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
Everything We Know About the Balmain x L'Oréal Lipstick Collection So Far
Try not to scream (or faint) with excitement, dear makeup addicts. Word around town is that L'Oréal Paris is teaming up with French fashion house Balmain for the capsule lipstick collection we've been waiting for. If it's anywhere near as fabulous as the Balmain x H&M clothing line from a few years ago, this upcoming collab is sure to be the source of our newest lipstick addiction. After all, couture + affordable cosmetics = a literal dream come true.
The highly anticipated line will include 12 new shades that fit into three different color themes, according to WWD. Although we don't have many details on exactly what shades will be included, it seems like Olivier Rousteing, Balmain's creative director, has had a say in the color-making process. Considering the fact that Rousteing is the fashionable genius behind some of Kim Kardashian's and Kendall Jenner's signature looks, our expectations are pretty high.
A L'Oréal Paris representative told POPSUGAR that the collection will be available in select US retailers starting in September 2017, so mark your calendars and start a countdown now! Other than that, both brands are being very mum on the whole thing so far, but the teasers ahead have us itching for more intel. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
11 Crazy Things Only Your BFF Would Do For You
Is your BFF the real MVP? We've got an easy way to know. There are some things that regular friends just won't do for you. Best friends, however, will literally do anything. They've got your back no matter what. If your bestie has done any of the following actions for you, get your ass over to her house and give her a hug. She deserves it.
11 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
When it comes to our financial résumés, consensus is that credit scores are the number one factor that lenders rely on to determine the credit-worthiness of a borrower. The time might be right for you to dip a toe into the housing market or buy a new car, but your credit score needs to be in tip-top shape to land a loan. Follow these tips for improving your score to get the best possible interest rates.
Video Shows Exactly What Goes Into Your Children's Chicken Nuggets
If you look at the plate of chicken nuggets you serve your child every night (and then snack on yourself when they only eat two bites) and wonder what exactly is in those little breaded nuggets, you're not alone. With recent reports of recalled chicken nuggets (due to metal shards found inside, yikes!), there's no better time for Tyson to have come out with their latest video, titled "What's in a Nugget?" than now. In the video, Thomas Wenrich, a chef for Tyson, takes us through the process the company's factories go through in making their dinosaur-shaped Fun Nuggets, and it will definitely put you a bit more at ease, at least when it comes to their particular brand of white-meat nuggets.
Video Shows Exactly What Goes Into Your Children's Chicken Nuggets
If you look at the plate of chicken nuggets you serve your child every night (and then snack on yourself when they only eat two bites) and wonder what exactly is in those little breaded nuggets, you're not alone. With recent reports of recalled chicken nuggets (due to metal shards found inside, yikes!), there's no better time for Tyson to have come out with their latest video, titled "What's in a Nugget?" than now. In the video, Thomas Wenrich, a chef for Tyson, takes us through the process the company's factories go through in making their dinosaur-shaped Fun Nuggets, and it will definitely put you a bit more at ease, at least when it comes to their particular brand of white-meat nuggets.
Once You See Michelle Obama's Dress, It'll Be Hard to Focus on Anything Else
Former First Lady Michelle Obama might not be dressing for the public quite so often these days, but that doesn't mean we'll stop admiring her style. Michelle attended a community event with former President Barack Obama wearing a black and white spotted dress. A black band around the waist highlighted her silhouette, while the three-quarter sleeves featured small ruffles at the elbows, drawing attention to a David Yurman pearl and diamond bracelet. These tiny details on her dress made the look stand out, a little trick Michelle's been known to employ before. Scroll on to see her look in full, then shop similar picks ahead.
K-Beauty Has Done It Again! You're Going to NEED This Snoopy Beauty Collection
Snoopy stole our hearts with his dance skills, Red Baron fantasies, and big, wet, kisses. So being enormous Peanuts fans, when we saw the Limited Edition Snoopy x SkinFood Collaboration, we almost got on a plane and flew straight to Korea. The adorable collection is filled with skin and nail goodies adorned with our favorite Beagle and his friends Woodstock and Charlie Brown.
The collection, which was released in November 2016, included a Royal Honey Essential Mist and the Royal Honey Moisturizing Cream. It also came with three scented marshmallow hand creams, a hydrating honey mask, and a whipped body cream. If you're a nail junkie, you'll love that the company also released seven nail polish shades and two sets of nail decals.
Unfortunately, adding these cuties to your beauty collection will be tough. They were never sold stateside, but you can scour for one on eBay and Amazon. Until Korean beauty brands respond to our pleas for more cute products, we will have to admire them from afar or deal with searching for them online. Read on to see all of the sweet products.
Meet the Cast of The Dark Tower, the Latest Stephen King Adaptation
It seems like it's been an eternity getting Stephen King's iconic series, The Dark Tower, to the big screen. Finally, though, the film has a release date and a trailer, and even more cast members have been added to the roster. Previously, Stephen King announced the first two stars on his Twitter account. In a cryptic tweet about the project, the horror master said, "It's official: The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed." He also tagged Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba, insinuating that they'd been locked into the production. Elba and McConaughey quickly jumped in on the Twitter conversation, thereby confirming their involvement in the film and who exactly they'd play. Keep reading for the full rundown of cast members, and get excited: this is sure to be a wild ride.
Why I Gave Up Shopping For an Entire Year
We've all been there before. Somehow, after a not-so-great day at work, we mysteriously find ourselves at our favorite store, waiting patiently in line and hugging a pile of brand-new clothes with both arms. All that is keeping these new goodies from meeting their new home - our closets - is a swipe of a card. And just like that, we're warmed by the comfort blanket of retail therapy.
I don't know about you, but for me, that coziness wears off as soon as I step into my apartment and remember I live in 381 square feet and my closet is the size of one you'd find in a dollhouse. Then, as soon as the credit card bill arrives and those tags are still hanging on those clothes I just had to have, I am once again reminded that retail therapy is not the proper solution.
At the end of last year, I did something extreme. I decided to count how much money I spent shopping throughout 2016. While I am by no means a shopaholic, I wanted to see with my own eyes how much this so-called therapy had cost me. Because let's face it - numbers don't lie.
So, what did I do? I decided to do something even more extreme. With 2017 on the horizon, I decided to take on the challenge of not shopping at all for an entire year. Yes, you read that right: 365 days of no new purchases. No new clothes. No new accessories. No more must haves. This new year would be about focusing on what I currently own and not bringing home any new finds.
Fast-forward, and here I am, five months into this year-long challenge, and I am still going strong. With the half-way mark only one month away, I am starting to see flickers of light at the end of this spending-freeze tunnel.
"How does it feel?" you might be wondering. You guys, it feels liberating! So much so that I felt the need to let you in on what all I've gained by having less.
1. I've uncovered hidden treasures.
Since I haven't been able to bring anything new into my closet, my creativity has soared, as well as my resourcefulness. I've mixed and matched in ways I probably would have never even tried had it not been for this challenge.
By forcing myself to take a hard look at what I already own, I've rekindled old flames and rediscovered some of my greatest loves that kept getting shoved deeper into the dark hole of the back of my closet.
2. I've decluttered my closet, apartment, and mind.
No matter how jam-packed my closet would become, I still would wear the same handful of items. So, at the beginning of the year when I started this challenge, I trimmed the fat in my closet by removing the pieces I never wore.
After reducing the weight of my wardrobe, I looked around at my apartment and suddenly realized how much clutter I was living with. From books and trinkets to several kitchen gadgets I still didn't know how to use, there was so much stuff, yet hardly any of it had significant meaning. So, the decluttering continued.
I became inspired by simplicity. The less I became bogged down by stuff, the lighter my mind began to feel, and the more my soul could breathe.
3. I've saved time, energy, and money.
I cannot remember the last time I stood in front of my closet whining about how I have nothing to wear. My wardrobe is by no means the greatest, but through these five months I have learned to make do with what I have.
Having fewer options to choose from has saved me from so much frustration when picking out outfits, especially when I'm in a time crunch. I walk out of my apartment with a positive mindset rather than curling up into a big ball of unnecessary stress.
And, of course, the saving money part is extremely nice, too.
