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
10 Embroidery Hoops That Make Dope Gifts For Stoners
With the rise in popularity of needlepoint, we of course had to find fun embroidery hoops for stoners. They make cute gifts for all your weed-smoking friends and add some flair to the home. See some of our favorites ahead!
How to Do Holographic Highlight IRL - According to a Beauty Pro
Taylor Frankel launched the successful makeup brand Nudestix with her sister Ally. We are thrilled to share this exclusive contributing creative post from her. Then, learn more about how she started Nudestix here.
Hey, it's me, your girl Tay! Serious question, how many times have you seen an Instagram trend that looks super cool in pictures, but not-at-all wearable IRL? (TBT to clown contouring, haha.) The beauty community has done it again, by feeding our inner unicorn obsession. Meet the holographic highlighting trend! Not that I need to tell you, because you've probably heard all the rage about the "holographic" trend, and probably thought to yourself, "Well, that's cool but I could never wear (or pull that off) to work, school, or for a casual brunch with girlfriends." For this very relatable reason, I have created the ultimate (not to brag!) step-by-step how-to guide for creating the perfect wearable holographic highlight for real life. Thank me later, ladies!
As Her Van Caught Fire, This Mom Learned What Really Matters: The Kids She Saved
That's my van. Wait - that was my van. But my kids are safe and good. I just got a second degree burn on my foot. I am...
Posted by Finding Joy on Saturday, April 29, 2017
Rachel Martin was driving her five kids to the park when she mistakenly missed the turn she was supposed to make, put her family van in reverse, and noticed every warning light suddenly turn on. Seconds later, she lost control of the steering wheel and was unable to brake. As she slowed down and made it to the side of the road, white smoke started to emerge. That's when her 11-year-old son got out of the car and saw a fire starting in the engine.
Rachel shared her traumatic experience in an emotional post on her blog, Finding Joy. After noticing the fire, Rachel knew she had to act fast. "That's when I screamed for everyone to get out. That's also when, in my not so brilliant thinking, I scraped my foot under the burning vehicle in an attempt to snuff out the fire that was burning on the ground," Rachel said, adding, "But my kids were out. And as I watched my van that was the first thing I owned on my own since my divorce, that had gone with me from Minnesota to Tennessee, that had all our stuff in it - go up into flames - I didn't care."
Though her van and other valuables were destroyed in the fire, she learned about what really matters in moments of distress. "We work for stuff. We don't want to lose stuff. But when the stuff gets taken and our family preserved - we quickly realize how much the stuff doesn't matter," Rachel said.
Following the incident, Rachel shared a separate blog post with six invaluable pieces of advice for dealing with a similar unexpected scenario. She's also taken to Facebook to share her story in an attempt to impart her learnings. In a photo depicting the inside of her destroyed van, Rachel reinforced, "You see, I don't see stuff destroyed. I see lives saved."
That's what is left of the inside of my van. The seat closest to you is where my daughter Grace was sitting just thirty...
Posted by Finding Joy on Sunday, April 30, 2017
HBO Is Developing FOUR Game of Thrones Spinoff Series
As the end of Game of Thrones draws dangerously near, HBO is getting ready for its next big series. While we know the network was hoping to get a spinoff in the works, we just found out that it's actually developing four spinoffs. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "each of the four projects will explore different time periods of Martin's sprawling world of Westeros. It's unclear where any of the four fall in the show's universe - meaning they could be prequels, sequels, or spinoffs." What.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, these are just potential series. HBO could decide to go forward with one, several, or none. The writing teams on each new show are Max Borenstein, Jane Goldman and George R.R. Martin, Brian Helgeland, and Carly Wray and Martin. This means the original writer will still have a hand in most of the ideas . . . but when will The Winds of Winter come out?!
Until we get more details, we'll just have to keep coming up with more theories.
As Her Van Caught Fire, This Mom Learned What Really Matters: The Kids She Saved
That's my van. Wait - that was my van. But my kids are safe and good. I just got a second degree burn on my foot. I am...
Posted by Finding Joy on Saturday, April 29, 2017
Rachel Martin was driving her five kids to the park when she mistakenly missed the turn she was supposed to make, put her family van in reverse, and noticed every warning light suddenly turn on. Seconds later, she lost control of the steering wheel and was unable to brake. As she slowed down and made it to the side of the road, white smoke started to emerge. That's when her 11-year-old son got out of the car and saw a fire starting in the engine.
Rachel shared her traumatic experience in an emotional post on her blog, Finding Joy. After noticing the fire, Rachel knew she had to act fast. "That's when I screamed for everyone to get out. That's also when, in my not so brilliant thinking, I scraped my foot under the burning vehicle in an attempt to snuff out the fire that was burning on the ground," Rachel said, adding, "But my kids were out. And as I watched my van that was the first thing I owned on my own since my divorce, that had gone with me from Minnesota to Tennessee, that had all our stuff in it - go up into flames - I didn't care."
