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 29 avril 2020
15 Stunning and Affordable Couches You Can Buy at Wayfair
It's no secret that picking out a new sofa can be a daunting task. After moving into my new apartment last year, I spent endless hours online trying to find my perfect match. I browsed tons of retailers, and one that always blew me away was Wayfair. The retailer's site carries thousands of impressive pieces at seriously affordable prices. So, if you're feeling like your old sofa could use an upgrade, I'm here to help.
Ahead, I curated a list of 15 stylish and comfy couches that caught my eye along my journey and won't break the break. Whether you're looking for one that converts into a bed or something you'll want to lounge on all day long, you'll find exactly what you need here. Keep reading to shop these top picks and get the choice of your dreams today.
These Fresh Scented Spring Candles Make the Perfect Mother's Day Gift
In case you need an excuse to buy a scented candle, here's one: Mother's Day! It's that time of the year to make Mom feel special, and what better gift to give her than a candle that smells as good as spring? Think: fresh flowers, freshly cut grass, fruity aromas, and clean cotton - who couldn't love the smell of that? If Mom's already prepping her garden, making fruity cocktails, and spring cleaning her home like crazy, she's more than ready to bring the outdoors in. Give her a candle that resembles springtime with the 30 options ahead, and don't be afraid to pick one up for yourself while you're at it.
- Additional reporting by Annie Gabillet
A Golden Girls Puzzle Exists, So Um, I Know What I'm Doing This Weekend
It seems like everyone we know is doing a puzzle right now, and we kind of get why. They're a fun way to pass the time that doesn't involve leaving the house, and they're a great activity to do solo or with your roommates. Plus, they're an active option; they require you to use your brain and figure out how these pieces could fit together. There are puzzles for every personality, but when we saw this The Golden Girls: 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle ($15), we know it was the one for us.
Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia would definitely approve of this fun puzzle. When you complete it, you'll see dozens of their faces, and is there anything better than that? This puzzle is fun, adorable, and in stock, so now's the time to shop!
It's No Secret Target Has Great Furniture - These Are the 28 Pieces That Caught My Eye
Furniture shopping can be an exciting, yet daunting task. Sometimes the amount of choices can stress me out more than anything. When I was looking for my new apartment, I spent hours online browsing endless retailers, but it turns out, a ton of a great options were hiding at Target. Every time I visited the store I saw a handful of nice items, but its site has thousands of even more choices. To help you shop its best selection too, I curated a list of my favorite picks right now.
Ahead, you can shop everything from chic sofas to cool accent chairs and even desks for working at home. All these stylish pieces have one thing in common: they're affordable and won't break the bank. Plus, they're delivered right to doorstep, making redecorating easier than ever. Keep reading to shop my top picks and see which ones fit in your space.
17 Stunning Area Rugs That Will Instantly Bring Color Into Your Home
My apartment is covered in brown carpets and walls, so I'm on a mission to brighten up my space. One major home decor item I want to help that is a new area rug. Rather than getting something neutral that will just blend right in, I'm looking to invest in a colorful piece. Large rugs can often cost a fortune, but thanks to the internet it's easy to shop affordable, stylish, and high-quality options.
If you're also looking to spruce up your space with a fresh rug, then you're in luck. I scoured several of my favorite home shopping sites for the best of the best picks out there right now, so all you have to do is find your match. I looked to places like Amazon, Wayfair, and Urban Outfitters, because all its selections blew me away. Ahead, you'll find my 17 favorite colorful picks that will instantly transform any room. Take a look.
30+ Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes That Will Make Dinner Seriously Exciting
Let's face it: boneless, skinless chicken breasts aren't exactly the definition of exciting. Prone to drying out, the lean dinner staple can also be pretty bland if underseasoned and overcooked. And yet they're a staple for good reason: they're convenient, reasonably economical, and can even be delicious (really!) when treated right. Keep reading for plenty of dinner ideas ranging from a Tex-Mex pasta casserole to lemony-bright chicken piccata to a memorable chicken, kale, and avocado salad. You're bound to find a new favorite to add to your rotation - and then can change it up again!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Turn Your Home Into a Spring Oasis With Wayfair's 20 Best Decor Pieces
It's no secret that Wayfair is one of our favorite shopping destinations for its affordable and stylish furniture pieces. But after you finish furnishing your home, then it's time to decorate, and the retailer has plenty of chic options for that, too. Scouring its thousands of choices though can be overwhelming, so we decided to do the hard work for you. We searched the site and hunted down its absolute best picks that you can shop.
