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.
samedi 11 mars 2017
There's Actually More Than 1 Big Death in the Vampire Diaries Finale
Warning: major spoilers about the Vampire Diaries series finale ahead.
The Vampire Diaries wrapped its eighth and final season on Friday night, and it was truly epic. While it was certainly filled with a lot of heartbreak and goodbyes, one of the most shocking moments was that big character death, or should we say - deaths. Not only did Stefan die after giving Damon the cure and stepping into the line of hell fire (yes, Damon is human now), but we also learned that two other main characters eventually pass away.
It all goes down in the flash forward when the characters explain where they end up, by means of journaling, of course. While Caroline opens a supernatural school with Alaric (and receives a generous donation from her former love Klaus), Bonnie does some soul searching, Elena and Damon presumably get married and have a long and happy human life together - for a while, at least. Although we're not sure when exactly they die, nor how (which seems weird seeing how much the show hyped up the big character death in the finale), in the final scene, we see Elena reunite with her family in the afterlife, and then Damon with Stefan, implying they both find peace. So there you have it. The epic trio that started it all, ended it all.
This Vampire Diaries Finale Moment Makes Us Think This Couple Has a Future
Warning: major spoilers about The Vampire Diaries series finale ahead.
The Vampire Diaries finale offered a lot of resolution, but it also left a few doors open for the future. After Stefan's tragic death, Alaric and Caroline decide to open a Salvatore boarding school for supernatural children like her own. And guess who just happens to make a very generous donation? Why, none other than Caroline's former love, Klaus. Although it wasn't exactly the Klaroline reunion we were hoping for, it does offer a wide range of possibilities for the future.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that ran just after the finale, co-creator Julie Plec said that she already has an idea for a second spinoff - the first being The Originals, of course. "Obviously our timelines did not match up, so Caroline and Klaus are not coming face to face in this season," she said. "That being said, we do have crossover elements in the upcoming season of The Originals that's about to start airing and it all brings it back to what I see as a future for either The Originals or another piece of the franchise to launch off of the end of The Originals. So I look forward to being able to play around in that sandbox and see if I can make something of it."
While Matthew Davis, who plays Alaric, is already set to make an appearance on The Originals this coming season, that doesn't necessarily mean Candice King, who plays Caroline, will join him. As for season five, though? That could be a possibility. "This will be a decision we make in the May scheduling," CW president Mark Pedowitz said about uniting the two shows. "But I hope to be able to announce at the May upfront that it's returning." But before anything comes to fruition, Plec admitted that she's going to take a much-need vacation. "And then when I come back on the other side of that I'm going to go back to work." After all this time, it looks like Klaus might actually be Caroline's last love.
Here's Where All the Vampire Diaries Characters End Up
Warning: major spoilers about The Vampire Diaries series finale ahead.
After eight seasons, The Vampire Diaries wrapped up with one epic death and a whole lot of peace for most of its characters. After one final showdown with the series's biggest villain, we get a little peek at how all the main characters end up - and who gets their happy ending. Don't read on unless you want to know how the series ends!
Spoiler Alert: Here's Who Dies on The Vampire Diaries Series Finale
Warning: major spoilers about The Vampire Diaries series finale ahead.
The moment has finally come. After weeks of speculating who the big character death would be on The Vampire Diaries finale, we finally have our answer: Stefan. Even though we totally called it, it doesn't make it any less heartbreaking. Before Mystic Falls burns down in hellfire (thanks a lot, Katherine), Damon finally does the unselfish thing for once and compels Stefan to leave town. However, his plan completely backfires when human Stefan, who has been on vervain this whole time, turns right back around to be the hero we all know and love. So, in the final few moments, he injects Damon with the cure and walks into the hellfire with Katherine to die.
Even though that death scene was totally emotional, it's his goodbye to Elena that really stabbed us in the heart. While passing through the in-between stage of life and death, the two have a bittersweet reunion in the hallways of Mystic Falls High School, aka the exact place they first met. He explains everything to Elena, letting her know that Damon has really changed for the better. "He's a better man," he tells her with tears in his eyes. "He's the right man. It was good to see you Elena, one last time."
As he exits the school building and walks into the light, he reunites with his best friend, Lexi, further confirming that he's found peace. After she jokes about his speech, he quotes her infamous line from season one - and the title of the finale - "I was feeling epic." It's OK. Really, we're fine. RIP, Stefan Salvatore. You will truly be missed.
Game of Thrones: That Thing We've All Been Waiting For Is About to Happen
Winter is coming, for real this time. Now that we have a premiere date for Game of Thrones season seven, we're attempting to scrape together every last detail and theory about the new season. In a March 10 interview with The Huffington Post, star Kit Harington revealed some very interesting info about what's coming up in the seven-episode season. Here are the highlights:
- That big meeting you've been waiting for? It's happening. "I certainly did more this season than I've ever done," Harington said. "I think every actor on it did more action, had more action, had more scenes. They really focused it because less characters are coming in, and they're focusing in on the existing ones, and there are lots of people who cross paths, and that's something that I think the audience has been waiting for for a long time." So . . . he's totally talking about Dany and Jon, right? Set pictures have basically confirmed that they meet each other, and our hearts need it to happen.
- In addition to more action, there will be more CGI. "They spent an increasing amount of money on less episodes, so it's gonna be much bigger in scale, the CGI . . . we're trying new things, experimenting with new camera techniques. I think we're trying to break boundaries and push past boundaries in these final two seasons." Does this mean more dragons?!
- Prepare to see things we've never seen before. "You have to live up to the hype that's surrounded the show and the worst thing would be to end without really pushing and trying new things. Even if it's a failure, at least trying to go out with a bang."
We're breathing very heavily right now. Too bad we have to wait until July for the premiere! In the meantime, check out the new characters and find out what else the cast has said.
This Crazy Theory About Riverdale Would Change Everything
The CW's Riverdale has us hooked, but like most reboots, there are quite a few differences from the comics. Not only are Jughead and Betty officially an item, but there is a new mystery added with Jason Blossom's murder. While we certainly have a few ideas about how the series will unfold, one of the craziest theories is that the quiet town is heading towards a zombie apocalypse.
You might be wondering, how is this even possible? Well, it actually happens in the comics. As it turns out, showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa also created Afterlife With Archie, a popular comic series about the Archie gang battling flesh-eating monsters. Adding more fuel to the flame is the teenage witch, Sabrina Spellman, who will reportedly appear in the series. In Afterlife, it is Sabrina who accidentally causes the apocalypse when she tries to resurrect Jughead's dog Hot Dog, and in turn, the undead creature turns him into a zombie.
While it's pretty hard for us to wrap our minds around a zombie Jughead (let alone a zombie dog), there are a few moments from the show that could prove this theory true. In episode five, Cheryl actually has a nightmare that Jason is a zombie. Could it have been foreshadowing? She did mention taking him to the Greendale side of Sweetwater River - aka where Sabrina lives. Dilton Doiley's hardcore survivalist skills could be another possible clue. When Jughead confronts him about firing off on July 4, he coyly responds that his skills are needed because of "the way this town is going . . ." Does he know something we don't?
