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.
mercredi 5 décembre 2018
30 Sparkly Gifts For the Glitter-Obsessed Girl
All that glitters may not be gold, but we don't really care, because sparkles are better anyway. We're not ashamed to say that we're drawn to shiny stuff like moths to a flame. There are plenty of other girls out there who would cover their bodies in glitter daily if they could, but unfortunately that's not office appropriate. Instead, we rounded up every sparkly gift we could find so that your glitter-obsessed friends can shine bright like a diamond all day every day. Check out all the products that would make Kesha and Elton John proud.
The 13 Most Instagram-Worthy Suitcases That Are Perfect For Your Airport OOTD
I'm a sucker for a beautiful airport OOTD. It may be because I never understand how someone looks quite so put-together to get on a plane or because I'm also hauling around a massive, ugly suitcase and I'd be embarrassed if anyone photographed me with it. I often find outfit inspiration from Instagram influencers, which was how I found the Delsey Chatelet collection. Now, when I head to the airport or back to Long Island for a long weekend, I always get compliments on my luggage. And sure, I'd even let someone take a picture of me for Instagram!
Here are 13 pieces that will get you compliments every time you travel.
Related: Rose Gold Fans, Prepare to Obsess Over This New $68 Suitcase on Amazon
35 Gifts For the Guy Who Basically Has Everything
Men can be the toughest nut to crack when it comes to shopping. They aren't always vocal about what they want (and don't have 12,000 Pinterest boards like we do), and to make things worse, anything they have their eye on, they buy themselves. But we're here to help! No matter what your guy's interests are, we've got a gift idea for him! Check out our extensive gift guide now!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
This Office-Themed Wedding Deserves ALL of Michael Scott's Dundies
Do you still watch The Office nightly? Are you often tempted to instinctively blurt out, "That's what she said!" when the opportunity presents itself? Do you secretly wish you could apply for a job at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then boy oh boy, do we have a treat for you. Jessica Palacios of Rae Leigh Photography took pictures of a collaborative styled photo shoot inspired by Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly from The Office, and she shared all the gorgeous, nostalgia-packed footage with POPSUGAR.
The color scheme of the shoot mimicked the "basic colors of an office" - whites, creams, grays, and browns - which were amped up with "boho floral arrangements, marble and concrete accents, wood elements, and a pop of autumnal orange here and there," the planner of the shoot wrote. As for the bride and groom, the bride wore a simple white gown, just like Pam did while saying "I do" to Jim before visiting Niagara Falls. Meanwhile, the groom wore a gray suit and even posed with a bicycle during the shoot as an ode to how Jim rode his bike through Scranton to get to work every day (*swoons*).
Rather than tables, the cork-board seating chart assigned different characters to one of three cubicles, staying true to the theme of the hit NBC show. Of course, the dinner menu was provided by Schrute Farms, and the cake was finished with a topper that read "It is your wedding," as a nod to Dwight's deadpan birthday decorations. Ha! Keep reading to see the hysterical memo-style invitations and all the other spot-on details of the Dundie-worthy shoot. Save these ideas to your Pinterest wedding inspiration board, in case you want to bring similar elements to your big day!
Take a Seat, Because Jennifer Lopez's Sexy Dresses Need Your Undivided Attention
When Jennifer Lopez steps out, almost all eyes are guaranteed to be on what she's wearing. Whether it's a supersexy dress or just a simple swimsuit, the 48-year-old jack of all trades knows exactly how to make our hearts skip several beats with her outfits - never forget her affinity for naked dresses!
As one of the sexiest humans in this universe (and beyond), we imagine it must be hard to compete with your own past fashion moments. Well, that doesn't seem to be a problem for Jennifer, because 2018 is turning out to be one of her sexiest yet. There's no denying the woman knows exactly how to dress her curves. Keep reading, and prepare to drool over Jennifer!
mardi 4 décembre 2018
The Scary Experience That Made Me Rethink "Cry It Out"
On the eve of my daughter's first birthday, everything seemed normal. Around 8 p.m., we put her down for bed after giving her a bottle and singing some songs. She cried for about five minutes, which was typical for her. Often she babbled or cried a bit when we left the room, even if she was practically asleep when we placed her in the crib. As my husband and I sat down for dinner, the crying started again . . . just five more minutes, but it seemed off. We thought it might be because she had been a little hyper before bed, laughing and playing with us. We finished dinner and started watching a movie. About 30 minutes in she woke up again. We thought it might be that our TV was too loud, but even after we turned it down she kept crying.
Normally, we're not too concerned about a little crying at bedtime. We try to follow the rule that once she's down, we won't go in until the morning and we don't feel bad about letting her self-soothe. When she was 4 months old, we did some "sleep training," and let her cry it out in the middle of the night when she woke up. After a couple of weeks, she was sleeping for 10-hours straight most nights. There were still some off nights, especially when we traveled, but overall we were confident that letting her figure things out on her own helped her - and us - get more sleep.
My instincts told me we should check on her.
For reasons I can't really explain, things felt different that night. She didn't usually wake up an hour after she went to sleep and cry so hard. My instincts told me we should check on her. So we paused the movie, and my husband went back to her room. After about a minute he called me in. I remember detecting a slight hint of worry in his voice, which was unusual. He always encourages me not to overreact when she has a cold or a slight fever. "She doesn't sound right," he said. As I came in to hold her, I could hear that her cry sounded different, almost like Kermit the Frog. It sounded like something was stuck in her throat. Then as I listened, I heard some wheezing. She was also inconsolable. Quickly, we decided to go to the hospital.
