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.
mardi 2 mai 2017
5 Movies and Specials About the Mysterious Death of JonBenét Ramsey
Christmas Day 2016 marked two decades since one of the most notorious unsolved murders in American history. JonBenét Ramsey was just 6 years old when she was hit on the head, sexually assaulted, and strangled to death. Through the years, more and more details have been revealed as officials struggle to find out what really happened to the tiny pageant princess. Because of the anniversary, a slew of TV specials were released in 2016, each dissecting the case in a new way. In light of the release of Netflix's new film Casting JonBenét, we're rounding up all the shows you many have missed in case you want to dive deeper into the case.
The Case of: JonBenét Ramsey
In 2016, CBS released a two-part documentary about the case. Producers combined members of the original investigative team with several new crime experts, attempting to solve the 20-year-old murder. The four-hour series focuses a lot on the 911 call made by JonBenét's mother, Patsy, and the lengthy ransom note left at the scene.
Where to watch: CBS.com
The Killing of JonBenét: The Truth Uncovered
A&E's primetime special goes over the case in detail, before revealing several bombshells: someone could have come in through the cellar window, Boulder's police department withheld evidence that could have ruled out JonBenét's parents as suspects, and JonBenét may have been shot with a stun gun.
Where to watch: Amazon
Who Killed JonBenét?
Of course there's a Lifetime movie. Also released in 2016, the scripted film cast Julia Campbell and Michel Gill as JonBenét's parents. While it doesn't answer the titular question, it does imply that Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey aren't totally innocent. Be warned that this movie did not get great reviews.
Where to watch: Amazon
Dr. Phil: The Burke Ramsey Interview
After decades staying out of the spotlight, JonBenét's brother, Burke, agreed to a highly publicized interview with Dr. Phil. While nothing life-changing comes out of the interview, it is interesting to see Burke speak publicly about the case and its impact on his family. The full episode isn't available to watch, but you can see clips on Dr. Phil's website, or read a whole rundown of the episode via People.
Casting JonBenét
Netflix's 2017 film is somewhat of a hybrid. The case is explained by various Boulder residents who are auditioning to be part of a movie about the murder. There's no conclusive stance on whodunit, but the actors aren't shy about pointing fingers. Even without going into painstaking detail about the investigation, the film is haunting.
Where to watch: Netflix
4 Lies You Shouldn't Tell Your Interviewer
People who lie during their interview or on their résumé can get stressed out because it may lead to complications during the hiring process. They may also keep worrying about the interviewer finding out. It's always good to be honest, although perhaps you should wait until you're asked before volunteering certain information. Here are a couple of lies you should refrain from telling:
Why, yes! I do kind of live here
If you've used a different address on your résumé to tailor it to where the job is based, don't lie about it when it comes up in the interview. If your potential employer asks you where you live, tell them where you currently live, but let them know that you're willing to move for the job. The problem with this lie is you may have several rounds of interviews and you'll have to keep flying back and forth for them. If they think you live in the city, they'll probably give you short notice for interviews and those last-minute flights can be really expensive.
I make so much more than my real salary
If your interviewer asks you how much you made at your last job, you may think it's a white lie to fudge the numbers a little. However, some employers ask for a copy of your W2, so you may want to be cautious about giving a fake amount because it can be construed as unethical. If you don't want to cough up your previous salary, let it be known that you don't think it has any bearing on this new job and cite the typical industry number. If you're pushed to give your previous income, tell them you won't consider an offer below $XX. This is a gray area that many have different opinions on - some like Bargaineering founder Jim Wang don't think that there's anything wrong with a little inflation, while others vehemently disagree.
That's totally my GPA
If you think that inflating your grade point average will get you the job, you may want to reconsider. Some companies request a copy of your transcript or verification with the school, especially those with job positions that require a minimum GPA.
No, I didn't get fired at my last job
Given the economy, there are plenty of people that have been laid off so don't be afraid to let the interviewer know. Try not to go into the details, especially if you harbor resentment, and let her know what happened and what you learned from the experience.
Remember, the general rule of thumb is to be honest during your interview. It's different for everyone, but if you get asked uncomfortable questions, there's always a polite way of refusing to answer.
Netflix's Dear White People Has the Best Scandal Parody of All Time
You don't have to look too hard to find a reason to love Netflix's Dear White People. It's sharp, incisive, hilarious, and, above all, necessary storytelling. If reading my previous sentence made you think, "Hmm, no, that still doesn't sound like something I'd like to watch," then might I suggest you reassess your life? Once you've finished doing that, you'll be ready to enjoy Defamation, Dear White People's show within a show and spot-on parody of Scandal. I don't want to sound too crazy here, but it might even be better than Dear White People itself (OK it's not, but it comes close).
We're first introduced to faux-Olivia Pope when Winchester University student Sam (Logan Browning) brings her boyfriend, Gabe (John Patrick Amedori), to her dorm's weekly viewing party for the show. It's immediately clear Defamation has all the classic signs of an episode of Scandal: a confident black woman dressed in a trench coat dressing down a president, who happens to be white and also her secret lover (sound familiar?). It includes classic lines like, "You're the leader of the free world; you don't get to fall in love," and "I'm in love with my job, which is to get little b*tch babies like you to act like grown-ass men when the world needs them to do their job." Oh, and there's also a scene featuring a blow job in the Oval Office, along with this piece of dialogue that might be the best or worst thing of all time: "Mr. President, I pledge allegiance to your c*ck."
Dear White People creator Justin Simien recently assured BuzzFeed that the parody was done with the utmost respect for Scandal and showrunner Shonda Rhimes. "I don't know how Shonda is going to take that, but it's done with so much love," he said. "All of us are obsessed with this show about an interracial relationship, but no one comments on that aspect of the show because she's such a badass. It's a very weird and interesting part of us."
From over-the-top storylines (faux-Olivia's father is a clone who works undercover for the CIA because her real father suffered an untimely death, which is something I can honestly see happening on Scandal) to the credits (see below), it nails everything. A second season of Dear White People has yet to be announced, but for the sake of Defamation (and Simien's downright brilliant first season), please make it happen, Netflix.
5 Movies and Specials About the Mysterious Death of JonBenét Ramsey
Christmas Day 2016 marked two decades since one of the most notorious unsolved murders in American history. JonBenét Ramsey was just 6 years old when she was hit on the head, sexually assaulted, and strangled to death. Through the years, more and more details have been revealed as officials struggle to find out what really happened to the tiny pageant princess. Because of the anniversary, a slew of TV specials were released in 2016, each dissecting the case in a new way. In light of the release of Netflix's new film Casting JonBenét, we're rounding up all the shows you many have missed in case you want to dive deeper into the case.
The Case of: JonBenét Ramsey
In 2016, CBS released a two-part documentary about the case. Producers combined members of the original investigative team with several new crime experts, attempting to solve the 20-year-old murder. The four-hour series focuses a lot on the 911 call made by JonBenét's mother, Patsy, and the lengthy ransom note left at the scene.
Where to watch: CBS.com
The Killing of JonBenét: The Truth Uncovered
A&E's primetime special goes over the case in detail, before revealing several bombshells: someone could have come in through the cellar window, Boulder's police department withheld evidence that could have ruled out JonBenét's parents as suspects, and JonBenét may have been shot with a stun gun.
Where to watch: Amazon
Who Killed JonBenét?
Of course there's a Lifetime movie. Also released in 2016, the scripted film cast Julia Campbell and Michel Gill as JonBenét's parents. While it doesn't answer the titular question, it does imply that Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey aren't totally innocent. Be warned that this movie did not get great reviews.
