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 25 juillet 2016
Device keeps newborns cool en route to intensive care
Transporting premature babies born away from advanced care centres will soon be safer, thanks to a portable cooling device acquired by Foothills hospital.
Prince Albert, Sask., declares state of emergency over oil spill
Prince Albert city council has declared a local state of emergency in connection with an oil plume that threatens the city's water supply.
The ring of truth about tinnitus
Somewhere between 10 and 15% of Canadians are affected by tinnitus. @NightshiftMD (Dr. Brian Goldman) says much of it is preventable.
I Made These 3 Changes at Dinner and Started Losing Weight
Not sure why this happened every day, but admittedly, it did. I ate healthy most of the day, with my green protein smoothies for breakfast, perfectly-packed mason jar salads for lunch, and fresh fruit and nuts for snacks. I felt like my diet up until 5 p.m. belonged on a frickin' Pinterest board. But for some reason, as soon as I came to that last meal of the day, I just let loose. Which made my pants fit not so loose. It was time to make some changes, and these four helped me get back on track and lose the weight I had gained from enjoying my super-sized free-for-all supper.
You Eat What You Get
Most of my meals were healthy, the biggest problem for me was that I couldn't stop eating them. I'd divvy myself a serving, then 100 percent of the time, would go back to the kitchen for more. Then, of course, since I didn't want food to go to waste, I'd finish off the scraps on my kiddos' plates. A few extra noodles here and some pizza crust there made for a lot of extra fluff around my waist. It had to stop. So once dinner was made, I gave myself a properly-portioned serving, then if there were any leftovers, I put them away in the fridge. If it was out of sight, it couldn't tempt me. And I started having the kids bring their own plates to the kitchen and pour any extras into the compost bin. This was probably the hardest change of all to embrace, but after a week, this new habit felt much easier. And I felt lighter and more energetic, too.
Cheese is Not a Food Group
As a vegetarian, I ate so much dairy. Cheese was a part of every single dinner I made, and because of that, my go-to meals were not so healthy like pizza, paninis, homemade mac and cheese, and quesadillas. So when I gave up dairy, it forced me to make new, healthier options that were very veggie-based like stir-fries, roasted veggies with rice and beans, soups, and amazing salads. It increased the fiber intake of my dinners, so I actually felt more full and satisfied after those meals than I ever did after a few slices of pizza. No dairy meant eating lower-calorie dinners, and that made a huge difference on the scale.
Dinner and Done
For some reason, I couldn't stop eating once I started eating dinner. Even after that second helping and devouring my kids' extra bites, I always sat down to a little dessert. A little bowl of soy ice cream with sliced bananas or some chocolate chips with almonds was my favorite. I started serving fresh fruit with dinner so after finishing our avocado pasta and tomatoes with sauteed tofu or sweet potato and black bean burritos, we could nosh on some sweet melon, strawberries, or grapes and satisfy that sweet tooth. So once I started putting the leftovers away at dinnertime, and we finished eating and the dishes were done, the kitchen was closed.
The 20 Secrets That Will Get You Flat Abs
It may not be a secret that the best way to a six-pack is a healthy diet (even if it's no diet at all) and regular exercise, but there's a right way and a wrong way to a flat belly. Read on for the ultimate guide to getting flat abs.
Lower Your Carb Intake With These Banana-Free Smoothies
It's not at all unusual to crave a no-banana smoothie given that every single smoothie recipe on the planet seems to contain the fruit. Whether you're tired of the taste of bananas or just looking to cut back on carbs, these nine banana-free smoothies are sure to satisfy. All contain good-for-you nutrients like fiber, protein, and antioxidants that'll keep your body happy and healthy.
If You Don't Play Pokémon Go (and Don't Want to!), Then You'll Understand ALL of These Things
It's lonely out here for those of us who have never - and likely will never - download and play Pokémon Go. In a matter of a week, the augmented reality game has completely taken over the lives of children and full-grown adults alike.
Pokémon Go is not without its positive attributes. Due to the nature of the game, it's encouraged people to get outside and walk around, it's helped people with anxiety and depression, and, yes, it's prevented actual murder from taking place. Whew.
Despite all of that, I still don't really care to play it. I don't feel the need to decode its rules or muster up the patience to get through regular freezes and crashes. If you're like me, you can probably relate to the upcoming sentiments.
Rest Your Sore Pokémon Go Arms and DIY This Hands-Free Device
Are your arms sore from playing Pokémon Go all day? Do you run into strangers because you're unaware of your surroundings? Then you need to DIY this hands-free device for all your Pokémon-catching needs. The geniuses at Japan's RocketNews24 created the ultimate hack called "Poké-Han" to promote better posture and safety while playing Pokémon Go.
All it takes are some rubber bands and wire hangers (hence, the shortened "Han" part of the name) to make the unobtrusive neckwear. Your smartphone sits below eye level, allowing you to look up as you search far and wide, and your arms can remain stress-free.
Check out the video tutorial above to see how you can make one for yourself!
You Can Now Pay Someone to Play Pokémon Go For You
- These entrepreneurs consider themselves Pokémon trainers for hire - Newser
- A new app aims to reduce food waste in this country - HuffPost Tech
- 6 photorealistic tattoos that will make you do a double take - TechEBlog
- How to create a custom model out of styrofoam - Make:
- This map shows areas in the world with no internet connection - Fast Company
- You'll never be able to unsee these sexy Pokémon characters - POPSUGAR Love & Sex
I Made These 3 Changes at Dinner and Started Losing Weight
Not sure why this happened every day, but admittedly, it did. I ate healthy most of the day, with my green protein smoothies for breakfast, perfectly-packed mason jar salads for lunch, and fresh fruit and nuts for snacks. I felt like my diet up until 5 p.m. belonged on a frickin' Pinterest board. But for some reason, as soon as I came to that last meal of the day, I just let loose. Which made my pants fit not so loose. It was time to make some changes, and these four helped me get back on track and lose the weight I had gained from enjoying my super-sized free-for-all supper.
You Eat What You Get
Most of my meals were healthy, the biggest problem for me was that I couldn't stop eating them. I'd divvy myself a serving, then 100 percent of the time, would go back to the kitchen for more. Then, of course, since I didn't want food to go to waste, I'd finish off the scraps on my kiddos' plates. A few extra noodles here and some pizza crust there made for a lot of extra fluff around my waist. It had to stop. So once dinner was made, I gave myself a properly-portioned serving, then if there were any leftovers, I put them away in the fridge. If it was out of sight, it couldn't tempt me. And I started having the kids bring their own plates to the kitchen and pour any extras into the compost bin. This was probably the hardest change of all to embrace, but after a week, this new habit felt much easier. And I felt lighter and more energetic, too.
Cheese is Not a Food Group
As a vegetarian, I ate so much dairy. Cheese was a part of every single dinner I made, and because of that, my go-to meals were not so healthy like pizza, paninis, homemade mac and cheese, and quesadillas. So when I gave up dairy, it forced me to make new, healthier options that were very veggie-based like stir-fries, roasted veggies with rice and beans, soups, and amazing salads. It increased the fiber intake of my dinners, so I actually felt more full and satisfied after those meals than I ever did after a few slices of pizza. No dairy meant eating lower-calorie dinners, and that made a huge difference on the scale.
Dinner and Done
For some reason, I couldn't stop eating once I started eating dinner. Even after that second helping and devouring my kids' extra bites, I always sat down to a little dessert. A little bowl of soy ice cream with sliced bananas or some chocolate chips with almonds was my favorite. I started serving fresh fruit with dinner so after finishing our avocado pasta and tomatoes with sauteed tofu or sweet potato and black bean burritos, we could nosh on some sweet melon, strawberries, or grapes and satisfy that sweet tooth. So once I started putting the leftovers away at dinnertime, and we finished eating and the dishes were done, the kitchen was closed.
