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.
jeudi 23 février 2017
Katy Perry's Brit Awards Performance Brought Down the House - Literally
I'm crying the House fell off the stage 😂 🏠 #BRITs2017 #KatyPerryBRITS http://pic.twitter.com/LlknbQIbsi
- Ali (@ChocMilkSheikh1) February 22, 2017
Katy Perry performed her hit single "Chained the Rhythm" at the Brit Awards on Wednesday, but it's not her political messages that have people talking. Instead of dancing around a white picket fence like she did at the Grammys, the singer actually had her backup dancers dress up like white houses. However, things quickly took a wrong turn (literally) when one of them marched right off stage and into the audience. It's all painfully awkward, but we can't help but watch the video over and over again. Catch the notable moment above.
These Are the 10 Disney Channel Original Movies Your Kids Need to See
Back in the late '90s and early '00s, a cool Friday night in was making a bowl of popcorn and cozying up to a new Disney Channel Original Movie. The now-cheesy movies were once the thing I looked most forward to on any given night of the week - if my homework was finished by 8 p.m., I was allowed to watch whichever movie was playing that night. In the late '90s was when DCOMs really started to pick up, so those first handful of movies that were relentlessly aired over and over are the ones I remember most. Some are ones that others would recall fondly, the others are ones that most people have likely long forgotten about.
Like other Disney movies, there's a lesson - or seven - embedded in each of these films, and even though you might cringe watching them now, you'll love watching them with your kids. For a kick right in the nostalgia, check out the 10 Disney Channel Original Movies that your kid is going to love just as much as you once did.
10 Harry Potter Theories You Won't Be Able to Wrap Your Head Around
The last Harry Potter book came out nine years ago, but that hasn't stopped Potterheads from analyzing every aspect of the series. Plenty of theories surfaced this year like Draco Malfoy possibly being a werewolf, a plot twist in what the Deathly Hallows stands for, and heartwarming ideas about Neville Longbottom. Before you reread the series again, check out the favorite theories we read about this year - many of which have been around for ages.
Every Fashion Girl Should Know the Difference Between Prada and Miu Miu
When asked about the difference between her two lines, Prada and Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada once said:
"Designing for me is a very complex process. There are many ideas that I want to express in one object, very often contradictory. The creative process in Miu Miu is completely different from that of Prada. Rather than being young, Miu Miu is immediate. Prada is very sophisticated and considered; Miu Miu is much more naïve. The solution, when I am working on Miu Miu, has to come immediately, instinctively, spontaneously with whatever is available at the moment. If I think three times, I stop."
The designer was quoted in System Magazine two years ago, and when I read her explanation, I understood it immediately. But that's not the only reason I appreciate the distinction between the two labels. Aside from the fact that Miuccia Prada explains her art so clearly, she also executes, maintaining very specific aesthetics for each brand season after season. It's not only noticeable on the runway, where the Prada model is mature and equipped with all the essentials, and the Miu Miu girl is playful, her outfit a bit more carefree and thrown together as if to say, "why not?"
You can notice the difference between Miu Miu and Prada when it comes to ad campaigns, the It bags or shoes, and the front-row celebrity staples at Fashion Week. Read on to learn more about each label, and by the time you're studied up, you'll have arrived at the line that's truly right for you - are you a Prada lady or a Miu Miu girl at heart?
Your Favorite Stars Packed Their Best Outfits For the Front Row at Milan Fashion Week
The latest edition of who's sitting front row at Fashion Week takes us to Milan. Stars have traveled to the city for shows such as Fendi, Gucci, and Max Mara, packing their best outfits for the camera. If you thought the front row at New York Fashion Week was good, just wait. In Milan, there is a little more glitz and glam in the looks, plus A-list celebs are sure to pop up. You don't have to be in Italy to see what your favorite stars are wearing. We've rounded up all the note-worthy outfits so far up ahead.
Brace Yourself For These Incredibly Sexy Pictures of Maluma
Maluma's Instagram feed is an endless source of sexy. There, we said it. And if you watched his "El Perdedor" music video, you know it's true.
The 22-year-old Colombian singer - who takes part in POPSUGAR Latina contributor Thalia's new single, "Desde Esa Noche" - is totally gorgeous. Seriously. When he's not offering up his bed smolder for a selfie (swoon) or snapping a quick mirror picture (double swoon), Maluma is living his exciting life - in the sexiest way possible. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your fan and read on for 20 of his hottest moments on Instagram.
Ontario teacher who told students they 'could die' from vaccines found guilty of professional misconduct
An Ontario high school teacher who disrupted an immunization clinic and discouraged students from getting vaccinated has been found guilty of professional misconduct, the Ontario College of Teachers has ruled.
Ontario teacher who told students they 'could die' from vaccines found guilty of professional misconduct
An Ontario high school teacher who disrupted an immunization clinic and discouraged students from getting vaccinated has been found guilty of professional misconduct, the Ontario College of Teachers has ruled.
10 Selena Songs That Deserve to Endlessly Be on Repeat
Almost twenty-two years since her tragic death on March 31, 1995, Selena Quintanilla's legacy is alive and well.
The Texas native and (still-reigning) Queen of Tejano, who was portrayed by Jennifer Lopez in Selena, is as iconic today as she was back then - and celebrities like Kat Von D and Orange Is the New Black's Jackie Cruz are making sure of it with their gorgeous covers of her hits.
To celebrate her memory, we curated a playlist of some of our favorite Selena songs. Keep scrolling to listen to them all.
Parents, Be Warned: This Over-the-Counter Drug Has Highly Alarming Effects on Children
If your child is suffering from constipation, you may want to think twice about giving them Miralax to alleviate their symptoms. Since 2014, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has been conducting a study about potential disturbing side effects of the over-the-counter drug on kids who consume it.
When the FDA-grant-funded study first began, the federal agency stated that Miralax powder contains polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350), which may degrade into two different toxic ingredients found in antifreeze. A description of the study found on the National Institutes of Health website explains this alarming discovery a bit more in depth.
"The Food and Drug Administration has received a number of reports of adverse events in children taking PEG products," the FDA said. "The Agency has conducted a review that documented a number of reports of neurological and psychiatric events associated with chronic PEG use in children."
Although the study is still in progress and its findings have therefore not been released yet, many parents are coming forward to confirm the FDA's suspicions. Jeanie Ward told ABC6 about how her daughter Nicole was told to take Miralax when she was just 3 and a half years old, even though the drug is typically not recommended for anyone younger than 17 years of age.
Ward described her daughter's "near psychiatric events with paranoia, mood swings, aggression, and rage" after consuming Miralax. Nicole, who is now 19, expressed how she was a "very, very happy child," but that she started "hating everybody" and "wanted to kill everybody" in second grade. "I'm mad that this happened to me," Nicole told ABC6.
But Nicole isn't the only one who has been negatively affected by the medicine, as more than 4,000 parents have joined the Facebook group titled Parents Against Miralax (PEG 3350) to share their stories. The group members discuss the cons of the drug as well as how to approach doctors about its harmful effects.
Until the results of the hospital's study are released, it may be best to consult your child's doctor and avoid giving them Miralax for constipation. You can also try natural ways to relieve their discomfort, such as fiber-rich foods or prune juice.