Where to watch: Amazon
Dr. Phil: The Burke Ramsey Interview
After decades staying out of the spotlight, JonBenét's brother, Burke, agreed to a highly publicized interview with Dr. Phil. While nothing life-changing comes out of the interview, it is interesting to see Burke speak publicly about the case and its impact on his family. The full episode isn't available to watch, but you can see clips on Dr. Phil's website, or read a whole rundown of the episode via People.
Casting JonBenét
Netflix's 2017 film is somewhat of a hybrid. The case is explained by various Boulder residents who are auditioning to be part of a movie about the murder. There's no conclusive stance on whodunit, but the actors aren't shy about pointing fingers. Even without going into painstaking detail about the investigation, the film is haunting.
Where to watch: Netflix
13 Things You Never Knew About the Original It Movie
This September, the first half of the two-part film adaptation of Stephen King's 1986 novel, It, will be released. For those unfamiliar, the story follows a group of childhood friends who is terrorized by a shape-shifting, evil being that preys on the fears of its victims. Over 20 years later, the creature - which often takes the form of a clown named Pennywise aka "It" - returns, forcing the friends, now adults, to come together and protect the next generation as well as themselves.
The Fall film, which features a cast of young up-and-coming actors (including Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise), will be so terrifying that it'll have you shaking in your boots. Yet, this isn't the first time the horror story has hit the screens. In 1990, the first adaptation aired on ABC as a miniseries, starring Rocky Horror Picture Show alum Tim Curry as the demented clown. Take a look at the list below to learn a few fun facts about the original TV film, and don't forget to check out the teaser trailer for the upcoming remake!
- Jonathan Brandis was in another Stephen King adaptation before his starring role in It. Just one year before his portrayal as a young Bill Denbrough in It, a 13-year-old Jonathan Brandis was used to voice over the beginning scenes of Pet Semetery, a film based on King's 1983 novel of the same name. Years later, Brandis would go on to voice a main character in an animated television series remake of Disney's Aladdin; however, it was his breakout role in It that paved the way for the child actor and made him a teen heartthrob of the 90s.
- A real-life "killer clown" is rumored to have inspired the story. Just a few years before King's novel was released, John Wayne Gacy was convicted for the rape and murder of 33 boys in 1980 in Illinois. Declared a "killer clown" by the media, Gacy had spent years providing entertainment at children's parties and charity events dressed as "Pogo the Clown," a character he created. While King has never confirmed the public's 1980s clown frenzy as his inspiration for It, it's hard to imagine that two killer clowns in one decade is a coincidence. King did, however, speak about the 2016 clown hysteria on his Twitter, stating, "Hey, guys, time to cool the clown hysteria--most of em are good, cheer up the kiddies, make people laugh." Furthermore, just a couple of weeks after the trailer for the 2017 film remake was released, King tweeted, "The clowns are p*ssed at me. Sorry, most are great. BUT . . . kids have always been scared of clowns. Don't kill the messengers for the message."
- Eerily, two main cast members both passed away in 2003. In the film, Three's Company actor John Ritter portrayed Ben Hanscom and a preteen Jonathan Brandis played young Bill Denbrough. In 2003, Ritter tragically passed away from surgical complications, while a 27-year-old Brandis committed suicide. In an interview with Yahoo celebrating It's 25th anniversary, the director of the miniseries, Tommy Lee Wallace, spoke about Brandis: "He had matured a bit, of course, but he seemed overly serious and distracted, as well. I recognize now that it may have been depression; wish I'd had better insight at the time, but it's probably naive to think I could've helped him in some way." He continued, "A tragedy. As was John Ritter, whose life felt very much unfinished, even though he had a long and varied career."
- The budget was monumental for a television film. A whopping $12 million was given for the creation of the horror project, which was just a two-night television event; with inflation, that'd be over $21 million today. In comparison, this year's film reboot had a budget of $30 million for the big screen.
- Brandis found it difficult to play a character with a stutter. In an original 1990 interview with cast members during the film's production, a young Jonathan Brandis told Fangoria magazine, "One of the reasons this movie's harder is that I have to stutter, and that's a really difficult thing - which I never realized when I auditioned for it. They said I had to stutter, and I thought, 'Hey, that can't be so hard!' But I had to get coaching on the set, because it was really tough."
- A longer, more expansive format was originally considered. When reflecting on the original film, screenwriter Larry Cohen stated, "This was the heyday of networks adapting lengthy novels for TV, and initially It was going to be an eight-to-ten hour series." He continued, "ABC was always nervous about It, primarily the fact that it was in the horror genre, but also the eight-to-ten hour commitment. They loved the piece, but lost their nerve in terms of how many hours they were willing to commit. Eventually, they were agreed to a two-night, four-hour commitment." While the shorter format was ultimately successful, Cohen acknowledges that anthology/miniseries today are extremely popular and had they been given more time back in 1990, "It would have provided the canvas to really get to know these characters."
- The network placed restrictions on the gore-factor. During production, screenwriter Larry Cohen told Fangoria that they had to cut out "a fair amount" of gore. He explained, "One of the problems dealing in television is that the standards and practices of TV are concerned about children in jeopardy, yet the nature of what this book is about is children in jeopardy - it's founded on that theme." However, the restrictions still allowed for a few gross scenes, such as a wet corpse climbing out of a pond and bubbling blood. Eek!
- It took forever to apply Curry's clown makeup. In an on-set interview, Curry told Fangoria that it took roughly three hours to apply his makeup. Annette O'Toole, who played Beverly Marsh, confirmed this to Yahoo, remembering, "The poor guy had to spend a ton of time in make-up chairs. He knew the score, but it was crazy. We'd see him running back and forth from the set to his make-up trailer all the time."
- A film adaptation was in the works before the novel was even released. The two-part television adaptation of It was released in 1990, just four years after the book hit shelves across America. Screenwriter Larry Cohen told Yahoo about how the project first came together. Sharing his story, he stated, "It's 1986, and the phone rings in my New York apartment. My agent's voice on the other end says, 'How would you like to do a Stephen King adaptation for ABC?' I pressed him for more details, and he told me, 'It's called It, and it hasn't been published yet.'" Apparently, after reading only 100 pages of the original 1,138-page manuscript, he signed on to tackle the project.
- Stephen King didn't have a hand in the movie's creation. King told Yahoo, "I was hands-off in the making of It, basically saying, 'Hope you guys do a good job; I wish you well.' These days, I have a lot more input into film and television adaptations of my work, in the sense that I can greenlight cast members or screenwriters or directors. Back then, I'm not so sure that I did. And even if I had, I probably still would have decided to be hands-off." His lack of involvement in such an iconic film is somewhat surprising, especially because It wasn't the first major adaptation of one of King's works; over 15 of his stories had been created for the screen prior to It's release.
- Costars Annette O'Toole and John Ritter had just done a movie together. O'Toole told Yahoo, "I'd just done a TV movie with John Ritter, The Dreamer of Oz, and we had come in for a looping session when I asked what he was doing next. He told me about It and I said it sounded awesome. He looked at me and said, 'They haven't cast the girl yet.'" A few weeks later, the actress was cast as Beverly Marsh, marking the second time she and Ritter were cast as costars after The Dreamer of Oz, which was also released in 1990. Years later, O'Toole was featured in another King adaptation, Hulu's 11.22.63.
