A busy and exhausting life is one of the main reasons people pass on sex. It’s the world’s most popular excuse for a reason, and there’s some truth to it. While most days you could choose to have sex, other days it’s really hard to muster up the energy for it. It’s easier to go to bed or to watch a TV show. So, too tired for sex, we have solutions.
Sex is normal and healthy. According to sex therapist Vanessa Marin, there’s two ways to resolve this issue: you can focus on the long term or on the short term.
Sleep hygiene is the process by which you make your sleeping habit cleaner and easy to access, whether that be using your bed only for sleeping and sex, avoiding iPhone use late at night, or purchasing a weighted blanket. These tools and routines allow your body to develop a pattern, which can really help you have more sex in the long run.
If you’re nodding off in the couch and expect to have sex later on, try to get up and shake off the sleepiness. Clean up a bit around your house or stretch out your limbs, reminding your body to stay awake for a little while longer.
Most people who pass on sex are not thinking about the afterglow of it and all the benefits it provides. Think about how you feel after having sex, pumping yourself up for the good stuff instead of focusing on the stressors of the day and how tired you feel.
One of the most common recommendations sex therapists give is for couples to schedule sex, allowing them to prioritize the activity and to prepare ahead of time. Having this knowledge allows you to clear out your schedule on your “sex day”, giving you the chance to get more sleep on the day before and to get excited throughout the day.
It’s hard to muster the energy to have sex after a long and draining day, so try to have it as early as possible. You can try out morning sex or, if you don’t want to mess with your sleep hours, on the early evening.
Baby Archie is only two months old and the public can’t get enough. Peolple are asking the question – when can we expect baby No. 2 from Meghan Markle and Harry. Obviously, we don’t have enough royals news already in our feeds.
“People are already speculating about baby number two for the Sussexes,” said Nicholl, adding that she thinks it’s probably a little too premature to be speaking about a second baby. “That said, sources close to the couple told me that they really would love to have a big family. They are, by all accounts, amazing parents. They are loving parenthood.”
In March, Harry seemed to hint that he only wanted two kids.
British army vet Simon Weston recounts giving Harry some parenting advice during a royal soiree, telling The Daily Mail‘s Rebecca English, “I warned him and the duchess [that]…they will be getting plenty of sleepless nights when the baby is born. He said if they have any more than two [kids], it will serve him right.”
Royal baby bonanza? Simon Weston spoke to Harry today who joked about the Wales/Engl rugby. 'I warned him & the duchess it serves him right as they will be getting plenty of sleepless nights when the baby is born. He said if they have anymore than two it will serve him right.'
Nicholl said we could potentially have another baby running around Kensington Palace (that’s what they do, right?) sooner than later and said it’s not crazy to think we could have a pregnancy announcement sometime next year “but, for the moment, the focus is obviously on Archie.”
Nicholl said the couple’s life has changed “enormously” since Archie arrive.
“Yes, they’re royals, yes, they probably have more help than the rest of us, but this really has turned their world upside down for the better. So, I think at the moment, they’re focusing on Archie, but I know it’s their plan to have more than one child.”
Meghan gave birth to Archie on May 6. His christening is scheduled for Saturday.
Happy Fourth of July! Whether your plans today involve barbecuing, sleeping in, catching up on Netflix or working, here are 10 spectacular fireworks shows to give you all the feels this Independence Day.
Summer love is so real. The reason summer songs never get repetitive, just like the foods we eat and the drinks we drink, is because it’s a mostly fleeting time. American BBQs aren’t the same without ketchup, and real American values of freedom call for the addition of cannabis.
Responsible parties can indulge in this sweet classic flavor with anything coming off the grill. Keeping the cannabinoids away from the heat and cooking is the move when you want strength, as infused foods that have been cooked will lose some naturally. Having a squirt bottle handy with special ketchup will make any fireworks watching or poolside lounging that much better.
Illustration by Danielle Guercio
Quick Cannabis Ketchup
Makes 10oz; 4 mg. THC per tbs.
8 oz of your favorite ketchup
½ oz cannabis glycerin tincture
1 ½ oz tomato paste (optional)
Spices (optional)
You can gather as much that simply adding a nice pour of glycerin tincture to your ketchup and mixing well is enough to get the party started. It really can be that easy, however if you don’t add a pinch more tomato paste to balance it out, you may end up with slightly over-sweet sauce.
