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 8 janvier 2017
An Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best White T-Shirt of Your Life
You think you've found a favorite white tee. You reach for it an embarrassing amount of times in just one week, and when it's not folded up neatly in your drawer, you kind of freak out a little, praying it's just in the hamper. But is it truly your perfect match? There are plenty of brands out there you've probably never heard of, some of which might make the right fit for you.
There's only one way to find out if a t-shirt's up to par: by wearing it. That's why we polled our editors and asked them to share their go-tos, along with a brief description of the structure, slouch, and feel of the top. The results are in, and surprisingly (or perhaps not), Everlane, Madewell, Hanes, and ATM got the most votes. But if those aren't for you, scroll to read up on 14 standout options - they're all a bit different, but we promise each one will look good tucked into your jeans.
Rare GIF of a Dying Star Will Make You Rethink Your Existence
The Hubble Telescope recently celebrated its 26th birthday, and in those years it has given us an incredible look at the vast world we live in. Case in point: a rare peek at a dying star.
From 2002 to 2006, Hubble captured close-up images of an enormous star named V838 Moncerotis, which sits 20,000 light-years away from Earth. Back then, the star emitted a powerful flash of light that illuminated the dust and gas that surrounded it.
"Hubble's exceptionally sharp focus of V838 Mon offered a ring-side seat at the slow death of the star and excited astrophysicists with the chance to study the physics of the light, matter and microscopic dust of the interstellar medium," writes The Conversation, which offers more details about the life of the star and the cause of that light flash.
Below you can see a time-lapse video of the photos taken by the Hubble. Looks fake, doesn't it?
28 Award Show Moments That Will Make You Miss the Cast of Friends
Friends still holds a special place in all of our hearts, and we can't help but think about how much we miss seeing the stars together during award season. During it's 10-season run between 1994 and 2004, the NBC comedy racked up 62 Emmy nominations and six wins, including acting awards for Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow and an outstanding comedy series trophy in 2002. They also won big at the Golden Globes and People's Choice Awards, and showed up at each ceremony looking like the best of pals while showing off the finest in '90s and early-'00s fashions. We've rounded up the best photos from the Friends cast's red carpet and award show outings over the years - keep reading to see them all now, and look back at the moments that made you want to be a part of their crew.
The Cardio Dance Workout Celebs Love
It's time to work out, so put on your dancing shoes. This cardio dance routine lead by Simone De La Rue, the creator of Hollywood's hottest workout, Body by Simone, will get your heart rate up to burn serious calories. But trust us, you will have fun doing this workout and maybe even learn some new dance moves. Celebs like Chrissy Teigen and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley love the BBS workouts, so you know they gets results. Press play and get ready to boogie.
On Anna: Onzie and Alo Yoga
On Simone: SukiShufu and Body by Simone Shoes
On Katie: Under Armour and Solow Tights
The Cardio Dance Workout Celebs Love
It's time to work out, so put on your dancing shoes. This cardio dance routine lead by Simone De La Rue, the creator of Hollywood's hottest workout, Body by Simone, will get your heart rate up to burn serious calories. But trust us, you will have fun doing this workout and maybe even learn some new dance moves. Celebs like Chrissy Teigen and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley love the BBS workouts, so you know they gets results. Press play and get ready to boogie.
On Anna: Onzie and Alo Yoga
On Simone: SukiShufu and Body by Simone Shoes
On Katie: Under Armour and Solow Tights
This Mom Posted a Video of a Dresser Falling on Her Twin Toddlers For Good Reason
If you're a parent and you don't have your furniture mounted, this alarming video will certainly motivate you to get the job done today.
One mom posted a "nanny cam" video to YouTube showing how it took literally five seconds for her 2-year-old twin toddler boys to cause their nursery room dresser to fall right on top of them. Thankfully, the boys - Bowdy and Brock - were not seriously injured, but it's a jarring reminder to all parents to take proper precautions when childproofing their homes.
"We didn't hear a cry. We didn't hear a big thud, so we just woke up, looked at the camera, then we saw that it was all the way down. They were just still playing, so we didn't know if it had landed on them," mom Kayli Shoff told Utah's 14 News.
The video showed the twins trying to climb onto the empty drawers of the low dresser, at which point it fell on top of both boys. Bowdy was able to climb out, but Brock was still trapped underneath. Bowdy attempted to lift the dresser.
"So he just pushed with all of his might, and it pushed it right off of his brother," said Shoff, admitting that she was at first hesitant to share the video. "Everybody needs to bolt down their dressers to the wall. I mean, we just didn't think about it. Accidents are going to happen, so, we just want to spread awareness to this one accident that happened and hope that it doesn't happen to any other families."
20 Avocado Recipes That Are Just the Right Amount of Healthy
As you gear up for a healthy year, chances are you're looking for a few new recipes to add to your feel-good arsenal that also, you know, taste good and leave you feeling satisfied. And there's one ingredient you can always rely on to do just that: avocado.
While it's great on its own, avocado can be mixed in to everything from cookies to puddings and even salad dressings in place of creamy, often fattier ingredients like butter, milk, and mayonnaise. Ahead, we've rounded up 20 scrumptious recipes that use avocado in all sorts of ways. Keep scrolling to drool over avo everything, then discover all the health benefits of eating this vitamin-packed fruit.
A Look Back at Years of Glamorous Golden Globes
With 2017 just around the corner, it's officially time to look forward to one of the most exciting times in Hollywood: award season! The Golden Globes will be the first of the new year, and if they're anything like previous ceremonies, we can expect truckloads of stars. There's so much to look forward to: a side-splitting performance from Jimmy Fallon, a star-studded list of nominees, and an equally impressive list of presenters. Are you ready to drum up even more excitement? Let's take a look at a few of the most iconic photos from years past, and then get a closer look at last year's fun-filled show!
When You See This Saudi Arabian Princess's Outfits, You'll Never Forget Her
Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia isn't just any royal. She is a mother of three, runs a fashion business called D'NA, nurtures emerging designers (past talents include Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Mary Katrantzou, and Erdem), and is editor in chief of Vogue Arabia.
To top off her boss résumé, the princess has also earned her stripes as a street style star to watch at Fashion Week, often wearing her trademark poufy skirts. Her style is refined, like that of any royal, but she's also one of the most fashion-forward of the ladies, often wearing bold prints and silhouettes you wouldn't see on Kate Middleton or even Queen Rania. With an eye for style - she is a fashion editor after all - and the wardrobe to match, it's time Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz lands on your radar.
Scroll on for her best outfit tricks and tips, because once you set eyes on these looks, you'll never forget them.
19 Satisfying Breakfasts Under 300 Calories
Looking for a low-calorie breakfast that doesn't disappoint? These 19 light recipes all clock in under 300 calories and will keep you satisfied and energized until your next snack or meal.
