Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 23 août 2018
Grab Your Butterbeer, Witches - Here's How to Throw a Harry Potter Bachelorette Party!
Do you know a bride-to-be obsessed with the Wizarding world of Harry Potter? While you can't Apparate to Hogsmeade for a night on the town, you can still throw one magical Harry Potter-themed bachelorette party. The best part? You don't need to spend all your Galleons or round up Dumbledore's Army to pull it off. With a group of dedicated chosen Muggles or house elves and these enchanting Harry Potter finds, you'll be sure to create a spellbinding night. So summon your hottest robes, stock up on butterbeer, and get those hangover potions brewing for a night of managed mischief as you celebrate a bride's journey from Muggle to Mrs.!
Related: I Solemnly Swear You're Going to Love This Harry Potter Wedding
18 Cute Heated Desk Accessories You Need If Your Office Is FREEZING
Is it just us or are offices always somehow exceptionally chilly? Whether the air conditioning is on full blast in the heat of Summer or the temperature has plummeted because it is the middle of Winter, offices seem to be one of those environments that are perpetually cold. Many times these cool temperatures have us wishing we had a warm blanket or a space heater nearby.
Thankfully, there are a bunch of cute, easy-to-use warming accessories that can be kept right at your desk to counteract frosty days at the computer. From adorable USB-powered hand warmers to electrically heated unicorn slippers, there is sure to be a thing (or two) that can help make your icy workdays a thing of the past. Take a look here!
Meet Lolli, the Newest Tech Company That Makes You and Your Wallet Happy
Here at POPSUGAR, we're always waiting to see what tools are popping up to make our shopping experience more seamless and convenient because, hey, we love to shop. And now, we're excited to share with you the newest frontier in online shopping. Meet Lolli, a plugin you download that lets you earn bitcoin on purchases you're already making. It's that simple.
Firstly, what exactly is bitcoin? Essentially, it's a digital currency that can be instantly transferred. Everything takes place online, which makes it easier to exchange money with people in other countries. But back to Lolli. It's partnered with over 500 brands and places you already love to shop at, like hotels.com, Bloomingdales, ClassPass, and SeatGeek. Anytime you shop, you automatically earn cash back in the form of bitcoin; you can earn up to 30 percent back from your purchase price.
We're super excited about this new company, and even skeptics can agree that if you're already making purchases, there's no downside to having some extra money in your virtual cart. Plus, many retailers, including Overstock.com, actually accept bitcoin as a form of payment. Welcome to the future.
Your Dog Might Be a Secret Reggae Fan, According to Science
When you live with a dog, your activities become their activities. A casual dinner may mean a little feast for someone under the table, and even something as simple as watching television can trigger some excitable behavior in our animal friends. And, as many a dog-owning music lover or smart speaker user has observed, sometimes a dog's mood seems to change when they hear the sound of music. Like your pet's potential penchant for peanut butter, might your dog be enjoying the songs you play around the house?
"Circumstantial evidence says [music] would have a good effect," Neil Evans told POPSUGAR. Evans, a professor of integrative physiology at the University of Glasgow's Institute of Biodiversity, has studied how dogs relate to music for years. Experiments he's conducted with PhD student Amy Bowman and the Scottish Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) monitored kennel dogs to see if music changed their behavior. Researchers played music for the dogs for prolonged periods of time, then measured their heart rates and cortisol levels while observing behaviors like sleeping, barking, head shaking, and the like. They found the dogs being studied reacted favorably to music - with particular preference toward reggae and soft rock. Who knew Bob Marley was such a hit among the canine set?
Sun and Fun: 10 Caribbean Islands That Are a Must Visit For Families
Planning a tropical family vacation that fits every member of the family's interests may seem challenging, but when it comes to the Caribbean, it's really hard to go wrong. There are a variety of destinations in the Caribbean that are perfect for every age, from all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts to water parks on the beach. And the best part? You don't have to travel too far, as they're all within a few hours of the US. If you're currently planning your brood's next getaway, keep reading for the top 10 Caribbean islands to take your kids that will give you fun and adventure to last a lifetime.
According to a Nutritionist, Here's What You Can Order For Your Kids at Starbucks (PSL Included)
Now that Starbucks has officially shared a release date for its Pumpkin Spice Latte, you might have already started plotting your weekend jaunts to the java chain to get your fill. But a concern on many PSL-drinkers' minds is whether or not the kiddos can have any - and not just a sip, but their own. To find out just what drinks the little ones can have and what they should stay away form, we turned to registered dietitian Amanda Baker Lemein, MS, RD, LDN.
The first step in ordering for them is to get familiar with the nutritional info. "Looking at overall calories and labels such as 'sweetened' or 'unsweetened' is most important," she told POPSUGAR. "I recommend clients eat their calories vs. drink them, so looking for any way to lower caloric intake form beverages is important." Find out how the drinks stack up right this way.
The Love Story Behind This Rustic Ranch Wedding Is a Modern-Day Brady Bunch
Neal and Paige met as colleagues but really bonded as teammates through their company's soccer league. After celebrating a team win together, they realized they had undeniable chemistry. Neither was expecting to find love again, let alone a soulmate, but that's exactly what happened. As Neal and Paige grew closer, so did their children. After a couple of months, Neal's daughter, Laila, and Paige's son, Giuseppe, began referring to each other as sister and brother. From that day on, Neal and Paige realized they couldn't picture their lives without each other, so they decided to make it official.
They wed outdoors at a gorgeous ranch and had Giuseppe as their ring bearer and Laila as their flower girl. Guests sat on bales of hay covered with white fabric while Paige rode into the ceremony on a white horse. The rustic setting was elegantly adorned with vintage furniture and chandeliers, and table settings were decorated with crimson flowers, fresh greenery, and blue table runners for pops of color.
Boy's School Photos Go Horribly Wrong When the Photographer Uses a Green Screen
Picking out a first-day-of-school outfit had some added pressure for Laurel Boone Hutsell's son Carter, as his first day of seventh grade was also school picture day. The pair went through his collared shirts and opted for a green one that surely wouldn't clash with the photo background like his dark gray one did that one year . . . or so they thought.
Laurel eagerly awaited her kids' return from their first days, when Carter let her know that his shirt choice was a mistake. The mom wrote on Facebook: "My son: 'Mom, I shouldn't have worn the green shirt for pictures. It will blend in with the green screen they used.' Me: 'They used a green screen? What?! I probably should have read some fine print. Maybe they will be OK.'"
