Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 22 février 2016
The Friends Reunion Is Finally Here, and It Will Instantly Fill You With Nostalgia
The highly anticipated Friends reunion finally aired on NBC on Sunday night, and the results will definitely make you want to grab a coffee, sit on Central Perk's orange couch, and stay a while. The reunion, which was part of a tribute to director James Burrows, shows the cast of the hit show (minus Matthew Perry) sitting down with host Andy Cohen. After the absent friend introduced the rest of the cast from London, where he is currently starring in a play, they all talk about their love for James as well as some of their favorite behind-the-scenes moments. "We experienced friendship, family, heartbreak, babies, everything together," Jennifer Aniston says. "And we also had a wonderful experience with the world loving us as well." Watch the insanely nostalgic reunion above!
How You Can Use School Supplies to Create a Supercool Nail Design
As much as we all love ogling nail art on YouTube and Instagram, it can often seem daunting to re-create the looks yourself. Without having the proper tools and technique, it usually seems easier to leave nail art to the pros and stick to more basic DIY manicures.
Thankfully, the newest nail trend is one we can all do ourselves at home. In fact, there's a good chance you already have the key tool - the humble Sharpie - sitting on your desk. It's ideal for a first foray into nail art or, for those with experience, a starting point for more intricate claw creations.
For these watercolor-esque nails, all you need is a couple of permanent marker pens and some rubbing alcohol. After applying a standard manicure in the shade of your choice, combine colorful Sharpie ink and your rubbing alcohol in a separate dish. Once you paint it onto the nail, you'll see a bright and fun marbled design. Customize the look by choosing your own palette of hues, or even layer additional elements like glitter or rhinestones on top of your masterpiece.
This Outdoor Baby Shower Is as Close to Real-Life Camp as You Can Get
For a truly spectacular baby celebration, this mom-to-be drew from her experience as a wedding photographer to plan a perfectly coordinated soiree. Amy used her love of the outdoors to turn an indoor venue into a sophisticated campsite complete with a faux fire circle and vibrant wildflower arrangements. A tepee decked out with fresh garlands and long picnic tables with lantern centerpieces enhanced the boho-chic vibe, while a trail mix station complete with woodland-themed ingredients (bear poop, anyone?!) added a sense of humor to the day. To thank guests for spending the afternoon at "Camp Ava," everyone was treated to DIY fire starter kit favors and cupcakes topped with gold-dipped feathers. Check out all of the woodsy details below!
To All the Moms Who Hate When I Call My Dog My "Baby"
I'm the mother of two amazing baby girls. One is an adorable 7-month-old who loves hearing the sound of her own squeals and is rightfully obsessed with water faucets. The other is a 2-year-old spitfire who, when not running around in circles, is always up for a cuddle. One is a human baby, and the other is a "fur baby." There, I said it. One of my babies is a dog.
A very opinionated mom spoke out recently against people like me, parents who dare to call our dogs our babies. And she made some valid points.
No, I didn't give birth to my puppy. No, the fact that I adopted her does not count, and I better not ever make that comparison again. No, my dog can't say "I wuv you, Mommy" or take care of me when I'm old. No, last I checked, I can't drop humans off at doggie day care. And, no, my dog technically isn't a "person."
But, hell yes, my dog is my baby.*
In fact, it wasn't until the first week with my new puppy that I decided I wanted to be a mom at all. A mom to a human baby, that is. Before my dog Moose, I never felt that maternal love, that mothering sensibility that only came when my husband and I welcomed this tiny creature into our home. Our hearts opened up in a way we never thought possible, and like a drug, we were intoxicated and wanted more. So now Moose has a younger sister.
I've gotten my share of eye rolls for calling Moose my daughter's sibling or for telling my mother-in-law that she was actually already a grandmother by the time my human baby was born, and I can certainly appreciate the ridiculousness of that. (I'm reasonable, I swear.) But, I've gotten tired of hearing so many fellow moms grossly trivializing the relationship a parent can have with her pet.
Moose isn't just a domesticated animal we let live in our house. For my family, she serves a far greater purpose. My dog, often to her own detriment, has trained me to be a better mom. I've made more mistakes than I'd like to admit with Moose (the classic first-born child!), but I have her to thank for teaching me some of the greatest lessons I could ever learn as a parent, namely that . . .
1. You're able to make sacrifices more graciously.
Moose forced me to change, and I accepted the challenge, even if it put a damper on my social life - spontaneity was a thing of the past, date nights involved the help of an expensive dog walker, and conversations revolved around house-training and which neighborhood had the best obedience schools. The only difference with a human baby is those conversations take place on a playdate, not at the local dog park.
2. You won't always get it right the first time.
When we first brought Moose home, we had a cozy crate all set up for her. Too bad she hated it. She cried every night until finally, my husband and I broke down and let her sleep in bed with us. And she's never left. Because of Moose, we made sure to keep the human baby in her crib - as much as we understand the allure of cosleeping, our bed just wasn't big enough for one more.
3. You're more aware of your bad behavior.
I have a temper, and before my daughter was born, I'd yell. Loudly. I assumed it was only my husband who suffered my wrath until one evening, I saw Moose, quivering under our dining room table. Her big, sad eyes spoke volumes, and, now, every time I start to raise my voice, I think of her face. It's one I hope to never see on my daughter's.
4. You'll eventually chill out.
When you're type A, the adjustment to dog ownership is intense. You quickly learn you can't have nice things, or, if you insist on having nice things, they'll likely be peed on, chewed up, and covered in dog hair. This wasn't easy for me, but it primed me for my daughter, who now gets a mom who actually enjoys making a complete mess of carrot puree.
5. You can't take a time-out.
When I was pregnant, we just moved to a new city, and Moose was acting out. I felt that I had enough on my plate, so I let her bad behavior slide. I'm still paying for it.
6. You will never, ever stop caring.
Too many people warned me that I wouldn't care as much about Moose when my human baby was born. Instead, I love her more than I ever did and, dare I say, equally to my daughter. For all of Moose's issues (and she's got a few), I love her unconditionally, without caveat or constraint.
And as I type this, my two babies are playing on the floor. The human baby tugs on the fur baby's ear until the fur baby jerks her head away and gives me a knowing look. You're right: my dog will never be able to tell me what she's thinking. But the truth is, she doesn't have to.
*It doesn't hurt that the pup in question is a 13-pound Boston Terrier mix who loves to be kissed on the nose and carried in the cradle position.
10 Boozy and Refreshing Margarita Recipes You Can Make at Home
It's not happy hour, it's margarita hour. The fact that National Margarita Day - that's Feb. 22, mark your calendar - exists is proof that the world (OK, maybe just our nation) loves these tequila-filled cocktails. And we can think of a few reasons why! With so many customization options - different fruit flavors, frozen or on the rocks, salt or no salt - there's literally a mix for everyone.
So in the spirit of celebrating your new favorite holiday, we put together this list of recipes you can make at home.
