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 19 février 2017
8 Disturbing Bombshells From Leah Remini's Scientology Documentary Series
Image Source: Getty / Noam Galai
When you think of Scientology, a few people probably come to mind: Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Leah Remini. While Cruise and Travolta are partly known for their unwavering devotion to the "church," Remini publicly split from Scientology in 2013. After having doubts about things the church was doing and questioning the church's leader, David Miscavige (which is apparently a big no-no), about the unknown whereabouts of his wife, the actress had had enough.
In addition to speaking out about her experiences with interviews and a book, Remini decided to dive even further into uncovering the church's corrupt reality with her A&E documentary series, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. On the show, she travels around the country with Mike Rinder, Scientology's former senior executive and one of Miscavige's right-hand men, to talk to former church members about the horrors they allegedly endured over the years (the church denies all claims made in the show). See the biggest bombshells below, which include forced abortion and physical abuse.
- The church's leader, David Miscavige, reportedly beats his staff. Several former church members have spoken out on the show about the physical abuse they endured at the hands of Miscavige (he's 5'1", by the way). All of the situations they described include the church leader's attitude changing at the drop of a hat and him punching, shoving, and choking them in front of other Scientology staff members. Whenever someone even looked like they were about to fight back, a group of Miscavige's men would swoop in and immediately remove that person from the building. One former church member, Jeff Hawkins, recalled that Miscavige looked at him after physically assaulting him and said, "Do you know why I did that? To remind you who's boss."
- Women in the Sea Org are reportedly forced to have abortions if they get pregnant. In the show's fifth episode, Remini sits down with Marc Headley, a former event coordinator and video producer for Scientology, and his wife, Claire, a former Sea Org member. While working in the Sea Org, a now-land-based organization of the church's most dedicated members that control management operations, and living at the church's international headquarters in Hemet, CA, Claire became pregnant with their first child. But since Claire alleges that Scientology thinks women in the Sea Org who get pregnant actively want to leave, she was forced to get an abortion. "If a woman got pregnant, she would instantly be scheduled to go and get an abortion," she said. "If she refused in any manner, she would be segregated, not allowed to speak with her husband, put under security watch, put on heavy manual labor, and interrogated for her crimes." Marc and Claire managed to narrowly escape the church (he says he was run off the road by church members in an SUV; she says she snuck out of Walmart and hopped on a bus), but that will never take away their pain. "I can go, 'Well, now I have three beautiful children who are my life,'" she continued. "But it doesn't make me feel better about not being strong enough to tell them to go f*ck themselves."
Image Source: Getty / Pierre-Philippe Marcou
- Despite escaping the church, some people are reportedly still tracked down and brought back. Claire and Marc also went into detail about the heavy security that Sea Org members are reportedly under when they live at the base in Hemet. In addition to security cameras being everywhere, their outgoing mail is always read before being sent, they are on strict meal schedules, and the fence that surrounds the property has large spikes on both sides, which prevents anyone from entering or leaving. Claire revealed that when her friend tried to escape, she fell in a ditch outside the property and was brought right back in by church members and put on heavy labor duty. She also said she knew one member who fled all the way to South Africa, where he was tracked down and brought back.
- Private investigators reportedly hired by Scientology followed Remini during the filming of the show. In the fifth episode of the show, Remini and Rinder are driving when they notice a suspicious-looking car close by. After signaling to the car several times that he can pass, he refuses. When they pull up next to him and ask him who he is, he says he works for TMZ, but suspiciously doesn't have a camera and quickly drives away. When they then pull into their hotel, two men are sitting in the lobby with their phones pointed at Remini's car. The hotel manager asks if they are guests, and they both quickly get up to leave. Rinder confronts them, they act like they don't know anything, and Remini later reveals that one of the men is a private investigator (oh, and the TMZ guy was driving the PI's wife's car).
- Church members will spend thousands of dollars trying to reach the highest level of spirituality in Scientology. Scientology was founded by a man named L. Ron Hubbard, who believed that you need to clear yourself of your "reactive mind" in order to advance up "the Bridge of Total Freedom." People do this through auditing sessions, where a Scientology auditor asks the person a series of questions while they hold two metal cans attached to a machine. The machine tells the auditor if the person is telling the truth, and in order to continue to grow spiritually, church members have to pay for expensive courses in order to improve. It also should be noted that Hubbard holds the Guinness World Record for most published works by one author (and they're mostly science fiction) . . .
- If you leave the church, you will most likely lose your entire family. If a member of the church speaks out against Scientology or decides to leave, they will be labeled a "suppressive person" (watch Tom Cruise talk about it at the 4:29 mark). If the rest of that person's family is still in the church, they will be pressured to disconnect from that person, which means cutting off all communication and essentially never seeing them again.
- David Miscavige reportedly told private investigators to let his father die. David's father, Ron, was the one who got his son involved in Scientology when he was a young boy. But after years in the church and being heavily monitored while living at the base in Hemet, Ron and his wife, Becky, decided to plan their escape. In episode four of the show, Ron told Remini that he knew he needed to get out after he walked by his son one day and decided to say hello. "Dave looked at me and I knew that I had done the wrong thing," he said. "By calling him Dave," Remini clarified, to which he replied, "Yes." After Ron and Becky finally escaped, his son hired private investigators to follow him, one of whom was brought in for questioning by police and revealed everything. According to Ron, the investigator told police that when they saw Ron have what appeared to be a heart attack (he was simply holding his cell phone in place in his chest pocket), they called David to see if they should intervene, but David replied, "If it's my father's time to die, let him die."
- Scientologists believe they have the cure for mental illness. In the show's season finale, Leah sat down with Brandon Reisdorf, a former church member who suffers from bipolar disorder. At the time of their interview, Brandon was in psychiatric care but his family agreed to let him tell his story. While Brandon said he's doing much better now that he's in the care of actual doctors, he detailed his horrific time in the church. After one of his mental breakdowns, the church decided to give him an "introspection rundown," or what they think is the cure for mental illness. It involves locking the person in a room until their "episode" passes, which they think means their body is rid of the illness for good. Scientologists are also well-known for hating psychology and thinking you can treat mental illness with vitamins and intense auditing sessions (as seen in this infamous Tom Cruise interview with Matt Lauer).
J.K. Rowling Just Gave Piers Morgan a Huge Valentine's Day BURN on Twitter
We knew that J.K. Rowling was magical even before the days of social media, but she is truly the brightest witch of any age on Twitter. Following a weekend-long tweet feud with controversial TV personality Piers Morgan, the Harry Potter author gave Morgan the Valentine's Day gift of a self-burn by laying an impressive Twitter trap for him. Somebody call Madam Pomfrey, because we think he'll need the hospital wing after this!
It all started with Rowling screengrabbing a flattering excerpt written about her by Morgan in a 2010 Daily Mail piece about "100 British celebrities who really matter." (Already priceless, right?) She facetiously asked who the author was so she could thank him, and let's suffice it to say that Morgan took the bait.