20 Power Couples Who Ruled the Red Carpet at the 1997 Golden Globes
Last year's Golden Globe Awards practically had a veritable parade of celebrity couples make their way down the red carpet, but they still didn't hold a candle to the award show's broadcast two decades earlier. At the 1997 Golden Globes, Halle Berry and Shemar Moore were a thing, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise were still together, and George Clooney was . . . on crutches? In honor of the 2017 show, which airs on Jan. 8, we're taking a look back at which celebrity couples owned the show 20 years ago.
19 Satisfying Breakfasts Under 300 Calories
Looking for a low-calorie breakfast that doesn't disappoint? These 19 light recipes all clock in under 300 calories and will keep you satisfied and energized until your next snack or meal.
A Not-So-Unfortunate Chat With the Young Breakout Stars of A Series of Unfortunate Events
For anyone who's read Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, the first character that probably comes to mind is Count Olaf. The outlandish, despicable villain might be what gives the novels their flash, but the plucky Baudelaire siblings whom he lives to terrorize are the ones who give them their heart. In light of Netflix's take on Snicket's wildly popular series, debuting on the streaming giant on Friday, Jan. 13 (apt, no?), we sat down with Violet and Klaus Baudelaire's real-life alter egos: the extremely talented Malina Weissman, 13, and Louis Hynes, 15. From what diehard fans should expect from their beloved characters to what it's really like to spend all day on set with Neil Patrick Harris, Weissman and Hynes were more than happy to discuss every single tragic, miserable, unfortunate bit.
POPSUGAR: When you're watching the show, it has a cartoonish feel in some ways, a little larger than life. Did you guys have to shoot a lot with green screen?
Malina Weissman: Sort of! They built a lot of amazing sets, but sometimes they used green screen. Lemony Snicket, played by Patrick Warburton, had a few green screens in the scenes that he did.
Louis Hynes: They designed these huge sets, one which had almost an entire town in it. I think there was a lot of green screen around, but at the same time, a lot of it was genuinely there, which was really helpful for us, of course.
PS: Yeah, that must've made it way easier to picture yourselves in that bizarre kind of world.
MW: Oh, definitely.
PS: The show comes across as whimsical one minute, and the next Count Olaf's character is doing something truly awful, like slapping Klaus in the face or forcing Violet to be a child bride. Do you think the show is aimed more at kids or adults?
MW: I think it's for both. Adults - if they've read the books when they were little, it's awesome to see it become this TV show. For kids, they can relate to Klaus and Violet and how they'd behave if they were in their situation.
LH: There are quite dark themes, as well, which will appeal to the adults. And the kids, as well. It's like a dark comedy. It's got some humorous bits, but it can get really dark.
MW: It has the kinds of jokes that only the adults are probably going to get in some of it.
PS: Since Neil Patrick Harris is playing Count Olaf, this over-the-top villain, did he go method on set and keep his distance from the two of you?
LH: I think he was very focused, so in a way he did. He'd have to be, since he's playing somebody playing somebody . . . doing two characters at once. I think that made it really interesting to watch him work, to learn from him, and find out how he works.
MW: Definitely.
PS: You both are pretty young actors, so what was it like to be acting alongside Neil Patrick Harris, who's been in the business for so long?
MW: I think watching him work, talking to the director, and seeing how he feels the character should be . . . we've learned so much.
LH: He really teaches you to just go with your instinct and to try things out. Try something, and if it doesn't work, do it again in a different way. It was interesting for me to learn that from him, in that sense.
PS: There are a lot of great scenes throughout the season that seem like they must've been so much fun to film. Do any stand out in your memory as your favorite? Or maybe the most challenging for you?
MW: The wedding scene is my favorite, for sure. The first day was my favorite, and then the second day the dress started to get a little annoying, but the first day of it was so fun. They took us to this theater, and Neil was dressed up in this crazy costume, and everyone else was in such cool costumes . . . it was really awesome.
LH: There's a scene with Justice Strauss, who's played by Joan Cusack, and Count Olaf, so it's these really good, really established actors who know what they're doing and know their art really well. It's fascinating to watch them play off each other. It was absolutely hilarious watching them.
PS: So when you aren't busy playing Violet and Klaus, what's your favorite way to kick back and forget about Count Olaf?
LH: I really love music, so back home I play a lot of bass guitar.
MW: Even just sitting in my room and watching TV and being able to be by myself is nice.
PS: Do you have any favorite Netflix shows? Other than your own, of course.
MW: Ooh, that's hard.
LH: I really love Stranger Things! And Black Mirror is absolutely incredible.
MW: Fuller House, I do love Fuller House so much. A lot of Netflix shows are awesome.
LH: They're just so well done.
Watch the incredibly well done A Series of Unfortunate Events (if you dare) when it hits Netflix on Jan. 13!
Week 2 Rundown: What to Make, Prep, and Save
Think of the Week 2 Rundown as your cheat sheet of what to make, prep, and save for the next seven days. Eating clean is easy when you have a plan to follow so print out this PDF of the rundown and hang it on your fridge for easy access in the kitchen.
Now check out the recipes for Day 8 of the plan.
Week 2 Rundown: What to Make, Prep, and Save
Think of the Week 2 Rundown as your cheat sheet of what to make, prep, and save for the next seven days. Eating clean is easy when you have a plan to follow so print out this PDF of the rundown and hang it on your fridge for easy access in the kitchen.
Now check out the recipes for Day 8 of the plan.
We Can All Relate to Leslie Jones's Facial Expressions at the Knicks Game
Leslie Jones was all smiles on Wednesday when she attended the New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. The Saturday Night Live star cheered on her home team with a few friends (third wheel Michael Che wasn't in attendance this time) while sporting their famous colors. The Knicks ended up losing by just one point to the Milwaukee Bucks, but Leslie made sure to offer her support in animated cheers and screams throughout the game. While not everyone gets that into sporting events all the time, her hilarious facial expressions reminded us of something we can all relate to: waiting for your food to arrive at a restaurant. Keep reading to see what we mean.
How the media almost missed your newest organ and questions about drug prices
Second Opinion is a vital dose of the week's news in health and medicine from reporter Kelly Crowe and CBC Health.
How the media almost missed your newest organ and questions about drug prices
Second Opinion is a vital dose of the week's news in health and medicine from reporter Kelly Crowe and CBC Health.
You Need to See These Shirtless Photos of Jason Derulo For Good Luck in 2017
If 2016 wasn't a great year for you, let these 20 photos of Jason Derulo's chiseled abs be your good luck charm for the New Year. The 27-year-old entertainer is known for his stellar dance moves and his catchy hit songs, so it's only fitting that he could be the one to help make your 2017 just as fun (and sexy!) as you want it to be. Keep reading to see all of Jason's sexiest shirtless photos ahead.
Take the Plank Challenge to Carve Your Core
We're here to help you challenge your core (you're welcome) with this plank series. It's part of our January Jump-Start fitness plan, helping you move every day for two weeks. This challenge uses all sorts of planks to give your arms, abs, back, and butt a great workout. Click here for a printable PDF of this challenge.
Directions:
Warmup: Do 3 minutes of light cardio followed by 2 minutes of active stretching for your upper body with: shoulder and arm circles, both forward and backward; scarecrow (here's how to do the exercise to warm up your shoulders and hips); and wrist circles.
