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10 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Never Get A Tattoo

Tattoos are a lot of things besides trendy. They can show the world the things you care about the most, because you’ve immortalized them on your skin. They can memorialize loved ones or bear inspirational messages with you always. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take them seriously, or consider all the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to get one. Whatever your considerations for getting inked, keep in mind these 10 reasons why a tattoo might not be right for you.

You’re looking for a job

Not all employers look down on tattoos, but there are some industries, especially in the business and legal sectors, where a visible tattoo is a big no-no, especially if it’s on your neck, hands, face, or any other place you can’t readily cover up. If you have one on your arm you may need to wear a long-sleeved shirt every day. Unfortunately though they’re seemingly common, tattoos are considered as unwelcome as weird hairstyles, multiple piercings, or other forms of body art.

You don’t know exactly what you want

If you just want a tattoo to have one, that may not be the best reason. Remember you’re basically stuck with it for life. Do you really want to explain to your grandchildren why you have a meme on your leg and what it means? Pop culture is fleeting, but tattoos are permanent. Don’t rush into a decision.

If you’re female, consider the pregnancy problem

Tattoos may be permanent but they’re also changeable. As you age, the skin around the tattoo behaves differently and the ink fades or blurs a bit. But if you’re pregnant, any tattoos you have may stretch and shrink along with you. And stretch marks will mar the appearance of tattoos already on it. And it goes without saying that you should never get a tattoo while you’re pregnant, because…

There’s a risk of infection or worse

Applying a tattoo is literally stabbing your skin to put ink through underneath it. Because it punctures the skin, if the needle is not sterile it can introduce infection or diseases like Hepatitis C or even HIV. Even if the needle is properly sterilized and all precautions taken, there’s no guarantee you won’t have a reaction to the ink itself. You could have an allergic reaction, or the ink could dissipate into your system leaving you with scarred skin that would need to be inked over again.

If you’re at risk for skin cancer

If you’ve had it or have a family history of melanoma, there’s a small chance you could activate the cancer from the placement of tattoo ink. This only applies if you have a risk of skin cancer; it does not mean that tattoos cause cancer. But by introducing metals and dyes into your system through the ink, there’s a chance that your immune system’s reaction will lead to the formation of unhealthy cells.

What you don’t know about your artist and their work

The sad thing is that unless you research your artist well you may end up with a terrible tattoo. The internet is full of pictures of poorly executed art and it’s mostly because of the inexperience of the artist. No matter how cool their sample art looks on the wall, you don’t know if they actually drew them. And drawing on paper and tattooing on skin are not the same. And of course, there is no erasing tattoos from skin, at least not to the point of looking new again. Because…

Tattoo removal is not easy

There are only four real choices when it comes to an unwanted tattoo: you can cover it up with makeup, you can have a coverup tattoo placed over it, or you can go the laser surgery route. Tattoo removal is not like a giant eraser, however; it will lighten the ink but it will never fully destroy all the ink particles in your skin. The fourth choice is surgical removal, which is the most extreme choice and should be the absolute last resort.

Tattoos cost money

Of course they cost money, it’s an industry. But keep in mind the amount of money involved. And if your tattoo is complex or needs more than one session to complete, tattoos can run into the hundreds if not thousands of dollars. It’s a major cash investment, just like people who buy art to put it on their walls. But you can always take the art down off the wall and put something else up instead. With your skin, you don’t have that option.

If you want someone’s name, think again

Even when they’re done beautifully, having a tattoo with your ex’s name on it is just opening up hurt every time you look at it. Numerous celebrities have been documented with regretful tattoo choices when the love of their life suddenly decides to skip out. Memorial portraits are also really tricky, because realistic drawing on skin is extremely difficult to get right. You could get stuck with an unintentionally funny face.

Social considerations

There are social consequences to tattoos. People can and will judge you for them, especially if they’re ironic, edgy, or controversial. The trend may become unpopular again; it’s only in the past 30 years that tattoos gained some acceptability. You yourself might change to the extent that the tattoos no longer represent who you are as a person.

There are many reasons not to get a tattoo. It’s all a matter of risk versus reward. Make the decision with all the information so if you choose to sit in that tattoo parlor chair, you do it with a clear understanding of what you’re getting yourself into.

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Beginner’s Guide To Intermittent Fasting

With the holidays around the corner, many people are already thinking of the new year. Specifically, they are thinking of everyone’s favorite New Year’s resolution: to try to shake the holiday weight with better diet and exercise. But what if all you needed was a different way of eating?

Intermittent fasting is more than another health trend. It’s a way to quickly shed pounds by making a few simple lifestyle changes. Here is the ultimate beginner’s guide to intermittent fasting.

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

This intermittent fasting guide will walk you through the entire process. First, though, you must understand what intermittent fasting is all about.

And really, the whole meaning is right there in the name. “Fasting” means not eating and “intermittent” means doing something sporadically. Therefore, “intermittent fasting” is about fasting, but the “fasting” part is relatively short (no one is starving for a few weeks in a desert with this plan).

If you’re wondering how to do intermittent fasting, all you do is selectively skip meals so that you are taking longer breaks between eating. And there are multiple ways to get started.

Different Ways to Try It

Curious about how to start intermittent fasting? Here are several techniques, so you can find the one that works for you.

The most common is a 16/8 pattern. That means that you are only eating within an 8-hour window and fasting for the other 16 hours of the day.

That may sound extreme, but it mostly boils down to skipping breakfast and then not eating past dinner (no midnight snacks). So, someone might eat dinner at 8:00 pm and not eat anything else until 12:00 pm of the following day. And don’t worry — coffee doesn’t count, so you can still grab a cup of joe in the morning.

A more extreme version of intermittent fasting is to skip two meals and take a 24-hour break from eating. However, unlike the 16/8 plan, you can only do this variation every so often.

Of course, you can do the 16/8 thing just a few times a week. Or you can adjust the intervals and turn it into a 20/4 plan. Either way, you should be able to quickly see results.

Why Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss?

Intermittent fasting is often cited as a great way to quickly lose weight. What, then, makes this such a good method for that goal?

On the most basic level, you’ll be consuming fewer calories. If you skip breakfast and cut midnight snacks, it’s easy to ditch 500 or more calories per day. That adds up in terms of weight loss.

Some studies suggest you’ll burn more fat efficiently when you exercise while fasting. This is because your body will start using stored fat for energy when it doesn’t have any glucose and glycogen from food.

Finally, you will still be fasting while you sleep. In this state, your body will continue to burn fat more efficiently… all without you getting out of bed!

Other Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

The obvious benefit of intermittent fasting is weight loss. But are there any other benefits to be aware of?

Regularly fasting can help you to lower cholesterol levels. It can also improve your blood pressure. Finally, you are likely to enjoy a better night’s sleep and even a longer lifespan.

Ultimately, intermittent fasting offers an amazing number of benefits on top of improving weight loss.

Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

All of these benefits sound good. In fact, they may sound too good to be true. This begs the obvious question: how do we know that intermittent fasting really works?

There have been many studies on mice concerning intermittent fasting. The results continuously point to this being an effective weight-loss method. It is safer and more natural for your body than things like the keto diet (which has concerned many doctors in the past).

What Is the Intermittent Fasting Diet?

Speaking of keto, many confuse intermittent fasting with a number of gimmick diets. They end up asking what specialized diet they must use whenever they eat.

However, that’s the beauty of intermittent fasting: there is no special diet. Within that limited window, you can eat more or less whatever you want. No need to skip carbs or other fun stuff!

Obviously, you get better weight loss benefits if you are eating relatively healthy and exercising during this time. But even if your eating is not-so-healthy, fasting regulates your overall calorie consumption and helps wire your brain to eat less each day.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

By now, some of you are still skeptical. You’re probably asking, “what’s the catch?” As it turns out, the biggest “catch” is the same one that comes with most New Year’s resolutions: people losing their commitment.

Some studies have found that about 38% of people who try intermittent fasting end up dropping the idea. Some people wonder if this is evidence that human bodies and minds aren’t ready for fasting as a lifestyle, but others think it’s human nature for many people to drop new fitness trends and go back to their old ways.

There is also a risk that you might end up eating too much on non-fast days (assuming you are not fasting every day). Then again, that’s a risk everyone takes with “cheat days.”

A Health Revolution

Intermittent fasting is more than another trend in the fitness and diet world. This is a revolution in weight loss that allows you to shed those pounds without giving up on carbs or any yummy favorites.

Talk to your doctor to see if intermittent fasting is the right weight loss choice for you. While it’s not going to be every person’s cup of tea, it may just be the weight-loss miracle you’ve been waiting for!

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Methods of Tattoo Removal

Tattoos have become incredibly popular in the last 30 years. They’re no longer just for bikers and sailors — they’re for everyone. Many people have memorial pictures or inspirational phrases tattooed on themselves.

