Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 9 mars 2019
41 Gorgeous and Unique Names For Babies Born in 2019
As someone with a unique name, I have a few guidelines for choosing uncommon names - if you're thinking of choosing one for your child, it should be easy enough to read and pronounce for most people, otherwise it can be a little isolating for your child to have to reintroduce themselves a million times or suffer through handfuls of misspellings and mispronunciations. That said, a unique name will set your child apart from the kids in their classes with popular trendy names and give them an edge.
Ahead, our favorite unique names for babies in 2019 - for both boys and girls.
Regal Cinemas Will Do Sensory-Friendly Screenings of Captain Marvel This Weekend!
Seeing a movie in theaters is such a fun experience, but for children with sensory processing disorders, autism, and other special needs, as well as those who aren't big fans of the dark or a lot of noise, the cinema isn't the most comfortable place to be. Because every child and their family should be able to enjoy a brand-new movie in theaters, Regal Cinemas is introducing the My Way Matinee program, a sensory-friendly movie-going experience that will feature lower sounds and brighter lights in the theaters.
In addition to the volume and lighting adjustments, those visiting the theaters for these once-a-month showings will be able to dance, sing, and shout along with the characters in the films. Each My Way Matinee show will begin at 10:30 a.m. local time, and the best news? Tickets will only cost $6.50.
Related: There Are SO Many Disney Movies Coming Out in 2019! Here's a Look at All of Them
"Regal strives to be 'The Best Place to Watch a Movie,' and that means creating positive, lasting memories for all moviegoers," Sandra Heinig, director of public relations at Regal, said in a press release. "We are continually expanding this program to include even more theaters, because we want every movie fan to feel comfortable and have fun at Regal."
Regal Cinemas has held sensory-friendly screenings for a number of new releases since 2018, and is continuing in 2019 with March 9 showings of Captain Marvel and March 23 showings of Wonder Park. Visit the My Way Matinee information page to find out if your local Regal is participating in the program. (And check out which kids' movies you can stream on Netflix right now!)
Demi Lovato Celebrated Self-Love by Sending Herself Post-Breakup Flowers
Demi Lovato is all about celebrating self-love. After adding a sweet new rose to her tattoo collection in honor of hitting six months of sobriety, the singer is getting through a reported breakup with fashion designer Henry Levy - whom she'd been seeing since November - by sending herself a huge bouquet of pink roses with a supersweet message attached.
"You're beautiful, you're loved, and you're worthy of a happy and healthy life," the card read. Demi shared a photo of the message on Instagram Stories on Thursday with the caption, "Cause sometimes you gotta send yourself flowers . . . #selflove." As difficult as breakups can be, Demi seems to be focusing on loving herself before anyone else, and we are definitely taking notes.
Ever Wonder How the Avengers Got Their Name? It's All Thanks to Captain Marvel
Image Source: Everett Collection
Yes, there are spoilers for Captain Marvel below. You've been warned.
Although Captain Marvel has been billed as Carol Danvers's big debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the film also functions as an important stepping stone between Avengers: Infinity War and the MCU's final team-up film, Avengers: Endgame. Yes, it takes place decades earlier in 1995, but as we come to discover over the course of the lengthy film, Carol (Brie Larson) will be key to Steve, Nat, and Bruce's plan to bring back the dearly departed friends who turned to dust after Thanos's snap. But as it just so happens, Carol is also the reason why the Avengers are called the Avengers at all. (At least as far as the MCU is concerned.)
At the very end of the film, young S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson, who has been smoothed down and given hair with the help of CGI) sits down in his office to reflect on the wild few days he's spent with Carol Danvers. In addition to blowing his mind with her nearly unbeatable powers, the human-alien hybrid's past as an Air Force pilot is what inspires Fury to dub his new project "The Avenger Initiative."
He's sifting through photos of Carol's life on earth before she had her DNA fused with a highly advanced piece of Kree technology, and comes across an old photo of her standing with her fighter jet. Along the side of the plane reads her call sign, which is: Carol "Avenger" Danvers. Ta-da!
What's interesting is that her call sign was most definitely not "Avenger" in the comics - it was . . . wait for it . . . "Cheeseburger."
Image Source: Marvel
In a 2007 issue of the Ms. Marvel comic, Carol goes on a date and tells the man she's with that her call sign used to be "Cheeseburger." Apparently she earned the (hilarious) nickname after chowing down on a burger right before she endured a particularly stomach-churning session of pilot training, and . . . well, hopefully you can visualize the rest!
Although we kind of wish the MCU was full of superheroes called the Cheeseburgers rather than the Avengers, we can see why Marvel decided to go with the latter.
If I Had a Pair of Emily Ratajkowski's Red Leather Pants, I'd Never Take Them Off
Another day, another style moment from Emily Ratajkowski that leaves us wanting to take notes. Just over a week after hitting Vanity Fair's Oscars afterparty in a stunning lace dress from Brock Collection, the 27-year-old model kept things casual when she stepped out at New York's Green Fig Urban Eatery on March 5 for the Daddy musical afterparty.
Emily decided to show off her washboard abs in a black cropped sweater that didn't for one second distract me from the red leather pants she sported like a total boss. She finished her look with a matching pair of red, patent-leather boots. Read ahead to see a few more photos of her look and shop similar styles.
Doctor Delivers a Baby En Caul and Watches Her Wiggle Around as If in the Womb For 7 Minutes
Triplet births are pretty rare to begin with, but even rarer are "en caul" births, when a baby is born with its amniotic sac in tact. We've seen births like this before, where doctors deliver the baby inside what looks like - for lack of a better comparison - a clear rubber casing, then they usually pop the sac and the baby is fully born. During a recent triplets C-section birth, Dr. Rodrigo da Rosa Filho delivered not one, but two of the babies en caul, but instead of opening the sac right away, watched the third baby, a little girl, wriggle around for seven minutes - giving us the best possible peek at what babies look like in the womb.
