved from roasting, and you'll convince yourself you're an actual pro after trying out these 25 foolproof ideas. This Summer, crank up the grill and discover a whole list of new recipes you'll want to make every season from here on out.
The Completely Addictive Method For Grilling Burgers
I've grilled many burgers in my day, many of which were decent but none of which were restaurant-quality - that is, until I learned this technique from America's Test Kitchen. It's by far the most foolproof way to grill a burger with a charred exterior and juicy pink interior. The most important factor? Don't buy preground meat. Another little-known tip is to freeze the patties to prevent them from falling apart on the grill. Finally, let the burgers rest for a full five minutes to lock in their juices. Try this method for your next cookout, and prepare for everyone to ask for the secret!
You Won't Believe This Hack to Clean Your Grill
If you're like me, you might love a great BBQ, but the clean-up? Not so much. That was until I found a natural and easy method that worked like a charm every single time. With no need for harsh chemicals or rigorous scrubbing, this simple trick not only makes cleaning a breeze, but it's good for the environment, too. So now, when life gives me lemons, I use them to clean my grill. Here's how:
Travel Within the USA Is Underrated - Here's Why You Should Do More of It
Here in the United States, our country is experiencing some divisive times. And yet, in times like these, it becomes ever more important to dig deep into the country many of us call home and reacquaint ourselves with the variety of cultures and experiences this nation has to offer. This realization prompted me to think about some of my own experiences with domestic travel. Given that there are regions I have barely scratched the surface of in this vast country, I also talked with someone of my most well-traveled friends about experiences they have had. Here are five reasons you should be traveling in the USA.
If You Can't Get Enough Royal Romance, Check Out These Netflix Movies
Obsessed with the adorable, real-life romantic saga of Will and Kate and Harry and Meghan? You can live vicariously through these royal couples via the big screen. Get your regal romance fix right away with these passion-filled films, which are all available on Netflix. If you consider yourself the queen of royal relationships, browse through these romantic movies to watch now!
Insider Tips For Saving Money on the Great Summer Road Trip
Picture this: the windows are down, your favorite tunes are filling the air, and there's nothing but the open road ahead. Oh yeah, we're talking about the great American Summer road trip. This country is so vast and diverse, you can take a completely different trip just about every year. Mountains, rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, 250-foot-tall sequoias – it's all here.
But we get it – funds can get tight. Don't let that stop you from planning your dream route! We asked the experts to weigh in on their proven methods for slashing costs of the great Summer road trip. So get your playlist ready, wanderlusters.
10 Date Spots at Disney World For Every Couple
People say that Disney World is just for kids, and that might be true: kids . . . and kids at heart! That doesn't mean that the adults in the group can't get away from the kids for a while and enjoy a little date night while on vacation. In fact, Disney World has a huge variety of perfect date spots, from a simple but fun mini golf date to an extravagant private fireworks cruise! So leave the kids with grandma and grandpa, grab your significant other, and head out on a date night. Click through to see some of our favorite date night ideas at Disney World!
13 Hot Guys Who've Completely Longbottomed Over the Years
We've had the pleasure of witnessing Harry Potter's Neville Longbottom transform into the sexiest wizard (no Polyjuice Potion required), so it was only right that we found others who've Longbottomed over the years like Matthew Lewis. Turns out, many of our favorite male stars started from the (Long)bottom before becoming Hollywood eye candy. Some changed so drastically that you'll hardly even recognize them in their younger years. See 13 guys who went from duds to studs ahead!
5 Reasons The Parent Trap Is Disney's Most Twisted Film
As a Hollywood powerhouse, Disney is very good at heralding its successes and hiding its oddities. Sure, we've all seen Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But tucked deep inside the Disney Vault are more obscure titles, like The Black Cauldron, In Search of the Castaways, and The Three Lives of Thomasina. Some are merely bad. Others are weird. In some cases, like the gloriously campy The Watcher in the Woods, it's both.
Yet Disney's strangest movie was also one of its biggest hits. I'm talking about The Parent Trap, the 1961 comedy starring Hayley Mills. During its initial theatrical run, the film earned $25 million, which amounts to roughly $200 million today. That's a lot of money for a movie that, while on its surface is a fun family romp, is actually bonkers.
It's so bonkers that when it came time to write The Last Time I Lied, the follow-up to my bestselling thriller, Final Girls, I chose to set it at an all-girls Summer camp not unlike the one in The Parent Trap. It seemed fitting for a book about secrets and lies, considering how the movie is the most twisted thing Disney's ever made.