Round 1: Hold each plank for 30 seconds.
- Plank
- Elbow plank
- Side plank right
- Side plank left
- Reverse plank
Round 2: Hold each plank from previous round for 45 seconds. If you're a beginner, modify this workout by skipping this round.
Round 3: Perform each plank for 45 seconds, resting for up to 15 seconds between moves if needed.
- Elbow plank with side tap
- Plank with shoulder tap
- Side elbow plank with twist on right
- Side elbow plank with twist on left
- Spiderman plank (aka creepy crawler)
Cooldown: Stretch your back, chest, and shoulders.
Keep reading to review all these plank variations.
Take the Plank Challenge to Carve Your Core
We're here to help you challenge your core (you're welcome) with this plank series. It's part of our January Jump-Start fitness plan, helping you move every day for two weeks. This challenge uses all sorts of planks to give your arms, abs, back, and butt a great workout. Click here for a printable PDF of this challenge.
Directions:
Warmup: Do 3 minutes of light cardio followed by 2 minutes of active stretching for your upper body with: shoulder and arm circles, both forward and backward; scarecrow (here's how to do the exercise to warm up your shoulders and hips); and wrist circles.
Round 1: Hold each plank for 30 seconds.
- Plank
- Elbow plank
- Side plank right
- Side plank left
- Reverse plank
Round 2: Hold each plank from previous round for 45 seconds. If you're a beginner, modify this workout by skipping this round.
Round 3: Perform each plank for 45 seconds, resting for up to 15 seconds between moves if needed.
- Elbow plank with side tap
- Plank with shoulder tap
- Side elbow plank with twist on right
- Side elbow plank with twist on left
- Spiderman plank (aka creepy crawler)
Cooldown: Stretch your back, chest, and shoulders.
Keep reading to review all these plank variations.
22 of Kate Middleton's First Royal Milestones
The last five years of her life must at times seem like a surreal whirl for the Duchess of Cambridge. She has become a wife, a mother twice over, a member of the royal family, and one of the most famous women in the world. There have been so many different aspects of her life to get used to - not least all the royal firsts that she has clocked up so far. Here we take a look at some of the most significant and gear up for plenty more to come.
40 Sexy Photos of Scott Speedman That Make the World a Better Place
In a world of constant uncertainty, one thing we know for sure is that Scott Speedman is a gorgeous, gorgeous man. The 41-year-old actor first caused us to doodle his name in our school notebooks in 1998 when he landed the role of Ben Covington on Felicity. Since then, he's starred in hits like Underworld, The Strangers, and The Vow. Currently, he stars opposite Ellen Barkin on TNT's Animal Kingdom. But aside from his long career, Scott has kept our attention over the years with his unfairly handsome smile, his ever-changing hair, and his adorable personality (did you know he placed ninth at the 1992 Olympic trials as part of the Canadian Junior National Swim Team?). Keep reading for more photos of Scott that will make you want to send his mother a basket of muffins (seriously, thank you, Mary Campbell).
See Katy Perry in Various States of Undress
Ever since she broke onto the scene in 2008, Katy Perry has never shied away from showing off her best assets and flaunting her famous figure. For no particular reason at all, we've rounded up Katy's sexiest moments, both on and off the stage. See them all now - and rock on, Katy!
What You Should Know About the Disturbing Allegations of Sexual Harassment Against Casey Affleck
Image Source: Getty / Laura Cavanaugh
Casey Affleck is currently riding high on the award season success of his latest film, Manchester by the Sea, but his skyrocketing career isn't the only part of the 41-year-old's life that's been pulled into the spotlight. Amid all of the rave reviews for his dark, emotional performance, serious allegations of sexual harassment made against him by two women in 2010 have come back to haunt him.
In October 2016, Variety ran a cover story on Affleck, and squeezed in between stories about his childhood and glowing praise for his acting abilities was a brief blip about the lawsuits, which were brought against him by the female producer and the cinematographer of his 2010 mockumentary I'm Still Here. "People say whatever they want," he told Variety when asked about the charges, which were later settled out of court. "Sometimes it doesn't matter how you respond . . . I guess people think if you're well-known, it's perfectly fine to say anything you want. I don't know why that is. But it shouldn't be, because everybody has families and lives." Despite his family-centric brushoff of the claims, what allegedly happened between him and the women working on the set of his film deserves far more than a blip.
Affleck and other male crew members allegedly almost immediately made comments about having sex with her and suggested she have sex with the film's camera assistant.The harassment occurred multiple times on the set of the ill-received mockumentary Affleck made with his then-brother-in-law Joaquin Phoenix, according to the film's producer Amanda White and its cinematographer Magdalena Gorka. In December 2008, White signed on to be a producer of the doc after having worked with Affleck a few times in the past. In her formal complaint (which you can read in full here), she claimed that the younger Affleck brother repeatedly called women "cows" on set, obnoxiously discussed his sexual encounters, and at one point ordered a crew member to flash his penis at her despite her objections. She also made note of an incident where Affleck asked "Isn't it about time you get pregnant?" after hearing how old she was and made comments about how she should have sex with one of the male crew members so she could have a baby.
On top of White's accusations about his lewd behavior, she claimed that Affleck physically threatened her more than once. She said that after rebuffing his request to share a hotel room with him one night, he grabbed her in "a hostile manner" to try to manipulate her into submitting to his demands. She alleged that when she still said no, he called her a variety of "profane names" via text message. White further alleged that while shooting the documentary in Costa Rica one night, she wasn't able to return to her bedroom because Affleck and Phoenix - the brother of Affleck's wife, Summer, whom he split from after 10 years of marriage in March 2016 - had locked the door so they could have sex with two women they'd invited inside. On July 23, 2010, White filed a $2 million lawsuit against the actor in Los Angeles Superior Court.
While still working as a producer, White was instructed to renegotiate a contract with Magdalena, the film's director of photography, who'd left production early on because of her own alleged negative experiences with Affleck. Gorka described her time working with him in her formal complaint (which you can read in full here) as "the most traumatizing of her career" due to "routine instances of sexual harassment." When she first started working, Affleck and other male crew members allegedly almost immediately made comments about having sex with her and suggested she have sex with the film's camera assistant (Affleck's close friend). Gorka hoped that things would get better as production wore on, but she alleged that Affleck's behavior only escalated.
Image Source: Getty / Kevin Winter
In mid-December 2008, she traveled to NYC with other crew members to shoot scenes involving Joaquin. Instead of putting the crew up in a hotel, Affleck and Phoenix decided to have them stay overnight in their apartment. Gorka claimed that Phoenix told her she could take his bedroom while he slept in the living room, only for her to wake up in the middle of the night and discover Affleck was lying in bed with her. In her complaint, she described him as "curled up next to her in the bed wearing only his underwear and a T-shirt. He had his arm around her, was caressing her back, his face was within inches of hers and his breath reeked of alcohol." Feeling "shocked and repulsed" since she wasn't sure of how long he'd been there or if he'd touched her while she slept, she said she told him to get out. He allegedly asked her why he had to leave, to which she replied, "Because you are married and you are my boss." She said he "left and slammed the door in anger." The next morning, Gorka flew back to LA, told her agent what allegedly happened, and quit I'm Still Here.
