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.
jeudi 19 mai 2016
Man saves friend's life with opiate overdose drug in pilot's first success story
On Wednesday, Rick Marshall saved the life of a close friend in Halifax by injecting him with the opiate overdose antidote, naloxone.
'I've been looking at a lie': Expecting moms say clinic gave them identical ultrasound photos
A group of expecting mothers is outraged after receiving identical ultrasound photos from a clinic in Pickering. For more than twenty parents, what they thought was their first glimpse of their babies, was actually a generic printout of someone else's child.
Tight Lower Back? Get on the Floor and Try This
Tight hips and a tight lower back are common complaints among runners and cyclists, so here's a relaxing stretch that will stretch both. It's similar to Half Happy Baby, but with this variation, both knees are bent at the same time.
| Sanskrit Name: Ananda Balasana English Translation: Happy Baby Pose Also Called: Dead Bug |
- Begin lying flat on your back.
- Bend both knees and hold onto the outside edges of your flexed feet with your hands. Keep your arms on the outsides of your legs.
- Gently use your upper body strength to equally press both knees to the floor below your armpits. Try not to tense your shoulders or chest, but keep everything relaxed.
- Stay like this for five deep breaths. To release, let go of your feet and straighten your legs to the floor.
If Snapchat and Instagram Had a Baby, It Would Be This App
Start making space on your phone. There's a new app called Epic, which combines Instagram's and Snapchat's best features. We bet you'll start using it every day. And the app icon is a unicorn!
To use it, first you need to sign up. Then, you'll recognize a familiar screen that looks like Snapchat's. Take a photo or video, put emoji stickers or filters on it, and hit "Save Moment." That's when you'll really see how different it is. You can either save it to your Story, which disappears after 24 hours, or create a another Story that will last for a set amount of time you choose - including forever. Just like Snapchat's stories, you can add more photos and videos to a Story you've made.
The app idea came about when POPSUGAR's CEO, Brian Sugar, was playing around with Snapchat's Story feature. For him, there were some key features missing. He wanted a new app that would take Snapchat's storytelling and combine it with the social features of Instagram and Pinterest's organization. That's exactly what you get when you peruse the app. Plus, it's a way to finally keep some of your most treasured moments - like those of concerts or trips - saved and viewable over and over again. "It's the new camcorder," said Sugar. Except this time, you will get to see your memories, sans your dad forgetting to set it up and show it off.
As for the app itself, your profile looks like Instagram's and people can view all the stories you've posted. Friends and family can "like," comment, repost, and tag people in comments. You can double tap on a photo or video in a Story and see a feed of what the Story includes. The best part is being able to mention people in a Moment; just write their handle with the @ sign and they'll get a notification letting them know about it. During beta testing, plenty of people were addicted to it in the POPSUGAR offices. Like the sound of that? You can download Epic right now for iOS. An example of what your feed looks like is below.
If you're looking for another awesome way to connect with friends, this is it!
10 Things to Know About Eva Longoria's Fiancé, José Antonio Bastón
Now that Eva Longoria is set to marry longtime boyfriend José Antonio Bastón in Mexico on the weekend of May 21, we'd love to get to know more about the groom before the superattractive couple ties the knot in front of friends and family in what is sure to be the wedding of the season. You too? Then, scroll ahead to find out everything we could find about José Antonio - from his big-shot job title to his nickname and what he thinks about Eva's part in Desperate Housewives.
Brace Yourself For the Horrifying Trailer For The Purge: Election Year
If you've seen the previous two Purge movies, then you know the general gist of what to expect from The Purge: Election Year. The horror franchise is taking advantage of of the upcoming election by releasing a politically themed version of its tried formula on July 1, ahead of the Independence Day holiday. Elizabeth Mitchell is starring as a politician running on a platform that includes getting rid of The Purge for good. She has firsthand experience; 15 years earlier, her entire family was killed on a Purge night. If the previous movies creeped you out, this trailer will scare your pants off. Take a look, and find out what other horror movies are hitting theaters this Summer!
Peaky Blinders Season 3 Gets a Premiere Date and a Badass Trailer
When I say Peaky Blinders, there's a good chance you either have no idea what I'm talking about or you've begun salivating. That's because the British series is one of the best shows on TV, and if you've watched the first two seasons on Netflix, you're probably as obsessed as I am. In fact, it's one of my recommendations if you're still missing Sons of Anarchy. A dreamy-eyed Cillian Murphy plays Tommy Shelby, the leader of a street gang in post-WWI England. It feels like ages since season two was released (because it has been ages), but the trailer for season three is here and it provides us with some good intel about the upcoming episodes. Take a look, and check out what else we know!
The CW Fall Schedule Gives Supernatural a New Night
The CW's Fall schedule is here, and a lot of things have changed. Even though the network pulled the plug on Containment, there are a few new shows to look forward to, including No Tomorrow and Frequency. While some returning shows have stayed on the same night, others have made quite the shift. The Originals and Reign aren't even on the list yet! Check out when you should set your DVR so you don't miss a moment of your favorite shows.
MONDAY
8 p.m. - Supergirl
9 p.m. - Jane the Virgin
TUESDAY
8 p.m. - The Flash
9 p.m. - No Tomorrow*
WEDNESDAY
8 p.m. - Arrow
9 p.m. - Frequency*
THURSDAY
8 p.m. - Legends of Tomorrow
9 p.m. - Supernatural
FRIDAY
8 p.m. - The Vampire Diaries
9 p.m. - Crazy Ex Girlfriend
COMING MIDSEASON
The Originals
The 100
iZombie
Reign
Riverdale*
*New show
Related Stories:
10 Things to Know About Eva Longoria's Fiancé, José Antonio Bastón
Now that Eva Longoria is set to marry longtime boyfriend José Antonio Bastón in Mexico on the weekend of May 21, we'd love to get to know more about the groom before the superattractive couple ties the knot in front of friends and family in what is sure to be the wedding of the season. You too? Then, scroll ahead to find out everything we could find about José Antonio - from his big-shot job title to his nickname and what he thinks about Eva's part in Desperate Housewives.
mercredi 18 mai 2016
This Brave Guy Lived to Tell the Tale of Playing With a Wild Ocelot
We should start by saying this: unless you are a wild-animal expert, don't try to interact with them in their natural habitat or things could go horribly wrong for both of you. That being said, Coyote Peterson is an expert and knows a thing or two about many species, including ocelots. On a recent expedition to Costa Rica, Peterson and his show, Breaking Trail, explored a rainforest looking for creepy-crawlies and instead stumbled upon a young female ocelot. While fully grown ocelots are fierce animals who will quickly attack the jugular in an attempt to make a kill, this little lady was more content to crawl all over Peterson and play. Peterson points out more than once that this is, in fact, a wild animal, and you should absolutely not go searching for wild animals of your own in dark rainforests unless you know what you're doing. We think we'll leave the exploring to the pros and just sit back and watch this adorably overgrown house cat love up on Peterson.
15 Times Sebastian Stan's Character on Gossip Girl Had You Like XOXO
Sebastian Stan is making waves with his role in Captain America: Civil War, but he was stealing hearts way before he was Bucky Barnes. He has a pretty solid résumé with appearances on Once Upon a Time and The Martian, but one of his most memorable roles has to be Carter Baizen, the Upper East Side bad boy, from Gossip Girl. If you're looking for a good dose of nostalgia - as well as some delicious eye candy - take a look back at some of his hottest GIFs from the show. You know you love it!
Why the Number 17 Is So Important on Jane the Virgin
"Thirty-five hours 17 minutes to go, but who's counting?" Michael says early on in the dramatic Jane the Virgin season two finale. He's counting down the moments until the wedding - and the moment he'll get to finally have sex with Jane. But that never happens, because - major spoiler alert! - he's shot by international crime lord Sin Rostro on his way to get ice for his Champagne bucket. We're not quite sure what Michael's fate is, but the number 17 might be a clue.