Just how twisted is it? Let me count the ways.
(Author's note: In all cases, I'm referring solely to the 1961 film and not the 1998 version starring Lindsay Lohan.)
- Based on a 1949 German novel, Das Doppelte Lottchen, The Parent Trap is about two girls named Susan and Sharon who meet for the first time at Summer camp. They look exactly alike. They sound exactly the same. Yet no one in camp seems to find this strange, least of all the girls themselves. Rather than just approach each other and say, "Hey, we look like twins - what's up with that?" the girls embark on a series of escalating pranks that lead to chaos during a fancy formal dance with a nearby boys' camp. As punishment, Sharon and Susan are forced to bunk together in an isolated cabin. It's only then, during a rare moment of bonding, that they realize, "Hey, we look like twins because we are!"
- It turns out that Susan and Sharon's parents divorced when they were infants. Because the divorce was so acrimonious, those same parents decided that rather than share custody, it was best to split the twins up and never tell them that they have a sister. I can't stress how mind-bogglingly messed-up that is. We're talking Lois Duncan levels of twistedness. In fact, it's just one incestuous brother away from entering V.C. Andrews territory.
- Instead of confronting their parents about lying to them all their lives, Susan and Sharon decide the best course of action is to impersonate each other at Summer's end. So posh bookworm Sharon pretends to be Susan and goes to live with hunky dad Brian Keith in California. Cool kid Susan, meanwhile, is whisked to Boston to live in haughty splendor with elegant mom Maureen O'Hara. And while that scenario has all the trappings of a wonderfully juicy YA thriller, the movie goes a different route. Hijinks ensue, suspicions are raised, and all parties involved reunite.
- Again, rather than confront their parents, Sharon and Susan hatch a new plan: to get the family back together by ending their father's engagement to a younger woman. At no point do the girls stop and say, "Hey, seeing how they hated each other so much that they decided to separate us at birth, maybe getting our parents back together isn't a good idea." Nor do they stop to consider that, seeing how she's the only adult in their lives who hasn't lied to them, maybe the fiancée isn't so bad after all. Instead, they drive her away with the same pranks they used at camp.
- Both parents, meanwhile, display an odd lack of remorse for, you now, spinning a lifelong web of lies. You'd think one of them might feel guilty about agreeing to never see one of their daughters again. But other than a few throwaway lines, it's never addressed in depth. What the whole family needs is decades of therapy. What the movie gives them is a catchy duet between Hayley Mills and Hayley Mills and another camping trip before coming in for a hasty, happy ending. If you want realism, this isn't the place to find it.
Bonus Cultural Oddity
"Let's Get Together," the song Sharon and Susan sing for their parents, truly is a winner. Radio listeners at the time agreed, turning it into a Top 10 hit for Hayley Mills in the Fall of 1961.
Bonus Conspiracy Theory
No one - and I mean no one - notices that even though Susan and Sharon grew up in California and Boston, respectively, both speak with a British accent. The movie fails to bring it up as well, leading me to think Sharon and Susan's parents split them up and never told them about each other because THEY AREN'T THEIR REAL PARENTS.
Think about it. There's zero reason not to tell Sharon and Susan that they have a twin sister unless there's more to cover up. Perhaps the girls were abducted at birth, probably from a London hospital, and smuggled overseas. Back in the US, their kidnappers decided the best chance of not getting caught was to split up the twins and live on opposite coasts. Their only mistake was accidentally sending them to the same Summer camp at the exact same time.
I, for one, love this theory. It yanks the movie from the realm of family-friendly fun into the YA thriller genre where it rightfully belongs, making it not just twisted but truly devious.
Riley Sager is the author of the international bestseller Final Girls. His latest novel, The Last Time I Lied, is out July 3.
Travel Within the USA Is Underrated - Here's Why You Should Do More of It
Here in the United States, our country is experiencing some divisive times. And yet, in times like these, it becomes ever more important to dig deep into the country many of us call home and reacquaint ourselves with the variety of cultures and experiences this nation has to offer. This realization prompted me to think about some of my own experiences with domestic travel. Given that there are regions I have barely scratched the surface of in this vast country, I also talked with someone of my most well-traveled friends about experiences they have had. Here are five reasons you should be traveling in the USA.
