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.
mardi 10 janvier 2017
You'll Laugh a Little at the Most Popular Groceries People Buy From Amazon
Amazon Prime announced its best of 2016 list, and the results for most popular groceries might make you chuckle a little. At least, that was my reaction, because at first glance they seem so random. The most ordered food category? Snack nuts! Happy Belly Nuts to be more specific. On Amazon Fresh, bananas ranked #1 in popularity. Finally, Prime Pantry's top staple: Nestle Pure Life Water. It appears Amazon Prime members, who love the convenience of Amazon's delivery services, not surprisingly also covet convenient snacks for on the go.
This Is Exactly How Much It Will Cost You to Raise a Child - You May Want to Sit Down
Between the skyrocketing costs of education, health care, transportation, and every other expense under the sun involved with children, individuals considering kids may be wondering how much it actually costs to raise a child. Well, the answer is finally here. The United States Department of Agriculture released its annual "Cost of Raising a Child" report and calculated that families who gave birth to a child in 2015 will spend $233,610 from childbirth until the child is 17 years old.
Shockingly enough, the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion's total cost of raising a child does not include college tuition or pregnancy costs, but does include "food, housing, transportation, healthcare, clothing, child care and education, and miscellaneous costs."
Although people considering kids may not be too thrilled about these numbers, it's important to keep in mind that each family is different and the total calculated cost is specifically for middle class married couples with two children. According to a press release, families with lower incomes are expected to spend $174,690 and families with higher incomes are expected to spend $372,210 (in 2015 dollars).
Check out the breakdown of familial expenses here, and figure out how much it will cost you to raise a child with the USDA's Cost of Raising a Child Calculator.
Is Elle, the Golden Globe-Winning, Sexually Violent Thriller, Actually Any Good?
Warning: mild spoilers follow.
The film Elle has no interest in making its viewers comfortable. Instead, the movie opens on a rape scene that is loud, startling, and brutal. Seeing sexual assault on screen is not out of the ordinary in film; what is out of the ordinary about Elle is almost everything happens in the aftermath of the attack. The French movie, helmed by German director Paul Verhoeven (yes, he also did Showgirls), had until now flown relatively under the radar in the United States. Certainly, most people watching the Golden Globes in their living rooms were taken by surprise when star Isabelle Huppert won best actress in a drama at Sunday's award ceremony. Now, as the movie garners more and more attention, it's sparking a complicated conversation about rape culture, our ideas about victims and survivors, and gender roles. Here's why:
It Offers a Unique, Subversive Take on Gender and Rape Culture
After the rape that opens the film, Michèle (Huppert) throws her dress in the garbage, tidies the shattered china from her living room floor, takes a bath, and orders takeout sushi. She does not call the police. A few days later, while out to dinner with her ex-husband, her best friend Ann, and Ann's husband, she divulges the rape in an emotionless, matter-of-fact way that leaves her loved ones - and certainly most viewers - dumbfounded. The dispassionate announcement is presented as completely strange and even darkly funny.
We also learn that Michèle is not only a victim of rape, but plays an interesting role in propagating rape culture herself. She and her best friend, Ann, own a very successful video game company that thrives on narratives with hyperviolence and sexual fantasy at their centers. Shortly after her own rape, she's reviewing a current cut of a new game with her staff of mostly 20- and 30-something gamer guys, and demands they make a female character's reaction to an assault by an oversize, tentacled monster more "orgasmic." Moments later, in the same meeting, she is challenged and belittled by one of her own employees in a moment that pretty much any woman will recognize as a classic example of workplace sexism. These moments of dissonance continue through the film. Michèle incites our empathy in her vulnerable moments, but she can also be cruel, demanding, and selfish. She is not simple or "likable"; she's human.
It Features a Bold, Mindbendingly Great Performance by Isabelle Huppert
These complexities open the door for a tour de force performance by the 63-year-old Huppert, who has never shied away from controversial material in her career. She is perhaps best known in the states for her role as the masochistic lead character in The Piano Teacher. In 2012, she costarred in Amour, an Oscar-winning, controversial film about an elderly couple and assisted suicide (or murder, depending on your opinion). As Michèle, even the fleeting nuances of Huppert's facial expressions are entrancing, and she embodies Michèle's steely, cool nature as though she were reborn in the character's own skin.
The Ending Is Shocking - and Deeply Ambiguous
I don't want to reveal too much, because I do think this film is worth watching. But the last third of Elle - and, especially, the very end of it - calls almost everything you thought you understood about the movie's take on abuse, rape, and power into question . . . as well as some of what you thought you knew about the plot.
I'm not sure if I can agree with the conclusions it draws, primarily because I'm still not precisely sure what they are. What I do know? The film ends on a moment in which Michèle, as a literal survivor, wields all the power over the men in the room. Still, I can see how some viewers might read the film as a mockery of women, or an anti-feminist backlash to the mens rights-y idea of "victim culture." But my strong hunch is that Michèle's story is intended as a critique of our own complicity in rape culture and a cautionary tale about ignoring a woman's power; whether viewers are comfortable with its means to that end is the question. Days later, and I'm not sure that I am - but the fact that I'm still thinking about it proves, for me, Elle's success as a work of art.
This Is Us: If You Like the Show, You'll Love the Soundtrack
We've fallen deeply, truly, and madly in love with This Is Us. The characters are relatable, the acting is on point, and the twists just keep coming. One of the best things about NBC's show, however, is how seamlessly it integrates music from both eras in which it takes place. The first half of season one has included great songs, and we've compiled them here for you. Fair warning that just hearing the music might make you cry, but if you're willing to take your chances, it's worth it.
Evan Rachel Wood's Androgynous Style Sends a Badass Message
See how the Westworld star is bucking beauty and fashion standards with her chic, androgynous style.
This Model Said "I Do" in a Pink Wedding Gown, Then Made 1 Simple Style Switch For the Reception
For some brides, the more extravagant the wedding gown, the better. Yulia Saparniiazova's bridal look surely falls into this category. The model walked down the aisle in a stunning pink design by Malyarova Olga and said her "I dos" under a sunny sky. We could hardly keep our eyes off the dress, taking in the embellishment and bead work that decorated the bodice and train of the gown. What was more impressive, however, was how Yulia wore the dress to her reception.
While most would change into another look, she simply removed the detachable train to reveal a simple beaded white mini underneath. For the party, Yulia added a silky wrap around the dress, creating a longer, body-hugging gown. We can see why this crafty style hack works. When a dress looks this good, you want to wear it twice (and be able to dance in it!). Read on to see the dramatic transformation for yourself.