- Key scenes and characters from the book had to be cut. Upon its release, the novel came in at 1,138 pages. With only a four-hour time slot (some of which was designated for commercials), many scenes had to be cut. For example: the scene when the members of the group all lose their virginity to Beverly (although, we're guessing this was cut for other reasons as well). Larry Cohen, It's screenwriter, shared, "I can't even begin to enumerate my favorite scenes from the book that we had to cut, because there are so many of them. . . . The way I see it, the best moments from the book made the cut and the rest are casualties of war." Though things were removed, the end product was still amazing! Not to mention, the upcoming reboot will span two films, giving fans the opportunity to see more of the text make it to the screen.
- Very few cast members actually had to audition. To get the network to support the project, director Tommy Lee Wallace looked to cast well-known television actors, which at the time included the likes of John Ritter (Three's Company) and Harry Anderson (Night Court, Saturday Night Live). Wallace told Yahoo, "Most of the adult casting was 'telephone' casting, which is, 'No need to audition so-and-so for the role, they'd be brilliant.'" However, when it came to casting the children, the young actors had to jump through a few more hoops. Marlon Taylor, who portrayed young Mike Hanlon, remembered, "I went through two auditions and three or four callbacks before I was told that I had the part of young Mike."
OK, OK - Zendaya's Huge Hair at the Met Gala Is Everything
Go home. Zendaya just won the Met Gala red carpet (for beauty!) with her gorgeous, voluminous curly hair. This massive load of tight curls (which looked diffused) and bangs felt super '80s meets Disney princess. It was likely a wig, since Zendaya is known for wearing them. But if this was her natural hair, we wouldn't be mad about it.
Her makeup was soft and romantic - just a sweep of coral on her eyes, cheeks, and lips. Excuse us while we swoon.
39 Met Gala Photos That Will Make You Feel Like You Were There
The Met Gala swept through NYC on Monday night, bringing a bevy of A-list celebrities from the worlds of TV, movies, music, and, of course, fashion. The annual event, which honored Comme des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo, was hosted by Vogue's Anna Wintour, as well as Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, Caroline Kennedy, and Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, who couldn't keep their hands off each other while posing for photos.
Cute couples, hot guys, and fun-loving BFFs took over the red carpet, and stars enjoyed an exclusive look at the Costume Institute exhibition before mingling at their tables and partying it up inside. Keep reading to see the best pictures of the night!
Homeland Security Keeps a List of Alleged Criminals, and Infants Are Mind-Bogglingly on It
President Donald Trump is committed to deporting millions of undocumented immigrants, regardless of age or how long they have lived here. Thinly veiled as an attempt to assuage the victims of crimes perpetrated by immigrants, Trump's administration released a database of suspected immigrant criminals via Homeland Security. But there's one issue with the list, released on April 26: infants and children were on it.
Immigration lawyers from across the country alerted the department about the database's inclusion of minors on April 26, according to The Los Angeles Times. Two children who were listed are currently being held at detention centers: a 3-year-old is being held at in immigration detention center in Texas and a 4-year-old Guatemalan child is at a Phoenix, AZ, center.
Texas, in particular, does not have a reputation for being lenient on immigration. On April 26, a Texas state lawmaker introduced a bill to license detention facilities as child daycare centers, so they can house detained children for extended periods of time. The law currently prohibits private prison facilities who operate detention centers from housing children if they are not equipped as daycares; the new bill was reportedly authored by a lobbyist for a private prison company that operates in Texas.
Responding to the database's apparent listing of infants, Homeland Security's acting Press Secretary Gillian Christensen said it was an error. "The Department of Homeland Security's policy is and remains to protect the information of minors in our custody," Christensen said to The Los Angeles Times. "Following the April 26 launch of the DHS-Victim Information and Notification Exchange (DHS-VINE) the appropriate filter was not applied to the data being made available to site users."
Homeland Security's effort to track supposed immigrant crimes (a promise Trump campaigned on) is one piece of a newly launched office within the department and a direct result of Trump's policies. Titled the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE), the bureau will also investigate crimes committed by legal immigrants. One of the office's most disturbing programs was introduced with the database: a toll-free number citizens can call to report suspected immigrant crimes.
The hotline has a potential perilous outcome if it is used to report crimes as revenge or even out of pure spite. At any rate, it's definitely not being used as Trump intended it to be: socially conscious trolls have jammed the line to report actual UFO sightings.
Some People Just Didn't Follow the Met Gala Theme - and We Have Feelings About It
Imagine showing up to a Halloween party in a Black Swan costume you meticulously crafted from a vintage black feathered tulle skirt, winged eyeliner you finally mastered (only after spending the better part of your evenings hunched over your bathroom mirror watching YouTube tutorials), and pointe shoes you can hardly walk in (but they make the look), and your friend walks in in a black American Apparel leotard and calls herself a ballerina. That's bullsh*t, and we're betting that's how Rihanna felt glancing around the Met Gala last night.
She was the black swan queen of the Costume Institute Gala, paying homage to the avant-garde Rei Kawakubo theme in a true Comme des Garcons masterpiece, even while others dressed down or maybe even completely ignored the gala theme altogether in minimalist looks from the likes of Calvin Klein (Gwyneth, we're looking at you). No, there's nothing actually wrong with the pretty looks - most of them would land these stars on the best dressed list of any other event - but please, not to the Met Gala. It makes me think of that moment in the Sex and the City movie, you know, when Carrie wears a bird in her hair and Big can't even show up to the altar. She put a bird on her head and wore it with a Vivienne Westwood gown - and he didn't even get out of the car. It's exactly like that.
Rihanna boldly embraces the theme in something sculptural - and no doubt, hard to sit in - and Elle Fanning waltzes down the carpet in a soft strapless Miu Miu gown. Nope, not today, Elle. Of all the times to play it safe, it's certainly not when you're a celebrity who actually gets invited to participate in one of the most exciting red carpets of the year. If the dress code said black tie, would you show up in jeans?
Still, it happens every year. Despite the theme, which is obviously open to much interpretation, there are a majority of stars who just don't take their style cues from the invite, or barely look like they're trying. I get the risk involved in putting on feathers or wearing a mask, or doing any number of things outside your comfort zone (and Comme des Garcons fashion can certainly take people outside their comfort zones), but come on - Helen Lasichanh didn't even have access to her arms. (Could she even eat? Or go to the bathroom?) That's commitment, people. Sure, the outrageous isn't the "prettiest" or the "sexiest" of the night, and there's certainly the threat of the "worst dressed list" to consider, but isn't being memorable something, too? And even more so, when did we stop having fun with fashion - especially when the event practically begs us to? At the very least, what about just showing up and putting it all out there with winged liner, a veiled headpiece, a tufted train, and a knowing smile that says "I nailed it."
This Tiny Detail on Nicki Minaj's Outfit Automatically Made Her Queen of the Met Gala
Nicki Minaj knows how to make a statement on any red carpet, and her appearance at the 2017 Met Gala was no different. When Nicki arrived, photographers snapped and heads turned to see the rapper in a custom H&M ensemble, which honored Rei Kawakubo and the Comme des Garcons theme in such an incredibly distinct way. Aside from the obvious red and black color scheme that recognized Kawakubo's influence on the fashion world, we looked closer and saw Kawakubo's face featured on her leather obi belt.
Pernilla Wohlfahrt, H&M's head of design and creative director, said in a press release, "Each H&M look has been entirely custom-made, with both Kawakubo's creative world and the style of our guests in mind," and Nicki's ensemble did that perfectly - staying true to her personal style while flashing as much skin as possible.
