Lifestyle

I’m a Working Mom, and the Election Results Will Impact My Life in Crucial Ways

2020 election

I wasn’t always sure I wanted to be a mom. But I did know that if and when I became one, I wanted three other components of my life to be solid: financial stability, job security, and good health insurance. When I got pregnant with my son just a little over two years ago, such was the case, but in 2020, my family has lost all three. And, as a working mom, the election has me worried about how the next four years may look.

As we enter our seventh month since the first U.S. lockdowns were instituted, it’s hard not to feel discouraged. As of writing this article, over 7 million Americans have been infected with the coronavirus and at least 204,000 have died from it. It’s difficult to imagine how and when things might look normal again, but with a president who is eager to get us back to work, even though the pandemic isn’t contained, I’m afraid for the safety of my family.

Disinformation campaigns are prevalent during crises. Here’s how you can protect yourself

Tech

With the COVID-19 Pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests nationwide, and the countdown to the 2020 Presidential election, there has been a flurry of online activity.

We're tweeting about these events, we're sharing news articles about them on Facebook, and we're uploading live videos as events happen during protests. These platforms are being used to communicate, to express outrage, to share what we're witnessing on the streets, to debate ideas, and to campaign for candidates.

This isn't new, of course. Social media has long been a way to get information out quickly.

"When the plane landed on the Hudson, that was one of the first events that was social media first," says Kate Starbird, associate professor in the Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington. "The news went out via social media first because it was faster. People could actually see what was going on long before people could write a story about it or put it on the news."

7 Strategies to Try If You’re Struggling to Work from Home

Productivity

When the shelter-in-place orders were issued in New York City in March and my office shut down, I didn’t initially sweat the idea of working from home.

After all, I’d successfully worked from home in a prior job and I had managed just fine then. I didn’t see why this should be any different.

Of course… that was naive. Things were drastically different now.

For one thing, there was a freakin’ pandemic going on. I wasn’t just working from home, I was isolating.

The outside world was suddenly unsafe for me and my family, and so we were basically never leaving our house except for essentials.

Second, I wasn’t home alone trying to work, like I had been when I had my previous job. My husband and 9-month-old son were also home with me 24/7.

One woman's creative solution to help homeless senior dogs live out their golden years.

Pets

This is Jack, a 13-year-old Jack Russell terrier.  

His owner gave him up to a shelter. At first, it seemed like he was lucky: He was adopted that very same day.

But 48 hours later, his new family returned him because he had some medical issues they didn't want to deal with.

He was homeless — that is, until Silver Muzzle Cottage took him in.

Kim Skarritt-Nelson created Silver Muzzle Cottage after realizing just how many old dogs were in shelters waiting for new homes.

This photojournalist visited a remote arctic research town — here are her stunning photos

Photography

In the Arctic Ocean, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, lies Ny-Ålesund, the most northerly settlement in the world.

Once a mining town, this island town on the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago is now home to the largest permanent laboratory for modern arctic scientific research in the world. Researchers living here conduct a number of environmental and earth science studies all year round. 

To keep the area surrounding the town largely untouched, access is limited and the town is mainly designed for scientists. But photojournalist Anna Filipova went to photograph life at this remote research station.

While this wasn’t the first arctic place that Filipova has visited and photographed — she has spent much of her career working on projects above the arctic circle — it is certainly the most northern spot in which she has ever worked, being located above the 79th parallel.  And this barren landscape was also one of the most wild places she had ever been to.

Why saving money is hard — and how you can get better at it.

Money

If you're like most people, you probably know it's hard to save money. Really hard. But do you know why?

Sure, we all know that one person who is really good at managing money and seems to have this whole saving thing figured out. But for the rest of us, storing all those "acorns" away for the winter is just tough. We all know it's important, but where — and how — do we even start?

First, know that you're not alone: Research shows that a lot of Americans don't have much in savings. One survey of about 5,700 people released by the Federal Reserve found that 46% of adults could not cover an emergency expense of $400 without selling something or borrowing money.

There are a number of reasons why getting in the habit of saving is challenging.

Early Signs Your Relationship Just Won’t Last

Relationships

The early days of a relationship can be nerve-wracking: You worry about what to wear, where to take them on a date, and if you’ll say the wrong thing and make them not like you. And then if you really like them, you tend to be so enamored that you spend most of your time apart thinking about them and wondering if they like you as much as you like them. They seem “perfect” at first.