4. I've become more inspired.
Because I have stopped spending money on material items, I have had a greater budget to spend on experiences, which has allowed me to meet more people. Having the opportunity to create new relationships, as well as new memories, has left me with more inspiration than any piece of clothing ever could.
5. I've realized I don't need anything.
Once I cleaned out my closet and set eyes on the gigantic pile I would be donating, I realized how much stuff I had slowly accumulated over the years, and how little of it that I actually needed. Does anyone really need 10 pairs of jeans? What I owned was enough - more than enough - and a wave of gratitude suddenly washed over me.
Throughout these last five months, I have learned to separate my "wants" from "needs." I have realized in this present moment, I have what I need, and that makes me extremely thankful.
6. Less really is more.
While I still have seven months left to go in this challenge, the biggest lesson I have learned is that less really is more.
By consuming less, I accumulate less. I have less distractions around me. Ironically, by having less, I have so much more. More gratitude towards everything I already possess. More space for my mind to breathe. More time and money to focus on one of my biggest priorities: traveling. More energy to accomplish my goal of seeing the world. And, most importantly, more appreciation for living simply, not simply living.
So, are you ready to start simplifying?
Abortion Is an Economic Issue
The following post originally appeared on Medium.
Last week, Senator Bernie Sanders drew criticism after a Wall Street Journal article cited his tepid response to vocally pro-choice candidate Jon Ossoff's campaign, while supporting Omaha Mayoral hopeful Heath Mello, who co-sponsored bills requiring physicians to offer medically-unnecessary, highly-politicized trans-vaginal ultrasounds before abortions. Planned Parenthood called the legislation "anti-choice" and stated that they have never endorsed Mello.
Critics saw this as another example of Sanders' hyper-focus on his own pet issues (free college, single-payer health care) and willingness to abandon those which matter most to marginalized people (abortion, reparations, mass incarceration), despite his stated dedication to them. His supporters countered by noting that Vice Presidential candidate Tim Kaine, an affirmed Christian, was also not a huge booster for abortion rights (though in a debate with Mike Pence, who is staunchly anti-choice, Kaine stated clearly that he "really feel[s] like you should live fully and with enthusiasm in the commands of your faith, but it is not the role of the public servant to mandate that for everybody else.") and explaining that economic issues are more likely to unify the left than social ones. With swiftness, they defended a Democratic platform that potentially did not include a staunchly pro-choice message.
But this, I think, is the heart of a false dichotomy that progressives have not only created, but ingested and perpetuated. Again and again and again and again. Regardless of Mello, Kaine, or any other lawmaker and their individual decisions or laws, we must shake this notion that reproductive health is somehow distinct from the economy.
We tend to think of politics in separate spheres; there are economic issues, social issues, Black issues, women's issues, LGBTQ issues, immigration issues, urban issues, rural issues, the list is endless. Some of these spheres overlap; women's issues and LGBTQ issues are often forcibly lumped together, while all different folks of color are somehow expected to have the same problems despite being completely different in everything except brown-ness. We decide that the "white working class" somehow has its own precious cadre of troubles that must be addressed. We parse issues of education from social welfare to health care, despite the intimate fibers that link them.
Sanders has adopted a more intersectional approach, in that he's a firm believer that fixing our economic woes - closing the income gap, providing health care services across the board - will fix every other issue. A rising tide and all that. And in many ways, he's not wrong; economic issues are at the heart of many, many larger problems.
Unfortunately, as it's been pointed out before, focusing solely on a few facets of the economy does little to address the systemic ways in which groups of people are kept from achieving and thriving. And similarly, failing to focus on those systems (by focusing only on "economic" and not "social" issues) all but ensures that those people remain oppressed because those systems will remain in place.
Abortion access and reproductive health care is a really, really good example of this.
Writing off abortion as a nice-to-have - i.e., saying that a candidate can get the support of the progressive left even if they're not staunchly on board with and fighting for open, affordable, and easy access to these legally-protected services - fundamentally misses one of the biggest contributors to the gender wage gap. I would argue that it is impossible to have an economic policy that's truly comprehensive or effective that does not include access to and coverage for abortion services.
This isn't a revolutionary though; Margret Sanger laid it out quite clearly in 1919:
"A woman enchained cannot choose but give a measure of bondage to her sons and daughters. No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her body. No woman can call herself free until she can choose consciously whether she will or will not be a mother."
There's also no shortage of data; a 2013 paper studying the 80s and 90s noted that birth control access can close the wage gap by as much as 30 percent. A 2016 Brookings report found that though single women of all income levels show nearly identical rates of sexual activity, "poor women not trying to conceive are . . . three times more likely to get pregnant than their higher income counterparts," leading to "higher rates of poverty, less family stability, and worse outcomes for children."
And according to the National Women's Law Center (emphasis mine),
". . . States that are hostile to abortion (have 4 or more abortion restrictions) have a worse wage gap than states that aren't hostile. In states that are not hostile to abortion women, on average, make 20 cents less for every $1 a man makes. But, in hostile states women make 23 cents less for every $1 a man makes . . .
Put simply, economic security and reproductive justice go hand in hand. Women can't have one without the other. Abortion restrictions, pay discrimination, unaffordable health care, lack of paid sick days, inaccessible childcare, unfair scheduling practices all make it harder for women to have the children they want, not have children, and parent their children they have in safe, healthy environments. Economic justice is deeply interconnected to all other forms of justice, including reproductive justice."
And yet, more than half of the states in the U.S. have some kind of restriction on abortion access. Most are based on ideological or moral beliefs, including those which require a waiting period, a second physician, or a trans-vaginal ultrasound. In most instances, restrictions are designed to reduce abortion rates or make them unaffordable or unaccessible, not to improve the health or safety of the patient.
The Guttmacher Institute reported last year that "11 states restrict coverage of abortion in private insurance plans, most often limiting coverage only to when the woman's life would be endangered if the pregnancy were carried to term," adding that "most states allow the purchase of additional abortion coverage at an additional cost."
Which underscores another major issue with separation of abortion from the broader understanding of economic issues - if the left has collectively decided that health care reform is necessarily, what does that mean for abortion services and coverage? If we achieve single-payer health care but it doesn't cover abortion services, what does that demonstrate about our commitment to the economy, to our voting population, and to our willingness to uphold the rights granted to our citizens?
Access to birth control and abortion benefits people of all genders for a variety of reasons - it reduces reliance on social services, can help break the cycle of poverty, and as a result, reduce crime-related costs for years and decades to come. When families have access to reproductive health services, they're more in control of their own mobility and can be more productive members of their community.
It is undeniable that abortion access is a cost-saving mechanism and thus, an economic necessity; limiting abortion access is simply not fiscally responsible.
No lawmaker should be required to believe any one thing; when fewer than one in five Americans believe abortion should be completely illegal (and 60 percent think it should be legal in either all or most cases), a representative government will certainly contain a few elected officials who oppose.
However, opposing something and legislating against it (or legislating to restrict it) are very, very different things. And, I believe, this is not something to compromise on because statistically it's not something we need to compromise on. The truth is that abortion access should not be up for debate, and if the left wants to be a party for everyone - and for economic justice - there is no room for waffling on this matter.
Abortion is not simply a social issue; it's not something for lawmakers to quibble over or use as a bargaining chip. It's a legally-protected right that has demonstrated economic consequences for literally everyone involved. Not every elected official needs to like it, necessarily, but to truly close the wage gap and increase equity across the board, they do have to get on board.
Why I Gave Up Shopping For an Entire Year
We've all been there before. Somehow, after a not-so-great day at work, we mysteriously find ourselves at our favorite store, waiting patiently in line and hugging a pile of brand-new clothes with both arms. All that is keeping these new goodies from meeting their new home - our closets - is a swipe of a card. And just like that, we're warmed by the comfort blanket of retail therapy.
I don't know about you, but for me, that coziness wears off as soon as I step into my apartment and remember I live in 381 square feet and my closet is the size of one you'd find in a dollhouse. Then, as soon as the credit card bill arrives and those tags are still hanging on those clothes I just had to have, I am once again reminded that retail therapy is not the proper solution.
At the end of last year, I did something extreme. I decided to count how much money I spent shopping throughout 2016. While I am by no means a shopaholic, I wanted to see with my own eyes how much this so-called therapy had cost me. Because let's face it - numbers don't lie.