"Yesterday we birthed the triplets! And Joaquim was born veiled (when the waters/sac does not break). We were delighted," reads a translation of the doctor's post on Instagram. "But then came Adeline . . . she was also born en caul, and left us all admiring her as she slept soundly. We stayed (that way) for seven minutes observing her behavior as if it were still inside her belly. It's the magic of life."
Check out the truly mesmerizing en caul video above.
Russell Stover's Cinnamon Sugar Churro Marshmallow Egg Is QUITE a Sight to Behold
You might think there are only a few ways to present a chocolate marshmallow egg, but Russell Stover's creativity knows no bounds. This year, there's a new Cinnamon Sugar Churro Egg joining the lineup of other out-there egg flavors, and honestly, it sounds delicious. In each individually wrapped piece of candy sits a cinnamon sugar churro-flavored marshmallow "with real cinnamon" (sweet!) surrounded by a candy coating. The egg was introduced last month and shoppers have since spotted it at a variety of stores, including Walgreens and CVS. Fluffy marshmallow filling oozes out of each one, and there's a whole lot of it in every bite. If you forever crave churros, see what you can expect from this limited-edition Russell Stover gem ahead.
Remember Your Favorite Childhood Snacks? Well, Now You Can Get Them on Amazon
Here at POPSUGAR, we're suckers for anything nostalgic. Recently, when a coworker mentioned a craving for a specific childhood snack, we did some digging, and found it on Amazon. But that's not all - Amazon has a treasure trove of craveable snacks that remind us of a simpler time. Some are the authentic version, some are the 2019 (slightly) healthier version, but they're all delicious.
Meghan Markle's International Women's Day Speech Will Make You Sit Up a Little Straighter
Meghan Markle was front and center for a panel discussion about women's issues at King's College in London on Friday, which also marked International Women's Day. The Duchess of Sussex joined fellow high-profile activists Annie Lennox, Adwoa Aboah, Julia Gillard, Chrisann Jarrett, and Angeline Murimirwa at the event, which was assembled by The Queen's Commonwealth Trust (of which Meghan was recently named vice president). During the chat, Meghan opened up about her history of altruism and philanthropy, retelling the story of how she influenced Proctor & Gamble to change their sexist advertising campaign as an 11-year-old.
"Truth be told, at 11 I don't think I even knew what sexism meant," Meghan told the crowd. "I just knew that something struck me internally that was telling me it was wrong." She went on to explain how the triumphant moment has impacted her adult life. "It really set up the trajectory for me to say, if there was a wrong, if there is a lack of justice, and there is an inequality, then someone needs to say something. And why not me?"
"Billions of dollars on the table are lost by girls being pulled out of education."
Meghan also explained how traveling the world with charitable organizations further opened up her eyes to the injustices and discrimination against women and girls globally. "Once I became old enough to travel, specifically to developing countries and see what was happening abroad, I think for me what really resonated was the lack of education for girls, and how that has a ripple effect on so many things," she said, citing the specific ways in which a lack of access to learning can affect girls, including early childhood marriage, susceptibility to trafficking, and modern-day slavery. "But equally look at all the positives that come out of it when you do have access to education for young girls . . . how it affects the economic development, the GDP. Billions of dollars on the table are lost by girls being pulled out of education."
This is far from the first time Meghan has spoken out about equal rights, feminism, or the importance of girls' education since becoming a member of the British royal family. Though she is expected to stay mum about most explicit political opinions, Meghan thankfully hasn't shied away from making her ethical priorities clear, whether in official speeches or just by the patronages she's chosen to take on. She stressed the significance of giving girls the "right tools to succeed" during an address in Fiji last year, and is currently working with organizations like The Association of Commonwealth Universities to decolonize education and make it easier for students from all backgrounds to have quality schooling. Most recently, during her tour of Morocco with Prince Harry, she visited classrooms and spoke to young women who are getting secondary schooling thanks to the country's efforts to promote education equality.
As Meghan gears up to go on maternity leave before the birth of her first (feminist) child, she left panel attendees with a reminder of her longtime dedication to helping others and trying to make the world a better place for women and girls. "It started at 11, but still feels like it's just beginning."
Amazon Has Glittery, Holographic Pool Floats, and My Millennial Heart Can't Take It
Summer might seem like an eternity away, but with so many amazing pool floats bobbing around the internet, we can't help but get excited for pool party season (aka what Summer's really about). PoolCandy has taken Summer to the next level with a collection of unique, holographic, and glittery pool loungers made to reflect the sunlight while you get your tan on and add a little extra glamour to your next beach trip. It looks like our favorite pool-time accessory was given a radiant '90s makeover courtesy of Cher Horowitz. Imagine the Instagram possibilities!
The holographic material of the inflatable pool tube creates an iridescent effect that illuminates the entire accessory, so it's basically like you're floating on a ring made of pure magic. Keep reading to snag a glitzy pool float of your very own before they're all gone.
The Sexy Tattoo Trend Taking Over Hollywood Will Send Chills Down Your Spine
Björk dedicated an entire song to hers, forever affirming the notion that it doesn't get much sexier than the spine of your back. Now, the oft-forgotten erogenous zone is having a renaissance - this time as the coolest new spot to get a tattoo.