If we're being completely honest here, we hope this theory isn't true. Don't get us wrong, zombie shows are cool and all, but we are partial to the show's juicy plots and dramatic romances. Even though Riverdale has some striking similarities to supernatural shows like The Vampire Diaries and Twin Peaks, throwing undead walkers into the mix would be a bit much.
Charlize Theron Beats the Sh*t Out of Basically Everyone in the Atomic Blonde Trailer
Charlize Theron is good at a lot of things, but she particularly excels at beating the sh*t out of bad guys. In Atomic Blonde, the Oscar winner stars as MI6's deadliest assassin, Agent Lorraine Broughton, as she makes her way through the seedy underbelly of Berlin. The film features some John Wick-worthy fight scenes (likely thanks to director David Leitch, who also helmed the Keanu Reeves action flick), and costars James McAvoy, so we're already in heaven. Watch the first trailer above before it hits theaters on July 28.
43 Times Jessica Alba's Outfit Was No Match For a Long Plane Ride
If you're like us, your airport style consists of a pair of sweatpants (jeans if you're feeling ambitious) and an oversize t-shirt. If you're like Jessica Alba, even if you're wearing just that, you look put together and chic like no one else.
Her sweatpants are not just plain and boring; they're cuffed, are fitted in all the right places, and have interesting designs. Her t-shirts are elevated with laid-back but stylish jackets and fun accessories like hats and fashionable sneakers. But even though that's the actress's preferred uniform when getting on a plane, she's not afraid to go above and beyond, wearing the occasional heel and leather jacket, too. Keep reading for all the times Jessica's travel style totally nailed it.
The Ultimate Wedding Cake Roundup: 100 Showstopping Sweets
With so many wedding cake options available, where do you even start? It's totally normal to feel overwhelmed, which is why we've done the work and rounded up the most beautiful, stunning cakes in existence. You'll find something for every taste, from supertraditional to ultramodern and everything in between. It's so hard to pick a favorite, but hopefully you'll find the look for you among the sweet inspiration. Get clicking, and start swooning!
- Additional reporting by Lisette Mejia
29 Bucket List Adventures to Bring You and Your Dog Closer Together
There's no love quite like the one between a dog and his human, which is why we wanted to celebrate that by creating a bucket list challenge for you to do together. Keep scrolling for 29 activities and adventures for you and your pup to have together.
- Create matching t-shirts
- Stay at a pet-friendly hotel
- Run at a dog park
- Do a 5K together
- Make a calendar using your dog's pictures
- Throw your dog a birthday party
- Have a puppy play date
- Watch the Puppy Bowl
- Go to the Westminster dog show
- Dress in coordinating Halloween costumes
- Go to "yappy hour"
- Take your dog to a pet spa
- Make a dog-friendly treat
- Try animal acupuncture
- Go to a sporting event together
- Watch a dog movie together
- Take your dog to work with you
- Go shopping together
- Participate in a parade
- Go to a dog-friendly event, like a music festival
- Pose for a Christmas card photo together
- Go on a hike
- Take a picture with Santa or the Easter bunny together
- Go camping
- Go on a road trip
- Go for a swim in the ocean
- Take him out for a gourmet meal
- Get him a Puppuccino
- Have a night in together, just the two of you
Beauty and the Beast: The Actors Behind All the Talking Items
Emma Watson is the marquee star of Beauty and the Beast, but she's not the only big name in the cast. While you do see them at the beginning and (spoiler alert) at the end of the film, the staff members at the Beast's mansion are swiftly turned into household objects. That means that we only get to hear these A-listers speaking though clocks, candelabras, and teapots for the majority of the runtime. Before you go see the film, get acquainted with everyone who you'll be hearing!
Spring Reading List: 40 Books to Read Before They're Movies
Say hello to Spring! It's the season of longer days, blooming flowers, and Spring break. Maybe the sunny weather is propelling you to book a trip, and if you are, you're going to need a fresh list of books to read. Even if you're staying put, there's always a good excuse to pick up some new pages, so we're narrowing down this particular category: books that are becoming movies. We have a fresh stack of future adaptations that are either going to land on the big screen very soon or which recently got picked up to become movies. Either way, check these out so you can read them before they're immortalized on film.
The Best New Candy Releases of the Year, So Far
Once you've accepted the fact that candy is a necessary addition to your grocery list, you'll get excited to try out all the best new releases of the year. So far this year, we've tried new Sour Patch Kids, Hi-Chews, chocolate bars, and more, and 2017 is shaping up to be quite a sweet-tooth-satisfying year. If your idea of a successful shopping trip involves picking up a bag - or two - of new candy, read on to discover all the items that deserve a spot in your cart this year. From Reese's to sour gummies and more, there's something for everyone.
Your Guide to Spring's Biggest Blockbusters
While the seasons haven't officially caught up with us yet, in our eyes, Spring begins with the first big movie release in March. Logan has unleashed the wave of blockbusters, and they won't stop coming until Summer's end. We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves, so let's just focus on the biggest releases of March, April, and May. What's on the horizon? Take a look for yourself!
40+ Recipes That Make Feeding a Crowd a Breeze
Cooking for a crowd, be it a large family gathering or a dinner party, can be a bit of a challenge. Most recipes are scaled to yield four to six servings, and while many can be doubled with some basic math, it's certainly nice to have a handful of options that can be made as is. Here, we've rounded up more than 40 recipes that serve at least eight, including a variety of casseroles, soups, and slow-cooker dishes.
Is Emma Watson Really Singing in Beauty and the Beast?
We're drawing closer to the release of Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast. In recent months, we've been spoiled with everything under the sun when it comes to the latest project. We've been treated to plenty of chill-inducing trailers, plus gorgeous pictures galore and a treasure trove of details. And, in an even more exciting development, we got our first listen to Emma Watson's singing voice. In situations like this, we know people will still ask whether or not Watson is actually singing. So, well, is she? We did a little digging and we have exciting news.
The short answer is yes, that really is Emma Watson singing. The actress opened up about the "terrifying" experience during a print interview with Total Film. "I sing, so that's really unexpected," she said. "I've never had to do that for a film role before, and I think people will be interested to see me do something very different like that . . . It gives me a different challenge, really." Disney corroborated the fact when they tweeted the aforementioned clip, a snippet from "Something There," saying explicitly that she's singing.
