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 18 mars 2017
How Sansa Has Been Becoming Her Mother, Catelyn, on Game of Thrones
Sansa Stark finally comes into her own in Game of Thrones season six. After year upon year of Sansa being victimized, she is finally the victor. After escaping Winterfell at the beginning of the season and rallying Jon Snow, much of the North, and then Littlefinger to take back her home, Sansa finally gets her revenge against Ramsay Bolton. Watching hungry hounds devour her sadistic husband would be satisfying enough, but there's a greater win here: Jon and Sansa are back at their rightful home in Winterfell. It feels right in so many ways, but there's another wrinkle you can't help but realize, if you've been watching this show from the beginning: Sansa is turning into her mother, Catelyn. It may be a thing that all women fear, but for Sansa, there are few female role models she'd be better off emulating. It's almost like Catelyn has been reborn (sorry, Lady Stoneheart fans), so let's go over all the ways Sansa Stark has actually been turning into Catelyn.
Her General Strength
Strength has never been Sansa's, well, strength - not until now. But it's a defining characteristic of Stark matriarch Catelyn when we meet her in season one. She's Ned's equal, and when Ned has to go off and fulfill his role as the Hand of the King, she secretly travels to King's Landing, then takes Tyrion prisoner, then leads her son's army as his adviser. She's not just someone's wife, content to stay behind and run the homestead. When we meet a young Sansa in season one, that probably would have been her main goal in life: be married off to the prince, and make a lovely home. But fate had other plans for Sansa, and thankfully, she starts following her mother's example.
Her Battle Smarts
Remember how Catelyn was Robb's most trusted adviser when the then-living King of the North was plotting his attacks? Catelyn patiently listened to Robb's ideas, then would basically step in to correct and advise his plans. Her specialty was giving the more pragmatic advice - the kind that was never sexy to Robb, but made the most sense in the long run.
Sansa has assumed that same role for Jon, though more gradually. While she incites Jon to attack Ramsay at Winterfell, she's on the sidelines while the men plot their attack the night before. That is, until she gets Jon alone and tells him his plan is flawed, and he should be getting advice from her. I mean, she doesn't really have specific advice at this time, other than telling him that Ramsay is way worse than anything Jon is expecting. But she's trying - and asserting herself as someone whose brain needs to be taken seriously.
That Catelyn pragmatism shows up in Sansa when she reaches out to Littlefinger as a last resort. She doesn't share her backup plan with Jon, but she is wise enough to know they need one, when Jon arrogantly thinks that his little army can defeat Ramsay's. If it wasn't for Sansa, there would have been no victory.
Notably, the men both ignore the biggest piece of advice they're given from the Stark women (Robb still marries Talisa and pisses off Walder Frey, Jon falls right into Ramsay's trap of Rickon-bait), who end up being tragically right. But at least Jon lives to tell the tale.
Her Alliance With Littlefinger
It's clear that Littlefinger's devotion to Sansa is because she resembles her mother, and it's creepy and uncomfortable. However, Sansa at least has figured out how to take advantage of it, at least for now. (Next week, it looks like he'll be trying to make the partnership romantic. Ew.) Though we can thank Sansa and Littlefinger's alliance for saving Jon's army at Winterfell, though, trusting Littlefinger is exactly where Cat had gone wrong in season one. Is Sansa making the same mistake, or will she ultimately be smarter than Cat?
Will You Accept This Contouring Brush? 6 Makeup Secrets From the Bachelor Girls
The Bachelor is a show about finding love, but with 25 women vying for one man, it's also a fierce competition. This requires the prettiest game face possible via an assortment of beauty techniques to catch the eye of men like Nick Viall - and a lot goes into making a big enough impression to score a one-on-one date.
Celebrity makeup artist Suzie Moldavon knows this very well since she's been consulting and making up various Bachelor contestants from season 19 through the current season. In addition to running brow business Flybrow, Moldavon has worked with everyone from Lady Gaga to Meghan McCain and has gained a following with Bachelor girls like Sarah Vendal, Lauren Bushnell, JoJo Fletcher, Becca Tilley, and more.
To get an idea of what goes into getting Bachelor ready, we sat down with Moldavon to steal six beauty tips that are guaranteed to help you get that rose.
18 Hijabi Brides Who Have Mastered the Art of Modesty, Elegance, and Everything in Between
If we could look at photos of hijabi brides all day, we would. The ladies have shown that the headpiece is not merely an accessory, but an integral part of their culture, especially on their wedding day. No two brides wear the hijab alike with their wedding gowns. Some wear it under a veil, while others simply wear the hijab.
What all the brides have in common, however, is their ability to pull off modesty with refined elegance at their nuptials. Scroll ahead to see how 18 brides wore their hijabs and wedding gowns on their big day. You won't be able to look away.
12 Times You Wanted to Be in a Throuple With Dave Franco and Alison Brie
It's widely accepted that a sense of humor is the most attractive thing about a person, so Dave Franco and Alison Brie must be extremely attracted to each other. The two hilarious (and, incidentally, very good-looking) actors got married recently after getting engaged in 2015. This truly seems like a Hollywood match made in heaven: Alison has been cracking us up since Community, and Dave has been our low-key funny-guy crush since a bit part in Superbad turned into bigger roles in the Neighbors movies and more. Every time we see these two out together, they seem like they're having so much fun - and are super in love. Here are a handful of the cutest pictures of Dave and Alison that would make you hate them if you didn't love them so much.
