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.
dimanche 28 août 2016
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!
This Pumpkin Pie Latte Is Comfier Than a Cable-Knit Sweater
It's already sweater weather in San Francisco, so sipping on a large pumpkin spice latte topped with whipped cream and chocolate at Ghirardelli Square was an appropriate way to start an August morning. We got an early taste of the chocolate company's seasonal drinks, a pumpkin pie latte and pumpkin spice milkshake, and the verdict is these are worth braving the miles-long line that the store regularly attracts. Tourists and locals alike should aim to make a visit to a Ghirardelli shop at least once this Fall to get a truly decadent and comforting pumpkin pick-me-up. Here's how Ghirardelli's limited-edition menu items stack up to the other pumpkin spice treats we've tried so far this season.
The Latte ($5-$6)
First thing's first: this is a pumpkin pie latte, which sets it apart from other pumpkin spice lattes. It's made with a rich pumpkin syrup filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, and it blends really well with the steamed milk and espresso for a supersmooth and frothy sip, even if you order it with nondairy milk. What makes the hot latte even more satisfying is its whipped cream topping and adorable garnish: a pumpkin-filled square of Ghirardelli chocolate. You'll want to nibble on the chocolate in between sips, or - are you ready for this? - drop it into your mug so it melts and makes the latte even richer.
The Milkshake ($9)
One of the main reasons people flock to Ghirardelli ice cream shops is to get their hands on the over-the-top milkshakes, and this one lives up to the hype for sure. A generous drizzle of hot fudge lines the glass, which is then filled with a heaping amount of vanilla ice cream infused with pumpkin syrup. Topping off the already-decadent shake is whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and Ghirardelli's signature pumpkin spice chocolate square. We were impressed with the creaminess and thickness of the milkshake; it's not too runny, and you can tell the ice cream is high quality. Perfectly balanced with the right amount of sweetness and spices, this is guaranteed to take care of your pumpkin-spice cravings. Added bonus: the chocolate square gets cold and slightly hardened from the ice cream, so each bite has a satisfying snap. Spending $9 on this milkshake is entirely worth it, especially because it's big enough that you'll want to share with a friend . . . maybe.
Burn More Calories and Lose Weight Faster With These Tabata Workouts
What's not to love about high-intensity interval training? Not only does HIIT save you time, but it also burns tons of calories, both while you work out and after (even if you're doing nothing at all!). One of our favorite ways to HIIT is Tabata, a type of workout that combines 20 seconds of intense bursts of workouts with 10 seconds of rest in four-minute rounds. Does a short and effective workout sound good to you? Get started here.
- Printable Tabata workout: Take it with you; this printable Tabata workout may be the only thing you need to stay in shape. Packed with so many different types of moves, from backward lunges to burpees, so you don't get bored, this workout will keep you interested in your workout while you burn major calories.
- 10-minute, no-equipment Tabata: For an all-in-one workout, just press play. This 10-minute Tabata workout video combines two Tabata sets with a short warmup and cooldown to get you in and out in just 10 minutes! All you have to do is follow along.
- And another: Can't get enough of our Tabata workouts? This 10-minute Tabata video workout adds even more intensity to your routine. Play it back to back with the above or on its own for an effective, intense workout.
- Tabata mashup: Two classic moves, one killer workout. This Tabata mashup workout video combines 20 seconds of push-ups and 20 seconds of squats, along with short rest intervals, for a sweat-inducing HIIT workout.
- Eight-minute Tabata: Don't have time for a long workout? Tabata makes a great quick and effective workout for when time is limited. This eight-minute Tabata workout is basically two rounds of Tabata, so if you decide to do more, you can repeat the workout.
- Living room Tabata: Too hot, too cold, or wet to run outside? Amp up your cardio routine with this printable home Tabata workout. Perfect for any small space, it'll have you doing heart-rate-raising moves like mountain climbers and squat jumps to burn calories fast.
- 20-minute Tabata: If you're short on time, this do-anywhere workout will help you burn major calories in no time at all. A mix of cardio and bodyweight exercises done at high intensity will sculpt your body with no equipment necessary. Learn how to do the entire 20-minute Tabata-inspired workout here.
- 40-minute Tabata workout poster: Get serious at the gym - and be the inspiration to your fellow gym rats - with this intense, 40-minute Tabata superset workout you can print and take with you anywhere.
- Total-body Tabata: For a longer workout that will make you feel like you spent hours at the gym, go for this 30-minute full-body Tabata workout. Be warned: even the rest periods will sculpt muscles with targeted isometric exercises like planks and wall sits.
Get Ready to Move! Booty Shake Cardio Dance Bootcamp
Shake off calories and tone your booty with celebrity trainer JJ Dancer! This cardio dance boot camp is such a fun way to work out that you're sure to do it over and over again. Be prepared to get the heart rate up, sweat it out, and shake it for a solid 10 minutes.
samedi 27 août 2016
16 Moments From the 1999 VMAs That Can Never Be Topped
The VMAs are this weekend, and while I'm excited about the upcoming show, I've been reminiscing about my favorite VMAs of all time: 1999. Chris Rock hosted, Smash Mouth and Blink-182 entertained during the preshow, Lauryn Hill was the queen of the moonmen, and Britney Spears joined *NSYNC for a medley of ". . . Baby One More Time" and "Tearin' Up My Heart." Fatboy Slim spun to "Praise You," Jay Z performed three of his hits, and the Beastie Boys took home the first-ever hip-hop award. On top of that, presenters included Tom Green, David Bowie, Will Smith, Carson Daly, Janeane Garofalo, Mark McGrath, Jennifer Lopez, Johnny Depp, and, of course, Paul McCartney. Before this weekend's festivities, let's take a minute to remember what may be the greatest VMAs show of all time.
21 High-Protein Dinners That Won't Break the Bank
Certain lean proteins like chicken, beef, and pork (especially when buying organic or grass-fed) require more funds than others, but you'll be happy to know that each healthy dinner on this list costs about $5 per serving! It's proof that with the right combination of ingredients, high-protein meals don't have to come at an exorbitant cost. Click below to see dishes that use your favorite choice of protein, or click through them all to find inspiration for your next meal.
40 Times You Totally Wished You Were Blake Lively
When it comes to enviable celebrities, Blake Lively is definitely a name that comes to mind. It's been a decade since the blond bombshell first hit the Hollywood scene, and Blake has managed to become a star both on screen and off. She's beautiful and charming, and let's not forget one very big perk to being Blake: she's married to Ryan Reynolds. Let's take a look back at 40 times you couldn't help but wish you were Blake.
You'll Want to Travel to Australia Just to Get These Adorable Pokémon Burgers
The Pokémon Go craze is apparently still going strong, and now we're willing to travel to the Land Down Under for some adorable Pokémon burgers. A pop-up burger joint called Down N' Out, a play on California's iconic In-N-Out Burger chain, is serving Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Charmander as Pokéburgers. Not only are they super cute, but they actually look pretty delicious, too!
Each Pokéburger's flavors reflect the character it represents, reports Mashable. For example, "the Charmander is a little bit spicy, there's kind of a volcanic cheese dripping off it," Ben Kagan from the pop-up's parent group Hashtag Burgers told Mashable. "The Bulbasaur is grassy and cleaner, but it tastes like a Big Mac actually - which is quite nice. The Pikachu is a bit sillier, with our 'tiger fries' through it."
Check out how they look ahead, and if you're trying to snag one yourself, make sure you visit the pop-up before they stop selling them on Sept. 3.
