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 4 mai 2017
12 Brands You Need to Know For High-Waisted Swimsuits
"Are high-waisted swimsuits still a thing?" We get this question a lot and the simple answer is yes, they most definitely are. People often write them off as just another trend that only celebrities like Taylor Swift can rock, but they're actually one of the most flattering swimsuit styles out there. Not only do they elongate your legs, but they enhance your curves. Who wouldn't want that? But because not all swimsuits are made the same, we came up with a list of 12 brands that make the best high-waisted swimsuits. Scroll down to shop our top picks.
Was Your Child's Spinning Fidget Toy Banned From School? Try This Instead
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Maria del Rio
Hi, I'm Perri, and I'm a fidgeter. Hi, Perri.
Just kidding, this isn't Fidgeters Anonymous, but if it were, consider this my public service announcement. Every fidgeter has the same story - for some, it's the call from teachers saying your child has "ants in his pants," and for others it's the incessant and unstoppable leg shaking, but no matter what the issue is, the question remains the same: HOW THE HELL CAN I STOP?!
Fidgeting is an issue that people of all ages deal with, and it can be incredibly distracting for those around the fidgeter. Imagine a child trying to read out loud in class, but they keep losing their place because the child sitting nearby cannot stop shaking their leg. It's distracting, it's irrepressible, and, worst of all, the fidgeter often doesn't even realize they're doing it.
But you know what they say, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. For me, it wasn't ants in my pants or leg shaking (and if we're being honest here, the latter pains me to watch). It wasn't even nail biting or pencil tapping. It was constant hair twirling . . . and, don't get me started on a split end. Gross, I know.
Although fidgeting, and more specifically hyperactivity, could be a sign of ADHD, it can also be caused by stress, boredom, anxiety, and of course, caffeine. It's more common than you would presume, and there are tons of different tactics that professionals suggest for conquering fidgeting. But at 25 years old, I finally found the cure. The be-all and end-all to my hair-twirling woes. Now if only I had this during high school.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Perri Konecky
Don't worry, I'm not about to introduce you to the Instagram-famous fidget cube that's advertised everywhere (and reminds me of a Bop It! game) or the spinners that are being banned in schools. I'm talking about a fidget toy that is much less complicated yet just as effective. Meet Noah, the stainless steel fidget toy that I can't go a day without playing with. My 22-year-old brother introduced me to the toy after his therapist suggested the tactic to conquer his own fidgeting issues - family goals, right?
Noah is one of 10 fidget toys that Fidgetland offers, but once I had a go at my brother's Noah, I was hooked. It's made of two interlocked rings with five smaller links on each. On both of the rings, there is one wide link wrapped with a soft, flexible silicone band. The website calls it "a treadmill for your fingers" and I couldn't have said it better myself. It fits right in my pocket and is so subtle that my co-workers have no idea when I'm playing with it (well, they probably do now).
Noah is a solution for fidgeting children and adults alike. It's school-friendly, and even better, it's considerably less distracting than shaking your leg! I've been a high-functioning fidgeter for the majority of my life, but this simple little toy helped me focus immediately. Noah is available on Amazon or on the Fidgetland website for $12.
Parents, the "your child can't sit still" phone calls may soon be a thing of the past. Go get your fidget on!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Perri Konecky
4 Songs We Already Love From the Everything, Everything Soundtrack
Are your playlists lacking a punch lately? There's a new YA movie on the horizon, and we're already obsessed with the soundtrack. OK, OK, the official soundtrack for Everything, Everything hasn't been released yet, but we've gathered the four songs from the trailers, and we like where this is headed. The movie is opening on May 19, and you can check out the songs below!
Riverdale's Archie Sounds VERY Different in Real Life
Riverdale is one of our newest obsessions for many reasons: the juicy drama, the talented cast, and yes, the extremely attractive KJ Apa (Archie Andrews). The 19-year-old actor (can you believe he's only 19?!) is an all-American type of guy on the show. His character is an athlete, a musician, and, after going through puberty the Summer before the show begins, is a huge hit with the ladies of Riverdale High School. While he nails his cute American accent on the show, he actually sounds completely different in real life.
KJ, who has formed a cute bromance with costar Cole Sprouse who plays Jughead Jones (he's also real hot, fyi), was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. His father is actually Samoan and is a Matai (chief) of his village in Samoa. Hearing KJ talk in his regular accent is slightly jarring if you're a fan of The CW show, but we definitely aren't complaining.
6 Ways to Burn More Calories Doing Bodyweight Exercises
Doing bodyweight exercises as opposed to using machines or equipment is one of the most efficient ways to build muscle and burn fat because these moves challenge your sense of balance and require firing up more muscles at one time, including your core. You can do these moves anywhere, and because you're using your own bodyweight, it works with any fitness level since there are always modifications for moves.
And one of the most important reasons to include bodyweight exercises in your workouts is because although they strengthen your muscles, many of them also get your heart pumping, which burns calories and improves your cardiovascular health, which can lower your blood pressure and prevent heart problems.
When we're talking basic bodyweight moves, here are some examples: push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, triceps dips, burpees, jumping jack, and crunches. These moves are pretty challenging on their own, but your muscles (and your brain) will get pretty sick and tired of doing them over and over again (not squats again?!). Here are six ways to make bodyweight moves more challenging and more effective:
- Do variations: You know squats are a great move for your butt and thighs, but if you try variations like balancing on one leg, kicking a leg to the side, or jumping, it makes this basic movement even harder. Get creative! Here are some ideas:
Advanced push-up variations
Plank variations
Squat variations
Five ways to do a lunge - Add equipment: So this may go against the very nature of "bodyweight" moves, but when you've become so proficient at these basic moves, your own bodyweight may not be enough. Doing these moves while using dumbbells, barbells, resistance bands, Bosu balls, or a weighted vest will strengthen your muscles in a shorter amount of time. So instead of feeling fatigued after doing 50 regular squats, if you hold a barbell on your back, you'll probably only be able to do 10 reps, but your muscles will be burning more intensely.
- Change the speed: You've done push-ups a million times. Down, up, down, up, all at the same pace. What if you slow down the movement and take a count of five to lower down, then slowly count to five as you press back to plank. Much harder, right? Find ways to slow down and speed up bodyweight exercises or to do small pulses to really fatigue muscles.
- Hold still and hold longer: If you've ever done yoga, you know firsthand that holding Fierce pose could feel way harder than squats. So use that in your strength-training workouts. Static holds for 30 seconds or longer are intense and if you feel your muscles shaking, you know they're working hard. Hold positions halfway, or with one limb lifted, or while balancing on a Bosu ball.
- Work smarter, work harder, save time: Fitness instructor John Kersbergen says, "Get as much work done in as short amount of time, each time, with mostly total-body compound movements that recruit more muscles and burn more calories." That means doing bodyweight exercises that work multiple muscle groups as well as doing cardio bodyweight exercises.
- Get uncomfortable: CrossFit coach and competitor Dani Horan of Champlain Valley CrossFit says that if you want to get stronger you have to push yourself a little harder to the point of feeling uncomfortable. That may mean doing more challenging variations, adding more weight, doing more reps, or pushing yourself longer slightly past the point where your muscles are on fire and all you want to do is stop.