The Simplest Core Exercise Everyone Should Be Doing
When it comes to learning how to use your core, nothing beats going back to basics with the bird dog. This simple exercise, also known as quadruped, is a staple in every physical therapist's and personal trainer's tool bag for teaching core stability by engaging the abdominals and back muscles simultaneously. It's easier to feel your abs working on all fours than lying on your back since you're working against gravity. This exercise is also safe if you are recovering from a back injury.
- Begin on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
- Pull your abs in to your spine. Keeping your back and pelvis still and stable, reach your right arm forward and left leg back. Don't allow the pelvis to rock side to side as you move your leg behind you. Focus on not letting the rib cage sag toward the floor. Reach through your left heel to engage the muscles in the back of the leg and your butt.
- Return to the starting position, placing your hand and knee on the floor. Repeat on the other side to complete one rep.
- Do five to 10 reps.
There are many variations of this exercise, but this version teaches basic stability. For quality control, you can test your stability by placing a small paper cup on your pelvis (my physical therapist put water in the cup to really motivate me), and if the cup falls you know your pelvis is wobbling and you need to focus on engaging your lower abs more.
The Simplest Core Exercise Everyone Should Be Doing
When it comes to learning how to use your core, nothing beats going back to basics with the bird dog. This simple exercise, also known as quadruped, is a staple in every physical therapist's and personal trainer's tool bag for teaching core stability by engaging the abdominals and back muscles simultaneously. It's easier to feel your abs working on all fours than lying on your back since you're working against gravity. This exercise is also safe if you are recovering from a back injury.
- Begin on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
- Pull your abs in to your spine. Keeping your back and pelvis still and stable, reach your right arm forward and left leg back. Don't allow the pelvis to rock side to side as you move your leg behind you. Focus on not letting the rib cage sag toward the floor. Reach through your left heel to engage the muscles in the back of the leg and your butt.
- Return to the starting position, placing your hand and knee on the floor. Repeat on the other side to complete one rep.
- Do five to 10 reps.
There are many variations of this exercise, but this version teaches basic stability. For quality control, you can test your stability by placing a small paper cup on your pelvis (my physical therapist put water in the cup to really motivate me), and if the cup falls you know your pelvis is wobbling and you need to focus on engaging your lower abs more.
You're Going to Want to Re-Create Every Detail of This Mother-Daughter Flower Crown Party
There's no better way to bring a group of mamas and their daughters together than with a beautiful craft that serves as an adorable party theme. Jenny Keller of Jenny Cookies did just that when she hosted a flower crown lunch for mothers and daughters to be able to create gorgeous hair accessories surrounded by colorful flowers and delicious bites.
Scroll through to see the intricate details of the party, the girls' stunning hair accessories, and a step-by-step flower crown tutorial to inspire you to host your very own DIY soirée!
This Forgotten Selena Performance Proves That She Was Destined For Crossover Success
A never-before-seen video of Selena Quintanilla performing Debbie Gibson's "Only in My Dreams" is currently charming the internet. Though it's unclear when the performance took place, the retro video was recently shared on YouTube by Q Productions, an entertainment company started by Selena's father Abraham Quintanilla. At press time, the video has over 26,000 views.
In it, the late singer appears effervescent and energetic as she covers the classic '80s hit. Her flawless cover of the English-language song also serves as further proof that she was always destined for success in the American music industry before her untimely death in 1995. Coincidentally, her final and perhaps most popular album was titled Dreaming of You.
Watch Selena's mesmerizing cover of "Only in My Dreams," above. You won't be able to take your eyes off her.
55-Year-Old Homeless Man Receives a Hipster Makeover You Have to See
Sometimes all it takes to make someone's day is a simple act of kindness, and that's exactly what one hair salon in Palma De Mallorca, Spain, proved by giving a 55-year-old homeless man a makeover of a lifetime. The salon, named La Salvajería, recently celebrated its third anniversary and posted the now viral video of Jose Antonio receiving his hipster transformation.
"Our summary of the last 3 years is to surround yourself with good people makes you happy!" the salon wrote on its official Facebook page. In the 5-minute video, we learn that Antonio previously worked as an electrician, but found himself out of work in the past few years. Antonio's friend, who also happens to be the salon's owner, gave him the emotional makeover as a gift.
"It wasn't just a change of look," Antonio reportedly told a Spanish TV station in a recent interview. "It changed my life. What I want now is a proper job." We sure hope Antonio has no problem landing a gig with his new, dapper look! Watch the video above to see Antonio's complete transformation that might leave you a little teary-eyed.
Increase in yellow fever cases has Brazil on high alert
A small city in the state of Rio de Janeiro is on high alert after authorities confirmed the death of one man by yellow fever and said they were investigating several other possible cases.
Increase in yellow fever cases has Brazil on high alert
A small city in the state of Rio de Janeiro is on high alert after authorities confirmed the death of one man by yellow fever and said they were investigating several other possible cases.
Julie Andrews's New Netflix Show Has So Many Guest Stars, Including Alec Baldwin
Raise the curtains, Julie Andrews is here! Join Julie as she introduces kids to the magical world of the performing arts. Julie's Greenroom is now streaming, only on Netflix.
Posted by Netflix on Friday, March 17, 2017
Julie Andrews's new show, Julie's Greenroom, premiered on Netflix on Friday, and the streaming giant has given us another look at what to expect. Created by Andrews, her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, and Judy Rothman-Rofe, the children's series sets out to teach children and parents the importance of the arts. Andrews runs a performing arts workshop for kids in a theater built by her father, and guest stars include Alec Baldwin, Joshua Bell, Tituss Burgess, Carol Burnett, Josh Groban, Ellie Kemper, and Idina Menzel. Check out the teaser above!