After going a few weeks without work, White convinced Gorka to continue working on the film, which she agreed to in hopes that the presence of both women on set would deter further harassment. Unfortunately, Gorka alleges that she was once again subjected to "a nearly daily barrage of sexual comments, innuendo, and unwelcome advances by crew members, within the presence and with the active encouragement of Affleck." She resigned once again, which she said resulted in Affleck refusing to give her the "director of photography" credit on the film as retaliation. One week after White filed her lawsuit in 2010, Gorka filed a $2.25 million suit of her own against Affleck in LA Superior Court, citing the "humiliation, embarrassment, and emotional distress as a direct result of the harassment and abuse she endured during production." White also claimed she was denied the payment of her producer's fee ($50,000) after complaining about Affleck's behavior and that she had yet to be paid at all for the three months she worked on the film at the time she filed her official complaint. Affleck initially denied the allegations and briefly threatened to countersue but eventually settled both suits out of court through mediation.
The Golden Globe Awards air on Sunday, which kicks off a long line of appearances from the actor thanks to the multiple award shows that will take place in January and February. Unlike Nate Parker and Bill Cosby before him (both of whose alleged crimes are different and more serious, it's important to note), Affleck has been raking in accolade after accolade rather than career-ending blows to his reputation. Much like a former reality star who was elected into the highest office our country has to offer after bragging about his preferred methods of sexual assault and a high-profile actor involved in a domestic violence dispute, it doesn't look like Affleck is going to be tried in the court of public opinion for his alleged actions. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Over the next few months, Hollywood will likely not only stand by him but also celebrate him.
Viola Davis Brings Her Gorgeous Family to Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
Viola Davis was surrounded by friends and family on Thursday as she was honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in LA. The Fences actress looked absolutely gorgeous as she admired her new star while wearing a white dress and black pumps. Not only was her Doubt costar Meryl Streep on hand for the ceremony, but she was also joined by her husband, Julius Tennon, and their sweet daughter, Genesis. The 5-year-old even congratulated her mother by giving her a little kiss on the cheek. Get a load of all the cuteness ahead.
16 Cute Tattoos to Show Your Deep Love For Tacos
There are taco lovers who could easily eat the Mexican classic daily and know every iteration there is to know out there. Then there are "Taco Lovers," who go a little bit further, perhaps even professing their true love on their skin with a little ink. Straight ahead you'll find 16 people who clearly belong in the second category. They might inspire you to join their club with a cute taco tattoo.
These Hot Pictures of Niall Horan Will Have You Feeling the Luck of the Irish
It's no secret that the members of One Direction are the subject of countless girls' fantasies. From their incredibly impressive hair to their smooth as silk singing voices to their cute accents, they really are the whole package. But while we have always loved them as a group (can this hiatus end already?), they also really stand out as individuals. Case in point: Niall Horan. As the only Irish member of the British singing group, the 23-year-old already has an edge we can't resist. He's somewhat shy, is unbelievably lovely, loyal, and grateful to his fans, and that smile? Forget about it. Keep reading to fall more in love with your favorite lucky charm.
6 Tips and Recipes to Help You Master the Art of Latin Cooking
If you've eaten your mom's and grandma's delicious Latin cooking your whole life, you might not be used to flying solo in your own kitchen. So we asked Bren Herrera, chef and the lifestyle expert behind BrenHerrera.com - warning: once you log on, you're likely to spend a few hours drooling over food porn and Pinning your life away - to drop some knowledge for novice cooks. Here, her top six tips - plus a few beginner recipes to get you started.
1. Buy a pressure cooker.
Yes, we're talking about the casuela your grandmother used all the time. It's like a pot with a special lid that has the capability to heat and cook foods much faster - about 70 percent quicker - which is a tremendous time-saver. Who doesn't want delicious foods in less time? Herrera recommends looking for a modern six-quart cooker that has all the bells and whistles, like a safety valve. (The newest ones won't even let you open the cooker until all of the pressure is released, helping to avoid any accidents.) Trust us on this one - it's the best cooking invention ever.
2. Make your own spice blends.
Of course, we all know that Sazón Goya is a classic, easy-to-use cabinet must have. But don't be afraid to experiment and create your own blend. "If there are flavors you love together or often use for recipes, mix them up ahead of time so you'll have them on hand to toss into your favorite dishes," Herrera says. You can become a cooking bartender: an expert in the practice of cocktailing spices!
3. Invest in high-quality chef's knives.
And always keep them sharpened! Dull knives make chopping quickly tougher - plus they don't cut your foods as cleanly and put yourself at a higher risk for injury. Herrera recommends these from NewWest Knife Works. "I love their wood handles, and they're 100 percent American made," she says.
4. Don't toss burnt food.
If you slightly charred your favorite beans, don't worry. "Just dump a large raw onion or a red potato with skin into the pot. It absorbs the toxins and saves your dish. My mom taught me this flavor saver over 20 years ago, and it works like a charm every time."
5. Freeze your meats.
Cutting steak or any cut of beef can be a challenge. To make life simpler, freeze it first until it's firm, but not brick hard, Herrera says. This will make your slicing and filleting so much easier. And you'll get good practice cutting along the grain!
6. Read, read, read!
Before you even step in front of the stove, read the recipe you're going to be tackling several times. "It will help you get a handle on all of the steps and understand the language and techniques ahead of time, so you're not just trying to do it on the fly," Herrera says. And reading through the recipe several times gives you time to research unknown ingredients. You don't want to invite a special friend over for dinner and as you're cooking find out that you're missing a key ingredient!
Got that? Now, keep reading for some amazing beginner recipes to help get you started!
13 Brazilian Brands You Need to Have in Your Beauty Stash
Brazilian wax, Brazilian hair treatment, Brazilian velaterapia -- there's a reason Brazilian comes before a lot of beauty procedures and products that have become popular in recent years. The South American country is proudly at the helm of beauty innovation, and that includes having more than a few national brands with serious cult followings. Straight ahead you'll find 13 of those beauty companies developing products women and men can't get enough of, from perfumes to skin care to body and bath necessities. You're sure to find a few new things to add to your beauty kit.
We're Finally Getting One Taco Bell Dish Other Countries Have Had For Ages
Taco Bell devotees, this is not a drill: we're probably getting a hybrid between nachos and fries sometime soon. Yes, it's true! A Taco Bell location in Irvine, CA, is reportedly testing two intriguing new dishes: Crispy Chicken Chips (a type of thin chicken nugget shaped like a tortilla chip) and Loaded Seasoned Fries (the aforementioned heavenly hybrid).
This news will come as a welcome surprise from people who have enjoyed Taco Bell internationally. Locations in Canada, Latin America, and Japan have offered a similar dish, Fries Supreme, for ages now - and it's about time that the US got a taste of the good stuff, wouldn't you say?