Miley Cyrus Is Thankful For Her Breakup With Liam Hemsworth: "We Had to Refall in Love"
Miley Cyrus is going back to her roots. The singer, who has stayed relatively out of the spotlight in recent months aside from being a judge on The Voice, recently opened up to Billboard magazine about her ever-evolving music, her romance with Liam Hemsworth, and why she's glad she's no longer in her wild phase. And the star, who has also quit smoking weed, revealed that new music is coming very soon. Miley's song "Malibu," which will drop next week, is inspired by her life with the Independence Day: Resurgence actor (they share a home in the California town). See her best quotes from the interview ahead.
6 Ways to Burn More Calories Doing Bodyweight Exercises
Doing bodyweight exercises as opposed to using machines or equipment is one of the most efficient ways to build muscle and burn fat because these moves challenge your sense of balance and require firing up more muscles at one time, including your core. You can do these moves anywhere, and because you're using your own bodyweight, it works with any fitness level since there are always modifications for moves.
And one of the most important reasons to include bodyweight exercises in your workouts is because although they strengthen your muscles, many of them also get your heart pumping, which burns calories and improves your cardiovascular health, which can lower your blood pressure and prevent heart problems.
When we're talking basic bodyweight moves, here are some examples: push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, triceps dips, burpees, jumping jack, and crunches. These moves are pretty challenging on their own, but your muscles (and your brain) will get pretty sick and tired of doing them over and over again (not squats again?!). Here are six ways to make bodyweight moves more challenging and more effective:
- Do variations: You know squats are a great move for your butt and thighs, but if you try variations like balancing on one leg, kicking a leg to the side, or jumping, it makes this basic movement even harder. Get creative! Here are some ideas:
Advanced push-up variations
Plank variations
Squat variations
Five ways to do a lunge - Add equipment: So this may go against the very nature of "bodyweight" moves, but when you've become so proficient at these basic moves, your own bodyweight may not be enough. Doing these moves while using dumbbells, barbells, resistance bands, Bosu balls, or a weighted vest will strengthen your muscles in a shorter amount of time. So instead of feeling fatigued after doing 50 regular squats, if you hold a barbell on your back, you'll probably only be able to do 10 reps, but your muscles will be burning more intensely.
- Change the speed: You've done push-ups a million times. Down, up, down, up, all at the same pace. What if you slow down the movement and take a count of five to lower down, then slowly count to five as you press back to plank. Much harder, right? Find ways to slow down and speed up bodyweight exercises or to do small pulses to really fatigue muscles.
- Hold still and hold longer: If you've ever done yoga, you know firsthand that holding Fierce pose could feel way harder than squats. So use that in your strength-training workouts. Static holds for 30 seconds or longer are intense and if you feel your muscles shaking, you know they're working hard. Hold positions halfway, or with one limb lifted, or while balancing on a Bosu ball.
- Work smarter, work harder, save time: Fitness instructor John Kersbergen says, "Get as much work done in as short amount of time, each time, with mostly total-body compound movements that recruit more muscles and burn more calories." That means doing bodyweight exercises that work multiple muscle groups as well as doing cardio bodyweight exercises.
- Get uncomfortable: CrossFit coach and competitor Dani Horan of Champlain Valley CrossFit says that if you want to get stronger you have to push yourself a little harder to the point of feeling uncomfortable. That may mean doing more challenging variations, adding more weight, doing more reps, or pushing yourself longer slightly past the point where your muscles are on fire and all you want to do is stop.
Riverdale's Archie Sounds VERY Different in Real Life
Riverdale is one of our newest obsessions for many reasons: the juicy drama, the talented cast, and yes, the extremely attractive KJ Apa (Archie Andrews). The 19-year-old actor (can you believe he's only 19?!) is an all-American type of guy on the show. His character is an athlete, a musician, and, after going through puberty the Summer before the show begins, is a huge hit with the ladies of Riverdale High School. While he nails his cute American accent on the show, he actually sounds completely different in real life.
KJ, who has formed a cute bromance with costar Cole Sprouse who plays Jughead Jones (he's also real hot, fyi), was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. His father is actually Samoan and is a Matai (chief) of his village in Samoa. Hearing KJ talk in his regular accent is slightly jarring if you're a fan of The CW show, but we definitely aren't complaining.
Miley Cyrus Is Thankful For Her Breakup With Liam Hemsworth: "We Had to Refall in Love"
Miley Cyrus is going back to her roots. The singer, who has stayed relatively out of the spotlight in recent months aside from being a judge on The Voice, recently opened up to Billboard magazine about her ever-evolving music, her romance with Liam Hemsworth, and why she's glad she's no longer in her wild phase. And the star, who has also quit smoking weed, revealed that new music is coming very soon. Miley's song "Malibu," which will drop next week, is inspired by her life with the Independence Day: Resurgence actor (they share a home in the California town). See her best quotes from the interview ahead.
It's Impossible Not to Love Niall Horan's New Single, "Slow Hands"
Everything that is old will eventually become new again - just ask choker necklaces or crushed velvet - and Niall Horan is bringing back the smooth sounds of the '80s. It's the first single he's released since November's "This Town," which we still love. Speaking with E! News on Thursday, Horan readily admitted that he was influenced by the decade: "I've been listening to a lot of early '80s stuff lately and been inspired by that heavy bass and the funky guitar sound. It's another flavor to my album that I'm excited to share." Now if we could just get our hands on that full solo album . . .
The Bride in This Disney World Wedding Wore the Live-Action Cinderella Gown!
Many women dream of having their own fairy-tale wedding one day, and it looks like Taylor got exactly that. Taylor and her now-husband Tyler held their wedding at a very fitting location: Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, aka The Most Magical Place on Earth. But just when you think that a portrait session at the park before hours is enough to get you excited, wait until you find out what the bride wore.
After watching the live-action Cinderella film, Taylor fell in love with the dress. Even before she was engaged, she knew that was it. After discovering that Alfred Angelo had designed a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding collection, she got her very own Fairy Godmother moment when wearing the official Cinderella gown became possible. According to Disney Style, the stunning dress's embroidered flowers were Taylor's favorite detail.
While shooting their wedding photos, Taylor and Tyler felt like they had the entire park to themselves. "It's an amazing experience to take pictures in front of the castle when the Park is closed to the public and having nice photographers making you feel beautiful!" Taylor told Disney Style. "It's everything you dream of and more!"
Though we'll have to wait until the Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings special airs on Freeform to see the couple's magical day in full, we've got a few shots of their beautiful portrait session ahead. You've got to see them!
Ashley Graham Bares All in a Stunning, NSFW Photo Shoot
Ashley Graham has been an advocate for body positivity since breaking onto the scene in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issues and hasn't shied away from showing off her gorgeous figure in bikinis, lingerie, and skin-baring red carpet looks - so it seemed only natural that the 29-year-old model would take things a step further and pose nude for a stunning spread in V Magazine's Summer issue. Scroll through for the beautiful, NSFW shots.
Queen Elizabeth II Took the Throne at a Crazy-Young Age
Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, at Windsor Castle in July 1946. Image Source: Getty / Lisa Sheridan
Think back a moment to your mid-20s: you were likely just settling into postgrad life, landing your first adult job, and trying to balance fun nights out with paying back your student loans. Or maybe you're in your mid-20s right now, trying to navigate the world after college, on the prowl for a significant other, and trying to balance your desire to travel the world with the responsibility of paying rent on time.
