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.
vendredi 31 août 2018
20 Things Teachers Want Parents to Know Ahead of a New School Year
The first day of school is always exciting for kids (Reunited with friends! Fresh school supplies! New shoes!), but it also marks the beginning of a stressful period for parents and teachers. From parent-teacher conferences to endless permission slips to packed schedules, it can be hard to juggle it all for everyone involved. And from a teacher's perspective, I can personally say that while we love our work and find tremendous value in it, we get burned out sometimes, too. But in the end, teachers' and parents' goals align - we all want our students to learn and have a great experience while we avoid unnecessary frustration. To help, here are 20 things teachers want parents to know ahead of the new year.
It's Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Season - Here's What Parents Should Know
No one likes a sick kiddo. And while colds are obviously bad enough, navigating a bad case of hand, foot, and mouth disease is 10 times worse. So what exactly is this illness? It's a mild - but contagious - viral infection that's common in little kids and characterized by sores in the mouth, a rash on the hands and feet, and a fever.
And unfortunately for parents with little ones running around, kids who spend their days at school or day care are the prime demographic when it comes to coming down with the nasty bug. Think your child might be coming down with a case of HFM disease? Scroll through to get the facts as well as the lowdown on how to treat it.
Related: If You're in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Hell, You're Not Alone
Let Amazon Do All the Work For You - Here Are Its Picks For Top 100 Toys of 2018
With all the major toy releases, trends, and crazes year after year, it can be tough to keep your finger on the playthings best-suited for your kids depending on their ages, interests, and how much you're looking to spend on them. To help you plan out your holiday gifting - or any late 2018 birthdays - Amazon has released its list of top toys of the year, which includes 100 toys of different price points for kids of all ages.
Take a peek through the epic list and make note of the few things you might be interested in grabbing for your kids for the holidays - it's better to be prepped early than to scramble later (and if you're stumbling on this "later," may the odds be ever in your favor)!
Amazon's Selling a GIANT 8-Foot Beanbag, and BRB While We Cocoon in It Forever
Nap time and family movie nights are about to get a seriously cozy upgrade. We just stumbled upon ChillSack, a company that makes enormous foamy beanbags, and its largest option - a circular lounger that's a whopping eight feet in diameter - is quite the comfy sight to behold. It's so effin' huge, you could probably fit your entire family and a friend or two on top - or, ya know, you could just spread out solo, too.
The ginormous piece of furniture is filled with shredded memory foam rather than those tiny Styrofoam beads that fill traditional bean bags, and it weighs a whopping 92 pounds, so lifting it could easily double as an arm workout. ChillSack's sofa-like seat has a removable, machine-washable cover in case any sort of mid-chill-sesh wine spillages occur. Plus, it comes in various colors, ranging from easy-to-match hues like beige, gray, and brown to brighter options like pink, blue, and purple, so you're sure to find one that perfectly fits your living space.
So how does one get their hands - and, more importantly, their derrière - on this dreamy fluff ball? In addition to being sold on ChillSack's website, the lounger is available for purchase through Amazon Prime, so you can get this cocoon of comfort delivered straight to your doorstep in two days. Prices on Amazon range from $322 to $517 depending on which color and material you choose.
Ahead, take a look at a few photos of the ChillSack in all its cozy glory - you'll definitely feel inclined to make some room in your home for one of 'em.
6 Questions You Should Be Asking Before Attempting a VBAC
With the birth of my third baby looming in the not-too-distant future, I've been crossing my fingers, toes, and anything else I can find that I'll be able to avoid a second C-section. My first was delivered vaginally and things went smoothly. My second chose to be the difficult one before he was even born and was transverse (sideways) throughout my entire third trimester. My midwife and doctor attempted an external cephalic version, but when he still wouldn't budge, it was C-section time.
I'm not hating on C-sections; I am beyond grateful that there was a safe way to bring my baby into the world. I would be lying, though, if I said that my recovery wasn't much worse after having a C-section than it was with my first. Going through major abdominal surgery and then immediately being charged with caring for a newborn is no small task. Because of that, I'm really hoping my third child is more agreeable and keeps his head pointing down where it belongs.
Most women who have had a prior C-section are good candidates for a VBAC, or vaginal birth after C-section (the American Pregnancy Association puts the number at 90 percent), but, ultimately, you'll need to work with your care provider to determine if a VBAC is the best option for you. In my case, my practitioner gave me the thumbs up because I've had a prior vaginal birth (which increases your changes of a successful VBAC) and the only reason for my C-section was the positioning of the (stubborn) baby.
After determining that this was the route I wanted to go, I had lots of questions. My first experience giving birth was so close to perfect, but I wasn't sure if it would be the same in a VBAC situation. The problem with questions during pregnancy is that most of them fly out of your brain as soon as you step foot in your doctor's office (please tell me that's not just me?), so I wrote down a list of questions that I wanted to know the answers to before I showed up at the hospital.
If you're hoping to hop on the VBAC train, you'll want to address these questions with your practitioner as early in your pregnancy as possible so that you can make an informed decision and know what to expect when baby time rolls around.
Nicole Kidman Admits Her Daughter "Negotiates" to Watch "Snippets" of Big Little Lies
Some kids pressure their moms to give them a cell phone or stay at the playground for just "one more minute." Nicole Kidman's 10-year-old daughter, Sunday Rose, however, begs to see her mom's movies and TV shows.
"My daughter is always negotiating with me to see Big Little Lies and I'm like, 'No, no, no,'" the actress said at an Omega watch event in Russia. "She sees snippets."
Although she certainly censors out the more graphic and R-rated scenes from her child's viewing, she respects her wishes. "That said, it's really good, I think, for your children to see your work and understand what it is. Then it's theirs as well, so I talk about it."
Her kids' interest in Big Little Lies, however, pales in comparison to another movie she has coming out: Aquaman.
"I have three films coming out, but to my children, Aquaman is the most important film, and the boys at their school are interested in me being in Aquaman, which to my daughter is really important right now," she said. "I said to her, 'I hope I'm in it.' She said, 'I hope you're in it. I told everybody.'"
Talk about kid pressure!
375 Things You'll Remember If You Grew Up in the '90s
We can't help but get nostalgic thinking about growing up in the 1990s. Thinking of those days reminds us of the music, fashion, heartthrobs, toys, and TV shows that made the '90s totally rad. So let's take a trip down memory lane to our '90s girlhood, from Ring Pops, 90210, and Tamagotchis to stick-on earrings, Devon Sawa, and Titanic. Check it out!