Should you need proof of its appeal before you get inked along the vertebrae, well . . . good (because, you know, that sh*t is permanent). But after you see Halle Berry's leafy back design, Lady Gaga's take on the trend with "la vie en rose," and more ahead, you'll be all but convinced of the spinal tattoo's "big-time sensuality."
30 Places in the US You Should Visit Before You Turn 30
Your 20s are a time to get out and explore new cultures, but don't forget to take advantage of the diverse destinations right here in the United States. Even if it's a quick weekend trip, it will feed that desire of wanderlust in just a few hours by simply hopping on a train or taking a road trip.
From big popular cities to laid-back coastlines, the United States is made up of so many unique spots that it could be hard to decide where to go next. Whether you're a foodie who's looking to try a new cuisine or a nature-lover who wants to hike the canyons, we've rounded up 2019's best places to travel in the US if you're in your 20s.
Pack Your Bags - These Top 10 Spring Travel Destinations Are Calling Your Name
In the dead of Winter, it's hard to think about anything other than warmer climates. But luckily, with Spring on the horizon, escaping to a new paradise is closer than ever before. Airbnb has shared the top 10 trending vacation spots for this upcoming season, and we're already packing our swimsuits.
These Spring break destinations range across the globe from Arizona all the way to Germany, and we couldn't be more intrigued by them. "Airbnb travelers are bidding adieu to typical beach locales and instead opting to explore more under-the-radar sandy oases, rich cultural centers, and unexplored regions at a slower pace," according to the travel company. If that sounds like something you're into, take a look at the top destinations - complete with suggested Airbnb rentals - and get ready to jet set! Counting down from No. 10 . . .
vendredi 8 mars 2019
This Is the 10-Minute Ab Routine US Soccer Star Mal Pugh Does Before Every Single Game
Mark our words: Mallory, aka Mal, Pugh is about to become a household name. By the age of 18, she had already played in three world championship games, one being the 2016 Rio Olympics. With a few years of experience playing for the US women's national team under her belt, Mal and the rest of the women's national team are getting ready for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
During a press trip with Secret Deodorant, official sponsors of the USWNT, POPSUGAR spoke to Mal about how she prepares for games. "I'm honestly not superstitious," Mal told POPSUGAR. Instead, she has a pregame routine she likes to stick to in order to feel and perform her best. The first is eating oatmeal with peanut butter or almond butter and half a banana. "I always have to have that," she said.
"I also hate having chapped lips so before we go out to warm up, I always put Vaseline on. And before the game, too." The last part of her pregame ritual is abs. "Every night before a game, I always do core." Her reasoning: "It gets me feeling good."
Mal starts with a six-minute plank circuit followed by a four-minute round of more ab-strengthening exercises. Her one rule for the 10-minute workout is: "You can't break." If you're feeling up for the challenge, try her 10-minute ab routine ahead.
Mal Pugh's 10-Minute Ab Routine
- Front plank: hold for one minute
- Left side plank: hold for 30 seconds
- Right side plank: hold for 30 seconds
Repeat for a total of three rounds.
- Double-leg raise: repeat for one minute
- Boat pose: hold for one minute
- Crunch: repeat for one minute
- Seated knee tuck (or an ab exercise of your choice): repeat for one minute
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Secret for the purpose of writing this story.
I'm Bipolar and This Is What It Really Feels Like to Be in a Manic Episode
When Kanye West called his bipolar disorder his "superpower," I could empathize. Sure, there are times when my bipolar disorder is crippling and makes me feel like a prisoner trapped inside my own brain. But once I hit a manic phase, it's euphoric: I am more productive than ever, feel like I can take on the world, and since I often struggle under a cloud of depression, it finally feels like happiness and relief.
Alternating between periods of depression ("lows") and mania ("highs"), bipolar disorder is a class of brain disorders that includes bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, which is defined by numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don't meet the diagnostic criteria for hypomanic and depressive episodes, and other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders. Since I was diagnosed with bipolar II a few years ago, I've come to understand that my manic phases aren't the same as someone with bipolar I. In bipolar I, manic episodes last at least a week with severe mood elevation or irritability, Pierre Azzam, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, told POPSUGAR in a previous interview. Mania in both types also impacts behavior, sleep, and thinking, and can impair your ability to work, while the mania in bipolar I may also be severe enough to require hospitalization.
My mania comes in the form of hypomania, which is a less severe version of mania with shorter durations, what differentiates bipolar II from bipolar I. Compared to the mania in bipolar I, hypomania doesn't last as long of a time period (about four days) and isn't destructive enough to interfere with daily life or work, or require hospitalization, explained Paraskevi Noulas, PsyD, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health.
My hypomanic episodes usually last a couple of days and most of the time, I don't even realize I'm being manic - I just think I'm having a good day. I have a lot more energy: suddenly, I'm more motivated to do my work and to take on additional tasks. As someone who works in a creative field, this feels like a creative breakthrough; new ideas for articles, books, and projects come fast and furious. I concoct businesses I know would flourish and envision elaborate scenarios for when all my professional dreams come true.
When I'm manic and working, it feels like being on a stimulant: the words pour out of me, and I can type away on my laptop for hours. As an introvert, I find that I'm more chatty than normal and even though I'm naturally a fast talker, my speech is more rapid. I also need little sleep. I can stay up until the early hours in the morning and wake up at my normal time, ready to take on the day. During one particular manic episode triggered by the wrong medication (before I was officially diagnosed as having bipolar II), I stayed up until three in the morning on a weeknight working on DIY projects for the apartment that suddenly seemed urgent.
