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.
mardi 28 avril 2020
American Idol: Francisco Martin Rolled the Dice With a "Teenage Dream" Performance, but It Paid Off
American Idol has officially kicked off the at-home episodes of the season, and singer Francisco Martin took the screen with a big gamble. The 20-year-old guitar strummer sang Katy Perry's dreamy 2010 hit "Teenage Dream," which the judge accurately described as "a dice roll." It's already risky to pick a well-known song, but to do so when the singer herself is judging your performance? Audacious. Luckily, it paid off for Martin, as Perry was happy to compliment his performance while streaming from her living room and dressed like a giant bottle of hand sanitizer.
Yes, you read that right, Perry was all dressed up as hand sanitizer, serving as American Idol's personal PSA for cleanliness during the coronavirus pandemic. The singer showed off her costume on her Instagram account, with a video of herself reminding everyone to "stay safe, wash your hands, and tune into an all-new, like never before episode of American Idol." Gotta love that innovation!
Respectfully, she didn't draw too much attention to her costume during the show, offering the contestants her usual brand of heartfelt critique. And though Perry admitted that she didn't love Martin's rendition of "Teenage Dream," she still "thought it really works" and that he "did it real justice." Not too harsh for a bottle of alcohol-based liquid, right?
Luis Coronel Had to Shoot His New Music Video Backwards, and the Result Is Mind-Blowing
Leave it to Luis Coronel to get us in our feelings reminiscing about a love that couldn't be. His new single, "Una Historia Más," is about that, the relationship that became just another story. This romantic ballad is the fourth official single from his next album of the same name, and repeats Luis's characteristic Mexican regional sound in an innovative and youthful way.
"This song is very romantic, but also has that sour taste of 'Ah, the relationship didn't work out,'" Luis told POPSUGAR. "I know a lot of people are going to identify with it and say, 'Oof, I remember being with this person, and now it became una historia más.'"
Luis added that producing this song was a challenge. He felt that he and his team were demanding more of themselves and as a result, they didn't seem satisfied with the outcome. Eventually, they traveled to Querétaro and recorded the song with producer Luis Díaz. "He really helped me release all the sentimiento this song deserves," Luis said.
The music video was recorded on the shores of Riviera Nayarit, in the town of Sayulita, and it was an experimental production because they had to shoot the story on reverse, which meant Luis had to learn the lyrics of the song backwards. "I really loved challenging myself and the team," Luis said, adding that it was worth it because the outcome came out better than they expected.
To make the story of the video even more exciting, the woman who played Luis' love interest in the video is actually his real girlfriend Cristina Bernal. "To be honest with you I loved the idea of having my girlfriend be a part of the music video," Luis revealed. "At the end of the day, it was an experience we both wanted to live. The whole getting married and then strolling on the beach, to later take that ride in the motorcycle."
It was almost fate that helped Cristina land the role in the video, as Luis said they were running out of time before the shoot, and needed to find a model. He realized he didn't want to partner with anyone else other than Cristina, and it worked out beautifully and you can tell there's definitely a lot of chemistry between this couple.
While the love story in the video did not last, we sure hope Luis' and Cristina's does, and now they have a fun memory to add to it with this music video.
Enjoy Views of the Prettiest Skylines Across the Country, No Matter Where You Are
Every year when the weather starts to heat up, it's inevitable for people to start dreaming about their next vacation. In a time when traveling is pretty much off the table, finding an alternative way to exercise your wanderlust is the next best thing to. Whether that means virtually traveling somewhere fun with a Zoom background or making a bucket list for a trip down the line, taking your mind to another place can (almost) compare to being there.
If you're wishing you could be in your favorite town but you're far from it, these cityscape pictures are sure to help you cope. Complete with California's stretching coastline to New York's iconic views, transport yourself to the city of your dreams, no matter how far you might be. Read on to see our favorite places in the US, and enjoy a little vacation wherever you are.