That early relationship ‘glow’ is when people are influenced by romantic attraction, says Forrest Talley, a clinical psychologist based in California. “[It’s] a wonderful feeling, but not one based on anything that is to be trusted for the long term.”

Dog Ear Cleaner: 6 Picks Recommended By Veterinarians

Pets

Unfortunately, ear infections in dogs are pretty common. If left untreated, they can get really bad, spreading to the inner ear and putting your dog at risk for deafness, facial paralysis, eye issues, or worse. 

“The ear canal is a dark, damp, deep environment that doesn’t get a lot of air,” explains Dr. Carol Osborne, author and doctor of veterinary medicine at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic. “So it’s a medium for bacteria and fungi to flourish.”

Regularly using a trusted dog ear cleaner can help prevent your dog from getting an infection in the first place. This is especially true if they’re a breed that’s particularly prone to ear infections, such as those with floppy ears (Think: Cocker Spaniels), those with lots of long or thick hair (such as Poodles), or those that spend a lot of time swimming (aka Golden Retrievers and Labradors.)

When ‘The Wickedest Woman of New York’ Lived on Fifth Avenue

History

When an English immigrant named Ann Trow Sommers first arrived in New York City in 1831, she had no idea how notorious and vilified she’d soon become. In a matter of years, she’d craft a whole new identity for herself as Madame Restell, a prominent and wealthy abortionist, famous across the country. Her success only made her more hated, and she soon became a fixture in city guides for her lavish homes and Fifth Avenue lifestyle. One guide famously declared her “the wickedest woman of New York.”

Sommers came to the United States with her new husband and infant daughter, intending to start a new life as a family. But within a few months, her husband died of bilious fever. Sommers had little formal education and tried to support herself as a seamstress, but the work was unsteady—so she began selling contraceptive potions.

How To Tell If You’re in a Toxic Relationship

Relationships

We all think that we’ll be able to recognize a “bad” or “toxic” relationship… until we’re in one. Because that’s the thing about unhealthy relationships: they never start bad. If they did, we wouldn’t be in them in the first place. Instead, they begin with affection and love, but then slowly, they become toxic and it is incredibly difficult to spot ‘the moment’ when they went from good to bad.

It’s also easy to shrug off one-off arguments or red flags in the moment because it’s tough to tell the difference between a bad fight (or a temporary rough patch) and a deteriorating relationship.

The Psychology Behind Why Politics Can Get So Heated — and How to Show Up Differently

Politics

Last month, my brother and I had an argument about politics. It wasn’t a very long conversation, but it devolved quickly into hurtful, personal statements and ended when he blocked me on all social media.

We haven’t spoken since, aside from a quick text I sent him wishing him a happy birthday.

I’m not proud of this argument or how it went. I’ve never been one to cut off communication with someone, let alone a family member.

But there was something about how quickly this argument became hurtful that has left me unsure of how to even start a conversation with him again. I’m not sure when we’ll talk again — especially since we live on opposite sides of the country.

But this is the problem with arguing politics: It’s not hard for us to get defensive, or for arguments to break out that quickly become personal or mean.

You don’t even have to be from different political parties. My father and I are both members of the same political party, and yet, during the primaries, we had more emotional “discussions” than my husband and his father — both from different parties — ever have when talking politics.

So, why is discussing — or arguing — politics so emotional?

Outdoor Safety 101: How to Protect Yourself While Hiking and Camping

Sports & Rec

Jeff Alt, hiking and camping expert and author, was on his second day of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia when he stopped for the night in a shelter.

Like most trail shelters, this one didn’t have a door, but he didn’t think much of it at the time. He got in his sleeping bag, turned off his headlamp, and started to drift off to sleep.

“I’m warm and cozy and heading off to dream land when I feel something stepping on me,” he remembers. “My heart is racing and I grab my flashlight and turn it on...and there is a skunk standing on my sleeping bag.”

Startled, Jeff kicked the skunk, which jumped down and lifted its tail in the air.

“I thought for sure it was going to spray me,” Jeff says. “But instead, it ran under the floorboards.”

The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Color Therapy

Lifestyle

It was about a month into quarantine, and I was sitting in my living room feeling down. Nothing in particular was wrong. I just felt “off.”

I looked around the room. I had painted it a neutral blue-gray when I moved in. At the time I found that color soothing, but now the walls felt drab.