To be completely honest, hypomania isn't that bad when I experience it; aside from the irritability that is common with manic symptoms, I am usually creative and productive and can function on little sleep. So what are the downsides? I tend to get so excited about a particular creative idea or thought that it's hard for me to focus on the assignments I should be working on. Also, the lack of sleep tends to catch up with me after a couple days.
Perhaps the worst part is, I know that when the mania dissipates, a depressive episode will hit. And sure enough, usually a couple days later, it knocks me down like a bowling pin: I'm unmotivated, lethargic, and stuck in a negative self-talk spiral. Or my anxiety goes through the roof and I'm plagued with intrusive thoughts that make me feel out of control and crazy.
Fortunately, my manic and depressive episodes are pretty few and far between since I take a regimented cocktail of medication and stick to preventative lifestyle habits. As someone who has been living with a mental illness for half her life, I also know what my triggers are: if I drink too much one night, the next day I'm bound to feel anxious and depressed. Although my mania is much less predictable, I can typically feel an episode coming on and try to channel that energy into doing something productive: working out, cleaning, or finally etching away at my side projects.
I'm lucky that my mania isn't the type that's dangerous and self-destructive, but it can be a serious episode for some people, and it's not one-size-fits-all. "It's very important to note that while the term is bipolar disorder with separate manic and depressive episodes, this disorder is quite complex and has many layers to it," explained Dr. Noulas. "It's possible to have a mixed episode where one might experience both manic and depressive symptoms within a week . . . the cycle of the mood fluctuating between mania, depression, or mixed can also be complex." She added that it's important to seek professional psychiatric care if you experience shifts in mood, and to seek out a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in mood disorders. Treatment is also "quite successful," Dr. Noulas said, and typically includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
No, my mania isn't what's dramatized in movies: I'm not running naked through the streets, or having unprotected sex with multiple partners, or spending thousands of dollars I don't have. But it is a significant enough of a mood change that it impacts my daily life. Luckily, with the right treatment, I'm able to keep my moods under control and live a happy, productive life - without feeling like I'm on a stimulant or drowning in a sea of depression.
If you feel like you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (1-800-950-6264), and the American Psychological Association have resources available.
I Used to Overeat and Then Gain Weight Until I Started Doing This Every Night
I have the best intentions to eat healthy. I do intermittent fasting, which means I eat my meals in a six-hour eating window, and it should make eating healthy even easier. I even meal prep a week of mason jar salads or Buddha bowls on Sunday night so I have a healthy lunch ready to go. But for some reason, I was eating that lunch and then the rest of the day became a free-for-all. I ended up grazing on random food and overeating, even when I wasn't hungry at all.
Eating almonds before lunch and an avocado and a protein shake a day helped satiate my physical hunger, but for some reason, mentally, I was still unsatisfied. And that coupled with working from home and intense CrossFit workouts made me want to inhale my entire kitchen pantry.
These Are All the Badass Workouts Brie Larson Did to Transform Into Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel is the first Marvel film to feature a female superhero as the lead, and we are so here for it. We've followed along with Brie Larson's journey to becoming Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel, and damn, she inspires us to go even harder at the gym.
The workouts Brie did to prepare for the movie were quite insane - what, you don't push a 5,000-pound truck to train? To get you pumped for the release of Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019, we've rounded up Brie's most intense workouts.
We Tried the Mirror That Streams Thousands of Fitness Classes and Lets You Check Your Form
The fitness industry is constantly evolving. Remember when people didn't book barre classes in bulk? As we predicted, the latest innovations this year are interactive, personalized products that let you get fit on your own time, in your own space. If you went over to a friend's house and saw Mirror, one of these new devices, you'd think it was just a full-length mirror (I mean, that is what it is). When turned on, it doubles as a nearly invisible home gym you can do thousands of workouts in front of. But it's not like following along to a 30-minute video on your TV. Let's talk about what it really is.
What Dentists Want You to Know About Those Charcoal Toothpastes That Promise Whiter Teeth
Charcoal is everywhere these days: in drinks, skin care, hair care. It's also gaining popularity as a way to care for your teeth, with "natural" charcoal toothpastes being praised for their whitening benefits. But is it actually safe to brush with charcoal?
"Just because something is popular doesn't mean it's safe," Ada Cooper, DDS, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA), told POPSUGAR. In September 2017, the ADA published a review of the studies that had been done on charcoal dental products to that point, and found that there was not sufficient science to substantiate charcoal's cosmetic or health benefits. In fact, charcoal toothpastes may be doing more harm than good.
"Charcoal toothpastes often contain a variety of ingredients, and the safety of those ingredients hasn't been established," Dr. Cooper said. "One ingredient is bentonite clay, a diverse mineral which can sometimes contain silica, a known human carcinogen."
And while charcoal toothpastes are often touted for their ability to whiten teeth, they may also be damaging to the tooth's surface. "Charcoal is recognized as an abrasive mineral to teeth and gums," she explained. "Using materials that are too abrasive can actually make your teeth look more yellow, because it can wear away the tooth's enamel and expose the softer, yellower layer called dentin."
Plus, many of the charcoal products don't contain important ingredients like fluoride, which helps reduce the occurrence of cavities. So, if you're interested in trying charcoal toothpaste, it's best to discuss it with your dentist first. "Use your dentist as a resource of information when it comes to homeopathic products on the market," Dr. Cooper said. "Just because something is presumed to be 'natural' or 'healthy' doesn't necessarily mean that it is."