Just been sent this! Could the writer let me know who he is? I'd love to thank him! #Valentines http://pic.twitter.com/OQtbxPD6AL
- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 14, 2017
Priceless #humblebrag BS. Nobody plays the celebrity game more abusively or ruthlessly than you, Ms 'Intensely Private Billionaire'. https://t.co/5ysnfefa3d
- Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 14, 2017
After Morgan insulted Rowling, clearly not recognizing the complimentary writing as his own, the internet was quick to point out his mistake.
Now this is how you peacefully troll someone, it's from a Piers Morgan article from 2010 https://t.co/9oPhZRQh9z h/t @BestoftheMail https://t.co/F32rLkEX7y
- Ian Morris (@IanMorris78) February 14, 2017
Which, of course, caused Morgan to backpedal faster than a caffeine-hyped unicyclist.
Relax, quarter-wit, I knew what it was. Just surprised I put her as high as 97th. https://t.co/HCzx4Ius4E
- Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 14, 2017
Rowling's masterful burn was so severe, even Lucius Malfoy actor Jason Isaacs couldn't help weighing in . . .
Exposum jerkofficus maximus!!!
Wand drop.@jk_rowling @piersmorgan https://t.co/NFt5k0li1v- Jason Isaacs (@jasonsfolly) February 14, 2017
Wand drop indeed. You go, J.K. Rowling!
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Cook Bacon
If you believe that bacon is one of the world's greatest treasures, you're going to want to keep reading. While you obviously know how to make bacon (either in a skillet or in the oven), you might not realize how many other cooking methods there are that can make it even more delicious. Allow us to offer you some bacon-making inspiration from some of our favorite celebrity chefs, from brining to glazing and more. You might just find your new go-to breakfast recipe.
Ina Garten: Oven Roasted
Sometimes Ina Garten, Food Network queen, goes for simplicity over complexity, as evidenced by her oven-roasted bacon recipe. That five-star rating doesn't lie, either. If you've got store-bought applewood smoked bacon, you're just a simple technique away from perfectly crispy bacon.
Michael Symon: From Scratch
Chef Michael Symon doesn't mess around when it comes to bacon. His homemade bacon recipe starts with five pounds of skin-on pork belly, which is then coated in a spice rub and refrigerated for up to 10 days. While that seems like a lot of work, it's worth the effort if you love bacon. One commenter wrote, "This recipe rocks! It was well worth the 10 day wait. I followed it to a T and it was delicious. Better than the bacon I get from the butcher." If you've ever wanted to attempt entirely scratch-made bacon, this recipe is a keeper.
Alex Guarnaschelli: Candied
If your idea of good bacon involves sweet, salty, and sticky, you need Alex Guarnaschelli's candied bacon recipe. Thanks to a coating of finely ground black pepper and light brown sugar, the slow-roasted bacon develops a saucy coating that's finger-licking good.
Alton Brown: Brined For 3 Days
With a brine made of sugar, salt, molasses, and apple cider, Alton marinates raw pork belly for three days to achieve his Iron Chef's bacon results. Once the meat is ready, Alton's tip for baking the bacon in the oven is to line the pan with paper towels to soak up the fat and prevent smoking.
Bobby Flay: Maple-Dijon Glazed
Bobby Flay's maple-dijon- and black-pepper-glazed bacon is next level. By combining the flavors of maple syrup, dijon mustard, and smoked bacon, you'll get a sweet-salty-tangy bite that's hard to resist.
Sculpt Muscles Faster With These Essential Strength-Training Tips
Your busy schedule hardly allows for time to exercise, so when you steal away for an hour, you want to make that workout count. If a toned physique is your goal, here are essential strength-training tips for quickly achieving the sculpted muscles you desire.
Sculpt Muscles Faster With These Essential Strength-Training Tips
Your busy schedule hardly allows for time to exercise, so when you steal away for an hour, you want to make that workout count. If a toned physique is your goal, here are essential strength-training tips for quickly achieving the sculpted muscles you desire.
6 Things We Already Know About The Vampire Diaries Series Finale
The end is near, you guys. In less than one month, we will have to say goodbye to The Vampire Diaries - forever. There are still a few episodes left of the eighth and final season, but the cast is done filming the series finale. Even though it will be hard to let go (who can forget all those shocking moments and sad songs?), we can't help but feel a little excited for the final chapter. If you're curious about what's to come, keep scrolling for everything we know about the last episode of TVD.
The Title
The series finale is titled, "I Was Feeling Epic," Lexi's famous line during episode eight, season one. Seeing that she was actually giving advice to Stefan about his love for Elena, we're wondering if that means Stelena could be the end game.
Who Will Be in It?
Nina Dobrev's character, Elena, has been showing up in flashbacks this season, but now the actress, who famously left the show after season six, confirmed that she's officially returning for the finale! She did make a promise to Julie Plec to come back and be part of the goodbye, after all. While it's safe to assume that the rest of the season eight cast will appear, Plec also teased that we will see even more returning faces from past seasons. In fact, David Anders, who played Uncle John on the series, recently teased his return by tweeting that he's heading to Atlanta where the show films.
There Might Be Another Flash Forward
Seeing that Kai put Elena into a potential 60-plus year slumber by linking her life to Bonnie's, the return of Dobrev could mean a time jump. Of course, that's assuming she actually returns as Elena and not Katherine!
Caroline and Stefan Could Get Married
Even though Caroline and Stefan are facing some difficulties this season (she basically calls off their engagement because of his ripper ways), Steroline fans should still hold out hope. When we sat down with Plec during Comic-Con, she sounded pretty optimistic that the two would get their June wedding by the end of the season. As fans recall, in the first episode of the series, Caroline told Bonnie that she and Stefan (whom she had just met) were planning a June wedding.
Someone Will Die
Entertainment Weekly broke the terrible news that one of the main characters will die in the finale. We know Elena survives (they say she's the one saying goodbye in the cemetery), but who is in the grave?
The Air Date
You can catch all the madness when it airs on March 10.
37 Necessary Gifts For Moms Who Love Wine
Whether you're a mom who could use a drink or you know a fellow mama who would Rosé all day if she could, there are a lot of wine fans in the motherhood club. This holiday season, treat a hardworking mama not only with a gift that honors all that she does but also one that is a tribute to her love of mommy juice. From stemless wine glasses perfect for a mommy timeout to gifts that get the desire to wine when they whine, these are the perfect presents for every wine-loving parent.
7 Things You Never Knew Your Grapefruit Spoon Could Do
When most people think of a grapefruit spoon, their very first thought might be, "What's a grapefruit spoon?" It's certainly not your average kitchen tool, and you won't easily find it in the kitchen aisle at most general department stores alongside the can openers and spatulas. (Indeed, I had to venture to a specialty store to purchase mine.) That's because the grapefruit spoon, as handy and effective as it is in its namesake purpose of scooping out grapefruit flesh, is generally considered a bit of a luxury item that many people might not even think to own. Scooping out a grapefruit with a regular spoon is not an insurmountable task, after all.
However, there's an even better-kept secret about the grapefruit spoon than the spoon itself: it's impressively versatile and multipurpose. Think about it: grapefruits are hardly the only foods that need scooping. Plus, the serrated edges of the grapefruit spoon make it quite the formidable scraper, too. If more people knew of all the different tasks the grapefruit spoon could tackle, it might very well become a household item one day (move over, vegetable peeler).