The 15 minute drive to the emergency room was so scary. I tried to keep my cool and sing to her, since when she calmed down, it seemed easier for her breath. When we arrived at the hospital they took us right in. The doctor said she had stridor, which is noisy breathing caused by obstructed air flow. Earlier that week she had a runny nose, which could have turned into croup, an infection that causes airways to swell. The fact that there was unhealthy air quality in our city thanks to the tragic California wildfires wasn't helping her respiratory functions. The doctor ordered two urgent inhalation treatments and then two steroid shots and had us wait. She also explained that croup tends to come up at night, shortly after a baby goes down for sleep. Four hours later we were driving back home, and I was rethinking our trust in cry it out.
I didn't expect to ring in my daughter's first birthday at midnight in the hospital, but I'm thankful we reacted and were able to bring her there.
Following our hospital visit, I went back to the book my husband and I used as our guide for sleep-training, The Good Sleeper. In it, Dr. Janet Kennedy, who runs a sleep practice in New York, advocates for letting your child cry at bedtime or at night wakings so they can learn to self-sooth. Kennedy said that starting around four months, crying it out teaches a baby to return to sleep quickly and seamlessly. Rereading the book, this passage stuck out: "Letting your baby cry goes against every instinct in a parent's body. Your baby's cry is pitched to mobilize you. And leaving your baby alone involves inhibiting one of nature's more powerful instincts. Most parents naturally ask why they should ignore these instincts. Put simply, it is because there is a difference between a cry of desire and a cry of necessity, between a cry of protest and a cry of distress, even though most parents have difficulty distinguishing the difference at first." Now that I've been a mother for one year, it seems I have successfully been able to distinguish my daughter's cries.
My takeaway from our scary experience is this: follow your instincts. I also have a new rule of thumb. If she has any cold or illness, it's best to check on her when she wakes up crying. While I think I did that instinctively, I now will do it explicitly. I didn't expect to ring in my daughter's first birthday at midnight in the hospital, but I'm thankful we reacted and were able to bring her there.
The Best DIY Gifts to Make For Kids
Store shelves are lined with shiny gifts that kids can't wait to see making their way into your home, but is there anything more cherished than a gift made by Mom and Dad (or their grandparents or aunts and uncles)? We think not!
Making a gift or two for your children this holiday is not only a way to show you care but also a great way to teach tots the value of handmade gifts. To get some handmade inspiration, check out these 24 ideas, some of which are included in this round-up of DIY gifts for everyone.
I Won't Hide the Elf on the Shelf in My Home - It's Creepy and Manipulative
Telling children that they're being relentlessly watched and that they're unable to escape the gaze of a home invader is typically frowned upon or at best reserved for a Halloween scare. Yet every year around Christmas, millions of parents tell children this exact horror story.
For the uninitiated, The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas children's book wherein Santa sends "scout elves" to family homes to monitor children's behavior and report back with their findings. Essentially, these little spies are meant to ensure that children behave during the holiday season, lest they want to be placed on the naughty list by Santa's little snitch.
With each book comes a toy elf. Every night, while the children are sleeping, parents are supposed to place the elf somewhere new in the house, and if Pinterest is to be believed, in some crazy, wacky position. This hide and seek becomes a game for the family, simulating that at night the family's personal elf flew to the North Pole using magic and returned to a fresh post.
I don't have a problem with the hide and seek aspect, which sounds like fun - plus, it's easy to imagine children enjoying the process. What I have trouble with is the watching part and the implication that children will only behave when presents are on the line.
This voyeurism has been documented before. In Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, we are warned that he sees us when we're sleeping, and you better be sure he knows when we're awake. Santa, the clearly type-A person that he is, keeps a detailed list of who in the world is good and who in the world is bad. This stalker-like behavior was unsettling enough when it was an omnipotent figure watching from a distant place. But with the Elf on the Shelf, we're not just sacrificing our right to privacy: we're encouraging it.
Yes, I realize that Santa isn't real, but to children, he is as real as you and me. To them, they think it is completely normal for a small creature to temporarily move into their house for the sole purpose of monitoring behavior.
Because children are a mixture of good and bad, it seems cruel to pretend the goodliness is reserved for the month of December, and even worse that it's predicated on receiving presents. This threat that toys will be rescinded if the elf observes that exceptional behavior standards are not met turns an otherwise lovely holiday into a dystopian alternate reality.
In a modern world where we're concerned with actual spies and organizations relinquishing our personal information, forgive me if I want my Christmas stories to be a little more lighthearted than that.
These Massive Holiday Unicorn Cakes From Sam’s Club Feed 66, So Start Working Up an Appetite Now
I never thought I'd be saying this, but it looks like I'm bringing a massive three-tier, Santa-themed unicorn cake to Christmas this year. And thanks to Sam's Club, you can, too!
The wholesale retailer is currently offering two holiday-themed unicorn cakes: the first features a unicorn with a red and green horn, Santa's belt, and other festive Christmas touches, while the second is an icy-blue cake with snowflake details topped with a white and blue-horned unicorn. The Santa cake will be available through Dec. 24, while the Winter-themed cake will be available through the end of January 2019. Both cakes can be ordered in either vanilla or chocolate cake flavors and come in two different size options - a three-tier cake that feeds 66 people for $70 or a two-tier cake that feeds 46 people for $40.
Check out the enormous cakes ahead and run to your local Sam's Club to order one for your holiday party (and if you're over the mystical creatures, maybe these "dead" unicorn cakes are more your speed?).
Disney-Lovers, Listen Up! These 15 PJs on Amazon Are Perfect Gifts For the Whole Family
The only thing better than holiday pajamas? Disney holiday pajamas. These 15 picks make the holidays all the more merry and bright; it's hard not to smile while wearing a Mickey Mouse set or a Disney Princess nightgown. If you've got a child who always wants to be in a costume, these are the easiest way to get them to change into pajamas. Plus, there are plenty of options for grown-up Disney fans, because why should the kids have all the fun. The best part? All these PJs are on Amazon, which means two-day shipping for Prime members. Happy shopping!
