Quantcast
Channel: What's New
Viewing all 33701 articles
Browse latest View live

The One Thing I Didn't Expect About Motherhood

0
0

When you become a parent, some things can still come as a shock, even if you consulted parenting websites, experts, books and your friends and family in the months leading up to the big day. You know you're likely going to be tired during those first few months. You're going to have to change diapers, and baby spit-up can and will happen. However, there are other events, some intangible, that are completely unexpected for the new parent.

Since everyone has a different experience, we asked several moms, both new and seasoned, to answer the question, "What surprised you the most about becoming a parent?" The answers are varied and eye-opening.

That my marriage would need to be recalibrated

"We all know a newborn really shakes up life in a good way. What I didn’t realize was just how much it’d shake up my relationship with my husband. We had a lot of bumps in the road after my son was born, and things got under our skin a bit more between each other. We had to find our new normal, how to relate to one another, help each other grow as parents and people — all the while maintaining our marriage and raising our son. We were together over 10 years before he was born, so I thought it’d be easy, but I was wrong. Thankfully, we learned our new roles and have grown closer over the last nine months." —Caitlin, 28

How quickly a child's personality emerges

"That my son's personality would be so immediately apparent. I had no idea what a unique and specific individual he would be, from day one." —Jillian, 34

And new parts of my personality would emerge

"Anger. Before I had kids, I never got angry! Now I'm learning to get to know (and manage) this new part of myself." —Emily, 39

That I would cry over every little thing

"How much more emotional I would get about everything. It turns out that having a little person breaks your heart and makes you vulnerable in all of the right ways. But it does result in a lot more crying. We were at Disney World last week and while watching Finding Nemo: The Musical, I started sobbing!" —Shannon, 35

How quickly kids change

"That just when I have thoroughly fallen in love with (and been completely challenged by) this little human, this little human would disappear and change into an entirely new little human... and I'd never see that former little human again. Rinse and repeat this ad infinitum. It sounds like something so elemental, like a huge 'Duh!,' but somehow it always seemed so odd and slightly cruel to me. I would mourn the loss of my daughter's 3-year-old self while falling in love with (and dealing with) her 4-year-old self. It still seems so baffling and odd to me that I will never be sitting on the couch again with my son or daughter as their 3-year-old, 5-year-old, 6-year-old selves. Those lovely little people are now gone. But they are replaced with equally lovely, yet older, people." —Amy, 44

That it's so much fun

"How fun kids are. People talk about being tired or diapers being gross or how your life changes, but few people focused on just how much fun being a parent is." —Nikki, 40

How all-consuming the love would be

"I was not overly enthusiastic about having kids, and I was completely blindsided by the overwhelming, all-consuming love that hit me the instant he was born." —Ramsey, 36

That I would always be "on"

"The absolute totality of it — it sounds silly, but I couldn’t comprehend beforehand how I would never not be 'on,' whether the baby/kid was with me or not — while I was asleep, while brushing my teeth, at work, eating dinner, reading: however many mental tracks I had running at any given time, there was never not one that was entirely mom. Not negative or positive, mind you — just incessant, omnipresent." —Lydia, 44

How one baby would be enough

"How my pre-motherhood maternal nature didn’t translate as easily. I was always the adult playing with the kids, thought I wanted several kids, then I had one. Now I’m good with one child." —Jennifer, 37

That it's better than everyone led me to believe

"Honestly, that it wasn’t as bad as everyone said. People loved to share the horror stories with us for some reason." —Danielle, 34

This post is sponsored by Stayfree.


Get Ready to Drool Over Pizza Hut's Cheesy Bites Pizza, Because It's Back

0
0

As a kid, there was nothing more exciting than getting taken to Pizza Hut for a gooey, cheesy personal pan pizza all our own. But my excitement for the chain has waned over the years (especially once I discovered New York-style pizza). And yet once again, Pizza Hut has found a way to lure us all back to the very place where our love for all things carbs and cheese began. They're bringing back their totally bananas Cheesy Bites pizza.

Cheesy Bites pizza is basically a stuffed-crust pizza that is meant for sharing. Instead of one unbroken crust tube (that sounds nasty but it's made of bread and cheese so stay with me), the crust is made up of li'l nuggets of warm bread stuffed with gooey melted cheese. You can tear them off of your pizza slice, then dunk them in marinara, ranch or hot sauce or just stuff them directly into your mouth.

Even if you're not a huge fan of chain-restaurant pizza, Pizza Hut has proven they can do the cheese-and-bread thing pretty well by now. Their cheesy breadsticks are legitimately awesome; they were pioneers of the original stuffed crust; and now, they've brought back Cheesy Bites pizza. The more I think about it the more it seems likely I'm going to be ordering one of these pies for dinner. The lure of salty, bready deliciousness is just too strong.

They also have a seasonal dessert item on offer — the Hershey s'mores cookie. It's basically a big chocolate chip cookie covered in s'mores ingredients and baked until it reaches gooey perfection. In the words of Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness... Can you believe?!

Both menu items are available for a limited time only this summer, so if you accidentally started drooling on your screen while reading about them (not that we can relate *insert very suspicious looking emoji here*), you'd better act now.

Debra Messing Teases Will & Grace Season 2 Changes With a Behind-the-Scenes Pic

0
0

Will & Grace fans will be pleased to know that season two just added a beloved character —played by a very, very familiar face — to its lineup. One of the show's stars, Debra Messing, took on the duty of making the happy announcement on her Instagram on Monday.

More: Will & Grace Just Got Picked Up for Season 3, & Season 1 Isn't Over Yet

Alongside a photo of Messing and Will & Grace alum Alec Baldwin in a friendly, cheery hug in what looks to be one of the Will & Grace dressing rooms. The caption Messing posted with the photo was a sunny confirmation of what fans have likely been hoping since Baldwin appeared on season one of the reboot earlier this year: He's coming back, baby!

"That’s right. This silver fox IS BACK! My friend @iamalecbaldwin is back and we are all peeing our pants, laughing! First day of filming is tomorrow. Season 2- put your seatbelts on folks, LOTS of changes! @nbcwillandgrace," she wrote.

It's going to be so much fun to see Baldwin back in a regular capacity, reprising his role as Malcolm Widmark for season two. But what we're curious to know is what other changes Messing could be teasing. We of course know there won't be any casting changes where the core cast members — Messing, Eric McCormack, Megan Mullally and Sean Hayes — are concerned. But could this mean even more cameos from familiar faces? Perhaps a change of location for a good portion of the season? Something we could have never even predicted? You guys, we're dying to know!

More: 11 Things Only Will & Grace Fans Understand

Whatever they have in store for us, we won't have to wait too much longer to find out what these mysterious changes will be. As Messing notes in her post, filming on season two begins today, and the season premiere will be on Oct. 4 on NBC. 

