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 1 janvier 2017
Everything That Has Happened Since Angelina Jolie Filed For Divorce From Brad Pitt
Image Source: Getty / Target Presse Agentur Gmbh
This post has been updated with new information.
Fans were thrown for a loop when news broke on Sept. 20 that Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt after 11 years of being together. Although the By the Sea actress has yet to personally speak out on the matter, her attorney, Robert Offer, said her decision to split was "for the health of the family." Brad released a statement of his own not long after, telling People, "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids." While it's still unclear what led to their shocking breakup, keep reading to get all caught up on everything that has unfolded since then.
- Angelina files for divorce from Brad. The actress filed papers to end their marriage on Sept. 19, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting sole physical custody of their six children, Maddox, Pax, Shiloh, Zahara, and twins Vivienne and Knox. She also asked the judge to grant Brad visitation rights.
- Angelina's attorney, Robert Offer, releases a statement on her behalf. After their divorce news grabbed headlines on Sept. 20, Angelina's attorney said her decision to divorce was made "for the health of the family," but did not answer any further questions.
- Brad releases a statement. The actor spoke out about the split in a statement to People that same day, making it clear that he's putting their kids first. "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time," he said.
- More details about their divorce surface. In an exclusive report from Us Weekly, a source close to the pair revealed that "they fought a lot over the years and disagreed about many things. . . . The fighting got worse and they disagreed a lot about parenting." The insider also noted that they would also "fight over their schedules and politics."
- Angelina's manager, Geyer Kosinski, releases another statement on her behalf. Later that Tuesday, Angelina's manager told E! News, "Angelina will always do what's in the best interest of taking care of her family. She appreciates everyone's understanding of their need for privacy at this time."
- Celebrities react to Brad and Angelina's shocking split. Once the news broke on Sept. 20, it didn't take very long for GIFs and memes to flood the internet. Stars also quickly chimed in, and Chrissy Teigen tweeted, "Brad and Angelina. How am I supposed to go to work today?" Meanwhile, their friend George Clooney found out about the breakup while attending the Leaders' Summit on Refugees at the United Nations. During an interview with CNN, a reporter asked him to comment on their split, to which he shockingly responded, "What happened? . . . I didn't know that. I feel very sorry then. That's a sad story and unfortunate for a family. It's an unfortunate story about a family. I feel very sorry to hear that." Adele also dedicated her NYC concert to the couple, telling the audience, "I need to address to elephant in the room . . . But it's the end of an era." More recently, Courteney Cox said the divorce is "not about" Jennifer Aniston, and Jen's husband, Justin Theroux, made a similar comment about her inclusion being "nonsense." Melissa Etheridge also chimed in, calling Angelina "nasty" and saying that the allegations of child abuse against Brad were "completely unfounded."
- The New York Post releases a cover featuring a laughing Jennifer Aniston. On Sept. 21, people were furious when The New York Post released its Brad and Angelina split cover, showing a massive photo of Jennifer laughing hysterically. Not long after, Jennifer's pal, Chelsea Handler, spoke out about the breakup, saying, "Brad and Angelina always said they wouldn't get married until everyone could get married and I always said I wouldn't get married until they got divorced, so I'm officially accepting proposals. I'm ready." She then continued, "There are rumors that part of the problem was that Brad was allegedly drinking and smoking too much weed. I wonder why he would need to self-medicate? Maybe because he could have been spending the last 12 years at Lake Como hanging out with George Clooney and Matt Damon instead of being stuck in a house with 85 kids, speaking 15 different languages. Oh yeah, and because he married a f*cking lunatic, that's why."
- Marion Cotillard breaks her silence on Brad and Angelina's split. On Sept. 21, Marion took to Instagram to announce her pregnancy with longtime partner Guillaume Canet and shut down rumors that she had an affair with Brad in a lengthy post. "This is going to be my first and only reaction to the whirlwind news that broke 24 hours ago and that I was swept up into," she wrote, adding, "Firstly, many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting. He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need . . . And to all the media and the haters who are quick to pass judgment, I sincerely wish you a swift recovery. Finally, I do very much wish that Angelina and Brad, both of whom I deeply respect, will find peace in this very tumultuous moment."
- Brad is investigated for child abuse. On Sept. 22, People magazine reported that the actor was under investigation for child abuse by the Los Angeles Police Department and LA County Department of Children and Family Services after someone anonymously reported that he got "verbally abusive" and "physical" with one of his six children. The incident allegedly occurred on Sept. 14 on his and Angelina's private plane, where the rest of the kids, as well as Angelina, were also present. The report also suggests that he had been drinking at the time of the incident. Not long after the news broke, the LAPD denied the report with the statement: "We have no criminal investigation that we are actively pursuing. To my knowledge, [Pitt talking to police] never happened. And right now, that is where our office is. We are not investigating any case, nor do we have any allegations against Mr. Pitt. We understand how rumors get spun up and hopefully we can put a few of them to rest. We have no investigation involving Mr. Pitt." People later clarified that the DCFS is still investigating Brad for child abuse, but the LAPD has not been involved. TMZ has also further reported that the child abuse allegations have been transferred to the FBI.
- Brad gets a lawyer. On Sept. 22, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the actor enlisted help from Lance Spiegel, a family law attorney from Beverly Hills, for his upcoming divorce.
- The FBI releases an official statement. On Sept. 22, the FBI responded to Brad's child abuse investigation in a statement to Us Weekly saying, "In response to your inquiry regarding allegations within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States; specifically, an aircraft carrying Mr. Brad Pitt and his children, the FBI is continuing to gather facts and will evaluate whether an investigation at the federal level will be pursued."
- Brad Pitt backs out of an event and releases another statement. On Sept. 27, Brad revealed he wouldn't be attending a previously planned screening of Terrence Malick's Voyage of Time. "I'm currently focused on my family situation and don't want to distract attention away from this extraordinary film," he said.
- Brad offers to take a drug test. In an effort to prove he has nothing to hide, Brad agreed to a drug test, according to a report from Us Weekly on Sept. 28. A legal source confirmed that the test would not not be conducted against Brad's will, stating, "The DCFS [Department of Community & Family Services] wouldn't compel someone to provide the urine sample for the drug test; it would be voluntary."
- Angelina hires the real-life Olivia Pope for her divorce.On Sept. 29, People confirmed that the actress hired famous crisis manager Judy Smith, who inspired Kerry Washington's character in Scandal, to help with her divorce. "Judy has been asked to consult with those working with Angelina on divorce negotiations," a source told the magazine. "Judy and her firm have a long history of handling issues that have unfortunately garnered too much attention in the public eye, and she knows how to push towards resolutions that are swift and discreet."
- Brad and Angelina reach a temporary custody agreement. On Sept. 30, it was revealed that the former couple reached a temporary custody agreement, which will be in effect for three weeks before the LA County Department of Children and Family Services will draw up another arrangement or turn the jurisdiction over to the court. The agreement states that Angelina will get full physical custody of their children and Brad will have visitation rights, although hist first visit will be monitored by a therapist, who will determine if he is allowed to then have unsupervised time with the kids. Angelina and Brad also have to attend individual counseling as well as family counseling with the kids, and Brad has to take random drug and alcohol tests.
