Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.

Mental Health

Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.

Public health

Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.

Reproductive Health

For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.

Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

dimanche 25 décembre 2016

All of Shay Mitchell's Sexiest Swimsuits Have One Thing in Common

It's no secret that Shay Mitchell is fond of traveling. The Pretty Little Liars star is constantly uploading photos of her envy-inducing vacations and dishing on her adventures in her YouTube series, Shaycation, which has over one million subscribers.

So when it comes to gearing up for a fun Summer getaway, she makes sure to pack her go-to - and very sexy! - swimsuit style, which may not come as a total surprise after scrolling through her feed. "I'm a huge fan of one-pieces . . . I love them," she told us. "I love bright colors, and there are so many amazing options to choose from as far as swim is concerned."

Keep scrolling to look back at some of her best swimwear moments, then shop the looks.

- Additional reporting by Samantha Sutton

16 Weight-Loss Techniques That Work

You're like a little train, slowly but strongly chugging along on your track of weight loss. You've figured out by now that it's not one major thing that works - you find success by implementing a lot of small choices. If you could use some new healthy techniques, give these a try. Hopefully they'll help you to reach your weight-loss goals even faster.

The Epic Reason Researchers Named This New Spider Species After Godric Gryffindor

Our Fantastic Beasts dreams are coming true: first we found out that Nifflers (kind of, sort of) really do exist. Now, a team of researchers in India have discovered a new spider that looks just like - wait for it - the Sorting Hat originally owned by Godric Gryffindor from the Harry Potter films. In honor of its unique shape, the 7-millimeter spider has been named Eriovixia gryffindori.

The suitable name of the spider, which was discovered by researchers Javed Ahmed, Rajashree Khalap, and Sumukha Javagal, was released in The Indian Journal of Arachnology. While speaking with the paper, Ahmed expressed his excitement about the team's latest discovery. "We're excited to have found this new spider whose shape is similar to the magical sorting hat owned by the wizard [Gryffindor]. The discovery was made in Kans forest area of Karnataka," Ahmed revealed.

The spider takes on its leaf-like shape as a way to camouflage itself from predators in the daytime. "As a youngster, I was very fond of reading Harry Potter books. So, when I encountered this tiny spider, I thought of the magical hat," Ahmed said.

Keep reading to see what J.K. Rowling had to say when she discovered the news of the fascinating discovery.

Negative Space Lip Art Is the Avant-Garde Holiday Trend You Haven't Seen Yet

Negative-space nail art has graduated from being a trend to a staple in the manicure world. And in its place, we are now mesmerized by negative-space lip art! The lip-art style leaves portions of the pout color-free, hence "space."

Los Angeles-based makeup artist Vlada Haggerty is leading the charge for this movement on Instagram. If you love her work, you can also buy prints of it via her Etsy shop (makes a fabulous gift for a beauty junkie who already owns many products!).

Our favorite look is the gold falling stars design featuring Pat McGrath Metalmorphosis 005 Gold, Bronze, and Copper pigments. Keep reading to see more mesmerizing lip art!

Once You Look at What Janelle Monáe Did to Her Hair, You Can't Unsee It

Janelle Monáe just rocked an eye-conic look. The musician is known to have fun with her hair, but she took it to the next level by rocking googly eyes (like from the '90s) in double buns. It perfectly complemented her polka-dotted Kate Spade coat. (This is not the first time she wore space buns, BTW.)

Stylist Nikki Nelms created this kitschy look, which Janelle wore on NBC shows, including Today and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Dec. 20.

"I see you all these eyes around my head," Janelle said while hanging out with Nikki in an Instagram video. "I see you (points)."

She also captioned a photo, "Even when I'm sleeping, I keep 20 eyes open."

If you want to DIY this style at home, try gluing googly eyes to bobby pins and sticking them into your topknot, double buns, etc.

We also can't ignore the rest of Janelle's style: a winged-out cat eye, creamy hot-pink lip, and black-and-white nail art.

Keep reading to see more images of Janelle's unique beauty look!

8 Ways to Transform Your Instagram Feed Into Something Fashion-Blogger-Worthy

We've tried, then failed, then tried again: achieving an elevated, blogger-like Instagram is not as easy as it seems. There's just so much to take into account - color, lighting, editing tools, etc. - that it's easy to give up and give in to old, blurry habits. But for 2017, we're feeling determined. Our photos will be ones that earn hundreds of "likes," because, well, we're stealing some tips - and not giving 'em back. Scroll through for what we've gathered from a few chic feeds, then put it all into practice, ASAP.

Demi Lovato's Voice Is Amazing - and These 13 Performances Show Just That

Our favorite part of having Demi Lovato release her newest album, Confident, has been getting to see her show off her insane vocals and ability to perform live over and over. Every time, she left us clapping profusely! This year, more than ever, Demi chose her singles and covers carefully, making the rounds on shows like the Grammys and the Victoria's Secret Swim Special and hitting big stages like the Global Citizen Festival and iHeartRadio Festival to show she deserves your attention. Straight ahead you'll find just 13 of her most impressive performances of 2016. Enjoy!

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris First Met and Fell in Love in the '80s - Well, Sort Of

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris have been bringing joy to our lives for years now with their adorable relationship, sweet red carpet moments, and normal family life with their son, Jack. But if you can even fathom it, there was once a time when they did not exist as a couple. The pair first met in 2007 on the set of Take Me Home Tonight, a movie set in the '80s about a recent college graduate (Topher Grace) who has no idea what he wants to do with his life. After attending a Labor Day party in his hometown, he tries to win over his high school crush (Teresa Palmer) and prove that he can make decisions for his future.

Anna plays Topher's twin sister, while Chris plays her onscreen boyfriend-turned-fiancé-turned-ex. While things didn't work out for their characters, the two fell in love on set. "This is a pretty spectacular moment for us, to be able to come to this movie that we met on and fell in love making," Chris said at the film's 2011 premiere (it was delayed for years due to scenes showing heavy cocaine use among young adults). It's also worth noting that Anna was still married to her first husband, actor Ben Indra, when filming began in February 2007, but Chris admitted that he didn't make a move until after she filed for divorce that April. And the rest is history!