40 Stylish Small Tattoos You'll Want to Flaunt Every Day
Choosing a great outfit takes time and careful consideration - a tattoo, well, the fact it's permanent means it takes even more thinking. Even a woman with a great sense of style sometimes needs a little inspiration to figure out what she wants and where.
So if fear of buyer's remorse has kept you from getting your first ink, why not start with something small? These 40 tiny tattoos are stylish enough to show off but are also discreet so you can tuck them away. Just scroll to see them all!
12 Celebrity Proposal Stories That Are Almost Too Over-the-Top to Be True
Thanks to flash mobs, elaborate videos, and hiding diamond rings inside of fortune cookies, simple marriage proposals have basically become a thing of the past. No one knows this better than celebrities, who have millions of dollars at their disposal to make sure they pop the question in the perfect way. From a private jet to the inside of an igloo, keep reading to see all of the over-the-top places and ways some of your favorite stars have proposed.
12 Celebrity Proposal Stories That Are Almost Too Over-the-Top to Be True
Thanks to flash mobs, elaborate videos, and hiding diamond rings inside of fortune cookies, simple marriage proposals have basically become a thing of the past. No one knows this better than celebrities, who have millions of dollars at their disposal to make sure they pop the question in the perfect way. From a private jet to the inside of an igloo, keep reading to see all of the over-the-top places and ways some of your favorite stars have proposed.
A Day-by-Day Timeline of Selena Gomez and The Weeknd's Whirlwind Romance
Selena Gomez and The Weeknd threw everyone for a loop when they were photographed kissing outside of Giorgio Baldi restaurant in LA on Jan. 10, just two months after the "Starboy" singer split from model Bella Hadid. Their relationship is fairly new, but the stars haven't tried to keep it under wraps. Not only are they now officially following each other on Instagram, but they recently enjoyed a romantic vacation in Italy, where they were not shy about showing PDA. It's only been a month since Selena and The Weeknd first got together, but so much has happened since then.
Your Arms and Abs Will Transform After This 2-Week Challenge
Plank is one of the most effective total-body moves, so here's a new challenge for you to conquer - a five-minute plank. Since holding a straight-up plank wouldn't be any fun (and could end up causing an injury), this challenge mixes up five basic variations to not only tone your abs and arms, but to target the obliques, legs, and upper back as well. Here's an explanation of how to do each one, followed by the two-week plan.
Your Arms and Abs Will Transform After This 2-Week Challenge
Plank is one of the most effective total-body moves, so here's a new challenge for you to conquer - a five-minute plank. Since holding a straight-up plank wouldn't be any fun (and could end up causing an injury), this challenge mixes up five basic variations to not only tone your abs and arms, but to target the obliques, legs, and upper back as well. Here's an explanation of how to do each one, followed by the two-week plan.
Oreo Tacos Are the Hybrid Dessert of Our Dreams
Only greatness can come out of a friendly couple's dessert competition, and the number one example is Oreo tacos, which we're calling TACOREOS. The couple who runs the popular YouTube channel Hellthy Junk Food decided to compete for the better Oreo taco, and let's just say that all of our cookies-and-cream dreams have come true. While it's obvious who the winner is here (sorry, JP), we're definitely going to be trying out Julia's recipe ASAP.
She starts by mixing flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. In a bowl for the wet ingredients, Julie adds melted butter, a quarter of a cup of milk, and an egg. She combines the wet and the dry ingredients and adds black food dye to get the shell as dark as possible to fully resemble Oreo cookies. Julia pours the ingredients onto the griddle to create the round shells.
Once the shells are ready and the cream filling has been made, Julia fills the shell with cream (while it's in the taco holder), and then places another shell on top. As we carefully clean our drool off our computer screens, Julia fills the second shell with Oreo ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle. Not only have we found a way to incorporate tacos into our dessert, but it looks like this is about to be the best dessert we've ever made (that is, if we don't eat all the ingredients mid-recipe).
Watch the video above to see how it's done, and check out exactly how to make an Oreo taco here.
A Day-by-Day Timeline of Selena Gomez and The Weeknd's Whirlwind Romance
Selena Gomez and The Weeknd threw everyone for a loop when they were photographed kissing outside of Giorgio Baldi restaurant in LA on Jan. 10, just two months after the "Starboy" singer split from model Bella Hadid. Their relationship is fairly new, but the stars haven't tried to keep it under wraps. Not only are they now officially following each other on Instagram, but they recently enjoyed a romantic vacation in Italy, where they were not shy about showing PDA. It's only been a month since Selena and The Weeknd first got together, but so much has happened since then.
19 Things to Wear For Your Happiest Year Ever
You might hear that in fashion there are lots of rules, but truthfully there's just one you should always follow: wear what makes you happy. It could be a gift you received from someone special or maybe a dress that simply makes you feel beautiful - just choose to wear things that truly make you smile.
To that effect, we rounded up a few examples of simple outfit ideas to help you achieve your happiest year ever. From cozy sweaters to statement-making ensembles, they're easy to pull off, we promise. Read on for a little inspiration, and prepare for 365 days of style and smiles.
- Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani
Stop What You're Doing and Watch Kate Middleton Sing in Her School Play
Of course we're all aware now that Kate Middleton can command a crowd, but long before she stole our hearts as Duchess of Cambridge, Kate was just a normal preteen participating in school activities. In addition to being on the tennis, field hockey, and swim teams, Kate also starred in her school production of My Fair Lady; the 11-year-old future princess shined in her role as Eliza Doolittle, which you can see clearly in this video of her singing "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" Watch the video above now, then check out more of Kate's most relatable moments.