- Brad won't be prosecuted for alleged plane incident with Angelina and Maddox. On Oct. 8, it was reported that the FBI never opened an investigation against Brad because there was "no case," though TMZ says the FBI is still working on gathering all the facts from the incident.
- Brad sees his kids for the first time since announcing the split. E! News confirmed that Brad was able to visit some of his children on Oct. 8, with a therapist present to monitor his behavior. It's not clear which of the kids were present and which weren't, but a second source also told E! that the therapist would be present for all of Brad's visits through Oct. 20 and that the actor happily volunteered to complete drug and alcohol testing (even though it was not required).
- Maddox Jolie-Pitt refuses to attend the reunion with his dad. While Brad reportedly "wanted to make sure the meeting would be the most productive for the kids," Maddox refused to attend the family reunion and stay with Angelina. According to a source close to Angelina, "He chose not to go and stayed with Angie," adding, "It wasn't full of joy and happiness."
- Angelina and the children are reportedly interviewed by the FBI. In an attempt to get to the bottom of the alleged physical altercation that happened between Brad and Maddox on the plane, the FBI reportedly visited Angelina and the kids at their Malibu, CA, home on Oct. 19, according to TMZ. Law enforcement, who is taking the allegations of child abuse seriously, spent three hours interviewing everyone about the incident. Brad was not present for the interview.
- Brad and Maddox reunite. After a month-long standoff, E! News reports that the two met on Oct. 20 with a therapist present.
- Brad and Angelina are selling Chateau Miraval. According to Us Weekly, Brad and Angelina have put their estate and vineyard in the village of Correns, France up for sale. "The home has been valued and is going on the market any day now," an insider revealed, adding, "It currently says Jolie-Pitt on the Chateau Miraval bottles, and the next season's batch will have a new reprinted label with no names written on it."
- Angelina meets with the FBI. Angelina reportedly met with two FBI agents in her rented home for four hours on Oct. 18, answering questions about the claims made against Brad.
- The investigation into Brad is extended. On Oct. 25, Us Weekly reported that the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services has extended their investigation into Brad Pitt. The investigators are looking into "whether there are additional incidents or a pattern that may suggest a history of abuse that involves more than one of Pitt and Angelina Jolie's six children." The investigation was initially scheduled to conclude on Oct. 20.
- Brad seeks joint custody. NBC News confirmed on Nov. 4 that the actor has filed for joint physical custody of the children. Angelina initially asked for sole custody when they first split, just allowing Brad visitation rights. Although that might have only been a part of the temporary custody agreement that was originally agreed to by a judge, the allegations made against Brad regarding child abuse certainly complicate things.
- Brad and Angelina reach another temporary custody agreement. On Nov. 7, Angelina's rep told ET in a statement that "childcare professionals have encouraged a legal agreement accepted and signed by both sides over a week ago." The agreement states that "the six children will stay in their mother's custody, and the children will continue therapeutic visits with their father . . . This has been determined by childcare professionals to be in the children's best interest." Her rep continued, "We are not in a position to discuss the details. We hope, now that it is clear that the events which led to the dissolution filing involved minor children and their wellbeing, there will be understanding of the sensitivity of the family situation. We believe that all sides are committed to healing the family and ask for your consideration during this difficult time."
- Brad has been cleared in child abuse investigation. On Nov. 9, law enforcement sources confirmed to Us Weekly that Brad did not abuse his son Maddox during a plane incident back in September. TMZ also reported that the Department of Children and Family Services ruled out any reports of any patterns of misconduct on the actor's part. Later that day, Angelina's rep released a statement to TMZ, saying, "Angelina said from the beginning that she felt she had to take action for the health of the family and is relieved that after their eight-week involvement, the DCFS is now satisfied the safeguards are put in place that will allow the children to heal."
- The FBI closes Brad's child abuse investigation. On Nov. 22, the Allied actor was officially cleared by the FBI of any wrongdoing involving his kids, NBC News reported. FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller released a statement, saying, "The FBI has conducted a review of the circumstances and will not pursue further investigation. No charges have been filed in this matter."
- Brad's lawyers file a motion asking a judge to seal the childrens' records as it relates to the divorce. On Dec. 22, news of the files were released, alleging that Angelina's attorneys compromised their privacy in a bid to "undercut" Brad during the custody battle. They added that Angelina releasing "the names of [the children's] therapists and other mental health professionals" violated their initial agreement to protect the children's privacy. "[She] appears to be determined to ignore even agreed upon standards relating to the children's best interest," the filing reads.
- Brad spends Christmas with his kids. According to Us Weekly, Brad saw his children over the holiday weekend for a gift exchange that Angelina organized. An insider told the publication that "[Brad] gave them presents and it was cordial."
28 Times Bradley Cooper Was Superhot on Screen
Bradley Cooper first won our hearts on the small screen in Alias, but he's become a full-blown movie star since then, racking up three Oscar nominations and tons of award recognition. We're taking a look back at his onscreen journey to stardom, marking memorable characters like Sack from Wedding Crashers and Phil from The Hangover. No matter what character he embodies, though, one thing stays the same: those beautiful baby blues. Take a look back at Bradley's hottest roles to date!
3 Activities to Help Your Pups Beat the Winter Blues
When the weather gets colder, we inevitably want to hide inside more often, and our dogs can tend to share that habit. And when we're stuck indoors, we all, of course, experience those Winter blues. This weekend, if you and your pup find yourselves feeling down in the dumps during this crazy blizzard, try one of these activity ideas from DogVacay that you both can enjoy together.
5 Things No One Ever Told You About Raising a Toddler (but You Need to Know)
Sometimes parenting books feel like they're a dime a dozen - a handful cross my desk each week promising to provide the definitive method for raising sweet, well-adjusted tots - spoiler alert: few actually do. But when I learned that Dr. Tovah Klein, a mother of three and the director of the Barnard College Center For Toddler Development in NYC who has been observing toddlers for over 20 years, would be speaking at my son's preschool PTA meeting, I made sure I was seated in the front row to hear her philosophy and learnings firsthand. Dr. Klein's How Toddlers Thrive: What Parents Can Do Today For Children Ages 2-5 to Plant the Seeds of Lifelong Success ($19, originally $25) was already generating buzz, and after hearing her in person, I understand why.
Based on the philosophy that toddlers are not miniadults, that they're individuals fueled by a desire to know was just the beginning. In just 45 minutes Dr. Klein took us deep into the magical world of the toddler years and got to the root of many of our biggest frustrations with our tots. I learned a few fascinating philosophies about young kids that have already helped me better understand my child. I highly suggest you pick up a copy, but in the interim, here are a handful of teasers you'll find in the book.
