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 5 décembre 2016

12 Facts You Never Knew About Pet Food

When I first rescued my dog Pancho, I thought I was doing the right thing by feeding him a premium dry food. I had no idea that the kibble I was giving him contained all sorts of, for lack of a better word . . . crap! Since then I've learned so much more about the right way to feed your dog, from my experience as a certified canine nutritionist and co-founder of Ollie. I've seen the real difference that giving Pancho healthier ingredients can make, and want to share some of the tips that I've picked up with fellow pet parents who only want the best for their pups.

  1. Stick to protein rich not wheat diets.
    Diets higher in protein and lower in wheat and processed grains (as found in most shelf stable commercial pet foods) will result in more energy for your dog and lower GI problems.
  2. Wash your dog's food and water bowl regularly.
    People easily forget about the cleanliness of their dogs bowl and how it can effect their pets health. Most of us would never think about using the same soup or salad bowl for a week straight without washing it but many let their dogs' bowl sit on the floor without thinking twice. This allows bacteria to grow and cause illness from contaminated dishes from a mild upset stomach to vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to wash your dog's bowl daily with dish soap and rinse thoroughly!
  3. Buy Human-grade dog food.
    Most dog foods are classified as Feed and although the pet food industry is currently a $25 billion dollar business, we found that kibble is legally made from 4D meat: meat from dead, dying, diseased and disabled animals. Human-grade ensures not only a quality of ingredients that go into the food as edible by humans but also ensures food safety standards of the facility it is cooked in.
  4. Beware of meat with accompanying word "meal."
    Meat meal, labeled on dog food ingredient lists such as "chicken meal" and "beef meal," is a nicer way of saying it is rendered meat. Render plants process animal by-product and can include materials such as grease, blood, feather, and entire carcasses in the meals.
  5. Fresh food is better.
    Canned and kibble food go through such extreme processing to make it shelf stable that most of the natural nutrients are killed. To compensate a ton of synthetic, vitamins and minerals are added back to the diet as well as artificial flavoring so the dog will eat the kibble. Just like humans, dogs feel the difference when they eat meals made from real ingredients. They are easier able to absorb nutrients from more gently processed food and thus utilize them to stay healthy. Look for brands, such as myollie.com, that gently cooks the ingredients to preserve all the nutrients.
  6. Find the perfect portion.
    Studies have shown that if you keep your dog at an ideal weight (a 4 or 5 on the body composition score) as opposed to even pleasantly plump (a 6 or 7) you can add 20% to their life! (who doesn't want more time with their dog?!) Most dog food brands give a range based on just your dog's current weight but not knowing your dog's unique attributes it can sometimes be up to 50 percent more than your dog should be eating. Consult with your vet, or fill out your Ollie profile and use our algorithm to figure out your dog's unique caloric requirements and keep them healthier for longer.
  7. Steer clear of preservatives.
    To extend the shelf life of food (allowing it to sit on a store shelf for months if not years), most commercial pet food brands that go through retailers as opposed to directly to consumers are forced to put a bunch of preservatives in their food. While natural preservatives exist, such as rosemary extract, many artificial preservatives can be toxic to dogs if used over a long period of time. We found out that some preservatives used double as pesticides (gross)! They are not permitted in the UK but are still legal in the US to be used in dog foods.
  8. Foods to never feed your dog.
    Most people are aware that chocolate is bad for dogs. However, you should also stay clear of onions, grapes and raisons, macademia nuts, and bones! Bones can break and sliver and can puncture your dogs intestinal track or cause them to choke. Dogs are not wolves: Yes dogs descended from wolves and share around 98 percent of the DNA but that does not mean they require the same diet nor do they require a raw diet. There have been no studies showing dogs would be healthier on a raw diet. However, there are dangers associated with a raw diet for both dogs and humans. Like any raw meats they can carry pathogens that can cause food poisoning.
  9. Dogs are not wolves.
    Yes, dogs descended from wolves and share around 98 percent of the DNA, but that does not mean they require the same diet, nor do they require a raw diet. There have been no studies showing dogs will be healthier on a raw diet, and there are dangers associated with it for both dogs and humans. Like any raw meats, they can carry pathogens that can cause food poisoning.
  10. Home cooking is harder than you think.
    Ensuring your dog is well nourished with human-grade does not just mean feed your dog food that you would eat or leftovers from dinner. Because dogs eat the same thing every meal it is extra important that their food is nutritionally balanced. We heard all the time from people that they cook ground meat with peas and rice but there can be key elements missing for your dog's health (or too much of some). A balanced diet must meet all of dogs essential vitamin, mineral, and amino acid requirements. It is best to either consult a vet and get a specific recipe to follow or chose a food that meets AAFCO requirements.
  11. Keep your dog hydrated.
    Generally speaking, dogs need between a half and a full ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. If your dog is active or lives in hot climates, maybe more.
  12. Let Ollie do the work for you!
    Ollie delivers freshly made, vet-formulated meals from real, human-grade ingredients that make dogs' tastebuds do backflips. Their refrigerated food is gently cooked in a USDA-regulated kitchen to ensure the highest quality of nutrition and safety! They tailor each meal to your dog's one-of-a-kind needs and send it bi-monthly directly to your doorstep.

20 Fast and Easy Bacon-Enhanced Meals

What's the easiest way to take humdrum weeknight dinners from flat to fantastic in a flash? Add bacon, of course! Smoky, savory, and salty, this superstar ingredient adds depth of flavor like no other; keep reading for 20 fast and easy recipes that benefit from its addition.

Trudeau agrees to talk health care with premiers after Friday's climate meeting

CANADA-CLIMATECHANGE/

CBC News has learned the premiers and territorial leaders will be invited to talk health care at a working dinner hosted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday night in Ottawa.

Trudeau agrees to talk health care with premiers after Friday's climate meeting

CANADA-CLIMATECHANGE/

CBC News has learned the premiers and territorial leaders will be invited to talk health care at a working dinner hosted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday night in Ottawa.

Unique Disney Ears That Open Up a Whole New World of Vacation Ideas

Taking a trip to a Disney park simply isn't the same without mouse ears. Even if Mickey is not your favorite character, the iconic headwear is quintessential to the Disneyland (or Walt Disney World) experience! To make your next trip the best one yet, we've rounded up all kinds of ideas for custom mouse ears that reflect your family's personality - some of them even come from ear-makers themselves! Keep scrolling for creative takes on Disney headwear . . . whether you're brave enough to DIY a pair or want to commission custom ears from a crafty seller, these are the best ideas out there.

The Most Stunning Bra on the VS Runway Is, Unfortunately, $3 Million

While becoming an Angel is pretty neat, there's one honor that exceeds it in a Victoria's Secret model's eyes: wearing the Fantasy Bra. This year's jeweled design cost a whopping $3 million to make, so obviously only a special lady like Jasmine Tookes could wear it. While Jas just received her wings back in 2015 (along with the likes of Taylor Hill and Stella Maxwell), it's clear why she was chosen: she's super chill and fun to be around, sort of like your best girlfriend. And before she strutted her stuff in the Eddie Borgo-designed piece on the catwalk? She was more than happy to talk about her new gig with POPSUGAR, as we met up with her at the brand's new Fifth Avenue flagship.