Please Allow Storm Reid to Hype You Up For Your Next Workout: "You'll Feel So Good After"
Home workouts are a great way to get your body moving and feeling good without even stepping foot outside your front door. That said, I still find it difficult to convince myself to slip on a pair of leggings and get moving most days, but Storm Reid's helpful words of wisdom are exactly the push I need to get myself moving. "Set goals, push yourself, and most importantly take YOUR time HUNNY. #Bamazing," Reid captioned an Instagram video of herself on Monday.
"Do something to move, because you'll feel so good after."
Despite the lack of space some of us might have to move around in nowadays, Reid points out that getting into the right headspace is one of the hardest parts of a workout but it can be incredibly liberating. "I mean, I didn't want to work out," Storm says in the video. "But I pushed myself. I did two workouts, and I feel so good. So I say all that to say push yourself . . . Do something to move, because you'll feel so good after."
Listen to Storm's full inspirational speech here, and check out some low-impact workouts you can try from the comfort of your own home.
The 37 Best Gifts You Can Buy For 7-Year-Olds
Buying gifts for any kid in your life, including that 7-year-old, can be tough. In order to make your shopping experience easy, we hunted down everything from the best educational toys to outdoor structors and fun crafts. Your little one is growing up, and in case you didn't notice, they're a big kid now. From building sets that let them get creative to games that bring the whole family to the table, we've rounded up the best gifts for the 7-year-old on your list - gifts that will keep them coming back for more every day.
Find the best gifts for the babies, toddlers, and kids in your life with our gift guides, including for infants, 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds,4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 8-year olds, 9-year olds, tweens, and teens.
- Additional reporting by Rebecca Gruber
I Have a Panic Disorder. Here's How I'm Coping With the Coronavirus Pandemic.
For weeks, many of us have been sheltering in our homes in an effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. The frustration and boredom of being inside for so long can be miserable for just about anyone - but it's hard to convey the experience of being confined at home, while also having a panic disorder. My symptoms have seemed to only grow more intense with each news update. I can feel my shoulders get heavier and a knot of anxiety tighten inside me, overwhelmed not only by the fear of becoming sick, but also the uncertainty about the future.
Even under normal circumstances, I had a panic attack at least once every month. Panic attacks are not the same as a rush of anxiety; mine are marked by sudden dizziness, chest pain, and the feeling that my heart is pounding. They crop up without warning. My first panic attack happened when I was 20 years old and attending a concert. I wasn't anxious, as one might expect. In fact, I was having a good time, until midway through the concert when I felt my shoulders grow heavy and I became dizzy. Suddenly, I had this fear that I was dying, and I had to leave the venue. The attack lasted about 15 minutes, but for the next couple days, I was almost in a haze. The panic attacks I've experienced since then come on just as abruptly - I have maybe a few seconds of warning, and all I can do is sit down with my head between my knees and wait it out.
Through the years, I've learned that having a routine helps a lot. Just knowing what to expect from my day and being able to avoid any crowds and stress-inducing situations gives me a sense of control. Unfortunately, staying at home during this crisis has taken away any semblance of structure. Instead, I find myself scrolling through my phone, mindlessly refreshing social media apps. With every cough or change in body temperature, I begin to panic, checking the symptoms of COVID-19 for what feels like the millionth time. On top of that, my mind is constantly thinking of what I should be doing or worrying about what's going to happen after all of this over. The situation we're in is unprecedented, and because of this, I feel my grip on the future slipping away.
I remind myself constantly that this is all temporary. In time, the world will return to normal.
I know many people, with or without a panic disorder, are feeling a little unhinged during this time. For me, creating a schedule for my housebound days has helped. Every night, I write down what I'm going to do the following day. I've been doing light workouts like yoga and Pilates, which help keep my mind off the news and the possibility of another panic attack. I've finally picked up the books I've been trying to finish for months, and I've even started taking some online courses - like 18th century opera and Mandarin Chinese - to busy myself with studying. I find positive distractions essential to keeping my mind clear.