Stop What You're Doing and Admire This Perfect Unicorn Bark - and Then DIY It!

This holiday season, swap out your tried-and-true peppermint bark for something a little more magical: unicorn bark! Unicorns have officially infiltrated the foodie world, making appearances in hot chocolate, toast, and cookie form, but this chocolate bark might just be our favorite trend to date.

The colorful, mystical treat may look like it requires magical powers to create, but it's surprisingly easy to DIY. Simply start just as you would for our out-of-this-world galaxy bark recipe, but unicornify it! Spread melted chocolate on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, and add dollops of dyed white chocolate on top. Swirl the colors together using a knife or spatula. Then comes the fun part: the decorating! You really can't go wrong with this step, but some especially magical topping options include bright sugar pearls, fancy sprinkles, and edible glitter. Pop the sheet in the fridge to solidify, and break the chocolate slab into smaller chunks once it has hardened.

Unicorn bark makes the perfect last-minute edible holiday gift for anyone and everyone on your list. Keep reading to see how different unicorn-lovers everywhere have prepared this magical goodie.

People Are Crying Their Hearts Out After Seeing What This Class Bought For Their Teacher

If you need a reason to prove that not everything in 2016 was a hot mess, then you need to watch this heartwarming video of a class giving their teacher a pair of vans. The viral video shows the teacher's genuine touched reaction and it might make you emotional as well.

Earlier this year, psychology teacher Taylor Kerby at Edgewood High School in California, commented to his class that he liked one student's red Vans. The entire class chipped in and bought Kerby his own red pair of Vans, and student, Dyani Heredia, filmed his reaction. Watch the video below.

In the video, you can see Kerby surprised by the gift but immediately put them on. The class of 25 students each donated $2 to buy the shoes, Heredia told BuzzFeed. Kerby, who was surprised that the video went so viral, is glad plenty of people are watching it. ". . . If it inspires teachers to be better teachers and people to be better people, then I'm excited that it's happening," he said to BuzzFeed. Another student posted a photo of Kerby posing with the shoes.

Kerby is not the only one who was touched by his student's heartwarming gesture. Other people reacted to the video with how much they loved it.

Even Vans saw the video and commented on the video!

The tweet, posted on Dec. 19, has already more than 1350,000 likes and 48,00 retweets. Hopefully, it'll warm your heart up.

Have a Very '90s (and Early '00s) Christmas

Is it even possible to reminisce about Christmas in the '90s without getting Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" or *NSYNC's "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" stuck in your head? How about TLC's "Sleigh Ride"? And I still have a vivid memory of listening to Adam Sandler's hilarious classic "The Chanukah Song" on the radio back before the days of Spotify. If you want to take a trip down holiday season memory lane, listen to our '90s - and early '00s, because it just wouldn't be complete without Britney Spears and Destiny's Child - playlist below! For more holiday tunes, get our romantic Christmas playlist here.

  1. "8 Days of Christmas," Destiny's Child
  2. "All I Want For Christmas," Mariah Carey
  3. "All I Want Is You (This Christmas)," *NSYNC
  4. "Baby It's Cold Outside," Vanessa Williams and Bobby Caldwell
  5. "Carolina Christmas," Squirrel Nut Zippers
  6. "The Chanukah Song," Adam Sandler
  7. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," Mariah Carey
  8. "Christmas Day," Dido
  9. "Christmas in Jamaica," Toni Braxton and Shaggy
  10. "Christmas in the City," Mary J. Blige and Angie Martinez
  11. "Christmas Song," Dave Matthews Band
  12. "Christmas Through Your Eyes," Gloria Estefan
  13. "Christmastime," The Smashing Pumpkins
  14. "Early Christmas Morning," Cyndi Lauper
  15. "Every Year, Every Christmas," Luther Vandross
  16. "Everybody Knows the Claus," Hanson
  17. "Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas," Eels
  18. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings," Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan
  19. "Grown-Up Christmas List," Amy Grant
  20. "Hey Santa!," Carnie and Wendy Wilson
  21. "Home For Christmas," *NSYNC
  22. "I Don't Wanna Spend One More Christmas Without You," *NSYNC
  23. "I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas," Bon Jovi
  24. "I'm Your Angel," Céline Dion and R. Kelly
  25. "If Everyday Could Be Christmas," 98 Degrees
  26. "It's Christmas Time Again," Backstreet Boys
  27. "Let It Snow," Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight
  28. "Merry Christmas Baby," Hanson
  29. "Merry Christmas, Baby," Christina Aguilera
  30. "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays," *NSYNC
  31. "My Only Wish (This Year)," Britney Spears
  32. "Oi to the World," No Doubt
  33. "Please Come Home For Christmas," Jon Bon Jovi
  34. "Put a Little Holiday in Your Heart," LeAnn Rimes
  35. "Run Rudolph Run," The Brian Setzer Orchestra
  36. "Santa Baby," The Christmas All Stars
  37. "Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto," Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg
  38. "Sleigh Ride," TLC
  39. "Snowflakes of Love," Toni Braxton
  40. "Song For a Winter's Night," Sarah McLachlan
  41. "Spread a Little Love on Christmas Day," Destiny's Child
  42. "The Christmas Song," Hootie & The Blowfish
  43. "The Christmas Song (Holiday Remix)," Christina Aguilera
  44. "The Night Santa Went Crazy," Weird Al Yankovic
  45. "This Gift," 98 Degrees
  46. "Where Are You Christmas," Faith Hill
  47. "You're Not Alone," Boyz II Men

To listen to the playlist below, download the free Spotify software or app.

This Mom's Struggle to Unbox a New Toy Is So Accurate It's Unbelievable

A child's smile when they unwrap a brand-new toy is priceless, isn't it? Sure, until they hand you that boxed toy sealed in what seems like government-issued tape and you can no longer find a way to justify the reason you bought it in the first place. You find yourself sweating by the time the box is actually open, then you slide the inner cardboard box out only to find 400 twist-ties taped down, and if you're lucky, a few screws.

Tova Leigh is a mom who knows this ridiculous struggle all too well, so she created a hilarious video of herself opening a boxed Disney princess that was packaged in a way to suggest that maybe it was meant to be kept in the box for the rest of eternity. It's so relatable, you'll laugh so you don't cry - the holidays are coming, after all.

