Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 30 mars 2017
18 Tips For Saving Big (Huge!) If You Love to Shop at Sephora
It's easy to get a bit carried away when shopping at Sephora (just ask this teen who accidentally racked up $733 on her mom's credit card in one visit). From the extensive fragrance section to the fully stocked checkout line (it can actually be a good thing if you play it right), the store is every beauty-lover's dream.
That said, there are ways to make your visits, either online or in store, a little less detrimental to your bank account. From becoming a follower to using discounted gift cards (and ensuring you cash in on every referral, rebate, and discount code along the way), read on as we break down 18 small steps you can take to save big.
- Become a Follower
First thing's first: make sure you're following Sephora on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates, including social media-exclusive deals and giveaways. The brand recently had an entire Sephora Cream Lip Stain Vault worth $375 up for grabs. - Go With a Referral
If you're going to make an online purchase, do it through a cash back referral site. Ebates.com will cut you a check (last time we checked, it was for 4 percent of the total) and send it to you in the mail post purchase. In addition, the site often boasts Double Cash Back promotions, sign up perks (like gift cards), and special coupon codes. - Get an Extension
Before submitting your order, use a deal extension to do a quick check for last-chance discounts. Honey will run through a variety of related promo codes to make sure there aren't any you missed. - Hit the Bar
Purchasing in store? Download rebate apps that let you scan submit barcodes in exchange for cash back. With Ibotta, you'll receive your rebate credit within 48 hours of your purchase. - Use Your Student Discount
Certain websites specialize in offering discounted prices and rebates just for students. Become a member of StudentRate.com and receive up to 10 percent back on every Sephora purchase. - Shop Discounted Gift Cards
If you're looking to purchase a gift card for someone else, or are just looking for another way to get more for your money, consider making your purchase through a resale site. Last time we checked, Cardpool.com and GiftCardGranny.com were offering Sephora cards with savings of 8.5 percent. - Check For Weekly Specials
One of the benefits to shopping Sephora online is getting to take advantage of flash sales and other initiatives. Be sure to check the homepage for the latest (while you're typically looking at three bonus samples per order, we've seen them up the quantity and throw in deluxe sizes). - Scope Out the Sales
The Sephora site also features a special sale section, updated regularly with new markdowns. Be sure to give it another look following holidays, and act fast. It's not unusual to see items go out of stock before you're able to check out. - Become a Beauty Insider
Sign up for Sephora's rewards program to rack up points on every purchase that can be redeemed for samples (at the time this was written, there were lipsticks from Urban Decay, Marc Jacobs, and Bite on the table). You'll also score a special gift on your birthday. - Earn VIB Status
Take your rewards to the next level by becoming a Sephora VIB. Spend $350 in one year and you'll gain access to special savings and a free custom makeover. Spend $1,000, and you'll be sitting pretty in the VIB Rouge section, with free two-day shipping on all orders, a private Sephora hotline to access, and invitations to exclusive events. - Scout For Samples
While you're guaranteed to earn samples through Sephora's reward programs, it doesn't hurt to ask if there's anything additional available once at the register. Worst case? They say no. Best case? You walk out with swatches of that new foundation you've been meaning to try. - Try Before You Buy
Speaking of trying, you can also test-drive products right in the Sephora store to ensure you're not wasting money on the wrong formula, shade - the list goes on. Just ask an employee for a disposable applicator (or five). - Seek Professional Help
Still not sure about that blush shade? Ask an employee for his or her personal opinion. Better yet, ask if they can apply it for you, showing you a contouring tip or two along the way. - Go "Generic"
Sephora is quick to hop on the latest trends with an ever-expanding offering of its own goods. Shop the Sephora Collection in store and online for high-performing cosmetic and skin care items - we're also a huge fan of their brushes - at a fraction of the designer label price. - Experiment With Sephora Favorites
In addition to selling its own products, Sephora is known for curating Sephora Favorites sets that allow you to sample a range of beloved brands and products at a steep discount. This Extravagant Eyes set, for example, is valued at $134 but sells for $42. - Buy in Bulk
If you're already a big fan of a specific brand, opt for bundles that offer added value (you can typically find the latest here on the site). As for that shampoo you can't get enough of? Go with the economy size to save money (and multiple trips to the store). - Go Splitsies
If you're tight on space, split the cost of a value set with a fellow beauty-loving, money-savvy friend. Bonus points if you share selfies of yourselves rocking those new sheet masks. - Walk the Line
Especially great for testing new trends or purchasing items you don't see yourself using quite as often, be sure to check out the check out (line, that is) when at your local Sephora store for miniature versions of products.
17 Ryan Phillippe Shirtless Photos That Might Just Get You Pregnant
No amount of passing time can shake our crush on Ryan Phillippe. From his sexy movie moments - thanks for the memories, Sebastian Valmont - to his offscreen beach days and casual shirtless neighborhood jogs, we might be more attracted to him than ever. Most recently, the 42-year old Shooter star gave a sneak peek of his shirtless workout photo shoot for Men's Fitness, and it had us a little choked up. Thankfully, there's tons more where that came from. Look through now to see what we mean.
17 Ryan Phillippe Shirtless Photos That Might Just Get You Pregnant
No amount of passing time can shake our crush on Ryan Phillippe. From his sexy movie moments - thanks for the memories, Sebastian Valmont - to his offscreen beach days and casual shirtless neighborhood jogs, we might be more attracted to him than ever. Most recently, the 42-year old Shooter star gave a sneak peek of his shirtless workout photo shoot for Men's Fitness, and it had us a little choked up. Thankfully, there's tons more where that came from. Look through now to see what we mean.
13 Styling Tricks Fashion Girls Live By
There's a certain kind of woman who appears effortlessly styled wherever she goes. We've come to know this woman as the fashion girl - the type who just gets outfit proportions, layering tricks, and how to pull off the trend of the moment. Sure, her styling prowess can be downright irritating - how does she always make it seem so easy? - but it can also be incredibly enlightening.
We've studied the styling habits of some really chic women and put together all the tips and tricks you need to know. Just scroll on for the styling secrets fashion girls live by.
7 Irrational Parenting Fears You Should Let Go of Now!
Parenting is a field of landmines full of anxiety triggers, and no matter how old your kid is, those triggers will always be there, no matter how irrational they may be. We're all slightly terrified that our newborns are going to roll over in their sleep and suffocate themselves, that our grade schoolers will get lost or abducted on the half-block walk from the bus stop to home, that our teens will . . . well, that list is so endless that we're not even going there.
With so many real issues in the world today, it's time we let go of the unnecessary fears we all harbor as the human beings responsible for our precious offspring. Here are seven common parenting concerns you should give up today.
- During pregnancy: I won't bond with my baby. No matter how much you love or hate pregnancy, how disconnected from or close to your own parents you are, and how overwhelmed or excited you are by the prospect of becoming a mother, I guarantee you will eventually bond with your baby. It might not happen immediately, but it will happen, and even before it does, you'll still feel a hardwired urge to care for and protect the tiny creature.