Eva Longoria Is Having a Great Time on the Set of Telenovela
Eva Longoria has been behind the camera, producing and directing shows like Devious Maids since we last saw her on Desperate Housewives, but the star is mixing all of her passions in her new project, Telenovela. The new TV comedy revolves around the drama that goes on behind the scenes of a soap opera set, with Eva playing Ana Sofia Calderón and also acting as executive producer for the show.
From the looks of Eva's Instagram feed and pictures of her directing the camera crew, Eva is having so much fun on set, bonding with her costars and running a tight but cheery ship, too. Keep scrolling to see more pictures of Eva's bosslady moments and her playful snaps of the set and cast, then check out Eva's hilarious telenovela acting lesson with Jimmy Fallon.
The 1 Experience That Made Me Redefine Being a Catholic Latina
When I saw my Puerto Rican grandmother after returning from a trip to Thailand last Fall, I showed her the bracelet a monk had blessed and tied around my wrist. She wrinkled her nose and shook her head. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree: After telling my mom about spending time in Buddhist temples during the trip, she seemed perplexed. I quickly gave up talking to them about that aspect of my getaway, realizing that in their minds, as a Catholic, participating in anything even remotely connected to another religion is essentially blasphemy.
This was a familiar narrative throughout my life. Despite the fact that we mainly just went to church on holidays, it was always ingrained in me - like it is in many Latino children - that I had been baptized Catholic and would always be Catholic. It never even occurred to me until after college that I had a choice in my own beliefs, that just because my mother practices something doesn't mean I have to.
The majority of Thai people are Buddhist, a creed I wasn't very familiar with before visiting. Throughout the trip, I paid close attention to their religious practices: amulets on a cab driver's dashboard, covered shoulders while entering a temple, bows of reverence in front of Buddha images. It was worlds away from the rosaries and crucifixes of my upbringing. I found myself curious, wanting to learn more about this belief system. But I also felt guilty, imagining God or (almost as bad!) my grandmother could hear my thoughts. Knowing that more than half of Latinos in the US are Catholic, I wondered: Would considering another faith make me less Latina? How do you know what you believe, vs. what you've been told to believe?
Inside the 150-foot tall Big Buddha temple in Phuket, I saw people approaching a monk on their knees. Instinct led me to follow suit. As I kneeled before him, he smiled, whispering something as he tied a bracelet around my wrist. I walked away in a daze, climbing the stairs to check out the temple's 360-degree views of the island. The panorama left me breathless; I pulled my shawl tighter around my shoulders to cover the goose bumps forming on my arms. And then, I heard the lightest whisper, so quiet I was sure I'd imagined it: "Peace." I looked around, but I saw what I already knew. My friends were on the other side of the shrine, and I was alone. I closed my eyes and held the gold cross around my neck - the one my grandmother gave me when I was a baby - and thanked God for that moment.
Since, the word peace keeps nudging its way into my brain, whether I'm in mass or running 20 minutes late to work because of subway delays. For now, I still consider myself Catholic, and I 110 percent believe in God. But exploring a completely different culture taught me that my beliefs don't have to be so black and white. I can be a practicing Catholic who receives Communion, meditates, and accepts messages of peace from monks. That doesn't make me any less Catholic or Latina. It just makes me, me.
Kim Kardashian Shares the First Photo of Baby Saint West!
Saint West is here! Kim Kardashian shared the very first photo of her son on her app on Monday morning. The reality star, who welcomed Saint in December with husband Kanye West, captioned the shot, "Today is my dad's birthday. I know there's nothing more in the world he would have wanted than to meet his grandchildren. So I wanted to share this pic of Saint with you all." In the precious photo, baby Saint is seen wearing a white onesie while stretching his arms out above his head. While this is the first time the world is getting a glimpse of the little one's face, Kim did share a photo of him bonding with big sister North in January. See the Wests' sweet son above, and then check out all the best photos of North!
This Destiny's Child Reunion Will Make You Lose Your Breath
It's the Destiny's Child reunion you've been waiting for - well, kind of. On Saturday night, Kelly Rowland rang in her 35th birthday at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, CA, and Beyoncé and Michelle Williams were all there to celebrate! Naturally, Kelly took to Instagram to document the night, sharing a bevy of snaps from the extravaganza, including photo-booth selfies featuring her former Destiny's Child group members and a shot of herself holding up her middle fingers while wearing a black hat, à la Beyoncé. Beyoncé's mom, Tina Knowles, also joined in on the action, uploading a sweet picture of herself hugging her daughter, which she adorably captioned, "Me and my baby hugged up tight!!" Read on to see even more snapshots from the exciting bash, and then relive the pop-cultural phenomenon that was Destiny's Child.
1 Dude Is Creating Art in the Most Insane Way
In avid Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, cyclist Stephen Lund has found a new artistic outlet using only his bike and a GPS - called GPS Doodles. Essentially, Lund preplans and tracks his frequent bike rides, which tend to be anywhere from 20 to 60 miles long, so that his resulting GPS map shows his desired (and impressive!) design.
Some of Lund's masterpieces include dinosaurs, whales, and even Darth Vader. You can follow Lund's creative journeys on his Instagram, and check out some of our favorite doodles, below.
To All the Moms Who Hate When I Call My Dog My "Baby"
I'm the mother of two amazing baby girls. One is an adorable 7-month-old who loves hearing the sound of her own squeals and is rightfully obsessed with water faucets. The other is a 2-year-old spitfire who, when not running around in circles, is always up for a cuddle. One is a human baby, and the other is a "fur baby." There, I said it. One of my babies is a dog.
A very opinionated mom spoke out recently against people like me, parents who dare to call our dogs our babies. And she made some valid points.
No, I didn't give birth to my puppy. No, the fact that I adopted her does not count, and I better not ever make that comparison again. No, my dog can't say "I wuv you, Mommy" or take care of me when I'm old. No, last I checked, I can't drop humans off at doggie day care. And, no, my dog technically isn't a "person."
But, hell yes, my dog is my baby.*
In fact, it wasn't until the first week with my new puppy that I decided I wanted to be a mom at all. A mom to a human baby, that is. Before my dog Moose, I never felt that maternal love, that mothering sensibility that only came when my husband and I welcomed this tiny creature into our home. Our hearts opened up in a way we never thought possible, and like a drug, we were intoxicated and wanted more. So now Moose has a younger sister.
I've gotten my share of eye rolls for calling Moose my daughter's sibling or for telling my mother-in-law that she was actually already a grandmother by the time my human baby was born, and I can certainly appreciate the ridiculousness of that. (I'm reasonable, I swear.) But, I've gotten tired of hearing so many fellow moms grossly trivializing the relationship a parent can have with her pet.
Moose isn't just a domesticated animal we let live in our house. For my family, she serves a far greater purpose. My dog, often to her own detriment, has trained me to be a better mom. I've made more mistakes than I'd like to admit with Moose (the classic first-born child!), but I have her to thank for teaching me some of the greatest lessons I could ever learn as a parent, namely that . . .