The 20 Secrets That Will Get You Flat Abs
It may not be a secret that the best way to a six-pack is a healthy diet (even if it's no diet at all) and regular exercise, but there's a right way and a wrong way to a flat belly. Read on for the ultimate guide to getting flat abs.
Lower Your Carb Intake With These Banana-Free Smoothies
It's not at all unusual to crave a no-banana smoothie given that every single smoothie recipe on the planet seems to contain the fruit. Whether you're tired of the taste of bananas or just looking to cut back on carbs, these nine banana-free smoothies are sure to satisfy. All contain good-for-you nutrients like fiber, protein, and antioxidants that'll keep your body happy and healthy.
3 Weight-Loss Rules For Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for so many reasons. But you need to make sure that you're doing it right. If you're trying to maintain or lose weight, here are some things to consider when enjoying your first meal of the day.
- Eat it soon: Studies have found that eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism, and not only that, it can help ensure that you don't feel so starved later that you make bad eating choices for lunch or dinner. To take advantage of your body's fat-burning potential, try to eat breakfast soon after waking up.
- Go for filling: Stay away from foods that can lead to a midmorning crash. Instead, opt for meals that are full of slow-digesting nutrients to help keep you satisfied throughout the morning; high-fiber, high-protein breakfast options are a good choice for feeling full and energized. And make sure your breakfast doesn't have too much sugar in it - here are seven low-sugar, high-protein, and fiber-filled breakfast ideas that fit the bill.
- Watch out for portions: A big breakfast can help fill you up, but you don't want to overdo it. Check out our handy chart of what servings sizes should look like, and keep calories in check with this list of the amount of calories in typical breakfasts.
12 Ridiculously Cute Pictures of Carrie Underwood's Son, Isaiah Fisher
Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher have one supercute son! The couple tied the knot in 2010, and they welcomed their first child, Isaiah Fisher, in February 2015. A week after his arrival, the little one made his Instagram debut with a sweet close-up. Since then, both Carrie and Mike have shared adorable pictures of their son, including precious selfies and candid father-son moments. Keep reading for all the cute photos of Carrie's baby boy, and then check out her buzzy CMT Awards performance.
Jennifer Garner Can't Stop Smiling Amid Reports That She and Ben Affleck Called Off Their Divorce
Jennifer Garner looked as happy as can be after grabbing frozen yogurt in LA on Saturday morning. The actress, who returned from Minnesota earlier this week, hit the gym with a pal before cooling down with her frozen treat. While Jennifer is currently gearing up for the August release of her upcoming comedy, Nine Lives, reports surfaced recently that she and Ben Affleck may not be getting divorced after all. A friend close to the actress told People, "They're still figuring things out. Ben still doesn't want the divorce and he might actually get his way." Even so, Ben and Jennifer have continued to stay mum about the status of their relationship. Read on for more pictures, then flip through 10 years of Ben and Jennifer's best moments.
Brooklyn Beckham's Latest Photo of Chloë Grace Moretz Will Make You Swoon
It looks like things are getting serious between Brooklyn Beckham and Chloë Grace Moretz. After months of speculation, the actress finally confirmed their relationship during an appearing on Watch What Happens Live in May, and the two are also heating up Instagram with adorable photos. Brooklyn took to social media in late May and uploaded a black-and-white snap of the actress sitting in what appears to be a hotel hallway with bags of takeout, writing, "Late night take out with the bae." Chloë - who graces the June cover of Glamour magazine - also shared a few photos of her and Brooklyn looking all loved up.
Of course, this isn't the first time these two have been romantically linked. The two briefly dated back in 2014 and even attended the Teen Choice Awards together. Keep reading for a look at Chloë and Brooklyn's posts, and then look back at a few of their biggest benchmarks.
All the Exciting Things We Just Learned About the Next Season of Scream Queens
We're drawing closer and closer to the second season of Scream Queens, which means we're more excited than ever to get new details about the next installment. And that's exactly what happened at Thursday night's Comic Con panel in San Diego. The event was jam-packed with stars from Lea Michele to Emma Roberts - who, as you may recall, dished tons of sick burns as Chanel Oberlin last year. This time around, it seems the show is really upping the stakes. Check out the cast's new and intriguing hints about season two, then see all the other details we've gotten so far.
7 Reasons Solange Is the Coolest Aunt Blue Ivy Could Ever Ask For
Solange is a woman of many talents. As a singer, songwriter, model, and actress, Beyoncé's baby sister has successfully carved out an impressive career for herself. One of the titles Solange seems to wear proudest is being an aunt to 4-year-old Blue Ivy. "My twin, my fellow sassy pants, my dancing partner, my incredibly smart, beautiful, niece-y-poo," Solange wrote on her Instagram account about the adorable Carter heir. From her impeccable fashion sense to her eclectic taste in music, here are seven supercool reasons Blue Ivy should feel lucky to have Solange as an aunt.
Creator Julie Plec Reveals Everything You Want to Know About The Vampire Diaries' Final Seaosn
The stakes (literal and figurative) are higher than ever for The Vampire Diaries, which is heading into its eighth and final season this Fall. We, along with a handful of journalists, got to sit down with show creator/vampire master/overall badass Julie Plec at Comic-Con, and she let us in on a lot. Is Elena returning for the farewell? How many episodes will the last season be? Can we expect any crossovers or new characters? It's all right here!
One of the Easter eggs you dropped during the panel was about how the new episode titles are going to be lines from season one, are there any other things that you can point to that will pay homage to that first season?
Julie Plec: We are just in the early stages of writing the scripts but every day in the room we talk about different ways we can celebrate the first season. There's a pitch on the table now about the Miss Mystic Falls pageant, the Decade Dance and Founder's Day, going back to the root of the founding families, even so much as seeing the history of season one played out from a different perspective, so there's all kinds of different tricks and tools and fun things we're trying to do. We'll see if we actually do them, but that's definitely our intention.
Are there any crossovers in the works?
There's no crossover specifically because the timelines don't make up this year, but I was just saying the someone else that that doesn't mean before we run end titles on the last image of the finale that we won't pay some sort of homage to what's happening on The Originals. Conversely, my hope is that The Originals will continue to live on, as can any of these characters with it.
Do you see there being any other spinoffs?
I have thought about it, I would say it's not out of the question. I don't have it right now. I have nuggets ideas of "Wouldn't it be fun to do this? Wouldn't it be neat to try that?" Nothing that's even cemented enough to say, "Oh, I got something in the works." I do think that when you stumble upon a world that makes so many people happy, and in this case the world of Mystic Falls, you should always keep your mind open to exploring it in other ways.
Can you tell us anything about the return of Elena?
I've been in here for 35 minutes and you are the first person to ask me that. I've had nine questions about the June wedding, and not a single person has asked about Elena. All I can say, because there is nothing written in stone, but Nina made me a promise when she left that she would come back and be part of the goodbye, and I intend on holding her to that, and I'm sure she intends on living up to it as well. We just have to figure it out: the how, the when, the what. But it would be a real tragedy if we couldn't bring that story back around full-circle.
And about the June wedding?
I will say nothing, other than what I've said nine times, that we are well aware that that line exists in the pilot and that was Caroline's intention from minute one. It's the final season and we don't like to leave a lot of things hanging, so we'll see.
Is it harder for you to have a shorter season?