Taylor Swift's New Favorite Bag Isn't Actually a Bag at All
Taylor Swift's designer bag collection may be pretty impressive, but lately, the singer's been ditching her larger, classic options for something small and simple: a Bandolier phone case. The chic little accessory - which comes complete with a crossbody strap and has slots for an ID and credit card - pairs perfectly with her workout gear, and Taylor was spotted rocking it once again on Friday, this time with a black tank, mesh leggings, and orange Nike kicks.
Still, while Taylor loves bringing this mini must-have with her to the gym, we can totally envision her wearing it on a night out, too. The best part? It costs less than $100, so take a look at how the star's been styling hers then shop one for yourself.
Black Market's OVER! You Can Now Buy Starbucks PSL Sauce
For years, if you wanted Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte syrup, you had to buy it on the black market, but not anymore, because Starbucks has released it on its online store for purchase along with some other adorable pumpkin spice swag. Take a look at the items we're most excited for, and stay tuned for the official PSL release date as Starbucks has yet to announce it.
10 Literary Horror Characters For You to Be This Halloween
Heads-up, bookworms: we've got the perfect list of Halloween costumes, just for you. Do you eschew horror movie villains? Would you rather curl up with a bone-chilling scary book than watch any of this year's horror movies? If you answered yes to these questions, join us as we dive into the literary classics of the horror genre. We're sure you'll find the perfect costume between these lines.
Concrete Proof That Bella Hadid Loves Beautyblenders as Much as You Do
While runway makeup may be a bit too outlandish for everyday life, the model-off-duty beauty look is one that we often aspire to. It girl Bella Hadid has definitely mastered this style. Thanks to a special tutorial that she created for Vogue, she's sharing her application secrets with us.
She admits that she "looks really tired" because she's been traveling practically nonstop, but thanks to a generous application of concealer, she looks like she's gotten weeks of beauty rest. She primarily uses Dior products (after all, she's the face of the brand), but you'll spy a beloved Beautyblender in the video. Bella utilizes this to apply everything from foundation to contour cream. Her chiseling technique makes her cheekbones appear as if they were sculpted from marble. Watch now and pick up a few of Bella's tricks!
iOS 10 Is Going to Be a Game Changer
Say hello to a new iOS system. At this year's Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the company announced iOS 10. See what to expect ahead.
- Photos gets an upgrade: The Photos app is now going to let you do a lot more than just simple edits. You'll get to draw and write text on your photos. Places also allows you to see all your photos on a map and its features include facial and scene recognition. It will also gather photos from a trip or event and create a video with music through a new feature called Memories.
- Apple Music has a new look: The app will now have a new simple design and the Connect section is less prominent. The most used tab, Library, will be at the forefront and navigating through playlists has gotten much easier and more intuitive. See all your purchased music through a new section called Downloaded Music, and check out daily curated playlists and discover new music in Browse. You'll even be able to sing along with the newly added lyrics feature.
- Access notifications on a locked screen with Raise to Wake: Wake up your phone just by raising the screen and see what's on your locked screen without having to touch any buttons. 3D Touch allows you to jump right into iMessage conversations, notifications, and Uber status updates, for example.
- Home screen has everything you need: In addition to a newly redesigned control center that lets you slide over for widgets, you can now access your activity rings through 3D Touch, swipe over to view VIP contacts, access Today View to check the weather and news, and even one-tap into live-action sports.
- Apple Maps is "more proactive": Looking for a place to eat? Need to make a reservation? Trying to call a Lyft to get you there? Get all of that done without leaving Maps. Search nearby restaurants and even narrow your choices by type of food by sliding through your choices at the bottom of the app. You can pan and zoom ahead to check traffic conditions and access quick controls for route details and food and gas stops ahead.
- Siri is even better: You can use Siri to communicate through other supported apps like WeChat, Slack, and Skype. Siri can also make intelligent suggestions in iMessage based on your current location, relevant contacts, and availability.
- Apple News is split into topics: Digest daily news and all the information you're interested in in categories. Stories will be broken up into sections like Top Stories and Trending Stories, and News will even create new topics for you based on what you read. Major additions include Subscriptions and breaking news notifications.
- All home accessories are accessible in the new Home app: Your HomeKit products can now be found in one central destination. Manage your home controls like the newly added Camera and Doorlock categories all through your a locked screen. Now that HomeKit is built into your control center, you'll be able to tap across accessories in your home with a swipe up.
- The Phone app gets a couple enhancements: See voicemail transcriptions without having to listen to your missed calls and avoid picking up unknown numbers with iPhone's new possible spam feature. If you have photos saved to your contacts, calls on your lock screen turn into a full-screen image of your caller.
- Messages is more interactive and personable: Your conversations come to life with iMessage's many new features. Rich links pull up the artwork, website, titles, and even live video from the link you share in iMessage. Emoji are three times bigger, and never waste time searching for the perfect one by using emoji predictions. Just highlight "emojifiable" words and tap to replace the word with an emoji. You'll be able to communicate how you truly intend to with animated stickers, bubble effects (larger text for exclamations or smaller for sensitive replies), handwritten messages, full-screen effects like audio and background visuals, and more.
- Apple Pay is more useful: You can now use Apple Pay to make any purchase on the Safari browser.
You can download it as a free update in the Fall for the iPhone 5 and later as well as the iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad fourth generation, and iPad Mini 2 and later, and the iPod Touch sixth generation. Check out photos of the new operating system ahead. Don't worry - we can't wait to use it either.
JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers Have Already Shared So Many Sweet Moments Together
It's been less than a month since The Bachelorette's JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers went public with their newfound romance, but the duo has already given us plenty of sweet moments to swoon over. From their PDA-filled appearance on Good Morning America to their first vacation as a couple, it's clear that these two are head over heels for each other.
These 29 Parenting Hacks Are Serious Game Changers For 2016
Sometimes being a parent feels like an endless whirlwind of meltdowns mixed with tears. And even though many moms vowed to start 2016 off right and to have the most productive year yet, this resolution may feel completely unattainable as the weeks pass. But thankfully, these 29 parenting tricks are total game changers (think of the time you could save!) and will leave you wondering how you've made it this far without them.
Joshua Jackson and Ruth Wilson Drink Wine Together For 8 Hours, Give New Meaning to "Rosé All Day"
Joshua Jackson and Ruth Wilson star as an ex-couple on the Showtime series The Affair, but on Monday, the pair took their chemistry off screen during an eight-hour drinking session in NYC. Joshua (who is newly single after his split from Diane Kruger) and Ruth posted up at Gemma restaurant at the Bowery Hotel, where they reportedly snacked on cheese and charcuterie and ordered bottles of Rosé and white wine; according to witnesses, the costars drank until the Summer afternoon turned into a Summer night, roughly from 3-11 p.m. By the end of the evening, they were spotted snapping photos with fans and even enveloping their waiter into a group hug. Josh and Ruth are likely gearing up for the third season of their drama series, which is premiering in November - coincidentally, we're gearing up for our own eight-hour wine-athon, which is premiering this weekend and which will likely involve an equal amount of drama.
Nicole Scherzinger Does Her Best Britney Spears Impression, Completely Nails It
Nicole Scherzinger is currently gearing up for the 13th season of The X Factor UK, and during a photo call on Friday, the former Pussycat Dolls singer proved that she's got what it takes when it comes to celebrity impressions. Not only did Simon Cowell get a laugh at her spot-on Shakira impersonation, but she also completely nailed it when it came down to Britney Spears. Of course, Nicole isn't the first star to blow us away with her celebrity impersonations, Christina Aguilera and Ariana Grande have also channeled a few stars of their own.
11 Struggles Only Math Majors Will Totally Get
Math majors might have it hardest between making jokes that only they get and being asked to calculate tips all the time. Sure, English majors need to write endless essays and science students spend their lives taring scales, but they probably didn't ever get a two-hour test with only three problems on it. Whether you're someone who uses math in their job or does their best to avoid talking about it, we've rounded up the struggles only you'll understand.