Stop What You're Doing and Watch Kate Middleton Sing in Her School Play
Of course we're all aware now that Kate Middleton can command a crowd, but long before she stole our hearts as Duchess of Cambridge, Kate was just a normal preteen participating in school activities. In addition to being on the tennis, field hockey, and swim teams, Kate also starred in her school production of My Fair Lady; the 11-year-old future princess shined in her role as Eliza Doolittle, which you can see clearly in this video of her singing "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" Watch the video above now, then check out more of Kate's most relatable moments.
11 Reasons to Follow Elsa Pataky on Instagram - Chris Hemsworth Is 1 of Them
Madrid-born Elsa Pataky is one of those fun-loving celebrities who comes off as so down-to-earth you just want to be her BFF. At the very least, you can settle for following her and living vicariously through her on Instagram, where she posts relatable moments of her life as a mom, as well as snaps of her awesome travels, work projects, and sweet husband Chris Hemsworth. If you aren't already proclaiming your girl-crush on her, what are you waiting for?
How Supreme Leader Snoke Could Be the "Last Jedi" in Star Wars
Now that Star Wars: The Last Jedi is officially in a galaxy not so far away, we're revving up our engines and trying to figure out what will happen next. In January, the official title reveal for the film sent us into overdrive. Upon initial inspection, eagle-eyed fans have noted that the titles form a sentence. Then, of course, there's the larger and simpler looming question: who, exactly, is this last Jedi? Even though we've mostly been looking at the good guys as candidates, one internet theorist has turned to the dark side. Enter Reddit user AnakinKardashian (lol). According to the theory, Supreme Leader Snoke is the last Jedi.
The Strange and Recent Focus on Jedi History
Recent installments of the franchise have been drawing our attention to Jedi history. In Rogue One, we see the planet Jedha, which is where the nature of the Force was first explored and where the Jedi religion was essentially started. In The Force Awakens (this includes the movie and its novelization), we learn that Luke is in search of the original Jedi temple.
OK, So, What Does That Have to Do With Snoke?
It's no secret that Snoke is very, very ancient. In The Force Awakens, he says he witnessed the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire. This means he's been around since the Anakin Skywalker trilogy (Episode I - Episode 3), at the very least. But hey, there's nothing confirming or denying that he's older. It's aso worth noting that Kylo Ren's lightsaber is of a very ancient design. And guess where it came from? Snoke himself. If Snoke's aware of ancient lightsaber designs, his experience could stretch farther back than we think. Plus, his knowledge of lightsabers also would tie him, even if tangentially, to the ancient Jedi Order.
How This Could Tie Into The Last Jedi
AnakinKardashian posits that we could be venturing into Jedi history because the ancient order of the Jedi is much, much different from the Jedi as we know them in the present. "What if what we know as Jedi are not really Jedi after all?" the post asks. "What if Snoke is the last Jedi, in its original form?" If Snoke really is that last living member of the original Jedi order, it connects this new obsession with Jedi history, Snoke's age, Kylo Ren's ancient lightsaber design, and Luke's quest for the first Jedi temple. What's more, if the theory that Snoke appears in Rogue One holds up, it strengthens the argument even more. In the Star Wars universe, anything is possible, right?
Beyoncé Would Be Crazy in Love With Adele's Impression of Her
.@adele channeled Beyoncé at her Melbourne concert last night. ❤️️ http://pic.twitter.com/HtrRGC5FhL
- BEYONCÉ LEGION (@Bey_Legion) March 18, 2017
Adele may be known for her incredible voice and golden sense of humor, but did you know she's also a master of celebrity impressions? During her concert in Melbourne on Friday night, the "Hello" singer channeled her inner Beyoncé as she attempted to twerk on stage while singing along to "Crazy in Love." Can these two just bless us with a duet already?
Beyoncé Would Be Crazy in Love With Adele's Impression of Her
.@adele channeled Beyoncé at her Melbourne concert last night. ❤️️ http://pic.twitter.com/HtrRGC5FhL
- BEYONCÉ LEGION (@Bey_Legion) March 18, 2017
Adele may be known for her incredible voice and golden sense of humor, but did you know she's also a master of celebrity impressions? During her concert in Melbourne on Friday night, the "Hello" singer channeled her inner Beyoncé as she attempted to twerk on stage while singing along to "Crazy in Love." Can these two just bless us with a duet already?
You Can Tell Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas Are Seriously in Love by the Way They Dress
It's a sure sign that when couples dress start dressing alike they're serious about each other. The celebrity pair that comes to mind? Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas. The Games of Thrones star and musician were linked in November and since then have gone to weddings and even Paris together.
Their couple style is going just as strong, too. Both stars have an affinity for basics like tees and jeans, but where they shine the most is outerwear. You can usually spot Sophie or Joe wearing a bomber or denim jacket - sometimes at the same time. The couple also sticks to reds, blues, and blacks, which proves their closets are way more similar than you would expect. Keep reading to see how Sophie and Joe have coordinated so far, because there will likely be more looks to come. Then check out all the times Zayn and Gigi Hadid matched.
14 Yogurt Popsicle Recipes That Will Have Your Kids Running to the Freezer
You scream, I scream, we all scream for . . . yogurt popsicles! Hot Summer days are upon us, and what better way to celebrate the everyday than a cool and refreshing snack that's healthier than ice cream? Yogurt is full of nutrients like calcium, and best of all, it's so delicious that your kids won't even know that they're eating something healthy! Fill your freezer with a tray of each of these 14 easy-to-make and delicious-to-eat yogurt popsicles, and we guarantee your kids - and probably all of the neighborhood kids - will be running through the kitchen to grab them all Summer long.