Ahead, you can browse everything from colorful throw pillows to fun wall art and beautiful area rugs. The best part: these picks won't break the bank, and they'll be delivered right to your front door. So, what are you waiting for? Give your home the refresh it needs this spring and shop these popular choices.
Article Has My Dream Furniture, and These Are the 21 Pieces I'm in Love With
Furnishing my apartment has been anything but easy. Once I have a specific idea in mind on how I want my room to look, I need to find exactly what I've been dreaming of. Along my shopping journey, I browsed every online furniture site you can imagine to find my ideal pieces, and time and time again I would find myself ending up on Article. The online retailer carries everything from mid-century modern pieces that look double their price, to minimal and sleek designs. Whether you're new to the brand or already a fan, I'm going to help you shop its best pieces.
Ahead, I curated a list of some of its most popular and bestselling pieces, in addition to a few of my favorites from my own wish list. One of my favorite things about shopping the site is reading the customer reviews and looking at their photos. It makes you feel like you know what you're getting before it even arrives. Plus, it offers fast shipping and simple returns, so furniture shopping is literally easier than ever. Keep reading to shop these top picks and see which ones belong in your home.
Stress, Trauma, and Sleep Changes: Here's What Is Causing Your Weird Dreams Right Now
Image Source: Getty / Basak Gurbuz Derman
Search Twitter and you'll come across the #pandemicdreams hashtag - which is exactly what it sounds like. Or, ask around: people are reporting strange, vivid (or both strange and vivid) dreams during this novel coronavirus pandemic, whether they're about the actual virus or not.
A fellow POPSUGAR editor told me that she rarely ever remembers her dreams. Ever since the end of February, though, she's been having (and remembering) the "weirdest" dreams. One, for example, involved her moving into wizard school with her current roommate and a best friend from college. She transported to and from her boyfriend's dorm using a map. Oh, and her boyfriend in this dream was Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Gavin Leatherwood (aka, Nicholas Scratch).
In contrast, someone from my alma mater told me that she's had dreams - nightmares, really - where her lungs filled with fluid and she couldn't breathe. In these instances, she was dreaming about having COVID-19 specifically. They were so realistic that her partner, who was sleeping beside her, said he woke up while she was in the middle of one such dream and thought she was choking.
Deirdre Barrett, PhD, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, started collecting data about people's dreams in past weeks using a public survey. She told VICE that answers included loved ones getting sick or "hordes of flying bugs." (We don't know about you, but we'd much rather dream about Leatherwood than hordes of flying bugs.)
Why Do We Dream in the First Place?
Scientists aren't exactly sure why we dream, but there are a few theories that involve memory processing and the resetting of emotions. One early theory from Francis Crick, co-discoverer of DNA who later researched sleep, stated that dreams were a way to get rid of unneeded information. According to Rafael Pelayo, MD, sleep specialist at Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, while Crick would discourage analyzing your own dreams, psychoanalysts would disagree.
"Dreams are essentially memory consolidation and processing, but it's not straightforward," Joshua Tal, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist who works with patients experiencing sleep disorders like insomnia, told POPSUGAR. "So you might have something that reminds you of a feeling that you had, or you might have three people represented as one person, or it's kind of all over the place."
Dr. Pelayo noted, "There is this idea that in REM sleep we're transferring information from the hippocampus to the other parts of the brain, and the brain is resetting itself for learning the next day." Our thinking in REM sleep is less logical - the part of our brain that deals with logic, Dr. Pelayo told POPSUGAR, is less active (hence, the weirdness of our remembered dreams). Our dreams are more vivid during REM sleep, and Dr. Pelayo referenced early research from a leading sleep doctor, Bill Dement, which stated that if you woke someone out of REM, 80 percent of the time they reported a dream. Plus, the longer they'd been asleep, the more likely they were to remember.
Why Are People Having Weird Dreams Lately?