This Kale Pesto Pasta Salad Is Perfect for Vegetarians & Vegans

0
0

Kale isn't just for salads. 

This big, dark leafy green is a staple not only in many healthy kitchens but also for vegans. Kale is a superfood loaded with tons of nutrients, like potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. It has also been said that kale is an anti-inflammatory that can assist in detoxing your body. Who wouldn't want such a healthy ingredient in their diet?

Now take that fresh, organic kale and purée it with walnuts and nutritional yeast to make this hearty green vegan pesto. Toss with cooked pasta and fresh veggies for one healthy, delicious pasta salad.

More: Salad Toppings That Will Wake Up Even the Most Boring Salads

Kale pesto pasta salad

This salad is perfect for vegetarians, strict vegans, those who cannot eat dairy or just for someone who wants to try something different.

If you have trouble finding nutritional yeast, then go to your nearest health food store. Most times, you can find it where the vitamins are located.

Kale pesto pasta salad

Vegan kale pesto pasta salad recipe

This nutritious pesto recipe is loaded with nutrient-rich kale, toasted walnuts and olive oil and is tossed into pasta along with fresh vegetables and roasted peppers.

Serves 6 – 8

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Inactive time: 5 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the kale pesto

  • 2 – 3 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/4 cup hemp seeds
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the pasta salad

  • 1 pound pasta of choice
  • 1 cup diced grape tomatoes
  • 1 small red onion, minced
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

More: Breakfast Salads Are a Thing, & Yes, You Should Be Eating Them

Directions:

  1. To a food processor, add all the ingredients for the kale pesto except for the olive oil.
  2. Blend on high until all the ingredients become a thick paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Turn the food processor back on, and slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mixture until smooth.
  4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta as directed on the package, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  5. Drain the pasta, and allow it to cool for 5 minutes, then add it to a large mixing bowl.
  6. Pour the kale pesto on top of the pasta, and toss well.
  7. Transfer the pasta to a serving platter, top with the tomatoes and red onion, and garnish with fresh parsley or other fresh herbs.
  8. Best served chilled.

A version of this article was originally published in April 2015.

How to Use Flowers to Tie-Dye Fabric

0
0

Dyes are found seemingly everywhere in nature: in flowers, plants, fruits and veggies. And if you've always wanted to experiment with natural dyes, today's the day! Not only is it incredibly easy to do but it's also a great feeling throwing on a shirt or showing off a piece of fabric you dyed yourself with elements found right in your backyard. And when we say it's an easy craft, we aren't exaggerating; you can wrangle the kids to help you with this simple process too.

Here's how to eco-dye with flowers — you'll be a pro in no time.

More: 11 Fun Summer Crafts & Activities for Kids

How to use flowers to tie-dye fabric

Natural fibers take color better than synthetic fibers. Silk or wool dye better than cotton. In this tutorial, I used cotton flour-sack towels.

Before you begin, it's better if you wash the fabric first. This will help remove any residual chemicals or dirt from the fabric and help it absorb the dye better. You can also use a fabric fixative. Make a fixative by mixing 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar prior to dyeing.

Any type of flower will stain the fabric during steaming. Try a combination of petals and leaves. Flowers that are already dried will work as well.

Supplies:

  • A piece of natural-fiber fabric (cotton, silk or wool)
  • Fresh or dried flowers (rose petals, hibiscus, golden rod, pansies)
  • Rubber bands
  • Large pot with a steamer rack

Directions:

Step 1

Lay the fabric flat. Sprinkle the flowers and/or leaves all over the fabric. You can leave more or less space if you want. Fold the fabric over the petals. Do a section at a time to make sure that you are getting a layer of petals in each fold.

Step 1

Bind the ends with rubber bands. Add a rubber band in the middle to secure the bundle.

Bundled

More: This DIY Kaleidoscope Craft for Kids Makes Upcycling Fun

Step 2

Set the flower bundles on a steamer rack in a pot of water. Place on a burner and set to a low heat. Let the bundles steam for about an hour. Periodically check to make sure the pot has an ample amount of water.

Steaming

Step 3

After an hour, turn off the heat and allow the bundles to cool. Once cooled, remove the bundles and unroll. Remove the flowers. Don’t get too excited at this point. The colors look vivid right now, but they will dry lighter.

Finished steaming

Step 4

Give the fabric a quick rinse in cool water. Hang to dry. The colors will dry significantly lighter.

Final

Use these eco-dyed fabrics for decorative purposes. Because I used cotton with no fixative, the colors will eventually fade. I use these flour-sack towels to wrap bundles of bread or as a small tablecloth. Try experimenting with other types of plant materials and with silk or wool.

A version of this article was originally published in November 2014.

Why You May Want to Avoid the Juice Bar at Your Gym

0
0

You just finished an intense workout at your gym. Your stomach growls, your energy level is low, and you know how important it is to immediately refuel your body post-sweat session, so what do you do? You head to the juice bar, which is conveniently located within your gym. It’s the healthiest option, right?

Think again. 

Opt for whole fruit

In a paper published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2017researchers examined a number of trendy food fads, including juice, and wrote that “whole food consumption is preferred” over a liquid diet.

Registered dietitian Lauren Manaker agrees. 

“Whole fruit is often a better choice than juice because the whole fruit contains fiber and sometimes some nutrients that the juice doesn't offer,” she tells SheKnows. “Some people theorize that drinking the juice versus eating the fruit allows the nutrients to be better absorbed by the body, but as a registered dietitian, I always recommend eating fruit versus drinking the juice.”

Watch the sugar

But what about all those juice bars popping up everywhere over the last few years? While fruit is chock-full of nutrients and fiber, that doesn’t necessarily mean that juice will give you the nutritious boost you think it will. 

“People associate fruit with ‘healthy,’ so people often assume by default that fruit drinks are healthy also,” Kathryn Alexander, a certified personal trainer and expert in clinical exercise physiology, tells SheKnows. “They can be. But it's worth considering what else is in them. Are there extra added sugars that are unnecessary? Are there extra calories that sneak in as fat, such as in peanut butter? Fat also isn't bad, but people should be aware of how many calories they are taking in if their goal is weight loss or gain.”

More: The Best Water Workouts You Should Try This Summer

And that's another good point. If you’re trying to get healthier, then hitting up the juice bar is potentially setting you back. 

“If a person is seriously cutting calories or sugar, fruit juices might not be worth it,” says Alexander. “Like anything else we consume... it can be easy to have too much if it is delicious. If you are watching your calories, be aware that even healthy calories add to your bottom line. If we consume more than we expend, we will gain weight.” 

Consuming too much sugar, whether it is from a natural source like fruit juice or from candy, isn't healthy if consumed in large quantities over a long period of time, Manaker adds.