Scroll through to see this superexpensive - yet superstunning! - bra in action. Then read on for some little-known VS Fashion Show facts, like how the bra was molded to Jasmine's body and why she's so tight with her fellow Angels.

A Quick Vegan Salad to Pack For Lunch That Doesn't Suck

After pumpkin spice season and Thanksgiving, I don't know about you, but I need a salad. I'm not the type of person who flocks toward raw greens, especially during the Winter season, so it takes a special combo of flavors to satisfy me. But I don't have a lot of time in the a.m. to fuss over a packed lunch. What I love about this salad is it can be assembled the night before (save for the avocado and the dressing).

Everything about this salad is light and refreshing. Romaine and cabbage add crunch and color. The tofu, avocado, and dates help give this salad some sustenance, and the sunflower sprouts taste unmistakably like the seeds, so this salad becomes easy to nosh on. Allow these measurements to be rough estimates of what you'll need. Layer the ingredients in the order presented in a reusable container or mason jar and head to salad nirvana:

  • 1 handful shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1/4 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1/4 cup sunflower sprouts
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1/2 cup diced flavored tofu, like Wildwood Baked Savory Tofu, or whatever protein of your choice
  • 2 dates (to munch on post-salad or diced and sprinkled over the salad)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • Salad dressing or olive oil and vinegar, optional

This Is How Beyoncé's Actual Lemonade Recipe Tastes

Beyoncé's Lemonade album dropped this year, and the reason she titled it so is for the old adage, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." The album simultaneously sheds light on the difficulties black women in America have faced for centuries and Beyoncé's personal marital struggles due to Jay Z's insinuated infidelity. Despite the sour, heartwrenching theme, the album ends on a positive, powerful, and sweet note for women - just like the lemonade recipe Beyoncé shares in the last section of the visual album, called "Redemption." It comes from her late grandmother, Agnéz Deréon, and according to Beyoncé, this is the method of preparation:

Take one pint of water, add half pound of sugar
The juice of eight lemons, the zest of half lemon
Pour the water from one jug, then to the other several times
Strain through a clean napkin

Unlike typical lemonade recipes, this one calls for a secret ingredient: lemon zest. The oils from the zest infuse into the lemonade and boost the lemony flavor. There's something deeply cathartic and therapeutic about preparing the lemonade like this. The lemon squeezing, swishing the lemonade back and forth between jugs until the sugar dissolves, and straining out the pulp and lemon zest: all of these actions take time, and yet focusing on them is like a meditation. The procedure is slow and calming, which is perfect for a scorching Summer day. The lemonade flavor itself is shockingly citrusy at first before ending on a soothing, sweet (but not too sweet!) note. I can see why Beyoncé's family has passed this recipe down from daughter to daughter, and why she would pass it, along with the simple-yet-wise message, to her fans and women everywhere.

A few things to note:

  • 1 pint water = 2 cups
  • 1/2 pound sugar = 2 1/4 cups
  • Yields: 4 small cups of lemonade

Fab Fitness Gifts Under $50 (For Every Fit Lady on Your List)

The holidays are here, and while your wallet might be trembling in terror, we've got you covered: affordable fitness gifts under $50. The best part is these products are so amazing, no one would ever guess they were budget finds. Pick from favorite brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Adidas, or discover some under-the-radar brands with beautiful gifts for the fitness queen in your life.

Fab Fitness Gifts Under $50 (For Every Fit Lady on Your List)

The holidays are here, and while your wallet might be trembling in terror, we've got you covered: affordable fitness gifts under $50. The best part is these products are so amazing, no one would ever guess they were budget finds. Pick from favorite brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Adidas, or discover some under-the-radar brands with beautiful gifts for the fitness queen in your life.

Turn 1 Chicken Into 5 Meals For Stress-Free Holiday Eats

Besides being delicious on its own, roast chicken is the meal that keeps on giving, making it a perfect dish during the busy holiday season. While generally considered the main attraction of a dinner spread, roast chicken should also be your go-to when time is short. Start with our recipe for this easy-to-make dish - or if you're feeling lazy, buy a rotisserie chicken - and after enjoying some for tonight's dinner, use the leftover meat to whip up these easy meals throughout the week. Less time spent on figuring out your meals means more time for all the holiday happenings you have on your calendar!

Turn 1 Chicken Into 5 Meals For Stress-Free Holiday Eats

Besides being delicious on its own, roast chicken is the meal that keeps on giving, making it a perfect dish during the busy holiday season. While generally considered the main attraction of a dinner spread, roast chicken should also be your go-to when time is short. Start with our recipe for this easy-to-make dish - or if you're feeling lazy, buy a rotisserie chicken - and after enjoying some for tonight's dinner, use the leftover meat to whip up these easy meals throughout the week. Less time spent on figuring out your meals means more time for all the holiday happenings you have on your calendar!

25 Shockingly Easy Ways For Families to Save Money on Disney Trips

A Disney trip is the quintessential family vacation, but it can seriously drain your bank account. After spending hundreds of dollars for tickets, buying gas or airplane tickets for the journey, and paying for a hotel room, you might start to wonder how anybody could consider visiting the Disney parks more than once in a lifetime! However, with a bit of theme-park savvy, you can save enough money on your trip to truly make Disneyland (or Walt Disney World!) the happiest place on earth. Here are the best ways to save money on your family's next Disney trip.

Source: Flickr user harshlight

These Are Adriana Lima's Sexiest Victoria's Secret Moments

It's hard to believe that it has been 15 years since Adriana Lima first was honored with the title of Victoria's Secret Angel. Since 2000, at the age of 19, the gorgeous Brazilian supermodel has walked in the annual gorgeous fest that is the VS Fashion Show (heading to Paris in 2016) with wings on her back and very little on her body, making for lots (seriously, a lot!) of sexy moments in her career.

As the Angel with the most shows under her belt, the Brazilian model's partnership with the brand is only getting stronger, even being honored with a wax figure of one her most iconic VS looks earlier in 2016. Keep scrolling to see the evolution of the mom of two on the VS runway, store appearances and beyond. We only expect more sexy moments to come!

Samantha Cameron May Not Be British Royalty, but She Sure Dresses Like It

We thought we had learned everything on the art of power dressing from Amal Clooney - that is, until we started eyeing the outfits of Samantha Cameron. You may know her as the wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron or just a very stylish lady who always happens to be in the public eye. She's an ambassador for the British Fashion Council, after all, and all her ladylike looks haven't gone unnoticed. Now, Samantha's taking her love for clothes and turning that passion into her very own fashion label called Cefinn.

"I felt that there were a lot of American and French brands out there that fit that bracket of designer contemporary with the right price point and the right styling," she told British Vogue. "But there aren't that many British brands which fill that space."