Lauren Conrad Can Describe Her "Perfect Bag" in a Split Second
Lauren Conrad personifies girlie style, but somehow keeps it fresh. While her personal wardrobe consists largely of florals, feminine shapes, and light shades, it's always inventive - especially now that Lauren's announced she's expecting, already putting her maternity look on display. But when Lauren's not romping around at fashion shows, she's serious about designing for her Kohl's collection.
For Spring 2017, that's so much more than a romantic slip dress. LC is debuting three new lines, exclusive for the department store: handbags, fine jewelry, and "dress up shop," aka apparel. We got the chance to chat with Lauren about her designs and the inspiration behind this particular drop. Scroll to find out some of Lauren's biggest business secrets, including her must-have bag and how she continues to keep flowery prints fresh for every month of the year. Then, head over to Kohl's where you can shop the full range today.
The Most Iconic Oscars Beauty Missteps of All Time
We've all had a few unfortunate style moments, but for some celebrities, their style faux pas have been caught as photographic evidence forever. Even stars at the Oscars (arguably the biggest red carpet event of the year!) aren't impervious to questionable hair and makeup. In anticipation of the Academy Awards this Sunday, enjoy this selection of awkward choices throughout the years, from dismaying hairstyles to egregious eye shadow looks. Try not to laugh too much - after all, everybody's been there.
10 Cute Pictures of (Hottest Mom Ever) Sofia Vergara With Her Son, Manolo
On Sept. 16, 1991, Modern Family star Sofia Vergara became a mom at 18 in her native Barranquilla, Colombia, which - if you're mentally doing the math right now - makes her son, Manolo, 25 years old!
Since Sofia raised Manolo on her own, they have a close, fun-loving relationship, complete with very similar senses of humor and subsequent silly photos everywhere from social media to the red carpet. Don't believe us? Keep scrolling to see some of their cutest snaps. Then, swoon over Sofia's hottest looks through the years.
The Iconic Fendi Logo Is Back in Full Force
If for you, Fendi is best represented by its signature logo, two sternly interlocking "F"s, you'll be quite pleased with the brand's Fall collection. The symbol was all over the place (starting with the runway floor), but also positioned at the center of hoop earrings and tilted on the flaps of structured satchels. Perhaps that's because this season, Karl Lagerfeld and accessories designer Silvia Venturini Fendi traced their roots back to 1925, when Fendi first became a fashion house. The duo worked together to deliver a fresh, clean start.
Suits and blazers are feminized by fur cuffs or the swishing of a silk maxi skirt underneath. The bags are ornate, offered in velvet, striped python, and leather. While the coats don't carry the iconic "F"s, you'd recognize them anywhere - they're made of camel-colored fur and stitched with oversize pockets. Meanwhile, cropped sweaters carry a geometric pattern inspired by Viennese woodblock printing, keeping things youthful, which is always expected at Fendi.
Oversize opticals and aviators played up vintage vibes, while laser-cut coordinates brought the entire line a touch of modernity - a rightful balance. Leaf prints kept the clothes in-season, a notable direction other labels seem to be straying from. But the finale was full of sheer midis to be worn at any time of the year. They were romantic and cinematic thanks to standout daisy appliqués, and they seemed to stop at just the right spot, revealing the new patent Cuissard boot, a must-have in cherry red.
Rest assured, Silvia didn't short the accessory fiend. She can add to her Strap You collection with fur shoulder straps in cherry red, black, and deep teal, or get on board with cutout flowers or the classic double "F." Plus, the introduction of the Run Away double-handle bag, a keychain-like accordion of pouches, answers the question we asked at Gucci: is one pouch ever enough?
As far as models go, Binx Walton, Imaan Hammam, Stella Maxwell, Kendall Jenner, and Gigi Hadid all emerged on the catwalk. But it was Bella Hadid's ensemble that captured us. She wore the new essentials: a loose white shirt dress, those leather knee-highs, and a large Peekaboo tote, proving that the very best Fendi look truly starts with the basics.
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.
How to Prevent Sibling Rivalry When One Child Is in the Spotlight
Recently, we celebrated my son's third birthday. We had a small but festive party at our house, complete with lots of balloons, food, and games (and an adults-only beverage station). Our family room was filled with presents that friends and family had brought our little guy, and he was thrilled both with the abundance of gifts and to be the center of attention.
Not so thrilled was his older sister, who wasn't so sure about relinquishing her usual title as our house's HBIC (that's "Head Babe in Charge," of course). "Will everyone bring me presents, too?" she asked me before the party started. No, I explained to her. It was her brother's big day, and a few months later she'd have her own special celebration for her sixth birthday. Today she was expected to be a good big sister and help her brother have the best time possible.
It took a minute for her to wrap her head around a world, however temporary, where all adult eyes weren't on her, but eventually she got it. Despite a couple of meltdowns, probably inspired by equal parts sugar and jealousy, she managed to enjoy her brother's party, even allowing him to play with all of his new toys for a few minutes before stealing them away for a turn. Hey, no one said she's perfect.
As much as parents want to treat our children equally, it's just not always possible, nor advisable to do so. Of course, there are moments when one kid has to get more attention, whether it's a birthday celebration, a special performance or sports event, or even because of an illness. And when our eyes are focused on one of our children, the others definitely notice, and jealousy and sibling rivalry can ensue. However, there are steps you can take to minimize any negative feelings or behaviors from the child who's taking the back seat.
Here are six ways to keep the peace among siblings and for your entire family.
- Explain the situation in advance. Preparation is key when you know one of your children will be getting the bulk of your attention, especially if your other child isn't old enough to inherently know that a birthday party or preschool graduation means it's their sibling's big day. Explain that though you will be celebrating their sibling, you love all your children very much and look forward to the time when the others will also have a special day of their own.
- Remind your child that they will eventually have a turn to be in the spotlight as well. This is a great way to teach empathy. Although your child may not understand why they have to take a back seat at their sibling's birthday party, they can think about how excited and special they feel on their own birthdays and that as a supportive sibling, it's important to give their sibling that same happy experience.
- Make sure all of your children are entertained and included. If you know you have a child who has a tough time not being the center of attention, throw them (and yourself) a bone and perhaps let them invite a special friend along or let them bring a favorite game or toy to entertain themselves. In addition, giving them special tasks, like delivering each present to their sibling or asking who wants a slice of cake lets them feel included in the festivities.
- Remind them how important their support is to their sibling. Sometimes it just takes a reminder that their brother or sister loves them and needs their encouragement and comfort during big moments, whether they're good or bad. Most kids will rise to the occasion.
- Teach them that tough lesson: life isn't always fair. Every adult knows it, and every child will have to eventually learn that life just isn't inherently fair all the time. Although it's a hard lesson that we don't always want to saddle our kids with, it's a reality that they'll eventually have to accept.
- Don't reward bad behavior. Temper tantrums in these situations are usually just a way to get your attention, so don't fall for them. If you have to deal with a meltdown, do so quickly and, if you can, use a time out, limiting your child's time with you and access to their sibling, who deserves your undivided attention.
10 Perfumes Your Grandma Always Talked About That Actually Smell Amazing
If you were to catch a whiff of scents like Jean Nate or Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds today, you'd probably be transported back to memories of your Latina mom or grandma in the '80s or '90s, spritzing and dabbing while getting ready for a night of salsa dancing or just a day at home cooking and spending time with family. But those throwback perfumes don't have to just be a memory. Each is distinctive and special in its own way, and we think that just like the best vintage bags and shoes, they all deserve a moment back on the scene. Keep scrolling to see 10 old-school perfumes that we'll be wearing all season.