Though her van and other valuables were destroyed in the fire, she learned about what really matters in moments of distress. "We work for stuff. We don't want to lose stuff. But when the stuff gets taken and our family preserved - we quickly realize how much the stuff doesn't matter," Rachel said.
Following the incident, Rachel shared a separate blog post with six invaluable pieces of advice for dealing with a similar unexpected scenario. She's also taken to Facebook to share her story in an attempt to impart her learnings. In a photo depicting the inside of her destroyed van, Rachel reinforced, "You see, I don't see stuff destroyed. I see lives saved."
That's what is left of the inside of my van. The seat closest to you is where my daughter Grace was sitting just thirty...
Posted by Finding Joy on Sunday, April 30, 2017
How to Do Holographic Highlight IRL - According to a Beauty Pro
Taylor Frankel launched the successful makeup brand Nudestix with her sister Ally. We are thrilled to share this exclusive contributing creative post from her. Then, learn more about how she started Nudestix here.
Hey, it's me, your girl Tay! Serious question, how many times have you seen an Instagram trend that looks super cool in pictures, but not-at-all wearable IRL? (TBT to clown contouring, haha.) The beauty community has done it again, by feeding our inner unicorn obsession. Meet the holographic highlighting trend! Not that I need to tell you, because you've probably heard all the rage about the "holographic" trend, and probably thought to yourself, "Well, that's cool but I could never wear (or pull that off) to work, school, or for a casual brunch with girlfriends." For this very relatable reason, I have created the ultimate (not to brag!) step-by-step how-to guide for creating the perfect wearable holographic highlight for real life. Thank me later, ladies!
HBO Is Developing FOUR Game of Thrones Spinoff Series
As the end of Game of Thrones draws dangerously near, HBO is getting ready for its next big series. While we know the network was hoping to get a spinoff in the works, we just found out that it's actually developing four spinoffs. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "each of the four projects will explore different time periods of Martin's sprawling world of Westeros. It's unclear where any of the four fall in the show's universe - meaning they could be prequels, sequels, or spinoffs." What.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, these are just potential series. HBO could decide to go forward with one, several, or none. The writing teams on each new show are Max Borenstein, Jane Goldman and George R.R. Martin, Brian Helgeland, and Carly Wray and Martin. This means the original writer will still have a hand in most of the ideas . . . but when will The Winds of Winter come out?!
Until we get more details, we'll just have to keep coming up with more theories.
Watching Prince Royce Teach Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest Bachata Will Make You Melt
Prince Royce is the king of bachata. The singer went on Live With Kelly and Ryan to perform his new single "Deja Vu" (sans Shakira, though), and he took the chance to sneak in a little bachata lesson.
Royce showed Kelly Ripa and new cohost Ryan Seacrest how to do the famous dance from the Dominican Republic. He even got one lucky lady from the audience to dance with him. The hip action he gives will replay in your dreams every single night for weeks. Watch it all go down in the video above.
This Little Prince Beauty Line Is Out of This World
Many of us fell in love with the sweet story of The Little Prince as a child, which points out the silly nature of adults. The imaginative story has captured the hearts of people all over the world, and has now even inspired a Korean beauty collection with Swiss Pure.
The line included a selection of skin and hair care items, eye shadows, and soaps adorned with the beloved novel's adorable illustrations and quotes from the book.
Unfortunately, these products were never sold in the US and seem to be sold out everywhere, including our go-to methods of getting K-beauty, Amazon and eBay. We'll have to admire this collection via Instagram and hope that the next K-beauty collaboration will be stateside. Read on to see the charming products.
Watching Prince Royce Teach Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest Bachata Will Make You Melt
Prince Royce is the king of bachata. The singer went on Live With Kelly and Ryan to perform his new single "Deja Vu" (sans Shakira, though), and he took the chance to sneak in a little bachata lesson.
Royce showed Kelly Ripa and new cohost Ryan Seacrest how to do the famous dance from the Dominican Republic. He even got one lucky lady from the audience to dance with him. The hip action he gives will replay in your dreams every single night for weeks. Watch it all go down in the video above.
This Pregnant Lady Version of Moana's "How Far I'll Go" Is Catchy as Hell
Moana is officially the new Frozen when it comes to mom parodies. The latest? A pregnant woman, overdue and exhausted, belting out "How Long I'll Go" to the tune of the hit "How Far I'll Go."
We wish we thought of it first – the lyrics were just asking to be redone by a 40-plus-weeks pregnant mom. Case in point: "I wish I could meet this perfect daughter / but I cannot break my water, no matter how hard I try." And of course, there's the catchy as hell chorus: "No one knooooows how large I'll grooooow / Thought I wasn't prepared, now my due date's behind meeeee / Can't reach me toooooes . . ."