Zoe Saldana Just Said What Every New Mom Needs to Hear About "Sexy Time"
With twins and a demanding-yet-successful acting career on her plate, Zoe Saldana can't help but keep it real about how she's managing. The 38-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican Star Trek Beyond actress recently opened up to E! in a refreshingly honest interview, proving she deserves to be on every new mom's radar.
From the "exhaustion" to squeezing in "sexy time" with her hunky artist husband, Marco Perego, read on for Zoe's take on keeping that romantic spark well lit post-baby. Then, read even more of her enlightening quotes about parenting.
- On raising her 2-year-olds, Bowie and Cy: "For the first time, I'm saying I don't know how I'm doing it. I've never met this kind of fatigue, this kind of exhaustion. We're still happy, though. Life will always have to be good . . . There's just a lot to worry about."
- On how parenting has effected her sex life: "There's no sexy time past 7 p.m.. Whenever sexy time is going to happen it has to be before the evening. As soon as those suckers are in bed and you hear that the last one is finally sleeping, you're like, 'Do you want to watch a movie?' You're like, 'Sure' and you pass out."
- On the importance of "sexy time:" "It's a muscle. Everything in life is a muscle. You have to exercise it all . . . And sometimes you might be too tired, but it's important to have those moments of connection with your partner. They're just not happening at the times they used to happen."
9 Books That Will Teach Your Kids About the Importance of Friendship
Although what it takes to be a friend can come naturally to many kids, there are certain situations that can arise between mini BFFs that may prompt you to want to discuss the meaning of friendship with your kids. Whether they're starting middle school and either made, or were the subject of a hurtful comment, or they're a little one who's learning how to be a good pal, the importance of understanding both friendship and acceptance from a young age is so vital.
Read through for nine books that will help teach your child about friendship and why it's so important in a number of different ways.
Patients of suspected fake Delta, B.C., plastic surgeon warned to get tested for HIV, hepatitis
All patients of a suspected illegal cosmetic surgery clinic in Delta are being urged to get tested for HIV and hepatitis by the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Patients of suspected fake Delta, B.C., plastic surgeon warned to get tested for HIV, hepatitis
All patients of a suspected illegal cosmetic surgery clinic in Delta are being urged to get tested for HIV and hepatitis by the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons.
15 New 2017 Beauty Launches Editors Actually Love and Use All the Time
The new year means an excuse to buy products! Sure, you can get a makeover or a trendy haircut, but the easiest, fastest way to refresh your beauty look is with some swag. January is also a month when many brands reveal new launches, and after testing countless products, we've rounded up some of our favorites. Ahead you'll find perfecting primers, lash-lengthening mascaras, and hydrating moisturizers.
Kerry Washington on How Motherhood Changed Her Approach of Olivia Pope
It's been almost five years since Scandal first premiered, and suffice it to say, so much has changed. For star Kerry Washington, this sentiment rings true even in the context of her personal life. The actress married Nnamdi Asomugha in 2013, welcomed a baby girl in 2014, and gave birth to a son in 2016. How has all this personal excitement translated to Washington's professional work? During ABC's Scandal panel for the Television Critics Association's Winter press tour, the actress described how these major life moments have influenced her work as Olivia Pope.
- On coming back to Olivia Pope after having children: "I'm still figuring that out because we are just back at work. But I guess the nice thing is that I did it once before. Because this is my second child that I've birthed."
- How pregnancy changed her approach: "It's been really interesting for me as an actor because I work very physically. How I approach a character often has a lot to do with the physicality of that character. So, the challenge of my physicality changing dramatically two times now, within the life of the show. And Olivia's body not changing - and sort of figuring out how to hold onto her posture, and her emotion, and her physical orientation in the world while mine is different every day - has been a real exercise for me. [It] has kind of taught me how to grow my toolbox, to lean into other areas of grounding her other than just kind of the walk, because at some point the walk becomes a waddle."
- On the journey of Olivia Pope: "I also think it's been good for me, too, because we are really lucky. A lot of people who are blessed to be on a show for six years, they really are not playing a journey, and all of us up on the stage, we have been gifted with these immense journeys, you know, and transformations. So, you have the challenge of holding on to the core of who the character is while still evolving."
Shay Mitchell Didn't Have to Think Twice Before Packing This Vacation Outfit in Her Suitcase
It wouldn't be a vacation in Mexico if Shay Mitchell didn't pack at least two Summery pieces in her suitcase. For her stay in Tulum, the star not only made sure to bring her swimsuits, but also picked a printed top and matching skirt to wear. The wrap bodice showed off her toned midriff while the bottom split into two sections, revealing her legs and bare feet. The easy vacation piece is exactly what every girl needs for her next getaway.
As you plan your travels (we suggest somewhere tropical), take a page from Shay and scoop up her exact pieces by Faithfull the Brand. We also picked out some similar dress options ahead just in case you want to pack lighter.
Prepare to Be Mesmerized by Aly Raisman and Simone Biles on the Cover of the 2017 SI Swimsuit Issue
After stunning the world at the Rio Olympics last Summer, gold-medal gymnasts Aly Raisman and Simone Biles are back and better than ever, continuing their pursuit of blowing our minds, this time on the cover of the 2017 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The girls are taking the modeling world by storm, and we think they are the perfect candidates for this year's famed issue.
"Aly and Simone represent all that is beautiful and strong and inspiring in women today," said MJ Day, SI Swimsuit Issue editor. "Women that are not only elite athletes, that are captivating and impressive in their own professional accomplishments (lots and lots of Olympic gold medals between them), but strikingly sexy and beautiful in front of photographer James Macari's lens. I love seeing them shine in an entirely different way in the Swimsuit issue and being able to share these gorgeous and powerful images with the world. These women, their beauty, and what they can achieve know no limits."
There have been so many positive developments in the modeling world with athletes representing modeling campaigns, and now, Aly and Simone are redefining what it means to be a model on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Bravo, girls - another gold medal to add to your collection!
Watch the video above from the 2017 SI Swimsuit photo shoot, and be sure to check out the highly anticipated issue, released in February.
.@aly_raisman and @simone_biles are trading in their leotards for bikinis in #SISwim 2017! https://t.co/lr4TLzKcHB http://pic.twitter.com/fAUHDfFCWu
- SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) January 10, 2017
Prepare to Be Mesmerized by Aly Raisman and Simone Biles on the Cover of the 2017 SI Swimsuit Issue
After stunning the world at the Rio Olympics last Summer, gold-medal gymnasts Aly Raisman and Simone Biles are back and better than ever, continuing their pursuit of blowing our minds, this time on the cover of the 2017 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The girls are taking the modeling world by storm, and we think they are the perfect candidates for this year's famed issue.
