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.
samedi 10 décembre 2016
Say Cheese With These 12 Latin Cheesy Bread Recipes
Make no mistake about it: cheesy bread is pretty much everyone's favorite indulgent comfort food. What's not to like? It might be a splurge, but we say go for it - every once in a while at least.
That's why we've rounded up 12 Latin-inspired recipes that mix the gooey taste of queso with some serious carbs (tortillas, dough, wonton wrappers, and more). They will all surely hit the spot when you've got a hankering for a delicious snack!
Become a Healthy Baker With These Surprising Butter Substitutes
Baking calms the mind and feeds the soul, but all that buttery goodness can pack on the pounds. If you're looking to make healthier baked goods, omitting some or all of the butter from your favorite recipes can greatly reduce the calories, fat, and cholesterol. There are countless ways to replace eggs in recipes, and here are healthier alternatives to using butter (great for vegan bakers, too).
- Applesauce: Often used to replace oil in recipes, applesauce can also be used as a butter alternative, and it works best in cake-like recipes (like this vegan banana apple chunk bread). Replace half the amount of butter in your recipe with applesauce; if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and half a cup of applesauce. If you don't mind a denser, more moist bread, replace all the butter with applesauce to cut even more calories and fat.
- Avocado: Substitute half the amount of butter in a baking recipe with mashed avocado (it works well with cookies and quick breads like these pumpkin apple muffins); use the same method as you would when using applesauce. Using avocado not only lowers the calorie content, but also creates a softer, moister baked good, and is perfect if you want to omit the dairy. You can also use avocado in place of butter to make vegan "buttercream" frosting.
- Earth Balance: Replace all the butter with Earth Balance to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. Using Smart Balance rather than Earth Balance will also save some calories, and note that Original Smart Balance is now dairy-free!
- Canola oil: In certain recipes, replacing butter with oil works well, especially if the recipe calls for melted butter. Fiddle with your favorite recipes to figure out when canola works instead of butter; when baking chocolate chip cookies, I've had success substituting half a cup of canola oil for half a cup of unsalted butter. Although slightly higher in calories, canola is much lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Greek yogurt: Replace half the amount of butter in your cookie recipes with half the amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and one quarter cup of yogurt. You'll reduce the calories and the saturated fat. Play around with using more yogurt and less butter to see if you still like the taste and consistency. Here are more ways to use Greek yogurt in baking recipes. If you're avoiding dairy, use soy yogurt instead, like this recipe for protein banana bread.
- Prune purée: Often used to help little ones stay regular, prune purée also makes a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to butter. Whatever amount of butter the recipe calls for, replace it completely with store-bought baby food prune purée (unless you have time to make your own; just purée prunes in the food processor). This option works well in recipes that involve chocolate and cinnamon.
12 Gingerbread Cookie Recipes That Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit Immediately
It's not the holidays until you bake a batch of fresh gingerbread cookies. And whether you're more of a traditionalist or a modernist, a gluten-free baker or a chocoholic, there's the perfect recipe guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. Bust out the Christmas music and get one of these gingerbread men recipes in your oven ASAP!
This Is Why 2016 Was a Great Year For Selena Quintanilla Fans
No one can deny that since the untimely passing of Selena Quintanilla 21 years ago in Corpus Christi, TX, her memory and music have remained present. But unlike other years past, 2016 felt defining. This was the year with the most beautiful and remarkable tributes to the late tejano singer.
In the past 12 months, the Latino music community and Selena's old and new fans have been vocal, petitioning big brands to honor their idol and celebrating every win and tribute loudly. Thanks to them, Selena was not only recognized as the top Latino artist of the year at the Latin Billboard Music Awards, but was also included in the list of icons receiving a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2017. And, of course, it goes without mentioning that the singer's MAC Cosmetics collection was a sensation, selling out in mere minutes and causing a frenzy of internet reactions. And that wasn't even all. Keep reading to see 17 moments that made 2016 a great year for Selena's fans.
Whoa! Charlie Hunnam, Where the Hell Have You Been?
Charlie Hunnam popped up in LA for a hike on Friday morning, and we have to admit that we did a double take. It's been nearly four months since we last saw the former Sons of Anarchy star out and about, and if it wasn't for Google Images, we might have forgotten what he looked like. Luckily, Charlie is just as handsome as he's always been - even in rolled sweatpants, a long-sleeved Nike jacket, and knit cap. Where work is concerned, it was recently announced that Charlie's latest project, the Guy Ritchie-directed King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, would be pushed back from March to May 2017. The 36-year-old's other film, Zoe, is in pre-production and also stars Léa Seydoux. Hopefully we'll see more of Charlie in the coming months.
vendredi 9 décembre 2016
13 Websites That Are Both Productive and Fun to Play With
The internet is full of corners that can entertain you when you're bored at work or that can become useful tools for your job. That's why we've rounded up a mixture of sites that you probably never heard of - but are either useful or fun to play around with. These sites were suggested in a Reddit thread called "What are some awesome websites that not enough people know about?" Keep reading, try some of these out, and bookmark the ones you love!
- Create GIFs anytime: Looking for a perfect GIF that doesn't exist yet? Use gifgif to create one quickly without any watermark.
- Clean up your writing: With Hemingway App, the website will grade any sentence or essay on readability. It'll also let you know if a sentence is too hard to read or suggest removing unnecessary words.
- Take a mental break with some pets: Watch real puppies and cats on your screen with iPet Companion. The website live-streams cats and puppies living in shelters, with the ability to move the animals' toys.
- Improve your math skills: With Better Explained, you'll learn how and why math works the way it does, rather than memorizing theories or equations.
- Learn what you're actually signing up for: When you sign up for YouTube or GitHub, you probably didn't read the company's terms of service. Find out what is in it, especially concerning your privacy with TS;DR.