Welp, they are . . . something. Laurel received the photo proofs, and though the smile on Carter's face is wide and natural, his face is just about the only thing in the photo - his head is completely floating on all of the backgrounds that were applied to the photos.
"Seriously cracking up! At least his hair and smile were on point! Which one should we choose? I'm kind of partial to the flags," Laurel wrote. Later she added, "Update: I've asked around. There was no 'fine print green screen warning.'"
This school photo day is definitely one this family is going to remember - see the LOL-worthy photos of Carter ahead.
I've Been Holiday Shopping For Months Now, and It's the Best Thing Ever
Growing up, I was your average middle-class kid. My brothers and I started working at a young age by doing things like paper routes or babysitting, earning money to be able to buy the things we wanted. My parents didn't spoil us. But for Christmas every year, my mother always went completely overboard. When we would run downstairs on Christmas morning, far too many presents would be sitting under the tree. And the one thing I always recall my mom telling me about the holiday season was how she shopped for our presents all year long. And now that I'm a mother, I make sure to do the same thing for my kids. Not only does it save so much time, money, and hassle (shopping malls in December are my worst nightmare), but it also allows me to give my kids a little more than I usually do.
I'm also just crazy for the entire holiday season and can't help but get wrapped up (literally) in it all. It's a tradition in our house that we decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. Our tree goes up, I put on classic Christmas tunes, and by the end of the day, it looks like the North Pole threw up in our house. The holiday season is such a magical time, and I do everything I can to embrace it.
Shopping for two young kids all year can be tricky, especially since their interests are constantly changing. But, overall, I think I've gotten it down. My son is easy - it's Legos everything, which I know he'll be obsessed with for years to come. I'll scour online deals and browse stores all year, picking up things here and there, which avoids the financial burden of getting everything in the same month. And if I think I've gotten too much, I'll save some for his birthday or as a reward for good grades.
My daughter is still relatively easy to shop for, too. While her interests change a little more rapidly than my son's, I know I can't go wrong with any kind of lip gloss or pretend makeup finds. And a lot of what she's into can be found at our local dollar store, which is even better. And throughout the year, I'm always searching for deals on books to add to their library. I get a little bit at a time, which adds up to be a pretty great Christmas for both of them.
By shopping early, I'm also able to avoid the crazy stress of last-minute shopping. I have more free time to attend holiday parties, take my kids to see Santa, and organize and partake in holiday activities in our area. I don't have to worry about standing in long lines or whether or not that Amazon order will make it to my doorstep on time. I have all of my presents bought and wrapped and can enjoy the holiday season at ease, soaking up those magical moments I might otherwise miss.
So, while I don't spoil my kids nearly as much as my mother spoiled my brothers and me on Christmas, I steal her trick of early holiday shopping to be able to give them a little bit more. They deserve it, and to be totally honest, so do I.
200 of the Most Popular Baby Names in the US, According to the Most Current Data
With so many baby names out there, it's tough to choose just one that both you and your partner love. To populate your list of choices, we took a peek at the most current Social Security Administration data and grabbed the 200 most popular names for boys and girls. Of the 200 names, the ones nearest the top are the most commonly given in recent years, while the names in the middle and bottom are moderately popular but trendy all the same.
Scroll through the list to get some inspiration, and let us know - which names would you choose from these lists? (And if popular names aren't your thing, check out our favorite uncommon boy names and uncommon girl names.)
My Proudest Breastfeeding Moment Was One I Never Thought I'd Reach
Breastfeeding didn't come as naturally to me as the experiences I've heard some moms describe. After my son was born, I immediately began struggling with insecurity over whether I was doing it right. How much breast milk was my son getting? Was he getting enough? Was he latched on properly? Was I feeding him frequently enough? When I learned he wasn't gaining weight, I added guilt to the long list of emotions hijacking my first weeks postpartum and considered giving up altogether. But I'm so glad I stuck with it because recently I was able to enjoy the proudest moment of my breastfeeding journey, and it's one I never thought I'd reach.
I reflected on how my son was growing as a result of what my body could do. I was helping him thrive, completely independent of any outside help.
Flashback to a few weeks ago when I took my son to his first pediatrician's appointment, and our doctor expressed concern that he hadn't regained his birth weight. She showed me a chart indicating he was dangerously close to a worrying weight-loss zone. We left with strict instructions to up his feedings to every two hours, 24 hours a day, until he had reached the two-week point.
Nervous and exhausted and feeling completely inadequate about my ability to feed my son, I breastfed him as often as possible over the next several days. I found myself wondering if just supplementing with formula would be easier, especially since I couldn't tell if he was growing or not. But then one morning, I noticed his newborn clothes fitting a little more snugly. And when I sent a photo of him to my parents, my mom commented he looked bigger.
At my little guy's two-week doctor's visit, I felt hopeful when the nurse weighed him. Holding my breath, I watched the scale balance itself out and settle on a final reading. And guess what? My big boy had gained a whole pound! Um, would it be too much to do a victory dance right here in the doctor's office? I mentally flossed as we headed into the exam room and our doctor praised his weight gain.
On the way home from our appointment, I reflected on how my son was growing as a result of what my body could do. Not only had I carried and nourished him for nine months, but now, I was continuing to help him thrive, completely independent of any outside help. This was by far the most gratifying and empowering feeling I'd ever had breastfeeding or otherwise (other than giving birth, of course).
To other moms struggling with breastfeeding, I hope you get to experience a moment of pure pride over what you are capable of, like I did. I hope you will see your baby get bigger and stronger and realize that every stressful, painful, lonely, frustrating breastfeeding moment was totally worth it. Kind of like how once you first hold your healthy baby in your arms after a long and challenging pregnancy, you totally forget about the worry and fear and that time you puked in an office garbage bin, hoping no one could hear you. Or maybe that was just me . . .
In all seriousness, no one can deny breastfeeding can be trying and emotional. I learned it can also be satisfying as hell, and make you kinda want to floss for the whole world to see!
We Had to Give My Son Steroids For Croup, and It Completely Changed His Personality
When my son was 18 months old, we quickly learned that he was going to have respiratory issues. During the Winter months, he (and most children) is much more apt to getting sick, but for him, colds often settle into his lungs. As a mom, this can be terrifying. The barking cough wakes everyone in the middle of the night, and I worry that my little guy can't breathe properly. One of his colds even evolved into pneumonia. And one way doctors often try to remedy this croupy cough is to prescribe a steroid for the child. But, boy, do I wish I would have done my homework before I agreed to this.