But some people regret having a tattoo of their boyfriend or girlfriend’s name after they break up. Others become embarrassed years later when that hot new tattoo trend becomes tacky and dated (hello tribal armbands and lower-back tattoos). So it’s no surprise that tattoo removal has also become very popular.

There are basically eight ways to get rid of a problematic tattoo. Some are much more successful than others. Some are more painful than getting the tattoo in the first place. And some are just plain dangerous or a waste of time. Here are the eight methods of tattoo removal:

Coverups

Removal creams

Chemical peels

Injections

Dermabrasion

Surgical excision

Home laser treatment

Professional laser treatment

In this article, we discuss each form of tattoo removal and their advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, pain, and effectiveness.

Coverups

Coverups are just that: covering the old tattoo with a new one by reworking the design. Some tattoo artists specialize in this, as it’s tricky to make the old tattoo not show through. This is one of the least expensive methods of correction. Tattoo artists charge about $50-$125 per hour. Also, getting a coverup hurts no more than getting the original tattoo did, and it has about the same amount of healing time.

The downsides are, of course, that there is no guarantee you will like the coverup tattoo more than the original years down the line. Plus, you will likely need to get a tattoo larger than the original one in order to properly cover it up. And if the original has huge blocks of dark ink it can be hard to fix or hide. So, depending on your tattoo, a coverup might not be an option for you.

Removal Creams

Tattoo removal cream is touted as a painless tattoo removal method, but it is problematic. It is basically a skin bleaching agent, which can damage the skin long-term since it’s being applied on the top of the dermis (skin layer). All it’s doing is making the tattoo lighter by comparison, but it’s not actually removing anything… since the chemicals in the cream don’t penetrate down to the layer where the ink is.

However, this is one of the cheaper options on the list. Tattoo removal cream can run anywhere from $15 to upwards of $100. The key is to read reviews and find a brand that actually works.

Chemical Peels

There are two types of chemical peels for tattoo removal. One is called trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and it is available over-the-counter. Similar to removal creams, this mild acid works by gradually fading the tattoo. TCA peels away the top layer of the skin, but will not reach the deep layers where the ink resides. And it can take three months to fade a tattoo using TCA. Still, this is a cheaper option at $40-$60 dollars.

A stronger chemical peel treatment using phenol will work more quickly. But it needs to be applied by a dermatologist, will be more expensive, and will hurt more because it penetrates the middle layers of the skin. There is also greater risk of scarring.

Injections

Some tattoo removal methods call for injecting a chemical, or a saline solution, into the skin layer where the ink resides. This causes the skin to react like a tattoo, bringing the ink up to the surface along with the scarring.

But injections takes many treatments to get any results and do not entirely remove the tattoo. At best, injections can lighten enough of the tattoo that you can use makeup to disguise the rest. Another downside is the cost: each session runs from $200-$500. Also, this can be a very painful method to endure.

Dermabrasion

Since “derm” means skin and “abrasion” means scrape, you can guess what this process entails. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure where a doctor removes the first few layers of skin to encourage your natural healing process to force the tattoo ink upwards. Dermabrasion is not recommended for tattoo removal on the face, neck, or hands. These skin layers are much too thin.

Dermabrasion is one of the more expensive tattoo removal options, costing hundreds to thousands of dollars. Also, healing time can take up to three weeks. And the treated skin will remain pink for up to 12 weeks. Lastly, don’t plan on getting dermabrasion unless you are okay with avoiding the sun for up to six months. Sunlight can lead to excessive scarring, and you will be expected to apply sunscreen whenever you go outside.

Home Laser Treatment

Does laser tattoo removal work? Yes and no. For example, there are small home laser units being sold now, but these are about as effective as the creams — in other words, not very effective at all. The laser pulses are just too weak to reach the ink and break it up. The result will be lighter tattoos, but there is a risk of redness, swelling, and scarring if the products are not used correctly.

However, home laser treatment is one of the cheaper options. These products, often marketed as laser pens, run around $60. Laser tattoo removal works, but is only truly effective when done with professional equipment in a professional setting.

Professional Laser Treatment

Professional laser treatment is probably the best tattoo removal method overall, taking into account cost and the amount of pain during the treatment and healing process. The laser light pulses break up the ink, which allows the skin to bring it up to the surface. Your skin naturally works its way from the inside out, growing new skin underneath and sloughing off dead skin flakes on the outside.

It can take several treatments to get results, so there’s a definite expense to the procedure. Each session will run $200-$500. But by far, professional laser treatment gets the best results and causes the least problems afterward. There may be some ink particles that remain behind, but the majority of the ink will dissipate.

Surgical excision

This is the last resort of treatments. It’s literally surgery, and can only be performed on small tattoos. A surgeon cuts away the skin with a scalpel and stitches the wound closed. The procedure can leave a scar, but it will 100% remove the tattoo.

Surgical excision sounds extreme, but can be a good option for those with small tattoos. The cost runs between $150 and $350.

Remember, no matter which form of tattoo removal you choose, the process can be time-consuming, costly, and/or painful to get effective results. Think long and hard about the tattoo you choose before you get it.

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10 Things Men Do Only When They’re In Love

“Does he love me?” It’s a question that has been asked since the beginning of time. Men are hard to read, but if you know what you’re looking for, you can catch the tiny details that show you the answer. Here are 10 things men do only when they’re in love.

1. He talks to you all the time

He wants to know how your day has gone, and he wants to tell you about his. You learn about his family, his friends, his childhood, his dreams, his goals… you name it, he’s told you about it.

But it’s not all one way; he also listens to you when you talk. How do you know he listens? Because he remembers names and dates and people and things that are important to you. He doesn’t dismiss your opinions or your pipe dreams. Some couples talk constantly but never really say anything. Communication is key.

2. He doesn’t give up during rough patches

“Does he really love me?” you might wonder during the rough patches. Every couple argues. But does he admit his mistakes and not gloat over yours? Does he walk away or “get back” at you… or does he try to make it right?

Not giving up on the relationship doesn’t mean he always says “yes dear” to you. It means that he sees something worth working toward and fighting for. He looks for ways to strengthen your relationship, not pick it apart.

3. He makes you part of his circle

One milestone of a relationship is getting introduced to your partner’s friends, relatives, coworkers ⁠— and you are folded into the group. Sure, there might be “that” friend or “that” relative you just don’t get along with, for whatever reason.

But if he chooses to have your back with them, then he’s thinking in terms of “we” and not “me.” And that is a wonderful answer to “is he really in love with me?”

4. He runs errands with you

Any couple can go out and have good times, but real couples go out and do grocery shopping or run errands together. Real couples sit in the waiting room at the dentist with each other.

The idea is to be together even when you’re not “on,” when you’re not all dressed to impress. That’s not to say you should be joined at the hip 24/7, but if you like to be together even during mundane tasks, that’s a good sign.

5. He wants to hold your hand

This is a major sign that things are good: if he’s always finding reasons to touch you. Holding your hand, especially in public, is a big plus. Or he brushes your hair out of your face, or puts his hand on your knee when you’re sitting together.

I don’t mean excessive kissing and groping in public, but quiet, gentle indications that he wants to be near you. You know those old couples holding hands in the park? That’s what you want to aim for.

6. He loves you even on your off days

Nobody’s perfect. You’re going to have bad hair days or miserable brain days, and you’re not going to be your best sometimes. But the man who loves you sees beyond that. He loves the whole package, not just the outside.

He knows that when you’re down you need picking up, not picking on. And he’s concerned if you’re having a bad streak. The question is not “is he in love with me?” but “is he still in love with me despite my bad days?”

7. He has your back

Chivalry is not dead. Men like to be protective, and even though women don’t always need protecting, the gesture is important. When a man is in love with you, he will try to keep you from getting hurt, physically and emotionally.

After all, if you’re a team, then what hurts one hurts you both. Men understand this and real men will do anything to make sure you’re both in it together.

8. He lets you spend time away from him

If a man really is in love with you then he won’t be jealous of your friends or your time with them. You have a whole life full of interests from before you met him and it’s the same with him. As long as the time you spend together is good, it doesn’t matter if you go away for a weekend with the girls or vice versa.

Trust is a key factor. If you have to ask “does he still love me?” after a weekend trip to Vegas, then you need to talk it out.

9. You laugh together

This is one you should see early on. If you’re wondering “is he falling in love with me?” this should make you smile. Men learn to socialize by playful banter and joking around. If you can make each other laugh ⁠— without hurting the other’s feelings or telling them they’re too sensitive ⁠— then this is a great sign.

Laugh together about things. Laugh at each other’s jokes and each other’s mistakes ⁠— and your own ⁠— and you can face anything together. If he can joke and let his guard down around you, he’s definitely into you.

10. He’s your biggest fan

He thinks you’re awesome and what you do ⁠— your career, your hobbies, your volunteer work ⁠— is as awesome as you are. He has no trouble singing your praises to anyone who listens; your success doesn’t diminish his.

He’s so proud of what you accomplish and loves to promote your cause. No one is more loyal or supportive, and that’s the way it should be.

