Let's face it - getting to the gym is so hard. You have to get all dressed up and go work out around a bunch of other sweaty people. And maybe you even feel a little judged while you're there and just can't wait to get back home to your hot shower and protein shake (or ice cream ... you earned it).

While working out is so important for your health, it's hard to find the time and motivation to actually do it. Life gets crazy, and some days, a full body workout just isn't going to happen - and that's OK.

On the days you can't get to the gym, or if you're just starting a workout routine, it's nice to have short, effective workouts up your sleeve that you can do in the comfort of your living room. Here are 12 10-minute workouts that will transform your body if you stick with them every day.

Set your timer for 10 minutes, and repeat these workouts as many times as you can until your timer runs out. Feel free to mix and match or just focus on a different part of your body every day, and you'll feel and look better in no time.

1. For your abs

• Scissor kicks (eight reps)

• Knee hugs (six reps)

• Toe touch crunch (four reps)

• Side plank (four reps)

2. For your arms

• Tricep dips (10 reps)

• Pushups (20 reps)

• Plank (40 seconds)

• Arm circles (50 reps)

3. For your legs

• Classic squat (10 reps)

• Sumo squat (10 reps)

• Lunges (10 on each side)

• Frog jumps (15 reps)

Just 10 minutes of exercise everyday will make your life happier and healthier. Try these workouts to start out, then build up to more when you feel comfortable. It's always good to push yourself to be better, but make sure you're listening to your body and doing what feels right.

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I met my sweet husband when I was in high school. He was in college, I was in my senior year, and we fell so in love, so fast. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him after our very first date, and within a few months, we had our wedding booked and planned.

We were (and still are) SO in love - nothing else mattered. It didn't matter that I was a senior in high school, and it didn't matter that we were just getting started in our college careers. We knew it was going to work out, and we were (and still are) oh so happy.

Although we were happy, there were a lot of people who had concerns. "Don't you want to have a real college experience?" "You're going to lose all of your friends" and "You need to live your life" were all very common questions and phrases I heard almost on a daily basis leading up to my wedding day.

I know everyone who had these questions and advice meant well and were genuinely curious. After all, getting married right out of high school isn't exactly the normal thing to do - but what really bothered me was the fact that everyone thought I was going to lose myself when I got married.

When you get married, you actually do lose a lot of things, but losing those things can actually be beneficial. Here are seven things you lose when you get married:

1. You lose the worry you'll never find someone

I think everyone who wants to get married has a little bit of anxiety that it won't happen for them. Not that it would be a bad thing if it didn't, but many people would prefer to get married and spend their life with someone. When you finally find your forever sweetheart, you lose that anxiety of being alone (and it's absolutely beautiful).

2. You lose the need to impress everyone

Once you get married, there's one person who takes priority - and it's your spouse. It's important to fulfill your other responsibilities, but those other people and tasks become a little less worrisome when you're focused on nurturing your relationship with your sweetheart.

3. You lose your unreliable friends

When you get married and your priorities shift, you figure out who your true friends are. It's so important to keep nurturing your friendships, but your true, reliable friends will understand that your spouse is your top priority now.

4. You lose (some of) your insecurities

Everyone has insecurities. But when you get married, your sweetheart alleviates some of those insecurities because you know they love you more than anything in the world. You gain a sense of comfort in knowing someone loves you and your flaws.

5. You lose the ability to only worry about yourself

You were the only person you really had to worry about when you were single. But now that you're married, you automatically worry about your sweetheart because you only want the very best for them. You would do anything to keep them out of harm's way, and you feel a sense of comfort in knowing they're looking out for you too.

6. You lose expectations about life

I thought I had my life all figured out when I was first married. However, after a few career changes, college major switches and other unexpected circumstances, my husband and I learned to take life as it comes. You learn to be prepared for anything, but you have to lose your expectations because life is unpredictable. When you let them go, your life becomes so much happier.

7. You lose pieces of yourself

You can be the most headstrong person in the world, but you'll still lose pieces of yourself when you get married. Marriage takes patience, compromise and selflessness. You give every piece of yourself to your partner, and they do the same for you. So as you're giving your best self, you're gaining pieces of your sweetheart, and you come together as one in the most beautiful way.

