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 25 mars 2017
The 1 Thing You Should Never Say to a Woman Over 30
Image Source: Giafrese
Last week, I struck up a conversation with my Uber driver. As the conversation continued around politics, he made an assumption that we were close in age, saying as someone in her late twenties/early thirties, surely I could relate. I pointed out that I'm actually in my mid-forties (I'll be 45 in June), at which the driver abruptly adjusted the rearview mirror with shock and said, "There is NO WAY you're that old! You don't look your age!"
This situation happens to me often. I know he meant it as a sincere compliment, but I'm troubled by the concept that somehow I'm winning at life because I don't have more visible, external signs of aging. It seems after a certain age, "You don't look your age!" is supposed to be the Mother of All Compliments, feathered in a soft nest of "I would never have guessed!" and "OMG, are you serious?" While I appreciate the flattery, I'm always left with a very uneasy feeling: what does that say about how we feel about women and aging?
What makes this well-meaning compliment so unsettling is it implies there's something wrong with looking middle-aged or older. We live in a youth-obsessed culture. It's almost as if we have invisible expiration dates on our skin, and any sign of wear and tear sets off an alarm. The catalyst makes us feel suddenly shamed and expendable.
Our societal thirst for youth is undeniable. Entire magazines dedicated to "The Age Issue." Intense media scrutiny on the appearance of every woman in the public eye, as parodied by Amy Schumer, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and others in "Last F*ckable Day." And the beauty business wages a full-scale war on time, complete with antiaging weaponry meant to eradicate, decimate, and bury all evidence that a woman might be getting older, like "age-defying lasers" and "miracle worker" eye creams. Every day, I watch women battling time with everything they've got, attempting to stay in the same jeans from high school while pushing foreign matter into their faces in order to literally freeze everything right where it is today, forever and ever more.
The fear of being seen as anything less than sexually viable, the palpable threat of being traded in for a younger model, the intense messaging that we're going to die alone if we show a crack in the armor of our skin - all of it is crushing, pervasive, and punishing. We treat women like the newest release of the iPhone: just wait a minute, because we've got a hot newer model coming, and she's so much sexier than your old one that we've made the old model obsolete.
I find this incredibly disturbing. The lines running across my forehead mimic those of my father's. And I can't imagine doing something to get rid of them. Recently, I discovered the magical power of rainbow-colored hair, and I defy someone telling me I'm too old to have it. My jawline and breasts are slowly descending, and outside of exercise, good bras, and products, I'm letting them continue on their path. I truly find softness truly sexy. But I am worried about the women my age (or older) and for the young impressionable girls who are imprinted with an unnecessary fear of aging.
My age is awesome. I know so much more than I have ever known before. The light that shines within my skin is knowledge of how amazing life can be if you just hang in there. I laugh more easily, and I'm so much better in bed because I know my body. My soul, wit, intelligence - the very spark of life within me makes for my vibrancy. I feel like I've done a pretty damned good job taking care of myself. I come from a long line of extraordinary black women who take incredible pride in appearance, and we all have daily rituals that reinforce that sentiment.
"The less you do to your face, the less you will ever have to do to you face," is a mantra my mother once said. I swear by it. I don't wear a lot of makeup, I cleanse, I treat, I moisturize; repeat daily. Outside of that, I've never had anything "done" (re: cosmetic dermatology). The only needles near my face have involved piercing my ears and dental work, and the only surgery has been wisdom teeth removal. No fillers, no nothing. It's real, and it's all mine.
That said, I did start using products at the young age of 9 years old, when my Olay-obsessed Aunt Bert used to slather my face with the legendary cream. I would stand on the stool in her bathroom as she performed her nightly beauty ritual.
Image Source: Courtesy of Kristin Booker
At first, I used moisturizers as a teenager to offset the drying effects of cleansers and astringents. And that routine has now evolved into a twice-daily regimen of cleansing, serums, and moisturizers. My regiment has guest-starring appearances from other products weekly, because I test so many things. But the mainstays remain SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser ($34), Simple Cleansing Micellar Water ($7), Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($72), and, you guessed it, Olay Moisturizing Lotion For Sensitive Skin ($10).
I also admit to spending a ridiculous amount on night creams (my desert island products would be Erno Laszlo Luminous C10 Night Treatment ($135) and SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair ($102).
Since there's no beauty cream or cosmetic procedure that can cure our obsession with youth, I'd like to propose a different solution: awareness. Instead of telling a woman she doesn't look her age, just tell her she looks good. Really good. "Wow, you're beautiful," is something every single person on the planet recognizes as sincere currency, and we can live off that bank of positive energy for days.
Also, accomplishments, goals, dreams, and intelligence are incredibly beautiful. Women living unapologetically, like Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Lauren Hutton, Meryl Streep, and Rita Moreno, are vibrant, exquisite beings. Smart brands are starting to recognize the sensuality that comes from a life of experience. Marc Jacobs embracing Jessica Lange, Joan Didion in a Céline campaign, NARS featuring Charlotte Rampling, and most recently Lancome signing on Isabella Rossellini are all steps in the right direction.
The childish fear of the inevitable end of our lives is forcing us to take extraordinary measures that don't celebrate women. Ladies, if you're with people who don't see the sum of your beauty, ditch them and find your tribe of women who are as juicy and amazing as you. Same goes for the men in your life. Someone out there will love you right as you are . . . no further assembly required.
It's time for a new standard of beauty. Let's all look amazing, regardless of our age. The ultimate compliment is to recognize all of what's in front of you, inside and out. Every single woman has something to bring to the party, and it's time we celebrate that in all its glory.
This post was originally published on March 2, 2016.
British Prime Minster Theresa May Has a Style Mantra For All Power Women
British Prime Minister Theresa May is not reserved when it comes to style. As the second woman to hold the post in Parliament, her bold wardrobe helps her distinguish pride and confidence, and she doesn't shy away from statement heels or designer pieces that make her happy. "I like clothes and I like shoes. One of the challenges for women in the workplace is to be ourselves, and I say you can be clever and like clothes. You can have a career and like clothes," she said when she spoke at the Women in the World Summit last year.
Even so, her followers caused a stir when Theresa stepped out for the Pride of Britain Awards in a fit-and-flare that stopped above the knee. "Put your knees away," one Twitter user commented. But we'd argue that Theresa's satin piece is both sophisticated and fun. Like so many other power women - some of whom hold office - Theresa's outfits are modest, yet full of personality.
Her famous leopard pumps, which she wore when she was sworn in as leader didn't feel too playful when paired with a tailored colorblock coat. Instead, they're a daring step in the right direction and a call to all ladies in the spotlight to wear what they like. Perhaps Theresa May said it best when she spoke to Vogue:
"Look, throughout my political career, people have commented on what I wear. That's just something that happens, and you accept that. But it doesn't stop me from going out and enjoying fashion. And I also think it's important to be able to show that a woman can do a job like this and still be interested in clothes."
Scroll to see why we can't get enough of her loud prints, cuts, and color choices, all of which are plenty business appropriate in our book.
14 Exciting New Shows That Will Have You Glued to Netflix All Through 2017
Last year, more than ever before, Netflix killed the game. From pop culture phenomenon Stranger Things to the highly anticipated return of the Gilmore Girls, it seems like the platform is constantly figuring out ways to innovate and dazzle audiences - and we're looking ahead to see what magic the horizon holds. Based on these titles alone, it's shaping up to be a stellar year.