In fact, everything about the room felt sad. All my furniture and decor were shades of blues and grays. The bright fluorescent ceiling light didn’t make anything feel better, either.

To try and perk myself up, I went for a walk. The sunlight and trees made me feel a little better.

I didn’t think about the experience again until a month later, when I received a new blush and gold lamp I’d ordered. When I plugged it in, the room instantly felt warmer and cheerier.

That’s when it dawned on me that simply being around warmer colors, be that a sunny day in my backyard or a room painted with bright shades, made me feel just a little bit better.

It left me wondering how color and light can influence mood and health. That’s how I first heard about color therapy.

8 Signs You're In a Healthy Relationship

Relationships

So you just had a big argument with your partner. Maybe it got heated, maybe you said some things that you regret or maybe your feelings got hurt by something that was said. Either way, you’re left shaken and wondering if this means your relationship is unhealthy?

The truth is healthy relationships are not all romantic walks on the beach, fun dinner dates, and great sex. And they seldom look anything like the idealized versions we see in movies or on influencers’ social media feeds.

8 Self-Care Tips for Fall in Quarantine

Self-Care

Lots of people love fall, and it’s easy to see why.

The smell of pumpkin spice and hot apple cider, the turning of the leaves, and the crisp, cool air on a brisk morning all distinctly signal that autumn is here.

But if I’m being honest, this season always makes me a little sad. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, I’m reminded that it’s almost winter.

Soon I’ll have no choice but to be cooped up indoors, worrying about winter storms or driving in the dark after 5 p.m.

This year, I’m dreading the changing seasons even more.

You probably haven't heard of nature deficit disorder — but you could still have it.

Outdoors

When's the last time you spent time in nature?

Real nature — not you standing under a tree for shade so you could see your cellphone screen better before hopping your city's subway system.

When was the last time you actually sat on some real green grass, surrounded by living trees, plants, and wildlife that doesn't consist of the pigeon you've named Joe that hangs out on your apartment window?

If it's "been a while," you could actually have something called "nature deficit disorder."

If you have never heard of nature deficit disorder, you're not alone.

While it's not exactly a medical term, according to the man who coined the term — Richard Louv — there are very real problems that result from people losing their connection to nature. "[It’s] a useful term — a metaphor — to describe what many of us believe are the human costs of alienation from nature," he explains over email.

If you have your heart set on a puppy, this older beagle might just change your mind.

Pets

The moment we met Odie, we knew he was the dog for us.

In fact, I fell in love with this sweet little beagle as soon as he laid his head on my lap and looked at me with his big, brown eyes.

My husband and I had talked about adopting a dog for almost as long as we had known each other. But after nearly six years of talking about it, we finally decided it was time to bring one home. Still, we hadn’t actually expected to find one so quickly — but there he was at New York’s Broadway Barks pet adoption event. And we certainly never expected that the dog we picked would be an older, former medical research beagle.  

In fact, we had assumed that we would bring home a young dog — maybe even a puppy. But out of all the adoptable dogs that we met that day, from goofy bulldogs to beautiful cocker spaniels to excitable puppies of all colors and sizes, none of them felt quite right to us.

Early Signs Your Relationship Will Last

Relationships

So you’ve met someone. You’ve had a few dates. Now, you can’t stop thinking about them. You definitely can’t wait to see them again. Maybe this is even the first time you’ve ever felt this excited about anyone. And now, you find yourself wondering if it’s too early to start thinking that maybe, just maybe, this person might be someone you have a long-term future with?

The truth is, it might be too early to tell.

Psychologists generally believe that relationships move through phases, and that first stage of falling in love is the phase that psychologist Dorothy Tennov calls “limerence.” During this time, we usually feel excited and we tend to be a little obsessed with our new love interest. Sometimes, we even feel this excitement physically, with palpitations or trembling. It’s during this phase that the right person can set off a rush of hormones in our body.

Ready to Date During the Pandemic? Here Are Some Tips for a Successful First Date

Dating

Going on a first date is often nerve-racking. But going on a first-date during the pandemic can be especially so.

On top of all the usual things to worry about — like, if they like you and if you like them — now you also have to deal with certain challenges, such as whether you should meet virtually or in person.

“These are less-than-ideal circumstances to meet strangers, to put your best foot forward, to enter situations with, at times, forced positivity,” says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in New York City.