Get ready.

8 Moments That Put Natural Hair in the Spotlight in 2016

The beauty world and society at large are making steady strides to being more inclusive of different types of beauty. As an editor with natural hair, I find it empowering to see more representations of myself in the media, especially when they highlight the pride I have in my Afro tresses. I've rounded up eight standout moments that made me love and appreciate my locks more than I already do, from Blue Ivy's Afro in Beyoncé's Formation video to the stunning natural hair takeover on the Met Gala Red carpet. Read on to see the noteworthy moments, and tell us about your highlights in the comments.

Sephora's HUGE Cream Lip Stain Vault Will Blow Your Freaking Mind

Many beauty junkies have long adored Sephora's own liquid lipstick formula, the Cream Lip Stain ($14). It's been a reliable and affordable way for lipstick-lovers on a budget to try out the matte pout trend. Just in time for the holidays, the brand is expanding the 15-shade assortment with 27 brand-new hues.

However, that swell news isn't all Sephora had in store for us: for a limited time, you can try 40 shades of the beloved product in the new Sephora Cream Lip Stain Vault ($375). Though its price tag may seem a little steep, remember that you are getting a practically incomprehensible number of lipsticks in a wide range of tints, from classic reds, pinks, and neutrals to edgy greens, blues, and taupes. If you bought all of these colors separately, it'd set you back $560, so honestly, this gift set is a bargain.

Considering how much of a cult favorite the Sephora Cream Lip Stain is, we wouldn't blame you if you ended up buying this as a treat for yourself, but definitely consider snagging it as a last-minute holiday present for a pal. After all, members of Sephora VIB Rouge (rewards program participants who spend upward of $1,000 annually at the retailer) can order this online-only collection with free two-day shipping.

Read on to see the Vault in all its glory as well as swatches of every single shade inside.

Diamond Nails Are Going to Be a Girl's Best Friend in 2017

Here's How You Can Get Even Closer to Living Ree Drummond's Pioneer Lifestyle

Ree Drummond is launching her own magazine! The Pioneer Woman magazine will debut in June 2017 as a collaboration between Hearst Magazines and Scripps Network Interactive, the media company that owns Food Network. According to Hearst's official statement, "The Pioneer Woman magazine will feature a strong emphasis on food, showcasing Drummond's accessible style for cooking, meal planning, and casual entertaining. Additional stories will cover fashion, lifestyle, family, and culture/fun, along with personal anecdotes and photographs of her life on the ranch."

Ree Drummond started her blog 10 years ago and has since starred in one of the most popular cooking shows on the Food Network and written several New York Times bestselling cookbooks. "I love using images to tell stories, demonstrate recipes, and share helpful tips, and I want to create a fun, positive, exciting experience for readers," Ree said in a statement. Pioneer Woman fans might not be able to re-create her camera-ready kitchen at home, but reading her magazine will get them that much closer to her ranch.

This Cat Nearly Died From Eating String, but Then a Christmas Miracle Happened

As a pet owner, one of the most horrifying things you can hear from a vet is that she's taking your pet in for emergency surgery but she might not be able to save her. That was the phone call I got last Christmas, and to make things even worse, I was in a completely different state, more than 400 miles away, totally helpless.

My cats, Sherlock and Watson, had been with my parents while I was on vacation, and they were having a ball with all the extra space they weren't used to in our tiny New York apartment. But when my mom called me one day and said Watson was letting her pick her up and hold her, I knew something probably wasn't right. Watson is an extremely timid cat who is only 100 percent comfortable around me. Everyone else scares her. But I wrote it off as Watson just getting more comfortable with her surroundings. Two days later, my mom called me from the vet crying and said Watson might have diabetes and is so dehydrated that the vet isn't sure she can save her.

I thought that was the worst of it until she called back about a half hour later and said it wasn't diabetes - it was a string that Watson had swallowed that had gotten all tangled in her intestines. The string was wrapped around her tongue, preventing her from eating or drinking - causing the dehydration - and had started to pass all the way through her digestive system and almost out the other end. The vet, Dr. Judy Jackwood at the Orrville Vet Clinic, described to me what happens when an animal swallows what they call a linear foreign body.

The foreign body will pass through the digestive tract like anything else the animal swallows, but because it was tangled and stuck on Watson's tongue, it couldn't keep moving. However, the intestinal muscles keep contracting trying to push it through, and the taut string inside causes the intestines to bunch up on themselves. If the string is pulled too tight, it can act as a saw and cut right through the intestinal wall, shredding the organs. The bunching can also lead to necrosis and infection, so basically, it is all-around bad news.

Dr. Jackwood told me the only option was exploratory surgery but gently informed me she might open Watson up only to find out the damage was irreparable. At that point, they would just put her to sleep because the pain would be unbearable. Only a week before Christmas, the last thing I wanted to hear was that my baby kitty might not live through the night.

I told her to do everything she could to save Watson, despite the cost or the extensiveness of the surgery. She called me two hours later to say she wasn't sure she made the right decision, but she completed Watson's surgery and she had about a 50/50 chance to live.

Fifty percent chance to live is 50 percent better than dead.

I jumped in a car and drove the seven hours back to Ohio and spent all weekend at the vet with Watson while she slowly recovered. Three days after the surgery, Dr. Jackwood looked at me and said she was simply impressed with how tough Watson is. I brought her home that day.

It's now been exactly a year since Watson's surgery, and she is perfect. I will never be able to thank the entire staff at the Orrville Vet Clinic enough for taking a chance on Watson - who has never even been a patient there before - and taking such amazing care of her. They saved her life and gave me a Christmas miracle I will never, ever forget.

You Won't Fully Appreciate How Sexy Selena Gomez's 2016 Was, Until You Take a Look at These Pictures

She might have taken a little break this year - self-care is important! - but Selena Gomez's 2016 was her hottest yet. The singer and actress toured the world this Summer, and while she was at it, she had even more fun than she did in 2015, wearing skimpy outfits on vacation (and sharing pictures on Instagram), flirty dresses on the red carpet, and even posing topless for GQ's May 2016 issue. With her recent return to the spotlight at the 2016 American Music Awards, we can only expect even more from Selena in 2017. See her hottest moments, and then check out her best Instagram photos of all time.