1. You're able to make sacrifices more graciously.
Moose forced me to change, and I accepted the challenge, even if it put a damper on my social life - spontaneity was a thing of the past, date nights involved the help of an expensive dog walker, and conversations revolved around house-training and which neighborhood had the best obedience schools. The only difference with a human baby is those conversations take place on a playdate, not at the local dog park.
2. You won't always get it right the first time.
When we first brought Moose home, we had a cozy crate all set up for her. Too bad she hated it. She cried every night until finally, my husband and I broke down and let her sleep in bed with us. And she's never left. Because of Moose, we made sure to keep the human baby in her crib - as much as we understand the allure of cosleeping, our bed just wasn't big enough for one more.
3. You're more aware of your bad behavior.
I have a temper, and before my daughter was born, I'd yell. Loudly. I assumed it was only my husband who suffered my wrath until one evening, I saw Moose, quivering under our dining room table. Her big, sad eyes spoke volumes, and, now, every time I start to raise my voice, I think of her face. It's one I hope to never see on my daughter's.
4. You'll eventually chill out.
When you're type A, the adjustment to dog ownership is intense. You quickly learn you can't have nice things, or, if you insist on having nice things, they'll likely be peed on, chewed up, and covered in dog hair. This wasn't easy for me, but it primed me for my daughter, who now gets a mom who actually enjoys making a complete mess of carrot puree.
5. You can't take a time-out.
When I was pregnant, we just moved to a new city, and Moose was acting out. I felt that I had enough on my plate, so I let her bad behavior slide. I'm still paying for it.
6. You will never, ever stop caring.
Too many people warned me that I wouldn't care as much about Moose when my human baby was born. Instead, I love her more than I ever did and, dare I say, equally to my daughter. For all of Moose's issues (and she's got a few), I love her unconditionally, without caveat or constraint.
And as I type this, my two babies are playing on the floor. The human baby tugs on the fur baby's ear until the fur baby jerks her head away and gives me a knowing look. You're right: my dog will never be able to tell me what she's thinking. But the truth is, she doesn't have to.
*It doesn't hurt that the pup in question is a 13-pound Boston Terrier mix who loves to be kissed on the nose and carried in the cradle position.
Eva Longoria Is Having a Great Time on the Set of Telenovela
Eva Longoria has been behind the camera, producing and directing shows like Devious Maids since we last saw her on Desperate Housewives, but the star is mixing all of her passions in her new project, Telenovela. The new TV comedy revolves around the drama that goes on behind the scenes of a soap opera set, with Eva playing Ana Sofia Calderón and also acting as executive producer for the show.
From the looks of Eva's Instagram feed and pictures of her directing the camera crew, Eva is having so much fun on set, bonding with her costars and running a tight but cheery ship, too. Keep scrolling to see more pictures of Eva's bosslady moments and her playful snaps of the set and cast, then check out Eva's hilarious telenovela acting lesson with Jimmy Fallon.
The Friends Reunion Is Finally Here, and It Will Instantly Fill You With Nostalgia
The highly anticipated Friends reunion finally aired on NBC on Sunday night, and the results will definitely make you want to grab a coffee, sit on Central Perk's orange couch, and stay a while. The reunion, which was part of a tribute to director James Burrows, shows the cast of the hit show (minus Matthew Perry) sitting down with host Andy Cohen. After the absent friend introduced the rest of the cast from London, where he is currently starring in a play, they all talk about their love for James as well as some of their favorite behind-the-scenes moments. "We experienced friendship, family, heartbreak, babies, everything together," Jennifer Aniston says. "And we also had a wonderful experience with the world loving us as well." Watch the insanely nostalgic reunion above!
samedi 20 février 2016
Kendall Jenner Kicked Off Fall '16 Fashion Week With a Bit of Role Reversal
As an It model, it's likely Kendall Jenner will be walking in plenty of Fall '16 shows as Fashion Month kicks off. But her first order of business? Celebrating her very own collection, which the star helped design alongside Kylie.
Stepping out in a furry coat, cage booties, and a dress with a waist-high slit, it seemed Kendall wasn't feeling February's chilly temps. Instead, she playfully posed for the cameras, showing off her shoulders and a hugging her sister, who also wore a black jumpsuit from the line.
Read on to see some pics from last night, then shop every piece from the Kendall + Kylie collection - before it sells out!
vendredi 19 février 2016
There's an Explanation Behind Meryl Streep's Questionable "We're All Africans" Comment
During a press conference at the Berlin Film Festival last week, jury president Meryl Streep found herself in some hot water after she made a few comments about gender and racial equality in the film industry. It appears, however, that the outrage was misplaced. Although it was previously reported that Meryl sidestepped a question about why the jury is all white by saying, "This jury is evidence that at least women are included - and in fact dominate - in this jury, and that's an unusual situation in bodies of people who make decisions, so I think that the Berlinale is ahead of the game," it appears that the question was originally directed at fellow jury member and German actor Lars Eidinger. As you can see in footage from the press conference, Lars is the one who avoids the question, and Meryl's response is to a separate, later question about women's rights.
The comments that really brought the heat of the Internet down on the Suffragette actress came later, when the AP reported that an Egyptian journalist had asked her if she'd seen any Arab movies lately and if it's easy for her to understand that culture. Meryl responded by saying, "I've played a lot of different people from a lot of different cultures. The thing that I've noticed is that there is a core of humanity that travels right through every culture. And, after all, we're all from Africa originally; we're all Berliners, we're all Africans, really," which is a more empathetic statement than what many had initially considered.
Tall Image Source: Getty / Dominique Charriau
Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins Start a Crisis Hotline For Fans, Win Our Hearts
As if you needed another reason to love the Supernatural hotties, now
Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins are teaming up to give back to their fans in a really powerful way.
Adele Shows Off Her Crazy Side During a Hilarious Hidden Camera Prank on Ellen
We all knew that Adele was funny, but her latest stunt may be one of her most hilarious moments yet. The singer stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Thursday and ended up pulling a hidden camera prank on some unsuspecting workers at Jamba Juice. Adele walked into the shop while Ellen secretly told her what to say through an earpiece. In addition to yelling "Hello from the outside," Adele confuses everyone with her weird habits and outrageous orders. Not only will the results make you LOL, but they will also make you cringe with awkwardness. See the full video above, and then check out the time she pretended to be an Adele impersonator.
The Moves in This "Formation" Video Are Hitting Harder Than Ever
It's been less than two weeks since Beyoncé surprise-dropped the track and video for "Formation," and so much is still happening. In the time since, Beyoncé of course shut down the Super Bowl Halftime Show, but she's not the only one tearing it up. Dance groups have begun to take on the hit, serving fierceness with the likes of this fantastic video and this incredibly synchronized group slay. But that's not all! A new video has a hot, sped-up remix of the song, and the moves are hitting harder than ever. Watch above, then learn a handful of interesting facts about Bey's video.