Her sheer custom gown was held by an off-the-shoulder duchesse satin kimono top designed with red Swarovski crystals. The lengthy train featured "extravagant raw-edged silk taffeta and black vinyl roses trapped at the hem and beneath the train." But the most exceptional detail of Nicki's entire custom look was the belt. Keep reading to see photos of Nicki's captivating ensemble.
Don't Miss a Single Look From This Year's Met Gala
With a theme that focused on Rei Kawakubo's inimitable, over-the-top designs for Comme des Garcons, you can be sure this year's Met Gala red carpet was filled to the brim with jaw-dropping looks. Cohost Katy Perry's wardrobe was costume-like to begin with, and what fun would it be if the supermodels, designers, and stars didn't follow in her footsteps? Ahead, see how everyone showed up to the ball, all to celebrate fashion as an art form - literally.
The Stars Who Got Real Disney About Their Looks at the Met Gala
Maybe they weren't planning it, and by happenstance, these stars got dressed up like Disney princesses at the Met Gala. But with a theme set in place that paid tribute to an avant-garde, mostly costume-like designer, Rei Kawakubo, we're not surprised the looks straddled the line between adventurous and, well, kind of magical. If only for a second, the 14 actresses and models ahead whisked us off to Disney World, leaving pixie dust in their tracks as they climbed the stairs. Read on to see them all.
If You Think the Front of Kendall Jenner's Met Gala Dress Is Revealing, Just Wait Till She Turns Around
Of course, only Kendall Jenner could rock a nearly naked dress to one of the most talked-about red carpet events in the fashion world. The supermodel showed up at the Met Gala in a black La Perla Haute Couture gown that left little to the imagination. The gown actually features over 85,000 crystals and a thigh-high slit. The daring sheer gown also features a long slit that starts at her shoulder cuts across all the way down to her waist.
And as if that wasn't revealing enough, Kendall turned around to show the back of the dress that put her famous, um, assets on full display. Take a look at what's probably one of the steamiest Met Gala looks of the night and maybe ever.
Bella Hadid Gets a Haircut to Match Her Sexy Met Gala Look
Bella Hadid's new bob is remarkable for several reasons. First of all, we managed to notice it in spite of her sexy Met Gala bodysuit. Second of all, she's rocking it not long after her breakup with The Weeknd.
Also, unlike many faux-bob-loving celebs, Bella appears to have actually gotten a chop. Hair guru Jen Atkin shared a video on Instagram with the caption, "When that new new haircut is on POINT @bellahadid!" The bob comes courtesy of Ward Stegerhoek. Look through to copy it for yourself.
Need to Look Good For a Big Event? Add This to Your Facial
Cupping is not new by any means, but it recently became a topic of discussion after celebrities like Michael Phelps and Lea Michele were photographed sporting large, circular bruises on their backs. Sure, this treatment definitely has the "WTF" factor that many might only associate with a celebrity lifestyle, but don't be so quick to attribute it to another odd trend that claims big benefits with little result.
Cupping therapy is an ancient method that utilizes a cupping tool to create suction, helping with circulation and ailments like inflammation, similar to a deep tissue massage. It can be extremely relaxing but also extremely effective at helping with pain. I was experiencing a shooting pain down my back anytime I turned my neck, and instead of heading to the doctor, I visited acupuncturist Samantha Manka-Segal, L.Ac. In addition to sticking several needles in my back and shoulders, which helped "deflate" the tenseness I was feeling, she cupped my back as well. It "hurt so good," for lack of better words. And my pain seemed to vanish immediately.
Now that you know my personal history with cupping, it should be said that I am a huge skeptic with anything beauty related. I didn't get on the microcurrent bandwagon until an esthetician showed me half of my face with the treatment and half of it without - and it looked like I had a partial face lift. I believe that cellulite creams are a scam, as I've yet to find anything at home that bears any result. So when I was told by Nurse Jamie, whose clients include Shay Mitchell and the Kardashians, about facial cupping, I was a little hesitant, even with my positive experience with cupping therapy.
"It's a little east meets west," Jamie said. The benefits are improving circulation and reducing inflammation, similar to how it works on the body, and it's usually an add-on service to a facial. And because the cups are consistently moving on the skin and only kept on for five to 10 seconds, you won't end up with a bruised face. Just be careful not to leave them suctioned for longer than that.
First, a mask was applied to my skin to give it a nice slip for the suctions. Then the cups, which reminded me of those nasal aspirators you use on babies, were suctioned to my face and moved in upward motions for a few seconds at a time. It was extremely relaxing, kind of like a face massage. The best part, though, was the immediate result. After working on one side of my face, I looked in the mirror and saw how lifted that side of my face was compared to the other.
Don't believe me? Watch the video to see the process in action and to see my results for yourself.
Need to Look Good For a Big Event? Add This to Your Facial
Cupping is not new by any means, but it recently became a topic of discussion after celebrities like Michael Phelps and Lea Michele were photographed sporting large, circular bruises on their backs. Sure, this treatment definitely has the "WTF" factor that many might only associate with a celebrity lifestyle, but don't be so quick to attribute it to another odd trend that claims big benefits with little result.
Cupping therapy is an ancient method that utilizes a cupping tool to create suction, helping with circulation and ailments like inflammation, similar to a deep tissue massage. It can be extremely relaxing but also extremely effective at helping with pain. I was experiencing a shooting pain down my back anytime I turned my neck, and instead of heading to the doctor, I visited acupuncturist Samantha Manka-Segal, L.Ac. In addition to sticking several needles in my back and shoulders, which helped "deflate" the tenseness I was feeling, she cupped my back as well. It "hurt so good," for lack of better words. And my pain seemed to vanish immediately.
Now that you know my personal history with cupping, it should be said that I am a huge skeptic with anything beauty related. I didn't get on the microcurrent bandwagon until an esthetician showed me half of my face with the treatment and half of it without - and it looked like I had a partial face lift. I believe that cellulite creams are a scam, as I've yet to find anything at home that bears any result. So when I was told by Nurse Jamie, whose clients include Shay Mitchell and the Kardashians, about facial cupping, I was a little hesitant, even with my positive experience with cupping therapy.
"It's a little east meets west," Jamie said. The benefits are improving circulation and reducing inflammation, similar to how it works on the body, and it's usually an add-on service to a facial. And because the cups are consistently moving on the skin and only kept on for five to 10 seconds, you won't end up with a bruised face. Just be careful not to leave them suctioned for longer than that.
First, a mask was applied to my skin to give it a nice slip for the suctions. Then the cups, which reminded me of those nasal aspirators you use on babies, were suctioned to my face and moved in upward motions for a few seconds at a time. It was extremely relaxing, kind of like a face massage. The best part, though, was the immediate result. After working on one side of my face, I looked in the mirror and saw how lifted that side of my face was compared to the other.
Don't believe me? Watch the video to see the process in action and to see my results for yourself.
Kim Kardashian Basically Just Confirmed Kendall Jenner's Romance With A$AP Rocky
All the attention was on Kendall Jenner at the Met Gala on Monday night thanks to her revealing naked dress, but she only had eyes for rumored boyfriend A$AP Rocky. Although the rapper walked the red carpet with Gwyneth Paltrow rather than the Pepsi fan, one of Kim Kardashian's Snapchats from the night gave her followers an intimate glimpse into their potential romance. A$AP can be seen holding onto Kendall's butt while she adjusts his tie, as Kylie Jenner dutifully captures a photo of the moment.