- Take a class and learn a new skill: Similar to other websites, edX includes a catalog of courses you can take to learn and further a skill.
- Sharpen what you're learning: With Khan Academy, you can explore different subjects like computer programming or art history and learn a subject more thoroughly.
- Figure out how to play the guitar: It's a skill plenty of people wish they had and now you can. The site, Justin Guitar, offers plenty of courses and songs to learn that'll have you riffing in no time.
- Play a silly game to relax: Plug in your headphones and try to find the Invisible Cow. It's a fun and easy game to play.
- Draw for fun: On Weave Silk, you can draw beautiful creations in different colors. It's soothing and might amp up your drawing skills.
- Improve your typing pace: Compete against other people on the internet with Type Racer. Race against the clock and others to type a sentence while improving your words per minute.
- Be the snarkiest person ever: If someone asks you a question that they can totally google, use Let Me Google That For You. It'll answer their question but by showing them how to google it.
- Find out if you need to change your password: With Have I Been Pwned, you can enter your username or email address to find out if your data might've been included in a breach. If it shows up, you'll see what sites to change your username on.
20 Cruelty-Free Gifts For Animal-Loving Beauty Junkies
If you want to give ethically this holiday season, give cruelty-free. These products haven't been tested on animals (a practice that is both unnecessary and not required by law) and are PETA or Leaping Bunny approved.
Some of your favorite beauty brands are surprisingly animal friendly, so it's easy to go cruelty-free this year. Whether the loved ones in your life want makeup, skin care, or hair products, there are plenty of great choices right here.
Keep reading to reveal 20 ethical, cruelty-free products to gift your animal-adoring friends with this year.
The Man in Your Life Will Actually Love These Gifts For $100 or Less
As well as we know the men in our lives, we can all agree that sometimes they're the hardest people to shop for. Are we right or are we right? You want to get him something he'll love, but at the same time, you want to completely surprise him with something he wasn't expecting. That's why we've gathered 20 gifts that won't break the bank and we know he'll love - even if he doesn't quite realize it's what he wanted all along.
31 Tech Gifts Under $25 For Mom That Will Make Her Life So Much Easier
Whether your mom's an iPhone queen or a smartphone newbie, you can help her out by getting her some essential tech accessories. Some are useful, like extra cables and chargers, and others, like a tablet stand, are handy to have around the office or house. The best part? These gifts are all under $25 so they won't break your budget or feel cheap. Because after all, your mom deserves the best!
Keep Bread Fresh (Practically) Forever With This Trick
Few things are sadder than tossing out a stale half-loaf of beautiful artisanal (or homemade) bread. The problem: said beautiful bread lacks the stabilizers present in commercial presliced loaves, and so it goes from rocking your world to rock-hard ridiculously fast. The solution: eat more bread a simple trick involving your freezer.
Here's what you should do:
- Within 24 hours (maximum) of cutting into a loaf, slice up the remaining bread. (Don't wait until it's already turned the corner; at that point, your best bet is giving leftovers a second life as croutons, breadcrumbs, or bread pudding.) Don't just stick the bread in the freezer unsliced. Unless your kitchen is equipped with a buzz saw, there's no chance you're going to be able to slice it without thawing the entire loaf first (trust us, we've tried).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or wax paper, arrange the slices in one layer on top of that, and put it in the freezer, uncovered, until frozen solid. (The parchment will prevent the gorgeous, moist crumb of the bread from sticking to the pan, and the single layer will prevent the slices from freezing stuck to each other.)
- Once the bread slices are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible.
- When a bread craving hits, take out just as many slices of bread as you'll eat then, and either let them thaw at room temperature, or put them directly in the toaster (they'll take about one extra minute to toast). The texture of the bread will be about 95 percent as good as fresh bread and far better than second-day, already-starting-to-go-stale bread. Stored frozen (in a resealable freezer bag), sliced bread will stay fresh and delicious for at least six months, if not longer.
Related:
19 Healthy Snacks Made With Bananas
A banana makes the perfect snack, but if you're looking to spice up this basic fruit, try these snack recipes.
Rita Ora Warns That the New Season of America's Next Top Model "Isn't a Fairy Tale"
When America's Next Top Model first premiered in the early days of reality TV in 2003, few could have known that Tyra Banks would later turn the series into a pop cultural juggernaut that would last 12 years and 22 seasons before finally getting the ax from The CW in 2015. Thankfully, VH1 swooped in to give the fashion franchise a facelift, tapping singer and up-and-coming actress Rita Ora to slip into Banks's very, very high heels as host. For anyone worried that cycle 23 of the show will be completely different, don't be; the first episode is full of the requisite sob stories and catfights, as well as one contestant's seriously questionable impression of Ora's British accent.
Overall, though, it seems like ANTM is heading in a positive new direction. During a brief cameo in the premiere, Banks tells eager young contestants - who hail all the way from Texas to Seattle to West Africa - that she's "not looking for a traditional model, and I'm not looking for a social media model." Instead, she tells them, she's "looking for both." With the rise of social-media-made talent like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, the show is hoping to find a boss with a marketable brand, rather than just a pretty face. We recently sat down with Ora to discuss what it takes to win, the crazy photo shoots that are in store, and how the show plans on addressing body positivity despite zero plus-size contestants in the line-up.
POPSUGAR: Part of why this franchise has become so iconic is thanks to the strong presence of Tyra Banks. Was it daunting to take over for her?
Rita Ora: Well, I never wanted to fill Tyra's shoes. I just wanted to create new ones. I say that because you can't fill her shoes - it's been 22 cycles and it's like . . . there's no point in trying. I sat down with Tyra and her team, and we just sort of said, if I was to do this show, how are we going to make it brand new so that it doesn't look like "Rita against Tyra," you know what I'm saying? That's when the rebranding happened. Instead of us finding a beautiful girl who takes a beautiful photo, it's about finding a beautiful girl who can take a great photo and become a brand, have a following, and leave the competition being a threat to the Gigis and the Bellas. That, for me, is what we are trying to find.