Get In a Quick Body Burn With These 15-Minute Workout Videos
Don't have time for a long workout? Don't skip it entirely! Squeeze in some fitness in just 15 minutes with these workout videos. Do one now and one later or do two in a row for a total of 30 minutes. We've got bodyweight workouts, dumbbell workouts, Pilates, boot-camp-style, beginner workouts, and even an '80s-themed old-school aerobics workout! These videos may be short, but they'll still have you burning calories, toning your muscles, and getting your heart rate up.
This Little Prince Beauty Line Is Out of This World
Many of us fell in love with the sweet story of The Little Prince as a child, which points out the silly nature of adults. The imaginative story has captured the hearts of people all over the world, and has now even inspired a Korean beauty collection with Swiss Pure.
The line included a selection of skin and hair care items, eye shadows, and soaps adorned with the beloved novel's adorable illustrations and quotes from the book.
Unfortunately, these products were never sold in the US and seem to be sold out everywhere, including our go-to methods of getting K-beauty, Amazon and eBay. We'll have to admire this collection via Instagram and hope that the next K-beauty collaboration will be stateside. Read on to see the charming products.
This Pregnant Lady Version of Moana's "How Far I'll Go" Is Catchy as Hell
Moana is officially the new Frozen when it comes to mom parodies. The latest? A pregnant woman, overdue and exhausted, belting out "How Long I'll Go" to the tune of the hit "How Far I'll Go."
We wish we thought of it first – the lyrics were just asking to be redone by a 40-plus-weeks pregnant mom. Case in point: "I wish I could meet this perfect daughter / but I cannot break my water, no matter how hard I try." And of course, there's the catchy as hell chorus: "No one knooooows how large I'll grooooow / Thought I wasn't prepared, now my due date's behind meeeee / Can't reach me toooooes . . ."
This Weighted Blanket Is "Like Advil PM For Your Whole Body"
Anxiety and insomnia are common problems these days, and while you could treat the problems by taking one of the many of drugs on the market, you can also try simply wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket. The deep pressure these blankets produce is akin to being embraced in a hug, which is said to stimulate the production serotonin and endorphins, naturally calming chemicals in the body. As a result, you'll fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Sounds incredible, right? There are a handful of weighted blankets on the market already (including the Sleep Tight, Mosaic, SensaCalm, and Magic Blanket), but a brand called Gravity just launched a Kickstarter campaign to release the most innovative and luxurious weighted blanket model yet ($279 retail, as low as $179 Kickstarter early order).
"Taking design cues from renderings of gravity planes, we used the same grid-like pattern to evenly distribute the crafted poly pellets to specifically target pressure points throughout your body," the company says. To achieve the perfect 7-12 percent body weight to blanket weight ratio, it's offering three different pound options made from nontoxic, food grade filling. And unlike many of its competitors, Gravity's cover is a plush, ultrasoft fleece. The only downside? Production doesn't happen till this Summer, and you'll have to wait until early Fall to receive your blanket. Until then, soothe yourself to sleep by designing your bedroom to combat anxiety.
The Biggest Mistake I Made Before Hiking to Machu Picchu
Can I confess something to you? I am addicted to adventure. No matter the day, my mind thirsts for adventure the way some yearn for their first cup of coffee. So when I had the opportunity to hike the four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu not too long ago, as you can imagine, the thought of this trek made me high on thrill.
Little did I know this adventure would unfortunately be one of the worst experiences of my life due to some unforeseen circumstances. Let's just say I brought home an unwanted souvenir from the trip: a parasite.
Would I make the trek again? Yes! Machu Picchu is an incredible place to discover in person, not to mention it is one of the new seven wonders of the world. But would I change a few things before making the trek again? Absolutely.
If trekking along the 26-mile Inca Trail is in your future or if the thought has ever crept into your mind, make sure you take into consideration the valuable eight lessons I learned from my experience.
Get In a Quick Body Burn With These 15-Minute Workout Videos
Don't have time for a long workout? Don't skip it entirely! Squeeze in some fitness in just 15 minutes with these workout videos. Do one now and one later or do two in a row for a total of 30 minutes. We've got bodyweight workouts, dumbbell workouts, Pilates, boot-camp-style, beginner workouts, and even an '80s-themed old-school aerobics workout! These videos may be short, but they'll still have you burning calories, toning your muscles, and getting your heart rate up.
Since Moving Out of My Boyfriend's House, Our Love Is Stronger Than Ever
With hard work, determination, and a whole lot of honesty, Jamie Thurber from YourTango strengthened her relationship for the better.
And here's why...
Almost three years ago I moved out of my boyfriend's house.
After living together for over a year and a half, he dropped a huge bomb on me. Something that could have ended many relationships.
He told me that even though he had said in the past that he wanted to have more children, the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he did not, in fact, want any more kids. It was not an option for him.
You see he's 19 years older than me. He has two grown children and a granddaughter, so it's understandable that he wouldn't want more.
But still, I was blown away when he brought this to my attention, for several reasons.
First, I thought I wanted kids or at least the option to have them if I decided to.
Second, I was blown away by the pure honesty that he laid on the table with me that day.