Earlier in the night the pair was seen hugging and laughing as they made their way into the exhibit and looked pretty cozy in the bathroom selfie Kylie shared on Instagram. Kendall and A$AP first sparked dating rumors in February 2016 when he attended one of her events for PacSun, with a source telling Us Weekly that their relationship "is the real deal." Although Kim's Snapchat is about as close as Kendall herself has come to confirming the rumors, they were also spotted out in Paris together. Sure seems like something is going on!
La La Anthony Looks Ready to Rule the Underworld at the Met Gala - and We Love It
Is La La Anthony sending a message to Carmelo Anthony with her Met Gala dress? We think yes based on the picture she posted on Instagram with the caption "Unbreakable."
That's besides the point, though, because La La looked like a queen of the night in her nearly naked Thai Nguyen Atelier gown. The 37-year-old's black and blue dress showed a lot of skin but still looked very classy paired with her Lorraine Schwartz jewels. To be honest, she should be sitting on a throne in that dress. Keep scrolling to see Queen La La in all her glory.
21 Times Tumblr Understood Your 13 Reasons Why Obsession Better Than Anyone Else
Image Source: Netflix
Despite the fact 13 Reasons Why deals with some heavy subjects and extremely difficult scenes, the show has managed to inspire more than a few hilarious memes (as well as one particularly troubling one). Tumblr is practically a treasure trove of rallying cries for Jeff Atkins (HE DESERVED BETTER, OK?) and a safe space for anyone to side-eye Courtney Crimsen. Check out the best reactions below.
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The Most Stylish Moments You Might Have Missed From the Met Gala
We waited an entire year to see what amazing ensembles A-listers would choose for this year's Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons theme, but in the blink of an eye, fashion's most illustrious night came to an end. Since so many celebrities and designers attended the event to show their support for the Costume Institute, chances are you might have missed some amazing moments. Whether it was Katy Perry sending a message with her red veil or the adorable moment when Diddy laid on the Met Gala red carpet to get the best view of his girlfriend, Cassie, here are the most stylish moments of the 2017 Met Gala.
If Rapunzel Had a Wedding IRL, This Is What It Would Look Like
A woodland residence in Ohio was the perfect location to shoot this Tangled-inspired reception. Kirkbrides Wedding Planning and Design and a team of amazing vendors brought Rapunzel's wedding to life. Rich purples and cascading florals made it easy to imagine the Disney film, and wait until you see the stunning cake! The wildly adorned naked cake was shot in front of a stained-glass window which looked like Rapunzel's tower.
It also didn't hurt that the model had long golden hair that they braided small flowers into. And what we loved most was that her prince was a US Air Force airman, not that we don't love Flynn Rider. Overall, the whimsical wedding shoot was done tastefully and elegantly, all while having fun elements reminiscent of the beloved movie.
See the beautiful photos!
Can Eating Avocado Help You Lose Weight?
Creamy and decadent, there's a reason people are obsessed with avocados. This healthy green fruit is so much more than guacamole, though, and aside from making or breaking a salad or sandwich, avocados are actually a great food to add to your diet if you're trying to drop pounds. Here are three reasons to fill your mouth grocery cart with avocados.
They're High in Fat
OK, so normally this would be a bad thing when it comes to losing weight, but avocados are made of the good kind of fat - MUFAs, or monounsaturated fats. A quarter of an avocado contains almost 5 grams, and unlike saturated fats, this healthy fat helps satiate hunger and has been shown to burn away belly fat.
They're Loaded With Fiber
A quarter of an avocado offers 3.4 grams of fiber, which not only prevents a bloated belly, but it also makes your snacks and meals more filling, keeping hunger at bay longer. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can curb overeating.
They Can Replace Butter
Yet another way you can incorporate the ever-versatile avocado into your weight-loss journey is to use it as butter substitute. When baking, replacing butter with avocado not only lowers the calorie content - half a cup of butter is 813 calories, and the same amount of mashed avocado is 184 - but it also yields a softer, moister baked good. You can also use it on your toast instead of butter, or as a healthier buttercream frosting. You'll save calories and get the benefits of those healthier fats.
While avocados are a great weight-loss food, they're still high in calories - 322 for a whole avocado. That means you probably don't want to eat three in one sitting, but enjoying a few slices or even a whole avocado a day is fine, as long as you adjust your fat and calorie intake accordingly.
Here are some recipes to get your fill of this creamy, healthy, filling fruit:
Breakfast
- Sweet Potato, Tofu, and Avocado Breakfast Bowl
- Baked Egg in Avocado
- Clear Skin Smoothie
- Avocado and Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Avocado Toast
Snacks
- Avocado Hummus
- Salty Sunflower Seed and Avocado
- Avocado Veggie Dip
- Greek Yogurt Guacamole
- Avocado With Cottage Cheese
Lunch or Dinner
- Creamy Avocado Pasta
- Black Bean, Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
- Avocado Chicken Salad
- Quinoa-Stuffed Avocado
- Cucumber Avocado Caprese Salad
- Salad-Stuffed Avocado
- Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad
Dessert
The Real Met Gala Party Takes Place in the Bathroom
The Met Gala red carpet may see lots of action, but the real party takes place in the bathroom. Stars technically aren't supposed to take photos inside the event, but on Monday, the Kardashian-Jenner sisters gathered with a group for one giant mirror selfie in the bathroom. She wasn't the only one snapping pictures outside the stalls, though. Designer Prabal Gurung captured a few Instagram moments, including a video of the crowd mingling and smoking. Meanwhile, Paris Jackson sat on the floor alongside Bella Hadid and Ruby Rose, and Rita Ora shared pictures of Dakota Johnson and Rami Malek. Keep reading for a look at all the bathroom pictures from fashion's big night, then check out the must-see Instagram snaps plus pictures that will make you feel like you were there.
Can Eating Avocado Help You Lose Weight?
Creamy and decadent, there's a reason people are obsessed with avocados. This healthy green fruit is so much more than guacamole, though, and aside from making or breaking a salad or sandwich, avocados are actually a great food to add to your diet if you're trying to drop pounds. Here are three reasons to fill your mouth grocery cart with avocados.
They're High in Fat
OK, so normally this would be a bad thing when it comes to losing weight, but avocados are made of the good kind of fat - MUFAs, or monounsaturated fats. A quarter of an avocado contains almost 5 grams, and unlike saturated fats, this healthy fat helps satiate hunger and has been shown to burn away belly fat.
They're Loaded With Fiber
A quarter of an avocado offers 3.4 grams of fiber, which not only prevents a bloated belly, but it also makes your snacks and meals more filling, keeping hunger at bay longer. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can curb overeating.
They Can Replace Butter
Yet another way you can incorporate the ever-versatile avocado into your weight-loss journey is to use it as butter substitute. When baking, replacing butter with avocado not only lowers the calorie content - half a cup of butter is 813 calories, and the same amount of mashed avocado is 184 - but it also yields a softer, moister baked good. You can also use it on your toast instead of butter, or as a healthier buttercream frosting. You'll save calories and get the benefits of those healthier fats.
While avocados are a great weight-loss food, they're still high in calories - 322 for a whole avocado. That means you probably don't want to eat three in one sitting, but enjoying a few slices or even a whole avocado a day is fine, as long as you adjust your fat and calorie intake accordingly.