What Science Has to Say About the Link Between Caffeine and Anxiety
Anxious? Drink coffee? The doctors have spoken - it may be time to ditch the coffee habit. We interviewed a range of specialists, from psychotherapists to cardiologists, and the results were clear as ever: caffeine can be a major factor when it comes to stress.
"Caffeine overload mimics anxiety. If you're anxious, it will worsen your symptoms," said Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Medical Center and the medical director of the Joan H. Tisch Center For Women's Health.
Thinking about getting a second opinion on that? Don't worry, we got four.
How does caffeine affect someone with anxiety or high stress levels?
"With people prone to mood disorders, caffeine has a stronger effect." - Dr. Mirwat Sami, MD.
- It ups your stress hormones. Remember cortisol and adrenaline, those stress hormones you're trying to mitigate? Yeah . . . caffeine stimulates production of both of those in the body. Your body responds with an increased heart rate (hypertension) and rapid breathing. This response can not only trigger anxiety but also sustain it, said Jodi Aman, LCSW-R psychotherapist.
- It depletes your anxiety-fighting minerals. Caffeine also depletes magnesium, the antianxiety mineral, leaving you with very few natural ways of coping with stress.
Can you still have coffee?
Maybe. For most patients, in moderation.
Dr. Goldberg, for one, allows her patients a "moderate intake of caffeine, in any product."
So what does moderation mean? Make sure you monitor your levels. Coffee and espresso will put you in the 77 mg to 135 mg range, and tea will typically have between 15 mg and 70 mg. One cup of coffee each day seemed to get the green light from most doctors we spoke with. The moderation is not only to keep you from a caffeine-induced panic attack but also to keep the dependence on caffeine low, as it can be incredibly addictive, said Dr. Sami.
Factors that may curb the effects of caffeine include drinking water, early morning consumption (this can limit side effects), temperature (hot drinks can be calming), and stress- and depression-fighting supplements like L-Theanine, magnesium, and vitamin B complex.
When is it time to say goodbye?
If you're dealing with severe, clinical anxiety, the time is nigh to cut the cord with coffee. If you've yet to be diagnosed, there are still ways to tell if your caffeine levels are too high for you. Dr. Goldberg suggests monitoring symptoms and being mindful of "rapid, skipped, or fluttering heartbeats, trembling and stomach upset, and sleep disruption."
You can also take notes and think of it like an A-B test. Reduce the amount of coffee, soda, or tea you're drinking, and observe if a smaller amount still triggers anxiety and/or heightens your sensitivity, says Dr. David A. Greuner, MD, FACS, FICS. If the pros of having a mental stimulant aren't outweighing the cons, you should think about eliminating caffeine from your diet.
But don't think of this as a forever breakup, Aman says. "If you are trying to get your anxiety to go away, it helps to stay away from caffeine entirely. That doesn't mean forever, just until it's no longer a problem."
Thankfully, there are energy-boosting alternatives to hold you over or become a substitute; ginseng, yerba mate, and green tea are all milder stimulants, with low caffeine (but enough to help out). If you need more natural energy-boosters, try a quick workout in the morning before work or any of these healthy substitutes.
What Science Has to Say About the Link Between Caffeine and Anxiety
Anxious? Drink coffee? The doctors have spoken - it may be time to ditch the coffee habit. We interviewed a range of specialists, from psychotherapists to cardiologists, and the results were clear as ever: caffeine can be a major factor when it comes to stress.
"Caffeine overload mimics anxiety. If you're anxious, it will worsen your symptoms," said Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Medical Center and the medical director of the Joan H. Tisch Center For Women's Health.
Thinking about getting a second opinion on that? Don't worry, we got four.
How does caffeine affect someone with anxiety or high stress levels?
"With people prone to mood disorders, caffeine has a stronger effect." - Dr. Mirwat Sami, MD.
- It ups your stress hormones. Remember cortisol and adrenaline, those stress hormones you're trying to mitigate? Yeah . . . caffeine stimulates production of both of those in the body. Your body responds with an increased heart rate (hypertension) and rapid breathing. This response can not only trigger anxiety but also sustain it, said Jodi Aman, LCSW-R psychotherapist.
- It depletes your anxiety-fighting minerals. Caffeine also depletes magnesium, the antianxiety mineral, leaving you with very few natural ways of coping with stress.
Can you still have coffee?
Maybe. For most patients, in moderation.
Dr. Goldberg, for one, allows her patients a "moderate intake of caffeine, in any product."
So what does moderation mean? Make sure you monitor your levels. Coffee and espresso will put you in the 77 mg to 135 mg range, and tea will typically have between 15 mg and 70 mg. One cup of coffee each day seemed to get the green light from most doctors we spoke with. The moderation is not only to keep you from a caffeine-induced panic attack but also to keep the dependence on caffeine low, as it can be incredibly addictive, said Dr. Sami.
Factors that may curb the effects of caffeine include drinking water, early morning consumption (this can limit side effects), temperature (hot drinks can be calming), and stress- and depression-fighting supplements like L-Theanine, magnesium, and vitamin B complex.
When is it time to say goodbye?
If you're dealing with severe, clinical anxiety, the time is nigh to cut the cord with coffee. If you've yet to be diagnosed, there are still ways to tell if your caffeine levels are too high for you. Dr. Goldberg suggests monitoring symptoms and being mindful of "rapid, skipped, or fluttering heartbeats, trembling and stomach upset, and sleep disruption."
You can also take notes and think of it like an A-B test. Reduce the amount of coffee, soda, or tea you're drinking, and observe if a smaller amount still triggers anxiety and/or heightens your sensitivity, says Dr. David A. Greuner, MD, FACS, FICS. If the pros of having a mental stimulant aren't outweighing the cons, you should think about eliminating caffeine from your diet.
But don't think of this as a forever breakup, Aman says. "If you are trying to get your anxiety to go away, it helps to stay away from caffeine entirely. That doesn't mean forever, just until it's no longer a problem."
Thankfully, there are energy-boosting alternatives to hold you over or become a substitute; ginseng, yerba mate, and green tea are all milder stimulants, with low caffeine (but enough to help out). If you need more natural energy-boosters, try a quick workout in the morning before work or any of these healthy substitutes.
A Complete Rundown of Meryl Streep's Red Carpet Style
We can sum up Meryl Streep's red carpet style in one word: elegant. She's been attending award shows since the '70s, which means she's been honing her signature look for quite some time. You won't ever see the actress in a flamboyant dress or barely-there midi; instead, she keeps her outfits modest and timeless.
Just what types of dresses does Meryl gravitate toward? In particular, she has a preference for draping and sleeves, going with designer Lanvin time and time again. In addition, Meryl has long belted her gowns to show off her waistline - a trick no doubt she learned from the pros over the years.
But just because she sticks to modest choices doesn't mean she won't take a fashion risk here and there. She's done the plunging neckline look and worn off-the-shoulder pieces on several occasions. She hired Lupita Nyong'o's stylist Micaela Erlanger to step up her outfit game for the 2017 Golden Globe Awards, where she wore a custom-made Givenchy gown.
In fact, since Givenchy has a standing tradition of dressing only one star for an awards show, Meryl was the only one to wear the fashion house on the red carpet. In true Meryl fashion, she pulled the look off gracefully.