No, it's so good. We're doing 16 episodes. For seven years we've been complaining. We are very grateful for our jobs. We love our jobs, but 22 episodes a year for seven years is so hard. It's hard to maintain a level of quality, it's hard to maintain a level of sanity, and to be able to do a 16-episode season is the greatest gift that we could be given. And to be able to do it knowing you're approaching an end date of the entire series means every minute counts. Every episode counts. There's not fluff episodes, there's no stall, there's no "Eh, I don't know about that one" – ever episode is gonna matter.
Is it almost like leaving a family, finishing this last season?
Yeah. I'm the girl who, when it came time to graduate high school, my parents were moving out of town so in my heart I knew I'd never see most of those people again, was crying in the corner of every graduation party. Beer in hand, just sobbing. I get very nostalgic about this stuff, I'm very emotional, and I love these guys so much. The good news is, we all work in the same business. We'll all have opportunities to work together again. I was so sad about Containment ending, and I've already hired half the cast across the two shows. It's gonna be tough emotionally. It's like growing up with the same group of people and then finally saying goodbye. I'm looking forward to it because it's beautiful, but it hurts.
Is there a possibility that after it ends, we might still see a Vampire Diaries person show up on The Originals?
I would love that. I'm using that to hold the network hostage and say, "Listen, keep The Originals on the air and at some point we'll try to find a way to work everybody through those doors." Because why not? It's a great world! Vampire are not done. People still like vampires, and there's no other vampires on TV that I want to see. I'd love to keep it going.
Are there going to be new cast members this season?
Speaking of Containment, we're put Kristen Gutoskie into the role of Seline, the new nanny – from a teacher role to a nanny role. She's someone that Caroline is still trying to figure out when Alaric hired the hot nanny instead of the old nanny. We've got Demetrius Bridges, who was Xander on Containment playing Dorian, who is one of Alaric's new interns. We've just cast Natalie in a role, this great Australian actress, in the role of Cybil. There's many more to come.
The Creators of Once Upon a Time Just Revealed a Whole Lot About Season 6
We're entering into the sixth season of Once Upon a Time, and things are looking dicey - not just because the Evil Queen is on the loose, either. We were included in a group of journalists who got the opportunity to sit down with the show's cast at Comic-Con, and we got a lot of juicy details. Creators Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis teased a lot about what coming up, including how Aladdin will be incorporated into the story, and that it's "the year of Snowing." Check it out!
How prominent will Aladdin and Jafar be in the new season?
Adam Horowitz: At first, we get a taste of them in the premiere. It takes a little bit to see how the Aladdin world fits in with the story.
Edward Kitsis: We left a lot of threads dangling last year, Jekyll and Hyde, the Evil Queen, so that we're not in a rush to get to Aladdin and Jafar, because we have other things to take care of. This year we're not doing like, "This 10 are in Camelot, these ten are over here." We're going to be much more of a season one/season two stay-in-Storybrook kind of vibe.
Was there a reason for the recast of Jafar?
EK: Yeah, Naveen, who we love, we worked with on Lost, and obviously wrote the part for him, is a regular on Sense8. The thing the fans don't understand sometimes is that people don't just wait for the call – especially great actors who are in demand.
Why does it feel like the right time to bring in Aladdin?
AH: I think that hopefully when you see the premiere, you'll understand why. In our conception of the Aladdin story, because like anything we try to do our own twist on it, as you saw the clip today, you'll see that he was a savior. There's clearly some sort of connection between him and Emma, as a savior, and that kind of tie is what made it feel appropriate to bring our Aladdin spin into the show now. We're going to deal with some very strong and emotional things.
Was the red bird in that scene a nod to Iago?
AH: I'll say that the red bird in that scene something to pay attention to, it comes back.
EK: That's a very clear thing to notice.
Speaking of the red bird, are there any other characters from the Aladdine story who we'll be seeing?
AH: Yes, Jasmine is coming in, to be played by Karen David. We're very excited to have her join the show.
Can you tell us anything about the return of Cinderella? There's a friendship between her and Snow White . . .
AH: We saw in season one, when we saw the Cinderella backstory, that there's a cross between Snow and Cinderella, and this year when we revisit Cinderella's story, we'll see when they first met.
EK: Cinderella was actually the very first happy ending Emma returned. It was episode four of season one, and that is going to, we know the Evil Queen is out there, and the fact that with these untold stories, and that being the first thing, it's all going to come together.
Can you talk about the untold stories?
AH: There is a land of untold stories, of characters we've never touched upon on the show, but also our characters have untold stories, and hopefully you'll start to see that there are secrets and things in their past that start to come back, that start to reveal themselves. Even some of the characters aren't aware of their significance, and I think we've always looked at the past of the characters objectively, as the audience, and now in these years since the curse is broken, a lot of these characters can reflect and look back upon the things that shaped them and there are consequences to a lot of things they've done.
Could we ever see Neil come back again?
EK: The greatest things about a flashback is you can have anyone in any time. Michael Raymond-James, we're his biggest fans, last year he was a regular on the show, and we're very happy her came back to do the 100th . That was a time in Emma's life, we don't think we're done with Emma's flashbacks. Could we see him again? Yes, but you never know.
AH: On a practical level, were he available and willing, we would have him back to appear in some sort of flashback. We love Michael. We're so happy we were able to work things out to have him in the 100th episode. We love those stories between the two of them and her past as well.
You've had a few pregnancies on the show . . .
EK: Most fertile show on television! There's nobody here that isn't pregnant! It's in the water.
AH: Emily has given birth, she now has a daughter, and because of that, Belle can be out of that box pretty quickly.
EK: But the box could be pregnant.
Maybe could Ginnifer go in the box?
AH: This year is the year of Snowing, I can promise you that. The Snow/Charming story, the romance –
EK: The epicness too and the Evil Queen coming back to take care of something she believes her other half failed at, which is getting revenge.
AH: So yeah, we really want to see Snow and Charming back.
EK: If anyone wants to become pregnant they should become an actor on the show.
What do you have planned for Rumple?
EK: As he reminded us in season one, he's a difficult man to love, and we often forget that because we want to forget that, because he seems so loving and he's so much loves Belle. But he was honest last year! He loves the life . . . he also loves Belle more than anything, and I think that is genuine. I think the idea of having another child is really something he's looking forward to, because it's another chance to do it right. I think what we love about the relationship is the messiness of it. That's what so much fun to write, because he can't help himself. What we have in store for them is a lot of chaos.
During the panel, you hinted not to trust Hades. Can you elaborate on that?
AH: What we were talking about, to be perfectly clear, isn't that Robin's not dead. It's that Hades said he obliterated Robin's soul, and for us, our attitude is, well, you know, a good and pure soul like Robin's could that really just be obliterated and destroyed? Or is that just something that a horrible villain like Hades said?
EK: When I said 'I chose to believe in hope' [during the panel], what I meant was I believe that Robin Hood, his soul moved on as we saw Cora's did. So if we saw someone who is as awful as Cora can redeem herself and move on, someone as noble as Robin Hood should move on, and Hades saying that, to me, I feel like is, I don't buy it. And we're going to explore that.