If your man exhibits several of these signs, congratulations! He’s in love with you! You might want to look for these signs that he’s going to propose soon.

But if your man didn’t fare so well on this test, you might want to check out these body language signs he’s just not that into you. No point in wasting time on a man who doesn’t treat you the way you deserve.

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Best Morning Yoga Poses For Beginners

Yoga is more than just a form of exercise. It is a way to achieve a healthier mind, spirit, and body.

The benefits of doing even just a quick morning yoga routine are numerous. With a morning yoga routine, you can balance your hormones and get a better night’s sleep. You also boost your metabolism while stretching your body out, meaning the wear and tear of the day is less likely to hurt you.

The science is simple. The hormones that regulate our sleep, mood, and metabolism are produced in the glands in our endocrine system. And the breathing and meditation achieved through yoga affect the endocrine system. For instance, yoga helps the body produce the melatonin hormone that regulates sleep. And all of that deep breathing has the energizing effect of coffee without all that harmful caffeine!

Morning yoga stretches are great for people of any age group. Here are the best morning yoga poses that even beginners can do.

Half Sun Salutation

There are a few different ways to do sun salutations. That means you can find a method that best suits your lifestyle and schedule, and each one fits perfectly into a 10-minute morning yoga routine.

But if you’re a true beginner, you might want to start out with the Half Sun Salutation, which does not involved getting down on the floor and getting back up again.

You start out with feet apart and palms together. Next, move your arms out in a sweeping motion and arch your back while looking at the sky. Then you fold forward and bring your nose towards your knees.

Half-lift your torso until it is parallel with the floor. Exhale into a forward fold, pressing your palms toward the floor. Inhale and sweep the arms up to the sky. Exhale and bring your palms back together. Here is a video demonstration.

There are many steps to this early morning yoga routine, but your body will thank you later.

Half Lord of the Fishes

Want more of an easy morning yoga routine? In that case, the half lord of the fishes post may be what you’re looking for.

You start out sitting down with your legs outstretched. Next, bend your knees and put feet on the ground. Afterward, move the left foot under the right leg and the left outside leg on the ground. Move your right foot over the left leg to the floor beside your left hip. At this point, your right knee should be pointing to the sky.

Next, twist towards your rightmost thigh and put your right hand behind your right buttocks cheek. Your left arm should be on the outside of the right thigh close to your knee. You can now pull your torso and right thigh close to one another.

From here, you must press the inner right foot into the floor and lengthen your front toros while releasing your right groin. Lean that torso back and stretch your tailbone flat into the floor.

Move your head either into or out of the twist. Try to distribute energy evenly throughout your body as you repeat this move.

Chair Pose

The chair pose is another pose that is good for gentle morning yoga. Start out by raising arms up and keeping them perpendicular to the floor. Keep them parallel and bend your knees out over your feet, leaning forward as if you are sitting in an imaginary chair.

While doing this, move your shoulder blades back and move your tailbone to the floor to lengthen your lower back. After 30 seconds, you can release and repeat or go into another pose.

Wide Leg Forward Fold

The wide leg forward fold is slightly more advanced than the chair pose. But it’s still great for beginners and is great for a 5-minute morning yoga routine.

Start by placing hands on hips and turning to the left, making sure your feet are wide apart. Move toes in and heels out until your feet are parallel to the ground, then make sure your heels are aligned.

Next, lengthen your torso while stretching your head’s crown upward. Fold forward starting with your hips. Look behind you by dropping your head down.

Rest hands on the floor and keep your elbows bent. Move weight to the balls of your feet and walk your hands further back. Ideally, your fingers will eventually line up with toes and heels. Bring elbows above your wrist and then draw quadriceps upward. See if you can move the crown of your head to the ground and then release after a minute of posing.

Revolved Chair Pose

As you might imagine, the revolved chair pose is simply a variation on the original chair pose. It is one of our favorite morning yoga poses.

The beginning works similar to the regular chair pose. However, you bring your hands together as if you are in prayer. From here, you twist your upper body to one side so that you can look at the sky. Keep one bottom elbow on the opposite knee during the twist and reach the other elbow towards the sky.

Dancer Pose

Care to unlock your inner dancer? We love the dancer pose as both a standalone exercise and as the beginning to a longer 30-minute morning yoga routine.

Start by lifting your left heel to the left buttock and your right thigh bone into your hip joint. Pull your knee up as you stand.

Keep torso upright and then reach backwards with your left hand to grab your ankle or foot. Next, lift the left foot up and backwards. Keep your left thigh parallel to floor and and reach your right arm out, keeping it parallel as well. You should release after 30 seconds.

Downward Facing Dog

Downward facing dog is a very iconic yoga pose. And it’s pretty easy to get started!

Start out on your hands and knees. Put knees under your hips and hands in front of your shoulders. Spread your palms and begin turning your toes under.

Next, lift your knees off the floor. With knees bent and heels lifted, lengthen your tailbone and begin lifting your sitting bones towards the sky.

Then, push your thighs back and stretch heels towards the ground. Straighten your knees, firm up the external thighs, and narrow your front pelvis.

Final steps: place index fingers on the floor and lift up to the apex of your shoulders. Firm up your shoulder blades and bring them towards your tailbone. After a minute or two, you should move on to another pose.

Low Lunge

Now that you know how to do downward facing dog, you can take on the low lunge.

Once you’re in the downward facing dog position, put the right foot between your hands. Lower yourself onto the left knee and let your top left foot onto the ground.

With right knee over right angle, stretch out your groin and thigh areas. Next, place fingertips on the ground and relax those shoulders. Slowly place body weight into your hips while moving your tailbone down.

After no more than five breaths, you can come back to a resting position and do something new.

We hope that these eight poses help start you off on a healthy and invigorating morning yoga routine

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Countries With The Best And Worst Education Systems In The World

When considering which countries have the best and worst education systems, one has to take into account various factors. Overall literacy and graduation rates are important. Also, how many grades are publicly funded and free for students to attend? Countries on top of this list also have high rates of graduates going on to higher degrees. Here is a list of the five countries that rank among the best education systems in the world and the five that are leaving their students far behind.

Countries with the Best Education Systems:

Finland

What puts this Scandinavian country on the top of the list of best education systems? Among other things their system does well: free school meals through all grades, well-respected teachers, and a “learn through play” strategy of education. Not only do they have consistently high literacy rates (99% in 2018) and grade completion, but they also have good student/teacher ratios. In 2014, Finland averaged about 13 students per teacher in primary school. Finland is the model for public education.

Japan

Japan’s famously rigorous teaching system starts early, and Japanese students spend more time in the classroom than any other country’s students. Japanese students consistently place higher in standardized testing, but that may be a function of the competitive school culture rather than focusing on student needs. High school is not mandatory, but the enrollment rate is 98%. In order to get into the competitive high schools, many Japanese students prepare for the entrance exams in after-school prep. It’s not surprising that Japan has a 99% literacy rate, but did you know they also have a 99.99% school attendance rate? Students do not skip class in this highly competitive culture.

South Korea

While statistics are virtually unknown for their North Korean counterparts, the South Korean system ranks among the top systems for education. Education is highly emphasized in South Korean culture. Children spend 16 hours a day learning, combining school with after-school prep classes. They also spend almost two months more in school per year than Americans. South Korea has the highest high school graduation rate (97%) and the highest college graduation rate in the world (69%).

Denmark

This country is often recognized among the best systems in Europe, with 99% literacy. While Denmark tends to rank lower on such metrics as resource availability, it has shown improvement in its learning environment. It has done this by lowering student/teacher ratios and increasing its focus on younger students earlier in their development. Not only is college education free in Denmark, but Denmark grants its college students a $1,000/month stipend for living expenses.

Norway

This country rounds out the top five countries with the best education systems. Norway has achieved great strides like Denmark in recent years, taking a page from its neighbors and increasing student to teacher ratios. They boast a ratio as low as one instructor for ten students, and have a stellar literacy rate (99% in 2018). Norway reformed its education system in 2006, making I.T. (information technology) a compulsory subject. Most counties offer students specializing in I.T. in upper secondary school a free laptop.

Countries with the Worst Education Systems:

The sad thing about the list of worst education systems in the world is that it’s primarily due to one thing: money. Many of the poorest countries cannot afford to provide much education to their children beyond a few years of elementary studies. While many of the lowest ranking nations are located in sub-Saharan Africa, the list does not only include countries from that continent. These are five countries with high adult illiteracy, low enrollment, and high dropout levels.

Central African Republic

What is the reason this country could be labeled as having the worst education system? It has just over 50% adult literacy. Its low rating is due to the long years of internal violence and high rate of refugees leaving the country. Schools are notoriously under funded, and teachers often go unpaid. Furthermore, materials such as books and teaching supplies are scarce, and there is very low attendance.