Explanation 1: Change in Sleep Patterns
Disruption of sleep may play a factor. According to data collected from 1,014 adults across the US by Sleep Standards, 48 percent of Americans stated that feeling anxious during the coronavirus pandemic was the main reason they were having trouble falling asleep, and 58 percent said they've lost at least one hour of sleep nightly compared to before the outbreak. Waking up during the night due to stress or, say, other causes such as alcohol - since people are reportedly drinking more - might result in waking up during a REM period and therefore remembering a dream. As Dr. Pelayo said, "Anything that makes your sleep choppy is also going to make you aware of your dreams more."
Another theory, as stated by the experts POPSUGAR spoke to, is that people are experiencing REM rebound. Katherine Sharkey, MD, PhD, medical director of the Brown Medicine Sleep Center, said that, on average, REM makes up about 25 percent of your nightly sleep (Dr. Pelayo agreed, citing the percentage range to be 20 to 25). The end of the night is made up of more REM sleep - REM sleep dominates the last third - and if you're waking up to go to work in the morning, you're cutting off that stage. This makes you REM deprived, Dr. Pelayo explained. When you start catching up on sleep, which is what some people are doing during this quarantine, there's an influx of REM, or REM rebound.
Quick fun fact: Dr. Tal said that certain substances are actually REM suppressants. Benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and marijuana, for example, can suppress this stage of sleep and therefore lead to REM rebound later on.
What's more, data collected by FitBit and published on April 2 suggests that people across the US are going to bed later but getting more sleep - aka, getting up later. That could be explained from the lack of commuting during this time. Since more REM happens the longer you sleep, people are waking up at a time where the content of a dream is getting transferred into longterm memory and can be remembered, according to Dr. Sharkey. (Note: for the most part, data also showed an improvement in quality of sleep and, according to FitBit, "for those whose quality of sleep has improved, they have been spending more time in deep and REM sleep.")
Explanation 2: Anxiety or Stress Due to Novel Coronavirus
Stress could very well be a factor, the experts we spoke to said. "When we're stressed out, we try to make sense of it, especially when things are so insane and out of the ordinary," Dr. Tal said. This could come about when you're asleep. He explained that people deal with something they're stressed about by exhibiting denial or becoming even more anxious about it as a means of coping. "Doing any of these things essentially means that you're avoiding processing the issue," he said. "You're avoiding talking through its effect. What ends up happening is you then start to see that if it's not processed in the daytime, it'll come out at nighttime."
Stress could also be causing the change in sleep schedule we discussed earlier. "We know that when you're under stress, you are more likely to have arousal from sleep across the board," Dr. Sharkey said. "And we know that having arousals around REM makes it more likely for you to remember what you've dreamed. Is somebody more likely to report that they're having a super intense dream under circumstances where they're feeling more stressed and emotional? Probably."
Dr. Sharkey referenced early morning awakenings, a concept associated with depression and anxiety. It's what it sounds like: people wake up early in the morning and can't go back to sleep. "Early morning awakenings can be common in stressful situations or in times where mood is not good, whether it's anxiety or depression," she explained. This interferes with your sleep and creates an opportunity to remember dreams if you wake up during REM - or, due to a lack of REM, can result in REM rebound the next night.
Image Source: Getty / Nuca Lomadze / EyeEm
Explanation 3: Trauma
In the study, A Systematic Change in Dreams After 9/11/01, 44 people in the US who were already regularly writing down their dreams, provided the last 10 before 9/11 and the first 10 after 9/11. It was found that those after were more intense. This was measured by an increase in central image intensity, which the study defined as "an image that stands out by virtue of being especially powerful, vivid, bizarre, or detailed." Dreams of the actual incidents were not recorded, though there was a slight increase in dreams where people were attacked by someone or something frightening. None of the participants had close family members who died on 9/11 and none lived in Manhattan.
A similar study conducted by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center showed that, after 9/11, college students who recorded their dreams were twice as likely to have negative ones, and the more they watched news about the tragedy, the more of a chance they'd dream about the attacks. (Question for you: How often are you watching TV about the novel coronavirus pandemic?)