Gear Up For the Oscars With a Glamorous Look at Last Year's Best Pictures
The 2017 Oscar nominations are in, which means the big show is quickly approaching. The news got us thinking about last year's event; there were so many amazing moments to behold, from Chris Rock's scathing, spot-on opening monologue and Leonardo DiCaprio's first-ever win to all the celebrities who showed up to party after the big show. So, enough chitchat - keep reading for the 47 hands-down hottest photos from last year's Oscars.
Gear Up For the Oscars With a Glamorous Look at Last Year's Best Pictures
The 2017 Oscar nominations are in, which means the big show is quickly approaching. The news got us thinking about last year's event; there were so many amazing moments to behold, from Chris Rock's scathing, spot-on opening monologue and Leonardo DiCaprio's first-ever win to all the celebrities who showed up to party after the big show. So, enough chitchat - keep reading for the 47 hands-down hottest photos from last year's Oscars.
Why Your Face-Picking Could Be a Deeper Psychological Issue
I have a dirty little secret, and it's not a pretty one to admit as a beauty editor. Often, I find myself nuzzled up to my bathroom mirror, nails clawing at the tiny whiteheads on my face or pressing aggressively against the "lurkers," those pesky, deep pimples that form under the skin. I've even gone after ingrown hairs. Sometimes, I play a game in the elevator of my building: how quickly can I extract pus from my zit as I travel from the eighth floor to the lobby?
After these face-picking sessions, I am left with a war zone: bleeding, scabs, and eventually scars. I don't even have acne. It's not about getting clear skin, as I am often going after clogged pores too small for a casual observer to notice. When my fiancé moved in and realized what I've been doing behind closed bathroom doors, he gently pointed out that I should try to quit the habit.
So I reached out to my dermatologist, Dr. Amy Wechsler, who is board-certified in dermatology and psychiatry. She's one of the only women in the country with these dual specialties - pretty badass! She helped make sense of why we do this, what it means for us emotionally, and how to stop.
Are You a Picker?
"There are some people who are pickers," she explained. "They have something on their skin that is not typically there, so they try to pick or pop it off. Mosquito bites, scabs, pimples. Other people never touch anything on their skin. That seems to be something stable throughout someone's life - whether they are a picker or not."
Why do we do it? The short answer: "A lot of lives are relatively out of control," she said. "If there is something you can do to control your body or your life, intelligent people try to do it." She added that the habit is often linked to anxiety.
If you ask around or do a quick Google search, you'll discover how vast this issue is. POPSUGAR Beauty editor Emily Orofino admitted to me: "I'll spend hours sitting on the bathroom counter digging holes into my face. I've used tweezers and blackhead extractors to stab myself until something comes out. I don't feel successful until I am bleeding, usually. I've done some messed up things to myself to make me feel better, and I don't think it's just about skin."
"They get get into a trance, a zone where they aren't 100 percent conscious or fully aware of the world around them."
POPSUGAR intern Ashley Cooke also opened up about her chronic skin-picking issue. "I have the OCD of picking my fingers," she said. "I have never known a time when I haven't had this issue. I have crazy scars and bumps on my cuticles and a bit of nerve damage. I have to wear gloves in bed, because I do it in my sleep. And I always have Band-Aids on me as it's the only thing that keeps me from scratching at my fingers."
Pimple-popping videos, showcasing pus oozing out of infected megazits, have been going viral on the Internet for the past year. Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) has over a million fans on her YouTube page. There is a mass fixation around this sensitive topic.
"I think it's pretty strange," Dr. Wechsler said of the trend. "On the other hand, it's satisfying as a doctor to drain a big pimple, because you know you're helping the person." She prefers that her clients watch these videos rather than take on the task of doing it at home. "If they're getting vicarious satisfaction watching a big pimple pop, by all means . . . if it keeps you from popping your own."
The Correlation Between Picking and Anxiety
Right after I got engaged, there was a very brief period of anxiety during which my fiancé and our families wondered: where and when will we have this wedding? It's one of the biggest decisions (besides choosing a partner) that the couple has to make. During that time, you can bet I had to use extra concealer to hide the damage I did to my face.
"When people excessively do something to their own skin, it gets them out of their head, so to speak," Dr. Wechsler said. "They get into a trance, a zone where they aren't 100 percent conscious or fully aware of the world around them. I've heard many patients say to me that they feel like they've been in the bathroom picking in a magnifying mirror for five minutes when it's been two hours."
The pattern causes people to feel dejected, and it can damage self-esteem.
Picking is a result of anxiety, and it can be a chronic, cyclical issue. "During times of anxiety and stress, they start picking more," she said. "And when the stress goes away or gets better, they stop. When the stress flares again - it could be months or weeks later - they do it again."
The pattern causes people to feel dejected, and it can damage self-esteem. "What's wrong with me?" is a common phrase Dr. Wechsler hears. "Afterwards, people feel so bad, like, 'I can't believe I did this to myself. I made my skin worse. It was healing. Now, I have anxiety plus this.'"
There are a slew of anxiety disorders linked to skin picking, including obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. "It can also go along with depression or psychosis," she added. "Sometimes people are picking their skin because they believe bugs are in their skin, which is relatively rare. It's called delusions of parasitosis."
How to Stop Picking
Good news: this is not an incurable issue, and Dr. Wechsler has actionable suggestions. "All of these different ways have helped so many people," she said. "I want people to know that they're not alone. This is not something most people who have a picking problem share with people in their lives. So they feel very isolated."
If it is an extreme case, she will send a patient to get cognitive behavioral therapy with a psychologist. This goal-oriented form of therapy helps people work through the underlying issues and change the way they think about situations.
"All of these different ways have helped so many people. I want people to know that they're not alone."
But before you start calling your health insurance, there are at-home approaches to try. Dr. Wechsler recommends enlisting someone who you live with - a roommate, a family member, or a significant other - to make sure you're not locked in the bathroom scabbing up your skin. "The person doesn't have to be judgmental or mean," she said. "Just say to them, 'If I'm going to the bathroom, please time it and get me out. Knock on the door. This is my problem, and I need help.'"
If you live alone, put sticky notes in the bathroom - on the mirror or on the walls - with phrases like "Don't pick!" and "Keep my hands off my face!" According to Dr. Wechsler, it can jolt you out of your picking. You can also set a timer when you go into the restroom to remind yourself to get out quickly.
Dr. Wechsler also advises to throw out your magnifying mirror. "No one's skin looks great in a magnifying mirror," she said. "You see all kinds of things that aren't visible to the naked eye. A lot of pickers who have a real problem go after things you can only see with a magnifying mirror. That's so unhealthy and so bad for you. I had a patient once take a video of her throwing her magnifying mirror down the garbage shoot, which was great. She was showing me that she was doing better and taking the steps to really try to stop."
What to Do If You've Picked
So you went after a few blackheads, and now your face is a crime scene. Dr. Wechsler offers next steps: "If you're already bleeding, make sure your hands are clean. Use tissues to pat the area dry, and then apply some sort of antibiotic, topical, hydrogen peroxide, clean your skin a bit. Don't use rubbing alcohol, it stings like crazy." Pick up some Neosporin at your local drugstore, and put it on the spot.
If you absolutely have to get pus out of a zit, try this method. First, make sure your skin is soft by taking a shower, washing your face, or putting a warm compress on it. Then, says Dr. Wechsler, "take two Q-tips and apply even, gentle pressure on either side of the pimple. You cannot hurt yourself with the Q-tip. If you apply too much pressure, you will break the Q-tips. If they break, just stop." But do not start with cotton swabs and then move onto your fingers. Putting tissues over your nails isn't a solution either. "Your fingernail is strong and hard," she warned.