Here's your exclusive first listen of @EmmaWatson singing 'Something There' from Beauty and the Beast. #BeOurGuest http://pic.twitter.com/AWpcrDmELY
- Beauty and the Beast (@beourguest) December 31, 2016
But wait, there's more! Not only is Watson using her voice for the movie, but there's also a chance her live vocals could be used in any of the various numbers. In a separate interview with Collider, Luke Evans shared a fun tidbit about the musical process. "We pre-recorded every [song], but some of us sang live on set as well, during the takes," he revealed. "We were mic'd, and they recorded that, and I think afterwards, in sound, they'll be able to chose whether the live version is better than the pre-recorded version." So there you have it. In addition to all her other magical skills, Emma Watson sings. You can hear her on the soundtrack, and when Beauty and the Beast hits theaters March 17.
What to Know About Iron Fist Before Watching the Netflix Series
On March 17, Netflix will add Marvel's Iron Fist to its increasingly popular and ever-growing superhero slate. The new series follows Danny Rand (Finn Jones), a billionaire Buddhist monk/kung fu master who, after being presumed dead for 15 years, returns to NYC to preserve his parents' legacy. However, his self-proclaimed mission is threatened when his attempts at returning the Rand name to its former glory begin to conflict with his duties as the Iron Fist.
If you haven't read the comics or are unfamiliar with the Marvel universe, you may be asking yourself, "Exactly who, or what, is an Iron Fist?" Luckily, we've got you covered! Read below to learn everything you need to know about Danny Rand and his life as the Iron Fist, according to the comics. Warning: mini spoilers ahead!
Origin Story
At just 9 years old, Daniel Rand is tragically orphaned when his parents, Wendell and Heather, are killed while on a family expedition to find K'un L'un, a mystical city that only appears on Earth every so many years. Now abandoned on K'un L'un, Daniel is apprenticed to Lei Kung aka the Thunderer, who helps Danny become a marital arts master. Ten years later at the age of 19, Danny has surpassed all of Lei Kung's other students and is given the coveted opportunity to obtain the power of the Iron Fist, a warrior with special abilities. After defeating Shou-Lao the Undying, a dragon with superhuman energy, Daniel receives the power of the Iron Fist and vows to seek vengeance on the person that murdered his father and caused his mother to die. Ten years later, when K'un L'un reappears on Earth, Danny gets his chance to do just that, returning to New York City to discover the truth.
Powers and Abilities
After plunging his fists into the molten heart of Shou-Lao, all of the Undying dragon's powers were transferred to Danny. He gained the ability to summon and channel his chi energy, which helps him enhance his strength, speed, stamina, agility, reflexes, senses, and more. He can also channel this energy into his fist; this manifests itself as a bright glow around his hand and gives it the ability to strike with superhuman force, impervious to pain. However, using the Iron Fist temporarily drains Rand of some of his power, leaving him vulnerable. Danny is also capable of self-healing and telepathy. Not to mention, he's a martial arts master with insane acrobatic skills.
Love Interest
While in New York, Daniel befriends Misty Knight (Simone Missick). At this point in the Marvel timeline, former police office Misty (spoiler alert for Luke Cage fans) has lost an arm in the line of duty. Tony Stark creates a prosthetic for her, making her a cyborg. She starts a private detective agency with her friend, Colleen Wing, before the two become a crime-fighting duo. Danny and Misty fall in love and begin a long-term relationship. However, things continue to get in the way (mainly bad guys, kidnappings, and near-death experiences), causing them to break up then get back together repeatedly. Danny also strikes up a relationship with Joy (Jessica Stroup) . . . the daughter of the man who killed Danny's father. Awkward!
Nemeses
Rand has to fight off a number of human bad guys to avenge his parents' death, but supervillians are the real challenge. Notable adversaries include Master Khan, a wicked sorcerer from K'un L'un; Sabretooth, a vicious mutant assassin (a lá X-Men) with animalistic abilities; and the Steel Serpent, a native of K'un L'un who failed to defeat the Undying dragon and resents Danny for his success.
Allies
Sometimes Iron Fist works alone, while other times he is aided by a superhero friend such as Misty Knight, Daredevil, or Luke Cage. Some of these people, along with others, formed crime fighting teams such as the Heroes For Hire or the Defenders (imagine something similar to the Avengers). In fact, in mid-2017, Netflix will release The Defenders, a Marvel miniseries featuring Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Luke Cage (Mike Colter), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), and Iron Fist (Finn Jones). The actors will reprise their roles for all eight episodes!
The 4 Brand-New Songs From Beauty and the Beast
We've been looking forward to the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack just as much as we've been looking forward to the actual movie. Ahead of the film's March 17 release, Disney has unleashed all the original songs upon us, including the four brand-new ones created for the film. While every track from the original 1991 movie gets an update (shout-out to Ariana Grande and John Legend's incredible "Beauty and the Beast" duet), you won't find these songs on the original soundtrack at all. Listen below, and try not to sob at Céline Dion's new song.
15 Beautiful Drinks That Deserve to Be the Signature Cocktail at Your Wedding
As you're planning your dream wedding, searching for the perfect dress or the most delicious cake, there's one superimportant detail you can't forget: a signature cocktail. Even if you opt for an open bar, picking a special recipe adds an extra dose of romance to the reception, as if to say, "This is the drink that embodies our relationship." Swoon. Ready to find the one? Read on for our list of colorful, flavorful picks, and then discover the Latin playlist your bachelorette party needs.
Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt Cannot Handle Each Other in the Passengers Blooper Reel
Whether or not you saw Passengers, you may have heard that, well, it wasn't as great as we all had hoped it would be. Thankfully, the same can't be said for the blooper reel, which BuzzFeed premiered on March 7. Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence crack each other up, but Laurence Fishburne is the real MVP.
Watch the Enchanting Video for Ariana Grande and John Legend's Beauty and the Beast Duet
From the moment we heard part of Ariana Grande and John Legend's Beauty and the Beast duet in a trailer, we knew we were in for a treat. The artists were tasked with creating an updated version of "Beauty and the Beast," originally sung by Céline Dion and Peabo Bryson. While we know Grande can impersonate Dion, we're glad she used her own signature sound for this. Both Legend and Grande appear in the video, along with Belle (Emma Watson) and the Beast (Dan Stevens). Compare it with the original version below!
You Have to Try These Shake Shack Concretes
Shake Shack is known for its mouthwatering burgers and fries, but have you tried its concretes? These frozen custard desserts are piled high with toppings, drizzled in sweet sauces, and blended together to perfection. You have to add one to your next order! If you're craving more frozen treats, check out our epic frozen hot chocolate and giant ice cream sandwich.
What Did That Game of Thrones Teaser Reveal? We Have Some Bad News . . .
Praise the old gods and the new! After a viral Facebook Live reveal that lasted longer than an actual episode, we've finally been given a taste of Game of Thrones season seven . . . and it's already shaping up to be the wildest one yet. No, it's not just because it's been the longest waiting period for a season in the show's history; we analyzed every single symbol in the under-two-minute teaser, and holy sh*t, it spells serious bad news for everyone in the Seven Kingdoms. Let's review, shall we?
"There's only one war that matters. The Great War. And it is here."