Having an Open Marriage Ultimately Led to My Divorce
I remember the moment we met. It was a crowded room, yet somehow in the midst of all those people, our eyes managed to look away from the band on stage and lock onto one another. I nervously looked down and then immediately back up at those baby blues of his and almost instantaneously, we both smiled and began walking toward each other. It seems like the rest is history.
Only problem? I'm not talking about my husband. I'm talking about the first of many lovers I had over the course of my open marriage, and now the only thing that is history is that very marriage. Here's the story of what having an open marriage was like, and why I will never, ever do it again.
Eric* and I were high school sweethearts. Freshman year to senior prom to high school graduation to college formals to college graduation, all these moments were a part of our happy journey to marriage. We got married after college, and life with him had always been picture perfect, until, like most relationships, we somehow fell into a routine, and that pattern led to feeling disconnected in the bedroom.
Eric was the one to bring up the idea of an open marriage. And while initially I was hurt and upset by the thought that he could even imagine such a thing, I admit the idea of finally feeling what it was like to be with someone else was intriguing to me. After much thought, discussion, and rule setting, the idea shifted from being something I could never imagine to something I might be OK with, and finally to something I actually wanted to do.
First, we had conversations about our marriage. But when those conversations led us to the topics of, "Did we get married too young?" or "Should we have explored being with other people before getting married?," rather than answering those questions, we decided to have an open marriage after two post-marriage years and a decade together. At the time, the problem Eric and I thought we were facing was boredom. Bored of each other, bored of the only intimacy we both had ever known, and bored of the repetition. Was an open marriage the answer? We thought so, and if we both agreed on the boundaries, then who could possibly get hurt, right?
Six months and 24 "hall pass" days later, it all became too much in one heated and overblown argument.
The rules were simple, or so we thought. We were going to spend one day a week having a "hall pass." On "hall pass" days, we would commit to exploring relations with other people as we wanted to, without judgment from one another. A few other notable details were that once we had sex with someone, we couldn't have sex with that person ever again on another "hall pass" day. We thought this would help keep emotions removed and the engagements casual. We were wrong.
Six months and 24 "hall pass" days later, it all became too much in one heated and overblown argument. On both sides, we were upset. After waiving my "hall pass" for four straight weeks - while Eric went about cashing his "hall pass" in with (what I thought at the time was) no concern for me foregoing mine - I used my "hall pass" on an acquaintance from college. Eric viewed this as a form of cheating because I had previously met the person and up until that point, all "hall passes" were used on people we hadn't previously known. I didn't see anything wrong in my actions since it wasn't a rule we had discussed, and he had slept with so many more people than me. Not only did we spend three hours screaming at each other about every single thing that the other had done during our open marriage that we thought was wrong, but we also brought up aspects of our entire relationship - and basically blamed each other for every disagreement we had ever had over the course of the decade. The argument ended with Eric asking the rhetorical question of, "Why did we even get married then?" and me answering, "What else were we going to do. It was time. We had to!"
"We had to." Those are the words I regret saying the most that night. Getting married was a choice that we both made, not a requirement, regardless of the time we had spent dating. After not speaking for a week, Eric suggested we return to monogamy. When we tried, we both found that we couldn't let go of all our actions over the past six months and the negative feelings they caused. Our open marriage ended in divorce, with shared custody of our dog, Lucky.*
Our marriage needed nurturing, not exploration.
An open marriage filled my relationship with Eric with painful elements that we didn't want to spend the rest of our life together rehashing. We could agree on that. But what we couldn't seem to do was let go of all those elements, so instead we decided to let go of each other.
Now two years later, I'm in a new relationship, but having an open marriage will always be my life's biggest regret. Not because it ended my marriage - if we're being honest, our marriage had faults prior to making it open - but because it wasn't the right choice for us. Our marriage needed nurturing, not exploration. I can recognize that now, but far, far too late.
*Names have been changed for privacy.
If You Can't Get Enough Royal Romance, Check Out These Netflix Movies
Obsessed with the adorable, real-life romantic saga of Will and Kate and Harry and Meghan? You can live vicariously through these royal couples via the big screen. Get your regal romance fix right away with these passion-filled films, which are all available on Netflix. If you consider yourself the queen of royal relationships, browse through these romantic movies to watch now!