While breaking this habit is not easy (trust me, I know), think about what it is doing to your skin in the long term. Investing in laser treatments and expensive brightening serums to remedy scars is costly and time-consuming. And if you think you have a deeper issue, contact your doctor or a mental-health professional for help.
Reshape Your Butt With This Move
I like being a little sore the day after strength training. I consider it positive feedback that I am building new muscle right where I want it. This single-leg toe tap is so simple and effective that it always leaves my butt sore, in the best way possible. This move fires up the glutes through a large range of motion combining the benefits of a deadlift with a deep single-leg squat without putting extra pressure on your knees. What's not to love?
- Holding a 10-pound dumbbell in your right hand, stand on your left leg with your right foot lifted.
- Keeping your back flat, bend your left knee while bending forward at your hips to lightly touch the dumbbell to the ground. Keep your right knee bent and your right leg close to your body.
- Push through your left heel and return to the starting position to complete one rep; try to keep your right foot off the ground as you complete all your reps.
- Do 12 reps each leg for a set, and do two to three sets.
If you're new to strength training, try this exercise without a dumbbell and work up to adding weight.
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's Hands-Down Sweetest Oscars Moments Over the Years
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have one incredible Hollywood romance, and they aren't afraid to flaunt it. Over the years, the couple has raked in some pretty adorable award show moments, especially at the Academy Awards. In honor of the upcoming ceremony, we've decided to pay homage to Goldie and Kurt's three-decade-long romance by looking back at their sweetest moments on the red carpet. Because honestly, their love is as golden as Oscar himself.
Reshape Your Butt With This Move
I like being a little sore the day after strength training. I consider it positive feedback that I am building new muscle right where I want it. This single-leg toe tap is so simple and effective that it always leaves my butt sore, in the best way possible. This move fires up the glutes through a large range of motion combining the benefits of a deadlift with a deep single-leg squat without putting extra pressure on your knees. What's not to love?
- Holding a 10-pound dumbbell in your right hand, stand on your left leg with your right foot lifted.
- Keeping your back flat, bend your left knee while bending forward at your hips to lightly touch the dumbbell to the ground. Keep your right knee bent and your right leg close to your body.
- Push through your left heel and return to the starting position to complete one rep; try to keep your right foot off the ground as you complete all your reps.
- Do 12 reps each leg for a set, and do two to three sets.
If you're new to strength training, try this exercise without a dumbbell and work up to adding weight.
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's Hands-Down Sweetest Oscars Moments Over the Years
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have one incredible Hollywood romance, and they aren't afraid to flaunt it. Over the years, the couple has raked in some pretty adorable award show moments, especially at the Academy Awards. In honor of the upcoming ceremony, we've decided to pay homage to Goldie and Kurt's three-decade-long romance by looking back at their sweetest moments on the red carpet. Because honestly, their love is as golden as Oscar himself.
The Most Magical Mermaid Birthday Party Decorations and Favors For Kids
If your child has been obsessed with everything under the sea, especially mermaids, all you need to create the most magical birthday party for them is a few sparkly decorations and favors. Make their party shimmer like their inner-mermaid with these glitzy party decor and favor items.
100 Spanish Compound Names You'll Just Love For Your Baby
What's better than one name? Two, of course! If you're looking for a special moniker for your baby on the way, why not consider a Spanish compound name? From classics like José Antonio and María José to unique combinations, like Rubén Dario and Ximena Sofía, scroll ahead for a list of 100 names you'll fall in love with.
Boy Names
- Andrés Felipe
- Andrés Martín
- Ángel Gabriel
- Carlos Alberto
- Carlos Guillermo
- Daniel Alejandro
- Daniel Enrique
- David Alejandro
- Diego Alejandro
- Diego Antonio
- Eduardo Andrés
- Francisco Javier
- Francisco Miguel
- Guillermo Humberto
- Jorge Alberto
- José Alejandro
- José Andrés
- José Daniel
- José Francisco
- José Luis
- José Manuel
- José Miguel
- José Pablo
- Juan Andrés
- Juan Camilo
- Juan Carlos
- Juan Cruz
- Juan David
- Juan Diego
- Juan Esteban
- Juan Felipe
- Juan Ignacio
- Juan José
- Juan Manuel
- Juan Martín
- Juan Pablo
- Juan Sebastián
- Julio César
- Luis Alberto
- Luis Alfonso
- Luis Antonio
- Luis Armando
- Luis Enrique
- Luis Fernando
- Miguel Ángel
- Nicolás Matías
- Rodrigo Eduardo
- Ruben Darío
- Samuel David
- Víctor Manuel
Girl Names
- Ana Karina
- Ana Lucia
- Ana María
- Ana Paula
- Ana Rafaela
- Ana Sofía
- Ana Victoria
- Analucia Raquel
- Camila Valentina
- Danna Sofía
- Diana Sofía
- Dulce María
- Dulce Marina
- Dulce Mía
- Estela del Carmen
- Eva María
- Isabel Sofía
- Laura Sofía
- Laura Tatiana
- Laura Valentina
- Lucia María
- Luis Fernanda
- Luisa Fernanda
- María Alejandra
- María Antonia
- María Camila
- María de los Ángeles
- María del Carmen
- María Elena
- María Eugenia
- María Fernanda
- María Gracia
- María Isabel
- María José
- María Luisa
- María Luna
- María Mercedes
- María Paula
- María Paz
- María Valentina
- María Victoria
- Marianela
- Mariángel
- Mía Isabela
- Mía Valentina
- Romina Valentina
- Rosa María
- Sara Sofía
- Sara Valentina
- Ximena Sofía
Looking for more traditional names? Here are 100 options for girls and 100 for boys.
11 Healthy 3-Ingredient Breakfasts
Excuses for skipping breakfast come in many forms: "I don't have time!" or "I'm not good at cooking!" are often the most popular choices. You may have to rethink these reasons with what we're about to throw at you - 11 healthy breakfasts that require only three ingredients. These recipes are so simple, you can't mess them up, and they take mere minutes to throw together. Dig in!
11 Healthy 3-Ingredient Breakfasts
Excuses for skipping breakfast come in many forms: "I don't have time!" or "I'm not good at cooking!" are often the most popular choices. You may have to rethink these reasons with what we're about to throw at you - 11 healthy breakfasts that require only three ingredients. These recipes are so simple, you can't mess them up, and they take mere minutes to throw together. Dig in!
'Such courage': How one First Nation is fighting opioid addiction
People in Eabametoong First Nation say government-provided drug counselling isn't enough to keep the opioid addiction crisis plaguing their northern Ontario community at bay. That's why residents have largely taken the fight on themselves.
'Such courage': How one First Nation is fighting opioid addiction
People in Eabametoong First Nation say government-provided drug counselling isn't enough to keep the opioid addiction crisis plaguing their northern Ontario community at bay. That's why residents have largely taken the fight on themselves.
The Most Famous British Royal Couples of All Time
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Or should we say infamous? All-consuming passion, illicit liaisons, bitter breakups, heartbreak, and true love - over the centuries, royal history has had it all. And because of the nature of monarchy, everything has been acted out on a much larger scale. Love letters were burned or placed in a museum and jewels handed out like gas station flowers while countless people were affected. Whether they have gone down in history for the scale of their love or the size of their scandal, we take a look at the top 10 royal couples who have captured our imaginations throughout the ages.
