Adorable Animal Friendships That Will Fill Your Heart with Happiness

We rounded up the most adorably fuzzy cute animal pics on the web that prove that trust is alive and well, even with animals.

Sometimes the cutest animals teach the youngest humans about trust

"Boxers love children," says dog owner Emily Marnell Stewart. "Our brindle boxer, Mason, is no exception. He is the most affectionate and gentle pup to my one-year-old daughter. He licks up her spilled milk, acts as a step-stool when she wants to get up on the couch, and gives endless cuddles and kisses." Check out the fun facts you never knew about dogs you didn't know.

What happens when a puppy and a duck walk into a bar?

It turns out these snuggle muffins share a meal like old pals, proving that nothing binds creatures quite like good grub. We wonder if this duck even minds the scent of wet dogs closer to his or her native habitat.

Read More

Eww! How to Stop Your Child from Picking Their Nose

Childhood nose picking is every parent's worst nightmare. Thankfully, there are ways to discourage your youngster from engaging in this gross behavior.

From thumb-sucking to finger nail biting, children are likely to engage in new behaviors and habits as they grow older. Counted among those possible habits is one that could be significantly more embarrassing for parents to manage: nose picking.

“Children start putting their fingers in their noses as infants,” says Sarah Springer, MD, of Kids Plus Pediatrics in Pittsburgh. “As soon as they have motor control of their fingers, they’ll find holes where their fingers can fit. It’s not a worry—just a normal part of how they explore and learn.”

In order to help your child to stop engaging in the behavior it’s important to understand why they may start the habit in the first place, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Nose picking can be a result of boredom, sleepiness, falling asleep, relaxation or coping. In most instances, nose picking is likely just a phase and the child will eventually outgrow it.

There isn’t much parents can do to stop the behavior of nose picking, as it’s a normal part of being a kid, Dr. Springer says. Parents are advised to ignore the behavior and not show frustration, as this won’t help encourage your child to stop picking their nose. Instead, Dr. Springer says to help your child learn to blow their nose once they are four or five years old and talk to your child about keeping their hands clean to avoid spreading germs.

Take note of the season or climate, too, as dry air or cold can increase the occurrence of nose picking. Parents should use a humidifier in these conditions to help nasal secretions stay moist. Petroleum jelly a few times a day inside the nose can help with irritation and minimize picking.

Once your child enters school it’s inevitable for them to see and pick up bad habits, Dr. Springer said. Nose picking is a common habit, even among adults and as children age most will realize it’s not an acceptable behavior. (Here’s why it’s pretty bad for adults to pick their nose too.)

“Nose picking is a normal part of childhood,” Dr. Springer says. “Most kids will become aware of the social stigma associated with it, and will eventually stop picking, at least in public.”

Read More

9 Precautions to Keep Your Dog Safe on Halloween

Use Battery Operated Candels

Candles help create a spooky Halloween ambiance, but they can also be a safety hazard, says Ashley Jacobs, CEO of pet care company Sitting for a Cause. “Avoid the risk of your dog accidentally knocking over a jack-o-lantern with a real candle inside it and consequently causing a fire or getting burned by instead opting for battery operated candles,” she suggests.

Keeps Dogs Inside

There’s too much going on during Halloween to safely keep your pup outside, Jacobs says: “Halloween can be dangerous for pets left outdoors due to the ‘trick’ part of ‘trick-or-treat.’ Keep your pets safely inside away from pranksters who may take advantage of your pup when he or she is unattended outside.” Here’s what trick-or-treaters are really thinking when they come to your house.

Don’t give out chocolate

It’s a childhood favorite, but chocolate and dogs is a dangerous combination. In fact, the ASPCA says that the methylxanthines in chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or death in dogs. To combat this danger, Nick Braun, founder and CEO of Pet Insurance Quotes, not only removes the chocolates from his son’s trick-or-treating bag right away, he doesn’t even hand out chocolate at his home. These are other toxic foods for dogs you should avoid.

Keep your dog away from the door

Even if your dog loves visitors, it can be hard to predict what he or she will do as your constantly open the door for trick-or-treaters. Georgette Wilson, DVM, veterinarian for Hartz, says that an open door can be an invitation for a scared or curious dog to dash outside. “Pet owners should ensure that their dog has a safe place in the house away from the front door,” she says.