Source: Flickr user edmdusty
After 20 Years, 1997's Top Fashion Trends Are Back in Style
The cycle of a trend is sort of a funny one: first something's really in, then it's really out, then it makes a triumphant return, cooler, modernized, and ready to be worn again. That's kind of what happened when it came to '90s staples. A few years ago, rocking a tracksuit out and about might have been perceived as outdated and lazy. Now? It's near impossible to find an It girl who doesn't have one in her closet.
We've recently discovered an easy hack for predicting the hottest styles, and it has to do with going back in time rather than looking forward. Read on for some 1997 styles you'll likely see everywhere in 2017. If you could just promise to stay away from that frosted white lip gloss, we'll be forever grateful.
Selena Gomez's Street Style Looks Can Teach You a Thing or 2 About Dressing Sexy
Selena Gomez's red carpet appearances and Instagram feed aren't the only sexy things about the singer and actress. Her street style deserves a spot on that list, too.
The jean cutoffs and low-cut dresses, the crop tops and sexy heels, the short hems and tight curve-showing swimsuits - they are all pieces Selena wears out and about on her days off that ooze the same, if not more, sensuality than any backless, shimmery, mermaid gown she could sport to an award show.
Though we might not all be able to get our hands on Selena's everyday designer garb, we can surely learn a lot about dressing sexy from her best street style. Here are 17 tips you need to live by.
The Spilling Meme Is the Latest Trend That Will Make You Laugh and Say "Huh"
Like most things on the internet, not everything you initially see is what it appears to be. That's the case with the latest meme making the rounds on the internet: the spilling meme. At first, it sounds like people are just spilling things for fun, but there's a hidden message behind every spill.
The meme appears to have started right before the holidays and is pretty simple. Film yourself spilling something only to pan the camera to an actual message you want to send. The results? Plenty of jokes about "sending nudes" but some get really creative with what they are spilling. Check out our favorites ahead and bless 2016 for giving us another meme to get us through the rest of the year.
If Your Resolution Is to Read More This Year, Take Our 2017 Moms Reading Challenge
OK, so finding time to read as a mom is pretty hard, but if your resolution is to read more this year, we've got a fun challenge to inspire you to get those pages turning. The 2017 POPSUGAR Moms Reading Challenge contains a list of types of books rather than specific suggestions, so whether you comb through the bestseller list, google our topics and find something random, or reach out to your bookworm friends, you can choose the books for your challenge however you'd like (making your own decisions . . . a rare luxury these days).
Print out our list below, put it somewhere the kids can't reach, and get reading! (And if you're super ambitious and want to try to complete a mom-free reading challenge as well, check out the official 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge.)
Happy reading!
- A book that's been sitting on your nightstand since before you had kids.
- A book by a mom for moms.
- A book about child behavior (especially if you have a toddler).
- A book about a mystical world you can pretend to live in alone.
- A book about someone without kids.
- A book you loved as a child.
- A book that highlights the humor in parenting.
- A book recommended by a mom friend.
- A book about your favorite prebaby hobby.
- A bestselling book that your book club would read if you had time for a book club.
- A book that's becoming a movie this year so you have an excuse to hire a sitter.
- A book you and your kids can read together.
- A book short enough to finish on secret trips to the bathroom to escape the kids.
- A book by an author you love.
- A book you've already read that changed your life prekids.
- A book written by a parenting expert.
- A book that takes place in a dystopian world (where maybe kids are better behaved).
- A book in which the main characters are children.
- A book about a pregnant woman.
- A book that's easy enough to read while sitting in the carpool line at school.
From a Size 22 to a Size 12: This Woman Changed Her Habits and Her Life
Meet Brooke, an empowered, strong, and inspiring woman from San Francisco, who is taking her health into her own hands and turning her entire life around with her conscious choices and habits. So far, Brooke has lost over 100 pounds.
Multiple factors have contributed to Brooke's awe-inspiring success - she does the Kayla Itsines BBG workouts and Pilates, goes hiking, and preps her meal. But what she most wanted to share about her journey - in which she went from a size 22 to a size 12 - is that "changing behavior through healthy habits and real food are imperative for sustainable weight loss."
A Lifelong Journey: From Obese to Healthy
Her journey started at an early age. When she lost her grandmother to cancer, she turned to food as a source of comfort . . . at the age of five. "One of my earliest memories is hiding under a table and eating at my grandmother's wake," said Brooke. "I don't ever remember a time in my life when I wasn't losing weight, gaining weight, or desperately trying to maintain my weight."
The lifelong battle had begun. She turned to food, then turned to diets. "I have done every diet out there, probably twice, each with varying degrees of success," Brooke told us. Each time she'd stop the diet, she'd gain even more weight back.
Hitting a Low Point
She started trying more extreme methods, like fasting, juice cleanses, and purging - and her struggle only worsened as she battled bulimia and food addiction. "Those periods of control would inevitably be followed by periods of being out of control. I was trapped in the cycle of restricting and binge-eating."
It wasn't until she hit a breaking point that she realized she needed to change something fundamentally. At nearly 300 pounds, Brooke said, "I realized I was slowly killing myself. . . . I finally took a step back and realized how insane my behavior was." At that point, she turned to others for support and realized she wasn't the only one going through this struggle.
"I carried around a tremendous amount of shame about my weight," said Brooke. "It was liberating to let go of that and realize that I wasn't alone."
Alone she is not. Through this awakening and "peeling back the layers of shame," as she puts it, Brooke discovered the thriving BBG community on Instagram. Scrolling through hashtags like #BBG and #KaylasArmy, she wondered "who is this Kayla person and why does she have an army?"
Brooke's use of social media as a support system ended up being a pivotal move in her journey and opened her up to a community that would change her life. After losing some significant weight, Brooke started through the BBG programs with millions of women around the world and turned to the community for strength. "It's empowering to be vulnerable about our flaws, share our goals, and cheer each other on."
A Fitness Journey Begins
Brooke weighed nearly 300 pounds just four years ago. She had debilitating plantar fasciitis and said she could hardly walk a few blocks. Her first goal? Get a FitBit and go for 10,000 steps per day. "It was a way to start moving," she said.
This positive step (10,000 steps, actually) snowballed into greater choices. "It was more about becoming active rather than calories burned." And her consistency has been key. She committed to this goal every day for four years, and her four-year average is now 11,000!
When Brooke wanted to push herself further, she got into hiking. "I really started noticing the mental benefits of exercise and fell in love," said Brooke.
Her new love for movement was taken to another level with the BBG program, which has only intensified her overall love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Today, Brooke combines hiking, BBG, and Pilates.
Lifestyle Changes
In the past four years, Brooke has made huge fundamental behavioral changes. She knows from research that permanent lifestyle changes - not diets - are what works for sustainable weight loss and has since learned that extreme physical exertion and starvation aren't going to work.
Brooke's approach to food has completely 180-ed. Her golden formula? Mindful eating, meal prep, and greens at every meal.
"Being obese, the priority was changing my eating habits and beliefs about food," she said. "For so long I viewed food as a moral issue, like certain foods were 'good' or 'bad' and if I ate them I was 'good' or 'bad.' . . . But that's warped" (seriously). "Food is food and it can be used for fuel or pleasure, but it doesn't define my character."