Though we'll have to wait until early next year to see all 40 pieces from her line, we're betting there will be a good selection of boss-lady dresses, pants, and tops. Read on to get better acquainted with Samantha's power-woman outfits as well as the style lessons she's taught us, because you'll be seeing her around.

Gigi Hadid's Atelier Versace Look at the British Fashion Awards Isn't Actually a Dress at All

After getting a glimpse of Gigi Hadid's outfit at the 2016 British Fashion Awards, we're reminded yet again why she's a bona-fide fashion girl. The model, who was hot off the runway at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, made an appearance in London for the special event wearing Atelier Versace. The gown had delicate pleating on the bodice with Swarovski crystal detailing, but it was the bottom of Gigi's outfit that our eyes gravitated toward. What looked like a gown at first sight was actually a two-piece dress and pants set from the fashion house's Fall 2016 collection.

Gigi's straight-leg pants strategically blended in with the seafoam-colored top, creating the illusion of a dress - a pretty (and stylish) trick. The outfit briefly reminded us of Emma Watson's Dior ensemble at the Golden Globes, proving the whole dress-over-pants combo is still very much in, and one we're still obsessed with to this day. Scroll on to see Gigi's full outfit, because the dramatic details definitely deserve a good, hard look and your appreciation.

They May Be Family Movies, but Disney Classics Are Packed With Fashion Tips

Today our fashion icons might have names Priyanka Chopra and Kendall Jenner, but growing up, we were all about following in the footsteps of Ariel and Belle. Dressing like a Disney princess gave us a thrill like no other. A sparkling poufy dress and a bedazzled tiara? Seriously, what's not to love?

Even now that we're (technically) adults - and living in a world where these looks might garner some curious stares - there are still styling tricks we can learn from our favorite royal gals. Read on for 15 fashion lessons straight from those Disney classics, just in time to honor the birthday of the man who created them, Walt Disney.

The Top-Rated Sephora Product That Got the Victoria's Secret Angels Glowing

Image Source: Getty / Pascal Le Segretain

On the day of the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, every aspect of the preshow beauty routine is meticulously planned out. There's the Angels' signature beach waves, the sharp winged liner, and the Swarovski-adorned manicures, resulting in an inevitable tornado of hair extensions and crystals that doesn't quiet down until the models leave to go grab burgers.

One other important aspect of that beauty routine, however, is the tanning technique that gets the Angels glowing without any actual sun exposure. This year, self-tanning specialist Kristyn Pradas credited two Vita Liberata products. According to a press release, Kristyn had the models exfoliate 48 hours prior to the show. She then used the brand's pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse ($54). After applying the mousse in a circular motion with the included tanning mitt, she had the models wash it off eight hours later. As a finishing touch, she applied the Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish ($45) to ensure the appearance of an even skin tone.

In the end, Kristyn went through 48 bottles of the mousse, 12 tubes of the finishing lotion, and 50 tanning mitts to perfect the skin of approximately 204 legs.

If the pictures of the glowed-up Angels weren't convincing enough, it's worth noting that all of the Vita Liberata products have remarkably high Sephora ratings. For example, a value holiday kit containing both of the aforementioned products - shown below - currently has a coveted five-star rating.

The reviews themselves are exceptionally convincing, too. Of the tanning mousse, one reviewer wrote, "This tan works so well no matter where I am with my base color! Really just richens [sic] the skin color, and builds beautifully! I'm never orange, and I never stink or feel sticky using this," adding, "Oh it doesn't transfer either, bonus!"

Vita Liberata pHenomenal Holiday Glow Kit ($45)

If Disney Characters Were Millennials

The Disney world can be a little too perfect at times, and it's probably because the characters didn't have the Internet to f*ck things up. We've seen Disney princesses in a different light before, but nothing like these comics, first posted on Dorkly, which were created by artist Justin Hall.

The hilarious strip depicts how your favorite Disney characters' lives play out in the digital age that we're all familiar with. Peep the illustrations, but be warned - you may never see them the same way again, especially Andy.

14 Stars Who Know Disney Is the Happiest Place on Earth

It seems like nearly everyone has some kind of Disney-related childhood memory, right? There's something about the fun-loving brand that just resonates. Between Mickey Mouse, the princesses (bonus: we even have Latina Princess Elena of Avalor now, too), and the beautiful stories, there's so much magic tied to it all. And Disney parks bring the feeling to life. So it's no wonder that millions of people frequent the parks' multiple locations around the world each year - including your favorite celebrities. Read on to see exactly who has made the trek!

Follow These 7 Steps to Erase All Your Data Before Selling Your MacBook

Thinking about buying the flashy new MacBook Pro and getting rid of your old laptop? Don't sell or give it away without first following these tips.

  1. Back up your Mac. Use either iCloud or an external hard drive to store any files you want to keep.
  2. Sign out of your iTunes account by going to iTunes > Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer.
  3. Don't just delete your texts or photos; sign out of iCloud instead. To sign out, go to System Preferences > iCloud > Sign Out.
  4. Sign out of iMessage so that you don't miss any texts. Go to Preferences > Accounts and then click the "Sign out" option.
  5. Finally, delete everything off your Mac and then reinstall the OS X system. To do this, restart your computer. As it boots up, hold the Command key and R key. You'll be taken to MacOS Utilities, where you should select Disk Utility. When you see your hard drive, select it, and then go to the "Erase" tab. Here, select "Mac OS X Extended (Journaled)" > Erase.
  6. Now, reinstall the OS X system. This should be an option after you erase your hard drive and exit Disk Utility. The window will show several options, but select the "Reinstall macOS" one. However, if you have an older Mac, you will need to reinstall the OS X system with the original CD that the computer came with.
  7. Turn off your laptop once the OS system is done installing. To do so, hold both the Command and Q keys and then choose "Shut Down."

Once you've done all of this, your laptop shouldn't have any of your personal data on it anymore. Give it away or recycle it with Apple and get a gift card.

All of 2016's Best Workout Songs

Relive your best fitness memories of 2016 . . . with songs, of course! Do you remember your hot power yoga class set to the tune of Sia's "Cheap Thrills"? Or The Fitness Marshall's choreography to "Work From Home"? Maybe you had your best run ever while you were pumping "Faded" by Alan Walker or "Fade" by Kanye West.

Finish the year strong and power through the last weeks of 2016 with the music that got you through all of your workouts this year.

If this mix isn't your speed or style, check out all of our workout playlists to find something that suits your taste. Just download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists.

All of 2016's Best Workout Songs

Relive your best fitness memories of 2016 . . . with songs, of course! Do you remember your hot power yoga class set to the tune of Sia's "Cheap Thrills"? Or The Fitness Marshall's choreography to "Work From Home"? Maybe you had your best run ever while you were pumping "Faded" by Alan Walker or "Fade" by Kanye West.

Finish the year strong and power through the last weeks of 2016 with the music that got you through all of your workouts this year.

If this mix isn't your speed or style, check out all of our workout playlists to find something that suits your taste. Just download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists.