Be careful with costumes

Although adorable, pet costumes can pose a hazard to dogs. “If you decide to dress your pet up in a fun Halloween costume, make sure it is comfortable, flame resistant, allows for normal movement, and does not block the pet's vision,” Wilson says.

Don’t take your dog trick-or-treating

Trick-or-treating might seem like a fun family activity to you, but your dog might view it differently. The Humane Society of Missouri says dogs might become difficult to deal with as you’re walking around, leading to a lost dog or even a dog who’s bitten someone.

Reconsider your seasonal plants

Plants can make the holiday more festive, but make sure you know which are toxic to dogs. Place any potentially hazardous plants on higher surfaces where your dog can’t reach, recommends Jim Hanophy, CEO of Operation Kindness, a no-kill animal shelter in Texas.

Read More

Clear Signs You Can Trust Your Roommate

Trust is critical for stress-free living. Here’s how to know if that virtual stranger is worthy of sharing your space.

She’s dependable

Acting responsibly, by paying bills on time for example, is a prerequisite for trust. “Dependable people are predictable,” says Ernesto Escoto, PhD, director and clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida Counseling and Wellness Center in Gainesville, Florida. That removes a layer of stress from your daily life. It’s certainly okay to miss a commitment from time to time, as long as it’s handled responsibly, like if she’s caught up in a meeting and texts to let you know that she’ll have to miss movie night tonight. Less dependable people will leave you hanging at times, causing unnecessary anxiety.

He can keep secrets

It’s pretty key for a roommate to be discrete with any personal issues or feelings you’ve shared. “Trustworthy individuals realize that you’re trusting them to not only be good listeners but also to support you during whatever circumstances you might be facing, to be validating and encouraging,” Dr. Escoto says. “Their keeping your secrets is part of taking care of you, protecting you, and valuing the trust between you.”

She keeps a channel open

Frequent and open communication facilitates understanding and creates a level of comfort—even if your roommate is complaining about your loud music or your leaving dishes in the sink. “People who bring up misunderstandings or relationship concerns in a timely manner without falling into a pattern of complaining regularly, and who do so respectfully, help direct the growth of a relationship in a positive direction,” Escoto says. A study by researchers from the University of West Virginia and the University of Akron shows that when both roommates had good interpersonal communication skills and little verbal aggressiveness, they were more likely to be satisfied with their shared living situation. These magic phrases can make anyone trust you.

He respects your boundaries

Roommates need to be conscious of your limits and your need for privacy. That means not barging into your space or using your stuff without permission, not looking over your shoulder when you’re writing emails or talking on the phone, and not automatically joining you and your company if you haven’t made it clear that they’re welcome. Use this checklist to see how body language can build trust.

She’s honest

Trust builds naturally when a person is open and truthful. “When someone consistently tells the truth, admits their mistakes, and speaks from the heart, we tend to trust them more,” said Monique Honaman, Atlanta-based author of the book, The High Road Has Less Traffic. “By following through on promises and displaying consistent behavior, they earn our trust.”

He’s eager to demonstrate his trustworthiness

A recent New York magazine article explored the benefits of being assigned a random roommate, and how this can be a great opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment. “This is a tremendous opportunity for impressionable young people,” Bruce Sacerdote, a Dartmouth economist and researcher, is quoted as saying. “And the research has shown, convincingly, that having the right sort of roommate can expand horizons and open eyes in extremely important ways.” Students should embrace the clean slate they are given to build trust. Having a positive attitude is a great place to start.

She’s flexible with scheduling

Whether you work full-time or part-time or go to school, whether you’re single or coupled up, whether you’re a night owl or a morning jay, scheduling conflicts can easily come up and get in the way of a civilized relationship. That’s why it’s critical for a roommate to be considerate with early waking times, late arrivals home, and other occasional requirements, like needing quiet to concentrate or having to accommodate overnight guests in the shared living room. “Building trust is imperative in any relationship, and the building blocks of trust are consistent,” says Honaman. “If you want to build trust with a roommate, display these behaviors, and look for the same in return from them.”