Why Do We Love to Scare Ourselves? An Expert on Fright Has Some Surprising Answers
Image Source: Everett Collection
For some, Halloween is a time for sweaters and pumpkin spice everything. For others, it's a time for gory films and haunted houses. Did you ever wonder if there's a reason some people are thrill seekers and others always choose to sit it out?
Sociologist Dr. Margee Kerr did. She built her research and lecturing career out of a childhood fascination with scary stories: "I was intrigued by the unknown. I knew getting into my academic career I still needed to incorporate some of that adventure, otherwise I would be miserable." That adventure led her to globe-trot for scares to write a literal book on the topic before serving as the researcher for Pittsburgh's Scarehouse, and even appearing as herself in the sequel to the haunted house horror flick The Houses That October Built. Whether fear is your goal or enemy this Halloween, Dr. Kerr has the answers to how and why we react to things that go bump in the night - and how thrill seekers can amp up the scare power.
Dr. Margee Kerr says the "fun scary" kind of fear's physical and psychological effects can be highly rewarding. Photo courtesy of Jake Bradbury.
POPSUGAR: For starters, why do we love haunted attractions so much?
Dr. Margee Kerr: We do love it for the physical high. Our body, when it's thrust into that fight or flight mode, releases all sorts of chemicals. In the right context, mainly one of choice and entertainment, that physiological response can feel really good. We feel euphoric and strong and kind of primal. Also, when we're scared, our brain reprioritizes, so it's focused on all our physical elements. We're not getting caught up in what we have to do in the future. We're grounded more in the present. There's also this big social component. Being scared with friends creates stronger bonds. It enhances the experience. We get a sense of accomplishment. Even though we know we're safe, it feels like we've completed a challenge and made it out the other side. It also can increase our resilience and our tolerance in the moment. When we face something really challenging and intense, everything else is not going to upset us as much.
PS: Do you have any insight into the history of haunted houses?
MK: They have a varied history. A big part of it was Haunted Mansion at Disney. That was actually based off of the Winchester Mystery House after Walt Disney toured it and wanted to create something similar. The Winchester Mystery House was this house that this woman kept building on. After her husband passed, she was the heir to the Winchester estate. She had a house, and she believed all the people who had been killed by Winchester rifles, that she could act as a conduit [to channel them]. And then the Haunted Mansion influenced the creation of modern attractions today. Jaycee groups played a big role in it, too. Then volunteer firefighters started making charity haunted attractions. And so it was the big influence from Disney and then the backyard attractions that started sprouting up. Today you can see that packed history of the sort of DIY backyard attractions and then the big amusement side of it. Now there is that middle type of attractions that do, say, over 50,000 people a year. That's like Terror Behind the Walls or Netherworld.
PS: What separates those who love haunted attractions and those who won't go near them?
MK: A lot of it is our history. Some of it is genetic. Even the way our genes are expressed is so tied into our experiences and our childhood. All the different moments in our childhood when we experience fear go into creating how we give meaning to different experiences. So, if you never had any folder in your mind for "fun scary," then you might not like it too much. I grew up going to haunted houses from a very young age, so my experience with fun scary is very long and rich. I always encourage people to test themselves every few years because we do change.
PS: You helped develop the Basement at Scarehouse, Pittsburgh's premiere haunted attraction. What research was involved there and what trends do you see in immersive haunts?
MK: I haven't been at Scarehouse for a couple years, but in working with Greg Siegle, the cognitive neuroscientist, we set up the lab in the Basement and we were able to measure people['s moods] before and after they went through. Our first year of data collection will be coming out this month in the journal Emotion. But we found that mood did improve and people did feel better. In terms of haunted house trends and what I've been seeing over the past few years, a lot of people are going for more interactivity and more sense of immersion, making it more personal in a scalable way. Like at Terror Behind the Walls, you can opt in with the glow necklace if you want the more interactive experience, but if you don't, you just take it off. But there's been a lot of work in trying to make it more interactive. Incorporating puzzle elements, making it more gamified like escape rooms.
PS: The Basement allows guests to utilize a safe word. Some extreme haunts don't. Where do you think the line should be drawn in extreme haunts?
MK: I think that any commercial business that doesn't have a safe word is essentially violating the law. If they don't allow people to exit an experience, they're essentially holding someone hostage at that point. There's a range: some places don't have a safe word because they didn't think that they would need one, but if someone said, "I have to get out of here," they would respect it and let people leave. The places that don't let you leave - I don't know if they even really exist beyond tall tales and folklore - but any place that doesn't let you leave is violating the law. It's not fun anymore, and your attention shifts to actual survival. The boundaries should be communicated to guests up front. You can do that without giving anything away.
PS: How can those who hate to be scared still enjoy the season, and how can those who love thrills get the most out of it?
MK: For those who don't like to be scared, there are so many cool harvest specials and pumpkin patches. You can feel the nostalgia and the connectedness without any of the fear. And those who are really looking for a good scare, I would recommend taking the approach of saving all your money and trying to get to a really well-known and highly rated attraction, or to mix it up and do a handful of backyard attractions that aren't going to break the bank and compare them at the end of the season. For those looking for something good or new or unique, it's worth doing some research.
There you have it! Whether you'll be scaring yourself silly or playing it safe, now you have some insight on how your brain works when you're afraid . . . and how to make the most out of Halloween.
20 Sexy Movies Hitting Theaters in 2018
It looks like 2018 is shaping up to be a year full of sexy, confident assassins and hot romances in movies. From Red Sparrow to A Star Is Born, we've compiled a list of the steamiest films out this year. These movies will make your body shiver with anticipation with their lurid plots and beautiful casts.
This Romantic Destination Wedding Will Fuel Your Wanderlust
There is something so spontaneous and fun about a destination wedding; guests can relax and soak in the romantic atmosphere, and the bride and groom can share a special trip with their closest loved ones. So, it's no surprise that couple Lauren and Evan's Mexican retreat wedding felt both intimate and relaxed. As the sun set over the Pacific, Lauren and Evan said "I do" in a sweet ceremony that was bursting with fun and color.
The duo planned an elegant destination wedding at Hotel Villas Carrizalillo in Oaxaca, Mexico, and celebrated their big day surrounded by their close family and friends. The bride walked down the aisle in a feminine dress and veil while carrying a bouquet of bright flowers that fit in perfectly with the tropical feeling of the location. The wedding itself featured a ukelele solo by friends, and the party afterwards was full of laughs. The couple spent the rest of their vacation surfing, swimming, and relaxing while surrounded by beautiful blooming flowers and the lush landscape around the resort. See all the beautiful photos now!