Scared to Take Time Away From Your Phone? An Expert Shares This 1 Simple Hack That'll Help
I can't live without my phone (there, I said it) and I know I'm not alone. When I spoke to Amy Blankson, positive psychology researcher and author of The Future of Happiness, over the phone (of all things) she hit me with the hard facts: we look at our phones 150 times a day. That amounts to two-and-a-half hours in total. And, because we live in a constant world of connectivity, "the greatest challenge is that we don't have space away from it," she said. But before panic ensues, know this: she doesn't want us to bite the bullet and disconnect altogether - we need technology for our everyday lives. The key, she explained, is to learn to manage our devices instead of being managed by them.
We need 55 minutes of "me time" per day, according to a Fall 2018 survey, "The Power of Space," on which Amy was a consultant. Eighty-seven percent of participants actually said that taking time away from technology made them "better people": they were calmer, more focused and productive, friendlier even. We need to unplug, Amy said, and "in the same way we'd charge our phones, we need to recharge our minds as well." She offered one pro tip to help us get this space.
Preparation: The Secret to Unplugging
Amy said that the most common resistance she sees from people who don't want to put away their phones stems from fear: fear of missing an important call, fear of missing an email, fear of missing the latest news or photo from a friend. There's also the idea that your phone is a safety device and you don't want to leave it behind in the event of an emergency. The first step, she said, is to acknowledge that fear. Once you do that, you can actively plan for when you unplug by letting people know. It sounds simple (or maybe strange to some), but it will alleviate the anxiety you might feel.
So, tell your loved ones that you're going to be offline, post on social media, set up an email receipt saying you're away - preparation is the secret to letting yourself comfortably unplug and give yourself space because, Amy explained, "if you're worried the whole time that someone is trying to reach you and they can't, you can't truly relax and enjoy." She noted, "I'm not advocating that you unplug the rest of your life; you're just trying to hit reset on your impulse control so that you can maximize that awareness of your behavior" and get those 55 minutes throughout the day of much-needed "me time."
Not Sure What to Do When You Unplug? Here Are Some Ideas
"We say that we don't like being distracted by technology, and yet, most of us haven't taken the time to turn off notifications and push away social media feeds strategically so that, rather than information coming to you, you have to go get it," Amy said, adding that it's so important to "build in and prepare for ways to recharge and refuel your mind." Here are some things she suggested we do to unplug:
- Journal or write down moments of gratitude.
- Explore (i.e. go to a park).
- Try a new hobby. (Not sure where to start? Read this.)
- Treat yourself to a mani-pedi.
- Get coffee or go out to dinner with friends.
- At least three times throughout the day (especially if you have a desk job), move to different locations to get a new vantage point (walk around the block, go to a coffee shop, etc.).
- Put your phone away during meals.
- Put down your phone an hour before bed (I tried this, and it really works!).
Try not to have any of your devices on you when you're doing these unplugging activities, Amy advised. If you absolutely need your phone, keep it out of sight so you're not focused on getting a message. Also, when you're disconnected from technology and feel like you still want to document the moment, write about it or take a picture after the fact, she said, not during. It's this pause that helps you reflect on whatever you're posting later. Now, conquer that fear of unplugging a few times a day! We believe in you.
These Are the 4 Bodyweight Ab Exercises Kayla Itsines Wants You to Do For a Stronger Core
To get a strong core, you've got to do more than a few random ab exercises every now and then. You've also got to train all the muscles that make up your abs ‚ your internal and external obliques, your transverse abdominis (TVA), and your rectus abdominis muscles.
To help you strengthen your core, POPSUGAR spoke to Australia-based trainer Kayla Itsines, founder of BBG and the Sweat app.
Kayla recommended doing plank variations, hanging leg raises, double leg lifts, and toe-touch crunches. "They're my go-to ab moves. I can really feel them and for me, they've always worked," Kayla told POPSUGAR. If you want to create a workout with these moves, we recommend performing 12 to 15 reps of each exercise for two to four rounds.
Because she's currently pregnant, Kayla isn't doing these moves and said she isn't doing ab exercises during her pregnancy. Check out the moves ahead:
Rent the Runway Is Teaming Up With West Elm to Give Your Home an Instagram-Worthy Update
Thanks to Rent the Runway, renting clothes has become a pretty familiar concept to many over the years, and soon enough, home decor rentals will too. The fashion brand that lets customers rent designer clothing items for affordable prices is partnering with West Elm to apply the same concept to home goods like blankets, decorative pillows, and shams.
"This is a monumental moment for Rent the Runway and the sharing economy as a whole," RTR's CEO, Jennifer Hyman, said in a statement. "We know that clothing is often a vehicle to help people feel confident and expressive, and this new partnership will unlock that feeling through home decor."
According to Business of Fashion, home decor options will be available to customers through their RTR subscriptions. A standard subscription allowing members to rent up to four items costs $89 a month, while unlimited members pay $159 a month. Customers hoping to spruce up their bedrooms or living rooms can choose from 26 different "home bundles" - one bundle that includes a quilt, a blanket, shams, and decorative pillows counts as one item - that they can keep in their homes for as long as necessary and purchase later at a discounted price.
The bundles will be available to rent beginning in June. Read ahead for a peek at a few items that will be included.
Disneyland's Banana Pudding Churros Come With a Pudding Dipping Sauce? Yes, Please!
As our orangutan friend King Louie would say, I'll lay it on the line for you: Disneyland is now offering Banana Pudding Churros, because one dessert is never truly enough. These portable treats available in Anaheim have been getting mixed reviews since they were first unveiled back in February as part of the Get Your Ears On celebration.
According to Disney Food Blog, each cinnamon sugar churro has an extrasweet banana flavor, and comes with a banana dipping sauce - which is straight-up a cup full of banana pudding (we're not complaining!). Similar to the subtle flavor of a Nilla Wafer, according to Disney Hungry on Instagram, these specialty churros have left some people wanting more banana flavor, while others say they're too good to share.