7 Easy Plus-Size Outfits You Can Pull Off in Your Sleep
When it comes to plus-size fashion, there are no rules. You should wear what makes you feel strong, confident, and sexy, whether it's a printed top that shows off your shoulders or a pair of denim shorts that flaunts your stems. And, contrary to the belief that curvy women should stick to black - Chrissy Metz proved that's bullsh*t - you can indeed wear bright colors and prints. That's why designer Prabal Gurung launched a collection with Lane Bryant in the first place - to give plus-size women their pick of the latest trends.
Curvy women can wear anything and the fashion influencers ahead are proof. We rounded up seven Springtime outfits plus-size women can easily re-create, plus shopping to get you started. Go forth, experiment with the looks, and then take all the stylish Spring #OOTDs you can.
What No One Tells You About Shopping For Your Wedding Dress
Armed with lookbooks, magazine tear-outs, my Pinterest app, and the image of my dream dress playing on repeat in my mind, I was ready for my very first wedding dress appointment. I had done the research for weeks, zeroing in on the single Amsale bridal gown I was sure I'd wear down the aisle. Only, after chatting with the bridal salon, I learned it was no longer available, a relic from the Fall '13 collection that had been circulating all over Pinterest. The designer had crafted new renditions in her subsequent collections, but they were all missing the details I'd regrettably fallen in love with. How did I get it so wrong?
Well, it's nearly two years later, and I've come out the other side, happily married in a dress I still love. It wasn't a perfect process - I don't know if it ever is - but to help with your own search, I'm sharing what I've learned, namely how to stay emotionally sane and in control of what you want.
1. Do Your Research, but Come Open-Minded
Being prepared is one thing, but (pardon the pun) being married to a dress you haven't met - or tried on - yet is another. When you call ahead or book online with a bridal boutique, they'll often ask you for a list or links of the dresses you're interested in, and this will help guide the appointment and help your sales associate be most helpful, especially since you'll likely have a limited time frame. On that note, be prepared with designers and silhouettes you like that also fit within your budget. Still, don't rule out a wild card once you're there. Especially early on in your search for the dress, be willing to experiment with an unexpected style. It might not be what you thought it would look like, but you might just fall in love all the same - just make sure it's in your budget before you do.
2. Don't Fight Your Body Type
Like so many women, I've pored over the wedding pictures of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, her lithe frame carrying off her slip of a wedding dress flawlessly, wishing I might have the same bridal grace, the same elegant silhouette. The truth is, I'm just built differently. I pulled on a slinky satin gown at my second bridal appointment to channel her iconic look. I loved the way it hung on display, a minimalist cut with a sexy draped back, but on me, it looked entirely different. It clung to the wrong places, exposing parts of my body I didn't even know existed but I knew instantly I didn't like - at least not in this dress. No pep talk from Mom (who sat patiently with me in the dressing room) or wedding diet was going to change that. Knowing that was another step toward finding the right dress.
3. Stay True to Your Style
No one else is wearing this dress - not your maid of honor, not your mom, your mother-in-law, your dad, or your grandma. So when you seek out the dress, make sure it's one you love. Likewise, don't let the location or the event dictate what you'll wear too much. For instance, just because it's a New Year's wedding doesn't mean the dress should come with tulle and a feathered skirt, unless you want it to. Clear your mind of what you "should" wear, and fill it with images of what makes you happy. And more importantly, be honest with your loved ones - and with the sales associate - about what that is, so you're all on the same page right up front.
4. Crying Is Allowed, but Not Required
When I finally thought I'd found the dress, my dad joined my mom and my sister and came to see me in it. There I was, standing in front of my family having that bridal moment in a white ballgown; my dad smiled and I remember him saying, "I could dance with you in that dress." I'd seen Say Yes to the Dress so many times, I knew it was my cue to cry, but I didn't. I didn't get emotional at all, in fact. I threw up my hands and said, "This is it then. Let's do it!" Days later I would replay that in my head as a sign that I'd picked the wrong dress. I'd call my mom with doubt; "I didn't even cry," I'd reminded her. To her credit, she put it all in perspective: "It's a dress, Hannah. I think that's OK." And it is - it's OK if you cry, if you lose your sh*t, or if you don't. It's all OK. As long as you're comfortable and happy and you feel like yourself, who really cares if you shed a tear just because TV or movies made you feel like you should? Remember, there are no "shoulds" here.
5. You Could Search Forever, but Don't
There are countless dresses, new trends every season, new designers, and a million options out there. You could actually search forever and still not be satisfied, afraid you've missed the next great style or overlooked a dress that might be the one. I was admittedly caught up second-guessing myself long after I'd found my dress that I forgot to enjoy just being done with it. Every time I stopped to remind myself that the search was over, that I didn't have to scour the Internet or call every boutique in NYC for appointments, I could breathe easy again. It doesn't matter what every dress on the market looks like, just the one you're calling your own.
How Spring-Cleaning Changed My Life
Kid clutter had officially taken over my house. The toys that seemed so cute and manageable just a few years ago, when I was a mom to one 2-year-old little girl, had expanded to fill every corner of my suburban home, which I now share with my husband, a 5-year-old daughter, a 2-year-old son, a bounce house, endless trucks, doll beds, pint-size kitchens and trampolines, and a play tent big enough for four kids. I was drowning in toys and too overwhelmed by the craziness of my everyday life to do anything about it.