His eyes would gloss over, and his rage surfaced on an hourly basis. He was so hyped up that it made it difficult for him to sleep. Then his behavior catapulted out of control.
Unfortunately, since my son is my firstborn, I always just listened to the doctors. Instead, I should have asked the proper questions and done my research, especially when it came to giving him steroids. In hindsight, I just wish a nurse or doctor would have warned me about the horrendous behavior that could ensue from my adorable and usually content toddler. It didn't take long for the steroid to clear up his cough, but it also turned my sweet boy into a raging lunatic. His eyes would gloss over. He was going through the motions without truly feeling a whole lot. And his rage surfaced on an hourly basis. He was so hyped up that it made it difficult for him to sleep. Then his behavior catapulted out of control.
I'll never forget one day in particular. He desperately wanted to watch a show on the iPad. As I gave him the device, he tried to get to his beloved Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. His chubby, shaky fingers kept missing the proper button, and he took the iPad and threw it onto the kitchen floor. The screen shattered, quickly resembling a spider web. He immediately started crying, but he wasn't the only one. I wept with my toddler on the kitchen floor while cradling him. He had never acted this way before, and I knew in my gut that this wasn't typical toddler behavior. It wasn't his fault, and I was exhausted. I didn't know how to parent him through what I know was a really scary time for him. His emotions were completely unmanageable, and it scared both of us.
After doing a ton of research, I learned that steroids can cause rage and intense emotions in children. I just wish I would have known this before I agreed to give them to my son. I don't understand why a health professional didn't tell a new mother this. Instead, I was left in the dark to navigate my son's intense personality change for two lonely weeks. I felt helpless. I wanted his cough to stop sounding so wheezy, but I wanted my sweet son back, too. I don't think I've ever cried so much in my life. Our whole home seemed to spiral out of control. Finally, we decided to take him off the steroids, and as soon as they exited his system, I got my son back.
This "roid rage" doesn't occur in all children who take them to help their croupy cough. Some aren't negatively affected at all, while others, like my son, are. So, if you're in a similar situation as I was, just be cautious. Ask your doctor questions. Ask about alternatives, too. Now, when my son gets a wheezy cough, we use breathing treatments (those can make him act up, too, but not half as bad) right away so that his respiratory system isn't compromised. But I do everything in my power to avoid giving him steroids again. His physical and mental health are most important, and we were able to find a way to protect both.
31 Ways Real People Make Extra Income
Earning income doesn't have to stop at your salary. There's no better way to learn how to make more money than from people who have actually done it - so read these true-life examples cited by Reddit users.
This Iridescent Shower Curtain Is So Hypnotizing, I'm Never Leaving the Bathroom, So Bye Forever
Is your bathroom all white and gray? Clean and simple? Boring? Luckily, we discovered the most mesmerizing accessory you could possibly purchase. Just look at this Iridescent Shower Curtain ($99) and soak in all of its glory. It looks like unicorns and fairies and magic all wrapped into one big piece of fabric.
The curtain is made with water-resistant vinyl that has a holographic rainbow shine. It's sheer, so you can use it on its own or with a liner. Just think about how Instagram-worthy your bathroom will be with this addition. We're buying one for every family member as we speak - no joke. Let's hope they like shiny stuff!
Working Out but Not Seeing Muscle Definition? These Could Be the Reasons
There are all sorts of reasons to lift weights regularly. Weightlifting regulates your hormones, helps you sleep better, improves your mood, and makes you feel super confident. And of course, it helps you build lean muscle, which boosts your metabolism and helps you burn more fat in the long run.
But building muscle isn't easy, and it takes time to actually see the muscle definition show up in your body. If you've been working out a lot lately and you're still not witnessing the visible change in your body, don't get frustrated. There might be a few things happening that are preventing you from seeing muscle definition. Let's break it down.
Pain After Rough Sex? See a Doctor's Advice on What to Do Next
So, you and your partner just got done with your bedroom marathon and the pain is finally settling in. But before you freak out over burning urination, you may be experiencing something far less serious than an STI or a medical condition. Although pain during or after sex can be attributed to more serious health issues, it's likely that you simply received some cuts while getting it on. "Yes - it's actually quite common to get small tears on the vaginal walls during sex," One Medical provider Navya Mysore, MD, told POPSUGAR.
Oftentimes, this occurs when the vaginal area isn't sufficiently lubricated. Dr. Mysore added that other conditions, including lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, or lichen planus, can make getting vaginal tears more common. So, how do you differentiate pain caused by an STI vs. a vaginal tear? You may see a small amount of spotting or feel minor irritation or burning with urination, but other symptoms can indicate a potential infection: different colored discharge, itchiness, pus from the site of the tear, vaginal lesions, or pelvic cramps or pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your primary care provider.
How to Treat Vaginal Tears Caused by Sex
"Most often, small vaginal tears will heal on their own," Dr. Mysore said. "Vaginal mucosa is very well innervated with blood flow and tends to heal very quickly." She also advises you clean superficial cuts with warm water once or twice a day and avoid using harsh or scented soaps on the area. I've personally found coconut oil to be a miracle worker when it comes to soothing and healing painful cuts caused by too much friction during sex. Just apply a small amount onto the skin surrounding the vaginal opening and on the inner labia for instant relief.
If the pain is significant, Dr. Mysore recommended taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In the meantime, it's best to wear cotton underwear and to avoid wearing tight clothing. You also may want to give sex a break for a day or two until the pain subsides.
How to Prevent Them From Happening
Lubrication is key! Make sure you're fully aroused before penetration and go slowly at the start. "Make sure fingers are clean and fingernails are trimmed, so there are no inadvertent cuts with possible foreplay," she said.
If You Despise Squats, These Are the 16 Exercises You Should Be Doing
If you are in the market for a bigger booty and believe squats are the only exercise to get those results, think again. It turns out squats don't work the gluteal muscles as much as we thought. The primary muscle group strengthened when performing squats are the quadriceps, with your gluteal muscles being the secondary muscle group strengthened. While we think squats are a great lower-body exercise to improve power and strength, they won't make a drastic change when it comes to your backside.