Lorde's Fun Beach Day Will Have You Wishing It Was July Already
Despite reports that Lorde recently split from longtime boyfriend James Lowe, the "Yellow Flicker Beat" singer was in good spirits while splashing around on Piha Beach in Auckland, NZ last week. Lorde, whose real name is Ella Yelich-O'Connor, jumped in and out of the waves in a cute red bikini with her friend Justin Warren, a promotions director for Universal Music, and neither of them could contain their mile-wide smiles. Keep reading to see more photos of the pair's beach day, and then check out her insanely fun night at the Grammys with BFF Taylor Swift.
J.K. Rowling Snaps Back at a Twitter Troll in the Best Possible Way
In case you needed any more proof that J.K. Rowling is the coolest person ever, the mastermind behind the Harry Potter series shut down a Twitter troll in the most perfect way on Wednesday. The whole thing started when Glasgow East Parliament member Natalie McGarry took to the social media site to apologize for her previous comments that implied the author supports a misogynist. "The particular screen grab from JK Rowling didn't give the correct context to her relationship with a tweeter, so for that, I apologise," Natalie wrote. However, another user was quick to jump into the feud by adding, "@NatalieMcGarry why apologize to her. She uses her obscene wealth & lawyer droids to threaten & bully. Tell the radge to bolt." How exactly did J.K. respond? By quoting Chamillionaire lyrics, of course. See her hilarious tweet below, and then check out even more of her best quotes.
They see me Rowlin'
They hatin' https://t.co/dfiqou7vpD- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 17, 2016
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Hit the Slopes With Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen
Nannygate appears to be far, far behind Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Tom Brady, and Gisele Bündchen, who were spotted vacationing together in Big Sky, MT, on Monday. Page Six reports the two famous couples were in good spirits as they hit the slopes and later shut down one of Yellowstone Club's resort bars as they had drinks and nachos (yes, even Gisele) late into the night with their kids in tow.
Ben, Jen, Tom, and Gisele originally found themselves wrapped up in scandal when news of Ben's rumored affair with his nanny, Christine Ouzounian, surfaced in July. She had also posted a photo to Instagram that showed her wearing Tom's Super Bowl rings on a trip to a charity poker tournament in Las Vegas with Ben and Tom in August. Ben and Jen announced their divorce soon after, and the whole affair supposedly contributed to his divorce. Since then, the estranged pair has remained friendly and has been seen out and about in LA together, where they still share a home.
Jennifer Lawrence Braves the Chilly NYC Temperatures and Looks Good Doing It
Jennifer Lawrence braved the Winter weather when she stepped out in New York City on Thursday. The Joy actress looked gorgeous as she made her way into a building wearing black boots, a large leather jacket, and sunglasses. The cute outing comes less than two weeks before she is scheduled to attend the Oscars on Feb. 28. Jen, who took home the prestigious award for her work in Silver Linings Playbook in 2013, is nominated again for best actress for her role in Joy. Keep reading to see more of her NYC day, then check out her reunion with ex Nicholas Hoult at the Golden Globes last month.
These South Korean Dancers' Slay-Full Take on "Formation" Is Like Nothing You've Ever Seen
If you needed any further proof that Beyoncé's influence is felt all over the globe, check out Seoul, South Korea's 1Million dance studio's hard-hitting take on "Formation." Trust us, it slays.
Get to Know the Rising Star That Is Tori Kelly
After her amazing duet with James Bay at the Grammys on Monday, a lot of people were left wondering about Tori Kelly. It's no secret that the best new artist nominee has a great voice, but she's managed to stay mostly under the radar . . . until now. Tori has been proving herself for a while now with her award show performances and heart-wrenching Disney covers, but in order to get to know her a little bit better, we've uncovered a few fun facts about the stunning blonde. If you're not a fan yet, get ready to be hooked!
Nina Dobrev and Austin Stowell Have Broken Up
Nina Dobrev and Austin Stowell have ended their relationship, E! News reports. According to a source close to the pair, "It started to get hard with both of their schedules and they remain on good terms." Other insiders revealed that the split occurred sometime in late January to early February. The news comes seven months after we spotted them sharing supersteamy PDA in Monaco, and shortly after, the two nonchalantly confirmed their relationship on Twitter. Sadly, they now join the long list of Hollywood couples who have called it quits.
Kate Middleton Looks Ravishing on a Day Out With Prince William
Kate Middleton couldn't help but stand out in a gorgeous red coat during a day out with Prince William on Thursday. Fresh off Kate's exciting role as guest editor at The Huffington Post on Wednesday, the royal pair attended a ceremony in Anglesey, Wales, that marked the end of RAF Search and Rescue Force operations. The couple were all smiles as they sipped orange juice and mingled with members of the Royal Air Force.
The duchess has been keeping quite busy recently, thanks to her passionate dedication to multiple charities. She also took over a big responsibility from Queen Elizabeth II, so it's great to see Kate and Will looking so relaxed. Keep reading to see more photos of the couple, and then check out the cutest moments from Kate's fun engagement at Kensington Palace this week!
Adele Records a Voicemail For Ellen DeGeneres, and the Results Will Give You Absolute Chills
If you weren't jealous of Ellen DeGeneres before, you will be now! Adele stopped by her talk show on Thursday and ended up recording the host's outgoing voicemail message. While we all know Adele has an incredible voice, this spontaneous bit might actually give you major chills. After asking Adele to do a funny spoof of her hit single "Hello," the singer took it up a notch by bursting out into song. See the full video above, and then check out her recent hidden camera prank on the show.
Adele on Her Grammys Performance Mishap: "I Cried Pretty Much All Day"
The incredibly talented Adele stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Thursday and opened up about her infamous Grammys mishap on Monday night. After a technical glitch caused some problems with her performance, the singer revealed that she spent the whole next day crying about it. "I was just embarrassed," she revealed. "I kept spontaneously bursting into tears." Even though she is one of the most successful singers in the industry, she also admitted that she still gets stage fright from time to time. "The more successful I get, the more pressure there is," she continued. See the full video above, and then check out her hilarious hidden camera prank.
The Best Part About Traveling With Your Child One-on-One
The following post was originally featured on Everyday Reading and written by Janssen Bradshaw, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Moms.
Over the weekend, I mentioned that I was in Seattle with my mom for one of our one-on-one trips.
For 15 years, this has been one of my favorite things that my family has done.
In 1999, my youngest brother Shepard was diagnosed with cancer and, after brain surgery, started a year-long course of chemotherapy.
Of course, that meant that he couldn't travel at all; he was barely allowed to go to the grocery store, thanks to his practically non-existent immune system.
That spring, my mom booked a three-day cruise for my dad, who was in the middle of some craziness at work and desperately in need of a few days of naps and relaxation. Since a cruise is basically the same price for two people as one (thanks to room-sharing), she sent my youngest sister, Landen (who was probably nine or ten at the time), along with him.
She figured that Landen, as the most low-key of the kids, would be the easiest for him to take along and that she'd be happy to entertain herself while my dad napped.