At $6.25 per churro, they're definitely not cheap, but Disneyland has blessed us with some amazing Get Your Ears On snacks in the past. So, if you feel like giving one of these churros a try to decide whether the banana pudding flavor is just right, stop by the churro cart outside the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square. Keep reading for more photos from people who have already managed to get their hands on one of these delicious-looking Disney desserts.
If You're as Devoted to Coffee as We Are, You Need These 12 Gadgets
If you're a coffee-drinker, you know that coffee isn't just a beverage, it's a lifestyle. And you also know that the only thing worse than a bad cup of coffee is no coffee at all. Well, we've found 12 gadgets every serious coffee-lover needs in their life, whether you need a piping hot cup every morning or will be drinking iced coffee even in 20-degree weather. As an extra bonus, all these gadgets are at Walmart!
10 Irish Dishes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker For St. Patrick's Day
For St. Patrick's Day, slow-cook your way to a comforting Irish meal. From Irish cream lattes to Guinness-spiked soups to succulent corned beef, there's at least one hearty recipe in this list that you'll want to take on this year.
Just 100+ Eggcellent Ways to Decorate Eggs This Easter
One of the best traditions that comes with Easter is decorating eggs. Don't just dump them in bowls of dye - get creative! We rounded up some of the coolest decorating ideas that will be sure to stand out this Spring. Take a look for some eggcellent inspiration!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
17 St. Patrick's Day Recipes Ranging From Traditional to Whimsical
With St. Patrick's Day parties right around the corner, there's no better time than now to break out all your favorite Irish (and Irish-in-spirit) recipes. Sure, you could take it easy and just dye some beer green, but why not go the extra mile with recipes like green velvet cake, Irish onion soup, or a Guinness float? Keep reading for those ideas and more.
- Additional reporting by Michele Bird
30 Trader Joe's Snacks You Have to Try - From Beloved Classics to 2019's Hot New Treats
Three square meals a day? Pffft. If you're like us, you can appreciate the beauty of a mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and post-dinner snack. Maybe a few in-betweeners as well. Sometimes a tiny meal is just what you need for an extra boost of energy, or a treat, because you're awesome. The world of snacks is a vast one, so really, no snacking sesh need ever be boring. Well, the snacking gods have blessed the aisles of Trader Joe's this year, and we're here for it.
Looking for a dip? TJ's has it. Craving a crunch? No problem. In search of sweet, spicy, or sultry? Sure thing. Whatever your snacking style, there's a bite or nosh tailored to you that won't drain your piggy bank. We've rounded-up a selection of snacks gracing the shelves of TJ's this year: some new, some classics, all affordably delicious. Hope you're hungry.
These Pioneer Woman Mugs Are the Perfect Addition to Your Farmhouse-Inspired Kitchen
It's no secret that Ree Drummond is a domestic goddess. The blogger, food writer, and television personality has been charming us for years as The Pioneer Woman, giving us major life goals with her drool-worthy recipes and enthusiasm for the simple ranch life. By now, The Pioneer Woman has become a well-established brand through her shop, the Mercantile, which sells a range of cute, country-inspired home goods, kitchen wares, and more. But if you just can't get enough of her Southern charm, these new The Pioneer Woman mugs ($10) will certainly catch your eye!
These gorgeous mugs come in a classic diner shape, with a slight hourglass silhouette that makes them stand out from other coffee mugs. In typical Ree style, the bottom half of the mug is covered in a beautiful floral pattern in vintage-inspired hues that are giving us serious '70s vibes. The golden yellow font and matching line around the top are the finishing touches that add a modern detail to the pretty design.
We can imagine that coffee, tea, or any other kind of hot beverage is sure to taste even better in this stunning mug (while whipping up one of her delicious recipes, of course). The only issue you may have is deciding to buy one just for yourself or a whole set to share when family and friends are over.
17 Bedroom Furniture Pieces That Are Straight-Up Dreamy - Starting at Just $90
If you're looking to totally revamp your bedroom, Urban Outfitters is here to help. The retailer's ever-evolving home selection gets better and better every time we shop, but its most recent bedroom selection is better than ever. From luxurious beds to cool dressers and vanities, we want it all. To save you time, we round up its 17 best picks right now, so all you have to do is choose your favorites. Keep scrolling to find your match.
Related: 21 Stylish Office Furniture Pieces That Will Make Working From Home So Much Better
TJ Maxx Has the Most Breathtaking Home Decor - For Astonishingly Cheap Prices
If a pastime of yours involves scrolling through eye-catching home photos while dreaming up ways to redesign your space, then I feel you, and I feel you even more if you gasp when it comes to the price tag. The reality is that home decor isn't cheap, but there are certainly solutions that make our bank accounts feel not-so-bad when we do decide to make a purchase. TJ Maxx is one of them. Whether you're obsessed with poufs, mid-century furniture, macramé accent pillows, or woven baskets, TJ Maxx has it all - at a price point we can get on board with. We've shopped some standout pieces that are worth your buck. Turn your home into a place you adore with the products ahead!
25 Home Decor Items So Stylish and Affordable, They're Going to Sell Like Crazy
Sprucing up your home isn't always about doing a full remodel. You can easily upgrade any room by investing in some new decor pieces. From lamps to wall art and plants, these small pieces can make the biggest different. To make sure you get the most for your money, we shopped and uncovered 25 stylish picks that cost less than $50 - that way you don't have to feel bad about getting more than one. Shop our favorites ahead.
