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
Each and Every Star Baring It All on Instagram This Year
If there's one thing stars love more than dressing up, it's stripping down. There's no doubt that last year had its fair share of steamy moments, but this year is already looking a whole lot hotter thanks to a select number of celebrities. Lea Michele kicked off the New Year by baring it all, while Chrissy Teigen unabashedly ditched her bikini to pose nude during her Sports Illustrated press day. And who could forget Ashley Graham's supersexy topless photo? Be sure to have a cool drink nearby, because it's going to get hot in here.
What to Keep in Mind When Wedding Dress Shopping, According to Marchesa's Designers
As soon I stepped into the Marchesa showroom, I wanted to live there (a slight exaggeration, but not far off). Gowns from the Fall 2017 collection (which just debuted at Fashion Week) were on full display, colorful mood boards dotted the walls, and the team seemed enveloped in tasks, working to bring Marchesa cofounders Georgina Champan and Keren Craig's next project to life.
The two ladies are the definition of power women. They first met as students when they were 17, and years later in 2004, Marchesa (named after 19-century aristocrat Marchesa Casati) was born. The following year, Georgina and Keren dressed their first-ever celebrity client, Renée Zellweger, and since then, their gowns have been worn by Reese Witherspoon, Blake Lively, Chrissy Teigen, Olivia Wilde, and Selena Gomez (just to name a few).
Marchesa dresses have always been a red carpet favorite thanks to romantic details such as whimsical florals and cascading tulle trains. "We love red carpet dressing. It's how we started and what we do," Georgina said. This small tidbit makes Keren and Georgina's current project, creating an Oscars dress for Olivia Culpo, on-brand for the fashion house. The design is for Stella Artois's Buy a Lady a Drink Campaign and will incorporate glass beads from Stella chalices to highlight the global water crisis.
We spoke to both Keren and Georgina about their future red carpet look, which is bound to make a statement, at their showroom in NYC. We didn't hesitate to discuss Fashion Week, the bridal world, and politics, too - because when you only have seven minutes with Keren and Georgina, you make the most of it.
A New Theory Suggests Voldemort Isn't the Only Descendant of Slytherin - Dumbledore Is Too!
From the beginning of Harry Potter, it's clear that Professor Dumbledore is a brilliant man. He understands magic so well that anything he knows or does isn't a surprise. So when Dumbledore appears to understand Parseltongue in several of the books, we thought it was simply because he's smart. However, a new theory suggests that it's actually because he's a descendant of Salazar Slytherin.
The theory, written by Reddit user Obversa, is long and detailed but explains exactly how Dumbledore and Slytherin could be related. It begins with Isolt Sayre, the founder of Ilvermorny and the daughter of Rionach Gaunt - a descendant of Slytherin. Sayre marries James Steward and the two have twins: Rionach and Martha. Though Sayre couldn't speak Parseltongue, she still carried the gene for it and passed it on to her children. Martha, a squib, eventually marries a Muggle from the Pocomtuc tribe but still carries the Parseltongue and magical genes.
Fast forward a few generations, and Kendra, Dumbledore's mother comes into the picture. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the following is revealed: "Despite the high-necked silk gown she wore, Harry thought of Native Americans as he studied her dark eyes, high cheekbones and straight nose." This is a small detail but alludes to the possibility that Kendra is a descendant of Martha, thus also making her related to Slytherin. So, when she had Dumbledore, she too passed down the Parseltongue gene, which lets Dumbledore understand the language.
According to Pottermore, you can't learn Parseltongue; a person merely inherits the gene to understand and speak it. Based on all these clues, it looks like Dumbledore is actually related to Slytherin. It would explain why he's never opposed to Slytherin students as some professors are at Hogwarts. Unconvinced? Read the full theory below.
[Harry Potter] How Dumbledore can understand Parseltongue. from FanTheories
Each and Every Star Baring It All on Instagram This Year
If there's one thing stars love more than dressing up, it's stripping down. There's no doubt that last year had its fair share of steamy moments, but this year is already looking a whole lot hotter thanks to a select number of celebrities. Lea Michele kicked off the New Year by baring it all, while Chrissy Teigen unabashedly ditched her bikini to pose nude during her Sports Illustrated press day. And who could forget Ashley Graham's supersexy topless photo? Be sure to have a cool drink nearby, because it's going to get hot in here.
How the Cast of the Big Little Lies Miniseries Compares to Their Characters in the Novel
HBO's adaptation of Big Little Lies is nearly here, and judging from the twisted vibes the trailer gives off, it looks like they've done Liane Moriarty's bestselling novel justice. Before the premiere, why not get to know who's starring? We've rounded up all of the A-listers helping to bring Big Little Lies to life to see how they compare to Moriarty's original vision for her characters. All in all, we give HBO's casting director's a big fat seal of approval.
We've Been Spoiled With So Many Snaps of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's Daughter
It seems like no time has passed since we found out that John Legend and Chrissy Teigen welcomed a baby girl, but we've already gotten tons of good looks at the new bundle of joy. In April 2016, Chrissy took to Instagram to share the first snap of her daughter, Luna, leaving us overwhelmed by our emotions. The month got even better, though, when John posted a heart-melting picture of his own, and in September, the two serenaded their little girl with Christmas carols. At this rate, we're expecting tons more photos in the months to come.
The First Time I Got Puked On, I Realized That All Moms Are Superwoman
Source: Shutterstock
I remember it like it was yesterday, though it was only a few weeks into my nanny gig over two years ago. He asked for milk - because the kid freakin' loved milk - and 10 minutes later, after downing the milk, he wanted a cup of Goldfish crackers. I obliged.
I have regrets.
The projectile vomit that followed a spirited lap around the playroom was like something out of a horror movie. Think the elevator doors opening up to a flood of red in The Shining*, but orange and chunky (sorry). He was fine, of course; it was just a mix of the dairy, too much indoor running, and those bright orange crackers we all know and love.
Let's rewind to my four years of college for a second. I was never on puke patrol. If a friend of mine was sick, I bolted. I felt awful; I just couldn't deal with it and wanted to avoid adding to the mess by getting sick myself at the sight and smell of it. So when little man opened the elevator doors full of orange chunkiness (sorry again), a version of me watching from across the room would have bet money that I'd have gotten sick myself, then left the poor little babe to fend for himself while I showered.