30 Songs Kit Harington Is Probably Listening to in These Photos
Now that Game of Thrones' most recent season has come to a close, it's been pretty hard to accept the fact that we won't be seeing Jon Snow, the saddest, sexiest bastard in all of the seven kingdoms, on our TV screens every Sunday. Luckily, Jon's offscreen alter ego, Kit Harington, is currently filming the movie The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, where he was spotted listening to music during some downtime in between shooting scenes. What's on his iPod, we wonder. What music might the great Jon Snow jam out to when he's not taking down Ramsay Bolton or fulfilling his destiny to save the world? We have a few ideas:
- "Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi
- "The Wall" by Bruce Springsteen
- "Zombie" by The Cranberries
- "Don't Hold the Wall" by Justin Timberlake
- "Daddy Lessons" by Beyoncé
- "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michelson
- "Sometimes It Snows in April" by Prince
- "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred
- "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
- "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence
- The Frozen soundtrack
- "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
- "Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift
- "Lady in Red" by Chris De Burgh
- "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.
- "Stop, I'm Already Dead" by Deadboy and The Elephantmen
- "Who's Your Daddy" by Toby Keith
- "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry
- "Follow Your Arrow" by Kacey Musgraves
- "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" by Celine Dion
- "Breathe (2 A.M.)" by Anna Nalick
- "Dance With My Father" by Luther Vandross
- "The Walker" by Fitz and the Tantrums
- "In the Arms of an Angel" by Sarah McLachlan
- "It Must've Been Love" by Roxette
- "Stabbed" by Glasvegas
- "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem
- "Ready to Die" by Biggie
- "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice
- "Night Moves" by Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band
*Kelly Clarkson's "Walk Away" plays*
Ellie Goulding Chats It Up With a Mystery Man on the Beach in France
After breaking up with Dougie Poynter in March, Ellie Goulding was spotted getting cozy with a mystery man on Thursday in Saint-Tropez, France. Showing off her incredible figure in a one-piece bathing suit, the singer shared an intimate conversation with her male companion as she soaked up the sun from her beach chair. This appearance marks the latest bikini-clad outing Ellie has made over the past few months. After killing it at Coachella, she made a jaw-dropping outing on the beach in Miami. We guess only time will tell if this new guy is actually a new flame.
7 J Lo Bikini Snaps That Are So Hot, You'll Go Running For the AC
Jennifer Lopez looks better than ever - in real life, and on social media. The "Ain't Your Mama" singer and actual mom of two loves sharing sexy snaps from her globetrotting life and the occasional Instagram-worthy vacation.
Over the years, Jennifer has posted a number of images from her poolside and beach getaways. She's in different locations, but two things stay the same: J Lo looks unbelievable, and the woman loves her bikinis. We've rounded up her memorable Instagram snaps from over the years. Read on to see them, then check out her sexiest looks of 2016.
The First Pumpkin Spice Product Has Just Hit Store Shelves - Heaven Help Us
Every year, pumpkin spice season starts earlier and earlier. Last year, it began with the launch of the Starbucks PSL in September, and this year, we received the very first product of the season: Lindt Lindor Pumpkin Spice Milk Chocolate Truffles (available in stores in August). Sorry, folks, but it looks like pumpkin spice season is going to be at least three months of solid celebration. Take a look at our rating of the product. Be sure to check back week to week, because we will continue to review pumpkin spice products as they are released.
Michelle Obama and Missy Elliott Are the Coolest Rap Duo in James Corden's Latest Carpool Karaoke Session
James Corden's Carpool Karaoke sessions returned on Wednesday, and his latest guest was none other than First Lady Michelle Obama. In the clip, James visits the White House, and as Michelle jumps into the passenger seat, she asks him, "Do you want to go for a spin?" Michelle then shares a few sweet tidbits about daughter Malia before getting into formation and dropping a few bars of Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" complete with the hand choreography. As if that weren't amazing enough, Missy Elliott then casually drops in to join Michelle and James in singing "This Is For My Girls," which is part of the first lady's #62MillionGirls campaign. Best Carpool Karaoke yet? Watch Michelle and the late-night host do their thing above, and then check out all of James's Carpool Karaoke sessions to decide for yourself!
Wait Until You See Jessica Alba and Cash Warren's Sweetest Instagram Moments
It's been eight years since Jessica Alba and Cash Warren tied the knot in Los Angeles, and in honor of their everlasting bond, we're taking a look back at all the sweet moments they've shared with us on Instagram.
Ahead, you'll find lots of date-night photos of the couple - taking some time off from raising their two daughters, Haven and Honor - evidence of their incredible Halloween costumes, cute throwback shots from the beginning of their relationship, and adorable messages of love shared on birthdays and anniversaries. After seeing these, you'll have a hard time believing there's a stronger couple than the two of them.
13 E.L.F. Products Every Beauty Gal on a Budget Must Try
E.L.F. Cosmetics (aka Eyes Lips Face) launched in 2004 after founders Joey Shamah and Scott Vincent Borba noticed that even women with expensive tastes went to dollar stores for affordable cosmetics. In 2004, I was in middle school and was interested in makeup, but didn't have enough money to buy it. After learning about the brand's $1 products on a news segment, I was intrigued. I saved my pennies for weeks until I could place an order online. Not only could I finally afford to buy multiple items, but they were all cruelty-free, too.
Since then, my love of makeup (and my budget) has grown, but I have never given up my love for the brand. Today, E.L.F. is widely available in stores including Walgreens, Target, and on its website, and the line has expanded to a wide range of products between $1-$10. The high-quality assortment has consistently provided me with beauty favorites that I reach for (even over luxury brand products!) in my ever-expanding makeup collection. Read on for the standouts of the affordable brand and decide which ones you'll try first.
Supernatural's Jared Padalecki Cracks Up an Entire Room With His Off-the-Cuff "Destiel" Joke
On Sunday, the Supernatural panel slid into Comic-Con in San Diego. While there were scores of noteworthy parts of the event - like Jensen Ackles's tidbit about his daughter, Jared Padalecki's quote about Sam Winchester, and that story about a funny fan encounter - there was one moment in particular that really drove us over the edge.
Of course, any avid Supernatural fan will be familiar with the term, "Destiel." It's one of the more prevalent "ships" in the Supernatural universe, and it's all about the imagined not-so-platonic relationship between Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) and the angel Castiel (Misha Collins). The "ship" is so prevalent, in fact, that the show's monumental 200th episode gave it more than one shout out. Suffice it to say, Jensen and Misha's real-life friendship, while totally void of romantic feelings, is only fueling the fire. Anyway, all of these factors came together in a very beautiful way during Sunday's Comic-Com panel.
During the fan Q&A, one young man asked which of the show's stars has the lowest voice. Even though the panel pretty unanimously agreed that Mark Sheppard - who plays Crowley, the King of Hell - has the deepest register, one of the moderators suggested a "voice off." Misha Collins gave it his "best shot" and jokingly said something in a very high-pitched voice.
"He sounds like that in the morning," Ackles said in jest. Not missing a beat, Jared Padalecki turned to his co-star and asked, "How do you know?!" The whole auditorium immediately burst into laughter and applause. If you need us, we'll be hovering over the crying tears of laughter emoji.
12 Easy Cocktails to Mix Up, No Matter What Kind of Tequila You Have at Hand
Even if you hate math, these tequila summations are the kind of problem you'll actually want to solve. Bartender Jordan Corney from San Antonio, TX - whose Rosa Picante Margarita won Patrón tequila's 2016 margarita of the year award - shared his easy formulas to create the most delicious and creative tequila cocktails out there - yes, that includes his award-winning recipe.
All you have to do is choose your favorite kind of tequila (or the one you already have in your bar cart), stir the ingredients in your favorite cocktail together over ice, and strain the mix into a cold glass. It's that easy. Happy sipping!