The teaser opens with Daenerys discussing her father, The Mad King Aerys, while a three-headed Targaryen dragon ominously revolves on screen. Then, the teaser moves on to other major house sigils made from stone (that also slightly resembles wrought-iron, a là the Iron Throne). While sound clips from bloody betrayals of seasons past play in the background, the sigils from the houses involved in each betrayal are shown attacking one another - Lannister lion taking down Stark direwolf and the like.
After culminating with the Tyrell rose engulfed in deadly green wildfire, the sigils begin to crumble, shattering into broken stone pieces that fall into a strange, spiraled symbol on the snowy ground. This symbol is then revealed to be the center of a massive bright-blue eye. During this time, we hear Jon Snow speak the only new words of the teaser: "There's only one war that matters. The Great War. And it is here."
Significant Moments
- Opening with the dragon heads: By highlighting three distinct dragon heads while Daenerys speaks about her father's failings as a ruler, the teaser gives more credence to the Three Heads of the Dragon theory. This theory is based on a prophecy which purports that "the dragon has three heads," and has been interpreted by fans as meaning that Daenerys needs a rider for each of her dragons before she can win back the Iron Throne and serve as rightful queen. Many believe that the other dragonriders will be Jon Snow, a Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister, who has already exhibited his surprising knack for handling Dany's beasts.
- Every house sigil crumbling like stone: Every house sigil, including the Targaryen one, crumbles in the teaser; no single family crest remains unscathed. This could mean many things, but the most apparent is that house loyalties will fall in the face of a new foe - the White Walkers. The "game of thrones" will seem insignificant in the face of an army of undead, and humanity will be forced to unite or die. Now that Winter is here, there's only one war that matters . . . and in order to stand a chance in it, the major houses of the Seven Kingdoms will need to cease their warring ways.
- Pieces of the houses falling into the snow: Combined with the Daenerys's visions in the House of the Undying, which included snow falling in the Red Keep, this could mean that the White Walkers prevail in their attack on Westeros and nobody wins the game of thrones. Or, this could simply mean that house loyalties fall to the wayside when Winter comes. Guess we'll have to find out!
- The symbolic pattern of the broken sigil pieces: The symbol of fragmented sigils resembles the pattern shown when Bran sees the Children of the Forest create the first White Walker during a flashback to the days of the First Men.
- The vivid blue iris: Remember the Night King, aka the big bad leader of the wights and White Walkers? He's got bright, icy-blue eyes, baby. It's on.
- Daenerys's quote about major houses as spokes on a wheel: "Lannister, Baratheon, Stark, Tyrell. They're all just spokes on a wheel," Dany says in the teaser. "This one's on top, then that one's on top, and on and on it spins, crushing those on the ground. I'm not going to stop the wheel. I'm going to break the wheel." Then, the wildfire illuminates a spoke-like outline behind the Tyrell rose before the sigils all begin to crumble. Sounds like "the wheel" Daenerys references will be broken during season seven; whether it's by her or by a massive army of undead icemen, though, is left to be seen.
These Game of Thrones Audition Stories Will Make You Love the Cast Even More
By now, you probably already have your list of beloved characters from Game of Thrones, but do you know the stories of how your favorite actors ended up landing their roles? Some of them labored over their auditions like unsullied soldiers. Others - looking at you, Emilia Clarke - turned their tryouts into fun experiences. While we're waiting for more details about season seven, read on to see which cast members have the weirdest audition stories that will make you love them even more.
On the Prowl? 50+ Iconic Anthems to Play When You're Feeling Flirty
Everyone has a song that gets them going the second it hits their ear - it takes less than 10 seconds for a flirty, sexy, naughty vibe to take over - which makes these tunes perfect for pregaming and turning up with your besties on the weekends. Of course there are recent hits like "Work From Home" and "Anaconda," but it's also worth highlighting how hard it is to resist winding your hips to old-school jams like "I'm a Slave 4 U" and "Milkshake." We're going even further back with sexy songs from the '80s and '90s, too. Scroll through for some seriously steamy nostalgia!
20 Reasons Avocado Toast Is the Sexiest Snack on the Planet
If avocado toast isn't in your weekly routine, this list of recipes will convince you otherwise. Though nothing beats the classic toast (with salt and pepper or a dash of hot sauce), you'll quickly be ready to graduate onto other more complex toasts, including those topped with poached eggs, ahi tuna, and even gorgonzola cheese.
This Hollywood Actress Explains the Importance of Keeping a Journal
At some point in our lives, we've all turned to diaries and journals as sacred places where we can open up and unabashedly say how we feel. Diaries don't judge; rather, they're reliable outlets for us to share our most personal feelings, good or bad.
On Knock Knock, Rachel Antonoff's new series from POPSUGAR and Watchable, Power star and former member of girl group 3LW Naturi Naughton shows Rachel around her set but also reveals that she's been carrying around a journal for as long as she can remember. She shares an example of the types of memories she's been documenting in her journal and why she does it.
"Sometimes I can't contain it and I'm like, 'I have to write this down,'" she starts, holding her journal in her hand. "I grew up obsessed with Whitney Houston and I got to meet her when I was 8 years old in Newark, NJ. I got to sit in her lap and tell her what I wanted for Christmas. [Those] moments that we have every day go by so fast, but if we cherish those moments and remember them, that's what makes life so beautiful."
Lesson learned: we should all be writing everything down, even if we aren't meeting Whitney Houston.
The Ultimate Buffy the Vampire Slayer Playlist
Buffy the Vampire Slayer gave the world a hell of a lot. With incomparable dialogue, strong female characters, and complex storylines, it's hands down still one of the best TV shows of all time. Buffy terrified us (remember "Hush"?), made us laugh until it hurt, and made us cry until all we could do was laugh, but it also blessed us with an amazing and amazingly '90s soundtrack for our lives. We've rounded up some of the best songs featured on episodes of the show or by bands who contributed in a big way to the Buffyverse. Here's the listing, and a Spotify playlist is at the end!
- "Pain," Four Star Mary
- "Out of This World," Bush
- "Transylvanian Concubine," Rasputina
- "It Doesn't Matter," Alison Krauss & Union Station
- "The Devil You Know (God Is a Man)," Face to Face
- "Virgin State of Mind," K's Choice
- "Vivian," Nerf Herder
- "Wild Horses," The Sundays
- "Bohemian Like You," The Dandy Warhols
- "Fade Into You," Mazzy Star
- "There's No Other Way," Blur
- "Pavlov's Bell," Aimee Mann
- "Fell Into Loneliness," Lori Carson
- "Black Cat Bone," Laika
- "She Knows," Four Star Mary
- "Treason," Velvet Chain
- "This Is How It Goes," Aimee Mann
- "Stupid Thing," Nickel
- "Displaced," Azure Ray
- "Goodbye to You," Michelle Branch
- "Fate," Four Star Mary
- "How," Lisa Loeb
- "That Kind of Love," Alison Krauss
- "Sugar Water," Cibo Matto
- "Need to Destroy," T.H.C.