Calling All Adventurers! These Are the 5 Best Credit Cards For Travel Miles
Every traveler is different. Some like to indulge in great meals and save on hotels, while others would be willing to live on granola bars if it will get them a bed in a five-star hotel. Some would fly across the world in coach, while others would spend every penny they have to experience the Singapore Suites on Singapore Airlines. Credit cards have tons of travel benefits, and no matter your travel style, there's a card that can help you save on your next adventure. Here are this year's five best cards for those who love to travel.
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Don't be intimidated by the $450 annual fee on this one, because the Chase Sapphire Reserve practically pays for itself, as long as you take full advantage of its benefits. Besides the $300 annual travel credit (which can be applied towards almost any travel-related expense), you'll also earn three points per dollar on travel and dining. If you've always wanted to travel in style, this card gives you Priority Pass Select lounge access (which includes over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide), as well as a credit for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
Other benefits include no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation coverage, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, primary car rental insurance, and the ability to redeem points directly through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents apiece. The best part: if you spend at least $4,000 within the first three months of signing up, you'll receive 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points.
2. American Express Gold
Though the American Express Gold is the best card for dining (as it earns four points per dollar at grocery stores and restaurants, as well as $10 in monthly credit when you use the Gold card at dining partners), it also has plenty of travel benefits to offer. As well as a $100 annual airline fee credit, you'll earn three points per dollar on flights booked directly with airline or Amex Travel. Though this one also has an expensive annual fee at $250, it's worth your investment if you spend $2,000 in the first three months, which earns you 35,000 Membership Rewards points.
3. The Platinum Card from American Express
Coming in third is The Platinum Card from American Express, which is the best card on the market for purchasing airfare. At $550, the annual fee is steep, but if you take advantage of everything the card has to offer, it's absolutely worth the price. With this card, you'll earn five points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel (as well as prepaid hotels purchased through Amex Travel), and you can transfer your Membership Rewards points earned with this card to Amex's 20 airline and hotel partners. Travel will also be made way easier (and much more luxurious) with its rebate for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, and in addition to Priority Pass Select lounge access, this card will get you Centurion Lounge access and Delta Sky Club access when you're flying Delta.
Other benefits include a $200 annual airline rebate for incidental fees, up to $200 in annual Uber credits, a newly added $100 credit at Saks Fifth Avenue, and complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and SPG Gold status. Spend $5,000 in the first three months and you'll also get 60,000 Membership Rewards points (and earn an extra 25,000 points after you spend an additional $10,000 in the first three months).
4. Citi Prestige
Even if you don't travel frequently, the Citi Prestige more than pays for itself in its first year, despite its $450 annual fee. With this card, you'll earn five points per dollar on all air travel and restaurant spending, and three points per dollar on hotel and cruise-line bookings. Citi will reimburse you $250 annually for travel-related purchases, and you'll also get Priority Pass Select lounge access and a credit for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. Citi understands that travel doesn't always go according to plan, so they give you up to $500 for expenses for flights delayed over six hours, as well as the same credit for baggage delayed over six hours.
The most valuable perk of the Citi Prestige, however, is the fourth-night-free benefit: Citi will pay for the fourth night of your stay at virtually any hotel when booking through ThankYou.com or the Citi Prestige Concierge. When you sign up and spend $4,000 in the first three months, you'll receive 50,000 ThankYou Rewards points, and those points can be transferred to 15 airline partners or redeemed for airfare and hotels through Citi's travel portal.
5. Chase Sapphire Preferred
If you're skeptical of an expensive annual fee, this card may be the one for you. At only $95 a year (which will be waived your first year!), the Chase Sapphire Preferred will get you two points per dollar on travel and dining, as well as the ability to transfer points to 13 different travel partners. You'll also receive primary auto rental insurance, trip cancellation coverage, and no foreign transaction fees, which will definitely come in handy during international travel. This card allows you to redeem points directly through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a rate of 1.25 cents apiece, and - best of all - if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, you'll get 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points, which is the same bonus as the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Star Wars Land Isn't a Galaxy Far, Far Away Anymore! Here Are the Official Opening Dates
Buckle up, everyone! Disney's Star Wars-themed land is finally close to opening. After previously sharing drone footage of the land's extensive construction, Disney has now confirmed the opening dates for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: the land will open at Disneyland on May 31, and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios on Aug. 29.
During the initial phase, visitors will be invited to tour the land, try all of the out-of-this-world food, and hop aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride. Later this year, however, visitors will also be able to experience the highly anticipated 28-minute-long attraction Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Heads up that if you're visiting Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland anytime from May 31 to June 23, you'll need to make a reservation, free of cost, while those staying at one of the resort's hotels will automatically receive a reservation. Check out Disney's fun and fast-paced announcement above, and get ready for an epic ride.
Mac 'n' Cheetos? Yes, Please! Disney World's New Food Truck Is Mac and Cheese Themed!
Excuse me while I curl up for a gouda and cheddar-induced nap, because Walt Disney World is rolling out a new food truck - and it's mac 'n' cheese themed! Located on the west side of Disney Springs, the new Mac and Cheese Truck is expected to open in March, and we hope it's soon, because just look at that cheeseburger mac! According to the official Disney Parks blog, the new mac 'n' cheese flavors go heavy on the toppings, and we're talking bacon, fries, and full-size onion rings. Is your mouth watering yet?