Researchers uncover the existence of malaria 2,000 years ago during the Roman Empire

Hamilton Malaria skull

A team of researchers at McMaster University has uncovered the existence of malaria 2,000 years ago at the height of the Roman Empire — changing scientists understanding of how the disease evolved and how widespread the parasite was.

29 Chic Fashion Gifts That'll Cost You No More Than $50

Whether you just want to wrap up something pretty or stick it in a stocking, there are plenty of instances where dropping a lot on a gift's not ideal. But even if you're capping off the grand total at $50, you can still shop for a fashion girl this holiday season. Think about her day-to-day: does she love to burn candles? How about her tough commute to work? Bet she could use a pair of eye-catching ear muffs for that. We even found affordable items that were totally on trend in 2016, from furry slides to silk bombers. Read on to gather presents that you'll feel proud to give, and not only because they're saving you some cash.

Researchers uncover the existence of malaria 2,000 years ago during the Roman Empire

Hamilton Malaria skull

A team of researchers at McMaster University has uncovered the existence of malaria 2,000 years ago at the height of the Roman Empire — changing scientists understanding of how the disease evolved and how widespread the parasite was.

2016: The Year I Stopped Feeling Fat


Image Source: The 12ish Style

"Lose Weight!" "You're not good enough!" " You don't fit in!" These have been the most consistent messages pushed toward women from the media for the past three decades. It's no surprise then that as a size 12, I've struggled with feeling fat. But women are finally starting to wise up, myself included. 2016 has been huge for body acceptance, and although it may seem like not all that much has changed, you can hear the wheels starting to creek.

Trust me, I should know! When I started The12ishStyle, I had no idea what to expect. Was anyone out there? Would anyone care? Almost instantly it was clear that yes, so many women felt like I did: ignored by fashion and uninspired. A little over one year in as a blogger, the feedback and engagement has been beyond what I ever expected. I see women finally appreciating their own body types and feeling empowered to wear something they didn't think they could wear. When a saleswoman tells me I should "try the 8" or directs me online for extended sizes, I know I'm not alone. Replacing a feeling of loneliness with one of community and empowerment has been an incredible change. Many things define me, but 2016 is the year I decided I'm not going to let "fat" be one of them.

So where did it all start? Although there were body-positive rumblings in years past, the Sports Illustrated Ashley Graham cover back in February seemed to break things wide open. Before that, I can honestly say I'd never seen anyone whose body looked even remotely like mine held up and celebrated in a mainstream way, let alone on the cover of the legendary swimsuit issue!

"Many things define me, but 2016 is the year I decided I'm not going to let 'fat' be one of them."

Her cover ended up being a much-needed wake-up call not just for myself but also for media, brands, influencers, and average-size women everywhere who were all suddenly down to join the conversation. As a result, 2016 was the first year I am actually starting to feel heard by the fashion industry I love so much. Amen to that!


Image Source: James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Yes, there's more work to be done - shopping above a size 10 will still make you crazy, for instance - but before we get into 2017, let's pause to recap just how far size inclusivity has come this past year.

Graham wasn't 2016's only plus-size cover girl, with Women's Running magazine tapping Nadia Aboulhosn for their April cover. The accompanying article tied body positivity and self-love to running faster. Genius.

Mass retailer Lane Bryant finally responded to a general outcry for more fashionable clothing, announcing a collaboration with designer Prabal Gurung whose clothing previously has never been available above a size 10. It launches March 2017 - mark your calendar!

"Replacing a feeling of loneliness with one of community and empowerment has been an incredible change."

Speaking of designers, Christian Siriano stepped in to dress Leslie Jones for her July Ghostbusters premier after she tweeted she was unable to find anyone to dress her. Her floor-length red dress was uh-mazing.

Other celebs got in on the conversation too. Khloé Kardashian turned her mega star power to the world of denim with her line Good American, featuring sizes 00-24. Zendaya launched her clothing line with inclusive sizing as well, saying "Offering a limited size range is not even something that would cross my mind . . . because I just want everybody to feel included." YES.

The King of Make It Work, Tim Gunn called out the fashion industry for not making it work for plus size ladies in a compelling op-ed for the Washington Post.

While we're still waiting for most mass brands to get Gunn's memo (the exception being Target's highly shoppable WhoWhatWear collab), under-the-radar brands like Phylyda, Floravere, Universal Standard, and Of Mercer led the way with inclusive sizing.


Image Source: Getty / VALERIE MACON

And media outlets also got in on the action. Refinery29 launched their 67 Percent Project a commitment to making 67 Percent of the bodies they show plus-size as a way to reflect the population, with a September symposium on the topic. Meanwhile, Glamour Magazine launched a special plus-size issue featuring all clothing in size 12 and up.

For me, the biggest impact of all was felt in the world of social media. From bloggers like myself to models to influencers, average-size women everywhere are creating their own platforms and finding an engaged audience eager to connect. Amy Schumer posted #NoThighGapNoProblem at the Met Gala. Gigi Hadid responded to body shamers and encouraged acceptance. Women were encouraged to drop the towel at the beach and show of their as-is body as their "beach body." Looking ahead to 2017, I'm excited for another big year and you can bet social media will be leading the way.

A Victoria's Secret Model Colorist Reveals the Secret to Sexy Brunette Hair

Blondes may have more fun, but if the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway is any indication, brunettes have all the sex appeal. You're not imagining things: there was a brunette majority on this year's catwalk, with about 65 percent of the models rocking darker strands. Considering that naturally flaxen beauties make up only 2 percent of the world's population, we're excited to see that chocolate-haired goddesses are seemingly embracing their roots.

Two of the most glorious brunettes of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Irina Shayk and Barbara Fialho, sought the expertise of celebrity colorist Shah Karegar before they hit the runway. According to Karegar, keeping your brunette hair sexy is simple (and completely free).

"Try not to shampoo it more than twice a week," Karegar advised via email, regarding natural and color-treated hair. "The reason why a lot of brunettes get mousy is because their hair is dehydrated, whether it's [from] the sun or being shampooed quite often." He also recommended hydrating it "as much as possible" each week with a high-quality conditioner. (Try DIYing your hair own mask with coconut oil with one of our recipes.)

Karegar shared that it's critical to avoid overprocessing the hair of his model clients. This is because styling and traveling can result in major stress on hair. Combining that with the damage of coloring can result in brittle and decidedly unsexy strands. To keep hair strong, he uses Uberliss's Bond Amplifier when coloring and lifting. This professional product reduces hair porosity, thus preventing breakage and damage.

Read on to see what color techniques he used on Irina and Barbara so you can prepare for your next salon appointment.

6 Workouts You'll Be Obsessing Over in 2017

New year, new goals, new workouts! We're already seeing some trends emerge in fitness, giving us a solid indication of what kinds of workouts are going to be super popular in 2017. Haven't tried these yet? The coming year is the perfect time to experiment and find something new and awesome that you love. And while we don't see your favorite bootcamp or cycling classes losing any momentum, there are some up-and-comers that will totally dominate in the new year - we think you're going to love them!