PS: The emphasis on the new contestants creating a brand for themselves and essentially becoming entrepreneurs as well as models is really interesting - do you have any advice on how women who want to try out for the show's next cycle should prepare?
RO: Start now. If you're looking to come in next year, start now. As in, get your look together, get your ideas together, get your online presence somewhat happening in some sort of way. Have at least 100, 200, maybe 1,000 followers. Just show me your initiative. I want to see where your brain wants to go, that's really important to me. You don't have to be a success already!
PS: One of the most beloved parts of ANTM has to be its insane fashion shoots. Do you have a personal favorite from the upcoming season, or can you tell us a little bit about them?
RO: This is a fashion show, so we still want to keep things top fashion. Of course we're finding a business brand and a boss, but we're also making sure the fashion and the images are right. Yes, they have to go through it. They have to be cold outside, they have to create some form of attention, they need to make an online video . . . there's actually this scene which is so interesting because obviously DJ Khaled is a great friend of mine, and we share the same birthday. Did you know that?
PS: I didn't!
RO: [laughs] Well for me, he's the King of Snapchat. Who better to give advice for online presence than DJ Khaled? There's a competition that involves them having the certain amount of time that Snapchat gives to do something interesting. I won't tell you what they do, but that for me was fun. We cast a winner off that, and the prize is great. The prizes are phenomenal.
PS: I know Ashley Graham is one of the judges this season, but there aren't any plus-size models in this cycle. You mentioned that you want the show to be rooted in high fashion, but given the backlash the fashion and beauty industries have been receiving over the last few years in regards to promoting poor body image, does the show have any plans to address it?
RO: First of all, when we thought about the panel, I really wanted to create a 360-degree factory for the girls. Drew [Elliott] does the magazines and has the capability to give you a cover, and Law [Roach] turns you into a star, dressing and styling you up so you believe in yourself. Ashley, her story is so interesting and I don't think a lot of people know that about Ashley as much as they should. When Ashley started there was no Instagram . . . I mean when I started I don't think there was Instagram? No, there wasn't. What that means is that we're still here, tackling technology, and that's important. Ashley gives the girls advice to be proud of their bodies. There aren't any plus-size contestants, but there doesn't have to be. That's not what we're trying to do - what we're trying to do is find a superstar in whatever size. It's more about the confidence value. Of course they can audition, because we welcome all sizes. It's more about timing and her story, and the inspiration behind it.
PS: Speaking of the judges, the dynamic between Tyra, Miss J, and Nigel Barker in the previous seasons was always so fun. What's the dynamic like between you guys? It looks like you all got along pretty well in the first episode.
RO: Not all the time!
PS: No?
RO: We get along! But we don't always agree. There are some times when we're like "what are you talking about?" And sometimes I'm like, "you guys are crazy!" And I'm the only one who disagrees with all three of them. But that's how it is! It's not a fairy tale. This is real life, and I want people to understand that. The show is real, the events are real, and the girls' emotional roller coasters are real. It's also fun, you've got to remember that. It's a fun show. It's lighthearted to the point where we make the girls have fun with it, as well.
PS: If you had to sum up the new season in just three words, what would it be?
RO: Crazy, dramatic, and just . . . inspiring.
19 Healthy Snacks Made With Bananas
A banana makes the perfect snack, but if you're looking to spice up this basic fruit, try these snack recipes.
Why All Beauty-Lovers Should Plan a Trip to the Dead Sea
A visit to the Dead Sea is any beauty writer's dream because of the skin care benefits it is known for, so you can imagine just how elated I was to visit myself. It's also incredibly beautiful with its white, salty shores and gem-like, hypersaline waters. For those unaware, the Dead Sea is located smack in the middle of the desert - between Jordan on the east and Israel and Palestine on the west - so the surrounding views further add to the beauty.
I'd seen pictures and read about the research happening there, but that still didn't prepare me completely. For example, I didn't know prior to arriving that I'd feel elated because of the increased oxygen and bromide in the air, or that my pale skin would be much safer hanging out at the beach due to the extremely low elevation. I was afforded the visit through a nonprofit organization, Vibe Israel, who arranged an informational excursion with a tiny, two-person-run boat tour company.
Whether you're planning a visit yourself, are simply curious about the area, or want to live vicariously through another, these five Dead Sea tidbits will sate you.
Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt Teleport to Some Sort of Glamorous Stranger Things Wonderland
On Friday, Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt popped up at a Passengers photocall in LA where they were joined by costar Michael Sheen, writer Jon Spaihts, and director Morten Tyldum. With mirrored walls and hundreds of holiday string lights, it was hard not to imagine that the costars were getting into the spirit of the holiday season . . . in space, of course. We've been following Jen and Chris on their delightful press tour, which has been taking place since the beginning of December. Of course, the whole affair hasn't been without its bumps and shenanigans. While Chris has consistently and hilariously been cropping Jen out of his photos, Jen dealt with a bit of controversy after sharing a story from the Hunger Games set in Hawaii. Passengers hits theaters Dec. 21, so there should be plenty more fun in the weeks to come.
The Walking Dead: What We Already Know About the Second Half of Season 7
The Walking Dead has been terrorizing us by moving the story along at a snail's pace in season seven. Our gang has been separated, and since each episode only showcases one person's story, it's taking a hell of a long time to get where we need to go. "But just where is that?" you may be wondering. We know what happens to characters like Negan and King Ezekiel in Robert Kirkman's comic books, but there's no telling what the show's writers will choose to include. After all, there are significant differences between the TV series and the book series. There's still one more episode left before the Winter hiatus, but here's what we do know about the second half of season seven.