375 Things You'll Remember If You Grew Up in the '90s
We can't help but get nostalgic thinking about growing up in the 1990s. Thinking of those days reminds us of the music, fashion, heartthrobs, toys, and TV shows that made the '90s totally rad. So let's take a trip down memory lane to our '90s girlhood, from Ring Pops, 90210, and Tamagotchis to stick-on earrings, Devon Sawa, and Titanic. Check it out!
Why Do We Love to Scare Ourselves? An Expert on Fright Has Some Surprising Answers
Image Source: Everett Collection
For some, Halloween is a time for sweaters and pumpkin spice everything. For others, it's a time for gory films and haunted houses. Did you ever wonder if there's a reason some people are thrill seekers and others always choose to sit it out?
Sociologist Dr. Margee Kerr did. She built her research and lecturing career out of a childhood fascination with scary stories: "I was intrigued by the unknown. I knew getting into my academic career I still needed to incorporate some of that adventure, otherwise I would be miserable." That adventure led her to globe-trot for scares to write a literal book on the topic before serving as the researcher for Pittsburgh's Scarehouse, and even appearing as herself in the sequel to the haunted house horror flick The Houses That October Built. Whether fear is your goal or enemy this Halloween, Dr. Kerr has the answers to how and why we react to things that go bump in the night - and how thrill seekers can amp up the scare power.
Dr. Margee Kerr says the "fun scary" kind of fear's physical and psychological effects can be highly rewarding. Photo courtesy of Jake Bradbury.
POPSUGAR: For starters, why do we love haunted attractions so much?
Dr. Margee Kerr: We do love it for the physical high. Our body, when it's thrust into that fight or flight mode, releases all sorts of chemicals. In the right context, mainly one of choice and entertainment, that physiological response can feel really good. We feel euphoric and strong and kind of primal. Also, when we're scared, our brain reprioritizes, so it's focused on all our physical elements. We're not getting caught up in what we have to do in the future. We're grounded more in the present. There's also this big social component. Being scared with friends creates stronger bonds. It enhances the experience. We get a sense of accomplishment. Even though we know we're safe, it feels like we've completed a challenge and made it out the other side. It also can increase our resilience and our tolerance in the moment. When we face something really challenging and intense, everything else is not going to upset us as much.
PS: Do you have any insight into the history of haunted houses?
MK: They have a varied history. A big part of it was Haunted Mansion at Disney. That was actually based off of the Winchester Mystery House after Walt Disney toured it and wanted to create something similar. The Winchester Mystery House was this house that this woman kept building on. After her husband passed, she was the heir to the Winchester estate. She had a house, and she believed all the people who had been killed by Winchester rifles, that she could act as a conduit [to channel them]. And then the Haunted Mansion influenced the creation of modern attractions today. Jaycee groups played a big role in it, too. Then volunteer firefighters started making charity haunted attractions. And so it was the big influence from Disney and then the backyard attractions that started sprouting up. Today you can see that packed history of the sort of DIY backyard attractions and then the big amusement side of it. Now there is that middle type of attractions that do, say, over 50,000 people a year. That's like Terror Behind the Walls or Netherworld.
PS: What separates those who love haunted attractions and those who won't go near them?
MK: A lot of it is our history. Some of it is genetic. Even the way our genes are expressed is so tied into our experiences and our childhood. All the different moments in our childhood when we experience fear go into creating how we give meaning to different experiences. So, if you never had any folder in your mind for "fun scary," then you might not like it too much. I grew up going to haunted houses from a very young age, so my experience with fun scary is very long and rich. I always encourage people to test themselves every few years because we do change.
PS: You helped develop the Basement at Scarehouse, Pittsburgh's premiere haunted attraction. What research was involved there and what trends do you see in immersive haunts?
MK: I haven't been at Scarehouse for a couple years, but in working with Greg Siegle, the cognitive neuroscientist, we set up the lab in the Basement and we were able to measure people['s moods] before and after they went through. Our first year of data collection will be coming out this month in the journal Emotion. But we found that mood did improve and people did feel better. In terms of haunted house trends and what I've been seeing over the past few years, a lot of people are going for more interactivity and more sense of immersion, making it more personal in a scalable way. Like at Terror Behind the Walls, you can opt in with the glow necklace if you want the more interactive experience, but if you don't, you just take it off. But there's been a lot of work in trying to make it more interactive. Incorporating puzzle elements, making it more gamified like escape rooms.
PS: The Basement allows guests to utilize a safe word. Some extreme haunts don't. Where do you think the line should be drawn in extreme haunts?
MK: I think that any commercial business that doesn't have a safe word is essentially violating the law. If they don't allow people to exit an experience, they're essentially holding someone hostage at that point. There's a range: some places don't have a safe word because they didn't think that they would need one, but if someone said, "I have to get out of here," they would respect it and let people leave. The places that don't let you leave - I don't know if they even really exist beyond tall tales and folklore - but any place that doesn't let you leave is violating the law. It's not fun anymore, and your attention shifts to actual survival. The boundaries should be communicated to guests up front. You can do that without giving anything away.
PS: How can those who hate to be scared still enjoy the season, and how can those who love thrills get the most out of it?
MK: For those who don't like to be scared, there are so many cool harvest specials and pumpkin patches. You can feel the nostalgia and the connectedness without any of the fear. And those who are really looking for a good scare, I would recommend taking the approach of saving all your money and trying to get to a really well-known and highly rated attraction, or to mix it up and do a handful of backyard attractions that aren't going to break the bank and compare them at the end of the season. For those looking for something good or new or unique, it's worth doing some research.
There you have it! Whether you'll be scaring yourself silly or playing it safe, now you have some insight on how your brain works when you're afraid . . . and how to make the most out of Halloween.
20 Sexy Movies Hitting Theaters in 2018
It looks like 2018 is shaping up to be a year full of sexy, confident assassins and hot romances in movies. From Red Sparrow to A Star Is Born, we've compiled a list of the steamiest films out this year. These movies will make your body shiver with anticipation with their lurid plots and beautiful casts.
This Romantic Destination Wedding Will Fuel Your Wanderlust
There is something so spontaneous and fun about a destination wedding; guests can relax and soak in the romantic atmosphere, and the bride and groom can share a special trip with their closest loved ones. So, it's no surprise that couple Lauren and Evan's Mexican retreat wedding felt both intimate and relaxed. As the sun set over the Pacific, Lauren and Evan said "I do" in a sweet ceremony that was bursting with fun and color.