This honesty helped her focus on the bigger picture and identify which foods triggered overeating - this led to mindful eating. She cut out the trigger foods, "not because they made me fat or I wanted to lose weight, but because I wanted to feel good."
And that's what the big picture is about: feeling your best and living your best life.
Brooke also shared some relatable advice: don't try to cook supercomplicated recipes based on a restrictive diet - you might crash and burn (like she did) and end up at a drive-through because you're so frustrated (and hungry)! Instead, turn to meal prep.
"Preparing meals at home is one of the most effective ways to manage weight, but it has to be easy and enjoyable or it won't happen consistently."
She also loves adding greens to every meal, because "it's universal and can be applied to any diet."
Looking Ahead
Brooke tells us that it's much easier to create a new positive habit than to break a negative habit. One positive choice (like adding in vegetables) can have a snowball or ripple effect, leading to healthier, better choices in other areas. It's helping her stay on a healthy track and meet new goals.
What are those goals? What does a goal look like for someone who has already lost so much weight? "More love and acceptance of my body." Her journey will never end, and she challenges herself to be a little bit better every single day.
Brooke's advice for someone just beginning their weight loss:
"Just start. Then don't stop. Everything else is just details. It's a lifelong journey and it won't be linear, but it will be worth it. Get brutally honest with yourself, and if you can, with another person. Question the excuses that are holding you back, and never, ever give up."
She noted that if you too are "in the thick of it," she would love to hear from you. You can reach out on her blog, or send her a comment on Instagram.
From a Size 22 to a Size 12: This Woman Changed Her Habits and Her Life
Meet Brooke, an empowered, strong, and inspiring woman from San Francisco, who is taking her health into her own hands and turning her entire life around with her conscious choices and habits. So far, Brooke has lost over 100 pounds.
Multiple factors have contributed to Brooke's awe-inspiring success - she does the Kayla Itsines BBG workouts and Pilates, goes hiking, and preps her meal. But what she most wanted to share about her journey - in which she went from a size 22 to a size 12 - is that "changing behavior through healthy habits and real food are imperative for sustainable weight loss."
A Lifelong Journey: From Obese to Healthy
Her journey started at an early age. When she lost her grandmother to cancer, she turned to food as a source of comfort . . . at the age of five. "One of my earliest memories is hiding under a table and eating at my grandmother's wake," said Brooke. "I don't ever remember a time in my life when I wasn't losing weight, gaining weight, or desperately trying to maintain my weight."
The lifelong battle had begun. She turned to food, then turned to diets. "I have done every diet out there, probably twice, each with varying degrees of success," Brooke told us. Each time she'd stop the diet, she'd gain even more weight back.
Hitting a Low Point
She started trying more extreme methods, like fasting, juice cleanses, and purging - and her struggle only worsened as she battled bulimia and food addiction. "Those periods of control would inevitably be followed by periods of being out of control. I was trapped in the cycle of restricting and binge-eating."
It wasn't until she hit a breaking point that she realized she needed to change something fundamentally. At nearly 300 pounds, Brooke said, "I realized I was slowly killing myself. . . . I finally took a step back and realized how insane my behavior was." At that point, she turned to others for support and realized she wasn't the only one going through this struggle.
"I carried around a tremendous amount of shame about my weight," said Brooke. "It was liberating to let go of that and realize that I wasn't alone."
Alone she is not. Through this awakening and "peeling back the layers of shame," as she puts it, Brooke discovered the thriving BBG community on Instagram. Scrolling through hashtags like #BBG and #KaylasArmy, she wondered "who is this Kayla person and why does she have an army?"
Brooke's use of social media as a support system ended up being a pivotal move in her journey and opened her up to a community that would change her life. After losing some significant weight, Brooke started through the BBG programs with millions of women around the world and turned to the community for strength. "It's empowering to be vulnerable about our flaws, share our goals, and cheer each other on."
A Fitness Journey Begins
Brooke weighed nearly 300 pounds just four years ago. She had debilitating plantar fasciitis and said she could hardly walk a few blocks. Her first goal? Get a FitBit and go for 10,000 steps per day. "It was a way to start moving," she said.
This positive step (10,000 steps, actually) snowballed into greater choices. "It was more about becoming active rather than calories burned." And her consistency has been key. She committed to this goal every day for four years, and her four-year average is now 11,000!
When Brooke wanted to push herself further, she got into hiking. "I really started noticing the mental benefits of exercise and fell in love," said Brooke.
Her new love for movement was taken to another level with the BBG program, which has only intensified her overall love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Today, Brooke combines hiking, BBG, and Pilates.
Lifestyle Changes
In the past four years, Brooke has made huge fundamental behavioral changes. She knows from research that permanent lifestyle changes - not diets - are what works for sustainable weight loss and has since learned that extreme physical exertion and starvation aren't going to work.
Brooke's approach to food has completely 180-ed. Her golden formula? Mindful eating, meal prep, and greens at every meal.
"Being obese, the priority was changing my eating habits and beliefs about food," she said. "For so long I viewed food as a moral issue, like certain foods were 'good' or 'bad' and if I ate them I was 'good' or 'bad.' . . . But that's warped" (seriously). "Food is food and it can be used for fuel or pleasure, but it doesn't define my character."
This honesty helped her focus on the bigger picture and identify which foods triggered overeating - this led to mindful eating. She cut out the trigger foods, "not because they made me fat or I wanted to lose weight, but because I wanted to feel good."
And that's what the big picture is about: feeling your best and living your best life.
Brooke also shared some relatable advice: don't try to cook supercomplicated recipes based on a restrictive diet - you might crash and burn (like she did) and end up at a drive-through because you're so frustrated (and hungry)! Instead, turn to meal prep.
"Preparing meals at home is one of the most effective ways to manage weight, but it has to be easy and enjoyable or it won't happen consistently."
She also loves adding greens to every meal, because "it's universal and can be applied to any diet."
Looking Ahead
Brooke tells us that it's much easier to create a new positive habit than to break a negative habit. One positive choice (like adding in vegetables) can have a snowball or ripple effect, leading to healthier, better choices in other areas. It's helping her stay on a healthy track and meet new goals.
What are those goals? What does a goal look like for someone who has already lost so much weight? "More love and acceptance of my body." Her journey will never end, and she challenges herself to be a little bit better every single day.
Brooke's advice for someone just beginning their weight loss:
"Just start. Then don't stop. Everything else is just details. It's a lifelong journey and it won't be linear, but it will be worth it. Get brutally honest with yourself, and if you can, with another person. Question the excuses that are holding you back, and never, ever give up."
She noted that if you too are "in the thick of it," she would love to hear from you. You can reach out on her blog, or send her a comment on Instagram.
The Easy Closet Organization Trick to Steal From Gigi Hadid's Mom
A new year is the perfect opportunity to jump-start a closet (and life) clean-out, and it seems like Yolanda Foster doesn't waste any time. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and mom to Gigi and Bella Hadid refreshed her wardrobe last year with one simple trick. She wrote on Instagram, "If you have not worn it in the past year, it's probably time to PASS IT ON."