A 9-Year-Old With a Pacemaker Was Held Up at the Airport by 18 TSA Agents
Nine-year-old Chille always goes through alternate screening at the airport because a pacemaker implanted in his heart doesn't allow for him to go through metal detectors. However, last week at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, AZ, Chille was traveling with his mom, Ali Bergman, when he was refused security screening because TSA allegedly told the pair, "Some terrorist plots use children with pacemakers."
Upon arriving at the airport, Bergman, Chille's scooter, and their four bags passed through security, and instead of the "typical smile and use of the other machine or swiping his hands for explosives," Chille was surrounded by no less than 18 TSA agents and police officers.
After a nightmare experience in which their bags were repeatedly screened and the young boy spent over an hour crying on his mother's lap as he was continually denied alternate screening, Chille wants to make sure that this never happens to another child with a pacemaker.
"Strangers were literally crying along with Chille, giving me their names and numbers as witnesses 'to this horrific situation!'" Bergman wrote in a post to Facebook outlining the entire ordeal. "They surrounded him! It was terrible! In the end, they . . . said that this wouldn't have happened if Chille would have just submitted to alternate screening of his hands being wiped, which Chille had been BEGGING them to do for over an hour. . . . Chille said, 'They should be fired for treating heart kids like this. They were so mean and lied and wouldn't swipe my hands for over an hour! . . . This needs to go viral to protect other kids!'"
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Do Halloween
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Halloween is right around the corner . . . just kidding. But that doesn't mean we can't go ahead and dream up our Halloween menu, right? The more planning, the better, so we turned to some of our favorite Food Network personalities and celebrity chefs to see what their most popular Halloween recipes are. Get ready to pick your favorites to try this year; we have a feeling that's going to include Alton Brown's epic homemade candy corn.
Alton Brown: DIY Candy Corn
Do you think Alton Brown spends his money on store-bought candy corn? Not a chance. Always going the extra mile, Alton has a homemade candy corn recipe that's guaranteed to be the best you've ever had. It's not as complicated as it seems, either. All you need is powdered sugar, dry milk, granulated sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, and food coloring. Even if you're not the biggest fan of candy corn, you'd likely prefer this unprocessed, soft, and chewy version.
Sunny Anderson: Candy Bar Pancakes
Sunny Anderson has the best hack for using up leftover Halloween candy when you're tired of eating it by itself: put it in a pancake! Her candy bar pancakes with scary blueberry syrup call for a regular-size candy bar, preferably Butterfinger or Snickers, to be chopped up and added directly to the pancakes. The result is like a chocolate chip pancake on crack, and it's all topped off with a "scary" syrup made of blueberries . . . "picked through and SCARY ones sent to the grave," she suggests. This is basically every kid's dream post-Halloween breakfast.
Ree Drummond: Crazy Bark
Much like The Pioneer Woman's ice cream cake, pictured below, her crazy bark is like an explosion of all your favorite Halloween candy on top of even more deliciousness. You refrigerate the supersweet bark to allow it to harden before breaking it up into snackable pieces perfect for serving at a Halloween party or bagging up for gifts or goodie bags.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Mario Batali: Halloween Night Pulled Pork Sandwiches
If you'd rather put your time and energy into a killer savory dish than Halloween-themed dessert, opt for Mario Batali's Halloween pulled pork sandwiches. The pulled pork is coated in a dark red-wine sauce that makes the color of the garlicky pumpkin spread pop even more. About that spread . . . it's garlic, roasted pumpkin, parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and olive oil. I have a feeling that goes well with a lot more than just pork, so make extra.
Rachael Ray: Halloween Ground Meat Ghoul-ash
Get it? Putting a spin on traditional goulash, a meat and vegetable stew, Rachael Ray has a ground meat ghoul-ash that might scare your taste buds with flavor. The ultrahearty stew is served over a bed of buttery egg noodles, and it would be the perfect dish to have at a family dinner before the Halloween festivities begin.
Trisha Yearwood: Sliced Candy Apples
Trisha Yearwood has tons of practical cooking tips, so it's no surprise that her candy apple recipe is different from most. She serves the candy apples in slices rather than full apples on a stick, which makes the bulky treat much easier to eat and serve at a party.
Giada De Laurentiis: Spice Cake
Giada's Halloween spice cake is all of Fall's best flavors inside a fluffy cake that's perfect for dessert or breakfast alongside a homemade pumpkin spice latte. The cake is packed with cocoa powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, brown sugar, allspice, and a sneaky ingredient (apple sauce) that keeps the cake super moist.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
The Full-Body Workout That Helped 1 Woman Lose Over 200 Pounds
When Desiree Richards first stepped into TITLE Boxing Club at almost 400 pounds, she could barely finish a class. Now she's an inspiration to everyone in her hometown - her local paper even covered her amazing weight-loss journey! Read on for her incredible transformation, how she started, and what's different now that she's down 200-plus pounds.
Desiree: Before
POPSUGAR Fitness: What made you decide to start?
Desiree Richards A trip to the ER due to my heart racing. The doctors had to restart my heart. At that moment, I knew I had to change something. I had tried losing weight before, lost 80 pounds, and gained it back and more. I knew that I had to make a lifestyle change in order to lose the weight for good.
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
DR: Boxing. I have been taking boxing classes at TITLE Boxing Club in Arlington, TX. Boxing has influenced my life in more ways than one. It has been a large tool in my weight loss, a stress reliever, and a confidence booster. I encourage other people to find a form of exercise that is enjoyable for them. And when you find it, stick with it.
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
DR: I started out about four times a week at TITLE, and at first, I was barely able to finish a class. Now I work out six days a week: four times at TITLE and two weight resistance workouts. I also have started using a weighted vest and weighted gloves. I am always looking for ways to improve and become better than I was yesterday.
Desiree: After
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
DR: I work out with friends. I also enjoy working out at TITLE Boxing Club because some of the instructors have experience in martial arts. Every instructor brings a different feel to the class, which helps keep it exciting.
PS: How much weight have you lost?
DR: Two hundred and ten pounds in about a year and a half.
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
DR: I would say the things I started to be able to do that I could not at almost 400 pounds. Some of those things include:
- Being able to sit in a classroom chair and be comfortable and being able to use any stall and not just the handicap stall in public places.
- Being able to wear a seat belt without it being uncomfortable anymore and being cold instead of hot all the time.
- Feeling more confident in myself.
- Being able to ride roller coasters.
- Being able to shop at any store instead of only places with plus sizes.
- Sit in a theater seat comfortably.
The life of someone severely overweight is hard physically, mentally, and emotionally. All of that changed as I lost weight.
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
DR: I weigh myself once a week on the same day and at same time. I have also recently been keeping track of my BMI and body fat. My BMI use to be in the 60s and is now in the 20s. Every once in a while, I will take my measurements, but unfortunately do not have my original measurements from when I started.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
DR: I tend to have Ezekiel bread and hummus for breakfast. My first snack is usually a smoothie or another kind of fruit. Lunch is normally tofu with seasoning and mushrooms. Second snack is either a protein bar or mixed nuts. I normally eat a bowl of baked veggies with vegan cheese for dinner. I also enjoy snap peas because they are healthier than normal chips. Zevia is a natural soda I enjoy. I love eating pickles because the ones I eat do not have calories and are a good snack to grab if I have already eaten my calories for the day.
Desiree: After
PS: What's the range of calories you eat per day?