Shannen Doherty Is Battling Breast Cancer Like a True Warrior
Shannen Doherty is a true inspiration to cancer patients everywhere. Ever since announcing her diagnosis in August 2015, the actress has been incredibly open with fans about her battle with breast cancer. In addition to attending various fundraisers, she's also been documenting how she's "fighting like a girl" on social media. Since completely chemo and radiation, Shannen said she is feeling positive and happy. "Cancer, for me, as hard as it is, has been a blessing," she told Us Weekly. "It has changed who I am as a human being forever. It's altered my life in ways I can't even speak of." Keep scrolling for every single inspiring moment from her courageous battle below.
Shannen Doherty Is Battling Breast Cancer Like a True Warrior
Shannen Doherty is a true inspiration to cancer patients everywhere. Ever since announcing her diagnosis in August 2015, the actress has been incredibly open with fans about her battle with breast cancer. In addition to attending various fundraisers, she's also been documenting how she's "fighting like a girl" on social media. Since completely chemo and radiation, Shannen said she is feeling positive and happy. "Cancer, for me, as hard as it is, has been a blessing," she told Us Weekly. "It has changed who I am as a human being forever. It's altered my life in ways I can't even speak of." Keep scrolling for every single inspiring moment from her courageous battle below.
I'm Hopelessly Addicted to Magnetic False Lashes (and Never Turning Back)
Guys, we need to have a talk about magnetic lash extensions. And by "a talk," I mean that I need to tell you how they're a f*cking godsend. I use them most times I wear makeup; basically, if you see me post a selfie anywhere, I'm probably wearing a pair of my magnetic falsies. I keep a pack of the lashes at my desk at work, I care for mine religiously at home, and I estimate that I've convinced at least 15 friends to buy their own pair. Considering the fact that many salons charge between $100 and $200 for lash extension treatments that only last a month, I feel obligated to share my experience with these reusable, easy-to-wear lash boosters. I've become something of a magnetic lash disciple.
Basically, if you see me post a selfie anywhere, I'm probably wearing a pair of my magnetic falsies.
When the producer of my weekly POPSUGAR Snapchat series, First Impression Friday, told me that I'd be trying magnetic eyelash extensions, I was nervous; I'd never even heard of magnetic lashes, let alone whether they were safe to use! But to make a long story short, the magnetic lash extensions from One Two Cosmetics ended up being my favorite product ever tested on First Impression Friday in over a year of shooting the Snap series - and I refused to part with them after we wrapped. I brought home the package of magnetic lashes and proceeded to wear them every single day for two weeks.
Like any self-respecting millennial, I took to social media to spread the word about the magnetic lashes, posting a blurb about them on my Instagram story. I received TONS of questions from friends and followers about the lashes, so I figured this review might be a good place to answer them! Read on for images of the lashes in action and answers to all the questions I've been asked since I began wearing the magnetic lash extensions.
Even Diamond Experts Are Excited by the Size of Kirsten Dunst's Engagement Ring
Kirsten Dunst proudly showed off her engagement ring from Fargo costar Jesse Plemons, sitting front row at Couture Week, no less. It's no wonder she's excited, given the jewel's unique traits. The oval-shaped diamond is mounted in flashing yellow gold, and it's played up by complementing stones on each side of the band. Some editors and diamond experts estimate the piece to be a full three carats, ringing in around $80,000.
There's really no better place to compare notes on your most prized jewel than at Paris Haute Couture Week, and Kirsten did just that, as she and Arizona Muse caught up at the Ralph & Russo show. Read on to see Kirsten's ring shine against her romantic ivory dress, shop similar designs if you're so inclined, and check out how Kirsten recycled her old Oscars dress recently. It seems like right now, Kirsten's having quite the memorable style moment.
Become a Healthy Baker With These Surprising Butter Substitutes
Baking calms the mind and feeds the soul, but all that buttery goodness can pack on the pounds. If you're looking to make healthier baked goods, omitting some or all of the butter from your favorite recipes can greatly reduce the calories, fat, and cholesterol. There are countless ways to replace eggs in recipes, and here are healthier alternatives to using butter (great for vegan bakers, too).
- Applesauce: Often used to replace oil in recipes, applesauce can also be used as a butter alternative, and it works best in cake-like recipes (like this vegan banana apple chunk bread). Replace half the amount of butter in your recipe with applesauce; if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and half a cup of applesauce. If you don't mind a denser, more moist bread, replace all the butter with applesauce to cut even more calories and fat.
- Avocado: Substitute half the amount of butter in a baking recipe with mashed avocado (it works well with cookies and quick breads like these pumpkin apple muffins); use the same method as you would when using applesauce. Using avocado not only lowers the calorie content, but also creates a softer, moister baked good, and is perfect if you want to omit the dairy. You can also use avocado in place of butter to make vegan "buttercream" frosting.
- Earth Balance: Replace all the butter with Earth Balance to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. Using Smart Balance rather than Earth Balance will also save some calories, and note that Original Smart Balance is now dairy-free!
- Canola oil: In certain recipes, replacing butter with oil works well, especially if the recipe calls for melted butter. Fiddle with your favorite recipes to figure out when canola works instead of butter; when baking chocolate chip cookies, I've had success substituting half a cup of canola oil for half a cup of unsalted butter. Although slightly higher in calories, canola is much lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Greek yogurt: Replace half the amount of butter in your cookie recipes with half the amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and one quarter cup of yogurt. You'll reduce the calories and the saturated fat. Play around with using more yogurt and less butter to see if you still like the taste and consistency. Here are more ways to use Greek yogurt in baking recipes. If you're avoiding dairy, use soy yogurt instead, like this recipe for protein banana bread.
- Prune purée: Often used to help little ones stay regular, prune purée also makes a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to butter. Whatever amount of butter the recipe calls for, replace it completely with store-bought baby food prune purée (unless you have time to make your own; just purée prunes in the food processor). This option works well in recipes that involve chocolate and cinnamon.
Selena Gomez Says This 1 Fashion Trend Never Lets Her Down
Selena Gomez was featured on Vogue's April cover which means she also went on to star in the magazine's rapid-fire video series, "73 Questions". In the video, the "It Ain't Me" songstress wore a bright red cut-out sweater by Victor Glemaud and a chic pair of Edun denim culottes. The video was full of interesting tidbits, and we were hanging on to every word.
Selena gave a tour of her house while answering some burning style questions like "Who's the most fashionable woman that you know?" and "What's a fashion trend that can never let you down?" Spoiler alert: When asked what trend she regrets trying, her answer was shoulder pads. (She also believes that they should never make a comeback.) Check out the full video and then scroll on to see her style moments below.
11 Pastel Highlighters to Make Your Cheekbones Look Otherworldly
Pastel-hued highlighters are taking over your Instagram feeds due to the modern and playful vibe the beauty trend exudes. Whether you opt for a purple-toned iridescent hue, or experiment for upcoming music festivals with green or blue variations, there are a plethora of shimmery, colorful products to choose from. The soft-hued treasures are reminiscent of unicorn horns and mermaid tails and will give you the ethereal glow you crave during warmer weather. Discover the magical picks ahead, and don't be afraid to try out all the rainbow tones.
Become a Healthy Baker With These Surprising Butter Substitutes
Baking calms the mind and feeds the soul, but all that buttery goodness can pack on the pounds. If you're looking to make healthier baked goods, omitting some or all of the butter from your favorite recipes can greatly reduce the calories, fat, and cholesterol. There are countless ways to replace eggs in recipes, and here are healthier alternatives to using butter (great for vegan bakers, too).
- Applesauce: Often used to replace oil in recipes, applesauce can also be used as a butter alternative, and it works best in cake-like recipes (like this vegan banana apple chunk bread). Replace half the amount of butter in your recipe with applesauce; if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and half a cup of applesauce. If you don't mind a denser, more moist bread, replace all the butter with applesauce to cut even more calories and fat.