- We will meet new characters. While we've met a handful of new people, TVLine reported back in June that season seven would introduce Naomi and Jennie. Neither is present in the comics, but they're described as "a grandmotherly type who, having lost so many loved ones, is now willing to do whatever it takes not to have to bury any more" and "a sunny-side-up kinda teenager." While these sound like characters we could have met in "Swear," we haven't encountered anyone with those names yet.
- We'll probably see more of The Kingdom. We've only visited The Kingdom once, and given that it's such a big part of the comics, it's inevitable that we'll go back.
- War may be on the horizon. The next big plot point in the books is a storyline known as "All Out War," and it's the series of battles between the Saviors and, well, everyone else. Rick rounds up King Ezekiel, gains intel from bad-guy-turned-OK-guy Dwight, and attempts to take down Negan. Now, we know that Jeffrey Dean Morgan has already committed to season eight, so the war probably won't end in season seven.
The second half of season seven will pick up in February and will consist of another eight episodes.
17 Movies That We're Excited to See in 2017
Next year is busting with thrilling sequels, reboots, and straight-up original movies. Since so many trailers for 2017 movies have been released, we got to thinking about which movies we're the most excited to see in the coming year. It was only after reviewing our list that we realized Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is in no fewer than three of these films. It's not our fault that he's the busiest actor in the world! Take a look for all the sleek, sexy, and hotly anticipated films.
Gifts So Stylish You Won't Believe They're $100 or Less
We firmly believe that the most wonderful time of the year shouldn't wreak havoc on your wallet, but that gifts should still be truly special. In that spirit, we've done the research to uncover 26 awesome finds that you'll be amazed cost just $100 or less. This guide is jam-packed with the best of the best, from sweet sleep things to luxe-looking handbags. Start shopping or pin away for your own wish list now.
15 New Beauty Products You Need to Get Your Hands On in 2017
With new resolutions and fresh starts, there are many reasons to look forward to January. But as beauty editors, we're particularly excited for all the new products making their debuts in 2017. Because the innovation in this crop of launches is quite special, we're sharing them as soon as we can. Read on for a luxurious (and affordable!) foam body wash, creamy powder highlighter, and more fantastic formulas.
Shelter Puppy Is Overjoyed When Her Firefighter Rescuer Comes to Visit
When firefighter Mike Thawley of the Sacramento Fire Department noticed a dog suffering alone on the side of the road, he swooped her up and brought her back safely to the fire station. Her skin was clearly in bad shape, likely a result of neglect.
The kindhearted firefighters dried her off before placing her in good hands at the Front Street Animal Shelter. Though the rescue story is amazing in itself, the acts of kindness didn't stop there. Thawley went back to check on his new friend the next day, now known as Chunkie. You can tell in the video that the small gesture made this adorable dog's day.
10 Romantic Comedies That Take Will Get You Into the Holiday Spirit
There are plenty of Christmas movies that will make you cry, but what about ones that will make you laugh? Since the holidays are here, we're rounding up the best romantic comedies that take place in the merriest of seasons. Though some of these will make you shed a tear, they'll also give you a heavy dose of Christmas cheer. Warning: mistletoe will be involved.
Watch This YouTuber Transform Drake and Nicky Jam's Hit Singles Into 1 Hot Remix
If you think Nicky Jam and Drake sound sexy on their own, wait until you hear their hit singles mashed up, courtesy of YouTube singer Alex Aiono.
Alex combined Drake's "One Dance" and Nicky Jam's "Hasta el Amanecer" (now the third most watched video of 2016), creating a bilingual edge that is just plain hot. Also - let's be real - he is, too. Alex's flawless cover totally deserves its own spot on your best of 2016 playlist. After your done swooning over Alex's voice, check out our ultimate party playlist.
Brace Yourself For the Actual Expiration Date of the Olive Oil in Your Pantry
Although extra virgin olive oil seems like one of those products you can keep around in your pantry for eternity, it does have an expiration date and it's sooner than you think. While at an event with California Olive Ranch, I learned I have been holding on to olive oil for far too long. The quality of extra virgin olive oil, meaning the taste and nutrition, is affected by light, heat, time, and oxygen. To avoid your bottle of olive oil going rancid prematurely, keep it stored in a dark, cool place in your kitchen away from light, the stove, and oven. The optimal room temperature is 60℉ to 72℉.
Unopened and stored in the proper conditions, olive oil will last about one-and-a-half to two years past the bottling date, so check your bottle for the "harvest date" and calculate the amount of time you have to consume or toss that oil. California Olive Ranch recommends using an opened bottle of olive oil within 30 to 60 days, as it begins to oxidize (like wine) once exposed to air. If that seems like a crazy-fast time to use up a bottle of oil, buy the smallest size possible. You can also write the "date opened" with a Sharpie on the label to keep tabs on when it's time to restock your supply.
Emma Roberts and Evan Peters Sneak In a Smooch While Shopping in NYC
Emma Roberts and Evan Peters shared a kiss while shopping in NYC on Friday. The couple, who recently rekindled their romance for the third time, stayed close to each other as they made their way around SoHo with Emma's mother Kelly Cunningham and her younger sister Grace. The American Horror Story stars first began dating back in 2012 and have had a handful of breakups and makeups. Over Thanksgiving weekend, Emma shared an Instagram of herself wearing what appeared to be an engagement ring, and we've seen the couple out and about looking cute and cozy ever since.
Jennifer Lawrence Apologizes For Her Controversial Sacred Rock Story: "I Meant No Disrespect"
This post has been updated with new information.