This is why Manaker prefers her clients to eat a piece of whole fruit instead. “Eating the whole fruit typically allows for better blood sugar control and provides essential fiber for the body. Juice also can lead to a blood sugar spike, which is always not desirable,” she says. 

Pay attention to labels

Manaker points out that another risk of consuming juice is drinking something that is “raw” or “unpasteurized.” 

“If somebody is at risk (for example, pregnant), they should only be drinking pasteurized juice to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria or other pathogens that may inadvertently be in the juice,” she says. 

Both Manaker and Alexander agree that heading to the juice bar isn’t totally a bad thing, but with most things in life, it’s best to heed the advice "everything in moderation." 

“There is not a hard yes or no because there are shades of gray,” says Alexander. “Real fruit juice has vitamins and minerals, which can be very healthy for the body. It also has naturally occurring sugar, which again, isn't good or bad. It's just up to the individual to decide if they have had too much sugar for the day or can ingest more.”

Order this instead

While Manaker prefers her clients to eat a piece of fruit instead, she does recommend that if you do hit up the juice bar to choose a smoothie made with Greek yogurt and pieces of whole fruit, including skin “and no added sugars to ensure you are getting fiber and other nutrients that you may lose in the juicing process.” 

If somebody is going to opt for juice, Manaker suggests combining it with a snack that contains some fiber, protein and healthy fat. One suggestion would be to pair your juice with a rice cake and a tablespoon of peanut butter to help give you the much-needed nutrients after a workout.  

“Your body will use carbs very well during and post-workout, so these are great times to take in carbs and a little bit of protein,” says Alexander, who recommends whole pieces of fruit, cheese sticks or smoothies as post-workout snacks. “What kinds of food sit well in your stomach and how closely to a workout you like to eat are highly individual preferences, so I recommend trying different foods and paying attention to how you feel after.”

More: Hot Baths Might Benefit Your Body Like Exercise Does

She adds, “In fact, some people might find that their regular meal pattern is sufficient and they simply eat their next meal sometime after their workout.” 

Ultimately, knowing what works for your body is always best. 

“Fruit juices might tip one's caloric intake a little bit too high. Alternatively, they can be added into a healthy exercise program and diet,” says Alexander. “It's worth finding out if this is a good option for you. Remember, you can try it and change if it doesn't work for you.”

Colorful bottles of juice on gym background

There's a Secret Target App, But It's Super-Exclusive & Requires an Invite

0
0

Have you ever wondered how Target manages to put out picture-perfect design collections again and again, ones we all seem to immediately go gaga over? It's like they always know exactly what we want. I've often been curious about it, and now, one layer of the mysterious design process has been peeled back.

More: Our Favorite Items From Target's New Home Decor Line

It turns out Target has an app called Studio Connect that brings product designers and customers together so the designers can get feedback on their products throughout the process of creating them. The really shocking part, though, is that only 0.002 percent of Target shoppers have access to Studio Connect. What about me?!

No one knows for sure how one gets invited to use the app, but it seems like those who fill out the surveys at the end of their Target receipt may occasionally be invited to join. Once you're signed up, you can field questions from designers who are looking for customer feedback on their latest products. You also can earn points that can be used toward scoring Target discounts and gift cards.

More: 8 Things From Target's New Soccer Collection Your Kids Will Love

Even though we're just hearing about it now, it turns out Studio Connect has been in use since 2016. Now that people know about it, though, more and more want to be included in the app. Again, fill out those surveys if you want to potentially get an invite, but remember — just 0.002 percent of Target shoppers ever get on the app, so your chances aren't exactly great.

In the meantime, you can always try to make your influence known through the almighty dollar. The best way for designers to know if their products are a hit is if people are buying them. I guess Chip and Joanna Gaines can personally thank me for the positive reinforcement on their Hearth & Hand With Magnolia line!

How to Be a Friend to Someone Struggling With Infertility — Even When You're a Mom

0
0

If youre over 25, chances are you often glance at your Facebook or Instagram feed and see shot after shot of pregnancy announcements, ultrasound pics and chubby baby legs. That's all well and good for many, but for someone who wants to have a baby and hasnt yet been able to, every post can feel like a tiny dagger. And the last thing any real-life friend wants to do is take those online wounds and make them bigger IRL. 

Its a tricky scenario to navigate. For those of us who are already parents, most of our brain space is occupied by, you know, parent stuff. And when we meet up for a coffee with someone who is trying to have a baby, it can seem like were gloating — taunting them with our parenthood or alienating them deliberately — just by sharing details about our lives and our kids. 

Ive heard over and over from my patients: I want your problems. Id be happy to be exhausted,’” Dr. Danny Shapiro, the medical director at Reproductive Biology Associates in Atlanta, tells SheKnows. So, how can you be a good friend to someone who is struggling to have a baby if you already have one?  

More: The Real Cost of Fertility Treatments & Adoption

First, dont be afraid to actually talk to them. I think of infertility as an invisible loss, Vanessa Bradden, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Lakeview Therapy Group in Chicago, tells SheKnows. We dont ask these kinds of questions, but [someone struggling to have a baby] needs to hear them. Say things like, ‘This must be hard for you. How are you doing?' or ‘How is your marriage doing?’” Let them take the lead from there — if youre getting the sense that its not a topic they particularly want to engage in, dont shut them out or revert to talking about your own children. 

If it was a really good friend, I would address [it] head on. Something like, 'I want to be as sensitive as I can to your journey. What's it like for you when I talk about my own children?’ Sasha Taskier, a marriage and family therapist in Chicago, tells SheKnows. I think most friends would be able to answer that honestly, and you can go from there.” 

If they say talking about your kids brings up a sore spot? Plan for some adults-only fun to change the subject. “An action item is really great. Something like, I booked us a mani-pedi,’ or I found us concert tickets,’” says Bradden. The best thing we can do for anyone in that situation is to be supportive and present. 

More: I Made Friends With My Kid's Friend's Parents — & It Was a Mistake

If you have news to share — like, say, youre pregnant — tell the person directly. We shouldnt hide our lives from people, but we can be sensitive about how we share. You dont want them to find out from someone else,” says Bradden. (Yes, Instagram counts as someone else.) She offers this script: I was really worried about sharing this. I know its something you really want. I hope we can keep talking about it, but Igoing to try to be mindful about how this might be impacting our friendship.” 

Shapiro says if you can give them a safe space to say what theyre really thinking while also keeping a sense of humor about the situation, even better — for example, when he told a friend from medical school his wife was expecting while that friend was struggling to get pregnant, her response was, “How is your bitch wife doing?” He says, “I broke out laughing. That said it all. 

Perhaps most important, dont offer any advice, medical or otherwise. Dont say, ‘Go on vacation and have a drink! or ‘It will happen when you stop wanting it so much! Those are the worst,” says Shapiro. Its equally bad to say, ‘Itgoing to happen eventually’ — for some people, it wont. Those kinds of things make the speaker feel better, but not the recipient.” Dont tell them what worked for you either. Instead, Shapiro advises reassuring your friend that you know that what they are going through must be really hard — especially if theyre already receiving fertility treatments — and suggesting they get some more insights from their doctor.   