Dr. Barrett, that Harvard Medical School psychologist from earlier, told The New York Times that, as it pertains to novel coronavirus, "it's a stretch to say we're all being traumatized in the sense that psychology means." However, she does say that people on the frontlines could very well be experiencing traumatic events that lead to more realistic dreams.
Dr. Tal agreed and further explained to POPSUGAR, "When you have trauma, when you have people dying and you are there witnessing it or even supporting another worker who's witnessing and experiencing it, your mind sometimes cannot make sense of it, so it comes out in dreams and nightmares. . . . We may see that a lot of these people on the frontlines are going to have higher levels of nightmares and traumatic dreams that have to do with coronavirus or have to do with similar themes."
It's important to note that not everyone exhibits a PTSD response from trauma. In fact, only about eight percent of the US population will experience PTSD. Having nightmares doesn't mean that you have full-blown PTSD - nightmares are just one symptom of PTSD, while PTSD is a cluster of symptoms such as re-experience through a dream or flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance. Also classified in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is nightmare disorder, repeated dreams that typically involve avoiding threats to survival. There are treatments for both, Dr. Tal said - image rehearsal therapy for chronic nightmares and cognitive behavioral therapy for full-blown PTSD - but nightmares during this pandemic doesn't mean you have either.
Interpreting Dreams During This Time: Is It a Good Idea?
"Your life is reflected in your sleep and your sleep is reflected in your life."
Even if your dream isn't about coronavirus, chances are it's related to what's going on in the world and the consequences of staying home, Dr. Pelayo said. That might explain why people are dreaming about showing up naked to their Zoom call, too-crowded grocery stores, or stocking up on sold-out items. That could also explain why people are dreaming about death or decay in general (i.e. dead mice appeared in a dream of mine a few weekends ago).
That fellow POPSUGAR editor I spoke to told me that though she's been done with school for three years, many of her recurrent dreams during this time are about it: doing a project, being a student in college again, or sitting in a high school classroom. This could be related to the fact that you're thinking about what it would be like as a student nowadays having virtual lessons and looking at a spiraling economy, Dr. Pelayo said.
That could explain, too, why one PR professional told me that she was having dreams about going out to the bars - most bars are still closed across the country. While in isolation from the rest of the world, she's thinking about getting back to a sense of normalcy. We might also add that Dr. Barrett studied dreams of 79 British officers who were prisoners of war between 1940 and 1942, as documented by Maj. Kenneth Hopkins. A consistent theme? Escape and activities that they missed (like large meals) while in captivity.
Dr. Pelayo said he often uses a phrase: "Your life is reflected in your sleep and your sleep is reflected in your life. It goes in both directions." But some dreams people are having recently really do seem unexplainable. For instance, another colleague of mine said she dreamed she had her splits down, though has never been close. What do splits have to do with coronavirus? Nothing. Then, there's a dream about zombie cream cheese, which I'd pay money to see.
Just woke up from a nightmare where I was alone in a school cafeteria and the cream cheese I smeared on a plate came to life and started crawling towards me while it was signaling to all the other zombies where I was.
- ＫＡＴＲＩＮＡ•ＬＡＷ (@katrinalaw) April 21, 2020
I hate that dream.
F*cking cream cheese. #pandemicdreams
Bottom line? The experts we spoke to have explained evidence-based connections between strange dreams we're having and the stress of the pandemic going on in the world around us, but interpreting your dreams is up to you. Dr. Tal said he doesn't think there's harm in trying to make sense of themL "I think you can learn a lot about yourself, and in some cultures, it can be symbolic or prophetic. So I would never tell people to shy away from it unless it's causing stress." He suggested keeping a dream journal but advised that if you're feeling very stressed during this time, talk about it and find support (like this list of free mental health services). Just know that whether you're dreaming about Gavin Leatherwood, zombie cream cheese, or getting sick, you're not losing it. The pandemic could very well be to blame.
I'm All About Peace of Mind Right Now, and This Is the Diffuser That's Helping Me Stay Calm
I've been spending more time at home, and my goal is to make my apartment as cozy as possible. This means having cookware like dutch ovens (because homemade bread is most definitely cozy), eye masks, quality sheets, candles, comfy loungewear, and a minimal style when it comes to decor.