This Brutally Honest Christmas Card Is the Only "Family Newsletter" We Want to Read
Dear Allen Family,
Although I all-out love getting Christmas cards, I straight-up loathe the "family newsletter." You know, those full-page synopses of all the amazing vacations one clan went on (who goes to Greece and Disney World in the same Summer?!) and all their awe-inspiring achievements – "little Jimmy skipped two grades after joining Mensa, and Susie now volunteers at both the food bank and the animal shelter!" – that make you question your own self-worth and, let's be honest, make you slightly judge your kids. Gosh, they're lazy and annoying, right?
I just want to let you, dear Allens, know that your correspondence is the glorious exception to the rule. Lisa, when I came across your "brutally honest" annual newsletter on Reddit, I read it with a season's worth of joy. Not because I take pleasure in others' misfortunes (OK, OK, I do have a smidge of schadenfreude from time to time) but because it made me realize my island-of-misfit-toys family isn't so bad either.
Sure, we're straight up disappointing compared to the Joneses, but alongside the Allens, we're just fine.
We've all got a whining Landon, we've all got a Hunter with an impressively growing vocabulary, and if we don't yet have a Maddy, we all inevitably will. And we most definitely all have a Tom.
From my real family to yours, we wish you the happiest of holidays and more than a few strong drinks.
Sincerely,
Kate, her husband (who still hasn't put the box of extra tree lights back in the storage room and it's been two weeks oh my god how do you not notice it – it's right there just do it already), and their two kids (the one who manipulates us into spending roughly two hours on her bedtime routine every night and the one who won't eat universally beloved Kraft mac-and-cheese but keeps shoveling our dog's kibble in her mouth whenever we try to go pee for two seconds)
Amazon Is Selling Weighted Blankets For Dogs, Because They Get Anxiety, Too
Whether you have a senior dog or rescue puppy at home, chances are you've had to deal with their emotional triggers at some point. Pet behavior varies, and anything can set them off - a loud and unexpected noise, separation anxiety, or changes in everyday life. This holiday season, if you'll be taking your pup on a long road trip or having them stay elsewhere while you travel, try soothing their nerves with a Canine Coddler ($80).
It's a weighted blanket designed specifically for dogs. It applies pressure to the animal in the same way the blankets do for adults. Check it out ahead!
24 of the Best Gifts For Mamas-to-Be
If there's a special mom-to-be on your shopping list, save the cute onesies and eco-friendly rattles for later -now is the time to treat her to something that's all about her. Whether she's just beginning to track the way her body is changing, or kicking her feet up counting down the final weeks, she's sure to appreciate a bit of extra pampering. From the rose-flavored water (no alcohol here!), to letter boards she can use to track her bump, we've highlighted great gifts the soon-to-be mom will surely appreciate.
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe
My Husband Learned the Hard Way That You Should Never Let Your Kids See Your Road Rage
"Young ears hear everything." My grandmother used to say that all the time when I was a kid. Of course, I never thought anything of it back then. I didn't really know what she meant, nor did I care. But now that I'm a parent, I can't believe how annoyingly true that statement is. Young ears hear everything. Every. F*cking. Thing.
The first time our son picked up on my husband's road rage, I couldn't help but laugh. He was 18 months old and was just learning how to talk. After an afternoon of running errands with my husband, they had just walked in the door. I took our son's jacket off and started the everyday chatter we often used to encourage his vocabulary." How was your day with Daddy, buddy?" I smiled at him as I asked him questions I knew he couldn't answer. With a big grin, my precious little son looked at me and responded, "What the f*ck?" My jaw hit the floor. Did he really just say that? How could this be one of his first sentences?! Like lightning, my head instantly whipped around at my husband. "REALLY, babe?" I said. Of course, his immediate response was, "It wasn't me!"
I might have believed him. Our son is around a lot of adults who don't always watch what they say. But the dead giveaway was the classic Italian hand gesture our son used when he said it, which also happens to be my husband's signature. Our son pinched his point and middle fingers against his little thumb as he shook his hand at me along with his exclamation of "What the f*ck?" There was no denying it - my husband was guilty.
Over a cup of coffee (and a few laughs), my husband finally admitted that he had lost his cool with a woman who cut him off in line to get gas. He had thrown up his signature hand gesture and uttered that profanity in the midst of his road rage before he took off for another gas station. While we both found the whole situation amusing, we also quickly realized that we need to change what we say and do when our son is around. We don't want his vocabulary to continue to expand with only expletives. Now, we both think twice before we let the rage slip when we're on the road with our tiny passenger. Because, after all, young ears hear everything.
34 Thoughtful Gifts For Women Going Through IVF
Going through in vitro fertilization is an extremely difficult process no matter the time of year. Even with the support of friends and family, this emotional journey can feel isolating for women, particularly when they are the only one in their friend group enduring the seemingly endless injections and doctors' appointments.
Help let your friend or loved one know that you're there for her and understand what she's going through with a thoughtful gift to ease the IVF process. From presents to help her relax or to help the pain of needles and injections to gifts to help her find humor in the moment, these are 34 perfect gifts for someone going through IVF.
I Tried 3 Tricks to Be More Patient With My Kids For a Week, and There Was 1 Clear Winner
Preschool has been wonderful for my 4-year-old. She's made a bunch of sweet little friends, she is always learning, and I get just over two hours every morning to get things done while she's not home. But it's also taught her a whole slew of new and less-than-desirable behaviors, which have her constantly trying my patience. I'm embarrassed to say that I usually give her the exact reaction she's looking for, but admitting you have a problem is a good first step.