16 Times Pippa and Kate Middleton Dressed So Similarly, We Had to Do a Double Take

If Mary-Kate and Ashley have mastered comfy-cool, and Malia and Sasha can pull off any trend, then it's time to crown Kate and Pippa Middleton as the world's most polished - and impeccably chic - set of sisters. Both ladies' closets contain a handful of shifts, neutral heels, and even printed gowns, and their taste is so similar, they've rocked nearly identical items on more than one occasion.

Scroll through for a few times Kate and Pippa were stylishly in sync - so much so, we swore they were fashion twins. Then check out Pippa's favorite dress style, which she just might wear for her upcoming wedding.

Tone Your Entire Body (Mostly Your Butt!) With This 4-Move Workout

Too cold to run outside or even walk to your car to drive to the gym? Do this four-move cardio workout that will have your heart pumping and your muscles burning.

Directions: Complete this workout five times. Explanations of how to perform each exercise are below. Have fun!

30 Air Squats
15 Plank Jacks
30 Air Squats
15 Frogger Hops
30 Air Squats
15 Mountain Climbers

Tone Your Entire Body (Mostly Your Butt!) With This 4-Move Workout

Too cold to run outside or even walk to your car to drive to the gym? Do this four-move cardio workout that will have your heart pumping and your muscles burning.

Directions: Complete this workout five times. Explanations of how to perform each exercise are below. Have fun!

30 Air Squats
15 Plank Jacks
30 Air Squats
15 Frogger Hops
30 Air Squats
15 Mountain Climbers

You Need to Watch Facebook's Top Live Video of the Year - It'll Make You Laugh For Days

The year isn't over yet, but social media companies are already looking back at the top moments of 2016. Instead of releasing the year's top posts, Facebook decided to highlight the top live videos of the year.

Facebook Live first launched on April 6, and since then, people use it at any moment like trying on a Chewbacca mask for the first time. Ahead, see the best 10 live videos of the year that people couldn't stop watching.

The Sold-Out Silicone Makeup Blender Just Got a Sparkly Makeover

120+ Latin Recipes You Absolutely Need to Try in 2017

If one of your New Year's resolutions for 2017 is to cook more at home, you'll want to bookmark this slideshow ASAP. The 120-plus Latin recipes ahead will leave you licking your fingers, and because they are the farthest thing from boring, your belly will be full of delight.

With a mix of classic (tacos al pastor, arroz con leche, flan) and special (black bean avocado tostadas with strawberry salsa and chorizo y papas burgers with spicy mayo), your cooking skills will be flexed - we're going to say mastering the dough in our pão de queijo recipe might be your biggest accomplishment of the year. Keep reading to check out your ultimate 2017 cooking bucket list!

All the Countries William, Kate, and Harry Visited in 2016

In 2016, the workloads of Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry increased significantly - and so too did the amount of overseas travel they have undertaken as part of their official duties. Between them (and not forgetting cameo appearances from Prince George and Princess Charlotte), they have racked up visits to 20 different countries on four continents - and it's a figure which is only set to increase over the coming years. After releasing baby turtles on Lover's Beach and spray-painting sedated elephants in Malawi, a precarious rail-track shimmy in Canada and archery in Bhutan, the start of a new love affair, hard labor, and a much-anticipated first solo overseas trip, we can't wait to see where they all visit next and what they do when they're there.

22 Ways to Wear Jeans to All of Your Holiday Parties

If holiday dresses aren't exactly pressing priorities on your shopping list, but you're still wondering Now, what do I wear?, we hear you. Getting festive doesn't mean you have to revamp your whole wardrobe, just style your favorite pieces accordingly.

Denim is the foundation of some pretty genius outfits, holiday looks included - and we have the proof. Inside, you'll find more than 20 street style stars who prove all you really need is a great coat, a fancy pair of heels, or a sparkly set of earrings to take your jeans from everyday to best-dressed guest at any and all of your holiday soirees. Read on to get inspired.

27 Surprising Things You Don't Know About the Elf on the Shelf, Straight From the Creator

Over the past 11 years, families across the country have become enthralled with a new holiday tradition: the Elf on the Shelf. As this magical story and seasonal figure have been welcomed into millions of homes with kids counting down until his or her arrival and parents cracking themselves up with where the elf lands next, there's still a lot about this new tradition that parents don't know.

After growing up in a home where an elf made appearances every holiday, Chanda Bell brought the idea to her mom about doing something more with their family's legend. Although the two had no experience, they got to work on writing the book and this stay-at-home mother of two saw her vision take off over the past decade. Chanda chatted with POPSUGAR to discuss the early days - like how even though homegrown project is insanely successful now, book publishers originally passed - and other interesting tidbits that even diehard elf-lovers might not know. Check out these 27 fun facts about your beloved elf and the original family behind it.

18 Blogger Items You Need to Make It Through Holiday Season

It seems like with each new Instagram that pops up in your feed, you find yourself itching for a new dress, bag, or glitzy little ring. We feel you - you need some control, some guidance.

In light of the holiday season, when you've surely got shopping on your mind, we've narrowed it down to the basics. Behold, the 18 blogger items that will lead you through all your Winter parties with style and grace. As long as you've got these essentials in your wardrobe, you'll walk out the door feeling confident, on trend, and, well, sparkly. Could you really ask for more?

Find Out What a Bikini Competitor Eats in a Day

The behind-the-scenes effort it takes to become a bikini competitor is insanely hard and takes more willpower than just choosing a salad over fries to go with your burger. I spoke with Taylor Chapman, an ACE-certified personal trainer, who has four competitions under her sequined bikini bottoms, and she shared just what it takes to hit the stage in heels, a skimpy two-piece, and a spray tan.

Preparing for a competition takes about three to five months, depending on how in shape you are. Taylor says if you're already in good shape, working out three to five times per week, it should take about 12 weeks. If you're not, you're looking more at 20 weeks. "You also want to be sure to allow enough time to lose the weight in a healthy manner, aiming to lose at most two pounds per week."

Strict doesn't even begin to describe her meal and workout plan. Take a look at what she eats in a day. If it's not on the list, it's off-limits. She admits, "I would dream about Mexican food pretty much every night, and I watched the Food Network religiously!"