But I didn't. I calmed down a slightly shocked and scared 1-year-old, I stripped him down and threw him in the bath, I let him lie on the couch with a movie on, and I cleaned the carpet (worst). Then, and only then, did I even think twice about being covered in puke. It was all over me, it was warm, it was absolutely the most disgusting thing in the world - but I didn't care one bit.
That day, I learned that when you're caring for a child who you love with all your heart, you become Superwoman. I learned then - as a childless 20-something - that when you become a mom, nothing else matters anymore. Some of those things include, but are not limited to:
- The smell or sight of vomit - you are now immune, congratulations.
- And while we're at it, poop doesn't mean anything. Bring on all of the poop.
- How your face looks in public. Even when you have marker on your cheek.
- How many times you microwave your coffee before leaving it in there to cool unconsumed forever.
- Manicures - you can try, but unless you tattoo on nail polish every few weeks, there's no point.
- What the house looks like - I used to clean up after every activity when I first started nannying. Ha. Hahaha.
- Snot - I will pick any child's nose for them if it means not sitting on a couch full of crusty boogers.
- Drool. (See "Poop.")
- Personal space. The following is an actual conversation I had on the couch a few weeks ago:
Me: "Hey, can you get off of me for a second? I have to go to the bathroom."
Him: "OK yeah, and I'll come too."
That is just a short list of the things that go by the wayside, or just no longer affect you, when you become a mother - and this is coming from a girl who isn't even a mom yet.
I remember how my relationship changed with my mom when I started to nanny. Maybe she didn't notice it, because I didn't do or say anything too differently, but my mentality toward her shifted. I realized all at once how much she has done for me and at the same time realized how little she should really get to complain about how much she had to do, because when you're a mom, you just do it all - like Superwoman.
*For reference:
Again, I'm sorry.
Who Is Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay? Here's What You Need to Know
Rachel Lindsay is officially the new Bachelorette, and while we're not happy that the announcement spoiled The Bachelor, we are thrilled that ABC has finally cast such an accomplished and engaging star - who, yes, happens to be black. While we're waiting patiently for the new season to premiere (they still have to, you know, film it), brush up on everything you need to know about Rachel.
The Basics
Rachel is a 31-year-old attorney from Dallas. According to ABC, she "enjoys jamming out to Michael Jackson and Prince, playing basketball, and watching scary movies." She has a rescue dog named Copper, and loves the Dallas Cowboys. She's close with her family and frequently shares pictures of them on Instagram. As she's mentioned on the show, her father is a judge.
Her Career
Rachel attended University of Texas at Austin before receiving her law degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee. She's been working at a firm called Cooper and Scully, P.C. (which sounds like a crossover episode of Mad Men and The X-Files) since December 2015, and though she's still listed as an employee, she now has a second full-time job being the Bachelorette. She's a rising star in the legal community, and was even put on a Ones to Watch list by the Dallas Young Lawyers Association.
Her Time on The Bachelor
Rachel and Nick Viall had an immediate connection; he gave her the First Impression Rose (making her the first black woman to receive it in the show's history) and things seemed to be going really well between them. They had a whirlwind one-on-one date in New Orleans, and Nick appeared to be more at ease with her than any of the other girls. So what went wrong? Well, we don't actually know yet. Since ABC announced the news before Rachel left the show, we're not sure how things ended between the couple. We do know that Nick still has a lot of respect and love for her, since he posted an Instagram praising her after the announcement that she would be the new Bachelorette. In it, he hints that saying goodbye to Rachel was "one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life."
Rachel on Social Media
You can catch up with Rachel on Instagram and Twitter.
The Bachelorette premieres May 12!
We've Been Spoiled With So Many Snaps of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's Daughter
It seems like no time has passed since we found out that John Legend and Chrissy Teigen welcomed a baby girl, but we've already gotten tons of good looks at the new bundle of joy. In April 2016, Chrissy took to Instagram to share the first snap of her daughter, Luna, leaving us overwhelmed by our emotions. The month got even better, though, when John posted a heart-melting picture of his own, and in September, the two serenaded their little girl with Christmas carols. At this rate, we're expecting tons more photos in the months to come.
Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany Soak Up the Sun With Their Kids in St. Barts
Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany escaped the Winter cold when they jetted off to St. Barts for a fun family vacation this week. On Sunday, the brood hit the beach with their kids, daughter Agnes and son Stellan. Clad in a sexy bikini, Jennifer showed off her fit physique as she waded in the water and walked along the shore with Paul, who sported black swim trunks. Jennifer was recently cast in James Cameron's upcoming Alita: Battle Angel, while Paul has been busy filming The Avengers: Infinity War, so it only makes sense that they'd carve time out of their hectic schedules for some quality family time.
Nutrition Showdown: Should You Eat Kale or Spinach?
Kale. So hot, right? Wait . . . is kale still cool? Is it still the food that everyone's obsessed with? It kind of seems like it. But is it warranted?
In some ways, absolutely. It's nutritionally dense, and when prepared correctly (note to salad shops: MASSAGE your damn kale!), it can be delicious. But sometimes it's just a mouthful and, honestly, pretty hard on your jaw. Have you ever eaten a kale salad and felt like you were chewing for 87 years? Us too.
Let's look at a green that is much easier on the jaw muscles and often a bit kinder on the palate: spinach. Just as nutritious, just as juice-able, just as versatile. Is a kale salad inherently healthier than a spinach salad? What about a kale smoothie versus a spinach smoothie? Short answer: no. Long answer: "healthier" is relative.
They're nutritional equals, roughly speaking. Where one lacks, the other makes up, and vice versa, but the differences are somewhat negligible, especially in smaller servings and quantities.
While spinach has less than half the calories of kale, they're identically equal in protein, fiber, carbs, and fat content, as well as vitamin B6. They've got nearly the exact same amount of calcium, manganese, iron, and potassium.
Here's where they differ: spinach has more folate and magnesium, and kale has more vitamin A, C, and K (but both spinach and kale give you more than 100 percent of your vitamin K).
So, generally speaking, unless you're really concerned with getting extra vitamin K, or really need more vitamin C and can't see another way to get it (word to the wise: there are many other sources), then it's OK to pass on kale. Toss some spinach in your smoothie, and skip the bunch of kale at Whole Foods that we know you're begrudgingly buying based on hype anyway.