- Avocado: Substitute half the amount of butter in a baking recipe with mashed avocado (it works well with cookies and quick breads like these pumpkin apple muffins); use the same method as you would when using applesauce. Using avocado not only lowers the calorie content, but also creates a softer, moister baked good, and is perfect if you want to omit the dairy. You can also use avocado in place of butter to make vegan "buttercream" frosting.
- Earth Balance: Replace all the butter with Earth Balance to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. Using Smart Balance rather than Earth Balance will also save some calories, and note that Original Smart Balance is now dairy-free!
- Canola oil: In certain recipes, replacing butter with oil works well, especially if the recipe calls for melted butter. Fiddle with your favorite recipes to figure out when canola works instead of butter; when baking chocolate chip cookies, I've had success substituting half a cup of canola oil for half a cup of unsalted butter. Although slightly higher in calories, canola is much lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Greek yogurt: Replace half the amount of butter in your cookie recipes with half the amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and one quarter cup of yogurt. You'll reduce the calories and the saturated fat. Play around with using more yogurt and less butter to see if you still like the taste and consistency. Here are more ways to use Greek yogurt in baking recipes. If you're avoiding dairy, use soy yogurt instead, like this recipe for protein banana bread.
- Prune purée: Often used to help little ones stay regular, prune purée also makes a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to butter. Whatever amount of butter the recipe calls for, replace it completely with store-bought baby food prune purée (unless you have time to make your own; just purée prunes in the food processor). This option works well in recipes that involve chocolate and cinnamon.
The Surprising Waffle Hack You'll Want to Steal From Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner has proven once again that she's the queen of food hacks. She shared her "recipe" for cinnamon roll waffles on Snapchat, and the three-ingredient recipe couldn't be easier. All you need is Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, the icing from the cinnamon rolls, and (we assume) nonstick spray. In a quick video tutorial on her app, Kylie shows how she presses the cinnamon rolls in a waffle iron until they're crispy and fully cooked. Then she drizzles the icing all over, allowing it to seep into each crevice of the waffles. We have to admit, they look pretty amazing and maybe even better than a homemade cinnamon roll. "They're really simple but really good," Kylie says in the video. If you're inspired to make something similar, try our one-ingredient puff pastry waffles or cinnamon roll pancakes. And for more cooking inspiration from Kylie herself, check out how Kylie upgrades ramen noodles and makes grilled cheese with hot sauce.
How to Dress Like Your Favorite Sex and the City Character For Life
You've played the game with your friends before: which Sex and the City character would you be? While some base the question on personality, we prefer to focus on fashion. While Carrie Bradshaw has eclectic flair all her own and a wardrobe comprising ballooning skirts and striped knee socks, some ladies lean toward sophistication and are likely inspired by Miranda or Charlotte. Then of course there's Samantha, who's got a rack full of skin-baring dresses fit for the party. But no matter whose look you most admire, there are only so many episodes to watch, and you've got a lifetime of outfits ahead of you.
That's why we've sorted the bloggers we follow into four groups: Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. Their go-to ensembles fit the signature styles of our favorite TV characters. Scroll through to decide who you dress like, then learn which influencers you should be following. Or, if you already know which fictional style icon speaks to you, jump ahead to the accompanying curated list.
These Celebrity Courtside Outfits Are What We Call March Madness
There are plenty of stars who sit courtside at a basketball game and really pay attention. They shout when their favorite team scores and yell, "Boo!" when they suffer a penalty. A lot of the time, those stars are wearing jerseys, jeans, and high-top sneakers. That's not to say that the ladies wearing tall, strappy stilettos and skintight minidresses don't appreciate the sport just as much. It's just that, well, they probably appreciate fashion a little bit more. (Beyoncé, Kendall, Rihanna, we're looking at you.)
While we get that dressing up for game night has become routine for many of our favorite celebs - and it's certainly added to the appeal of March Madness - there are times it's hard to believe they knew where they were going when they left the house. Read on to see some of our favorite courtside-style mix-ups, and help us figure out where all the stars were going after the final buzzer sounded. One thing's for sure: these outfits suggest that basketball wasn't the only thing on the evening's agenda.
- Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani
We Have to Ask: Is Ed Sheeran Irish or English?
Ed Sheeran is one of the biggest names in music right now, and we find ourselves wanting to know more and more about him. While he's always poured his heart into his music, his recent album, Divide, has given us an even bigger glimpse of his personal life. Not only does he gush about his romance with girlfriend Cherry Seaborn in a few of the tracks, but he also goes into great detail about his family upbringing. While Ed is well-known for being an English singer, tracks like "Galway Girl" have us wondering: is he actually Irish?
Well, he's actually both. Though he was was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and raised in Framlingham, Suffolk - which he talks about in his single "Castle on the Hill" - his paternal grandparents are Irish. Their love story was actually the inspiration behind his Irish folk tune, "Nancy Mulligan," which recounts how his grandfather, William, fell for his grandmother, Anne, despite their Catholic-Protestant religious differences.
We Have to Ask: Is Ed Sheeran Irish or English?
Ed Sheeran is one of the biggest names in music right now, and we find ourselves wanting to know more and more about him. While he's always poured his heart into his music, his recent album, Divide, has given us an even bigger glimpse of his personal life. Not only does he gush about his romance with girlfriend Cherry Seaborn in a few of the tracks, but he also goes into great detail about his family upbringing. While Ed is well-known for being an English singer, tracks like "Galway Girl" have us wondering: is he actually Irish?
Well, he's actually both. Though he was was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and raised in Framlingham, Suffolk - which he talks about in his single "Castle on the Hill" - his paternal grandparents are Irish. Their love story was actually the inspiration behind his Irish folk tune, "Nancy Mulligan," which recounts how his grandfather, William, fell for his grandmother, Anne, despite their Catholic-Protestant religious differences.
Here's How Buddy the Elf's Chocolaty Breakfast Dessert Pasta Actually Tastes IRL
Debatably one of the most cringe-worthy parts of the classic holiday movie Elf is watching Buddy devour his breakfast dessert pasta, an unappetizing mix of spaghetti and various sweet toppings. But there's no denying we've all secretly wondered what this sugar-high-inducing concoction would really taste like, and one brave chef just did the legwork for us.
YouTuber Andrew Rea, who is known for re-creating recipes from pop culture (like the Moistmaker sandwich from Friends), crafted Buddy's infamous pasta in all its chocolaty glory. He started by tossing cooked pasta with tomato sauce, butter, and olive oil, and then utterly smothered it with chocolate chips, M&Ms, maple syrup, chocolate sauce, caramel syrup, marshmallows, and crushed up Pop-Tarts. That sounds like a week's month's worth of sugar in one dish! So how did the concoction actually taste? Watch Andrew's video above to find out!
30 Stunning Mehndi Ideas to Inspire Your Wedding Henna
If you've ever been to an Indian, Moroccan, or Pakistani wedding ceremony, you've probably seen - or worn - mehndi. Many brides, both abroad and in the United States, wear these henna "tattoos" on their hands and feet for wedding celebrations; look closely and you might spot their loved one's name worked into the design. Many women work henna into their regular beauty routines, but it's certainly lovely for special occasions too. See 30 strikingly beautiful examples of this decorative art form now.