Pakistan

Despite having a primary, secondary, and high school system, Pakistan has one of the lowest per student expenditures. And there are low rates of attendance, particularly among girls, whose parents do not let them get more than a basic elementary education. It’s estimated that up to 4.5 million school-age girls in Pakistan do not attend school. The literacy rate for women in rural areas is shockingly low, a mere 9.5%.

Angola

This African country has only four years of free education per student, starting at age seven. After that, children can go further but their parents must foot the bill. It’s estimated that 70% of Angolan boys do not attend school. That number is higher among girls, who are expected to stay at home. Less than one percent of students go far enough to get a university degree.

Myanmar

This is another country whose internal conflicts have taken a toll on their people. School is not funded, and the high poverty levels make it all but impossible for children to attend. Also, the government makes it difficult for ethnic minorities to get an education. Most children drop out of school by the fifth grade.

Mali

This West African nation is one of the world’s poorest. Half the population lives below the international poverty level, which is USD $1.25 per day. While education is free, and a basic education is nine years, the cost of supplies such as books makes school out of reach for many children. Fewer than half of the adults in Mali are literate.

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Top 10 Jobs That Will Make You A Millionaire

Most of us have dreamt about being a millionaire. But what if you could embrace the manta “Don’t dream it, be it”? There are jobs out there that have the potential to make you millions of dollars! If you’re ready for your bank account to “go green,” keep reading to learn about these great gigs. Here are the top 10 jobs that can make you a millionaire.

App Maker

Take a look at your smartphone. Almost every really popular app on there was made by a person who is now a millionaire (or even billionaire).

If you’re good at coding and have some great ideas, you could create the next big app. And if millions of people are paying a few bucks for your hot new app, then you may become a millionaire before you know it.

Day Trader

Many of these jobs are “high-risk, high reward.” And that is especially true of becoming a day trader!

The basics of the job are buying stock low and selling for a higher amount, sometimes only a minute or two after purchase. Eventually, all of those little profits add up to ongoing income, and you can always reinvest more into the market for a bigger payoff!

Writer

Everyone knows the phrase “starving artist.” However, everyone also knows artists and writers that have become rich and famous.

If you like to write, then your way with words may be the key to getting rich. Remember, J.K. Rowling went from writing novels on napkins to creating Harry Potter, one of the world’s most beloved literary characters.

I’ll be honest: most writers don’t become rich and famous. But if you have a story to tell, it’s worth getting it out there and seeing what happens!

Air Traffic Controller

“Air Traffic Controller” may not sound like a job that will make you rich. But think again! Air traffic controllers have a median annual salary of $123,000. You’ll deserve those riches if you can handle this complex and stressful job!

You have to pass a lengthy training program and then monitor and direct air traffic. With 90,000 flights occurring every day, and lives in the balance, this is one very stressful day job. However, the pay makes it worth it, and you’ll likely enjoy union protections on top of the salary.

Real Estate Agent

Homes are very expensive. The market has recovered nicely from the 2008 recession, and wannabe homeowners often must plunk over hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy a home.

Guess who is getting a cut of that money? Real estate agents! In fact, agents typically get at least 10 percent of the money from the sale of a home.

You can do the math: sell a few pricey homes per year and you’ll be a millionaire in a few years!

Musician

Musicians are a bit like writers. That is, there are plenty of them out there, but only a few make it big.

However, the internet has made it easier than ever to share your music with the world. And social media can help turn one good singer into an overnight legend.

An example of this is Lil Nas X. He went from an unknown artist to a multiple-platinum singer for the song “Old Town Road,” and his initial celebrity was mostly because his song went viral through the app TikTok.

Physician

This one may be obvious, but if you want to see a field full of rich people, look no further than doctors.

Obviously, there are some major hurdles. This includes extensive amounts of schooling, major student loan debt, and a lot of stress.

However, doctors routinely make at least six figures a year. And you can drive that number even higher by opening your own successful practice.

Government Contractor

Plenty of people joke about how the government likes to spend money. But there’s some truth to those jokes, and that’s how contractors can cash in.

Such contracts (especially overseas) are usually extensive, both in terms of how much work you’ll have and how long that work lasts. And fields ranging from supplies to security all need the help of contractors.

If you get yourself a juicy government contract or two, it might be the last job you ever need.

Influencer

Whether you love it or hate it, we now live in the age of the “influencer.”

Fame used to mean that you were known for being a movie star, a musician, or a famous entrepreneur. However, many people are now famous for things like Instagram posts, Youtube videos, and Twitch streams.

It may take a while to build up the following necessary to really get rich. But you can entice followers to donate money via Patreon and you may eventually get things like corporate sponsorships to further pad your bank account.

Entrepreneur

Most of the jobs on this list involve working for other people. However, if you’d like to get rich while working for yourself, you need to start a business.

If you have an idea for a product or service that no one else is offering, then you should go into business for yourself. This is your opportunity to create your own niche market and reap the financial awards.

Many businesses take a few years to get off the ground. But once you’ve firmly established yourself, you’ll have a steady stream of solid income on top of job security.

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Countries With The Best And Worst Education Systems In The World

When considering which countries have the best and worst education systems, one has to take into account various factors. Overall literacy and graduation rates are important. Also, how many grades are publicly funded and free for students to attend? Countries on top of this list also have high rates of graduates going on to higher degrees. Here is a list of the five countries that rank among the best education systems in the world and the five that are leaving their students far behind.

Countries with the Best Education Systems:

Finland

What puts this Scandinavian country on the top of the list of best education systems? Among other things their system does well: free school meals through all grades, well-respected teachers, and a “learn through play” strategy of education. Not only do they have consistently high literacy rates (99% in 2018) and grade completion, but they also have good student/teacher ratios. In 2014, Finland averaged about 13 students per teacher in primary school. Finland is the model for public education.

Japan

Japan’s famously rigorous teaching system starts early, and Japanese students spend more time in the classroom than any other country’s students. Japanese students consistently place higher in standardized testing, but that may be a function of the competitive school culture rather than focusing on student needs. High school is not mandatory, but the enrollment rate is 98%. In order to get into the competitive high schools, many Japanese students prepare for the entrance exams in after-school prep. It’s not surprising that Japan has a 99% literacy rate, but did you know they also have a 99.99% school attendance rate? Students do not skip class in this highly competitive culture.

South Korea

While statistics are virtually unknown for their North Korean counterparts, the South Korean system ranks among the top systems for education. Education is highly emphasized in South Korean culture. Children spend 16 hours a day learning, combining school with after-school prep classes. They also spend almost two months more in school per year than Americans. South Korea has the highest high school graduation rate (97%) and the highest college graduation rate in the world (69%).

Denmark

This country is often recognized among the best systems in Europe, with 99% literacy. While Denmark tends to rank lower on such metrics as resource availability, it has shown improvement in its learning environment. It has done this by lowering student/teacher ratios and increasing its focus on younger students earlier in their development. Not only is college education free in Denmark, but Denmark grants its college students a $1,000/month stipend for living expenses.

Norway

This country rounds out the top five countries with the best education systems. Norway has achieved great strides like Denmark in recent years, taking a page from its neighbors and increasing student to teacher ratios. They boast a ratio as low as one instructor for ten students, and have a stellar literacy rate (99% in 2018). Norway reformed its education system in 2006, making I.T. (information technology) a compulsory subject. Most counties offer students specializing in I.T. in upper secondary school a free laptop.

Countries with the Worst Education Systems:

The sad thing about the list of worst education systems in the world is that it’s primarily due to one thing: money. Many of the poorest countries cannot afford to provide much education to their children beyond a few years of elementary studies. While many of the lowest ranking nations are located in sub-Saharan Africa, the list does not only include countries from that continent. These are five countries with high adult illiteracy, low enrollment, and high dropout levels.

Central African Republic

What is the reason this country could be labeled as having the worst education system? It has just over 50% adult literacy. Its low rating is due to the long years of internal violence and high rate of refugees leaving the country. Schools are notoriously under funded, and teachers often go unpaid. Furthermore, materials such as books and teaching supplies are scarce, and there is very low attendance.

Pakistan

Despite having a primary, secondary, and high school system, Pakistan has one of the lowest per student expenditures. And there are low rates of attendance, particularly among girls, whose parents do not let them get more than a basic elementary education. It’s estimated that up to 4.5 million school-age girls in Pakistan do not attend school. The literacy rate for women in rural areas is shockingly low, a mere 9.5%.

Angola

This African country has only four years of free education per student, starting at age seven. After that, children can go further but their parents must foot the bill. It’s estimated that 70% of Angolan boys do not attend school. That number is higher among girls, who are expected to stay at home. Less than one percent of students go far enough to get a university degree.

Myanmar

This is another country whose internal conflicts have taken a toll on their people. School is not funded, and the high poverty levels make it all but impossible for children to attend. Also, the government makes it difficult for ethnic minorities to get an education. Most children drop out of school by the fifth grade.

Mali

This West African nation is one of the world’s poorest. Half the population lives below the international poverty level, which is USD $1.25 per day. While education is free, and a basic education is nine years, the cost of supplies such as books makes school out of reach for many children. Fewer than half of the adults in Mali are literate.