More: Secondary Fertility Is Real, & It Happened to Me

Lastly, keep in mind that the invisible grief of struggling to have a child can extend to people who already have one. Bradden says we often forget that parents who want a second child have difficulties making that a realityStruggling to have your first is really painful,” she says. But if youre drunk in love with your child and think, I have to have another, and then you cant, people will say, ‘Well, you were pretty lucky just to have one.’ But you cant discount their desire.” 

Really, being a good friend to someone on a journey to have a baby is the same as being a good friend to anyone: listening, validating and just being there 


We Have Questions About Reese Witherspoon's New Big Little Lies Costume

0
0

Did the theme for the next Otter Bay PTA fundraiser just get spoiled? That's just one of the many questions we have about Reese Witherspoon's very '80s costume she was spotted wearing while hanging out on the set of Big Little Lies season two. We may not be getting a lot of official information about the season two plot, but we have a feeling that Witherspoon's throwback outfit might help us fill in some of the gaps.

More: Meet the Newest Cast Member of Big Little Lies

On Tuesday, a photo leaked of Witherspoon while walking around behind-the-scenes on the set of Big Little Lies. Everything — from her hair to her accessories to those shiny, bright pink leggings — is so not the kind of leisure wear we're used to seeing Witherspoon's character, Madeline, sport on the show. However, we do know that the season one finale took place at an Audrey Hepburn/Elvis-themed fundraiser and every one of the adult characters got dressed to the nines for that event. Could this be something similar, with the season two fundraiser episode having an all-out '80s theme? 

Interestingly, Nicole Kidman was also spotted on the set wearing a similarly stylish, vintage look: a boldly-colored, striped dress (or maybe jumpsuit?). We can tell if she'll be getting as equally outlandish a hairdo as Witherspoon's Legally Blonde-esque curls, but it's hard to deny that Kidman is rocking this outfit. 

More: We Know More About Meryl Streep's Role in Big Little Lies, & It's So Good

We're very curious to see how these outfits figure into season two of Big Little Lies and, more importantly, we're curious to know what the other female cast members are going to wear when this sequence appears onscreen.

What Your Kids Are Really Learning About Bullying

0
0

You expect that your kids will learn about subjects like reading, writing, math and science in schools, but what about bullying? In what class would it be taught? And are students properly educated about it?

Perhaps bullying isn't the most common school subject, but it should definitely be top of mind for parents, teachers and students alike — especially since 57 percent of children who are bullied don't report it according to the National Center for Educational Statistics in 2016. And being bullied doesn't just make a child feel bad; bullied students have also indicated that bullying has a negative effect on their physical health according to NCES. And don't forget: Bullying doesn't just happen on the playground or in the hallways, but online. In fact, 90 percent of teens who have been cyberbullied said they've been bullied offline as well according to a 2015 study in Perspectives on Psychological Science.

More: What Is the "Bystander Effect"? Kids Explain How It Harms

All students should be educated about bullying at a young age. But are they? The Every Student Succeeds Act focuses on equal opportunities for students, which is important, but there is no act in place that fights for anti-bullying enforcement on school campuses.

We asked 13 kids who are currently in or recently graduated from high school in various states what they were actually taught about bullying in school. The answers vary widely. (The children's names are withheld to protect their privacy.)

"Bullying affects others & lowers their confidence"

"I've learned that bullying also comes from the bully's family background. Usually, they do this as a result of having bad parents, family upbringing or family stress." — New York, graduated high school in 2015

More: How to Spot the Subtle Signs of Bullying

"Bullying affects others and lowers their confidence, which would make them feel unhappy about themselves as a person, whether it's physically or mentally. It could also lead to depression, self-harm and much darker places." — California, current junior in high school

"Bullying was defined to us as the repeated abuse of a person(s) by a bigger, more insecure or even more popular person. Verbal, physical and online abuse all fall under the category of 'bullying,' as long as it is repeated. The repetitious aspect is always stressed, as there is a difference between bullying and just simply being mean." — New York, current sophomore in high school

But just because they know what bullying is doesn't mean kids always recognize it when it's happening. We were surprised to learn that some students thought bullying didn't exist at their school — despite statistics that state otherwise (more than 1 out of every 5 students report being bullied according to the National Center for Educational Statistics in 2016). And perhaps even worse, some students think bullying is just a normal part of life.

'I don't see bullying in my school'

"Bullying wasn't really taught, at least at my school. Maybe because it didn't exist due to the diverse cultures and ethnicities or maybe because I never noticed it.” — California, graduated high school in 2015

"I don't see bullying in my school, and maybe it's because Olweus [a bullying prevention program] has helped or maybe I'm just not around those people." — New York, current sophomore in high school

So, where's the disconnect between the numbers and the kids? It seems it's all in the way kids are taught about bullying — if they're taught about it at all. We found that a number of students who learn about bullying either don't find the topic engaging or are learning about it only after an incident occurs.

'I don't think schools are doing enough'

“It wasn't until a girl a few grades below me was arrested for cyberbullying that we were given an assembly about the different ways to bully, what constitutes bullying and consequences for bullying. Now they hold the assembly every year." — New York, graduated high school in 2014

"Some of [the information] was helpful for the beginning since I was only in fifth grade and was completely oblivious to bullying. But I think by eighth grade it was very repetitive. It became more of a recital than what is supposed to be an informing and engaging experience." — California, current senior in high school

More: My Daughter Was Bullied for Being an Atheist

"I don't think schools are doing enough. As an education minor, we learn that teaching kids tolerance isn't enough. To live a happy, healthy existence, people don't want to just be 'tolerated.' They want to be accepted and understood for who they are. I think that in order to improve this, we need to make time to make social justice topics a part of our lessons in school. Issues such as gender, sexual orientation, race and just acceptance in general need to be taught in schools from a fairly young age. This is often restricted because of conflicting ideals about things such as homosexuality. Teachers/schools are often uncomfortable teaching kids these things because they fear being reprimanded by parents that may not agree. But kids don't just have proper social skills — they have to learn them, and if their parents aren't teaching them these skills, then they should be a part of the K – 12 curriculum." — Wisconsin, graduated high school in 2015 

"I think [schools should’ve talked about bullying] more and insisted [on] it more during middle school and maybe the first year of high school. The approach should have been more cautious and serious." — California, graduated high school in 2015 

"Many times, teachers do not want to get involved in student affairs, so they neglect to recognize bullying as it happens. Teachers and administration need to be taught to recognize bullying even in indirect forms and have the ability to stop it as it happens." — North Carolina, current senior in high school

"I don't think bullying programs helped at all. The schools should make programs to help ease kids into the fact that in their life, yes, someone will slander their name to other people, and that is just how life is." — California, graduated high school in 2015 

A version of this article was originally published in April 2016.