Squirt onto hot dogs, veggie burgers, fries and more all summer long, since it should last a few months if you keep it tightly sealed in the fridge.
Illustration by Danielle Guercio
Don’t stop there if you are into unique condiments. You’ll have that little hit of weed taste, but you can go even further with other unique additions. Try some siracha for a spicy twist, about an ounce would be perfect to let that really come through. They don’t have to be liquids either, there’s a whole world of ground spices that can go in fun directions. Sazon powder, ground garlic, and turmeric are all yummy choices for that type of addition.
Ketchup doesn’t have to be basic, and it doesn’t have to be virgin either. It’s so widely used that you may want to label it clearly at your party, so no unsuspecting people have any. It’s not polite to dose guests without their knowledge, you never know who has to get home or get a drug test done, regardless of your state’s rules. Party safe and don’t ketchup and drive!
In the eyes of many Americans, the Fourth of July is a day for parades, barbecues and, of course, fireworks.
The tradition got its start at the beginning of our nation’s history after the Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia to write and sign the Declaration of Independence. A day after the Continental Congress adopted the declaration on July 4, 1776, John Adams – soon the second U.S. president – penned a letter to his wife Abigail, declaring that Independence Day
“ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”
One year later, Philadelphia celebrated the anniversary with fireworks – or “illuminations,” to Adams – plus a parade commemorating Independence Day.
So with that in mind, here are four fascinating sets of facts about fireworks.
And this figure has grown rapidly in recent years, from half a pound per adult in 2000. In 1976, the United States’ bicentennial, the figure was just one-sixth of a pound annually.
A reason for the big increase is the steady reduction in state prohibitions against individuals using fireworks. Today only Massachusetts completely prohibits individuals from owning and using any type of fireworks. The other states all allow usage in some form.
The most recent states to allow fireworks are New Jersey, Delaware and Iowa, whose new law legalizes fireworks around the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve only.
Fireworks are also illegal in many urban areas, like New York City.
Because states are now permitting individuals to purchase and possess fireworks, there has been a large shift from professional to amateur use. Back in 2000, roughly one-third of all fireworks were set off during professional displays, the kind that light the skies of cities around the world on holidays like New Year’s Eve and national celebrations. By 2017, professional displays comprised less than 10 percent.
Sparklers cause a large share of fireworks-related injuries. Maria Symchych/Shutterstock.com
Firework prices have fallen
Just because more regular Americans have been shooting off fireworks doesn’t mean prices have surged. The vast majority of the fireworks shot off in the United States are manufactured overseas, mainly in China.
Each shipment of fireworks brought into the U.S. includes a detailed invoice that shows the price the importer paid. These invoices show fireworks prices, after adjusting for inflation, are cheaper today than in the mid-1990s.
In 1996 it cost about $1.37 in today’s terms to import 1 pound of fireworks. By 2017 the price had fallen to just $1.13 a pound. That means pound-for-pound fireworks are less than half the price of the hot dogs many people are grilling this 4th.
Accidents and injuries
Fireworks are dangerous – hence the reason so many states had banned them previously.
Back in 1986, fireworks injured about 6.6 out of every 100,000 people. Since 1986, injuries have steadily fallen as government regulations made them safer. In 2008, the rate was down to 2.3 people.
But as states have relaxed restrictions, the injuries have started increasing again. The latest figures for 2017 show a rate of 4 people per 100,000.
In addition, there’s also a big gender divide in who suffers the most injuries. Men experienced about 70 percent of fireworks-related injuries for the one-month period from June 18 to July 18, 2017.
Beyond such statistics, however low, every year there are horrible stories of both children and adults being maimed and killed. So it’s always important to exercise caution when lighting what amounts to a low-yield missile.
Today, it is working to lower injury rates again by requiring manufacturers to adhere to higher standards. In February 2017, for instance, the commission passed several of what I believe are common sense regulations for firework manufacturers to make their products safer.
For example, faulty fuses have caused many injuries, such as when some burned rapidly and ignite a rocket too quickly, preventing the holder from moving away in time. Other fuses actually take too long to ignite, leading people to investigate whether it needs to be relit just as the firework explodes in their face. So the commission now requires all fuses to ignite fireworks three to nine seconds after being lit.