Taco Bell describes the Canadian version of this dish as follows:
"These freshly prepared fries topped with seasoned ground beef, warm zesty nacho cheese sauce, diced ripe tomatoes, chives and reduced-fat sour cream are a Canadian legend!"
Meanwhile, Foodbeast's description of the California test dish is strikingly similar, with one major difference: seasoned french fries. We'll consider that an added bonus to the US version of the cheesy, nacho-y treat!
Check out pictures of the possible new addition to Taco Bell's menu, then peep some photos of the international options of loaded fries. Warning: you might need a napkin, because you'll be drooling by the end.
Oh, the Places You'll Put Your Newborn
The sky's the limit when it comes to props for newborn photography right now - day-old babes are being laid atop just about anything and everything in an effort to score the perfect pic. And oddly, it works (most of the time)! So scroll on to see proof that, with the right photographer and a cooperative babe, you can get an absolutely adorable picture as long as you're willing to place your little one just about anywhere.
Andrew Garfield on the Time He and Emma Stone Got High and Went to Disneyland: "It Was Heaven"
Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone once went on a magical trip to Disneyland back in August 2012. The then-couple enjoyed some rides, including Splash Mountain and It's a Small World, with a group of Andrew's best friends to celebrate his 29th birthday. While the pictures from their trip looked innocent enough at the time, the actor recently opened up about what really went down that day. In a video for W magazine, Andrew admits that the group ate pot brownies before going to the park. "It was literally heaven," he said. "How about Space Mountain three times in a row? And I freaked out on It's a Small World. I was like, 'It is a f*cking small world.'" He also revealed that their group's tour guide was probably too innocent to realize they were all on drugs. Watch his whole rundown in the video above, and be prepared to laugh out loud.
16 Must-Follow Meal-Prep Tips For Weight Loss
Since losing weight is so much about what you eat, not how much you exercise, planning out your week's meals and snacks is absolutely essential to your success. Unfortunately, we're not talking about making an enormous batch of mac and cheese. If you're looking to slim down and eat healthier, certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition shares these tips for Sunday meal planning.
- Plan out every meal and snack so there's no wiggle room: Make sure each meal includes protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats, and all snacks should have at least two of these: protein, fiber, and healthy fats. When you're first starting out, doing the exact same food for each meal and snack might be the easiest.
- Eat veggies for at least two meals and one snack per day: Snack on ants on a log or red pepper strips with hummus using this hack. And don't limit your veggie intake to just lunch and dinner. Add spinach and broccoli to your breakfast smoothie freezer packs or mash beans in your mason jars of overnight oats.
- Plan for times you know are difficult for you: If you know you're famished right before making dinner, wash five apples so you can bring one each day to nosh on around 4 p.m.
- Plan for cravings: Don't ignore cravings for sweet, salty, or crunchy foods. Plan out healthy, low-cal ways to satisfy them such as making a batch of chocolate peanut butter protein balls to keep in the freezer for after dinner.
- Have one large salad per day: Mason jar salads for lunch make this easy since they keep well for five days in the fridge. Or if you prefer eating your salad for dinner, Leslie recommends washing twice the amount of lettuce or kale so you get two nights' worth, and "wrap it in paper towels to keep it fresh."
- Have cut-up veggies on hand: Use them for roasting, steaming, or sauteing, for soups, or for snacking. I usually prep five different varieties to use for my dinner, including cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.
- Roast a pan of mixed veggies: Leslie says this is great to have on hand throughout the week to "add to salads, quinoa, eggs, or have as sides for meals."
- Freeze things in muffin tins: Options like mini turkey meatloaves, sausage egg muffins, or steel-cut oatmeal that only need a quick warming are great to have when you're short on time.
- Overnight oats: Make all five of your overnight oats at once. Then, before you go to bed, grab a jar and add a little maple syrup and milk.
- Beans and whole grains: Make a big batch of beans in the crockpot and cook up one or two cups of dry brown rice, quinoa, millet, or barley. Freeze in one-cup servings to grab for meals later.
- Crockpot love: For colder days, cook up a big batch of crockpot oatmeal or slow-cooker chickpea curry. Store in one- or two-cup glass containers to use for a week's worth of breakfast or lunch.
- Chop once: If you're making dinner Sunday night using ingredients you use for a few of your typical dinners, cut up a bunch at once to store in the fridge. Cut-up onions, red peppers, celery, and carrots will stay fresh all week.
- Extra chicken: Make twice as much so you can use it for your Sunday meal, and "make tacos, soups, or add to salad the next day for a quick dinner."
- Hard-boiled eggs: Leslie tells clients to "cook up one dozen hard-boiled eggs for snacks, salads, or breakfast on the go." They'll keep for up to five days.
- Plan one meal to indulge: This will prevent you from feeling deprived and can be just the thing you need to feel good about eating healthy the rest of the week.
- Take your time: Planning, shopping, and prepping can take three hours or more, so don't rush! Carve out a few hours on Sunday to peruse Pinterest for new recipe ideas, hit the store, and be home to chop and cook. It may seem like a ton of time to devote all at once, but it'll make a huge difference in not feeling stressed all week long. Most importantly, you're more likely to stay on the healthy path once you have that intention set on Sunday night.
16 Must-Follow Meal-Prep Tips For Weight Loss
Since losing weight is so much about what you eat, not how much you exercise, planning out your week's meals and snacks is absolutely essential to your success. Unfortunately, we're not talking about making an enormous batch of mac and cheese. If you're looking to slim down and eat healthier, certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition shares these tips for Sunday meal planning.
- Plan out every meal and snack so there's no wiggle room: Make sure each meal includes protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats, and all snacks should have at least two of these: protein, fiber, and healthy fats. When you're first starting out, doing the exact same food for each meal and snack might be the easiest.
- Eat veggies for at least two meals and one snack per day: Snack on ants on a log or red pepper strips with hummus using this hack. And don't limit your veggie intake to just lunch and dinner. Add spinach and broccoli to your breakfast smoothie freezer packs or mash beans in your mason jars of overnight oats.
- Plan for times you know are difficult for you: If you know you're famished right before making dinner, wash five apples so you can bring one each day to nosh on around 4 p.m.
- Plan for cravings: Don't ignore cravings for sweet, salty, or crunchy foods. Plan out healthy, low-cal ways to satisfy them such as making a batch of chocolate peanut butter protein balls to keep in the freezer for after dinner.
- Have one large salad per day: Mason jar salads for lunch make this easy since they keep well for five days in the fridge. Or if you prefer eating your salad for dinner, Leslie recommends washing twice the amount of lettuce or kale so you get two nights' worth, and "wrap it in paper towels to keep it fresh."
- Have cut-up veggies on hand: Use them for roasting, steaming, or sauteing, for soups, or for snacking. I usually prep five different varieties to use for my dinner, including cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.
- Roast a pan of mixed veggies: Leslie says this is great to have on hand throughout the week to "add to salads, quinoa, eggs, or have as sides for meals."
- Freeze things in muffin tins: Options like mini turkey meatloaves, sausage egg muffins, or steel-cut oatmeal that only need a quick warming are great to have when you're short on time.