The duo planned an elegant destination wedding at Hotel Villas Carrizalillo in Oaxaca, Mexico, and celebrated their big day surrounded by their close family and friends. The bride walked down the aisle in a feminine dress and veil while carrying a bouquet of bright flowers that fit in perfectly with the tropical feeling of the location. The wedding itself featured a ukelele solo by friends, and the party afterwards was full of laughs. The couple spent the rest of their vacation surfing, swimming, and relaxing while surrounded by beautiful blooming flowers and the lush landscape around the resort. See all the beautiful photos now!
jeudi 30 août 2018
I Bought This $23 Strapless Bra on Amazon - It's So Comfortable, I Wear It Constantly
Strapless bras are my worst enemy. I absolutely hate wearing them and avoid it at all costs. As a fairly average C cup, I'm not a fan of the constant tugging and adjusting I have to do without the support of straps. Plus, wires digging into my sides is no fun. Then, I found a godsend. I came across this Lilyette by Bali Strapless Bra ($23-$24) on Amazon - it's the bestselling option on the entire site.
I can wear this bra from morning till night with zero discomfort. It does have underwire for support, but I can't even feel it. There are grippers on the interior of the bra that keep it from every slipping. It also comes with detachable straps and converts four different ways. It's available in beige, black, and white. The design is intended for larger busts, so the sizes range from 34C to 42DD. Basically, this bra is a miracle.
"This bra is the best I've found to support and lift my large 40DD breasts," one buyer wrote. "The band is very thick which serves as extra support as well as being helpful at smoothing back fat. The minimizing effects make me look and feel a cup size smaller. The bra comes with two adjustable straps that you can place along the cup to connect in multiple ways to the band in the back."
If you're picky about strapless bras, you have to give this one a try.
Why Doing a Boudoir Photo Shoot in Lingerie Was the Ultimate Form of Self-Care For Me
I've spent most of my life battling body-image issues and insecurities about my figure. I'm 5'1 and have a naturally stocky build with broad shoulders. One ex-boyfriend and his entire family used to call me Stumps because of my "big thighs." He also once told me I look like a running back because I'm so short and stout. I'm sure you can imagine how I wasn't too pleased to receive that kind of feedback from a guy who was supposed to be my greatest support.
Having been teased at school for many years as well, I entered my adult years with some emotional baggage. But the last few years have helped me regain my confidence, and I owe a lot of that to my dedication to fitness and clean eating.
Self-care practices also played a huge role in my growth of self-confidence and body acceptance. From meditating daily to journaling to attending wellness retreats, I've found all sorts of ways to take care of my mind as well as my body. One unexpected thing I did this year that contributed to better self-care was participate in a boudoir photo shoot.
It sounds strange, but posing in lingerie was an incredible way to heal my past wounds and feel stronger and more beautiful than ever. I worked with Tonhya Wysong, a professional photographer who created the project La Femme Forte, an initiative that's dedicated to helping women feel more confident in their bodies. This is how La Femme Forte acted as the ultimate self-care for me.
15 Things We're Excited to See at the Emmys This Year
Can you believe that award season is nearly upon us? If not, you better wrap your head around it, because the Emmys are going to be here before you know it. The 70th annual award show will honor the best of the best in the TV world - Game of Thrones? Queer Eye? The Handmaid's Tale? - when it airs live on Sept. 17. In case you need a refresher on why you should have this date highlighted in bright red ink, underlined in glitter, and circled in star stickers on your calendar, keep reading.
Snack Smart and Hack Your Routine With These 12 Essentials
Is there anything better than a snack? When you're working hard and on the go all day, that 5 p.m. bite becomes a necessity to end the day on a high note. But not having the right portable containers to transport your snack can make the experience lackluster. You should enjoy the food you're eating, and having the right tools is a critical step. Plus, the snack in question should be nutritious, delicious, and tide you over until dinner. This Fall, we're going to snack the right way, and we've rounded up our snacking essentials so you can have a delicious mini meal, no matter where you are.
Take a Deep Breath, Then Look at These Photos of Ryan Gosling at the Venice Film Festival
For anyone anxious that they hadn't seen a Ryan Gosling appearance in far too long, now is the time to relax. The Blade Runner 2049 actor has arrived at the Venice Film Festival to promote his new film First Man (and ease your stress, no doubt), and let's just say the appearance was worth the wait. The actor looked suave in a burgundy suit and sunglasses on Wednesday, playfully outshining his costars Olivia Hamilton, Claire Foy, and Jason Clark. He then changed into a white for the opening ceremony.
Joining forces with La La Land writer and director Damien Chazelle once again, Ryan takes on the role of Neil Armstrong in First Man, circling the astronaut's extraordinary life and legendary space mission. Now inhale deeply, and read on for all the therapy you need before the film hits theaters on Oct. 12.
My Toddler Used to Hit - This Is How We Stopped It
Toddlers are the worst. OK, actually they're super cute with a little (or a lot) of craziness sprinkled in. Often it's whining or tantrums that put you over the edge, but sometimes it's hitting. Sure, some little ones don't, but getting physical is pretty common for toddlers between twelve months and three years.
My first dabbled in aggressive behavior during the early years, but he was so easily redirected that we didn't spend much time on it before he grew out of it. My second, on the other hand, has a little more trouble restraining himself, and with his older sibling often at the receiving end, we had to tackle the problem head on. And we did it by looking the other way. Confusing, right? Read ahead for five tips we used to get our toddler to stop hitting.
26 Reasons Russell Westbrook Is the Fashion King of the NBA (and Maybe the World)
If you follow the NBA even a little bit, you know that Russell Westbrook's style off the court is just as bold as he is on the court. His life motto is "Why not?," and that certainly extends to his fashion choices. Whether he's on the red carpet, at Paris Fashion Week, or at a postgame press conference, his style leaves a lasting impression. Love it or hate it (but really, you should love it), he doesn't shy away from statement glasses or a wide-brimmed hat, and he's certainly not afraid to mix prints, patterns, and fabrics. As a Fashion Week regular with unique personal style, it's no surprise that Westbrook has collaborated with Barneys New York and Tumi on collections and even has a line of his own, Honor the Gift. Read on to see 23 of his boldest looks and why he's the reigning king of NBA fashion (and my men's style icon).