Amanda Seyfried's 2 Bold Maternity Looks Are Something to Remember
There's no better way to say, "Hey, by the way, I'm pregnant," than by stepping out in a sheer dress that hugs your new bump. We give credit to Amanda Seyfried, who first announced she was expecting with her husband Thomas Sadoski in Givenchy. Fast forward to Amanda welcoming her baby girl, and we realized Amanda didn't make too many red carpet appearances baring her bump. But when she did, it was in style. Scroll to see Amanda's latest - a mini dress by Chloé - along with her original debut.
Sephora Will Be Offering Free Makeup Classes to People Living With Cancer
Sephora just announced that it would be adding an empowering and free beauty class exclusively for people living with cancer. The class is titled Brave Beauty in the Face of Cancer and will join the retailer's Classes For Confidence program.
According to a press release, each 90-minute class will offer personalized skin care tips, makeup how-tos, and possible solutions to any beauty-related problems students may have stemming from their battle with cancer. Students will learn a variety of skills to apply masterful eye makeup, achieve natural-looking brows, and more. Each student will also receive their unique Color IQ to learn which products work best for their complexion. While putting together this curriculum, Sephora sought the advice of its employees who also have cancer.
Not only that, but Sephora employees nationwide will also be wearing a lavender lapel pin as a gesture of solidarity, given that lavender is the color used to symbolize awareness for all cancers.
In a statement, Sephora's Senior Director of Social Impact and Sustainability Corrie Conrad spoke about the brand's goal for the class. "We are harnessing the fun upbeat environment of our stores and attention of our experts, to create a safe place for participants to learn and play with beauty, ask questions, and connect with others going through a similar situation."
Going forward, the larger Classes For Confidence program will work with different nonprofit organizations to help support its many shoppers. Another class is aimed at helping women with workforce reentry and will give students the tips they need to create everyday looks for work.
Brave Beauty in the Face of Cancer will be available in 50 locations starting April 9. Click here to locate available classes near you.
How 1 Woman Proved You Can Get Better Brows With Time and Patience
Everyone has experienced their own trials and tribulations when it comes to eyebrows. Some of us may have suffered from overplucking, while others have filled them in too dark. But brows can be resilient and, with a little care, you can restore your arches, making them look better than ever.
When we think back on our own brow transformations, we get pretty emotional (how did we do that to ourselves?!), so when an Imgur user shared her five-year journey to achieving awesome arches, we truly related.
The woman shared five different selfies, documenting all the different ways she has played with her brows, from drawing them on really thin to unnaturally thick. Though we applaud her for trying out these trendy techniques, we have to agree that the final look - and also the most natural - perfectly frames her face.
"I thank my lucky stars every day that they grew back in from what I had done to myself as a teenager," she wrote. We're nodding our heads in agreement; her brows are truly blessed!
This post was originally published on March 28, 2016.
13 Musicians Who Brought Their Talents to Game of Thrones
When you finally peel your eyes away from the fire-breathing dragons and the hordes of frozen zombies, you might realize that some of the recognizable faces you're seeing on Game of Thrones are usually on a stage somewhere rather than your TV screen. HBO's hit fantasy drama has drawn plenty of talent from the music industry, whether it's in the form of recurring roles (Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Bolton, for instance) or blink-and-you'll-miss-them cameos. Although we don't know what Ed Sheeran's appearance in season seven will be like, keep reading to see a rundown of every other musically talented individual who's popped up on Game of Thrones so far.
10 Rock Documentaries Every Music Fan Should See ASAP
Some people cry watching romantic comedies. I get choked up watching rock documentaries. The fact that I am deeply moved by music certainly doesn't make me unique, nor does my tendency to get obsessed with certain bands and albums. But I get pretty deep into the music I love; I want to know the ins and outs of how its made despite - or perhaps because of - my personal lack of musical ability.
As a fan of documentaries in general, I've spent many, many hours watching music documentaries. While this is not a comprehensive list of all the great music docs in existence, these 10 movies are, in my opinion, some of the best in terms of filmmaking, featured artists, and stories. If you're a big fan of rock music in particular, consider these required viewing.
30-Minute Belly-Fat-Melting Treadmill Workout
Spice up your cardio and target belly fat with intervals! This 30-minute treadmill workout plays with speed and changes minute to minute. And switching speeds like this not only improves your overall running stamina, but it also increases the calories you burn when the workout is over.
As always, feel free to adjust the speed up or down as necessary; just make sure you're challenging yourself. If you're looking to try running intervals but want to start a little slower, try this beginner's interval plan.
Click here for a printable version of this workout.
7 Things You Never Knew About Chick-fil-A, Straight From an Employee
When you think of Chick-fil-A, the first thing that comes to mind is how all locations are closed on Sundays, and of course that drool-worthy sauce, but there are a lot of things we don't know about the fast-food joint. One employee just revealed tons of secrets about what it's like to work at Chick-fil-A in a Reddit AMA, and we're impressed. During the "Ask Me Anything" conversation, this teenage employee dished where the delicious chicken comes from, their thoughts on the chain being anti-LGBTQ, and why they always say "my pleasure" instead of "you're welcome." Read on for all of the Chick-fil-A insider secrets, straight from someone who knows best.
How "fresh" is the chicken?
It seems like fast-food chains are constantly competing with each other and saying that another chain's food comes frozen, but this employee is setting the record straight about Chick-fil-A's chicken. When asked if the chicken comes prebreaded and is frozen on site, the employee shut that down. "The chicken is FRESH and hand-breaded then fried on site," they said. "We're not lying to you."
The company has changed its anti-LGBTQ ways.
It's no secret that Chick-fil-A has been against LGBTQ rights and has even donated to anti-LGBTQ causes in the past, but this employee is explaining how the chain has changed and why it doesn't bother the employee at all. "As of late, they've actually made a turnaround and stopped donating to anti-LGBTQ corporations and apologized to the community," the employee said. "It's all about keeping a good name. I'm transgender and I know a gay guy who works there. I feel fine."
About that employee discount . . .
The employee said, "We get a free meal for 5 1/2 hours of work." This employee's favorite meal? "I'm a fan of the #1 (Just the chicken sandwich)," the employee shared. "CFA sauce and the mayonnaise they have is soooo tasty! Everything about the sandwich is perfect from the toasty buttery bun to the pickles. My location also serves mac and cheese and it's the bomb!!"
There's a reason they always say, "My pleasure."
Anyone who's been to Chick-fil-A can recognize within seconds that the employees don't say "you're welcome" and instead say "my pleasure." WHY?! "It's a courtesy thing," the employee said. "'You're welcome' seems too indifferent and we're told to use elevated language. Besides, we could get in trouble if we don't say it. Also, did you know that saying 'my pleasure' is not mentioned in the official training at all? It's a learned behavior."
The fries are highly ranked, but here's the truth behind them.
One Reddit user asked the employee how he or she feels about the fries and the fact that the crisped-to-perfection waffle fries just won the number one spot on The Ringer's best fast-food items list. "I'm very proud," the employee shared. "We don't make them in house though, they come in a box. Honestly, I think the Wendy's fries are better." OUCH!
The employees are legitimately trained to be super friendly.
When someone asked if friendliness was part of training because they "get diabetes every time I go to the local one because everyone is super sweet," the employee said yes! "We are literally told in training and reminded constantly to be 'aggressively courteous' there are literal steps on how to do it," the employee shared. "I won't tell you those steps so the sweetness remains genuine."
Fun fact: you can order Oreo pieces in any drink you want!
Yup! The employee shared that a big pet peeve is "people who order too quickly and then they MUMBLE. Also, if you have a huge milkshake order please please please call ahead!" But the most important thing here: "you can order Oreo pieces in whatever beverage you want."