The latest cozy edition I've made to my apartment is the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser ($119), and I can't get enough of it. A lot of my friends swear by diffusers and essential oils to help them feel more relaxed and they were not wrong at all. There are a lot of diffusers on the market but in my opinion, what sets the Vitruvi diffuser apart from other brands is the aesthetic.
This diffuser is made from a porcelain material with a stone finish, and the terracotta color reminds me of my love for Southwestern design and goes well with my terracotta planters and vases. I'd describe my apartment as minimal, and I love that this diffuser isn't excessively large and that it doesn't look like a traditional diffuser; instead, it reminds me of a simple piece of pottery.
I've never owned a diffuser before, but I do like that I have the ability to set the diffuser to run continuously for three hours, and on the days when I really need to chill (every day), I opt to use the seven-hour intermittent setting. I also like that in the event I forget to turn off the diffuser, it automatically shuts off once the time is up or the water runs out. Pro tip: Doing yoga or meditating while diffusing essential oils will leave you feeling extremely zen. I've been using this diffuser nonstop, and highly recommend it for anyone who needs a little more relaxation in their life.
Get Your Heart Rate Up With This 10-Minute Bodyweight HIIT Workout
It's time to get your heart rate up and strengthen your abs with this two-for-one HIIT ab workout. This workout is going to work your obliques, your rectus abdominals (the six-pack muscles), and your transverse abdomnis (your deep core muscles); you're going to be winded once it's over. Grab a towel and some water, because it's about to get sweaty!
The 10-Minute HIIT Ab Workout
Complete each exercise for 30 seconds, and take 15 seconds of rest in between each move. It doesn't matter how many reps you complete within the 30-second time frame; focus on your form. Take 45 seconds to one minute of rest in between each round. Complete three rounds.
- Mountain climber: 30 seconds
- Side plank with a dip: 30 seconds (15 seconds on each side)
- Seated knee tuck: 30 seconds
- Up-down plank: 30 seconds
- Russian twist: 30 seconds
mardi 28 avril 2020
Cook Once, Eat All Week Long With These 15 Healthy Meal-Prep Chicken Recipes
Meal prepping for the week is easier than ever when you have the right recipes. If you want meals full of protein and good-for-you-vitamins, we're here to help. Chicken is such a solid healthy protein option, and the most reliable protein to include in your weekly meal prep. To be totally honest, cooking the same chicken, broccoli, and rice week after week can get really boring, really fast. We're pretty sure you feel the same, so we're swooping in to save the day. We searched far and wide to branch out from the basics and pulled together the best meal-prep-ready chicken recipes that are as delicious as they are nutritious. You'll find pasta, fajitas, chicken salad, and many more, all with one thing in common: they make at least four servings and can be refrigerated or frozen so they are ready to eat throughout the week. We're ready to dig in. Are you?
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Printable Mother's Day Cards You Can Download For Free
You don't have to spend a bunch of money on a card to show your mom how much you love her. This Mother's Day, use one of these cute printable cards you can get without even leaving the house. The best part is that they're totally free! Now you can buy her an even better gift with the cash you saved. Shop the best printable cards ahead, and send Mom all your love in no time!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
These Are the Sweetest Mother's Day Gifts to Get the Mom Who Loves to Bake
Chances are, if your mom loves to bake, she's already stocked up on the basics like cookie sheets and mixing bowls, but that doesn't mean baking-related Mother's Day gifts are off the table just yet. We found the coolest baking supplies that are new, top-rated, and perfect for any kitchen. From the absolute best baking books to elegant extras (read: beautiful cake stands and heirloom-worthy rolling pins) and upgraded versions of staple items (like the gold standard of Dutch ovens!), these gifts are fit for any queen in the kitchen, whether she's inexperienced or a veteran baker. Shop our favorite gifts ahead, and get ready to give your mom the sweetest present of all.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
27 Space Saving Outdoor Furniture Pieces Made for Your Tiny Patio
We'd all love to have a gorgeous, sprawling backyard, but that's not always our lot in life. In our humble opinion, any outdoor space is a good thing, and if you're so lucky, you've got to take full advantage, especially in the warmer months. Whether you've got a tiny patio or a little balcony, spend as much time as you can outside, thanks to this compact outdoor furniture. Think small chairs, love seats, outdoor rugs, and even a two-person dining set.