"We're going to have to buy a bigger house," I told my husband, and truthfully I'm still trolling Zillow daily in search of an extra 500 or so square feet that I'd love to dedicate to a playroom. I thought about sending my kids to their grandparents' house for a night, throwing away half their toys while they were gone and then telling them we got robbed, but that seemed like a lot of work. I considered canceling all future birthday parties and holidays, when inevitably even more kid stuff would arrive, adding to the clutter, but that felt mean.
Ultimately, it was my own mom who came to the rescue. Apparently I'd been complaining pretty regularly about my plight, and she'd developed a plan. "I'm coming up for two days, we're hiring a babysitter to watch the kids, and we're turning your basement into a playroom," she told me last month. I thought, could it be done? Although our basement is finished with decent carpet, neutral paint, and plenty of room, it had been relegated to a storage space since we moved in four years ago and was filled to the brim with discarded furniture and decorative items from our old apartments, piles of kid crafts, and approximately $5,000 worth of baby stuff that I keep saying I need to donate or give away. The task of turning all that junk into a space my kids would actually use seemed pretty daunting.
The process wasn't fun (there were multiple times I was so overwhelmed that I had to take a few minutes to calm myself), but it also didn't take all that long. In about six hours, my mom and I went through everything, organizing keep, donate, and toss piles, and making a plan for the new room. Suddenly, from among the junk, a neat and surprisingly cute space emerged. The couch, chair, small round table, and Ikea bookshelves that we'd relegated to the basement after upgrading to new furniture upstairs all worked perfectly for a kids' space. The colorful pillows and rugs I'd collected at HomeGoods and Urban Outfitters during my 20s did too. Under a pile of ribbons and gift bags, we uncovered a kid-size play table I forgot I bought last Summer. At the end of the day, I didn't need to purchase anything beyond a few storage bins, a couple of lamps, and two kids' chairs, all of which I scored at The Land of Nod outlet (if you live near Naperville, IL, it's a must visit) for less than $100.
In the week since my basement has been transformed from an embarrassing dumping ground into a usable playroom, I've felt like an idiot for not doing the work years ago. My kids are loving the new play space because, now that their toys have a neat, nice home, they can actually see them and therefore play with them. It's a novel concept. And I'm loving it because I can now lock in my kids in the basement and know they're having a blast down there. Kidding.
Seriously, though, with the toy clutter managed, the rest of my house has gotten so much neater by default. Our newly organized basement inspired my husband to clean out his closet, a tiny miracle, and my daughter finally conceded to getting rid of the too-small clothes and shoes she's been hoarding for the last year in her room. Our home is far from perfect, but knowing that my basement no longer looks like an episode of Hoarders has brought a bit of happiness to my life every single day. Now if I can just get my husband to clean out the garage.
Look Back on 15 Gorgeous Lauren Conrad Wedding Pictures
Lauren Conrad married William Tell in September 2014, and we've rounded up the pictures that you loved most from their gorgeous wedding along the California coastline. In her typical superstylish fashion, Lauren's ceremony was tasteful and elegant with a touch of whimsy. The bride wore a Badgley Mischka couture gown for her nuptials, which she described as "rustic-chic" and featured Pinterest-perfect details like vintage decor and homemade apple pies. She had 10 bridesmaids at the altar with her, including her younger sister Breanna and longtime friend Lo Bosworth; Lauren revealed her decision to have a larger bridal party in a blog post, saying, "I knew that having a bigger bridal party with all of my best friends was the way to go. So, I chose my sister and a bunch of my besties to do me the honor of being my bridesmaids, and I couldn't be happier with my decision."
Lauren and William got engaged in October 2013 after dating for more than a year, and are currently expecting their first child. The couple keeps their relationship pretty private, but when we do get glimpses of the duo, they are adorable - and never more than on their wedding day!
What Happens in the Walking Dead Comic Books After Carl's Visit With Negan
Carl is growing up before our very eyes on The Walking Dead. Rick's son has gone from a pudding-loving little boy who we kind of hated to a teenager who we, well, still kind of hate. It's complicated, and it's only getting more confusing now that we've seen Negan take a shine to the kid. Theirs is an interesting dynamic, and if the show follows the comics, they're only going to get closer. While we're still figuring out how we feel about teenage Carl, let's take a look at how his storyline plays out in Robert Kirkman's comics, since that story is so much further along.
Just like on the show, comic-book Carl becomes colder and more callous after losing his eye. His encounter with Negan makes Carl hate the Saviors even more, but he struggles to be useful during the war against them. When Rick has the opportunity to kill Negan, Carl begs him to do it, but Rick won't, refusing to stoop to Negan's level. The books skip ahead two years into the future, when it's revealed that Rick has been keeping Negan imprisoned in a basement, and Carl has been chatting with him like a buddy - but he still wants Negan dead.
Eventually, Carl moves to the Hilltop community to learn the blacksmith trade. While hanging out with Sophia (Carol's daughter, who is still alive in the comics), two boys attack and Carl beats them half to death. Maggie puts him in a prison cell, where he meets Lydia, the girl who takes his virginity. It turns out that Lydia is the daughter of Alpha, the leader of the Whisperers, notable villains in the Walking Dead universe. Carl goes with Lydia, Alpha, and their group, but Alpha gets Rick, who convinces Carl to leave. Carl insists on taking Lydia, who has been raped by members of the Whisperers, and Rick agrees to take her in. Upon returning to their camp, the group realizes that while they were out, Alpha's people murdered several of their friends, putting their heads on spikes in front of the camp. War is on.