30-Minute Belly-Fat-Melting Treadmill Workout
Spice up your cardio and target belly fat with intervals! This 30-minute treadmill workout plays with speed and changes minute to minute. And switching speeds like this not only improves your overall running stamina, but it also increases the calories you burn when the workout is over.
As always, feel free to adjust the speed up or down as necessary; just make sure you're challenging yourself. If you're looking to try running intervals but want to start a little slower, try this beginner's interval plan.
Click here for a printable version of this workout.
Storybook Cosmetics Is Launching Liquid Lipsticks - and They're Vegan!
Storybook Cosmetics has experienced the kind of runaway success that many brand founders can only dream of. By making beauty products inspired by pop culture obsessions like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Hunger Games, the company has tapped into a seemingly unlimited group of savvy and stylish superfans. Now, Storybook Cosmetics is expanding its beauty empire from wand-like tools and magical eye makeup to include liquid lipsticks.
The brand recently announced this upcoming launch on Instagram. "Our first 4 shades are done and in production! They will be available for purchase in the coming weeks (we will not be doing a preorder)," a caption said. Even better, they're all vegan! Each shade is matte, but two are metallic. You can choose from sparkling pale pink, metallic yellow gold, matte cool greige, and a classic red. We can't wait to hear what inspired these hues.
Keep reading to see more shots of the new products, then stay tuned! We'll be sharing updates as they become available.
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.
Kat Von D to Makeup Revolution: "There's a Difference Between a Dupe and Straight-Up Plagiarism"
While everyone might know her for her incredible tattoo artistry and pigmented product line, the top characteristic I associate with Kat Von D is her unbridled passion for creativity. I recently had the opportunity to chat with her about her new Artistry Collective, and it was during that conversation that I became a superfan.
You see, Kat is not here to half-ass anything in life, and doesn't respect those who are. Above all, she works hard because her love of art and creation is what is motivating her. When I asked her to give advice to aspiring makeup artists on Instagram, she told me that above all, it's important to be yourself. "It's OK to be inspired by others," she told me, "but there's a difference between being inspired and being ripped off." She added, "It's important to do your homework and get better and better. A lot of people want to have direct results of success without actually doing the work. That's something I'm definitely turned off by."
That's why I was not even remotely surprised that she called out beauty brand Makeup Revolution on Instagram, accusing the company of ripping off one of her eye shadow palettes. However, after fans called her out for being so negative, she decided to make a lengthy follow-up video that not only explained her frustration, but gave deep insight into her creative process.
"I just think that there's a difference between a dupe and straight-up plagiarism."
Kat was personally offended by the dupe, because she puts her heart and soul into every product. "I wouldn't be so offended by that company if they just took the concept and called it inspiration and then created something on their own," she explained in the video. "I just think that there's a difference between a dupe and straight-up plagiarism." She pointed out that everything from the color selection and palette layout to the actual name of the product is almost identical.
"When we start normalizing something that is unjust," she said of the copycat brand, "that's not good. That's not how we should treat each other, whether it's a brand to another brand or a person to a person. We should treat each other with kindness."
Kat went on to explain that each thing she works on is her "baby." "I don't have children," she noted. "I don't have kids that I come home to and be like, 'I made you.' My products, my art, those are my babies, so I do feel I have a valid reason to be offended by that company."
From there, she went on to show her creative process, starting with a tour of her office. This included a peek at her vault of artwork that she's worked on for the brand, which houses many of the logos she's illustrated. "Everything is hand-drawn, not computer-generated at all," she said as she rifled past lettering of "Everlasting," "Serpentina," "Shade & Light," and other familiar text from her brand's packaging (in multiple drafts, showing the hard work she puts into each step).
She then revealed her testing station - her kitchen counter - which was covered with tubes, palettes, and vials of both initial prototypes and final products. (We even get sneak peeks at a bunch of new Kat Von D products coming down the pipeline!) Kat concluded her creative tour with selections of images from photo shoots, which she does for every single product in her range.
"It's not just like, 'oh, I get to play with lipstick!'" she said of the process. "No, dude, there's intensive involvement that goes behind every single product. I just pour myself into everything I've ever created for you guys."
Kat acknowledged that many fans recommend she lowers her price points so that other brands stop copying her, but she doesn't believe that will prevent imitations. But she fairly pointed out that there's "a certain price to pay for a certain quality," and that she works really hard to make her products accessible, changing the packaging or other features of an item to make it as affordable as possible.
"I know what it's like to not be able to afford makeup," she said. "People want to sit there and be like, 'Oh, your white privilege is showing.' First of all, I'm not white, I'm f*cking Latina, so those kinds of comments are obnoxious, and also, as far as being privileged, there's a difference between growing up in luxury . . . I was born in Mexico with like, dirt floors." She went on, "I know what it's like . . . I couldn't even afford drugstore brands when I was a kid." She appreciates those who take time to save money for items that they really want because she can relate.
I find it extremely satisfying - and empowering - to hear a brand founder speak about her products like this. It's not rare for someone to own a makeup company to be an artist, but not many would defend their creative process in a 20-minute YouTube video like this. Yes, Kat is dedicated to producing quality formulas for her fans, but it's clear to me that she works even harder for herself and for the satisfaction of creating excellence.
In our chat, she told me, "If you actually stick to something and work hard and really dedicate yourself to something so holy, you have no idea what's around the corner." That is basically the description of Kat's career, as her success is self-made.
Kat wants you to know, though, that this video doesn't come from a spiteful or petty place. It's more out of a hope to inspire change. "My intention is never to inspire negativity," she said. "Ultimately, my goal is to inspire people and to stand up for what I think is right." After all, only good can come of Kat's call for competitors to be more creative! More innovative concepts on the market mean more exciting makeup options at every price point, which is something any beauty junkie can get behind.
Does Your Husband "Owe" You a Vasectomy?
About a minute after the prenatal check-up where my doctor suggested I have a second C-section, I suggested she go ahead and tie my tubes while she was in there. It wasn't something I debated too much, maybe because my mom had a tubal ligation after she delivered her second child via C-section over 30 years before and still said it was no big deal, maybe because I wanted to control my reproductive life, and very possibly because my husband had made it very known that, considering I was already going through a surgery where sterilization could just be a fun add-on, a vasectomy was out of the question.
And so, after I delivered my son three years ago, my husband went with him to recovery while I stayed in the O.R. by myself (minus the team of two doctors and a handful of nurses) for about another 20 minutes, where they officially closed down my baby-making parts, then wheeled me in to see my newborn. That, ladies, is efficiency.
For me, it was very easy (I realize that's not always the case), didn't add any recovery time to my C-section, and has been complication-free ever since. Which is why I'm always surprised when my friends have C-sections knowing they are delivering their last baby and don't opt for a tubal ligation.
Initially, I figured each of these friends - and there have been at least five - weren't totally sure that they were done having kids. Sure, they were getting older and more tired and more realistic about the burdens another child would place on their families, but maybe, just maybe, they wanted one more and weren't admitting it to me, or maybe even to themselves. But after much questioning, to the point of being annoying about it, I figured out that another potential baby wasn't really the motivation at all. The real truth? They thought that their husbands owed them a vasectomy.
It might not be the most charitable thought, but it makes sense. After two, three, four pregnancies full of discomfort, raging hormones, and medical complications followed by the same number of major surgeries to deliver those babies, the challenges of recovery, losing the baby weight, and breastfeeding, these women were ready to hand over the reproductive responsibilities to their husbands. They were done being poked, prodded, and physically invaded. They had gestated and given birth to the babies; their husbands could be in charge of making sure that work was done.
They had gestated and given birth to the babies; their husbands could be in charge of making sure that work was done.