"Aly and Simone represent all that is beautiful and strong and inspiring in women today," said MJ Day, SI Swimsuit Issue editor. "Women that are not only elite athletes, that are captivating and impressive in their own professional accomplishments (lots and lots of Olympic gold medals between them), but strikingly sexy and beautiful in front of photographer James Macari's lens. I love seeing them shine in an entirely different way in the Swimsuit issue and being able to share these gorgeous and powerful images with the world. These women, their beauty, and what they can achieve know no limits."
There have been so many positive developments in the modeling world with athletes representing modeling campaigns, and now, Aly and Simone are redefining what it means to be a model on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Bravo, girls - another gold medal to add to your collection!
Watch the video above from the 2017 SI Swimsuit photo shoot, and be sure to check out the highly anticipated issue, released in February.
.@aly_raisman and @simone_biles are trading in their leotards for bikinis in #SISwim 2017! https://t.co/lr4TLzKcHB http://pic.twitter.com/fAUHDfFCWu
- SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) January 10, 2017
8 WTF Parenting Moments That Will Leave You in Hysterics
You don't have to be a parent to know that kids sometimes say and do the darndest things. But when you are a mom or dad, and your kiddo is the one making the mess, scene, or loud statement, their bold acts can feel more than personal. However, thanks to the internet, parents can constantly be reminded that they aren't the only ones dealing with out-of-the-box kiddos. Whenever you think that your child has done something so bizarre that's topped the rest, there's always a kid with a dead squirrel in his Pottery Barn backpack or a mom who discovered (too late) that the surprise from her kids was actually a used urinal cake, to remind you that you aren't alone. Check out these eight WTF parenting moments that will make you want to laugh, cry, and shake your head.
Trump taps vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to launch review
Vaccine skeptic Robert Kennedy says he accepted Trump's offer to chair panel on vaccine safety
Trump taps vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to launch review
Vaccine skeptic Robert Kennedy says he accepted Trump's offer to chair panel on vaccine safety
How "Drone Technology" Could Change the Future of Skin Care
Ever since Amazon announced its plans to send Prime packages via drone back in 2013, we've been fascinated by the technology and all of its potential. It's genius: the miniature aircraft deliver goods quickly and precisely with (seemingly) very little effort on the part of the retailer and the consumer.
A new treatment from Skyn Iceland is promising to do the same with intelligent targeting devices (a skin care innovation borrowed from cancer-fighting pharmaceutical drugs), which it has dubbed "drone technology." This new formulation technique works by using smart peptides.
Let us take this moment to declare that if you're not already incorporating peptides into your skin care routine, you're missing out. These potent powerhouses are chains of amino acids, aka the building blocks of protein. They're the foundation of collagen, which makes skin look taut. Without peptides, your complexion would appear saggy and aged.
In Skyn Iceland's unique formula, think of the smart peptides as the drone, with celebrated antiaging ingredients like lactic and glycolic acids as the packages it's delivering. Once you apply it, the peptides seek out a specific place to land (or more specifically, certain cells to target). Here, the technology works similarly to Botox: the "drone" blocks the signal to the muscles that create fine lines and then delivers a concentrated dose of smoothing alpha hydroxy acids. This serum's complex delivery system translates into smoother, younger-looking skin . . . and all you have to do is remember to apply it (easy!).
Albeit a bit more superficial use of the technology, advancements in intelligent targeting devices in the skin care category could result in remarkable new products. Using peptides that target melanocytes (melanin-producing cells), formulas could make hyperpigmentation a nonissue. We also wouldn't be surprised if these drone peptides result in new fat-blasting weight-loss drugs. But for now, we're excited to see how it - and Skyn Iceland's exciting new formula - "delivers" on results.
Visit Ulta Beauty in January to preview Skyn Iceland's Brightening Eye Serum in the Hello Bright Eyes Kit ($25), or buy it separately in March for $35.
These Will Be the Biggest Celebrity Beauty Campaigns in 2017
Scoring a beauty campaign usually means you "made it" as a celebrity, model, or influencer. And 2017 is already shaping up to be one of the best years when it comes to bigwig beauty endorsements. Read on to discover the ones we're already excited about!
No, Scandal Is Not Mirroring the 2016 Election, So Please Stop Comparing Them
Listen, just because Scandal is basically a show about insanity and politics, it doesn't mean it has anything to do with Donald Trump. It's worth noting that the show's sixth season will pick up on election night. Perhaps that's why - at ABC's presentation as part of the Television Critics' Association Winter press tour - the show's cast, and creator Shonda Rhimes, fielded many such questions attempting to make a connection between Scandal's election and the 2016 race between Trump and Hillary Clinton. As the major players insisted, though, Scandal will not be participating in any such timely dialogue. Read the quotes discouraging any sort of comparison below.
- Shonda Rhimes, on both elections: "I don't really equate the two. I mean, that's not really the goal, obviously. If that were the goal, we would have waited until after the election to write about the election."
- Rhimes, on both sets of candidates: "I don't know that there are any similarities . . . I don't think that the candidates have any similarities to the candidates in real life. I mean, Francisco Vargas is very hopeful, and a different kind of democratic candidate . . . I don't think you can correlate the two."
- Tony Goldwyn: "The fact that it's, like I said, in counterpoint to this crazy political world America's living through is interesting, but they're not the same and we aren't sort of in reaction to that. Five of the first six were written and shot before we knew anything."
- Bellamy Young: "I think what I can say is that I, tool keep it pretty separate, because our world is complete fiction."
- Josh Malina: "On election night, we were pretty concerned with election night. I don't think there was a lot of wild texting about our show. It was more about what was happening in the real world."
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.
This Harry Potter Rap Is More Lit Than the Goblet of Fire
The Harry Potter series introduced us to several magical musicians, like rock band The Weird Sisters and Mrs. Weasley's favorite singer, Celestina Warbeck. But the books and movies have also inspired several real-life musicians, like Yung Mavu: a young wannabe-wizard from Belgium who is killing the rap game without even uttering the words "Avada Kedavra."
The European dancer-turned-rap-wizard transfigured his love of the Harry Potter books into a rap that's more lit than the Goblet of Fire - and with lines like "Saw a girl sitting by the potion bar / She told me she was home alone and we went skrrrt in my flying car" it's no surprise that the song is going viral. The video for "Black Magic (Black Harry Potter)" accumulated over one million YouTube views in less than a week, and is steadily continuing to gain popularity thanks to Facebook posts reaching tens of millions.
While the language in the music video is certainly not for everyone, there's no denying that Yung Mavu would get an "O" on his O.W.L.s if Hogwarts offered a rap class.
Mom Shares How Breast Milk Helped Heal Her Son Who Was Born Without a Heartbeat
"I remember it like it was yesterday, being told my son would have no quality of life . . . being told to just 'pull the plug,'" starts a post to the Love What Matters Facebook page. Trisha Long Bell tells the story of how her son Ezrah was born without a pulse, heartbeat, or oxygen to his brain, and was diagnosed with severe brain damage. Feeling helpless and like her body had failed her son, Bell realized that she could provide her son in that moment with something no one else could: her breast milk.