DR: I started at about 1,200 to 1,300 calories a day. At that time, I ate 40 percent protein, 30 percent fat, and 30 percent carbs. Now I eat about 1,400 calories per day. I use to keep track of the calories with an app on my phone, but now I have a general understanding of healthy foods and nutritional information. I usually eat three 300-calorie meals and two 200-calorie snacks. I also eat about every three hours.
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
DR: Apples, oranges, raisins, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, juice, carrots, vegan cheese, flaxseed, protein powder, almond milk, tofu, salsa, brown rice, quinoa, frozen mixed veggies, sweet potatoes, frozen vegan pizza, Bragg's soy sauce amino acids, mustard, almond milk coffee creamer, frozen mixed berries.
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
DR: I have enjoyed finding vegan restaurants because the food is lighter and healthier. When not at a vegan restaurant, I like to find somewhere that has veggie burger or a salad. I usually have one cheat meal a week when I eat out or eat my frozen pizza at home. I have also had to learn to be OK with going out with friends and not eating. It was hard at first, but if you want to be healthy, you have to place your own health above what others may think when you don't eat with them. I love spending time with friends, and oftentimes we do eat out. Sometimes I will join them and eat if I can find a healthy option, and other times, I won't.
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
DR: The first couple of weeks are the hardest, but once you get past the sore muscles of those first few workouts, just keep moving forward. Find what works for you. My journey to health and fitness will look different than yours. It is never too late to never give up. Consistency is key, and it must be a lifestyle change. Diets or pills may work for a while but will not be sufficient. Celebrate the success and keep moving forward even if you may not see the results you were expecting. Sometimes we just need to trust the process. Find people who are also on a journey of health. It's important to have support and accountability. I have lost a lot of weight and I am proud of who I am. But I am even more proud of the person who walked into the gym at almost 400 pounds and continued to come back again and again. Others say that I am inspiring, and I am grateful. But I am also inspired by those who I see come back to TITLE again and again as well - the moms, dads, students, teachers, brothers, sisters, and many more.
Can We Discuss How Terrifying the Halloween Episode of Boy Meets World Is?
We all remember key moments in our childhood - big birthdays, first crushes, Summer vacations - but one thing that continuously stands out in my mind as a defining moment is the Scream-inspired episode of Boy Meets World, "And Then There Was Shawn." It first aired in February 1998 and wasn't even intended as a Halloween episode, but I didn't see it until one chilly Fall day in 2001. I had just gotten home from school, was all by myself, and was planning on doing my homework while watching the Disney Channel. But shortly after the episode began to play, I abandoned my homework and started closing all the curtains and locking all the doors. The storyline of a crazed psycho going on a killing spree in an abandoned school not only kept me up at night for weeks to come, but it also made me fear one of the places I always felt safe. I loved (and still love) the episode, but the combination of the intense horror music, the jump-out-of-your seat moments, and the creepy janitor will probably haunt my dreams for a very long time.
The Full-Body Workout That Helped 1 Woman Lose Over 200 Pounds
When Desiree Richards first stepped into TITLE Boxing Club at almost 400 pounds, she could barely finish a class. Now she's an inspiration to everyone in her hometown - her local paper even covered her amazing weight-loss journey! Read on for her incredible transformation, how she started, and what's different now that she's down 200-plus pounds.
Desiree: Before
POPSUGAR Fitness: What made you decide to start?
Desiree Richards A trip to the ER due to my heart racing. The doctors had to restart my heart. At that moment, I knew I had to change something. I had tried losing weight before, lost 80 pounds, and gained it back and more. I knew that I had to make a lifestyle change in order to lose the weight for good.
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
DR: Boxing. I have been taking boxing classes at TITLE Boxing Club in Arlington, TX. Boxing has influenced my life in more ways than one. It has been a large tool in my weight loss, a stress reliever, and a confidence booster. I encourage other people to find a form of exercise that is enjoyable for them. And when you find it, stick with it.
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
DR: I started out about four times a week at TITLE, and at first, I was barely able to finish a class. Now I work out six days a week: four times at TITLE and two weight resistance workouts. I also have started using a weighted vest and weighted gloves. I am always looking for ways to improve and become better than I was yesterday.
Desiree: After
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
DR: I work out with friends. I also enjoy working out at TITLE Boxing Club because some of the instructors have experience in martial arts. Every instructor brings a different feel to the class, which helps keep it exciting.
PS: How much weight have you lost?
DR: Two hundred and ten pounds in about a year and a half.
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
DR: I would say the things I started to be able to do that I could not at almost 400 pounds. Some of those things include:
- Being able to sit in a classroom chair and be comfortable and being able to use any stall and not just the handicap stall in public places.
- Being able to wear a seat belt without it being uncomfortable anymore and being cold instead of hot all the time.
- Feeling more confident in myself.
- Being able to ride roller coasters.
- Being able to shop at any store instead of only places with plus sizes.
- Sit in a theater seat comfortably.
The life of someone severely overweight is hard physically, mentally, and emotionally. All of that changed as I lost weight.
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
DR: I weigh myself once a week on the same day and at same time. I have also recently been keeping track of my BMI and body fat. My BMI use to be in the 60s and is now in the 20s. Every once in a while, I will take my measurements, but unfortunately do not have my original measurements from when I started.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
DR: I tend to have Ezekiel bread and hummus for breakfast. My first snack is usually a smoothie or another kind of fruit. Lunch is normally tofu with seasoning and mushrooms. Second snack is either a protein bar or mixed nuts. I normally eat a bowl of baked veggies with vegan cheese for dinner. I also enjoy snap peas because they are healthier than normal chips. Zevia is a natural soda I enjoy. I love eating pickles because the ones I eat do not have calories and are a good snack to grab if I have already eaten my calories for the day.
Desiree: After
PS: What's the range of calories you eat per day?
DR: I started at about 1,200 to 1,300 calories a day. At that time, I ate 40 percent protein, 30 percent fat, and 30 percent carbs. Now I eat about 1,400 calories per day. I use to keep track of the calories with an app on my phone, but now I have a general understanding of healthy foods and nutritional information. I usually eat three 300-calorie meals and two 200-calorie snacks. I also eat about every three hours.
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
DR: Apples, oranges, raisins, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, juice, carrots, vegan cheese, flaxseed, protein powder, almond milk, tofu, salsa, brown rice, quinoa, frozen mixed veggies, sweet potatoes, frozen vegan pizza, Bragg's soy sauce amino acids, mustard, almond milk coffee creamer, frozen mixed berries.
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
DR: I have enjoyed finding vegan restaurants because the food is lighter and healthier. When not at a vegan restaurant, I like to find somewhere that has veggie burger or a salad. I usually have one cheat meal a week when I eat out or eat my frozen pizza at home. I have also had to learn to be OK with going out with friends and not eating. It was hard at first, but if you want to be healthy, you have to place your own health above what others may think when you don't eat with them. I love spending time with friends, and oftentimes we do eat out. Sometimes I will join them and eat if I can find a healthy option, and other times, I won't.
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
DR: The first couple of weeks are the hardest, but once you get past the sore muscles of those first few workouts, just keep moving forward. Find what works for you. My journey to health and fitness will look different than yours. It is never too late to never give up. Consistency is key, and it must be a lifestyle change. Diets or pills may work for a while but will not be sufficient. Celebrate the success and keep moving forward even if you may not see the results you were expecting. Sometimes we just need to trust the process. Find people who are also on a journey of health. It's important to have support and accountability. I have lost a lot of weight and I am proud of who I am. But I am even more proud of the person who walked into the gym at almost 400 pounds and continued to come back again and again. Others say that I am inspiring, and I am grateful. But I am also inspired by those who I see come back to TITLE again and again as well - the moms, dads, students, teachers, brothers, sisters, and many more.