- During pregnancy: I won't be as good of a mother as my own was. This one was big for me because my mom is pretty much a saint and my favorite person on the planet. At 13, I wrote in my diary that she was my best friend. What 13-year-old girl says that about her mother? She's the toughest act to follow, but after becoming a mom myself, I realized I didn't have to. I am a different person, and therefore a different but equally good parent.
- Newborn stage: I will never sleep through the night or have time for myself again. There's a reason so many of us can barely remember our child's newborn stage: it's like a sleep-deprived trauma we've purposely blocked out. But it's also just a stage. Your child will eventually sleep more, your arms won't always be filled with a baby, and you might even miss it. I mean, I don't, but you might.
- Newborn stage: My baby will suffocate, stop breathing, or suffer some other spontaneous death that I could have prevented. Of course, we want to protect our babies and put them in the safest environments possible, but after you do that, you've got to give this one up. Babies, however small and fragile they might look, are actually pretty sturdy, and that doctor-approved sleeping environment you're putting them in isn't a death trap.
- Toddler stage: My child will cause themselves grave injury unless I watch them constantly. Most toddlers seem to lack the self-preservation gene, running into traffic, climbing every possible surface, and putting anything they can in their mouths. So, yes, they need supervision, but they're also fast as hell and destined to have a few scrapes and bruises, so don't beat yourself up about them. They all heal.
- Grade-school stage: My kid will get abducted, lost, or otherwise harmed while I'm away from them. Modern parenting has pretty much abandoned the free-range kid (I mean, my grandma kicked my elementary-school-aged mom out of the house at 8 a.m. and rang a bell to call her in for dinner nine hours later, and she had only a vague notion of where she was all that time), but once your kid enters school, there will be times when you won't know where they are. They will survive on the walk from the bus to the classroom, and they'll make it to your neighbor's house two doors down for that play date. Giving them a longer leash not only makes your life easier but also gives them a sense of independence and confidence.
- Eternally: I am irrevocably screwing up my kid. This one is inescapable, but you're probably not - at least, not more than any other parent on the planet. But maybe save up for a few therapy sessions anyway.
30+ Harry Potter Cake Ideas For Your Child's Next Birthday
If your child is Harry Potter-obsessed, the best way to celebrate their next birthday is with a magical Hogwarts party in honor of the budding wizard or witch. Every great party needs a tasty cake, so if The Boy Who Lived is going to inspire your child's next party theme, look no further than these amazingly beautiful party cakes that may or may not be enchanted with birthday spells.
Your Next Festival Look Will Be More Sparkly and Daring Thanks to These 8 Tutorials
When the flower crowns and bright makeup looks start to come out, you know what time it is. It's festival season, and we are taking some serious inspo from some of our favorite Latina YouTubers, including Desi Perkins and Nicole Guerriero. All of these ladies created completely different looks that will work for whatever vibe you are thinking about rocking with your boho-chic outfit. Get ready to take some notes and show everyone what you are made of.
This Couple's Unconventional Wedding Cake Was So Sexy - Oops, We Mean Saucy
When high school sweethearts Jess Melara and Tony Sanchez decided to get married, they knew they didn't want a traditional wedding cake. See, neither of them has ever really been a big fan of dessert or cake in particular. What they do share a deep love for, however, is pizza . . . and, well, each other, obviously.
In a blog post for Wedding Chicks, Jess shared the couple's genius pizza wedding cake idea. She said, "My favorite part was our cake! Tony and I love pizza and aren't huge fans of cake, so we surprised our guests with pizza cake," adding, "It was saucy and delicious and what pizza dreams are made of."
While the pizza cake really just entails four pizza pies on trays stacked on top of each other, it is nonetheless a beautiful sight to behold. Ahead, check out pictures of the happy couple on their big (delicious) day.
An Open Letter From Your First Friend to Have a Baby
Dear Friend,
Last week when you shared that article, "21 Baby Photo Overshares," I couldn't help but feel like your post was directed at me. I am, after all, the first of our friends to have a baby. And you did post it on my wall.
Yes, my life has changed dramatically, but my life is not a comment on your life. If I occasionally ask if you want to have kids someday, I'm not trying to be a nag or judge your life choices. I just want to be able to talk to you about the changing consistency of my baby's poop without you thinking I've joined a suicide cult. This sh*t is important to me. And I mean that literally.
While we're on the subject, I know it seems like the only thing I'm capable of talking about is my baby. I get how annoying that must be. But I need you to understand that I've spent every waking hour with this guy since he arrived. And I only sleep about four hours a night now, so the waking hours really add up. My only reprieve is a five-minute shower once a week, twice if I'm lucky. (Sorry if I smell like sh*t. Again, literally.)
Seriously, let's put this in perspective: I started with an egg and my husband's best swimmer and built a human being. Inside my body. In only nine months. And now I'm adding pounds to his weight every week, again, using just my body.
I'm a godd*mn superhero and my baby is magic.
If that doesn't deserve more than a passing mention at your dinner party - which, by the way, Greg-"I-just-bought-a-little-fixer-upper-in-Santa-Monica" totally monopolized - then I don't know what does.
Alright, I promise to cut down on the baby talk (though that will limit my life updates to what I thought of last week's SNL clips) if you promise to invite me out more often. Just because I have a baby doesn't mean I don't want to go out.
Granted, I probably can't go out because you're going to a bar and my baby isn't allowed inside. (And before you ask, yes, I would totally be the woman holding a Manhattan and a baby at the bar if that was allowed in California.) But I don't want to be a hermit, and I miss hanging out with you. The best times to meet up for me are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, ideally at my place. Cool?
When we do hang out, you don't have to stare at the ground while I breastfeed. I'm not going to use a cover because ugh. But don't worry - the baby's giant head covers most everything. And if you catch a glimpse, I honestly don't care. After you've had eight different people poke and prod your vagina for 12 hours - not to mention the ninth little person who shoves his massive noggin right on through - nothing is sacred anymore.
And please stop asking me how the baby is sleeping. Why does everyone insist on asking this? His sleep is terrible. My sleep is terrible. Everything about sleep is terrible. Come up with a new ice-breaker. Ask what makes him laugh or about the stupidest parenting advice I've received. I promise we'll both enjoy the conversation so much more.
Just one last request: Let me complain a little bit about my baby without you gawking like I kicked a puppy. Being a mother has a lot of amazing ups, but it also has some serious downs, especially in the first few months. This sh*t is hard. (Not literally this time.) And it would help to have friends I could talk to honestly about it.
Then we should talk about the Jeremy Renner look-a-like you've been boffing for the last few months. I still really want to talk about that, too.
Love,
Your friend with a baby
P.S. Sorry about any typos. I typed most of this one-handed with a baby on my boob. I know you think that's gross, but you once called me from the toilet, so . . .
Look Back at Amal and George Clooney's Gorgeous Wedding
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin tied the knot in Venice, Italy, in late September 2014, and the pictures of the pair's wedding show the couple celebrating and letting loose with their famous friends and family. Almost three years later, the Clooneys are now expecting twins and they look more in love than ever.