So, what did I do? I decided to do something even more extreme. With 2017 on the horizon, I decided to take on the challenge of not shopping at all for an entire year. Yes, you read that right: 365 days of no new purchases. No new clothes. No new accessories. No more must haves. This new year would be about focusing on what I currently own and not bringing home any new finds.
Fast-forward, and here I am, five months into this year-long challenge, and I am still going strong. With the half-way mark only one month away, I am starting to see flickers of light at the end of this spending-freeze tunnel.
"How does it feel?" you might be wondering. You guys, it feels liberating! So much so that I felt the need to let you in on what all I've gained by having less.
1. I've uncovered hidden treasures.
Since I haven't been able to bring anything new into my closet, my creativity has soared, as well as my resourcefulness. I've mixed and matched in ways I probably would have never even tried had it not been for this challenge.
By forcing myself to take a hard look at what I already own, I've rekindled old flames and rediscovered some of my greatest loves that kept getting shoved deeper into the dark hole of the back of my closet.
2. I've decluttered my closet, apartment, and mind.
No matter how jam-packed my closet would become, I still would wear the same handful of items. So, at the beginning of the year when I started this challenge, I trimmed the fat in my closet by removing the pieces I never wore.
After reducing the weight of my wardrobe, I looked around at my apartment and suddenly realized how much clutter I was living with. From books and trinkets to several kitchen gadgets I still didn't know how to use, there was so much stuff, yet hardly any of it had significant meaning. So, the decluttering continued.
I became inspired by simplicity. The less I became bogged down by stuff, the lighter my mind began to feel, and the more my soul could breathe.
3. I've saved time, energy, and money.
I cannot remember the last time I stood in front of my closet whining about how I have nothing to wear. My wardrobe is by no means the greatest, but through these five months I have learned to make do with what I have.
Having fewer options to choose from has saved me from so much frustration when picking out outfits, especially when I'm in a time crunch. I walk out of my apartment with a positive mindset rather than curling up into a big ball of unnecessary stress.
And, of course, the saving money part is extremely nice, too.
4. I've become more inspired.
Because I have stopped spending money on material items, I have had a greater budget to spend on experiences, which has allowed me to meet more people. Having the opportunity to create new relationships, as well as new memories, has left me with more inspiration than any piece of clothing ever could.
5. I've realized I don't need anything.
Once I cleaned out my closet and set eyes on the gigantic pile I would be donating, I realized how much stuff I had slowly accumulated over the years, and how little of it that I actually needed. Does anyone really need 10 pairs of jeans? What I owned was enough - more than enough - and a wave of gratitude suddenly washed over me.
Throughout these last five months, I have learned to separate my "wants" from "needs." I have realized in this present moment, I have what I need, and that makes me extremely thankful.
6. Less really is more.
While I still have seven months left to go in this challenge, the biggest lesson I have learned is that less really is more.
By consuming less, I accumulate less. I have less distractions around me. Ironically, by having less, I have so much more. More gratitude towards everything I already possess. More space for my mind to breathe. More time and money to focus on one of my biggest priorities: traveling. More energy to accomplish my goal of seeing the world. And, most importantly, more appreciation for living simply, not simply living.
So, are you ready to start simplifying?
Abortion Is an Economic Issue
The following post originally appeared on Medium.
Last week, Senator Bernie Sanders drew criticism after a Wall Street Journal article cited his tepid response to vocally pro-choice candidate Jon Ossoff's campaign, while supporting Omaha Mayoral hopeful Heath Mello, who co-sponsored bills requiring physicians to offer medically-unnecessary, highly-politicized trans-vaginal ultrasounds before abortions. Planned Parenthood called the legislation "anti-choice" and stated that they have never endorsed Mello.
Critics saw this as another example of Sanders' hyper-focus on his own pet issues (free college, single-payer health care) and willingness to abandon those which matter most to marginalized people (abortion, reparations, mass incarceration), despite his stated dedication to them. His supporters countered by noting that Vice Presidential candidate Tim Kaine, an affirmed Christian, was also not a huge booster for abortion rights (though in a debate with Mike Pence, who is staunchly anti-choice, Kaine stated clearly that he "really feel[s] like you should live fully and with enthusiasm in the commands of your faith, but it is not the role of the public servant to mandate that for everybody else.") and explaining that economic issues are more likely to unify the left than social ones. With swiftness, they defended a Democratic platform that potentially did not include a staunchly pro-choice message.
But this, I think, is the heart of a false dichotomy that progressives have not only created, but ingested and perpetuated. Again and again and again and again. Regardless of Mello, Kaine, or any other lawmaker and their individual decisions or laws, we must shake this notion that reproductive health is somehow distinct from the economy.
We tend to think of politics in separate spheres; there are economic issues, social issues, Black issues, women's issues, LGBTQ issues, immigration issues, urban issues, rural issues, the list is endless. Some of these spheres overlap; women's issues and LGBTQ issues are often forcibly lumped together, while all different folks of color are somehow expected to have the same problems despite being completely different in everything except brown-ness. We decide that the "white working class" somehow has its own precious cadre of troubles that must be addressed. We parse issues of education from social welfare to health care, despite the intimate fibers that link them.
Sanders has adopted a more intersectional approach, in that he's a firm believer that fixing our economic woes - closing the income gap, providing health care services across the board - will fix every other issue. A rising tide and all that. And in many ways, he's not wrong; economic issues are at the heart of many, many larger problems.
Unfortunately, as it's been pointed out before, focusing solely on a few facets of the economy does little to address the systemic ways in which groups of people are kept from achieving and thriving. And similarly, failing to focus on those systems (by focusing only on "economic" and not "social" issues) all but ensures that those people remain oppressed because those systems will remain in place.
Abortion access and reproductive health care is a really, really good example of this.
Writing off abortion as a nice-to-have - i.e., saying that a candidate can get the support of the progressive left even if they're not staunchly on board with and fighting for open, affordable, and easy access to these legally-protected services - fundamentally misses one of the biggest contributors to the gender wage gap. I would argue that it is impossible to have an economic policy that's truly comprehensive or effective that does not include access to and coverage for abortion services.
This isn't a revolutionary though; Margret Sanger laid it out quite clearly in 1919:
"A woman enchained cannot choose but give a measure of bondage to her sons and daughters. No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her body. No woman can call herself free until she can choose consciously whether she will or will not be a mother."
There's also no shortage of data; a 2013 paper studying the 80s and 90s noted that birth control access can close the wage gap by as much as 30 percent. A 2016 Brookings report found that though single women of all income levels show nearly identical rates of sexual activity, "poor women not trying to conceive are . . . three times more likely to get pregnant than their higher income counterparts," leading to "higher rates of poverty, less family stability, and worse outcomes for children."
And according to the National Women's Law Center (emphasis mine),
". . . States that are hostile to abortion (have 4 or more abortion restrictions) have a worse wage gap than states that aren't hostile. In states that are not hostile to abortion women, on average, make 20 cents less for every $1 a man makes. But, in hostile states women make 23 cents less for every $1 a man makes . . .
Put simply, economic security and reproductive justice go hand in hand. Women can't have one without the other. Abortion restrictions, pay discrimination, unaffordable health care, lack of paid sick days, inaccessible childcare, unfair scheduling practices all make it harder for women to have the children they want, not have children, and parent their children they have in safe, healthy environments. Economic justice is deeply interconnected to all other forms of justice, including reproductive justice."
And yet, more than half of the states in the U.S. have some kind of restriction on abortion access. Most are based on ideological or moral beliefs, including those which require a waiting period, a second physician, or a trans-vaginal ultrasound. In most instances, restrictions are designed to reduce abortion rates or make them unaffordable or unaccessible, not to improve the health or safety of the patient.
The Guttmacher Institute reported last year that "11 states restrict coverage of abortion in private insurance plans, most often limiting coverage only to when the woman's life would be endangered if the pregnancy were carried to term," adding that "most states allow the purchase of additional abortion coverage at an additional cost."
Which underscores another major issue with separation of abortion from the broader understanding of economic issues - if the left has collectively decided that health care reform is necessarily, what does that mean for abortion services and coverage? If we achieve single-payer health care but it doesn't cover abortion services, what does that demonstrate about our commitment to the economy, to our voting population, and to our willingness to uphold the rights granted to our citizens?