And remember: you don't need kale to be healthy. You're an independent woman who don't need no kale.
You Won't Have to Look at Shay Mitchell's Swimsuit Long to Notice This Detail
Once the temperature dips below a certain degree, we get the urge to travel - preferably to a warm, sunny location, where we can rock a swimsuit instead of a puffed-up parka. Shay Mitchell is likely feeling the same, as the star 'grammed a throwback pic of herself in a Positino, Italy, shower, showing off white shades and a stylish green one-piece. The photo made us feel a tad emotional - oh, how we miss those beach-ready days! - but we still "oohed" and "ahhed" over Shay's sexy swimwear, which included fun cutout details on the back and side.
Yet while the weather (especially on the East Coast) isn't exactly appropriate for this type of get-up, the color choice couldn't be more perfect. Considering the recent holiday season, green pieces are a definite must, and Shay's little snap is a great reminder to start scooping 'em up. Scroll through to see Shay's suit once more, then shop something inspired by it - both for vacation and not - ahead.
Nutrition Showdown: Should You Eat Kale or Spinach?
Kale. So hot, right? Wait . . . is kale still cool? Is it still the food that everyone's obsessed with? It kind of seems like it. But is it warranted?
In some ways, absolutely. It's nutritionally dense, and when prepared correctly (note to salad shops: MASSAGE your damn kale!), it can be delicious. But sometimes it's just a mouthful and, honestly, pretty hard on your jaw. Have you ever eaten a kale salad and felt like you were chewing for 87 years? Us too.
Let's look at a green that is much easier on the jaw muscles and often a bit kinder on the palate: spinach. Just as nutritious, just as juice-able, just as versatile. Is a kale salad inherently healthier than a spinach salad? What about a kale smoothie versus a spinach smoothie? Short answer: no. Long answer: "healthier" is relative.
They're nutritional equals, roughly speaking. Where one lacks, the other makes up, and vice versa, but the differences are somewhat negligible, especially in smaller servings and quantities.
While spinach has less than half the calories of kale, they're identically equal in protein, fiber, carbs, and fat content, as well as vitamin B6. They've got nearly the exact same amount of calcium, manganese, iron, and potassium.
Here's where they differ: spinach has more folate and magnesium, and kale has more vitamin A, C, and K (but both spinach and kale give you more than 100 percent of your vitamin K).
So, generally speaking, unless you're really concerned with getting extra vitamin K, or really need more vitamin C and can't see another way to get it (word to the wise: there are many other sources), then it's OK to pass on kale. Toss some spinach in your smoothie, and skip the bunch of kale at Whole Foods that we know you're begrudgingly buying based on hype anyway.
And remember: you don't need kale to be healthy. You're an independent woman who don't need no kale.
Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany Soak Up the Sun With Their Kids in St. Barts
Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany escaped the Winter cold when they jetted off to St. Barts for a fun family vacation this week. On Sunday, the brood hit the beach with their kids, daughter Agnes and son Stellan. Clad in a sexy bikini, Jennifer showed off her fit physique as she waded in the water and walked along the shore with Paul, who sported black swim trunks. Jennifer was recently cast in James Cameron's upcoming Alita: Battle Angel, while Paul has been busy filming The Avengers: Infinity War, so it only makes sense that they'd carve time out of their hectic schedules for some quality family time.
What's the Difference Between Dole Whip at Disneyland and Disney World?
Just as the same attractions (Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain) are slightly different at Disneyland and Disney World, the same holds true for the cult fan favorite Dole Whip. Having recently tried both, I can attest to the subtle distinctions, both positive and negative. Pictured above is Dole Whip from Disneyland and below is from Disney World. Which one is cheaper? Which one tastes better? While I'd like to say they are equal in every way, here's what you should know about both.
Where to Find It
At Disneyland, Dole Whip is found at one spot only: Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland. At Disney World, you can get your Dole Whip fix at three locations. First up is Aloha Isle in Adventureland (Magic Kingdom). However, if you're into a vanilla-pineapple swirl, you can go to Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian Resort. For an adult twist, you can spike your Dole Whip with rum at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom.
The Cost
At Disneyland, the pineapple soft serve costs $4.49 and the Pineapple Float (soft serve plus pineapple juice) goes for $5.49 (these prices don't include California's eight percent sales tax). At Disney World, it's cheaper! The soft serve's $4.19, and the float is $5.29 (not including a six and a half percent Florida sales tax).
The Presentation
Disneyland has a precise operation when it comes to serving the Dole Whip. The swirls are always Instagram-perfect, the Dole Whip comes in transparent thick plastic cups, and the float includes a festive paper umbrella and cherry. At Disney World, our cups were filled a little haphazardly. "Where's the umbrella and cherry?" I asked. "Sorry, we don't offer that here," was the cast member's disappointing reply.
The cups are different too. The float cup at Disney World is arguably prettier than Disneyland and holds way more juice and soft serve. Disney World also loaded me up on way more soft serve than Disneyland. However, the flimsy paper cup for the soft serve isn't durable enough to withstand the weight of swirl. It melted and overflowed over the cup, and we eventually had to toss it before finishing. (I know!)
The Flavor
OK, Disney World seems to be winning as there are more places to buy Dole Whip, it's cheaper, and they are more generous with the portions. Our video producer thought the two Dole Whips taste identical. I thought the Dole Whip at Disneyland is much better, but perhaps I'm letting context get in the way. After all, we tried Disneyland's Dole Whip in the heat of the Summer and ate Disney World's Dole Whip in the middle of the Winter (we're talking 40 degrees outside!). I found the pineapple flavor to fall flat at Disney World, whereas at Disneyland, it's a bright, acidic punch to your taste buds. However, my taste buds could have been partially frozen from the chilly weather. Or perhaps the machines used to dispense the Dole Whip are different, affecting the flavor and mouthfeel of each. I can't say for sure!
Conclusions
We'll all have our individual opinions about which park does Dole Whip better. I personally am team Disneyland, but others may feel differently. If you've tried Dole Whip from both Disney World and Disneyland, weigh in on your favorite!