- "It's Only Love," Heather Nova
- "Temptation Waits," Garbage
- "Lucky," Bif Naked
- "I Know," Trespassers William
- "Strong," Velvet Chain
- "Full of Grace," Sarah McLachlan
- "Back to Freedom," Bellylove
- "Never an Easy Way," Morcheeba
- "Blue Sun," Darling Violetta
- "Key," Devics
- "Teenage FBI," Guided by Voices
- "Overfire," T.H.C.
- "Keep Myself Awake," Black Lab
- "Cure," Darling Violetta
- "Already Met You," Superfine
- "Everybody Got Their Something," Nikka Costa
- "Stop Thinking About It," Joey Ramone
- "Prayer of St. Francis," Sarah McLachlan
Download the free Spotify software or app to listen to the playlist on Spotify, or click on the widget below.
We Are All John Goodman When Jeff Bridges Revives The Dude From The Big Lebowski
John Goodman received a long-deserved star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame on Friday, and a miracle occurred: Jeff Bridges brought The Dude out of retirement. The two pals famously costarred in 1998's The Big Lebowski, and Goodman was delighted to see that Bridges had brought along his oversize sweater in honor of the occasion. Not only did Bridges dress the part, but he gave his whole speech in Dude mode. Let us treasure this moment.
The Completely Addictive Method of Cooking Broccoli and Cauliflower
It won't be a challenge to eat your veggies if you try this easy technique for roasting cauliflower and broccoli. For months, a few women in our office have been praising roasted cruciferous veggies. I'm already a huge fan of baked kale chips, roasted brussels sprouts, and oven-crisped cabbage, so I'm not sure why it took me so long to try out roasted cauliflower and broccoli. Now that I have, I'm never going back to the steamed stuff. The oven morphed the little veggie trees into crisp nuggets that could almost pass for chips. They are addictive . . . don't be surprised if those around you fight for the last bites!
Here's what you'll do:
- Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into equally sized pieces.
- Spread across a rimmed sheet tray, leaving space between each floret. Drizzle olive oil across the veggies and salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast in a 400°F oven for 18-23 minutes, or until crispy to your liking.
5 Things You Never Knew About Shake Shack, Straight From an Insider Employee
There's so much to love about Shake Shack, so we reached out to a representative of the company to learn insider tips about one of the best burger spots in the world. Curious about the most popular item and how the craziest concrete custard flavors come to be? We've got that - plus tips about the unexpected secret menu - ahead.
The taste-testing process for new concrete flavors is serious business.
If you've never had a concrete from Shake Shack, do yourself a favor and order one ASAP. It's a blend of the restaurant's signature frozen custard, which is really dense, and a number of mix-ins that vary by location, including cookie dough and banana bread. The creators behind the frozen desserts pay close attention to detail. "Our culinary director, Mark Rosati, immerses himself in our new communities and finds inspiration with local bakers, chocolatiers, pie makers - he then creates partnerships and taste tests mix-ins that reflect who we are and who our neighbors are."
The most popular order is the original ShackBurger.
The most frequently ordered item is "our classic ShackBurger, of course! A cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce." Another favorite of ours? The Chick'n Shack, Shake Shack's first-ever fried chicken sandwich that was launched in 2016 (hello, buttermilk herb mayo made with chives, parsley, and thyme).
There's a secret menu - with an item you'd never expect.
When we asked if there's a secret menu, the insider said, "Yup! The peanut butter burger is a secret fave, as is grilled cheese. Guests make up all sorts of combinations, like this," the SmokeShack with peanut butter. Would you try it?
The CEO has favorites.
If you've ever wondered what the go-to order is for the man in charge of Shake Shack, he's all about the changing menu items. "Our CEO, Randy Garutti, always wants to try our new limited-time offers like our BBQ-inspired menu when he visits a Shack. Peep his Instagram for all the deets."
There's a cookbook!
If you don't have a Shake Shack location near you, you might be excited about Shake Shack's debut cookbook so you can re-create the famous menu items at home. Available in May 2017, the book contains 70 recipes and 200 photographs of everything from the crinkle-cut fries to the frozen custard.
Your Nails Are Spring Ready With This Pretty Floral Nail Art Tutorial
Spanish blogger Patry Jordan, the woman behind the Secretos de Chicas VIP YouTube channel, is known for offering her viewers lots of beauty and fashion hacks. (Maybe you've seen the jaw-dropping way she closes broken zippers on pants?)
But beyond her life-changing tips, Patry has some nifty DIY tutorials up her sleeve. For instance, the Spring-ready nail art above, featuring easy flower styles that only require six things to re-create: four polishes and two striping brushes. Easy enough, right? Press play to learn how to save money and craft your own supercool designs at home.
vendredi 10 mars 2017
Your Ultimate Field Guide to Chinese Dim Sum
It's impossible to ignore what is arguably the best hot breakfast of all: the tradition of Chinese dim sum. Dim sum (which technically translates to "point of the heart") can be a disorienting ritual: unrecognizable food being wheeled around in carts, waiters who only speak Cantonese, and an endless number of dumplings and buns.
We're here to save you from the confusion of the process, as we present to you our ultimate field guide on the subject. We promise, you'll never be scared to order dim sum again!
- Additional reporting by Sara Yoo
This Mom's Cover of "Let It Go" Will Have You Laughing Out Loud
This video was originally featured on MyLifeSuckers by Deva Dalporto, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Moms. You can subscribe to her YouTube channel here.
By now, moms across the country have heard every "Let It Go" cover on YouTube, but this is one they will truly love. Deva Dalporto, the musical mastermind behind "What Does the Kid Say?", gave the popular Frozen tune a parenting perspective. Addressing all of motherhood's highs and lows, like seeing kids smile and accepting your saggy boobs, her version is one that every mom is sure to appreciate.
This post was originally published on February 25, 2014.
Front Page Image Source: Walt Disney
Here's What's Going Down With Iron Fist's Diversity Controversy
When Game of Thrones alum Finn Jones was cast as the lead in Marvel's Iron Fist series, the news was met with swift criticism. While the character of Danny Rand (aka Iron Fist) is white in the comic books, his story heavily involves martial arts and it would have been an ideal opportunity for Marvel to embrace an Asian actor as a lead. Before Jones was cast, fans started a widely circulated petition asking Marvel to cast an Asian American in Iron Fist. Marvel executives didn't heed the advice, but they've stuck by their decision, calling him the "perfect choice."
A year after the original controversy, the show is set to premiere on Netflix on March 17 - but that doesn't mean the diversity issue has disappeared. This week, Jones engaged in a Twitter exchange about the lack of representation on the show, which resulted in Jones quitting Twitter. (Don't worry, he's already back online.) Here's what went down.