Access to birth control and abortion benefits people of all genders for a variety of reasons - it reduces reliance on social services, can help break the cycle of poverty, and as a result, reduce crime-related costs for years and decades to come. When families have access to reproductive health services, they're more in control of their own mobility and can be more productive members of their community.
It is undeniable that abortion access is a cost-saving mechanism and thus, an economic necessity; limiting abortion access is simply not fiscally responsible.
No lawmaker should be required to believe any one thing; when fewer than one in five Americans believe abortion should be completely illegal (and 60 percent think it should be legal in either all or most cases), a representative government will certainly contain a few elected officials who oppose.
However, opposing something and legislating against it (or legislating to restrict it) are very, very different things. And, I believe, this is not something to compromise on because statistically it's not something we need to compromise on. The truth is that abortion access should not be up for debate, and if the left wants to be a party for everyone - and for economic justice - there is no room for waffling on this matter.
Abortion is not simply a social issue; it's not something for lawmakers to quibble over or use as a bargaining chip. It's a legally-protected right that has demonstrated economic consequences for literally everyone involved. Not every elected official needs to like it, necessarily, but to truly close the wage gap and increase equity across the board, they do have to get on board.
This Guy Shed 135 Pounds in 15 Months, and His Transformation Is Incredible
Hiking has been Skyler's lifelong hobby, so when his weight held him back from keeping up with other hikers on a Hawaiian trail, he realized it was time for a change. At 315 pounds, Skyler admitted the trek was "kicking [his] ass," so when he completed the trail, he went home and immediately dove head-first into what would be an incredible 135-pound weight-loss journey that's inspiring internet users everywhere.
"I remember the day I woke up and it was like a little light switch had flipped in my head."
In a now-viral Imgur thread, Skyler described how all it took was that miserable hiking experience for him to see that his weight was getting out of control. "I remember the day I woke up and it was like a little light switch had flipped in my head," he wrote. "I got out of bed and started changing my life." His first step came when he began documenting his daily calorie intake, upon which he realized he'd been consuming more than 3,000 calories each day. He was "dumbfounded" at this discovery and made a great analogy that explained why his calorie intake made sense considering how much he weighed. "Your body is a machine that needs fuel," he wrote. "The food you eat is the fuel. However, if you eat more than your body requires, it will save this extra fuel as fat, which is basically a battery. I was charging my batteries my whole life."
In order to cut back, he bought a food scale, got the My Fitness Pal app to track his food, slashed 1,000 of those 3,000 calories, and started cooking his meals. He reassured Imgur users that he still left room for some indulgences here and there. "I still drank beer and whiskey, I still had cheeseburgers (mmmmm cheeseburgers), I still ate candy, I still went out and did things with people," he wrote. But the key, he said, was moderation.
And the pounds started dropping. In just a few months, he lost 50 pounds and used that as motivation to start hitting the gym to lift weights and do cardio. Skyler admitted that initially it was hard, but after a while, "Little baby muscles started to pop up," and he was actually enjoying his routine. So another goal came along - to hike 20 miles in three days in Colorado's Dominguez Canyon - which he blew out of the water by instead trekking more than 30 miles in two days. Feeling on a high, he set yet another objective, this one just slightly more challenging: to climb a 14,000-foot mountain with his upright bass in tow, and he not so surprisingly crushed the hike.
"I was making healthy decisions and it was because I wanted to."
Fifteen months, 135 pounds shed, and numerous hiking adventures later, Skyler is looking back on his journey and reflecting on the dedication it took to get to where he is today. He described how his weight loss was fueled by his own desires, not those of others. "I was making healthy decisions and it was because I wanted to. I felt better, I was slaying my weight loss, I was getting buff, I was getting more confident. It is the best feeling in the world." And he offered yet another accurate analogy that's sure to make you think twice about getting healthy. "Being healthy is not a lifestyle equivalent to joining a monastery on a mountain top somewhere and dedicating your life to celibacy," he said. "Being healthy is a CHOICE and if you make the choice to be healthy and pursue life with a passion . . . it will open so many doors - many of which you didn't know were there."
In his post, he also gave a shout-out to other Imgur users for helping motivate him along the way. "The Imgur community did what it does best - procrastinate at work, and I am so thankful for the support from random strangers. Thanks Imgur, seriously," he wrote.
Ahead, scroll through Skyler's documentation of his incredible weight-loss journey, and be sure to read the rest of his helpful advice and tips on the Imgur thread.
I Can't Stop Laughing at Memes of Ryan Gosling's Blade Runner Poster
Blade Runner 2049 has been one of our most anticipated films of 2017 since we got the first look at stars Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford. The reboot is a sci-fi thriller, but the posters are unexpectedly comedic. Harrison Ford's poster is normal enough, but something about Ryan Gosling's poster is hilarious. I'll give you a hint: it's his collar. Why the hell is it so high? Is that how men dress in 2049? Is that how men dress now and I just never noticed? Should I be paying more attention to men's outerwear? Anyway, Twitter has, of course, run with the poster, and there's a particular thread that I can't stop laughing at. Please enjoy.
I Can't Stop Laughing at Memes of Ryan Gosling's Blade Runner Poster
Blade Runner 2049 has been one of our most anticipated films of 2017 since we got the first look at stars Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford. The reboot is a sci-fi thriller, but the posters are unexpectedly comedic. Harrison Ford's poster is normal enough, but something about Ryan Gosling's poster is hilarious. I'll give you a hint: it's his collar. Why the hell is it so high? Is that how men dress in 2049? Is that how men dress now and I just never noticed? Should I be paying more attention to men's outerwear? Anyway, Twitter has, of course, run with the poster, and there's a particular thread that I can't stop laughing at. Please enjoy.
The Obamas Unveiled the Design of Their Chicago Center - and It's Awesome
The Obamas have been busy since leaving office. They wasted no time moving into a luxurious private home in DC and now they've announced plans for a new endeavor in Chicago's Jackson Park: The Obama Presidential Center. According the Obama Foundation, the "living, working center" will be open to the public and serve as an "ongoing project where we will shape, together, what it means to be a good citizen in the 21st century." In addition to the center's commendable mission, its innovative design is also notable.
Multiple contemporary structures and an outdoor plaza are designed to invite visitors to flow through. A towering museum anchors the space while the roofs of the forum and library are covered with lush, green plantings. "This approach will soften the transition between city, landscape, lagoon, and lake," the Obama Foundation explains. The buildings will be constructed of variegated stone with light filtering through glass openings and will be certified LEED v4 Platinum, indicating that they're designed to the highest level of efficiency and sustainability. The center is slated for completion in 2021 and was designed by Billie Tsien Architects | Partners and Interactive Design Architects.
This Guy Shed 135 Pounds in 15 Months, and His Transformation Is Incredible
Hiking has been Skyler's lifelong hobby, so when his weight held him back from keeping up with other hikers on a Hawaiian trail, he realized it was time for a change. At 315 pounds, Skyler admitted the trek was "kicking [his] ass," so when he completed the trail, he went home and immediately dove head-first into what would be an incredible 135-pound weight-loss journey that's inspiring internet users everywhere.
"I remember the day I woke up and it was like a little light switch had flipped in my head."
In a now-viral Imgur thread, Skyler described how all it took was that miserable hiking experience for him to see that his weight was getting out of control. "I remember the day I woke up and it was like a little light switch had flipped in my head," he wrote. "I got out of bed and started changing my life." His first step came when he began documenting his daily calorie intake, upon which he realized he'd been consuming more than 3,000 calories each day. He was "dumbfounded" at this discovery and made a great analogy that explained why his calorie intake made sense considering how much he weighed. "Your body is a machine that needs fuel," he wrote. "The food you eat is the fuel. However, if you eat more than your body requires, it will save this extra fuel as fat, which is basically a battery. I was charging my batteries my whole life."
In order to cut back, he bought a food scale, got the My Fitness Pal app to track his food, slashed 1,000 of those 3,000 calories, and started cooking his meals. He reassured Imgur users that he still left room for some indulgences here and there. "I still drank beer and whiskey, I still had cheeseburgers (mmmmm cheeseburgers), I still ate candy, I still went out and did things with people," he wrote. But the key, he said, was moderation.