Imagine at that time having the responsibility of running a country - wait, more like four countries - placed on your shoulders. That's exactly what happened to Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 when her father, King George VI, died and she was appointed to the throne. At the time, she was only 25 years old - a 25-year-old woman who, for all intents and purposes, was not expected to become queen; Elizabeth's uncle, Prince Edward, inherited the throne from King George V, and many assumed he would marry and have children of his own (that would knock Elizabeth down the line of succession). But in 1936, when Elizabeth was just 10, Edward abdicated the throne to marry his divorced mistress, American socialite Wallis Simpson, and George VI took over. For the first 10 years of her life, Elizabeth would have been just like today's Princess Beatrice: a distant heir to the throne. Nobody predicted that George would fall ill and pass away so soon - he was only 56 - but those royal duties quickly became hers.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arriving back in England to mourn the death of her father, King George VI, in February 1952. Image Source: Getty / Popperfoto
In early 1952, Elizabeth and Prince Philip, whom she had married four years earlier, set out for a tour of Australia and New Zealand with a stop in Kenya. While at their Kenyan home, Sagana Lodge, they got word that the king had died - and that Elizabeth was now queen. It was Prince Philip who broke the news to her, and when she was asked to choose a regnal name, she opted to "of course" remain Elizabeth. She and Prince Philip headed back to London and almost immediately moved into Buckingham Palace. In June 1953, Elizabeth was coronated at Westminster Abbey; Prince Charles and Princess Anne, who were just four and two at the time, respectively, were present for the big event.
Queen Elizabeth II on the Buckingham Palace balcony after her coronation in June 1953. Image Source: Getty / Hulton Archive
Since taking the throne, Elizabeth has become head of the Commonwealth (which currently includes 52 countries) as well as queen of another 12 countries that have become independent since her accession. In 2015, she broke an astounding record, becoming the UK's longest reigning British monarch (the previous record of 23,226 days was held by Queen Victoria). She's celebrated huge milestones with her Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees, and in 2017, she became the first British monarch to commemorate a Sapphire Jubilee, marking 65 years of her reign. Elizabeth is certainly not your average 90-year-old, but the duties and challenges she's taken on since becoming queen can still inspire all women - whether you're in the throes of your 20s right now or looking back on those heady days with fondness.
It's Impossible Not to Love Niall Horan's New Single, "Slow Hands"
Everything that is old will eventually become new again - just ask choker necklaces or crushed velvet - and Niall Horan is bringing back the smooth sounds of the '80s. It's the first single he's released since November's "This Town," which we still love. Speaking with E! News on Thursday, Horan readily admitted that he was influenced by the decade: "I've been listening to a lot of early '80s stuff lately and been inspired by that heavy bass and the funky guitar sound. It's another flavor to my album that I'm excited to share." Now if we could just get our hands on that full solo album . . .
Why 1 Mom's Photo With Her Kids Was Denied Entry Into a Mother's Day Contest
When Ashley Franks saw her local mall post to Facebook about a Mother's Day photo contest, she followed the instructions and sent them a direct message containing a photo of her and her kids to be entered to win one of three $100 mall gift cards. The photo she chose, a beautiful snap of her nursing her two children taken by Iron Lace Photography, was denied entry just four hours later.
"We are so sorry we cannot accept this photo," wrote a representative for the Governor's Square Mall in response to Ashley's direct message submission. "Although it is tasteful, we have received some photos of this nature that have no been tasteful. To keep things fair, we have decided not to accept any breastfeeding photos. Would you mind submitting another photo? We apologize for the inconvenience!"
A frustrated Ashley shared a screen grab of the message with Kristy, moderator of the Breastfeeding Mama Talk Facebook page, saying: "I submitted this photo to my local mall's annual Mother's Day photo contest and this was the response I received. I feel so defeated. I have been fighting this fight for far too long. Encouragement is needed." Kristy posted her photo, writing: "This is unacceptable. How can you run a Mother's Day contest and deny a photo of a mom doing one of the most motherly acts a mom could do? This is not acceptable and I really hope they do the right thing!"
She is urging her page's followers to share this image of Ashely and her babes, which is juxtaposed with the screen grab. "Let's all band together and let them know that breastfeeding moms are not gonna tolerate being shunned," she wrote. "You can help by sharing this and leaving supportive comments. Let's refrain from leaving any reviews at this time. I want to give them a chance to correct their wrong. I will be staying in touch with the mama and will update you all as needed. Thanks!"
Despite Kristy's suggestion, the comment section of the mall's original post has been inundated with mothers sticking up for Ashley, some even sharing their own photos of themselves breastfeeding their children. "How disgusting of you to sexualize breastfeeding to the point where you can call some photos tasteful and some not," one commenter wrote. "Mothers doing the thing their breasts were designed for is beautiful, and you should be ashamed of your ridiculous rule."
Ashley Graham Bares All in a Stunning, NSFW Photo Shoot
Ashley Graham has been an advocate for body positivity since breaking onto the scene in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issues and hasn't shied away from showing off her gorgeous figure in bikinis, lingerie, and skin-baring red carpet looks - so it seemed only natural that the 29-year-old model would take things a step further and pose nude for a stunning spread in V Magazine's Summer issue. Scroll through for the beautiful, NSFW shots.
Queen Elizabeth II Took the Throne at a Crazy-Young Age
Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, at Windsor Castle in July 1946. Image Source: Getty / Lisa Sheridan
Think back a moment to your mid-20s: you were likely just settling into postgrad life, landing your first adult job, and trying to balance fun nights out with paying back your student loans. Or maybe you're in your mid-20s right now, trying to navigate the world after college, on the prowl for a significant other, and trying to balance your desire to travel the world with the responsibility of paying rent on time.
Imagine at that time having the responsibility of running a country - wait, more like four countries - placed on your shoulders. That's exactly what happened to Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 when her father, King George VI, died and she was appointed to the throne. At the time, she was only 25 years old - a 25-year-old woman who, for all intents and purposes, was not expected to become queen; Elizabeth's uncle, Prince Edward, inherited the throne from King George V, and many assumed he would marry and have children of his own (that would knock Elizabeth down the line of succession). But in 1936, when Elizabeth was just 10, Edward abdicated the throne to marry his divorced mistress, American socialite Wallis Simpson, and George VI took over. For the first 10 years of her life, Elizabeth would have been just like today's Princess Beatrice: a distant heir to the throne. Nobody predicted that George would fall ill and pass away so soon - he was only 56 - but those royal duties quickly became hers.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arriving back in England to mourn the death of her father, King George VI, in February 1952. Image Source: Getty / Popperfoto
In early 1952, Elizabeth and Prince Philip, whom she had married four years earlier, set out for a tour of Australia and New Zealand with a stop in Kenya. While at their Kenyan home, Sagana Lodge, they got word that the king had died - and that Elizabeth was now queen. It was Prince Philip who broke the news to her, and when she was asked to choose a regnal name, she opted to "of course" remain Elizabeth. She and Prince Philip headed back to London and almost immediately moved into Buckingham Palace. In June 1953, Elizabeth was coronated at Westminster Abbey; Prince Charles and Princess Anne, who were just four and two at the time, respectively, were present for the big event.