It's true that you lose a little when you get married. But those losses make the most incredible rewards, and you wouldn't have it any other way.

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Depending on the year, it seems like everyone is going for the same hair color. Last year it was grey and pastel colors, this year it's platinum blonde but don't worry, the ombre and balayage are still going strong - and probably won't be fading out anytime soon.

While it's super fun to experiment with different hair style, some people just don't quite know what to do when it comes to a color. There are so many to choose from, and sometimes you don't always get exactly what you ask for.

If you're looking for something new and exciting but you're not sure what to do, you might want to take a look at your skin tone. Certain hair colors compliment different skin tones, so use this as a guide next time you visit your stylist:

1. Fair

People with fair skin look incredible with warm tones in their hair. Honey blonde, warm, light brown, strawberry blonde and copper are all great choices for people with this tone.

2. Tan

If you have tan skin with warm undertones, cool brown hair will look amazing on you. Keeping your hair a cool shade will complement your warm undertones and create a stunning look.

3. Olive

According to InStyle, people with an olive complexion are great at pulling off dark, earthy hair colors. If you're looking to add some depth, try a few face-framing highlights with warmer colors like caramel, auburn and chestnut brown.

4. Brown

If you have a dark brown skin tone, the best thing you can do is make sure your hair is a different color than your skin. If it's the same, InStyle notes that your beautiful features aren't as prominent. Going lighter or darker with your hair will look amazing against your skin.

5. Pink/red

If you have a cool skin tone with pink and red undertones, a cool red color will look stunning on you. The coolness of the hair will perfectly complement your skin, plus you'll have the fiercest hair ever.

If you're still not sure what to do, ask your stylist. They work with color every day, and they'll be sure to find a color that's just right for you.

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This is only a small portion of the drama that can come with your in-laws during the holiday season. Before you know it, this joyful time can turn into an absolute nightmare. However, almost any in-law drama can disappear when your mother-in-law absolutely adores you - so here's how to make it happen:

1. Praise her cooking

When you go over for Christmas dinner, make sure she knows how delicious it is. Even if you're not a fan of honey-baked ham, make her think it's the best thing you've ever had. She'll appreciate it so much, and you'll feel happy knowing you made her happy.

2. Give her something special

Instead of buying her a generic gift, put some thought into it. She might be hard to shop for, but she'll be able to tell if you really thought about her when you were buying her gift. Personalized jewelry, a framed picture her grandkids or her favorite candle are all great ideas.

3. Offer to help out

Offer to bring dessert over, clean up or plan activities when you're having big family gatherings. She might say she can do it on her own, but everyone could use a little help.

4. Make your spouse's Christmas special

Nothing makes your mother-in-law happier than seeing her baby happy, so do everything you can to make your spouse's Christmas great. When you have kids of your own, it's easy to only focus on them, but it's also important to remember your sweetheart during this time of year - don't lose sight of that.

5. Try to make it to the parties

You obviously can't make it to every family party, but you should really make an effort. It'll mean so much to your mother-in-law that you're there.

6. Participate in all the traditions you can

My husband's family has so many holiday traditions, and it was a little overwhelming at first trying to make it to all of the events. But when you make an effort to be there and have a good time, it really shows you care and you're committed to having a healthy relationship with your in-laws.

7. Let her give your kids presents

Some families like to cut down on gifts during Christmas, and that's totally fine. But if mother-in-law thrives on giving gifts to your kids, so don't take that away from her. You can nicely say you're cutting back on presents, but don't take away that fun holiday tradition altogether.

8. Pick your battles

Some battles aren't worth fighting, no matter how strongly you believe you're right. Smile through your frustration, and remember the holidays won't last forever. Having a happy holiday season is way more important than any fight with your mother-in-law.

9. Appreciate her gifts

One year my friend's mother-in-law gave her a workout outfit that was two sizes too small, and she was beside herself. Although it might seem like she's trying to send a message, she really just wants to get you something to help you, so don't take offense.

10. Just be nice

Be loving, kind and gracious when you're around your spouse's family. They're your family too now, and when you're nice, it prevents so many potential problems.

Even if your mother-in-law drives you crazy, she has good intentions, and she most likely just wants to be your friend. Give her the benefit of the doubt and don't give her a reason to not love you - after all, she raised the love of your life.