"I knew this was what I needed to do, without question, no matter how hard it got," she wrote. "He was fighting for his life, and this was the only way I could truly give him my all! I didn't know if my milk would do much for his injury, but I had so much faith that it would. I had no idea how quickly I would learn the power of Mother's Milk. It is simply pure MAGIC! And Now, 14 months later, I know my milk has played a part in healing my child's brain injury. I KNOW it."
Alongside her powerful story, Bell shared a photo of Ezrah nursing. "Women's bodies are SO incredible. The way we are so connected to our children. The way our bodies know exactly what to do during childbirth. The way we heal . . . This picture shows MY MILK healing his little brain. . . . This picture will forever be so close to my heart."
This Hot Wellness Trend Might Give You the Surge of Energy You Need
Have you heard of reiki? This "hot wellness trend" is actually an Japanese alternative medicine practice dating back to the early 1920s. With the rise of popularity of practices like acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and natural healing like earthing and forest bathing, we wanted to know more about what reiki is and what makes it so special. So, we asked Christopher Tellez, reiki master at SF Reiki Center. Seems like a fitting expert, no?
What Is Reiki?
"Reiki, pronounced 'Ray-Key,' means universal life energy. This life energy is all around us," said Christopher. "With a special attunement process from the reiki master to student, the student can channel this life energy though the palms of their hands."
As noted, "ki" is Japanese for energy - sound familiar? If you're at all versed in traditional Chinese medicine or acupuncture, you'll notice how similar "ki" is to "qi," the Chinese word for energy. Just as acupuncture focuses on the qi, both of these alternative medicine practices are designed to aid in the flow of energy. The difference with reiki? No needles.
"Reiki is a gentle, noninvasive, hands-on technique of energy transfer from reiki practitioner to client," said Christopher. In a reiki treatment, you'll spend 60 to 90 minutes (depending on the provider) on a massage table or in a chair, fully clothed, and the practitioner (reiki master) will touch different points on your head, face, body, etc., either a light touch or with hands hovering above your body.
How Does It Work?
The concept is that good energy is transferred from the practitioner to the client. Here's how he explained it: "The energy transfer vitalizes the body's cells, tissues, organs, and emotional centers. By the end of a reiki treatment (front torso of body, head, and back of body), all body systems are operating in a stronger, more normal fashion. After reiki sessions, clients feel calm and deeply relaxed."
But if good energy is transferred from the practitioner to the client . . . what about "bad" energy transferring back to the reiki master? "Practitioners don't take on their clients' problems," he said (that's fortunate). "Energy flows only from the practitioner to the client. It never flows back into the practitioner to trouble them with the energy patterns of the client."
"Practitioners feel better after a treatment than before they started," he said. "Giving a reiki treatment increases the practitioner's own vitality. Since practitioners are hands-on 'transmitters,' some of the energy flow is assimilated by them as they deliver the reiki treatment."
You should keep in mind that reiki is not a massage - don't go in expecting some deep tissue work.
Should You Try Reiki?
"Clients seek reiki services for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for many reasons," said Christopher. Here are some of the types of cases he treats at SF Reiki Center:
- Balance of mental health (fear, anxiety, depression)
- Rest and relaxation (stress reduction)
- Letting go of grief and loss (changes around jobs, relationships, and loss of loved ones)
- Preparing for surgery (pre and post)
- Self-care practices for cancer and HIV (side effects of chemotherapy and HIV medications)
- Creating big life changes (changing thought, belief patterns, conditions that are no longer working)
According to the International Association of Reiki Professionals, "Reiki is not a cure for a disease or illness." That said, "It may assist the body in creating an environment to facilitate healing." You can use reiki as "a complement to traditional medicine," as it "is practiced in many hospitals and medical care settings."
While reiki has yet to have the scientific backup like acupuncture (very little research has been done), it has been shown to have zero harmful effects or side effects. If you've experienced a life change (or are about to), if you're trying to manage anxiety, or if you're trying to give yourself a healthy start to 2017, why not give reiki a shot?
This Hot Wellness Trend Might Give You the Surge of Energy You Need
Have you heard of reiki? This "hot wellness trend" is actually an Japanese alternative medicine practice dating back to the early 1920s. With the rise of popularity of practices like acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and natural healing like earthing and forest bathing, we wanted to know more about what reiki is and what makes it so special. So, we asked Christopher Tellez, reiki master at SF Reiki Center. Seems like a fitting expert, no?
What Is Reiki?
"Reiki, pronounced 'Ray-Key,' means universal life energy. This life energy is all around us," said Christopher. "With a special attunement process from the reiki master to student, the student can channel this life energy though the palms of their hands."
As noted, "ki" is Japanese for energy - sound familiar? If you're at all versed in traditional Chinese medicine or acupuncture, you'll notice how similar "ki" is to "qi," the Chinese word for energy. Just as acupuncture focuses on the qi, both of these alternative medicine practices are designed to aid in the flow of energy. The difference with reiki? No needles.
"Reiki is a gentle, noninvasive, hands-on technique of energy transfer from reiki practitioner to client," said Christopher. In a reiki treatment, you'll spend 60 to 90 minutes (depending on the provider) on a massage table or in a chair, fully clothed, and the practitioner (reiki master) will touch different points on your head, face, body, etc., either a light touch or with hands hovering above your body.
How Does It Work?
The concept is that good energy is transferred from the practitioner to the client. Here's how he explained it: "The energy transfer vitalizes the body's cells, tissues, organs, and emotional centers. By the end of a reiki treatment (front torso of body, head, and back of body), all body systems are operating in a stronger, more normal fashion. After reiki sessions, clients feel calm and deeply relaxed."
But if good energy is transferred from the practitioner to the client . . . what about "bad" energy transferring back to the reiki master? "Practitioners don't take on their clients' problems," he said (that's fortunate). "Energy flows only from the practitioner to the client. It never flows back into the practitioner to trouble them with the energy patterns of the client."
"Practitioners feel better after a treatment than before they started," he said. "Giving a reiki treatment increases the practitioner's own vitality. Since practitioners are hands-on 'transmitters,' some of the energy flow is assimilated by them as they deliver the reiki treatment."
You should keep in mind that reiki is not a massage - don't go in expecting some deep tissue work.
Should You Try Reiki?