Read More

Incredible Benefits of Dry Brushing Your Skin

What exactly is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is an ancient practice that has recently gained widespread attention and grown in popularity — you’ll find it on luxury spa menus. Requiring only a handheld brush made of natural, firm bristles, dry brushing is the practice of clearing off dead skin cells by sweeping over one’s skin with gentle, circular motions. Technique is equally important as the brush you chose: you should always use long strokes in the direction of your heart, meaning from hands to shoulders, knees to groin, belly to chest, and so on. Read on to learn the eight transformative benefits of dry brushing.

Exfoliate

This is one of the most obvious and appreciated effects of dry brushing. When swept across the surface of your body, the brush’s tough bristles will remove any dry, dead skin cells. Exfoliation results can be seen immediately, with noticeably smoother skin after just one use. Check out these other benefits of exfoliation.

Unclog pores

By removing dead skin cells, grease, and dirt, dry brushing unclogs pores and allows them to breathe. This is especially beneficial for those with acne on their chest, backs, or buttocks. You shouldn’t dry brush your face, however, as the stiff bristles can be irritating to the more gentle skin. Find out 10 more secrets to fight back acne.

Reduce cellulite

Dry skin brushing works to soften the connections that hold fat deposits together below the skin. This may reduce the appearance of bumpy cellulite along the skin. Check out these other cellulite-reducing tips.

Boost circulation

The heat generated by dry brushing improves blood flow throughout your skin, which may encourage the elimination of metabolic waste.

Stimulate the lymphatic system

Your lymphatic system is responsible for removing cellular waste in a process called lymphatic drainage. When the lymphatic system has stalled or is not functioning correctly, lymphatic congestion occurs and can lead to disease and inflammation. By leading the brush to lymph drainage points, you may help your body naturally release toxins and extra water.

Speed digestion

Dry brushing is far from a skin-deep practice. Some experts believe that the benefits go much further than just providing glowing skin, as massaging the lymph nodes may help the body remove excess toxins and water, therefore improving digestion.

Relieve stress

Dry brushing involves slowly and gently drawing circles along the skin, and many consider this aspect meditative. By creating friction, dry brushing also warms the body. Happening simultaneously, the repeated motion and heat eases muscle tension, calms, relaxes, and ultimately relieves stress.

Increase energy

Skin is comprised of densely packed nerve endings and stimulating these nerves through dry brushing will leave you with a rush of invigorating energy. Many dry brushers find themselves addicted to dry brushing’s euphoric sensation. Dry brush in the morning to get a rush of energy for your day.

Read More

Beauty Products You Should Be Keeping in the Fridge

Do your beauty products keep going bad? Use your fridge to help them last longer, and get more bang for your beauty buck.

Eye cream

One of the most obvious candidates for cold storage is eye cream. When your eye cream is chilled, it can help deflate under-eye bags more quickly by reducing puffiness and boosting circulation. So it lasts longer and it’s also more effective.

Lipstick

Store your lippies in a cool spot to give new meaning to long-wearing. Heat is dangerous to lipstick because it can cause its natural oils to go bad. Keeping lipsticks refrigerated—or at least away from heat—can prevent the lipsticks’ chemicals from decomposing.

Facial mists and sprays

Applying a cold facial mist or spray is a win-win for your skin. Refrigeration can make the products last longer, and putting a cold spray on your skin feels more refreshing than when it’s room temperature. A cold mist or spray can also help soothe dry or inflamed skin more effectively than a warm product. Try these dry skin remedies made from ingredients you probably already own.

Sunscreen

As you move through the fall and winter months, make sure to stash any leftover sunscreen you have from the summer in your fridge, as leaving them out can lessen the effects of SPF over time. If you have extra lotions or cans lying around, pop them in the fridge now for next summer. Check out these sunscreen mistakes you may be making.

Mascara

Liquid makeup has a short shelf life, and mascara is no exception. If mascara is kept in warm temperatures for too long, bacteria can start to reproduce and it can develop a bad odor. Experts recommending tossing your mascara every three months anyway, whether you’ve kept it cool or not.

Perfume

Perfumes are sensitive to heat, which can cause chemical changes that alter their scent. Since too much light and heat isn’t good for your perfume, storing it in a dark fridge can help preserve the fragrance.

Toner

Like facial spray, toner can be more effective when it’s applied cold. The chilled liquid helps reduce puffiness and stimulate your face while reducing redness, and the refrigerator can help your toner last longer too.