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles
The relationship between Charles and Camilla got off to a flying start when the pair were both age 23 and met at a polo match. They started a relationship, but a year or so later when Charles went away to sea with the navy, he felt he was too young to make any grand gestures about the future, and the pair went their separate ways. Camilla then got back together with her ex-boyfriend Andrew Parker-Bowles and they married. Charles wrote to his uncle Lord Mountbatten, "I suppose the feeling of emptiness will pass eventually." He married Lady Diana Spencer, but remained friends with Camilla, and so began a painful and destructive two decades that blended at different times friendship, romantic love, and a passionate relationship. The pair finally married in 2005, and Prince Harry has since said of his stepmother, "We are very grateful for her. She's made our father very happy . . . She's a wonderful woman. William and I love her to bits."
Image Source: Getty / Handout
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
Nothing says "I love you" more than creating an entirely new religion purely so that the two of you can be married. However, nothing says "It's over" more than having you put to death. Henry VIII certainly wasn't one to do things by halves. Frustrated that he and his wife Catherine of Aragon had been unable to produce a male heir, Henry began an affair with her lady-in-waiting Anne Boleyn, and lust turned to love. He wrote to his mistress, "The beautiful words of your letter are so cordially phrased, that they really oblige me to honour, love and serve you forever . . . For my part, I will outdo you, if this be possible, rather than reciprocate, in loyalty of my heart and my desire to please you . . . henceforth my heart will be dedicated to you alone."
The pope refused to grant Henry and Catherine a divorce, so the king passed the Act of Supremacy, stating that he was now the head of the English Church. His marriage to Catherine was annulled and he married Anne a week later, lavishing his second wife with jewel-encrusted necklaces and brooches featuring their intertwined initials. However, after three years of marriage and still no male heir, Henry ordered Anne's execution and married her lady-in-waiting Jane Seymour.
Charles II and Nell Gwyn
Vivacious, attractive, and quick-witted, Nell Gwyn has become known as one of the most famous royal mistresses of all time. Diarist Samuel Pepys referred to her as "pretty, witty Nell." Raised in a brothel before becoming an orange-seller and actress, Nell's life couldn't have been further from royalty, and it's thought this was why her relationship with the king worked so well. Though he had many mistresses, Nell had a special place in his heart, and they were in a relationship for 17 years, having two sons together. During that time, Charles gave Nell a diamond ring and a watch hung with a jeweled heart, bought her a house, covered all her living expenses, and gave her one surviving son the title Duke of St Albans. On his deathbed, Charles asked his brother James "not to let poor Nelly starve."
Edward VII and Wallis Simpson
This notorious couple is one of the most scandalous in royal history. Edward fell in love with the twice-divorced socialite Wallis, knowing that she could never be his wife because English law forbade marriage between a monarch and a divorcee whose partner was still living. When his father George V passed away and Edward acceded to the throne, he searched in vain for ways in which he could become king but also marry Wallis. Eventually, rather than give up the woman he loved, he abdicated, married Wallis, and they set up home in Paris. The relationship of the lavish couple can fittingly be charted in jewels - most famously with a bracelet to which Edward added a new jeweled cross every time something significant happened in their lives - and a gold cigarette case which Wallis gave to Edward that was engraved with a map and had all the countries they had visited picked out in jewels.
Image Source: Getty / AFP / Stringer
George IV and Maria Fitzherbert
Maria Fitzherbert was a twice-widowed Catholic when Prince George fell in love with her, and therefore their relationship could have no future, since Catholics were forbidden from becoming British monarchs. Regardless, the pair were secretly married in 1785, although the marriage was illegal because it had recently become law that any descendant of George II needed permission from the monarch to marry. Nevertheless, George and Maria lived in Brighton for nearly 10 years while George accumulated huge debts, eventually leaving Maria to marry for financial stability. However, soon after his new marriage, he drew up a will bequeathing all his "worldly property . . . to my Maria Fitzherbert, my wife, the wife of my heart and soul . . . such she is in the eyes of Heaven, was, is, and ever will be such in mine."
Four years later, George managed to win Maria back and they were together again for nearly a decade before he left her once more. He asked to be buried with a miniature portrait of her around his neck, which was honoured. He had kept all of their love letters, which were found and burnt.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Their love was deep - a letter from Albert read, "Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth . . ." - and notoriously passionate - when Victoria's doctor advised her not to have a 10th child at the age of 38, she protested, "Am I not to have any more fun in bed?" Albert also bought Balmoral Castle for his wife. When Albert died of typhoid at age 42 in 1861, Victoria wore black for the rest of her life - 40 years - and slept with a picture of him pinned above her bed. She named monuments after him - the Royal Albert Hall, the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, although Victoria had wanted to call it simply the Albert Museum.
Prince Edward (later Edward VII) and Lillie Langtry
Although the dashing society couple didn't share the all-consuming love of other famous royal pairings, these two gained their notoriety by being one of the most celebrated, glamorous, and illicit couples of their day. Edward was at the time married to Princess Alexandra; they had six children, but he took many mistresses, and in 1877 he became infatuated with the beautiful actress and Pre-Raphaelite model Lillie Langtry. The divorcee was famous for her intellect and wit - she was friends with Oscar Wilde and is said to have been the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock love-interest Irene Adler. During their three-year relationship, Edward let Lillie design a house in Dorset, where they conducted their relationship. She was introduced to his mother Queen Victoria and had a civil relationship with Edward's wife.
George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
After many royal monarchs married for financial, diplomatic, or political reasons and subsequently kept mistresses who they often felt more deeply for, George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon were the real deal. They were head over heels in love. Letters between the two are romantic and deeply felt. The queen signed one of hers, "I shall only look forward to seeing you again. I send you you all my love and hundreds of kisses." While the king replied, "My own little darling E, I have just received your darling letter . . . Millions and millions of thanks for it darling; it is just what I wanted and nothing could have given me greater help and encouragement." The pair were an important symbol to the British public during WWII, as during the bombing they stayed in London with their people rather than being evacuated as their advisers suggested.
Image Source: Getty / Stringer
George V and Mary of Teck
This enduring royal love was unexpectedly born out of tragedy and shared grief. German-born and English-raised Princess Mary was engaged to Prince Albert, who at the time was second in line to the throne (his grandmother Victoria was still queen, and his father would later become Edward VII). However, six weeks after the engagement, Albert died of pneumonia, leaving his fiancée and his younger brother George (now second in line to the throne) in mourning. However, in a soap-opera-worthy twist, George and Mary then fell in love and were married. The pair were devoted to each other throughout their lives, and George allowed his wife access to his work while she often helped him write speeches. The couple were strong figureheads for the British people throughout WWI, and their letters show that behind closed doors there was a deep love between them. On their 17th wedding anniversary, the king wrote to his wife, "My love grows stronger for you every day mixed with admiration and I thank God every day that he has given me such a darling devoted wife as you are."
The Queen and Prince Philip
When the 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth first laid eyes on Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, she was smitten. A few years later when they started corresponding by letter, she kept his photograph on her mantelpiece and would play "People Will Say We're in Love" from the musical Oklahoma on her gramophone after she and Philip went to see the musical together. When Philip proposed, the princess said yes without asking permission from her parents, who insisted on waiting till her 21st birthday before announcing the news. The princess wrote in a letter to her parents, "Philip is an angel, we behave as though we had belonged to each other for years." While Philip stated, "She is the only thing in the world which is absolutely real to me." The pair are set to celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary this year, marking an astounding 70 years of marriage.