Here are seven hacks to try with the highly underrated grapefruit spoon.
Blue Ivy May Only Be 5, but You Can Already Count On Her to Steal the Show
Little miss Blue Ivy Carter had one hell of a night at Sunday's Grammys. Not only did she make her presence known during James Corden's star-studded Carpool Karaoke session, but she managed to steal the show all from the comfort of her seat. Because of her adorable antics and undeniable cuteness, Blue has given us several memorable moments to obsess over throughout the past few years. Today, we're taking a walk down memory lane and looking back at Blue's best award show moments.
Blue Ivy May Only Be 5, but You Can Already Count On Her to Steal the Show
Little miss Blue Ivy Carter had one hell of a night at Sunday's Grammys. Not only did she make her presence known during James Corden's star-studded Carpool Karaoke session, but she managed to steal the show all from the comfort of her seat. Because of her adorable antics and undeniable cuteness, Blue has given us several memorable moments to obsess over throughout the past few years. Today, we're taking a walk down memory lane and looking back at Blue's best award show moments.
Selena Gomez Brings Out Her Best Style Every Time It's Time For an Oscars Party
Selena Gomez hasn't yet attended the Oscars, but she never misses the afterparty. The star has stolen the show at Vanity Fair's annual post-Academy Awards bash with her impeccable style from her first appearance in Dolce & Gabbana in 2011 - and that's saying a lot considering most winners and nominees beeline to the party as soon as the ceremony is over.
The "Hands to Myself" singer didn't disappoint when she appeared on the red carpet for 2016's affair at the Wallis Annenberg Center For the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills either, in a Louis Vuitton metallic gown and sultry eye makeup. Take a look at that dress and more by looking through, and get excited for Selena's 2017 look.
Before La La Land, Ryan Gosling Got an Oscar Nomination For 1 Other Movie
The 2017 Oscar nominations were announced in January, and Ryan Gosling is among the insanely talented group of men up for best actor for his role in La La Land. The enchanting film also scored a whopping 14 nominations in total, including best picture, best director for Damien Chazelle, and best actress for Emma Stone. But while we are already looking forward to seeing Gosling at this year's show (and crossing our fingers that he brings Eva Mendes as his date), this won't be the actor's first Oscars rodeo. The actor was actually nominated for best actor in 2007 for his role in Half Nelson, which is about a well-liked high school teacher with a drug problem. He lost out to Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland, but since he already won the Golden Globe this year for La La Land, this could very well be his year.
10 Breakfast Staples I Always Have as a 20-Something on a Budget
"Breakfast," "busy," and "budget" are three Bs that never coexisted for me until I figured out a grocery list and a routine that worked for me. As a 20-something with a desk job in a big city, I far too easily succumb to the habit of not making homemade breakfast a priority and instead buy too many pricey coffees and prepackaged breakfasts on my way into the office. But I've learned that as soon as you break the habit, you realize how doable it really is to have a filling breakfast at home - you just have to plan the right way.
For me, that means nailing down a grocery list and making prep a priority over the weekend. Armed with the following budget-friendly staples, I manage to make it through the workweek with homemade breakfasts that fill me up and barely make a dent in my wallet - besides the Friday morning mochas, because treating yourself tastes even better when you've earned it.
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.
38 Timeless Photos of Moms Breastfeeding Their Children at Every Stage
There's a good reason the hashtags #Brelfies and #NormalizeBreastfeeding are trending - mothers are fighting for the right to share their breastfeeding photos on social media in hopes of making the topic more mainstream and less taboo. Even celebrity moms have joined in on the heated discussion. Gisele Bündchen was not shy when she shared the famous snap of her nursing baby Vivian, while Olivia Wilde took a stance on the breastfeeding topic by gracing the pages of Glamour with her son, Otis, nursing.
After all, nursing is a natural act between Mama and baby. Whether you decide to breastfeed your child for six months or two years, the sweet moments deserve to be celebrated. Ahead, photographers captured the intimate connections of mothers nursing their children, from newborns to toddlers.
Read on to see all the stunning images at every stage of the process and see moms who pulled double-duty by breastfeeding two kids at once.
Millie Bobby Brown Just Signed With Gigi and Bella Hadid's Modeling Agency
I knew it the moment I saw her walk onto the scene at Jimmy Fallon, decked out in a Burberry ensemble I wanted for myself: Millie Bobby Brown's about to take over the fashion world. Of course, it all started with her success on the new Netflix series Stranger Things. Millie proved she's got serious acting skills, and plenty of red carpet appearances followed.
She chose a tulle embroidered Red Valentino dress for the 2016 Emmys, a custom Armani number for the 2017 SAG Awards, and she's already sported the cool combination of a ballgown and sneakers. To add to her style résumé, the 12-year-old starred in a Calvin Klein campaign and signed with IMG models - the same agency that represents Gigi and Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Ashley Graham, and Joan Smalls.
Though Millie won't grace the runway just yet, we predict it won't be long before you start seeing her in ads everywhere. After all, her love for clothes and accessories runs deep, and we've got all the proof you need. Read on to see why she's already making major waves in the industry and follow her to keep tabs on where she heads next - and of course, what she's wearing.
20 Remarkable Memoirs by Black Celebrities
Whether an actor, singer, athlete, writer, or comedian, there exist the same undeniable requirements for success - hard work, dedication, persistence, and belief in yourself. However, in the face of adversity, these ideals are hard to hold on to. Being black in America (especially before the Civil Rights Movement, but also today) presents its own set of challenges in addition to the difficulties of standing out and proving your talent to the world. Fortunately, there are many celebrities who have shown that whatever your race, it's possible to break molds, shatter barriers, fight for what you want, and win it! Check out the top 20 memoirs by African-American celebrities that not only detail how they achieved their dreams, but which will inspire you to do the same.
49 of the Most Iconic Celebrity Couples of the '90s
Sure, the 2000s gave us high-profile pairs like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and of course, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez - but there really was no better time to follow iconic celebrity couples than the '90s. From Brad and Gwyneth to Bruce and Demi, scroll through for a romantic walk down memory lane. Winona forever!
These Victoria Justice Looks Show She's Not Afraid to Take a Fashion Risk
It was 2005 when Victoria Justice first came into our lives as part of Nickelodeon's Zoey 101, but we feel like it wasn't until 10 years later that we really got to know the Puerto-Rican-American actress. We discovered that she's a lip-syncing master, a big fan of Amy Winehouse, the holder of a supersexy bikini body, all of us on Snapchat, and a boss-like fashion adventurer.
There's not a print or funky-shaped outfit that Victoria would say no to; there's not a cutout that could be misplaced or a jumpsuit too eclectic or risky. If it's fun and loud and never been worn on the red carpet before, Victoria is game! Keep scrolling to see all the times she shocked us with her look in the past couple of years, and then check out her Hollywood evolution.
You'll Want Every Single One of J.Crew's Fall '17 Looks in Your Closet
If there's one expectation from a J.Crew presentation, it's that you'll always leave the event smiling. For its Fall 2017 collection, the brand brought back "friends" ages 9 to 67 instead of traditional models to help showcase 62 looks (34 women's and 28 men's). There was denim on denim, tulle meets tartan, camo print and satin, and other style mash-ups that made us go, "Why didn't we think of this??" As we examined each outfit, it reminded us why we love J.Crew in the first place: there was something for everyone. "Our clothes. Your style." said the show notes from Creative Director and President Jenna Lyons.