34 Easy, Genius Ways to Organize Your Home

0
0

Having an organized home is very different from merely having a clean home. Yes, they're both vital to maintaining a happy, comfortable living space, but it takes a bit of creativity and smarts to implement easy ways to keep all your (and your kids'!) belongings in their rightful place — and not all over the floor. 

Ahead, we've gathered 34 genius ways to maximize every inch of your home, from your kitchen and living room to your bathroom and bedrooms (including your closets). You might even spot a few DIY projects you wished you thought of first.

More: 7 Smart Hacks for Designing a Nursery in a Tiny Space

In the living room…


1. Have a "household information center" — like a stackable file cart — to prevent papers, magazines and books from accumulating on flat surfaces of the living room.

2. Have a multifunctional coffee table, like one with extra drawers or shelves, or an ottoman with hidden storage to store remotes, books, blankets, etc.

3. Get your cords under control. Joto has a cable-management sleeve ($14.97 at Amazon) that'll wrap up all those pesky cords and keep them out of sight. 

4. Toss toys and games in an unused corner of the room so they don't overcrowd bookshelves and the floor. 

5. You may not see wastebaskets in living rooms, but if you notice trash tends to accumulate in that space, grab one that matches the decor and the aesthetic of your living room so it doesn't look totally out of place. 

6. Have too many small picture frames scattered throughout the room? Rethink how you display them so you can declutter. One idea is hanging them up on the wall instead.

7. Use a letter tray to organize your board games.

8. If you have a ridiculous number of DVDs, it might be time to finally buy a DVD tower or a DVD case. Use the freed-up bookshelf space to display other decor or slide in a storage cube to store toys and other nonessential items.

In the kitchen…

9. If you don't have a lazy Susan, get a lazy Susan already. You won't find a better way to organize all those spices.

10. Sports bottles are the worst, right? They come in so many different sizes, and you never really know where to put them — not to mention they fall over all the time. One idea is to use a magazine holder and store the bottles on their sides or simply get a stackable water bottle storage rack ($19.99 at Amazon).

11. Use Mason jars to organize your spatulas, tongs and whisks for easy access.

12. Hang your pots, pans and mugs. This will clear up cabinet space.

13. Invest in a lid rack ($8.87 at Amazon) to keep all those pot and pan lids organized.

14. Have a snack stack! Place a tiered basket on your counter and toss healthy snacks in it for easy access. 

15. Dedicate one of the drawers as a charging drawer to keep phone, laptop and tablet chargers tucked away and out of sight.

Kitchen risers

16. Risers ($14.99 at Amazon) are a lifesaver. They'll give cabinets twice as much space. 

17. Purchase a few reusable bags/totes to cut down on the number of plastic bags accumulating in your kitchen.

18. Add a bonus pantry. Slide a slim storage cart ($41.97 at Amazon) between the fridge and the wall (if you have the space). 

19. Hit up the dollar store and buy containers to keep rice, cereal, flour, sugar, etc. Then label the containers so you know what's what. Not only will it reduce clutter, it'll look cohesive and chic too.

Next: Organizing the bedroom and bathroom

{pageBreak}

In the bedroom…

20. Cube storage is your best friend — especially in kids rooms where the toys can take over, making it nearly impossible to walk through.

21. Hang the closet rod even higher — doing so will actually free up more space below the clothes you've hung up, allowing you to add a dresser or two.

22. Have throw pillows? Toss ‘em in a basket placed in a corner of the room or next to your bed.

23. Use the space under your bed wisely. Add storage bins or add a storage-friendly platform.

DIY scarf hanger

24. Hang scarves, belts and any other accessories on a towel bar affixed to unused wall space in your closet. You'll free up rod space by doing so.

25. Use a hanging shoe organizer to store bulky clothing, like sweaters. Roll them up and slide right in.

26. We all know how much of a pain in the ass it is having many pairs of boots — because where the heck do you put them? Get a boot rack ($69.99 at Amazon), and hang ‘em up instead.

Honeycomb organizer

27. In your sock and underwear drawer, use honeycomb-style organizers ($10 at Amazon) to keep them from becoming a jumbled mess.

More: Home Improvement Mistakes That Could Be Costing You a Lot of Money

In the bathroom…

Small shelf bathroom

28. Get a small shelf, hang it up, and use it to store all your creams and daily-use beauty products. No digging, no searching and easy access.

29. Keep all your hair accessories in a bin under the sink or on a shelf in the bathroom. 

Magnetic strips medicine cabinet

30. Use magnetic strips to hang up items in your medicine cabinet.

31. Use an over-the-toilet shelving unit ($39.99 at Amazon). This is a great way to store or display beauty products, blow-dryers, toilet paper — anything you may not already have enough counter or cabinet space for.

32. On the flip side, use under-the-sink cabinet drawers ($22.99 at Amazon) to keep your beauty products organized.

33. Make the most out of your drawers by adding containers and/or dividers in them.

34. Spice racks aren't just for the kitchen. Hang them up on the wall as bathroom storage.

How Hot Is Too Hot for Your Kids to Play Outside?

0
0

Summer is here, and many of us want to be outside and enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts — especially if we live in a cooler climate. However, it important to remember our children can get very hot in a short amount of time, especially when they run around and play. But how hot is too hot?

To find out, we spoke with some doctors about when it's too hot for our kids to be outside in the summer months, what we can do to protect them before going out in the warm weather and signs to look for if we think kids might be getting overheated.

It varies depending on your child's activity level

Activity level plays a huge factor, Dr. Gina Posner, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, tells SheKnows. If it's 100 degrees and your kids are swimming, playing with water toys and in the shade, going outside is perfectly fine if you are keeping a close eye on them. However, If they are running around in direct sunlight, a lot of kids will overheat — even if the temperature is just in the 80s, says Posner.

More: Why Sunscreen Isn't Enough Protection — Especially for People With Pale Skin

A good rule of thumb is, "If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your kids," Dr. S. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician at John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells SheKnows. 

Pay attention to the heat index

Caitlin Hoff, a fire and safety investigator for ConsumerSafety.org, says you shouldn't just pay attention to the temperature on the thermometer. Make sure to keep an eye on the humidity by looking at the heat index factor too. 

"When the heat index is 100 degrees or more (over 90 degrees with 60 percent humidity), heat exhaustion is much more probable without safety measures taken," Hoff tells SheKnows.

Age does matter

Younger children are more susceptible to heat exhaustion because "they produce less sweat" and "are less likely to feel and understand the dangers of extreme heat," Hoff says.