Meal Plan

Meal 1: 7:00 a.m.

1/2 cup oatmeal

3 egg whites, 1 egg

Meal 2: 9:30 a.m.

Pro Whey 30 protein shake made with water (30g protein, 5g carbs, and 1g fat)

Meal 3: 12:00 p.m.

6 oz. grilled chicken

Large salad

2 tbsp. light dressing

Meal 4: 3:00 p.m.

Dannon Light and Fit Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup almonds

Meal 5: 5:00 p.m.

Protein shake

Meal 6: 7:30 p.m.

6 oz. chicken/tilapia/shrimp or 4 oz. lean ground beef

1 cup veggies

1/4 cup brown rice or 3 oz. sweet potatoes

Meal 7: 10:00 p.m.

1 flavored rice cake

Total daily calories: 1,100 to 1,200

Workout Schedule

For the first eight weeks of competition prep, she does 45-minute cardio sessions five times a week. For the last month, she steps it up to 60-minute cardio sessions, seven days a week. She says, "I got so tired of cardio that I had to mix up the exercise I did every 20 minutes." Example: 20 minutes stair stepper, 20 minutes arch trainer, 20 minutes treadmill. Actually, for best results, Taylor recommends interval training to keep your muscles guessing and to avoid overuse injury. As far as weights go, she trained five days a week. "You should build your plan based on muscle groups that need the most work. My typical week is as follows:"

Monday: Cardio, legs, and abs

Tuesday: Cardio, shoulders, and abs

Wednesday: Cardio, chest, and triceps

Thursday: Cardio, back, and biceps

Friday: Cardio, legs, and abs

Saturday: Cardio and abs

Sunday: Cardio and abs

Some competitors split workouts up, doing twice in one day, but Taylor preferred getting it all done at once. She admitted that in the last month, having no rest days was killer, so she'd do double cardio on Saturdays (one hour elliptical, then one hour soccer or tennis to mix things up) just so she could rest on Sunday.

Training for a bikini competition is no joke. The before-and-after pics are so impressive, to see what's possible with hard work and perseverance. But it becomes your only focus. "I hated that I basically had no life for three months. I lived in the gym and out of Tupperware containers," Taylor said. "You miss out on a lot of outings and events while competing because it can be very tempting to go out with your friends and not partake in eating or drinking. But in the end, it's worth it when you reach your goals."

Another tidbit you'll appreciate hearing is that this perfect body she achieved, with only 12-percent body fat, could only be maintained for that one day of competition. You can't possibly eat so strictly and work out that much all the time. Her off-season body was much healthier (pictured above), but she had to deal with nasty comments like, "Wow, so I guess you're done with the whole competing thing, huh?" It takes a very secure and strong person to brush those comments aside, and Taylor admits that competing never made her feel so insecure. But she also said, "This was one of the most challenging tasks I have ever done in my life and I learned the art of willpower and determination. I learned that I can truly do anything I put my mind to."

Find Out What a Bikini Competitor Eats in a Day

The behind-the-scenes effort it takes to become a bikini competitor is insanely hard and takes more willpower than just choosing a salad over fries to go with your burger. I spoke with Taylor Chapman, an ACE-certified personal trainer, who has four competitions under her sequined bikini bottoms, and she shared just what it takes to hit the stage in heels, a skimpy two-piece, and a spray tan.

Preparing for a competition takes about three to five months, depending on how in shape you are. Taylor says if you're already in good shape, working out three to five times per week, it should take about 12 weeks. If you're not, you're looking more at 20 weeks. "You also want to be sure to allow enough time to lose the weight in a healthy manner, aiming to lose at most two pounds per week."

Strict doesn't even begin to describe her meal and workout plan. Take a look at what she eats in a day. If it's not on the list, it's off-limits. She admits, "I would dream about Mexican food pretty much every night, and I watched the Food Network religiously!"

Meal Plan

Meal 1: 7:00 a.m.

1/2 cup oatmeal

3 egg whites, 1 egg

Meal 2: 9:30 a.m.

Pro Whey 30 protein shake made with water (30g protein, 5g carbs, and 1g fat)

Meal 3: 12:00 p.m.

6 oz. grilled chicken

Large salad

2 tbsp. light dressing

Meal 4: 3:00 p.m.

Dannon Light and Fit Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup almonds

Meal 5: 5:00 p.m.

Protein shake

Meal 6: 7:30 p.m.

6 oz. chicken/tilapia/shrimp or 4 oz. lean ground beef

1 cup veggies

1/4 cup brown rice or 3 oz. sweet potatoes

Meal 7: 10:00 p.m.

1 flavored rice cake

Total daily calories: 1,100 to 1,200

Workout Schedule

For the first eight weeks of competition prep, she does 45-minute cardio sessions five times a week. For the last month, she steps it up to 60-minute cardio sessions, seven days a week. She says, "I got so tired of cardio that I had to mix up the exercise I did every 20 minutes." Example: 20 minutes stair stepper, 20 minutes arch trainer, 20 minutes treadmill. Actually, for best results, Taylor recommends interval training to keep your muscles guessing and to avoid overuse injury. As far as weights go, she trained five days a week. "You should build your plan based on muscle groups that need the most work. My typical week is as follows:"

Monday: Cardio, legs, and abs

Tuesday: Cardio, shoulders, and abs

Wednesday: Cardio, chest, and triceps

Thursday: Cardio, back, and biceps

Friday: Cardio, legs, and abs

Saturday: Cardio and abs

Sunday: Cardio and abs

Some competitors split workouts up, doing twice in one day, but Taylor preferred getting it all done at once. She admitted that in the last month, having no rest days was killer, so she'd do double cardio on Saturdays (one hour elliptical, then one hour soccer or tennis to mix things up) just so she could rest on Sunday.

Training for a bikini competition is no joke. The before-and-after pics are so impressive, to see what's possible with hard work and perseverance. But it becomes your only focus. "I hated that I basically had no life for three months. I lived in the gym and out of Tupperware containers," Taylor said. "You miss out on a lot of outings and events while competing because it can be very tempting to go out with your friends and not partake in eating or drinking. But in the end, it's worth it when you reach your goals."