While it may be tough to imagine parting ways with your clothes, slimming down your closet can both spark outfit creativity and offer you the chance to appreciate the clothes you truly love. So, if you're looking for a New Year's challenge, take a page out of Yolanda's book and consider decluttering your wardrobe.
Baking Basics: 10 Tips For Beginner Bakers
Every baker must begin somewhere, yet the calculated science behind baking is not always simple and intuitive for some, especially cooks who prefer to improvise in the kitchen instead of following a recipe verbatim. If you're new to baking or have had rough (aka messy or burned) experiences in the past, here are 10 tips every beginner baker should peruse before firing up the stove.
9 Truths About Motherhood That Nobody Told Me
Mother's Day has come and gone, and while there's plenty written about moms in the days leading up to the big day, it was being surrounded by my kids, my own mom, and my grandmother that got me thinking about what it really means to be a mom. Nine years in, and I still feel like I'm figuring it out. There are books about what to expect when you're pregnant and how to parent your children (whole sections at bookstores). But there are some topics that the books - and fellow parents - just don't seem to cover. Here, nine things no one told me about motherhood - and, truthfully, if they had, I probably wouldn't have believed them.
There will be tears, lots of 'em. Happy tears, sad tears, tears for no reason. No one told me to expect so many tears. They start the day we give birth. Those are attributed to postpartum hormones. After that, there are tears because the baby won't sleep. There are tears because the baby won't eat. There are tears because the baby smiled at you - really smiled at you - for the first time. There are tears because of your daughter's disappointment over a friendship. There are tears over your frustration at your kids' inability to sense your frustration. There are tears over a viral video. There are lots of tears. Buy stock in Kleenex, you'll be keeping them in business!
Your vulnerabilities will be exposed. It's almost as if we pass the knowledge of these vulnerabilities on to our kids through the umbilical cord. Kids have an innate ability to expose these vulnerabilities at the most inopportune times. Like when they call you out for something you thought they didn't notice. When they sense your insecurities and expose them to the world. And when they ask you a question that you just don't know how to answer. It's good for them to know that you're not invincible, but it would be nice if they didn't take advantage of your vulnerabilities!
Your strengths will become stronger. If you're a good organizer, there is no better thing than to create an organized life for your kids. If you're a good listener, you're in luck because kids desperately need someone to hear them. If you're athletic, you'll introduce your kids to a lifetime of healthy living. Having kids doesn't squash your strengths, it makes them stronger.
Middle school was nothing compared to the sidelines of your kids' games. Forget mean girls, meet the mean moms. They're real, and they're even meaner than they were when you were in school with them. I'm not sure what hormone is released in childbirth that brings out this trait, but it seems to grow stronger as the kids get older. They passive aggressively criticize your parenting. They aren't inclusive, regardless of how hard you try to break your way into their group. And they make you second-guess your decisions. No, you don't have to be friends with them, but you should be wary of them so you can avoid them at all costs.
You will never feel like you are doing enough. You'll give it your all, but you'll never feel like it's enough. You just have to come to terms with the fact that you are doing the best you can, and that is all you can do. It's a tough mountain to tackle, but once you accept it, motherhood is much easier!
You'll appreciate your mother more than you ever thought you would. You were a kid, so you couldn't see all that your mom went through when she was parenting you. But now, now you see just how hard she worked. That she struggled just as you do. That she second-guessed herself as much as you do. That she didn't know what she was doing either. You appreciate her for her experience, for the advice she gives (even when you don't ask for it), and for her understanding that you're still figuring this whole motherhood thing out, just like she did.
You'll never eat the last scoop of ice cream again. Or a piece of perfectly ripened pineapple, or the last piece of chocolate, or whatever your favorite things are when the kids are around because somehow they always snatch it from you - and you let them, because you want them to experience just how good it really is. And here's the kicker - you don't mind doing it!
You won't have a solid night's sleep ever again. We're not just talking about the infant years or if you have a bad sleeper here - those were expected. I'm talking about that half-sleep parents seem to master where they can catch up on their zzz's while still hearing every cough, sneeze, and bad dream their kids have. I imagine that once your kids are old enough to be out on their own, you sleep with "one eye open," so you don't miss a text or phone call from them.
Your heart will burst in ways you never knew possible. There's plenty written about the joys (and struggles) of motherhood, but there are no words that can describe how your heart swells when you see your child smile at you. Or when you see your son accomplish something he thought was impossible. Or when your daughter comes to you because she needs a hug. You can blame hormones, but I blame motherhood. It makes the heart expand at the most unexpected times!
These "Rain Drop, Drop Top" Memes Will Make You Laugh Nonstop
Chances are you've recently come across an Instagram caption or Twitter meme starting with four simple words: "Rain drop, drop top." No, your friends aren't all simultaneously commenting on the rainy weather - they're chiming in on the latest meme trend that's sweeping the internet.
These words are actually the lyrics from Migos' song "Bad and Boujee," which says "Rain drop, drop top, smokin' on cookie in the hotbox." These catchy lyrics quickly became a template for internet users to put their rhyming skills to the test by altering the last line to whatever their hearts desire. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite "Rain drop, drop top" memes so far.
7 Ways Latinas Can Make Their Voices Heard in 2017
The unexpected outcome of the 2016 presidential election may have felt discouraging for many voters, including Latinas who rallied together against Donald Trump's many shocking comments about immigration and women. If you felt a wave of apathy in the aftermath of the election, you are not alone. Now that the proverbial dust has settled, however, it's especially important to stay engaged and involved. Ahead, we've listed seven ways to do that.
1. Participate in your local Latinas Represent chapter.
Latinas Represent is the byproduct of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, and Latino Community Foundation of Colorado. The coalition works toward increasing Latinx representation in American politics. While Latinas Represent does give female leaders the tools they need to run for office or influence public policy, it also offers regular civilians a place to share the issues that affect them. To engage with other Latinas in your area, check out Latinas Represent's many chapters. If you're not represented on the map, then consider starting your own!
2. Contact your elected officials.
In November of 2016, a former congressional staff member went viral with her helpful guide to contacting representatives and actually making them listen to you. All of her advice is definitely worth a read on Twitter - however, she ultimately said the most effective method is to actually just make the calls. For more information on how to contact them, click here.
3. Share your story with COLOR.
The Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR) is a pro-choice, sex-positive movement that fights for reproductive rights and the overall physical and mental well-being of Latinas. If you're willing, you can share your own so-called "reproductive justice" story with COLOR. The organization will only use your first name.
4. Mark your calendar for Nov. 6, 2018.
Despite the unexpected outcome of the 2016 presidential election, Latinx voters still had a strong influence on many local and state-level races. For example, Mexican-American Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto won the Senate race in Nevada. While these victories from the 2016 election are great, the midterm elections on Nov. 6, 2018, will provide Latinx voters with another opportunity to make their voices heard.