March 2: Riz Ahmed Posts a Speech He Gave About Diversity
"Here's the speech I gave at Parliament yesterday hosted by Channel4 about diversity, or as I think we should call it REPRESENTATION," wrote the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story actor. "Diversity sounds like an optional extra. Representation is fundamental to what expect from our culture. When people don't feel represented, you get extremism, division, and lose out on our full potential. Things can get very ugly very fast. Let's step up, and REPRESENT."
March 5: Jones Retweets Ahmed's Speech, Defends Iron Fist, Quits Twitter
Jones shared the speech with his followers, saying "Representation is important, and here's why." This sparked a response from Asyiqin Haron, the creative lead for Geeks of Color, an online community that aims to celebrate diversity in pop culture. Her tweets are protected, but she responded by asking, "Are you for real?"
He actually wrote her back, pleading in a series of tweets, "Please don't make assumptions on our show before you have seen it. The characterization of Danny Rand may have remained true to its source material but our show incorporates and celebrates actors from all different backgrounds. I will go as far to say that it may be one of the most diverse shows out of the three."
"That's great and all but you do see why Danny Rand being white is problematic right?" she asked.
"There are a lot of characteristics in Danny which are problematic," he responded. "That's the point, rather than shy away from them we inspect them. It makes for a rich, intelligent, thought provoking show."
"I don't doubt it," wrote Haron. "I'm just saying an Asian Danny Rand could've made an even bigger impact but sure."
Shortly before deleting his Twitter account, Jones wrote back to Haron once more: "All of us making this show care about about creating a socially progressive story whilst keeping true to the comic book fan base."
March 6: Jones Releases a Statement, Then Rejoins Twitter
A day after leaving Twitter, Jones explained his decision to Deadline in a statement:
"There is a huge benefit to engage and help shape conversations on social media, especially when it comes to giving a voice to social matters. My original intention was to amplify a speech made by Riz Ahmed at the House of Commons. It was a very articulate and important speech on representation that I wholly agreed with. After posting I was inundated by people accusing me of not being allowed to share his voice based on an assumption that our show is going to play into the problems of racial inequality on screen. I engaged politely, diplomatically and attempted to bridge the divide. I'm currently in the middle of filming and I need to stay focused on bringing to life this character without judgment, so I decided to remove myself from Twitter for the time being.
I am very proud of the work everyone has done on this series and I'm excited for people to see how we've adapted the story. We have gone to great lengths to represent a diverse cast with an intelligent, socially progressive storyline. I hope people can watch the show before making judgments. In times, as divisive as these, we need to stay unified, compassionate and understanding in our differences."
Jones rejoined Twitter later that day but hasn't commented further on the exchange.
10 Sandwiches That Travel Well
Whether you're on the road or packing something for a picnic or a hike, these sandwiches are ready to withstand the weather, challenges, and other wear and tear that may occur during travel. Gone are the days of soggy sandwiches!
20 Veggie Chili Recipes That'll Keep You Warm Through the Lenten Season
Nothing says comfort food quite like a piping hot bowl of chili, are we right? Just thinking about the spicy flavors and filling sensation we have while enjoying the Tex-Mex dish makes our bellies happy.
During the Lenten season, you have the perfect added excuse to scoop spoonful after spoonful of the soup: beans are a great replacement for animal protein. So scroll ahead for 20 meatless chili recipes that won't have you thinking twice about going back for seconds.
Steal Joanna Gaines's Kitchen Style With 10 New Magnolia Items For $15 or Less
If one of your goals in life is to re-create Joanna Gaines's decor style in your own home, you'll appreciate the newest affordable products available from Magnolia. The Magnolia Market has released a new line of Spring kitchen products that would brighten up any room, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options, from bowls to cooking timers and more. Ahead, we've selected 10 of the new Magnolia items that are $15 (or less) so that you can get one step closer to a Gaines-style kitchen. But hurry! As expected, Chip and Joanna fans can't get enough of the new line, and the products are already beginning to sell out.
How the New Beauty and the Beast Movie Changed the Story
Warning: Spoilers follow!
You have to anticipate that with a tale as old as time, some details may change between iterations. Though they're both Disney films, the new Beauty and the Beast movie has proven to be quite different than the animated version from 1992. Entertainment Weekly revealed the first look at the 2017 film in November, providing the first insight into what's different about the story. Now that we've seen the film, here are the biggest changes we noticed!
- Belle is an inventor. "In the animated movie, it's her father who is the inventor, and we actually co-opted that for Belle," star Emma Watson told EW. "I was like, 'Well, there was never very much information or detail at the beginning of the story as to why Belle didn't fit in, other than she liked books. Also what is she doing with her time?' So, we created a backstory for her, which was that she had invented a kind of washing machine, so that, instead of doing laundry, she could sit and use that time to read instead. So, yeah, we made Belle an inventor."
- Belle's father is a music-box maker. "Kevin Kline as Maurice, is making all these music boxes that have to tell the story of Belle not traveling," Katie Spencer, the set director, said. "She's overprotected in a way, by her father, because she's lost her mother. So, we've made all these music boxes that represent different countries of the world, so she can see what she's missing."
- Belle and the Beast get backstories. While Belle doesn't get much of a biography in the animated film, Watson's Belle is much more fleshed out. As we learn throughout the movie, she was born in Paris but had to flee with her father because the plague was sweeping the city. (RIP, Belle's mom.) Meanwhile, there's much more of an emphasis on the Beast's background; he also loses his mother as a child, but his father is far less caring than Maurice.
- The Enchantress plays a bigger part. The original film does feature an enchantress cursing the prince for not giving her shelter, but the woman is much more present in the new film, appearing several times.
- The staff is more affected by the curse. This time around, not only have the staff been turned into household objects, they're slowly losing their humanity more and more each day. Even before the final rose petal hits the floor, they hardly have an human characteristics left.
- LeFou is gay. Yes, LeFou is obsessed with Gaston in the original, but director Bill Condon confirmed that LeFou is definitely gay in the new film. He went on to say there is an "exclusively gay moment," but we were pretty underwhelmed by it.
Darth Maul as Supreme Leader Snoke? It's More Likely Than You Think
Going into all the madness surrounding Star Wars: The Last Jedi, we've got quite a few mysteries to figure out. Not only are we trying to unpack the meaning of "the last Jedi" and uncover the identity of Rey's parents, but we've also got one big question to answer on the dark side: who the hell is Supreme Leader Snoke? We came up with a few theories of our own, but we couldn't help but notice the kind of fodder elsewhere on the internet. That's when we happened upon one truly crazy theory: that Snoke is actually a villain we've seen before - Darth Maul. Let's go over how it could prove true.