The commission also now requires fireworks to have bases that are wider and support more weight so they do not tip over after being ignited. This prevents fireworks from firing off horizontally, becoming missiles that bounce along the ground and potentially hit spectators.
As more states loosen restrictions on fireworks this Fourth of July, millions more people will follow the exhortations of John Adams and celebrate by shooting off “illuminations.”
But if you do plan to shoot off a few rockets or more advance fireworks, use some common sense, especially if children are around.
Whether you are lighting fireworks, watching them explode above you or just hiding from the noise, try to have a fun and safe Independence Day.
We’re all aware of the effects and dangers of consuming alcohol. The fact that drinking is related to weight gain, sleep loss, and anxiety (to name just a few ailments) hasn’t stopped it from being one of the most popular activities in the world. Associated with fun, winding down at the end of the week and facilitating social interactions, alcohol has been a mainstay in our culture for decades, something that’s unlikely to change any time soon. They don’t call it social lubricant for nothing. So, here are some tips for drinking alcohol without getting wrecked.
It’s never a good idea to drink on an empty stomach. This practice makes it more likely for you to get drunk while also irritating your digestive system and facilitating even worse hangovers. You should consume a balanced meal that contains proteins, healthy fats and carbs, around the same time you’ll be consuming alcohol.
Aim to have a balanced meal close to the time you’ll be consuming alcohol, said Wendy Lopez, a registered dietitian in Port Chester, New York, and the in-house dietitian for Vita Coco.
“Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can irritate your digestive system. It can also result in faster absorption of alcohol,” Lopez said.
While we all appreciate a bartender who over-pours, large portions contain more than one serving of alcohol and make it easier for you to get drunk rapidly. Plus, your liver has a hard time keeping up!
While it’s always important to pair alcohol with food, it’s just as important to consume water as you’re drinking to keep you hydrated and help you stay sober. Since alcohol depletes your body of electrolytes, the more dehydrated you are the next day, the stronger your hangover will be. “Drink a glass of water between every glass of alcohol,” recommends personal trainer Mike Clancy.
Sodas, juices and all sorts of sugary drinks pair deliciously with alcohol, but they come with an extra serving of throwaway calories that you probably don’t need. Alcohol is already caloric enough, so try to learn how to enjoy and appreciate the flavor of it by pairing it with seltzer or some other mixer that is low in sugar and calories.
Try to keep some sort of control even on the nights where you really want to drink with your friends. Learn your drink limit and always pace yourself with water. While getting drunk is still likely to catch you off guard from time to time, if you eat, drink water and pace yourself, you’ll feel better the next day and avoid some of the damage to your liver and body.
There’s no better pick-me-up than the one you get when you see a clip of an animal acting silly, which is why we’ve compiled this weekly column. These short videos feature all sorts of animals, providing you with that much needed rush of endorphins.
This week’s column features a lot of adorable animals, including a smiley puppy, a donkey who is not enjoying the fact that it’s Wednesday, a screaming cat, two bunnies and a strangely large amount of turtles. Check them out!
According to the post’s description, this puppy is excited to be adopted. While a lot of comments suggest that her demeanor suggests that she is more stressed than excited, it’s still a positive post because a puppy was adopted into a loving home. There’s also that smile, which is adorable.
A sleepy donkey
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzOO6x7gOd-/
Donkeys are a rare animal on Instagram but they’re very cute, especially when they’re as tired and sleepy as this guy, who does not want to get up and face the day.
A screaming cat
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzaUOt8HNv8/
Although the sounds this cat is making aren’t normally associated with cats, there are other videos of it making the same particular sounds. We don’t know if it’s happy, stressed out or upset, we just know that it’s cute.
A hole in the ground wouldn’t normally make for such comforting and adorable viewing, but these don’t normally feature cute bunnies who also happen to be cuddling and making the cutest faces you can imagine.
A lot of turtles
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzK9SJ_jbh9/
Turtles are cute but they aren’t as beloved as they should be, at least on social media. This video makes up for this, giving us an overwhelming stream of them, all rapidly waking towards their caretaker. There’s probably a lettuce or some vegetable involved.
Two major talking points among Democratic presidential candidates ahead of the 2020 Election has been universal health care and marijuana reform. But those two issues could have more in common than you think. According to one cannabis CEO, opening medicare for all could “dramatically” boost medical marijuana access.