With their family growing, there's no better time to get nostalgic and revisit George and Amal's wedding day at the Hotel Aman, with celebrity guests like John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, Anna Wintour, Bono, Cindy Crawford, and more. Take a look at all the fun photos from their wedding!
The Walking Dead: You Have Good Reason to Be Worried About Shiva
Image Source: AMC
One scene-stealing character has risen above all the rest on season seven of The Walking Dead. I'm not talking about Negan or even sweet baby Judith; I'm talking about Shiva. You know, the 350-pound tiger that hangs out with Ezekiel? She's lingered around all season, and while I'd love an episode solely focused on her perspective on the world, I'm pretty sure that's not on the docket. What we do know, however, is how her story pans out in Robert Kirkman's comic books. If you want to avoid even possible spoilers, now is the time to stop reading. Everyone else, here's the lowdown.
Shiva marches to battle alongside her owner/best friend, Ezekiel. The war between Rick and Negan's armies is brutal, and Shiva gets close to being taken out several times. She's part of the reason the Saviors give up at Alexandria during one battle, meaning she saves countless lives in addition to killing a few Saviors herself.
Here's the sad part: Ezekiel brings her along to secure one of the Saviors' outposts, but the attack goes wrong. Shiva saves him from being swarmed by zombies, and they eat her instead.
Image Source: Image Comics
"I wish I'd died in that field," Ezekiel says later. "Coming back here . . . After losing so many men, I feel embarrassed . . . ashamed. Things would have been so much better if I had died . . . My people would see my death as a heroic sacrifice . . . They'd never have to see me . . . Like this . . . But most of all, I wouldn't have lost Shiva."
And now we're crying, dammit. Let's just remember Shiva in all her glory.
Image Source: AMC
Thought Your Spring Break Was Lit? Check Out Tinkerbelle the Dog's Orlando Vacay
Tinkerbelle is a five-pound Papitese (Papillon/Maltese) from New York and an award-winning trained model, actor, travel blogger, and fashionista with over 100K followers on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter combined as well as two viral music videos on YouTube!
Spring break means heading somewhere warm and sunny, so that's what I did! I packed my Away Luggage carry-on and was jet-setting to Orlando, FL!
13 Reasons Why: Where You've Already Seen Dylan Minnette
After an incredibly long wait, the popular book 13 Reasons Why will come to life when it premieres on Netflix this Friday. While most of the stars are relative newcomers, you might recognize the show's leading man, Dylan Minnette. Before playing Clay Jensen, the actor has been in a slew of popular movies and shows including Prison Break, as young Michael. Here's where you may have seen him before!
Look Back at Amal and George Clooney's Gorgeous Wedding
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin tied the knot in Venice, Italy, in late September 2014, and the pictures of the pair's wedding show the couple celebrating and letting loose with their famous friends and family. Almost three years later, the Clooneys are now expecting twins and they look more in love than ever.
With their family growing, there's no better time to get nostalgic and revisit George and Amal's wedding day at the Hotel Aman, with celebrity guests like John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, Anna Wintour, Bono, Cindy Crawford, and more. Take a look at all the fun photos from their wedding!
6 Things You Need to Know About Netflix's 13 Reasons Why Adaptation
Jay Asher's heartbreaking novel Thirteen Reasons Why is being developed into a TV series for Netflix, retitled 13 Reasons Why. While details surrounding the project have been pretty scarce over the past year, producer Selena Gomez revealed the release date a few weeks ago, and now we have the official trailer. If you're excited about the adaptation or you're not familiar with the book, check out the crucial details below.
What It's About
Based on the bestselling book, the series follows a teenager named Clay Jensen who receives a series of cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, a classmate who recently committed suicide. On the tapes, she explains to her peers how they each played a role in her death, detailing the 13 reasons she took her own life.
Who's Starring?
Dylan Minnette (Don't Breathe) and newcomer Katherine Langford will play Clay Jensen and Hannah Baker, respectively. The 13-episode series will also star Kate Walsh, Derek Luke, Brandon Flynn, Alisha Boe, Christian Navarro, Justin Prentice, Amy Hargreaves, Miles Heizer, Devin Druid, and Ross Butler.
The Production Team
This has actually been a passion project of Gomez's for quite some time now, and she's an executive producer. Spotlight's Tom McCarthy directed the first two episodes and Brian Yorkey, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his work on Broadway's Next to Normal, wrote the script for season one.
The Trailer
The Poster
When Is It On?
It will be available to stream on March 31!
The 3 Best Songs on Ed Sheeran's Album Have Something Very Romantic in Common
For hardcore fans of Ed Sheeran, picking a single favorite song off of his new album, Divide, is like picking a favorite child. While "Supermarket Flowers" might be the most emotional, and "Galway Girl" will have you booking a flight to Ireland ASAP, the three best tracks off of Divide (arguably) all have something in common: they were inspired by his current girlfriend Cherry Seaborn.
"Perfect"
This slow, sweet ballad is reminiscent of "Thinking Out Loud," and will no doubt be heard at wedding receptions for the next few years. With lyrics like "Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know / She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home / I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets / To carry love, to carry children of our own," it's practically bursting with romance.
"'Perfect' was the first song that I wrote for [Divide] and it was inspired by Cherry," he recently confirmed to Us Weekly. "The line that goes, 'Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song' was about when we were in Ibiza listening to Future's 'March Madness' literally not wearing any shoes and going mental on the lawn, which was quite a nice time. I didn't see her first reaction to the song because she lived in New York at the time. So I just emailed it to her but she did really like it."
"How Would You Feel (Paean)"
Fans are so obsessed with this heartbreaking song that they tweeted messages of thanks to Cherry for inspiring it. He has yet to officially confirm that his girlfriend was the muse behind its inspiration, but the lyrics seem pretty telling.
"You are the one, girl / And you know that it's true," he begins, before later singing, "How would you feel / If I told you I loved you / It's just something that I want to do / I'll be taking my time / Spending my life / Falling deeper in love with you / So tell me that you love me too." Given all of his adorable quotes about wanting to spend the rest of his life with Cherry, who else could he be talking about?
"Shape of You"
Although Ed initially started writing "Shape of You" for Rihanna (imagine how many dance videos that version would've inspired), he soon realized his lyrics were too personal. "I started singing lyrics like 'putting Van The Man on the jukebox' and I was like, 'Well she's not really going to sing that, is she?'" he said in a radio interview. "And then we sort of decided halfway through that we were just going to make it for me."
Free to put his own spin on it, Ed penned sexy lyrics like "Girl, you know I want your love / Your love was handmade for somebody like me." On top of that, he sings about talking "for hours" about "how your family is doing okay." Ed and Cherry began dating in September 2015 after years of knowing each other. They were high school classmates and grew up in the same town of Framingham in Suffolk, England, which makes it pretty obvious that he knows her family and would want to chat about them, right?
Until he blesses us with another album (which will probably have a gorgeous song called "Sneakers" on it, mark my words), listen to Divide below.