Queen Elizabeth II on the Buckingham Palace balcony after her coronation in June 1953. Image Source: Getty / Hulton Archive
Since taking the throne, Elizabeth has become head of the Commonwealth (which currently includes 52 countries) as well as queen of another 12 countries that have become independent since her accession. In 2015, she broke an astounding record, becoming the UK's longest reigning British monarch (the previous record of 23,226 days was held by Queen Victoria). She's celebrated huge milestones with her Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees, and in 2017, she became the first British monarch to commemorate a Sapphire Jubilee, marking 65 years of her reign. Elizabeth is certainly not your average 90-year-old, but the duties and challenges she's taken on since becoming queen can still inspire all women - whether you're in the throes of your 20s right now or looking back on those heady days with fondness.
Why 1 Mom's Photo With Her Kids Was Denied Entry Into a Mother's Day Contest
When Ashley Franks saw her local mall post to Facebook about a Mother's Day photo contest, she followed the instructions and sent them a direct message containing a photo of her and her kids to be entered to win one of three $100 mall gift cards. The photo she chose, a beautiful snap of her nursing her two children taken by Iron Lace Photography, was denied entry just four hours later.
"We are so sorry we cannot accept this photo," wrote a representative for the Governor's Square Mall in response to Ashley's direct message submission. "Although it is tasteful, we have received some photos of this nature that have no been tasteful. To keep things fair, we have decided not to accept any breastfeeding photos. Would you mind submitting another photo? We apologize for the inconvenience!"
A frustrated Ashley shared a screen grab of the message with Kristy, moderator of the Breastfeeding Mama Talk Facebook page, saying: "I submitted this photo to my local mall's annual Mother's Day photo contest and this was the response I received. I feel so defeated. I have been fighting this fight for far too long. Encouragement is needed." Kristy posted her photo, writing: "This is unacceptable. How can you run a Mother's Day contest and deny a photo of a mom doing one of the most motherly acts a mom could do? This is not acceptable and I really hope they do the right thing!"
She is urging her page's followers to share this image of Ashely and her babes, which is juxtaposed with the screen grab. "Let's all band together and let them know that breastfeeding moms are not gonna tolerate being shunned," she wrote. "You can help by sharing this and leaving supportive comments. Let's refrain from leaving any reviews at this time. I want to give them a chance to correct their wrong. I will be staying in touch with the mama and will update you all as needed. Thanks!"
Despite Kristy's suggestion, the comment section of the mall's original post has been inundated with mothers sticking up for Ashley, some even sharing their own photos of themselves breastfeeding their children. "How disgusting of you to sexualize breastfeeding to the point where you can call some photos tasteful and some not," one commenter wrote. "Mothers doing the thing their breasts were designed for is beautiful, and you should be ashamed of your ridiculous rule."
Grab Some Tissues and Watch Ed Sheeran Privately Serenade a Sick Little Girl
Ed Sheeran might be one of the most popular musicians in the world, but he always makes time for his fans, especially when it comes to Melody Driscoll. The 9-year-old superfan suffers from Rett syndrome, which "causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor, and autonomic function." Due to her condition, she has spent 80 percent of her life in the hospital and will never be able to see her idol perform during a real concert. Last November, the "Galway Girl" singer dropped by Melody's room in the children's ward of Epsom Hospital in the UK for an adorable bedside serenade, but that wasn't the only surprise he had in store for her.
Melody's mom, Karina, shared some exciting news on the Facebook page she runs for her daughter on Tuesday, saying that Ed arranged a completely private concert for Melody because she'll never be able to go to one normally. "Yesterday Melody got her 2nd Date with Ed Sheeran. Due to Melody's health she will never be able to attend a proper concert," she explained. "So, Ed created a mini concert just for her and him so she got to experience the amazing sound and amazing atmosphere of seeing Ed live on stage, complete with all staging and lighting effects including all the big screens."
Ed gave Melody total control when it came to the set list, and afterward the two bonded with some one-on-one time. "It was the most amazing thing to watch," Karina added. "The love they have for each other is obvious for anyone to see. He even drew him and Melody on her cast, using a gold pen for their hair lol. And wrote 'Love You' on Melody's wheelchair. To top the afternoon off, Stuart and Mark surprised Melody and us, by taking Melody to Ed's Shop and allowing her to pick what she wanted to take home."
According to Melody's mom, Ed even arranged a "third date for his Princess," so we can only imagine what fun he has in store for his biggest fan next.
Grab Some Tissues and Watch Ed Sheeran Privately Serenade a Sick Little Girl
Ed Sheeran might be one of the most popular musicians in the world, but he always makes time for his fans, especially when it comes to Melody Driscoll. The 9-year-old superfan suffers from Rett syndrome, which "causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor, and autonomic function." Due to her condition, she has spent 80 percent of her life in the hospital and will never be able to see her idol perform during a real concert. Last November, the "Galway Girl" singer dropped by Melody's room in the children's ward of Epsom Hospital in the UK for an adorable bedside serenade, but that wasn't the only surprise he had in store for her.
Melody's mom, Karina, shared some exciting news on the Facebook page she runs for her daughter on Tuesday, saying that Ed arranged a completely private concert for Melody because she'll never be able to go to one normally. "Yesterday Melody got her 2nd Date with Ed Sheeran. Due to Melody's health she will never be able to attend a proper concert," she explained. "So, Ed created a mini concert just for her and him so she got to experience the amazing sound and amazing atmosphere of seeing Ed live on stage, complete with all staging and lighting effects including all the big screens."
Ed gave Melody total control when it came to the set list, and afterward the two bonded with some one-on-one time. "It was the most amazing thing to watch," Karina added. "The love they have for each other is obvious for anyone to see. He even drew him and Melody on her cast, using a gold pen for their hair lol. And wrote 'Love You' on Melody's wheelchair. To top the afternoon off, Stuart and Mark surprised Melody and us, by taking Melody to Ed's Shop and allowing her to pick what she wanted to take home."
According to Melody's mom, Ed even arranged a "third date for his Princess," so we can only imagine what fun he has in store for his biggest fan next.
An Artist Gave the Selena Doll a Makeover - and the Results Are Mind-Blowing
The original "Amor Prohibido" Selena Quintanilla doll is beautiful, but if we're being honest, it didn't really capture Selena's essence - until now.
Noel Cruz, a distinguished repaint artist in the doll community, decided to take on the task of giving Selena's doll a much-needed makeover. Cruz made the doll come to life by adding three-dimensional repainting, shading, and highlighting on the eyebrows, lips, and eyes "to faithfully transform the doll into the accurate and life-like likeness of singing legend Selena Quintanilla," he wrote on eBay, where the doll sold for $1,000.
To give his masterpiece an even more realistic look, Cruz also switched up the doll's hairstyle and body, saying: "The original body has been replaced with Mattel Fashion Model Barbie body which is a better fit, scale-wise. The original body was very swingy and loose and not quite scale appropriate." Keep scrolling to see the full transformation.
It's Hard to Miss Who Kate Middleton's Stylist Channeled on Her Wedding Day
Stylist Natasha Archer - the woman behind Kate Middleton's countless elegant looks - got married at a chateau next to Bordeaux, France this past weekend. The Duchess of Cambridge's personal stylist married Chris Jackson, who also works closely with the royal family as a Getty Images photographer.