Insider Tips For Saving Money on the Great Summer Road Trip
Picture this: the windows are down, your favorite tunes are filling the air, and there's nothing but the open road ahead. Oh yeah, we're talking about the great American Summer road trip. This country is so vast and diverse, you can take a completely different trip just about every year. Mountains, rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, 250-foot-tall sequoias – it's all here.
But we get it – funds can get tight. Don't let that stop you from planning your dream route! We asked the experts to weigh in on their proven methods for slashing costs of the great Summer road trip. So get your playlist ready, wanderlusters.
10 Date Spots at Disney World For Every Couple
People say that Disney World is just for kids, and that might be true: kids . . . and kids at heart! That doesn't mean that the adults in the group can't get away from the kids for a while and enjoy a little date night while on vacation. In fact, Disney World has a huge variety of perfect date spots, from a simple but fun mini golf date to an extravagant private fireworks cruise! So leave the kids with grandma and grandpa, grab your significant other, and head out on a date night. Click through to see some of our favorite date night ideas at Disney World!
13 Hot Guys Who've Completely Longbottomed Over the Years
We've had the pleasure of witnessing Harry Potter's Neville Longbottom transform into the sexiest wizard (no Polyjuice Potion required), so it was only right that we found others who've Longbottomed over the years like Matthew Lewis. Turns out, many of our favorite male stars started from the (Long)bottom before becoming Hollywood eye candy. Some changed so drastically that you'll hardly even recognize them in their younger years. See 13 guys who went from duds to studs ahead!
5 Reasons The Parent Trap Is Disney's Most Twisted Film
As a Hollywood powerhouse, Disney is very good at heralding its successes and hiding its oddities. Sure, we've all seen Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But tucked deep inside the Disney Vault are more obscure titles, like The Black Cauldron, In Search of the Castaways, and The Three Lives of Thomasina. Some are merely bad. Others are weird. In some cases, like the gloriously campy The Watcher in the Woods, it's both.
Yet Disney's strangest movie was also one of its biggest hits. I'm talking about The Parent Trap, the 1961 comedy starring Hayley Mills. During its initial theatrical run, the film earned $25 million, which amounts to roughly $200 million today. That's a lot of money for a movie that, while on its surface is a fun family romp, is actually bonkers.
It's so bonkers that when it came time to write The Last Time I Lied, the follow-up to my bestselling thriller, Final Girls, I chose to set it at an all-girls Summer camp not unlike the one in The Parent Trap. It seemed fitting for a book about secrets and lies, considering how the movie is the most twisted thing Disney's ever made.
Just how twisted is it? Let me count the ways.
(Author's note: In all cases, I'm referring solely to the 1961 film and not the 1998 version starring Lindsay Lohan.)
- Based on a 1949 German novel, Das Doppelte Lottchen, The Parent Trap is about two girls named Susan and Sharon who meet for the first time at Summer camp. They look exactly alike. They sound exactly the same. Yet no one in camp seems to find this strange, least of all the girls themselves. Rather than just approach each other and say, "Hey, we look like twins - what's up with that?" the girls embark on a series of escalating pranks that lead to chaos during a fancy formal dance with a nearby boys' camp. As punishment, Sharon and Susan are forced to bunk together in an isolated cabin. It's only then, during a rare moment of bonding, that they realize, "Hey, we look like twins because we are!"
- It turns out that Susan and Sharon's parents divorced when they were infants. Because the divorce was so acrimonious, those same parents decided that rather than share custody, it was best to split the twins up and never tell them that they have a sister. I can't stress how mind-bogglingly messed-up that is. We're talking Lois Duncan levels of twistedness. In fact, it's just one incestuous brother away from entering V.C. Andrews territory.
- Instead of confronting their parents about lying to them all their lives, Susan and Sharon decide the best course of action is to impersonate each other at Summer's end. So posh bookworm Sharon pretends to be Susan and goes to live with hunky dad Brian Keith in California. Cool kid Susan, meanwhile, is whisked to Boston to live in haughty splendor with elegant mom Maureen O'Hara. And while that scenario has all the trappings of a wonderfully juicy YA thriller, the movie goes a different route. Hijinks ensue, suspicions are raised, and all parties involved reunite.
- Again, rather than confront their parents, Sharon and Susan hatch a new plan: to get the family back together by ending their father's engagement to a younger woman. At no point do the girls stop and say, "Hey, seeing how they hated each other so much that they decided to separate us at birth, maybe getting our parents back together isn't a good idea." Nor do they stop to consider that, seeing how she's the only adult in their lives who hasn't lied to them, maybe the fiancée isn't so bad after all. Instead, they drive her away with the same pranks they used at camp.