5. Become a sponsor for ELLAS.
Embracing Latina Leadership Alliances, or ELLAS, is a program that helps low-income high school students excel both in and outside of the classroom. For $950, you can sponsor a student and help them attend workshops relevant to their interests and pursuit of higher education. You can also get involved by becoming a volunteer or speaking at a workshop. While ELLAS is not an explicitly political organization, investing in the next generation is certainly a way to influence politics in the years to come. They are the future, after all.
6. Attend a local town hall meeting.
Town hall meetings serve as effective (yet slightly less formal) spaces for residents in the area to air their grievances and propose solutions. While these types of meetings don't have a direct effect on the nation at large, they are still important and can improve your day-to-day life. To attend a meeting, find out who your senators and representatives are and monitor their websites or Twitter accounts for any announcements on upcoming meetings.
7. Run for political office.
If you've ever considered a career in politics, check out She Should Run. Following the presidential election, the organization launched an incubator program that has since encouraged over 4,000 women to run for elected office. She Should Run helps women define their brands, stand up to sexism, and connect with other women in the program so that they can grow their respective networks.
Here's What to Pack For Every Type of Travel Weather
Packing for a vacation where the weather's drastically different isn't only hard, it's frustrating. Like, explosion-of-clothes-all-over-your-bed frustrating. "Do people even wear shorts when it's 65? Maybe I should google that," you mutter to yourself. But instead of relying on a quick search or a weather app, we made you a handy guide.
To assist you in dressing for your next getaway, we gathered some ideal outfits and sorted them for three different types of weather: cold, moderate, and warm. We looked to jet setters who have figured out how to pack the optimal suitcase for traveling and came away with 30 different outfit ideas for every type of weather. Whether the temperature is set at 30 degrees or 85, use the #OOTDs below to craft your wardrobe.
Kelly Clarkson's Family Photos Are Just Like Her Hit Songs - You'll Never Get Tired of Them
It's no secret that Kelly Clarkson has one adorable family. The "Piece by Piece" singer, who married Brandon Blackstock in October 2013, is mom of daughter River Rose, 2, son Remington, who was born in April, and is also stepmom to Brandon's two kids from a previous relationship, Seth and Savannah. Kelly frequently takes to social media to share precious moments with her brood, including River having the time of her life in the studio and the family's epic Christmas cards. Keep reading to see all of their best moments here.
10 Brilliant Ways to Detox Your Hair According to Fashion Week Pros
When it comes to hair health, it can be hard to ensure our strands stay damage-free after all the sprays, gels, and hot tools we use day to day. While this is obviously a struggle for girls everywhere, models - especially during New York Fashion Week - might take the cake when it comes to the amount of damaging products and scorching hot tools they're exposed to. Their shiny locks always look so glossy and voluminous on the runway, but all it takes is a single glance backstage to understand just how much those same models' hair is put through (seriously, the faint smell of burnt hair kind of wafts around backstage).
So, if you've ever wondered how these lengthy-haired goddesses keep from permanently destroying their hair while jumping from show to show, we've got you covered. After interviewing a few NYFW stylists for their best hair recovery tips that the models - and RL women - can use to recover their hair health, we're brimming with secrets. Read on!
33 Celebrities Whose Real Names You Never Knew
Did you go through that phase in life where you grew tired of your name and toyed with the idea of changing your moniker or dropping part of it to make it, well, unique? You can now rest assured that you weren't alone, and had you gone through with the change, you'd be following in the footsteps of some of today's top artists.
Regardless of the reasons behind the name changes - some dropped their last names, some go by their middle name or nickname only, some dropped an accent or two, and others just made up a brand-new persona - these swaps are surprising to sift through. Keep reading to find 33 stars whose real names might shock you.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto.
How to Make Frosting For Cakes, Cupcakes, and Beyond
Frosting, aka the fluffy, sweet, buttery spread that goes over cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, isn't so hard to make homemade if you set yourself up for success. First, you must have a large bowl and a hand mixer or stand mixer. If you don't own either, a hand mixer is significantly cheaper. If a whisk is what you're working with, consider making whipped cream instead of frosting.
Next, silky smooth frosting requires a little planning. You must put the butter (and cream cheese) out a few hours prior to come to room temperature. Otherwise, if you try to whip them up cold, the frosting may turn out lumpy or dense. Spreadable fluff is what we're after, and that can only be achieved if the fats are whipped at room temperature! Lastly, always sift the powdered sugar (and cacao powder if applicable) before whipping into the frosting. Once again, if you skip this step, your frosting may turn out as lumpy as tapioca pudding and there's no turning back. No, thanks!
Now that you're ready to beat all the ingredients together, here's the basic technique: In a large bowl, whip the softened butter (and sometimes cream cheese) until it becomes light and fluffy. Slowly mix in the sifted powdered sugar a little at a time until a thick paste forms. Next, whip in the vanilla. Lastly, add the milk one tablespoon at a time and beat for another few minutes or so until you reach a fluffy, spreadable consistency. I personally love using heavy whipping cream in place of milk so that the icing becomes voluminous and whips up almost like whipped cream. That's it! Now, you're ready to decorate your dessert.
One thing to note: do not refrigerate buttercream. It should have enough sugar to preserve it at room temperature for a few days. If you refrigerate the buttercream, it will stiffen up like butter and you'll need to let it come to room temperature (and rewhip it a few minutes using the mixer) before attempting to frost your treats.
Now that you're ready, here are a few classic frostings to get you started.
Basic Buttercream
Softened butter + sifted powdered sugar + vanilla + milk (or heavy whipping cream)
Get the recipe: basic buttercream
Chocolate Buttercream
Softened butter + sifted powdered sugar + sifted cacao powder + vanilla + milk (or heavy whipping cream)
Get the recipe: chocolate buttercream
Cream Cheese Frosting
Softened butter + softened cream cheese + sifted powdered sugar + vanilla + milk (or heavy whipping cream)
Get the recipe: cream cheese frosting
A few of my other favorite additions to frosting are salt and citrus zest. If you love cookies with salt on top or salted caramel, then you'll get a kick out of adding a few teaspoons of salt to buttercream. Another easy way to add flavor is by mixing the zest of lemon into the frosting, although lime, grapefruit, and orange will also work.
Kevin Jonas Definitely Caught the Love Bug When He Met Wife Danielle
Kevin and Danielle Jonas wed in December 2009, and throughout their relationship, the two have given us plenty of adorable displays of their affection. Whether they're sharing a sweet kiss on the red carpet, getting silly on Instagram, or spending some quality time with their two beautiful daughters, Alena and Valentina, there's no denying how strong their love is for one another. Scroll ahead and see for yourself.
This Bride Wore So Many Dresses at Her Indian-American Wedding, It's Hard to Keep Track
When your buddies NAS and Jay Sean perform at your wedding, you know you can expect a good playlist. But stylish party outfits? Well, that was up to the bride, Hayley Murthy, to master. Hayley and Dee held a gorgeous ceremony at Bacara Resort & Spa, gathering all their friends for the occasion. But that was after the pair headed to India for their engagement party, where Hayley slipped into a beautiful blue embroidered gown. Later, she celebrated her bachelorette in a white monogrammed swimsuit, and finally, it was time for her to pull out the rest of her bridal looks.