Silver Tequila
1.5 ounces silver tequila + 7/8 ounce lime juice + 1 ounce orange liqueur + lime wedge garnish = Classic Margarita
2 ounces silver tequila + 1 ounce lime juice + 0.5 ounce lime liqueur + 0.5 ounce ginger syrup + 1 dash rose water + 1 muddled jalapeño slice + 1 barspoon olive oil + rose petal garnish = Rosa Picante Margarita
1.5 ounces silver tequila + 1 ounce pomegranate juice + 0.5 ounce lime juice + 0.75 ounce orange liqueur + orange slice garnish = Pomarita
Blanco Tequila
1.5 ounces blanco tequila + 1 ounce pineapple juice + 0.5 ounce lime juice + 0.5 ounce simple syrup + grilled pineapple skewer garnish = Piñarita
1.5 ounces blanco tequila + 2 ounces tomato juice + 0.5 ounce lime juice + 1 dash Worcestershire sauce + 2 dashes Tabasco sauce + pinch celery salt + pinch black pepper + olive garnish = Bloodyrita
1.5 ounces blanco tequila + 1 ounce papaya juice + 0.5 ounce lime juice + 0.75 ounce orange liqueur + sugar rim garnish = Rainforest Rita
Reposado Tequila
1.5 ounces reposado tequila + 1 ounce grapefruit juice + 0.5 ounce lime juice + 0.5 ounce simple syrup + sea salt rim garnish = Palomarita
1.5 ounces reposado tequila + 1 ounce orange juice + 0.5 ounce lime juice + 0.5 ounce pomegranate syrup + orange slice garnish = Rita Sunrise
1.5 ounces reposado tequila + 1 ounce orange juice + 0.5 ounce lime juice + 0.75 ounce lime liqueur + lime wedge garnish = Zesty Rita
Añejo Tequila
2 ounces añejo tequila + muddled refined sugar cube + 2 dashes chocolate bitters + zested orange peel garnish = Tequila Old Fashioned
2 ounces añejo tequila + 1 ounce sweet vermouth + 1 dash Angostura bitters + orange zest garnish = Añejo Manhattan
2 ounces añejo tequila + 0.75 ounce lime juice + 0.75 ounce honey syrup + lime wedge garnish = Añejo Tequila Honeysuckle
5 Reasons to Stop Waxing and Start Sugaring Right This Second
As someone who chronically struggles with both eczema and razor burn, my sensitive skin makes hair removal a bit of a challenge. Since puberty, I've tried shaving, depilatory creams, and waxing - all of which have resulted in flare-ups, rashes, and an unrelenting itchiness. In fact, out of all the hair removal methods I've tested, there's only one that has worked for my sensitive skin: sugaring.
Compared to waxing, sugaring is an all-natural alternative that doesn't require strips or dipping. Instead, the esthetician rolls the sugaring paste - made from lemon, sugar, and water - onto the skin, and uses a flicking motion to remove the hair follicles from the root. The process works on any area of the body, is safe for those who are prone to allergies or ingrown hairs, and is beneficial for people who typically experience razor burn or rashes.
Though this method is particularly popular with people with sensitive skin (cue hand raise), there are plenty of benefits that let sugaring compete head-to-head with more traditional methods - and come out on top. In addition to being all-natural, sugaring is long lasting, has a reduced chance of redness, and can be performed more frequently. With sugaring, there's no need to grow the hair out for weeks or endure stubble in between treatments (thank God, amirite?).
But don't just trust me - trust the expert. To find out more about how and why sugaring is quickly competing with waxing as a top hair removal solution, I spoke with Danielle Correia, owner and CEO of Sugaring LA.
1. It's better for your skin.
While hair removal wax can often include chemicals, synthetic ingredients, or fillers, sugaring paste is all-natural and made of just three completely organic and biodegradable ingredients: sugar, lemon juice, and water. Following the philosophy of putting on your body what you would put in your body, Danielle notes that the sugaring blend is not just safe for your skin - it would also be safe enough to eat (though we wouldn't recommend it).
Thus, the paste is ideal for all skin types, hair textures and skin sensitivities. As Danielle says, "If you've had a bad wax and you're afraid to test the hair removal waters, then sugaring is where it's at!" I concur.
2. It's more sanitary.
No fear of double-dipping here as sugaring is done with a single ball of paste per client. It eliminates possible infections or contamination.
As Danielle notes, "Our application is much different than traditional waxing. We use a smooth ball of paste that gently rolls onto the skin. The sugar is applied in the opposite direction of the hair growth while seeping into the hair follicle and adhering to it. It is then flicked off in the natural direction of the hair growth."
After the first flick and removal strip, the paste is stretched and folded back into itself, working the removed hairs towards the center of the ball and surfacing a fresh section for the next application. Thus, the entire sugaring treatment is completely self-contained within one portion of paste and ensures that there are no concerns about sanitation or cross-contamination.
3. It has a lower chance of prompting a rash and redness.
There are two main reasons that sugaring leaves less rash and redness than waxing: the all-natural formula, the fact that it's free from the irritating additives in wax, and the way that sugaring paste bonds when applied to the skin.
In fact, sugaring is more than just a hair removal method, it's also a light exfoliant (this again, helps reduce the chance of rash and redness). Danielle explains, "Our paste adheres only to the hair and dead skin cells, minimizing any redness or discomfort after treatment." This is one of the main differences between sugaring and waxing: while wax bonds to both the hair follicles and surrounding skin area, the sugaring paste doesn't pull on or irritate the skin.
4. It doesn't leave residue.
If you've ever had a wax, then there's a good chance you've experienced the struggle of picking off leftover bits of wax hours - or even days - later. But with sugaring, there's no stress about taking some of the treatment home with you.
Since the paste is water soluble, it's much easier to remove than wax and doesn't harden onto the skin. Danielle noted that any small amount left from the treatment can be removed in seconds with warm water and a towel.
5. It lasts longer.
While wax often breaks the hairs at the surface, sugaring paste pulls the follicles from the root. This ensures that the hair will take longer to grow back.
But that's not the only way that sugaring provides long-term benefits - the process also offers long-term hair refinement and reduction. As Danielle told me, "Our skin has three stages of hair growth cycles, and sugaring, at its best, grabs hairs at the beginning cycle - which does the most damage to the follicle in facilitating the hair growing back thinner and finer. Over time, your hair will become more sparse and you will be able to space out your appointments longer and come in to get sugared less often."
Compared to waxing, sugaring pulls hairs in this early stage because its formula allows for removing very short hairs. While waxing often requires a certain length, sugaring can be done with even minimal growth, especially when receiving treatments on a regular basis. Can't argue with that.
Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki's Kids Are Already Forming Their Own "Gang"
On Sunday, the final day of Comic-Con descended on San Diego, and the Supernatural panel took place as part of the festivities. We got so many goodies during the event, from the slew of season 12 details to a sweet quote about Sam Winchester from Jared Padalecki. The real fun, though, happened during the fan Q&A, where one inquirer asked if there could ever be a Supernatural spin-off starring Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki's kids. The whole panel seemed amused by the idea, but it was Jensen who put himself in charge of providing an answer. See his telling quote below - complete with a Supernatural reference that hardcore fans will totally love.
"They're already kind of a gang as it is. As some of you know, Jared has two sons, and I have a daughter. And, the other day, my daughter was talking about his two boys. I was like, 'Are they your friends?' And she goes, 'Nah, they're my boys.' She's just turned three. So, we might not have a choice in the matter. They might just be doing whatever they're going to do. And I assume that, you know, they're going to want to stay in the family business."
For the record, Jared Padalecki chimed in with, "Yeah, I agree with that." To get a sense for the stars' little "gang," we've got a few Jensen Ackles dad snaps and some cute Jared Padalecki family snaps as well!