"Clients seek reiki services for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for many reasons," said Christopher. Here are some of the types of cases he treats at SF Reiki Center:
- Balance of mental health (fear, anxiety, depression)
- Rest and relaxation (stress reduction)
- Letting go of grief and loss (changes around jobs, relationships, and loss of loved ones)
- Preparing for surgery (pre and post)
- Self-care practices for cancer and HIV (side effects of chemotherapy and HIV medications)
- Creating big life changes (changing thought, belief patterns, conditions that are no longer working)
According to the International Association of Reiki Professionals, "Reiki is not a cure for a disease or illness." That said, "It may assist the body in creating an environment to facilitate healing." You can use reiki as "a complement to traditional medicine," as it "is practiced in many hospitals and medical care settings."
While reiki has yet to have the scientific backup like acupuncture (very little research has been done), it has been shown to have zero harmful effects or side effects. If you've experienced a life change (or are about to), if you're trying to manage anxiety, or if you're trying to give yourself a healthy start to 2017, why not give reiki a shot?
15 Bad Fashion Habits to Break in 2017 Because New Year, New You
We're declaring it: 2017 is the year we'll drop all of our bad fashion habits and adopt new ones. "Easier said than done," you're probably thinking - and we have to agree. Habits by definition are hard to break, but that doesn't mean we'll stop trying. Whether your goal is to invest in "quality over quantity" pieces or prep ahead your outfits for the week, the little changes you make to your new routine will make all the difference. To get everyone started, we rounded up some bad style habits all women are guilty of, including us, and then, of course, the next step is to simply stop doing them.
If this sounds challenging, it is, but you're ready. After all, we already know what stylish women do every day, so time to put those rules into practice and drop our old habits fast. There's no room for them in the New Year.
The Ultimate Sesame Street Fan Just Definitively Ranked Everyone's Favorite Muppets
We've long been fans of New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer, whose Ordinary People Change the World series of children's books has introduced real-life heroes to a new generation of readers. The collection - which already includes Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and Lucille Ball - was born out of a shopping venture he took with his daughter four years ago.
"All I could find were clothes with princesses on them," he told POPSUGAR. "Reality TV show stars. People who are famous for being famous. I'm tired of it. With each refresh, our kids are being fed garbage through their eyeballs. So I launched this series so I can give my own kids better heroes to look up to."
Meltzer's latest illustrated biography, on bookshelves today, is I Am Jim Henson, and with good reason:
"When I was 5 years old, Jim Henson on Sesame Street taught me that you can use your creativity to put more good in the world," he told us. "Goodness. Kindness. Creating. Pretending. These are things that should never get old. You should never apologize for being a do-gooder. I need those lessons for my kids today. And no one represents that like Jim Henson, Kermit, and the Muppets."
To celebrate his new book, we asked Meltzer to do one of the most difficult things a true Muppet fan can do: rank them.
"We all have our favorite Muppets. These are mine," he says of the below countdown of his top 10 favorites. "When I think about them, I'm 10 years old again. So here's to all of us: the lovers, the dreamers, and you."
All You Need in Your Life Right Now Is One of These Chilaquiles Recipes
We're currently obsessed! There's nothing more we're craving for breakfast, lunch, and dinner than a good plate of chilaquiles. The Mexican classic truly combines all of our (and we're guessing your) favorites: tortillas (or totopos), salsa (or mole), and some sort of delicious topping - from meats to eggs to guacamole to tofu. If you're looking to add a little happiness to your meals, we suggest you scroll ahead and master at least one of these nine recipes.
Did You Know Netflix Has Secret Movie Categories? Here's How to Find Them
Your Netflix hunting just got so much better. Turns out, there are a ton of secret movie categories on Netflix, and there's an easy hack for finding them. To access one of the hidden categories, you'll just need to type out the following in your browser:
http://ift.tt/2hSdKdR
So, for instance, 67673 is the code for Disney, so to see all the movies in that category, you'd type:
Cool, right? What's on Netflix has all the categories, which include very specific genres such as sci-fi thrillers (11014), foreign films from places like Scandinavia (9292), and even for children's age ranges from 0 to 2 (6796) and 11 to 12 (6962). Check out some of the ones that grabbed our interest here!
- 10118 - Comic Book and Superhero Movies
- 10702 - Spy Action and Adventure
- 11146 - Anime Fantasy
- 26 - Mockumentaries
- 10944 - Cult Horror Movies
- 1159 - Travel and Adventure Documentaries
- 6384 - Tearjerkers
- 29764 - Art House Movies
- 8646 - Slasher and Serial Killer Movies
- 75405 - Zombie Horror Movies
- 36103 - Quirky Romance
- 972 - Steamy Thrillers
- 1164 - British Crime Dramas Based on Books
- 2077 - Witty Independent Movies
- 502 - Gritty Political Thrillers
- 394 - Critically-Acclaimed Coming-of-Age Movies
Proof That Princess Charlotte Is the Spitting Image of Queen Elizabeth
The past year has been full of milestones for Princess Charlotte. Since becoming fourth in line to succeed the throne in May 2015, Charlotte has experienced her christening and first public appearance at Trooping the Colour, and most recently, she embarked on her very first royal tour with older brother Prince George and her parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William. As we got a glimpse of Charlotte during her time in Canada - waving to fans, playing with balloons, and smelling a bouquet of flowers - we couldn't help but notice how similar the adorable 1-year-old looks to her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. The striking resemblance is evident in their round cheeks, wide smiles, and big, bright blue eyes. Days after Charlotte's birth, the queen said of her fifth great-grandchild, "We love to have another girl," while Kate revealed that Charlotte is "very cute" but "has got quite a feisty side." Sounds like she and the queen have more in common than looks.
12 Ways to Love Yourself More This Year
Make your resolution this year to love your body more, and make your 2017 mantra, "I love my body." Instead of setting a weight-loss goal or some kind of resolution that you'll forget about two weeks into January, why not celebrate yourself all year round? We've got 12 tips for you to show yourself some TLC and live a happier, healthier life. You can challenge yourself to one a month, or do all of these things throughout the year.
- Meditate once a week (or more!) and repeat your mantra for the year.
- Buy yourself a new outfit that makes you feel amazing.
- Find a new healthy recipe you love, and master it - you'll be an expert at cooking something that makes you feel good.
- Give yourself a daily compliment, no matter how small.
- Track your water intake every day for a month, and make notes about how you feel when you're more hydrated. Do you have more energy? Is your mood improved?
- Pick one of your favorite parts of your body and find a way to highlight it. Are you proud of your booty? Grab yourself a gift for your butt. Love your back muscles? Get yourself a backless dress that showcases your hard work.
- Upload a selfie or a picture of yourself to Instagram - work that confidence!
- Each time you find yourself comparing yourself to others, remind yourself to celebrate their beauty and your own.
- Plan a self-care day (or two . . . or three). Get a massage, do a face mask or get a facial, and go to a yoga class. Celebrate your body and your health!