Diversity also wasn't the only thing J.Crew brought back for Fall. A glance around the room revealed the brand had reimagined its heritage favorites, such as rugby shirts and critter pants, transforming past looks to fit the present. These vintage styles, which will be part of the brand's capsule collection next year, simply screamed, "old school is still cool." J.Crew once again has given us not only plenty of outfit inspo, but an overwhelming desire to shop the collection immediately.
20 Remarkable Memoirs by Black Celebrities
Whether an actor, singer, athlete, writer, or comedian, there exist the same undeniable requirements for success - hard work, dedication, persistence, and belief in yourself. However, in the face of adversity, these ideals are hard to hold on to. Being black in America (especially before the Civil Rights Movement, but also today) presents its own set of challenges in addition to the difficulties of standing out and proving your talent to the world. Fortunately, there are many celebrities who have shown that whatever your race, it's possible to break molds, shatter barriers, fight for what you want, and win it! Check out the top 20 memoirs by African-American celebrities that not only detail how they achieved their dreams, but which will inspire you to do the same.
49 of the Most Iconic Celebrity Couples of the '90s
Sure, the 2000s gave us high-profile pairs like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and of course, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez - but there really was no better time to follow iconic celebrity couples than the '90s. From Brad and Gwyneth to Bruce and Demi, scroll through for a romantic walk down memory lane. Winona forever!
28 Beauty Street Style Photos That Will Make You Want to Get Glam in the Dead of Winter
As a native New Yorker, I can attest that getting dressed up, doing my hair, and putting on makeup in the dead of Winter is a struggle. But the women who attended New York Fashion Week Fall 2017 during February's brutal snow, rain, and wind storms battled the elements beautifully.
Show-goers hit the streets and tents with model-off-duty wavy, textured, rainbow-colored manes, bold lipstick choices, and enviable fresh skin. Keep reading to see some of our favorite looks. And you may notice some famous faces, including Emma Roberts, Drew Barrymore, and others!
12 Books to Read If You Loved Hidden Figures
Based on Margot Lee Shetterly's book of the same name, the award-winning film Hidden Figures tells the untold true story of three African-American women who, using their mathematical abilities and scientific prowess, became instrumental in the first manned orbit of the Earth. They not only helped to propel the Space Age into further success, but their work at NASA was also groundbreaking for women in science and people of color. Like these three women, there are many unsung heroes who paved the way for others today, and their stories will no longer go untold. Check out the list below of a dozen books you should read if you loved Hidden Figures.
Vanessa Hudgens's Swimsuit Has a Sexy Detail You Shouldn't Miss
Vanessa Hudgens is on vacation in Mexico, posing in a beige one-piece with a straw hat and a drink in hand. At first glance, the suit blends perfectly with the sandy beach, which is why we almost missed the sexy low-cut side detail.
This subtle yet sultry swimsuit style was popular over the Summer, spotted on celebrities like Shay Mitchell and Bella Hadid. Judging from Vanessa's snap, the style won't fade out for 2017. In fact, we're obsessed with this particular one-piece and even found similar options to shop below.
This Weight-Loss Eating Plan Involves Eating Carbs!
Carbs just may be your soulmate, but you've sworn off your true love for the sake of weight loss, and it stinks. You miss pasta and bread so much, it truly aches in your heart! Although cutting carbs completely will help you lose weight, as soon as you introduce them back into your diet, you'll gain the weight back.
Certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD of Whole Health Nutrition recommends that you do eat carbs if you're trying to slim down - just make sure they're complex carbs like oats, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and lentils.
Aim for three servings a day of whole grains, one to two of fruit, and one to two of legumes. Here is a loose idea of a healthy meal plan that includes about five total servings of complex carbs per day.
Breakfast: 1/2 cup oats with walnuts and chia seeds
Snack: Greek yogurt with 2/3 cup fresh berries
Lunch: 1 cup quinoa and black bean salad with mixed greens
Snack: 1/4 cup nuts with 1 apple
Dinner: 4 oz. protein (chicken/fish), 2 cups non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, green beans), 1/2 cup sweet potato, whole grain pasta, or brown rice
So while pizza and cookies may not be part of this daily meal plan, hopefully enjoying complex carbs like oatmeal and sweet potatoes will satisfy your carb cravings.
This Math Problem Will Make You Lose Your Mind
Math, even in its simplest form, can confuse the hell out of anyone, which is why this math problem is driving people crazy.
The question, posed by popular YouTube account MindYourDecisions, was originally posted on Aug. 31, 2016 but is making the rounds across the internet again. Why? People keep arriving to two different answers: 1 and 9.
To solve the problem, you need to remember PEMDAS, otherwise known as the order of operations. In case you forgot, PEMDAS standards for: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. To solve a problem with PEMDAS, first you solve anything dealing with parentheses and exponents, and then move left to right with the remaining operations. Try it for yourself below.
Ready with your answer? Perhaps you did the following: 6/2(3) leads to (3)(3) with a final answer of 9. Others did something else: 6/2(3) gives you the next equation, 6/6, and an answer of 1. The correct answer: 9! According to the man behind this YouTube account, Presh Talwalkar, people get one as the answer due to an old way of interpreting the division sign. "Historically the symbol / was used to mean you should divide by the entire product on the right of the symbol," he wrote in a blog post. So, if you got 1 as your answer, it's not right, but not you're fault either for learning this method.
This Weight-Loss Eating Plan Involves Eating Carbs!
Carbs just may be your soulmate, but you've sworn off your true love for the sake of weight loss, and it stinks. You miss pasta and bread so much, it truly aches in your heart! Although cutting carbs completely will help you lose weight, as soon as you introduce them back into your diet, you'll gain the weight back.
Certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD of Whole Health Nutrition recommends that you do eat carbs if you're trying to slim down - just make sure they're complex carbs like oats, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and lentils.
Aim for three servings a day of whole grains, one to two of fruit, and one to two of legumes. Here is a loose idea of a healthy meal plan that includes about five total servings of complex carbs per day.
Breakfast: 1/2 cup oats with walnuts and chia seeds
Snack: Greek yogurt with 2/3 cup fresh berries
Lunch: 1 cup quinoa and black bean salad with mixed greens
Snack: 1/4 cup nuts with 1 apple
Dinner: 4 oz. protein (chicken/fish), 2 cups non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, green beans), 1/2 cup sweet potato, whole grain pasta, or brown rice
So while pizza and cookies may not be part of this daily meal plan, hopefully enjoying complex carbs like oatmeal and sweet potatoes will satisfy your carb cravings.
The 3 Toxic Moms You Need to Cut Out of Your Life
Since having my daughter almost six years ago, I've been lucky to have a lot of mom friends. Not only did about a dozen of my close friends from college have their first children within a year of me, but I've been introduced to a whole new crop of girl buddies through my daughter (who knew kids made such great wingmen?!). The truth is, I think we all need a lot of mommy friends, because each friendship provides a different kind of support.