In hindsight, it's a little weird to realize that I was more shocked by the honesty than I was by the no kids thing. But let's face it, people are rarely honest (even with the person they love) when it comes to their personal feelings. Especially if it's a topic they know the other person feels strongly or cares deeply about.
So I wasn't sure what to do with that.
After a couple of days of thinking - and a lot of crying, confusion, and fear - I decided to move out.
I remember looking at him and saying that I had made a decision that I was going to start looking for houses. He looked back at me and asked, "We're breaking up?"
I replied, "No. But I need my own space to make a decision uninfluenced by you."
He just looked at me. I knew at that moment that I had shocked him with my honesty as much as he had shocked me with his a few days earlier.
You see, I knew that if I stayed there, I would have laid in bed next to him every night, loving this amazing man, and my judgment would have been clouded.
I wouldn't have been able to clearly look at my life and decide if babies were a "must have" for me. I wouldn't have been clear about whether not having children was a deal breaker.
The last thing I wanted to do was to wake up in 10 years hating him because we never had kids, and his biggest fear was that I would. In my mind, by creating that distance between us, I would be able to make a decision in the present, instead of regretting it further down the road.
So now I sit here, almost three years later, and I'm still not 100% certain what the answer for me is.
I still don't know if having kids is something that I see in my future. I am, however, confident in the fact that me maintaining my own space was, and is, exactly what we both needed.
Our love wouldn't have survived if I had stayed. He'd been walking on eggshells feeling like I needed something from him that he wasn't willing to give, and all the while I was walking around planning our imaginary family photos out in my head.
Not. Healthy.
But, here's the thing ... So many people do this!
So many people wake up every morning and live an imaginary life with their partner. They are never clear or honest with either themselves or with the person they love about what they want and/or need - or what they DON'T want and/or CAN'T give. They make assumptions that cause them to act and feel some type of way, instead of simply asking their partner the important questions and being honest about their own feelings and expectations.
These people - which is most of us - just go with the flow, never truly sharing or connecting or getting what they want or need. And in many cases, this creates into resentments that can destroy even the most loving relationship.
Looking back now there are two main lessons I learned from this experience:
1. Your relationship doesn't have to look like everyone else's.
You get to create your own reality and you get to define love for yourself.
You can be the exception to the rule. You can move out of your boyfriend's house and not break up. You can move out of your boyfriend's house and not only strengthen your relationship, but your mutual respect and love for one another as well.
2. It's time to just tell your partner the damn truth already.
Walking around assuming things or acting a certain way because you think you "should" or you "think" you know what someone else is thinking or needing is a big giant waste of time.
ASK THEM. TELL THEM.
You can put it all out on the table without initiating World War III. In fact, putting it out there on the table could PREVENT that war from starting in the first place.
So you see, the power to sculpt your life into exactly that image you see in your mind is possible.
It's all in your hands.
It just takes a little hard work, determination, and a whole lot of honesty.
#BeTheChange, friends. You deserve it.
- Jamie Thurber
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
"Motherhood Isn't Always Hearts and Roses," Which Is Why This Ad Is Perfect
"Motherhood isn't always hearts and roses," ends a moving advertisement from Teleflora that is honoring tough moms everywhere. Although the company sells beautiful and delicate floral bouquets, it chose to approach its Mother's Day ad by putting the more nitty-gritty side of motherhood in the spotlight and showcased real-life mothers who are strong, resilient, and brave, simply because their name is "Mom." With Vince Lombardi's famed "What It Takes to Be Number One" speech playing in the background, the clips feature inspiring moms displaying the heart and determination it takes to raise children day after day.
Watch the video to see the ad in full, and share it with the tough mamas who inspire you.
How to Stay Stylish For Life, According to 1 Very Chic New Yorker
Claire Distenfeld is one of those quintessential New Yorkers you'd trust for styling advice immediately upon meeting her on the street. Her outfits always look effortless, but they have a chic, old-time appeal. That's usually because Claire's incorporated one standout, special piece. Whether it's a magnificent pair of earrings or a brightly colored duster with intricate stitching, Claire shops for items that appear "otherworldly" and unique.
That approach to fashion has become her signature and it's allowed her to curate the luxury destination Fivestory, which is located uptown and shoppable online. Fivestory boasts a collection of the latest and greatest in fashion, art, and home goods. So while a quick browse through the site will let you know what's "in," we thought it even better to talk to Claire directly. Ahead, you'll find her guide to Spring's biggest trends, along with general styling tips and tricks she swears by. Scroll for a lesson in elevating your wardrobe this season, complete courtesy of Claire.
This Photo of a Girl Scout Protesting a Neo-Nazi Is Incredibly Powerful
#brnonehajluje
Posted by Vladimír Čičmanec on Monday, May 1, 2017
A young woman who also happens to be a girl scout is the new hero inspiring the internet. In the viral photo, a girl scout appears to be standing up to a neo-Nazi at a protest.