I Worked in Retail For 5 Years, and These Are the Only Flats I Could Stand In All Day
Since I'm a shopping editor, people always ask me for advice on what's the best of the best. One question I often field is, "What are the most comfortable flats?" I can speak from experience that these Sam Edelman Felicia Flats ($70-$100) are total winners.
In college, I started working in retail. I often spent six to eight hours, at least five days a week, walking in circles around a store, wreaking havoc on my feet wearing heeled shoes or too-flat flats. After what felt like years of trial-and-error runs of every shoe possible, I finally came to the conclusion that the Felicia flats are my favorite.
Aside from the cute, classic ballet style, I was attracted to them because of the cushioned heeled soles and flexible backs. Importantly, it's a flat that offers support and doesn't cut into the backs of my ankles. From leather to suede, metallic, printed fabric, and even calf-hair, the flats come in an array of materials and more colors and designs than I can even count. A number of their classic styles also come in medium, narrow, and wide choices. What could make them even better? They cost $100 - making them the most glamorous pair I could afford during my college days, but they lasted me for years. I found myself investing in new styles and colors anytime I could, knowing this was the shoe I could always rely on.
Do yourself (and your feet) a favor and get a pair for Fall; you won't regret it. Keep scrolling to shop a few of my favorite picks.
Jewelry Designer Gina Nigrelli-Smith Gives Us the Inside Scoop on What Inspires Her Cool Pieces
When curating our POPSUGAR Must Have box for Fall, we wanted to include designers who would effortlessly elevate our subscribers' Fall style. One of the first girl bosses who came to mind was Gina Nigrelli-Smith, the founder of jewelry brand Jules Smith. Gina is known for her bold, boho style that shines through with the pieces she creates.
We included one of Gina's designs, the Jane Cuff ($90), in this season's box. The glamorous bracelet is flawlessly smooth and also adjustable, allowing you to wear it on your arm or on your wrist. It also features a geometric design that's easy to slip on or flip over for a simpler look to complement every outfit.
If the gorgeous cuff itself won't get you excited for the Must Have box, the story of Jules Smith will. Read on to learn more about Gina and the gorgeous jewelry she dreams up.
POPSUGAR: Why did you create Jules Smith?
Gina Nigrelli-Smith: I was living in the Caribbean and became intrigued by the jewelry culture. I lived in St. Thomas, which is a large cruise ship port, so the local economy is very dependent on jewelry. I have a background in merchandising and had always wanted to design a collection. I met a few local jewelers, who taught me enough to get started, and within a few months, Jules Smith was born.
PS: Where did the name come from?
GNS: Smith is my married last name, and Jules is the middle name of one of the jewelers that helped me to get started. We were a fine jewelry collection when we launched, so the play on words "jewel smith" was part of the decision.
PS: You were previously a ballet dancer and fashion editor - how do those experiences influence your designs?
GNS: I have always been a creative person; I stopped dancing after college and knew that I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to be creative. Going into fashion was an obvious next step, and I spent my time as a fashion editor going to part-time design school at night to learn the technical side of design.
I am obsessed with travel, and a majority of my design inspiration comes from my trips around the world.
PS: What was the inspiration behind the Jane Cuff? How would you style it?
GNS: I love arm candy, and the Jane Cuff is probably my favorite Jules Smith piece. I wear mine every day. I love this cuff because you can wear it alone or layer it. The Jane Cuff is very comfortable and light - it makes a statement but does not weigh down your wrist.
PS: You recently visited Greece and Costa Rica. Do your travels leave you feeling inspired?
GNS: I am obsessed with travel, and a majority of my design inspiration comes from my trips around the world. I try to travel at least once a quarter, as I believe it keeps my perspective fresh, which helps me maintain a consistent but eclectic point of view in my collections. I love buying jewelry and accessories from the places I travel and using them as inspiration for future designs.
PS: What is your go-to daily jewelry look?
GNS: LAYERS. I wear about five to 10 necklaces every day; my fingers, wrists, and ears are stacked. I wear hand chains on both hands. You can never wear too much jewelry.
If you want to get the cuff in your POPSUGAR Must Have box, make sure to sign up by Sept. 1 so you can select the color of your choice. It comes in rose gold, gold, or silver. Don't wait!
I Have 4 Kids and I Stopped Multitasking For an Entire Day - Here's What Happened
As moms, we're always doing a million things at once. I breastfeed my son while catching up on my favorite Netflix shows, answer texts while planning out meals, bathe my daughter while returning phone calls, and make dinner as I'm helping my older children with their homework. I see my fellow moms walking their kiddos to school while they're on the phone with their boss. I sit in bed at night scheduling play dates with other moms, while I talk to my husband about my day. The juggling act never ends.
I know I don't speak for all parents, but constant multitasking leaves me anxious and exhausted. I also worry I'm missing important moments with my kids. How can I really engage in a conversation about the upcoming fun run at school if I'm only half-listening as I respond to an email? Am I really enjoying my goodbye hug before school if I'm also mentally going over that day's to-do list? And ultimately, why am I trying to accomplish so many things at the same time if it's making me crazy?
With the goal of de-stressing and being more mindful, I decided to do one thing at a time for an entire day. This is no small task with four kids, but I was determined to give singletasking a try. If I was breastfeeding, I'd only do that. I'd only help with homework, and so on. Here's what happened, and what I learned, when I did my best to put multitasking in timeout for 24 hours.
1. Breastfeeding
This is how I start my day, but typically I'll flip on the TV or surf the internet on my phone at the same time. Today, I let my son latch on and I spent his feeding session stroking his head, smiling down at him, and just breathing in his deliciousness. It was truly lovely and relaxing . . . the first time. Three feedings later, I found myself picking at his cradle cap and feeling antsy and kinda bored, wishing I could answer the text I just saw pop up on my phone.
2. AM Routine
Rather than racing from room to room making sure my girls are getting dressed while also checking emails or chatting to my hubby on the phone about how the window replacement estimate came in higher than we thought, I attempted to stay in the moment with each of my daughters and block out everything else. Easier said than done when someone else was hollering for me from down the hall, and my baby was spitting up in my hair. But the intention was there.
3. Showering
I usually shower and feel like I blacked out the whole time. My thoughts are so scattered, and I'll get out and not remember whether I applied conditioner or shaved until I feel my legs. Today, I vowed to focus my attention on the hot water and enjoying a little "me" time instead of letting my mind wander to the millions of other things I need to accomplish. I was somewhat successful until I heard my baby crying from his bassinet outside of the bathroom and started singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" at the top of my lungs.