Here are some recipes to get your fill of this creamy, healthy, filling fruit:
Breakfast
- Sweet Potato, Tofu, and Avocado Breakfast Bowl
- Baked Egg in Avocado
- Clear Skin Smoothie
- Avocado and Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Avocado Toast
Snacks
- Avocado Hummus
- Salty Sunflower Seed and Avocado
- Avocado Veggie Dip
- Greek Yogurt Guacamole
- Avocado With Cottage Cheese
Lunch or Dinner
- Creamy Avocado Pasta
- Black Bean, Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
- Avocado Chicken Salad
- Quinoa-Stuffed Avocado
- Cucumber Avocado Caprese Salad
- Salad-Stuffed Avocado
- Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad
Dessert
After 7 Years in Production, the First Look at The Dark Tower Was Worth the Wait
Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba are already having a ball promoting their upcoming thriller, The Dark Tower. Based on the novel by Stephen King, the adaptation has been in the works for over seven years, and it's loaded with talented cast members. While the full trailer won't hit until Wednesday, McConaughey and Elba started tweeting at each other on Tuesday, eventually unleashing two clips. The first features The Man in Black:
@idriselba I know this. Deal with it. #DarkTowerMovie http://pic.twitter.com/NdDw4qtD0w
- Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) May 2, 2017
Elba responded with a clip of The Gunslinger:
@McConaughey I deal in lead. #DarkTowerMovie http://pic.twitter.com/IvpjVKFHCH
- Idris Elba (@idriselba) May 2, 2017
The Dark Tower opens on Aug. 4!
After 7 Years in Production, the First Look at The Dark Tower Was Worth the Wait
Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba are already having a ball promoting their upcoming thriller, The Dark Tower. Based on the novel by Stephen King, the adaptation has been in the works for over seven years, and it's loaded with talented cast members. While the full trailer won't hit until Wednesday, McConaughey and Elba started tweeting at each other on Tuesday, eventually unleashing two clips. The first features The Man in Black:
@idriselba I know this. Deal with it. #DarkTowerMovie http://pic.twitter.com/NdDw4qtD0w
- Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) May 2, 2017
Elba responded with a clip of The Gunslinger:
@McConaughey I deal in lead. #DarkTowerMovie http://pic.twitter.com/IvpjVKFHCH
- Idris Elba (@idriselba) May 2, 2017
The Dark Tower opens on Aug. 4!
Who Won the Met Gala Red Carpet?
The dresses came and went down the famed Met Gala staircase, leaving us with a lot to think about on this first Monday in May. There were the outrageous and the sexy, from the likes of Kendall Jenner - who left very little to the imagination - and then, there were the unforgettable.
In a league of their own, these six style stars arrived in looks that will go down in Gala history, joining the ranks of the legendary looks we talk about long after this one night. Read on to see the standout gowns - the kinds that paid homage to the theme best (we're looking at you, Rihanna!) - and put the wearers immediately in the winners' circle. Then, cast your vote for the one that should win it all.
Beloved '90s Brand Tony & Tina Is Back - and It's Better Than Ever
One of the most memorable beauty lines of my youth was Tony & Tina. Founded in 1997 by Anthony Gill and Cristina Bornstein, the collection was inspired by alternative medicines, including color therapy, energy healing, aromatherapy, and crystals. The popular range consisted of the most incredible holographic lip glosses (which would be so popular today!), chakra-awakening nail lacquers, loose glitters, and many more products that I used to save up for to buy at my local Sephora. To my great disappointment, the brand disappeared around 2004.
Tony & Tina was ahead of its time: the intersection of health, beauty, and self-care is one that cosmetics companies are capitalizing on right now. That's why I was so pleasantly surprised to learn that after a long break, Tony & Tina is back! According to Bornstein, she'd been trying to resurrect the brand for a while, but the two founders wanted to do it their way.
"We asked ourselves, 'What makes us happy?'" she told me via email. "The answer was bringing healing products and a healing self-care lifestyle to as many people as we can so we can contribute positive energy to our collective consciousness."
Just as its fans have spent the past decade maturing their tastes, so have the founders behind the brand. Bornstein shared that Tony & Tina (2.0, as she called it) is taking the original alternative inspirations behind the brand to the next level.
"During our hiatus, I dove into the healing world and became a certified Eden energy medicine practitioner," she shared. (She's already a reiki master, meditation guide, and a self-care specialist.) Meanwhile, Gill had become a biodynamic agriculturist in New Zealand. "He encouraged me to create a line of hand-crafted, energy-infused products," she said. The timing was perfect, as her clients had started asking her for specific healing treatments.
The revamped Tony & Tina line, which is available at luxe beauty retailer Credo, features small-batch, handcrafted products that are each infused with sound therapy, crystal therapy, energy medicine, reiki, and positive intentions. This includes a delicious multiuse hair, body, and skin care formula called Coconut Bliss ($55) and Healthy Aura sprays ($43), which have a small clear quartz crystal in the bottle.
Along with every beauty product, the brand is also helping its customers along their self-care journeys with tools paired with the purchased item, like video tutorials on how to support and protect your energy and guided meditations. Bornstein creates this content herself and has expanded it to a "self-care moments with Tina" series on the brand's Instagram.
When I asked Bornstein what she thought about the sudden trend of mindfulness and energy healing, considering that she's been ascribing to it for decades, she told me, "There is an energetic transformation taking place on our planet right now. Many people are awakening to their own inner-wisdom and their inner-healer." She added, "Self-care will absolutely change your life, but you must be committed to it . . . it's like working out, except it's an energy workout."
In addition to using Tony & Tina products in conjunction with her tutorials, she recommended deep breathing methods and Eden energy techniques. "Even a smile works," she told me.
If you're reading this and have been patiently awaiting the return of the brand's iconic makeup products (just like me!), you may be in luck. "We would love to bring it all back - we LOVE creating!" Bornstein said. Someday, the founders hope to re-create the original cosmetics lineup with clean, eco-friendly formulas and packaging, as well as an expanded lineup of self-care items, like color therapy sheets.
"The ultimate big dream is to get land in upstate NY and create an eco-healing center with a farm, so we can grow our own herbs and ingredients and teach self-care and many other modalities," she said.
While I look forward to the day I can get a brand-new tube of Aura Lights holographic lip gloss and once again align my chakras with nail polish, I'm enjoying Tony & Tina's newest incarnation and am amped to see how the company continues to evolve. Keep reading to shop a selection of the line's products.
Mom's Comics Perfectly Sum Up What It's Like to Have Teenagers
Raising a tween or teen is a struggle in two ways: firstly, they have the capacity to make parenting a nightmare (only second to toddlers), and secondly, it gets harder every day to find new ways to embarrass them. Adrienne Hedger of Hedger Humor has found the perfect balance - and the hilarity - between the two struggles and has created a number of hysterical comics for the enjoyment of all parents, whether they have teens yet or not.
Ahead, check out some of our favorites she's created inspired by her tween daughter, Claire, and teen daughter, Kate.
The Met Gala Was a Gathering Place For Justin Bieber's Ex-Girlfriends (and His Rumored New One)
The Met Gala went down in NYC on Monday, and in addition to the night's theme providing gorgeous fashion from some of our favorite stars, there was also a glaring theme among some of the younger guests: a lot of them have dated Justin Bieber. The "I'm the One" singer's most famous ex, Selena Gomez, was in attendance with her boyfriend, The Weeknd, and some of his past flings, including Hailey Baldwin and Sofia Richie, were also there. And in another weird twist of fate, Justin's rumored new girlfriend, Pitch Perfect 2 star Hailee Steinfeld, also made an appearance. A fan even snapped a photo of Justin meeting up with Hailee after the big night. While we don't think his exes became best friends while bonding in the bathroom (besides pals Hailey and Kendall Jenner), it was pretty odd seeing them all pop up at the same event. Hollywood is a small world, y'all.