If squats just aren't your thing and you'd rather do any other exercise - burpees, push-ups, planks, sprints - we've got you covered. The 16 strengthening moves ahead are squat-free and will help you achieve the booty results you're after. Check them out and get ready to build that booty!
You Can Work Out Like a Mermaid on Your Next Vacation, Because Why the F*ck Not?
Forget about a beach body - by this time next year, you can casually find me lounging seaside while showing off my hard-earned *ocean* body thanks to a brand-new deal from Hotels.com. Starting in September, guests who book vacations at select hotels in Spain, Japan, and Mexico through Hotels.com will be able to ditch the gym and participate in a series of mermaid fitness classes. Yes, this sounds like the most 2018 thing to ever happen, but just hear us out for a second, OK?
Participating guests will be given the opportunity to throw on a fancy AF mermaid tail before diving into the pool and working through 45 minutes of aquatic exercises. The workouts will be available at Majorca, Spain's Zafiro Palace Palmanova from Sept. 20-22 and at Japan's Kanucha Bay Hotels & Villas from Sept. 17-21. Guests vacationing at Camino Real Polanco Mexico in Mexico City in the next month will have the opportunity to take one of four sessions offered on Sept. 1, 8, 15, and 22.
30 Healthy and Ridiculously Easy Recipes Made For College Students
As a college student, you probably appreciate the luxury of popping into the dining hall for a quick bite whenever you need a fast meal between classes. But sometimes you might just need a break or have a craving for something healthy and homemade, right?
Whether you're living in a dorm or in an off-campus apartment, there are several easy, healthy, and delicious recipes to make, many of which don't even require any cooking whatsoever. Here are 30 to get you started.
15 Processed Foods These Dietitians Actually Want You to Eat
If you've ever tried to eat healthier, then you've probably heard that you should eat whole, real foods as much as possible. Think fresh produce, lean meats, unsalted nuts, etc. Processed or packaged foods get a bad rap. After all, when you think of packaged food, you probably think of all the junk food that's full of empty calories and added sugars: chips, cookies, pretzels, and candy.
But what if we told you that processed food can actually be healthy? In fact, the term "processed" just means any food that has been mechanically altered from its natural state in any way: cutting, chopping, pasteurizing, cooking, canning, freezing, etc., according to the USDA. And while foods range on a scale from minimally processed, such as bagged spinach and cut vegetables, to heavily processed, such as crackers and frozen premade meals, you can still eat healthy on the spectrum of processed foods.
Here, these registered dietitians tell POPSUGAR their favorite picks for healthy processed food. If you can't eat whole, natural foods all the time (and really, who can?), don't beat yourself up - reach for one of these picks instead. Stay on track with your healthy eating goals with these packaged options!
Back to Basics: This Fundamental Workout Will Help You Strengthen at Any Level
Introducing strength training into your workouts can definitely seem like an intimidating move, but there are plenty of ways to ease into this new part of your fitness journey. For one, you don't have to jump straight into barbell work. Strength training encompasses bodyweight exercises that can also be enhanced with dumbbells. To help you narrow down your routine to the best beginner moves, Corey Phelps, nutrition expert, NASM personal trainer, certified BASI Pilates teacher, TRX and Spinning instructor, and creator of the fitness app Cultivate365, shared a strengthening workout that can help any level master fundamental movements.
Corey's biggest recommendation: "Keep it simple, start small, and build from there," she told POPSUGAR. "If you do too much in the beginning, you may end up overly sore, which can be discouraging and ultimately hinder you from keeping a consistent schedule."
Her workout below targets major muscle groups and serves as a helpful way to measure your progress. Once you're able to complete 15 reps with ease, it's time to move onto heavier weights.
The workout:
- Squats
- Walking lunges
- Shoulder presses
- Bicep curls
- Overhead triceps extensions
- Reverse abdominal crunches
Complete 10 to 12 reps for each move for a total of four sets. Not challenging enough? Increase your reps to 12 to 15 for a total of five sets.
See the moves ahead!
Get Out Your Blender and Head to Trader Joe's For These 32 Smoothie Ingredients
Your unconditional love for Trader Joe's and your passion for perfectly creamy, delicious smoothies is about to bond big time in your blender. As if you needed more reasons to love Trader Joe's - they already have the yummiest vegan foods, the best healthy snacks, the most essential freezer staples, and the products you need for being an amazing meal prepping machine - they also have the best ingredients for making smoothies. Throw these into your cart, then into your blender, and you'll be sipping happy.
Ever Wonder If Simply Walking More Can Help You Lose Weight? Here's Your Answer
When we think about the things that help us lose weight quickly, our minds automatically go to the more drastic or complicated things: being in a calorie deficit, doing a lot of HIIT cardio, swearing off sugar and soda, etc. But what if there were a simpler way to lose weight? Well, there might be.
Walking may sound like a wildly easy way to exercise, almost to the point where you might not think it has an effect on the body. That's where you're wrong, though. Walking is actually a great form of LISS (low-intensity sustained state) cardio, and if you walk briskly, you'll get your heart rate up, improve your cardiovascular health, and burn calories. You can actually burn up to 120 calories an hour when walking.
Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak is a huge fan of walking, and encourages many of his clients to do more of it every day. He wants your goal to be 10,000 steps a day if you want to lose weight, and every last one of those steps can be from walking if you want. "That is a minimum," Harley told POPSUGAR. "For a lot of people, this is a real, simple thing to start with. I don't [tell clients] you need to start eating tofu, become gluten intolerant, whatever - just start moving. Be a little more active."
Besides, walking is a safe, risk-free form of exercise that you can do for a long period of time with friends or by yourself if you need some alone time. Just make sure you're walking fast enough to where you're slightly out of breath, but no need to go so fast you're huffing for air.
If you don't believe us yet, Brooke lost over 100 pounds and went from a size 22 to size 12 - and it all started with her walking 10,000 steps a day. So if weight loss is a goal of yours, just try walking more each and every day. Paired with a healthy diet and a good amount of sleep, this will help you reach your goals faster!
Tone Your Back and Shoulders With This Simple Bodyweight Exercise
If you're trying to increase your overall strength while building lean muscle mass, you've got to start training with the TRX suspension trainer. The suspension trainer is one of the most diverse pieces of equipment in the gym - you can work every muscle group with it, and the best part is, your body is the weight. Because of this, not only will you strengthen and define your muscles, but you will also improve the overall functional movement patterns that you do day in and day out, like pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, and squatting.