While it helps to develop these types of coping skills, I've found that it's just as crucial to stay connected to friends and loved ones. It may not be possible to do so in person right now, but daily phone or video calls can help bring your energy back when you're feeling low.
Finally, I remind myself constantly that this is all temporary. In time, the world will return to normal, and we'll go back to school or work and regain the structure we're currently lacking. When that happens, the anxiety and panic attacks I struggle with won't suddenly disappear - and so, I'm more grateful than ever for those who stay by my side during hard times. Not just during this global crisis, but every day I'm fighting a battle that's mine alone.
Once Upon a Time in 2000, Michael Jordan Played Peekaboo With 2-Year-Old Katie Ledecky
Grabbing my popcorn for tonight's episodes of #TheLastDance. I can tell you one thing about Michael Jordan: he's a tough peek-a-boo player but he didn't stand a chance against my popcorn. pic.twitter.com/fvAWlzNhuQ
- Katie Ledecky (@katieledecky) April 26, 2020
Once, long ago, in the year 2000, two GOATs crossed paths in the luxury suite of a Washington Wizards game. We're talking about basketball icon Michael Jordan and history-making swimmer Katie Ledecky, two indisputable best-ever athletes who, yes, just so happened to sit near each other at a basketball game two decades ago. (Ledecky was reportedly brought to the game by her uncle, then a part-owner of DC's NHL team along with Ted Leonsis, who owns the Wizards. Got all that?) In honor of the release of Jordan's docuseries The Last Dance, Ledecky unearthed some 20-year-old video footage that caught the interaction, and it's pure gold.
Jordan wanted to play peekaboo and Ledecky, enjoying some popcorn at the time, was not having it. Displaying the determination that would later help her win six Olympic medals, she continued to chow down even with the world's greatest basketball player getting in the way. "I can tell you one thing about Michael Jordan: he's a tough peek-a-boo player but he didn't stand a chance against my popcorn," Ledecky wrote on Twitter. Let that be a lesson to us all to never stand between an elite athlete and her meal, even if said elite athlete was 2 years old at the time, and even if the one standing in the way is, you know, a six-time champion himself.
Enjoy Views of the Prettiest Skylines Across the Country, No Matter Where You Are
Every year when the weather starts to heat up, it's inevitable for people to start dreaming about their next vacation. In a time when traveling is pretty much off the table, finding an alternative way to exercise your wanderlust is the next best thing to. Whether that means virtually traveling somewhere fun with a Zoom background or making a bucket list for a trip down the line, taking your mind to another place can (almost) compare to being there.
If you're wishing you could be in your favorite town but you're far from it, these cityscape pictures are sure to help you cope. Complete with California's stretching coastline to New York's iconic views, transport yourself to the city of your dreams, no matter how far you might be. Read on to see our favorite places in the US, and enjoy a little vacation wherever you are.
Enjoy Views of the Prettiest Skylines Across the Country, No Matter Where You Are
Every year when the weather starts to heat up, it's inevitable for people to start dreaming about their next vacation. In a time when traveling is pretty much off the table, finding an alternative way to exercise your wanderlust is the next best thing to. Whether that means virtually traveling somewhere fun with a Zoom background or making a bucket list for a trip down the line, taking your mind to another place can (almost) compare to being there.
If you're wishing you could be in your favorite town but you're far from it, these cityscape pictures are sure to help you cope. Complete with California's stretching coastline to New York's iconic views, transport yourself to the city of your dreams, no matter how far you might be. Read on to see our favorite places in the US, and enjoy a little vacation wherever you are.
Your Home Will Feel Double the Size Thanks to These 28 Stylish Storage Solutions
The more time you spend at home, the more you might realize your space could use a little refresh. The easiest way to give it a quick makeover is to remove the clutter and store away unused items. If you're lacking storage space though, it could be difficult, but we've got an easy solution for you. All you have to do is invest in handy storage solutions that'll make the most of every room. To help you find the right matches, we did the hard work for you.