There's the friend I always call when I'm having the worst day ever because I know she gets it, won't judge me, and will tell me a funny story about how awful her own kids are being to make me feel better. There's the mom whose friendship has become even more precious because our husbands and children love each other as much as we do, making impromptu pizza nights easy and awesome. And there's the friend who radiates so much positivity about her family that it inspires me to cherish my own more - even on days when I'm ready to sell them all to the highest bidder (or really any bidder at all).
Unfortunately, not all my mom friendships have been as magical. There have also been ones that I invested time and energy into that just never clicked, ones where I felt a weird sense of unhealthy competitiveness, and ones where I realized that a premotherhood friend's crazy antics weren't that entertaining anymore. And those friends? Well, it was time to say see ya' later (or not).
If you have a friend who falls into one of the categories below, it's time to, at the least, reevaluate your friendship and, more likely, cut your relationship off.
The Judger
This friend has something to say about everything you do, making subtle jabs or offering direct insults every time you see her. Her 1-year-old daughter's already speaking in complete sentences, but she's sure yours will just be fine, eventually, but if not, she has the number for a great speech therapist. She would never allow her kids to eat in the car, wear seasonally inappropriate clothing outside the house, or skip a day of school for a vacation, but "that's just her." While you know her perfect house, immaculately dressed children, and dreamy relationship with her spouse are probably half lies and half compensating for the deep sadness in her soul, you don't need that judge-y bullsh*t. Time to move on.
The Taker
She's always up for a playdate (at your house), for a girl's night out (she called your favorite sitter first), and for signing up your kids for a class together (you'll register and pay for hers, right? She'll get you back, if she remembers this time), and you're getting sick of feeling like you're parenting your kids and hers, too. Let's call this mom the "taker" because your friendship is all about what she can get out of you. Next time she calls to ask if her kid can come over for a four-hour play date while she gets a massage, just say "no."
The Flaker
Life is busy, kids' schedules are crazy, and sh*t happens. We get it. But when you literally put a question mark by every plan you make with her, knowing that the odds of it actually happening are slim to none, what's the point? Moms have so little time to invest in friendships, and if this flake can't ever follow through, it's time to move your energy to a mom friend who will.
2017: The Year of Unfair Wins
Image Source: Getty / Christopher Polk
Aren't we used to this feeling by now?
I've been asking myself and my like-minded friends this question a lot lately, and it came up again on Sunday night, when Adele was called to the Grammys stage one final time, for her album 25's win for album of the year. Obviously, Adele is incredible, but even Adele was flabbergasted by the fact that Beyoncé's Lemonade - a history-making, multimedia, cultural touchstone of 2016 - didn't win. "What the f*ck does she have to do to win album of the year?" Adele herself asked in the press room, just after her win.
We don't need to have the conversation of which album was "better" or who's the more talented between two of the most talented women of our generation, because we're looking at the bigger picture. When you look at the history of album of the year, there's a clear disconnect happening with the Recording Academy, and a conversation about race that can't be ignored. Regardless of how you feel about that assertion, if you were one of the millions of Lemonade fans, one thing is certain: Beyoncé was robbed.
Which brings me back to my question: aren't we used to this feeling by now?
Nov. 8, 2016, was the first time it happened. The heartbreak that voters felt over Hillary Clinton's loss to Donald Trump was profound for a country that would be retiring its first black president. Like the glass ceiling that didn't get shattered by Clinton's would-be victory, learning that arrogant white billionaire Trump would be the 45th president made us feel like we were stuck in suspended animation. Or worse, going backward. Up was down. Wrong was right. The lesson trumpeted out was that you could work the hardest, do everything the right way, and still, you'd lose.
Image Source: Getty / Justin Sullivan
In the political realm, the series of losses has piled up: Trump was officially confirmed by the electoral college in December. Betsy DeVos was confirmed as secretary of education. Jeff Sessions was confirmed as attorney general. And it wasn't like we've all been helplessly watching. We voted. We donated to causes that needed it. We participated in marches, wrote postcards, called our elected officials - and the sense that people would do the right thing on our behalf slipped away as the headlines confirmed the worst.
In its wake, the pop culture of 2017 has been following a similar downward spiral, and the Grammys weren't the beginning of it. The Super Bowl became more than the two best football teams in the country competing against each other. Again, the sides of right and wrong seemed to rise up again as the vitriol toward Tom Brady and the Patriots morphed their potential win into a black mark on the year. Brady, seen as a cheater since the notorious Deflategate (and, incidentally, he's actually friends with Trump), represented the white, privileged brat who flouted the rules. Race also infiltrated the divide, as Saturday Night Live's Michael Che joked about it on Weekend Update the night before: "I just want to relax, turn my brain off, and watch the blackest city in America beat the most racist city I've ever been to." Of course, the Patriots won after the Falcons whiffed a 28-3 point lead. Like the Adele/Beyoncé talent debate, the emotional response overtook the logical argument of who played better. That defeated feeling was back, and then it returned two Sundays later for the Grammys.
Image Source: Getty / Timothy A. Clary
It's not nearly over, either; in the pop culture world, we still have the Oscars to look forward to, and Casey Affleck is probably going to win the best actor Oscar despite the allegations of sexual assault, despite the outrage, despite another award season hopeful whose Oscar chances were dashed long ago due to similar circumstances.
It's also far from over politically, too, which we painfully remember each time someone reminds us of Trump's four-year term. But even if we can't change things there now, it would be nice to see some progress at the award shows that reflect the art of our time, if they could strive to be on the right side of history. All anyone has to do to take part in the positive change is to start paying attention to these conversations and what's behind them. Like Frank Ocean memorably advised in his pre-Grammys takedown: "Use the old gramophone to actually listen, bro."
2017: The Year of Unfair Wins
Image Source: Getty / Christopher Polk
Aren't we used to this feeling by now?
I've been asking myself and my like-minded friends this question a lot lately, and it came up again on Sunday night, when Adele was called to the Grammys stage one final time, for her album 25's win for album of the year. Obviously, Adele is incredible, but even Adele was flabbergasted by the fact that Beyoncé's Lemonade - a history-making, multimedia, cultural touchstone of 2016 - didn't win. "What the f*ck does she have to do to win album of the year?" Adele herself asked in the press room, just after her win.
We don't need to have the conversation of which album was "better" or who's the more talented between two of the most talented women of our generation, because we're looking at the bigger picture. When you look at the history of album of the year, there's a clear disconnect happening with the Recording Academy, and a conversation about race that can't be ignored. Regardless of how you feel about that assertion, if you were one of the millions of Lemonade fans, one thing is certain: Beyoncé was robbed.
Which brings me back to my question: aren't we used to this feeling by now?
Nov. 8, 2016, was the first time it happened. The heartbreak that voters felt over Hillary Clinton's loss to Donald Trump was profound for a country that would be retiring its first black president. Like the glass ceiling that didn't get shattered by Clinton's would-be victory, learning that arrogant white billionaire Trump would be the 45th president made us feel like we were stuck in suspended animation. Or worse, going backward. Up was down. Wrong was right. The lesson trumpeted out was that you could work the hardest, do everything the right way, and still, you'd lose.