4. Walks With My Son
While I'm pushing the stroller, I'll return a phone call or draft a blog post. Today, I stowed my phone away and tried to notice what was going on around me; how blue the sky was, how the breeze felt. I engaged in baby talk with my little guy and observed his reactions to a lawn mower starting or a bird's call. I felt really happy and light for most of our walk, but I'll admit it was hard to maintain that mindfulness the entire time.
5. Making Dinner
This was by far the most difficult part of the day to commit to singletasking. My baby was crying out for the boob, my kids were telling me about their days at school, peppering me with questions about whether they should pack chips or pretzels in their lunches for the next day, and my hubby was calling me from his commute. I found it impossible to not get frazzled, and feel like a chicken with my head cut off running around the kitchen.
6. Helping With Homework
I tried to redeem myself for the multitasking mayhem that happened around dinner by sitting down with each of my kids and focusing on homework, distraction-free. To that end, TVs and other devices were off. The baby even cooperated by taking a catnap. Order was restored and my cortisol levels must have gone down by half.
7. Putting the Kids to Bed
This also tends to be a stressful part of the day, because everyone wants my help at the same time. Tonight, I attempted to get one kiddo's needs met at a time, but again, this was a challenge. One daughter's toothpaste exploded at the exact same time the baby's pacifier dropped behind the toilet. Then my other girls remembered something we had to do online before school tomorrow. Bedtime ended up being another frenzied, full-on multitasking marathon. Sigh.
My takeaway from the day is that I owe it to myself and my family to slow down and try doing just one thing at a time whenever possible. But to expect to maintain that all the time is not realistic. Sometimes you simply have to, or want to multitask. I think as long as the intention to not make multitasking a way of life is there, I can cut out some stress and enjoy more moments in the day. I learned it's equally important not to beat myself up when things spin out of control. The best way to move past those chaotic moments when I feel like I'm doing 25 tasks at the same time is to take a deep breath and refocus on the goal to parent one moment at a time.
How to Wear White After Labor Day - Because Heck Yes We're Doing It
What's the harm in wearing an all-white outfit during the Fall? Absolutely nothing. In fact, the light shade helps make the longer work days feel brighter, and it's a smart way to transition your Summer pieces over - that way you don't have to stow everything away just because the temperature's dropping.
That "no white after Labor Day" rule has long been cast aside, and that's only confirmed by the lovely, long-sleeved maxis and billowy-sleeved tops our favorite retailers are offering in ivory and cream. Ahead, we have a few easy tricks for tackling the monochrome look once the heat subsides. So trade in your sandals for pumps or sneakers and layer up on those breathable fabrics. You're going to feel fabulous.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Coziest Clothes on the Internet
You may be excited about the pumpkin spice lattes and apple picking that Fall brings, but all we can think about is being cozy. Soft fabrics, fuzzy linings, and comfy silhouettes make the season the best time of the year for being cuddly. If you're in the shopping mood, we rounded up the very best snuggly pieces you need to see - consider this your ultimate guide. Hooray for sweater season!
If You Have Wide Feet, These 10 Flats Are Exactly What You Need (Plus, They're Cute)
Finding a cute and comfy pair of flats can be tricky, especially if you have wide feet. That's why we went searching through every corner of the web to find the very best options that fit your needs. Shop through our top picks and invest in some shoes you'll enjoy wearing.
Oh, Snap! The Sequel to A Quiet Place Already Has a Release Date
This year, there was one horror movie that actually made quiet a bit of noise. A Quiet Place stormed the box office, earning rave reviews and plenty of money, and even setting a record or two at the box office. That's why it came as no surprise that a sequel was confirmed shortly thereafter. In even better news, the second installment in the eerie universe of sound-sensitive monsters already has a release date. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is set to hit theaters May 15, 2020. Yes, it's a ways off, but hey, it's something! We'll start a tally.
Calling All Guac-Lovers: This Study Will Pay You to Eat Avocados (Seriously!)
As all avocado-lovers know, indulging in this fatty fruit is expensive. Guac costs extra at most restaurants, and a simple avocado toast can often set you back a cool $20 (#millennialprobs). But a new study will actually help you put that money back in your pocket by paying you to eat avocados.
Researchers from Loma Linda University, Penn State, Tufts University, and University of California, Los Angeles are looking for 1,000 participants to see if avocados can actually help you lose weight, according to CNN. They are paying subjects to eat one avocado every day for six months or two a month for six months and calling it "The Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial."
Although avocados are a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which help protect against heart disease and can reduce "bad" cholesterol, they are highly caloric; one medium avocado is around 300 calories and 30 grams of fat. Eating in a calorie deficit results in weight loss, while eating in a calorie surplus typically results in weight gain.
"Since avocados contain the highest fat content of any fruit, it seems illogical to think they might actually help people lose their belly fat," Loma Linda University wrote in a statement.
However, a diet rich in healthy fats promotes satiety, which helps keep you feeling full and wards of cravings for unhealthy foods such as simple carbohydrates and sugars, and can help you lose weight. Plus other high-fat, low-carb diets, such as the keto diet, are also effective in helping people lose weight.
Not shockingly, the study is funded by the Hass Avocado Board. But there is good news for participants: not only will they get to enjoy the creamy, satiating fruit every day, but they'll be given $300 each and 24 avocados at the end of the study. Sign us up!
Halle Berry Reacts to Being Prince Harry's Teenage Crush With Some of the Best Trolling Ever
Before he gave his heart to Meghan Markle, it looks like Prince Harry had his eye on another gorgeous American actress. An old photograph from Harry's school days has been making the rounds recently, and in it, you can make out a picture of Halle Berry, cut out and stuck to the center of a wall hanging in Harry's room. The picture caught the eye of Halle herself, who retweeted the picture and joked, "Ok #PrinceHarry, I see you!"
It may be casually referred to as his "high school dorm", but this is no average school. Boarders at Eton College each get their own private room that they can decorate any way they choose. A teenage Harry was pretty typical with his choices, and among the posters, flags, mugs, cans of Lynx body spray (yes, the UK has its own version of Axe), and sporting memorabilia, there are a number of pictures of scantily-clad women, including one of '90s model Caprice Bourret.
But there are also some more sentimental items, too. On his desk, you can see a framed photo of his mother, Princess Diana, taken by Mario Testino in 1997, shortly before her death. Harry's also got the photographer's book of portraits among his belongings. Above his bed, he has a photo of his father, Prince Charles, and another photo of Diana, this time with a young Harry at her side. Finally, on his bedside table, you can just about make out a picture of his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, with whom his wife shares a birthday.