Image Source: Getty / Stringer
The Most Famous British Royal Couples of All Time
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Or should we say infamous? All-consuming passion, illicit liaisons, bitter breakups, heartbreak, and true love - over the centuries, royal history has had it all. And because of the nature of monarchy, everything has been acted out on a much larger scale. Love letters were burned or placed in a museum and jewels handed out like gas station flowers while countless people were affected. Whether they have gone down in history for the scale of their love or the size of their scandal, we take a look at the top 10 royal couples who have captured our imaginations throughout the ages.
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles
The relationship between Charles and Camilla got off to a flying start when the pair were both age 23 and met at a polo match. They started a relationship, but a year or so later when Charles went away to sea with the navy, he felt he was too young to make any grand gestures about the future, and the pair went their separate ways. Camilla then got back together with her ex-boyfriend Andrew Parker-Bowles and they married. Charles wrote to his uncle Lord Mountbatten, "I suppose the feeling of emptiness will pass eventually." He married Lady Diana Spencer, but remained friends with Camilla, and so began a painful and destructive two decades that blended at different times friendship, romantic love, and a passionate relationship. The pair finally married in 2005, and Prince Harry has since said of his stepmother, "We are very grateful for her. She's made our father very happy . . . She's a wonderful woman. William and I love her to bits."
Image Source: Getty / Handout
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
Nothing says "I love you" more than creating an entirely new religion purely so that the two of you can be married. However, nothing says "It's over" more than having you put to death. Henry VIII certainly wasn't one to do things by halves. Frustrated that he and his wife Catherine of Aragon had been unable to produce a male heir, Henry began an affair with her lady-in-waiting Anne Boleyn, and lust turned to love. He wrote to his mistress, "The beautiful words of your letter are so cordially phrased, that they really oblige me to honour, love and serve you forever . . . For my part, I will outdo you, if this be possible, rather than reciprocate, in loyalty of my heart and my desire to please you . . . henceforth my heart will be dedicated to you alone."
The pope refused to grant Henry and Catherine a divorce, so the king passed the Act of Supremacy, stating that he was now the head of the English Church. His marriage to Catherine was annulled and he married Anne a week later, lavishing his second wife with jewel-encrusted necklaces and brooches featuring their intertwined initials. However, after three years of marriage and still no male heir, Henry ordered Anne's execution and married her lady-in-waiting Jane Seymour.
Charles II and Nell Gwyn
Vivacious, attractive, and quick-witted, Nell Gwyn has become known as one of the most famous royal mistresses of all time. Diarist Samuel Pepys referred to her as "pretty, witty Nell." Raised in a brothel before becoming an orange-seller and actress, Nell's life couldn't have been further from royalty, and it's thought this was why her relationship with the king worked so well. Though he had many mistresses, Nell had a special place in his heart, and they were in a relationship for 17 years, having two sons together. During that time, Charles gave Nell a diamond ring and a watch hung with a jeweled heart, bought her a house, covered all her living expenses, and gave her one surviving son the title Duke of St Albans. On his deathbed, Charles asked his brother James "not to let poor Nelly starve."
Edward VII and Wallis Simpson
This notorious couple is one of the most scandalous in royal history. Edward fell in love with the twice-divorced socialite Wallis, knowing that she could never be his wife because English law forbade marriage between a monarch and a divorcee whose partner was still living. When his father George V passed away and Edward acceded to the throne, he searched in vain for ways in which he could become king but also marry Wallis. Eventually, rather than give up the woman he loved, he abdicated, married Wallis, and they set up home in Paris. The relationship of the lavish couple can fittingly be charted in jewels - most famously with a bracelet to which Edward added a new jeweled cross every time something significant happened in their lives - and a gold cigarette case which Wallis gave to Edward that was engraved with a map and had all the countries they had visited picked out in jewels.
Image Source: Getty / AFP / Stringer
George IV and Maria Fitzherbert
Maria Fitzherbert was a twice-widowed Catholic when Prince George fell in love with her, and therefore their relationship could have no future, since Catholics were forbidden from becoming British monarchs. Regardless, the pair were secretly married in 1785, although the marriage was illegal because it had recently become law that any descendant of George II needed permission from the monarch to marry. Nevertheless, George and Maria lived in Brighton for nearly 10 years while George accumulated huge debts, eventually leaving Maria to marry for financial stability. However, soon after his new marriage, he drew up a will bequeathing all his "worldly property . . . to my Maria Fitzherbert, my wife, the wife of my heart and soul . . . such she is in the eyes of Heaven, was, is, and ever will be such in mine."
Four years later, George managed to win Maria back and they were together again for nearly a decade before he left her once more. He asked to be buried with a miniature portrait of her around his neck, which was honoured. He had kept all of their love letters, which were found and burnt.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Their love was deep - a letter from Albert read, "Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth . . ." - and notoriously passionate - when Victoria's doctor advised her not to have a 10th child at the age of 38, she protested, "Am I not to have any more fun in bed?" Albert also bought Balmoral Castle for his wife. When Albert died of typhoid at age 42 in 1861, Victoria wore black for the rest of her life - 40 years - and slept with a picture of him pinned above her bed. She named monuments after him - the Royal Albert Hall, the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, although Victoria had wanted to call it simply the Albert Museum.
Prince Edward (later Edward VII) and Lillie Langtry
Although the dashing society couple didn't share the all-consuming love of other famous royal pairings, these two gained their notoriety by being one of the most celebrated, glamorous, and illicit couples of their day. Edward was at the time married to Princess Alexandra; they had six children, but he took many mistresses, and in 1877 he became infatuated with the beautiful actress and Pre-Raphaelite model Lillie Langtry. The divorcee was famous for her intellect and wit - she was friends with Oscar Wilde and is said to have been the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock love-interest Irene Adler. During their three-year relationship, Edward let Lillie design a house in Dorset, where they conducted their relationship. She was introduced to his mother Queen Victoria and had a civil relationship with Edward's wife.
George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
After many royal monarchs married for financial, diplomatic, or political reasons and subsequently kept mistresses who they often felt more deeply for, George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon were the real deal. They were head over heels in love. Letters between the two are romantic and deeply felt. The queen signed one of hers, "I shall only look forward to seeing you again. I send you you all my love and hundreds of kisses." While the king replied, "My own little darling E, I have just received your darling letter . . . Millions and millions of thanks for it darling; it is just what I wanted and nothing could have given me greater help and encouragement." The pair were an important symbol to the British public during WWII, as during the bombing they stayed in London with their people rather than being evacuated as their advisers suggested.
Image Source: Getty / Stringer
George V and Mary of Teck
This enduring royal love was unexpectedly born out of tragedy and shared grief. German-born and English-raised Princess Mary was engaged to Prince Albert, who at the time was second in line to the throne (his grandmother Victoria was still queen, and his father would later become Edward VII). However, six weeks after the engagement, Albert died of pneumonia, leaving his fiancée and his younger brother George (now second in line to the throne) in mourning. However, in a soap-opera-worthy twist, George and Mary then fell in love and were married. The pair were devoted to each other throughout their lives, and George allowed his wife access to his work while she often helped him write speeches. The couple were strong figureheads for the British people throughout WWI, and their letters show that behind closed doors there was a deep love between them. On their 17th wedding anniversary, the king wrote to his wife, "My love grows stronger for you every day mixed with admiration and I thank God every day that he has given me such a darling devoted wife as you are."