Image Source: Getty / Justin Sullivan
In the political realm, the series of losses has piled up: Trump was officially confirmed by the electoral college in December. Betsy DeVos was confirmed as secretary of education. Jeff Sessions was confirmed as attorney general. And it wasn't like we've all been helplessly watching. We voted. We donated to causes that needed it. We participated in marches, wrote postcards, called our elected officials - and the sense that people would do the right thing on our behalf slipped away as the headlines confirmed the worst.
In its wake, the pop culture of 2017 has been following a similar downward spiral, and the Grammys weren't the beginning of it. The Super Bowl became more than the two best football teams in the country competing against each other. Again, the sides of right and wrong seemed to rise up again as the vitriol toward Tom Brady and the Patriots morphed their potential win into a black mark on the year. Brady, seen as a cheater since the notorious Deflategate (and, incidentally, he's actually friends with Trump), represented the white, privileged brat who flouted the rules. Race also infiltrated the divide, as Saturday Night Live's Michael Che joked about it on Weekend Update the night before: "I just want to relax, turn my brain off, and watch the blackest city in America beat the most racist city I've ever been to." Of course, the Patriots won after the Falcons whiffed a 28-3 point lead. Like the Adele/Beyoncé talent debate, the emotional response overtook the logical argument of who played better. That defeated feeling was back, and then it returned two Sundays later for the Grammys.
Image Source: Getty / Timothy A. Clary
It's not nearly over, either; in the pop culture world, we still have the Oscars to look forward to, and Casey Affleck is probably going to win the best actor Oscar despite the allegations of sexual assault, despite the outrage, despite another award season hopeful whose Oscar chances were dashed long ago due to similar circumstances.
It's also far from over politically, too, which we painfully remember each time someone reminds us of Trump's four-year term. But even if we can't change things there now, it would be nice to see some progress at the award shows that reflect the art of our time, if they could strive to be on the right side of history. All anyone has to do to take part in the positive change is to start paying attention to these conversations and what's behind them. Like Frank Ocean memorably advised in his pre-Grammys takedown: "Use the old gramophone to actually listen, bro."
Starbucks Can Officially Call Itself an Ice Cream Shop in These Locations
Starbucks has officially added ice cream to its menu in some locations, at least. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery, which is based in Seattle, is expanding its affogato menu to new locations in the US. The menu, which is full of Italian-inspired beverages and floats made with ice cream and espresso, was announced last year but is expanding to 10 upscale Reserve bar locations in LA, Boston, and Washington DC, Business Insider reports. The prices for the affogato items range from $6 to $9, but Starbucks is also rolling out a cheaper affogato menu at 100 regular Starbucks stores in Orange County, CA.
Curious about what's on the menu? Here's what's available. The rest of us will just have to settle for Starbucks affogato-style Frappuccinos, which aren't made with ice cream but are close enough to satisfy our cravings.
Affogato: "A trio of beverages celebrating the classic Italian dessert. The Classic Affogato is made with two shots of Starbucks Reserve espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream, resulting in the drowning creaminess of the ice cream in rich espresso. The House Affogato adds a touch of demerera syrup and a dusting of cinnamon, while the Shakerato Affogato is made with Reserve espresso shots shaken to an icy froth, poured over ice cream, lightly finished with vanilla syrup and a mint sprig."
Cold Brew Float: "Starbucks Roastery's small-lot Cold Brew poured over ice cream. This is also available with Nitro Cold Brew. The Float menu will also include a seasonal specialty, the Vesuvius, which combines Cold Brew shaken with orange peel, orange-piloncillo syrup and ice. Named after Mount Vesuvius in Italy, when the Cold Brew is strained over the ice cream, it's reminiscent of a subtle volcanic eruption, then finished off with a dusting of mocha powder and an orange twist."
Cold Brew Malted Shake: "A nostalgic nod to the corner malt shop, Starbucks Roastery's Cold Brew is spindle-blended with ice cream, malt, and bourbon barrel-aged bitters."
Sizzle the Calories Away With This Dance-Party Workout
Is this a dance party or a workout? You tell us, but when it comes to torching major calories, we're partial to dance cardio. Join us for this 45-minute workout from Simone De La Rue, creator of Body by Simone - the hottest workout in Hollywood. If you're not in the mood to jump, we provide low-impact modifications through the entire workout. Put on your dancing shoes, press play, and get ready to get down.
On Anna: Alo Yoga, Onzie, and APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs)
On Simone and Dancers: Jonathan Simkhai X Carbon38 and Body by Simone Newton Shoes
Sizzle the Calories Away With This Dance-Party Workout
Is this a dance party or a workout? You tell us, but when it comes to torching major calories, we're partial to dance cardio. Join us for this 45-minute workout from Simone De La Rue, creator of Body by Simone - the hottest workout in Hollywood. If you're not in the mood to jump, we provide low-impact modifications through the entire workout. Put on your dancing shoes, press play, and get ready to get down.
On Anna: Alo Yoga, Onzie, and APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs)
On Simone and Dancers: Jonathan Simkhai X Carbon38 and Body by Simone Newton Shoes
The Story of Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak May Be WAY Darker Than We Thought
For many Harry Potter fans, one of the most iconic parts of the entire series is the "Tale of the 3 Brothers," a supposed legend from The Tales of Beedle the Bard that has very real implications for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The tale of Cadmus, Ignotus, and Antioch Peverell's quest to defy death turns out to be real, inspiring Lord Voldemort to seek out their famed possessions: three gifts from Death called the Deathly Hallows. Luckily for Harry, he already owns one (the invisibility cloak) as a distant descendant of the Peverell clan.
As intriguing as the story is, one Reddit user's dark theory about the Deathly Hallows adds another element of mystery to the Peverell legend.
The theory - which purports that perhaps the three brothers were necromancers summoning the dead - establishes the idea that the three hallows are bits of Death's own arsenal, intended to curse the men who strove to bridge the gap between life and death. The Elder Wand is a bit of Death itself, which can summon immediate death through the killing curse. The Resurrection Stone is part of the arch that holds the veil of Death. And the Cloak of Invisibility is a bit of the veil itself, the gateway through which the dead pass. Sound familiar?
Harry himself sees this archway of death with his own eyes, theorizes the Redditor, in the Department of Mysteries during Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He hears the whispers of the dead through the arch and witnesses his godfather Sirius pass from the side of the living over to the side of the dead. His possession of the invisibility cloak could explain why he is able to hear these whispers at all and why he is so intently drawn to the Veil of Death during his time in the Department of Mysteries. If he truly bridges the gap between life and death, it means that Harry isn't fully alive.
What do you think about this theory? Could Harry's ownership of the cloak mean that he bridges the gap between death and life? Let us know in the comments!
You Have to See How Dreamy Kylie Jenner Looks With Creamsicle Hair
We knew that Kylie Jenner would find a way to make the grand opening of her NYC pop-up shop special, and she didn't disappoint: she marked the occasion by dramatically switching up her strands.
Just hours after being seen with a wet-look bob, Kylie welcomed fans into her store wearing a long, pastel peach wig. Followers of the makeup mogul know that this is a hue she has definitely tried out before. For Coachella in 2016, she wore a very similar style that featured dark roots.