If You Love Colin O'Donoghue, You Need to See His New Movie Carrie Pilby
Image Source: The Orchard
Colin O'Donoghue is well-known for his role as Captain Hook on Once Upon a Time, but now he's taking on a different literary character. The Irish actor stars in Carrie Pilby, the movie adaptation of Caren Lissner's best-selling novel about a 19-year-old genius who graduates early from Harvard and struggles to come into her own in the rambunctious city of New York. While his character, Professor Harrison, seems sweet and charming at first, his true colors are revealed when he starts a relationship with the title character. We had a chance to sit down with O'Donoghue ahead of the film's premiere, and he talked about what it was like taking on the morally ambiguous character, the importance of women in film, and how appreciative he is for his fans' unwavering support. Warning: light movie spoilers below!
POPSUGAR: What drew you to the script?
Colin O'Donoghue: I signed up early on. I got sent the script and pegged for it then. I work on a show called Once Upon a Time, so I really wanted to play somebody who was so completely different from the character that I play day in and day out for nine months of the year. It's also really rare that you get such a great script and a great character and a great cast that shoots in the period when I would be available, so I was really, really drawn to that.
PS: Professor Harrison is pretty much the complete opposite of Hook in that he starts off as the good guy and then becomes the bad guy, whereas Hook starts off as a villain and slowly morphs into a hero. What was that like playing a character who you know isn't going to be redeemable in the end?
CO: The thing was that I knew he was never going to be redeemable, so even when you think he's being a good guy, he's not. That was fun because I wanted people to feel like it might be genuine. As an actor, it's always important to play against the actuality of what you're doing. I didn't want it to feel like he was really sleazy with her; I didn't think that would work to get the payoff of really seeing what a nasty piece of work he is in the end. You need to believe that he's a decent enough guy and has real feelings. I've been lucky on Once with [Hook], because I've gotten to play so many different aspects of the character, but this is definitely different.
PS: The film is also getting a lot of praise for its largely female production team. What kind of message do you hope that sends?
CO: It's an important thing in cinematography in general to recognize and appreciate women in film. I grew up in Ireland, and it's not something I ever thought about until I came to work over here [in the United States]. I realized just how unequal it is. To have a movie like this, which is a really lovely film, entirely about this incredible woman and directed by Susan [Johnson], who is just an amazing director - it's a fantastic thing. But the fact that it's even a conversation blows my mind. That it's not just a given that it's just a movie about a character directed by a director, which is the way it should be. The fact that we have to qualify that is where the problem is. Women are brilliant, if not more brilliant than men. It's about the quality of work that's produced as opposed to the sex of the person who produces it.
PS: I know a lot of Once Upon a Time fans in particular are eager to see you in this movie. What does that fan support mean to you?
CO: I'm blown away by the support. It amazes me because I became an actor because it's really all I can do. It gave me an opportunity to be someone else for a while. I was a very shy and quiet person and it gave me an opportunity to come out of myself a little bit. I never expected to 1. actually get a job and 2. have fans who would just come and see something. To have that support is incredible. It's a testament more so to Once Upon a Time and the writers than to me. They managed to create a show that gives so many people so much hope. That's what the show is all about. Often times nowadays, shows try and be gritty - which is incredible, I love those types of shows as well - but it's nice to be a part of a show that's unapologetic about wanting to be a good show and show people that there's hope in the world.
Carrie Pilby will open in limited release on March 31 and will be available on digital and On Demand April 4.
Riverdale: How These Characters Look in the Comics May Surprise You
Riverdale has quickly become one of the hottest new shows on TV. While we can't get enough of all the juicy plots and romances, some fans might be surprised to know that the teen drama is actually inspired by the beloved Archie Comics. While the series has certainly flipped the script with its murder mystery vibe, a few of the characters' traits have stayed the same, including Archie's red hair and Jughead's signature crown. See how your favorite characters compare ahead.
Riverdale: Every Catchy Track You've Heard on Season 1
Riverdale is our newest obsession, and it's not just because we love all the juicy plots. Since the series is based on the Archie comics, there are also some incredibly catchy tunes. Not only are there plenty of jam-worthy tracks on the series, but the actual cast has been known to lend their voices to a few covers as well. Take a look at what we've heard so far.
16 Real Moms Confess the Pregnancy Phrases That Really Piss Them Off
Do you secretly hate when people look down at your baby bump and call you "preggers"? Well, it looks like you're not the only one. A mother recently started a rather heated discussion on Reddit by asking other internet users a simple question: "What's a pregnancy or relationship related word, term, or phrase that you absolutely can't stand?" It turns out, there are a lot more annoying terms out there than we thought (some of which we weren't even aware of!). Read on to see the top phrases that make these mamas cringe in disgust.
"We're pregnant."
"You better sleep while you can!"
"Preggo" and "preggers."
"Baby dancing."
"Hubs" or "hubby."
"Line jumper."
"Maybe this time you'll get a girl."
"Aren't you so excited?"
"Fetus beetus."
"Bag of waters."
"Geriatric pregnancy."
"Expecting."
"About to pop."
"You're so big!"
"Milk drunk."
"It gets worse; trust me!"
50 Baby Shower Themes to Fit Every Season (and a Few That Are Always in Style!)
Whether you're hosting a friend's baby shower or planning your own, the time of year the little one is expected to arrive plays a big part in deciding the theme and small party details. Sure, you could go with something more general that would work all year, but if you're having a Spring baby, you might be inclined to go with a theme centered on watercolors or florals, or perhaps in the summertime a beach party would reign supreme.
If you're looking for some seasonal inspiration, read through for 50 of the best baby shower theme ideas based on the time of year (and some that work no matter what the weather!).
The 3 Best Songs on Ed Sheeran's Album Have Something Very Romantic in Common
For hardcore fans of Ed Sheeran, picking a single favorite song off of his new album, Divide, is like picking a favorite child. While "Supermarket Flowers" might be the most emotional, and "Galway Girl" will have you booking a flight to Ireland ASAP, the three best tracks off of Divide (arguably) all have something in common: they were inspired by his current girlfriend Cherry Seaborn.
"Perfect"
This slow, sweet ballad is reminiscent of "Thinking Out Loud," and will no doubt be heard at wedding receptions for the next few years. With lyrics like "Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know / She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home / I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets / To carry love, to carry children of our own," it's practically bursting with romance.
"'Perfect' was the first song that I wrote for [Divide] and it was inspired by Cherry," he recently confirmed to Us Weekly. "The line that goes, 'Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song' was about when we were in Ibiza listening to Future's 'March Madness' literally not wearing any shoes and going mental on the lawn, which was quite a nice time. I didn't see her first reaction to the song because she lived in New York at the time. So I just emailed it to her but she did really like it."
"How Would You Feel (Paean)"
Fans are so obsessed with this heartbreaking song that they tweeted messages of thanks to Cherry for inspiring it. He has yet to officially confirm that his girlfriend was the muse behind its inspiration, but the lyrics seem pretty telling.
"You are the one, girl / And you know that it's true," he begins, before later singing, "How would you feel / If I told you I loved you / It's just something that I want to do / I'll be taking my time / Spending my life / Falling deeper in love with you / So tell me that you love me too." Given all of his adorable quotes about wanting to spend the rest of his life with Cherry, who else could he be talking about?