Take a closer look at Harry's teenage room ahead, and see what other retro treasures you can spot. If only we could zoom in enough to read what was written on the very official-looking letter on the right!
Before Season 2 Starts, Catch Up on All the Drama From Ozark's Bloody Season 1 Finale
The central question on Ozark, a Netflix original series that premiered last year, is how far will people go to protect their family and themselves. After financial planner Marty Byrd (delicately played by the always great Jason Bateman) gets caught up in a money laundering scheme that goes horribly wrong, he relocates his dysfunctional and fragmented family from a prosperous suburb of Chicago to a rural vacation spot in the Ozarks. His hope of keeping his family alive is complicated greatly by the town locals, drug cartels, FBI agents, and his family barely keeping everything together. As season two approaches, catch up on how all this intense drama ended last year.
Marty Thinks Quick
With the drug-dealing Snell family proving to be dangerous foes and the cartel closing in, Marty and his family try to flee. Initially stopped by one of the cartel's enforcers, they sneak away thanks to their live-in roommate Buddy (Harris Yulin), only to have Marty separated from them and tortured by the ruthless crime lord Del (Esai Morales). As Del is ripping off Marty's toenails, Marty convinces him to get the cartel involved with the Snells to distribute heroin and launder money on Snell property with a casino. The Snells agree at first, but then kill Del after he uses a racial slur against them, thus endangering everyone, since the cartel will not be happy with such a high profile member going missing.
The FBI Struggles to Make an Arrest
Stopped by an agent on the way home, Marty lays on the ground as the agent frantically searches for Del. Unable to produce him, they let Marty go, but it's clear the agents will not let up in their hunt for members of the cartel.
Pastor Mason Commits to Jesus
After finding out that the Snell family had been using his "church on the water" to distribute heroin, Pastor Mason (Michael Mosley) refuses to preach on the lake and aid them. As a retaliation, the Snells kill his pregnant wife, leaving her baby on Mason's doorstep. In a moment of desperation and hope, he baptizes the child.
Ruth Steps Up
While the dangerous and intelligent Ruth (Julia Garner) initially started working for Marty in the hopes of killing and robbing him of his money he was supposed to launder, over the course of the season, she begins to respect him enough to where she doesn't want him dead. After being made the manager of the strip club where he was laundering money, Ruth helps Marty run his businesses. At the end of season one, she suspects that her uncle Russ (Marc Menchaca) is an informant for the FBI and has intentions of killing Marty. Worried that she'll get blamed for it, as well as her having some compassion for Marty now, she instead kills Russ and her other uncle Boyd (Christopher James Baker).
Marty's Family Comes Back
After a heartbreaking phone call with his wife Wendy (the perfect Laura Linney), Marty urges his family to run away and save themselves. As she starts the car, her kids convince her to turn back so that they can be together as a family, even if it means they're all in danger.
What's Next
Marty will likely enter season two stuck between a deadly rock and an even deadlier hard place. The Snell family plans to hold him to the deal that they struck together to build a casino, and use his cartel connection to deal heroin. However, with the death of kingpin Del, that relationship will be tricky to negotiate. The FBI agents on his case are unlikely to let up any time soon, especially considering the deaths of Russ, Boyd, Garcia, and Del. Still, Marty and his family have to repair their relationships with each other, and that will certainly not be easy in this rural and dangerous town. If the trailer is any indication, sh*ts about to get real for Marty.
This DIY Dog Crate Furniture Piece Is Easy to Make and Surprisingly Chic
Disclaimer: I am a crazy pet parent. I've wanted a baby Golden Retriever for years, so when the time finally came to start "nesting" before my furry baby would be coming home, I really invested myself into it. And that included some heavy-duty DIY.
The crown jewel in my living room is the crate for my pup that looks like a piece of furniture - I get endless compliments on it, and you'll almost never notice that the inside is just a standard dog crate! I live and die by a clean, polished aesthetic, and while I had every intention of crate-training my pup, I didn't want my living room to have a black wire dog prison as its centerpiece . . . so I decided to make my own piece.
Better-looking crates - ones that look like furniture - exist for purchase out there in the world but are typically less sturdy and definitely not chew-proof. What's more is that they're absurdly expensive, and I wasn't looking to drop $500 (or more!) on something that might be chewed apart within minutes of putting it to use.
After an embarrassingly extensive amount of unfruitful research, a little light bulb went off: I could create my own happy medium! Get the wire crate, and build a simple frame and lid around it to give it a furniture aesthetic and tabletop functionality.
I promptly called my dad - a retired construction exec and Home Depot frequent flier with a Tim Allen-status toolshed - and asked if he thought it would be doable, and if so, if it'd be affordable. A few screenshots and specs later, and we were meeting up at the hallowed halls of hardware, orange aprons, and sawdust.
Why It's Rad
Aside from being infinitely more aesthetically pleasing than the wire dog prison, this is a safe choice for your dog. The crate goes inside the wood frame, so the puppy never gets a chance to chew up the wood while they're teething. Paint can sometimes be toxic to dogs, and you don't want splinters getting lodged in their little gums, so this is a way for you to get the look you want while still protecting your pup.
Additionally, this serves as a more functional piece of furniture than a crate (while taking up the same amount of space in your home), making it great for storage, decor, and lighting. It also adds more of a den-like quality to the crate so your dog can feel safer and cozier when they camp out inside.
This is a frame construction; there is no bottom piece, and the wire crate is not attached to the "furniture" in any way. You're building a basic frame and a lid, so it's very simple and one of the least complicated furniture DIYs you'll ever try.
The Materials
We decided to make the entire piece from melamine that my local Home Depot had in stock. This saved us from having to (1) buy paint and (2) use paint, therefore saving time and money. Melamine is also cheaper than wood, so there was even more money saved. You don't have to use melamine - especially if you're looking to make your furniture piece a different color - but if you're into plain white and a good bargain, then boy do I have the materials for you!
Also, a heads-up: you'll need to have the melamine pieces cut. As in, sawed. If you don't have a saw and don't have any desire to use a saw, then fantastic! Me either. You can have the friendly folks at your hardware store make cuts so you can take home the perfectly sized pieces for your project.
Aside from the melamine, we used the following:
- Melamine finishing tape
- Melamine finishing dots
- Screws
- Drill (to make holes for the screws)
- Power screwdriver, if you have it. Otherwise, biceps.