Another tidbit you'll appreciate hearing is that this perfect body she achieved, with only 12-percent body fat, could only be maintained for that one day of competition. You can't possibly eat so strictly and work out that much all the time. Her off-season body was much healthier (pictured above), but she had to deal with nasty comments like, "Wow, so I guess you're done with the whole competing thing, huh?" It takes a very secure and strong person to brush those comments aside, and Taylor admits that competing never made her feel so insecure. But she also said, "This was one of the most challenging tasks I have ever done in my life and I learned the art of willpower and determination. I learned that I can truly do anything I put my mind to."

10 Harry Potter Theories You Won't Be Able to Wrap Your Head Around

The last Harry Potter book came out nine years ago, but that hasn't stopped Potterheads from analyzing every aspect of the series. Plenty of theories surfaced this year like Draco Malfoy possibly being a werewolf, a plot twist in what the Deathly Hallows stands for, and heartwarming ideas about Neville Longbottom. Before you reread the series again, check out the favorite theories we read about this year - many of which have been around for ages.

Anna Faris Upgraded Her Wedding Ring, and Boy Will You Want a Closer Look

Receiving a diamond wedding ring is special enough, but to have it happen twice? Well, a girl can dream. But Anna Faris doesn't have to. The star recently got a brand new ring from husband Chris Pratt, revealing that he had surprised her with it only a few days ago. We didn't have to wait long for a glance at the sparkler though. During the premiere of Passengers in LA, Anna showed up in a shimmery Reem Acra number with her husband, but it was the ring that held everyone's gaze.

Upon a closer look, the giant wedding ring features a thin gold band and right in the center is a beautiful diamond surrounded by smaller, glistening stones. The stunning piece was the only accessory Anna needed on her fingers. And judging from the photos, the ring might be the reason why Anna's smile is so bright. Scroll to see the couple's appearance at the premiere and then "ooh" and "ahh" over the star's ring yourself, before shopping similar options.

After Being Abandoned, This Rescued Senior Dog Makes an Amazing Recovery

Hope For Paws has some of the most amazing rescue stories ever. We recently stumbled upon a rescue from last year, where a senior dog was found abandoned at a water treatment plant. After luring him out with cheeseburgers, rescuers were able to snag him and bring him back to clean him up. They scrubbed him and treated some minor issues before naming him Mufasa and turning him over to Lionel's Legacy to be fostered. Watch his sweet rescue above, and find more rescue stories here.

Clarins's Genius Retractable Beauty Pen Is the Perfect Tool For Makeup Multitaskers

In the past few months, school supplies have gotten a glamorous makeover. Tape has become a popular contouring tool. Correction tape applicators have been transformed into false lash dispensers. And now, Clarins has resurrected our beloved multi-color retractable pen and turned it into a brilliant beauty device.

Instead of featuring cartridges of different inks, the upcoming Clarins 4-Colour All-in-One Pen Eyes & Lips ($30, available Jan. 4 from clarinsusa.com) features four styluses meant to be used on eyes and lips. There is one neutral lip liner and three shades of eyeliner: black, navy, and brown. (An insert in the product's packaging also suggests using the brown eye pencil to fill in brows and draw on freckles.)

It's super simple to use; just click down your desired shade, then twist the pen to wind up the pigment. Do note that each shade has a very flat tip, so while it's not the ideal tool for an intensely precise line, it's worth overlooking that fact to have such a versatile product in your makeup bag.

Cleaning out one's beauty collection is a New Year's resolution for many of us. While it seems counterintuitive to immediately shop for new swag in the first week of January, doing so (and buying this product) will help you stick to your goals. After all, you can replace four different items items in your stash with this baby! And, as per the KonMari method, that should bring you a lot of joy.

Get Glam Makeup Like a Rockette For Your Next Holiday Soiree

You may not think of them this way, but the Rockettes are pretty serious athletes. They sparkle, smile, and high-kick their way through up to five strenuous Radio City Christmas Spectacular performances a day - and not an eyelash falls out of place. You already know how the Rockettes style their hair for seriously secure strands, but their beauty routine is shockingly simple with just a few extra steps to make sure their makeup lasts through the whole show. Dancers Amy Klingler and Katie Hamrah shared their techniques for durable lips and lashes. Plus, they've shared the beauty essentials you'll need if you're going to be the star of a holiday performance, concert, or a really fabulous party (especially one with mistletoe).

If you want to top off your look like a true Rockette, add plenty of blush. "We all love blush," admits Katie. "Even if we only have 30 seconds between numbers, we make sure to apply more." "Blush helps us look as bright and polished at the finale as we do at the beginning of the show," adds Amy. Make sure to take it off at the end of the night with Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser ($5). While you might not be able to replicate their dance moves, you can certainly copy their beauty routine.

Source: Benjamin Stone

10 Facts About Sex and the City That Will Blow Every Fashion Girl's Mind

You think you know every Sex and the City episode like the back of your hand, but when it comes to the little style notes, you're out of the loop. So much goes into nailing every shot and creating the perfect look - just ask costume designer Patricia Field, who made sure no outfit was repeated throughout the entire series! Except for that one . . .

Now, we know you're itching to find out more about the show you rerun every weekend. Read on for 10 crazy-cool tidbits about all things fashion - from the Sex and the City film, too! When you're finished studying up, we promise you'll feel just as in-the-know as Carrie Bradshaw herself.

The Soundtrack For La La Land Is Making Us Emotional

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone paired up yet again for a musical drama set in Hollywood, and it's giving us all the feels. The trailers for La La Land feature scenes from the movie, but the most memorable part of each is the music. (If you've seen the movie, you probably can't stop humming "City of Stars.") Here are all the songs available online; which one is your favorite?

Jason Momoa Pays Sweet Tribute to His Mom, Wife, and Kids in This Short Film

We're crying. On Dec. 14, Jason Momoa released a new short film in partnership with Carhartt, a clothing company that produces durable workwear and other kinds of sturdy clothing. Buried within the eight-minute clip, though, you'll find Jason's beautiful children, Lola Iolani and Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha, whom he calls "Lola Bear" and "The Wolf." He also mentions "Zozo Bear," referring of course to his stepdaughter, Zoë Kravitz; Zoë may be absent from the video but is clearly there in spirit. Jason also talks about his "strong, single mother" and his wife, Lisa Bonet, whom he refers to as his "muse" and the love of his life. With swelling music, heart-melting sentiments from Jason's voice-over, and countless gorgeous shots of his family, it's hard to make it through the whole thing without getting a little emotional.