- Both parents, meanwhile, display an odd lack of remorse for, you now, spinning a lifelong web of lies. You'd think one of them might feel guilty about agreeing to never see one of their daughters again. But other than a few throwaway lines, it's never addressed in depth. What the whole family needs is decades of therapy. What the movie gives them is a catchy duet between Hayley Mills and Hayley Mills and another camping trip before coming in for a hasty, happy ending. If you want realism, this isn't the place to find it.
Bonus Cultural Oddity
"Let's Get Together," the song Sharon and Susan sing for their parents, truly is a winner. Radio listeners at the time agreed, turning it into a Top 10 hit for Hayley Mills in the Fall of 1961.
Bonus Conspiracy Theory
No one - and I mean no one - notices that even though Susan and Sharon grew up in California and Boston, respectively, both speak with a British accent. The movie fails to bring it up as well, leading me to think Sharon and Susan's parents split them up and never told them about each other because THEY AREN'T THEIR REAL PARENTS.
Think about it. There's zero reason not to tell Sharon and Susan that they have a twin sister unless there's more to cover up. Perhaps the girls were abducted at birth, probably from a London hospital, and smuggled overseas. Back in the US, their kidnappers decided the best chance of not getting caught was to split up the twins and live on opposite coasts. Their only mistake was accidentally sending them to the same Summer camp at the exact same time.
I, for one, love this theory. It yanks the movie from the realm of family-friendly fun into the YA thriller genre where it rightfully belongs, making it not just twisted but truly devious.
Riley Sager is the author of the international bestseller Final Girls. His latest novel, The Last Time I Lied, is out July 3.
Travel Within the USA Is Underrated - Here's Why You Should Do More of It
Here in the United States, our country is experiencing some divisive times. And yet, in times like these, it becomes ever more important to dig deep into the country many of us call home and reacquaint ourselves with the variety of cultures and experiences this nation has to offer. This realization prompted me to think about some of my own experiences with domestic travel. Given that there are regions I have barely scratched the surface of in this vast country, I also talked with someone of my most well-traveled friends about experiences they have had. Here are five reasons you should be traveling in the USA.
Having an Open Marriage Ultimately Led to My Divorce
I remember the moment we met. It was a crowded room, yet somehow in the midst of all those people, our eyes managed to look away from the band on stage and lock onto one another. I nervously looked down and then immediately back up at those baby blues of his and almost instantaneously, we both smiled and began walking toward each other. It seems like the rest is history.
Only problem? I'm not talking about my husband. I'm talking about the first of many lovers I had over the course of my open marriage, and now the only thing that is history is that very marriage. Here's the story of what having an open marriage was like, and why I will never, ever do it again.
Eric* and I were high school sweethearts. Freshman year to senior prom to high school graduation to college formals to college graduation, all these moments were a part of our happy journey to marriage. We got married after college, and life with him had always been picture perfect, until, like most relationships, we somehow fell into a routine, and that pattern led to feeling disconnected in the bedroom.
Eric was the one to bring up the idea of an open marriage. And while initially I was hurt and upset by the thought that he could even imagine such a thing, I admit the idea of finally feeling what it was like to be with someone else was intriguing to me. After much thought, discussion, and rule setting, the idea shifted from being something I could never imagine to something I might be OK with, and finally to something I actually wanted to do.
First, we had conversations about our marriage. But when those conversations led us to the topics of, "Did we get married too young?" or "Should we have explored being with other people before getting married?," rather than answering those questions, we decided to have an open marriage after two post-marriage years and a decade together. At the time, the problem Eric and I thought we were facing was boredom. Bored of each other, bored of the only intimacy we both had ever known, and bored of the repetition. Was an open marriage the answer? We thought so, and if we both agreed on the boundaries, then who could possibly get hurt, right?
Six months and 24 "hall pass" days later, it all became too much in one heated and overblown argument.
The rules were simple, or so we thought. We were going to spend one day a week having a "hall pass." On "hall pass" days, we would commit to exploring relations with other people as we wanted to, without judgment from one another. A few other notable details were that once we had sex with someone, we couldn't have sex with that person ever again on another "hall pass" day. We thought this would help keep emotions removed and the engagements casual. We were wrong.