You'll Relate So Much to Jessica Alba's Biggest Beauty Regrets
They say you should always listen to people with more experience than you, and in this case that person is Jessica Alba. The actress and The Honest Company founder recently opened up to Allure magazine, recounting her biggest beauty mistakes, and shelling out the advice she'd give her younger self.
We're going to go ahead and say it, because after reading Jessica's list we're convinced: Stars, they really are just like us. Just like we did back in our younger years, Jessica overplucked, applied way too much makeup, and even tanned! Scroll ahead to read what she had to say about these major beauty blunders, then head to Allure for more.
Beauty Regret #1: Wearing too much makeup
"I didn't know that there was the no-makeup makeup look until I was in my 20s. I used to use a foundation stick and just rub it all over my face, and then I would break out. Then I would wear more makeup to cover the breakout."
Beauty Regret #2: Tanning beds
"I did it a little bit as a teenager and a young adult. I remember it was a trend, and we all used to do it. You put the sticker on to see how dark you got. I would go to my cousins' dances, like the Sadie Hawkins dance, and we would get a fake tan before. I would never do a tanning bed ever [now]."
Regret #3: Plucking her eyebrows too much
"I got really excited about hair removal when I started shaving. I plucked the crap out of my eyebrows. I wouldn't recommend [doing] that because it really is hard for your hair to grow back, if it ever does."
Beauty Regret #4: Not protecting her hands
"Back in the day, if I was washing dishes or doing any housework that used a detergent, my hands got ruined. I never used gloves. Now, I have more gentle products so people don't need to use gloves, but back then I didn't have that. I would also tell myself to use sunscreen and lotion liberally on my hands. [My hands] are the things that look not-my-age."
Beauty Regret #5: Getting tattoos
"You're never going to be in the same place emotionally and mentally at 18 that you are at 20 or 25 or 30. Something that's meaningful to you when you're younger is not going to be meaningful to you five years later. Understand that tattoos are forever. I have a few tattoos. I'm not into them now the way that I was."
15 Quirky Group Costumes to Try With Your Friends
If you've got plans to attend a Halloween bash with friends, try coordinating your costumes - after all, a cohesive Game of Thrones getup is much cooler than a cacophony of Darth Vaders, Minions, and generic black cats. And thanks to costume-filled events like Comic-Con, we've got plenty of geeky inspiration for you! No matter the size of your group, there are nerdy ideas for your Halloween getups - all that's left to do is fight over who gets to be dancing baby Groot. (Good luck with that!)
7 Facts About Once Upon a Time Hearthrob Colin O'Donoghue
If you're a fan of Once Upon a Time, then odds are, you're obsessed with Colin O'Donoghue. The Irish actor is best known for making hearts swoon as Captain Hook, but his dashing good looks aren't the only reason we admire him. Whether you've followed his character since the beginning or you're new to the Colin fandom, we've rounded up a few interesting facts about the star that are sure to get you hooked.
Jennifer Lopez Hits the Town After Her Breakup With Casper Smart
Just days after news broke that Jennifer Lopez and her longtime boyfriend, Casper Smart, had called it quits, the actress hit the town with her manager, Benny Medina, in NYC on Friday night. Wearing black Lululemon leggings and a long-sleeved crop top, Jennifer, who's currently filming Shades of Blue, gave photographers a peek at her toned tummy as she exited a restaurant and made her way into her car.
Despite dating for a few years, sources told People, that Jennifer and Casper's breakup "wasn't anything dramatic and they were on good terms - it just came to a natural end. They will remain friends and they see each other, but they are not together. It was very amiable." Still, the duo has a history of breaking up and getting back together, so only time will tell if this breakup is for good.
Brace Yourself: Kendall Jenner's Favorite White Sneaker Is Not the Stan Smith
When it comes to white sneakers, we don't play favorites. We'll take them all, thankyouverymuch. When we want to make a sporty statement, it's our Adidas striped Sambas, but the Stan Smith helps us feel polished thanks to a crisp design. But Kendall Jenner? She found a pair that helps her accomplish a variety of styles. Kendall has at least three sets of Kenneth Cole sneakers in her closet, all neutral in shade and similar in silhouette.
While some of her friends are rocking Nike trainers, and her sister Kylie's likely in Pumas, Kendall's perfectly fine showing off her street style prowess in these versatile shoes. Read on to see all the looks she's created with the brand's Kingvel and Kam, and shop them for yourself, then find more eye-catching offerings from Kenneth Cole.
10 Signs Your Child May Have Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger's syndrome is a neurological disorder in the family of autism spectrum disorders. Because every child exhibits a different set of symptoms, there is no precise checklist of behaviors that must all be present for a diagnosis. Instead, there are many behaviors that may be signs of Asperger's syndrome. Here we've rounded up 10 of the common behaviors to watch for, as shared by moms whose kids have the condition.
1. Fixation on One Activity
Many children with Asperger's syndrome are preoccupied with a single or a few interests and focus on them for hours on end. As Circle of Moms member Karen R. shares: "The most common report from every parent I know . . . is that their kid fixated on something (their cars, their blue toys, their books) and played or attended [to] that thing for an outrageously long time."
2. "Little Professor" Speech
"Typically a child with Asperger's sounds like a little professor," shares one Circle of Moms member, Sheila D. "They tend to have advanced verbal skills, but due to the autism aspect of the syndrome they might seem fixated on a topic that they want to talk about all the time." Children with Asperger's syndrome may also speak more formally than usual for their age or prefer talking to adults.
3. Difficulty Reading Social Cues
Social difficulties are another key sign of Asperger's syndrome. Reading body language may be hard, as well as taking turns or holding a conversation. As Eliana F. shares: "Group work at school is also hard for him, as he does not understand waiting his turn or accepting others point of view." Similarly, Colleen notes: "My son is very social, but he doesn't engage in two way conversations. He just talks and talks." As a result of their social difficulties, children with Asperger's syndrome may seem isolated from their peers.
4. Need For Routine
"Structure plays a big part in our lives now," shares Wendy B. Like many children with Asperger's syndrome, Wendy's granddaughter needs routines. "Otherwise it is very confusing for her. So shower is at 8:30 p.m. Bedtime is at 9:30 p.m. Breakfast at 8:30 a.m., lunch at 12, supper at 6. You get the message, very structured. If I want to take her shopping, I start telling her a few days ahead - that way, it doesn't upset her, but we still follow the same routine."
5. Emotional Meltdowns
"My boy tends to have meltdowns when he gets overwhelmed," shares Circle of Moms member Ylice. She's not alone: many children with Asperger's syndrome can't handle routines or plans going awry. Amanda B. describes it as an "inability to control emotions when things are 'out of order.'"
6. Lack of Empathy
Another sign of Asperger's syndrome is a seeming lack of empathy for others. Jennifer B. explains that her daughter "has no clue that people around here have feelings or wants and needs. She's kinda like in her own little bubble as far as that goes. She can be totally aloof, in the clouds."
7. Can't Understand Speech Subtleties
Some people with Asperger's syndrom have a hard time understanding speech tone, pitch, and accent. As Alice D. explains, they may take words very literally and be unable to understand sarcasm or jokes: "He doesn't get jokes and things like that - he can't tell if someone is kidding or if they are being serious."
8. Unusual Body Language
Other signs of Asperger's syndrome include unusual facial expressions or postures, and either staring a lot at others or avoiding eye contact altogether. Dana W. relays of her brother with Asperger's syndrome: "He would never ever look people in the eyes."
9. Delayed Motor Development
From handwriting to riding a bike, poor or delayed motor skills of many kinds could be a sign of Asperger's syndrome. As Kim F. shares of her son, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome in the second grade, "He was not athletic and had poor motor skills. Couldn't skip, gallop etc."