I'm just as tired of barking orders, spewing empty threats, and saying "no" as she is of hearing it. Because let's be honest - am I really going to throw all of her toys in the trash if she doesn't clean them up? No. Because of this, I've spent a good chunk of my spare time scouring the internet for new ways to practice patience with my daughter for both her sake and mine. The past week has been a lot of trial and error as I tried out some of the most common tips, but I think we've made some good progress. Here's what I learned.
1. Ignoring Bad Behavior and Praising Good Behavior
My best friend's kids taught my daughter that potty talk is an acceptable topic of conversation among kids her age. I mean, I guess it's funny at times, but when she decides to belt out "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer made a very shiny poop" in the grocery store, it sends me over the edge. One of the tips I found online was ignoring poor behavior and praising good behavior. But while I spent the week ignoring my daughter's newfound bathroom humor, I learned that she's more stubborn than I am. Instead of giving up after realizing that I wasn't going to acknowledge her potty talk, she doubled down. It's been a battle of the wills, and neither of us has given in . . . yet.
2. Changing My Tone
While I can ignore potty talk, I can't ignore behaviors that are dangerous or downright disrespectful. We've always spent a lot of time talking about feelings and how to express them. We would talk about why she felt a certain way and come up with a solution that worked for everyone. But that peaceful way of expressing her feelings has gone out the window. Now, when she's angry that her baby sisters are ruining her block tower or frustrated because we don't allow her to use our couch as a trampoline, she resorts to screaming, stomping, spitting, or pushing her sisters out of the way. This is the behavior for which I have no patience and usually causes me to yell, threaten, or send her straight to her room (or in some instances, all of the above).
A few articles I read suggested smiling instead of lashing out, or singing instead of yelling. Well, I tried both of these things exactly three times only to discover that both only escalate the chaos. When my daughter is angry, smiling at her only makes her more upset as she thinks I'm laughing at her. When she's frustrated, my breaking into song sent her into fits of rage. I'm pretty well aware that my voice isn't great, but who knew it was that bad?
3. Seeing Things From Her Perspective
Almost all of the tips I found online suggested looking at things threw the child's eyes. And honestly, I couldn't do it. No matter how many different angles I tried, I simply can't understand why cutting her sandwich into triangles instead of squares is so traumatic. However, this tip is often accompanied by the suggestion that you take a different approach once you see things from their point of view. So while I couldn't exactly see things from her perspective, I found that changing my approach worked like a charm almost 100 percent of the time.
Final Thoughts
My daughter simply doesn't respond well to negativity. Threats and time outs don't phase her. But acknowledging and praising her good behavior works wonders. Telling her how proud I am whenever she uses her manners gives me something to refer back to when tempers flare, and reminding her how happy we all are when we use our words or show kindness has the ability to calm everyone down almost immediately. It seems like such a simple thing, but it's easy to forget when things get really crazy really quickly.
This past week has been a lesson in patience for both of us, and I'm sure that we both have a road ahead of us as she continues picking up and trying out new behaviors. But as long as we're both willing to work on it, I think we'll be OK.
The Absolute Coolest Stocking Stuffers For Teens in 2018
Shopping for your teen is like trying to prove you're cool - it can be tricky, but we're here to help you look super hip in front of your teenagers this holiday season (just don't actually say "hip," OK?). From keychains and phone accessories to room decor items and fun socks, we've rounded up some of 2018's coolest small gifts for teens (or older tweens!) that'll fit snuggly into their stockings.
Michelle Obama Opened Up About the Tiny Things She Used to Obsess Over as a Teen, and We've Been There
Former First Lady Michelle Obama is the first person to admit that adolescence is a challenging time for young women. She recently sat down with Good Housekeeping and explained how she and her 20-year-old daughter Malia agreed that the struggle is real in middle school and high school, particularly when it comes to sweating the small stuff.
"There's a lot that's universal," she said. "Malia and I were talking recently about all the little things we'd stress over in junior high and high school - whether we're wearing the right clothes, a snarky comment somebody made about us, the boys we crushed on, and on and on and on. We laughed about how many hours were spent inside our heads, hoping a boy would ask us to dance, or stewing over a big test, just doing everything we could to avoid even the most minor embarrassments."
"We laughed about how many hours were spent inside our heads."
The mom of two went on to explain that these feelings of obsession weren't exclusive to her group of friends. In fact, she came to realize that pretty much every young woman experiences these feelings at one point or another. She did, however, point out that girls today are less concerned with gender norms, compared to when she grew up - and that's a good thing.
"When I was younger, I often wondered whether this kind of obsessive thinking was unique to me and my girlfriends, but I realize now that it was something every girl feels . . . What's inspiring to me is that so many of the young women I've met . . . are triumphing in incredible ways," she said. "Unlike my generation, they're not as held back by the societal belief that girls and boys can't do the same things. They're charging forward in sports and math and science and technology. They're speaking up and speaking out . . . They're confident, unconcerned with old stereotypes, and there's no telling what they're going to accomplish in the years ahead."
This Pet Daycare Employee Was Caught on Camera Dancing With a Cat, and How Do We Get This Job?
A pet daycare worker was caught on camera dancing with one of the cats to the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," and ummm, how does one get this job? Although the woman in the video, Soy In, was off the clock at the time, she just couldn't help but dance with the cat, who goes by Mr. Suzy.
"Mr. Suzy came up to me and was pawing at me to hold him, so I cuddled him in my arms for a bit," Soy told the Dodo. "I got carried away with the music."