1. Boxing

With the rise of boutique boxing studios and the addition of beginner classes to traditional boxing gyms, boxing will see an even bigger year in 2017 than it did in 2016. Bonus: you don't even have to jump in the ring to reap the benefits of this total-body exercise, as many studios are geared toward a no-contact style of fitness. And with added visibility from celebrities sharing their boxing workouts, we know that more women than ever will be hitting the heavy bags in the coming year. This anxiety-reducing, ultra-empowering workout is here to help you kick ass, take names, and have your healthiest year yet. Can't get to a boxing gym? Try this at-home cardio boxing workout from an Equinox trainer.

2. Megaformer (The Lagree Method)

Like Pilates on crack, a Megaformer class gives you an intense reformer workout that'll make your muscles shake, burn, and possibly hate you for the next 72 hours. The classes are rooted in the Lagree method, named after trainer and Megaformer creator Sebastien Lagree. The workout is HARD, but so, so good.

Celebrities like Bella Thorne and Lea Michele are regulars at the Studio MDR, a popular Lagree studio in Los Angeles, and we anticipate even more A-listers and fit influencers will be sharing their Megaformer workouts this coming year, too.

3. Dance Cardio

People want to move in a way that doesn't feel like exercise - and if the explosion of The Fitness Marshall's popularity was any indicator, dance cardio workouts are going to be more popular than ever this year. Studios are springing up in major metros, like The COMPANY in San Francisco and 305 Fitness in New York City, so get ready to dance your way through 2017. These classes feel more like a party than they do a workout. Get a 20-minute taste of dancing off the calories with this dance cardio bootcamp that you can do in your living room.

4. Mixed Format Classes

Speedplay, Orange Theory, Barry's Bootcamp, YAS - these classes all have one thing in common, and it's their hybrid format. They mix multiple workouts into one class! While in many classes you'll be on one machine or doing one particular style of exercise for 45-60 minutes, these studios deliver workouts that combine strength training and cardio, which is the most effective way to burn calories.

We talked to superstar trainer Jeanette Jenkins (you can check her out in action with this 30-minute cardio sculpt workout), and she had the same thought - these mixed format classes will be huge in the coming year. Why? "They prevent overuse [injury] on the joints of doing the exact same thing over and over again." She noted that studios like YAS and Speedplay "get it" and that other studios that offer a varied workout using various machines will keep fitness clients healthier in the long run.

Whether you like a combo of yoga and Spin in one class, a mixed format HIIT session, or a bootcamp-style training that combines multiple machines and floor work, there's something for everyone out there. And we're even more excited to see what else will pop up as this trend continues to build in 2017. Maybe a boxing-slash-Megaformer class??

5. Workout Apps

With ClassPass nixing the unlimited option, many users are needing to fill the void with another convenient, do-whenever, wherever-you-are workout. And how does one do that in a cost-effective way? With apps and at-home workouts.

Apps like Kayla Itsines's Sweat With Kayla and Nike Women's refreshed NTC saw a rise in popularity year, and we predict they'll do even better in 2017 - especially after Kayla told POPSUGAR in an interview earlier this year that exciting new updates were coming for the SWK app.

Newer apps like Aaptiv and Sworkit are building their followings, too, bringing on-demand training and coaching to your phone with a variety of workouts and styles to choose from. And as always, you can expect to see exciting new at-home workouts on the POPSUGAR Active app, too.

6. Live-Stream Classes

Welcome to the future. You don't have to live in a major metro to try new, exciting fitness classes anymore thanks to the rise of livestream video. Now, from anywhere in the world, you can bring the high-energy workout to you. Why stream Netflix when you could stream a high-intensity, body-transforming workout?

We're seeing the trend go from the DVD workouts to streaming workouts to livestream workouts - following in parallel to the rise of live-streaming on social media with platforms like Facebook Live and Periscope.

Brands like Peloton cycling are leading the charge for fitness, with goals of bringing that in-class energy and power to your solo at-home sweat sesh. Not every studio and brand is streaming live classes just yet, but we anticipate the shift will happen this year en masse. Many brands have been making general streaming available - FitFusion lets you take classes from Jillian Michaels or Tone It Up's Karena and Katrina; Barre3 brings the muscle-shaking studio class to your home with the ability to schedule your week just like you would with physical studio classes; New York's Ballet Beautiful lets you pay per stream/workout; and YogaGlo delivers at-home classes from world-renowned teachers like Kathryn Budig.

All of these examples show the promise of the rise of more live-streaming in 2017. And with the latest VR technology, who knows what could be next? We wouldn't mind a virtual reality dance cardio class!

These Are the Disney Princesses the Victoria's Secret Angels Identify With

We're not sure which gorgeous group we love more: the Victoria's Secret Angels or Disney princesses. But it turns out the former is also infatuated with the latter. At the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris, we chatted with nine gorgeous models backstage to ask them one tough question: which Disney princess would you want to be and why?

Turns out Princess Jasmine and her crop top was a popular response, and one model also had a creative answer (hint: she's OK with going drag). Keep reading to learn more!

Any Parent Who Plans This Spider-Man Birthday Party Is an Automatic Superhero

As a Peter Parker-obsessed kiddo, Hudson wanted a Spider-Man-themed fifth birthday party. But instead of going with the typical superhero bash, his parents contacted The Coop to plan a modern take on their child's beloved crime fighter.

To achieve this spectacular version of a Spider-Man-themed birthday party, Juliet stuck with one of her party-planning values: keep it super cool by avoiding branded images on plates and other party decor, but when you need to, utilize them in a modern way. She made this happen by sticking with a graphic red, blue, black, and white color scheme and then adding special details like a giant air walker Spider-Man balloon hanging upside down from the ceiling. A variety of DIY details also added a unique feel to the bash and included a felt spider web runner cut into individual webs to use as placemats, a painted superhero city backdrop, a comic-book table runner, and matching party hats. Check out all of the marvelous details ahead!

6 Workouts You'll Be Obsessing Over in 2017

New year, new goals, new workouts! We're already seeing some trends emerge in fitness, giving us a solid indication of what kinds of workouts are going to be super popular in 2017. Haven't tried these yet? The coming year is the perfect time to experiment and find something new and awesome that you love. And while we don't see your favorite bootcamp or cycling classes losing any momentum, there are some up-and-comers that will totally dominate in the new year - we think you're going to love them!

1. Boxing

With the rise of boutique boxing studios and the addition of beginner classes to traditional boxing gyms, boxing will see an even bigger year in 2017 than it did in 2016. Bonus: you don't even have to jump in the ring to reap the benefits of this total-body exercise, as many studios are geared toward a no-contact style of fitness. And with added visibility from celebrities sharing their boxing workouts, we know that more women than ever will be hitting the heavy bags in the coming year. This anxiety-reducing, ultra-empowering workout is here to help you kick ass, take names, and have your healthiest year yet. Can't get to a boxing gym? Try this at-home cardio boxing workout from an Equinox trainer.