“I think it would eliminate the financial subsidy for people to use products like opioids,” Columbia Care CEO Nicholas Vita told Yahoo Finance. A system that doesn’t overly rely upon opioids could “actually open the door for [patients] to use products that are potentially much less harmful and more efficacious like medical cannabis.”
The opioid epidemic places a serious economic burden on the country. Health care and court expenses, as well as wasted productivity, caused by the opioid crisis cost about $78.5 billion annually, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A report from the National Institutes of Health estimates that nearly 130 people die every day from an opioid overdose.
Medicare is once again a hot button political issue, in part because Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced his Medicare For All Act. While Medicare usually only covers those ages 65 or older, Sanders’ plan would provide health care for all Americans. If that happens, companies like Vita’s need to be prepared for how medical marijuana will fit into the system.
“Because of the way cannabis is handled, there’s no access to credit, which is the most common form of transactions for consumers. We thought that alleviating one of the most important bottlenecks, we can actually increase access in a significant way.”
Kylie Jenner’s 1-year-old daughter Stormi Webster can now call herself a cover girl.
Stormi graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia alongside her mom and grandmother Kris Jenner for the magazine’s July/August issue. The cover marks the young girl’s first and also marks the first time that Kylie and Stormi have been photographed together for an international fashion magazine, according to Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzYe5IbpNRx
Both Kris and Kylie took to their respective Instagram accounts to share the cover image.
“Thank you so much @harpersbazaararabia! Such an honor to be on the cover of the July/August issue… three generations,” Kris, 63, captioned hers, in part.
According to a report from The Daily Beast, Meghan McCain may leave The View, where she is reportedly paid about $1 million per year. Why? Because she feels like a “caged animal,” according to a friend. That’s certainly an interesting turn of phrase!
The Daily Beast spoke with several people who claim to be close to McCain, all of whom shared that she is “emotionally drained, angry, and isolated.” She feels “exhausted and defeated,” one said. Another added, “It’s getting to the point where it’s not worth the emotional toll every week.”
According to one source, it’s not only due to the blowback she receives whenever she spouts her questionable opinions on everything from anti-Semitism to the treatment of people at border detention centers. She “feels different in every way a person can feel different [at The View]—everything from politically to just socially to where she’s from,” they said, pointing to the fact that McCain, unlike her fellow co-hosts who enjoy traipsing off to the Hamptons, prefers to spend weekends “hanging out in the creek and doing Jell-O shots and shooting guns.”
Perhaps no other former NBA player has further ingratiated themselves into the cannabis industry than Al Harrington. After launching Viola Extracts Inc. following his retirement, he wanted to show the sports world—and the world writ large—that cannabis “isn’t just about rolling a joint” through a line of wax, resin, and CBD wellness products. He also convinced former NBA commissioner David Stern, who was notoriously anti-marijuana during his tenure, to agree cannabis should be removed from the controlled substances list for basketball players.
But Harrington wasn’t always such a proponent or advocate for cannabis. When he first joined the NBA, in fact, Harrington considered marijuana a gateway drug to more potent substances. But when he saw that other players on his team were using cannabis and still successful, he reconsidered whether the lazy stoner stereotype or marijuana-as-gateway-drug myth that was commonly believed at the time were fact or fiction.
“When I got to the NBA, it was the first time that I realized that athletes can use cannabis and still be very productive,” Harrington told Bloomberg.
“Some of the best players on my teams were self-medicating all the time, so that’s when I first realized that the stigma wasn’t true.”
He understands, though, the league has to handle any embrace of marijuana delicately. Current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver previously explained that marijuana is a “complicated issue” for the league. Silver worries how it could impact the mental wellness of players as well as what message they’d send to younger fans.
Harrington thinks it could also become a low-hanging fruit for critics and opposing fans.
“If cannabis goes legal and the NBA says players can consume, if Steph Curry missed 10 threes, everybody’s going to say he’s high,” Harrington said.
Still it encourages Harrington that various sports leagues have reconsidered their previously prohibitionist rhetoric. This year both the NHL and NFL have announced plans to research cannabinoids as a pain management tool for players and whether marijuana could work as a neuroprotectant against traumatic brain injuries.
“I think CBD’s kind of a gateway into sports,” he said. “If the teams in these organizations know what’s best for their players, they should take a deeper dive into the cannabis plant because there’s something there.”