Soy's sister, Suu, posted the video from the daycare's security camera to Twitter, where it's getting tons of love. "My sister works at a pet resort and the security cameras caught her in the back......dancing and cuddling one of the cats😂💕 her manager sent her this sjfKSHSD," Suu wrote. "The [background] music is the pet resort's music aksjdJSBDS."
Soy responded to her sister's tweet after the video started going viral - it has more than 606,000 views at press time. "Hi hello this is me 😂 I work in the dog dept but this one cat always wants to be cuddled so I spent some time with him. Manager just laughed, the owners loved it."
Mr. Suzy loved it, the pet resort owners loved it, Twitter loves it, and now we love it. Dream job doesn't even begin to cover it!
If You Need Me This Christmas I’ll Be Neck-Deep in This Santa Moscow Mule Mug
The holidays are about unwinding from work, spending time with loved ones, making the family wear matching pajamas, and pouring yourself a hefty cocktail. Because if you can't get drunk during the festive season, when can you?
We just discovered this adorable Santa Moscow mule mug ($13), and we're already researching Fall-themed spins to take on our favorite beverages. We can smell the cranberry juice, ginger beer, and gin now. If you're not sipping out of this mug all Winter, you're just doing it wrong.
My New Year's Resolution Is to Spend Less Time With My Kids
Life as I knew it - as a young, career-driven woman in my late 20s - changed forever when I, quite unexpectedly, discovered I was pregnant. Fast-forward two years and I'm a full-fledged mom of two with a schedule that revolves entirely around park excursions, diaper changes, and nap times. My kids are 7 months and 19 months, which means I'm part of the "two under 2" club. And being in this club means that, though I consider myself truly fortunate to be able to spend so much time with my kids, I rarely have any "me" time.
To be clear, that isn't a complaint. But as I'm working on two years in this mommy role, I've come to realize one very significant truth: self-care does, in fact, make you a better mother. Here's the thing: My closest relation lives four hours away, making familial babysitting requests a distant dream - literally. And with the assistance of an awesome and loving nanny, I work two full days per week. That leaves the three remaining days of the traditional workweek solely my responsibility. My husband works long hours, and we both freelance nights and weekends. What that means is this: of 168 hours in a week, 152 are devoted entirely to everyone but myself. Maybe it's just me (I'm no math expert), but something isn't adding up.
Motherhood is beyond exhausting. You're on the clock at all times, even when you're sick, always when you're tired (because you're always tired), and the momentum only seems to accelerate as the children grow. First footsteps are only an inkling of their coming independence, as it also signifies the beginning of heightened exploration (read: more opportunity for curiosity-induced danger zones).
With so much time on the clock, and with so little time to think between constantly trying to decipher who's hungry, who needs their diaper changed, and whether this fever requires a call to the pediatrician, the importance of self-care never occurred to me . . . until I got it. Last month, my husband had an emergency that required him to travel the four hours back to his hometown. The only hiccup: he'd made me a surprise reservation that didn't allow for rescheduling. He told me to stay home, go to my appointment, and he'd take the kids. That decision pretty much changed my life.
The surprise reservation (a birthday gift) turned out to be a two-hour appointment at a Turkish bath with a massage. That alone would have been incredible, but now, unexpectedly, I had also been given an entire weekend to myself. I went out with friends, slept in, binge-watched Netflix, ate brunch, and read a book. I felt rested, happy, energized, and excited. The stress I had been carrying around from not thinking about my needs at all finally started to subside, and I instantly knew the resolution I wanted to make for 2019: make more time for myself and spend more time away from my kids.
Spending time away from my kids doesn't mean I don't love them or want to be with them. It just means that in order to be the best mother I can be, I need to give myself a break once in a while, whether it's an entire weekend to myself or just a 30-minute sweat session in the gym. I've learned that taking the time to recharge isn't a luxury, it's a necessity, and every mom needs to do it.
This Teacher's Post About What Kids Actually Remember About the Holidays Is the Reminder We All Need
A teacher and mom of two who goes by the name andgreenandblue on Instagram wrote an incredible PSA that every parent should take note of this holiday season: it's not all about the presents. She shared her thoughts in a post on Nov. 30, and before you run off to Target with your kiddos' Christmas lists, you should probably give her post a read.
"Dear parents at Christmas, I know at this time of year there is pressure to create a perfect, magical Christmas," she wrote. "I know that you want to give them the magic of Santa and ensure he brings the best gifts and sometimes that means a bit of stress for you. But I'm writing to tell you a secret. I'm writing to tell you that every January when your child comes back to school they tell me all about the Christmas holidays."
"They tell me about staying at Grandma's and being excited when you came back from work."
She went on to say that while she gets an earful from her students once they come back from Winter break, it's not all chatter about what they found under their trees on Christmas morning.
"They tell me about the days when everyone stayed indoors and watched TV," she explained. "They tell me about walking in the freezing cold to get a McDonald's. They tell me about staying at Grandma's and being excited when you came back from work. They tell me about how you let them snuggle in your bed. They tell me about how you played cards and took them swimming one day and forgot their towel. They tell me about a visit to a friend's on New Year's Eve and how they stayed up [till] midnight. They told me about how they loved staying in their PJs some days and a trip out another day."
Although they talk about what they got from Santa in passing, what kids really remember is the time they spent together as a family.
"They mention their gifts, but for them Christmas is you and your love and time and routines and feeling safe," she said. "You are their favourite thing! Merry Christmas.
21 Pregnancy Announcements That'll Make You Want to Share Your News in The Happiest Place on Earth
When your baby dreams finally come true, what better place to announce the exciting news than the happiest place on earth? Disney-inspired pregnancy announcements are not only fun for Mom and Dad, but they're also a sweet way to let friends and family know about the impending arrival of Mickey's newest fan.