2. Megaformer (The Lagree Method)

Like Pilates on crack, a Megaformer class gives you an intense reformer workout that'll make your muscles shake, burn, and possibly hate you for the next 72 hours. The classes are rooted in the Lagree method, named after trainer and Megaformer creator Sebastien Lagree. The workout is HARD, but so, so good.

Celebrities like Bella Thorne and Lea Michele are regulars at the Studio MDR, a popular Lagree studio in Los Angeles, and we anticipate even more A-listers and fit influencers will be sharing their Megaformer workouts this coming year, too.

3. Dance Cardio

People want to move in a way that doesn't feel like exercise - and if the explosion of The Fitness Marshall's popularity was any indicator, dance cardio workouts are going to be more popular than ever this year. Studios are springing up in major metros, like The COMPANY in San Francisco and 305 Fitness in New York City, so get ready to dance your way through 2017. These classes feel more like a party than they do a workout. Get a 20-minute taste of dancing off the calories with this dance cardio bootcamp that you can do in your living room.

4. Mixed Format Classes

Speedplay, Orange Theory, Barry's Bootcamp, YAS - these classes all have one thing in common, and it's their hybrid format. They mix multiple workouts into one class! While in many classes you'll be on one machine or doing one particular style of exercise for 45-60 minutes, these studios deliver workouts that combine strength training and cardio, which is the most effective way to burn calories.

We talked to superstar trainer Jeanette Jenkins (you can check her out in action with this 30-minute cardio sculpt workout), and she had the same thought - these mixed format classes will be huge in the coming year. Why? "They prevent overuse [injury] on the joints of doing the exact same thing over and over again." She noted that studios like YAS and Speedplay "get it" and that other studios that offer a varied workout using various machines will keep fitness clients healthier in the long run.

Whether you like a combo of yoga and Spin in one class, a mixed format HIIT session, or a bootcamp-style training that combines multiple machines and floor work, there's something for everyone out there. And we're even more excited to see what else will pop up as this trend continues to build in 2017. Maybe a boxing-slash-Megaformer class??

5. Workout Apps

With ClassPass nixing the unlimited option, many users are needing to fill the void with another convenient, do-whenever, wherever-you-are workout. And how does one do that in a cost-effective way? With apps and at-home workouts.

Apps like Kayla Itsines's Sweat With Kayla and Nike Women's refreshed NTC saw a rise in popularity year, and we predict they'll do even better in 2017 - especially after Kayla told POPSUGAR in an interview earlier this year that exciting new updates were coming for the SWK app.

Newer apps like Aaptiv and Sworkit are building their followings, too, bringing on-demand training and coaching to your phone with a variety of workouts and styles to choose from. And as always, you can expect to see exciting new at-home workouts on the POPSUGAR Active app, too.

6. Live-Stream Classes

Welcome to the future. You don't have to live in a major metro to try new, exciting fitness classes anymore thanks to the rise of livestream video. Now, from anywhere in the world, you can bring the high-energy workout to you. Why stream Netflix when you could stream a high-intensity, body-transforming workout?

We're seeing the trend go from the DVD workouts to streaming workouts to livestream workouts - following in parallel to the rise of live-streaming on social media with platforms like Facebook Live and Periscope.

Brands like Peloton cycling are leading the charge for fitness, with goals of bringing that in-class energy and power to your solo at-home sweat sesh. Not every studio and brand is streaming live classes just yet, but we anticipate the shift will happen this year en masse. Many brands have been making general streaming available - FitFusion lets you take classes from Jillian Michaels or Tone It Up's Karena and Katrina; Barre3 brings the muscle-shaking studio class to your home with the ability to schedule your week just like you would with physical studio classes; New York's Ballet Beautiful lets you pay per stream/workout; and YogaGlo delivers at-home classes from world-renowned teachers like Kathryn Budig.

All of these examples show the promise of the rise of more live-streaming in 2017. And with the latest VR technology, who knows what could be next? We wouldn't mind a virtual reality dance cardio class!

This Is How Your Favorite Food Network Stars Bake Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookies are no easy feat - that's why you'll want to start with a trustworthy recipe. These are some of the top rated, most popular recipes from your favorite Food Network stars. Most of these are classic Christmas cookies, so you can guarantee they'll be crowd-pleasers.

Alton Brown: Sugar Cookie

According to Alton Brown, his sugar cookie recipe is the most versatile recipe on the planet. You can drop and bake them, roll them in a log and slice into icebox cookies, or roll into a thin sheet for festive cookie cutters. This is definitely my favorite recipe - I always use it as the base for my ugly Christmas sweater cookies.

Sunny Anderson: Chocolate Chip Candy Cane Cookies

Pumpkin pie spice and crushed candy canes are the two secret ingredients to transform any chocolate chip cookie recipe into a Christmassy cookie.

Giada De Laurentiis: Holiday Biscotti

Your holiday cup of coffee deserves a little slice of holiday biscotti. Giada's is full of lemon zest, pistachios, and dried cranberries. She gives it a Christmas flair by dipping it in white chocolate and sprinkling the top with red and green sugar crystals.

Patrick and Gina Neely: Spiced Gingerbread

What gives gingerbread its iconic flavor is fresh spices, brown sugar, and molasses. You'll want to top those cookies with a royal icing. Though the icing contains egg whites and fresh lemon juice, once the icing firms up atop the cookies, it's safe to store on the countertop in an airtight container.

Ina Garten: Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Ina's thumbprint cookies have one little trick: roll the dough in coconut flakes to offer a contrasting crunch and beautiful toasted presentation.

Alex Guarnaschelli: Greek Christmas Cookies

Brandy, vanilla, and whole cloves make these buttery kourambiedes (aka Greek Christmas cookies) even more agonizingly tasty.

Aarti Sequeira: Garam Masala-Chocolate Gingerbread

One way to forgo buying tons of spices is to simply buy one spice mix: garam masala. It's the key ingredient in Aarti's chocolatey gingerbread.

Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps Are a Real Weeknight Winner

This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Make Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are one of those staples that are simple yet complicated to make. If you've ever screwed up a whole batch, you already know that following the recipe to a T makes all the difference, and that small changes can have a big impact. For example, using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour creates a cake-like texture, adding more brown sugar than white leads to more chewiness, and incorporating secret ingredients (like instant coffee) alters the flavor in the best way. When seeking cookie advice, who better to turn to than some of the best celebrity cooks? Here's what Alton Brown, Mario Batali, and more experts recommend.

Alton Brown: With Bread Flour

Alton Brown's "The Chewy" chocolate chip cookie recipe has a five-star rating out of more than 1,100 reviews, so you know he's doing something right. To ensure chewiness, he uses bread flour instead of all-purpose flour ("Bread flour can absorb much more liquid than all-purpose flour," he explains), one whole egg plus one yolk ("Egg whites dry out baked goods"), and a whole cup of brown sugar ("The darker the sugar you use, the chewier the cookies are going to be"). His recipe takes a little more time than average (you have to chill the dough for one hour), but if you'd rather have melt-in-your-mouth chewy cookies than firmer cookies, it's worth it.