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10 Best Christmas Movies On Netflix To Watch All Season Long

One of the best things about the Christmas season is having family members over. But one of the worst things is finding a way to keep everyone entertained!

That’s why movies are so magical. The right movie does more than get everyone’s attention: it brings the entire family together like nothing else.

If you’re hankering for Christmas movies this holiday season, Netflix has you covered. Here are the 10 best Christmas movies on Netflix you can start streaming right now!

Christmas with the Kranks

Thanks to movies like The Santa Clause, Tim Allen has become synonymous with Christmas. And while Netflix doesn’t have that classic available, it does have another Allen holiday movie: Christmas with the Kranks.

The film (which also stars Jamie Lee Curtis) revolves around a couple who decide to skip out on Christmas when they hear their daughter cannot make it. With its unique plot, killer soundtrack, and thoughtful costuming, this is an unforgettable holiday film.

The Grinch

If you’re searching for “Grinch” on Netflix, you’ll have two choices. The first is the 2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas movie starring Jim Carrey. The only thing good about that live-action monstrosity is Jim Carrey, but he cannot save the film.

The second (and better) choice is 2018’s The Grinch. This delightful CGI movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch as The Grinch along with a star-studded cast of Whoville residents. You and the entire family are going to be humming along to Danny Elfman’s musical score long after the credits roll.

Let It Snow

Let It Snow is a Christmas movie created by Netflix. And it also stars one of their breakout actors: Keirnan Shipka, best known for her starring role on Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

The actual plot revolves around young people trying to juggle friendship, love, and life around the holiday season. While the story is nothing too complex, the sheer charm of the cast helps to elevate each season into something truly memorable.

Nailed It! Holiday!

Want a cleanser from traditional holiday movies? In that case, you should check out the Nailed It! holiday special.

This is not a movie per se. Instead, it’s a special episode of the Nailed It! baking show. The premise of this show is that ordinary people attempt to bake beautiful culinary creations. And the results are usually hilariously bad.

You’ll laugh and you’ll gasp watching what they do to various iconic Christmas characters. If nothing else, you’ll feel better about your own cooking.

The Christmas Chronicles

The secret to a good Christmas movie is having a solid lead performer. That’s why The Christmas Chronicles is so good: it has film legend Kurt Russell as none other than Santa Clause himself.

As plots go, the movie is basically wacky hijinks in which a couple of kids help Santa track down his reindeer, hat, and presents. Everything is held together by fun performances and interesting visual effects.

Considering that a sequel is in the works, this is the perfect time to stream this Netflix original.

A Christmas Prince

Somewhere along the way, Christmas became known as a romantic holiday. Something about the holiday spirit (or maybe just the cold air) brings would-be lovebirds close together.

A Christmas Prince is a Netflix movie that channels that romantic Christmas spirit. It focuses on an aspiring journalist who is sent to a foreign nation and falls in love with (what else?) a prince.

If you like this movie, don’t forget to catch its two sequels, which are also currently streaming on Netflix.

The Princess Switch

This next Netflix original is a new twist on an old story. The Princess Switch channels William Shakespeare and tells us the story of identical twins (played by Vanessa Hudgens). One is a simple baker and the other is royalty.

Naturally, they end up switching roles and seeing how the other half lives. Overall, the movie is simultaneously a fun holiday fairytale and an important lesson on what makes everybody truly special.

Holiday in the Wild

Christmas is a bittersweet time for many people. Just as it is a time that many people come together and create new memories, it’s also a time that many must smile through the melancholy.

Into that bittersweet season comes Holiday in the Wild, a bittersweet comedic movie about a recently divorced woman who goes on a trip to Zambia. There, she finds more about love and more about herself.

Starring Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis, this Netflix original isn’t short on holiday charm.

The Holiday Calendar

Kids (and kids at heart) love a good advent calendar. It serves as a Christmas countdown and also helps to make each day special.

That’s the general spirit of The Holiday Calendar. This Netflix original features a woman (Kat Graham) who receives a magical advent calendar. She must navigate around this discovery as well as her feelings for Josh (played by Quincy Brown).

After this film, your kids may never look at an advent calendar the same way.

Klaus

Klaus is actually a bit of movie history for Netflix. While the company has helped create plenty of movies and shows, this movie is actually their first animated film. Parents are likely to recognize many great voice actors, including Jason Schwartzman, Rashida Jones, J.K. Simmons, and Norm MacDonald.

What about the kids? Well, they’ll love the plot about a toymaker and the son of a postman who team up to bring joy to a tiny town. Overall, this isn’t just a good Christmas movie: it’s a genuinely awesome and heartwarming animated feature.

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10 Starbucks Hidden Menu Hacks To Up Your Coffee Game

Starbucks, the icon of coffee shops, is famous for their delicious and unique menu items. They regularly roll out new drink combinations for holidays, special promotions or just because it’s summer.

But did you know there’s more to their drink menu than your favorite half-soy, half-caf, sugar-free caramel latte?

As it turns out, Starbucks has a huge list of secret recipes, created by both baristas and patrons, with some of the tastiest mixes you can imagine.

Check out these 10 cool menu hacks to try on your next visit. One of them might just become your new favorite!

1. Hot Butterbeer Latte

Harry Potter fans, rejoice! Now even we Muggles can enjoy a butterbeer anytime. Start with a whole milk steamer and add caramel syrup, toffee nut syrup and cinnamon dolce syrup, then top with whipped cream and salted caramel bits. If you can’t imagine a latte with no coffee, ask for a shot of espresso.

2. Passion Tea Frappuccino

A delicious twist on a regular frappuccino (or regular tea for that matter) this drink combines bright spring flavors along with a bright pink color. Ask for milk, passion tea, ice, three pumps of classic syrup and a crème base. Blend and top with whipped cream. It’s like your favorite gas station slushie, only better.

3. The Green Drink

By now you’ve probably seen lots of Instagram feeds that showcase the Pink Drink, another Starbucks super-secret, not-so-secret beverage option.

Now we also have the Green Drink. It’s only got three ingredients but it’s a nice change from the traditional green tea latte. Simply combine iced black tea, matcha powder, coconut milk and ice.

4. Sunset Refresher

If it’s the days of summer you’re missing, the Sunset Refresher brings it all back to you with the very first sip. Start with Cool Lime Refresher to about one-third full, add lemonade, fresh lime and top with black tea and lots of ice. It’s almost as good as being on the beach.

5. Cold Hot Chocolate Frappuccino

For a cool take on hot cocoa, the Cold Hot Chocolate Frappuccino hits the spot no matter what the weather might be. Start with a Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino, add vanilla syrup and blend in whipped cream, then top with more whipped cream and a mocha drizzle.

6. Spiced Apple Pie

For the perfect drink on a crisp fall day, and something a little different from the usual plethora of pumpkin spice, check out a Spiced Apple Pie. This drink combines half hot Passion Tango tea, half steamed apple juice and cinnamon dolce syrup. Top with whipped cream, graham cracker and cinnamon dolce sprinkles.

8. Coconut Milk Pumpkin Macchiato

Another great change-up from the traditional pumpkin spice latte, the Coconut Milk Pumpkin Macchiato combines the unusual flavors of coconut milk and pumpkin for a creamy and delicious treat. Ask for a Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato but add pumpkin spice syrup instead of white mocha syrup, then top with pumpkin spice topping.

7. White Chocolate Cinnamon Chai Latte

Smooth white chocolate with the spice of cinnamon and chai? Yes, please! Ask for a chai latte, whole milk and no water, add cinnamon dolce syrup and white mocha syrup, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.

9. Holly Jolly Latte

During the holiday season, you can add some Christmas cheer to that eggnog latte by getting it Holly Jolly style. Order an eggnog chai latte with no water, add one to two pumps peppermint syrup, whipped cream and nutmeg sprinkles.

10. Christmas in a Cup Latte

You’ll feel like it’s Christmas every day with the Christmas in a Cup Latte. Start with a cinnamon dolce latte and add one to two pumps peppermint syrup and white mocha syrup. Top with whipped cream and you’ll be singing Christmas carols in no time!

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Green Food Recipes For St. Patrick’s Day

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, pubs and house parties will be awash with green bagels, green beer and green chips. But short of adding a bunch of food coloring to your St. Paddy’s day snacks, why not check out “green” food that’s actually pretty yummy to eat?

Here are some of our favorite green food recipes you can make and wash down with one of these festive green cocktail recipes!

Baked Pesto Cream Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh basil leaves

6 tablespoons pine nuts

2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 eight-ounce blocks of cream cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Place the basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic and olive oil in a food processor and blend until all ingredients are about the size of mustard grains.

Place the cream cheese blocks in a shallow glass oven-proof dish and top them with the pesto mixture. Bake for about 25 minutes. The recipe serves 16 one-ounce servings.