Rick sends Carl and Lydia to the Hilltop to keep them safe, where they continue sleeping together. Though it's safe for them to return to Alexandria, they choose to stay at Hilltop, where they've begun a life. They are in charge of watching over Hilltop and protecting it from the Whisperers, when Lydia chooses to tell Carl that she doesn't love him. They fight, and Lydia insists they can still spend time together, but she doesn't love him. When the Whisperers wage battle on Hilltop, they try to take Lydia with them, but Lydia retaliates, shooting one and saying Hilltop is her home.
And that's all she, er, he wrote!
Look Back on 15 Gorgeous Lauren Conrad Wedding Pictures
Lauren Conrad married William Tell in September 2014, and we've rounded up the pictures that you loved most from their gorgeous wedding along the California coastline. In her typical superstylish fashion, Lauren's ceremony was tasteful and elegant with a touch of whimsy. The bride wore a Badgley Mischka couture gown for her nuptials, which she described as "rustic-chic" and featured Pinterest-perfect details like vintage decor and homemade apple pies. She had 10 bridesmaids at the altar with her, including her younger sister Breanna and longtime friend Lo Bosworth; Lauren revealed her decision to have a larger bridal party in a blog post, saying, "I knew that having a bigger bridal party with all of my best friends was the way to go. So, I chose my sister and a bunch of my besties to do me the honor of being my bridesmaids, and I couldn't be happier with my decision."
Lauren and William got engaged in October 2013 after dating for more than a year, and are currently expecting their first child. The couple keeps their relationship pretty private, but when we do get glimpses of the duo, they are adorable - and never more than on their wedding day!
21 Emotions All Moms Experience (Sometimes All in One Day)
From the extreme highs to the superlow lows, this roller coaster called motherhood takes your emotions all over the place. Some days I literally feel like my life as a mom is some kind of psychology experiment to see just how many feelings I can hit in a single 24-hour period. One second you're up and the next you're down, which means, yup, you're a mom - so just remember it's totally normal, and try to enjoy the ride.
Source: Shutterstock
Potatoes Are Not the Enemy; Here Are 9 Healthy Ways to Eat Them
Potatoes have been given an unfair bad rep, and it's easy to see why: we've been treating them like a vehicle for fat and sugar. When we're not smothering them with butter and sour cream, we're deep-frying them into french fries or tater tots, only to smother them in sugary ketchup or dressing. Your favorite potato dishes may also be the most guilt-inducing ones, creating an unhealthy association with a surprisingly wholesome food.
These poor potatoes are over here like, "Hey guys, we have so much potassium [twice as much as a banana!], iron, protein, fiber, vitamins C and B6, and magnesium . . . maybe cool it with the fryer?" And yes, there are several healthy ways to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable without compromising flavor (we have nine). Let's give the taters a little love, shall we? They've earned it.
60 Recipes to Help Shave Calories Off of Lunchtime
Cooking and packing up a quality healthy lunch is a good idea for so many reasons. Whether or not you're trying to lose weight, bringing your own lunch to work keeps you in charge of the ingredients that fuel your body and helps you perform at your best both at work and in the gym. Regardless of your dietary limitations and preferences, (at least!) one of these healthy recipes will fit the bill and make its way into your lunchtime rotation.
Potatoes Are Not the Enemy; Here Are 9 Healthy Ways to Eat Them
Potatoes have been given an unfair bad rep, and it's easy to see why: we've been treating them like a vehicle for fat and sugar. When we're not smothering them with butter and sour cream, we're deep-frying them into french fries or tater tots, only to smother them in sugary ketchup or dressing. Your favorite potato dishes may also be the most guilt-inducing ones, creating an unhealthy association with a surprisingly wholesome food.
These poor potatoes are over here like, "Hey guys, we have so much potassium [twice as much as a banana!], iron, protein, fiber, vitamins C and B6, and magnesium . . . maybe cool it with the fryer?" And yes, there are several healthy ways to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable without compromising flavor (we have nine). Let's give the taters a little love, shall we? They've earned it.
60 Recipes to Help Shave Calories Off of Lunchtime
Cooking and packing up a quality healthy lunch is a good idea for so many reasons. Whether or not you're trying to lose weight, bringing your own lunch to work keeps you in charge of the ingredients that fuel your body and helps you perform at your best both at work and in the gym. Regardless of your dietary limitations and preferences, (at least!) one of these healthy recipes will fit the bill and make its way into your lunchtime rotation.
16 Beauty Products That Use the Prickly Power of Cactus
Let the rave around products with cactus begin! The plant is going to be your new favorite ingredient in anything and everything you put on your body and hair.
"Cactus contains a large amount of linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid that stimulates healthy cell turnover; vitamin E, which helps skin retain moisture; and flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory. It's soothing, reduces inflammation, and keeps the skin better hydrated," says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Skin Care Collection and Salon, located in New York City. Her pick for best cacti? Prickly pear, because "it contains the most antioxidants." Find 16 buys that use the ingredient ahead.
Victoria Beckham Gushes Over Husband David, Calls Him Her "Soulmate"
Victoria Beckham is a busy woman, thanks to her fashion empire and her duties as a mother of four, but the former Spice Girls singer is very fortunate to have help from husband David. While promoting her upcoming collaboration with Target on the Today show on Friday, Victoria couldn't help but gush over David, saying, "I'm lucky that David is the most fantastic father and husband, and he's great." Victoria also touched on her parenting style, stating, "I'm definitely not a pushover, and neither is David." As for the secret to their marital bliss and whether or not a Spice Girls reunion is in the works, see what she said in the clip above.