While the ceremony was stunning, we couldn't help but notice the major similarities between the dress Natasha wore and Kate's Alexander McQueen wedding dress - both have elegant lace sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and a long train. We have to say we're not that surprised, since they clearly have similar taste in fashion. Scroll on to have a look at the similarities between the weddings dresses below.
"It's Not Too Late For Us": Hillary Clinton on Fighting For Women's Rights
Hillary Clinton is back - and she's reminding women to continue advocating for their rights and to never give up. The former presidential candidate spoke at a gala honoring Planned Parenthood's 100th anniversary and touched upon reproductive rights, walking in the woods, and The Handmaid's Tale.
The gala, which took place on May 2 in New York City, was Clinton's second appearance of the day after first speaking at Women For Women International event. This time, she spoke less about the election and Donald Trump's tweeting habits and more about the progress that's been made in women's reproductive rights. Clinton even alluded to the popular book and TV show The Handmaid's Tale to make a point of how that fictitious reality might not be too far off.
"Now I am not suggesting this dystopian future is around the corner, but this show has prompted important conversations about women's rights and autonomy," she said. "In The Handmaid's Tale, women's rights are gradually, slowly stripped away. As one character says, 'We didn't look up from our phones until it was too late.' It is not too late for us. But we have to encourage the millions of women and men who support Planned Parenthood's mission to keep fighting."
"It's far healthier than screaming into your television set. Resist, insist, persist, enlist."
Clinton, who was there to receive Planned Parenthood's Champion of the Century award, also told the audience her new mantra - and suggested they follow it. "Some of you have heard me say that I have this new mantra that had popped into my head during one of my long walks in the woods," she said. "I highly recommend long walks in the woods. It's far healthier than screaming in your television set. And so, just remember forwards: resist, insist, persist, enlist." You can watch a clip of the two moments ahead.
at Planned Parenthood gala, Hillary Clinton mentions #HandmaidsTale as cautionary: "It's not too late for us." http://pic.twitter.com/acDCBNO122
- Ashley Lee (@cashleelee) May 3, 2017
Chanel's Cruise Show Is a 1-Way Ticket to Greece
Last year, Karl Lagerfeld took his guests to Cuba for Chanel's Resort collection. This year, the designer brought it back to home base: the Grand Palais in Paris. The theme, however, was not Parisian-inspired. Instead, guests arrived to a scene straight out of ancient Greece with limestone and marble-like structures serving as the backdrop for the runway. The clothes also gave off strong Grecian vibes. Models made their way down the catwalk in billowy dresses with golden wreath motifs, embellished headbands, and strappy heels inspired by ancient Greek sandals. Lagerfeld offered tons of pretty options to wear on your next vacation - maybe it's time to book that trip to Greece?
Vichy Is the French Pharmacy Brand You Should Know
Whenever I travel to France, I seek out excuses to go into the "green cross" pharmacies that beckon on just about every block, their shelves lined with chic but simply packaged products from brands that are so very French: Klorane, La Roche-Posay, and Avène, to name a few.
The brand that has recently seduced me is Vichy Laboratories - partly because I love the products, but also because I love a brand with a great history, which Vichy has. Lucky for you, the products are easy to find stateside, but to really appreciate them, you'll want to take a virtual visit to France.
I recently traveled to Vichy on a trip with the brand and went in with a skeptical attitude toward this magical water. But after experiencing the thermal springs up close and learning about the process used to create the products, I became a genuine fan.
Vichy, France, is a sleepy town in the center of the country, and since the 17th century, it has attracted visitors from all of Europe to its healing thermal hot springs. For centuries, people have come to soak in pools filled with Vichy mineralizing water, which originates in the volcanic region of Auvergne. Under Napoleon III, Vichy became the first spa resort in Europe.
Vichy mineralizing water contains 15 minerals and is an ingredient in every single one of the line's quenching skin care products. The brand was founded in 1931 by a doctor who observed that Vichy mineralizing water had scar-healing benefits on his patients. Today, doctors in Vichy, France, can "prescribe" the water as treatment for their patients, who visit the so-called Hall of Sources to drink water from various local springs. I had a chance to visit the Hall and drink the Vichy Kool-Aid waters; some of the water really does taste like medicine (aka a sulfur punch in the mouth) while other springs produce water that's refreshing in the traditional sense.
Whether you buy into the idea of "healing water" or not doesn't really matter. The skin-quenching properties of the products are obvious when you use them. Here are seven of the Vichy products I recommend and why.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Vichy Laboratories for the purpose of writing this story.
Zendaya Transforms Into Bruno Mars For a Spot-On Lip Sync Battle Performance
Zendaya is going head to head with her Spider-Man: Homecoming costar Tom Holland on Lip Sync Battle this week, and the 20-year-old actress definitely didn't phone in her performance. For a rendition of the Bruno Mars banger "24K Magic," Zendaya transformed into the singer, complete with curly wig, silk short suit, and gold chain. She also nailed Bruno's smooth dance moves. The full episode will air on Sunday ahead of the MTV Movie & TV Awards, but you should definitely check out this sneak peek now.
Crying at Work: How to Do It the Right Way
In an interview about workplace dos and don'ts, Samantha Bee was once asked if crying at the office was OK, and she replied, "You can, definitely. That's a 'do.'" She then added, "But only if Jon Stewart is your boss because he's really, really nice about it."
Because it's unlikely that Jon Stewart is your boss, needing to cry while you're at work can be a tricky thing to navigate. Recent studies have shown that many people still view crying at the office as a sign of incompetence.
But let's be real: sometimes it's just going to happen. We're human beings. Workplace frustrations along with stress and negativity in the outside world can simply prove too overwhelming. So what should you do? Next time you feel the familiar prickling in the nose and teary eyes, try one of these tricks to find some relief.
15 Fun Food Ideas Your Kids Can Make on Their Own
POPSUGAR has joined Thrive Global in celebration of Screen-Free Week, May 1-7, 2017. Check out our Digital Detox Challenge and inspiration for offline activities like this post.
If your kids are old enough to boast entry-level kitchen skills, give them a challenge that's a step (or two) beyond slice-and-bake cookies. These 15 easy recipes were all selected with young chefs in mind, and some don't even require the oven or stove. From grab-and-go snacks to full-on family dinner ideas, there's plenty to choose from, and there's no better time than the start of a new school year to offer up some new responsibilities. Let the culinary capers begin!
Source: Thinkstock
An Artist Gave the Selena Doll a Makeover - and the Results Are Mind-Blowing
The original "Amor Prohibido" Selena Quintanilla doll is beautiful, but if we're being honest, it didn't really capture Selena's essence - until now.
Noel Cruz, a distinguished repaint artist in the doll community, decided to take on the task of giving Selena's doll a much-needed makeover. Cruz made the doll come to life by adding three-dimensional repainting, shading, and highlighting on the eyebrows, lips, and eyes "to faithfully transform the doll into the accurate and life-like likeness of singing legend Selena Quintanilla," he wrote on eBay, where the doll sold for $1,000.
To give his masterpiece an even more realistic look, Cruz also switched up the doll's hairstyle and body, saying: "The original body has been replaced with Mattel Fashion Model Barbie body which is a better fit, scale-wise. The original body was very swingy and loose and not quite scale appropriate." Keep scrolling to see the full transformation.