Avocado Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

12 medium eggs, hard boiled

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon spicy mustard

1/3 teaspoon salt

1/3 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1 avocado, pitted and diced

2 strips bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled

Directions:

Cut each egg lengthwise into halves. Remove the yolks and put them in a bowl with the remaining ingredients and mash together with a fork.

Once combined, spoon the mix into a zip-top bag and cut ½ inch off one of its corners.

Pipe the filling into the halved egg whites and top with bacon crumbles. The recipe yields 24 deviled egg halves.

Grasshopper Pie

Ingredients:

7 ounces softened cream cheese

1 chocolate crumb pie crust (about 9 inches)

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

20 drops green food coloring

20 dark chocolate cookies, crushed

20 Andes thin mint candies, finely diced

2 cups whipped topping

Directions:

Beat the cream cheese with a mixer until it’s soft, then add the sweetened condensed milk and food coloring and blend on low until combined.

With a large spatula, gently stir in the crushed cookies, diced mint candies and whipped topping.

Pour the mixture into the crust and freeze overnight before serving. The recipe yields eight dessert-size servings or 16 mini-size servings.

Mushy Peas Dip

Ingredients:

2 pounds baby peas

½ cup fresh mint, chopped finely

½ cup melted butter

Kosher salt, to taste

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined, but not totally smooth.

Serve with crudité or crackers. The recipe serves 8.

Sugar-Coated Frozen Grapes

Ingredients:

2 pounds green grapes, stemmed and washed

1 cup sugar

Directions:

Coat the grapes in sugar and freeze overnight. The recipe serves 8-10.

Lime Sherbet Punch

Ingredients:

Two quarts lime sherbet

Four liters lemon lime soda

Directions:

Pour soda into a large punch bowl. Scoop the sherbet into the punch bowl and serve. For a grown-up version, add some tequila or vodka to taste. The recipe yields about twenty 8-ounce servings.

If you think it’s not easy being green, it actually is, and the treats that await you on St. Paddy’s Day can easily translate into year-round food. May the (green) luck of the Irish follow you always!

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5 Cocktail Recipes With A Christmas Twist

Tired of the same old spiked eggnog and mulled cider? Here are five classic cocktail recipes with a wonderful holiday twist!

Christmas Mule

Moscow Mules are back in style. There’s something about that copper mug that just makes everything taste better, but you could honestly make them in a mason jar and they’d still be perfect. Who says they’re only a summer drink?

Ingredients:

1/2 oz simple syrup

1/2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice

1 1/2 oz gin or vodka (depending on your preference)

2 oz chilled ginger beer

1 rosemary sprig

Orange slice, for garnish

Sugared cranberries, for garnish (see below for instructions)

Directions:

Combine simple syrup, cranberry juice, and gin or vodka. Fill your copper mug or mason jar or whatever you’re using with ice, pour mixture over it, and top off with the ginger beer. Add a sprig of rosemary and an orange slice, and skewer a few wonderful sugared cranberries (if you want to make them) and lay them across the top of the mug.

Sugared cranberries garnish:

The sugared cranberries garnish is optional and takes some time to prepare beforehand but if you’re entertaining it’s totally worth the work, because they can be used for many other holiday treats, so you may want to make a batch and keep them on hand.

Make a sugar syrup (1:1 sugar and water, at least 2 cups of each) and bring it just under a boil. Put the cranberries in a dish and pour the syrup over them. Refrigerate overnight. Drain away the excess syrup, let them sit 5 minutes until they are semi dry and sticky. Dip them in sugar (the finer the grade the better) and set them on a tray to finish drying for 2 hours. Once they’re set, you can use them immediately or put them away for use all holiday long!

White Christmas Mojito

Another summer drink reimagined for wintertime, the White Christmas Mojito brings together the best of both worlds. This drink has an intense coconut flavor, so you might want to adjust the ratio of coconut milk to sparkling water according to taste. If that means drinking a few practice drinks, then hey, no judgment here!

Ingredients:

Juice from one lime

6-8 mint leaves

1 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp white rum

1 tbsp coconut rum

1/4 cup canned coconut milk

Sparkling water for topping

Pomegranate seeds garnish

Directions:

Muddle (crush together) the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a glass. Fill ice to halfway and set aside.

In a blender or processor, combine the rums and coconut milk and pulse until it’s smooth. Add to your prepared glass. Stir, don’t shake! Then top it off with the sparking water. Add more mint leaves for a garnish, and for a real color kick add a few pomegranate seeds (with the mint it makes it look like holly!)

Salted Caramel White Russian

White Russians are already wintery, what with the Kahlua and whatnot. But if you really want to jazz it up, it’s all in the preparation.

Ingredients:

1 oz Kahlua or coffee liqueur

2 oz vodka

Salted caramel sauce (to prepare the glass)

half & half or cream

coarse sea salt

caramel candies for garnish

Directions:

Lightly salt the rim of the glass. Drizzle the caramel sauce off the back of a spoon to make a delicate pattern on the inside of the glass. Be fancy! When your masterpiece is complete, add ice.

Mix Kahlua and vodka and 2 ice cubes; shake well. Strain into glass over ice, top off with a splash of cream and garnish with, what else, some caramel candy!

Cranberry Orange Margaritas

Now here’s a holiday drink you’re going to want to make by the pitcher! Not only that, but remember those sugared cranberries you made earlier? You can use them here, too! I told you to make a lot of them!

Ingredients:

12 oz tequila blanco

16 oz cranberry juice

4 oz orange juice

4 oz orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)

¾ cup lime juice

3 tbsp sugar

orange slices for garnish

coarse salt

sugared cranberries

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher over ice. Serve in salt-rimmed margarita glasses with a slice of orange and a few sugared cranberries. Enjoy!

Candy Cane Martini

Here’s a lovely twist on one of the most iconic cocktails of all time. And best of all, we’re having it James Bond style! That is to say, shaken and not stirred.

Ingredients:

¼ oz simple syrup

¼ oz grenadine

2 1/2 oz vodka

peppermint extract

crushed candy canes

Directions:

Rim a martini glass with the crushed candy cane. Combine the syrup, grenadine, vodka, and ONLY one drop of peppermint extract in cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, shake vigorously, strain into the prepared glass. If that’s not enough candy cane, you can add one as a garnish. But that’s totally up to you.

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8 Fruits That Will Help Shed Those Unwanted Pounds

The holidays are almost here. That means eating way too much at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

Why do you think all diets start in January? We’re hoping to work off our holiday gluttony with some healthier eating. One of the best ways to do that is to try a fruitarian diet.

Fruits are a great way to shed those unwanted pounds. And you don’t have to wait until New Year’s: with our tips, you can start losing weight today with a high fruit diet!

Apples

You know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It turns out it can keep the pounds away as well!

As foods go, apples are light on calories and high in fiber. That means they can keep you regular without weighing you down.

Apples are also pretty filling as healthy snacks go. Substituting an apple for something like chips is going to help reduce your waistline.

If you want to max out on fruit diet benefits, though, it’s best to eat them whole. Save the juicing for another fruit!

Grapefruit

The best health foods do more than reduce your caloric intake. They also provide the kinds of vitamins your body has been missing.

Grapefruit is a great example of this. It has less than half the calories of an apple. At the same time, it offers a big boost in Vitamin C and (if you snag the red grapefruit) Vitamin A.

This miracle food helps to control your body fat and even blood pressure. That makes it a great health food at just about any stage of his life. And no matter how young you are, it’s never too late to start eating healthy and experiment with a fruit-only diet.

Watermelon

Watermelon is downright delicious. In fact, Mark Twain once declared, “When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat.” But would you believe it also helps you shed pounds?

While watermelons may feel like a heavy treat, most of their weight is made of water. In terms of a fruit based diet, a serving of watermelon has fewer calories than a serving of grapefruit!

Throw in that watermelon fills you up while burning fat more quickly and you have the perfect healthy treat. Only you can decide if it is as heavenly as Mark Twain claims!

Berries

Berries are an awesome fruit to help you lose weight. Which kinds of berries are good for your fruitarian diet plan? Pretty much all of them!

Blueberries are a low-calorie way of boosting your Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Strawberries offer a similar Vitamin C boost and throw in a nice helping of fiber.

Snacking on berries is a great way to stay full on healthy foods. And they taste great both on their own and as part of a yogurt breakfast.

And if they were a good enough snack for Iron Man in the first Avengers movie, they are good enough for us!

Oranges

Oranges are a great source of (what else?) Vitamin C. They are also filling and make for an easily portable treat. That’s convenient if you’re eating only fruit.

While we don’t usually compare apples and oranges, they have one thing in common: they are healthier when eaten whole instead of juiced (sorry, orange juice lovers).

Keep in mind that orange slices are also a great way to add healthy flavor to your salad.

Passion Fruit

With the feeling of passion, the best parts are hidden deep inside. That’s also very true of passion fruit.

While the outside of this fruit is very eye-catching, it’s also very tough. The inside, though, is a real health bonanza for your high fruit diet.