1. Darth Maul Is Not Dead
We all remember how Obi Wan Kenobi brutally cuts Darth Maul in half in The Phantom Menace and lets him fall to his death. It seems pretty definitive. But, well, Darth Maul goes on to appear in the TV shows The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. While many reject these TV series as official parts of the Star Wars canon, it's worth noting that Disney has begun producing them. This would mean that all creative decisions made pertaining to the TV shows are likely made with the events of the films in mind. Plus, if Darth Vader can lose half his body from lava burns and survive, there's a chance Darth Maul could too. Even his official bio on StarWars.com corroborates the fact that he did not die.
2. It Would Explain One of Snoke's Most Telling Comments
The whole reason we're attempting to trace Snoke back to a Star Wars character we've already met is because he says one very crucial thing in The Force Awakens. Snoke reveals that he witnessed the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire. Considering how the rise of the Empire happens in the first trilogy (Episode I to Episode III) and the fall happens at the end of the second trilogy (Episode IV to Episode VI), we're potentially looking for a character who's been around since the very beginning. If you accept the TV shows as canon and believe Darth Maul survived, he certainly fits in here. As for the second trilogy, just because we didn't see him doesn't mean he wasn't around. He could have been in hiding.
3. His Powerful Origins
Darth Maul was an apprentice of the evil Darth Sidious, one of the most terrifying and powerful Sith Lords on the dark side. It's also clear that he possessed great agility and combat skills. Perhaps his hatred for Obi Wan fueled him and made him hungry for more power and even revenge. With such powerful desires lighting his way, it would make sense that he would strive to rise in the ranks of the dark side. This might explain how he eventually came to be the leader of the sinister First Order.
4. They Sound the Same
If you go back and listen to the handful of lines uttered by Darth Maul and compare them to Snoke's voice in The Force Awakens, it's pretty clear that they sound quite similar. It's not just the gravelly quality of their respective voices, either. They share the same accent, tone, and basic inflection. That's pretty hard to write off.
5. But What About the Horns and the Face Tattoos?
Obviously, the biggest hole in this theory is Darth Maul's unmistakable face tattoos and skull horns. But, I mean, come on! Look at Snoke. It's clear he's been pretty badly deformed by some kind of accident. It stands to reason that Darth Maul could have endured some extensive, brutal body trauma that left his face and head permanently changed. It's also worth noting that Darth Maul's mother, Talzin, is a powerful Force witch. It's possible she found a way to transfer her son's consciousness into a vessel that could better handle him. With Darth Maul inhabiting a different body, his tattoos and horns would obviously be gone.
We're not going to take credit for this pretty out-there theory, though. If you want to get down to the nitty-gritty, it's all outlined in the video below.
Maybe it's time to put those tinfoil hats back in the closet for now.
The Beer Brands to Reach For When You're Watching Your Weight
Sunny, warm weather wouldn't be the same without cooling off with an ice-cold beer. If grabbing a beer is your go-to beverage but you're trying to stick to a healthy diet, it's important to know the calorie counts of common brands. Check out this list of a few of the highest- and lowest-calorie beers so you can choose the one that's right for you.
High-Calorie Beers
- Samuel Adams Boston Lager: 180 calories
- Guinness Extra Stout: 176 calories
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: 176 calories
- Pete's Wicked Ale: 172 calories
- Anheuser-Busch Ice Pale Lager: 171 calories
- Harpoon IPA: 170 calories
- Heineken: 166 calories
- Long Trail: 163 calories
- Killian's Irish Red: 162 calories
- Molson Ice: 160 calories
Low-Calorie Beers
- Budweiser Select 55: 55 calories
- Beck's Premier Light: 63 calories
- Miller 64: 64 calories
- Amstel Light: 95 calories
- Anheuser-Busch Light Pale Lager: 95 calories
- Michelob Ultra: 95 calories
- Natural Light: 95 calories
- Miller Light: 96 calories
- Heineken Light: 99 calories
- Corona Light: 99 calories
If looking at all those calorie counts has inspired you to drink light beer, find out which light beer tastes the best here.
3 Tricks to Use Now to Make Sure Your Child's Sleep Isn't Affected by Daylight Savings
Daylight Savings Time affects everyone, as the clocks spring forward and take that sweet extra hour of sleep away from us - but children are perhaps the most affected by the change. Developing a sleep routine is critical for parents and their kids, so to get some expert tips on how to prepare for losing that precious hour of sleep, we spoke with Dr. Lisa J. Meltzer, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health and Sleep Education Fellow for the National Sleep Foundation.
Daylight Savings may start this weekend, but it's not too late to start prepping your family. Read through for three things to start doing immediately in preparation for the clocks springing forward, and to continue doing throughout the year to develop sleep routines that result in healthy, happy, and well-rested kids.
1. Shift bedtimes by a few minutes every day to prep for losing an hour.
When the time changes, our internal clocks - which run on about a 24.2 hour day - can adjust; it just takes a few days. By bumping your child's bedtime routine up 10-15 minutes each night leading up to the clock shift, you help your child's body adjust its internal clock, which is usually kept in check by consistent sleep schedules and routines. If you don't want grumpy kiddos waking up with one hour less of sleep Monday morning, start shifting their routines now so that the change doesn't occur all at once!
2. Keep your child's room cool, dark, comfortable – and tech-free!
This is important all year long, but especially in the nights leading up to - and after - Daylight Savings. To ensure that your child can adjust to their bedtime being shifted (rather than just putting them into bed and them laying there for the extra allotted time), provide them with an ideal sleeping environment.
Their room should be cool, their bed should be comfortable, shades should be pulled - especially as the days stretch and stay lighter longer - and if they're old enough to be tech junkies, the room should be tech-free. Dr. Meltzer says the fact that technology is engaging the brain and that gadgets emit bright lights makes them a no-no before bedtime.
3. Make sure they're ready to sleep on Saturday and Sunday night by planning active days.
The more tired your little ones are before they go to sleep both nights this weekend, the easier it will be for them to not only fall asleep, but to get a good, deep sleep leading up to getting back to your weekly routine. Exposing children (even babies) to natural light in the mornings leading up to that dreaded Monday after the clocks change will help push their internal clock toward their new wake time.
The Beer Brands to Reach For When You're Watching Your Weight
Sunny, warm weather wouldn't be the same without cooling off with an ice-cold beer. If grabbing a beer is your go-to beverage but you're trying to stick to a healthy diet, it's important to know the calorie counts of common brands. Check out this list of a few of the highest- and lowest-calorie beers so you can choose the one that's right for you.
High-Calorie Beers
- Samuel Adams Boston Lager: 180 calories
- Guinness Extra Stout: 176 calories
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: 176 calories
- Pete's Wicked Ale: 172 calories
- Anheuser-Busch Ice Pale Lager: 171 calories
- Harpoon IPA: 170 calories
- Heineken: 166 calories
- Long Trail: 163 calories
- Killian's Irish Red: 162 calories
- Molson Ice: 160 calories
Low-Calorie Beers
- Budweiser Select 55: 55 calories
- Beck's Premier Light: 63 calories
- Miller 64: 64 calories
- Amstel Light: 95 calories
- Anheuser-Busch Light Pale Lager: 95 calories
- Michelob Ultra: 95 calories
- Natural Light: 95 calories
- Miller Light: 96 calories
- Heineken Light: 99 calories
- Corona Light: 99 calories
If looking at all those calorie counts has inspired you to drink light beer, find out which light beer tastes the best here.