The photo was taken at a far-right rally on May 1, in Brno, Czech Republic, reports The Huffington Post, and was posted to Facebook by user Vladimír Cicmanec. The girl's pose and expression are calm and strong, unafraid of the neo-Nazi in her face. The image is certainly resonating with people across the internet, considering the original Facebook post has more than 5,000 reactions, 1,000 shares, and 46 comments.
It was also posted to the World Organization of the Scout Movement's (WOSM) Facebook page, where it has more than 4,000 reactions, 1,000 shares, and 74 comments. There, WOSM names the girl scout as Lucie and shares that scouts were protesting the far-right rally "to express their support for values of diversity, peace, and understanding." The photo has also found its way to Reddit and Imgur.
Perhaps this photo of Lucie and other protesters who continue to stand up for what they believe in might finally send the message to the far right: they won't go anywhere anytime soon and they aren't afraid.
"Motherhood Isn't Always Hearts and Roses," Which Is Why This Ad Is Perfect
"Motherhood isn't always hearts and roses," ends a moving advertisement from Teleflora that is honoring tough moms everywhere. Although the company sells beautiful and delicate floral bouquets, it chose to approach its Mother's Day ad by putting the more nitty-gritty side of motherhood in the spotlight and showcased real-life mothers who are strong, resilient, and brave, simply because their name is "Mom." With Vince Lombardi's famed "What It Takes to Be Number One" speech playing in the background, the clips feature inspiring moms displaying the heart and determination it takes to raise children day after day.
Watch the video to see the ad in full, and share it with the tough mamas who inspire you.
How to Stay Stylish For Life, According to 1 Very Chic New Yorker
Claire Distenfeld is one of those quintessential New Yorkers you'd trust for styling advice immediately upon meeting her on the street. Her outfits always look effortless, but they have a chic, old-time appeal. That's usually because Claire's incorporated one standout, special piece. Whether it's a magnificent pair of earrings or a brightly colored duster with intricate stitching, Claire shops for items that appear "otherworldly" and unique.
That approach to fashion has become her signature and it's allowed her to curate the luxury destination Fivestory, which is located uptown and shoppable online. Fivestory boasts a collection of the latest and greatest in fashion, art, and home goods. So while a quick browse through the site will let you know what's "in," we thought it even better to talk to Claire directly. Ahead, you'll find her guide to Spring's biggest trends, along with general styling tips and tricks she swears by. Scroll for a lesson in elevating your wardrobe this season, complete courtesy of Claire.
You Haven't Lived Until You've Tried Sephora's 15 Bestselling Foundations
So many important factors go into buying (and falling in love with) a particular foundation. For starters, you need a hue that actually matches your unique skin tone. Then, you have to consider how it works with your skin type. You'll have to decide the type of finish and coverage you're seeking. And then there's a bevy of ingredients and skin care benefits to also take into consideration.
Needless to say, picking a foundation out isn't easy - especially if you prefer to shop online for beauty products. But this is why it's important to do research, and thanks to the millions of makeup-lovers who shop and review products on Sephora.com, the most complicated research is done for you.
If you're in the market for a new foundation, we've rounded up the bestselling options from Sephora.com. These top-tier complexion formulas have all been given a prestigious four or more stars by avid foundation-lovers, and include a variety of formulas for all preferences (including full cover, natural, and powder)! Keep reading to check them out.
A Feast For the Senses! 9 Sensory Activities For Tots
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.
We're all about making learning fun, and for the littlest of kids, that's never too much of a challenge. Whether you're looking for ways to entertain your own tot at home, or for fun activities for a playgroup, you've come to the right place. These nine activities are designed to engage the senses, and many have the added bonus of challenging fine and gross motor skills as well. Happy playtime!
A Feast For the Senses! 9 Sensory Activities For Tots
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.
We're all about making learning fun, and for the littlest of kids, that's never too much of a challenge. Whether you're looking for ways to entertain your own tot at home, or for fun activities for a playgroup, you've come to the right place. These nine activities are designed to engage the senses, and many have the added bonus of challenging fine and gross motor skills as well. Happy playtime!
Karma Alert: Judge Rules That Couple Denied a Marriage License by Kim Davis Can Sue Her
Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis is back in the spotlight again, but this time for some news she's probably not happy about. On May 2, three judges ruled that the gay couple whom she denied a marriage license are free and clear sue her for damages.
This story begins with David Ermold and David Moore, who originally sued Davis, a Rowan, KY, county clerk for denying them a marriage license. Davis refused to give them one, citing religious grounds. The case was dismissed by Judge David Bunning, who believed that an executive order from Kentucky Governor Matthew Bevin made the case unnecessary. The executive order stated that a marriage license didn't require the name of the county clerk. However, three judges on the US sixth circuit of appeals have now thrown the case back to Bunning, stating that Ermold and Moore weren't looking for "an injunction - they sought only damages."