Never skimp on water, shade or sunscreen

One of the most important things to remember is to keep your kids out of direct sunlight for long periods of time in the summer. They need shade, plenty of water and sunscreen whenever they are outside, Ganjian says. He also recommends dressing your children in light, long-sleeve clothing and always applying a safe sunscreen on children over 6-moths old (and then reapplying it every two hours and after water play). For babies under 6 months, Ganjian says they should avoid sun exposure all together. 

More: Annoying Summer Body Issues & How to Fix Them

Warning signs to look for

Posner and Ganjian both say to pay attention to the warning signs of overheating, which include fever, decreased number of wet diapers, cranky behavior or being overly tired. If you notice these symptoms, they suggest a lukewarm bath, plenty of fluids and a call to your pediatrician.

There is a lot to enjoy outdoors during the summer months, but it’s best to take the necessary precautions to make sure you and your family stay safe.

This Photo of Helena Bonham Carter in The Crown Is Giving Fans Life

0
0

Prepare yourselves — the first photo of Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret in The Crown is finally here, and it is so good, you might not be able to contain yourself.

More: Did Prince Philip Actually Cheat on the Queen? Let's Revisit History

On Monday, Netflix released an image of Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II, and now fans are finally seeing the talented Carter as the woman brought to life by Vanessa Kirby in the first two seasons. The picture is also captioned, "Hope."

Are you ready? Here it is:

More: What Netflix's The Crown Gets Right — & Where They Went Rogue

How fantastic is that? In May, Carter was officially cast as Margaret for seasons three and four after rumors began to swirl she would take on the part. When the news became final, the Ocean's 8 actor commented (via Variety), "I’m not sure which I’m more terrified about — doing justice to the real Princess Margaret or following in the shoes of Vanessa Kirby’s Princess Margaret. The only thing I can guarantee is that I’ll be shorter [than Vanessa]."

As with Colman taking over for Claire Foy, it will certainly be an adjustment to watch Carter portray the character Kirby portrayed so well (she even scored a 2018 Emmy nomination in the best supporting female actor in a drama). But there's no denying Carter is a phenomenal actor herself. 

Actually, many fans are already raving about the first photo of Carter as Margaret. Some of them can't even breathe. Here are just a few of the reactions:

1. OMG

The perfect emoji use.

2. So looking forward to it

It's such a tease, especially with The Crown season three slated for a 2019 premiere.

3. It's a great TV moment

Is it going too far to say this is already an iconic moment?

More: The Crown's Quick Fix to Its Glaring Pay Gap Problem Isn't Enough

4. She looks so flipping cool

For. Real.

5. Everyone, bow down

Carter is basically royalty.

6. It's a life-making moment

Where were you when the first image of Carter as Margaret was shared?

7. "All hail..."

She deserves all the praise.

8. Who else can't breathe?

She really is breathtaking. 

More: 15 Facts Every Superfan of The Crown Should Know

Also, on Wednesday, the first photo of Ben Daniels (The Exorcist, House of Cards) as Antony Armstrong-Jones, aka Lord Snowdon, Margaret's husband, was posted on Twitter. According to Variety, at the time of his casting, Daniels said about taking on the role played by Matthew Goode, "Snowdon was such a dynamic and complex man. I’m really looking forward to playing him."

Maybe the first photo of Tobias Menzies (Outlander) as Prince Philip will drop sometime this week too. Season three can't get here soon enough.

5 Sunscreen Sprays & Oils Made to Protect Your Scalp

0
0

Our scalps are very sensitive by nature, so when harsh UV rays burn us, it can be very painful (not to mention damaging). Once you’ve been burned, you know that you’ll do anything in your power never to be burned again. Luckily, we don’t have to go to great lengths to protect the skin thanks to scalp sunscreen.

More: Your A-to-Z Guide to Sun Protection

Designed to shield your scalp from the sun and also add moisture to your hair, this wonderful product is a must-have for summer. Below are the favorites we think will suit your need for protection all season long, from sprays to leave-in conditioners.

Best Scalp Sunscreens for Summer: Q-Science Q-Sunshade Leave In Conditioner & Scalp Protectant SPF 30

Q-SkinScience Q-Sunshade Leave In Conditioner & Scalp Protectant SPF 30

Especially helpful for color-treated hair, this dual hair treatment utilizes green tea extract and vitamin E to smooth and soften strands as well as deliver ample UV protection to the scalp.

Q-SkinScience Q-Sunshade Leave In Conditioner & Scalp Protectant SPF 30, $22.68 at Amazon

Best Scalp Sunscreens for Summer: Coola Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30

Coola Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30

Gotu kola extract improves blood circulation and panthenol delivers moisture, while monoi oil offers natural UV protection, so you needn’t worry about sunburn or itching.

Coola Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30, $26 at Sephora

Best Scalp Sunscreens for Summer: Banana Boat Sport Performance Quik Dri Spray Sunscreen SPF 30

Banana Boat Sport Quik Dri Scalp Spray SPF 30

Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this spray dries quickly without leaving behind greasy residue.

Banana Boat Sport Quik Dri Scalp Spray SPF 30, $10.92 at Amazon

More: 20 Under-$20 Sunscreens With Safety Approval From the Environmental Working Group

Best Scalp Sunscreens for Summer: Vita Liberata Passionflower & Argan Dry Oil Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Vita Liberata Passionflower & Argan Dry Oil Broad Spectrum SPF 50

A luxury oil that can also be used as a body moisturizer, this SPF is water-resistant, nongreasy, and made with natural ingredients that deliver fatty acids to the scalp and skin.

Vita Liberata Passionflower & Argan Dry Oil Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $45 at Sephora

Best Scalp Sunscreens for Summer: Nioxin System 2 Scalp Treatment – SPF 15

Nioxin Scalp Treatment 2 – SPF 15

In addition to improving the appearance of thinning hair, this nutrient-rich treatment includes sun protection so your scalp can flourish, too.

Nioxin Scalp Treatment 2 – SPF 15, $12 at Amazon


Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Essential Drowning-Prevention Tips for Summertime (& Anytime)

0
0

Isn't one of the best parts of summertime the ability to just toss ourselves — and our kids — into a body of water to cool off? But according to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is the leading cause of death, period. Here's what you need to know to keep swim time a safe time.

We rounded up important safety tips from the leading health and safety organizations, including the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics so you can be assured that you’ve taken the steps necessary to protect your little ones — and can get on with having some fun.

1. Secure the perimeter

If you have a pool on your property, no matter how small it may be or how big your kid is, be sure to secure it so that it's as difficult as possible for your child (or someone else’s) to fall in. Put up a fence around a larger pool and install a locked gate, advises Leigh Gistinger, a certified pediatric nurse with Kids First Pediatrics; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pool fences be at least 4 feet tall. 

Other safety tips: Install an alarm system that will alert you when someone is near the pool; pull ladders up on aboveground pools; and secure pool covers tightly when they're not in use. And during the off-season, empty pools of their water. A kid who thinks it’s funny to try to walk on a frozen pool is an accident waiting to happen.  