When they came back, my dad's comment to my mom was that he felt like he had a whole new connection with Landen. For those couple of days, he had nothing to focus on except her, and without two older and two younger siblings constantly around, they had more conversations and fun together than they had in years.
Since we couldn't travel as a family anyway because of Shepard's health, my parents decided they'd keep up this one parent/one child trip idea.
That fall, my mom and I went to New Orleans and it was the BEST trip.
We stayed in an old plantation, ate dinner with a French family, visited the aquarium, toured the Mardi Gras museum, wandered the Garden District, and consumed our body-weight in praline patties.
My mom's sister joined us for part of the trip, and that made it even more fun - I felt like one of the adults, instead of a kid barging in on grown-up time, and I've always felt close to my aunt since then.
After Shepard died, we resumed family travel, but we kept up the parent/child trips too. There wasn't a rigid schedule, but generally each of my parents went once a year and it rotated through the children. We had some input on where we went, but it also depended on the season, price of flights, and other considerations.
A few years later, when it was my turn again, my dad took me to Washington D.C. and we had a great time visiting the museums and I did all the Metro navigating. We ate meals where I wanted to and I remember having a chocolate croissant every morning. He'd been reading a book about memory tricks and when we'd go back to the hotel in the evening, we'd quiz each other to see if we could remember the names of every waiter, cashier, or valet we'd met during the day.
My dad took Crawford to Chicago one year, and Merrick to Minnesota. I remember my mom going with both Merrick and Landen to Boston (on separate trips) and taking Merrick on a Panama Canal cruise during spring break while she was in high school.
A few weeks before I got married, my dad and I went on one last trip together to Milwaukee, where I was born and drove past the house he and my mom brought me home to.
After each of the three of us girls got married and moved away, the trips stopped, but then, in 2011, when Landen got married, Merrick did all the photography for the wedding, and, as a thank-you, my mom took her on a very quick trip to California to see an art exhibit.
They stayed up late chatting and visiting, and my mom thought, "I need to start these up again!"
And so, the next year, she and I went to Portland.
After that, she and Landen went to Connecticut, and then when Merrick went to Amsterdam for a blog event, my mom went with her and they extended their trip a few days to spend touring together.
And last year it was my turn again. Because of a new baby and a cross-country move, we ended up bumping it into early this year. Last weekend, we spent two and a half days together in Seattle.
It's just a dream to spend that uninterrupted time with my mom - she indulges my love of libraries and bookstores, and we pick the best restaurants we can find to eat in. We stayed up the first night talking about our BFF Gretchen Rubin until two a.m. and I'll totally overshare photos and details of that trip later this week.
We've talked about, when everyone has had another turn, doing a trip with all the girls and my mom, although that hasn't happened yet, and eventually when Crawford gets married, my mom intends to add his wife to the rotation. My mom laughs that she loves it because she doesn't have to wait until every third year to go - she gets to go EVERY year (although, since she's the one that pays for the trips, she deserves it).
My dad also has mentioned that he plans to do one-on-one trips with Crawford once he's back from his mission (son-in-laws, apparently, get to stay home with the kids while we jet off with our parents - sorry, Bart, Philip, and Adam). I don't know if Crawford will get to go every year - I'm guessing he'll be on the three-year cycle too.
My mom has said over the years that she feels like it's been one of the best parenting ideas she ever had and I think all of us agree. She's mentioned too that its good practice for the other siblings to not be jealous of one of us having a special adventure and knowing that our turn will come around and it will be fun, but also different from the other ones.
And Bart and I definitely intend to do the same with our children once they turn about eight or nine.
I cannot wait.
The Prettiest Over-the-Top Baby Shower Cakes
A baby shower is a fabulous way to not only celebrate the upcoming arrival of your little but also to honor what a fantastic mama you already are. And while cake pops and plain cupcakes can be perfectly delicious, you and your baby bump deserve an over-the-top celebration complete with a jaw-dropping centerpiece - a magnificent cake creation. Check out these stunning confections that are almost too pretty to eat and get inspired for your sweet soiree!
4 Reasons Moms Treasure the Preschool Years
The old saying about how the days are long while the years are short never rings truer than when you're going through the per-kindergarten years with your kids. There are definitely days that feel like they will never end. To help you get through them, here's a short list of truly wonderful and memorable moments that real moms cherish from parenting their own preschoolers.
1. Unconditional Love
There's no question that parenting is hard work - and it's wonderful to have a little affirmation once in a while that they really do love you as much as you love them. Reader Clare-maree D. treasures these moments with her son: "When they kiss you and tell you that you're beautiful and they love you. My eldest son is four and does this all the time!!"
Reader Suzanne W. agrees that one of the most satisfying things about watching kids grow is seeing them give back the love that they get from us. And, she says, it really melts your heart when it happens for no particular reason: "The best part is the random, out of the blue 'I love you, you're the best mommy ever.' The unconditional love a child gives is so precious, how can you not feel special to have it and give back in return?"
2. Joyful Homecomings
There's no place like home, and whether you're returning after a long day at work, or simply from running an errand, being greeted by a preschooler is like nothing else in the world. Reader Cary M. loves watching her daughter's face light up when she comes home: "She comes running towards the door as soon as she hears it open, screeching and smiling with her arms out! I wouldn't trade anything for it!"
Charity H. admits that the welcome home really is the best part of the day: ". . . My daughter in her cute little voice says, 'I wuv you mommy,' and gives me a great big hug. It always makes my day better no matter how bad or good it was."
3. They Make You Young Again
Reader Colleen C. shares how her children's positive outlook changed her own: "I love the way they look at the world; all fresh, new, and outside-the-box. This makes me laugh, and feel good and happy about things going on around me." Sarah C. points out another benefit: it's wonderful to share the things you loved as a child with your own son or daughter! She likes to sing and dance and watch the same movies with her kids that she loved as a little girl: "They bring the child in me out . . . Lovable, honest, happy, and stress free."
4. They Try to Take Care of You
It can be tough to teach empathy, especially when toddlers and preschoolers are so self-centered by nature. Maybe that's why it feels so good the first time you see your child acknowledge another person's sadness and try to help, as Kate C. and Jocelyn S. share.
When Kate was sick, she couldn't help but feel better when her daughter sang her a special lullaby: "It's the same one I sing every night to her, and when I wasn't feeling well she sang it to me and stroked my hair. She's such a sweet little girl." Jocelyn's 3-year-old son showed his sweetness when she was sitting on the floor, having a good cry. He came over and looked at her, and as she relays, "went down the hallway to the washroom and brought me a few squares of toilet paper and wiped away my tears. I ended up crying a little harder, but it had changed to tears of love."
What are your favorite moments from your child's preschool years?
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.
For the Last Time: A Father Cannot Babysit His Own Kids
People love to joke about the trouble kids can get up to when they stay home with Dad, but there's nothing funny about dismissing fathers as incompetent or secondary caregivers. Blogger Matthew A.C. Newsome explains why fathers can't be called their children's babysitter, in this post originally featured on Fatherly.