Here's a Necessary Reminder of Josh Hartnett's Hotness
Josh Hartnett, aka your early-2000s crush, disappeared from Hollywood for a few years, but he recently made a comeback with his TV series, Penny Dreadful. Frankly, we welcomed the return of the original squinty, goateed teen heartthrob, if only because it will give us another excuse to drool over the adorable star once again. He's perhaps wiser now that he's taken a conscious step back from the limelight, but he'll always be Trip Fontaine to us. To celebrate Mr. Hartnett's 38th birthday (which is today!) keep reading for all the reasons we crushed hard on him.
29 Hacks For Weight-Loss Success
If you want to lose weight, you've got to work smarter, not harder, and that's why weight-loss hacks can make all the difference. Just add a few of these into your routine and you'll start seeing results with minimal effort.
29 Hacks For Weight-Loss Success
If you want to lose weight, you've got to work smarter, not harder, and that's why weight-loss hacks can make all the difference. Just add a few of these into your routine and you'll start seeing results with minimal effort.
Jared Padalecki Describes His Funny Supernatural Fan Encounter With Jensen Ackles
The final day of Comic-Con took an exciting turn when the Supernatural panel took hold. Stacked with stars Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, and more, the event yielded tons of fun cast interactions and teased plenty of new details about season 12. There was also a fan Q&A session, where one young woman asked if the boys had ever worried about encountering anything otherworldly - a flesh-eating Wendigo, perhaps - in the time since they started working on the show. Padalecki didn't really have much to say about monsters, but he did have a story about a different way the show has carried into his real life. Check out his fun anecdote below, then read his sweet quote about his love for Sam Winchester.
"I'll say something funny. I haven't seen a Wendigo yet, but Jensen and I - so, we both live in Austin with our families. We walked into a restaurant, or a bar, or something, and somebody said, they look at us and go, "Damn. Are you here to kill some ghosts or something?' Like, they seemed genuinely concerned. Like, 'Man, the Winchesters are here. There's a demon in the back now' . . . We're like, 'We got it, don't worry, you're safe.'"
Luke Cage Is a Groundbreaking Piece of Modern TV, and the Whole Cast Knows It
On Sept. 30, Marvel's Luke Cage will drop on Netflix. While it's exciting to see another addition to the ever-growing comic book universe, this particular venture is so much more than just a superhero show. It features a predominantly black cast, with stars like Mike Colter, Alfre Woodard, Mahershala Ali, and Simone Missick at the helm. It's the first time we're seeing a black superhero (and also a female black superhero, for that matter) as the central focus. On Thursday, many members of the Luke Cage cast showed up at Comic-Con in San Diego to discuss the show, and they couldn't help but gush about this special piece of television history. Keep reading to find out why it's so important in terms of inclusion, equal opportunities, and representation.
Cheo Hodari Coker (Creator)
- "If there's any pressure, it's just that we want to see more people get these opportunities. So, the pressure just comes from trying to make the best show possible. So, people will say, 'Well, hey! Maybe if we do open up these opportunities, maybe if we do tell different stories, then hey, that's cool!' So, it's like, this is part of a renaissance."
- "I'm the father of three. Ten-year-old twins and a 4-year-old daughter. And I go to the movies with them all the time. I remember when I took the twins to see Captain America: Winter Soldier. And when they saw Falcon get on the scene, the excitement in their eyes. And just the fact that it was a hero that looked like them. I really, for the first time, saw the power of that. It made me really excited to do the show."
Alfre Woodard (Mariah Dillard)
- "One of the exciting things about this, besides the fact that he's bulletproof and all that . . . is that it's Harlem, baby. And Harlem has been so many things for African-Americans for so long. And I love that fact. Cheo knows Harlem, knows the history, knows the culture. And so this piece - you know, all of these Marvel superheroes - the neighborhood is a character . . . We came to Harlem because it was Harlem. You don't want to come to Harlem, buy in, and then want to get rid of the drum circle."
- "[Harlem is] everybody together. It was the scribing of the African-American. And you know, at an African-American table, everyone is welcome. But when you come, you gotta say, 'This is home,' not like, 'I'm bringing my home into your house.' It's a way to do that."
- "[The show] acknowledges what's happening present day, and it complicates it. The relationship between law enforcement, superheroes, and people that bend the law. Which, most successful business people do bend the law . . . That's one thing I love about Cornell Stokes, is that he's a man that has used everything at his disposal to be successful. And that's what black men used to have to use."
- "The motherf*cker is bulletproof!"
Simone Missick (Misty Knight)
- "Misty Knight is one of the first African-American female superheroes. We've never seen a show of color for superheroes. So, when we read these things, it's not a limitation, it's more like, 'Aw, yes! I get to do this? Yes, I will do this! You want me to . . . yes, I will do that!'"
- "I think specifically, speaking to playing Misty Knight, it was great to play a character who we've never seen before. We've never heard anyone speak her words. So there was no pressure in that sense, of going, 'Oh, but Halle Berry did it,' you know? And, 'How can I fit into those shoes?' It's like, these are your own shoes. So, it feels the same way with the show. There's a responsibility to the story, and to tell it accurately. And to be fair and honest to the people that you're representing."
- "I think, a lot of times, as a woman, you are either a wife, or a girlfriend, or a best friend. And in this opportunity, you get to see . . . Misty as a person who has a very strong moral compass, who is absolutely dedicated to protecting her community. And that, you don't see a lot of on TV. And so that was, I think the proudest moment, was to be a person who believes in the system. Even though, if you look in our current times, it's difficult to believe in the system."
Mike Colter (Luke Cage)
- "I tend to deflect because luckily, I didn't read a lot of Luke Cage growing up, so I wasn't overwhelmed by the opportunity . . . So, I look at history, and I look at what Luke Cage is, and how he's becoming the first black superhero that's brought to television. I look at it as a guy who's literally, you know, he's unaware of it in the sense that I'm unaware of it."
- "I would say, ultimately, the older generation, the people that are older than I, they walk up to me and say, 'Man, I've been waiting for so long for this character to be brought to life.' And, 'Great job, I can't wait for the series.'"
Jared Padalecki Shares the Wonderful Way Sam Winchester Has Helped Him Grow as a Person
As the saying goes, you save the best for last. That's what happened on Sunday at Comic-Con in San Diego, when the Supernatural panel finally struck. In attendance during this last day, of course, were the show's two stars Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki - who, as we know, are really close friends in real life. That's not the only part of the show that has transferred over into reality, though. During a roundtable interview in the Supernatural press room, Jared explained to us what it's been like to spend more than a decade playing Sam Winchester. Read the full, sweet quote about Jared's relationship with Sam below, then check out these other inspiring quotes from the actor.
"Sam is my boy, man. I feel like, it's hard to say. It's not tough for me to like break out of character or anything. But I feel like, what I've learned from Sam, and learned as Sam, has become an indelible part of Jared. So, it's hard to parse it out, and go like, 'Hey! When I do that thing it's probably because Sam did!' But I'm sure it exists. I think a lot of the stuff . . . a lot of the qualities I like about myself, Sam helped teach me. So, I like him."
This New Emoji Is LONG Overdue
Image Source: Getty / Sergei Supinsky
Emoji are about to get even more inclusive, and it's about time. After a previous push for more working women emoji, a new proposal hopes to bring a rainbow flag emoji before the next version is out.
The proposal, submitted by Mark Davis, the cofounder and president of the Unicode Consortium, outlines how the rainbow emoji can possibly be in our phones before 2016 ends. Usually, new emoji proposals go through a large approval process - with current ones slated to arrive in 2017. Essentially, Davis hopes people can just use a modifier code, similar to the ones that helped create diverse emoji skin tones. A look at the code is below.