27 Recipes Meant For Anyone Obsessed With Ranch
Do people judge you for ordering a side of ranch with your pizza? Is ranch dressing your number-one choice when you eat salads? If so, these are the recipes your life has been missing. Each of these 27 dishes stars ranch in some way, whether it's chipotle ranch dressing on a grilled chicken salad, ranch seasoning in crispy baked chicken tenders, or creamy, cheesy ranch dip with bacon.
Skip the Gas Station Junk and Pack 1 of These Road Trip Snacks Instead
If hopping on a plane to an exotic destination isn't in the cards for you, fret not. Road trips (especially to America's top food cities and other culinary destinations, like food festivals) can be just as fun. Even if you can't afford to take a massive vacation, you can still enjoy peak travel season by getting in a car and driving somewhere fun. But as the old adage goes, sometimes the journey is the destination, so if you've ultimately got your sights set on good eats, then don't overlook the ever-important car snacks. Here are a few nibbles that are just as appetizing as they are portable and transport-resistant.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
Photographic Evidence That Jack Doesn't Die on the This Is Us Finale
Ever since we learned Jack is dead in the present day on This Is Us, we've been reeling with theories about how and when he dies. The penultimate episode of the season strongly hints that Jack will die in a car accident, as we see him leaving a bar (drunk) and climbing into his car to see Rebecca, who is performing two hours away. In the present day, Kate tells Toby that Jack's death is her fault, which fits in with the narrative the writers have set up; it's Kate that tells her father he needs to set things right with her mom. So . . . he's about to die, right?
Wrong.
Here's the problem: NBC has already released photos from the season finale, "Moonshadow." In one picture (above), Jack is seated on the couch in the Pearsons' living room. The sun is shining through the window, and though he's disheveled, he's wearing the same clothes as he's wearing when he drives away from the bar to go see Rebecca. Jack survives the night! Whether he realizes that two hours is too far to drive or gets pulled over by the cops, Jack doesn't die that night.
The 1 Thing I Learned in Italy That Changed the Way I Cook
I thought I knew how to cook Italian food . . . until I went to Italy. I got the amazing opportunity to travel to Tuscany to stay at Casa Buitoni, home of Buitoni, the fresh-pasta brand you've likely seen in the refrigerated section at the grocery store. I was in good company with chefs who develop authentic recipes for the nearly 200-year-old brand (it was founded by the Buitoni family in 1827), so I think they know a thing or two about Italian food. After a week of making pasta from scratch, visiting wineries and restaurants among the rolling hills of Tuscany, and eating too many incredible meals to count made by chefs born and raised in Italy, I learned an invaluable lesson that really stuck with me and will change the way I cook for myself from now on.
Simplicity is key, and less is more.
The mentality that surrounds food in Italy is unlike everything typical about food in the US. Italians eat slowly. They savor every single bite and every single moment at the table - "family style" means more than just passing around a plate of food for everyone to try. A young woman who grew up in Italy told me her family never served a meal without setting the table, complete with a white tablecloth. And yes, of course I realize that setting up a gorgeous tablescape with a movie-worthy view is not something most people have the privilege of re-creating at home, but what we can (and should) copy is the overall idea. Eating is a time to unplug from the rest of the world and to connect with the food and the people right in front of you.
And most importantly, authentic Italian cooks let the ingredients shine. If you start with the best quality ingredients you can find, you only need a few to make an amazing dish. I'll be the first to admit that using restraint in the kitchen is not my strong suit. My favorite pasta recipes often involve a long list of ingredients (spaghetti with garlic, white wine, thyme, lemon, and more, for example), but now I realize that there is such a thing as too much, and you don't always need 20 ingredients to make the most flavorful dish.
The best thing you can do is start out with really, really good olive oil. Spend the money on that fancier bottle - it's 100 percent worth it. Because, as I learned, olive oil is just as much an ingredient as pasta or parmesan cheese. When you simply use olive oil to sauté vegetables or throw in a tablespoon to prevent your pasta from sticking before adding other ingredients, the pure flavor gets lost in translation. The rich flavor of homemade olive oil is unlike anything else, and it's truly at the heart of Italian cooking - let it be the star.
Use good salt and fresh garlic. Invest in the freshest seasonal vegetables when you can. And, most importantly, take the time to savor every single bite. I thought this pizza topped with merely tomato sauce and a thin slice of roasted garlic would be boring, but I could not have been more wrong. After one bite, I realized it embodied everything Italian food is about: freshness, simplicity, and flavor. And that's what I'm going to aim to re-create in my own home.
The Biggest Loser's Jen Widerstrom Dropped the Best Weight-Loss Advice on Us
Are you ready to take the leap of faith and change your life, starting with your health? Jen Widerstrom, trainer on The Biggest Loser, and author of Diet Right for Your Personality Type, has some weight-loss advice for you if you're just beginning your journey.
"Don't make it harder than it really is," Jen told POPSUGAR. When we talked to her about her best words of wisdom for weight-loss newbies, she explained that it's all about small, simple steps - and all it takes is one day to get going.
"One day of quality eating is like two weeks of workouts."
"One day of quality eating is like two weeks of workouts," she said. It's that simple - you need "one quality day of food, water, sleep - which to me means get good rest, get your water in, get some healthy food in (like almonds with protein and fat, leafy greens)." And once you have that one day of solid nutrition, you'll start to build and gain traction.
"Start simple," she said. "One day at a time, and then what starts to happen is you'll start to accrue good day after good day, just by being consistently simple. You will find the momentum, you will get there, but you've just got to be patient."
The Biggest Loser's Jen Widerstrom Dropped the Best Weight-Loss Advice on Us
Are you ready to take the leap of faith and change your life, starting with your health? Jen Widerstrom, trainer on The Biggest Loser, and author of Diet Right for Your Personality Type, has some weight-loss advice for you if you're just beginning your journey.
"Don't make it harder than it really is," Jen told POPSUGAR. When we talked to her about her best words of wisdom for weight-loss newbies, she explained that it's all about small, simple steps - and all it takes is one day to get going.
"One day of quality eating is like two weeks of workouts."
"One day of quality eating is like two weeks of workouts," she said. It's that simple - you need "one quality day of food, water, sleep - which to me means get good rest, get your water in, get some healthy food in (like almonds with protein and fat, leafy greens)." And once you have that one day of solid nutrition, you'll start to build and gain traction.
"Start simple," she said. "One day at a time, and then what starts to happen is you'll start to accrue good day after good day, just by being consistently simple. You will find the momentum, you will get there, but you've just got to be patient."