Davis, who originally spent five days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, will now have to face up to the lawsuit. When she first refused to issue marriage licenses, the far right painted her as a hero. Rallies were held in her honor as she was in jail, and when she was released, elated crowds greeted her.
Ermold and Moore's lawyer believes they will win. "We're going to get damages, I'm sure of that," Gartland said to The Lexington Herald-Leader. "There's been no discovery yet. I can't imagine it's a huge amount of damages, but there are damages."
Karma Alert: Judge Rules That Couple Denied a Marriage License by Kim Davis Can Sue Her
Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis is back in the spotlight again, but this time for some news she's probably not happy about. On May 2, three judges ruled that the gay couple whom she denied a marriage license are free and clear sue her for damages.
This story begins with David Ermold and David Moore, who originally sued Davis, a Rowan, KY, county clerk for denying them a marriage license. Davis refused to give them one, citing religious grounds. The case was dismissed by Judge David Bunning, who believed that an executive order from Kentucky Governor Matthew Bevin made the case unnecessary. The executive order stated that a marriage license didn't require the name of the county clerk. However, three judges on the US sixth circuit of appeals have now thrown the case back to Running, stating that Ermold and Moore weren't looking for "an injunction - they sought only damages."
Davis, who originally spent five days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, will now have to face up to the lawsuit. When she first refused to issue marriage licenses, the far right painted her as a hero. Rallies were held in her honor as she was in jail, and when she was released, elated crowds greeted her.
Ermold and Moore's lawyer believes they will win. "We're going to get damages, I'm sure of that," Gartland said to The Lexington Herald-Leader. "There's been no discovery yet. I can't imagine it's a huge amount of damages, but there are damages."
10 Signs You're Obsessed With Nordstrom Beauty, as Told in GIFs
You've signed up for the newsletters. You've set up Google alerts. And that's just the beginning. That's what happens when you discover the vast world that is Nordstrom Beauty, where exclusive (often money-saving) shades and bundles, as well as gifts with purchase, are par for the course. From skipping lunch hour to check out the latest arrivals to ditching friends to attend Nordstrom's in-store events (the tips! the samples!), read on to see just how bad you have it.
Heather Dubrow's New Mansion Will Knock Your Manolos Off
On Bravo's Real Housewives of Orange County, viewers are gifted with a front-row view to Heather Dubrow's sophisticated and often enviable lifestyle. We have known her for years as an actress, a mom of four, and the wife to plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow. More recently, though, we have gotten to know her as a California mansion designer extraordinaire. Avid viewers of the show live for the little glimpses of her decadent new digs now that her vision is fully complete.
Heather's shared plenty of sly shots of the over-the-top and exceptionally beautiful interiors on Instagram, though there's yet to be a big reveal. Until then, these social snaps prove that every detail from her aired-in olive tree to the jaw-dropping master bath is going to wow us beyond belief. So grab a glass of Champagne and enjoy this inside look at the Dubrow abode, and we promise, it does not disappoint.
Al Franken Shut Down Bill O'Reilly Back in 2003 and It's Just So Satisfying
Before Google, it was a lot easier to lie about your success and get away with it. But if you're Bill O'Reilly and Al Franken is on your case, it wasn't so simple. Back in 2003, then-comedian Al Franken was promoting his satirical book about the conservative media, Lies: And the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right and he happened to share the stage with O'Reilly at BookExpo.
The clip begins with O'Reilly aptly explaining how he didn't have to "retract one story" throughout his six and a half years on The O'Reilly Factor. "If I'm going to be accused of being a liar, now you better have something there," said O'Reilly.
Well, as it turns out, Franken did have ample evidence to proclaim O'Reilly a liar - and he does it on stage, right in front of a fuming O'Reilly. Taking the stage after O'Reilly's remarks, Franken described how he heard O'Reilly repeatedly laud his then-show, Inside Edition, for winning three Peabody Awards. O'Reilly was defending the show from being labeled as "tabloid TV." Franken, astounded by Inside Edition's journalism achievements, decided to investigate.
"So I go to the Peabody website and look for Inside Edition Peabody Awards and there aren't any," Franken explained. "Then I call the Peabody people and I said, 'Did you guys give Inside Edition a Peabody?' and there was some laughter."
After following a lengthy trail of sources, Franken discovered that neither O'Reilly nor Inside Edition ever won a Peabody. Inside Edition did win another journalism award, the Polk Award, a year after O'Reilly left however. "Usually I find that if you find someone made a mistake, if you ask them to correct it, they do correct it," Franken joked. "Not in this society anymore. So Bill, I'm sorry to call you one of the many people who do lie in my book."
"See, this is why you don't retract things," Franken bashed. "You just continuously lie." When Franken's comments conclude, O'Reilly attempts to defend himself by silencing Franken, there's a brief spat, and it's clear Franken has gotten under O'Reilly's skin: he's only capable of responding by telling Franken to "shut up."