"Shape of You"
Although Ed initially started writing "Shape of You" for Rihanna (imagine how many dance videos that version would've inspired), he soon realized his lyrics were too personal. "I started singing lyrics like 'putting Van The Man on the jukebox' and I was like, 'Well she's not really going to sing that, is she?'" he said in a radio interview. "And then we sort of decided halfway through that we were just going to make it for me."
Free to put his own spin on it, Ed penned sexy lyrics like "Girl, you know I want your love / Your love was handmade for somebody like me." On top of that, he sings about talking "for hours" about "how your family is doing okay." Ed and Cherry began dating in September 2015 after years of knowing each other. They were high school classmates and grew up in the same town of Framingham in Suffolk, England, which makes it pretty obvious that he knows her family and would want to chat about them, right?
Until he blesses us with another album (which will probably have a gorgeous song called "Sneakers" on it, mark my words), listen to Divide below.
Fact: Megan Fox's Adorable Sons Will Melt Your Heart in Record Time
Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green had quite a year in 2016. A few months after they announced their split in August 2015, news broke that Megan was pregnant with their third child together. The two then called off their divorce to make things work for their growing family, and in August 2016, they welcomed their son Journey. Despite the couple's up-and-down romance, one thing definitely hasn't changed: their sons are freaking adorable. They're also parents to Noah, Bodhi, and Kassius, Brian's son from a previous relationship, and while they don't share too many family snaps on Instagram, the ones they do will definitely make you say, "Awww!"
Meet the woman who saves a life a day on Surrey's 135A Street strip
Rosie Rurka has a reputation on Surrey’s notorious 135A Street strip as a woman who brings people back from the dead.
Are GMOs Good or Bad? This 9-Minute Video Explains Everything
Are GMOs safe? It's a question many Americans have asked themselves while grocery shopping, and YouTuber Kurzgesagt has the answer "in a nutshell." The informative video, which took 600 hours to research and produce, has taken a clear stance on GMOs. According to their findings, GMOs pose no threat to your health. The video states, "GMO plants are no more risky than non-GMO equivalents." The biggest issue and criticism with GMOs, Kurzgesagt claims, is that the huge corporations responsible for developing these GMO crops (and the subsequent weed killers) have monopolized modern agriculture. They control our farming practices and food supply. This nine-minute video will keep you on the edge of your seat and may have the power to change the way you view GMOs entirely.
Meet the woman who saves a life a day on Surrey's 135A Street strip
Rosie Rurka has a reputation on Surrey’s notorious 135A Street strip as a woman who brings people back from the dead.
100 Easy Outfit Ideas to Try This Spring
If every morning you find yourself standing in front of your closet, annoyed as you see time tick away but unable to do anything about it, we want you to know: you're not alone. We do exactly the same - no matter what and every single morning, even if we just went on a crazy shopping spree and have lots of new clothes with tags still attached hanging from the rack in front of us. There's just something about having to get dressed that sends us into a deep mental block that makes us suddenly forget how to put an outfit together.
It was just this predicament (and yet another tardy appearance at the office) that made us think we needed an inspirational list we could easily turn to every time we got stuck. So we collected 100 looks we can easily steal from some of our favorite street style stars and fashion bloggers. This Spring, we (that's you and I) will be able to snooze without trouble, because bookmarking this slideshow will make choosing an outfit no. freaking. big. deal.
12 Quotes from Selena That Will Make You Fall in Love With Her Even More
Selena is everyone's icon on so many levels! The late singer was talented, of course, but also always one to give advice to fans, talking about her journey, but never forgetting her roots and staying true to herself. My favorite thing about Selena was how she never let anything stop her - she knew she had a dream and she was going to make that happen, no matter what.
It's only fitting that through the years, Selena blessed us with inspirational words we hold close to our hearts. Everyone take note because these quotes will stick with you forever!
Do These 5 Things During Every Workout to Burn More Calories
Committing to regular workouts is one way to lose weight and get strong, but if you want to maximize your time, here are five things you should do at every single workout to burn more calories and reach your goals faster.
- Change up your routine: While you may be a runner or yogi at heart, always doing the same workout is bound to make you hit a plateau; it can also lead to overuse injuries that could prevent you from exercising at all. Try to switch up your workouts every single day to keep your body and brain guessing. Mix up the types of exercise you do, the equipment you use, the order you do things, and the speed or weight. If you absolutely love doing a certain type of workout a few times a week, like running, pick a new route or focus on adding hills or sprints to mix things up.
- Get speedy: When doing cardio, whether it's running, cycling, swimming, or jumping rope, include short bursts of fast-paced intervals, which are proven to help you burn more calories and target belly fat. Start off easy by adding five 30-second intervals to a 30-minute workout, then increase the interval time and frequency as you build your endurance. Here's a 45-minute walk-run-sprint interval workout you can try.
- Work smarter: Why just work the legs doing lunges when you can also work the arms by adding in an overhead press? Do compound movements that work more than one part of the body, and you'll not only burn more calories by working harder, but you'll save time, too. Include these multitasking moves in your next workout.
- Go longer: Tack on an extra five minutes to your workout, whether it's cardio or strength training. More exercise means more calories burned - 25 to 50 more!
- Build muscle: Muscle mass burns more calories, so your goal should be to keep building muscles. So even if you're doing cardio, like going for a bike ride, tack on some bodyweight exercises or a quick dumbbell session.
Do These 5 Things During Every Workout to Burn More Calories
Committing to regular workouts is one way to lose weight and get strong, but if you want to maximize your time, here are five things you should do at every single workout to burn more calories and reach your goals faster.
- Change up your routine: While you may be a runner or yogi at heart, always doing the same workout is bound to make you hit a plateau; it can also lead to overuse injuries that could prevent you from exercising at all. Try to switch up your workouts every single day to keep your body and brain guessing. Mix up the types of exercise you do, the equipment you use, the order you do things, and the speed or weight. If you absolutely love doing a certain type of workout a few times a week, like running, pick a new route or focus on adding hills or sprints to mix things up.
- Get speedy: When doing cardio, whether it's running, cycling, swimming, or jumping rope, include short bursts of fast-paced intervals, which are proven to help you burn more calories and target belly fat. Start off easy by adding five 30-second intervals to a 30-minute workout, then increase the interval time and frequency as you build your endurance. Here's a 45-minute walk-run-sprint interval workout you can try.
- Work smarter: Why just work the legs doing lunges when you can also work the arms by adding in an overhead press? Do compound movements that work more than one part of the body, and you'll not only burn more calories by working harder, but you'll save time, too. Include these multitasking moves in your next workout.
- Go longer: Tack on an extra five minutes to your workout, whether it's cardio or strength training. More exercise means more calories burned - 25 to 50 more!
- Build muscle: Muscle mass burns more calories, so your goal should be to keep building muscles. So even if you're doing cardio, like going for a bike ride, tack on some bodyweight exercises or a quick dumbbell session.