- Overnight oats: Make all five of your overnight oats at once. Then, before you go to bed, grab a jar and add a little maple syrup and milk.
- Beans and whole grains: Make a big batch of beans in the crockpot and cook up one or two cups of dry brown rice, quinoa, millet, or barley. Freeze in one-cup servings to grab for meals later.
- Crockpot love: For colder days, cook up a big batch of crockpot oatmeal or slow-cooker chickpea curry. Store in one- or two-cup glass containers to use for a week's worth of breakfast or lunch.
- Chop once: If you're making dinner Sunday night using ingredients you use for a few of your typical dinners, cut up a bunch at once to store in the fridge. Cut-up onions, red peppers, celery, and carrots will stay fresh all week.
- Extra chicken: Make twice as much so you can use it for your Sunday meal, and "make tacos, soups, or add to salad the next day for a quick dinner."
- Hard-boiled eggs: Leslie tells clients to "cook up one dozen hard-boiled eggs for snacks, salads, or breakfast on the go." They'll keep for up to five days.
- Plan one meal to indulge: This will prevent you from feeling deprived and can be just the thing you need to feel good about eating healthy the rest of the week.
- Take your time: Planning, shopping, and prepping can take three hours or more, so don't rush! Carve out a few hours on Sunday to peruse Pinterest for new recipe ideas, hit the store, and be home to chop and cook. It may seem like a ton of time to devote all at once, but it'll make a huge difference in not feeling stressed all week long. Most importantly, you're more likely to stay on the healthy path once you have that intention set on Sunday night.
8 Musical TV Shows You Need to Stream Now
Hamilton: An American Musical is arguably one of the hottest things to hit Broadway in years. In fact, the award-winning, record-setting, perpetually sold-out production is so popular that you'll probably have to wait a short lifetime to get a ticket. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic song-and-dance numbers that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home while you wait. Check out the list below to discover some of the best musical television shows that you need to binge-watch right now.
7 True Stories Coming to the Big Screen in 2017
Hiding among all the superhero blockbusters and big-budget comedies coming out in 2017, there's a small handful of movies based on true stories. While we can anticipate that more will come up as the year goes on, we've gathered the films that have confirmed release dates. There were 21 notable films based on true stories released in 2016, and we can imagine 2017 will have a similar number! For now, check out the seven movies already on the calendar.
Bryce Dallas Howard Has a Cute Red Carpet Date With Her Dad, Ron
Bryce Dallas Howard and her dad, actor and director Ron Howard, made a supercute pair when they attended the star-studded BAFTA Tea Party on Saturday. The father-daughter duo stayed close and flashed sweet smiles while posing for pictures on the red carpet. Also in attendance were Justin Timberlake and Sterling K. Brown, who was accompanied by his beautiful wife, Ryan Michelle Bathe. The last time these two hit the red carpet together was at the UK premiere of Bryce's film, Pete's Dragon, back in August 2016.
Forget the 80/20 Rule! This Trainer Says to Follow the 90/10 Rule to Lose Weight
If this is the year you've committed to finally losing weight and getting in shape, we asked trainer Autumn Calabrese, creator of the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme fitness and nutrition programs, to share what she thinks is the number one way to finally reach your weight-loss goals.
"The number one thing people need to do to lose weight in 2017 is be consistent. You need to be consistent with your workouts, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise four to five days a week," she said. An easy way to get in the habit is to choose four or five specific days of the week, as well as one specific time, such as Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6 a.m. Think of these as important appointments you've made with yourself that you cannot skip out on. The first two to three weeks will be the hardest, but once you're used to working out on the same days and times each week, it'll feel weird not to.
Autumn also said, "You also need to be consistent with your healthy eating. That doesn't mean you have to be perfect all the time but you do have to be on top of it. I like the 90/10 rule. I know a lot of people say 80/20, but if you're really trying to lose weight then 90 percent of the time you need to be eating healthy, clean food in the proper portions." Autumn says it's OK to splurge on one cheat meal once a week, but make sure it's a cheat meal, not an entire cheat day. "If you do these two things, work out and eat right consistently, you will lose weight and keep it off." Autumn reminds us that "being healthy is a journey, not a destination."
Why Leslie Jones Is the Person You Want to Be Sitting Next to at Sporting Events
Just a couple weeks after her cute courtside date with SNL costars Colin Jost and Michael Che, Leslie Jones was back at Madison Square Garden to watch the New York Knicks take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. While her castmates weren't in attendance that time, Leslie didn't hold back while cheering, screaming, and supporting her team as she sat front row with friends.
We've really taken a shine to Leslie's game-night attitude: she's clearly that one friend who's louder than everyone else, gets way too fired up during every play, and probably embarrasses you a little when all is said and done, but you invite her every time because you can't imagine sitting courtside without her. Here's a roundup of reactions that have us hoping Leslie will invite us out for the next big game.
Girl Scouts Give Us 2 S'more Reasons to Get Excited For 2017's Cookie Season
Girl Scouts announced two new cookie flavors, and the best part is both flavors are riffs on one of the most popular desserts: s'mores. According to the official press release, one is "a crispy graham cookie double dipped in a crème icing and enrobed in a chocolatey coating," and the other is "a crunchy graham sandwich cookie with a chocolate and marshmallow-y filling."
This exciting news comes in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts selling cookies, and it's no surprise that the organization has strong ties to this flavor because Girl Scouts invented s'mores back in 1927. According to a spokesperson, the new cookies are available nationwide as soon as cookie season starts in early 2017, so be on the lookout for Girl Scouts in your area soon. You can use the cookie locator to find Girl Scout cookies near you - cookie prices and availability vary by location. Which version of the s'mores Girl Scout cookie are you more excited to try?
5 Foods I Only Eat Because I Have Kids
If it's true that kids let you rediscover your own childhood, the weirdest part of the return trip is finding out that macaroni and cheese tastes exactly the same. I used to make it for myself before basketball games in high school, and after my last season, I don't think I touched it again throughout college and my 20s.
Until I had kids. I had forgotten about kid food. I hadn't had things like american cheese in years, maybe decades. Same for hot dogs, popsicles, chicken strips, popcorn, and animal cookies. There are a lot of things I'd never put in my own grocery cart before. Not that I'm really healthy, but the yogurt tubes didn't catch my eye. I didn't know they made chocolate yogurt or yogurt covered in pieces of candy. I'd never had Pirate's Booty. I don't remember when or how cheese sticks entered the house, but they did. Probably when my daughter turned 2 and she forgot how to sit down for more than a few seconds. The toddler, so lusty in every way for fun, giggles, and trouble, displays a remarkable inability to eat. I think it's the bother of eating - the flat, immobile plate, a parent telling you over and over what to do with the food - when the sensory world is much more fun. Somehow, you resign yourself to chasing them, hoping to stuff a bite or two in their mouth when they pause to catch their breath. Cheese sticks are handy for that.
Here's my list of foods I only eat because of kids, and alas, I've grown to like a few of them.