The post 10 ways to make your mother-in-law LOVE you this Christmas appeared first on FamilyToday.

While all of this advice is valuable, there are other things you need to know about tying the knot. Going to bed happy isn't going to carry you all the way through your marriage, so here are 12 more pieces of advice you shouldn't ignore:

1. Take responsibility for your actions

Don't play the blame game— it's not worth it. Make sure you take responsibility when you're wrong, apologize, forgive and move on.

2. Men and women work differently

Men like to fix things, and women need to be listened to. The sooner you can figure out how your spouse needs to feel love, the happier your marriage will be.

3. Work to fix every problem— even the small ones

Fix the small problems before they become big ones.

4. Never, EVER stop dating

Go on a date at least once a month. You and your sweetheart need that time together to unwind and have fun.

5. Don't forget to care for yourself

You can't fully care for your spouse unless you're taking care of yourself. Give yourself the time and attention you deserve.

6. Slow down and enjoy your journey

Sometimes you'll wish you could just fast forward through the hard times, but these times will make your marriage stronger if you let them.

7. Lean on each other when things are hard

You and your sweetheart will pull each other through some of the hardest times of your life, but you'll get through them because you have each other.

8. Laugh together

You and your sweetheart need to have fun together. Find time to relax and laugh about whatever you want; it'll bring you so much closer.

9. Always remember to thank your spouse

Saying thank you goes a long way, but sometimes we forget to thank the people who do the most for us. Genuinely thank your sweetheart for everything they do for you.

10. Don't try to fix each other

If you try to fix each other, you'll start to resent each other. Instead, constantly work to better yourself for your spouse, and you'll be so much happier.

11. Put each other first— for real

It's easier said than done, but your spouse needs to be at the very top of your priority list. Give them the best of you, not just the leftovers.

12. Don't forget to say "I love you"

Sometimes, we assume the people we love most know we love them. But it's so important to remind them just how much they mean to us.

If you keep this advice in mind, your marriage is sure to be absolutely incredible.

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One of the worst feelings in the world is waking up the morning before a big event, work presentation, party or lunch out with friends, and seeing a giant pimple in the middle of your face. It always seems to happen right before particularly stressful events, maybe because stress and anticipation messes with your hormones - making the pimple show up in the first place.

It's super annoying when this happens, but there are ways to make them go away without taking a trip to the dermatologist. Here are seven ways to make your pimples vanish overnight:

1. Put some ice on it

If your pimple is red and inflamed, wrap an ice cube in a piece of cloth and hold it to the pimple. This will help the redness and swelling go down, and it'll also soothe any pain.

2. Use this spot treatment

My life is pretty stressful right now, so it feels like I use this spot treatment on different parts of my face at least twice a week - and it's awesome. Just put a little on right before you go to bed, and your pimple will be practically gone in the morning.

Buy it here:

3. Don't touch it

If your pimple isn't a whitehead, don't touch it. It can be super hard to just leave it alone, but if you don't try to pop it before it's ready, it goes away on its own.

4. Use vitamin E

My cousin swears by vitamin E oil for getting rid of zits quickly. Just break open a vitamin E capsule or buy it in a liquid form, and rub it on your pimple before bed. In the morning, it'll be gone.

5. Get some apple cider vinegar

Mix up a little apple cider vinegar with a little water for a super effective acne treatment. Put your mixture on a cotton ball, band-aid it to your face and take it off in the morning. The vinegar will dry out the pimple and shrink it so it's nonexistent.

6. If you're desperate, use some toothpaste

Toothpaste is also a good way to dry out your pimple. In a pinch, just dab a little toothpaste on the affected area and wash it off in the morning.

7. Get some extraction tools

If you have a blackhead or whitehead, try not to pop it with your bare (and bacteria covered) hands. Popping any blemishes with some extraction tools will make it easy to get rid of the zit without risking making it worse.

Buy them here:

Pimples are super annoying, but taking care of them ASAP will make your life so much easier.

The post 7 simple ways to make your pimples vanish overnight appeared first on FamilyToday.

Take a look in your arts and crafts cabinet, makeup drawer or nail polish bag and you'll probably find a common item - glitter. One of my friends in high school actually carried around a jar of the sparkly stuff and threw it up in the air whenever someone was feeling sad. It was magical.

However, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my glitter-loving friends aren't going to love what scientists have to say about the synthetic goodness.

Scientists are fighting for a ban on glitter because it's becoming a global hazard to marine life. You read that right - a global hazard.

According to Little Things, the problem stems from a single ingredient used in production - polyethylene - that is toxic to marine life.

Before you get rid of all the glitter in your house, scientists are saying that crafting glitter isn't hazardous to marine life like cosmetic glitter is. They're made out of the same material, but crafting glitter doesn't get washed down the shower drain, and it doesn't end up in the ocean.

So if you're a glitter-loving person like I am, don't worry - there are always alternatives. Just make sure to look at the ingredient list when you're buying glitter, and if it doesn't include polyethylene, you should be good to go.

Also, because we know how much joy glitter brings to your life, here's a picture of a glitter beard. You're welcome.

The post Scientists are fighting for a ban on this common item your children use all the time appeared first on FamilyToday.

Losing weight is hard enough, and when you add in a slow metabolism, it can seem downright impossible to shed those extra pounds you're carrying around. I've been there, and I know the struggle all too well.

I used to think there was nothing I could do about my slow metabolism. I thought I was doomed to a life of eating healthy and exercising but never changing my weight. It was beyond frustrating. But then I found that with a few small changes, it actually is possible to speed up your metabolism.

Even if you think you're eating super healthy, there are a few tricks you should add into your daily routine. Here are 10 effective ways to boost your metabolism and shed your extra weight:

1. Make sure you're eating enough

You might want to think twice before you cut your calories too much as a way to lose weight. When you don't eat enough, your body goes into starvation mode and holds onto every bit of food you eat, and turns it into fat. If you want to boost your metabolism, make sure you're eating the right amount of calories for your weight and height.

2. Get enough protein

Make sure your diet is full of protein. Chicken, fish and other meats are all high in protein, but there are also non-meat options like beans, eggs, yogurt and other dairy products. Adding whey protein powder to your morning smoothie will also do the trick (and add tons of yummy flavor).

3. Eat breakfast

Think of eating breakfast as giving your metabolism a wake up call. Breakfast really is the most important meal, and it'll kickstart your metabolism so it's working throughout your entire day. Just make sure to ditch the PopTarts and eat whole grains, protein, fruit and other healthy foods.

4. Drink a lot of water

Drinking cold water throughout the day boosts metabolism and weight loss, and it's so important to stay hydrated. If you're like me and MUST have your daily soda, make sure you're drinking way more water than soda.

5. Do some HIIT workouts

High intensity interval training is the best way to get your metabolism running. Exercise at your normal pace for one minute, then go as fast as you can for 30 seconds, go back to your normal pace and repeat the process over and over for about 30 minutes. It's a short workout, but you'll get so much out of it.

6. Don't be afraid of the weights

Weight training is awesome for boosting your metabolism. If you don't feel comfortable using the weight sets at the gym, grab a friend and do it together or do weight training from home. It'll keep those calories burning long after your workout is over.

7. Keep healthy snacks handy

Instead of eating three big meals every day, eat six small ones. Eating small, healthy meals throughout the day will keep your metabolism working all day long.

8. Spend some time standing

It's not super healthy to sit all day long, so if you can, spend some time on your feet. If you work, try to get a standing desk. If you stay home with your kids, you probably already spend a lot of time running around, but try taking more walks. Even being a little more active than usual can make a huge impact on your weight and metabolism.

9. Go to bed at a decent time

It's so hard for your metabolism to keep up if you don't get enough sleep. You should get at least eight hours every night, so snuggle up and get to sleep a little earlier tonight. Your body will thank you.

10. Add some fish to your meal

Omega-3 fatty acids really boost your metabolism, so add some fish like salmon into your diet. Fish oil supplements are also an awesome way to get these essential fatty acids into your body.

When you make these small changes to your lifestyle, you'll start to see a big difference. Now is the time to start working toward a happy, healthy life.

The post 10 weirdly effective ways to boost your metabolism and lose weight fast appeared first on FamilyToday.

Having thin hair can be a blessing and a curse, just like any other type of hair. It's great for fun pixie cuts and darling bobs, but it can also be a pain trying to style and manage it.