Dunkin' Donuts's Blue Raspberry Drink Has the Caffeine Boost You Need
There are certain days when you need a rush of caffeine ASAP, and on those days you should reach for the Dunkin' Energy Punch, a new Dunkin' Donuts drink by Monster Energy. That's right: one of your favorite coffee brands has collaborated with Monster to develop an iced drink that's made with a 16-ounce can of Monster Energy mixed with either classic Blue Raspberry or Strawberry flavors. It's available exclusively at participating Dunkin' restaurants in New England, Miami, and West Palm Beach.
Since there's no actual coffee in the drink, this is a perfect option for people who don't drink iced coffee but love a caffeine boost in the morning. With the blue raspberry or strawberry flavors mixed in, the punch is like a tart energy drink with a boost of fruity flavor. We're not exactly sure how many grams of caffeine the drink has, but we can guarantee it'll wake you up. Between this and the new frozen coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, you have a list of iced drinks that will cool you down this Summer!
Salma Hayek Is Basically Barbarella With Her Boot Pants at the Met Gala
Salma Hayek's Met Gala look was something out of this world. Before heading to the big event, Salma's makeup artist Matthew VanLeeuwen prepped her skin using A Complete and got her ready to strut down the red carpet. The 50-year-old Mexican actress rocked an ensemble from Balenciaga that surprised us in an unexpected way.
At first, we thought the simple black dress with a bow was it, but look closely and you'll see Salma was wearing two pieces. She rocked electric blue boot pants from the French designer - yes, her shoes were also her pants!
On the red carpet, Salma described Comme des Garcons's designer Rei Kawakubo as "innovative, imaginative and ahead of their time" to E! News, so it's really no wonder she went with this futuristic look. Keep scrolling to see more of Salma.
11 New Books Worth Reading in May
You know what I love about the Spring and Summer seasons? It's suddenly socially appropriate to break out the chick lit (a term I use endearingly). Fall and Winter are for heavy books; when I head to the admittedly shady part of the beach, I like to bring a fun, easy novel with me. Maybe I got it at the airport. Who knows? This May, plenty of new books are being released, and amongst the recipe compilations and self-help guides, there are a handful of truly interesting reads. Here are my picks for the month ahead!
The 6 Best Camping Destinations in the US
Camping is an awesome option if you're looking to take an affordable vacation. Plus, you get to enjoy nature - something that's truly priceless. America is filled with incredible places to camp, so we rounded up the absolute best national parks where you should pitch a tent. Here's the top US destinations for your next trip!
Here's Where to Find Your New Favorite Dating App
It seems like every day there's a new form of online dating. No matter what type of relationship you're looking for - from the forever kind to the friends-with-benefits kind - there's an app for that! I've been hearing my girlfriends discuss their wins and losses with a variety of online-dating phone apps, so I'm breaking down the newest means of tech-based courtship.
- Additional reporting by Ashley Paige
Related:
Ways Self-Love Can Begin With Vagina Confidence
How many of you have felt uncomfortable about the way your vagina smells, your pubic hair, or the state of your labia? I know I have. We are not alone in this.
I've been speaking a lot about vagina confidence on panels and events. Those who have vaginas love to hear about this, I'm realizing. I've decided the topic has a place as centerfold for one of my new classes. I wanted to believe we were over vaginal insecurity but this is decidedly not the case.
In Amy Schumer's new Netflix special, she talks a lot about vaginas - obviously, this isn't particularly surprising given her comedy style, but one of her bits really rang true: she said that on her "best day" her vagina smells like a small barnyard animal. "Best," meaning a day when you're feeling particularly OK with your vagina. These days are few and far between.
When a woman as badass and confident as Amy Schumer manages to make an amphitheater laugh hysterically over how relatable this is, you can bet that it indicates a larger problem: many of us who have them don't feel comfortable when it comes to vaginas.
How could we? We're constantly made to feel self-conscious about the way we smell and look; we're told to douche, cleanse, perfume, trim, and wax until there is nothing left but a mound of pissed-off flesh that constantly needs tending to fit into some messed-up view of what it is to be feminine.
Vagina confidence is the root of confidence for many women. Without knowing with supreme and unwavering certainty that your vagina is AMAZING and perfect, how can you begin to feel good about yourself in other, more trivial ways? How can you feel good about your body when a major part of your body, the major part of your body, makes you feel like crap?
We have got to reclaim our vaginas. We've got to stop putting so much pressure on women to meet some strange idealized standard rather than loving the vagina as nature intended.
Own it to own your confidence
Your vagina is perfect the way it is. All self-love starts with love for your vagina. Polly Rodriguez, CEO of the women's sexual health brand Unbound, told POPSUGAR that "self-love starts with owning what it means to be a woman. Historically, we've been shamed about our bodies - whether it's blood or hair or weight or noises or smells - we're meant to feel like we have to achieve this unrealistic standard of perfection."
Society's standards of "vaginal perfection" are the root of every other kind of ridiculous standard many of us have faced through history. We're told to have tiny waists, huge boobs, perfect skin, and somehow look flawless all the time - while keeping our mouths shut, of course.
Meanwhile, men are told that their natural bodies are fabulous and everything they do is a blessing to the world. No wonder so many women feel terrible about themselves. We're told we're not good enough every single day from the time we're children.
Enough of that nonsense. No more subscribing to this ridiculous BS. You need to own your vagina for what it is and refuse to allow shame to overtake you.
Your vagina is the way it is for a reason
We are told to shave and sculpt and wash our vaginas. We're told we're "unclean" or "gross." Meanwhile, your vagina has certain characteristics for a reason - a really good reason.
Pubic hair protects the vagina from bacteria and provides an extra layer of comfort for your most prized possession. Your vagina is self-cleaning. Douching, washing, or otherwise will throw off the delicate balance of your pH.
Your vagina does not want you to feel like you have to alter it. Your vagina knows how it is supposed to be: "My recommendation is to use a mirror to learn about and explore your own vagina to become more comfortable with it - that way you can identify when something unusual is going on," Lauren Schulte of The Flex Company told POPSUGAR. Get to know your vagina. It loves you.
No one is allowed to tell you anything different. Your self-love begins with loving everything that makes you a powerful, unstoppable person. For some women, our vagina is the heart of this.
Your vagina is a miracle
Instead of focusing on the scent of a vagina and the state of your pubes and subjecting yourself to self-scrutiny about your bits, let's take a hot second to think about what a vagina actually does.
Your vagina is the vessel of LIFE. It has the power to push a child through it. The female body can grow and give birth to a living, breathing human being! That is unbelievable.
"Self-love starts with loving the vessel you were born into as a woman, and arguably the most unique component is the vagina. It brings life into the world and is the source of all beings. What is more powerful than to worship what makes you powerfully unique?" said Rodriguez.
How can we live in a world that shames us for the very thing responsible for life on earth? The next time someone says anything about your vagina or makes an uncouth comment, ask that person where they think they would be if there were no vaginas. Nowhere. They would be nowhere.
Thank your body for being strong enough to do incredible things. Do not look at your vagina as something to primp or fix or change. Embrace it for the beautiful and fabulous piece of human anatomy that it is.
Love yourself, you amazing goddess
All confidence is amplified from the source. If you don't love the very thing that defines your place in this world as a strong, life-giving human being, your overall confidence is in trouble.
"Many women tell me that they hate their period, which means that we are spending 6.25 years of our lives hating our own bodies. If we could turn one week out of every month into a week just as awesome as every other, we'd be practicing a whole lot more self-love," said Schulte.
When you're taking time to self-reflect, searching for self-love and wondering where to begin, start with your vagina. Learning to love your vagina for all its glory will help you figure everything else out along the way.