Image Source: Unicode.org
The emblem holds an important significance to the LGBTQ community, especially in light of the mass shooting in Orlando.
It's unclear if and when the Unicode Consortium will approve this emoji. Either way, it's another great step to make emoji in general more inclusive and accurately representative of how people identify.
29 Skillet Dessert Recipes You've Been Missing Your Entire Life
If you're only using your cast-iron skillet for steak, you're missing out. Once you try skillet cookies, brownies, and more desserts, you might never go back to the traditional kind. Let these 29 decadent recipes inspire your next skillet dessert that's sure to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.
21 Bold Kate Middleton Outfits That Probably Weren't Queen Approved
Based on her recent track record, it may be hard to believe Kate ever donned something that could raise eyebrows, but every once in a while we've caught her ditching her sophisticated brand of dressing for something a little more casual. From outings in lazy-day hoodies to laid-back blue jeans, we love seeing proof that sometimes Kate can mix it up.
While we may love Kate's foray into casualwear, we have a feeling the Queen wouldn't approve of these not-so-princessy pieces. Just try to imagine Queen Elizabeth donning the same sporty separates, sneakers, or funky hats - we all know, it just wouldn't happen. So while we're under the impression that it's basically impossible for Kate to wear a bad outfit, it's fun to imagine how the royals really felt when they saw these, ahem, nontraditional styles.
Even more Kate Middleton style coverage:
These Shirtless Pictures of Sam Claflin Are So Hot, They Could Catch Fire
When it comes to British actors, Sam Claflin is one of the hottest around. He first caught our attention when he played Finnick Odair in Catching Fire, and since then, we just haven't been able to get enough of him. In addition to his sweet Instagram posts, he's also had some pretty attractive moments over the years. Check out some of his best shirtless moments, both on and off screen.
11 Hilarious Selena Gomez Interviews You Have to Watch
Selena Gomez has a serious sense of humor. If you don't believe us, simply scroll ahead. You'll find 11 moments she made an interview funnier and, therefore, way better by being irreverent, totally honest, and straight-up adventurous.
We could never forget that time she made her carpool karaoke session with James Corden on The Late Late Show a literal rollercoaster. Or that other time she seriously opened up about her hair being, er, totally fake. And believe us when we say, that's not even the best of it.
15 Instagram Accounts to Follow If You Are Utterly Obsessed With Animals
For any animal-lover, chances are you spend 50 percent of your time on Instagram liking photos of baby pandas or watching videos of puppies bark at themselves in the mirror. Your suggested newsfeed is filled with animal snaps and you hardly ever see human faces in photos anymore . . . unless someone is posing with their pet. If this sounds like you, embrace it! Whether you have a particular obsession with dogs, cats, or baby tigers, we've rounded up several Instagram accounts that go beyond just cute animals. These four- and two-legged creatures have very distinct personalities on camera. Get to know them ahead.
This Hilarious Pregnancy Announcement Has a Very Unexpected Twist!
We love a good pregnancy announcement around here, and this one had us giggling pretty hard - until we scrolled down and saw that there was a twist! The first photo (above) features a cheeky dad holding up a "We're pregnant" sign while his wife leaves little to the imagination hunched over the toilet in the corner of the shot. But what comes next is the real surprise!
Scroll down for the second photo to see how it ends for yourself!
Triplets! Congratulations!
This Hilarious Pregnancy Announcement Has a Very Unexpected Twist!
We love a good pregnancy announcement around here, and this one had us giggling pretty hard - until we scrolled down and saw that there was a twist! The first photo (above) features a cheeky dad holding up a "We're pregnant" sign while his wife leaves little to the imagination hunched over the toilet in the corner of the shot. But what comes next is the real surprise!
Scroll down for the second photo to see how it ends for yourself!
Triplets! Congratulations!
Chewbacca Mom Singing "Heal the World" on Facebook Live Will Give You So Many Chills
Candace Payne, better known as "Chewbacca Mom," brought smiles to MILLIONS of faces with her hilarious Facebook Live video seen around the world. In light of the horrible tragedies in the news this week, Payne - who lives only 30 minutes from Dallas - traded the Chewbacca mask for a piano and once again took to Facebook Live - this time to sing a rendition of Michael Jackson's "Heal the World." Her song is heartbreaking and beautiful - and she says she hopes that it will say what she (and many of us) haven't been able to put into words this week. Here's what she said on her page.
"I really don't know else to say other than, I've been spreading joy and I've been hoping to do that, but I found myself the last couple of days being silent because I've been so sad and so hurt by what's going on. And I wanted to just share with you my own arrangement of a song . . . that has really meant something amazing to me . . . and then hope that in some way it touches you and inspires you today to make a better place."
dimanche 24 juillet 2016
How to Make Eevee Evolve Into the Form You Want on Pokémon Go
Image Source: Everett Collection
Pokémon Go trainers, this is the hack you've been waiting for. Thanks to the game's subreddit community, you can now control Eevee's unpredictable evolution.
According to Reddit user smithnigel, you can make your Pokémon evolve into one of the three forms you want it to become: Jolteon, Vaporeon, or Flareon. All you have to do is nickname your Eevee the corresponding Eevee Brother it's associated with. In the show, the Eevee Brothers include Sparky (Jolteon), Rainer (Vaporeon), and Pyro (Flareon). After renaming your Pokémon to reflect your desired evolution, smithnigel advises that you restart the app to be safe. Based on the positive feedback users have been providing, this tip seems to be 100 percent effective.
Go on and try it yourself!
This Harry Potter Monopoly Set Is the Most Gorgeous Thing You'll Ever Lay Eyes On
Monopoly will never be the same again, all because of an expert DIYer who created the most epic set known to the world. Reddit user watzizzname built a Harry Potter Monopoly set for a (very lucky!) friend, and it is so gorgeous we can't look away. The set is SO detailed, all the way down to the pieces and the Potter-inspired Monopoly cash. Here's how he did it:
"The box was made out of some scrap wood with a simple handle and latch. The player pieces are from Harry Potter Scene It. The huts and halls (houses and hotels) were 3D printed and then painted. The board is made out of 3/4" plywood. The printed play area was put on using Mod Podge. I used magnets inlaid in the edge of the board instead of using a hinge because magnets are magical :) I also covered the bottom of the board, money tray and inside of the box with nice soft felt."
Other Harry Potter fans have been understandably obsessed and are reaching out to the mastermind of the board with their own requests for a set just like this one. I may or may not have been one of those fans . . . Scroll through the images, and prepare to be floored.
Uncovering the Early Signs of Autism
Recognizing early signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and seeking early intervention can make a world of difference in the life of a child with autism. Here, we share what you need to know about spotting signs of autism early.
When do early signs appear?
Research now suggests that children can show signs of autism as early as 1 year old. However, timing varies, as Autumn W., an occupational therapy assistant who works with children with autism, explains: "There is early onset autism (before 2 years of age) and late onset (where a child meets most milestones on time and seems to be developing normally until a marked regression of skills)."
What are typical signs that a child has autism?
No child with autism is the same. There is a very large spectrum of behavior exhibited by children with autism, and there is no "typical" group of behaviors that all children with autism exhibit. As Jana T. shares: "All autistic children are unique in their own ways. There is no typical behavior of an autistic child."
What are the developmental "red flags" to watch for?
While there isn't a checklist of signs that will indicate your child certainly has autism, Autism Speaks does cite each of the following "red flags" as an indicator that a child is at risk for atypical development and should have an immediate evaluation:
- No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months or thereafter.