First, let's examine the references. The "35 hours and 17 minutes to go" line is the first time we get a mention of the number 17, and if you were paying attention at home, you noticed that it wasn't the last. Here are the ones I caught:
- $1,700: After screwing up the honeymoon plans, Michael books the presidential suite at the Biltmore. When an annoyed Jane asks him how much it costs, he says, "Like 17-hundred bucks." Michael ends up canceling the room to satisfy Jane, which means they end up at Rafael's hotel, the scene of the shooting.
- 17 stops: After Rogelio's Rolls-Royce breaks down, Jane and her dad must take the bus. The driver tells them not once but twice that they'll arrive at the Holy Crown Church in 17 stops.
- 17 minutes late: Conveniently, Jane is 17 minutes late to her wedding.
I couldn't help but think: these writers have a thing for the number 17. So what does it mean?
The number 17 is considered unlucky in Italy - there, Friday the 17th is like Friday the 13th. In Roman numerals, 17 is written as XVII. You can use those letters to spell VIXI, which means in Latin, "I have lived." In the work of the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero, the phrase "they have lived" is used to announce an execution. Add in the fact that Cordero means lamb in Spanish, and I think the writers are trying to tell us that Michael is the show's sacrificial lamb. Based on this and other clues, I'm starting to think he's really, actually, definitely dead.
These Are the Foods Selena Gomez Absolutely, Positively Cannot Go on Tour Without
Image Source: Getty / C Flanigan
In what might be the cutest thing she's ever done, Selena Gomez drew her favorite foods - on the back of a napkin, no less - for Bon Appétit when she paid the magazine a visit back in March.
"I keep things pretty simple [backstage]," she told the magazine. "Plenty of water and pickles." However, the "Hands to Myself" singer, who is currently on her Revival tour, amps things up a bit on the bus, throwing in some hot Cheetos and chocolate. All essentials, right? To finish off her impressive sketch, Selena added a few bonus doodles, including polka dots and a heart. Find us the nearest napkin, because we're getting the itch to sketch out our favorite foods, too!
23 Cruise Hacks That Will Change Your Entire Trip
Image Source: Flickr user Roderick Eime
There's no shortage of reasons to love cruises. The gourmet dining, picture-perfect views of the water, nearly all-inclusive charges, and diverse travel in a minimized time frame make cruising one of the most enjoyable and convenient vacations to take. If you're planning to sail in the future, keep these hacks in mind. These tips are sure to make your nautical experience the best it can be!
- Turn off your phone's roaming service. Before boarding, be sure to turn off your phone's roaming service, or you'll rack up major data expenses. A cruise's WiFi can be spotty and pricey, so it may in your greatest interest to simply unplug altogether and enjoy being in the present.
- Take a tour of the ship when you first board. This way, you know where everything is right off the bat. You'll spend the next week or so exploring the neat nooks and crannies!
- Seek extra storage in the room. Be sure to ask staffers about the storage in your room - chances are, there's more space for your luggage than you realize!
Image Source: Flickr user Joe Ross
- Pack magnets. Many cabins are made of metal, so you should pack a few magnets. The decor will make your room feel more at home, and it's convenient when you want to hang up documents or photos during your stay.
- Pack a power strip. If you're cruising with multiple people, bring a power strip so you don't have to fight over open outlets. Some companies, like Disney Cruise Line, don't allow them, so check the policy before you go!
- Look for the free ice cream machines. Dessert-lovers, you won't want to miss the free ice cream machines plus toppings placed around many ships. Make it a game to find them . . . or, you know, ask an employee.
Image Source: Flickr user Nick Gray
- Bring motion sickness patches. Even if you're not usually prone to motion sickness, it's a good idea to bring a box of patches along anyway for you or the friends and family you came with. Sometimes the ship sways severely.
- Ask room service for help with nausea. You can also enlist the help of room service if you're feeling unwell. Cruise workers are used to seasick passengers, and they may bring you certain foods like apples and crackers to ease the nausea.
- Make sure you know the tipping policy for room service. Your cruise line may implement autogratuities, where a specific amount is charged to your account daily. On other ships, tips may not be necessary at all. Ask the cruise staff ahead of time, or look up the policy online.
- Plan your port days beforehand. Map out what you're going to do when you reach your destinations well before you leave the boat so you don't waste any time on land.
- Take advantage of free classes. These may be included in your cruise package and can range from exercise classes like spinning to towel art lessons. Be sure to ask around, and do your research!
Image Source: Flickr user Rob Lee
- Bring free food from the buffets with you on port days. This will save you money if you don't want to spend it on local food.
- Don't spend money on basic toiletries. Similar to a hotel, your cruise will provide these.
- Bring your own booze. Some ships allow you to take on a certain amount of your own alcohol, but some don't, so make sure you're aware of the ship's policy on this.
- Use a wallet case for your phone. Keep your cash, cards, and phone together so you don't have to drag around a purse or backpack. Also, you're less likely to lose any of these important items when they're not floating around separately.
- Nap on the lounge chairs. Feeling exhausted? Don't nap in the room. Instead, take a snooze on a lounge chair on the upper deck. The breeze and the sun are beyond relaxing - just be sure to wear SPF.
Image Source: Flickr user lynette sweeney
- Go in the pool or hot tub after dinner. Most people are off doing activities after the final meal, so the pool and hot tub should be less crowded at this time.
- See the live shows whenever you get the chance. These are well worth the money, since you can't get the same experience anywhere else. Make a point to see at least one or two!
- Make a list of all the things you want to see and do. An organized checklist will help you remember all the amazing activities you wish to dabble in. Consider devising an entire itinerary, if it's not too stressful.
- Catch a glimpse of the water during peak times. The ocean looks particularly beautiful at sunrise, sunset, and beneath the moonlight.
Image Source: Flickr user Roderick Eime
- Play trivia to make new friends. The cruise may have designated trivia times. Participating is a great way to mingle on the ship.
- Ask about exclusive ship souvenirs. Your cruise line might offer special trinkets to commemorate your trip.
- Don't wait till the last day to do everything. If something interesting on the ship jumps out at you (like a themed bar or water slide), don't put off checking it out. Trust us, your trip will
flycruise by quicker than you realize, and you'll never want to find yourself out of time.
22 Rice Recipes That Taste Like Mom's Home Cooking
Although rice is a table staple in Latin American culture, you're likely to find a uniquely different variation in just about each country. The one thing we can all agree on? Whether it's part of the main event or a simple side, there's nothing more comforting than a heaping portion of the grain at dinner (or lunch).
If you're a carnivore, you'll probably love a good arroz tapado, and if you're a vegetarian, arroz con coco is just for you - but really, the possibilities are endless and go beyond the classics. Scroll ahead to find 22 Latin rice recipes you should get to know and love soon.
Cop Sets World Record After Holding a Plank For 8 Hours, 1 Minute, and 1 Second
When you're doing a plank, 60 seconds can feel like an eternity. Now, imagine doing a plank for eight hours.
This was exactly the life of Mao Weidong, a cop in China who held the plank for exactly eight hours, one minute, and one second. It was during a showdown between him and retired US Marine George Hood that Mao managed to not only break his own 2014 plank record but also set the Guinness World Record for holding the longest plank position. His previous record was four hours and 26 seconds. And George's previous record in 2013 was three hours, seven minutes, and 15 seconds.
In the video, it seems like Mao isn't even tired from planking for so long. He impressively ended his plank position with a couple of quick push-ups that had us asking, "Mao, don't your abs and arms hurt?"
Taste the Rainbow With These Healthy and Delicious Pancakes
Add an extra dose of happiness to your morning meal with these rainbow pancakes. Stacked with six types of fruit and topped with a cloud of aquafaba (a vegan whipped "cream"), this breakfast will fill you up and delight your senses.