Some of their husbands were totally on board, making appointments before my friends even delivered their last children. But not surprisingly, some are still nagging their husbands to get it done years later. I'm pretty sure I would have been in the latter category, as I still have to remind my husband to take the trash out every week. If he conveniently blocks out that fairly innocuous task, can you imagine the mental block he'd put around any medical procedure involving his most favorite body part?! He'd probably try to get me pregnant again just to give me another shot at tubal ligation.
In my mind, the question of whether our husbands actually do "owe" us all a vasectomy is moot. Of course they do. Simply compare the amount of work they have to do in order to have a baby to ours. It's a laughable injustice. But, for me, it was one more example of so many things I've decided were easier to do myself rather than to nag my husband about. The trash he can handle. Leave the sterilization to me.
Support LGBTQ Rights With This Shake Shack Concrete
Shake Shack in West Hollywood is letting you indulge your sweet tooth while giving back to the community! When you order the Rainbow Connection Concrete, five percent of the proceeds are donated to Shake Shack WeHo's charity partner LA Pride, a nonprofit organization that supports LGBTQ rights and plans the Los Angeles Pride Parade each year. Now that's a dessert you can feel good about! Now check out what other concretes Shake Shack has to offer.
Photographic Evidence That Goldie Hawn's Laugh Is Completely Infectious
During Goldie Hawn's appearance on Inside the Actor's Studio in 2008, host James Lipton remarked that the world adores Goldie, in part "for her laugh." If you've ever heard the Snatched actress and longtime Hollywood icon unleash one of her trademark giggles, then you know exactly what he means. With a killer sense of humor to boot, we really can't get enough Goldie, and clearly neither can anyone else.
Photographic Evidence That Goldie Hawn's Laugh Is Completely Infectious
During Goldie Hawn's appearance on Inside the Actor's Studio in 2008, host James Lipton remarked that the world adores Goldie, in part "for her laugh." If you've ever heard the Snatched actress and longtime Hollywood icon unleash one of her trademark giggles, then you know exactly what he means. With a killer sense of humor to boot, we really can't get enough Goldie, and clearly neither can anyone else.
This Tattoo Health Benefit Will Make You Even More Addicted to Ink
Most people who have tattoos find them to be oddly similar to eating potato chips: one just isn't enough. After getting your initial ink, you likely became addicted to the adrenaline rush. You know that every time you visit your favorite parlor, it's far from being your last appointment. Maybe your arms are covered with colorful sleeves, or perhaps you've decorated your body with countless tiny tats. Regardless of how you decorate your skin, your addiction is bad news for your wallet - but it may actually be good for your health.
Recent research published in the American Journal of Human Biology shows that getting inked stimulates the immune system. The 29 participants in the study provided saliva samples before and after getting a new tattoo, and the researchers analyzed the levels of immunoglobulin A (an antibody found in mucous membranes) in each sample.
According to The Huffington Post, the level of immunoglobulin A in the candidates who were receiving their first ink dropped much lower than those who had multiple tats. This implies that the immune system of those with more "tattoo experience" is adjusted to the ink process and trained to react faster to stressors.
Christopher Lynn, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Alabama and coauthor of the study, told The Huffington Post that the body's response is similar to someone out of shape hitting the gym. You're immediately sore (even for days!), but with consistent workouts, your body adjusts.
"After the stress response, your body returns to an equilibrium," Lynn said. "However, if you continue to stress your body over and over again, instead of returning to the same set point, it adjusts its internal set points and moves higher."
You don't want to use these findings as an argument for getting your first tattoo - in fact, that first ink can make you more susceptible to illness, as your body is stressed by that experience. But, if you're already addicted, it's just another reason to love your body art even more.
8 Statement-Making Sneakers Every Girl Needs This Spring
You could say sneakers have replaced high heels. Just have a look at street style images from Fashion Month and you'll notice more Adidas Stan Smiths than stilettos. Sneakers are having such a moment that even fashion brands like Opening Ceremony are teaming up with cult favorite sneaker companies like Vans to create capsule collections. If that doesn't convince you to invest, we're counting down eight styles that will turn you into a major sneakerhead. From glitter embellishments to eye-catching platforms, the little details make these shoes instant must haves.
Get in Line Because Everyone Will be After Selena Gomez's New Merch
Dressing like Selena Gomez is about to get easier. Not only does the singer have a Coach collab underway, but rumor has it she's set her sights on a jewelry line next. Selena just filed paperwork to trademark her name and even requested control over "fan-club services." Though we don't know what her jewelry collection will look like yet, we hope it'll feature a few chokers, stud earrings, and delicate bracelets. The singer is on her way to expand her designer résumé and we fully support that. Read on to see what we predict will be in her collection, then stay tune for more details.
"Halo Eye" Makeup Is Trending on Instagram - and It's Mesmerizing!
First, it was pink eye. Then the red eye. Now, it's rare to get through a day of Instagram scrolling without coming across "halo eye."
More and more beauty-lovers, and especially artists and bloggers, are ditching multidimensional smoky eyes in favor of a cleaner and often brighter (peach and orange are huge right now!) wash of one shadow shade on the lid and along the lower lash line, connected at the sides to create an entrancing "halo" around the eye.
Makeup artist Ashlee Glazer says the key to mastering the look is to go big. "Apply a primer (such as Urban Decay Primer Potion) to help set the shadow and ensure it doesn't wear throughout the day. Then, use an eye shadow brush (like MAC #239) to apply the desired color to the entire lid, stopping just short of or going slightly over the crease line. Finally, using the same brush, sweep the same shade along the lower lash line, connecting the color at each corner," Glazer advised.
If you really want to amplify your look, Glazer suggests adding a touch of highlighter just below the brow line and in the inner corner of the eye. "Complete your look with two coats of volumizing mascara (like Smith & Cult Lash Dance Mascara in Radio Silence). Bonus points if you add false lashes!" she said.
Now that you have the basics down, read through and be inspired by some of our favorite Instagram "halo eye" looks. We suggest you go with a lighter shade for day, then ramp things up with a darker or brighter shade come evening.
Are Steel-Cut Oats That Much Healthier Than Rolled Oats?
Rolled oats sound healthier for you than quick oats because they're less processed, right? So if steel-cut oats are even less processed than rolled oats, they're the healthiest of them all, right? If you're not even sure what the different types of oats are, the explanation below should clear things up.
To shed some light about which oats are better for you, check out the chart comparison below.
| Steel-cut oats | Old-fashioned (rolled) oats | Quick oats | |
| Description | Also called Irish or Scotch oats, these are cut, not rolled. They look like chopped-up rice, take the longest to cook, and have a slightly chewy consistency. | Sometimes called rolled oats, these look like flat little ovals. When processing these oats, the kernels are steamed first, and then rolled to flatten them. They take longer to cook than quick oats but are quicker than steel-cut oats. | Also called instant oats, these oats are precooked, dried, and then rolled. They cook in a few minutes when added to hot water and have a mushy texture. |
| Typical Serving Size | 1/4 cup dry | 1/2 cup dry | 1/2 cup dry |
| Calories | 170 | 190 | 150 |
| Total Fat | 3 g | 3.5 g | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 0.5 g | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Carbs | 29 g | 32 g | 27 g |
| Fiber | 5 g | 5 g | 4 g |
| Sugars | 0 g | 1 g | 1 g |
| Protein | 7 g | 7 g | 5 g |
| Calcium | 2% | 2% | 0% |
| Iron | 10% | 15% | 10% |
Surprised? It looks like they're pretty similar, but one thing that sets them apart is how they compare on the glycemic index. The less-processed steel-cut oats have a much lower glycemic load than higher-processed quick oats. Low-GI foods slow down the rate that glucose (sugar) gets introduced into your body, and in contrast, high-GI foods cause a spike in your blood sugar as well as insulin, causing you to crave more sugary foods when your glucose levels drop. The best option then are the steel-cut oats, with rolled oats a great second choice. They'll keep you feeling fuller longer, which will keep your energy levels up and help you lose weight.