A video came across my Facebook newsfeed the other day that elicited a chuckle. Someone had attached wheels to their baby's Bumbo chair (if you don't know what that is, look it up) then hitched it to the back of a remote-control truck. The dad was controlling the truck, towing the baby around the driveway, who was laughing hysterically (the baby, not the driveway).
Any time you have a cute baby laughing, it makes for a worthy minute and half watch on YouTube. My only problem (besides the obvious safety concerns) was the video's title - "What happens when Dad babysits."
Do a Google search for that phrase and you'll discover all kinds of humorous videos and images of what "silly old Dad" does when left alone with the kids - the baby's drinking beer, the baby's napping in a tackle box, the baby's duct-taped to the wall, etc.
OK, these are meant to be funny. I get it. But they play into an unfortunate stereotype of the modern-day dad. Leaving aside the implication that Dad is too incompetent to be left alone with the kids, the main problem with all these "What happens when Dad babysits" gags is that Dad is not the babysitter.
Dads who are reading this, please pay attention. You can never babysit your own kids. They are your kids. You can parent them. You can raise them. You can care for them. But you cannot babysit them.
A babysitter, by definition, is one who "sits in" for the primary caregiver(s). Both father and mother are primary caregivers. To call Dad a babysitter demotes him from being the equal partner in raising his children and places him on the same level as the 16-year-old next door who charges $10 an hour. It suggests that Dad's responsibility for his children only kicks in when Mom is not around.
This does not just happen in YouTube videos and Facebook memes. You hear it in everyday conversation. Many times when my wife has been out for the evening someone has asked her, "Is your husband babysitting the kids?" She usually smiles and says, "Yes, he's home with them," because she is polite (she's good like that). But in her head she wants to say, "No, he's not babysitting. He's being their father."
Matthew A.C. Newsome is a husband of one wife. Father of six children. Catholic Campus Minister at WCU. Candidate for ordination to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Charlotte.
The 14 Hottest Toy Trends For 2016
Straight from the runways, er, aisles of New York City, Toy Fair 2016 debuted the newest toys and trends for this year. It doesn't matter if you consider yourself a toy expert after all of those birthday parties and trips to Toys R Us, you're going to want to check out the coolest gadgets about to hit the shelves. From strong female role models to tech-savvy smart toys (even one that can teach your tot to code!), these toys have reoccurring themes that both kids and parents are loving - and that you can expect to see on everyone's wish list this year.
This Video Perfectly Sums Up What It's Like For Moms to Be Told How to Parent by the Internet
It seems like every day a new study is released outlining what exactly it means to be a good parent. It can get overwhelming being told one day that you shouldn't tell your son he's smart, but then the next day being informed about the value of a child knowing his brilliance. The ladies of the BreakWomb agree that it's a rough time to be a mom right now and sat down to film a hilarious video showcasing what it would look like if we took every single study or news article to heart.
Spoiler alert: it would be ridiculous.
Watch the video to have a relatable little laugh and, ultimately, to be encouraged to trust your instincts and parent the way that works for you.
16-Year-Old Girl Sues Her High School Because They Banned THIS T-Shirt
Everyone has a favorite t-shirt they love to wear, so it wasn't a surprise when 16-year-old Taylor Victor decided to don one she'd recently purchased and go to school.
What she didn't expect, however, was the major backlash she faced from her teachers and the principal for her innocuous shirt. In a blog post, Taylor details how she was sent home from school one day because her shirt said, "Nobody knows I'm a lesbian." The 16-year-old had previously come out in the tenth grade and said the shirt just made her laugh because "pretty much everybody knows" she's a lesbian.
The vice principal and assistant principal, however, didn't find it amusing and told her the shirt was disruptive and that it could be an open invitation to sex.
"I was upset. The best way to describe it is that it was dawning on me that maybe I wasn't going to be fully able to be myself at school," she wrote.
Instead of taking to social media to vent her frustrations, Taylor and her parents decided to take action and sued the school for censorship in August. After months of back and forth, she won the free speech lawsuit this week. Not only was she victorious, but the school district, on Tuesday, also agreed to change its school dress code policy to state that a student's clothes can express their own identity and support for other students' identities.
"At the end of the day, I just want other kids to know that it's OK to be yourself at school. It's OK to stand up for what you believe in," Taylor said. "Even if what you believe in is controversial. Even if what you believe in makes your teacher or your principal uncomfortable."
You go, Taylor.
American Airlines Lies to a Frantic Mom About the Whereabouts of Her 11-Year-Old Daughter
For unaccompanied minors traveling with American Airlines, parents pay an extra $300 on top of the ticket price to cover the additional care staff puts in to make sure a child gets from point A to point B safely. One mom from Charlotte, NC - who paid that extra cost to send her 11-year-old daughter to visit with family in New York - was failed by this system after being lied to about the whereabouts of her daughter, and wants to warn other parents.
Corinne Chausse and her husband were expecting their daughter Maggie to arrive back in Charlotte at 8:50 p.m. on Monday, and although American Airlines confirms that the flight out of New York was delayed due to weather, Corrine didn't hear from Maggie until 1:30 a.m., when she called from Columbia, SC, after the plane was rerouted there. Maggie told her parents that she was being taken off her plane because her flight was canceled. The worried parents lost contact with Maggie for over an hour - they were halfway to Columbia to get her when American Airlines informed them that the flight was going ahead and would be on its way to Charlotte, but then as they got back to Charlotte, they were informed yet again that the flight was canceled.
Frantic at this point, Corrine says an American Airlines employee tried to reassure her that her daughter was in a room for minors at Columbia airport, but five minutes later, Maggie called to say she was still on the plane. "They blatantly lied to me about where she was," Corrine told WSOCTV.
This communication nightmare between Corrine and the airline is enough to make any mother never want to allow her child to ever fly alone, but on top of that, Maggie was on her plane for more than nine hours and none of the employees who were meant to be caring for her gave her anything to eat.
Corrine has tried to contact American Airlines, but she hasn't heard back.
"I don't want another parent to go through this," she said. "They need to look at this system they have in place. They're charging people $300 for it and they need to examine where it failed because it failed drastically." However, she says she's less concerned with a refund at this point because she now has a bigger problem to handle: after this experience, her daughter has said she never wants to fly again.
22 Recipes That Will Convince You to Use Your Slow Cooker All Spring Long
You might associate your slow cooker with hearty Winter comfort food, but that doesn't mean you should stop using it by the time Spring rolls around. Instead of cooking over a stove on a warm day, you can take advantage of these set-it-and-forget-it recipes. Get ready to make spinach and artichoke dip, carnitas burrito bowls, loaded baked potato soup, and more slow-cooker recipes using Spring produce all season long.
The Best Way to Store Greens
If your greens are wilting within a few days of bringing them home from the store, you can prevent it with this quick storage tip. First, wash the greens thoroughly in cold water. Submerge them in bowl full of cold water at least three times before spinning them dry. Then line a resealable bag or tupperware container with a paper towel. Transfer the greens, then top them with another paper towel. Seal the bag (some air inside is OK) or pop the lid on the tupperware and store in the fridge. That's it! This technique should keep them crisp and fresh for well over a week.