Whether you arrange a photo shoot during a family vacation or opt for some Disney props as a special way to share your baby excitement, get inspired by these parents' creative ideas!
How to Have the Ultimate Day at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
There are few things more magical than Disney World during the holidays. If you're a major fan of Christmas and also extremely obsessed with Magic Kingdom, then Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party just might rank as your all-time favorite Disney experience (and as a born and raised Orlando, FL, kid who practically grew up in Tomorrowland, I can fully attest to its magic). From the festive songs ringing throughout the park to the endless holiday treats, this event is the perfect way to jump into the holiday spirit. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your magical night!
These Are the Baby Names That Will Totally Piss Off Your Friends to the Point of Internet Venting
There's nothing sweeter than the birth of a baby, but depending on how you feel about the increase in trendy and unique baby names that tend to sport extra vowels and at least three of the letter Y, even the birth of a loved one's child could become, well . . . awkward.
Depending on your humor and how close you are to the parents of a new baby, you'll likely have to swallow the hatred for a name like Ehann (pronounced Ian) for the rest of your life - unless you're a fan of venting on the Internet. Lucky for us - and our senses of humor - Reddit users have been opening up about the worst baby names they've heard recently, and it's bringing us all together in the most hilarious way.
If your daughter's name is Emmyleigh or your son's name is Aleckszander, you may not find this too funny, but for the rest of us, here are the most unusual (read: ridiculous) names Redditors have heard recently.
Boys
- Abcde
- Aric
- Brayan
- Ehann
- Granite
- Gryffynnee
- Hayydden
- Magnus
- Meldor
- Mhavryck
- Noble
- Raegaan
- Raiden
- Ramses
- Sparky
- Tcharllys
- Teague
- Tiger
- Tyrobi
Girls
- Aliviyah
- Amee
- Baby
- Beberly
- Elivia
- Elizabreth
- Eryn
- Jarica
- Johnica
- Kastle
- Khrystyne
- Lotus
- Merika
- Nehcole
- Reighleigh
- Sassi
- Saylor
- Stormy Sea (yes, seriously)
- Tracen
Miley Cyrus Is Making a Case For '80s Beauty in Her New Music Video
Not only is Miley Cyrus single-handedly converting everyone to country fans, but she's also making many of us reconsider our beauty style. The singer just released her video for "Nothing Breaks Like a Heart," and the 26-year-old looked cool as hell in an '80s-style braided ponytail, a red lip, and bold brows reminiscent of Brooke Shields.
Even though her style had a retro feel, Cyrus stayed on trend with a cool hair accessory featuring large white spheres. We can't stop watching this jam on repeat. Check out the look ahead, and shop a few products to help you achieve the look.
Target’s 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar Includes 12 Products For Only $20 - Um, Score?
'Tis the season of giving, so why not give yourself (and your hair and skin) a little something, too? The 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar from Target Beauty Box includes 12 items from fan-favorite brands, including an exfoliating cleanser from Bliss, a night cream from Acure, primer from Maybelline, a makeup brush by E.L.F., and more. The best part? The festive box is available for $20, so you might just want to snag two - one for you, and one for a friend or a Secret Santa. Keep reading to take a look inside the box, then shop more of this year's best beauty Advent calendars.
The Best CBD Beauty Gifts to Light Up Someone's Day
Once upon a time, the only place you'd find cannabidiol (also known as CBD) was in a joint. In 2018, however, beauty brands are rolling the plant extract into more and more of their products like face creams, bath bombs, and body oils. The ingredient won't have any psychoactive effects, but there are plenty of other reasons it's so buzzy - having earned its reputation for easing anxiety and muscle pain and even alleviating acne and dry skin. Ahead are the nine gifts to give you the most dope beauty routine of your life.
Give This Mulan Hair Comb to a Girl Worth Fighting For
If you were a '90s kid, you were probably captivated by Mulan's fantastic songs, funny sidekicks (thanks, Eddie Murphy), and colorful kimonos. As a Disney-loving adult, you may have realized that Mulan is the badass feminist leader we needed in a sea of princesses as a child, and she's still cool as hell today. When we discovered that pop-culture-packed store BoxLunch was selling the exact hair comb the heroine wears in the movie, we couldn't wait to buy the Disney Mulan Hair Comb ($6, originally $10) for all of our Disney-obsessed friends. Whether they wear it and get in on this year's massive hair accessory trend or just stare at their reflection is up to them.
These Nightmare Before Christmas Fragrances Look Just Like Sally's Potions
There's one movie Disney-lovers watch on repeat from October through December: The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Tim Burton classic has been delighting viewers since 1993, and chances are you have a friend totally obsessed with the film. Well, we've found a gift they're going to love.
Pop culture store BoxLunch sells a trio of fragrances straight out of the film that will make your loved one gasp in excitement. Sally, the heroine of the story, uses a collection of potions to put her creator/dad to sleep so she can sneak out for the night (didn't we all do that as teens?), including worm's wort, frog's breath, and deadly nightshade. Each potion has been translated into a cute perfume bottle in The Nightmare Before Christmas Sally's Potions Mini Fragrance Set ($10, originally $17). While the site doesn't go into detail about what each perfume smells like, they're described as sweet and spicy, so you don't have to worry about any spooky scents.
The bottles are cute enough to display on a vanity as a subtle tribute to your favorite film.
The Hands-Down Best Skincare Products Editors Want You to Give Yourself This Month
Between the party planning, gift shopping, egg-nogging, and gingerbread house making-then-ignoring (not to mention the whole giving yourself a hemorrhoid from the stress of A through D), there is one minor thing you mustn't forget about this December: you. Now more than ever, practicing a little self-care is the difference between keeping your cool and crying into Santa's beard at the mall - and it starts with your skincare routine.