Giada De Laurentiis: Add Hazelnuts and Toffee

Giada always takes a classic recipe and puts a slight twist on it, making us say, "Why didn't we think of that?" Her hazelnut chocolate chip cookie recipe requires toasting the hazelnuts before chopoping them, which brings out their flavor even more. With a combination of semisweet chocolate chips, supersweet toffee candy, and crunchy hazelnuts, there's a more complex variety of flavors and textures than the average chocolate chip cookie.

Ina Garten: Chocolate Chunks Instead of Chips

Ina Garten's chocolate chip cookie recipe is pretty standard, except she opts for chunks instead of chips (and extralarge scoops of dough on the pan) for maximum meltiness throughout the cookie.

The Pioneer Woman: 3 Different Ways

The Pioneer Woman has a chocolate chip cookie recipe for every mood (and every preferred level of chocolate). Her basic chocolate chip cookie recipe is "my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe when I need 'em in 30 minutes or less. It's like the Domino's Pizza of all my chocolate chip cookie recipes," she says. It's actually not so basic, though, because she sneaks in two secret ingredients: instant coffee granules and flaxseeds. Things get even more interesting with her browned butter chocolate chunk cookies, and her third recipe is on the next next level: triple chocolate cookies.

Mario Batali: 100 Percent Italian

Are you ready for the list of unexpected ingredients in Mario Batali's chocolate chip cookies? Heavy cream, olive oil, ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa powder. Batali's recipe is for traditional mostaccioli cookies, an Italian chocolate cookie popular during the holidays. As if the chocolate cookies aren't rich enough, they're topped with a smooth chocolate glaze. Needless to say, Mario's recipe is for chocolate-addicts only.

Bobby Flay: All About the Brown Sugar

Bobby Flay's chocolate chip cookies get a darker color and chewier consistency thanks to two different kinds of brown sugar (light and dark muscovado sugar). He also uses an ice cream scoop to dollop heaping spoonfuls of dough on the pan - with plenty of space in between each one - to ensure there's enough space for the cookies to spread.

Emeril: Supersized

"Why make a bunch of small cookies when you could make a giant cookie cake?" Emeril must have thought when he developed his popular giant chocolate chip cookie cake recipe. As long as you have a pizza pan, you won't have to make much more of an effort than you would with a regular recipe, and you'll have a homemade cookie cake that's infinitely better than store-bought.

Related:

Nothing You See Today Will Top These Cute Photos of Ricky Martin and His Fiancé Jwan Yosef

We must admit that since Ricky Martin announced his engagement to artist Jwan Yosef on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, we've been a little obsessed with the couple. The two hotties (honestly, that word doesn't even do them justice) are just beautiful together, often sharing photos of their cute moments together on their Instagram feeds.

There was that time they attended Eva Longoria and José Antonio Bastón's wedding together and looked super dapper in their tuxedos. Then, there was that other time, they showed off their abs by the pool . . . and then again while on a hike. Why are we still talking about them, when you can scroll ahead and take a look for yourself? Tell us they shouldn't be crowned the sexiest couple of 2016!

19 of the Best Gifts For a Fitness Newbie

The holidays are an ideal time to introduce a friend to fitness or to encourage a blossoming interest in the world of exercise. These gifts are not only exciting to receive, but they're also incredibly practical, and things that you probably wish you had owned when you first started working out.

While you're showing your loved one the ropes, make their new health journey more seamless and easier than ever with products that help with every aspect of fitness, from fueling to recovery. And maybe pick up some of it for yourself while you're at it, because who doesn't need a little more protein powder or an extra pair of compression socks?

19 of the Best Gifts For a Fitness Newbie

The holidays are an ideal time to introduce a friend to fitness or to encourage a blossoming interest in the world of exercise. These gifts are not only exciting to receive, but they're also incredibly practical, and things that you probably wish you had owned when you first started working out.

While you're showing your loved one the ropes, make their new health journey more seamless and easier than ever with products that help with every aspect of fitness, from fueling to recovery. And maybe pick up some of it for yourself while you're at it, because who doesn't need a little more protein powder or an extra pair of compression socks?

Where Do You Stand on the Internet's Great Giraffe Tie Debate of 2016?

What started out as a comedian's silly question has now caused the internet to absolutely implode.

Jeremy Hammond started it all when he asked his followers, "When giraffes go to work do you think they put the tie at the top or bottom of their necks?" The tweet, posted on Nov. 17 and shown above, even included a hilarious and helpful drawing illustrating the two options - but thousands of retweets later, we're nowhere close to a consensus.

Now, even Chrissy Teigen has weighed in! She argued that giraffes would "clearly" wear ties at the bottom of their necks.

The debate has also inspired her to ponder other similarly confusing questions. How would dogs wear pants, for example? On the hind legs, according to Chrissy. How would a ferret wear a tube top? They're better off wearing a dress, she said: "8 nips, 4 tubes." Lastly, how would spiders wear pants? Well, she's stumped on that one.

While she might not have all the answers, Chrissy did feel pretty strongly about her stance in the great giraffe debate. If you're like her, let us know how you feel in the poll below.

Study Shows Having a Baby After 35 Years Old Can Do Incredible Things For Your Brain

As women, we're constantly being told that our "biological clock is ticking," being encouraged to have children before it's considered too late, but now, a new study is reporting that there are major benefits to giving birth after the age of 35. The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that having a baby later in life can not only boost your brainpower, but prevent memory loss later in life.

The study followed 830 post-menopausal women and tested their verbal memory, executive functioning skills, and global cognition. They looked at the age of their first period, age of pregnancies, number of pregnancies, and more factors to evaluate the effect of pregnancy age on their mental health.

They found that participants whose last pregnancy was after age 35 had higher verbal memory and those who had their first period before age 13 had stronger global cognition. "Longer reproductive period and use of oral contraceptives" are additionally positively related to brainpower later in life. Women who gave birth to their first child between the ages of 15 and 24 were shown to have worse health and cognitive functioning in their 40s.

The huge increase in hormone levels during pregnancy can positively influence your brain's functioning, and the idea is that if you're pregnant later in life, the changes to your brain will last longer. "While it is not enough to suggest that women wait until after 35 years of age to close their family growth, our finding of a positive effect of later age at last pregnancy on late-life cognition is novel and substantial," said the lead author of the study, Dr. Roksana Karim.

So, if your parents ever tell you that it's time to get a move on it because the clock's a-tickin, just tell them that numbers don't lie! Read the full study here.

Grandma Lill's Adorably Funny Makeup Tutorials Will Make Your Day

In case you haven't experienced this incredible octogenarian yet, we'd like to introduce you to your new favorite beauty vlogger, Grandma Lill. The 86-year-old beauty guru stars in her own YouTube channel in collaboration with her grandson (and best friend), social media star Kevin Droniak. The dynamic duo posts videos once a week that include advice to their adoring fans, videos of them cooking together, and (best of all) hysterical makeup tutorials.

Each video includes Kevin presenting his grandmother with cosmetics to apply or to discuss with their audience. Understandably, she's frequently baffled by some of today's beauty trends.