We're not surprised to see that Kylie has cycled this shade back into her wig rotation. The pale orange is a lighter iteration of the blorange color trend, which many celebrities - including Georgia May Jagger and Lady Gaga - have tested out recently. Considering how easy it is to achieve with a wig, it makes sense that Kylie's trying it, too. Plus, we're big fans of how this shade looks with her bold brows! Read on to see more shots of the dreamy color.
The 6 Biggest Differences Between the Big Little Lies Novel and TV Show
When news broke that HBO was taking the reins in adapting Liane Moriarty's beloved mystery novel Big Little Lies, many wondered how the resulting miniseries might turn out - would the casting be on point? Would it still take place in Australia? Would the story still end with a shocking, twisted death? After watching the first handful of episodes (provided to the press by HBO), we can confirm that the show is not only exceptionally entertaining, but mostly faithful to the book. There are some key differences, though, which range from fairly minor to pretty major. Check them out below, and watch the show when it premieres on Feb. 19.
1. It's no longer set in Australia.
Perhaps the biggest difference is that Big Little Lies has been uprooted from the small, coastal Australian town of Pirriwee to posh Monterey, CA, though the core story is still the same: Jane Chapman (Shailene Woodley) moves there with her son, Ziggy, from Santa Cruz to start a new life. Monterey is also a seaside town, and each episode is full of gorgeous ocean shots and lush, green and blue tones. Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman) might have been the only one with real wealth in the book, but in the TV show, everyone who lives in Monterey (with the exception of Jane) also seems to have boatloads of money, which you can't miss thanks to the reels and reels of house-porn footage we're treated to in each episode (seriously - everyone who lives there has an oceanfront mansion?!).
2. Pirriwee Public gets an update.
Pirriwee Public is the school at the root of all of the events that go down in the novel, but in the show, it's Otter Bay Public. Don't worry, though, because there's still just as much (if not more) drama between the kindergarten parents and teachers at the ritzy public school to keep you entertained. The only big thing to note is that the vicious "Blond Bobs" (a group of rude, gossipy kindergarten mothers with matching haircuts) didn't make it into the show (Harper is still there to cause trouble, only she does it with long, brown hair).
3. Madeline doesn't have a son.
Incredibly girlie and dramatic, Madeline Martha Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon) makes for one of the book's most interesting main characters. She's married to Ed (played by Adam Scott in the miniseries), and on top of her daughters, Chloe and Abigail, she also has a mischievous son named Fred. Unfortunately for him, his character doesn't exist in the miniseries.
4. Fringe characters in the book are more fleshed out.
Renata Klein is a high-powered career woman and mother of a little girl in Ziggy's kindergarten class at Pirriwee Public and also Madeline's main nemesis throughout the book. We only ever view her through the eyes of the book's main three characters - Jane, Madeline, and Celeste - but she gets a big makeover in the show. Laura Dern plays her, and she's a major character with her own backstory and scenes that make her a much more sympathetic figure, cluing us into her motivations and family life. Ed, Nathan (Madeline's ex-husband, played by Revenge's James Tupper), and Bonnie (Nathan's chill, yogi wife, played by Zoë Kravitz) also get more time in the spotlight. This works to varying effect, since you might find yourself itching to get back to the main drama surrounding Jane, Madeline, and Celeste in the scenes focusing on the others. Overall, it gives us a much more well-rounded set of characters.
5. Madeline's job with the community theater is a big part of the show.
In the novel, Madeline references her part-time job helping out in the marketing department of the local theater a few times in passing, but we don't really get to see her in action. The show turns that small part of her life into its own full-blown storyline, with her fighting against fellow kindergarten mom Renata for the right to put on a controversial production of Avenue Q.
6. Ed and Madeline's relationship is much more strained.
Although Ed and Madeline seemed to be comfortable in their suburban family rut in the book, their marriage faces quite a few more ups and downs in the miniseries. Scott and Witherspoon work well together on screen and really sell the rougher, realistic bumps their relationship stumbles over, but any fans of their loving romance in the book might come away from the show disappointed.
Why Queen Elizabeth II Once Cried Over a Ship
Image Source: Getty / Tim Graham
It was said that when Queen Elizabeth II's royal yacht, the Britannia, was decommissioned in 1997, she cried. It was a remarkable and rare show of emotion from the legendarily stoic queen, giving the public a brief glimpse into her private family life with husband Prince Philip. The public tear was also a testament to her love for what became known as the royals' country home at sea.
When Elizabeth and Philip married in 1947, they didn't move into a new family home. In fact, they've never had the opportunity to build and furnish their very own space; over the past almost 70 years, they've moved from one inherited home - er, castle - to another. Yes, it's nearly impossible to feel sympathy for two royals with multiple estates. But the background of their housing situation proves why it was so meaningful when Elizabeth and Philip had the opportunity to create their first family home, in the form of a yacht, in the early 1950s.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Elizabeth and Philip oversaw the design and decoration of the Britannia when it was agreed that her parents' boat, the Victoria & Albert, was no longer seaworthy. Philip, who has always had a keen interest in design, took over what ended up being a lavish boat with a relatively frugal interior design scheme. Over the years, the royal yacht became scene to family trips with their kids, Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward, as well as a multitude of state functions. Charles and Diana took their honeymoon aboard the yacht, and in time, the queen's many grandchildren grew to appreciate their own holidays on Britannia. Prince Philip, a former naval man himself, is said to have overseen games, hijinks, and drink parties on the boat's formidable deck.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Since the Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned, the vessel has been moored in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it still sits today as a major tourist attraction in the seaside neighborhood of Leith. During a recent press tour of the United Kingdom with Visit Britain, POPSUGAR was able to visit the yacht and see the remarkably well-preserved boat. It provided a fascinating look into what life was really like for the queen and her family as they traveled the world in style, racking up a reported one million miles at sea.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Allie Merriam
There were Philip and Elizabeth's sparse bedrooms, with the single beds they once occupied. (Apparently, it has been the custom for couples of their status and age to always have separate rooms.) Displaying the royals' very relatable frugality, Elizabeth's bed linens were hand-me-downs. Practically every room has a small bar, where the royals either served themselves or had help to make their favorite drinks, like a gin and Dubonnet for her majesty. There's also the queen's office, or sitting room, where she tended to her work and made her way through her "red boxes," sent by the government and full of official correspondence and updates, daily. All the art is bolted onto the walls, for safety.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Allie Merriam
The largest and grandest room on the ship is the living room, which has an electronic fireplace - naval rules prohibited a real fire - and floral furniture that could be found in any grandparents' sitting room. Remarkably, nothing about Britannia's interiors seemed overly stuffy or grand.
It's easy - and great fun - to imagine how the royal family spent their time on Britannia. The queen and her family are known for loving to keep the press at an arm's length and to retreat as often as possible from the public eye. The royal yacht offered the queen, her husband, and their extended family a chance to literally get away from it all.
Sadly, the good times came to an end when funding for the yacht was cut by the 1990s Labour government, who were under financial pressure.