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens Get Interviewed by a Mini Beast and Belle
If you've been lucky enough to snag tickets to see Disneys live-action Beauty and the Beast since it opened in theaters on March 17, then you've probably already been swept off your feet by all the magic. But if you're still trying to find a show that isn't sold out a million years in advance, then all of the cast's enchanting press interviews have had to suffice. While we've loved seeing Emma Watson (Belle) and Dan Stevens (Beast) talk all about the more grown-up themes in the film, their recent interview is probably the best one yet.
After two kids named Olivia and Ted came in dressed as a mini Belle and Beast, Olivia presented Emma with a red rose. The adorable duo then proceeded to casually ask the massive Hollywood stars about their roles, their other favorite characters, and what made them nervous. See all the sweetest go down in the video above.
Fact: Megan Fox's Adorable Sons Will Melt Your Heart in Record Time
Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green had quite a year in 2016. A few months after they announced their split in August 2015, news broke that Megan was pregnant with their third child together. The two then called off their divorce to make things work for their growing family, and in August 2016, they welcomed their son Journey. Despite the couple's up-and-down romance, one thing definitely hasn't changed: their sons are freaking adorable. They're also parents to Noah, Bodhi, and Kassius, Brian's son from a previous relationship, and while they don't share too many family snaps on Instagram, the ones they do will definitely make you say, "Awww!"
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens Get Interviewed by a Mini Beast and Belle
If you've been lucky enough to snag tickets to see Disneys live-action Beauty and the Beast since it opened in theaters on March 17, then you've probably already been swept off your feet by all the magic. But if you're still trying to find a show that isn't sold out a million years in advance, then all of the cast's enchanting press interviews have had to suffice. While we've loved seeing Emma Watson (Belle) and Dan Stevens (Beast) talk all about the more grown-up themes in the film, their recent interview is probably the best one yet.
After two kids named Olivia and Ted came in dressed as a mini Belle and Beast, Olivia presented Emma with a red rose. The adorable duo then proceeded to casually ask the massive Hollywood stars about their roles, their other favorite characters, and what made them nervous. See all the sweetness go down in the video above.
Weed Flower Crowns Are the Dankest Music Festival Accessory This Season
Whether you're hoping to have the chillest music festival season of all time or are looking to celebrate 4/20 in style, organic cannabis grower Lowell Farms has a perfectly chic solution: marijuana flower crowns.
You can snag this stylish accessory exclusively during Coachella (which begins April 14 and ends April 23, beautifully straddling April 20). It's actually not available to buy on its own, though - it's a gift with purchase. Lowell Farms is selling a limited-edition Coachella Blend of prerolled joints for $55 (which includes Dog Walker, Single White Girl, Chocolate Hashberry, and Lenny OG) at Palm Springs Safe Access Dispensary, conveniently located 15 minutes away from the music festival. The first 12 patients to pick up their preorder of their Coachella joints will receive the above white rose and weed flower crown. And yes, it's smokeable - it boasts a quarter ounce (a $60 value!) of Single White Girl cannabis.
If you're not up to date on the local marijuana consumption laws, please note that you can only buy the joints (and receive the crown) if you have a verified doctor recommendation. You also can't wear the headpiece at the music festival, so either break the stems off - the crown will look perfectly wearable without them! - or wait to rock the accessory at your next private function. Keep reading to see more shots of this dank flower crown.
Poo-Covered Hands and 26 Other Struggles Only Moms Can Relate To
Mom struggles are a whole other breed of struggles all their own. Though they can be tiring and downright irritating at times, a group of genius mamas have been using social media to document and celebrate those common stressful moments - because sometimes you just have to sit back and laugh off the crayon-covered walls, am I right?
Founded by three mothers, Real Moms Wear Gray is an Instagram account that reposts photos from other moms documenting their own daily struggles, from the hilarious (see: clown-like lipstick-applying skills) to the disgusting (see: poo-covered hands). The account is sure to be your new addiction because every single post is just so darn accurate!
Read on to see all of the account's most relatable daily mom struggles that are sure to make you say, "LOL, same!"
Ryan, Blake, and Jake Are the 3 Best Friends That Anybody Could Have
Ryan Reynolds and Jake Gyllenhaal have gushed about each other quite a bit recently while promoting their new film Life, and we got another glimpse of the duo making the most of their offscreen bromance this week. During a walk through NYC with Ryan's wife, Blake Lively, on Thursday, the trio was spotted making their way down the street while bundled up against the chill; they all went casual in hoodies and warm jackets and appeared to be having an intense conversation.
Ryan recently got himself in hot water after telling Vanity Fair, "My wife is very good at cooking, and Jake might just be a little bit better," adding, "He can throw down. It gets very competitive." We don't know exactly what Blake's reaction was to that, but it must not have been great, because Ryan recently told POPSUGAR that "It was one of those things where you say something and you're, like, already texting under the table at the show where you're like, 'I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. But it's true.'" And of the Ryan-Blake-Jake trifecta after the fallout, Jake joked, "I knew I'd get the wrath. He's just like, 'Still married!' and I'm like, never allowed back."
Ryan, Blake, and Jake Are the 3 Best Friends That Anybody Could Have
Ryan Reynolds and Jake Gyllenhaal have gushed about each other quite a bit recently while promoting their new film Life, and we got another glimpse of the duo making the most of their offscreen bromance this week. During a walk through NYC with Ryan's wife, Blake Lively, on Thursday, the trio was spotted making their way down the street while bundled up against the chill; they all went casual in hoodies and warm jackets and appeared to be having an intense conversation.
Ryan recently got himself in hot water after telling Vanity Fair, "My wife is very good at cooking, and Jake might just be a little bit better," adding, "He can throw down. It gets very competitive." We don't know exactly what Blake's reaction was to that, but it must not have been great, because Ryan recently told POPSUGAR that "It was one of those things where you say something and you're, like, already texting under the table at the show where you're like, 'I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. But it's true.'" And of the Ryan-Blake-Jake trifecta after the fallout, Jake joked, "I knew I'd get the wrath. He's just like, 'Still married!' and I'm like, never allowed back."
This Statue of Cristiano Ronaldo Is . . . Interesting
Cristiano Ronaldo is a handsome man, this we know. For whatever reason, however, a recent statue depicting the professional footballer is slightly terrifying. At a recent ceremony celebrating the newly renamed Cristiano Ronaldo Airport in Portugal, the perplexing bust was revealed and has since sparked a hilarious conversation online.
As many social media users have noted, the bust doesn't really bear a likeness to the attractive athlete. Its askew smile also gives it a sinister expression that's honestly pretty upsetting. Then, someone compared it to the Art Attack bust and, well, now we can't get that image out of our heads.
While it's unfortunate that Cristiano's bust came out looking slightly off, at least it's given the internet something to smile about for days to come. Look ahead for pictures of the bust, as well as several ridiculous reactions.
Here's What Will Happen Now That Winter Has Come to Westeros
"Winter is coming" - it's a phrase any Game of Thrones fan knows well enough since it is the ominous motto of House Stark and has been teased throughout the series since the very first episode. But now, more than ever, the words carry greater meaning (and potential doom) for everyone in Westeros. As we saw in season six's finale, "The Winds of Winter," the cold season has finally arrived. What does that mean for the potential throne-takers out there?