Eat Healthy on the Go With These Good-For-You Yogurt Pops
When you need to snack on the go, we'd like to recommend these easy-to-make yogurt pops. Using thick, protein-rich Greek yogurt as the base, you add different fruit and spices to make each of these three flavors sing. Watch the video and see just how easy these are to make, then whip up a batch with your favorite fruit. Remember: Summer is coming.
Eat Healthy on the Go With These Good-For-You Yogurt Pops
When you need to snack on the go, we'd like to recommend these easy-to-make yogurt pops. Using thick, protein-rich Greek yogurt as the base, you add different fruit and spices to make each of these three flavors sing. Watch the video and see just how easy these are to make, then whip up a batch with your favorite fruit. Remember: Summer is coming.
Victoria Beckham Gushes Over Husband David, Calls Him Her "Soulmate"
Victoria Beckham is a busy woman, thanks to her fashion empire and her duties as a mother of four, but the former Spice Girls singer is very fortunate to have help from husband David. While promoting her upcoming collaboration with Target on the Today show on Friday, Victoria couldn't help but gush over David, saying, "I'm lucky that David is the most fantastic father and husband, and he's great." Victoria also touched on her parenting style, stating, "I'm definitely not a pushover, and neither is David." As for the secret to their marital bliss and whether or not a Spice Girls reunion is in the works, see what she said in the clip above.
These Are the 20 Buzziest Beauty Launches For March 2017
On Monday March 20, you can ditch your heavy overnight creams and vampy lipsticks for some lighter beauty choices. The start of Spring and the month of March means it's time to clean out your vanity to get organized for new goods. We combed through all of the hottest new launches to share the makeup, skin, and hair products we're most excited about. Expect an SPF body mousse, a mascara that looks like a gorgeous jewelry box, and the ultimate holographic highlighter palette.
This Mermaid Palette Isn't a Shellfish Purchase - You'll Donate to a Good Cause
There have been a lot of mermaid-inspired beauty products to hit the market lately, but indie brand KG Beauty's newest launch isn't just a pretty pick: it gives back to its source of inspiration.
KG Beauty's The Mermaid Palette ($36), which is currently available for preorder, donates $1 from each purchase to The Marine Mammal Center. This nonprofit veterinary research hospital and educational center is based in Sausalito, California, and is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured marine mammals.
If that tidbit alone doesn't inspire you to snap up this palette, here's what you need to know about it. The outside is wrapped in a sparkly scale-themed print, and when you open it, you'll see a beautiful illustration of a mermaid as well as nine eye shadows. Each is cleverly named (Call Me on My Shell Phone and Vitamin Sea are examples) and richly pigmented.
Keep reading for more shots of the palette and swatches of each shade, then pre-order it here.
Hold On to Your Gowns! This Beauty and the Beast Collection Will Leave You Twirling With Excitement
If you're anything like us, you've been counting down the days until we can see Emma Watson twirling around in Beauty and the Beast. Luckily, we're getting a taste of the fairy tale before it hits theaters next month. We recently spotted what appears to be a Beauty and the Beast collection from L'Oréal on Instagram and our fingers are crossed that it's real, because it looks amazing. The collection includes seven shades of lipstick and nail polish associated with each character. From a Mrs. Potts-inspired bright pink and Belle's classic red to a brown lipstick that pays homage to the Beast, there is a great range of colors to fulfill all of your Disney dreams.
We have reached out to L'Oréal to verify the authenticity of this collection, which appears to be an Italian one. The assortment consists of seven unique Color Riche Lipstick shades, in addition to seven Color Oil Enamel nail polish colors.
Sadly, while most princesses have their fairy-tale endings, we might not: this collection is reportedly only available on Amazon Italy. However, because the site does ship worldwide, we'll definitely be checking back when it launches on Feb. 9. If you're fortunate enough to live in Italy, the full collection can be pre-ordered for $97, or you can pre-order the lipsticks ($11) and nail polishes ($8) individually on Amazon. If these photos - and products - are real, we are all going to be very happy (cue the "Be Our Guest" music).
Keep reading to see all of the stunning themed lipstick and nail polish shades, which are guaranteed to make you feel like the Belle (pun intended!) of the ball.
It's Actually Really Easy to Master the Electric Neon Eyeliner Trend
If pastel unicorn makeup isn't really your style, then you're likely grateful for the edgy and electric neon liner trend. It looks just like a piece of neon artwork and adds a gritty glow to any standard eye. However, for the past few weeks, we've been curious as to how to DIY it ourselves.
It appears quite complex to re-create, but thankfully Reddit user tbhbbidgaf shared the above image in a post to the MakeupAddiction subreddit, where she shared her technique and revealed that it's actually quite simple.
"I do the black smokey eye first then draw a white line above my crease," she explained. She then goes over that white line with shadow in the neon shade of her choice, then refines the white stripe. "Repeat steps until you're happy with how it glows," she added. She used Graftobian Clown White Paint ($4) to make her electric eye pop.
After you've picked your jaw up from off the floor, stay tuned! This makeup artist plans to create a tutorial for the majestic look so it's even easier for fans to DIY. We'll be waiting for this with bated breath.
Jason Derulo and Nicki Minaj Serve Major Candyland Vibes in Their New Music Video
After teasing the song for weeks, Jason Derulo finally released the music video for his new single "Swalla" featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Nicki Minaj on Friday. While you certainly won't be able to get the catchy tune out of your head, the video will instantly transport you to the adult Candyland of your dreams. If this song is any indication of what's to come for his upcoming album, we're in for a real treat.
Articles