- Make this year the year you stop critiquing and judging others - you'll find that you'll be kinder to yourself, too!
- Each time you feel like you have a setback, acknowledge your bad feelings, let it go, and do your best to move on with your day. Holding on to negativity can make you feel toxic - not good for your brain or your body! Don't feel bad about having bad feelings (it's normal), but make this year about staying positive.
- Work out because you LOVE your body, not because you hate it. This year, find a workout you love that makes you feel good - not one you you want to do because you're trying to lose weight or change your appearance. Even if it's just walking more, that added movement will increase your feelings of happiness and endorphin levels, and you'll glow from the inside out.
12 Ways to Love Yourself More This Year
Make your resolution this year to love your body more, and make your 2017 mantra, "I love my body." Instead of setting a weight-loss goal or some kind of resolution that you'll forget about two weeks into January, why not celebrate yourself all year round? We've got 12 tips for you to show yourself some TLC and live a happier, healthier life. You can challenge yourself to one a month, or do all of these things throughout the year.
- Meditate once a week (or more!) and repeat your mantra for the year.
- Buy yourself a new outfit that makes you feel amazing.
- Find a new healthy recipe you love, and master it - you'll be an expert at cooking something that makes you feel good.
- Give yourself a daily compliment, no matter how small.
- Track your water intake every day for a month, and make notes about how you feel when you're more hydrated. Do you have more energy? Is your mood improved?
- Pick one of your favorite parts of your body and find a way to highlight it. Are you proud of your booty? Grab yourself a gift for your butt. Love your back muscles? Get yourself a backless dress that showcases your hard work.
- Upload a selfie or a picture of yourself to Instagram - work that confidence!
- Each time you find yourself comparing yourself to others, remind yourself to celebrate their beauty and your own.
- Plan a self-care day (or two . . . or three). Get a massage, do a face mask or get a facial, and go to a yoga class. Celebrate your body and your health!
- Make this year the year you stop critiquing and judging others - you'll find that you'll be kinder to yourself, too!
- Each time you feel like you have a setback, acknowledge your bad feelings, let it go, and do your best to move on with your day. Holding on to negativity can make you feel toxic - not good for your brain or your body! Don't feel bad about having bad feelings (it's normal), but make this year about staying positive.
- Work out because you LOVE your body, not because you hate it. This year, find a workout you love that makes you feel good - not one you you want to do because you're trying to lose weight or change your appearance. Even if it's just walking more, that added movement will increase your feelings of happiness and endorphin levels, and you'll glow from the inside out.
Ben Affleck Tears Brother Casey a New One For Not Thanking Him in His Golden Globes Speech
Ben Affleck is currently making the press rounds for his new film, Live by Night, and during a stop at Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday night, the conversation quickly turned from the '20s-era crime drama to his younger brother Casey's recent win at the Golden Globes. After being announced the winner of the best actor in a drama category, Casey thanked his kids, Matt Damon, and even Denzel Washington - but as Ben said, "Someone was omitted," adding, "I was a little taken aback."
The two then continued to have some fun at Casey's expense - not only did Jimmy cut to Ben's 1998 Oscars speech, in which he very clearly called Casey "brilliant," but the host also showed footage of other famous brothers paying homage to each other in public. Ben also took the opportunity to share some embarrassing childhood stories about his little bro, including his being "scared of butterflies" and not brushing his teeth "from ages 10 to 14." Watch the hilarious exchange above now.
See What the New Urban Decay Nocturnal Palette Looks Like on Different Skin Tones
In the past few weeks alone, Urban Decay has hit its junkies with some major, must-have launches. The last few days of December brought us a vibrant new eye shadow palette, Afterdark, and in 2017, the brand extended its range of primers and setting sprays. Now the cult-favorite company is debuting another palette, the Ulta Beauty-exclusive Nocturnal Shadow Box ($29).
Unlike its predecessor, this compact is made out of a sturdy cardboard and features an edgy black brick and neon pink print. Nocturnal's contents - 12 thumbprint-sized pans - are reminiscent of the now-discontinued Smoked palette, as it consists of a blend of wearable neutrals and a few more unexpected hues. You'll find mattes, shimmers, and glitter shades, including classic favorites (ABC Gum, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again) and resurrections from past palettes (Delete, Heroine). It's all tucked away with a tiny double-ended brush.
Many beauty conspiracy theorists claim that some brands skimp on quality when it comes to palette production, but we couldn't find much fault with this one . . . Urban Decay didn't cut a single corner with Nocturnal. Each silky shadow boasts intense pigment payoff, and the included tool is as formidable as any full-size one in Urban Decay's range.
It seems the shades were very carefully picked, too: each of the hues are quite universally flattering. All four testers were especially impressed by how creamy and vibrant Delete (a rich matte chestnut), and Baby, a metallic rose gold, appeared when swatched.
Read on to ogle the Urban Decay Nocturnal Shadow Box, then shop it when it launches Sunday, Jan. 15, on UltaBeauty.com. Considering its wallet-friendly price, you can't afford not to buy it!
12 Pink Lipsticks That Every Woman Should Own
So, you've already found your perfect red lipstick . . . and have bought several backup tubes, in addition to deeper crimson shades and vampy burgundies. But have you found the best pink pout hue yet? As many reds as there are out there, it seems that the options for pink are far more varying (and confusing), making it challenging to pick your ideal color. You can buy a lip product in mauve-rose tints to neon fuchsias and every tone in between!
Thankfully, one Reddit user related so strongly to this plight that she compiled a lipstick spreadsheet of fellow Redditors' favorite hues, pink included. In anticipation of Valentine's Day, we've combed through the colors and picked our favorites, then we scoured the review sections on Sephora, Ulta, and more beauty retailers to grab quotes from the products' biggest fans - you! Read on to shop the best shades.
There's a Scientific Reason You Carry Your Kids on the Left Side of Your Body
I've noticed that I have significantly more muscle on my left arm from toting heavy kiddos around, and though I've attempted to even the muscles out by using my right arm and hip, my body just won't allow it comfortably - as it turns out, I can thank evolution for that. If you're one of 70 - 85 percent of women who are like me and carry your children on your left side, it's because humans are hard-wired to do so in order to keep their babies safe.
According to a study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, when you carry a child on the left side of your body - called left-side bias - this allows for the right side of your brain to process information, specifically emotions. The authors of the study - which explored humans and other mammals such as orca whales - reported that left-side bias contributes to mother-child bonding because the right hemisphere of your brain helps you to make sense of what you see, allowing you to recognize your baby's expressions and determine what they need.
So if you feel like you need to even out the muscles on the right side of your body, consider some free weights instead of attempting to switch your babies from hip to hip - your emotional connection with your kids will be stronger for it.