You get major portions of iron, potassium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Throw in the high fiber and low calories and you have something to be “passionate” about.

Rhubarb

Jack Nicholson’s Joker once told Batman to never rub another man’s rhubarb. Maybe he was just hoping to keep this dieting secret for his own fruit diet plan?

Some call rhubarb a veggie, but a court of law once decided it was a fruit. That’s good enough for us!

This food packs a major punch for fiber and Vitamin K. And it helps with high cholesterol and blood pressure, all while being super-low in calories. It’s a great secret weapon in your fruits diet meal plan.

Bananas

We’ll level with you: if you just want low-calorie fruits, bananas are not going to be your first choice.

They have a bit more calories and sugar than other fruits on this list. In exchange, though, you get a world of health benefits.

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10 Refreshing Summer Drinks For The Whole Family

Hot weather calls for cool drinks! Whether you want to share delicious summer drinks fun for the whole family or simply want healthy, fruity summer drinks to sip for yourself, here are 10 delicious non-alcoholic drink recipes to make your summer special!

Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Here is a simple yet complex mix of flavors that work perfectly together. Just mix a thawed can of frozen lemonade concentrate in a blender with 8 cups watermelon. Strain the pulp out, then add 5 cups water and muddle 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves. Refrigerate for half an hour and you have a perfect summer drink!

Piña Colada

The quintessential summer vacation drink usually takes rum, but you can make a yummy non-alcoholic version with no trouble. Freeze some pineapple chunks and coconut water into cubes the night before, then put them in the blender with 1 can of coconut milk, 1/2 cup of coconut cream, 1/2 cup of pineapple juice and 3 tbsp of lime juice. Blend it all up together until thick and creamy, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and the mandatory maraschino cherry. You’ll think you’re back in the tropics in no time!

Blackberry Spritzer

Using a cocktail shaker and a wooden spoon, muddle 2 blackberries. Add 1 1/2 oz of orange juice and 1 oz of lemon juice. Add an ounce of simple syrup made with sugar, water, and cinnamon, and then top the whole thing off with some club soda. The berry flavor is delicate, and the cinnamon wakes you right up. Enjoy indoors or poolside ⁠— you’ll be glad you did.

Sparkling Thyme Lemonade

Now here’s a new way to serve an old favorite. Make a simple syrup from half a cup each of sugar and water, add 6 sprigs of thyme and let simmer till the sugar dissolves. Wait till it cools completely, then remove thyme. Now mix with 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, then add 3 cups of club soda. Pour over ice and prepare to enjoy your new favorite summer drink!

Popsicle Punch

Popsicles are a must during summer, so why not use them as the basis for a yummy summer drink? Get some strawberry and mango flavored fruit pops and get ready to make magic: mix 4 cups lemon-lime soda, 4 cups lemonade, and 12 oz of seltzer water in a large pitcher. Add a cup of cut strawberries and two cubed mangos to the pitcher. The best part is that you pour the drink into glasses and then use the fruit pop as both garnish and ice cube. Also, eating the pop as you drink the drink adds a whole new level of flavor to your experience.

Raspberry Lime Margarita Fizz

This one’s plenty refreshing and still non-alcoholic, but it’s probably less for little kids and more for older ones, just because the flavor of lime and raspberry may be too sour for smaller palates. Mix 4 ounces of raspberry lime flavored water (any brand of flavored water will do) and the same amount of sugar-free margarita mix. Garnish with fresh lime and raspberries and you’re good to go! It’s also wonderful in adult settings for the designated driver in your party. And at only 5 calories per serving, it won’t dent your diet. Don’t forget to rim the glass with salt.

Blushing Arnold Palmer

Named for the pro golfer, the Arnold Palmer is simply iced tea and lemonade mixed in equal measures, which makes it one of summer’s most popular drinks for a reason. But if you really want to make a splash, add just a touch of grenadine on top, which gives it that “blush” and a tangy cherry bite.

Ginger peach soda

Yet another drink that needs just a little extra preparation that makes it totally worth the trouble. Make a simple syrup from 1/2 cup each of water and sugar, mixed with 1 tbsp freshly minced ginger. Simple in a saucepan, then when the sugar has melted, cover and let steep for half an hour. After that, press the syrup through a sieve to remove the ginger bits and refrigerate. Meanwhile, take a fresh peach and cut it into slices. Put the slices into glasses, add 2 tbsp of syrup and top off with ice and soda water. Garnish with mint leaves and you’ll have summer in a glass!

Citrus cooler

Here is the ultimate mason jar drink for summer enjoyment. Mix 1 1/2 cups of orange juice with half a cup each of lime juice and lemon juice. Pour into mason jars, top with 1 1/2 tsp of sugar, secure the lid and shake to dissolve sugar. Open them up and top off with a healthy dose of club soda and you are all set to enjoy any time. And best of all, you get to keep the glass!

Summer Sangria

Normally a wine based beverage, this version is alcohol-free and a wonderful summer drink for kids or adults alike. It’s made with four parts white grape juice to one part orange juice, then add chopped oranges, bananas, peaches, and blueberries. Mix with the juice from 2 limes and refrigerate for an hour or two. What you get when it’s done is a fantastic twist on a refreshing fruit beverage.

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10 Health Benefits of Green Tea You Didn’t Know About

1. Does green tea have caffeine?

Yes. How much caffeine is in green tea? Not as much as a cup of coffee, but enough to notice if you’re sensitive. However, green tea also contains L-theanine, which is another antioxidant; it combines with caffeine to help with brain function. And while this won’t help with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, it can help reduce the risk of developing other forms of dementia and slowed brain function.

2. Does green tea help with weight loss?

Yes. Green tea boosts the metabolism, which increases fat burning. Many people swear by green tea weight loss regimens, although studies show it is more effective in the short term. Using green tea as a fat burner can help you lose weight as part of an overall regimen. There’s some indication that it is useful for burning abdominal fat. While there is no best green tea for weight loss, it can definitely help as opposed to not taking it at all.

3. Does green tea reduce cancer risks?

This is still up for debate. While the antioxidants in green tea can certainly help boost overall resistance, there’s no definite study showing that green tea specifically does this. And while it’s worth noting that green tea drinkers have generally lower cancer rates than non-drinkers, there’s no conclusive proof that it’s the tea and not their overall lifestyle at fault.

4. Does green tea help with dental health?

The antioxidants in green tea, especially the catechins, help boost immunity against bacteria. Since bacteria of the mouth lead to teeth and gum issues, green tea benefits you by reducing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath.

5. Does green tea help with diabetes?

While green tea cannot cure or help diabetes, it can help lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes simply because it has weight loss benefits. Lower weight lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes overall. It also helps reduce blood sugar levels, but not dramatically. This is more due to drinking green tea instead of sugar-laced drinks.

6. Does green tea prevent heart disease?

Green tea can lower cholesterol levels. Heart disease is a risk of high cholesterol. Therefore, anything you can do to reduce the risk of heart disease is good for you. Green tea won’t cure or treat heart disease. But if you’re at risk of developing heart disease because of your diet, switching to green tea is a good idea.

7. How can you get the most out of the benefits of green tea?

It’s best to drink green tea in several small cups throughout the day rather than one huge mug at a time. This way you can also relax yourself for a few minutes several times a day, which will help your mental health. Green tea is most beneficial when it’s drunk hot, not iced.

8. How long to steep green tea?

Generally speaking, you should steep the tea leaves (or bag) for two minutes. Although, depending on your taste, you can try experimenting by adding 30 seconds at a time, developing the flavor you like most. It’s best not to over-steep the tea or you will scald the leaves and it will develop a sour flavor.

9. How many calories are in green tea?

If you are drinking green tea you made yourself, there are no calories. Beware of sugared green tea drinks in a can, as they can have as many calories as a can of soda. Likewise, you can add green tea powder to milk for a treat, but you will have the milk calories to count (unless there is sugar added to the powder there are no green tea calories). Green tea extract benefits exist, but whether they are more or less effective than steeped tea has not been studied.

10. Are there any risks or side effects of green tea?

As with all substances, there are tradeoffs for the good benefits. Green tea is acidic like all teas in that it contains tannin. So if you’re prone to acid reflux or stomach issues, you might want to limit your intake or take an antacid with it.

Green tea is also not something to drink if you’re taking blood thinners, because it can slow blood clotting and increase blood-thinning effects. You should not drink green tea with aspirin for the same reason (both can prevent blood from clotting).

Finally, because of the minimal amount of caffeine, if you’re overly sensitive to caffeine, green tea can cause sleeplessness, anxiety, or irritability. But for many people, green tea is a beneficial drink to add to their diet.

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Best Keto-Friendly Breakfast Ideas

Because of this, the keto diet can lead to weight loss as well as reduced blood sugar and insulin levels. It can be the right diet and lifestyle choice for many who want to get healthy.

However, it is difficult finding good keto meal ideas, especially for breakfast. The good news is that we’re here to change that.