The Most Iconic Dresses Worn to the Oscars by Latinas
You might not be able to predict who will take the Academy Award for best actor or who will get cut off by the music midspeech, but there's one thing you can always count on at the Oscars: the gowns will be stunning.
It's no doubt we love the night when stars pull out all the stops, wearing their most princess-worthy and impressive dresses (even if they're not nominated), basically floating and sparkling across the red carpet as we "ooh" and "aah" at the TV. But out of all the looks we've labeled as best in our minds, there are a few that stand out more and take our award for most memorable. These are them!
This Is What IVF Looks Like - and It Was Beyond Worth It For 1 Grateful Mom
Lauren and Garyt Walker spent 953 days praying for a child, but that wasn't all they did. During those 31 months, they injected 452 needles, shed thousands of tears, endured one corrective surgery, went through four Clomid attempts, had two rounds of in vitro fertilization, and suffered three failed transfers. But now, they are finally able to announce that they are expecting two miracle babies.
When the expecting parents tried to come up with a creative way to share the news, each idea felt like it fell short of doing their babies justice. However, they decided on a way to honor not only these new lives, but also all of the struggle it took to get to this point. In an incredible photo announcing the news these parents-to-be managed to capture all of the pain and joy that have been their reality and shared an equally powerful message on Facebook.
Taking out these needles by the handful to take this photograph was . . . surreal. Halfway through my hands started to quiver, my breath got short, and I had to stop. I sat down, looked at it and started to cry. Not because I was sad about what it took to get here, but because it was a representation of my world, our world, for the past over two and a half years staring back at me. There was a lot of pain, hope, and fear behind each of these needles. Each one represents a different day, a different path, a different emotion. It's a lot to take in. After a good cry, the more I looked at it, the more the needles started to blur together. Now all I see are these tiny onesies that so perfectly sum up our journey: worth the wait. And wait, and wait, and wait.
For Lauren, the hardest part of her journey to motherhood wasn't the IVF. "My darkest hour was going through an entire cycle and losing embryo after embryo; five. Coming so far only to miscarry. Getting to where all the hope, the money, all of what could have been your children were gone," she shared. "They say God only gives you as much as you can handle. Well, He must think very highly of us."
When Lauren looks back at her struggle, she can't believe she actually made it and is now carrying not one baby, but two. "I mean, I MADE it. I'm stronger. It didn't break me," Lauren wrote. "The prize is not these twins; The prize is discovering newfound faith. The GIFT is these twins. I didn't know I was capable of such strength and fight."
Although Lauren credits her doctors, faith, and her friends for helping her get to where she is, she also knows that this moment wouldn't be possible without her husband. "He is patient when I am not. He's calm. He's gentle in his wording. Even when he is hurting too, he is only concerned about me. He's my pill reminder. My patch reminder. My personal pharmacist. He's my shot drawer-upper and often shot provider. He's my daily pep-talk. My motivator," Lauren wrote. "He's my reason for being so strong, he's my husband and the father of my children, he's my everything. These babies don't know how incredibly lucky they are to have him as a daddy."
As this growing family rejoices in their news, they hope that others can take comfort not only in their announcement, but also in the truth behind their hardships. "I feel like I've won the life lottery. I carry battle scars on my heart that will always remind me of what it took to receive these two precious blessings. And I would do this 2,000 times over and over, again, and again," Lauren wrote. "For anyone struggling, may our story give you comfort and hope."
4 Theories About Kylo Ren and Rey's "Strange Connection" in Star Wars
If you think the Force has awakened in the Star Wars universe, just wait until you catch wind of this. Recently, it seems the official Star Wars website made two seemingly tiny changes to the bios of Kylo Ren and Rey. On Kylo's side, it says, "A mysterious connection seemed to link the two." Meanwhile, on Rey's side, it says she was "captured by the dark side warrior Kylo Ren, with whom she shared a strange connection." Hold up. Strange? Mysterious? It's true, we had an inkling that there was more to their relationship than meets the eye, but maybe we're not going deep enough. So we came up with some theories.
1. They're Related
One of the most common theories about Rey's parents is that she's a Skywalker. Sure, it's obvious. But Rey does find Luke's lightsaber by sheer power of the Force. She shows obvious Force sensitivity and enhanced abilities out the gate. Then there's the fact that Kylo Ren sees the island Luke's on while reading Rey's mind! Kylo Ren is obviously a Skywalker: he's the son of Leia Organa. If the two are related, it's a crazy showdown of brother and sister, of Luke and Leia, and of the dark side and the light.
2. They're Destined For the Classic Skywalker/Palpatine Model
Another popular theory out there is that Rey is a descendant of Emperor Palpatine. This would set her and Kylo Ren up for a Star Wars face-off that occurs in every single trilogy: a Palpatine vs. a Skywalker. In the first trilogy (numerically), Anakin Skywalker faces off against Emperor Palpatine. In the second, Luke goes up against the same villain, who has since become even more evil. This would create a sort of destiny between the two names. Rey, a Palpatine, going against Kylo Ren, a Skywalker. What's more, the Palpatine bloodline has shifted to the light side, while a Skywalker has gone dark. Who knows how it could turn out?
3. They Mark the End of the Jedi and the Sith
In this new trilogy, there are no Jedi or Sith . . . yet. On the good side, we have Force-sensitive individuals like Maz Kanata and Lor San Tekka and Rey and even Finn. They all demonstrate Force skills in varying degrees, but none of them are Jedi knights. Kylo Ren, of course, is a member of the First Order, but neither he nor Snoke identifies as a Sith lord. Now that we know Episode VIII is called The Last Jedi, it seems we're coming to a real turning point. Regardless of who the last Jedi is, what if Rey and Kylo Ren represent the future of the galaxy? What if everything changes once they both harness their power? It's hard to say what this would mean, but it's certainly interesting to consider.
4. Their Connection Will Result in Insane Consequences
We know Kylo Ren is very troubled. It's clear his journey to the dark side has been tumultuous, and Han Solo very nearly draws him out of it. Rey, on the other hand, seems to have a darkness in her. There's that moment during her lightsaber duel with Kylo Ren, where she very nearly delivers a deadly blow and kills him. Furthermore, Kylo recognizes this darkness in her as well. He offers to train her! What if they switch spots? What if Kylo pulls Rey to the dark side just as he finds himself drawn to the light? What if all the heroes are actually villains and vice versa? It could change the whole trilogy as we know it.