Image Source: Getty / Max Mumby / Indigo
In 2011, a number of royals did, however, return to the boat. It was the venue for a prewedding party held the night before the queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips married rugby player Mike Tindall. Prince William and his wife of three months at the time, Kate Middleton, were photographed leaving the event, along with Princes Harry and Edward. One person who did not attend? That would be the queen. Neither she nor Prince Philip has ever been back to Britannia. And given all the good times they'd had on their ship, it's understandable why the queen had to wipe away that mythical tear.
I Don't Have a Full-Time Job, and My Latin Parents Judge Me a Bit For It
I've been out of college since May 2014, and yet two weeks ago, my 12-year-old little cousin asked me, "Hey, do you have a job?"
It's a question that managed to surprise me, but mostly because I couldn't believe it took her so long to ask. I also couldn't believe that my answer would need a couple of sentences of added explanation, because it wasn't traditional. At least not in the eyes of my Latino family.
I am the founder of my own website as well as a freelance writer and social media manager. Every part of that sentence is a foreign concept to my family.
I grew up understanding that education is a blessing and a priority and that a job meant leaving the house before 9 a.m., sitting in a cubicle, and getting home before dinner. The path I was taught to follow definitely didn't include going from coffee shop to coffee shop with my laptop.
When I became the first person in my family to graduate college in four years, I understood the magnitude of what I had accomplished. I also understood that I didn't get there alone.
My family and the expectations they placed on me helped me thrive. For a very long time, they were expectations that became guidelines I had for myself - finish high school top of class, go to college, intern, graduate, and get a full-time job that pays.
It wasn't until May 28, 2014 - the day after I graduated - that I deviated from said expectations. I started getting questions like, are you looking for jobs? Or, do you have any interviews lined up? And to my surprise, I would mostly answer no.
I'd decided months before to give my website a shot and to build up my own side business by freelancing. While I felt scared because this wasn't in the plan, I also felt at peace because it felt right.
My family, on the other hand, was confused. I was essentially the niña buena, and it took everyone by surprise when I decided against a traditional career path. The transition was going to be hard for them, because in my family, unconventional most times does not equal success. I'd worked so hard in college, and to some extent, by not getting a full-time, traditional job, I was signaling coming short of my potential.
My family's support is something that's never wavered, though; I was never encouraged not to do this. I've just been gently reminded every couple of days that there are real jobs out there. The dissonance in what I'm doing stems from the fact that everyone in my family was raised to value the traditional and safe over high risk and unorthodox. The fear of the high risk probably stems from my grandparents migrating from Ecuador to the US, but to me, their move isn't so single layered - in my eyes, it also shows the high payoff decisions like this can have.
In a single generation, my family has deep-seated roots in a city (New York) that was completely foreign to my grandparents. The next generation in my family is now growing up with a deep appreciation for hard work, coupled with an understanding that it's not a battle between traditional and unconventional - it's a matter of preference.
In some small way, I'm helping my family understand that, as I figure it out myself. Maybe when my younger cousins come of age, they won't have to prep those around them with scripted answers like I do just in case someone in the neighborhood asks, "So, does Vivian have a job?"
You Could Survive 2017 With These 10 Pieces Alone
When it comes to wardrobe essentials, there aren't many pieces you need. Hard to believe, right? Sure, it seems like every bag or pair of jeans you eye is a must have, but when we get down to the nitty-gritty, every girl's got her outfit basics.
With that in mind, we've curated your list for 2017, while taking major trends into account and applying them to your shoes, your outerwear, and your accessories. Shop the 10 picks ahead and we promise you'll feel like your closet's not just well-rounded but fashion-world-approved.
Taking on vitamin D headlines, and health professionals weigh in on Donald Trump
Second Opinion is a vital dose of the week's news in health and medicine from reporter Kelly Crowe and CBC Health.
Why Queen Elizabeth II Once Cried Over a Ship
Image Source: Getty / Tim Graham
It was said that when Queen Elizabeth II's royal yacht, the Britannia, was decommissioned in 1997, she cried. It was a remarkable and rare show of emotion from the legendarily stoic queen, giving the public a brief glimpse into her private family life with husband Prince Philip. The public tear was also a testament to her love for what became known as the royals' country home at sea.
When Elizabeth and Philip married in 1947, they didn't move into a new family home. In fact, they've never had the opportunity to build and furnish their very own space; over the past almost 70 years, they've moved from one inherited home - er, castle - to another. Yes, it's nearly impossible to feel sympathy for two royals with multiple estates. But the background of their housing situation proves why it was so meaningful when Elizabeth and Philip had the opportunity to create their first family home, in the form of a yacht, in the early 1950s.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Elizabeth and Philip oversaw the design and decoration of the Britannia when it was agreed that her parents' boat, the Victoria & Albert, was no longer seaworthy. Philip, who has always had a keen interest in design, took over what ended up being a lavish boat with a relatively frugal interior design scheme. Over the years, the royal yacht became scene to family trips with their kids, Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward, as well as a multitude of state functions. Charles and Diana took their honeymoon aboard the yacht, and in time, the queen's many grandchildren grew to appreciate their own holidays on Britannia. Prince Philip, a former naval man himself, is said to have overseen games, hijinks, and drink parties on the boat's formidable deck.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Since the Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned, the vessel has been moored in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it still sits today as a major tourist attraction in the seaside neighborhood of Leith. During a recent press tour of the United Kingdom with Visit Britain, POPSUGAR was able to visit the yacht and see the remarkably well-preserved boat. It provided a fascinating look into what life was really like for the queen and her family as they traveled the world in style, racking up a reported one million miles at sea.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Allie Merriam
There were Philip and Elizabeth's sparse bedrooms, with the single beds they once occupied. (Apparently, it has been the custom for couples of their status and age to always have separate rooms.) Displaying the royals' very relatable frugality, Elizabeth's bed linens were hand-me-downs. Practically every room has a small bar, where the royals either served themselves or had help to make their favorite drinks, like a gin and Dubonnet for her majesty. There's also the queen's office, or sitting room, where she tended to her work and made her way through her "red boxes," sent by the government and full of official correspondence and updates, daily. All the art is bolted onto the walls, for safety.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Allie Merriam
The largest and grandest room on the ship is the living room, which has an electronic fireplace - naval rules prohibited a real fire - and floral furniture that could be found in any grandparents' sitting room. Remarkably, nothing about Britannia's interiors seemed overly stuffy or grand.
It's easy - and great fun - to imagine how the royal family spent their time on Britannia. The queen and her family are known for loving to keep the press at an arm's length and to retreat as often as possible from the public eye. The royal yacht offered the queen, her husband, and their extended family a chance to literally get away from it all.
Sadly, the good times came to an end when funding for the yacht was cut by the 1990s Labour government, who were under financial pressure.
Image Source: Getty / Max Mumby / Indigo
In 2011, a number of royals did, however, return to the boat. It was the venue for a prewedding party held the night before the queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips married rugby player Mike Tindall. Prince William and his wife of three months at the time, Kate Middleton, were photographed leaving the event, along with Princes Harry and Edward. One person who did not attend? That would be the queen. Neither she nor Prince Philip has ever been back to Britannia. And given all the good times they'd had on their ship, it's understandable why the queen had to wipe away that mythical tear.
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