Below are our favorite keto breakfast ideas. With this list, you’ll be able to start each day off with a healthy low-carb bite!

Taco Breakfast Skillet

A good, hearty breakfast is a solid way to stave off hunger throughout the day. But it can be difficult to find a keto breakfast recipe that is yummy and filling at the same time.

The taco breakfast skillet is an exception to this particular rule. This deconstructed dish takes everything that is delicious about nachos and simply removes the chips. And the final result is a dish you’ll be happy to eat time and time again.

In fact, while this is a great keto breakfast, we’d also nominate it as a great lunch option when you want to pack a lot of flavor on the go.

Cabbage Hash Browns

Hashbrowns are another definitive breakfast item for millions of people. Served from the skillet or served alongside a McMuffin, this tasty dish is one of the best breakfast meals you can wake up to.

Of course, the potato of traditional hash browns is a big “no no” in the world of keto. Keto vegetables are low in carbs. So, root vegetables like potatoes need to be avoided. Leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and cabbage make great keto-friendly vegetable options. That’s why we love these cabbage hash browns so much.

While cabbage is the main component, you would never know it: the final result both looks and feels like the real deal. And once you serve this up alongside some eggs and bacon, you’ll have a breakfast plate that simply tastes too good to be “diet.”

Keto Cereal

For many of us, cereal is a true staple breakfast item. Unfortunately, most cereals are not keto friendly at all. Instead of giving up on one of your favorite foods, you can start whipping up your own batches of keto cereal.

This is a great item for chefs of every skill level. Even those who are in danger of burning water should have no problem heating up this tasty dose of granola.

Your final result is something that tastes great for breakfast. But it can also be an addition to yummy dishes such as Keto ice cream or serve as an awesome Keto snacks option.

Pulled Pork Hash

Most of us didn’t like healthy food growing up because it had that healthy food taste. Let’s be honest: in a choice between barbecue and vegetables, there simply was no choice.

Being a grown-up is all about compromise. And that’s what this keto pulled pork hash recipe does: it finds the perfect balance between flavor and health.

You get a ton of bold breakfast flavor from all the pork and eggs. However, it also has surprisingly tasty additions of sprouts, turnip, and kale. This is a way of eating really healthy and still feeling like you’re getting away with something.

Keto Breakfast Pizza

You don’t have to be a hungover college student to enjoy pizza for breakfast. Sadly, delivery pizza and frozen pizza doesn’t mesh with the keto lifestyle.

The good news is that you can make your own keto breakfast pizza quite easily. You end up with a blend of surprising flavors (including salmon, eggs, and avocado) on top of some tasty cauliflower bread.

Enjoy this with your morning coffee and don’t be surprised when you start craving the taste again later in the day. Like the very best pizza, this recipe will keep you coming back again and again.

Collagen Keto Bread and Jam

Want to hear an open secret among everyone on the keto diet? Here it is: we miss bread. In fact, we miss bread quite a bit, especially around breakfast time.

That’s one of the reasons we enjoy this collagen keto bread recipe so much. It’s yummy enough to eat all by itself (especially if you add some keto-friendly butter and jam). However, it’s also a low-carb way of bringing bread back into various breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes.

If you think the worst thing about the keto diet is the lack of bread, you’ll dig this recipe most of all.

Sausage Breakfast Sandwich

Sausage is a food many of us associate with breakfast. And the sausage sandwich is a special treat: whether you’re eating mama’s recipe or grabbing road trip fast food, a sausage sandwich is warm and filling.

The traditional sausage breakfast recipes are killers when it comes to carbs. That’s where this awesome keto sausage breakfast sandwich recipe comes in.

In about 15 minutes, you end up with tasty sandwiches that don’t skimp on flavor. And by turning the sausage or eggs into the “bread” of the sandwich, you end up doubling up on the best part of the whole meal.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts With Almond Flour

We know what you’re thinking. Donuts for breakfast — have we lost our minds? Traditional donuts aren’t just outside of the keto diet. They are also huge calorie sponges and among the least healthy things you can consume.

This recipe for cinnamon sugar donuts changes all of that. Between the almond flour and cinnamon sugar, you get the sweet flavor you are seeing without the excessive calories. Substituting almond flour instead of wheat flour keeps these donuts low in carbs. The resulting keto donuts have a texture reminiscent of cake donuts.

In fact, the only problem with these keto donuts is that they are so good, you may want to keep them all for yourself!

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What Does Drinking Milk Do To Your Body?

Adults of a certain age grew up hearing one thing about milk: “It does a body good.” Advertisements featuring various celebrities, athletes, and superheroes helped sell the idea that milk was exactly what your body needed.

Unfortunately, that’s not the whole truth. And milk can’t be part of a truly healthy diet until you know exactly what it does to your body.

Wondering what that glass of milk each night is doing to you? This comprehensive guide has the answers you’ve been waiting for.

Milk can cause bloating

Many people gulp milk down hoping it will help them live a healthier life. Why, then, does it make you feel really bloated?

If you’re wondering how to tell if milk is bad for you, just check out what it does to your body. If it makes you feel painfully bloated, then you may have lactose intolerance or something more severe like IBS.

Keep in mind that your body’s digestive system changes as you get older. Milk may cause bloating now even if it hasn’t been a problem in the past.

Milk can help your body burn fat

When determining how healthy milk is, most folks just ask “how many calories in milk?” The answer, though, is more complicated than that.

For example, a glass of 1% milk has a little over 100 calories in it. While it’s possible to have too much of a good thing, milk by itself doesn’t have too many calories.

Furthermore, regularly consuming milk two or three times a day can actually help you burn fat. This is why it’s important to pay attention to your scale: even if you feel bloated from milk consumption, you may actually be shedding pounds!

You already have the answer to the question “how many calories in a cup of milk?” To better understand milk and overall health, you must understand more of the nutrition/calorie balance.

Basically, it goes like this: while you can count the calories for anything you consume, some of those calories are more nutritious than others. A balanced and healthy diet boils down to consuming more healthy calories than unhealthy ones.

Milk makes you feel fuller faster

The calories from milk are more nutritious than the calories from many other foods. And one of the reasons for that is because milk contains protein.

How much protein in milk is there, you ask? Generally speaking, you get one gram of protein per ounce of milk that you consume.

That protein helps you feel fuller faster, meaning you are less likely to eat too much. In this way, milk is a win/win: it helps you eat less while ensuring that more of your calories are healthy and nutritious.

For best results, milk should be relatively fresh because of the pH balance of the liquid. If you’ve ever asked “what is the pH of milk,” it’s only about 6.5. This means milk is slightly acidic.

Water has a neutral pH level of 7. The closer to 0 on the pH scale, the more acidic it gets. But the acidity of milk goes up as it gets sour — that’s why old milk tastes so nasty!

Milk can cause acne

Still wondering why is milk bad for you when there are so many health benefits? Regardless of other health goals, everyone wants to have smooth skin. Sadly, milk may be disrupting this particular goal!

Dairy can actually be inflammatory, and some people are more prone to it than others. If you’re breaking out after drinking two or three glasses, this may be your body’s way of saying to lay off the dairy.

Inflammation may have you asking “what is in milk?” In this case, it’s something called D-galactose that is out to ruin your selfies.

Milk can strengthen muscles

You may have noticed that milk is popular with weight lifters. The simple reason for this is that it can help you maintain your muscle mass.

Milk contains a unique carb/protein mix that leads to stronger muscles. Whether you’re looking to add new muscles or maintain the ones you already have, milk is a great post-workout drink.

Of course, you can test this yourself. Start drinking milk after you lift and watch those gains grow!

Milk can strengthen bones

Everyone has heard about milk being good for calcium for the entirety of their lives. But how much calcium in milk is there, you ask?

A standard cup of 1% milk has a little over 300 milligrams of calcium. While the other nutrients are also good for your body, calcium, in particular, helps to foster strong bones. This is the primary reason so many parents encourage their children to start drinking milk from a young age!

Milk can protect against diseases

Many worry about the sugar content of milk. How much sugar is in milk? Only 13 grams in a cup of 1% milk–just enough to give it a sweet taste.

Therefore, milk isn’t likely to lead to diabetes. Quite the opposite: the nutrients in milk can help to protect against diabetes and other health risks such as cancer and heart disease!

Furthermore, the chances of catching harmful bacteria from fresh (not spoiled) milk is nearly impossible because virtually all store-bought milk is pasteurized. By heating the milk to 165 degrees F for 15 seconds, companies kill disease-causing bacteria in the milk and extend its shelf-life.

But if you ever happen to buy raw milk from a farm and are wondering how to pasteurize milk yourself, you can heat it in a steel pot at 145 degrees F for half an hour. Stir constantly to keep the milk from burning and to make sure it is heated evenly. Cool it in an ice-filled sink and you are good to go!

Now that you know the benefits and drawbacks of milk, you can make the right diet choices for your body! Listen to what your body is telling you and you’ll know if you need to reduce or increase the amount of milk in your diet.