New family doctors may leave Nova Scotia if they can't work at walk-in clinics
Graduates from Dalhousie University medical school want the option of working in walk-in clinics to provide income and finance new practices, family medicine residents say.
You Won't Have Any Varsity Blues in Ali Larter's Breathtaking Mansion
Varsity Blues and Resident Evil franchise star Ali Larter and husband Hayes MacArthur have just sold their gorgeous contemporary home in Hollywood Hills, LA for $4.15 million, Openhouse is reporting. The three-story property went on the market at $4.295 million back in March. Why they didn't quite get asking, they still profited greatly, having purchased the home for $2.925 million in 2009.
Four bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths are featured in the open loft-style floor plan, which spans about 5,500 square feet. The boxy listing includes glass walls throughout and wide oak flooring in the second level's living room area, as well as a bar and fireplace. The chef's all-white kitchen is beautifully spacious with lacquered cabinets and marble countertops, and a huge island sits in between the dining area and top kitchen appliances. Sliding glass doors open to a balcony that's equally as long as the house with views overlooking the backyard and canyon.
The gym, family room, and one of the bedrooms are located on the bottom floor, where a grassy backyard, swimming pool, and spa await just outside. Following the metal- and glass-railed staircase to the top floor, the master bedroom features a double-sided glass fireplace, its own private balcony, a large walk-in closet, and a gorgeous white marble bathroom with a tub and steam shower.
Look ahead for a tour of the home and prepare to want to move right in.
Here Are All the New Features You Can Expect on Android N
At Google's annual developer conference, Google I/O, the company announced more features for its latest mobile operating system, Android N. See what new capabilities you can expect ahead.
- Multitasking: Say goodbye to all your apps remaining open. Instead, Android N will only have open the last seven apps you've actually used. It will automatically close apps that you haven't used in a while.
- A new button: Finally, Android N will get a "clear all" button to get rid of all open apps.
- Jump between apps more easily: With Quick Switch, double tap the recent button to easily go between apps.
- Multiwindow capability: Spilt your screen and complete two tasks at once with this handy feature. Just long tap on the recent button, pick the app you want to use at the same time, and then launch it. Now you can watch a video and write down the recipe at the same time.
- Android TV multitasking: Picture-in-picture mode is finally coming. You'll be able to place anything you're watching live in a smaller window and do other tasks.
- Reply to messages easier: Stealing a feature from iOS, Android N will have quick reply, which lets you reply to a message without opening up the app.
- New emoji: The newest emoji from the Unicode 9 release are coming! This includes 72 new emoji and will finally support skin-tone color variations.
- VR mode: Your Android phone will now be ready for virtual reality at any time with VR mode. With this enabled, you'll be able to watch anything in virtual reality without any low latency.
- Encryption is coming: Android N will introduce the ability to encrypt your files.
- Easier to manage software updates: Software updates will no longer interrupt your phone usage - they will occur in the background.
Android N will launch later this Summer, but you can download the beta today. Oh and the best/worst part? You can help name Android N and choose what the N can stand for. Keep looking to see more of how the features will work, and get ready to enjoy Android N.
Google Is Releasing 2 New Apps That Will Change the Way You Communicate This Summer
Making plans and expressing your emotions via text will be a lot more legit now, thanks to Google.
At the 2016 Google I/O developer conference, the company announced two new smart-communication apps: Allo and Duo, two apps that combine all the things you need to communicate with the power of digital advancements.
Allo, Google's new messaging app, focuses on getting feelings and emotions across in more than just emoji. Using a variety of stickers and Google Assistant, users can say more of what they really mean (eliminating the risk of ruining your conversations by using the wrong emoji). Allo is making reacting to messages, finding information, and even making plans more seamless - in fact, it's so seamless you won't even have to leave your chat - with Google Assistant capabilities featured in the app. At the mere mention of a cuisine, Google Assistant promises to provide you with restaurants in your area along with reviews. Allo is also compatible with OpenTable, so you can make reservations in the midst of your chat.
Unlike other messenger apps, Google also prides Allo on its core security features. For the first time ever, users will be able to have Incognito chats (like you would on Google Chrome) so that both ends of the conversations are encrypted and protected. You can choose how long your conversation lives and when it disappears to have complete control over your information.
Google is also making accessing friends and family easier with its video messaging app, Duo. The video feature is making interacting with friends from afar even more real. Users can interact with someone on the other end of the call before it even begins. And Duo is also allowing communication with people on different service carriers with compatibility across multiple mobile platforms.
The best part of both of these apps are that you won't have to wait too long to upgrade and control your communication. Allo and Duo will be available on the Android and iOS app market this Summer! Read on to see more amazing features of the new apps.
7 Harry Potter/Game of Thrones Crossovers You Probably Didn't Know About
Our ever-loving fan minds were blown when we learned that Freddie Stroma would be joining Game of Thrones season six as Samwell Tarly's brother - because he just so happens to be a former Harry Potter cast member. What's more, Stroma is not the first former Potter star to jump over to HBO's megahit, but you might not know about everyone who has gone from the land of wizards and Muggles to the land of dragons and kings. With Game of Thrones back, see which stars have Harry Potter and Game of Thrones in common!
42 Times Cookie Lyon Was Your Favorite Badass
There is so much to love about Empire, but we'd be lying if we didn't say Cookie Lyon is our favorite character on Fox's hit. Brought to life by the ridiculously talented Taraji P. Henson, Cookie is everything you want in an independent heroine: she doesn't tolerate BS, she's fiercely loyal to her family, and she says everything you want to say. On top of all that, she always looks glamorous, whether she's telling off Camilla Marks (Naomi Campbell) or kicking off her Louboutins. With the show's finale this week, read on to see all the times she was your favorite badass on TV.
Bogus or Brilliant? Reese's Cups Stuffed With Pieces
Reese's recently announced plans to release King-Size Reese's Stuffed With Pieces in July, but we were able to snag one early to try. As the teaser implies, the giant cups are filled with whole Reese's Pieces, and that's exactly what we discovered upon cutting up the giant cup. While the Pieces don't really change the flavor of the Reese's cup, the candy shell adds a delightful crunch. Sure, this campaign may appear bogus-y to some, but the textural difference does make the Reese's more enticing (if that ever was possible!). Therefore, I'm going with the idea is brilliant! I don't think I'll ever want to eat a regular Reese's again, and our tasters would agree.
The #Cupfusion is REAL.
Posted by Reese's on Thursday, May 12, 2016
Ever Wondered Where Game of Thrones Is Filmed? These Are the Real Locations of the Seven Kingdoms
If you've read the Game of Thrones books in addition to watching the addicting show on HBO, you might be very well versed in the known world, aka the cities, kingdoms, and regions that comprise the Game of Thrones universe. With the show back for season six, we're even more curious about the real-world locations that stand in for the different lands in the Seven Kingdoms, so we've compiled the most notable filiming locations. Find out where Game of Thrones films, and then make sure you know this obscure show trivia.
Rainbow Sushi Is For Unicorns and Mermaids Only
The rainbow-food trend is here to stay. If you thought the rainbow grilled cheese and rainbow bagels were amazing, you're going to obsess over rainbow sushi. Sushi is arguably the coolest rainbow-ified food because of its inherent rolled-up form - all the colors swirl together to create a completely mesmerizing roll that's almost too beautiful to eat. The best part? You don't even have to use artificial food coloring to get the magical colors. Food and lifestyle blogger Elsa's Wholesome Life let her followers in on a secret: you can use spirulina, matcha, maqui, turmeric, and beet powder to naturally color the white rice.
Keep reading to see more stunning photos of the latest food trend and to visualize how to make it yourself the next time you're feeling more like a mermaid than a human.