In one video, Kevin shows Grandma Lill the popular Kylie Lip Kits and asks her to apply them. After exclaiming, "I'm not putting that crap on my lips!," she finally agrees to try out Posie K. But while staring at the logo, she still wants to know, "Why is it dripping off the lips?"

The duo also tries out popular YouTube trends, like the "100 Layers of Makeup" challenge. Kevin starts to apply 100 layers of foundation to Grandma Lill's face but she eventually puts her foot down, proclaiming, "This is the last time! No more monkey business!" She quits after fewer than 10 layers (and who can blame her?), concerned that she looks like a scarecrow.

Grandma Lill's ultimate advice? "Don't let your grandchildren ever do anything to your face!"

Keep reading to see Grandma Lill and Kevin's entertaining makeup videos.

10 Candle Hacks Every Spa-Lover Needs to Know Before Lighting That Wick

It's amazing how a glass jar of wax can transform a room, and the overall mood inside it, at the strike of a match. There's just something about the cool flickering flame, delicious aromatics, and cozy, snuggly vibe of a candle that turns even a cramped one-bedroom apartment into a momentary escape. The seemingly simple design somehow lends itself to a complete sensory experience that is every bit as calming as a day at the spa. Heck, even just thinking about a lit votive brings about a comforting sigh of relief.

However, you might be shocked to find out you've been lighting your candles all wrong and that black ring around the votive is totally avoidable. Yep, there's more to the calming jar of wax than you may have ever known. I spoke to some of the masterminds behind the industry's most heartwarming candles to get the expert candle-care tips you need to know before you strike your next match.

Effective Ways to Lose Thigh Fat

Even though full hips and thighs are a beautiful thing, many a woman has looked begrudgingly at her legs in the mirror. Unfortunately there's no one exercise or food that does the trick - spot reducing fat doesn't work - but keep reading to find out what can help.

30 Egg Breakfasts That May Turn You Instantly Into a Morning Person

Maybe you know how to scramble eggs, but if you're looking to freshen up your breakfast routine, allow these 30 takes to do the trick. Most of these recipes can be prepared for one and at the snap of a finger, so you actually have time to savor the most important meal of the day.

12 Times Lais Ribeiro Motivated Us to Work Out Like a Victoria's Secret Angel

If you're a fashion fan, chances are Lais Ribeiro is a familiar face. The 26-year-old Brazilian-born Victoria's Secret Angel, who earned her official wings in 2015, has been featured in some of the industry's hottest lingerie ads, runway shows (she's a member of the Balmain army, after all), and magazines - and she looks flawless every. Single. Time.

How, you ask? Because she trains hard, that's how. A quick scroll through Lais's Instagram shows her dedication to regular sweat sessions, and we're seriously impressed. From oceanside yoga to hardcore conditioning, read on to see all the times Lais was the ultimate fitspiration. When you're done, grab your headphones, crank up our playlist, and try our (relatively) easy Summer workout.

Effective Ways to Lose Thigh Fat

Even though full hips and thighs are a beautiful thing, many a woman has looked begrudgingly at her legs in the mirror. Unfortunately there's no one exercise or food that does the trick - spot reducing fat doesn't work - but keep reading to find out what can help.

dimanche 4 décembre 2016

Some Parents Are Urging Others Not to Give Expensive Gifts From Santa - Do You Agree?

VERY interesting take on gifts from 'Santa'

Between parents hoping to outdo their own childhood and those caught up in the holiday magic, it's easy for many to get carried away while holiday shopping. And while what one parent spends on his or her own child is nobody else's business and shouldn't be judged, some across the internet are urging those high-cost items not to be gifted from Santa.

In a screenshot of a Facebook post with the user's name blurred out that has been shared across the social media platform as well as Imgur, one anonymous user explains why spending a lot on your child, and giving Santa credit, could be doing more damage than you realize. "Not all parents have a ton of cash to spend on making their kid's Christmas special, so it doesn't make sense to have Santa give your kid a Playstation 4, bike, and an iPad while his best friend at school gets a new hat and mittens from Santa," the user wrote.

Instead, he or she advises that parents be modest with their gifts from Santa and label the more expensive presents from them. "You can explain the value of money to kids, but you can't explain Santa's discrimination to a heartbroken kid," the user wrote. "Keep that in mind this year and always."

I Tried the Viral Red Wine Spaghetti Recipe, and Here's What Happened

Since both cooking spaghetti in tomato sauce and Martha Stewart's one-pot pasta hack turned out to be total failures, I had to see if the same was true for Food and Wine's spaghetti cooked in red wine. Spoiler alert: it was the opposite. Thousands of people, like me, were intrigued by the publication's recipe video that went viral on Facebook, so I had high hopes that the pasta would taste as delicious as it looked. The verdict is in, and all I can say is this fast and easy dish will no doubt be added to my regular dinner rotation.


The recipe involves simple pantry staples (salt, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, parsley, walnuts, and parmesan), but the red wine adds a slightly sweet, rich flavor that's unlike anything you've had before. I used Cabernet because that's what I like drinking, but you could use any dry red wine. You boil an entire bottle of wine (plus a little more from a second bottle) with a few cups of water before cooking the pasta al dente. The fascinating part is the noodles transform colors as they cook. What starts as regular spaghetti quickly develops a deep, purplish red as it absorbs the liquid. Many of our tasters mistook the noodles for whole-wheat spaghetti and even soba.

As a hardcore pasta-lover, I was pleasantly surprised how light, flavorful, and sophisticated this pasta dish turned out. I'm obsessed, but I'm not the only one. Other taste testers (aka my co-workers) made comments like, "I love this. I can't get enough." "Simple and tasty." "Literally amazing."

So, without further ado, it's your turn to try this amazing technique.

Get the recipe: spaghetti cooked in red wine

17 Latin Cookbooks Any Chef in Training Will Want to Find Under the Christmas Tree

We all have that friend who loves to host parties just so she can whip up all those crazy-intense recipes she's been practicing for months. Yes, that friend who says she's just going to "cook something quick" and then serves a multicourse meal worthy of a Michelin star that involved making dough from scratch, sourcing rare ingredients, and even using a tool you're not sure what it's for. For her (or, hey, him!), there's this list of 17 Latin cookbooks. Whether she has already mastered tamales, ceviches, and empanadas or is just getting started, her eyes will light up when she unwraps one of these on Christmas Day.

17 Dance Workouts That Feel More Like a Party Than Exercise

Let's DANCE! These workouts make exercising more fun, less painful. You'll be sweating away to your very own dance party, whether you choose a 30-minute jam sesh or a 3-minute quickie. And we're not talking about low-intensity workouts, guys - this is heart-pounding, calorie-torching cardio!

17 Dance Workouts That Feel More Like a Party Than Exercise

Let's DANCE! These workouts make exercising more fun, less painful. You'll be sweating away to your very own dance party, whether you choose a 30-minute jam sesh or a 3-minute quickie. And we're not talking about low-intensity workouts, guys - this is heart-pounding, calorie-torching cardio!