10. Sensory Sensitivities
Many children with Asperger's syndrome have heightened sensory sensitivity. As a result, they can be easily overstimulated by certain sensations, whether it's strong lights, loud noises, or textures. Jennifer B. notes of her daughter: "Even now she doesn't like wearing some fabrics because of the way they feel. There are some sensations that she just does not like! Certain sounds, touches, etc."
If you think your child may have Asperger's syndrome, many readers say that the best path is to get an expert's evaluation as soon as possible. And don't be discouraged! As Sheila D. wisely advises: "It is typical to be scared and nervous, but a diagnosis of Asperger's is not the end of the road for your child. It is a tool that will help you to help your child navigate a very different path than his 'neurotypical' peers. Find a local support group. Get informed, and be the best mom you can be."
The preceding information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
This Tiny Hamster Going Through a Super Mario Bros. Obstacle Is the Cutest Thing You'll See
Dogs are great and all but what you're about to see will make you want to run to your nearest pet store to get a hamster. YouTube user yutako55 made our day by posting a video of their hamster making its way through a handmade Super Mario Bros. course. Wait till you see it struggle to fit through the tube and then pop its little head back up.
From the looks of a matching Twitter account that has more than 1,000 followers, the owner really likes to spoil their critter with handmade accessories and mazes. Check out the amazing video above for yourself.
Just look at this little guy.
娘の手でドーナツが隠れちゃったり、ハムちゃんの動きが速くて、ポンデハムちゃんを撮るのが難しかったぁ…
ムービーをスクショしたので画像が粗いけれど、ポンデリング、ハムちゃんにぴったりサイズでした(੭*ˊ꒳ˋ)੭♡ http://pic.twitter.com/9DmlpFhVeW- ゆたこ (@yutako55) August 16, 2016
Seeing Tokyo's Prime Minister Pop Up as Mario Will Get You So Hyped For the 2020 Olympics
During the 2016 Olympics closing ceremony, we got a glimpse of what the 2020 Games will look like in Tokyo, the next hosting city. Spoiler: It looks epic. The preview played on Japan's pop culture including Nintendo's Mario, Hello Kitty, Pac-Man, and anime characters. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is shown arriving late to the Rio Games in Tokyo, but finds a shortcut through the iconic green pipe in Super Mario Bros. He then shoots through the pipe as Mario and appears on the stage at the closing ceremony, hyping us up for 2020 already. In the video above, you'll also see other Japanese Olympic athletes next to familiar characters.
See some online reactions below:
#Tokyo2020 better have this in their opening ceremony. http://pic.twitter.com/5acxvHatMo
- razyweezy (@fakhruddinrazy) August 22, 2016
Very clever! #Tokyo2020🎌 http://pic.twitter.com/zsKnrJfu1r
- Chef (@champ_ian) August 22, 2016
Letting you all know right now, I'm going to #Tokyo2020. It's happening. Send my mail there
- Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 22, 2016
Spoiler #Tokyo2020 http://pic.twitter.com/3FZee9II7D
- Jeverson Lima (@jeversonlima) August 22, 2016
Celebrities Speak Up to Defend Leslie Jones After Her Website Hack
On Wednesday, Leslie Jones once again fell victim to unthinkable, horrifying cyberbullying. The actress's website was hacked, and her personal information - including her driver's license and passport - and private photos were posted, along with racist images. This isn't the first time Leslie has faced vile Internet harassment, either. In July, she quit Twitter in response to racist tweets and talked about the experience with Seth Meyers. Now, in the wake of Leslie's most recent experience, celebrities have already begun to rally around her in support.
12 Game of Thrones Villains You Can Be For Halloween This Year
Of all the pop culture Halloween costume options out there, Game of Thrones has given us a ton of possibilities. If you're worried there are going to be hundreds of Daeneryses (Daenerysi?) and Jon Snows running around on Oct. 31, opt for some of the show's more unsavory characters? From Ramsay Bolton to Joffrey Baratheon, there are a whole bunch of Game of Thrones villains, big and small, that you can dress up as this year to terrify your friends.
This 15-Year-Old Special Effects Makeup Artist Just Won Halloween
It isn't unusual for teens to love dressing up for Halloween, but one high school student is taking it to the next level with her unbelievable makeup looks. Kate Werner, known as beautygonebad on Instagram, is a 15-year-old self-taught makeup artist with serious skills. She re-creates popular TV characters, monsters, and comic book characters using special effects makeup and body paint to create the character's costumes. She refers to herself as a "makeup shape shifter," and a single look can take up to 10 hours to complete. Her looks are so convincing, you might do a double take! Read on to get some inspiration to step up your Halloween game this year.
26 Halloween Costumes That Are Really Just an Excuse to Shop at Zara
If you're anything like us, it's safe to assume you'll find any excuse to pop into Zara. Well, here's a new one: Halloween. Instead of blowing your cash on a one-and-done ensemble, treat yourself to something that yes, is perfect for Halloween, but also happens to be a look you can wear again IRL. Really, these 26 "costumes" are just reasons to fuel your Zara obsession. Just read on for the looks that will work for Oct. 31, or just, you know, for tomorrow.
Luisana Lopilato and Michael Bublé's Family Is So Cute, It Almost Hurts
When one of our favorite child actresses married one of the most romantic singers of all time, we could barely contain our excitement. And as time has passed and Argentinian actress Luisana Lopilato - who remembers Chiquititas and the original Rebelde, Rebelde Way? - and Michael Bublé have grown their family with the addition of their two sons, Noah and Elias, their relationship has only gotten cuter, filled with sweet moments with their kids. From adorable cuddly photos in bed to lazy afternoons watching Luisana's soccer team, River Plate, on TV, scroll ahead for some of their best family photos.
Ashlee Simpson's Daughter Is as Cute as a Button in New Family Photos
Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross can't get enough of their baby daughter, Jagger Snow Ross, and now we can't either! In early August, Evan took to Instagram to share an adorable new family photo in honor of Jagger's first birthday, captioned, "Yesterday was our baby JAGGER SNOW's birthday!!!!! I cant believe its been a Year!!! My heart is filled with so much love. So thankful for these two people next to me."
The couple, who welcomed Jagger back in July 2015, has been getting more generous lately when it comes to sharing family moments with their fans on Instagram. After posting the first photo of Jagger in September 2015, Ashlee has shared a few more moments on social media, including a framed gift from Bronx. Keep reading to see Jagger's sweetest photos so far, and then check out Ashlee and Evan's stunning wedding from August 2014.
Americans Tried Cuban Coffee For the First Time and Here's What Happened
Nespresso has made it possible for Americans to get real-deal Cuban coffee for the first time in over 50 years. Back in June, the coffee and home brewing company announced news of its new Cafecito de Cuba pods (made from Cuban Arabica beans), which have now officially been released to the public. We got an early taste of the news pods and here's how it went.
The limited-edition Cafecito de Cuba sleeve is packaged in a beautiful wooden box - only 100 custom boxes have been made to celebrate this exciting moment in coffee history. We unboxed the capsules and fired the machine up. Since "cafecito" refers to a Cuban coffee shot, we decided to drink it as a ristretto (or short cup) for our first go. After taking in the woodsy, nutty aroma, we detected citrus and caramel-like notes right away. In addition to its pleasantly intense flavors, the cafecito has a very strong kick to it that I definitely appreciated that morning. A co-worker who's had Cuban coffee in Miami also said that Nespresso's cafecito is comparable. But if you're not a fan of strong coffee, Cafecito de Cuba may not be for you.