The Queen and Prince Philip
When the 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth first laid eyes on Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, she was smitten. A few years later when they started corresponding by letter, she kept his photograph on her mantelpiece and would play "People Will Say We're in Love" from the musical Oklahoma on her gramophone after she and Philip went to see the musical together. When Philip proposed, the princess said yes without asking permission from her parents, who insisted on waiting till her 21st birthday before announcing the news. The princess wrote in a letter to her parents, "Philip is an angel, we behave as though we had belonged to each other for years." While Philip stated, "She is the only thing in the world which is absolutely real to me." The pair are set to celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary this year, marking an astounding 70 years of marriage.
Image Source: Getty / Stringer
20 Swimsuit Moments Guaranteed to Keep You Warm This Winter
There may still be a few weeks left of Winter, but that isn't keeping our favorite stars from slipping into sexy swimsuits. Fergie and Hilary Duff kicked off the year by hitting the beach, while the Kardashian-Jenner clan traded in the country's cold weather for Costa Rica's warmer temperatures. We're only a couple of months into the year, but we've already been blessed with so many hot bikini moments.
20 Swimsuit Moments Guaranteed to Keep You Warm This Winter
There may still be a few weeks left of Winter, but that isn't keeping our favorite stars from slipping into sexy swimsuits. Fergie and Hilary Duff kicked off the year by hitting the beach, while the Kardashian-Jenner clan traded in the country's cold weather for Costa Rica's warmer temperatures. We're only a couple of months into the year, but we've already been blessed with so many hot bikini moments.
4 Details About Season 2 of The Crown That Will Make You Royally Excited
It didn't take long for audiences to get swept up in Netflix's decadent dramatization of Queen Elizabeth II's first few years on the throne, The Crown, and it's pretty obvious why. Although there are a few things in the hit series that didn't actually happen, it still captures the essence of what it was like for the young royal to take over for her father, King George VI, after his shocking death in 1952. With season one in the bag (which reportedly came at a $130 million price tag), it's time to look forward: when do we know about season two?
The Main Cast
Lead actress Claire Foy took home multiple best actress trophies this award season for her spot-on, layered performance as the queen, so it should come as no surprise that she's signed on for season two. She and costar Matt Smith, who plays Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip, are already halfway through filming the next 10 episodes of the show, though they'll be recast for seasons three and four due to the amount of time those seasons will span. "I feel that when we reach 1963-64 we've gone as far as we can go with Claire Foy without having to do silly things in terms of makeup to make her look older," creator Peter Morgan told Screendaily in February. "She can't help the fact she's as young as she is, and if we were to go further forward we'd probably need to think about the issue of recasting everybody and so those conversations are happening now and I couldn't tell you where we'll come out."
Vanessa Kirby (Princess Margaret), Jeremy Northam (Anthony Eden), and Victoria Hamilton (the Queen Mother) are also set to return, although John Lithgow (whose portrayal of Winston Churchill earned him a few awards of his own) will likely not make an appearance due to his character's resignation as prime minister. Foy revealed how upset she is about not having him on set during a recent chat with Vulture. "It's awful!" she said "Me and Matt [Smith] did a Skype chat the other day and John was there on the end in LA. It was so amazing just to see his face! I just love and miss him so much. But saying that, I can't be unfaithful. I do have some amazing new prime ministers - Jeremy Northam, who plays Anthony Eden, and then Harold Macmillan - so I'm a very lucky girl."
The Guest Stars
New additions to the cast include Michael C. Hall as US President John F. Kennedy, whom the show's creators describe as "a natural leader and excellent public speaker who does not take kindly to being upstaged by anyone, especially his wife." Quarry actress Jodi Balfour plays the wife in question, Jackie Kennedy, who is "a seemingly natural First Lady, but whose charming exterior of confidence and glamour hides a shy woman who loathes public life." Joining Hall and Balfour is Matthew Goode, who's set to play Antony-Armstrong Jones, the Earl of Snowdon (aka Princess Margaret's future husband).
The Story
The second installment of the show will pick up with the monarch where season one left off, in 1955. We'll get to see how she tackles global events like the 1956 Suez Crisis, as well as matters of the royal family, like young Charles's education, the birth of Prince Andrew (born 1960), and Princess Margaret's marriage to Antony-Armstrong Jones. Morgan also revealed that season two will cover John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy's visit to Buckingham Palace, and that it will conclude just as Britain is on the cusp of electing Harold Wilson as prime minister (and right about the time when JFK was assassinated).
Not to be out done by her sister, Princess Margaret's adventures through royal politics will also feature heavily. Kirby told Vanity Fair that her relationship with Snowden is "exciting, dangerous, volatile, and dysfunctional," and that he "starts this whole trail of a more bohemian life outside. Margaret was best friends with Elizabeth Taylor, and she had loads of American actress friends and singers. You see these two worlds collide - hers and Tony's, who is a member of the public and was a creative, liberal, dark horse. Meanwhile, she is this epitome of the establishment." In between the ups and downs of their roller-coaster relationship, they'll presumably find time to wed (in 1960) and welcome their two children, David and Sarah, in 1961 and 1964 respectively.
The Premiere Date
While season one hit Netflix on Nov. 4, 2016, we don't yet have a date for season two.
Drake Wishes Rihanna a Happy Birthday With a Special Performance in Dublin
Drake may currently be on his Boy Meets World tour, but he didn't forget about Rihanna's birthday. On Monday, the "Hotline Bling" singer paused his set to give his ex a special shout-out during his Dublin concert. "It's somebody's birthday today. Somebody I have a lot of love for and a lot of respect for," he told the audience. "Instead of singing 'Happy Birthday,' we're going to set it off just like this. Run it!" Drake then launched into a performance of their collaborations, including "Work" and "Take Care."
Drake Wishes Rihanna A Happy Birthday... http://pic.twitter.com/bypdxxBT7o
- Rambo 🅴 (@xDrakeFam) February 21, 2017
Back in October, it was confirmed that Drake and Rihanna had split following their brief romance. Even though a source said, "They will always be close. If they end up together, it could happen, but not now," Drake went on to date Jennifer Lopez, who finally discussed their short fling during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next.
Drake Wishes Rihanna a Happy Birthday With a Special Performance in Dublin
Drake may currently be on his Boy Meets World tour, but he didn't forget about Rihanna's birthday. On Monday, the "Hotline Bling" singer paused his set to give his ex a special shout-out during his Dublin concert. "It's somebody's birthday today. Somebody I have a lot of love for and a lot of respect for," he told the audience. "Instead of singing 'Happy Birthday,' we're going to set it off just like this. Run it!" Drake then launched into a performance of their collaborations, including "Work" and "Take Care."
Drake Wishes Rihanna A Happy Birthday... http://pic.twitter.com/bypdxxBT7o
- Rambo 🅴 (@xDrakeFam) February 21, 2017
Back in October, it was confirmed that Drake and Rihanna had split following their brief romance. Even though a source said, "They will always be close. If they end up together, it could happen, but not now," Drake went on to date Jennifer Lopez, who finally discussed their short fling during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next.
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