You Will Shamelessly Stare at 2 Things in These Austin Swift Photos: His Eyes and His Lips
Austin Swift's older sister may be one of the biggest pop singers in the world (you may have heard of Taylor Swift, yes?), but he's been slowly proving that he has a lot of star power of his own. The actor stepped out in LA on Monday night to attend the premiere of Ben Affleck's new film, Live by Night, and it's kind of hard to stop staring. Austin, who plays Mayweather in the film, looked incredibly handsome when he hit the red carpet in a dark suit and matching tie. While other stars like Jason Momoa and Matt Damon were also in attendance, Austin held his own at the event. Keep reading to see more of his latest appearance, but be warned: you won't be able to stop looking into his deep blue eyes.
This Teen Makeup Artist's Skills Are Even More Impressive Than Her Twitter Feud With Jeffree Star
Jeffree Star and a teen recently got in a Twitter feud about an allegedly defective product from his makeup line. Eighteen-year-old beauty-lover Ciera Jewel posted a photo to her Instagram and Twitter claiming that when she reached the bottom of her Ice Cold Skin Frost ($29), she found a hair embedded in the product. She was refunded the next day but still engaged in a Twitter feud with the brand's namesake, who called her a bully.
Many beauty fans who followed along with the argument clicked through to Ciera's Twitter and Instagram accounts, discovering that Ciera Jewel is an incredibly talented makeup artist. Unsurprisingly, the teen isn't afraid to try out even the most bold beauty trends. Cut creases, glitter tears, helix eye liner, and faux freckles can all be found on the makeup maven's account.
Read on to see this budding makeup artist's skills in action.
The Obama Girls Have Grown Up Before Our Eyes
Barack and Michelle Obama's little girls, Malia and Sasha, aren't so little anymore! As the nation's most public mom, Michelle has always tried to connect with other Americans raising their kids. Malia was just 10 when Barack was elected, and Sasha was 7. "My life is no different from any other working mother. Mine is just more public," First Lady Michelle Obama told us back in 2012, adding, "Some of us have more resources than others, but the pain, the challenges, the fears of motherhood, the frustrations of being a woman, the hopes and dreams that you have for your daughters, and all our daughters are the same." Let's take a look at the Obama girls' family photo album, and then check out more celebrity kids who grew up before our eyes.
Just Wait Until You See the Back of Eva Longoria's White Gown at the FIFA Awards
Eva Longoria cohosted the 2017 FIFA Awards in Zurich, Switzerland, and beyond getting to present Portuguese-born Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo with the best player award, she basically shut. down. the event in a formfitting gown.
For her coveted hosting gig, the Mexican-American actress opted to wear a white curve-hugging dress, which, upon closer inspection, is actually very reminiscent of the wedding dress (designed by BFF Victoria Beckham) she wore to marry her longtime love, Televisa President José Antonio Bastón, in 2016. But, believe it or not, the dress's angelic color isn't even the best part! Just wait until you see the back. Intrigued? Keep scrolling to see pictures of every angle of this insanely hot number, then admire some of Eva's best red carpet moments.
My 6-Month CrossFit Transformation Isn't What I Thought It'd Be
I wasn't going to write this post. I didn't want to share these photos. I felt too embarrassed. But it was for that reason that I felt compelled to. You see when I started my CrossFit journey to getting completely ripped, I was convinced that after six months, I'd have amazing transformation photos to share. But as you can see, I don't.
I could have chosen to not share them, to wait a year, or however long it took to get the six-pack abs I'm working so hard towards, but I feel like these transformation photos are even more important to share than ones that are jaw-droppingly impressive. Because they show that losing weight and getting toned takes time, and probably more time than you want it to.
"Losing weight and getting toned takes time, and probably more time than you want it to.When progress doesn't go as quickly as expected, it can be so damn frustrating. I actually quit CrossFit for a few days after three months. I was pissed that I was getting up at 4:50 am five days a week to go to class, eating clean, and my body wasn't getting close to where I wanted it to be. I still had my baby belly, and I actually gained weight and my muscles grew. I was thicker all around, and even my sports bras were feeling tighter. WTH!
But my husband talked me down off my "I hate CrossFit ledge," and said, "first of all, you look amazing. And I can totally tell you're getting stronger. But CrossFit isn't just about what it's doing to your body, it's how you feel." And that's true. I loved how badass I felt snatching bars over my head and slamming medicine balls to the floor, and how my heart thumped in my chest and sweat dripped off my nose while doing a bazillion burpees. I loved how energetic and confident I felt when I came home from class, and how that set the tone for my entire day. I'm happier when I work out regularly, and that spreads out into my life, my work, and my relationships.
I also talked to a ton of women about how I was feeling. I told them, "I've gained weight, everything has gotten bigger, including my butt, and my jeans are tighter." They felt the same way, that they didn't love their huge muscles at first, but now they do because it means they're strong. Some of the women even said they wished their muscles were bigger, and now they just care about what their bodies can do, and what their goals are like to squat more weight, or do higher box jumps.
Doing CrossFit for six months has taught me one unexpected lesson that I feel like I've been trying to learn my entire life. To love my body. To genuinely feel proud of what it can do, and to not poke and prod at it for what society tells me it's supposed to look like.
I just turned 40 years old, and it's taken me a lifetime and two pregnancies to get my body to this point, so how could I expect everything to change in just six months? Even though I don't see the physical progress I thought I would in half a year of intense workouts, five days a week, the progress I see in what my body can do is what's become my focus.
I've hit some pretty monumental goals like climbing a 15-foot rope, doing my first strict pull-up, and a handstand push-up, and that feeling of pride has overcome my feelings of insecurities about my flabby, wrinkly baby belly. It's given me this newfound confidence and inspiration to become even stronger. It feels like for most of my life, I've been in a constant battle with myself, to do everything possible to shrink down and take up less space, but I actually like the feeling of taking up more.
So what if I'm not where I want to be? I'm getting there, right? And I'll continue to take progress photos each month so that one day I'll look back on these six-month pictures and see how this was just one step in my journey to becoming the strongest, best version of me.
And even though sharing these photos of me not quite reaching my goals is a little mortifying, the one thing that makes it easy is to think that someone on their own weight-loss or fitness journey relates to my story, and finds inspiration to keep pushing themselves and celebrate every moment of progress, no matter how small they think it is.
My 6-Month CrossFit Transformation Isn't What I Thought It'd Be
I wasn't going to write this post. I didn't want to share these photos. I felt too embarrassed. But it was for that reason that I felt compelled to. You see when I started my CrossFit journey to getting completely ripped, I was convinced that after six months, I'd have amazing transformation photos to share. But as you can see, I don't.