One of the best pulling exercises you can do with the TRX is the deltoid fly, working your shoulders, core (the stabilizer), and back. This shoulder-strengthening exercise will also improve your posture by opening up your shoulders and strengthening your upper back.
Here's how to do it:
- Before getting started, make sure the TRX suspension trainer is secured to an anchor point (a fixed object that won't move and can support you weight). The straps should be at mid-length.
- Grab the handles with each hand and walk your feet out approximately two feet away from your body. Your arms should be extended in front of you and your body should be in a straight line. The further you walk your feet in front of you, the more challenging the exercise will become.
- With your core engaged, open your arms out toward the sides, like you're making a "T" with your arms. Be sure to keep tension on the straps throughout the entire movement.
- With your core still engaged and tension on the straps, return to the starting position with control. This counts as one rep.
- Complete three sets of 12 reps.
Yes, You Can Lose Belly Fat Without Working Out - Here's How
Losing belly fat is no easy feat. It requires you to work hard and pay close attention to your daily habits. You might think that working out for hours on end is the best way to shed excess fat around your midsection, but that's not true. You can lose belly fat without exercising at all, in fact, as long as you make the right choices. Maybe you're injured and physically can't work out or you just don't have as much time to get to the gym as you used to. Either way, here are seven ways you can reduce belly fat without working out.
6 Top-Rated Leggings From Nordstrom You'll Wear to the Gym and Beyond
Much like shoes, you can never have too many leggings. They're great for yoga, dance classes, running, gym sessions, and even just lounging around. If you need a new pair but don't know where to start, we rounded up the top-rated choices from Nordstrom. Shop through these customer favorites and try them out for yourself.
Can Intermittent Fasting Help You Lose Weight? These 10 Photos Are Proof That It Worked For Me
You've heard so much about the reasons to try intermittent fasting (IF), but will it really help you lose weight? Is it worth it? Check out these progress photos that show how different variations of IF helped me lose belly fat, get leaner, more defined muscles, and help me feel more confident and happier.
After seeing these photos, if you want to get started with intermittent fasting, be sure to talk with your doctor first.
Got a Desk Job? You Need to Do These 3 Resistance-Band Moves Before Your Workout
Whether you're aware of it or not, you probably have "dead-butt syndrome," a symptom most common in those who sit at a desk all day, have just sat through a long flight, or sleep in fetal position. Sound familiar? Many of us are constantly going from one place to the next, including the office to the gym or fresh off the plane to a hotel or meeting. In an effort to help you maintain your health and wellness routine while you're on the road, Westin Hotels partnered up with Goop to bring you a fitness experience called G. Sport Sessions. POPSUGAR recently had the opportunity to join the Chicago stop, where we sweat it out with Tracy Anderson and learned a lesson about this so called "syndrome."
According to Westin's Global Run Concierge Chris Heuisler, such lifestyle factors minimize glute activity, resulting in tight hips and perhaps even related knee pain or lower-back issues.
"You're basically turning off your glutes 75 percent of the day," Chris told POPSUGAR. "Then you get out of your desk and go right to your SoulCycle class or go right to your run without warming up at all. What you're doing is running with a dead butt; you're now running with your largest muscle group asleep, putting more pressure on your knees and lower back."
An effective way to wake up the glutes is to utilize a resistance band, aka the cheapest and most underrated piece of fitness equipment. Not only are you properly warming up your lower body, but you're also naturally getting a mini leg-and-butt workout in the process.
See three warmup band exercises from Chris that will fire up your glutes and open up your hips.
If You Want to Shed Fat, Jillian Michaels Says This Is the Type of Cardio You Should Be Doing
Losing weight requires a lifestyle change: eating in a calorie deficit, working out, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. So you can't all of a sudden start working out, eat junk food, and expect to lose weight. But if you're being strategic about your exercise plan for fat loss, trainer and fitness expert Jillian Michaels, who created the My Fitness by Jillian Michaels app, has some tips on how to rev up your calorie burn.
First, she recommends strength training four days a week (if possible) and to train each muscle group twice a week with two days of rest in between. "Lifting weights absolutely speeds fat loss because it burns more calories during and after your workout if done right," she told POPSUGAR.
When it comes to cardio, she's a big fan of high-intensity interval training or HIIT. "HIIT is far more effective across the board," she said. "It amps your calorie burn during the workout as well as your EPOC, or afterburn, and it accelerates how quickly you get more fit because of the intensified stress adaptation response."
However, she did say there are some times when low-intensity sustained state cardio, or LISS, is a better choice. "If you are tired, sick, or injured, HIIT can be too stressful," she said. "In that case, steady-state cardio will be better."
To lose weight, you can make your lifting sessions a HIIT workout to maximize calorie burn, or do a couple days of HIIT cardio a week to torch fat. Not sure where to start? Get inspired with these 10 HIIT workouts you can do at home or anywhere.
Eliminate Back Fat and Build Muscle With These 14 Back-Strengthening Exercises
Throughout my years as a trainer, I've noticed that men love to train their upper body, whereas women tend to focus more on their lower body. There's nothing wrong with having a favorite body part to work (mine is legs), but it's important that we spend time strengthening all of our muscles in order to prevent muscular imbalances.
If you're notorious for training the same muscle groups with the same exercises on repeat, it's time to break that habit. We've curated some of the best back exercises you should begin to incorporate into your workouts to burn fat, build muscle, and increase your upper-body strength. If you aren't sure where to begin, let the following upper-body workout inspire you.
The workout:
Before getting started, be sure to adequately warm up your body.
- Plank dumbbell row: 10 reps
- Deadlifts with front-row: 12 reps
- Bicep curls: 12 reps
- Bent-over row: 12 reps
- TRX deltoid fly: 10 reps
- Ball slams: 15 reps
Complete three sets, taking no more than 60 seconds of rest in between each exercise and two minutes of rest between each set. Don't forget to cool down after your workout.
mercredi 22 août 2018
I Left My Group of Best Friends and Never Looked Back
There were six of us. Six different personalities, but we all worked. Friends since high school, we were virtually unbreakable - breakfasts every weekend, nights out in the city, parties all Summer, and vacations, not to mention engagements, weddings, divorces, and new babies.