And the pounds started dropping. In just a few months, he lost 50 pounds and used that as motivation to start hitting the gym to lift weights and do cardio. Skyler admitted that initially it was hard, but after a while, "Little baby muscles started to pop up," and he was actually enjoying his routine. So another goal came along - to hike 20 miles in three days in Colorado's Dominguez Canyon - which he blew out of the water by instead trekking more than 30 miles in two days. Feeling on a high, he set yet another objective, this one just slightly more challenging: to climb a 14,000-foot mountain with his upright bass in tow, and he not so surprisingly crushed the hike.
"I was making healthy decisions and it was because I wanted to."
Fifteen months, 135 pounds shed, and numerous hiking adventures later, Skyler is looking back on his journey and reflecting on the dedication it took to get to where he is today. He described how his weight loss was fueled by his own desires, not those of others. "I was making healthy decisions and it was because I wanted to. I felt better, I was slaying my weight loss, I was getting buff, I was getting more confident. It is the best feeling in the world." And he offered yet another accurate analogy that's sure to make you think twice about getting healthy. "Being healthy is not a lifestyle equivalent to joining a monastery on a mountain top somewhere and dedicating your life to celibacy," he said. "Being healthy is a CHOICE and if you make the choice to be healthy and pursue life with a passion . . . it will open so many doors - many of which you didn't know were there."
In his post, he also gave a shout-out to other Imgur users for helping motivate him along the way. "The Imgur community did what it does best - procrastinate at work, and I am so thankful for the support from random strangers. Thanks Imgur, seriously," he wrote.
Ahead, scroll through Skyler's documentation of his incredible weight-loss journey, and be sure to read the rest of his helpful advice and tips on the Imgur thread.
When Jell-O and Marshmallows Combine, the Result Is Magical
It's not every day that your snack doubles as a science experiment! These Jell-O and marshmallow roll-ups are not only sweet, but they're also mesmerizing to watch. When the two treats get melted together, they form a foamy liquid. But as they set, the marshmallows float to the top, creating two distinct layers of Jell-O and marshmallow fluff. Talk about eye candy!
For more fun treats, try our pigs in a bagel.
The Most Famous British Royal Couples of All Time
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Or should we say infamous? All-consuming passion, illicit liaisons, bitter breakups, heartbreak, and true love - over the centuries, royal history has had it all. And because of the nature of monarchy, everything has been acted out on a much larger scale. Love letters were burned or placed in a museum and jewels handed out like gas station flowers while countless people were affected. Whether they have gone down in history for the scale of their love or the size of their scandal, we take a look at the top 10 royal couples who have captured our imaginations throughout the ages.
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles
The relationship between Charles and Camilla got off to a flying start when the pair were both age 23 and met at a polo match. They started a relationship, but a year or so later when Charles went away to sea with the navy, he felt he was too young to make any grand gestures about the future, and the pair went their separate ways. Camilla then got back together with her ex-boyfriend Andrew Parker-Bowles and they married. Charles wrote to his uncle Lord Mountbatten, "I suppose the feeling of emptiness will pass eventually." He married Lady Diana Spencer, but remained friends with Camilla, and so began a painful and destructive two decades that blended at different times friendship, romantic love, and a passionate relationship. The pair finally married in 2005, and Prince Harry has since said of his stepmother, "We are very grateful for her. She's made our father very happy . . . She's a wonderful woman. William and I love her to bits."
Image Source: Getty / Handout
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
Nothing says "I love you" more than creating an entirely new religion purely so that the two of you can be married. However, nothing says "It's over" more than having you put to death. Henry VIII certainly wasn't one to do things by halves. Frustrated that he and his wife Catherine of Aragon had been unable to produce a male heir, Henry began an affair with her lady-in-waiting Anne Boleyn, and lust turned to love. He wrote to his mistress, "The beautiful words of your letter are so cordially phrased, that they really oblige me to honour, love and serve you forever . . . For my part, I will outdo you, if this be possible, rather than reciprocate, in loyalty of my heart and my desire to please you . . . henceforth my heart will be dedicated to you alone."
The pope refused to grant Henry and Catherine a divorce, so the king passed the Act of Supremacy, stating that he was now the head of the English Church. His marriage to Catherine was annulled and he married Anne a week later, lavishing his second wife with jewel-encrusted necklaces and brooches featuring their intertwined initials. However, after three years of marriage and still no male heir, Henry ordered Anne's execution and married her lady-in-waiting Jane Seymour.
Charles II and Nell Gwyn
Vivacious, attractive, and quick-witted, Nell Gwyn has become known as one of the most famous royal mistresses of all time. Diarist Samuel Pepys referred to her as "pretty, witty Nell." Raised in a brothel before becoming an orange-seller and actress, Nell's life couldn't have been further from royalty, and it's thought this was why her relationship with the king worked so well. Though he had many mistresses, Nell had a special place in his heart, and they were in a relationship for 17 years, having two sons together. During that time, Charles gave Nell a diamond ring and a watch hung with a jeweled heart, bought her a house, covered all her living expenses, and gave her one surviving son the title Duke of St Albans. On his deathbed, Charles asked his brother James "not to let poor Nelly starve."
Edward VII and Wallis Simpson
This notorious couple is one of the most scandalous in royal history. Edward fell in love with the twice-divorced socialite Wallis, knowing that she could never be his wife because English law forbade marriage between a monarch and a divorcee whose partner was still living. When his father George V passed away and Edward acceded to the throne, he searched in vain for ways in which he could become king but also marry Wallis. Eventually, rather than give up the woman he loved, he abdicated, married Wallis, and they set up home in Paris. The relationship of the lavish couple can fittingly be charted in jewels - most famously with a bracelet to which Edward added a new jeweled cross every time something significant happened in their lives - and a gold cigarette case which Wallis gave to Edward that was engraved with a map and had all the countries they had visited picked out in jewels.
Image Source: Getty / AFP / Stringer
George IV and Maria Fitzherbert
Maria Fitzherbert was a twice-widowed Catholic when Prince George fell in love with her, and therefore their relationship could have no future, since Catholics were forbidden from becoming British monarchs. Regardless, the pair were secretly married in 1785, although the marriage was illegal because it had recently become law that any descendant of George II needed permission from the monarch to marry. Nevertheless, George and Maria lived in Brighton for nearly 10 years while George accumulated huge debts, eventually leaving Maria to marry for financial stability. However, soon after his new marriage, he drew up a will bequeathing all his "worldly property . . . to my Maria Fitzherbert, my wife, the wife of my heart and soul . . . such she is in the eyes of Heaven, was, is, and ever will be such in mine."
Four years later, George managed to win Maria back and they were together again for nearly a decade before he left her once more. He asked to be buried with a miniature portrait of her around his neck, which was honoured. He had kept all of their love letters, which were found and burnt.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Their love was deep - a letter from Albert read, "Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth . . ." - and notoriously passionate - when Victoria's doctor advised her not to have a 10th child at the age of 38, she protested, "Am I not to have any more fun in bed?" Albert also bought Balmoral Castle for his wife. When Albert died of typhoid at age 42 in 1861, Victoria wore black for the rest of her life - 40 years - and slept with a picture of him pinned above her bed. She named monuments after him - the Royal Albert Hall, the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, although Victoria had wanted to call it simply the Albert Museum.
Prince Edward (later Edward VII) and Lillie Langtry
Although the dashing society couple didn't share the all-consuming love of other famous royal pairings, these two gained their notoriety by being one of the most celebrated, glamorous, and illicit couples of their day. Edward was at the time married to Princess Alexandra; they had six children, but he took many mistresses, and in 1877 he became infatuated with the beautiful actress and Pre-Raphaelite model Lillie Langtry. The divorcee was famous for her intellect and wit - she was friends with Oscar Wilde and is said to have been the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock love-interest Irene Adler. During their three-year relationship, Edward let Lillie design a house in Dorset, where they conducted their relationship. She was introduced to his mother Queen Victoria and had a civil relationship with Edward's wife.