12 Things You Should Know Before Traveling Across the Country on Amtrak
I have always fantasized about traveling across the country by train, so when my boyfriend, Johnny, suggested that we take Amtrak from San Francisco to New York City, I was all in. There have been many conversations around the web about what it's really like to take Amtrak for long trips, so I want to give you the most accurate and true depiction.
Johnny and I decided to get a roomette for the first and longest leg of our travel on the California Zephyr. We had the small room from Emeryville (the Amtrak station right outside of San Francisco) to Chicago for two days and two nights. After a seven-hour stop in Chicago, we rode the remaining 17 hours of our journey to NYC in coach seats. In total, our tickets for two people came out to $772. Not bad considering we were traveling for three and a half days and our meals were included with the roomette.
To get all the details on what it's like to sleep, eat, and basically live in an Amtrak train while chugging across America, keep reading. There are lots of interesting details that will take you by surprise.
Related links:
It's Time to Start Using Aquafaba in All Your Vegan Baking Recipes
Vegans, start your ovens, it's time to start baking ALL the good stuff.
Have you tried aquafaba yet? Heard of it? It's essentially bean water - and the egg replacer you've been dreaming of.
The liquid from chickpeas and cooked legumes is somewhat thick and viscous and has a very similar consistency to raw egg whites - as such, aquafaba can be used in a number of recipes. When the bean water is whipped up, it holds stiff peaks and can be used in meringues, whipped creams, mousses, frostings . . . even made into things like marshmallows, cheese, butter, and mayo. In baking, aquafaba can be used to make cakes, waffles, cookies, and breads. Yes, we're serious. It's go time.
If you're thinking "but wait, I hate chickpeas!" just hold on a minute. The final result in something like a meringue or frosting will not taste like the bean, it will take on the flavor from whatever else you're baking with (like cocoa, vanilla, strawberry, etc.) but will perhaps have a bit more starchiness than something made with an egg.
But if you're really not into chickpeas, there are other options! You can try the liquid from cooked soybeans (soy water - even tofu water!), or from other legumes like cannellini beans or butter beans.
So if you have a can of chickpeas in the cabinet, don't empty the liquid into the sink! Save that stuff! You can cook beans over the stove or in a slow cooker to make the aquafaba yourself.
Ready to get started? Try these aquafaba recipes from Pinterest and get baking!
The Scott Brothers' Second Music Video Is Our Favorite Yet
Jonathan and Drew Scott, aka HGTV's Property Brothers, have just released the music video for their second single, "Let the Night Shine In," and it's a playful good time. While the music video for their first single, "Hold On," tugged at the heartstrings - not to mention garnered over 3 million views on YouTube and Vevo and charted on Billboard - the video for this upbeat song was all about having fun. "Drew and I were renowned back in the day. We used to throw really great parties for our friends," Jonathan told us in a phone interview. "You get busy being grown up, and you don't have a chance to do it, and that's what this song is about. The song is about getting off your butt, grabbing the person you want to adventure with, and just doing something fun." The video was shot and directed by Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert's filmmaker, Trey Fanjoy, and filmed in what Jonathan describes as a "beautiful loft" in the country music capital of Nashville.
Watch the video above to see the Jonathan and Drew let loose as they perform in front of friends at a raucous house party, and then tune in to HGTV to see the Property Brothers at work renovating homes. And stay tuned for more music from the Scott brothers in the future. "We will definitely write more music. We're not going to abandon our shows or anything like that; however, I loved this whole process and creative outlet of releasing songs." We can't wait to hear the tunes this talented duo releases next.
If This Theory About Jane the Virgin's Next Season Is True, the Show Is Taking a Huge Turn
If you haven't seen Jane the Virgin's finale episode, turn back now. All the rest of you, come on in.
The final episode of season two is a real shocker: Jane and Michael get married, but on their all-important wedding night, Michael is shot by his partner Susanna, who is revealed to be Rose. It's very unlikely that he survives, unless for some reason he thinks to wear a bullet-proof vest on his wedding day. The finale is a cliffhanger of epic proportions, and while we can deduce that season three will focus on Jane coming to terms with Michael's passing, there is another hint in the episode about what's to come.
The episode's minor subplot revolves around Jane changing her thesis. Jane has always been preoccupied with romance, and her previous thesis reflects not only her fixation with the "perfect romance," but the show's plot about her getting married to the man of her dreams.
"I can't spend an entire year working on something I'm not passionate about," Jane tells Professor Donaldson on the finale. If the theory holds true that Jane's writing mirrors what happens on the show, that means her current path is changing along with her thesis. Jane can't spend next season settling into boring old married life with Michael, it wouldn't be passionate enough for the pseudo telenovela! But then what does next season hold?
"I know what my new thesis should be. It's a love story loosely based on my grandparents," Jane says. "It'll start in Venezuela and explore class differences, religion, sexual stigma, their journey to America - I may even make it bilingual even!" This doesn't mean that season three will be all about Alba, but it might mean that Jane's path will closely follow Alba's. After all, like her grandmother, Jane is (probably) also a widow now. It also means that next season will be more serious than seasons one and two, exploring real issues.
If you're thinking that this sounds like a stretch, consider the character of Professor Donaldson. She has served as a surrogate for the writers before, like the time she brought up whether Jane's writing would follow the Bechdel test, then the entire episode becomes one giant Bechdel test. On the finale, the narrator brings up that the professor "hates the marriage plot," right as Jane is shifting her thesis from romance to reality. The professor (and the board) accept Jane's new thesis proposal, possibly signaling that the writers are taking a new direction on the new season.
This Brick Wall Optical Illusion Is Making the Internet Go INSANE
This may look like an ordinary brick wall, but it's not . . . When Manchester, UK, Facebook user Arron Bevin posted this photo, the internet flipped out. There's an optical illusion in this picture that some people see right away, while others find it totally impossible to figure out. Are you able to see what everybody is going crazy about?
Many people took to Twitter to express their befuddlement at this viral photo. Check out what they had to say:
That 'optical illusion' with the brick wall that's being thrown about Facebook today is bugging me. What the hell am I looking at?
- Steven Anderson (@Steveeeennn) May 16, 2016
what's the illusion in that brick wall photo my mind hurts already 😅
- gwen (@hemmojee) May 18, 2016
This brick wall illusion made me go loco after staring at it for about half an hour 😓😤
- Andy (@andreyyuuh) May 18, 2016
That brick wall illusion thing actually ruined my life
- jasi (@unrulyharry) May 17, 2016
Once you figure this out, you won't be able to unsee it - we promise. Let's see how long it takes!
If you want to know the answer, keep scrolling . . .
Image Source: NBC
Are you sure you want to know?
Image Source: TBS
There's a cigar wedged into the crack of two bricks toward the right side of the photo. That gray hole you see is the end of the cigar. Can you see it now?!
Gaby Espino and Alejandra Espinoza Didn't Wear Dresses to This Red Carpet - and We Love It
How does one make a statement when sharing a red carpet with some of the most beautiful people in the entertainment industry, you ask? Skip the gown and wear pants, of course. At least that's what both Alejandra Espinoza and Gaby Espino did at People En Español's annual event celebrating its 50 Más Bellos issue.
Alejandra shook things up in a pair of white high-waisted cropped trousers that perfectly contrasted with her sexy black leather bandeau top, while Gaby opted for a lacy blush-toned Alexis Kelie jumspuit ($693) that seamlessly showed off her gorgeous silhouette.
After seeing these ladies pull it off, we're totally going to try wearing pants to our next formal event. Keep reading to see more pictures of Alejandra and Gaby and even shop their looks. Then, remember all of Gaby's stunning outfit changes at the Latin Billboards.