- No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by 9 months or thereafter.
- No babbling by 12 months.
- No back-and-forth gestures - such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving - by 12 months.
- No words by 16 months.
- No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months.
- Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age.
What are other possible signs?
In addition to the milestones noted above, there are many possible signs and symptoms of autism, which include social, communication, and behavioral differences.
As Autumn W. relays: "In early onset [autism], there will be a marked delay in several milestones, particularly in speech. The child may avoid eye contact and resist being held. The child may develop an irregular gait (toe walking, walking on insteps, or never relinquishing a 'high guard'). Autistic children often fixate on objects, exploring every aspect of the object. Most autistic children will self-stimulate (i.e., rocking back and forth, visual stimulation by waving their hand in front of their face, tapping, hitting themselves, and repetitive auditory stimulation). Oftentimes, they appear to be in their own world, oblivious to their environment."
Other signs readers highlight include echolalia (repeating sounds without understanding them); sensitivity to sounds, light, textures, touch, and smells; lack of empathy/understanding emotion; or movements like flapping arms, rocking, rubbing hands or fingers together, and head banging.
What are signs of late onset autism?
In addition to early onset signs, it's important to look for signs of regression from typical development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately one quarter of children with autism will seem to have normal development until about 18 months, after which they will:
- Stop talking (if they had begun speaking words).
- Stop waving goodbye.
- Stop turning the head when the name is called.
- Withdraw into a shell and seem more distant and less interested in surroundings.
These changes may occur gradually or suddenly.
For a detailed list of possible signs of ASDs, refer to this overview of autism spectrum disorders by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Finally, trust your gut, advises Stacy H.: "Go with your gut! Push for the evaluations! Who knows - maybe you are just overthinking things and worrying too much, but then again, maybe you are dead-on. That evaluation could make a world of difference in early intervention and really change your child's life!"
20 #MomStruggles That Only Parents Can Truly Understand
Despite the pretty picture that many Instagram feeds paint of an edited version of parenthood, being a mom or dad is messy. It's dirty, it's sticky, it can be smelly, and it's also uniquely beautiful - in an organized chaos kind of way. So if you ever feel like you're all alone, remember that the struggle is very real, and don't let the filters fool you. Check out these Instagram-worthy parenting problems that all moms go through (and hopefully find the humor in!).
This Depressing Photo Captures What's Wrong With Weddings These Days
These days, people snap every meal they eat, so it's only natural to want to capture precious moments during a wedding ceremony. But at what point does wedding etiquette become completely broken? Australian photographer Thomas Stewart posted a rant on Facebook that criticized wedding guests for taking pictures during the ceremony with their devices. The accompanying photo shows a groom forced to lean to the side in order to see his bride going down the aisle. Thomas argues that couples should enforce a "completely unplugged wedding ceremony" because guests aren't truly present and can ruin the photographer's shots when they're using phones and tablets. "You are witnesses to their marriage, so for goodness sake, watch them with your eyes and your minds, not your phones."
Here's his full post, which has since gone viral:
Thomas does make valid points - the couple hired a professional photographer for a reason. So next time you attend a wedding ceremony, enjoy the momentous occasion by keeping your electronics in your pocket or purse. And future newlyweds, you might want to consider a device-free wedding!
How to Pick a Pokémon Go Team Based on Your Hogwarts House
Between the dangers of getting hit by cars, running into murderers, and overusing your cell phone data, the last thing a new Pokémon Go player should have to worry about is the stress of choosing a team. Tensions between teams Mystic, Valor, and Instinct are high, sparking plenty of internet jokes about the rivalry between Pokémon fans. The competition between these distinct groups of players is reminiscent of another huge fandom's internal rivalry: those between Hogwarts houses in the Harry Potter universe. And it turns out, these Hogwarts houses and Pokémon Go teams have a lot in common.
Whether you identify as a Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, or Gryffindor, the decision of the Hogwarts Sorting Hat could help expedite your Pokémon Go team pick. So if you're stressed out from the stress of deciding which team fits your personality best, then don't trip - just follow your heart house.
So . . . Is Pilates Worth All That Extra Money?
A Pilates class has a powerful ability to transform the body, lean out muscles, and amass a totally-devoted following of die-hard studio addicts. It's Kate Hudson's favorite workout and beloved by fitness enthusiasts the world over. And why? Because it works!
But here's the thing: Pilates is not cheap. With group classes ranging from $30 to over $50 and private lessons in the hundreds, it doesn't always feel like the most financially practical move. However, there's totally a reason for the extra cost - for one, those machines! We wanted to take a look at the specific benefits of using a Reformer versus doing at-home and general group fitness classes.
- It's multiple gym machines in one. Confused at the gym? Don't know which machine to use? Want to work multiple muscle groups simultaneously? The do-it-all-for-you Reformer is the machine you've been waiting for - you can work core, leg, booty, arm, and back muscles with this wondrous device.
- Your form is in check. Katie Warmuth, instructor at Pilates ProWorks in San Francisco told us that the Reformer "provides the added benefit of lengthening and toning the muscles safely, while improving your flexibility and posture [since] your muscles work against the resistance of the springs - causing an eccentric muscle contraction - to lengthen as they contract."
We also chatted with Jenn Seracuse, director of FlexPilates, who said, "You can't cheat" on the machines. "If you aren't engaged, you'll know right away." When you're on the machine, if you're not in the right position, you're not going to be able to get into the move, so there's less room for error when it comes to form - especially because of the more personalized attention in a smaller class (we'll get to that next). This means you'll be keeping proper form consistently and preventing injury.
- More personal instruction. Have you ever been in a class jam-packed with 60 people, wondering if the instructor even knows you're there? I can tell you - I definitely have, and it can be frustrating, especially when you show up hoping for some adjustments and more personal guidance. The benefit of Pilates classes is that there are a limited amount of machines in the room - meaning a limited amount of students and more personalized attention and instruction.
"Having someone there who can watch you and hands-on correct your form is invaluable," said Seracuse. "Some other types of group fitness pack people in so there is no way the instructor can get to everyone to correct form." This also means it's not the class to come to and hide out in the back, and it can be tough to book if you're not on top of your schedule. But if you're looking for something that feels like personal training without the $100+ per hour fees, Pilates is for you.
- Deeper muscle activation. After taking a few of my first Pilates classes, I had moments when I was like, "Ohhhh, there's a muscle in there!" and felt soreness I wouldn't have without some kind of machine. Honestly, there are parts of my butt I never knew existed until I started doing leg work on the Reformer. It's a soreness and workout I don't get from squats, that's for sure. "The surfaces are unstable, so you need to be focused through the entire workout and can't help but turn on the deep stabilizing muscles," said Seracuse.
- Extra emphasis on core. While Reformer classes provide a full-body workout, they're especially focused on improving core strength. "Core strength ultimately helps you to be more balanced in other workouts and everyday life," said Warmuth. And core doesn't just mean flat abs! This helps strengthen your back, protecting your spine and posture. Seracuse reinforced this, adding, "There is a lot of balance and stability work that helps build core strength, which you can take with you into your body weight workouts to ensure proper form."
- It's low-impact and great for joints. Dealing with knee injury, joint pain, or building strength during injury recovery? A Reformer class is a great place to start. "Using the Reformer is low-impact on the joints," said Warmuth. "In fact, it helps improve joint stability, making it a great addition to your workout regimen, especially if you're a runner or often do intense cardio that may be hard on your joints."
Still worried about dollars? Try some of these helpful tips on saving money on boutique fitness.
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