Hayley walked down the aisle in a voluminous Monique Lhuillier gown that would make any girl weak at the knees, but she brought along plenty of minidresses too, along with one asymmetrical long-sleeved sheath perfect for a formal rehearsal dinner. Right before the final reception, Hayley joined the groom's family for Hindu traditions where bundles of flowers were thrown over her sparkling Sabyasachi Couture creation. Read on to feast your eyes over every ensemble she wore during the memorable weekend.
60 Style Lessons Kate Middleton Taught Us That We'll Never Forget
Kate Middleton may be royalty, but when it comes to fashion, she's just like us. Seriously - she repeats outfits all the time and she's even taken a few bold risks the high court wouldn't approve of.
But here's the other thing about Kate - she wears her coordinated suit sets, coat dresses, and over-the-top fascinators with style and grace. The duchess owns her looks, convincing us she dressed right for the occasion, no matter where she is or how much she's standing out from the crowd.
Kate's sophisticated style sense can be traced back to her confidence. And though we may not all be able to get our hands on her designer separates or her couture gowns, there are quite a few things we can learn from her greatest outfits of all time - 60, in fact.
30 Easy, Healthy New Year's Resolutions You'll Actually Be Able to Keep
New Year's resolutions don't have to feel overwhelming and impossible! Here are 30 easy changes you can make this year that won't take much effort, but will make you feel healthier and happier.
30 Easy, Healthy New Year's Resolutions You'll Actually Be Able to Keep
New Year's resolutions don't have to feel overwhelming and impossible! Here are 30 easy changes you can make this year that won't take much effort, but will make you feel healthier and happier.
Coffee in a Waffle Cone? Why Yes, It's a Thing
Have you always wanted to drink coffee out of a waffle cone? Your answer is probaby "yes," because why wouldn't you want to combine three of the best things in life (coffee, ice cream cones, and chocolate)? Hailing from The Grind Coffee Company in Johannesburg, South Africa, coffee in a cone is the latest food trend that has people traveling from all over the place, and for good reason. "We used the cone as a way to become an Instagrammable product. When people come in they take a selfie and tag #coffeeinacone," the man behind the concept, Dayne Levinrad, told CNN. It's true: everyone who orders the coffee in a cone from The Grind seems to adapt the "pics or it didn't happen" mantra because the Instagram opportunity is way too good to pass up. Keep reading to see how truly trend-worthy the coffee is, and get a closer look at the ingenious hybrid.
Sam Claflin's Cutest Moments With His Wife, Laura Haddock
Fans freaked out when Sam Claflin and his wife, Laura Haddock, welcomed their first child in December 2015, and rightfully so. In addition to their adorable announcement, the couple, who have been married since 2013, have shared many swoon-worthy moments over the years. Take a look back at their sweetest snaps.
14 of Demi Lovato’s Most Body-Positive Quotes That'll Make You Love Her Even More
We wouldn't mind having Demi Lovato's amazing voice or her strong body, or even her sexy closet, but if there's one thing we admire her for the most is her ability to be so inspirational and accepting.
Demi has been consistent about celebrating her big and small accomplishments post-rehab, where she sought treatment for an eating disorder and bipolar disorder back in 2011, and has extended the love to all of her fans by sharing wise words and mantras on social media and interviews alike. Here are some of the most body- and mind-positive things Demi has said over the last few years.
See How Your Favorite Stars Are Celebrating the New Year!
It's official: 2017 is here! All of your favorite stars are celebrating the New Year in a big way, from hanging out in Times Square in New York City to throwing festive parties with family and friends. Keep reading to see how some of Hollywood's biggest stars said goodbye to 2016.
8 Savvy Ways to Update Your Wardrobe Without Spending Tons of Money
The following post was originally featured on Nany's Klozet and written by Daniela Ramirez, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Latina.
The best way to start the new year is with a "new" closet. When you clean your closet, you also get rid of old (and bad) energy, and you will feel a big difference. Having an organized closet will help you find your favorite pieces quicker and make getting dressed each morning easier.
Do a Closet Clean-Out
Start by going through everything in your closet and get ready to have five piles: keep, fix, donate, throw away, and sell.
What should you keep?
Ask yourself, have I worn this in the past year? If the answer is no, you are probably not going to wear it ever again. Here's a fun trick to know if you have worn something in the past year: put your hangers backwards every time you do a clean-out. When you wear something, put it back as it should be hung normally. At the end of the year, you can clearly see what you haven't worn in a while.
Then think, why haven't I worn it? Is it damaged? Does it not fit anymore?
If it has a little hole or anything that can be fixable, put it in the fix pile. If not, throw it away. If the items are in good condition but have no significant value, donate them. If you think you can get a little money, sell them!
Forget about sentimental value (unless it's a piece of jewelry your grandmother gave you, of course). This includes that old prom dress you know you are never going to wear again or that cute dress you wore to your first date 10 years ago. Getting rid of them won't delete that amazing memory.
Remember to do a clean-out with your beauty bag, too - makeup has an expiration date, and anything older than a year should be thrown out. Wearing expired makeup can cause breakouts and allergic reactions.
Host a Wardrobe Exchange
Let's say you organized your closet and you realized you have a ton of clothes in mint condition that you never wear. What should you do? Host a wardrobe exchange with your friends.
How?
- Invite a group of close friends and encourage them to invite people as well. You want to keep the group relatively small, but it's a great way to meet and bond with friends.
- Tell them to bring X amount of items. Just be clear about the fact that the pieces must be in perfect condition - clean, no holes, or stains. I recommend bringing a minimum of five pieces.
- Make it fun with appetizers and champagne.
- As soon as the people start arriving, group items by type - dresses, shirts, accessories, etc..
- If you came in with five pieces, you can take five pieces home with you.
The more pieces they bring, the more variety! It's the perfect way to have "new" clothes without spending a dime!
Raid Your Mom's, Sister's, or Aunt's Closet
If you still live with your family, this is easier. However, you can even ask your crazy aunt if you can check out her clothes from the '80s and '90s - I'm sure you can find some amazing things hidden in the bottom of her closet. I did this once with my aunt and she was super excited to see me wearing something from 20 years ago. Also, think outside the box: it doesn't have to be a woman's closet, dare to borrow your dad's shirt or even your boyfriend's jeans.
Find a Tailor You Trust
If you have jeans you used to love but you truly kept that New Year's Resolution to lose weight, and they are too big now; if you want to transform a midi sequin dress into a mini dress, a tailor is your BFF.
Find someone in your city that you trust for all the wardrobe basics, including hemming your pants and making that sexy dress fit like a glove. Then you can ask him/her for a discount when you bring that big ole fix pile. They can transform that dress with the cute print but unflattering neckline.