I woke up at my bachelorette weekend to a text that said they had all packed and left. Yes, the five others had left me at my own bachelorette party. The night before, the group decided to explore the club and spend very little time with me. And when I got tired, I looked at my very best friend (who was not part of that group of friends) and said, "I'm tired. Let's go upstairs and order pizza and go to bed."
Three of my other friends came with me, while one stayed behind. Apparently there was some dramatic altercation in their room later that night which I wasn't involved in, but there I was the next morning - left by my "best" friends in Atlantic City, NJ.
The shower was awkward. The wedding was awkward. I reached out to try to make plans about a month later - my every-weekend brunch dates were all always busy. About two months into this, while watching an episode of Sex and the City, I sent one final group message that read, "Ladies, I don't know what's going on with us, but I miss you guys."
Not a single reply.
Two days later, I woke up and I was done. I unfriended them on Facebook and Instagram and my then-husband did the same. I don't think they even noticed until we all showed up at the same wedding at the end of that same month. While it was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life, I realized that I am better and stronger without them. Here are a few things I learned now that they're gone.
- They held me back: I once had some very serious doubts about the man I was planning to marry. When I expressed this to them, they just said, "But we love him!" Not wanting to upset the status quo and truly believing they had some insights into my relationship that I didn't have, I let it go and continued with the wedding. The marriage ended in divorce. It wasn't just with my marriage, though. I had a role to play within the group. It was part of my identity. I don't believe that if I stayed within the group, I would be the woman I am today.
- They alienated my other friends: After the group was gone for a bit, I started hearing stories from other friends about how they would ignore them at parties or functions we had. My other friends would feel so uncomfortable but they stuck around because they loved me. That's true friendship. It could have turned out a lot worse for me.
- You do get lonely: When I was first separated from them, I used to get really lonely. A lot of my friends have gone on to have kids or have moved away. At least with the six of them around, I would have had distractions. However, that's just what it would have been - a distraction.
- You realize how valuable it was - or not: Once I realized that there were certain parts of my life that I couldn't tell them about, I realized that those friendships weren't as deep as I believed them to be. If you can't have friends that can listen to your feelings and stand by your actions - even if they aren't the right ones - then what's the point?
- You're going to come out stronger: It's going to hurt. There will be FOMO. There will be the inevitable Facebook stalking. But just stay strong and remember that you left this group for a reason. (I actually had to tell mutual friends to stop telling me things because I didn't want to know anymore.) You'll move on to find more meaningful friendships: those that push you forward.
Crazy Rich Asians Is Moving Forward With a Sequel - Here's What We Know!
We might be seeing more of Rachel Chu and Nick Young's love story onscreen very soon! According to The Hollywood Reporter, Crazy Rich Asians is moving forward with development for a sequel. While it's still in the early stages, most of the original creative team is planning on reuniting, including director Jon M. Chu, producers Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and John Penotti, and screenwriters Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim.
According to THR, Warner Bros. has the option for Kevin Kwan's trilogy, which includes 2015's China Rich Girlfriend and 2017's Rich People Problems. "We have a plan with Kevin for the next two films," Simpson said. Based on the incredible box office success of the first film though, the chances of turning the two bestselling novels into movies are looking pretty likely.
For the most part, the cast has been mum on the potential for a sequel, but they sound like they'd be on board if the studio is. During the press tour, the cast told Entertainment Tonight that "it depends on America," signaling that potential sequels probably hinge on how well the movie performs domestically, not just internationally. No one's saying anything beyond that, but the signs are promising for fans.
Not to mention, the film's midcredits scene left the door wide open for a follow-up film as it teased the relationship between Astrid (Gemma Chan) and her former love Charlie Wu (Harry Shum Jr.), who have a big pretty big romance in the books.
Jennifer Lopez Makes a Rare Appearance With Her Twins During Her Big Night at the VMAs
Jennifer Lopez was surrounded by her loved ones as she accepted the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and gave a jaw-dropping performance at the VMAs on Sunday night. In addition to showing off her sweet love with Alex Rodriguez on the red carpet, she also brought along her twins, Maximilian and Emme Muñiz, for her big night! Ahead of the show, ARod posted a sweet selfie of the crew as they made their way to Radio City Music Hall, and Jennifer shared a cute moment with her daughter as they posed alongside Camila Cabello inside. Jennifer's kids rarely step out in the spotlight, so the family outing was extraspecial! See more pictures from their appearance ahead.
These Celebrities Ditched Their VMAs Red Carpet Looks and Turned Up the Heat For the Afterparties
The 2018 VMAs pink carpet was full of sparkly gowns and body-hugging dresses, but the afterparties were truly where it all went down. Jennifer Lopez continued to rep Versace by switching out of her sequinned dress and jaw-dropping performance outfits for yet another iconic look by the designer. Kylie Jenner changed out of her polished Tom Ford blazer dress for a leather tube top and matching pants. But that's not all; read on to see each and every look from the VMAs afterparties ahead.
Related: The VMAs Red Carpet Dresses We'll All Be Talking About Tomorrow
Johnny Bananas on How The Challenge Has Changed, His New Gig, and That Infamous Money Grab
Image Source: Getty / Tom Briglia / WireImage
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who "sort of" likes The Challenge. The MTV series has earned a steadfast fan base over its 32 seasons on the air, thanks to death-defying stunts, clever twists, and an ever-growing cast of characters. No matter how many bizarre aerial challenges MTV's team comes up with, though, it's that last thing that keeps people coming back: the players. And among those champs is the crowned king, Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio. Since making his debut on The Duel in 2006 - he memorably went home in the first episode - Bananas has appeared on 17 seasons, winning six of them.
Bananas is taking on a new endeavor as the latest host of NBC's late-night series, 1st Look, this Fall. The show airs every weekend after Saturday Night Live, and I got the chance to chat with him ahead of the premiere. And, well, I couldn't not ask about The Challenge, right? After all, Final Reckoning is in full swing! I had to know if he feared a certain someone from his past would return as his partner. How could I live with myself if I didn't get his honest opinion on Devin? What kind of journalist would I be if I didn't ask if he ever wanted to replace TJ Lavin as the host?!
Please enjoy this extra-long interview with Johnny Bananas, and catch him on 1st Look in September.
POPSUGAR: You've done some pretty uncomfortable challenges on MTV. Has there been anything you've had to do for 1st Look that really put you outside of your comfort zone?