The Last Jedi hits theaters on Dec. 15.
Here's the Printable Oscars Ballot You Need For This Year's Show
Since the Oscar nominations came out, we started the clock on the countdown to the big show. For this year's starry event, we have a special accessory you need for the night: a printable ballot. Start making your picks now (here are our predictions), fill out our online ballot for a chance to win $1,000, and maybe print out a few for your friends!
The 1 Feature You Need to Start Using on Google Maps - Seriously!
I'm the type of person who loves making lists of everything, from my day-to-day to-do's to adding cities to my bucket list. But when it comes to planning out a vacation or a short trip, those lists are out of control. I text a bunch of my friends, get advice from co-workers, and end up having suggestions of where to go and what to do on five different post-it notes plus a few on my phone. If you're anything like me or are looking for a better way to group places to see and visit, then you'll want to try the latest update on Google Maps.
The feature, which is out on Android and iOS, lets you easily create lists of places. Planning a trip? Look up all the places you want to go and save them. Have a friend coming into town? Create a list of places to visit and share it with them. That's the best part; any list you create can be shared with a friend via text, Facebook, and more.
Curious about how to make your own list? Follow our step-by-step guide ahead. Trust us, it should make going somewhere new less stressful.
My Postpartum Depression Turned Me Into a Woman I Didn't Know
We're happy to present this article by Aggie Armstrong from one of our favorite sites, YourTango.
Nothing ever prepares you for motherhood. Nothing. I read the books, made my birth plan, chose a playlist for my delivery and yet I was still totally naive and ignorant when the baby actually came nine months later. I was particularly wary about having postpartum depression since I had had episodes of depressed states in my 20s. In the first few months after giving birth, I was always on guard of how I was feeling. It was a soupy mixture of sleep deprivation fog and hazy bliss.
Related: 3 Reasons My Sons Make Me Want To Thank My Ex-Wife (...So I Am)
I was handling new motherhood like a champ until six weeks in at 3 AM in the morning when my husband and I had a huge fight, the biggest to date in our marriage. I can't even remember what it was about now - my only vivid memories from that time are how sore my boobs were - but I chalked it up to hormones and severe lack of sleep. I was okay for the next four months, until a similar out-of-control feeling slammed into my brain out of nowhere. One moment, I was proclaiming my love for my little family, the next my kid was crying, the cat was whining, and all the dishes from breakfast were coming at me. My mind filled with loud noise and chaos. I felt cornered, unable to escape to a quiet respite.
I lost it.
The rage I felt was so real and so strong it scared me. My husband, in his attempt to calm me down and shepherd all of us out of the house and into the car, came toward me to give me a hug but I swatted his hand so hard, it sounded like I slapped him in the face. It was the first time I ever told him to get the f*ck away from me. The look in his eyes was pure devastation and confusion. He couldn't understand how one minute I was fine and the next, a raging lunatic. I couldn't either. I started hyperventilating and had to go upstairs to try to collect myself and figure out what the hell had just happened.
After that, almost every other week, I experienced incredible fits of rage, followed by feelings of immense guilt. Coupled with growing anxiety for my baby's safety - I had nightmarish visions of her getting really sick that it would keep me up at night - it became crystal-clear that I was a total mess.
After a year of feeling slightly insane, I worried that this was just my new norm: always worrying about the state of my baby and never having enough patience with the crying little human who fully relied on me day in and day out. The baby's whining, especially, was something I couldn't stand; it made my head spin. I loved my daughter immensely but I noticed myself starting to feel detached from her; I cared for her more out of duty than out of compassion and patience. I also grew jealous when she preferred her dad over me and took it personally, that this somehow indicated that I was a bad mother.
My mind seemed like it was on overdrive most of the time and adding 'one more thing' was like cutting the last thin string holding everything together. As the moon would wax and wane, my fits of rage would ebb and flow, though they seemed to be increasing in intensity. I've always had a temper but this was different. Anything would set me off - even my own husband's breathing - and it would take me awhile to regain my composure. In these fits of rage, my whole body heated up and shook with rage and I couldn't understand why I was simply unable to calm myself.
This was not the woman I knew. This was not me.
This went on all through the dreariest winter we've had in years and it wasn't until my fifth anniversary - and 16 months after the birth of my daughter - that I realized I needed to get help. That morning, I'd forgotten our wedding anniversary and to top it off, I'd been an insufferable b*tch to my husband since the moment he woke up. (To be honest, he had been living with that same b*tch for the last year - and who wants to be around that all the time?) I made an appointment that day with my doctor and as soon as she came into see me, I burst into tears because I had been trying to keep my wits about me until I felt safe to release my pain. She made me take the Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale. I scored a 21, meaning I had severe major depression.
This didn't excuse my outbursts but it was such a relief to know that there was a reason; I wasn't just a crotchety, mean asshole to the people I loved the most. I was diagnosed with postpartum depression and prescribed Cipralex to help me feel more like myself again. Two weeks into it, I felt almost instant relief; it took the edge off. I felt less agitated and annoyed. There's a lot less teeth gritting and deep sighing. I'm able to curb my instinct to shut my daughter down with a mean "NO!" right away. I look at her with less annoyance but with more wonderment and awe.
Today, I feel stable and clear.
I find joy in spending time with my daughter. We sing and dance; I read to her and tell her stories. I don't feel resentful all the time like I'm stuck at home and missing out what's going on in the world, even when I see my friends' shenanigans on Instagram or Facebook. I'm able to laugh at myself with my friends and have a great time with them without griping about being a mother. I don't obsess over irrelevant minutiae, like forgetting to get avocados or putting fabric softener in the laundry. Also, I love sex again and even initiate it. I feel like a functioning, feeling, healthy human. I'm more patient and I have a more tender contact with my family and that's everything to me. Because they deserve better. And more importantly, I do too.
More juicy reads from YourTango:
I've Got A BIG Problem With The Food Some Of You Serve Your Kids
Dear Moms, Stop Complaining! You CHOSE To Have Kids, Remember?