Watching a 6'6" Football Player Attempt Ballet Will Pretty Much Make Your Day
Even the best athletes have trouble nailing down simple ballet choreography. When New England Patriots tight-end Rob Gronkowski stopped by a studio to take ballet lessons from principal soloist Nathalia Arja, he probably wasn't expecting it to be that hard. Except, watching his 6'6" frame attempt to leap through the air proves ballet is one of the hardest sports ever. It requires endurance, flexibility, and grace. Though the football player was a good sport and had plenty of confidence, his moves did make us burst out laughing. Rob doing ballet is all of us because no one perfects their arabesque moves in one shot (unless you're Misty Copeland). Watch his best attempts above, and then check out that time Misty tried to help Jimmy Fallon brush up on his ballet skills.
All the Times Jessica Alba Has Stolen the Spotlight on the Red Carpet This Year
Jessica Alba's laid-back street style of jeans, athleisure, and flowy California-ready dresses might be the holy grail of fashion, but that's not all that the actress and entrepreneur does well - every time she steps on a red carpet or attends an event to promote The Honest Company, her outfit choices are equally as stunning as her everyday picks.
Just take a look at the photos ahead to see the serious range that Jessica can wear - from a rocker gold slinky dress to an ultrafeminine white midi dress to business attire you'll want to wear at your next big work meeting. There's truly no trend that Jessica can't adapt to make her own.
7 Things We Still Haven't Seen in This Season of Game of Thrones but Are About To
Game of Thrones has only aired four episodes from its immensely entertaining sixth season so far, but we're already shaking with anticipation of what's going to come next. With tensions currently riding high between the Faith Militant and the Lannisters in King's Landing, and the likelihood of Daenerys or Jon Snow being "The Prince That Was Promised" rising by the day, we have a feeling that things are about to get crazier than ever before. After taking a closer look at the season six trailers, we've put together a list of what fans can expect to see sometime soon.
SPOILERS BELOW!
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Might Be Andy Samberg's Greatest Achievement
Love watching Andy Samberg on Brooklyn Nine-Nine but miss seeing him on the big screen? You'd better prepare yourself emotionally and physically for Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. Samberg and his comedy team, The Lonely Island (aka Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone), have a new movie, and the trailer is enough to have you rolling on the floor laughing. (Yeah, I said it.) Samberg plays Connor, a superstar who has acheived Justin Timberlake-like levels of fame, only without the humility or, arguably, the talent. There's even a reference to Justin Bieber's infamous foot-in-mouth moment when said he would like to think that Anne Frank would have been a "Belieber." The trailers feature cameos from Seal, Usher, Simon Cowell, and DJ Khaled, and that's probably just the tip of the iceberg. The movie is out in theaters June 3!
1 Woman Fit 25 Pieces of Clothing in a Tiny Suitcase With This Insane Trick
We've tried just about every hack on the planet to fit all of our belongings in a suitcase. We've mastered rolling our clothes, stuffing them in purses, and keeping them airtight in compression baggies to create space - but we have never seen a packing trick like the one demonstrated in this video.
One woman neatly lays out 25 pieces of clothing one on top of the other (pants and shirts included). Then, in the center of her pile, she carefully places smaller items, like socks and scarves, and then folds over each article of clothing to create a shape similar to a pillowcase. Her end result is not only genius - it all fits into a tiny carry-on suitcase - but also extra savvy because neatly folding clothes lessens the chances of leaving wrinkles in them - which is especially convenient when traveling. Watch the packing magic unfold; it's seriously epic!
Tickle Your Taste Buds With Tart Pickle Recipes
Before Summer ends, get your hands on some fresh produce and start pickling it for the off season. While cucumbers are the obvious choice, try pickling carrots, green beans, and even fruit like pears. Once you've mastered a basic brine, expand your repertoire to Japanese, Mexican, Korean, and more international takes on pickling. Keep clicking to get pickling!
Meet Google Home, the Product You're Going to Love More Than the Amazon Echo
Start saying goodbye to the Amazon Echo - Google Home is here to replace and conquer it.
Announced at Google I/O, the company's annual developer conference, Google Home is the personal assistant that will make your home smarter and your life easier. Working with Google Assistant, a new software that wants to become more conversational and guess your needs before you can even ask, the device can play music, tell you the weather, change reservations, send text messages and so much more. The device also promises to answer questions better. For example, if you ask it "What movies are currently playing," the device will tell you and then follow up with where they are playing nearby.
Google Home also works with Google Cast and lets you do things like control any speaker in your home. It's also enabled to help you create the smart home you want and will function seamlessly with your smart lights, thermostat, and other devices.
If you're clamoring to try Google Home, you'll have to wait till later this year. For now, check out photos of the device ahead and start saving up your money for it.
21 Songs That You Probably, Definitely Blasted on Your iPod in Summer of 2006
There may be a lot of sweet jams on the radio this Summer, but the early '00s will always be near and dear to our hearts. Who could forget Christina Aguilera's epic Back to Basics era and Nick Lachey's solo career? While music has certainly changed a lot since then, some things are actually quite the same. Rihanna is still killing it, and Beyoncé is at the top of the charts with her new album Lemonade. If you're looking for something different to blast on your radio this season, relive some of the best hits from the Summer of 2006 (or the Summer of '96!), complete with a handy Spotify playlist at the end for your listening pleasure.
Teen Takes His Pretty Kitty to Prom, Melts Hearts Everywhere
Not being able to find a human date wasn't about to stop Sam Steingard from attending his school's prom last year. Instead, he won the hearts of many by dressing up the family cat, Ruby, in a pretty pink dress and taking her along instead.
Sam's sister, Caroline, posted the above picture to Imgur, either showing off or poking fun (as sisters do), and told Love Meow, "[Ruby] loves Sam because he likes to talk to her in a baby voice and he will give her treats once in a while."
We don't know about the rest of you, but we find a cat-loving guy to be quite the catch, so we're huge fans of Sam - and Ruby! Look through to see even more pictures of the adorable Ruby and her family, and then check out a few more of our favorite cats on Instagram.
These Shiny Cakes Might Be Too Stunning to Eat
A baker from Norway is totally transforming the meaning of cake icing. Olga Noskova has skyrocketed to Instagram fame since posting images of her cake art online, and we completely comprehend why. Olga ices her cakes with a marble-like sheen in varying tones, and they actually look like they could be painted with a brush.
In response to her budding popularity, Olga posted a short video demonstrating how she pours the icing on the cake - but she doesn't reveal a complete guide. The inside of Olga's cakes are just as pleasing to the eyes: perfectly layered, intricately linear, and filled with jam! We're not sure we could re-create one of Olga's masterpieces at home, but we'll settle for a bite.
BCAAs: A Health Acronym You Need to Know
When I first started training for my upcoming half marathon, a friend told me, "Make sure you're getting your BCAAs!" Instead of asking "WTF is that?" I did a bit of research and realized I had, in fact, already been getting them. Not sure what I'm talking about? Let's dive in to branched-chain amino acids, why they're important to recover, and how to get your daily dose. It's time to get sciencey!
What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Our bodies need amino acids to work properly, and they're crucial to metabolic function. Some amino acids are made by the body, and others come from your diet. Typically, when you consume a protein, your body breaks it down and what's left is the amino acid.
What Are Branched-Chain Amino Acids
"Branched-chain" refers to the chemical structure of particular aminos. Specifially, the three BCAAs are are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They're three of the amino acids that are not manufactured in the body and must be consumed in a diet.
Why Do You Need Them?
Because BCAAs are essential to rebuilding muscle, growth, and repair, athletes take BCAAs in many forms to prevent muscle damage and breakdown and soreness. In other words, getting branched-chain amino acids after a workout (and getting enough before) can help you recover better and more quickly with less discomfort.
BCAAs have a number of medical uses as well. They are used to treat ALS and certain muscular and genetic diseases, and they can help with appetite for kidney failure and cancer patients. They also help brain function for people with advanced liver disease, mania, tardive dyskinesia, and anorexia.
Where Do You Get Them?