If you're obsessed with this grain, here are some fun tips and recipes to help you enjoy it even more.
- If you love steel-cut oatmeal, try freezing single-size servings.
- For cake-like oatmeal, try this microwaveable banana peanut butter recipe.
- Make these chocolate peanut butter overnight oats to save time in the morning.
- For a grab-and-go snack, make these chocolate almond oatmeal protein bars or these three-ingredient protein balls.
- Spice up your basic bowl of oatmeal with these under-400-calories flavor combinations.
- For a creamy, drinkable form of oatmeal, try this high-protein banana overnight oats smoothie.
Jenny Slate on Her Breakup With Chris Evans: "We Threw Down Pretty Hard"
Jenny Slate may have kept her relationship with Chris Evans under the radar when they were dating, but after they split in early February, she's become somewhat of an open book. During a recent interview with Vulture, the actress dished on their breakup and how they realized they were just "really, really different" in the end. "To be quite honest, I didn't think I was his type," she said about the "odd match" with the Captain America star. "Eventually, when it was like, 'Oh, you have these feelings for me?,' I was looking around like, 'Is this a prank?' I mean, I understand why I think I'm beautiful, but if you've had a certain lifestyle and I'm a very, very different type of person - I don't want to be an experiment."
The two first met during the audition for their upcoming movie, Gifted, and they instantly hit it off. "I remember him saying to me, 'You're going to be one of my closest friends.' I was just like, 'Man, I f*cking hope this isn't a lie, because I'm going to be devastated if this guy isn't my friend.'" Even though that friendship eventually turned into something more, she recalls that their sex scene was still incredibly awkward. "It's one of those scenes where you bust through a door making out. I've never done that in my life," she said. "I remember apologizing to him after. I'm pretty sure I kneed him in the balls."
Though the exes aren't on bad terms, she admits they haven't really seen or spoken to each other either. "I think it's probably best," she said. "I'd love to be his friend one day, but we threw down pretty hard. No regrets, though. Ever. Chris is truly one of the kindest people I've ever met, to the point where sometimes I would look at him and it would kind of break my heart. He's really vulnerable, and he's really straightforward. He's like primary colors. He has beautiful, big, strong emotions, and he's really sure of them. It's just wonderful to be around. His heart is probably golden-colored, if you could paint it."
Try Not to Cry Laughing at These 2-Year-Old Twins Having a Blast While No One Is Watching
A recent video uploaded by proud parents Jonathan and Susana Balkin from New York shows their 2-year-old twins, Andrew and Ryan, having the time of their lives while they are supposed to be sleeping. The hilarious video starts out with the twins climbing out of their cribs and sitting on a couch nearby, but their epic slumber party gets even better once Andrew and Ryan bring out their pillows to build a pillow mountain they can both climb and lie down on.
Their fun night is briefly interrupted when their father, Jonathan, comes into their room to put the boys back into their cribs and tidy up the space. As soon as he exits, the adorably mischievous boys are right back at it again for round two! The Balkins reportedly used a Nest home monitoring system to capture their twins' active night in all of its glory. Watch the sped-up version that will surely make you laugh until you cry above.
Hello Kitty Buns Are So Damn Cute You Won't Be Able to Handle It
Hello Kitty fans are making their way to Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine in Hong Kong for one of the most adorable things you could ever eat: Hello Kitty buns. The themed restaurant is every hardcore fan's dream, and the steamed, custard-filled buns guarantee the most Instagram-worthy dim sum meal ever. Just seeing photos of the kitty-shaped buns and other Hello Kitty menu items from the restaurant will put a smile on your face and have you booking a trip to Hong Kong ASAP. If the buns are anything like the food from the Hello Kitty food truck in the US, we know they're worth the wait.
9 Reasons You Should Eat More Avocado For Your Mind, Body, and Spirit
We all know that avocado is arguably one of the most delicious foods around, a versatile ingredient that enlivens dishes from guacamole to toast, and even drinks like smoothies. And we've heard that it's a healthy food too, full of good fats and lots of vitamins.
But we wanted to dig down a little deeper. What, exactly, is so healthy about avocados? And how can we use this knowledge to increase our avocado consumption even further?
Here are some of the fun facts we discovered about one of nature's finest superfoods.
- They're high in "good fat." Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, which fight heart disease and can reduce potentially harmful cholesterol.
- Antioxidants are abundant in avocado. Avocados are full of antioxidants, which are believed to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Avocados are chock-full of vitamins. Amounts of the vitamins in avocado can vary, but the fruit is full of important vitamins K, C, B5, B6, and E.
- They've got protein! Unlike many other fruits, an avocado actually contains protein. The amount of protein depends on the size of the fruit, but about 100 grams of avocado contains 2 grams of protein.
- You don't have to eat avocado to reap benefits. OK, eating avocados is really good for you, but it's also a great addition to your beauty routine.
- You can substitute avocado in place of more fattening oils or butter. The California Avocado Association details how avocado can be a healthier alternative to regular baking ingredients.
- It might be a nutrient booster. The growers' group also suggests that avocado consumption could help the body absorb other nutrients from food; one study seems to support this idea.
- They're good for pregnant women. Avocados contain folate, which is essential for growing babies.
- And don't forget about the potassium. Avocados, like bananas, contain potassium, which is an important mineral to consume for a number of bodily functions and processes.
10 Backstreet Boys Videos That Will Always Be Larger Than Life
The Backstreet Boys kicked off their Las Vegas residency in March, so it's only right that we look back at the band's most iconic music videos of all time. From "I Want It That Way" to "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely," it's clear why they are one of the biggest (if not the best) boy bands around. Smooth moves? Check. Mesmerizing vocals? Check. Catchy song lyrics? Check, check, and check. And just in case you had any doubts about whether they've still got it, check out their recent collaboration with Florida Georgia Line.
Jenny Slate on Her Breakup With Chris Evans: "We Threw Down Pretty Hard"
Jenny Slate may have kept her relationship with Chris Evans under the radar when they were dating, but after they split in early February, she's become somewhat of an open book. During a recent interview with Vulture, the actress dished on their breakup and how they realized they were just "really, really different" in the end. "To be quite honest, I didn't think I was his type," she said about the "odd match" with the Captain America star. "Eventually, when it was like, 'Oh, you have these feelings for me?,' I was looking around like, 'Is this a prank?' I mean, I understand why I think I'm beautiful, but if you've had a certain lifestyle and I'm a very, very different type of person - I don't want to be an experiment."
The two first met during the audition for their upcoming movie, Gifted, and they instantly hit it off. "I remember him saying to me, 'You're going to be one of my closest friends.' I was just like, 'Man, I f*cking hope this isn't a lie, because I'm going to be devastated if this guy isn't my friend.'" Even though that friendship eventually turned into something more, she recalls that their sex scene was still incredibly awkward. "It's one of those scenes where you bust through a door making out. I've never done that in my life," she said. "I remember apologizing to him after. I'm pretty sure I kneed him in the balls."