Jennifer Lawrence is currently on a press tour for Passengers with Chris Pratt, and her recent stop on The Graham Norton Show earlier this month is causing controversy. After discussing the film, Jennifer told a story about how she used to scratch her butt on ancient and sacred rocks while filming The Hunger Games in Hawaii. "You're not supposed to sit on them because you're not supposed to expose your genitalia to them," she said. "I, however, was in a wetsuit . . . and they were so good for butt itching." She then went on to explain how one of the rocks became loose and it almost killed one of the sound guys.
Naturally, people weren't happy with Jen over her seemingly lack of awareness for Hawaiian culture. After many fans took to social media expressing their outrage and demanding that the actress apologize, she released a statement on her official Facebook page:
Jennifer is the latest star to publicly apologize after being accused of cultural appropriation along with Chris Hemsworth and Hilary Duff, who both shared remorse over insensitive costumes.
These Are the Holidays Summed Up by Buddy the Elf
It isn't a holiday season without a traditional family viewing of Elf, because not only does Buddy the Elf reflect the spirit of Christmas, but he also represents the kid in all of us. Because we feel so strongly about the way this beloved family film makes us feel, we decided to lay out the holiday season as summed up by Buddy and his crazy antics.
This Dad Built His Son a Star Wars Playhouse That's as Tall as an Actual House
When Colin Furze set out to build a Star Wars-inspired playhouse for his son, he certainly aimed high. See, Colin is known for his over-the-top inventions. In fact, he currently has more than 3 million YouTube subscribers who tune in to see his many experiments. So, when he decided to build the playhouse, he scaled it so that it would be about the height of an actual house, naturally.
After a month of working on it with his friends, Colin finally revealed the playhouse and it's seriously impressive. The playhouse is an exact replica of the franchise's classic AT-AT Walker, except this one towers over the neighboring homes. A ladder descends at the press of a button, and inside, the playhouse is stocked with games and memorabilia, all provided by eBay.
The best part of the video, however, is seeing his son's expression as he ascends the ladder into the game room. Watch the full video above, then learn more about how Colin actually built the AT-AT.
10 Reasons Demi Lovato Deserves the Grammy For Best Pop Vocal Album
Demi Lovato has finally gotten what she's worked so hard for - a Grammy nomination. The 23-year-old songstress's album Confident was nominated for best pop vocal album for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, airing on Feb. 12, 2017.
In an interview with Complex last year, Demi explained how much a Grammy nomination would mean to her. "Everything in my entire singing career - all of the guitar lessons, all of the voice lessons, all of the songs that I wrote when I was 8 years old, when I was 15, writing six songs a night, all of the touring - would be worth it."
She expressed her excitement about the news on Twitter the day the nominations were announced.
Woke up to the most amazing news EVER!!!!!!! Wow... thank you SO MUCH to @RecordingAcad!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😭 #GrammyNominations
- Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) December 6, 2016
We think Demi deserves more than a nomination - she deserves to that Grammy home! Read on to find out why.
20+ Amazing Things You Didn't Know You Could Make With Red Wine
It's no secret that red wine goes in recipes like tomato sauce, but these unique recipes will convince you to use red wine in a whole new way. If you've never tried red wine hot chocolate, red wine grilled cheese, or red wine spaghetti, you're in for a total treat. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite red, and reserve the rest for any of these standout recipes, both savory and sweet.
How to Have the Most Magical Harry Potter Christmas
Like all Harry Potter fans, when we heard last year that Warner Bros was re-creating Christmas dinner inside the Hogwarts Great Hall, we dreamed of scoring tickets. But then we thought, "Why don't we re-create it at home?" And so we did. Ahead, check out how you too can put together your own happy Christmas, complete with snitch ornaments, Mrs. Weasley sweater cookies, a spectacular dinner table setup, and oh so much more. It's easy to do yourself - promise.
p.s. Check out even more Harry Potter holiday ideas here!
A Look Back at Jennifer Lopez's Dating History
Let's take a trip down memory lane - through Jennifer Lopez's love history, to be more specific. The badass singer, actress, and producer is now happily single - though a kiss she shared with ex-husband Marc Anthony at the Latin Grammys did start rumors left and right - but she's been linked to celebrities and civilians alike since she first hit the spotlight. From her high school boyfriend through her engagement to Ben Affleck and her marriage to Marc, here's a deep look at J Lo's romantic roller coaster.
100+ Harry Potter Gifts For Every Hogwarts House
Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Gryffindor - no matter which Hogwarts house you call home, these gifts will guarantee you have a magical holiday season. There are bookish presents for Ravenclaws, goodies that represent Gryffindor's beloved trio, snake-themed trinkets for Slytherins, and of course, some Fantastic Beasts flair in honor of Hufflepuff's new star Newt Scamander. Now which ones will be for gifts and which ones will we be buying for ourselves . . .
Bristol Palin Is Pregnant With Her Third Child
Congrats are in order for Bristol Palin - the Dancing With the Stars alum and daughter of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin is pregnant with her third child. ET confirmed the news on Friday with a photo of Bristol, her husband Dakota Meyer, and their 1-year-old daughter Sailor, as well as Bristol's 7-year-old son, Tripp, whom she shares with ex-fiancé Levi Johnston. "We are so excited to announce that our family is expanding!" the couple said in an exclusive statement. "God has blessed us so much; we are thankful for His grace and new beginnings. A springtime baby in the Meyer home and we can't wait!"
Bristol and Dakota got married in June 2016 after dating on and off for a year; they first got engaged in March 2015, but the wedding was called off. In June of that year, Bristol announced her pregnancy, and Sailor was born in December. It wasn't announced that Dakota was Sailor's biological father until January 2016, when the former Marine filed legal documents asking for joint legal and physical custody of the newborn, as well as child support from Bristol. An agreement was soon reached, and two rekindled their romance and tied the knot.