1. It literally means the Winter season.
The changing of the seasons in Game of Thrones doesn't follow logical rules. In A Clash of Kings, George R.R. Martin's second novel in the series, it's established that a white raven's sole purpose is to announce the end of Summer and the start of Fall. As you might recall in season one, Ned Stark mentions that the peaceful, plentiful Summer everyone has been enjoying has lasted nine years - the longest in Westerosi history - but that "Winter is coming." Jon Snow and Sansa Stark later receive a white raven from the Citadel, which officially sets the changing of the seasons into motion. Now that Winter is here, it could possibly last for close to a decade, and you can bet that it's going to be miserable for all involved.
Since only the southernmost tip of Dorne is safe from the snow, most of Westeros is going to be in trouble. With the government at King's Landing in constant flux and resources dangerously depleted from the War of the Five Kings, do they even have the tools to endure years of frigid temperatures? The most likely answer is a resounding "hell no," especially if Cersei remains on the throne. She doesn't exactly seem inclined to dole out Ugg boots to keep her subjects warm.
2. It's a metaphor for hard times.
Martin has said that "Winter is coming" has a metaphorical layer to it, since life can't be peachy 100 percent of the time. Even if life seems like it's going well for the most part (Summer), highs come with lows. A dark period (Winter) needs to take its turn. Overall it's an apt metaphor for the entire series, which has proven time and time again that not a single character remains safe for long.
3. It could hint at a repeat of the Long Night.
Around 8,000 years before Aegon I Targaryen conquered most of Westeros, a winter season known as the Long Night lasted for an entire generation and almost wiped out the human race. According to ancient legends, this dark period gave rise to the Others (aka the White Walkers and the wights). People living in Westeros at that time were weak from cold and famine, which made the Others' descent from the Lands of Always Winter (as far north as Westeros goes) hard to defend against.
In the first season, Old Nan tells Bran a terrifying story about what it was like to live through it. "Oh my sweet Summer child, what do you know about fear? Fear is for the Winter, when the snows fall a hundred feet deep. Fear is for the long night, when the sun hides for years and children are born and live and die, all in darkness. That is the time for fear, my little lord, when the White Walkers move through the woods," she tells him. "Thousands of years ago there came a night that lasted a generation. Kings froze to death in their castles, same as the shepherds in their huts. And women smothered their babies rather than see them starve, and wept and felt the tears freeze on their cheeks." Ever heard of Goodnight Moon, Old Nan?
As legend has it, people soon discovered that dragonglass can destroy White Walkers, and humanity was able to fight back with the help of the Last Hero - Azor Ahai, the Prince Who Was Promised - in the Battle For the Dawn, which included the first members of the Night's Watch. Once defeated, a character named Bran the Builder (the founder of House Stark) supposedly teamed up with the Children of the Forest to build the Wall, putting a near-impenetrable barrier between Westeros and the Lands of Always Winter.
4. The White Walkers are headed for the Wall.
The White Walkers and their army of frozen demons are like a personification of Winter, and since Bran is headed South, they're on their way to the Wall in search of him ("SMDH" - Bran the Builder, while rolling in his grave right now). An assault from them is inevitable, but there is a sliver of hope that even if they are able to overpower the Night's Watch and destroy the Wall, the combined forces of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen (oh, and her dragons) are standing in their way.
Would you hurry up, season seven?
20 Inspiring Fitness 'Grams From #BlackGirlsWorkOutToo
Within many of the popular fitness hashtags and social media communities, women of color are drastically underrepresented. But thousands of women are aiming to change that with the hashtag #BlackGirlsWorkOutToo. It's a community of black women in fitness, motivating and inspiring followers, friends, and newbies in the world of exercise and wellness on Instagram.
Today we're highlighting some of the incredible fitness check-ins we found through #BlackGirlsWorkOutToo - these women are working so hard, and they deserve recognition! There are other tags, too - like #blackgirlfitspo and #ebonyfitness - where you can find even more inspiration.
20 Inspiring Fitness 'Grams From #BlackGirlsWorkOutToo
Within many of the popular fitness hashtags and social media communities, women of color are drastically underrepresented. But thousands of women are aiming to change that with the hashtag #BlackGirlsWorkOutToo. It's a community of black women in fitness, motivating and inspiring followers, friends, and newbies in the world of exercise and wellness on Instagram.
Today we're highlighting some of the incredible fitness check-ins we found through #BlackGirlsWorkOutToo - these women are working so hard, and they deserve recognition! There are other tags, too - like #blackgirlfitspo and #ebonyfitness - where you can find even more inspiration.
I Tried Naked Yoga and Here's What I Learned
Our friends at Shape explored the physical and mental benefits of yoga in the nude.
I like to make decisions based on what my 80-year-old self would want me to do. Stay out dancing in Florence until the sun comes up? Absolutely! Volunteer to model white jeans on the Today show? Of course! But recently I forced myself to see just how deep that conviction went.
It all started with an assignment from my editor at FITNESS: Get out and try the naked yoga trend, in which regular people strip down to nothing and do yoga as a way of becoming more accepting of their bodies. Or...something like that.
"Why me?" I asked.
"Because you're the last person who would normally do it," my editor replied. (She's right. I don't even like to change in front of other women in the gym locker room.) Surprisingly, I didn't instantly shoot down the idea, and that had nothing to do with the possible paycheck. At 32, getting naked in a room full of strangers wasn't high on my bucket list, but this was a chance to see how far I would go to put my belief to the test. I ran the idea by a few friends and concluded that 90 minutes of red-faced stretching was worth a lifetime of bragging rights. I said yes, found a class, and signed up.
I'm no adrenaline junkie (my idea of living large is a vacation with a fancy hotel room and a beach chair to lounge in), but I think it's good to do things every so often that push your limits and scare you.
So in the same way someone who is afraid of flying manages to get herself on an airplane, I was going to spend some time with other average Joes and Janes who would see my every jiggly bit. If I lived to tell about it, I hoped the experience might also give me some bare-is-beautiful self-assurance that I had never really felt.
Being Bold in the Buff
The day of the class, I began to get serious jitters. Would there be bright lights or dim candles? Would everyone else have annoyingly perfect yoga bodies? Will the men in the coed class stare at me? I pushed those fears out of my head (I was, after all, freshly groomed and exfoliated), put on yoga clothes (not that they would be on for very long) and applied a few swipes of mascara (hey, anything to feel my prettiest).
On my way to the studio, located on the top floor of a posh Manhattan apartment building, I received a few "You're going to be amazing" texts from friends who knew what I was about to do. I took a deep breath and headed inside. I quickly introduced myself to our instructor, a beautiful petite blonde named Cindee, and the two women and five men with whom I was about to share the most embarrassing hour and a half of my life. Turns out, I was the only newbie; a few people had even been coming for years. I was relieved that at least the class had a mix of body types, from string beany to curvy.
My plan was to take cover in the back corner of the room - until I learned that everyone would form a circle and face each other. Now there was nowhere to hide! I put my mat down between a cute young guy, who was there with his girlfriend, and an Australian man in his forties and started stretching. And then things got real.