3 Super-Tricky Questions All Kids Ask (And How To Answer 'Em!)
Kids, If I Teach You ANYTHING About Sex, Let It Be These 7 Things
The 31 Most Magnificent Gowns Michelle Obama Wore While in the White House
Since she arrived in the White House eight years ago, Michelle Obama has slipped into about 31 occasion gowns. So you can imagine they're all pretty memorable. While our former FLOTUS keeps a few favorite designers in steady rotation - Jason Wu, Michael Kors, and Tadashi Shoji included - she's not afraid to get experimental, even in a fancy dress.
Michelle never played it safe at state dinners or celebrations, surprising us with a bold color or print and often even an accessory like coordinating elbow-length gloves. Read on to reminisce about her most regal style moments now that she's left her post. We're sure she'll be around again soon, making us swoon over yet another elegant number.
22 Times Milo Ventimiglia's Smile Stopped You in Your Tracks
Let's get the obvious out of the way first: Milo Ventimiglia is an extremely sexy man. If you didn't fall in love with him back in the day when he was on Gilmore Girls, you probably sure as hell love him now for his role as perfect husband and father Jack Pearson on NBC's The Is Us. In addition to his charming personality and sweet real-life friendships with his costars, Milo is beautiful to look at. And his smile? Lay me down and put me to bed. The actor has opened up in the past about how a birth defect involving dead nerves in his lip led to his self-described "crooked smile," but we honestly think it couldn't be more attractive. Whether he's full-on grinning or only slightly smirking, it makes us weak in the knees every damn time.
We Bet You Had No Clue Bruno Mars Wrote These Songs
Bruno Mars is an incredibly talented singer, but did you know he's also a writing genius? Not only is he a part of The Smeezingtons (a songwriting and production team), but he's also penned a handful of hits you probably didn't even know came from him. Remember Justin Bieber's "Love Me"? What about Jay Z and Kanye West's "Lift Off"? Keep reading to see what else came from Mars, and get ready to be surprised.
The Fashion-Based Theory From The Walking Dead That No One Is Talking About
Nothing will stop us from trying to solve every mystery from The Walking Dead - including ones we discover all on our own, after hours of binge-watching the suspenseful series. For instance: have you noticed that the majority of female walkers roam around in maxi dresses? What's the deal there? Was there a shortage of pants before this virus spread, forcing them to rock the next-best comfy staple? We really need to know!
In reality, it's probably easier for the costume department to rip up and "walker-fy" a single piece rather than a full outfit. But we'll still hold out hope that one day, our question will be explained. Until then, take a look at the maxis taking over this apocalyptic world. Then see what life was like before walkers were everywhere.
The 1 Thing That Will Save You Major Money at Whole Foods
Saving money might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're shopping at Whole Foods, but rest assured, there's a major way to avoid the "Whole Foods, whole paycheck" stereotype. Beyond the more obvious ways to save money at Whole Foods, like bringing your own bags, there's a little-known secret that a Whole Foods employee told me. Shopping on a certain day of the week will help you save more money than any other day: Wednesday.
In an interview with POPSUGAR, Whole Foods food editor Molly Siegler said, "Wednesday is the day that our sale cycle turns over, so it actually ends up being a day where there are twice as many sales, so that's sort of a fun, magic day to come in." You'll see more of those yellow "sale" tags on shelves than you typically would, so Wednesdays are the perfect day to stock up on pantry staples, frozen foods, and meat.
"In addition to those in-store sales, we have mobile coupons that are part of our app. These coupons are updated regularly, and you just have the cashier scan the barcode that's exclusive to you," Molly said.
Armed with these insider secrets, you'll never waste money at Whole Foods again. If you shop on a Wednesday and take advantage of the Whole Foods Try Before You Buy Policy, you'll really be living the dream.
The Easy Eating Formula For Getting Rid of Body Fat
If you feel soft in the middle, you can either thank your mother for inheriting her blessed genetic predisposition for belly flab or your sweet kiddos who were created there. Whatever the reason, if you'd much rather have a sleeker midsection, as a mom of two, I can totally relate.
Although it's impossible to spot-reduce fat from specific areas, we've enlisted the help of Christmas Abbott, CrossFit competitor and author of The Badass Body Diet ($28), to help us ditch our pinch-more-than-an-inch tummies. As a formerly "skinny fat" woman who transformed her body through CrossFit and a dialed-in diet, Christmas understands how real women feel and also what they need to do to get the body they crave. "Food is your foundation, and fitness is the accessory," says Christmas. She believes that every meal and snack needs to embrace the macronutrient trifecta of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats to help reduce overall body fat, which will aid in reducing stubborn belly fat.
Christmas explains that all food can be categorized into a protein, a carbohydrate, or a fat. "You can't go wrong by dividing your plate into thirds and filling each section with a primo protein, primo carbohydrate, and primo fat." There are only two foods Christmas says to avoid - processed foods and alcohol - since these contribute to unwanted fat. If you want to know specifics about how many of each to eat, The Badass Body Diet outlines a diet plan based on your personal body type and goals.
What about exercise? Short, high-intensity training sessions are proven to help reduce belly fat faster than steady-state cardio. Below are some great examples of this type of workout.
- 45-minute walk-run-sprint interval workout for beginners
- 10-minute HIIT video from celeb trainer Astrid McGuire
- 60-minute walk-jog workout
- 7-minute workout that targets belly fat
- 20-minute full-body HIIT video workout
- 30-minute pyramid interval workout for the treadmill
- Tush-toning interval workout with hill repeats
And once the belly fat begins to dissolve, you'll want to reveal a carved, toned core with this 10-minute ab workout. Working out three times a week is great if you're starting out, then you can add additional days as your body becomes stronger. As a CrossFit competitor, Olympic lifter, and head trainer at CrossFit HQ, Christmas also makes a point that your workouts should be fun so you stick with them longer.
This post was originally published on Aug. 10, 2015.
There's No Effing Way You'll Be Able to Resist These 15 Tres Leches Recipes - No Way!
If you're like us, chances are that just the mention of tres leches gets you drooling tres veces. What if we told you we had several ways for you to take this decadent dessert to the next level? From doughnuts to cronuts to ice cream to different spins on cake, we've got your taste buds covered. Grab a spoon!
The Easy Eating Formula For Getting Rid of Body Fat
If you feel soft in the middle, you can either thank your mother for inheriting her blessed genetic predisposition for belly flab or your sweet kiddos who were created there. Whatever the reason, if you'd much rather have a sleeker midsection, as a mom of two, I can totally relate.