Aloe

One of the most common uses for aloe is healing sunburns, and keeping aloe cold helps it do this job even better. Applying cold aloe to sunburns helps reduce itching and burning and speeding healing. Don’t miss these other fast fixes for sunburn.

Read More

6 Things You Should Do ASAP If Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen

Don't panic just yet—you can avoid identity theft by taking the right steps.

FIRST: Call the police

If you suspect your wallet was stolen, call the cops. Even though the police might not be able to track down your wallet, putting in a report will cover you in other ways. If a thief does try committing identity fraud, you’ll have to prove that you aren’t responsible for the costs. “Someone is going to lose here, and it’s either the credit card company, bank, or you,” says Robert Siciliano, CSP, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com. “If you say you’re a victim, you need to prove it.” That police report could be the proof you need to show you’re telling the truth about false charges. Don't miss these tips for keeping your purse safe in public.

Close your debit and credit cards

Any lost credit or debit accounts should be closed as soon as possible. Start with debit, which can be even more devastating than having a credit card stolen. “The money is coming right out of your bank account, whereas credit is a credit card company’s money,” Siciliano says. But act fast—you’ll be liable for up to only $50 of fraudulent charges if you report it within two business days, but any longer and you could lose $500 or more. Credit cards, on the other hand, have a 60-day gap for you to report. Siciliano recommends swapping out a debit card for an ATM card, which lets you take out or deposit cash and checks but can’t be swiped to pay at a store or restaurant. These are 26 secrets identity thieves won't tell you.

Put up a fraud alert

One option is to put up a fraud alert on your file by calling just one of the three credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union). If someone tries to open credit using your name and information, the business will take more steps to confirm their identty. “The problem here is that if they have a hold of your license, they could take your information and put their picture on a faked license,” says Adam Levin, chairman and founder of identity protection service IDT911 and author of Swiped: How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers, and Identity Thieves.

Freeze your credit

An even better alternative to a fraud alert is freezing your credit. Whether your wallet was stolen or you just want extra security, a credit freeze will keep you—or thieves—from opening any new accounts. “All a credit card company does is refund your account if there’s fraud,” Siciliano says. “They’re just forgiving the debt, not guarding your credit.” You’ll have to call all three credit reporting companies to freeze your credit, but you can call just one if you want to thaw it. There’s a fee of about $10 every time you freeze and unfreeze (though it’s free if you’re an identity theft victim), but it provides extra protection that’s hard to crack.

Set up a monitoring program

A program that keeps an eye on your credit is especially important if you lost your Social Security card (though you should leave that or any of these items out of your wallet in the first place). “Once they have your social security number, they have that option on your life,” Levin says. “It’s not ‘if’ but ‘when.’” With a monitoring program, you’ll get an email, text, or phone notification whenever you or anyone else tries to apply for credit to confirm that it’s you.

Keep an eye on your accounts

Thieves can’t buy with a card once you’ve closed the account, but that doesn’t mean you should be lax about double-checking your spending—a routine you should make habit even if you don’t think you’ve been a victim of fraud. “Closely monitor before and after you lose your wallet,” Siciliano says. Depending on what your bank or credit card offers, you could get an email, text message, or app notification alerting you of account activity. If not—or in addition, just to be safe—go through your statements regularly to make sure everything is accurate, he says. Some thieves sell cards based on zip code, meaning the credit card company will think charges seem normal and won’t issue a warning, though you’ll recognize the extra costs, Levin says.

Read More

5 Things Highly Organized People Do on Their Smartphone

Take advantage of these neat tips and let your phone keep your life together.

They master their to-do list

To-do lists are key to living an organized life, and having access to them wherever you go with a smartphone only makes them even more effective. Organizing expert Donna Smallin Kuper recommends using an app like Any.Do to create a master list of everything you know you need to accomplish. Then, pick a few tasks each day that you want to get done, and add them into the open slots on your calendar. “There’s a saying that what gets scheduled gets done, and I really think it’s true,” Kuper says. Once you take care of your to-do list, make sure to have a stress-free weekend.

They grocery shop as they go

Paper grocery lists can be a pain to write out, and even harder to keep track of. Instead, Kuper uses the Android app “Out of Milk” to record what groceries she’s running low on and what she needs to buy regularly. The app also sorts your items into categories—produce, dairy etc.—to make grocery shopping a breeze.