I could have chosen to not share them, to wait a year, or however long it took to get the six-pack abs I'm working so hard towards, but I feel like these transformation photos are even more important to share than ones that are jaw-droppingly impressive. Because they show that losing weight and getting toned takes time, and probably more time than you want it to.
"Losing weight and getting toned takes time, and probably more time than you want it to.When progress doesn't go as quickly as expected, it can be so damn frustrating. I actually quit CrossFit for a few days after three months. I was pissed that I was getting up at 4:50 am five days a week to go to class, eating clean, and my body wasn't getting close to where I wanted it to be. I still had my baby belly, and I actually gained weight and my muscles grew. I was thicker all around, and even my sports bras were feeling tighter. WTH!
But my husband talked me down off my "I hate CrossFit ledge," and said, "first of all, you look amazing. And I can totally tell you're getting stronger. But CrossFit isn't just about what it's doing to your body, it's how you feel." And that's true. I loved how badass I felt snatching bars over my head and slamming medicine balls to the floor, and how my heart thumped in my chest and sweat dripped off my nose while doing a bazillion burpees. I loved how energetic and confident I felt when I came home from class, and how that set the tone for my entire day. I'm happier when I work out regularly, and that spreads out into my life, my work, and my relationships.
I also talked to a ton of women about how I was feeling. I told them, "I've gained weight, everything has gotten bigger, including my butt, and my jeans are tighter." They felt the same way, that they didn't love their huge muscles at first, but now they do because it means they're strong. Some of the women even said they wished their muscles were bigger, and now they just care about what their bodies can do, and what their goals are like to squat more weight, or do higher box jumps.
Doing CrossFit for six months has taught me one unexpected lesson that I feel like I've been trying to learn my entire life. To love my body. To genuinely feel proud of what it can do, and to not poke and prod at it for what society tells me it's supposed to look like.
I just turned 40 years old, and it's taken me a lifetime and two pregnancies to get my body to this point, so how could I expect everything to change in just six months? Even though I don't see the physical progress I thought I would in half a year of intense workouts, five days a week, the progress I see in what my body can do is what's become my focus.
I've hit some pretty monumental goals like climbing a 15-foot rope, doing my first strict pull-up, and a handstand push-up, and that feeling of pride has overcome my feelings of insecurities about my flabby, wrinkly baby belly. It's given me this newfound confidence and inspiration to become even stronger. It feels like for most of my life, I've been in a constant battle with myself, to do everything possible to shrink down and take up less space, but I actually like the feeling of taking up more.
So what if I'm not where I want to be? I'm getting there, right? And I'll continue to take progress photos each month so that one day I'll look back on these six-month pictures and see how this was just one step in my journey to becoming the strongest, best version of me.
And even though sharing these photos of me not quite reaching my goals is a little mortifying, the one thing that makes it easy is to think that someone on their own weight-loss or fitness journey relates to my story, and finds inspiration to keep pushing themselves and celebrate every moment of progress, no matter how small they think it is.
We'll Take Every Single One of These Wedding Gowns, Please
Before you go wedding-dress hunting, you have to decide what kind of bride you want to be: feminine, bohemian, romantic . . . all three? Can't decide? It's cool, Pronovias gets your dilemma. The brand just released its Atelier 2017 bridal collection, with a dress for every type of bride. As blogger Blair Eadie models the various options, you'll instantly fall in love with at least one, if not all, the wedding gowns.
The styles range from strapless pieces to off-the-shoulder looks. Made with materials such as crepe, lace, Mikado silk, and translucent gauze, the Pronovias gowns are both ethereal and beautiful. Scroll on to see the brand's newest collection, and don't be surprised if you end up with a dress you saw on your screen.
Beyoncé Interviewed Solange, and We Just Learned So Much
Because no one knows you quite like family, Solange recruited her sister, Beyoncé, to question her for a piece in Interview magazine. It's packed with interesting tidbits from their childhood together ("You did a kickass job," she told Beyoncé. "You were the most patient, loving, wonderful sister ever. In the 30 years that we've been together, I think we've only really, like, butted heads ... we can count on one hand."), but it's mostly focused on Solange's album, A Seat at the Table, which was released to critical acclaim in September. She got real about the very personal inspiration for the tracks, what she was going through while writing them, and what you may not realize about her Grammy-nominated track, "Cranes in the Sky."
- Why she wanted her whole family involved: "The album really feels like storytelling for us all and our family and our lineage. And having mom and dad speak on the album, it felt right that, as a family, this closed the chapter of our stories. And my friends' stories - every day, we're texting about some of the micro-aggressions we experience, and that voice can be heard on the record, too."
- "Cranes in the Sky" is more personal than you realize: "I was just coming out of my relationship with Julez's father. We were junior high school sweethearts, and so much of your identity in junior high is built on who you're with. You see the world through the lens of how you identify and have been identified at that time. So I really had to take a look at myself, outside of being a mother and a wife, and internalize all of these emotions that I had been feeling through that transition. I was working through a lot of challenges at every angle of my life, and a lot of self-doubt, a lot of pity-partying. And I think every woman in her twenties has been there - where it feels like no matter what you are doing to fight through the thing that is holding you back, nothing can fill that void."
- But it's also very literal: "I used to write and record a lot in Miami during that time, when there was a real estate boom in America, and developers were developing all of this new property. There was a new condo going up every ten feet. You recorded a lot there as well, and I think we experienced Miami as a place of refuge and peace. We weren't out there wilin' out and partying. I remember looking up and seeing all of these cranes in the sky."
- Missy Elliot's career encouraged her to be more than a singer: "One of my biggest inspirations in terms of female producers is Missy. I remember seeing her when you guys worked together and being enamored with the idea that I could use myself as more than a voice and the words."
- She was a mess the week of the album's release: "I was breaking out into hives. I could not sit still. It was terrifying. This was going to be such an intimate, up-close, staring-you-right-in-the-face experience, the way people would see me and hear me. It was one thing to make the record and have those reservations; it was another to finish it and actually share it."
- She knew the exact tone she needed to convey: "It was very intentional that I sang as a woman who was very in control, a woman who could have this conversation without yelling and screaming, because I still often feel that when black women try to have these conversations, we are not portrayed as in control, emotionally intact women, capable of having the hard conversations without losing that control."
- She has a great appreciation for the South, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta: "Culturally, it was as rich as it gets. People were warm. People were friendly. But the biggest thing that I took from it is the storytelling. I feel like, in the South in general, but specifically in our world growing up, people were expressive and vivid storytellers. In the hair salon or in the line at the grocery store; there was never a dull moment. I feel so happy that I got to grow up in a place where you could be the pastor's wife, you could be a lawyer, you could be a stripper on the side, you could be a schoolteacher - we saw every kind of woman connect on one common experience, which was that everyone wanted to be great and everyone wanted to do better."
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