MoreNeed-to-Know Tips for Child Sun Safety This Summer                                                                        

2. Teach swim safety

While even seasoned swimmers can drown for a variety of reasons — including rip tides, leg cramps, head injuries and more — teaching your child about water safety from a young age can give them a head-start on skills that last a lifetime, according to a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Babies can learn to swim from incredibly young ages, so take advantage and get them swim lessons early. Teach your kids important tips, like how to float, how to get out of a rip current (generally, swim diagonally through it, parallel to the shore) and even how to perform CPR on someone else should the need arise. 

The AAP posits that swim lessons can reduce your child's chances of drowning by 88 percent. Empowering your child with the proper safety rules and swimming skills can make the difference between life and death. 

More: As a Poor, Work-From-Home Mom, I Hate Summer "Break"

3. Don’t leave kids unattended

This should be obvious in theory, but it so often isn’t in practice. Maybe you just want to go inside to grab that [fill in the blank]. Your kid will be OK for a minute. Then the phone rings, and you get caught up in a conversation, or you’ve got a friend over and you’re hanging out or cooking dinner, or maybe you're just going to the bathroom. It's all well and good until you suddenly can't hear your kid jabbering away like they always do — and that's terrifying. So don’t chance it. Gistinger, the CDC and the AAP recommend you remove any possibility of doubt and do not leave your child unattended. Period. 

4. Have rescue equipment handy

The AAP recommends keeping tools like a long pole with a hook on the end and a life preserver handy near your pool (and check to see if these items are available when you're swimming with your child at someone else's pool or another body of water). The organization does advise pool-owning parents to invest in rescue equipment that's made of fiberglass or other materials that don't conduct electricity, because you never know when a storm will arise. Also, always use life jackets when your child is in a larger body of water; arm floaties or other flotation devices meant for use in pools won't suffice in a lake.

5. Identify lesser-known hazards

Maybe you took great care to put child-safety locks on your doors — but didn't realize your child could escape through the doggie door. Or maybe you have a soft aboveground pool and didn't realize a child could lean back against it from the outside and accidentally fall in. Be mindful of lesser-known ways in which your child might be vulnerable to pool accidents or drowning and take special care to address them. 

Eric Lupton of Life Saver Pool Fence suggests assigning a “pool watcher” so it’s crystal-clear who is designated to pay attention to the kids in the pool at a given time. He also echoes the accredited agencies, including the AAP, in advising that all parents larn child CPR just in case.

More: Beat Swimmer's Ear This Summer

Being a parent is never easy, and although summer opens up opportunities for amazing outdoor activities, with those come increased risks. So be diligent, get prepared, and take some comfort knowing that once you’ve implemented these safety tips, you can kick back and have some fun.


Another Royal Wedding Is Coming, & the Public Is Invited

0
0

Still bummed you didn’t make the cut for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's (aka Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's) guest list? Well, take heart. A royal wedding could still be in the cards for you — Princess Eugenie and fiancé Jack Brooksbank just made a big announcement about their upcoming nuptials and if you’re in the U.K., you might be in luck.

“Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank would like to invite members of the public to join their wedding on 12 October, 2018, to attend inside the Precincts of Windsor Castle,” Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday.

More: Meghan Markle Is Reportedly Not Happy About Her Dad Doing So Many Interviews

Per the palace, “1,200 members of the public will be able to view the arrival of the congregation and members of the royal family, listen to a live broadcast of the marriage service and watch the start of the procession as the couple depart at the end of the wedding ceremony.”

So, you’re not getting inside during the service, but you’ll definitely be as close as any nonroyal guest could hope to get.

If you tuned into Harry and Meghan's wedding (and devoured every detail about it leading up to the big day), you can expect many of the same traditions to be honored at Eugenie and Brooksbank’s wedding — starting with the venue of historic St. George’s Chapel within Windsor Castle.

More: Meghan Markle's Dad Claims She's "Terrified" in Another Unauthorized Interview

Eugenie and Brooksbank will also be taking part in a carriage procession immediately following the service. However, theirs will be considerably shorter than Harry and Meghan’s.

For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to land an invite to attend, the big day will follow in Harry and Meghan’s wedding's footsteps of being live streamed.

With less than 100 days until the day, we’re officially starting to feel that familiar royal wedding fever, and we’re certainly not the only ones. In a candid interview with The Sun, Brooksbank’s grandmother reportedly gushed, "I’m thrilled about it.”

More: Princess Charlotte Just Stole the Show as Usual

Of course, she also said she never thought her grandson would wind up married to a royal. “He’s a charming boy and all that but not the most intelligent and I would never have thought this would happen… But Jack has always had lovely manners and has always been a good egg.”

According to the U.K.’s Express, the queen approves of the pairing too. She’s allegedly thrilled and believes Brooksbank to be a “thoroughly nice young man.”

Eugenie, who’s been with Brooksbank for seven years, clearly agrees with their grandmothers’ complimentary assessments of her soon-to-be husband. Let the royal wedding countdown commence!

Eating Dinner at This Time May Help Reduce the Risk of Some Cancers

0
0

When it comes to cancer prevention, it's not just what you eat, but when you eat that matters. Specifically, eating an early dinner and/or having at least a two-hour buffer between your meal and when you go to bed may help reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers, according to a new study.

The research, published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology found that people who eat dinner before 9 p.m. or wait at least two hours before going to bed have an approximately 20 percent lower risk of breast and prostate cancers compared to those who eat after 10 p.m. and go to bed soon after. 

More: This Food Flavor May Promote Healthier Eating — but There's a Catch

Given that breast and prostate cancers are more common among people who work the night shift, the researchers wanted to look into whether mealtime may also have an impact on cancer risk. 

“Our study concludes that adherence to diurnal eating patterns is associated with a lower risk of cancer,” ISGlobal researcher Manolis Kogevinas, lead author of the study, said in a statement, adding that the findings “highlight the importance of assessing circadian rhythms in studies on diet and cancer.”

Current cancer-prevention recommendations include plenty of guidance over what to eat, but if the findings from this study are confirmed, it may shift these guidelines to include meal timing, Kogevinas noted in a statement.

“The impact could be especially important in cultures such as those of southern Europe, where people have supper late,” he added.

More: We Know Fiber-Rich Foods Are Good for Us — Here's Why & What to Eat

But why does when we eat matter so much? According to ISGlobal researcher Dora Romaguera, a coauthor of the study, “Further research in humans is needed in order to understand the reasons behind these findings, but everything seems to indicate that the timing of sleep affects our capacity to metabolise food.”

But for now, opt for that early dinner when you have the chance.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Might Be Visiting the US Soon

0
0

Since getting hitched on May 19, Prince Harry and Meghan (née Markle) have jumped headfirst into their royal duties as the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Sussex. And while most of their obligations have been in the U.K., rumor has it the beloved couple could soon be coming to U.S. soil.