Although it's impossible to spot-reduce fat from specific areas, we've enlisted the help of Christmas Abbott, CrossFit competitor and author of The Badass Body Diet ($28), to help us ditch our pinch-more-than-an-inch tummies. As a formerly "skinny fat" woman who transformed her body through CrossFit and a dialed-in diet, Christmas understands how real women feel and also what they need to do to get the body they crave. "Food is your foundation, and fitness is the accessory," says Christmas. She believes that every meal and snack needs to embrace the macronutrient trifecta of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats to help reduce overall body fat, which will aid in reducing stubborn belly fat.
Christmas explains that all food can be categorized into a protein, a carbohydrate, or a fat. "You can't go wrong by dividing your plate into thirds and filling each section with a primo protein, primo carbohydrate, and primo fat." There are only two foods Christmas says to avoid - processed foods and alcohol - since these contribute to unwanted fat. If you want to know specifics about how many of each to eat, The Badass Body Diet outlines a diet plan based on your personal body type and goals.
What about exercise? Short, high-intensity training sessions are proven to help reduce belly fat faster than steady-state cardio. Below are some great examples of this type of workout.
- 45-minute walk-run-sprint interval workout for beginners
- 10-minute HIIT video from celeb trainer Astrid McGuire
- 60-minute walk-jog workout
- 7-minute workout that targets belly fat
- 20-minute full-body HIIT video workout
- 30-minute pyramid interval workout for the treadmill
- Tush-toning interval workout with hill repeats
And once the belly fat begins to dissolve, you'll want to reveal a carved, toned core with this 10-minute ab workout. Working out three times a week is great if you're starting out, then you can add additional days as your body becomes stronger. As a CrossFit competitor, Olympic lifter, and head trainer at CrossFit HQ, Christmas also makes a point that your workouts should be fun so you stick with them longer.
This post was originally published on Aug. 10, 2015.
22 Times Milo Ventimiglia's Smile Stopped You in Your Tracks
Let's get the obvious out of the way first: Milo Ventimiglia is an extremely sexy man. If you didn't fall in love with him back in the day when he was on Gilmore Girls, you probably sure as hell love him now for his role as perfect husband and father Jack Pearson on NBC's The Is Us. In addition to his charming personality and sweet real-life friendships with his costars, Milo is beautiful to look at. And his smile? Lay me down and put me to bed. The actor has opened up in the past about how a birth defect involving dead nerves in his lip led to his self-described "crooked smile," but we honestly think it couldn't be more attractive. Whether he's full-on grinning or only slightly smirking, it makes us weak in the knees every damn time.
24 Talented Women Who Swept Award Season
We're nearing the grand finale of award season: the Oscars. Last year, Brie Larson emerged as a triple threat after her stunning performance in Room; Larson got all three big awards under her belt (gown?). On the actor side, Leo had a similar story when it came to his role in The Revenant. It's an impressive accomplishment, but these two are hardly the first ones to take home the Oscar/Golden Globe/SAG Award triple crown - it's happened more times than you might think. Just check out these famous ladies who walked away triple winners.
- Additional reporting by Maggie Pehanick and Quinn Keaney
This Heartbreaking Story of How a Man Rescued Kittens in a Dumpster Has a Happy Ending
A kind man named Cliff is our new hero after rescuing a litter of newly born kittens that he found in a dumpster. He heard meowing from the pile of disposed wood and saw a tiny white kitten hanging on in between two beams. It made faint noises and Cliff realized there were others abandoned as well.
Cliff told Love Meow that someone had dumped the kittens into the dumpster and they were underneath a pile of wood that was thrown in on top of them. He spent seven hours digging them all out, although one didn't survive. The litter was as young as a week old or so, as they could barely open their eyes. Since they were so young, they required round-the-clock care, which one rescue group in Springfield, MO, Watching Over Whiskers, offered to provide. Thanks to them, the kittens were bathed and nursed back to health. Two of the smaller ones are even being fed by a rescue cat named Roxy, who just had six babies of her own.
This heartbreaking story thankfully had a happy ending, and the kittens are doing well at their foster home. Watch Cliff retrieve a kitten in the video above and see two of the kittens below!
You Can Buy Straight From Fashion Week's Runways - Right This Way
Last Fashion Week, one of the biggest conversation starters was the see now, buy now show. Brands and designers like Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Thakoon, and Burberry debuted shoppable runway looks and shook up the industry. Instead of waiting an entire season to buy that It bag or top that caught your eye, customers could now buy it minutes after they saw it on the catwalk.
The same is true of this season's collections. Rebecca Minkoff already released her Spring '17 line during a show in LA (in lieu of a show at New York Fashion Week) while H&M has promised to follow suit in March at Paris Fashion Week. Read on to see who's making their collections shoppable in real time so far. Then, stay tuned for more shoppable items from your favorite fashion houses all Fashion Month long.
8 Secrets of a Chinese Restaurant, Revealed by an Employee
If you've always wanted to know what really goes on inside a Chinese restaurant, you're in luck. A restaurant employee recently did a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) entitled Your Typical Chinese Restaurant Employee, and he answered a lot of users' questions that touched on everything except the exact recipes (some things have to remain a secret!). He wrote, "I am Chinese. Parents are Chinese. Parents own a typical take out Chinese food restaurant. I have worked there almost all my life and I know almost all the ins and outs." Curious about his insider secrets? Read on for some of the standout questions and answers, and then catch up on the whole AMA here.
1. The secret to authentic Chinese food is the sauce.
Someone mentioned that they try to make Chinese food at home but it's never nearly as good - not even "as good as the worst Chinese takeout." Turns out, the major difference is the sauce.
2. Using a wok makes a difference.
Another reason your homemade stir fries and lo mein might not taste authentic is that using a wok is far superior to a regular skillet. "The ability to flash cook in a wok makes a big difference believe it or not."