The possibilities really are endless with small spaces if you're willing to get creative, and these 27 pieces of furniture prove it. You don't have to sacrifice comfort for style, and yes, you can fit a chair on that little balcony. Get ready to maximize your space with this pretty, functional outdoor furniture. From budget-friendly picks to high-quality investment pieces, we've got you covered. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
These Are the Sweetest Mother's Day Gifts to Get the Mom Who Loves to Bake
Chances are, if your mom loves to bake, she's already stocked up on the basics like cookie sheets and mixing bowls, but that doesn't mean baking-related Mother's Day gifts are off the table just yet. We found the coolest baking supplies that are new, top-rated, and perfect for any kitchen. From the absolute best baking books to elegant extras (read: beautiful cake stands and heirloom-worthy rolling pins) and upgraded versions of staple items (like the gold standard of Dutch ovens!), these gifts are fit for any queen in the kitchen, whether she's inexperienced or a veteran baker. Shop our favorite gifts ahead, and get ready to give your mom the sweetest present of all.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
27 Space Saving Outdoor Furniture Pieces Made for Your Tiny Patio
We'd all love to have a gorgeous, sprawling backyard, but that's not always our lot in life. In our humble opinion, any outdoor space is a good thing, and if you're so lucky, you've got to take full advantage, especially in the warmer months. Whether you've got a tiny patio or a little balcony, spend as much time as you can outside, thanks to this compact outdoor furniture. Think small chairs, love seats, outdoor rugs, and even a two-person dining set.
The possibilities really are endless with small spaces if you're willing to get creative, and these 27 pieces of furniture prove it. You don't have to sacrifice comfort for style, and yes, you can fit a chair on that little balcony. Get ready to maximize your space with this pretty, functional outdoor furniture. From budget-friendly picks to high-quality investment pieces, we've got you covered. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
Cook Once, Eat All Week Long With These 15 Healthy Meal-Prep Chicken Recipes
Meal prepping for the week is easier than ever when you have the right recipes. If you want meals full of protein and good-for-you-vitamins, we're here to help. Chicken is such a solid healthy protein option, and the most reliable protein to include in your weekly meal prep. To be totally honest, cooking the same chicken, broccoli, and rice week after week can get really boring, really fast. We're pretty sure you feel the same, so we're swooping in to save the day. We searched far and wide to branch out from the basics and pulled together the best meal-prep-ready chicken recipes that are as delicious as they are nutritious. You'll find pasta, fajitas, chicken salad, and many more, all with one thing in common: they make at least four servings and can be refrigerated or frozen so they are ready to eat throughout the week. We're ready to dig in. Are you?
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
These Are the Sweetest Mother's Day Gifts to Get the Mom Who Loves to Bake
Chances are, if your mom loves to bake, she's already stocked up on the basics like cookie sheets and mixing bowls, but that doesn't mean baking-related Mother's Day gifts are off the table just yet. We found the coolest baking supplies that are new, top-rated, and perfect for any kitchen. From the absolute best baking books to elegant extras (read: beautiful cake stands and heirloom-worthy rolling pins) and upgraded versions of staple items (like the gold standard of Dutch ovens!), these gifts are fit for any queen in the kitchen, whether she's inexperienced or a veteran baker. Shop our favorite gifts ahead, and get ready to give your mom the sweetest present of all.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
27 Space Saving Outdoor Furniture Pieces Made for Your Tiny Patio
We'd all love to have a gorgeous, sprawling backyard, but that's not always our lot in life. In our humble opinion, any outdoor space is a good thing, and if you're so lucky, you've got to take full advantage, especially in the warmer months. Whether you've got a tiny patio or a little balcony, spend as much time as you can outside, thanks to this compact outdoor furniture. Think small chairs, love seats, outdoor rugs, and even a two-person dining set.
The possibilities really are endless with small spaces if you're willing to get creative, and these 27 pieces of furniture prove it. You don't have to sacrifice comfort for style, and yes, you can fit a chair on that little balcony. Get ready to maximize your space with this pretty, functional outdoor furniture. From budget-friendly picks to high-quality investment pieces, we've got you covered. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
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.
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
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