Vegas's Culinary Scene Doesn't Have a Soul, and That's Why I Love It
I'm a Vegas virgin but a well-traveled diner. With the explosion of celebrity-chef-themed restaurants littering Las Vegas's strip over the last few years, it has become apparent the city is transitioning toward becoming a culinary destination and not just a gambling hub. Intrigued, especially by the fact that my favorite chefs, like Michael Mina and Rich Torrisi, are opening new restaurants on the Strip, I put my biases about this party town aside and zipped up my shortest, sparkliest dresses to scope out this new and burgeoning scene with an open mind (and palate). I had to know: are the big-time celebrity-chef restaurants all show or are they legitimate dining destinations? And maybe even more importantly, could a foodie like myself catch the Vegas bug and feel the itch to return?
As I boarded the plane from San Francisco to Vegas, longtime San Francisco Chronicle food critic Michael Bauer published his take on Vegas, posing the question, "Does Las Vegas have a culinary soul?" He concluded, "Authenticity [is] lacking in most big-budget extravaganzas," but there's a growing crop of unique restaurants worth venturing outside of the Strip to experience, especially for seasoned Vegas travelers.
Yet after my experience in Vegas, I discovered that unlike traveling to New Orleans, for instance, people aren't attracted to Vegas for its soul, but rather its LACK of soul. You go there to indulge in your favorite vices, whether it be elaborate cocktails, $100 lobster platters, or ridiculous room service spreads fit for a king. It's a mecca of hedonism, and for a few days, it's an opportunity to really go for it. As long as you have the money or the means, Vegas won't get in your way. The intense allure is the freedom to gratify your senses, not suppress them. So now that you know it's not about the authenticity or the soul, but it's about straight-up satisfying pleasure, where should you go? Here are my recommendations (full disclosure: I have only had a chance to check out M Life destinations thus far):
Bardot Brasserie
When to go: Nurse your inevitable Vegas hangover over a slow, boozy brunch that evokes the best of Paris.
What to order: The double cut bacon (a side dish) will. Cure. Your. Hangover. It's a centimeter thick and should be savored using a fork and knife.
The lowdown:
San Francisco-based chef Michael Mina opened this French restaurant at Aria - and admittedly I wasn't that jazzed about going as I wasn't in Vegas to try something I could eat walking distance from my apartment. However, I couldn't have been more shortsighted. First off, the interior channels authentic French brasserie with its giant brass-pipe bar, black-and-white-tiled floor, and dark-stained wood-paneled walls. The staff blew me away with their hospitality. Every employee I encountered - the hostess, bartender, waiter, manager - seemed genuinely happy and sincerely kind. That's unexpected service, especially in a fast-paced, high-turnover spot like Vegas.
Truth is, I was hungover AF when I went to brunch at Bardot, and yet it was the best meal I had all weekend long. The boulangerie of baked goods impressed me. The laminated dough used in the kouign-amann and croissant baked up to crisp perfection. And my whole table agreed you couldn't get a better, more perfectly caramelized canelé in France itself. The cheese plate featured my favorite of all time - époisses - and was served with caramelized hazelnuts and an adorably petite loaf of sourdough bread. The one item you must order is the french toast, a half-foot slab of brioche topped with mascarpone and nut brittle. The presentation is as insanely decadent as the taste.
Don't think I forgot about the cocktails. Many around you may go for the bottomless Rosés, especially during bunch. However, the cocktail program is impressive and worthy of a separate trip during the 5 o'clock hour. These are no cookie-cutter cocktails. Each has a unique tale and uses freshly pressed juices and house-made bitters and syrups, all of which the bartender is happy to explain to you. And that's probably because Craig Schoettler, Aria's master mixologist, designed the bar as well as the cocktails. He worked the line at the legendary Alinea restaurant for years before opening its sister bar, The Aviary. If you're a massive Grant Achatz fan like myself, this knowledge alone will send you flocking to this bar.
Carbone
The draw: An old-timey steakhouse dinner that balances gimmicky theatrics with mind-blowing renditions of the classics.
Insider tip: Save a ton of money by ordering less, as in a salad and dessert. I assure you - there are so many freebie starters (the giant bread basket, pickled veggies, and a plate of cured meat), you can get away with it and still leave full.
The lowdown:
I adore New York City's chef Rich Torrisi, so I couldn't wait to try Carbone at Aria. The contrived entryway to Carbone will make you feel like you're stepping into a Broadway stage set. It's like a gimmicky replica of an old-timey New York steakhouse. Yet inside the wooden doors, the grandiose design of the bar and main dining room are at once nostalgic and completely innovative. At the table, I felt like I was at the theater, sitting back in a red-velvet-upholstered booth while watching a fantastical display of bananas flambéed at the table next to me or a caesar salad tossed and plated tableside. These two dishes, which ironically aren't Italian, are the reason to go to Carbone.
My colleague Nicole Iizuka and I agreed it was the best caesar in the world. Buttery little gem lettuce, a robustly garlicky dressing, and the biggest, most satisfying croutons we'd ever encountered make it so extraordinary.
The spectacle of the three-foot flaming bananas are reason enough to order them, but then there's the amaretti crumble, bread pudding, and crème fraiche ice cream with a mouthfeel like chewy Turkish ice cream.
Dinner at Harvest by Roy Ellamar
The appeal: Unlike other Vegas venues, this restaurant doesn't lean on showy distractions - it's all about serving elevated local food. The dining room layout also makes it feel private for a cozy date night.
Insider tip: Order the tuna poke (it's on the snack cart, not the menu). The chef is from Hawaii and values sourcing the freshest seafood available in the states, plus dare I admit it's better than the poke you'll find on the islands?
The lowdown:
Hawaiian native Roy Ellamar is the soul of Vegas, if there ever will be one. This man has made it his mission to bring the farm-to-table concept to Vegas by supporting local farmers as they experiment with what crops they can possibly grow in the bleak, sunny desert. It turns out that they can grow quite a lot, and there are still so many discoveries to be made. I anticipate, in the next decade, Vegas will shift away from relying on celebrity chefs to draw customers to its doors, and instead there will be Vegas-famous chefs like Roy who make a name for themselves here.
Aria Tower Suites Room Service
Insider tip: This being a new hotel, Aria offers room service ordering through tablets. Thanks, technology, for letting us not only see the description of a menu item but also actually look at high-res images of it, too.
The lowdown:
We stayed at the new Aria suites, and while the view of the Strip was awesome, the most memorable part of the stay was the room service. We ordered berries and whipped cream, smoked salmon, and rice congee. Completely random, yes, but that's the joy of Vegas. It's deliriously absurd, and no one will bat an eye.
Lago
Insider Tip: Request the front and center table on the balcony. It's the best seat in the house.