Johnny Bananas: How about every single second I've shot so far? When I first got the job, they were like, "We're going to have difficulty finding segments to get you out of your comfort zone." And I was like, "You most likely are because I've pretty much done everything under the sun." Well, I didn't know that they had this group of crackpot, crazy people that were literally going to think so outside of the box and find ways and things to do to really put me outside of my comfort zone.
I had to dress in drag and strip and perform a whole burlesque act at a club in Hollywood. I had to go to a smell laboratory in Kansas City where they test deodorants, foot powders, that sort of thing, and I had to smell sweaty armpits and sweaty feet, yeah, to calibrate my nose. I got my ass handed to me by a bunch of NFL football players last week. I was in a haunted house. I didn't believe in ghosts before going in. I most certainly do now. I think one of the spirits followed me home. I just made the Rams' cheerleading squad the other day.
PS: You must get so many random opportunities coming your way: What made you say yes to this one?
JB: I actually pitched a very similar show idea to MTV a while ago. It was going to be me going around the world entering myself in crazy, zany, off-the-wall competitions and challenges and then competing in them. MTV obviously wasn't really hot on it, but then NBC comes along and they offered me this hosting job for essentially a show idea that is very similar to the one that I pitched. It's like a dream come true. I am working, but at the same time I'm getting to do what I love and I'm hanging out with some of the best athletes in the world. I got to go to Roswell, NM, and look for the crashed alien spaceship and interview abductees. I'm getting all these amazing experiences.
PS: We've been watching you on The Challenge for 17 seasons, and thinking that maybe eventually you'd be the host! Is that something that you'd ever hoped would happen?
JB: Absolutely, I've been letting them know for a while now that hosting is the next move I want to make. The thing is, TJ has become synonymous with The Challenge and as much as I think I would be possibly a great host for the show, that's TJ's thing. Now, if he ever moves on, retires, whatever, I would happily step into that role. The other issue I can imagine is - let's be real - over the 17 seasons, I've made a lot of enemies on the show. I don't know how the cast would react to me being the host. Even though I would have zero dogs in the fight, they would probably still think that there's conspiracies going around and I'm still trying to manipulate the game. Which . . . I probably would do.
PS: Can we expect any Johnny Bananas pranks on Final Reckoning?
JB: I had so much on my plate the entire season that there really was zero time for levity or jokes. Of all the seasons I've done, this was, from a mental standpoint, the most difficult thing I've ever experienced in my life. This one is brutal.
PS: Do you mean with the interpersonal relationships or with the challenges themselves?
"What a lot of people don't understand is this isn't something that happened overnight - it's taken 17 seasons, and 13 long years."
JB: Everything. The house dynamics, the relationships, the lack of relationships - at least in my opinion. I think there has been a disturbing trend over the past few seasons where I've gone from the guy no one really wanted to vibe with to the guy who is public enemy number one from day one. It's become me versus the entire house. That's the way that this season goes down, and it's going to be a pretty amazing thing to watch the house versus the immovable object.
PS: Some might say that that's a direct result of what you've done to castmates in the past. Do you think part of it is your actions, or do you think a lot of it is production whispering into their ears, "Hey, let's make this a vendetta?"
JB: No, it's not production at all. That's another misconception about The Challenge: [viewers] think that it's scripted, and it's not. Reality is stranger than fiction. You couldn't write the stuff that goes down. You just couldn't. It's all cast member animosity towards me. Some of it is stuff that I've created on my own with certain people, but then there's also envy and jealousy there, too. They see where I am, and who I am, and what I've become, and the brand that I've created, and the following that I have.
What a lot of people don't understand is this isn't something that happened overnight - it's taken 17 seasons, and 13 long years. I think a lot of people don't realize that it takes hard work, and it can't be taken from me. A lot of the young guys think, "Well, if we go head-to-head against Bananas, it's a guaranteed storyline and camera-time. It's upsetting that that's a route they can take now. I think, "OK. Yeah. You can spar against me, and get rid of me, but dimming my flame isn't going to make yours any brighter."
Image Source: Getty / Mike Coppola
PS: The problem becomes that we get a season full of people who aren't established personalities and aren't that interesting yet, who just think maybe it would be a good thing to get the big players off early. And then the season isn't as good.
JB: That's the thing. I guess maybe this is why I've been as successful as I have been, and why I'm not just a fan favorite, but a favorite with production: I know what's going to be good for the show. I put my producer's hat on, so it's almost like I'm a producer first and a cast member second. Even though I might dislike a person, I know what's good for television. For example, when me and CT had our rivalry, I thought, "God, I want to get him out of here." But at the same time, it's like, "But damn, he's so important to the show. And he's so important to our viewers. He's so important for ratings." I have to put my personal [issues] aside for the sake of it being a good episode. These [new] guys are all thinking in the moment. They're not thinking long-term. If you get rid of all of [the vets], no one's going to watch. And then what's going to happen? Ratings are going to suffer, and what happens if The Challenge isn't even renewed?
PS: One person who's been super polarizing is Devin. What are your feelings on him at this point?
JB: Devin is 100 percent an opportunist. He brings nothing to the show physically or strategically. Devin is not a player in the game, he is one of the pawns. The way he sees it is, "If I go after Bananas, and if I start this big Bananas-Devin rivalry, then I'm going to get a storyline," which is exactly what happened last season. Devin knows that without me, he doesn't exist. Devin's not the first one to come at me; there's been Jordan and even Tony. The difference, though, is he's doing it strictly for camera-time and to try and make a name for himself.
PS: Social media seems to have changed the game. Have you noticed that the show has been different since cast members have started picking fights off-screen?
JB: There's more drama off the show on social media than there is on the show. It's all the time, so the show never really ends. I keep my inner circle, because that's the problem you run into that transfers over on the show. I spend so much time with the cast members [onscreen], I just don't want to be friends with them off the show. The Challenge has come back in such a big way, and so many people want to be on the show now. It used to be just MTV franchises, but now you see people from Big Brother and The Bachelor. It's a lot of people wanting [to be] on the show, knowing that, "Hey, if I can start a rivalry via social media with whoever, this might increase my odds of being noticed and being cast on the show."
PS: How do you feel about MTV bringing in people from other networks?
JB: It's a double-edged sword. I can see both sides: I like the idea because it's bringing new eyeballs to The Challenge, but it's also diluting the show. The problem is, you don't have the same pool to choose from; there's no Road Rules, and Real World is off the air. They're going to need real people to bring in. How do they do that? It's above my pay grade. All I can do is just continue to be true to who I am and keep stirring the pot.