The Mac and Cheese Truck will offer more than just your standard noodles and cheese combo. For instance, the Bacon Cheeseburger Mac 'n' Cheese includes creamy cheddar and American cheese mixed with ground beef and topped with bacon, shredded lettuce, tomato, sliced pickles, ketchup, mustard, and crispy shoestring french fries. The Crunchy Mac 'n' Cheese is just as over the top with six different cheeses and a generous topping of crunchy cheese puffs. If you're in the mood for some seafood, the Lobster and Shrimp Mac 'n' Cheese combines cheddar and Swiss cheese with buttery lobster, shrimp, and a few crackers for a bit of crunch.
For other cheesy food options, you could try the Smoked Brisket Mac 'n' Cheese made with smoked gouda and cheddar and topped with smoked brisket, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, crispy onion rings, and chives. Or, grab a fork and dig into the Parmesan Mac 'n' Cheese, an Italian dream combining creamy Alfredo sauce, crispy fried chicken, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Just because we aren't mice doesn't mean we can't still appreciate how irresistible these new mac 'n' cheeses sound. (Get it? Mice? Cheese?) Keep reading for a closer look at some of the new food truck's mouthwatering options, and head to Disney World when you get a chance to get your fix of cheesy goodness.
These 34 Genius Gadgets Might Seem Random, but They're Exactly What You Need
If you're all about stocking up on the latest and greatest gadgets, you've come to the right place. We shopped and uncovered 34 seriously cool picks that are going to be everywhere in 2019. From kitchen tools to mini movie projectors and even an automatic mop, no doubt you're going to want to try these products. Keep reading to check out our hottest picks on the internet - and you might want to hurry because we have a feeling some of these will sell out fast.
Costco Has Everything-Bagel-Crusted Cod Fillets, and Weeknight Dinner Will Never Be the Same
Everything-bagel-inspired foods have become increasingly popular over the last year, and Costco is getting in on the trend in a delicious way. The store is carrying everything-bagel-crusted cod fillets coated in a blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and cheddar cheese. The fish is sold frozen and all you have to do is bake it until it's crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside. Talk about a weeknight-dinner win! I'd serve this with simple roasted broccoli or greens with a Dijon vinaigrette.
The fish is from High Liner, a Canada-based company dedicated to providing responsibly sourced seafood to customers. The brand has other tasty frozen fish options including lemon pepper sole, salmon with dill sauce, and crunchy fish sticks. I'm all about that garlicky, seed-crusted cod, though. Trader Joe's widely popularized the idea of sprinkling lots of foods with the spices found on an everything bagel when it launched its $1 Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Blend, and restaurants have added menu items with similar spice blends, too. If you're all aboard the everything train, look out for this cod on your next Costco shopping trip.
Amazon Has a Secret Overstock Discount Section, and These 16 Cool Products Are Life-Changing
We're going to let you in on some juicy shopping intel: Amazon has a secret section of overstock deals. There are thousands of discounted products that are shockingly cool - when you start looking it's hard to stop. That's why we curated a selection of the very best stuff you can get from this fascinating little corner of Amazon. Shop through our favorites now.
35 Stylish Furniture Pieces You'd Never Guess Cost Under $200, Thanks to Walmart
Shopping for new furniture can be an expensive task, especially when you need more than one thing - it starts to add up. To make sure you stay within your budget and get exactly what you want, we looked to Walmart. The retailer carries thousands of affordable furniture pieces that look stylish and fit your needs. We scoured the site and uncovered 35 hot choices that cost less than $200. Keep reading to shop our favorites - you won't regret it.
Related: 41 Furniture Pieces Flying Off the Shelves, They're That Perfect For Small Apartments
50 Adorable Names For Your Dog in 2019
Welcome home, sweet pooch! If you're adding a four-legged furry friend to your family this year and are looking for the paw-fect name to call them by, some of the best names for dogs in 2019 are adorable no matter the breed of your new best friend. Take a peek through a few of our favorite names - some of which are going to be really trendy for all of the good boys and good girls this year - below!
Out of My Way - Cotton Candy Grapes Are Back at Trader Joe's!
If you haven't done so already, go ahead and assemble your tag team for your next trip to Trader Joe's, because cotton candy grapes are officially back on shelves, and we'd hate for you to miss out on this golden opportunity to snag some. Cotton candy grapes are seedless green grapes that taste exactly like the hand-spun sugar clouds you used to eat at carnivals as a kid. They're a hybrid version of different grape vines and they're normally only sold during the Summer months, between August and September.
For the past few years, they've been a huge hit in grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Costco, Whole Foods, and Wegmans. Luckily for us, the grapes arrived at Trader Joe's early this year, and people are already going crazy for them. "This is the first year I have found them at Trader Joe's and bonus this early in the season. I brought a package home and OMG they are so sweet!" one happy shopper wrote on Instagram.
According to another user who spotted packages on shelves in her local store, they're being sold for $5.50 a pound. If you're looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, you might want to run to Trader Joe's as quickly as you can.
This Is the 1 Instagram Account You Have to Follow If You Love Baking
Bakers, aspiring bakers, and wannabe bakers: we have an Instagram account to introduce you to if you've been living under a rock and don't already follow it. Wilton Cakes, creator of decadently amazing cake creations - and the tools and ingredients you need to make them - shares countless baked goods on Instagram to inspire your next baking adventure or just fuel your need for sugary content.
The nearly 100-year-old company has been a go-to for cake ingredients for decades, and one glance at its Instagram feed will show you why. It features delicately iced cookies, intricately frosted cakes, ooey gooey brownies, and anything else you can whip up in your oven. But don't stop at just looking through its Instagram - you can even take classes from Wilton! But you'll need to book far in advance, as its sought-after classes usually fill up fast with people and groups that come from all over the world.
Keep reading for 31 of our favorite Wilton creations, but be warned: you'll definitely need something sweet after looking.
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