15 Fun Food Ideas Your Kids Can Make on Their Own
POPSUGAR has joined Thrive Global in celebration of Screen-Free Week, May 1-7, 2017. Check out our Digital Detox Challenge and inspiration for offline activities like this post.
If your kids are old enough to boast entry-level kitchen skills, give them a challenge that's a step (or two) beyond slice-and-bake cookies. These 15 easy recipes were all selected with young chefs in mind, and some don't even require the oven or stove. From grab-and-go snacks to full-on family dinner ideas, there's plenty to choose from, and there's no better time than the start of a new school year to offer up some new responsibilities. Let the culinary capers begin!
Source: Thinkstock
Zendaya Transforms Into Bruno Mars For a Spot-On Lip Sync Battle Performance
Zendaya is going head to head with her Spider-Man: Homecoming costar Tom Holland on Lip Sync Battle this week, and the 20-year-old actress definitely didn't phone in her performance. For a rendition of the Bruno Mars banger "24K Magic," Zendaya transformed into the singer, complete with curly wig, silk short suit, and gold chain. She also nailed Bruno's smooth dance moves. The full episode will air on Sunday ahead of the MTV Movie & TV Awards, but you should definitely check out this sneak peek now.
Victoria Beckham Wears an Outfit Straight Off the Runway
Victoria Beckham's outfit came straight from the runway - her own, to be exact. The star was spotted in Paris in head-to-toe shades of red, and we immediately flashed back to her Fall '17 collection. The designer is known for always wearing her creations, so we're not surprised she wore the Fall outfit this soon. The long burgundy sweater was brilliantly layered over a chiffon-like skirt while a pair of slouchy boots added texture to the outfit. With just three basic pieces, Victoria mastered the monochrome style and looked great doing it.
Though the actual items aren't shoppable yet for the rest of us (sigh), we found some pieces below to re-create the outfit. All you need is a sweater, skirt, and boots. Easy.
Victoria Beckham Wears an Outfit Straight Off the Runway
Victoria Beckham's outfit came straight from the runway - her own, to be exact. The star was spotted in Paris in head-to-toe shades of red, and we immediately flashed back to her Fall '17 collection. The designer is known for always wearing her creations, so we're not surprised she wore the Fall outfit this soon. The long burgundy sweater was brilliantly layered over a chiffon-like skirt while a pair of slouchy boots added texture to the outfit. With just three basic pieces, Victoria mastered the monochrome style and looked great doing it.
Though the actual items aren't shoppable yet for the rest of us (sigh), we found some pieces below to re-create the outfit. All you need is a sweater, skirt, and boots. Easy.
Who Will Take the Throne After Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II is the United Kingdom's longest-reigning British monarch, but we can't help but wonder who will take on the crown after her. If she were to abdicate (give up the royal throne), retire, or pass away, her eldest son Prince Charles would become king - making him the oldest heir to accede to the British throne. Of course, he also has the option to immediately pass the crown on to his oldest son, Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, followed by William's two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Even though Elizabeth II recently celebrated her 90th birthday, it appears she isn't ready to give up her royal title quite yet. Sarah Bradford, the author of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Our Times, revealed that she's never even contemplated abdication, adding, "The queen simply feels she must do her duty."
Teacher Reveals Exactly What State Test Scores Get Wrong About Her Students
After what Kelsey LaMar considers a brutal week of testing, all of her students are officially done with state exams. She's thrilled to be able to get her classroom back to teaching and learning but knows that this isn't the end of those scrutinized tests.
"My students are blissfully unaware that their tests have been shipped out of state somewhere to be graded by people who have never taught a day in their lives," she shared on Love What Matter's Facebook page. "In a few months, our scores will come back. They will be plastered in all of the newspapers."
As soon as that happens, Kelsey knows that the test scores will just become numbers for citizens in her town to scrutinized, dissected, and gossiped about. "In their eyes, I will either be a hero to celebrate or just another bad teacher to complain about," she wrote. "The scores will show whether I taught them what they needed to learn. I had an entire year, right?"
For many students in her class, the tests will help give much needed feedback on how she taught certain standards and shed light on potential changes she could make for next year but that isn't the entire picture. "For many of my students, I will feel such pride to see how far they've come," she wrote. "And unfortunately for some, I will wonder what went wrong."
However, there are many more things that those scores won't reveal and that's what Kelsey needs everyone to understand:
They won't show the new Somalian refugee student (knowing very little English) that I was given five minutes before testing. "Hi, I'm your teacher, Mrs. Lamar. Welcome to my class! Here's your computer because we will be testing all week."
They won't show that one of my student's father just went to jail for beating someone to a pulp right in front of him. He is so angry about it that he threw rocks at houses and was sent to juvenile detention for two days.
They won't show the two students with bags under their eyes because their parents were up fighting all night, AGAIN.
They won't show the few students who were so ill they were crying, but their parents sent them to school anyways because they don't have childcare.
They won't show the student whose mom is in the hospital in Denver yet again. She is so sick with anxiety that her mom is going to die that she can think of nothing else.
They won't show the student who fell asleep twice during the first test because he was up all night coughing and his new asthma meds haven't come in yet.
They won't show the student who had to walk his baby brother to his grandma's house the night before because his dad was beating his mom up again.
They won't show the students who had no food at home so they came to school starving.
They won't show the internal struggle of my seven students on IEPs (special education). The students with diagnosed learning disabilities who feel so much success during the year when they are working at a level they can access. However, we hand them a test that they "should" be able to do because they're in fourth grade darnit! And we crush their spirits. All of a sudden the advances they made this year are not good enough because "look what all the other kids can do!"
They won't show that 3/4 of my class come from non-English speaking homes. Most of them will be unable to correctly answer the meaning to obscure English phrases such as, "She wears her heart on her sleeve." However, they are able to translate beautifully for their parents at the grocery store or to make sure their siblings are seen for the correct illnesses at the doctor.
They won't show the fact that almost all of my students learned how to multiply 257 x 35. However, when you ask it in a half page word problem with four other numbers that they don't actually need, they failed. They got so lost trying to dissect the English language that they gave up and just picked two numbers to add.
They won't show that my classroom is comprised of 21 boys and seven girls. Asking young, energetic boys to sit silently for four hours a day for a week is like pure torture for them.
But Kelsey already knows all of this so no matter what the test scores "reveal" she's going to continue doing what she already does everyday: "Teaching and loving my students the best that I know how," she wrote. "Maybe someday we will wake up and realize that a single test score doesn't show the entire picture."
Teacher Reveals Exactly What State Test Scores Get Wrong About Her Students
After what Kelsey LaMar considers a brutal week of testing, all of her students are officially done with state exams. She's thrilled to be able to get her classroom back to teaching and learning but knows that this isn't the end of those scrutinized tests.
"My students are blissfully unaware that their tests have been shipped out of state somewhere to be graded by people who have never taught a day in their lives," she shared on Love What Matter's Facebook page. "In a few months, our scores will come back. They will be plastered in all of the newspapers."
As soon as that happens, Kelsey knows that the test scores will just become numbers for citizens in her town to scrutinized, dissected, and gossiped about. "In their eyes, I will either be a hero to celebrate or just another bad teacher to complain about," she wrote. "The scores will show whether I taught them what they needed to learn. I had an entire year, right?"