Pirate's Booty
Let's just admit that Pirate's Booty is a Cheeto for the millennial set. I refuse to buy Cheetos for my kids, and yet, we do buy Pirate's Booty. My daughter asks for it if she sees it at the store. (She loves Cheetos too.) The main problem with Pirate's Booty is I find myself eating the rest of the bag after I've served the kids. It disappears in like, seconds. When they go looking for the bag the next afternoon, I have to make up some ridiculous story.
Applesauce
This is one of the first baby foods I made, and for some reason, if you have kids, it is mandatory every Fall that you take them apple picking. My kids love apples. But my toddler spits about half of every bite out, leaving a trail of dried apple wherever she goes. So we make sauce, and we make sauce. It's really good. The pouches are very handy for lunches, and of all the kid foods, applesauce is undeniably healthy.
Cheese Sticks
I think I'll keep these around after my kids grow out of them. I prefer them to the waxy rounds that you have to unwrap and then unwax. I hate the part-skim ones and the cheddar ones, but I love their salty mozzarella taste and their portability. I often find them hiding in my various handbags, diaper bags, and backpacks, and I have no qualms about eating them warm.
Hot Dogs
Adults can be pretty snobby about hot dogs. We eat brats, sausage, or wurst. But really, what's a hot dog but a style of wurst? In Germany, every link has its origin name, and the Frankfurter is a smoked pork sausage. Wiener is simply the name for a Viennese sausage. What I didn't realize, until I started buying hot dogs, was the amazing variety New York produces. I've basically tried them all, and aside from our local butcher shop, my two favorite hot dogs are Hofmann of Syracuse and the Piggery of Ithaca. Seriously, unforgettably good.
Other Milks
After a virus gave her lactose intolerance, my daughter declared she hated milk. We tried to find an alternative, because children MUST have milk. I bought soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, and finally rice milk. She declared them all disgusting. And I agreed. Most of them taste artificially sweet. They're not milks, not from the breast of a mammal. They're processed beverages. Why do they get to be called milk? At some point, my fridge was entirely full of milk that no one was drinking. I began wondering why we didn't just eat soy, almonds, or rice. Whole milk, if you aren't intolerant, tastes so much better. End result: we settled for being a family who doesn't rely on milk. We buy whole milk only and a lot more yogurt.
Forget the 80/20 Rule! This Trainer Says to Follow the 90/10 Rule to Lose Weight
If this is the year you've committed to finally losing weight and getting in shape, we asked trainer Autumn Calabrese, creator of the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme fitness and nutrition programs, to share what she thinks is the number one way to finally reach your weight-loss goals.
"The number one thing people need to do to lose weight in 2017 is be consistent. You need to be consistent with your workouts, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise four to five days a week," she said. An easy way to get in the habit is to choose four or five specific days of the week, as well as one specific time, such as Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6 a.m. Think of these as important appointments you've made with yourself that you cannot skip out on. The first two to three weeks will be the hardest, but once you're used to working out on the same days and times each week, it'll feel weird not to.
Autumn also said, "You also need to be consistent with your healthy eating. That doesn't mean you have to be perfect all the time but you do have to be on top of it. I like the 90/10 rule. I know a lot of people say 80/20, but if you're really trying to lose weight then 90 percent of the time you need to be eating healthy, clean food in the proper portions." Autumn says it's OK to splurge on one cheat meal once a week, but make sure it's a cheat meal, not an entire cheat day. "If you do these two things, work out and eat right consistently, you will lose weight and keep it off." Autumn reminds us that "being healthy is a journey, not a destination."
samedi 7 janvier 2017
Justin Timberlake Gears Up For the Golden Globes at the Star-Studded BAFTA Tea Party
Following his fun night out with wife Jessica Biel on Thursday, Justin Timberlake was all smiles when he arrived at the annual BAFTA Tea Party in LA on Saturday. The singer - whose song "Can't Stop the Feeling" is nominated for a Golden Globe on Sunday - was joined by a bevy of other stars, including Mahershala Ali, Millie Bobby Brown, Justin Hartley, and Andrew Garfield, who reunited with ex-girlfriend Emma Stone at the AFI Awards on Friday. Justin hasn't won a Golden Globe for his singing chops just yet, but his song "Please Mr. Kennedy" with Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver was nominated for best original song back in 2014. Wishing Justin the best of luck on Sunday!
This New Dongle Instantly Turns Your MacBook Air Into a Touchscreen Monitor
Have you ever wished your MacBook Air was a touchscreen device? If so, this new dongle from AirBar is just what you wanted. According to CNET, the touchscreen sensor works by "sending up a light field that your fingers break by swiping and tapping," thus creating an interactive screen you can swipe on. The sensor bar, which is also available for Windows PCs, is currently on sale for the 13-inch MacBook Air only. To seamlessly connect your laptop to the AirBar, all you have to do is plug it in to a USB port and simply set it below the MacBook Air display. Watch a video preview of the AirBar in all of its glory ahead.
A 100-Rep Bodyweight Workout That Can Be Done in Just 5 Minutes
Don't think you have time to exercise? This 100-rep workout can be done in just under five minutes. And the best part is that you don't need any equipment - just your body. These moves combine cardio plus strength training, so you'll be huffing and puffing and will feel your muscles burning. Want more of a workout? Repeat this 10-move circuit for a total of 5-10 times.
Make modifications for each move as needed to make it easier or harder.
- 10 Jumps squats
Note: If this is too intense, squat down without the jump. - 10 Alternating Forward Lunges (5 on each side)
Note: Keep both knees at 90-degree angles, lowering your back knee down to just above the floor. - 10 Criss-Cross Jumping Jacks
Note: Alternate which foot is in front each time. - 10 Push-Ups
Note: Rest your knees on the floor if you need to. - 10 Triceps Dips
Note: Rest your hands on a bench or table, or do them on the floor. - 10 Burpees
Note: Do any variation you want. - 10 Side-Plank Leg Lifts (5 on each side)
Note: Rest on your hand or on your elbow. - 10 Sumo Squats
Note: Keep weight in the heels to really target the glutes. - 10 Mountain Climbers (5 on each leg)
Note: If you can't hop the feet forward, step forward instead. - 10 Diamond Sit-Ups
Note: If it's difficult to touch the floor in front of your feet, just touch the feet.
Try to complete each of these moves without any rest in between. Challenge yourself to keep moving, no matter how slowly you complete the moves, and remember that you'll be able to rest once you do that last sit-up!
Divorce Lessons From Robin Williams That Saved My Childhood
Source: 20th Century Fox
As much as I despise the term "child of divorce," I am one. My parents' divorce has drastically affected my life in every area, from the expert way that I pack suitcases to my ease in detaching from unhealthy relationships. As an adult, I am grateful for the divorce that defined my childhood - but I never could have gotten here without Robin Williams.
The Summer that my parents separated, I went through the motions of coping with a newly split household: anger, lots of crying, confusion, self-blame, and social withdrawal. A lot of my time during those months was spent picking out new VHS rentals at Blockbuster, then retreating to my bedroom for film-fueled escapism. It was during this time that I discovered Mrs. Doubtfire, the movie that changed my life for the better.