All the Skin in Sofia Vergara's Sexiest Looks Won't Surprise You, but It'll Leave You Flushed

It will come as no surprise that Sofia Vergara has worn a fair share of revealing outfits on the red carpet, but the level of sexiness she oozes while posing in those looks is what will get you. Whether she's showing off just a little bit of leg with a high slit or wearing cutouts and see-through material all at once, she knows just how to flirt with the cameras to make everyone looking flush and overheat immediately. So grab a cold drink and keep reading to check out our ranking of Sofia's hottest red carpet looks.

The Craziest Way to Cook Bacon So It's Simultaneously Crispy and Chewy

Bacon is traditionally cooked in an oven, over the stovetop, or in a microwave, but what happens when you air-fry it? Air-what, you may be thinking? Air-frying is exactly as the name sounds. An appliance about the size of a slow cooker contains a drawer with a metal mesh bottom for the food. The appliance blows hot, dry air on food to fry it with little to no oil. This trend took 2016 by storm thanks to celebrity endorsements from Gordon Ramsay, Paula Deen, and Oprah Winfrey, so what's the dang fuss all about? I busted out a Philips Digital Airfryer ($250) and a package of bacon to find out.

Having no clue how to air-fry, I watched a YouTube video on how to air-fry bacon and followed these instructions. However, I ended up with steamed bacon once the cook time was complete. It resembled deli ham more than bacon, and the fat from the bacon turned translucent and gelatinous. Perhaps this is the preferred method to cook bacon in Europe, but for me, I like my bacon crispy. So I cranked up the heat and kept cooking, shaking the basket occasionally and tripling the cook time, until I ended up with perfectly caramelized strips. I'm talking evenly cooked with no burn spots. Bacon never looked better.

But looks can be deceiving; the taste test would reveal the bacon's true tastiness or not. Remarkably, the bacon had a thin, crisp exterior that yielded to a fatty, chewy interior. I've never had bacon quite like this. The bacon also retained its size prior to cooking and did not shrink at all. The cleanup was a breeze too. I poured the extra bacon grease into a dish for later (it too was pure fat with no black char bits that you find when cooking bacon in an oven or on a stovetop) and proceeded to scrub down the drawer, which proved to be an easy feat.

Feeling confident about my air-frying skills, I proceeded to attempt apple chips and failed horribly. I mean, the apple chips burned and stuck into every crevice of the grid bottom. It was a nightmare to clean up with no reward of apple chips at the end. I know there's a learning curve to a new cooking device, so I'll try again. I'm dying to learn how to make french fries and fried chicken. Those will be my next attempts!

The Most Memorable Royal Christmas Quotes

The royal family are fiercely protective over the time they get to spend together privately, and Christmas is no exception. Very few pictures exist from inside a royal festive celebration, and over the years they have all kept pretty tight-lipped about it too. However, occasionally they will let slip a little tidbit of information or share an insight into their feelings about the big day. Here we've rounded up all the times the royals have spoken about the most magical time of the year.


Image Source: Getty / WPA Pool

The queen, 2015: "At this time of year, few sights evoke more feelings of cheer and goodwill than the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree. One of the joys of living a long life is watching one's children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree. And this year my family has a new member [Princess Charlotte] to join in the fun. There's an old saying that 'it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.' There are millions of people lighting candles of hope in our world today. Christmas is a good time to be thankful for them, and for all that brings light to our lives."

In 1939 when the Second World War began and Britain saw three kings, the newly acceded and not yet crowned King George VI took to the airwaves as he clearly worked hard to control his stammer: "The festival which we all know as Christmas is, above all, the festival of peace and of the home. Among all free peoples the love of peace is profound, for this alone gives security to the home."

Equally moving was what was to become King George's final Christmas message in 1951. The effects of his throat cancer can clearly be heard as he spoke: "Though we live in hard and critical times, Christmas is - and always will be - the time when we can count our blessings . . . I myself have every cause for deep thankfulness, for not only - by the grace of God and through the faithful skill of my doctors, surgeons, and nurses - have I come through my illness, but I have learned once again that it is in bad times that we value most highly the support and sympathy of our friends."


Image Source: Getty /Chris Jackson

Prince Harry speaking just before the Christmas he was in Afghanistan, 2012: "There are less patrols - no one really goes out patrolling. So there's no guys on the ground, which reduces the number of us having to go out." The prince also revealed his father Prince Charles had sent him Clarence House honey and Cuban cigars, which he traded with US service-people for some of the treats they'd been sent.

Sarah Ferguson on the royal family's traditional Christmas Eve meal: "You never let the queen beat you down for dinner, end of story. To come in any later would be unimaginably disrespectful."


Image Source: Getty / Handout

Prince William on Christmas in 2015: "If I get any sleep on Christmas Eve it'll be good, because George will be bouncing around like a rabbit. I think George will be extremely bouncy this year because he's suddenly worked out what Christmas is all about . . . We'll go to church as a family on Christmas Day, as we always do. Then we'll watch George try to tackle his presents as he tries to unwrap them. It's a very different experience at Christmas, having a family of your own. It'd be nice if we got a white Christmas because we haven't had one in many years."

Princess Diana in 1985: "A parcel of any shape or form has never been safe with me and I fear that William has also picked up this dreadful habit from his mother, as I find wrapping paper undone in the most extraordinary places!"

Viscount Linley on the royal family opening their gifts: "Total uproar."


Image Source: Getty / Chris Jackson

Kate Middleton on her first Christmas at Sandringham: "I can remember being at Sandringham for the first time at Christmas, and I was worried what to give the Queen as her Christmas present . . . I thought back to what would I give my own grandparents. And I thought, 'I'll make her something.' Which could have gone horribly wrong. But I decided to make my granny's recipe of chutney. I was slightly worried about it, but I noticed the next day that it was on the table."