The lowdown:
Lago at the Bellagio is not to be missed, but not for its food or cocktails. The balcony view of the iconic fountain is breathtaking, and the spectacle of seeing multiple shows in one seating is worth a reservation alone. If you do go there for a quick nibble, opt for Champagne and the prosciutto flatbread, and kick back.
Skyfall
Insider Tip: Find the ladies' restroom that has a corner stall. The toilet faces a floor-to-ceiling window, and you can't help but giggle as you do your business while being exposed to literally hundreds of buildings. Here's hoping the window is mirrored . . .
The lowdown:
Skyfall Lounge has a cocktail program that was developed by Proprietors LLC, the esteemed craft cocktail consultants out of LA, and it's simply a sexy place to hang out and people-watch while overlooking the entire Las Vegas strip. You'll find the cocktails are a refuge from overpriced, sugary-sweet, vodka-fueled drinks that line the Strip.
In less than 72 hours, I experienced Vegas hard and couldn't wait to return home to green juices and my quiet apartment. I discovered the big-time celebrity-chef restaurants are all show, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Consider what's worthy of dropping those Franklins: the taste or the spectacle or a little of both. I have yet to explore all the Caesars Palace holdings - especially Giada De Laurentiis's and Guy Fieri's restaurants. That will come soon, very soon. I also plan to go off the beaten path to try a few of Nicole's favorites: Lotus of Siam, The Oyster Bar at Palace Station, and Aburiya Raku. Because yes, I did love my Vegas dining experience, and I'm eager to subject my taste buds to more of its gluttony.
Learn the Secret to the Big Mac Sauce - and Prepare to Put It on Everything
We've figured out how to make McDonald's french fries and classic Egg McMuffin, and now you can make the Big Mac in your very own kitchen. A 2012 video of McDonald's Executive Chef Dan Coudreaut breaking down the makings of the iconic sandwich has resurfaced and we're lovin' it. Chef Dan shows us how to hack the Big Mac right down to its famous sauce, using similar ingredients available at your local grocery store.
Starting with the sauce, combine mayo, sweet pickle relish, classic yellow mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Lightly toast three buns and brown two 100 percent beef patties in a pan, seasoning with a little salt and pepper. To finally assemble the Big Mac, add a dollop of the sauce on the "heel" (bottom bun) and the "club" (middle bun. Add a pinch of onions and lettuce onto both pieces, a slice of cheese on one, and two hamburger pickles on the other. After putting a patty on top of each bun, stack the prepared club on top of the heel, and finally place the "crown" (top bun) to top it all off. And voilà, you've got yourself a homemade Big Mac!
Satisfy Your Oreo Addiction With 24 Make-at-Home Treats
This college study reveals something we probably could've copped to all along: Oreos may be just as addictive as cocaine. Now that we've confirmed the uphill battle we face against these creamy sandwich cookies is definitely real, we're just going to give in and buy a package (or three). If you, too, have an Oreo obsession, we suggest taking it to the next level with these creative spins on the cookie.
20+ Vegetarian Dinners For Those Who Can't Stand Washing Dishes
Don't let the idea of scrubbing a pile of dirty dishes dissuade you from cooking dinner tonight. Instead, try one of these ridiculously delicious one-pot and -pan vegetarian meals. That way you can spend more time doing what you actually love, like reading a great book, binge-watching a favorite show on Netflix, dishing with your besties over a glass of wine, or whatever floats your boat.
If Disney Princesses Were Star Wars Characters, This Is How Awesome They'd Look
Another illustrator is setting the bar high for creating an impressive set of Disney princesses as Star Wars characters. While other wonderful mashups like this already exist, these are extremely vivid and ethereal. Created by illustrator Ralph Sevelius and posted on DeviantArt, your favorite Star Wars characters are replaced by various princesses like Sith Snow White and Jedi Ariel. Look ahead to see the marvelous illustrations and hope that someday, these become real animations.
This Crazy Scam Will Instantly Kill Your iPhone
Don't get duped! A fake Apple ad is making the rounds telling people to set their phones back to Jan. 1, 1970, for a retro Apple look. Advice: don't do it! It's totally destroying iPhones.
11 Tech Accessories That Were Phat in the '90s and '00s
As much as we love our iPhones and MacBooks, let's be honest - most of us would give anything to rewind 20 years for just one day. It was a time of simplicity and, looking back, some of the coolest tech gadgets ever. So blast some Spice Girls and take a trip down memory lane . . . you may want to grab some tissues.
4 Sneaky iPhone Details You Never Noticed Before
Apple products are known for their genius attention to detail, but sometimes they're so subtle, they can go unnoticed. Take iOS, for instance. Have you ever seen the tiny, cool flashlight icon feature? Ahead, check out our favorite discoveries that made us ask, "Wait, really?!"
You Will Either Love or Hate the Newest iPhone Rumors
Get ready to open your wallet once again and give money to Apple. The company is expected to announce a new addition to the iPhone family in March. Wondering why so soon? The new product, dubbed the iPhone 5SE is meant for people who don't want to switch to the larger 6 and 6S phones. As of now, nothing is totally confirmed but keep reading to find out what rumors are going around for this iPhone.
- Small screen: According to the latest rumors from 9to5Mac, iPhone 5SE, will be a four-inch model. To compare, the iPhone 6 and 6S have a 4.7 inch screen.
- No 3D Touch: The feature, found on the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, will not be available on the iPhone 5SE according to a report from Yahoo.
- Camera additions: 9to5Mac reports that the newest iPhone will have an 8 megapixel rear facing camera and a 1.2 megapixel front facing camera - the same specifications found on the iPhone 6.
- Touch ID and Live Photos: Both features will be coming to the iPhone 5SE suggests the International Business Times. This should appease plenty of people, who might be upset about the lack of 3D Touch. Currently, live photos only exists on the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
- Apple Pay: The nifty, mobile payment service is arriving to the phone as well, reports 9to5Mac.
- Colors: Japanese site Mac Otakara claims that the new iPhone will be available in the colors silver, space gray, and hot pink. Yes, you read that right - a much brighter color than the rose-gold found on the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
- Storage: MacRumors also believes that the iPhone 5SE will only be available in 16 and 64 GB models.
- Price: No final word on a price point, but MacRumors thinks one of the phone models could start to retail at $560.
Is Apple making a move in the right direction? Let us know how you feel about all these rumors in the comments!
- Additonal reporting by Ann-Marie Alcántara
A Cyclist Created Insane Art in the Most Unexpected Way
In avid Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, cyclist Stephen Lund has found a new artistic outlet using only his bike and a GPS - called GPS Doodles. Essentially, Lund preplans and tracks his frequent bike rides, which tend to be anywhere from 20 to 60 miles long, so that his resulting GPS map shows his desired (and impressive!) design.
Some of Lund's masterpieces include dinosaurs, whales, and even Darth Vader. You can follow Lund's creative journeys on his Instagram, and check out some of our favorite doodles, below.