Ahead, you can shop 28 smart products that range from kitchen organizers to furniture with hidden storage compartments. All these useful things have one thing in common though: they'll finally help you clean up the mess and make sure things stay that way. Keep reading to shop them all and find the right matches for your home.
Please Allow Storm Reid to Hype You Up For Your Next Workout: "You'll Feel So Good After"
Home workouts are a great way to get your body moving and feeling good without even stepping foot outside your front door. That said, I still find it difficult to convince myself to slip on a pair of leggings and get moving most days, but Storm Reid's helpful words of wisdom are exactly the push I need to get myself moving. "Set goals, push yourself, and most importantly take YOUR time HUNNY. #Bamazing," Reid captioned an Instagram video of herself on Monday.
"Do something to move, because you'll feel so good after."
Despite the lack of space some of us might have to move around in nowadays, Reid points out that getting into the right headspace is one of the hardest parts of a workout but it can be incredibly liberating. "I mean, I didn't want to work out," Storm says in the video. "But I pushed myself. I did two workouts, and I feel so good. So I say all that to say push yourself . . . Do something to move, because you'll feel so good after."
Listen to Storm's full inspirational speech here, and check out some low-impact workouts you can try from the comfort of your own home.
I Have a Panic Disorder. Here's How I'm Coping With the Coronavirus Pandemic.
For weeks, many of us have been sheltering in our homes in an effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. The frustration and boredom of being inside for so long can be miserable for just about anyone - but it's hard to convey the experience of being confined at home, while also having a panic disorder. My symptoms have seemed to only grow more intense with each news update. I can feel my shoulders get heavier and a knot of anxiety tighten inside me, overwhelmed not only by the fear of becoming sick, but also the uncertainty about the future.
Even under normal circumstances, I had a panic attack at least once every month. Panic attacks are not the same as a rush of anxiety; mine are marked by sudden dizziness, chest pain, and the feeling that my heart is pounding. They crop up without warning. My first panic attack happened when I was 20 years old and attending a concert. I wasn't anxious, as one might expect. In fact, I was having a good time, until midway through the concert when I felt my shoulders grow heavy and I became dizzy. Suddenly, I had this fear that I was dying, and I had to leave the venue. The attack lasted about 15 minutes, but for the next couple days, I was almost in a haze. The panic attacks I've experienced since then come on just as abruptly - I have maybe a few seconds of warning, and all I can do is sit down with my head between my knees and wait it out.
Through the years, I've learned that having a routine helps a lot. Just knowing what to expect from my day and being able to avoid any crowds and stress-inducing situations gives me a sense of control. Unfortunately, staying at home during this crisis has taken away any semblance of structure. Instead, I find myself scrolling through my phone, mindlessly refreshing social media apps. With every cough or change in body temperature, I begin to panic, checking the symptoms of COVID-19 for what feels like the millionth time. On top of that, my mind is constantly thinking of what I should be doing or worrying about what's going to happen after all of this over. The situation we're in is unprecedented, and because of this, I feel my grip on the future slipping away.
I remind myself constantly that this is all temporary. In time, the world will return to normal.
I know many people, with or without a panic disorder, are feeling a little unhinged during this time. For me, creating a schedule for my housebound days has helped. Every night, I write down what I'm going to do the following day. I've been doing light workouts like yoga and Pilates, which help keep my mind off the news and the possibility of another panic attack. I've finally picked up the books I've been trying to finish for months, and I've even started taking some online courses - like 18th century opera and Mandarin Chinese - to busy myself with studying. I find positive distractions essential to keeping my mind clear.
While it helps to develop these types of coping skills, I've found that it's just as crucial to stay connected to friends and loved ones. It may not be possible to do so in person right now, but daily phone or video calls can help bring your energy back when you're feeling low.