Six months and 24 "hall pass" days later, it all became too much in one heated and overblown argument. On both sides, we were upset. After waiving my "hall pass" for four straight weeks - while Eric went about cashing his "hall pass" in with (what I thought at the time was) no concern for me foregoing mine - I used my "hall pass" on an acquaintance from college. Eric viewed this as a form of cheating because I had previously met the person and up until that point, all "hall passes" were used on people we hadn't previously known. I didn't see anything wrong in my actions since it wasn't a rule we had discussed, and he had slept with so many more people than me. Not only did we spend three hours screaming at each other about every single thing that the other had done during our open marriage that we thought was wrong, but we also brought up aspects of our entire relationship - and basically blamed each other for every disagreement we had ever had over the course of the decade. The argument ended with Eric asking the rhetorical question of, "Why did we even get married then?" and me answering, "What else were we going to do. It was time. We had to!"
"We had to." Those are the words I regret saying the most that night. Getting married was a choice that we both made, not a requirement, regardless of the time we had spent dating. After not speaking for a week, Eric suggested we return to monogamy. When we tried, we both found that we couldn't let go of all our actions over the past six months and the negative feelings they caused. Our open marriage ended in divorce, with shared custody of our dog, Lucky.*
Our marriage needed nurturing, not exploration.
An open marriage filled my relationship with Eric with painful elements that we didn't want to spend the rest of our life together rehashing. We could agree on that. But what we couldn't seem to do was let go of all those elements, so instead we decided to let go of each other.
Now two years later, I'm in a new relationship, but having an open marriage will always be my life's biggest regret. Not because it ended my marriage - if we're being honest, our marriage had faults prior to making it open - but because it wasn't the right choice for us. Our marriage needed nurturing, not exploration. I can recognize that now, but far, far too late.
*Names have been changed for privacy.
Selena Gomez Looks So Friggin' Amazing in the Latest Puma Campaign - Just Look at Her Abs!
Selena Gomez is back at it with another campaign for Puma. The 25-year-old singer and brand ambassador showed off her rock hard abs in a stunning campaign for Puma's new Defy Mid Sneakers. Selena showed off the new silhouette, which releases July 12, in a flattering black and white sports bra and matching leggings that had the brand's name going down one of the legs.
The cool sneakers feature an unconventional platform - they were derived from the chunky sneaker trend - and a gold buckle accent. Selena completed her look with a pair of gold hoops and a sultry red lip. Keep reading to get a glimpse at Selena rocking the new style ahead.
Behold: The Most Comfortable Travel Pants You'll Ever Own - and They're Only $49!
Sitting on a plane in uncomfortable jeans. . . it's happened to the best of us. This season, give up all those skintight pairs you're sick of and opt for comfy trousers you'll never want to take off. We recently discovered these Gibson x Hi Sugarplum! Hanalei Soft Jogger Pants ($49) on Nordstrom and are totally obsessed.
Made by the brand Gibson, in collaboration with lifestyle blogger Cassie Freeman, these one-of-a-kind trousers are a total suitcase necessity. The lightweight joggers are made from a superbreathable material that is ideal for traveling, especially to warmer climates. If you're headed to the beach, simply throw your favorite bikini and go-to sandals. Or wear them on a night out with comfortable wedges and a sexy blouse. No matter how to choose to style these versatile joggers, you can easily pack them in your bag or stay cozy and rock them on while you're en-route.
Available in both a faded black and light blue wash, at only $49 you can get both pairs. You'll never want to travel without them again.
Meghan Markle's Sophisticated Green Outfit Is Perfect For the Woman on the Go
Meghan Markle touched down in Ireland with Prince Harry looking positively radiant. The Duchess of Sussex, who wore a black fit-and-flare dress by Dior just a few hours prior, paid tribute to the country by wearing a green ensemble by Givenchy. Meghan proved she doesn't need any luck when it comes to choosing a stunning outfit.
Meghan wore a three-quarter-sleeve top with a matching midi skirt that featured pockets. She styled her separates with a cognac-colored Strathberry Midi Tote ($675) and beige suede heels. To tie her sophisticated look together, she wore her hair in a low bun. Keep reading to have a look at her entire ensemble, and buy similar outfits ahead.
Yes! The Versatile, Year-Round Jumpsuit of Your Dreams DOES Exist
Are you sitting down somewhere comfortable? We have finally found the perfect, year-round piece. If you listen closely, you can hear fashion-girl squeals of glee across the country. This Madewell Apron Bow-Back Denim Jumpsuit ($145) is the staple every woman should have in her closet. In the warmer months you can wear it on its own, but in the colder months you can layer a turtleneck or long-sleeved blouse under it. Thank you shopping gods!