"Take off your clothes in whatever way feels most comfortable," Cindee announced, as she proceeded to lose her Lycra. Unable to think of a single way to undress that felt "comfortable," I stripped as fast as possible. The most nerve-wracking part: removing my underwear. Until then I could pretend I was in a bikini. I saw boxers and briefs hit the guys' mats beside me as I dropped my panties. And just like that, I was standing in a class with a bunch of naked strangers. I could feel my future 80-year-old self turning bright red. I was waiting for the ogling to begin, but the conversations around me turned to . . . the weather. Yes, as in, "Boy, feels like it's 100 degrees out there."
I was already counting the minutes until this would be over when Cindee started us off with a seated position. A cross-legged seated position! She asked us to go around the room introducing ourselves and say why we had come here. I think I said something about wanting to embrace my flaws, but the whole time I was praying I would sink through my yoga mat and disappear.
Thank goodness Cindee took over from there. She was so professional that it eased a lot of my embarrassment, the way a good doctor does in an exam room. Meanwhile I tried not to look below anybody's neck, which helped keep their bodies out of focus. And when I happened to glance somewhere rated NC-17, I'd just remind myself, This is going to make a great story!
But within minutes, things went from weird to . . . not. As we moved through the typical yoga poses - Warrior II, Downward Dog, Spinal Twists - the initial shock of all that nudity faded. In fact, being naked was a great equalizer. I could see how everyone there had belly rolls when they bent forward, even the skinny guys. I had spent so many yoga classes thinking I was the only one concealing mine.
By the time the class wound down, I no longer flinched during seated twists, even though I knew that the guy on my left was getting a not-so-flattering view of my backside, and that the one on the right, a straight shot of my boobs. After we said Namaste, I didn't rush to put my clothes back on but made small talk with my classmates before slowly getting dressed.
As I walked out onto the street, I noticed how I was standing tall in a way that seemed different from the good posture you get post-yoga. Those body flaws I had always fixated on? At the start of class, I had been paying lip service to overcoming them, and yet I had actually shrugged them off. And I had a feeling that the next time I was in my birthday suit, they would bother me a lot less than usual. I felt beautiful and brave, and that confidence has stuck with me since. Now when a situation intimidates me, I think, You survived naked yoga; this is no big deal.
More From Our Friends at Shape:
I Tried Naked Yoga and Here's What I Learned
Our friends at Shape explored the physical and mental benefits of yoga in the nude.
I like to make decisions based on what my 80-year-old self would want me to do. Stay out dancing in Florence until the sun comes up? Absolutely! Volunteer to model white jeans on the Today show? Of course! But recently I forced myself to see just how deep that conviction went.
It all started with an assignment from my editor at FITNESS: Get out and try the naked yoga trend, in which regular people strip down to nothing and do yoga as a way of becoming more accepting of their bodies. Or...something like that.
"Why me?" I asked.
"Because you're the last person who would normally do it," my editor replied. (She's right. I don't even like to change in front of other women in the gym locker room.) Surprisingly, I didn't instantly shoot down the idea, and that had nothing to do with the possible paycheck. At 32, getting naked in a room full of strangers wasn't high on my bucket list, but this was a chance to see how far I would go to put my belief to the test. I ran the idea by a few friends and concluded that 90 minutes of red-faced stretching was worth a lifetime of bragging rights. I said yes, found a class, and signed up.
I'm no adrenaline junkie (my idea of living large is a vacation with a fancy hotel room and a beach chair to lounge in), but I think it's good to do things every so often that push your limits and scare you.
So in the same way someone who is afraid of flying manages to get herself on an airplane, I was going to spend some time with other average Joes and Janes who would see my every jiggly bit. If I lived to tell about it, I hoped the experience might also give me some bare-is-beautiful self-assurance that I had never really felt.
Being Bold in the Buff
The day of the class, I began to get serious jitters. Would there be bright lights or dim candles? Would everyone else have annoyingly perfect yoga bodies? Will the men in the coed class stare at me? I pushed those fears out of my head (I was, after all, freshly groomed and exfoliated), put on yoga clothes (not that they would be on for very long) and applied a few swipes of mascara (hey, anything to feel my prettiest).
On my way to the studio, located on the top floor of a posh Manhattan apartment building, I received a few "You're going to be amazing" texts from friends who knew what I was about to do. I took a deep breath and headed inside. I quickly introduced myself to our instructor, a beautiful petite blonde named Cindee, and the two women and five men with whom I was about to share the most embarrassing hour and a half of my life. Turns out, I was the only newbie; a few people had even been coming for years. I was relieved that at least the class had a mix of body types, from string beany to curvy.
My plan was to take cover in the back corner of the room - until I learned that everyone would form a circle and face each other. Now there was nowhere to hide! I put my mat down between a cute young guy, who was there with his girlfriend, and an Australian man in his forties and started stretching. And then things got real.
"Take off your clothes in whatever way feels most comfortable," Cindee announced, as she proceeded to lose her Lycra. Unable to think of a single way to undress that felt "comfortable," I stripped as fast as possible. The most nerve-wracking part: removing my underwear. Until then I could pretend I was in a bikini. I saw boxers and briefs hit the guys' mats beside me as I dropped my panties. And just like that, I was standing in a class with a bunch of naked strangers. I could feel my future 80-year-old self turning bright red. I was waiting for the ogling to begin, but the conversations around me turned to . . . the weather. Yes, as in, "Boy, feels like it's 100 degrees out there."
I was already counting the minutes until this would be over when Cindee started us off with a seated position. A cross-legged seated position! She asked us to go around the room introducing ourselves and say why we had come here. I think I said something about wanting to embrace my flaws, but the whole time I was praying I would sink through my yoga mat and disappear.
Thank goodness Cindee took over from there. She was so professional that it eased a lot of my embarrassment, the way a good doctor does in an exam room. Meanwhile I tried not to look below anybody's neck, which helped keep their bodies out of focus. And when I happened to glance somewhere rated NC-17, I'd just remind myself, This is going to make a great story!
But within minutes, things went from weird to . . . not. As we moved through the typical yoga poses - Warrior II, Downward Dog, Spinal Twists - the initial shock of all that nudity faded. In fact, being naked was a great equalizer. I could see how everyone there had belly rolls when they bent forward, even the skinny guys. I had spent so many yoga classes thinking I was the only one concealing mine.
By the time the class wound down, I no longer flinched during seated twists, even though I knew that the guy on my left was getting a not-so-flattering view of my backside, and that the one on the right, a straight shot of my boobs. After we said Namaste, I didn't rush to put my clothes back on but made small talk with my classmates before slowly getting dressed.
As I walked out onto the street, I noticed how I was standing tall in a way that seemed different from the good posture you get post-yoga. Those body flaws I had always fixated on? At the start of class, I had been paying lip service to overcoming them, and yet I had actually shrugged them off. And I had a feeling that the next time I was in my birthday suit, they would bother me a lot less than usual. I felt beautiful and brave, and that confidence has stuck with me since. Now when a situation intimidates me, I think, You survived naked yoga; this is no big deal.
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