Kesha Offers Words of Support to Fans: "If You Keep Showing Up For Yourself, You Can Move Mountains"
Image Source: Getty / Nicholas Hunt
Kesha was just one of the guests of honor at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony in NYC on Friday, but her acceptance speech may have been the most emotional. The singer was given the Trailblazer Award for her boundary-breaking career. Kesha was first serenaded with her own hit "Warrior" by singer-songwriter Wrabel before being presented with her trophy by Charli XCX and appeared visibly shaken during her thank-you speech.
"I want to especially thank my fans who I love and appreciate more than you guys will ever know," Kesha said to the crowd, which included other huge stars like Madonna, Nick Jonas, Maren Morris, and Shania Twain. "To my peers, your support over the past few years has literally saved my life." She went on: "It's mind-blowing to be honored with this after a very public year I've had. I feel stuck and I feel sad and quite frankly, today, I feel bloated," which elicited laughs from the star-studded audience. "This is a huge reminder I can't give up and I have to keep fighting for my truth and keep fighting for my dreams." Kesha ended her speech with a touching reminder: "If you keep showing up for yourself, you can move mountains. . . . Do not let anyone else take your happiness."
Image Source: Getty / Kevin Mazur
"If you keep showing up for yourself, you can move mountains. . . . Do not let anyone else take your happiness."It's been a roller coaster 2016 for the singer, who had to endure loads of legal drama due to her lawsuit against Dr. Luke. Kesha first filed a lawsuit against the music producer in October 2015, alleging that he'd emotionally and sexually abused her and manipulated her career. This year, she took on another battle when she tried to get released from her recording contract with Sony. Numerous celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Adele, came forward to support Kesha in the wake of the shocking news. However, in April 2016, a judge threw out her claims, saying she was being "unreasonable." Kesha officially dropped her suit "without prejudice" in August in order to focus on releasing new music. "Kesha is focused on getting back to work and has delivered 28 new songs to the record label," her lawyer said. "We have conveyed to Sony Music and the label Kesha's strong desire to release the single and an album as soon as possible."
The Walking Dead: Here's the Song Negan Tortures Daryl With
Ready to take a trip down "Easy Street"? Halfway into the season of The Walking Dead, and we're not sure how we feel. What we do know is this episode three is a standout for several reasons, one of which is the music. It features three memorable tunes, opening with "Town Called Malice" by The Jam and employing "Crying" by Roy Orbison for a particularly emotional scene, but the one you likely will never, ever be able to get out of your head is "Easy Street" by The Collapsable Hearts Club feat. Jim Bianco & Petra Haden. Dwight uses it to torture Daryl into submission, but Daryl is a lot stronger than Negan gives him credit for. Despite its retro feel, the song was released just this year and is on Spotify. Take a listen:
Jim Bianco spoke with The Independent after the episode aired, and it turns out that he didn't mind that the song is used for literal torture. "Exactly how the song got into their hands is a mystery to me," he said, "but when they heard it, the show reached out and asked to use it . . . I think the show used it brilliantly; framing such an upbeat song as a torture advice is a work of genius by the music supervisor."
The Best Holiday Gift Ideas For the Whole Family!
Who says everyone on your gift list needs a present of their own? Sometimes it's a gift for the entire family that gets everyone excited. Be it a board game everyone can enjoy or a cooking project both kids and adults can have a hand in preparing, a family gift is a fun way to gather everyone together.
3 Workout Must Dos to Save Time at the Gym
When you're pressed for time during the holidays, it's important to make the most of your time at the gym. Instead of feeling like you need to spend tons of precious time on a lengthy cardio session, these gym hacks will shave time off your workout and help you see results.
Add intervals: Maximize your cardio with intervals. Playing with the speed burns more calories than working at a steady pace and it also revs up your metabolism! In a study from the journal Cell Metabolism, researchers found that periods of intense cardio can fire up certain genes that initiate the fat-burning process and after-burn effect, which translates to more calories burned even after the workout is over. It doesn't get better than that. Here are some interval workouts to get you started.
Add intensity: If you tend to take a step back and not push yourself when working out solo, go for intense group classes. Most gyms offer quick and dirty 30- to 45-minute workouts that go intense, keep you on your toes, and burn tons of calories. If heading to the gym isn't an option, it's totally possible to kick your own butt at home. These 10 fast full-body workouts help you make it happen!
Add weights: Still think that lifting heavier weights only makes you bulk up? Guess again. According to trainer Tia Falcone, who helped Miss America lose over 50 pounds, weight training is the key to achieving the toned, strong look you're going for; she suggests aiming for four strength-training sessions per week. Save time with this mashup full-body circuit workout that keeps your heart rate elevated to burn calories while you build muscle with weights.
3 Workout Must Dos to Save Time at the Gym
When you're pressed for time during the holidays, it's important to make the most of your time at the gym. Instead of feeling like you need to spend tons of precious time on a lengthy cardio session, these gym hacks will shave time off your workout and help you see results.
Add intervals: Maximize your cardio with intervals. Playing with the speed burns more calories than working at a steady pace and it also revs up your metabolism! In a study from the journal Cell Metabolism, researchers found that periods of intense cardio can fire up certain genes that initiate the fat-burning process and after-burn effect, which translates to more calories burned even after the workout is over. It doesn't get better than that. Here are some interval workouts to get you started.
Add intensity: If you tend to take a step back and not push yourself when working out solo, go for intense group classes. Most gyms offer quick and dirty 30- to 45-minute workouts that go intense, keep you on your toes, and burn tons of calories. If heading to the gym isn't an option, it's totally possible to kick your own butt at home. These 10 fast full-body workouts help you make it happen!
Add weights: Still think that lifting heavier weights only makes you bulk up? Guess again. According to trainer Tia Falcone, who helped Miss America lose over 50 pounds, weight training is the key to achieving the toned, strong look you're going for; she suggests aiming for four strength-training sessions per week. Save time with this mashup full-body circuit workout that keeps your heart rate elevated to burn calories while you build muscle with weights.