For many students in her class, the tests will help give much needed feedback on how she taught certain standards and shed light on potential changes she could make for next year but that isn't the entire picture. "For many of my students, I will feel such pride to see how far they've come," she wrote. "And unfortunately for some, I will wonder what went wrong."
However, there are many more things that those scores won't reveal and that's what Kelsey needs everyone to understand:
They won't show the new Somalian refugee student (knowing very little English) that I was given five minutes before testing. "Hi, I'm your teacher, Mrs. Lamar. Welcome to my class! Here's your computer because we will be testing all week."
They won't show that one of my student's father just went to jail for beating someone to a pulp right in front of him. He is so angry about it that he threw rocks at houses and was sent to juvenile detention for two days.
They won't show the two students with bags under their eyes because their parents were up fighting all night, AGAIN.
They won't show the few students who were so ill they were crying, but their parents sent them to school anyways because they don't have childcare.
They won't show the student whose mom is in the hospital in Denver yet again. She is so sick with anxiety that her mom is going to die that she can think of nothing else.
They won't show the student who fell asleep twice during the first test because he was up all night coughing and his new asthma meds haven't come in yet.
They won't show the student who had to walk his baby brother to his grandma's house the night before because his dad was beating his mom up again.
They won't show the students who had no food at home so they came to school starving.
They won't show the internal struggle of my seven students on IEPs (special education). The students with diagnosed learning disabilities who feel so much success during the year when they are working at a level they can access. However, we hand them a test that they "should" be able to do because they're in fourth grade darnit! And we crush their spirits. All of a sudden the advances they made this year are not good enough because "look what all the other kids can do!"
They won't show that 3/4 of my class come from non-English speaking homes. Most of them will be unable to correctly answer the meaning to obscure English phrases such as, "She wears her heart on her sleeve." However, they are able to translate beautifully for their parents at the grocery store or to make sure their siblings are seen for the correct illnesses at the doctor.
They won't show the fact that almost all of my students learned how to multiply 257 x 35. However, when you ask it in a half page word problem with four other numbers that they don't actually need, they failed. They got so lost trying to dissect the English language that they gave up and just picked two numbers to add.
They won't show that my classroom is comprised of 21 boys and seven girls. Asking young, energetic boys to sit silently for four hours a day for a week is like pure torture for them.
But Kelsey already knows all of this so no matter what the test scores "reveal" she's going to continue doing what she already does everyday: "Teaching and loving my students the best that I know how," she wrote. "Maybe someday we will wake up and realize that a single test score doesn't show the entire picture."
Gigi Hadid's $1,400 MTV Sweatshirt Will Transport You Back to the '90s
Gigi showed some major love for MTV last night in New York. The model stepped out in a casual teal sweatshirt while meeting up with her sister Bella and father Mohamed Hadid for dinner.
Gigi's Marc Jacobs sweatshirt featured a glittery, rainbow-colored MTV logo and retails for a cool $1,400. She wore the nostalgic sweater with a pair of fringed cropped jeans and sock sneakers and finished her look with a pair of tiny '90s sunglasses that Bella was seen wearing earlier that day.
We're not that surprised that Gigi was seen wearing her sister's sunglasses since this isn't the first time the duo have shared items from their wardrobes. Shop Gigi's exact MTV sweatshirt ahead.
The Surprising Way Queen Elizabeth II Is Related to Husband Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's nearly 70-year marriage has been the subject of such speculation that their early days as a couple have been turned into a new Netflix series, The Crown. Although most people know the basics about how the royal couple fell in love, there's a surprising, little-known tidbit that we sometimes forget: Queen Elizabeth and the duke of Edinburgh are cousins. They share the same great-great-grandparents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were first cousins themselves. Although that might seem odd today, it was a fairly common practice for the royals back then since many marriages were done to increase influence in state affairs or to ally with foreign powers. Regardless of their familial relation, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's love story is one for the ages.
When Elizabeth's father, King George VI, visited a Naval college in Dartmouth in 1939, he brought his 13-year-old daughter along to take in the sights. While the King attended to business, a cadet named Philip Mountbatten - Elizabeth's third cousin and a Greek prince - was given the task of showing the future queen around. He must have made quite the impression, because Elizabeth was instantly enamored. In a two-page letter sent to author Betty Shew, who was writing a book about Elizabeth's wedding to Philip in 1947, the then-princess described how she first fell in love with Philip:
"The first time I remember meeting Philip was at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in July 1939, just before the war. (We may have met before at the coronation or the Duchess of Kent's wedding, but I don't remember.) I was 13 years of age and he was 18 and a cadet just due to leave. He joined the Navy at the outbreak of war, and I only saw him very occasionally when he was on leave - I suppose about twice in three years. Then when his uncle and aunt, Lord and Lady Mountbatten, were away he spent various weekends away with us at Windsor. Then he went to the Pacific and Far East for two years."
The couple got married on Nov. 20, 1947, and the rest is history.
Who Will Take the Throne After Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II is the United Kingdom's longest-reigning British monarch, but we can't help but wonder who will take on the crown after her. If she were to abdicate (give up the royal throne), retire, or pass away, her eldest son Prince Charles would become king - making him the oldest heir to accede to the British throne. Of course, he also has the option to immediately pass the crown on to his oldest son, Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, followed by William's two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Even though Elizabeth II recently celebrated her 90th birthday, it appears she isn't ready to give up her royal title quite yet. Sarah Bradford, the author of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Our Times, revealed that she's never even contemplated abdication, adding, "The queen simply feels she must do her duty."
The Surprising Way Queen Elizabeth II Is Related to Husband Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's nearly 70-year marriage has been the subject of such speculation that their early days as a couple have been turned into a new Netflix series, The Crown. Although most people know the basics about how the royal couple fell in love, there's a surprising, little-known tidbit that we sometimes forget: Queen Elizabeth and the duke of Edinburgh are cousins. They share the same great-great-grandparents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were first cousins themselves. Although that might seem odd today, it was a fairly common practice for the royals back then since many marriages were done to increase influence in state affairs or to ally with foreign powers. Regardless of their familial relation, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's love story is one for the ages.
When Elizabeth's father, King George VI, visited a Naval college in Dartmouth in 1939, he brought his 13-year-old daughter along to take in the sights. While the King attended to business, a cadet named Philip Mountbatten - Elizabeth's third cousin and a Greek prince - was given the task of showing the future queen around. He must have made quite the impression, because Elizabeth was instantly enamored. In a two-page letter sent to author Betty Shew, who was writing a book about Elizabeth's wedding to Philip in 1947, the then-princess described how she first fell in love with Philip:
"The first time I remember meeting Philip was at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in July 1939, just before the war. (We may have met before at the coronation or the Duchess of Kent's wedding, but I don't remember.) I was 13 years of age and he was 18 and a cadet just due to leave. He joined the Navy at the outbreak of war, and I only saw him very occasionally when he was on leave - I suppose about twice in three years. Then when his uncle and aunt, Lord and Lady Mountbatten, were away he spent various weekends away with us at Windsor. Then he went to the Pacific and Far East for two years."
The couple got married on Nov. 20, 1947, and the rest is history.