It’s tough to feel fun and flirty during these unprecedented times, she adds.

7 Tips to Cope with Stress Before and After the Election

2020 Election

I can’t remember an election that I didn’t pay attention to (or worry about).

But there’s something different in 2020. I’ve never felt so on edge.

This election has driven a wedge between my family members who disagree about who the next president should be.

I find it difficult to listen to the news, but my husband hates turning it off. Both of us are easily set off by upsetting headlines.

This isn’t unique to me or my family.

A lot of us are feeling the effects of the endless political news cycle and the stress it causes.

Lonely? Research Says Being a Plant Parent Is an Idea Worth Watering

Plants

A couple of months after I moved to New York City for grad school, I was out walking and spotted a little potted evergreen tree on a Christmas stand. It was about a foot and a half tall and looked to be the only one left.

Impulsively, I bought it and brought it back to my apartment.

I didn’t have a fancy pot to put it in, so I wrapped an old burgundy scarf around its plastic container, gave the tree a little water, and put it near my window to get some light. It wasn’t much, but I immediately felt its presence.

Being in a new city, thousands of miles away from family, and only just getting to know the people I was going to school with — loneliness had started to set in pretty strong. But this little tree added the tiny bit of vibrancy I needed to feel just a bit less alone.

A Vacation Might Be Exactly What You Need to Cope with Pandemic Fatigue

Travel

It had been a tough year: first my soon-to-be husband had been laid off — twice — in the 3 months leading up to our wedding. Then, shortly after our wedding, I was given, then subsequently laid off from, my dream job after a merger.

We were supposed to be beginning our lives together in newlywed bliss — not worrying about how we were going to be paying the rent.

I felt ashamed and scared for the future. I had no idea what the future held and even getting out of bed, let alone job searching, felt just too difficult to manage.

So I did something that many (including my parents) thought was irresponsible: I wrangled my husband and my rescue beagle into the car and drove to Shenandoah National Park with only a tent and some sleeping bags.

Trump wants to get rid of 'wasteful' regulations. Here's why that's of concern.

Hidden History

While on the campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump made it clear what he plans to do to regulations.

"I would say 70% of regulations can go," he was quoted as saying at a town hall meeting. According to his website, his vision for regulations is to ask all department heads to submit a list of "every wasteful and unnecessary regulation which kills jobs" — and then to eliminate them.

The site indicates an exception for regulations regarding "public safety." But the tricky thing is, the public, businesses, and the government don't always agree which regulations are necessary for public safety.

History shows us that many necessary regulations that we take for granted today were initially opposed by corporations that said they'd hurt jobs and destroy the industry. Fortunately, in these cases, regulation won the day.

Going on a trip? Here's how to make sure you're not 'that' tourist.

Travel

There's nothing like the feeling of traveling to a new place for the first time.

Whether it’s tasting some new exotic food, visiting a fairytale-like castle that's steeped in centuries of history, or taking in a breathtaking landscape for the first time, travel is a powerful way to experience different cultures and natural wonders firsthand.

But whether you plan to visit ancient ruins in Europe, wander the markets of Marrakesh, or see wildlife in Africa, it’s easy to find yourself in a situation that you’re not used to. When that happens, sometimes we get overwhelmed by all the differences and "newness" — and that makes the experience less enjoyable not only for you, but also for your hosts. Here are some easy and practical ways to make sure you're getting the most out of your trip while also honoring and respecting the places you visit (and the planet in general!).

Rescue Dog and Owner Go on Epic Trip Across the United States

Travel

From sweeping gorges to jagged peaks, America is home to breathtaking, vibrant wildernesses just waiting to be explored. Trevor DeHaas, 26, recently quit his job to explore these landscapes accompanied only by his furry best friend, Kahlua, a three-year-old Catahoula Leopard mix that he rescued from a shelter when she was only 11 weeks old.

“When I found Kahlua, I just saw her, a little puppy with spots, and it was a done deal from there,” DeHaas told weather.com. “She’s been a great adventure-dog. She definitely keeps me active.” 

DeHaas has suffered from an incurable kidney disease since he was a child, but he recently learned that his health had deteriorated even further this past year. This news, along with a growing wanderlust and the fact that he won the lottery for a permit to visit The Wave in Arizona  (a place only a few people get to visit each day), led him to quit his job and travel full-time. The pair have been on the road ever since.