Fantastic Beasts Gives the Sweetest Nod to Ron and Hermione's Love Story
The following post contains minor spoilers for the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film.
In theaters worldwide, diehard Harry Potter fans couldn't help but count the ways that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them references the original series . . . but one supersweet nod slipped right past many of the most passionate Potterheads. In case you missed it, here's a hint: Newt and Tina's first meeting is extremely similar to Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger's fateful first encounter on the Hogwarts Express.
when you meet your soulmate for the first time http://pic.twitter.com/sezrTxzqXq
- emma (@sevendraco) November 24, 2016
Did you catch the reference? Just like Hermione introduces herself as "Hermione Granger, and you are?," Newt Scamander introduces himself to Tina in the same fashion. Then, as Hermione points out the dirt smudge on Ron's nose, Newt tries to help Tina with a smudge of mustard on her lip.
So sweet, right? There's no way this connection was an accident! Perhaps helping a new friend with an embarrassing problem is the way all soul mates are destined to meet in the wizarding world.
20 Swoon-Worthy Health and Fitness Gifts Under $100
So you want a nicer-than-average gift for your fit best friend, your parent starting a healthy journey, or a significant other who loves to work out - but you might not have a ton of money to spend. Let's go with $100 and under so you can give something meaningful and awesome without breaking the bank. We've rounded up thoughtful, practical, and totally swoon-worthy gifts that help with exercise, healthy eating, and active adventures of all kinds - and many of these are some of our favorite products that we use daily (read: they'll love them as much as we do!)
Before You Buy a New Purse, Consider This 1 Major Factor
Like most people, we view a new year as a clean slate: time to start over, tidy up, and - finally! - trade those worn-out, broken down items for something shiny and new. The one item we'll definitely be investing in for 2017? A brand new, quality bag. And naturally, it'll be a purchase we'll be making very carefully.
While a versatile color, pockets, and easy-to-hold straps are all details we'll likely look for, the ability to work for, well, work is also pretty important to us. Our new tote needs to fit our junk, gadgets, and the occasional spare pair of shoes, so we've done some research and gathered viable options ahead.
Keep on reading to find an everyday bag for every budget, from $100 to $3,000. Not ready to splurge just yet? Consider this a goal and save up!
jeudi 8 décembre 2016
33 Reasons 2016 Is Jennifer Lopez's Best Year Yet!
Move over, world, because Jennifer Lopez is having the best year of her life. The singer, actress, and producer is doing it all - she has a Spanish album in the works, as well as a TV dance competition; she has a Las Vegas residency, as well as a hit TV show; she's a devoted mom of two and somehow found time to design a shoe line! We're calling it: 2016 is the year J Lo's stardom skyrocketed beyond the moon. Scroll ahead to find 33 reasons we believe so.
Kate Middleton Just Stunned Us All in This Fairy-Tale Gown - Prepare to Swoon
We sometimes forget the relatable Kate Middleton is, in fact, royalty; but when she stepped out for the annual Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace on Thursday night, she looked every bit like a real-life princess. It's perhaps one of her most "princess-y" appearances to date, thanks to a powerful red Jenny Packham gown that Kate's worn before, and a particularly glamorous family heirloom.
Kate finished the look with the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, a piece once beloved by Princess Diana. It's the second time the duchess has worn the tiara, which resides in Queen Elizabeth II's collection. With its massive pearls, surrounded by diamonds, it's a stunning piece to cap off her jaw-dropping look. Read on to see her portrait and get a closer glimpse at the gown and the jewels.
The Reason Chrissy Teigen Never Wears Flats Is More Complicated Than You Thought
Chrissy Teigen may be quite the jokester, but one thing she never kids about? Her outfits, which are always on-trend and something to covet, especially when it comes to footwear. But as fans of the stylish star, we've started to notice a little something: Chrissy's always in heels and hardly ever rocks flats. It wasn't even until earlier this year that she dared to wear sneakers outside of the gym.
So when we met up with Chrissy to discuss her Stella Artois partnership and "Host One to Remember" campaign, we asked her about her heel obsession and if she did, indeed, have a favorite pair of flats.
"I only wear heels," she told us, going through a list of reasons that support her decision (and bringing back memories of the old, stiletto-loving Victoria Beckham).
"I'm very uncomfortable in flats. My calves are actually abnormally tight, [and I'm] flat footed and very relaxed in a 6-inch heel. It's very bad for your lower back, and I have to see a chiropractor twice a week because of it, but, yeah. I can't even wear Havaianas flip-flops because I don't like things in between my toes. Ballet flats look goofy on me because you can see the shape of my foot through them."
But as for sneakers? Chrissy would make an exception - if they were trendy enough.
"I'd say unless it's a Yeezy or something that just makes me feel cool, that's pretty much the only thing that's going to happen. Those or Common Projects. You know how some people get away with those cute white [sneakers] with their little shorts? I look so silly. I look like I'm playing dress up as Skipper or something."
Scroll through to see some kicks that have Chrissy Teigen's approval, then check out her impressive heel collection.
10 Reactions to John Glenn's Death That Will Touch Your Heart
John Glenn, an astronaut who was the first American to orbit the Earth, died on Dec. 8. Glenn was both an astronaut with an incredible career and a senator in Ohio who served four terms from 1974 to 1999. People across social media, including notable celebrities and figures like Elon Musk and Neil deGrasse Tyson, are expressing their sadness about Glenn's passing. See some of these tweets ahead remembering an American hero.
A Man Who Played Goofy at Disney Shared a Tragic Story That Proves Disney Magic Exists
In the very beginning of an "ask me anything" on Reddit, a man who played Goofy at Disney World for over 20 years added a disclaimer that the thread was "not for those who wish to preserve the Disney Magic." However, a question asking Reddit user Ihaveanotheridentity if he had any good magical moments to share prompted him to tell a touching story about why he decided to leave his position as a VIP tour guide to join the character department - and it completely embodies the essence of Disney's magic.