It's also clear that Franken has a point: pundits, particularly on the far right, have long manipulated information when it benefits them or their cause. Alternative facts are not new; they simply have a new name.
This Pink Lake in Australia Looks Like a Pool of Bubblegum, and We Want to Jump In
It's true - millennials are traveling more for photo ops to post on social media, according to research, but Australia's pink lakes are well worth visiting for the 'gram. Western Australia is home to multiple bubblegum-like bodies of water, including Pink Lake (near Esperance) and Lake Hillier (part of the Recherche Archipelago).
Middle Island, where beautiful Lake Hillier is located, can be reached by a boat tour or a scenic flight. The lake stretches about 1,969 feet long, surrounded by a strip of sand and eucalyptus trees. Scientists believe the water's bright pink color comes from bacteria living in the salt crusts.
Pink Lake's hue can be attributed to the water's algae, which turns it into a soft pink shade in certain weather conditions. Although the lake itself is a sight to see, it doesn't hurt that it's also set against beautiful coastal scenery.
Who knew bacteria and algae could be so damn pretty? Check out the photos ahead!
10-Year-Old With Inoperable Tumor Shares Through Tears She "Wants to Be a Mom"
Anna Ortega is a 10-year-old with five sisters and one brother; she loves to play the piano and soccer. However, when she started seeing double vision during a soccer game, she asked her parents to take her to the eye doctor, and what transpired as a result of her appointment at Phoenix Children's Hospital was devastating for her family: there were two masses on her brain, one of them inoperable.
"It's kind of an interesting feeling, for someone to tell you that your daughter has six to 12 months to live," Anna's father, Ted, said in a YouTube video that details Anna's story. "[The doctor] proceeded to tell us 'sorry' and that there's nothing they could do."
After Anna's initial diagnosis on Monday, March 27, she underwent surgery the following Thursday to remove the operable of the two tumors. Since then, the Ortega family has been seeking other options, as the traditional methods for treating this type of aggressive cancer have a zero percent chance of working on Anna's remaining brainstem tumor. They came across a method not covered by insurance that costs $200,000, and are hoping that by sharing Anna's story they can scrape together the funds needed to pay for the innovative treatment.
Despite this devastating prognosis, Anna has big dreams for her future. "Me and my sister Bella, we wanted to open up a bakery," she said. "And I want to teach piano lessons, and also want to be a mom." Later in the video, the sweet girl shares through tears that ever since she was little, she'd pray that she'd get to live until she was older and could have a family.
A GoFundMe page for Anna has been set up on behalf of the Ortegas. "We are asking for any help you feel you can give to bless this little girl's life and help Ted and Mindi Ortega as they embark on this emotional and financially stressful journey," the page reads. "We believe in miracles. They are extremely grateful for any help you could give on Anna's behalf."
10-Year-Old With Inoperable Tumor Shares Through Tears She "Wants to Be a Mom"
Anna Ortega is a 10-year-old with five sisters and one brother; she loves to play the piano and soccer. However, when she started seeing double vision during a soccer game, she asked her parents to take her to the eye doctor, and what transpired as a result of her appointment at Phoenix Children's Hospital was devastating for her family: there were two masses on her brain, one of them inoperable.
"It's kind of an interesting feeling, for someone to tell you that your daughter has six to 12 months to live," Anna's father, Ted, said in a YouTube video that details Anna's story. "[The doctor] proceeded to tell us 'sorry' and that there's nothing they could do."
After Anna's initial diagnosis on Monday, March 27, she underwent surgery the following Thursday to remove the operable of the two tumors. Since then, the Ortega family has been seeking other options, as the traditional methods for treating this type of aggressive cancer have a zero percent chance of working on Anna's remaining brainstem tumor. They came across a method not covered by insurance that costs $200,000, and are hoping that by sharing Anna's story they can scrape together the funds needed to pay for the innovative treatment.
Despite this devastating prognosis, Anna has big dreams for her future. "Me and my sister Bella, we wanted to open up a bakery," she said. "And I want to teach piano lessons, and also want to be a mom." Later in the video, the sweet girl shares through tears that ever since she was little, she'd pray that she'd get to live until she was older and could have a family.
A GoFundMe page for Anna has been set up on behalf of the Ortegas. "We are asking for any help you feel you can give to bless this little girl's life and help Ted and Mindi Ortega as they embark on this emotional and financially stressful journey," the page reads. "We believe in miracles. They are extremely grateful for any help you could give on Anna's behalf."
The Full, Funky Soundtrack For Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
One of the biggest reasons we all fell for Guardians of the Galaxy back in 2014 is its retro soundtrack that possibly made you feel like you were at a rowdy wedding reception in 1982. We're happy to report that the soundtrack for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is just as fun. The 14-track collection includes hits from Fleetwood Mac, Electric Light Orchestra, Cheap Trick, and Cat Stevens. Listen to all the songs here, and scroll to the end for a Spotify playlist!