Shop at Vintage/Thrift Stores
A lot of people underestimate the power of buying in thrift shops or vintage stores. First of all, everything comes back in style. Second, I love thinking that the pieces have a story, that they were carried around when the world was a different place. (Well, that might be just me. I'm a little crazy!) Third, there's a big chance nobody else will own it - vintage pieces are very unique.
I've found amazing items on vintage stores. I found a pair of D&G shoes for $20, a small vintage Coach bag for $15, and silk blouses for $5.
A couple of tips:
- Wash everything as soon as you get home (no bedbugs, please!).
- Go with comfy shoes, because finding those hidden gems isn't that easy. You really have to go through piles and piles of clothes, but it is worth it.
DIY
This is the best way to update your current pieces. I often see clothes on the runway that I think might be fun to DIY. And the best part? Saying you did it yourself when people ask you, where did you get that?
Sell, Sell, Sell
Why not make a little profit from cleaning out your closet? If you have pieces in perfect condition that are valuable, put them up for sale.
Some options:
- Local consignment stores: I personally don't like this option, but if you want to get rid of a lot of things quick, this is a good way to do it. They are going to offer you very little money and they are very picky. I went to one called "Plato's Closet," and they rejected more than half of the things I brought and only offered me $50 for a lot of things
- eBay
- Poshmark: This is my favorite app to sell clothes. It is very easy to use and you can make great money from it. Sign up using the code "HPFVV," and you will get $10 to shop.
Every month I challenge myself, and I try to sell more. The goal: only spend what I have sold.
When Going Shopping, Think "CPU" - Cost Per Use
Last resort . . . go shopping. You deserve it after cleaning, selling, swapping, and raiding.
Never go shopping without knowing what you are looking for, this leads to impulse buying (and most impulse buys end up with their tags on at the end of the closet).
Along the way, maybe you realized you needed a white blouse or a leopard scarf. So write them down. Make a list of the things you really need, and the ones you really want. We all deserve a little treat now and then.
No matter what you buy, always think CPU (cost per use): the cost of the item divided by the amount of times you will use it.
For example, let's say you find a classic LBD at Forever 21 for $30, and you only wear it twice because the fabric lost its stretch when you washed it. The CPU of the affordable dress is $15.
An even better option would be:
You save up a little more and buy an identical classic LBD for $150 that will last 5 years. Let's say you wear it five times per year (and that's nothing because you can even wear an LBD with a denim jacket for a BBQ). The CPU of this dress is $6.
Also, I have a rule that I never buy anything unless I can think of three ways I can wear it. It's all about versatile pieces you can have fun with.
12 Body-Image Quotes From Victoria's Secret Angels That Are Totally Relatable
When you look at the lineup of Victoria's Secret Angels, you may think, "How could they ever feel down in the dumps about those abs?" But we're all human. When it comes to body image, we have good days and bad days - moments we feel sexy and times we wish we were curvier or more toned.
And the VS supermodels are right there with you. While high-fashion models wear clothes down the runway, the Angels strip down to their lingerie to take the catwalk. They often feel pressured to keep up appearances, and it's friggin' frustrating, though it can be motivating too. At least, that's what we gathered from some of the quotes below. Ahead, you'll find 12 uplifting, relatable notes from the Victoria's Secret Angels, plenty of which will put a smile on your face.
You Won't Believe These Lego Instructions From the 1970s
Update:
Lego sent us an email confirming the message's authenticity. "Yes, the text is from 1974 and was a part of a pamphlet showing a variety of LEGO doll house products targeted to girls aged four and up from the 1970s," said spokesperson Roar Rude Trangbæk, who added that the text remains relevant to this day across every LEGO product.
Original story:
Recently, a photo of a Lego message to parents in the 1970s went viral on Reddit. Mostly because it looks so different from Lego's gender marketing of today.
Source: Reddit user fryd_
Inspiring, isn't it? Some commenters have questioned the letter's authenticity, blaming poor formatting and font choice, but the poster alleges that it's real, and we've reached out to Lego for verification.
The letter reminds us of a wonderful Lego ad from the early '80s. Can we please have more like this and less like the sexist Barbie programming book?
Make 2017 Your Family's Best Year Yet With This 14-Day Plan
One of the realities of making New Year's resolutions is undoubtedly how quickly they are broken. That's because they're usually too sweeping and restrictive to be successful. We're all for making improvements in your (and your family's) life but not at the expense of everybody's sanity.
That's why we're going about things a bit differently this year. Consider this two-week plan your family's road map to balance and happiness in the coming year. It's doable, it will make your family's time together more meaningful, and it should remove some of the stress from yours and the kids' lives. Start today, and let us know how it goes, will you?
- Save on the small things, so you can do the big things.
- Go on a family tech diet.
- Be a better parenting team.
- Become cleaner eaters.
- Erase the mom guilt.
- Break the common bad parenting habits.
- Boost your kids' self-esteem.
- Be in the picture, literally.
- Reinstate the family dinner.
- Live in the moment, not for the Instagram post.
- Don't judge other parents.
- Simplify: Remove things from your life that you do not need.
- Be positive.
- Keep your family healthy.
We made this handy graphic so you have all of the resolutions in one place. Take the challenge, and pass it on:
Pick This Up, Not That: Trader Joe's New December Foods
Month after month, Trader Joe's rolls out new and exciting products. From smoked olive oil to a festive gingerbread bar, this December's lineup is no exception. Keep reading to get the lowdown on what's worth your time (and money) and what's best left on the store shelves.
15 Incredible Beauty Products That Have Earned Their Ulta Beauty 5-Star Ratings
One of our favorite things to do in our spare time is dig through online reviews of beauty products. They are highly opinionated, sometimes a little aggressive, and absolutely, brutally honest. And that's an amazing thing: when you're blindly shopping for hair products, makeup, or skin care without the ability to test it out, you need to know if it'll live up to your expectations.
This is exactly why we combed through the bestsellers on Ulta Beauty's website to find the very best, must-buy items. The store carries a mix of prestige and mass formulas, bringing in the perfect blend of drugstore junkies and designer-obsessed fans (who you can totally trust with an important purchase). Read on to see 15 products with flawless five-star ratings.
80+ Pictures of Britney Spears That Are Straight Out of a Time Capsule
Britney Jean Spears broke onto the scene in the late '90s and has taken the music world by storm ever since. After signing to Jive Records in 1997 and releasing her first single, ". . . Baby One More Time," Britney shot to stardom - and has acquired legions of dedicated fans along the way.
There's no doubt that Britney will go down in history with some of the biggest pop stars on the planet - not only has she been influenced by legends like Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Whitney Houston, but she's also inspired a handful of artists who have come after her, like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Katy Perry; even rapper Nicki Minaj credited Britney with motivating her career in 2012, saying, "She's probably gone through 10 times whatever I've gone through. But the fact that she came back out with just so much fire inspires me, and it inspires young women and people all over the world."
We're taking a look back at Britney's superstar evolution, from teen pop sensation to comeback queen and devoted mom. Keep reading to see all the photos now.
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!
Articles