They pay without plastic

Dozens of credit cards and loyalty cards weighing your wallet down? Kuper recommends lightening your load by taking advantage of the various pay apps available for smartphones, such as Apple Pay and Android Pay. These apps let you load your credit or debit card information right onto your phone, and all you need to do at the store is tap your device on a sensor to pay. You can also link your loyalty and rewards cards with the app, allowing for quick and easy savings.

They make multitasking look easy

Juggling a bunch of projects at once can get messy, but professional organizer Alejandra Costello of Alejandra.tv suggests using a project management app like Basecamp to stay organized with separate to-do lists, due dates, and schedules for each of your endeavors. Basecamp syncs your information between your computer, phone, and tablet, allowing you to start a new project or finish up an old task any time, anywhere. Here's how to make the most of leftover free time.

They download key documents anytime, anywhere

Professional organizer Andrew Mellen recommends apps like Google Drive and Dropbox to store your documents and photos in the cloud. Not only does doing so let you retrieve your files anywhere, but it also backs them up in case of a tragic (but all too common) computer crash.

Read More

This Woman Picking Up Garbage on a Country Road Will Inspire You to Protect Your Corner of the Earth

I thought she had stopped on the side of the road because of mechanical problems. The real reason was so much more inspiring.

Recently when the air turned warm and summery, I went for a drive through the local countryside. I had no destination in mind, but the sun was shining and the animals were out foraging in the forest. It was a glorious day to be alive.

Suddenly, I came upon a car on the side of the road. I watched as an older woman got out of her car and walked down to the ditch.

I wondered if she might be lost or confused? Maybe she had some mechanical problems or a medical situation. I became concerned and decided to top my car to see if I could be of any assistance. First I identified myself, and then I asked if she was all right.

She informed me that she had just stopped to pick up trash that some thoughtless traveler had tossed out the window. She invited me to look inside her car and see how much trash she had already collected.

I told her that I write articles for the local paper and asked her if I could use her name. “Oh heavens no,” she said without hesitation. “I’m not doing this for recognition. We live in some beautiful country, and I try to do my little part to help keep it that way.”

So the next time you go out for a drive, be thankful that there are people out there who choose to be good stewards of the earth. And consider taking some time to keep your little stretch of the roadside clean. You’ll get some exercise, fresh air and a good feeling knowing that you have contributed to help keep our country beautiful.

Read More

This Is the Exact Genius Way to Pack Makeup For Travel to Prevent Messy Disasters

Don't start your trip with a broken eye-shadow palette. This is how to keep everything secure.

Make DIY travel-sized bottles

Head to your local 99-cent store to pick up a few reusable plastic bottles (make sure they're under three ounces in order to comply with TSA guidelines). For products you'll need even less of, such as foundation or primer, pack a few drops into an old contact lenses case.

Pack powders tightly

Avoid a broken palette fiasco by packing powders with care. To do so, place a cotton ball between the makeup and the mirror of the compact (you can also use a makeup sponge or tissue). The added cushion should provide enough shock absorption to keep things secure. If the powder does break, don't freak. Drop a bit of rubbing alcohol into the compact and press the pieces back in place. The makeup should dry as good as new. Try these tricks to make your beauty supplies last longer.

Squeeze the air out of bottles

It's not your imagination: lotions and serums really are more likely to break open during flights. (The same increase in air pressure that causes your ears to pop also causes lids to snap open.) Reduce the chance of spillage by puffing the air out of your bottles before you pack them. Here's are easy ways to keep your skin moisturized skin on an airplane.

Add an extra layer of protection

Keep shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other gooey products secure by placing a square of saran wrap over their lids. Pack an extra sheet or two for the return trip to avoid an unwanted surprise when you unpack. Trust us, you don't want to make these suitcase packing mistakes.

Compartmentalize your makeup bag

Bundle similar items together in zip-top bags before you pack them into your makeup bag. Once they're ready to go, place the heaviest items (like foundation and setting spray) on the bottom of the bag and lighter items on top.

Pack your makeup into the center of your suitcase

Allow your clothing to help with shock absorption by packing your makeup bag into the center of your suitcase. For even better results, wrap the bag into a sweater or beach towel first. If you've got an extra-fragile product (say, a glass bottle of perfume) fold it into a pair of socks or pack it into the hood of a sweatshirt.

Read More