Finally, I remind myself constantly that this is all temporary. In time, the world will return to normal, and we'll go back to school or work and regain the structure we're currently lacking. When that happens, the anxiety and panic attacks I struggle with won't suddenly disappear - and so, I'm more grateful than ever for those who stay by my side during hard times. Not just during this global crisis, but every day I'm fighting a battle that's mine alone.
lundi 27 avril 2020
John Krasinski Hosted a Virtual Potluck With Martha Stewart, Stanley Tucci, and More
Another week, another epic installment of John Krasinksi's Some Good News. For the fifth episode of his uplifting YouTube series, the actor hosted a virtual potluck, but had to enlist help from Martha Stewart, Guy Fieri, David Chang, and Stanley Tucci because he's "one of the least capable chefs on the planet." (His words, not mine!)
After sharing a handful of heartwarming food-related stories from around the globe, John invited a few guests on to talk about their favorite family recipes - and surprised them by dialing in one of the aforementioned celebrity chefs to make those recipes in their homes! Come for Stanley whipping up a grandmother's orange-flavored "Quarantini" in a button-down; stay for Martha joking about how much vodka she drank while making pierogis.
John Krasinski Hosted a Virtual Potluck With Martha Stewart, Stanley Tucci, and More
Another week, another epic installment of John Krasinksi's Some Good News. For the fifth episode of his uplifting YouTube series, the actor hosted a virtual potluck, but had to enlist help from Martha Stewart, Guy Fieri, David Chang, and Stanley Tucci because he's "one of the least capable chefs on the planet." (His words, not mine!)
After sharing a handful of heartwarming food-related stories from around the globe, John invited a few guests on to talk about their favorite family recipes - and surprised them by dialing in one of the aforementioned celebrity chefs to make those recipes in their homes! Come for Stanley whipping up a grandmother's orange-flavored "Quarantini" in a button-down; stay for Martha joking about how much vodka she drank while making pierogis.
John Krasinski Hosted a Virtual Potluck With Martha Stewart, Stanley Tucci, and More
Another week, another epic installment of John Krasinksi's Some Good News. For the fifth episode of his uplifting YouTube series, the actor hosted a virtual potluck, but had to enlist help from Martha Stewart, Guy Fieri, David Chang, and Stanley Tucci because he's "one of the least capable chefs on the planet." (His words, not mine!)
After sharing a handful of heartwarming food-related stories from around the globe, John invited a few guests on to talk about their favorite family recipes - and surprised them by dialing in one of the aforementioned celebrity chefs to make those recipes in their homes! Come for Stanley whipping up a grandmother's orange-flavored "Quarantini" in a button-down; stay for Martha joking about how much vodka she drank while making pierogis.
11 Comfortable (and Stylish!) Article Sofas You'll Want to Sink Into All Day Long
I'm currently redecorating my living room, and my dream is to have an Article couch. The brand is know for its stylish, customizable furniture that instantly elevates a space. Article works directly with its manufacturers so prices can be lower than those of traditional retailers. Now that's something I can get behind.
If you're looking for a comfortable couch to invest in, I've rounded up some Instagram inspiration shots, as well as a selection of the best sofas to shop. Let's check them out!
Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, and More Canadian Artists Come Together to Sing "Lean on Me"
A slew of Canada's most talented musical artists came together for a joint performance of "Lean on Me" during Sunday evening's Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble broadcast benefit - and yes, it was just as tearjerking as you're likely imagining. The live-streamed special, which saluted workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic and raised money for Food Banks Canada, concluded with native Canadians like Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, and Sarah McLachlan singing the Bill Withers classic from their homes. Bieber kicked things off by crooning the opening verse, and Michael Bublé, Fefe Dobson, Tyler Shaw, and dozens more followed suit by lending their unique voices to the cover. Watch the moving performance above, but make sure you have a few tissues handy first.