PS: Did any part of you think maybe your vendetta this season might be Sarah?
JB: Yeah. I did. Sarah went through my head, Wes went through my head, Tony obviously did. Devin was originally supposed to be my partner. That most certainly crossed my mind, but I guess Sarah has moved on.
PS: As far as you know, is she just done with the show entirely?
JB: Yeah. I think what happened with that money grab really affected her. I think she put a lot false blame on production for it happening. She was as responsible for that happening as anybody else. There's a lot of things she could have done differently in that final. She shouldn't have trusted me as much as she did. She really shouldn't have. She should have known that regardless of what I said and the way that I acted, I am who I am. It's almost like you can try as hard as you want to domesticate a wild animal, but you can't be shocked when they bite you because at the end of the day, this still is a wild animal.
She tried to say that production set her up, and then she tried to say that I cheated and all this other stuff. So I think there's a lot of that going on as well where she's just kind of still, I don't know. I think Sarah has a tremendous amount of animosity toward the entire franchise, so I honestly can't see Sarah ever coming back. I just really can't. I wish her the best of luck, but I think we've probably seen the last of her.
PS: Yeah. Is that a decision you would still stand by today?
JB: Oh, 100 percent. I've never once looked at my bank account and been like, you know what? I wish there was $275,000 less dollars in here. Yeah. I stand by it.
Idris Elba's Fiancée Totally Upstaged Him at His Latest Premiere, and We're Not Mad About It
Idris Elba made an appearance in London on Tuesday for the premiere of his new film Yardie, and he brought his stunning fiancée Sabrina Dhowre along as his date. Though it was technically Idris's night to shine, he seemed happy to let his leading lady take the spotlight. After all, she was the one all dressed up in a dramatic off-the-shoulder blue gown, while Idris was more chilled out in a hooded sweater and sneakers. Perhaps the actor is just keeping things casual for fear of stirring up more James Bond rumors by wearing a suit or tux?
Either way, we were excited to see him showing off the future Mrs. Elba, and looking so happy to be with her. He's previously been pretty secretive about his relationships, but Sabrina's accompanied him to a number of high-profile events over recent months, and this is clearly a love that they can't help but share with the world. Keep reading to see all the photos from the night.
This Mom Turns Grainy, Black-and-White Sonograms Into Jaw-Dropping Works of Art
With both of my pregnancies, I eagerly arrived at the doctor's office for my ultrasound appointments only to feel completely disconnected from the image on the computer screen. Yes, it was the clearest shot I could get of the baby growing inside of me, but it was a grainy, black-and-white blob. (Or, with my second, a grainy black-and-white alien blob.)
If only I had known about Laura Steerman, an Irish mom of three who creates abstract sonogram paintings for parents. Although she doesn't consider herself a professional artist - she's a lawyer by trade - her now-successful business started as not even a hobby, but a moment of catharsis.
"It's emotional painting babies in the womb for families. No two experiences or babies are the same."
"I began by painting my own daughter's scans after several reduced movement scares," she told POPSUGAR. "Each scan showed she was doing just fine despite the lack of kicks, but I felt the gray, blurry images just didn't do her precious self justice. So I took out the paints at my kitchen table at home and got painting."
Soon, friends noticed her work and asked her to paint their children's ultrasound images as well. It wasn't long before she began taking official commissions as part of her business, Quaint Baby Bespoke Ultrasound Art. But, of course, it's not about the money.
"It sounds corny, but it feels like doing these paintings fed the soul," she told us, noting that just because sonograms might all look alike to some, she finds each one unique. "It's emotional painting babies in the womb for families. I have met so many wonderful people who have shared their stories with me. No two experiences or babies are the same."
Laura only accepts copies of sonograms ("I don't take originals as they're too precious!") for custom requests, often has a quick two-week turnaround, and ships worldwide. She explained that parents tend to ask for a painting that depicts their unborn baby's personality.
Some moms say theirs is active, always kicking, and "those babies are painted with vibrant, bold colors with plenty of movement." On the contrary, more placid fetuses tend to get pastels and gentle paint strokes. And even others ask that the painting fit a nursery motif or be a complete surprise.
In addition to the more typical, memory-making commissions, she has painted the sonograms of unborn babies who already had life-affirming experiences before they were even born. For instance, one client came to her with an ultrasound taken immediately after the mom-to-be breathed in fumes following the Brussels airport bombing in 2016. Both mom and baby were fine, and the culminating piece "represented the joy of travel, undeterred by fear and hatred in the world," Laura said.
"A lot of moms are stunned to remember that baby grew in their tummy and they shared this remarkable time so closely together."
She painted the scan of a woman who "found out she had uterine cancer while pregnant, which is what saved her and her rainbow baby's life." She even painted the scan of a baby who was lost during pregnancy, and it served as a touching memorial to the mother who would never get another image of her child. It also inspired Laura to collaborate with Irish charity Féileacáin, which supports parents who've suffered miscarriages - so now, a percentage of every painting's proceeds is donated to the organization.
Her goodwill doesn't end there. Just recently, she'd read about Nicole Taylor, a mother who found out from a scan that she was expecting identical twins who both had Down syndrome - the odds are less than two in a million - and surprised her with a painting of her two beautiful girls.
Still, even as she turns otherwise cold, stark three-inch-by-five-inch sonograms into jaw-dropping works of art, Laura attributes the global rave reviews to the subject matter itself.
"That's why the paintings have become so widely shared," she told POPSUGAR. "It's capturing memories, emotions, personalities, and parenthood in a painting. A lot of moms are stunned to remember that baby grew in their tummy and they shared this remarkable time so closely together."
She added, quite modestly, "It's their baby and their masterpiece."
Read on for a sample of Laura's beautiful work.
Break Out Your Brand-New Instant Pot - We've Got 19 Recipes For Newbies
Whether you just got your Instant Pot or it's been collecting dust on your counter and you're finally getting around to using it is no matter. The important thing is that the time has come and you're ready to dive into the wonder that is this pressure cooker. If you're ready to get going with this gadget and want to start slow, we are here to help. We found 19 recipes that come together quickly and easily in an Instant Pot but taste and look so much more complicated than they are. They'll be easy to master - trust us - and you'll be moving on to bigger and better recipes in no time!
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