George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
After many royal monarchs married for financial, diplomatic, or political reasons and subsequently kept mistresses who they often felt more deeply for, George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon were the real deal. They were head over heels in love. Letters between the two are romantic and deeply felt. The queen signed one of hers, "I shall only look forward to seeing you again. I send you you all my love and hundreds of kisses." While the king replied, "My own little darling E, I have just received your darling letter . . . Millions and millions of thanks for it darling; it is just what I wanted and nothing could have given me greater help and encouragement." The pair were an important symbol to the British public during WWII, as during the bombing they stayed in London with their people rather than being evacuated as their advisers suggested.
Image Source: Getty / Stringer
George V and Mary of Teck
This enduring royal love was unexpectedly born out of tragedy and shared grief. German-born and English-raised Princess Mary was engaged to Prince Albert, who at the time was second in line to the throne (his grandmother Victoria was still queen, and his father would later become Edward VII). However, six weeks after the engagement, Albert died of pneumonia, leaving his fiancée and his younger brother George (now second in line to the throne) in mourning. However, in a soap-opera-worthy twist, George and Mary then fell in love and were married. The pair were devoted to each other throughout their lives, and George allowed his wife access to his work while she often helped him write speeches. The couple were strong figureheads for the British people throughout WWI, and their letters show that behind closed doors there was a deep love between them. On their 17th wedding anniversary, the king wrote to his wife, "My love grows stronger for you every day mixed with admiration and I thank God every day that he has given me such a darling devoted wife as you are."
The Queen and Prince Philip
When the 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth first laid eyes on Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, she was smitten. A few years later when they started corresponding by letter, she kept his photograph on her mantelpiece and would play "People Will Say We're in Love" from the musical Oklahoma on her gramophone after she and Philip went to see the musical together. When Philip proposed, the princess said yes without asking permission from her parents, who insisted on waiting till her 21st birthday before announcing the news. The princess wrote in a letter to her parents, "Philip is an angel, we behave as though we had belonged to each other for years." While Philip stated, "She is the only thing in the world which is absolutely real to me." The pair are set to celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary this year, marking an astounding 70 years of marriage.
Image Source: Getty / Stringer
The Most Flattering Swimsuits For Every Body Type
We've resolved to put an end to the fear and frustration that come with swimsuit shopping. From curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the picks that were made to fit and flatter your frame. Want to know what you should be looking for? Read on to get the experts' dos and don'ts, find your perfect suit, and never hate swimsuit shopping again!
Be sure to check out our bikini-body workout plan, too!
For even easier shopping, click below for your needs.
When Jell-O and Marshmallows Combine, the Result Is Magical
It's not every day that your snack doubles as a science experiment! These Jell-O and marshmallow roll-ups are not only sweet, but they're also mesmerizing to watch. When the two treats get melted together, they form a foamy liquid. But as they set, the marshmallows float to the top, creating two distinct layers of Jell-O and marshmallow fluff. Talk about eye candy!
For more fun treats, try our pigs in a bagel.
The Most Famous British Royal Couples of All Time
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Or should we say infamous? All-consuming passion, illicit liaisons, bitter breakups, heartbreak, and true love - over the centuries, royal history has had it all. And because of the nature of monarchy, everything has been acted out on a much larger scale. Love letters were burned or placed in a museum and jewels handed out like gas station flowers while countless people were affected. Whether they have gone down in history for the scale of their love or the size of their scandal, we take a look at the top 10 royal couples who have captured our imaginations throughout the ages.
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles
The relationship between Charles and Camilla got off to a flying start when the pair were both age 23 and met at a polo match. They started a relationship, but a year or so later when Charles went away to sea with the navy, he felt he was too young to make any grand gestures about the future, and the pair went their separate ways. Camilla then got back together with her ex-boyfriend Andrew Parker-Bowles and they married. Charles wrote to his uncle Lord Mountbatten, "I suppose the feeling of emptiness will pass eventually." He married Lady Diana Spencer, but remained friends with Camilla, and so began a painful and destructive two decades that blended at different times friendship, romantic love, and a passionate relationship. The pair finally married in 2005, and Prince Harry has since said of his stepmother, "We are very grateful for her. She's made our father very happy . . . She's a wonderful woman. William and I love her to bits."
Image Source: Getty / Handout
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
Nothing says "I love you" more than creating an entirely new religion purely so that the two of you can be married. However, nothing says "It's over" more than having you put to death. Henry VIII certainly wasn't one to do things by halves. Frustrated that he and his wife Catherine of Aragon had been unable to produce a male heir, Henry began an affair with her lady-in-waiting Anne Boleyn, and lust turned to love. He wrote to his mistress, "The beautiful words of your letter are so cordially phrased, that they really oblige me to honour, love and serve you forever . . . For my part, I will outdo you, if this be possible, rather than reciprocate, in loyalty of my heart and my desire to please you . . . henceforth my heart will be dedicated to you alone."
The pope refused to grant Henry and Catherine a divorce, so the king passed the Act of Supremacy, stating that he was now the head of the English Church. His marriage to Catherine was annulled and he married Anne a week later, lavishing his second wife with jewel-encrusted necklaces and brooches featuring their intertwined initials. However, after three years of marriage and still no male heir, Henry ordered Anne's execution and married her lady-in-waiting Jane Seymour.
Charles II and Nell Gwyn
Vivacious, attractive, and quick-witted, Nell Gwyn has become known as one of the most famous royal mistresses of all time. Diarist Samuel Pepys referred to her as "pretty, witty Nell." Raised in a brothel before becoming an orange-seller and actress, Nell's life couldn't have been further from royalty, and it's thought this was why her relationship with the king worked so well. Though he had many mistresses, Nell had a special place in his heart, and they were in a relationship for 17 years, having two sons together. During that time, Charles gave Nell a diamond ring and a watch hung with a jeweled heart, bought her a house, covered all her living expenses, and gave her one surviving son the title Duke of St Albans. On his deathbed, Charles asked his brother James "not to let poor Nelly starve."
Edward VII and Wallis Simpson
This notorious couple is one of the most scandalous in royal history. Edward fell in love with the twice-divorced socialite Wallis, knowing that she could never be his wife because English law forbade marriage between a monarch and a divorcee whose partner was still living. When his father George V passed away and Edward acceded to the throne, he searched in vain for ways in which he could become king but also marry Wallis. Eventually, rather than give up the woman he loved, he abdicated, married Wallis, and they set up home in Paris. The relationship of the lavish couple can fittingly be charted in jewels - most famously with a bracelet to which Edward added a new jeweled cross every time something significant happened in their lives - and a gold cigarette case which Wallis gave to Edward that was engraved with a map and had all the countries they had visited picked out in jewels.
Image Source: Getty / AFP / Stringer
George IV and Maria Fitzherbert
Maria Fitzherbert was a twice-widowed Catholic when Prince George fell in love with her, and therefore their relationship could have no future, since Catholics were forbidden from becoming British monarchs. Regardless, the pair were secretly married in 1785, although the marriage was illegal because it had recently become law that any descendant of George II needed permission from the monarch to marry. Nevertheless, George and Maria lived in Brighton for nearly 10 years while George accumulated huge debts, eventually leaving Maria to marry for financial stability. However, soon after his new marriage, he drew up a will bequeathing all his "worldly property . . . to my Maria Fitzherbert, my wife, the wife of my heart and soul . . . such she is in the eyes of Heaven, was, is, and ever will be such in mine."
Four years later, George managed to win Maria back and they were together again for nearly a decade before he left her once more. He asked to be buried with a miniature portrait of her around his neck, which was honoured. He had kept all of their love letters, which were found and burnt.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Their love was deep - a letter from Albert read, "Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth . . ." - and notoriously passionate - when Victoria's doctor advised her not to have a 10th child at the age of 38, she protested, "Am I not to have any more fun in bed?" Albert also bought Balmoral Castle for his wife. When Albert died of typhoid at age 42 in 1861, Victoria wore black for the rest of her life - 40 years - and slept with a picture of him pinned above her bed. She named monuments after him - the Royal Albert Hall, the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, although Victoria had wanted to call it simply the Albert Museum.