You've probably already tried a million different hairstyles and cuts, and maybe you've even tried thickening your existing hair with extensions. While you can really pull off any style you want, there are a few that work amazing with thin hair - and we're here to show them to you.

Here are seven haircuts that will make your thin hair look even more fabulous than it already does:

1. A choppy bob

The adorable choppy bob is perfect for anyone who wants a little more texture and volume in their hair. Plus, you'll get rid of all your dead ends, making your hair look more healthy and full.

2. A sassy pixie

Pixie cuts were practically made for women with thin hair. If you're thinking about taking the plunge and chopping your locks, this picture should give you some great inspiration.

3. A chic, blunt lob

A blunt cut will always make your ends look healthy and full, and this type of cut is absolutely adorable on everyone. Throw in some loose curls and a nice balayage, and you'll have the best hair ever.

4. A deep side part

If you're looking to add some volume without losing length, change up your part. We suggest a deep side part; it'll make your hair look chic, full and fabulous. And the best part is that there's no commitment. If you hate it, you can just change it right back.

5. Fun texturizing layers

Add a little texture to your hair by adding a few layers. Don't go too crazy on the layering, but some nice face framing layers can do wonders.

6. Add some color

Now is the perfect time to experiment with your hair color. There are so many amazing trends in color right now, so you should try something new. Color can also add a lot of dimension to your locks, making it look even more amazing than it already is.

7. A cool shaggy bob

Ah, the shaggy bob is one of my favorites on my thin hair friends. It looks SO cool, chic and downright awesome. This easy-to-wear style is just perfect.

If you try any of these haircuts, we would love to see! Let us know your favorites in the comments.

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Finding love isn't always easy. Fairytales aren't always what they seem, and sometimes, finding the right person seems impossible. But I think we spend so much time searching for the perfect man that we forget the most important thing - to take care of ourselves.

When we're not physically, emotionally and mentally taking care of ourselves, there's no way we can take care of someone else. Here are 10 ways you can improve yourself to be the woman of someone's dreams.

1. Take a break when you need one

It's so hard to love yourself when you feel tired and run down. When you feel your spirits fading, make sure to take a step back and relax for a while. All facets of your health will thank you for it.

2. Develop healthy habits

Now is the perfect time to start making small changes to become a healthier version of yourself. Go for a walk on your lunch break. Park in the back of the parking lot when you go grocery shopping. Swap out an afternoon chocolate break for a tangerine. Making small changes like these isn't hard, and before you know it, you'll be feeling so much better.

3. Work on your spirituality

Take time to connect with yourself and with God - however that looks for you. Take 10 minutes to pray, meditate or clear your mind every day, and your mental health will greatly improve. Everyone could use a little time to refocus on what really matters.

4. Make time for the things you love

Never let go of the things that make you happy. If you love painting, find time to paint. If you love reading, pick up a good book. Doing things you love will keep you happy and excited about life.

5. Spend time serving others

There's no better way to improve your emotional state than serving others. It's interesting how turning your focus outward can make you happier on the inside - it really works. Find ways to volunteer in your community, in your family or anywhere else you see a need.

6. Start setting small goals

It's super easy to get discouraged when you set huge goals that are hard to accomplish, so start setting small ones along the way. When you take the time to set and write down goals, you'll have a clear vision of where you are and where you're going, and you'll be so happy when you actually see yourself improve.

7. Treat yourself

Girl, treat yourself. Really though. If you want that piece of cake, eat it. If you're dying for a pedicure after a stressful week, get one. Of course you shouldn't indulge every day, but it's completely fine if you want to have a special treat every so often.

8. Don't wait until the last minute

I know you're busy. I totally get it. But procrastinating isn't going to help anything, especially when you have deadlines to make. Waiting until the last minute to do things only causes stress, making it hard to be happy.

9. Let go of your expectations

You never know when a special someone is going to walk into your life, so don't expect anything. Some of the most amazing things come about when you just let life happen.

10. Stop waiting for the man of your dreams

The most important thing you can do is stop looking for someone to fill the void in your life. When you're able to improve all aspects of your health, you'll find that you've healed yourself - and everything else will fall into place.

When you're happy with yourself, it'll be much easier to be the woman of someone's dreams.

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