For my second tasting, I tried it as a lungo (or long cup), resulting in a more mild coffee. Although it wasn't as strong at first sip, the richness was still very much present. I even added a splash of cream and sugar without diluting the flavors. I do like my coffee strong, but I think I'll continue to take my Cafecito de Cuba as a long cup rather than short. Overall, I enjoyed every sip in both forms.
Although Cafecito de Cuba is temporarily sold out, the capsules will again be available later in September. In the meantime, Nespresso Boutiques are serving limited quantities.
These Hilarious Comics Perfectly Capture Your Everyday Beauty Struggles
Whether you're a beauty novice or a full-on product junkie, there are some struggles that are universal. Passport photos never turn out the way you want them to. A half-bun always looks cuter on Instagram than in real life. And on some days, taming a cat eye seems more challenging than domesticating a jaguar. 21-year-old Romanian-Canadian artist Cassandra Calin has crystallized all of these concerns (and more!) in fun illustrations that she shares on Instagram and Tumblr. Her creations will invite you to take a step back from your frustrating beauty dilemma and laugh it off. Read on to see some of our favorites, then check out more of her fantastic work here.
7 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Costumes That Are Fudging Awesome For Halloween
Ever since Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt came into our lives in 2015, we've become obsessed. Not only is the show simply hilarious, but it also features several characters who are strong as hell. If you're just as obsessed with Titus and Kimmy as we are, then why not pay homage to them and the rest of the gang on Halloween night? Not only will you stop traffic with your colorful getup, but most of these outfits can probably be found in your local shopping mall. We guarantee your costume will be unbreakable this year.
Hailey Baldwin Looks Like She's Wearing a Simple Swimsuit - Until You Spot This Little Detail
Sadly, the Summer - along with its beach, pool, and sun-filled days - is coming to a close. But while many are making the most out of their favorite swimsuits, celebrities are still breaking out brand-new options. Take Hailey Baldwin, for instance, who 'grammed a pic of a green one-piece while celebrating her pal Kylie Jenner's 19th birthday. At first glance, the sleek, high-cut Zigilane design looks pretty sexy - in a simple way. But a quick look at the side and you'll spot a few statement-making cutouts, taking Hailey's beachside look to the next level.
Take another look at the It model's suit ahead, then shop some similar options before Fall rolls on in.
How Praise Can Hurt Kids
Graduation is the telltale sign that announces the next wave will soon be leaving for college. Parents become wistful, hoping and praying that their child's self-esteem is high enough to weather any of the life storms they'll have to face without their parents nearby.
Can't relate? That's probably because you're in the beginning of the process, the stage when you're helping your children discover just how capable they really are.
Over the last few years, several books have emerged sharing new research regarding a child's self-esteem, what works, and what doesn't work.
Prior to this new research, it was believed that copious amounts of praise would magically increase a child's self-esteem. As reader Beth W. suggests, "Praise your daughter lots, which will help her self esteem/confidence as she grows up."
However, the new research shows us that there is more to the story. It's the way a parent praises a child that is the key to whether or not a child achieves high self-esteem.
What Is Praise Burnout?
When my kids were little, I would say "good job," "well done," or "you're so smart." I said it all the time. I thought I was being such a good mom. They were good words. I meant them when I said them; I felt like I was saying I love you. Then, I began to notice that those supposed "powerful" words weren't having the impact on my kids that I thought they would. Since I said those words all the time, I felt like they were becoming hollow and meaningless. I even noticed that the words were falling on deaf ears. It was as if the kids and I had reached a saturation point. We had praise burnout!
How could praise, something so needed and so important, ever backfire? All children should be praised. The key to making praise work is in the words you use.
Depending on their age, young children are either in the literal or the magical phase of thinking. When you say, "You're so smart," they wonder, "Will my smartness be gone tomorrow? How did I get to be smart? Is it magic? Is it something I did? And if it's something I did, how do I do it again?"
Constantly praising kids, using simple statements with no details, can cause a child to feel pressured to perform or cause them to become bottomless pits seeking praise for everything they do. Some kids even begin thinking, "I'm better and more special than any other kids, including my siblings."
The Real Keys to Building Self-Esteem
The best way for your child to achieve high self-esteem is for you to switch from global praise to specific praise.
Global praise has very few details and doesn't answer a child's unconscious question, "How am I smart and will it go away?"
Using specific praise does answer the above question. It shows a child why you called him smart and how he can repeat those skills any time he needs to. Specific praise inspires hard work and persistence, the crucial skills needed for adulthood.
Here's an example:
Global praise: Child hands mom a good progress report. Parent: "Nice job! See, I told you that you were smart!"
Specific praise: Child hands mom a good progress report. Parent: "I see the extra 10 minutes you spent on reading skills each night has helped you follow directions in science, social studies, and math! It was hard, but it paid off!"
When you use specific praise, a child sees that the persistence and hard work he put in to an activity actually paid off. The specific praise leaves no doubt about how he achieved the success, shows him how he can do it again, and gives him a solid sense of his capabilities.
Switching from global to specific praise now, long before graduation, creates a child whose self-esteem is high enough to handle whatever life has in store for her as she moves to the next stage of her life.
Sharon Silver is the author of Stop Reacting and Start Responding and the Skills eclass. Visit proactiveparenting.net to download two free chapters from her book and learn about other Proactive Parenting programs.
The Best Elliptical Workouts For Gym Newbies
Are you determined to commit to a gym routine? There's no better cardio machine to get you started than the elliptical trainer; it's easier on your joints than the treadmill but still gets your heart rate up and soaring.
Before you hop on board, it's important to note that there's more to this machine than stepping on and pressing the quick-start button. Try out one of these easy-to-follow and effective elliptical plans the next time you're in need of a cardio workout!
Full-body plan: Mix things up to bust boredom on the machine! You'll pedal forward, backward, and hands-free in this beginner-friendly 35-minute sweat session that is the perfect starter plan.
An hour of intervals: Once you're comfortable for 20 or 30 minutes on the elliptical, up the ante with this 60-minute interval plan. It will push your body to the max but still allows for ample periods of recovery so you feel strong from start to end.
Booty burn: This short elliptical workout works double time - it gets your heart rate up while toning up your glorious glutes. You'll be moving at a higher incline than you might be used to, but the pace goes slow to keep you feeling confident as you build your booty.
Your personal DJ: Need awesome music to motivate you on a machine? We so get it. This 60-minute elliptical playlist mixes up the pace with every song. It's a slow and steady workout that will make your time at the gym fly by!
Lunchtime sprints: While its pace is fast, this lunchtime workout is totally in your reach. Minute-long sprints challenge your body and help you build up a sweat, but they're followed up by longer sessions of recovery. This quick workout is the perfect plan for anyone new to interval training!
The Best Elliptical Workouts For Gym Newbies
Are you determined to commit to a gym routine? There's no better cardio machine to get you started than the elliptical trainer; it's easier on your joints than the treadmill but still gets your heart rate up and soaring.
Before you hop on board, it's important to note that there's more to this machine than stepping on and pressing the quick-start button. Try out one of these easy-to-follow and effective elliptical plans the next time you're in need of a cardio workout!
Full-body plan: Mix things up to bust boredom on the machine! You'll pedal forward, backward, and hands-free in this beginner-friendly 35-minute sweat session that is the perfect starter plan.
An hour of intervals: Once you're comfortable for 20 or 30 minutes on the elliptical, up the ante with this 60-minute interval plan. It will push your body to the max but still allows for ample periods of recovery so you feel strong from start to end.
Booty burn: This short elliptical workout works double time - it gets your heart rate up while toning up your glorious glutes. You'll be moving at a higher incline than you might be used to, but the pace goes slow to keep you feeling confident as you build your booty.