Prince Edward (later Edward VII) and Lillie Langtry
Although the dashing society couple didn't share the all-consuming love of other famous royal pairings, these two gained their notoriety by being one of the most celebrated, glamorous, and illicit couples of their day. Edward was at the time married to Princess Alexandra; they had six children, but he took many mistresses, and in 1877 he became infatuated with the beautiful actress and Pre-Raphaelite model Lillie Langtry. The divorcee was famous for her intellect and wit - she was friends with Oscar Wilde and is said to have been the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock love-interest Irene Adler. During their three-year relationship, Edward let Lillie design a house in Dorset, where they conducted their relationship. She was introduced to his mother Queen Victoria and had a civil relationship with Edward's wife.
George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
After many royal monarchs married for financial, diplomatic, or political reasons and subsequently kept mistresses who they often felt more deeply for, George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon were the real deal. They were head over heels in love. Letters between the two are romantic and deeply felt. The queen signed one of hers, "I shall only look forward to seeing you again. I send you you all my love and hundreds of kisses." While the king replied, "My own little darling E, I have just received your darling letter . . . Millions and millions of thanks for it darling; it is just what I wanted and nothing could have given me greater help and encouragement." The pair were an important symbol to the British public during WWII, as during the bombing they stayed in London with their people rather than being evacuated as their advisers suggested.
Image Source: Getty / Stringer
George V and Mary of Teck
This enduring royal love was unexpectedly born out of tragedy and shared grief. German-born and English-raised Princess Mary was engaged to Prince Albert, who at the time was second in line to the throne (his grandmother Victoria was still queen, and his father would later become Edward VII). However, six weeks after the engagement, Albert died of pneumonia, leaving his fiancée and his younger brother George (now second in line to the throne) in mourning. However, in a soap-opera-worthy twist, George and Mary then fell in love and were married. The pair were devoted to each other throughout their lives, and George allowed his wife access to his work while she often helped him write speeches. The couple were strong figureheads for the British people throughout WWI, and their letters show that behind closed doors there was a deep love between them. On their 17th wedding anniversary, the king wrote to his wife, "My love grows stronger for you every day mixed with admiration and I thank God every day that he has given me such a darling devoted wife as you are."
The Queen and Prince Philip
When the 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth first laid eyes on Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, she was smitten. A few years later when they started corresponding by letter, she kept his photograph on her mantelpiece and would play "People Will Say We're in Love" from the musical Oklahoma on her gramophone after she and Philip went to see the musical together. When Philip proposed, the princess said yes without asking permission from her parents, who insisted on waiting till her 21st birthday before announcing the news. The princess wrote in a letter to her parents, "Philip is an angel, we behave as though we had belonged to each other for years." While Philip stated, "She is the only thing in the world which is absolutely real to me." The pair are set to celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary this year, marking an astounding 70 years of marriage.
Image Source: Getty / Stringer
Kim Kardashian's Launching Her Kids Line Sooner Than You Think
Very casually, Kim Kardashian announced she and Kanye West were creating a kids line three months ago. The star posted on her Snapchat that the two were working on pieces for the collection and North West was the lucky model to try on the clothes first. The little girl was featured rocking a tiny, sequined yellow dress with a shearling coat - two items we can already expect from the line.
Though those were the only snaps we got of the line, we didn't have to wait long to see more. Kim announced on Twitter that the collection - available at TheKidsSupply.com - will be dropping tomorrow 12 p.m. (PST). She revealed that her friends would always ask where their kids got their clothes and surprisingly, Kim admitted she and Kanye make most of their little ones outfits.
"TheKidsSupply has been what we've been working on for a long time. I'm so excited about this!" she said.
We suspect not only will the children's line be a success (like past Kardashian fashion ventures), but that children everywhere will soon emulate North's style.
Kim Kardashian's Launching Her Kids Line Sooner Than You Think
Very casually, Kim Kardashian announced she and Kanye West were creating a kids line three months ago. The star posted on her Snapchat that the two were working on pieces for the collection and North West was the lucky model to try on the clothes first. The little girl was featured rocking a tiny, sequined yellow dress with a shearling coat - two items we can already expect from the line.
Though those were the only snaps we got of the line, we didn't have to wait long to see more. Kim announced on Twitter that the collection - available at TheKidsSupply.com - will be dropping tomorrow 12 p.m. (PST). She revealed that her friends would always ask where their kids got their clothes and surprisingly, Kim admitted she and Kanye make most of their little ones outfits.
"TheKidsSupply has been what we've been working on for a long time. I'm so excited about this!" she said.
We suspect not only will the children's line be a success (like past Kardashian fashion ventures), but that children everywhere will soon emulate North's style.
Is Peanut Butter Good For Weight Loss? A Dietitian Weighs In
I caught you with a spoonful of peanut butter in your mouth. It's cool. I've definitely been there, too, and have been known to eat peanut butter straight out of the jar. If this sounds familiar, you'll want to read this before scooping out your next spoonful, especially if you're trying to lose weight.
Let's talk about peanuts first, because without them, there would be no peanut butter! Peanuts, like almonds and cashews, are a healthy food, and a good one to include in your diet if you're trying to drop pounds. These crunchy bites are full of healthy fats that satiate your hunger, a bit of fiber to fill you up, and protein to give you energy. Like peanuts, peanut butter is also healthy, as long as it contains nothing but peanuts and maybe a hint of salt - avoid the jars that contain hydrogenated oil and sugar (I'm looking at you, Jif!).
The one thing that makes peanut butter not so great for weight loss is if you're so obsessed with it, you eat a Costco-size jar half a jar in one day. Although healthy, PB is far from calorie-free! Maybe you enjoy a couple spoonfuls on your banana before a workout, a spoonful in your breakfast smoothie or oatmeal, a huge smear on your toast, and a few more smears on your crackers - that adds up to a ton of calories! Certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition says to aim for "no more than two tablespoons in a day, which is almost 200 calories."
With this in mind, go ahead and give into your PB addiction. But if weight loss is one of your goals, keep track of how much you're spooning and smearing. This goes for almond and cashew butters as well as plain old peanuts, almonds, pistachios, and cashews - handfuls add up too!
How to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen - No Chemicals Required
When it comes to pests and critters, the last thing any of us wants is to find unwanted guests taking up residence in the kitchen. While there are certainly more harmful pests, there's something particularly icky about ants - especially when they're in close proximity to where you store, prepare, and eat your food. They can get into your food containers and pantry, and one ant soon turns into a whole colony. If you find yourself waging war against these tiny but mighty creatures, try some of these creative yet simple (and effective!) ways to keep them away.
Draw a Chalk Line
If you have a door in your kitchen that leads directly to the outside of your home, this could be where the ants are coming from. To stop them dead (but not literally) in their tracks, draw a chalk line on the ground on the exterior side of the door. Ants dislike calcium carbonate, so it's an excellent repellent and they won't go over the line and into your kitchen.
Sprinkle Flour or Cinnamon
Similarly to chalk, ants are repelled by flour and cinnamon, and these are great options if you don't want to use any chemicals in and around your kitchen. While this can be a little on the messy side, sprinkling some flour or cinnamon in and around your pantry, or even along your windowsills, can help deter ants from eating the rest of your pantry goods.
Use Citrus
Repel ants and make your home smell like a tropical paradise! By harnessing the power of citrus fruits like lemons, you can keep ants at bay. Lemon juice is particularly useful around windows and doors, and a quick squeeze on the thresholds and window sills can prevent them from coming inside. You can also put a couple of lemon peels outside your kitchen door to prevent them from coming in.
Herbs as a Defense
Ants love sugar, and from the biggest container to the smallest spill, they can smell it from miles away. This means your pantry and kitchen cupboards can become a hotbed for a new ant colony, even if you leave the smallest trace of a sugary substance. Herbs like sage and bay leaves can help deter ants from getting into your sugary treats, and you can put the herbs directly in your sugar container or next to your honey to keep ants away.
Diatomaceous Earth
If you're looking for a natural insecticide that doesn't contain chemicals, look no further than diatomaceous earth (DE). DE kills insects like ants, bed bugs, and cockroaches by entering their outer skeletons and dehydrating their bodies - it's not pleasant, but it works! To avoid inhaling any yourself, just use a small amount and sprinkle it anywhere you suspect ants may be getting into your kitchen. It can be toxic, so follow the directions on the label.