11 Comfortable (and Stylish!) Article Sofas You'll Want to Sink Into All Day Long
I'm currently redecorating my living room, and my dream is to have an Article couch. The brand is know for its stylish, customizable furniture that instantly elevates a space. Article works directly with its manufacturers so prices can be lower than those of traditional retailers. Now that's something I can get behind.
If you're looking for a comfortable couch to invest in, I've rounded up some Instagram inspiration shots, as well as a selection of the best sofas to shop. Let's check them out!
Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, and More Canadian Artists Come Together to Sing "Lean on Me"
A slew of Canada's most talented musical artists came together for a joint performance of "Lean on Me" during Sunday evening's Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble broadcast benefit - and yes, it was just as tearjerking as you're likely imagining. The live-streamed special, which saluted workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic and raised money for Food Banks Canada, concluded with native Canadians like Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, and Sarah McLachlan singing the Bill Withers classic from their homes. Bieber kicked things off by crooning the opening verse, and Michael Bublé, Fefe Dobson, Tyler Shaw, and dozens more followed suit by lending their unique voices to the cover. Watch the moving performance above, but make sure you have a few tissues handy first.
These Are the 18 Best Dumbbell Leg Exercises - Expect to Be Sore Tomorrow!
While lifting heavy-ass barbells is great for strengthening your legs, don't underestimate the power of a pair of dumbbells. Include these muscle-burning dumbbell moves to leg day if you want to feel the burn and see progress in your leg muscles.
This isn't a workout; we would never advise doing all these exercises in a row unless you want to spend the entire next day in bed, unable to walk. Instead, pick a handful of exercises and incorporate them into your workout. You're bound to be sore the next day!
11 Comfortable (and Stylish!) Article Sofas You'll Want to Sink Into All Day Long
I'm currently redecorating my living room, and my dream is to have an Article couch. The brand is know for its stylish, customizable furniture that instantly elevates a space. Article works directly with its manufacturers so prices can be lower than those of traditional retailers. Now that's something I can get behind.
If you're looking for a comfortable couch to invest in, I've rounded up some Instagram inspiration shots, as well as a selection of the best sofas to shop. Let's check them out!
This Breathing Trick Can Help You Fall Asleep Instantly - Try It Tonight
Image Source: Getty / LaylaBird
Is your anxiety interfering with your ability to fall asleep night after night? Relying on over-the-counter meds to reach the land of nod? Just not getting the sleep your body and brain need? If this sounds all too familiar, we have a breathing trick to help you fall asleep quickly - no prescriptions required.
The exercise is called the 4-7-8 technique, and Andrew Weil, MD, founder and director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, calls it a "natural tranquilizer for the nervous system." Study after study has linked meditation to lowered stress levels, and this easy-to-follow exercise will help you reap some of the de-stressing benefits that come along with consistent meditation practice.
Beyond bedtime, Dr. Weil recommends performing this exercise whenever dealing with a stressful situation. The next time you can't curb sugar cravings, get into a fight with your partner, or can't hit the hay because you're overwhelmed, try it out for yourself. You'll start feeling more relaxed immediately.
The 4-7-8 Method
- Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
- This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat three more times for a total of four cycles.
For more explanation, plus a tutorial, check out this video:
This Video of Emma Stone Lip-Syncing For Charity Is a Pocketful of Sunshine For the Soul
Emma Stone is singing and dancing again for a very good cause. The actress joined dancer Ryan Heffington to take over the Child Mind Institute's Instagram page for "#SweatFest" on Saturday, and they put their serious moves on display to raise money. Emma is a board member for the Child Mind institute and all proceeds from her video will go towards creating online resources for kids who need extra support during COVID-19.