Your personal DJ: Need awesome music to motivate you on a machine? We so get it. This 60-minute elliptical playlist mixes up the pace with every song. It's a slow and steady workout that will make your time at the gym fly by!
Lunchtime sprints: While its pace is fast, this lunchtime workout is totally in your reach. Minute-long sprints challenge your body and help you build up a sweat, but they're followed up by longer sessions of recovery. This quick workout is the perfect plan for anyone new to interval training!
Just Looking at Angelina Jolie's Shopping Outfit Will Make You Feel Like a Movie Star
We can't say we'd think to wear Angelina Jolie's latest look on a shopping trip. It's not that we don't own a pleated white dress, neutral ballet flats, and a crossbody bag - these are all basic staples, after all. But the actress and director makes her pieces look so chic, especially when swathed in an oversize shawl.
"You know, it does get awfully cold in the mall," we thought to ourselves as soon as we saw her. If there ever was a pristine method for layering in the Summer, this would be it. Read on to see how Angelina styled her look with Gianvito Rossi shoes, a taupe Saint Laurent accordion bag, dark aviators, and silver jewels, then shop her seasonally appropriate separates and wear them just as glamorously.
What No One Tells You About Shopping For Your Wedding Dress
Armed with lookbooks, magazine tear-outs, my Pinterest app, and the image of my dream dress playing on repeat in my mind, I was ready for my very first wedding dress appointment. I had done the research for weeks, zeroing in on the single Amsale bridal gown I was sure I'd wear down the aisle. Only, after chatting with the bridal salon, I learned it was no longer available, a relic from the Fall '13 collection that had been circulating all over Pinterest. The designer had crafted new renditions in her subsequent collections, but they were all missing the details I'd regrettably fallen in love with. How did I get it so wrong?
Well, it's nearly two years later, and I've come out the other side, happily married in a dress I still love. It wasn't a perfect process - I don't know if it ever is - but to help with your own search, I'm sharing what I've learned, namely how to stay emotionally sane and in control of what you want.
1. Do Your Research, but Come Open-Minded
Being prepared is one thing, but (pardon the pun) being married to a dress you haven't met - or tried on - yet is another. When you call ahead or book online with a bridal boutique, they'll often ask you for a list or links of the dresses you're interested in, and this will help guide the appointment and help your sales associate be most helpful, especially since you'll likely have a limited time frame. On that note, be prepared with designers and silhouettes you like that also fit within your budget. Still, don't rule out a wild card once you're there. Especially early on in your search for the dress, be willing to experiment with an unexpected style. It might not be what you thought it would look like, but you might just fall in love all the same - just make sure it's in your budget before you do.
2. Don't Fight Your Body Type
Like so many women, I've pored over the wedding pictures of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, her lithe frame carrying off her slip of a wedding dress flawlessly, wishing I might have the same bridal grace, the same elegant silhouette. The truth is, I'm just built differently. I pulled on a slinky satin gown at my second bridal appointment to channel her iconic look. I loved the way it hung on display, a minimalist cut with a sexy draped back, but on me, it looked entirely different. It clung to the wrong places, exposing parts of my body I didn't even know existed but I knew instantly I didn't like - at least not in this dress. No pep talk from Mom (who sat patiently with me in the dressing room) or wedding diet was going to change that. Knowing that was another step toward finding the right dress.
3. Stay True to Your Style
No one else is wearing this dress - not your maid of honor, not your mom, your mother-in-law, your dad, or your grandma. So when you seek out the dress, make sure it's one you love. Likewise, don't let the location or the event dictate what you'll wear too much. For instance, just because it's a New Year's wedding doesn't mean the dress should come with tulle and a feathered skirt, unless you want it to. Clear your mind of what you "should" wear, and fill it with images of what makes you happy. And more importantly, be honest with your loved ones - and with the sales associate - about what that is, so you're all on the same page right up front.
4. Crying Is Allowed, but Not Required
When I finally thought I'd found the dress, my dad joined my mom and my sister and came to see me in it. There I was, standing in front of my family having that bridal moment in a white ballgown; my dad smiled and I remember him saying, "I could dance with you in that dress." I'd seen Say Yes to the Dress so many times, I knew it was my cue to cry, but I didn't. I didn't get emotional at all, in fact. I threw up my hands and said, "This is it then. Let's do it!" Days later I would replay that in my head as a sign that I'd picked the wrong dress. I'd call my mom with doubt; "I didn't even cry," I'd reminded her. To her credit, she put it all in perspective: "It's a dress, Hannah. I think that's OK." And it is - it's OK if you cry, if you lose your sh*t, or if you don't. It's all OK. As long as you're comfortable and happy and you feel like yourself, who really cares if you shed a tear just because TV or movies made you feel like you should? Remember, there are no "shoulds" here.
5. You Could Search Forever, but Don't
There are countless dresses, new trends every season, new designers, and a million options out there. You could actually search forever and still not be satisfied, afraid you've missed the next great style or overlooked a dress that might be the one. I was admittedly caught up second-guessing myself long after I'd found my dress that I forgot to enjoy just being done with it. Every time I stopped to remind myself that the search was over, that I didn't have to scour the Internet or call every boutique in NYC for appointments, I could breathe easy again. It doesn't matter what every dress on the market looks like, just the one you're calling your own.
17 Star Wars Costumes That Are So Easy, It's Ridiculous
Trying to keep costume costs low is never an easy feat, but if you dress up as Star Wars characters, it can be! Hopefully these DIY ideas will give you enough inspiration - if not, you can try going as a Star Wars couple or looking at several other DIY-friendly geeky ideas.
Dad Writes Powerful Note to the Woman Who Called Him a "Child" For Goofing Around With His Kids
Charlie Capen was joking around with his two kids at the grocery store when an onlooker came up to his family and said to his wife, "Did you know you have three kids?" The remark, which would have taken anyone off guard, definitely took this dad by surprise. Although it left him speechless in the moment, Charlie later took to Facebook to share his real feelings.
The dad wrote a saucy "apology" letter to the woman who shamed him for goofing around with his kids. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you that I love my kids but don't consider myself one," he wrote. "I'm sorry you can't tell the difference between having a good time with your kids and being immature. I'm sorry if you think men are irresponsible or babysitters, but that's an outdated way of thinking. More than anything, I'm sorry for the men in your life who've convinced you of this idea."
Charlie's Facebook post highlights the larger issue that dads are often seen as immature babysitters when they are anything but. They're just as capable of parenting as women and often don't receive enough credit for it. Charlie wrote that he wasn't insulted or offended by the woman's comment, just "disappointed" because her remark puts men in a box that simply "reduces us down to being simple and incompetent." The dad went on to say that making his children laugh isn't a crime and that no matter what happens, he will continue to support his wife and children, including making "the occasional fart joke."
Read more of Charlie's reply to the incident below and then check out this video of a husband receiving simulated labor pains - talk about supporting your wife!
vendredi 26 août 2016
Kylo Ren Watching the Rogue One Trailer Is What Star Wars Dreams Are Made Of
Any Star Wars fan knows that Kylo Ren is a pretty insufferable character. He's filled with angst, obsesses over Darth Vader, and doesn't exactly have a good relationship with his father. It's why he's become the perfect character to parody - whether it's on Saturday Night Live or in a new video showing Kylo Ren "reacting" to the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story trailer.
Created by the Auralnauts, a duo that creates a lot of funny videos on YouTube, the video hilariously captures what Kylo would definitely think about the trailer. He provides commentary all throughout the trailer, like trying to enunciate Bothans, and even nicknames the character Chirrut Imwe as "magic stick man." Watch it above and just try to stop yourself from laughing.
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