Stamp Out Their Trail
When ants enter your home, they leave a scented trail behind them for other ants to follow. That's why you usually see ants in groups, and rarely a lone wolf. If you've noticed an ant coming into your kitchen, clean the area with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. This won't kill the ants that are already in your house, but it will get rid of their smell so more ants can't follow.
Seal the Cracks
If you have ants in your kitchen, it's pretty likely that they're not just coming through open doors or windows, but through cracks and holes around them. Caulk does wonders for keeping critters out of your home, so try to find and fill as many holes in these areas as you can. You can do this easily by yourself, and keep the caulk at hand for any future cracks or holes that appear.
Kick Up Your Cleaning Routine
If you have a pretty consistent ant problem, it's possible that you're just not cleaning your kitchen as often or as carefully as you should. Make sure you're keeping your counters and floors free of crumbs, and wipe up sticky messes as soon as they happen. Keep cupboards, drawers, and even your fridge as clean as possible. If there's a sticky or sweet mess anywhere in your kitchen, ants are bound to find it.
Get Glam at the Gym With These 12 Athleisure Beauty Sets
It's that time of year again . . . you know, when everyone realizes bikini season is just around the corner, yet many of us have long forgotten about those "get fit" New Year's resolutions. The good news is that your favorite beauty brands are making it easier than ever to look your best both at the gym and beyond (do not cancel that post-Zumba cocktail!) with athleisure beauty offerings.
From Tarte's no-budge brighteners to Drunk Elephant's bag of antiaging and hydrating tricks - and all the no-rinse, no-fuss products in between - you're bound to find the ideal gym beauty bag of complexion perfectors for you and your favorite type of workout. Read on for some of the latest high-tech collections and kits made with the fitness enthusiast in mind.
A Few Rare Glimpses of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews's Romance
Pippa Middleton is marrying her longtime boyfriend, James Matthews, this May, and we've been finding ourselves wanting to know more and more about their romance. Even though their love story has been almost 10 years in the making, the pair has managed to keep their relationship pretty under the radar. Unlike her big sister, Kate - who has shared numerous sweet moments with Prince William - Pippa has only been spotted out and about with her husband-to-be on a handful of occasions. From their family getaways to their fun-filled ski adventures, see some of their rare appearances together over the past few years.
Tarek El Moussa Just Revealed What Pushed Him to File For Divorce and It Might Shock You
When Tarek El Moussa filed for divorce from wife and HGTV partner in crime Christina El Moussa in December 2016, we had a lot of questions, and now, he's telling all. Tarek recently sat down with Us Weekly to talk about what caused his split, as well as that shocking incident where Christina called the cops on her then-husband in May of last year.
"It was a gradual thing over time," the Flip or Flop star said when asked about what went wrong in his marriage. "We were both very busy people with health issues and kids. We didn't fight, we just grew apart." He explained that his battle with cancer took a toll on their relationship, as well as Christina's fertility issues and their miscarriage after having Taylor, 6, and before welcoming Brayden, 16 months.
Although the news of their split was shocking, fans were even more shocked to find out that Tarek and Christina decided to continue filming the show despite their divorce. When asked if it was awkward, Tarek said, "You have good days and bad days. Now we say, 'Hi, good morning.' We film together and talk about houses and the kids. . . . We'll be together for the rest of our lives because we have kids. We need to get along for the kids and for our sanity."
True that! But things did not seem so cordial between the parents of two after the news broke that Christina called the cops on Tarek after he left their home with a handgun in his backpack. As for why she called 911, Tarek said, "You'd have to ask her. It was blown out of proportion. I went hiking in Chino Hills State Park. We have bobcats, mountain lions. I took my gun only for protection."
He said that they went through counseling to try to work things out, but they realized a separation was the right decision. "Over the Summer, I moved out," Tarek said. "We thought it was best to have space. We didn't want the kids to see us upset."
Although there were some suspicious rumors about Tarek hiring a private investigator to check on Christina, he refuted the claims and said he was "done worrying about the past."
So, how's he doing since the split? In addition to saying he's "totally moved on," Tarek truly sounds like he's living his best life. "My goal is to create memories, and I think I'm doing that," he said. "I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. It takes a situation like this, where you get knocked down and you rebuild yourself into the person you want to be. I'm becoming the person I want to be."
15 Types of Single Girls We All Know
Whether you're a single girl or you know a few, everyone has a different attitude about going it alone. Each single lady has her own distinguishable character, so we're naming the 15 types of girls we all undoubtedly know. Keep reading to see if you can put your friends into these hilarious - but accurate - categories.
A Few Rare Glimpses of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews's Romance
Pippa Middleton is marrying her longtime boyfriend, James Matthews, this May, and we've been finding ourselves wanting to know more and more about their romance. Even though their love story has been almost 10 years in the making, the pair has managed to keep their relationship pretty under the radar. Unlike her big sister, Kate - who has shared numerous sweet moments with Prince William - Pippa has only been spotted out and about with her husband-to-be on a handful of occasions. From their family getaways to their fun-filled ski adventures, see some of their rare appearances together over the past few years.
Is Peanut Butter Good For Weight Loss? A Dietitian Weighs In
I caught you with a spoonful of peanut butter in your mouth. It's cool. I've definitely been there, too, and have been known to eat peanut butter straight out of the jar. If this sounds familiar, you'll want to read this before scooping out your next spoonful, especially if you're trying to lose weight.
Let's talk about peanuts first, because without them, there would be no peanut butter! Peanuts, like almonds and cashews, are a healthy food, and a good one to include in your diet if you're trying to drop pounds. These crunchy bites are full of healthy fats that satiate your hunger, a bit of fiber to fill you up, and protein to give you energy. Like peanuts, peanut butter is also healthy, as long as it contains nothing but peanuts and maybe a hint of salt - avoid the jars that contain hydrogenated oil and sugar (I'm looking at you, Jif!).
The one thing that makes peanut butter not so great for weight loss is if you're so obsessed with it, you eat a Costco-size jar half a jar in one day. Although healthy, PB is far from calorie-free! Maybe you enjoy a couple spoonfuls on your banana before a workout, a spoonful in your breakfast smoothie or oatmeal, a huge smear on your toast, and a few more smears on your crackers - that adds up to a ton of calories! Certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition says to aim for "no more than two tablespoons in a day, which is almost 200 calories."
With this in mind, go ahead and give into your PB addiction. But if weight loss is one of your goals, keep track of how much you're spooning and smearing. This goes for almond and cashew butters as well as plain old peanuts, almonds, pistachios, and cashews - handfuls add up too!
Starbucks Rewards Members Are Going to Lose Their Sh*t Over This Exciting News
Loyal Starbucks customers have even more of an incentive to rack up points using the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program. For the first time, Starbucks Rewards members can earn stars on even more products in the grocery aisle - the new announcement more than triples the number of products eligible at the grocery store! Products that earn you points will now include Starbucks's lineup of ready-to-drink beverages (like bottled Frappuccinos), K-Cup packs, and Starbucks Multi-Serve Chilled Coffees.
If you're not already a Starbucks Rewards member and want to sign up in order to reap the benefits at the grocery store, you can sign up here. Ahead, take a look at which Starbucks products are eligible for the program, sorted by least to most Stars points earned.
Point Breakdown
Earn 2 Stars:
Starbucks Ready-to-Drink beverages, including: Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Coffee, Frappuccino chilled coffee drink, Starbucks Refreshers beverages, Iced Coffee, Cold Brew (6.5-13.7 ounce)
Earn 4 Stars:
Starbucks Multi-Serve chilled coffee beverages, including: Iced Coffee, Iced Espresso (40 ounce)
Earn 10 Stars:
Starbucks Roast and Ground Coffee (10-12 ounce), Starbucks VIA Instant (5-8 count), Starbucks K-Cup Packs (10 count), Cold Brew, Starbucks Caffè Latte K-Cup Packs (6 count)
Earn 15 Stars:
Starbucks Roast and Ground Coffee (18-20 ounce), Starbucks VIA Instant (26 count), Starbucks K-Cup Packs (16 count), Starbucks Caffè Latte K-Cup Packs 9 count
Earn 20 Stars:
Starbucks Roast and Ground Coffee (32-40 ounce), Starbucks K-Cup Packs (20-32 count)
Earn 25 Stars:
Starbucks K-Cup Packs (40+ count)
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