With "You're the One That I Want" from Grease playing in the background, Emma and Ryan grabbed their makeshift microphones and put on a purely fun virtual show. These are the "Pocketful of Sunshine" vibes I've been waiting for! Her "Lip Sync Battle" on The Tonight Show is one of my favorite feel-good YouTube videos to play when I need a little pick-me-up, and six years later, she obviously still has the touch. Watch the video above (starting at the 39:30 mark) to see all the action and feel free to get up and dance along.
My Cat Hated Pretty Much Everything . . . Until She Was Forced to Hang Out With Us 24/7
Despite the anxiety, worry, sadness, despair, and [insert most other negative feelings here] that flowed through me in the first few weeks of staying home, another small thought crept up through my brain fog: how were my two cats going to handle us all being crammed into our tiny apartment 24/7?
My and my fiancé's 3-year-old cats, Grey and Swayze, are sisters, but they couldn't be more different. Where Swayze is needy, snuggly, affectionate, and warm, Grey is typically standoffish, moody, has major resting b*tch face, and lets out a crotchety meow when she wants something (read: food). She doesn't spend time with us when we're hanging out on the couch like her sister does, she doesn't snuggle up to us during the day as we work from home, and she certainly doesn't lay on our chests to purr, sleep, and get pets, which is Swayze's number one M.O.
So once we hunkered down to stay home for the foreseeable future, I was worried that Grey would become hostile. She doesn't love being picked up or getting pet, even just for a few seconds, and because I knew Swayze would thrive in an environment in which we never left her alone, I thought that'd set off Grey even more. As a pet owner who definitely seeks my cats' attention because their cuteness overwhelms me, I normally take Grey's disposition more personally than I should (I can't help it, I just want to be loved!), so the thought of her hating us constantly being in her space, making noise, and never giving her time to just exist alone crushed me.
I was, thank goodness, completely wrong about everything.
In the last six weeks Grey has turned into a different cat - OK, she still has insane RBF and doesn't really love to be touched without offering herself up for pets first, but her demeanour has noticeably changed. Now, when my fiancé drinks his morning coffee on the couch, Grey will curl up next to him for her morning nap, rather than taking it in the bedroom away from the rest of us. When I approach her with teeth gritted in cute aggression, she lets me pet her for more than two seconds and might even roll over a bit so I can rub her belly. At night, when we watch TV, Grey will wedge herself between the two of us, and I've never been more OK with someone being a blanket hog. Generally, she's a friendlier and more content cat than she has ever been before.
I feel bad that I assumed Grey would handle this poorly - I've always joked that she hates people and merely tolerates her cat sister, and this felt like taking judgment to another level - but really, I was more worried than anything that the delicate ecosystem of our home would be disrupted beyond repair during this time. I imagined the girls fighting over territory or Grey scratching one of us because we were sitting in her usual 2 p.m. nap spot on the couch.
With everything going on in the world right now, we're celebrating little victories in our home more and more. I put a bra on once this week? Win! My fiancé put pants on for the first time in three weeks? Major win! Our adorable cat who is usually so grouchy we can't help but take it personally has decided after three years to finally love on us? Possibly the sweetest win of all.
This 2-Ingredient Strawberry Whipped Milk Is Like a Pastel-Pink Cloud You Can Eat
Someone hand me my phone, because my Insta feed is about to be flooded with photos of this pastel-pink whipped strawberry milk. Made with just two ingredients, the milk is the perfect treat for those who've already dipped their resuable straws in whipped coffee, whipped matcha, and whipped chocolate.
To re-create the whipped strawberry milk for yourself, whisk together four tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and two tablespoons of strawberry powder or syrup. If you're looking for an arm workout, you can whisk the mixture by hand, but an electric mixer works just as effectively. Once the mixture is fluffy and thick, fill a glass with ice and your milk of choice before topping with a few generous spoonfuls of the cream. Add a fresh strawberry on top for the 'gram and you're done!
See more examples of this cotton-candy-pink dessert drink for yourself ahead, and try the recipe out next time you're in the mood for something sweet.
Articles