If you're getting enought protein, you're likely getting your BCAAs. If you're not sure what you should be eating for BCAAs, focus on the folowing foods:
- Chicken
- Lean beef, red meat
- Dairy
- Canned tuna
- Wild salmon
- Tilapia
- Turkey breast
- Eggs
- Roasted peanuts
You can also get BCAA supplement powders to make into a recovery drink or blend into a smoothie. If you've been drinking a recovery drink or powdered drink, check the label: you might be getting BCAAs already, and if you're not, it might be time to switch it up.
However you choose to consume your BCAAs, make sure you're getting enough before and after your workout to prevent any damage from intense exercise and curb soreness. This is especially important for big training events and races (half, full, and ultra marathons). More BCAAs, better feeling body.
Kate Hudson Shares the 1 Workout That Completely Changed Her Body
With a popular activewear line and new book, Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways to Love Your Body, Kate Hudson is well-versed in the fitness and wellness area. The actress covers Shape's June issue wearing a selection of Summer's hottest swimsuits while showing off her toned and bronzed body. As a mother of two boys, Kate is all about staying fit and healthy, sharing with the magazine, "I love my shape because I work really hard at it. I honor my body by working out and seeing what it can do." Read on to see some of Kate's favorite workouts and why she can't give up a good bratwurst.
Watch This YouTuber Transform Drake and Nicky Jam's Hit Singles Into 1 Hot Remix
If you think Nicky Jam and Drake sound sexy on their own, wait until you hear their hit singles mashed up, courtesy of YouTube singer Alex Aiono.
Alex combined Drake's "One Dance" and Nicky Jam's "Hasta el Amanecer" seamlessly, creating a bilingual edge that is just plain hot. Also - let's be real - he is, too. Alex's flawless cover totally deserves its own spot on your Summer playlist, and if you don't believe us, just hit play above to hear for yourself. Then, check out our ultimate party playlist.
Drink These Beers If You're Trying to Lose Weight
If you're watching your waistline and enjoying an ice-cold brew, then you'll probably want to see how beers compare. The numbers may surprise you. Here's the nutritional info for one glass, can, or bottle of beer (about 12 ounces). Keep in mind that even though there may be health benefits associated with drinking alcohol, they only come with drinking in moderation. For women, that means one drink a day.
| Beer Brand | Calories | Carbs (g) | Alcohol Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amstel Light | 95 | 5 | 3.5 |
| Anchor Steam | 158 | 14.2 | 4.9 |
| Anheuser-Busch Ice Pale Lager | 171 | 12.5 | 5.9 |
| Anheuser-Busch Light Pale Lager | 95 | 3.2 | 4.1 |
| Beck's Pilsner | 138 | 9 | 5 |
| Beck's Premier Light | 63 | 3.8 | 2.3 |
| Budweiser | 145 | 10.6 | 5 |
| Bud Light | 110 | 6.6 | 4.2 |
| Budweiser Select | 99 | 3.1 | 4.3 |
| Budweiser Select 55 | 55 | 1.8 | 2.4 |
| Colt 45 | 157 | 10.8 | 5.6 |
| Coors | 149 | 12.2 | 5 |
| Coors Light | 102 | 5 | 4.2 |
| Corona Extra | 148 | 14 | 4.6 |
| Corona Light | 99 | 5 | 3.2 |
| Foster's Premium Ale | 160 | 12.5 | 5.5 |
| Guinness Extra Stout | 176 | 14 | 6 |
| Guinness Draught | 126 | 10 | 4 |
| Harpoon IPA | 170 | 15 | 5.9 |
| Heineken | 148 | 11.3 | 5 |
| Heineken Light | 99 | 6.8 | 3.5 |
| Killian's Irish Red | 162 | 14.8 | 5 |
| Labatt Blue | 153 | 5 | 5 |
| Labatt Blue Light | 111 | 8 | 4 |
| Long Trail | 163 | 18.5 | 4.6 |
| Magic Hat #9 | 165 | 14.6 | 5.1 |
| Michelob Dark Lager | 152 | 11.8 | 5.1 |
| Michelob Ultra | 95 | 2.6 | 4.2 |
| Miller Genuine Draft | 143 | 13.1 | 4.7 |
| Miller MGD 64 | 64 | 2.4 | 2.8 |
| Milwaukee's Best Ice | 144 | 7.3 | 5.9 |
| Molson Ice | 160 | 11.6 | 5.6 |
| Molson Light | 113 | 9.9 | 3.9 |
| Natural Light | 95 | 3.2 | 4.2 |
| Newcastle Brown Ale | 138 | 12.8 | 4.7 |
| O'Doul's | 65 | 13.3 | .4 |
| Pabst Blue Ribbon | 145 | 12 | 4.7 |
| Pabst Blue Ribbon Light | 113 | 8.3 | 3.9 |
| Pete's Wicked Ale | 172 | 17.5 | 5.3 |
| Red Stripe | 151 | 13.8 | 5 |
| Rolling Rock Extra Pale Lager | 132 | 10 | 4.5 |
| Sam Adams Boston Lager | 180 | 18.8 | 4.9 |
| Sam Adams Light | 119 | 9.6 | 4 |
| Sierra Nevada Bigfoot | 330 | 30.3 | 9.6 |
| Sierra Nevada Pale Ale | 176 | 14.1 | 5.6 |
| Stella Artois | 154 | 12.8 | 5.2 |
Jennifer Lopez on Why She Thinks She Was Unfairly Labeled a Diva
Jennifer Lopez is sharing the cover of The Hollywood Reporter with some of the most powerful women in television, including Kerry Washington, Kirsten Dunst, and Julianna Margulies, and she's opening up about her career beginnings, dealing with sexist policies in Hollywood, and creating her show Shades of Blue.
In a video of the round-table conversation among the actresses released by the magazine, J Lo shares her dislike for the word diva, saying she really believes that she unfairly got the label for being a strong female in a men's industry. "I was always fascinated by how I could see [a man] being late or being belligerent to a crew and it being totally acceptable; meanwhile, I'd show up 15 minutes late and be berated," the actress, singer, and producer says in the interview. "Like, we're not allowed to have certain opinions or even be passionate about something, or they'll be like, 'God, she's really difficult.' It's like, 'Am I? Am I difficult because I care?'"
Press play above to watch J Lo talk about dealing with sexism in Hollywood, and find out what her first "extravagant" splurge was when she landed her first TV job. Once you're done, check out every single look she wore on the video for her powerful anthem "Ain't Your Mama."
My Obsession With Instagram Almost Got Me Arrested in Cambodia
Are those f*cking fire ants? That's what I thought as I stood in the small wooden hut sweating completely through my shirt in 100-degree heat while the Cambodian park ranger gave me the death stare. I watched the tiny monsters march one by one on a wooden column that stood directly behind his head. They were roughly 100 times bigger than any ant I had ever seen in America. I was sure they had to be some specially engineered six-legged killing machines created by the army of Cambodia. Yes, those are the nasty creatures that will rip my body apart piece by piece after the ranger chains me to a post atop the Angkor Wat temple at high noon. This is how it ends. Flesh-eating ants. Pit stains. Done. All because I wanted a sh*tty Instagram picture that at most would get about 180 "likes" and 10 comments. Two of which would be spam from a company that sells graphic tees with poop emoji on them.
I was so excited for my first trip to Southeast Asia for two main reasons. Foremost, this would be the first journey longer than a weekend I'd be taking with my boyfriend, Brandon. Two weeks together was going to be a real test. We joked that our official hashtag for the trip should be #makeorbreak. The story I am about to tell you is the only time during the trip where I thought the official hashtag would turn into #break. The second reason was to boost my traveling expert street cred. I'm a travel host for a video series on POPSUGAR, and I've been trying to build my list of countries and experiences. I've traveled a lot throughout Western Europe and North America, but come on, does that really count? Everyone and their mother goes to London or Chicago. (No, really, my good friend and her mother just went to London and Chicago.) I wanted to do something bigger. Go somewhere exotic. Show people I am truly a world traveler who can give you tested travel advice. Not because I googled it, but because I lived it, damn it. For me, Thailand and Cambodia seemed to be the perfect next stamp on the old passport. Halfway around the world. Ancient temples. Delicious food. And me soaking up all of it. The perfect investment into building my career.