Gigi Hadid's $1,400 MTV Sweatshirt Will Transport You Back to the '90s
Gigi showed some major love for MTV last night in New York. The model stepped out in a casual teal sweatshirt while meeting up with her sister Bella and father Mohamed Hadid for dinner.
Gigi's Marc Jacobs sweatshirt featured a glittery, rainbow-colored MTV logo and retails for a cool $1,400. She wore the nostalgic sweater with a pair of fringed cropped jeans and sock sneakers and finished her look with a pair of tiny '90s sunglasses that Bella was seen wearing earlier that day.
We're not that surprised that Gigi was seen wearing her sister's sunglasses since this isn't the first time the duo have shared items from their wardrobes. Shop Gigi's exact MTV sweatshirt ahead.
13 Reasons Why: Will Selena Gomez Appear in Season 2?
13 Reasons Why was originally planned to be adapted into a feature movie starring Selena Gomez as Hannah, but as production delays came up, Gomez decided she was too old to play the high schooler. Eventually the project moved to Netflix, taking on a miniseries format and completely blowing all expectations out of the water. Now that season two is on the table (but not officially confirmed), we're wondering if there's a possibility that Gomez could appear in new episodes.
While Gomez has publicly spoken about why she chose to be an executive producer rather than a star, she hasn't commented on whether she would consider appearing in future episodes. She has spoken out about the blacklash that the show has been facing due to its graphic portrayal of teen suicide, but until we get official word from Netflix that season two is on the way, I doubt she'll chime in about acting.
Obviously Hannah is now played by Katherine Langford - and who knows if there will even be an opportunity for Hannah to appear in season two - but perhaps Gomez could star in another role. We have a few ideas for how the show could expand beyond the story in Jay Asher's book, including prequel or sequel episodes, and we're even wondering if the series would take on a format like Skins and feature an entirely new cast and storyline. The latter route would make it easy for Gomez to slide in as a new character!
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 snapped a photo of Justin meeting up with Hailee after the big night, but she recently shut down dating rumors. 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.
The Best New Grocery Store Snacks of 2017 - So Far
If you're anything like us, you're constantly thinking about food . . . especially snacks. That's why we're on the quest of finding the best new grocery store snacks of 2017. Last year's best new snacks included plenty of spicy chips, artisanal pork rinds, and pickle-flavored everything, but we're looking forward to even more creative and irresistible creations filling the aisles this year.
We've already found plenty of new products that made the cut this year, from vegan "beef" jerky to pasta-inspired chips and more. Read on to discover all the best new snacks we've discovered so far, and be sure to check back as we update the list with more snacks that deserve a spot in your shopping cart this year.
Paul Wesley and Phoebe Tonkin Were Spotted Holding Hands Again
Paul Wesley and Phoebe Tonkin might be giving their love another try. The couple, who ended their four-year relationship in March, were spotted holding hands (again!) during a recent trip to The Grove in LA on Tuesday. Matching in all-black outfits, the two showed sweet PDA as they made their way around the shopping center. The former Vampire Diaries costars have been extra friendly recently, causing many fans to think they've reconciled. Aside from enjoying a recent romantic date night, the Originals actress added even more fuel to the "are they back together?" fire by posting a snapshot of Paul on Instagram. Maybe they're just letting the photos of them together do all the talking?
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 snapped a photo of Justin meeting up with Hailee after the big night, but she recently shut down dating rumors. 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.
This MUA's Insane Skeleton Creations Make Us Want Halloween to Come Early
Makeup artist and wig maker, Vanessa Davis, posts amazing skeleton cosmetic creations to her Instagram account and uses glitter, sequins, and even Swarovski crystals to embellish her face. She's currently the Wigs and Makeup Manager at English National Opera, which explains her theatrical style. She never seems to lack creative ideas to combine a skull with a variety of different motifs, from koi fish to the Statue of Liberty.
With 219k followers, her imagination and skill have not gone unnoticed. Many of her looks have gone viral, and the Londoner has been featured on MAC's Instagram page. It's obvious Davis is extremely talented and we can't wait to see what other skull makeup she creates next.
Read on to see the stunning (and spooky) looks.
Paul Wesley and Phoebe Tonkin Were Spotted Holding Hands Again
Paul Wesley and Phoebe Tonkin might be giving their love another try. The couple, who ended their four-year relationship in March, were spotted holding hands (again!) during a recent trip to The Grove in LA on Tuesday. Matching in all-black outfits, the two showed sweet PDA as they made their way around the shopping center. The former Vampire Diaries costars have been extra friendly recently, causing many fans to think they've reconciled. Aside from enjoying a recent romantic date night, the Originals actress added even more fuel to the "are they back together?" fire by posting a snapshot of Paul on Instagram. Maybe they're just letting the photos of them together do all the talking?
A Look at Charming Prince Philip Through the Years
Before Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth, she married the handsome foreign Prince Philip from Greece, who also happens to be her third cousin. According to Sally Bedell Smith's biography titled Elizabeth the Queen, Philip came from a tumultuous background despite his lineage. Born in 1921 on the island of Corfu, he moved to Paris at age 1 with his parents, Alice Marie and Prince Andrew of Greece. By age 8, he'd headed to England for boarding school. With generous good looks and confidence, Philip made his way to England with the help of royal relatives. He would later be invited to have lunch with the royal family, and that's when Elizabeth reportedly fell for him. During World War II, Philip served in the Mediterranean and Pacific, and he and Elizabeth wrote each other letters. By 1946, he was back in London and making regular visits to Buckingham Palace. During that Summer, he spent a month at the royal family's Balmoral Estate, where he proposed. Their wedding was held at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947.
During their 70 years of marriage, most of them during Elizabeth's reign as the monarch, Prince Philip has been as constant as the queen herself, although he's a bit more controversial, making a few insensitive gaffes. But when he's not giving the press an unfortunate quote to run, he's either by the queen's side, working as a patron for several charities, or, until recently, enjoying carriage racing. In honor of his retirement, let's look back at pictures of Prince Philip over the years, then see the facts about the British royal family every die-hard fan should know.
A Look at Charming Prince Philip Through the Years
Before Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth, she married the handsome foreign Prince Philip from Greece, who also happens to be her third cousin. According to Sally Bedell Smith's biography titled Elizabeth the Queen, Philip came from a tumultuous background despite his lineage. Born in 1921 on the island of Corfu, he moved to Paris at age 1 with his parents, Alice Marie and Prince Andrew of Greece. By age 8, he'd headed to England for boarding school. With generous good looks and confidence, Philip made his way to England with the help of royal relatives. He would later be invited to have lunch with the royal family, and that's when Elizabeth reportedly fell for him. During World War II, Philip served in the Mediterranean and Pacific, and he and Elizabeth wrote each other letters. By 1946, he was back in London and making regular visits to Buckingham Palace. During that Summer, he spent a month at the royal family's Balmoral Estate, where he proposed. Their wedding was held at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947.
During their 70 years of marriage, most of them during Elizabeth's reign as the monarch, Prince Philip has been as constant as the queen herself, although he's a bit more controversial, making a few insensitive gaffes. But when he's not giving the press an unfortunate quote to run, he's either by the queen's side, working as a patron for several charities, or, until recently, enjoying carriage racing. In honor of his retirement, let's look back at pictures of Prince Philip over the years, then see the facts about the British royal family every die-hard fan should know.
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