Halle Berry's Met Gala Hairstyle Looks Like a Standard Updo - Until You See It From the Back
Many stars attempt to look like royalty at the Met Gala, but in our minds, this year's red carpet queen was Halle Berry. You may not have noticed, but the actress was wearing an actual crown!
Celebrity stylist Castillo flawlessly balanced elegance and opulence with a rolled ponytail bun. His inspiration came from the star's Versace gown. "At first, I wanted to do something pretty and down the back, but then realized I wanted to keep the look all about the dress," he told POPSUGAR via email. "I didn't want to take away from the elements that made this dress amazing, so I decided to pull the hair back and do an elegant low bun with a crown at the top."
After creating a center part on hair prepped with MarulaOil Rare Oil Style Extending Primer ($16), Castillo created loose and natural waves on Halle using a mix of Neuro hot tools, including two unclipped curling irons and the Smooth Iron ($135). He then brushed hair into a low pony, backcombed it for volume, and rolled and pinned it up into a bun, topping it with a crown.
If you plan on DIYing this for your next major event, know that great texture is the key to the look. "That's really going to lend itself to create a shape that doesn't sit flat and add volume to the bun or chignon you're creating," explained Castillo. Read on to see the stunning style from all angles.
Using Ice Cream, Bill Nye Shows How Absurd Gay "Conversion Therapy" Is
Yes, it's 2017, and apparently we still need educational videos on why gay "conversion therapy" is ridiculous, useless, and hurtful. In a clip from Bill Nye Saves the World, Nye uses ice cream to explain gay conversion therapy and why it doesn't make any sense.
The clip starts with a meeting of different ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Vanilla starts the meeting and says, "I feel that I am the most natural of the ice creams." Vanilla then tells the other flavors that they need to change and be just like him: "Everyone should pretend to be vanilla until they no longer have the urge not to be vanilla." Gay conversion therapy works under a similar premise; it's the idea that someone's "gayness" can be changed.
At first, some of the ice creams are distraught until mint chocolate chip asks vanilla if he's ever wanted to be in a Neapolitan. Vanilla resists at first, until it mixes with other flavors and all the ice creams end up happy together.
The video is a nuanced take on what gay "conversion therapy" is, but make no mistake: the practice, as described by the Human Rights Campaign, is "dangerous" and "discredited." Numerous medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association, have disavowed the practice and list the potential negative effects that come with the therapy as "depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior." Watch the full video above to see why gay conversion therapy needs to end.
Kim Kardashian's Clever Breastfeeding Hack Will Make You Do a Spit-Take
Kim Kardashian made headlines awhile back when she revealed that she quit breastfeeding her son Saint because her older daughter North was too jealous, but now we can confirm that it wasn't before trying some stealthy tricks.
While on The Ellen DeGeneres Show last week, the mom of two shared one of the most hilarious nursing hacks for breastfeeding your baby when a demanding toddler is present:
"When I was breastfeeding him, she was so jealous I had to get a little milk box and put it in the other bra with a straw," she told Ellen. "So she would drink and he would drink."
Absolutely ridiculous (we wonder if she borrowed one of her sister Kourtney's pumping bras to make it work), but also kind of insanely clever, right?
The 5 Healthiest Orders at Jimmy John's
Jimmy John's is a fan favorite for sandwich-lovers across the country. It's lightning fast and affordable and touts "from-scratch food made with excellent ingredients." In a world where fast food is questionable at best with hidden cryptic ingredients galore, it's nice to see Jimmy John's come out with "all natural" and "no artificial ingredients" sandwich fixings. According to their site, they say, "Our food is simple; it's clean, and it's fresh! We use locally purchased produce, which is brought in fresh and hand sliced daily."
So is Jimmy John's your healthiest fast food option? We've picked out five sandwiches that are your best bet when you're eating lighter and leaner. Key elements: focus on upping your protein and loading on extra veggies while cutting back on sodium and unnecessary processed carbs (e.g., white bread). You'll notice in the ordering section online under bread selection that "take bread out" is an option to scoop bread out of the top shell to cut back on carbs. And always remember: if you're in a pinch, a sandwich with some bread isn't going to destroy your diet.
The Ultimate List of the Best Bodyweight Leg Exercises
If you don't belong to a gym or can't make it to a class, your legs can still get insanely lean. Just incorporate these bodyweight exercises into your routine and you'll be shocked by how ripped your legs look.
Nancy Pelosi: "I Never Thought I'd Pray For the Day" Bush Was President
.@NancyPelosi to @jonkarl: "I never thought I'd pray for the day" when George W. Bush was president again https://t.co/F3g5VI54Ob #ThisWeek http://pic.twitter.com/0jjtChRh3w
- This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 30, 2017
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi had a slip of the tongue when she accidentally referred to President Donald Trump as former President George W. Bush during an interview on ABC's The Week. Pelosi sat down with Jonathan Karl to discuss President Trump's first 100 days in office and how the Democratic party could work with him, but it wasn't until she mixed the names up that the interview really escalated.
"Winning means winning for the American people, that either we win or whoever wins understands the priorities of the American people," she said. "And they are not with President Bush." Um. . .
"Excuse me!" she said, after catching her mistake. "I'm so sorry, President Bush. I never thought I'd pray for the day that you were president again."
Liberals could not stand President Bush - and he frequently pops up on lists of our nation's worst-ever presidents - but Pelosi seems to be saying that even Bush's most dismal approval ratings are nothing compared to the way President Trump is viewed by the Democratic leaders and left-leaning citizens.
This isn't the first time that liberals have spoken out about the ironic comparison between Trump and Bush. During Samantha Bee's Not the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Will Ferrell brought back his notorious George W. Bush impression to laugh about the times when he "was considered the worst president of all time."
"I needed eight years, a catastrophic flood, a war built on a lie, and an economic disaster," Ferrell said as Bush. "The new guy only needed 100 days. He is widely considered the worst president of all time. I came in second. I'm fine with that. No one remembers second place."
Rumor Has It That a Haunted Mansion Restaurant at Disney World Is in the Works
When Walt Disney World opened the Haunted Mansion-themed gift shop Memento Mori in 2014, we thought it couldn't get better than that. Well, rumor has it Disney World is stepping up its game - again.
Multiple reports are hinting at the possibility of a Haunted Mansion restaurant in the Magic Kingdom, based on the classic park attraction. Disney World has already proven that it's open to attraction-inspired restaurants; the Jungle Skipper Canteen is a full-service restaurant based on the popular Jungle Cruise ride in the park.
For now, the rumors about a Haunted Mansion-themed restaurant are just that: rumors. Still, fans of the creepy ride (and who isn't a fan?!) can keep their fingers crossed that this idea will indeed become a reality. Stay tuned for any updates as soon as we get them.
Princess Charlotte Gives a Sly Smirk in Precious New Birthday Photo
Princess Charlotte is growing up fast! In honor of her second birthday on May 2, a precious new photo of Charlotte was released by the Duchess of Cambridge on Monday. In the snap, the little one gives a sly smirk while wearing a yellow sweater and holding on to what appears to be a book. The last official photo of Charlotte we were treated to was on her first birthday in 2016, though we did get to see her attending church with her parents on Christmas and living it up on a royal tour of Canada with her brother, George, back in September.
It's already shaping up to be a big week for the family; Will and Kate celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on Saturday, and the duchess is scheduled to visit Farms For City Children in the UK on Wednesday. Later this month, Charlotte and her older brother will have big parts in their aunt Pippa Middleton's wedding to James Matthews.
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