But let's be real. This is 2016. You can't just do something, be good at it, and be happy with your accomplishments. Don't you dare. Nope. You gotta SHOW people you're good at it. You gotta get a lot of people to follow you who think you're good at it. You gotta get "likes" and comments to prove you're good at it. It doesn't matter what "it" is either. Whether it's teaching or acting or farming or parenting or being a student. You gotta be a force on social media. Otherwise, you do not count. You're invisible.
Now, am I being dramatic? Maybe a bit. But don't tell me you haven't felt that gnawing pressure yourself. You've scrolled through Facebook posts and wished you were having the perfect wedding with cocktails served in vintage mason jars like your old high school friend. You've seen your ex-boyfriend swapping faces with some girl on Snapchat and felt completely alone. You've "liked" the tweet that pictured your co-worker's hot abs, which made you feel like you were the fattest person on the planet. You've felt that lack of accomplishment just by swiping downward on your phone a few times with your thumb. We've been pushed toward this new way of validating ourselves, and it's damn hard to ignore.
I'm not going to be bashful. I think I'm a really good host. I'm very good at my job, and I keep getting better. I work for a major media company. I get promotions and raises. I get awarded at work. I get other job offers. I get praise from bosses, peers, friends, and family. I've worked hard for 16 years to get to this point in my career, and I'm damn proud. I should be proud. Shouldn't I?
However, there's this ever-growing voice inside my head that whispers louder and louder with each passing year that none of that really matters. None of that proves I'm on the road to success. That voice eats away at my sense of security. He makes me compare myself to people I don't even know or have ever worked with just because they get 500 "likes." He makes me feel like I'm not employable because I don't have 100,000 followers. He convinces me that I must really suck at life if there are only two comments on my latest post. He scares me into thinking people are going to realize I'm a fraud. He's a real jackass.
About seven months ago, I thought it was time to shut that voice up. Instead of doing more research for an upcoming interview or helping with preproduction of an upcoming shoot, I was putting the focus on what was really important . . . getting lots of little red hearts. I was going to make Instagram my b*tch. I told myself I needed to do it for my job, but truthfully, it was for my ego. Instragram would be my main focus since its users tend to eat up a good travel pic. Post by post, I got better at it. A little filter here. A little retouching there. #bestvacation. #instagay. From Austin to Seattle to Hamburg, Germany, I was learning what gained me "likes" and followers. But it was slow going. So when Brandon brought up a trip to Thailand and Cambodia, I jumped at the idea. It was exactly what I needed. A two-week trip like that would be Instagram gold.
The minute the plane took off for Cambodia, I had tunnel vision. Get the best pictures you can imagine. Get the pictures that will make people wish they were you. That's the way to get people to respect you nowadays, right? Make them envious. Poor Brandon had no idea what was about to hit him. This is a man who has posted six times on his Instagram account in one year and hasn't posted anything on Facebook since 2013. It's one of the reasons I love him. He's detached from that world, and he's still so secure. (Unlike his boyfriend, who needs constant validation.) He knew posting was something I felt was important for "work," and he supported that. I had told him my plan to get some good pics, but I don't think he knew the extent of how deeply necessary I thought it was.
Our first full day in Siem Reap, the beast came out of hibernation and was ready to be unleashed. We were heading to the main temple of Angkor Wat to see the sunrise and spend the day exploring the surrounding temples. Take a minute and google Angkor Wat. Look at this magnificent temple that was built approximately 900 years ago. It will take your breath away. That beauty and the neighboring temples were going to be all mine. I'd have pictures for months from this one day alone. I knew I had one shot and I better grab the opportunity by the balls, or should I say, by the filters?
One after another after another. I didn't step 10 feet without snapping a selfie or picture of a golden Buddha. Hundreds and hundreds of clicks. I could feel my heart racing. My anxiety level was up. I had to get the perfect pictures. In my head, each tap on my iPhone was one picture closer to Instagram domination. It was horrible. I was walking through this gigantic masterpiece and instead of feeling awe, I was feeling like nothing was good enough. The lighting isn't right here. My eyes don't look as blue there. I knew it was wrong. I knew what I was doing was beyond ridiculous, and I couldn't help it. The only thing that kept bringing me back to the magic that was right in front of me was Brandon's presence. He was so happy. I wanted to share this moment with him. And I would for a few minutes, and then I would get right back to it. I kept telling myself that I was going to stop taking pictures and just look up, but around every corner there was a new must-capture scene. The voice had full control of me.
As we made our way to Baphuon Temple, I thought of it as a whole new challenge. New stone faces. New perfectly shadowed statues. New opportunity. Brandon and I approached the main entrance, and it was truly breathtaking. A hundred-yard walkway of stone elevated about six feet off the ground led you into the temple. As we walked along this raised path, we laughed about it looking like the perfect runway for a Victoria's Secret fashion show. I had to get a shot walking on it. I asked Brandon to jump off and take a picture of me doing a cartwheel along what now was a catwalk to me. He humored me while I did about 10 cartwheels across the 900-year-old stone slab. I might as well pack up and go home, because it wasn't going to get any better. That was, until we reached the top of the structure. It was there Brandon and I saw two men and a woman laughing and having a grand old time. One by one these German tourists were jumping over a gate to climb to the tippity top of the ruins where there was a stone archway that opened up to the sky. Each of them stood in the doorway posing like an ancient warrior or supermodel. My face lit up with heart eyes . . . just like the emoji.
Without hesitation I handed Brandon my camera and started my way to the stairs. I did realize that the gate, which held a sign that pictured a stick-figure man climbing stairs with a big red line going through it, meant DO NOT CLIMB. Brandon tried to stop me because he didn't think it was a good idea. To which I replied something like, "Oh, he's just the rule follower in this relationship," and rolled my eyes. The Germans, who spoke English, laughed. Brandon gave me a stern look that clearly said, "Don't say I didn't warn you." I leapt over that gate like a gazelle and raced to the top without a second thought. I struck several poses, and Brandon snapped away begrudgingly. My new friends looked up and shouted encouragement. When I came back down and looked at the pictures, I was a bit disappointed because I didn't even think they were that good but thought with the right amount of tweaking one would be worth posting. On we went exploring the temple. I led us back down to the bottom with our German friends following closely behind. Just before we reached the ground level, I noticed a woman guard standing there. I immediately thought, "SON OF A B*TCH!" I knew why she was standing there. She wasn't even looking at us, but I knew something was coming. When I was about five feet away from her, she looked up, stared me in the eye, and with a thick Cambodian accent said, "Give me your park pass." This was the pass everyone purchases to enter the temple grounds. I asked if there was a problem, and she replied, "Give me your park passes. All of you." Brandon. Was. Not. Happy. He looked at me with such disappointment I had to look away. I was the first to offer up my pass in hopes I'd get merits for following orders. The Germans reluctantly handed theirs over too.
We walked a good 50 yards in utter silence. My heart was about to beat out of my chest. The sweat would not stop pouring from my head. I was in a country where mass genocide had taken place a few decades ago. I knew nothing about the laws, rules, religion, or punishment, and from the looks on the Germans' faces, neither did they. A memory of Michael Fay came flooding back into my head. He was an American who was caned in Singapore when I was younger for light vandalism and theft. It made international news and caused major tension between America and Singapore. There was an outcry for his release from the American public, but in the end he was sentenced to time in jail and whipping with a wooden cane six times. Was I the next freaking Michael Fay? Would Obama be calling for my release in the rose garden?