"I was working City Hall one day when two guests came in with two little girls," his story begins. "One was in a wheelchair and the other one looked like she had just seen death. . . . The two women were actually nurses from a hospital and were asking for a refund on the girl's tickets, something we avoided doing at all costs. When I asked why they told me the story. The two girls were with their mom and dad at Epcot and on the way home they got into a horrible car accident. The mother was beheaded right in front of them. The father eventually died too but the two girls didn't know that yet. They were from overseas and had no money and no contact information for anyone they knew."
Feeling completely heartbroken for the girls, he refunded their money and offered to be their private tour guide for the day. He spent the entire morning cracking jokes, pulling out his best tricks to make the girls smile, but got nothing - they were traumatized and not feeling particularly cheerful. He went to change into his VIP tour guide costume feeling completely powerless and bawled his eyes out in the dressing room.
He composed himself, went back out, bought the girls ice creams, and took them on rides - nothing worked. Then he decided to take them over to where the parade was starting shortly, which is when he says he saw the real magic, "not bullsh*t."
I had called the parade department to let them know what was going on and set up a private meet and greet after the parade. As the parade was coming around Liberty Square I told the girls that I had called Mickey and told them all about them. I told them that Mickey asked to meet them after the parade. The little girl in the wheelchair smiled. "Really?" she asked. My heart skipped. "Yes, really! He told me to tell you to look out for him in the parade and to follow the float back to City Hall." The other girl smiled. "You mean right now?" she asked.
It had worked. They were talking. Not laughing, but talking. It was the first time I had heard them speak. Every single parade performer came up to them on the bridge and told them to look out for Mickey. . . . When Mickey's float came up, Mickey (who was attached to a pole at the top of the float) managed to turn her body sideways, look down at the girls and point towards Main Street. That was all it took. The girls were excited now. They had forgotten about death. They were lost in a magical world and I couldn't believe I was watching it unfold in front of my eyes.
We followed that float all the way back to City Hall, singing "Mickey Mania" the whole way. . . . The girl who was Mickey that day (K.T., I will always love you for this) got down off her float and without even taking her head off walked up to me backstage and said, "Let's go." I walked in with Mickey behind me so I got to see the exact moment the girls met their new friend. They got shy but Mickey was in control now. Those girls met the REAL Mickey Mouse that day.
Every single parade character stayed dressed to meet those girls. One by one they'd come in and play a bit, then leave. We were in that lounge for over an hour. Mickey stayed in costume the entire time (which is hard to do after a parade). When Mickey finally said goodbye I had two excited girls on my hands that couldn't stop smiling. They talked and talked and talked.
We had a wonderful day after that, but what I remember most is when we walked by the rose garden, the older one said, "Oh, my mommy loves roses! I mean . . . " and she stopped. I held out my hand and walked her to the gate, picked her up and put her on the other side and said, "Pick one!" She looked happy as she picked out her favorite rose. She didn't say anything more and she didn't need to. I said goodbye to the wonderful nurses and the wonderful girls then walked backstage behind the train station. This time I didn't cry.
It felt so good to be a part of that. I realized that as much as I liked helping guests at City Hall, the true magic of Disney was in the character department. I auditioned, transferred and never looked back.
After reading this touching story and no doubt ugly crying in front of his computer screen, one commenter summed it all up perfectly: "Sir, you are a scumbag. First you warn me in your opening statement that I will lose my faith in Disney magic and then you tell the most magical Disney story ever."
Maximize Your Beauty Sleep With These 19 Overnight Hacks
After a long, stressful day, we just want to tuck ourselves into bed and start counting sheep. But as the beauty girl in our group of friends, we have a certain level of grooming maintenance we must adhere to. Even our significant other would be concerned if we went a few days without a manicure (sound familiar?). While there is merit to staying up late to practice those superlong Korean skin care rituals, it's sometimes relieving to try a lazy-girl hack before bed so that you wake up looking gorgeous. After lots of trial and error, we've found the best ways to maximize beauty sleep - just keep reading and try them tonight!
This Is the Grocery Store That Americans Love More Than Trader Joe's
America has a new favorite grocery store that beat out Trader Joe's, and it's expanding to even more locations. According to Business Insider, Wegmans scored the highest in customer satisfaction in an annual survey by Market Force Information. That means Wegmans beat out both Publix and Trader Joe's, which came in second and third, respectively. "This is the first time in four years that Trader Joe's did not rank first," according to the survey results. Wegmans is based in upstate New York and has 90 total locations, all on the East Coast and mostly in New York and New Jersey. The next lucky state on the list is North Carolina, where there will reportedly be "multiple sites in the Raleigh-Durham area."
Although much of the country has never visited a Wegmans because of its limited locations, the shoppers who do get to go have created a loyal following that contributed to it snagging the No. 1 spot. One of the reasons people claim Wegmans is the best grocery store is the value: you get a whole lot for what you pay for. The store-brand staples like olive oil and pasta imported from Italy can't be beat, and the bakery's pastries and cakes are birthday-party worthy. Another reason to shop there is the sheer size: you could easily get lost for hours, and you wouldn't even mind. Here's to hoping that the level of customer satisfaction contributes to even more expansion across the US so that everyone can get a taste of the Wegmans experience.
Hospital Lets Man's Family Bring His Dog to Say Goodbye Before He Dies
This video pretty much speaks for itself. Facebook user Michelle Jessen shared a post about her brother being in the hospital and how the hospital he was in allowed her family to bring his dog in to say goodbye. She also shared a video of the dog climbing into the bed to bid her human a final farewell before he passes away. Just watch, and make sure you have some tissues handy.
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