Though the exes aren't on bad terms, she admits they haven't really seen or spoken to each other either. "I think it's probably best," she said. "I'd love to be his friend one day, but we threw down pretty hard. No regrets, though. Ever. Chris is truly one of the kindest people I've ever met, to the point where sometimes I would look at him and it would kind of break my heart. He's really vulnerable, and he's really straightforward. He's like primary colors. He has beautiful, big, strong emotions, and he's really sure of them. It's just wonderful to be around. His heart is probably golden-colored, if you could paint it."
Are Steel-Cut Oats That Much Healthier Than Rolled Oats?
Rolled oats sound healthier for you than quick oats because they're less processed, right? So if steel-cut oats are even less processed than rolled oats, they're the healthiest of them all, right? If you're not even sure what the different types of oats are, the explanation below should clear things up.
To shed some light about which oats are better for you, check out the chart comparison below.
| Steel-cut oats | Old-fashioned (rolled) oats | Quick oats | |
| Description | Also called Irish or Scotch oats, these are cut, not rolled. They look like chopped-up rice, take the longest to cook, and have a slightly chewy consistency. | Sometimes called rolled oats, these look like flat little ovals. When processing these oats, the kernels are steamed first, and then rolled to flatten them. They take longer to cook than quick oats but are quicker than steel-cut oats. | Also called instant oats, these oats are precooked, dried, and then rolled. They cook in a few minutes when added to hot water and have a mushy texture. |
| Typical Serving Size | 1/4 cup dry | 1/2 cup dry | 1/2 cup dry |
| Calories | 170 | 190 | 150 |
| Total Fat | 3 g | 3.5 g | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 0.5 g | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Carbs | 29 g | 32 g | 27 g |
| Fiber | 5 g | 5 g | 4 g |
| Sugars | 0 g | 1 g | 1 g |
| Protein | 7 g | 7 g | 5 g |
| Calcium | 2% | 2% | 0% |
| Iron | 10% | 15% | 10% |
Surprised? It looks like they're pretty similar, but one thing that sets them apart is how they compare on the glycemic index. The less-processed steel-cut oats have a much lower glycemic load than higher-processed quick oats. Low-GI foods slow down the rate that glucose (sugar) gets introduced into your body, and in contrast, high-GI foods cause a spike in your blood sugar as well as insulin, causing you to crave more sugary foods when your glucose levels drop. The best option then are the steel-cut oats, with rolled oats a great second choice. They'll keep you feeling fuller longer, which will keep your energy levels up and help you lose weight.
If you're obsessed with this grain, here are some fun tips and recipes to help you enjoy it even more.
- If you love steel-cut oatmeal, try freezing single-size servings.
- For cake-like oatmeal, try this microwaveable banana peanut butter recipe.
- Make these chocolate peanut butter overnight oats to save time in the morning.
- For a grab-and-go snack, make these chocolate almond oatmeal protein bars or these three-ingredient protein balls.
- Spice up your basic bowl of oatmeal with these under-400-calories flavor combinations.
- For a creamy, drinkable form of oatmeal, try this high-protein banana overnight oats smoothie.
I Cleaned Out 100+ Items From My Closet by Asking This 1 Question
You would have never known that I organize and overhaul the wardrobes of clients for a living, let alone write books on the subject, if you had seen the state of my closet last week. Standing in my closet last Sunday while trying desperately to find something to wear to brunch led to the realization that my closet was leading a double life. It's not that it was a "hot mess," organizationally speaking. It was, however, glaringly obvious that everything in there represented my previous life, a very different life from the one I am currently living. A closet filled with four-inch heels and designer duds snagged at countless samples sales (read: I worked at Neiman Marcus corporate for almost a decade and everyone drives everywhere in Dallas) does not a smooth transition to the Bay Area make.
So, I made another cup of coffee, turned on my "Closet Overhaul" Spotify playlist, and did to my own closet what I have done hundreds of times for clients in the past.
I picked up the first hanger and asked the million dollar closet question that works like a charm every time I need to make, or assist a client in making, a decision on what stays and what goes. Two hours and several hangers later, I had over 100 items crammed on a rolling rack ready to donate. Cue: mic drop - and it all started with this question . . .
1 Expert Reveals Whether or Not You Really Need Primer in Your Makeup Routine
Is it just us, or does it seem like a new step is added into our makeup routines every few months? Over the past several years, we've incorporated brow pencils, color correctors, highlighters, setting powders, and more formulas into our regimens, but there's still one item we remain skeptical of: primers. This product is designed be used on clean skin before your foundation application and should smooth your complexion while making your makeup last longer. However, we've either been completely disappointed and see no longwear results or are just overwhelmed by the amount of options to choose from. Either way, it hasn't earned holy grail status in our daily routine.
In almost every makeup application appointment we've ever had, the artist has gushed about the paramount importance of primer. We asked Lihja Stewart, Make Up For Ever's director of education and artistry, if primer was really necessary. To our surprise, she said no, and we were grateful for the refreshing perspective.
"It depends on your personal needs," Stewart told POPSUGAR via email. "If you want your makeup to last longer, yes. If you are happy with your skin texture and the wearability of your foundation, then no, not everyone really needs primer."
However, if you're unhappy with your skin's appearance, you might want to reconsider. Primer is designed to re-texturize your skin. It smooths the surface by filling fine lines, wrinkles, and over-size pores (but not clogging them!), making your foundation application flawless. It then locks it down ("like Velcro," said Stewart), improving its wear.
With benefits like that, it's hard to imagine disliking primer. But if you've been dissatisfied with it in the past, that's likely because you accidentally picked the wrong formula. According to Stewart, you should be shopping for primer by skin type and by the product's ingredients.
She recommends those with oily complexions shop for mattifying primers, like Make Up For Ever Step 1 Mattifying Primer ($37), which controls shine. "For textured skin, like large pores and fine lines, try a silicone-based primer for its smoothing benefits," she suggested. NYX Cosmetics Studio Perfect Primer ($13) is an affordable option that is comparable to many higher-end silicone-based formulas.
For dry skin types, Stewart shared that hydration is key. "Try a nourishing primer with emollients for an added glow to the skin," she advised. We love Too Faced Hangover Primer ($32), which contains coconut water and probiotics to make your complexion look healthy and dewy. Those with combination skin can use a few different formulas depending what's needed where (try a mattifying primer on your nose with a hydrating treatment on your cheeks!)
As for ingredients, you need to do a little digging into the likely lengthy list on the packaging of both your primer and your go-to foundation. Depending on whether they are silicone- or water-based will make all the difference in your makeup's durability and wear. "You should not use a silicone-based primer with a water-based foundation because it can cause separation and patchiness due to the formula bases," Stewart revealed. "Silicone is an oil and, of course, a water-based foundation is water; as we know, oil and water do not mix." Learn how to decipher your products' formulas here.
Now that you know how to find the perfect primer for your complexion, all that's left to do is apply it. You can use your fingers (great for small areas like on blemishes or dark circles) or a foundation brush (which will create an even application all over the face). Once you let it soak into your skin for a few minutes, slick on your favorite foundation, and you'll be set for the rest of the day. Still on your quest for the perfect base? Discover some pro-approved foundation picks here.
50 Times SJP Was a Real-Life Carrie Bradshaw
When asked who our fashion icons are, Sarah Jessica Parker is always at the top of mour list. The style-setter been a favorite even back in the 80s, but it's her role as Carrie Bradshaw that solidified her place in our fashion hearts as an innovator and risk taker. Now, even with her days on SATC behind her, SJP continues to wow as the designer of her own chic shoe line, seriously styled mom, and all-around fashionable persona on and off the red-carpet. So, it seems only fitting that on her 52nd birthday, we pay tribute to the trend-setter, rule-breaker, and fashion icon with a look back at 50 of her most memorable, enviable fashion moments.
Articles