But because we know the last thing you need is someone giving you yet another task to complete (you hear that, mom!?) we've asked editors to share the best new moisturizers, face masks, and more hitting shelves this month. Read it and (please don't) weep, ahead.
9 Perfectly Giftable Beauty Products That Are on Sale Right Now
Shopping for the holidays can sometimes seem like an endless drain of your bank account. You don't want to leave anyone out, but it's important to budget accordingly. In an effort to cross everyone off your list, start by snagging some of these beauty gifts while they're on sale.
From hair and makeup sets to luxurious bubble bath products, there are presents any beauty fanatic will love - all offered at a discount. See our gift picks ahead, and good luck shopping.
I Have Straight, Asian Lashes, and This Mascara Lifts and Curls Them
I'm Asian-American, and the women in my family and I share the same struggle: our eyelashes are straight and wispy and (for the most part) point downward. Mine are actually so thin that many lengthening mascaras on the market have proven to be too heavy, leaving my lashes with the three "umps": slumped, clumpy, and stumpy.
While venting about this to another Asian-American friend, she pulled up a picture of the Wander Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara ($24) on her phone. "It's amazing - it just makes my lashes look so much longer," she said. It didn't take much convincing after that. I got my hands on a tube of the stuff and pulled the gold handle from the squeezable body.
For something that was supposed to transform my lashes, I expected some innovative brush tip. Instead, I found a pretty mundane one - there were zero gimmicks, no weird wand, and no spiky bristles. It only had a slight curve at the end, and it turns out that was all I needed. Combined with a buildable formula, I went from having barely there hairs to fanned-out fringe in just a few swipes. The mascara dries down quickly without clumping or feeling too heavy. To apply, I wiggled the brush slowly up my lashes in a back and forth motion, using the tip of the wand to define the outer corners. With just one coat, they looked visibly longer, lifted, and separated. Three more coats gave me extra long, fluttering lashes that had a slight curl.
Wander Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara is a lash curler, mascara, and miracle-worker in one - keeping my lashes in line.
Priyanka Chopra's Wedding Makeup Was Simply Beautiful - but Would You Expect Anything Less?
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are officially married, and from what we can see, it looked like an incredible few days of celebrations. The two wed on Dec. 1 in Jodhpur, India in a Christian ceremony at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. Chopra's celebration outfits (there were more than one, two, or three) were breathtaking, so of course she needed makeup just as beautiful to complement her looks. Since her outfits were a key part of the day, she pared back her makeup, keeping it simple to let the outfits shine. In keeping with her date night beauty trick, Chopra made sure to wear a bold lip, and kept the rest of her look minimal.
Chopra wore a sparkly, silver sari for her Sangeet and let her long hair down in a side part. To give extra volume, it looks as though she wore hair extensions (but quickly took them out after the wedding), and swiped on a light pink lip. For the Mehendi celebrations, she chose a colorful Khosla Jani outfit, opting for an updo and a light berry lip.
Ahead, get a closer look at Chopra's wedding beauty look.
Gigi Hadid's Latest Hairstyle For W Makes the '80s Mullet Actually Look Cool
Gigi Hadid can pull off basically any look - she can go from street style star to ethereal angel seamlessly, and this week, she channeled rock goddess beauty in the latest cover story for W.
In the issue, Hadid is shown with rosy lips and light blond brows that up the attention to her smoky eyes; her hair is styled with textured waves in choppy layers with lots of body. We haven't seen a look this cool since, well, the '80s, but Hadid's modern mullet and edgy makeup, paired with the fashion that exudes alternative rock glamour, brings the era into 2018. We can't help but be inspired to get the look ourselves - or at least pump up the volume on our hair. Ahead, see more photos from the shoot.
Cardi B Is a Hair Color Chameleon, and We Like It Like That
Cardi B is not only one of the most popular and beloved musicians right now - she is also a major hair color chameleon. The over-the-top, hysterical artist is often spotted wearing a variety of colorful wigs, proving that she really can pull off any look. Cardi has gone from red to pink to rainbow and was most recently seen in a blue hue while hanging out with Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner.
Looking for some hair color inspiration yourself? Ahead, we've rounded up the rapper's hands-down best hair looks that are so good, you might just want to cop a style for yourself. Okkkur.
Your BFF Will Flip Over These 11 Mermaid Beauty Gifts
Obsessed with mermaids? We don't blame you. That's why we curated a selection of cool beauty gifts any ocean-dwelling siren would appreciate. Shop through all the makeup and skincare goodies, then treat your BFF to something new.
A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Skincare Gifts You Can Give This Year
Everyone has that one friend who's so particular about skin care, they may as well be Kevin McCallister picking out dental products - only their version of the "Is this toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association?" question tends to happen at Sephora.
Rather than leaving them to fend for themselves this holiday season, though, like poor Kev's parents did in Home Alone, why not give them a beauty gift that lives up to the highest of skincare standards . . . without any of the guesswork? From fancy face mask sets to jade rollers galore, ahead we've compiled a comprehensive guide to every skincare product an obsessive would want.
Happy shopping, ya filthy animal.
Ariana Grande Covered Up Her Pete Davidson Tattoo With a Special Tribute to Mac Miller
Ariana Grande has a lot of memorable tattoos, but one of them just got a makeover. During a behind-the-scenes video for her "Thank U, Next" music video, the singer revealed that she covered up her 8418 tattoo on her foot, which was in honor of ex-fiancé Pete Davidson's father, Scott Davidson. The tattoo was the firefighter badge number, 8418, which Davidson also has tattooed on his forearm.