Zara Tindall on Christmas in 2015: "Having all the generations of my family together at Christmas is my favorite part of the season. It's a time of year that is about being with people you love, great food, and loads of games to play. Christmas takes on a new magic when you have children. Mia will share this Christmas with lots of her cousins, some very close in age to her, and I think this year will be the one when she really starts to understand it all."

The Only Couple's Workout You Need to Feel the Burn This Holiday Season

While you should certainly indulge in every bit of rest and relaxation that comes with a holiday break, don't completely forget about your health and fitness goals. Not sure how to stay active with a packed house full of relatives? Try a partner workout!

To guide you, Puerto Rican personal trainer Idalis Velazquez, who is working with Unilever as a part of its empowering #100PorCientoTu campaign, created a five-step HIIT workout guaranteed to leave you feeling the burn. When you're ready to get started, do each of the following moves for 30 seconds with a 15-second break between them. After a full circuit, switch places with your partner, rest for 60 seconds, and do the routine one more time!

J.K. Rowling Said THIS Is Her Favorite Harry Potter Theory

The first Harry Potter book came out almost 20 years ago, but not a day goes by where new theories and plot coincidences don't shock us all (and make us want to reread the entire series). J.K. Rowling keeps up with them too and she recently answered a fan's question about which is her favorite.

That mind-blowing revelation comes from Tumblr user harryjxmespotter, who compares Dumbledore to death in "The Tale of the Three Brothers."

If you remember, the tale was about the Peverell brothers, each possessing one of the Deathly Hallows - the elder wand, the invisibility cloak, and the resurrection stone. The long-standing Internet theory is that Harry Potter, Snape, and Voldemort are modern-day representations of the three brothers.

Voldemort is associated with the older brother, who was obsessed with power. Snape is basically the middle brother, who can't let go of his past love, Lily, and dies a sad death still loving her. This leaves Harry to take on the role of the youngest brother, and Harry himself literally possessed the invisibility cloak.

The only piece of the puzzle that makes this theory even more plausible is that Dumbledore himself is death. "He greeted Harry at King's Cross and was the one behind Snape and Voldemort's death," harryjxmespotter wrote. See the entire post below:

http://ift.tt/1IslfOM

Shocked? We thought so.

11 Style Hacks to Remember the Next Time You're Packing For a Cold-Weather Vacation

When it comes to packing for Summer travel, we have that down to a science. A pair of denim shorts here, a skimpy tank there, but when it comes time to pack for a Winter getaway, cue the headache. Because if you've ever found yourself trying to cram an extra sweater in between all your boots and jackets, we've been there. These heavier items don't always pack nicely.

Through our struggles, we figured there has to be a less painful way to pack for cooler weather, and of course, we found the advice through our favorite bloggers. These jet-setters travel year round and always look good in any weather situation. Read on for some style hacks we picked up from these ladies, and then shop some key pieces mentioned. The next time you travel somewhere cold, you won't need to step foot in any store to pick up extra clothing. Everything will be right in your suitcase.

Before Tackling Your 2017 Fitness Resolution, You Should Steal These 14 Workout Outfits From Adriana Lima

You might be dreading that workout resolution you've decided to take on in 2017, but here's the great thing about that goal: while reaching your fit milestones may take time, you're only one purchase away from dressing like Adriana Lima, ab master, during your new workout routine. A great outfit is serious motivation to hit the gym, believe us!

As a top model whose job involves walking the runway in small lingerie for Victoria's Secret, Adriana works on her body consistently (she loves to box!), but it's all about being healthy and strong for her, which is why she should be your fitness role model. Grab inspiration from her latest workout outfits for your next spin class or weight session.

Ryan Gosling Is Dripping Wet in His Sexy Photo Shoot For GQ

It seems like Ryan Gosling is popping up everywhere this year, and we certainly aren't complaining. The La La Land actor graces the January cover of GQ, and in addition to making us swoon with his soaking-wet body, he also opened up about his family, his career, and how he got punched by Harrison Ford on the set of Blade Runner. See some of his best quotes below.

  • On getting punched in the face by Harrison Ford: "It was kind of, you know, a rite of passage. We were just doing a fight scene and, you know, it just happened. But what was funny was, when it was over, they brought ice for my face, and Harrison pushed me out of the way and stuck his fist in the ice. I asked him the other day where he got his sense of humor from - was it from his mother or his father? He said, 'Sears.' And he didn't have much time to shop around so he just had to grab one and get out."
  • On what worried him about doing La La Land: "You know . . . just that it would be ridiculous. You know, people are breaking into song and dancing and flying in the stars, and [the audience is] also having to accept them as real people in the world. That was the challenge. More what it is is that it's not cynical. There's nothing cynical about this movie, and there's no out for us to say, 'Just kidding!' We can't be ironic about it. There's no avenue for that in this. It wears its heart on its sleeve, this film."
  • On how he's like his mother: "She's funny. My mom used to wake me up to watch Johnny Carson, to watch his monologues. Abbott and Costello, she used to make me watch them. She knew that that was special, and she really wanted me to get that, and I still love those things. My mother's more of an academic - she went back to school five years ago and became a teacher. She's here and she's learned 500 words. I'm not an academic in the way that she is, but I do have her kind of curiosity."
  • On his incredible family: "Eva's the dream mother, and they're dream babies, and it's like a dream that I'm having right now. I'm dreaming it all. So I feel so lucky."
  • On being a good father to his two daughters: "When you meet your kids you realize that they deserve great parents. And then you have your marching orders and you have to try and become the person that they deserve."


Pajama Dressing Just Went From Impossible to Easy-Peasy

When you hear the words "holiday season," you might think floor-grazing dresses and cocktail-appropriate fit-and-flares. But us? We think of pajamas. There's perhaps no better time to work your cozy separates on the street. Pair them with a red lip and satin heels, and you've nailed a look that's sultry. But work your oversize flannel with boyfriend jeans and must-have loafers for brunch, and you're off-duty chic.

Your PJs keep you warm when it's cold, and when they come in satin or silk, they definitely up the fancy factor. Whether you prefer long robes or you're more of a slip girl, we've gleaned 11 tips from the celebrities ahead. Their memorable outfits will help you try out the trend for yourself, and we've gathered plenty of pieces to help you do so.