Source: 20th Century Fox
As I watched the Hillard children process their new living situation, I found my footing in my own. Sally Field's character, Miranda Hillard, mirrored my mother in her struggle to excel at work, parent resistant children, and maintain a suitable home for her new smaller family. Perhaps most strikingly, I saw my father reflected in Robin Williams's portrayal of Daniel Hillard, the loving, goofball dad who fears losing his children. While my parents had a more amicable divorce than the one portrayed in the film, Mrs. Doubtfire seemed to perfectly sum up my own situation.
In the movie, as he goes to comical lengths for quality time with his children, Williams's character perfectly articulates three lessons that are vital for any child to hear while their parents end their marriage:
- It's not your fault. Many kids, like me, blame themselves when their parents split. One of the major messages in this film is that marriages fail in spite of the children, not because of them. Daughters and sons of divorcees might have to live in the wake of a broken relationship, but it's crucial for them to learn that their presence did not shatter something that was already broken.
- Regardless of your parents' marital situation, you are loved. If anything is made clear by Mrs. Doubtfire, it's that a divorce doesn't lessen parents' affection for their children. The important takeaway for children watching the film is that, much like Williams's character refuses to give up his kids, parents have a love for their kids that runs deeper than anything else.
- Sometimes, divorce is the best choice for a family. Unlike other children's films that grapple with broken homes (I'm looking at you, The Parent Trap), Mrs. Doubtfire does not resolve with the parents rekindling their love. While viewers may hope for a traditional happy ending, by the end of the story, it becomes clear that the Hillards are better off a divorced family. It's incredibly valuable as a child to see that, when a couple is incompatible, sometimes the best resolution is to end the romantic aspect of their relationship. Despite their failed marriage, Field and Williams successfully co-parent their kids, removing them from an unhealthy environment of resentment and constant conflict.
Source: 20th Century Fox
I laughed and cried my way through Mrs. Doubtfire probably a dozen times that Summer and still tear up whenever I catch the film on TV. Williams's sincerity in his portrayal of a struggling father helped me come to terms with my parents' divorce, coming out of it a better person. Without his genuine encouragement to children in similar situations, an entire generation of "children of divorce" would have been lost in the shuffle between two homes, never getting affirmation about their unconditional worth as sons and daughters.
The loss of Williams is especially hard for kids who've dealt with divorce, but his impact is unwavering. Two decades after he impersonated a British maid, Williams still offers solace for those struggling in their home lives, particularly the children to whom he related so much. While living in a world without the lovable Mrs. Doubtfire is hard to swallow, the lessons that he taught will never fade: "Sometimes they get back together. And sometimes they don't, dear. And if they don't, don't blame yourself. Just because they don't love each other anymore, doesn't mean that they don't love you."
A 100-Rep Bodyweight Workout That Can Be Done in Just 5 Minutes
Don't think you have time to exercise? This 100-rep workout can be done in just under five minutes. And the best part is that you don't need any equipment - just your body. These moves combine cardio plus strength training, so you'll be huffing and puffing and will feel your muscles burning. Want more of a workout? Repeat this 10-move circuit for a total of 5-10 times.
Make modifications for each move as needed to make it easier or harder.
- 10 Jumps squats
Note: If this is too intense, squat down without the jump. - 10 Alternating Forward Lunges (5 on each side)
Note: Keep both knees at 90-degree angles, lowering your back knee down to just above the floor. - 10 Criss-Cross Jumping Jacks
Note: Alternate which foot is in front each time. - 10 Push-Ups
Note: Rest your knees on the floor if you need to. - 10 Triceps Dips
Note: Rest your hands on a bench or table, or do them on the floor. - 10 Burpees
Note: Do any variation you want. - 10 Side-Plank Leg Lifts (5 on each side)
Note: Rest on your hand or on your elbow. - 10 Sumo Squats
Note: Keep weight in the heels to really target the glutes. - 10 Mountain Climbers (5 on each leg)
Note: If you can't hop the feet forward, step forward instead. - 10 Diamond Sit-Ups
Note: If it's difficult to touch the floor in front of your feet, just touch the feet.
Try to complete each of these moves without any rest in between. Challenge yourself to keep moving, no matter how slowly you complete the moves, and remember that you'll be able to rest once you do that last sit-up!
4 Reasons Jon Snow Will Ultimately Win the Game of Thrones
Going into the final seasons of Game of Thrones, one big question seems to loom above all the rest: who will win the Iron Throne? There are plenty of hats to throw into the ring. Cersei Lannister and all of her delightful madness are currently hoarding the crown, and it may very well stay that way. Additionally, it would be remiss to leave out Daenerys Targaryen, who has seemingly been vying for the throne since episode one and may be more crucial than we realize. At this point, though, we're placing our bets on Jon Snow, and we've got plenty of evidence to explain why.
1. He Fits the Prophecy of Azor Ahai
Avid watchers are very familiar with "The Prince What Was Promised," a phrase often uttered by Melisandre. The Red Priestess has hawked this prophecy all over Westeros, and popular consensus seems to be that The Prince is the reincarnated Azor Ahai. Like the Prince, Jon Snow was technically born of salt (in his mother's tears) and smoke (the carnage from the battle at the Tower of Joy). If Jon Snow is the great hero who will bring about the end of the White Walkers, how could he not assume the throne thereafter?
2. He Literally Came Back From the Dead
If Jon Snow can actually cheat death (with a little help from Melisandre), it's almost as if he's under the protection of some higher power. If he can survive this, what can't he do? Perhaps he's destined to rise to power.
3. He Has Astounding Leadership Abilities
Jon Snow's decisions in the past few seasons prove he's got a good head on his shoulders. He is fair and always seems to act in accordance with the law of the land, something he very likely gleaned from the late Ned Stark. Plus, he will bravely fight for what he believes in; he goes headfirst into the Battle of the Bastards without a second of consideration. These are marks of a world leader. The fact that he's already assumed his role as King of the North proves it.
4. He's a Targaryen, Meaning He's Entitled to the Throne
Last year, HBO dropped confirmation that the late Rhaegar Targaryen is Jon Snow's real father. This means, technically, Jon Snow is an heir to the Targaryen name. Targaryen blood is part of the royal lineage (remember Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King?), which is why Daenerys has been hellbent on claiming the Iron Throne for herself. However, that was when Daenerys was presumably the only Targaryen left. With Jon Snow alive and a technical male heir to the Targaryen name, the Throne should be his. Then again, Jon Snow is a bastard, and only half of him is Targaryen. Who should really be seated on the throne?
Proof That Nicole Richie and Joel Madden Have the Cutest Family
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden love to share their cute couple moments on Instagram, and things only get cuter when they show off their mini mes. From lavish vacations in Italy to fun rides on Ferris wheels, Harlow and Sparrow have all sorts of adorable memories captured in Nicole and Joel's posts. Keep scrolling to see the best snaps from the frame-worthy Madden family, and then check out all the families you should be following on Instagram.
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