The singer's tattoo now pays tribute to ex-boyfriend Mac Miller's dog. In the video (around the 2:33 mark), Grande tells the camera to take a closer look at her "Myron" tattoo. The late rapper adopted the dog in January 2017, when the two were still a couple, but it continued to live with Grande after they split in May.
This isn't the only tattoo Grande has altered lately. Following her split from Davidson in October, she also covered up the "Pete" tattoo on her ring finger with a black heart and covered up another that said "Reborn" on her thumb. Davidson has also covered up his fair share of tattoos since their split.
Get a closer look at her new and old ink ahead.
13 New Sephora Gifts Your BFF Will Scream Over - All Under $25
Beauty-lovers are tough people to buy presents for because they already have every hot new release. Luckily, Sephora offers tons of unique products and beauty sets we'd bet even the biggest experts don't know about. The best part? They're all under $25, so you don't have to drain your bank account. Shop through our favorite selections and get something special for your loved one.
Fresh Is Having One of Its Biggest Sales Ever, and Your Credit Card Should Be Very Afraid
Fresh is hosting a rare sale, and it also happens to be one of its biggest yet. The luxury beauty brand with satisfyingly simple packaging and natural ingredients is offering shoppers in its loyalty program 20 percent off everything - yep, everything - on purchases made from Nov. 30 to Dec. 10.
Not a member of the loyalty program? Not a problem - simply sign up by entering your email address. What's more, frequent customers who have achieved "Freshie Forever" status will receive 25 percent off. If you're not familiar with Fresh products or you need a little shopping cart inspiration, check out some of our favorite products ahead.
9 Cheap Beauty Gifts, So You Can Afford Giving Something to Everyone on Your List
You may love watching the faces of your loved ones as they unwrap their gifts, but inside, you might be wincing knowing how broke you feel post-holidays. Thankfully, you can budget your gift-giving this year with a little planning and some thoughtful and extremely affordable gifts.
Some of your favorite beauty brands offer smaller gift sets featuring some of their most popular products - all under $25. Keeping everything under this price, hopefully you'll be able to check off everyone on your holiday list, regardless if they were naughty or nice.
Ahead you'll find the best beauty gifts that will fill your friends and family with holiday glee, without breaking the bank.
Patrick Starrr's Final Collection With MAC Cosmetics Is Just What You Need For the Holidays
Patrick Starrr is releasing his final collection with MAC Cosmetics, and he's here to take you on the ultimate slay ride. The 16-piece collection will include three matte lip shades (neutral beige, pink, and red), five glittery lip glosses (in gold, brown, peach gold, red, and purple red), two eye shadow palettes (with six shades inside), three loose pigment pots (in peach gold, bronze, and coral), one highlighter (a reflective gold with flecks of sparkle), and his previously released Patrick Powder (a translucent mattifying powder). The names of each shade (like Hot Coco Bish and Shady Santa) were thought up by Starrr himself.
The collection will be Starrr's fifth release with MAC Cosmetics. "It celebrates style, fashion, and beauty in one, and allows you to play with texture," he told POPSUGAR. "You might want your signature red lip and bronze shadow for the holidays - I get that - so if you don't want to play with color, you can play with texture. Throw on some Dazzleglass and pigment to spruce up those looks."
With this collection, he said, "fashion and function were most important. Being a man in makeup, function is so important because the skin texture of men can be more porous and textured. I wanted a powder that was so micronized, had the right color, and gave a beautiful finish all at the same time. Also, having come from being a YouTuber and filming in HD, I wanted something that wasn't too heavy and would make makeup look cakey."
Keep reading for a preview of the entire collection before it's available on counters and MAC's website on Dec. 3.
How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated While Traveling, According to a Flight Attendant
Where you stand on airplane food is one thing, but there's a universal truth about traveling that pretty much everyone can agree on: it dries the sh*t out of your skin.
That's because the air at high altitudes has very little moisture, which means it looks for water wherever it can. "Plane cabins are pressurized to simulate a 6,000 to 8,000-foot elevation above Earth, and your blood absorbs less oxygen at those altitudes," explained dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. "This can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and lack of mental sharpness. . . as well as dehydrated skin."
Nobody understands the latter better than Chantal Lawrence, a flight attendant for United who bounces from working two international trips to Paris or Brussels one week to six on-call domestic flights the next. "I have dry skin already, but since I've started flying, it has changed," she said. "Due to the dryness in the cabin, if I don't drink enough water, my pores look bigger and my skin gets very dull. The membranes in my nose also tend to dry out, so I keep a warm, moist cloth nearby, which helps when I'm feeling congested."
As for what else, exactly, Lawrence does to stay hydrated before, during, and after a flight? Fasten your seatbelt - we're sharing her secrets.
The Groundbreaking Beauty Campaigns That Completely Shook the Industry in 2018
It's 2018 - a time when a foundation range of 10 to 20 shades just won't cut it anymore and people are demanding real, Photoshop-free images in beauty campaigns. Last year's push for inclusivity created a ripple effect within the industry, challenging brands to up their game when it comes to representation.
This movement has inspired companies to recognize the many facets that make up our concept of beauty - not only the wide-ranging shades and complexities of skin tones, but also age, body image, and gender identity. Ahead, we've rounded up our favorite campaigns of 2018 that have redefined beauty.
Santa's Comin' to Town, and He Has All the Best Gifts For College Guys
College guys don't just want things for Christmas - they need things. With a tight budget going toward beer and football game tickets, there's only so much they can spend their spare cash on . . . which means that this holiday season, they need things to get them through the rest of the semester and (hopefully) the rest of the school year.
Get the college guy on your list fun and functional gifts with everything from school necessities to the ultimate college essentials. Be sure to remind him that even though he's away at college, being on the nice list still pays off.
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