The Specs
The sizing of the wood pieces will depend on the specs of your crate. I opted for a 36-inch crate, which was the average size for a fully grown female Golden Retriever (joke's on me if she outgrows this). Keep in mind that when you get a puppy, you can partition the larger crate (most crates come with one!) to make them feel more snug and secure in a smaller space, and then move the partition as your pup grows. If you want to get the most time out of your furniture piece, I'd strongly recommend getting the largest crate necessary for your pup's expected adult size - then you never have to make another one!
Here are the sizes of the pieces we bought:
- One 42x29x1-inch piece of melamine for the lid
- Four 38x2.5x0.75-inch pieces for the long top and bottom crossbars
- Four 26x2.5x0.75-inch pieces for the short top and bottom crossbars
- Four 28x2.5x0.75-inch pieces for side A of the corner posts
- Four 28x1.5x0.75-inch pieces for side B of the corner posts
Cost and Time
This took roughly six hours to put together, broken up into two days. The out-of-pocket cost for the melamine materials was about $100. I scored the crate on mega sale at PetSmart for about $25. There are plenty of bargains for inexpensive but well-rated crates on Amazon, too!
Keep reading for the instructions!
15+ Spooky Treats You Have to Try at Disney World's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
It's that time of the year again when you realize exactly why Disney parks are the best during Halloween. One of the main reasons? The food, of course. Walt Disney World has released a ton of its Halloween treats for 2018, many of which are available during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party beginning on Aug. 17 (others are available all day, every day). Throughout the Magic Kingdom, you'll find ghoulish meringues, pumpkin cheesecakes, Jack Skellington cake pops, Haunted Mansion-inspired cream puffs, and much more. You've got until Oct. 31 to try each one of the following menu items, so do your trip to Disney World justice by marking each one off your list. Put on your Haunted Mansion Mickey ears and get the details ahead!
The Reason Jack Brooksbank Probably Won't Get a Royal Title When He Marries Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank will be tying the knot at Windsor's St. George's Chapel on Oct. 12. Once they are officially married, Eugenie has the option of either keeping her royal title or giving it up and becoming Lady Eugenie. But what about Jack? Will the wine merchant be getting a fancy royal title, just like Meghan Markle did when she married Prince Harry?
Well, actually no. There hasn't been any announcement so far that states Jack will be receiving any sort of royal title, and if Queen Elizabeth II doesn't grant him one on his wedding day, he'll simply remain Jack Brooksbank. "There is no precedent for giving a peerage to the commoner husband of a princess on the wedding day," royal historian Marlene Koenig told Town and Country.
Back in 2016, there were reports that Eugenie's dad, Prince Andrew, had asked the queen to grant his daughters' future husbands earldoms, but he immediately shot the rumors down. "It is complete fabrication to suggest I have asked for any future husbands of the Princesses to have titles," Andrew said in an official statement. "As a father, my wish for my daughters is for them to be modern working young women, who happen to be Members of the Royal Family, and I am delighted to see them building their careers."
Even though it looks like Jack won't be getting a royal title, he still gets to marry the love of his life, and that's worth a whole lot more than any title.
Related: 10 Reasons Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's Wedding Will Be Nothing Short of Amazing
The 8 Big Denim Trends Everybody's Buying Into This Fall
Fall 2018's biggest denim trends are actually pretty easy to pull off, and that's because there's a flattering fit for every type of gal. Whether you're still all about the '80s and you prefer to wear a strong-shouldered blazer with tapered trousers and flashy heels, or you're a tomboy who loves a skinny pant with a racing stripe, there's a way for you to feel cool in your jeans. Some of our favorite supermodels and stars have already pointed us in the right direction with their street style, so now there's only one thing to do: shop! Read ahead to get the rundown on the latest silhouettes.
My Mom Didn't Let Me Get My Ears Pierced Until I Was 16 - This Is How I Feel About It Now
Growing up, getting my ears pierced was always a hot topic with my mom and me. From the age of about 6, when I started to put more effort and thought into what I wore, I wanted to wear earrings. My 6-year-old self was sick and tired of using those damn stick-on earrings you peeled off a piece of paper. For one, the paper stuck to them way too many times, and two, if you did manage to get the "earrings" to stick to your ear, they'd last a whole two minutes before falling off. And don't even get me started on clip-ons. Besides the painful ache they gave me, they, too, never looked quite right. The whole thing was seriously cramping my style game, and I was fed up.
Her reasoning was solely that that's what her parents had done with her, and she wanted it to be the same for me. So, in other words, she had no real reason.
I would ask my mom almost weekly about getting my ears pierced. Her response? "You can get them done when you turn 16." My response? "WHAT?! Why?!" Her reasoning was solely that that's what her parents had done with her, and she wanted it to be the same for me. So, in other words, she had no real reason. And despite my persistent hounding, she never caved. So, on the actual day of my 16th birthday, I went into Claire's and got my ears pierced, and I've never looked back. Since then, I've added three more ear piercings, a belly-button ring (it took forever to get my dad on board with that one), and a tattoo. And I love every single one of them.
Getting my ears pierced made things so much more fun. I could finally wear those fake diamond stud earrings all my friends had. I could finally forget about The Parent Trap-inspired moment I had in my bedroom when I was 12 that involved a sterilized needle and an apple slice (I couldn't go through with it). And I could finally feel like I wasn't being held back by a silly little thing. It was awesome to finally have pierced ears, but I also felt like I was at least 10 years late to the party.
I'm 30 now, and when I look back on my mom making me wait until I was 16 to get my ears pierced, I still don't really see the point. Sure, I totally understand not doing it when I was a baby and waiting for me to make that decision myself, but it would have been totally fine to do it when I was 6, when I started to really want it with a passion. It's not a traumatic or life-altering experience. If anything, I think it would have taught me some responsibility for taking care of my new piercings. And when I think about how I'll handle it with my own daughter one day, I definitely won't make her wait until she's 16. When she wants them done, we'll go to Claire's and get them done. And if she freaks out and decides she wants to wait, then we'll do that, too.
I recently asked my mom again why she made me wait so long to get them done, and she shrugged and said, "Honestly, I don't know. It's just what my parents did, so I figured I should, too. There really was no reason." Back then, I felt like I was being punished or scolded for something, like I wasn't capable of handling getting my ears pierced. And it bothered me. While it's such a small and insignificant thing, it taught me that not everything we do in life has to be the same as what we're taught. I can make my own rules, which means I can also rest easy after my future daughter watches The Parent Trap for the first time.
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