I just disgraced a sacred temple. Was that worse than defacing a car? Sure seemed like it might be. Don't mess with religion. A Buddha seems a lot more important than a Beemer around these parts. It may have been the sweltering heat and deafening silence that added fuel to my anxiety, but I was sure sh*t was about to go down.
We came upon another guard who in no way looked friendly. In broken English he asked us who was at the top of the temple. I immediately confessed and made it clear it was not Brandon. I was still hoping that killing them with kindness would save me from one less skin-tearing whip of the cane or maybe provide me with an extra portion of food in prison. The Germans followed my lead one by one, and thankfully they too said Brandon was not involved. The guard gave Brandon his pass back. This was a huge sigh of relief for me. If Brandon was free, he could at least make his way to the American Embassy to get Obama on the line.
The guards then led us to a wooden hut. Before we entered, I managed to secretly slip Brandon my phone and whispered for him to delete the pictures. He gave me the visual OK and waited on one side of the hut. The look of anger in his eyes had now turned into grave concern. He was very nervous, which in turn made me very nervous. The Germans? Forget it. They looked like they were about to cry. The guards instructed everyone except for Brandon to sit around an old wooden table. The minute I looked the male guard in the face, I noticed the tiny demons behind his head. Those gnarly ants staring me down. Waiting for their first bite.
It's worth noting that much of the stress over the next 45 minutes came from the language barrier. Neither of the guards spoke English very well, and none of us spoke a lick of their native tongue, Khmer. Every word the male guard spoke came out slowly and dramatically. We were struggling to understand what he meant and praying that we weren't misunderstanding and answering in a disrespectful way. Our tone of speaking became skewed as well. Like something out of a sitcom, our answers were also sluggish and drawn out as if we were speaking to someone under water.
The first thing the male guard asked was if we had read the rules on the back of the pass and flipped it over to show us. Rules? I had never even looked at the back of the pass. The fourth rule clearly stated that we must comply with all posted signs in the temples. He then pulled up a picture on his phone. It was a man lying down on the ground at one of the temples. The guard asked us very sternly and seriously what had happened to the man. I naively replied with the voice of a fourth grader, "The man didn't pay attention to the sign and he fell and hurt himself." Immediately after, from the corner of the hut, Brandon blurted out, "The man is dead!" The guard nodded. My initial thought was that Brandon was not helping the situation and needed to stop being the teacher's pet. Then reality quickly set it. I went from blindly trying to get the ultimate picture for my Instagram account to being forced to look at the harsh reality of a man who lost his life. I was a piece of sh*t.
The next statement out of the guard's mouth, and this was the only time I clearly understood what he said, was, "Do you know what they would do to you if you did this in Singapore?" I just about threw up. We were all taken aback. What did he mean by this? I was convinced this was where he was about to say that police were on their way. For sure this was where the handcuffs came out and they would throw us in the back of a truck and toss us in jail. It was a rhetorical question, but the man knew the power of what he had said. He knew it would put it into perspective for us instantaneously.
We were not caned. We all sat there and listened to the man explain why the rules were important. And we timidly tried to explain how we knew what we had done was very wrong. We watched a video that was the equivalent of something you would show teenagers before they go into a museum. Pay attention to signs. Wear appropriate clothing. No selfies with the monks. (Super sad that has to be stated.) Instead of sending us off to a prison where we would hit rocks with a sledgehammer for the rest of our days, the man pulled out a folder with slips of paper and asked us to write an apology to the government of Cambodia. In a way, this was worse than the caning. This put us back in elementary school, where we belonged. We were too childish to play with the big kids. I was so mad at myself.
I couldn't look back at Brandon. I was so embarrassed that I had put us in this situation. So embarrassed that he had to sit through this and waste precious time where he could be off exploring these beautiful sanctuaries. So embarrassed that this was our first trip together and on day two I ruined it. So embarrassed that I had managed to forget I was a visitor on hallowed ground. So embarrassed that I lost sight of what this wonderful trip was supposed to be. So embarrassed I could disrespect this beautiful country, its people, and its culture. So embarrassed that I thought just because I wasn't in America I would be punished with some horrible sentence. So embarrassed I let a stupid app take control of my good senses.
After we wrote a brief apology and they took a picture of us holding it (yep, that happened), the guard asked for our phones so he could delete the pictures. Brandon handed mine over and the man immediately went to the recently deleted section where all the pictures were still located. Bandon had only deleted them from the main album, and the man looked at us like we were amateurs. It's pretty funny to look back at that now and think about how sneaky we thought we were. As he was deleting the pics, he looked up at me and he said, "Do you know why we were watching you? Because when you entered the temple you were already disrespecting it," and he pointed to the pictures of me doing the cartwheels at the entrance before deleting them. If there was a black hole around, I would have jumped in it.
As we walked away I thought for sure Brandon was going to rip me a new one. I deserved it. He didn't yell or get upset. He hugged me and said he was just happy that things didn't turn out worse. The rest of the day I was afraid to take any pictures of the other temples. I thought all the guards were watching and waiting for me to make another faulty move. Brandon had to force me to take pictures just so we had a few. The voice in my head was gone. It was time to be present.
A great ending to this story would be me telling you that I deleted all of my social media accounts and moved into the woods of Montana to become a lumberjack. But that's not what happened. I still post. I still hope for "likes" and wonder why my number of followers isn't growing faster. But I care less. I don't check my notifications as much. I skip days when I don't feel like posting and just want to ignore the internet. I tell myself I've got a good job and they're not going to fire me because my Snapchat score is low. I look up from the screen, and I look at life.
How You Can Make $500 More Every Month
After dealing with your daily grind, the last thing you want to do is more work. We found an awesome Reddit thread with suggestions on how to make $500 more a month, outside of your current salary. Posters offered great tips on how to rake in the money without spending too much of your time. We'd never thought of some of these ideas, but we're definitely ready to try some of them out. See what you can do to earn more money!
25 Amazing Ways to Save More at Target
Ah, Target: retail store or enormous black hole that sucks you in and spends all your time and money? Since frequent Target trips are inevitable, it's useful to know as many money-saving tips as possible. We got insider tips from Christy Palmer, founder of the blog All Things Target, and we discovered there are plenty of ways that go beyond basic coupons to make your love affair with Target more budget-friendly.
Source: Flickr user Mike Mozart
Sofia Reyes Wears the Fun and Bright Earrings You'll Want to Wear All Summer
Mexican singer Sofia Reyes attended People en Español's 50 Más Bellos party in New York City to celebrate her inclusion in the gorgeous list, and while her white minidress and blazer were simple, she brought all the fun and glamour to her red carpet look with a pair of stunning statement earrings.
Sofia, who recently stopped by POPSUGAR Latina's offices to perform an acoustic set, chose a pair of bright blue and fuchsia tassel, fringe, and gold earrings that scream "Summer is almost here." This isn't the first time the "Solo Yo" singer uses her accessories to brighten up her monochrome red carpet outfit. At the 2016 Premio Lo Nuestro, held in Miami in February, the star carried a fluorescent yellow clutch we all fell in love with. Keep reading to see more photos of Sofia's cute earrings up close and find a few shopping options to copy her look.
All Your Favorite Celebrities Stunned on People En Español's 50 Más Bellos Red Carpet
All your favorite stars were in New York City on May 17 for People En Español's annual red carpet event celebrating their 50 Más Bellos issue. Famous faces - including beloved Latino icon Don Francisco, Sofia Reyes, and Gaby Espino to name a few - were in attendance, wearing their most glamorous attire. It's no wonder they made the Spanish-language magazine's iconic list, because they looked incredible! Keep scrolling to see who else caught our eye, and then, scroll through all the Latin Billboards sexiness you might've missed back in April.
Articles