3. North American Chinese food is cheaper.
4. The secret to the chicken in dishes like General Tso's is the breading.
5. Yes, many restaurants really do use the same images for the menu.
6. Don't believe a restaurant if it says it doesn't have MSG . . . it's already in soy sauce and many other sauces.
7. The best thing to order is anything Mongolian style. At least, that's this guy's personal favorite.
8. The one thing you should NEVER order is . . . fries.
Sarah Jessica Parker's Broadway Date Night Doubles as a Sex and the City Reunion
Brace yourselves, Sex and the City fans, because Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbes are back together. On Thursday, Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick linked up with Sarah's former costars Cynthia Nixon and Mario Cantone at the opening night of Matthew's Broadway play, Evening at The Talk House. The stylish foursome chatted and shared a few laughs inside as photographers snapped photos nearby. Of course, this isn't the first time the cast has reunited. Back in October, Cynthia and Mario were both front and center at the NYC premiere of Sarah's HBO show, Divorce. Hopefully next time Samantha and Charlotte will join them!
Sarah Jessica Parker's Broadway Date Night Doubles as a Sex and the City Reunion
Brace yourselves, Sex and the City fans, because Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbes are back together. On Thursday, Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick linked up with Sarah's former costars Cynthia Nixon and Mario Cantone at the opening night of Matthew's Broadway play, Evening at The Talk House. The stylish foursome chatted and shared a few laughs inside as photographers snapped photos nearby. Of course, this isn't the first time the cast has reunited. Back in October, Cynthia and Mario were both front and center at the NYC premiere of Sarah's HBO show, Divorce. Hopefully next time Samantha and Charlotte will join them!
Woman and Her Fiancé - a Paraplegic - Hilariously Announce Unexpected Pregnancy
I hear Reddit likes seeing paraplegics defy the odds...
Todd Krieg and Amanda Diesen just got engaged and announced a pregnancy on the same day - but there is so much more to celebrate for this couple who, in a way, have defied the odds to get to this point.
Amanda, formerly a therapist at a paralysis recovery center, met Todd in California in October 2015, a year after a dirt bike crash that ended his motocross career and paralyzed him from the chest down brought him to the center. The pair fell for each other during his time there, and once Todd finally admitted his feelings for his "cute therapist," the rest is history. He headed back to his home in Ohio and she moved cross country to be with him.
Although the couple has faced a number of struggles, an adorable photo posted to Reddit revealed that despite it all, they're expecting a baby. "Doctors had said it would be nearly impossible to conceive naturally due to Todd's injury, but here we are, 14 weeks pregnant," Amanda said on a website in which users can vote for her and Todd to win a dream wedding.
The cute and hilarious announcement photo features Amanda holding a sonogram photo and Todd, tongue out, with the words "It still works!" written in chalk above him. We can't help but be overjoyed for this sweet couple! See their announcement photo above, and the moment they found out they're having a baby boy below.
Lucky Charms Just Gave You Permission to Put Marshmallows on Oatmeal
Take a deep breath, because this news is equal parts exciting and devastating. General Mills has just released a Lucky Charms Instant Oatmeal (crunchy marbits included!) and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Instant Oatmeal. Before you run out to your nearest grocery store, here's the catch: these limited-edition oatmeals are exclusive to Canada. According to our source at General Mills, "The products are now available at most retailers in Canada for about eight weeks. The SRP for both products in Canada is $3.49 [Canadian dollars]."
I think I speak for most Americans everywhere, when I say, we need these instant oatmeals stocked in our grocery stores, too. I'd gladly give up the frosted oat cereal in Lucky Charms for a bowl of piping-hot oatmeal topped with crunchy marbits. And though I love Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, I dream of the buttery, cinnamony flavors in a warm bowl of oats. I think the only thing we can do is exercise our voice by calling the General Mills Consumer Services line (1-800-248-7310) and politely begging for them to bring these flavors to America! We've requested to try the oatmeals out, so stay tuned for our food review . . .
15 Inspirational Quotes to Commemorate Black History Month
February has been designated as Black History Month by every US president since 1976, and we're commemorating this year with 15 inspiring, motivational quotes from influential black figures like Angela Davis, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as iconic entertainers like Beyoncé Knowles and Oprah Winfrey. These thoughtful celebrity quotes are the perfect words to soak up now and pin later! Share away and don't forget to follow our Pinterest board for more uplifting words from your favorite stars.
Princess Beatrice of York Hangs With Kate Middleton, but Her Style's on Another Level
You might have heard Princess Beatrice's name with ties to Uber executive Dave Clark. The longtime couple made headlines recently with news of their split, but we're here to prove the Royal Highness of York can hold her own. Not only does the princess regularly attend family events alongside her younger sister, Eugenie; her grandmother Queen Elizabeth II; and Kate Middleton, but she also participates in charity work and is developing a career in business.
From a fashion perspective, Beatrice is a natural. Her wardrobe consists of key pieces that turn heads on the red carpet, at fashion shows, and on the street, but it's the way she wears them that counts. While the princess favors Peter Pan collars, avant-garde fascinators, and all sorts of embellishments, every outfit includes an element of surprise. Read on for 73 lessons you can learn just by studying her style.
15 Inspirational Quotes to Commemorate Black History Month
February has been designated as Black History Month by every US president since 1976, and we're commemorating this year with 15 inspiring, motivational quotes from influential black figures like Angela Davis, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as iconic entertainers like Beyoncé Knowles and Oprah Winfrey. These thoughtful celebrity quotes are the perfect words to soak up now and pin later! Share away and don't forget to follow our Pinterest board for more uplifting words from your favorite stars.
These Illustrations of Disney Princesses Going to the Doctor Without Obamacare Are Too Real
Belle, Ariel, and Elena of Avalor are all dealing with the effects of a world without Obamacare in these illustrations created by a duo of creative Latinas, illustrator Maritza Lugo and writer Danielle Sepulveres.
With the fate of the Affordable Care Act (popularly known as Obamacare) up in the air, Maritza and Danielle decided to use everyone's favorite princesses to show off the devastating implications that the repeal will have for millions of Americans - specifically women.
"At the end of 2015, I contacted Maritza and asked if she'd be interested in drawing re-imagined Disney princesses to bring awareness for cervical cancer awareness month," Danielle told us via email. "This year, we decided to revamp that project and brainstormed how we could be most effective in showing the consequences of the repeal of ACA, looming ominously over essential healthcare for women." The results: Pocahontas being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, Belle having to pay for a new birth control prescription, and Elena facing protestors outside of Planned Parenthood. Scroll ahead to see the poignant illustrations and read what Maritza said about each of them on Instagram.
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