This jumpsuit comes in sizes zero to 14, and the silhouette is ridiculously flattering. The lightweight stretch-denim matches pretty much everything, so you can style it differently every time you put it on. We're already drooling over all the ways we will wear this piece. Madewell is known for its quality designs, so you know it's a smart investment you'll utilize for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? A design this good doesn't stick around for long. Snag yourself this must have before it sells out.
This $17 Top Is a No. 1 Amazon Bestseller - It's So Comfy and Comes in 9 Colors
Looking to freshen up your wardrobe? We've got a comfy option for you. This Miholl Button-Down Top ($17-$19) is the bestselling option on Amazon. Customers are loving it and posting photos on the product page.
So why is this top so popular? It's incredibly soft and breathable, so you can easily wear it all day long. The tie-front design allows you to get a custom fit. It comes in nine different colors including white, tan, gray, black, and millennial pink. It's something you can wear on the regular for a cute and casual look.
We can't wait to give this top a try - who else is buying it?
Yay For Discounts! 13 Madewell Items You Can Get at the Big Nordstrom Sale
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has officially begun - and it includes incredible discounts. Nordstrom cardmembers get early access to the deals and limited-time prices before the full sale starts on July 20. So whether you're scoring the deals early or preshopping before general access, make sure to check out all the prices. We're especially impressed with the huge selection of cute Madewell must haves you can score. We curated a list of our favorites for you to check out, so get shopping!
Princess Beatrice's Shoe Closet Is Better Than Meghan Markle's - and I'm Not Saying This Lightly
Princess Beatrice might hang out with Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, but her style is on a whole other level. While the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex have to follow a few strict fashion rules, Beatrice is free to wear shorter hemlines and wilder prints - but it's her always stylish and sometimes funky shoes that I love the most.
Over the years, Princess Beatrice has worn every style of shoe imaginable - from the most simple black pumps to rainbow flats and copper heels - and I'd give anything to be allowed to take a closer peek at her collection. (Beatrice, if you're reading this, call me.) While this might not be possible, I have the next best thing: photographic evidence of all her best shoe moments. Read on to see them all, and shop similar pairs to get on her royal level.
samedi 14 juillet 2018
Finally! Meghan Markle's Favorite Pair of MOTHER Jeans Are Back in Stock at Nordstrom
Royal status aside, Meghan Markle has always had a knack for putting together a damn good outfit. From official outings to family affairs, she never fails to capture us with her crisp, perfectly tailored looks. But it's perhaps her casual, off-duty outfits that have us most enamored. And it's not just because the woman manages to look flawless even when she's wearing jeans - it's because she loves affordable brands just as much as the rest of us commoners!
This was evident during her first public appearance as a couple with Prince Harry last September at the Invictus Games, where she was photographed wearing a pair of exquisitely distressed MOTHER jeans. As with every attainable piece Meghan is spotted wearing, the jeans quickly sold out, gaining a wait list of hundreds and making it nearly impossible to snag a pair for yourself - until now. Finally, Meghan's exact pair of jeans are back in stock at Nordstrom - shop her jeans, and similar denim styles, ahead.
Look No Further - We Found 12 Summer Dresses That Are Work Appropriate
If there's one thing we know, it's that it's hot in the Summer. Dressing for work becomes a bit more challenging due to the rising temperatures outside; you want to be appropriate yet keep cool while still looking fashionable and put-together. Luckily, we found 12 dresses that help you accomplish just that, and they're all from Nordstrom. Whether you're looking for a longer hem or a bit more coverage, we've found some seriously cute options. And as a bonus, all of these will look just as great at after-work drinks, and you'll be wondering how you ever lived without them. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
Calling All Curvy Girls! These Fashion Essentials Are on Sale at Nordstrom
Even though we love hot weather, there's something so fun about Fall clothes - cute jackets, darker colors, and pretty layering pieces. The best news, though, is that for a limited time, these Fall essentials will be at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Here's the scoop: the sale occurs from July 12 through Aug. 5, and until July 19, only Nordstrom cardholders can purchase items on sale. It opens completely to the public on July 20, so if you don't have a Nordstrom card, get an early look at what you want to buy. And if you are one of the lucky ones, shop away!
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