More: Meghan Markle Hints There May Be Another Royal Baby Very Soon

The buzz began earlier this week when Prince Harry underscored his support for the charity Walking With The Wounded, which is organizing a coast-to-coast walking tour of America from June 2 to Sept. 6. Kensington Palace was quick to point out that Prince Harry would be patronizing the event and not actually be walking in it.

However, the fact that the cross-country march kicks off in Meghan’s hometown of Los Angeles presents a perfect opportunity for the pair to visit — especially since, per Vanity Fair sources, the royal couple’s first overseas tour is already in the works.

The speculation at this point is that Harry and Meghan will begin their time in North America with an extended stay in Canada, which is a Commonwealth country.

“Canada is on the cards. There’s a lot of talk at a high-up level and among the powers that be that it will be the first country the couple visit,” a source told Vanity Fair.

More: Meghan Markle Is Reportedly Not Happy About Her Dad Doing So Many Interviews

And Canada would certainly be a sort of homecoming for the Duchess of Sussex. Having spent much time there while filming Suits, the former actor reportedly developed a close friendship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau.

Of course, Canada is just a hop, skip and a private jet ride away from LA, which is allegedly at the top of Meghan’s list of must-stops. "Meghan wants to take Harry home once they are married on a formal tour. It’s her home and she would love to go there with Harry after the wedding,” said the source.

Currently, the couple is back in England after concluding their first official trip overseas together to Ireland. On Tuesday, they attended the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition at Queen Elizabeth Hall in the Southbank Centre. There, the couple met with prominent figures linked to the late South African icon, including his granddaughter, Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela.

More: Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Have New (Famous) Neighbors

“They were absolutely thrilled to be here and they said so, they used that term,” Lord Peter Hain, chair of the exhibition, told E! News. “They were so engaged, I think both know a lot about the history of Nelson Mandela, but when you come to something like this you understand what he went through.”

The visit drew comparisons to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, who traveled to South Africa 22 years ago to meet with Mandela.

Starbucks & McDonald's Are Teaming Up to Help Save the Environment

0
0

Who knew Starbucks and McDonald's would ever team up? It seems lately the world's two largest food and beverage retailers have been going head-to-head, particularly releasing new competing coffee drinks, but now they're joining forces for an amazing cause — one that'll help benefit our environment.

More: How to Score Some Free '90s Swag & Free McDonald's Fries All Year Long

McDonald's and Starbucks have joined together to develop a recyclable, compostable cup solution. This follows Starbucks' announcement to go strawless by 2020 and the goal McDonald's has of sourcing 100 percent of its guest packaging from renewable, recycled or certified sources by 2025.

To give you a little background, Starbucks launched an initiative called the NextGen Cup Consortium and Challenge with investment platform Closed Loop Partners earlier this year, and NextGen's goal is to identify and commercialize the next generation of recyclable, compostable cups. 

"We are proud to come together with industry partners like McDonald's to drive innovative, scalable solutions for cup waste," said Colleen Chapman, vice president of global social impact focused on sustainability for Starbucks, in a press release. "A better cup will benefit the entire industry and we invite others to join us as we move these efforts forward."

With McDonald's now on board as a founding member, the fast-food chain has announced it's committing $5 million in partnership with Closed Loop Partners to help launch the challenge, which now has a total of $10 million in funds. 

"McDonald's is committed to using our scale for good to make positive changes that impact our planet and the communities we serve," said Marion Gross, McDonald's senior vice president and chief supply chain officer, in the release. "We are excited to join Starbucks and Closed Loop to help solve this pressing challenge as collaboration is key to finding a scalable, lasting global solution."

The challenge, which kicks off in September, invites entrepreneurs, industry experts, recyclers and innovators to submit their ideas for the next generation of recyclable and/or compostable cups — with a focus on fiber-based hot and cold cups, which is considered the most "significant challenge faced by the industry," according to the release. Up to seven chosen awardees will receive funding of up to $1 million and will enter a six-month accelerator program. 

More: This New Starbucks Drink Harnesses Everything We Love About Avocados

According to the executive director of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, Kate Daly, they have received more than 1,000 inquiries from companies and individuals interested in participating in the challenge. "We are working with consortium members to build a robust shared set of technical, performance and environmental criteria that we will announce later this summer," she says.

According to Fast Company, McDonald's and Starbucks combined distribute 4 percent of the world's 600 billion cups annually. Through this challenge and this partnership, they aim to help divert said billions of cups globally from landfills.

"There has never been a greater need to tackle the ways in which we source and recover materials," said Erin Simon, director of sustainability research and development and material science at World Wildlife Fund. "McDonald's participation is a strong step forward in building momentum from major brands to come together and develop innovative approaches to materials waste. 

Working together across the entire value chain of these major companies will allow us to create a comprehensive and lasting solution to this critical conservation challenge."

David Spade Gave an Interview About Kate Spade’s Death & It’s Pretty Sad

0
0

David Spade is keeping his late sister-in-law, fashion designer Kate Spade’s, memory alive by talking about his memories of her. In a touching new interview with Good Morning America on Wednesday, the comedian shared sweet anecdotes about “Katie” and discussed how his family is faring without her. 

According to David, Kate had an undeniable effect on people — his dates, in particular. 

“It’s funny ‘cause every girl I was with or anyone that knew they would see Katie would dress differently. They would bring their A-game. It was very sweet,” he told GMA with a gentle laugh.

More: David Spade Reacts to Sister-in-Law Kate Spade's Death

He cotinued the anecdote: "They would be like, ‘Is Katie coming?’ Is Katie gonna be there?’ And if [she was], it was a whole new wardrobe. Katie was very sweet. She knew that they were doing that, and then she would… say some compliment. And when I’d say, ‘You don’t dress up for me,’ they’d go, ‘Yeah, that’s her and you’re you.’”

Understandably, though, David is still emotional when it comes to the loss of his late sister-in-law. “She was such a beautiful, lovely, great spirit that will obviously be missed,” he managed to eke out, warning that he would “start bawling” if they kept discussing her. 

However, David did offer an update on his family — and he says they’re doing as well as can be expected given the circumstances. “[Our family is doing] as good as we can. It’s been very tough, obviously. She really made an impact,” David told GMA’s Robin Roberts. 

More: Designer Kate Spade Leaves Behind a Loving Family & Fashion Legacy

To say the family has endured a rough year so far would be an understatement. On June 5, Kate died by suicide. She was 55 at the time of her death. Then, the night before her funeral, Kate’s father, Earl “Frank” Brosnahan Jr., passed away as well. According to the family, “he had been in failing health of late and was heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter.” Kate was laid to rest in Kansas, Missouri, on June 21 with her father following shortly thereafter. 

Viewing all 33701 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images