The Tearjerking Reason 1 Man Sat Outside His Wife's Bedroom For Days
In case you needed a reminder of what love really means, this photo will do it for you. Seventeen-year-old Mackenna Newman shared a touching photo of her father, John, sitting outside of her mother's bedroom. "My mom has to stay in her room in isolation for her cancer radiation so my dad set up a desk at her door to keep her company and I'm crying," she tweeted.
My mom has to stay in her room in isolation for her cancer radiation so my dad set up a desk at her door to keep her company and I'm crying http://pic.twitter.com/rucH9HfDvk
- kenna (@mackenna_newman) April 14, 2017
Naturally, the photo went viral, racking up over 9,000 retweets and over 13,000 "likes" at press time. According to a report from CBS, Mackenna's mother, Marci, 49, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last October. After undergoing surgery to remove the cancer, Marci underwent a five-day radioactive iodine treatment to kill any other cancerous thyroid cells. However, her treatment meant she had to go into isolation in her bedroom to avoid exposing her family to the radiation.
"On the first day my dad sat outside in the backyard and talked to her through the window," Mackenna told CBS, adding, "The last two days is when he set up the little desk to stay with her."
Since posting the photo, Mackenna has received hundreds of messages of support, but she said it's not surprising to her that her father would go to such lengths to make sure her mother didn't feel alone. "This is how our family is. We take care of each other," she said.
11 New Books Worth Reading in May
You know what I love about the Spring and Summer seasons? It's suddenly socially appropriate to break out the chick lit (a term I use endearingly). Fall and Winter are for heavy books; when I head to the admittedly shady part of the beach, I like to bring a fun, easy novel with me. Maybe I got it at the airport. Who knows? This May, plenty of new books are being released, and amongst the recipe compilations and self-help guides, there are a handful of truly interesting reads. Here are my picks for the month ahead!
8 Secrets From Cruise Ship Employees
A lot goes on behind closed cabin doors on cruise ships. Are your accommodations actually clean? Do crew members even care if you're having a good time? And just how much sex is happening on board the boat? Several cruise ship employees have taken to Reddit over time to spill the beans on what life is really like when sailing the open seas, and they have some great tips for cruise-goers to keep in mind the next time they travel. Read on for details you never knew.
1. There are some major benefits (and downsides) to working on a cruise ship.
One cruise ship employee said that there were a lot of positive aspects to working on the ship. "Best parts: cheap drinks, great parties, decent pay, easy way to save, wake up in a new city/country almost everyday, great way to network, become a more confident person, etc." Employees get to travel the world! Still, not everything is great. There are understandably some downsides to living and working on a cruise ship. "Worst: guests are always right . . . ALWAYS, you have a nametag on in public areas even when you are 'off duty,' always tired from lack of sleep, food taste dull after awhile . . . " Because employees are on contract for shorter periods of time, they often work longer hours (up to 16 hours per day).
2. If you get off the ship, follow the crew!
"If you ever go on a cruise, and you get off the ship and you want to know where to eat, follow the crew. The crew knows where the cheap and good food is, where the best dive bars are, and for the most part the safest places in the area. Don't waste money at Señor Frog's like everyone else."
3. Crew members get VERY friendly with one another.
Multiple crew members seem to agree on one thing: sex between employees is definitely happening on cruise ships. One former employee said he "hooked up with like seven different people myself and I am a shy, average looking dude." Another, when asked if a cruise ship is like a "sea-orgy" where everyone bangs each other, responded seriously with "Yes, it's actually just one big bang-fest." However, relations between employees and guests are strictly forbidden and grounds for immediate termination of the cruise ship employee.
4. Pay for crew members comes with extra add-ons - and it's not all that difficult to get hired.
"We get paid daily wages and some days we work more than others. Only thing I pay for is drinks. Everything else is on them." Depending on what cruise line a person is working with, members can also potentially get discounts on cruises for personal vacations. "You don't really have any bills on board (aside from tourist traps and drinking)," said a former cruise ship employee. "It was relatively easy to get in, but I'm very good at interviews. If you know what you're doing in the field of your choice, you'll have no problem . . . "
5. Crew members really want you to have the vacation of a lifetime.
"We work extremely hard to make sure you have a vacation of a lifetime . . . Those cruise surveys are actually taken VERY serious with our company. I'm happy to say that I've been mentioned ALMOST every cruise I've worked. I also work extremely hard to make sure the kids are having the time of their lives."
6. Cleanliness is VERY important!
If you're worried about sanitation on cruises, fear no more - or at least fear a little less. "Crew had to wash hands entering and leaving the crew mess. Chicken, seafood, bread, and vegetables all have separate freezers and storage sections (and elevators) which are cleaned daily. It's no joke! They have people clean the little grooves in the metal going into the elevators just to give you an example." According to another crew member, the kitchens on cruise ships are, in a word, "spotless."
7. If a crew member gets sick, they are quarantined.
"If they even think you have the flu, you're in quarantine for up to a week. In your cabin. Food is brought to you in a sealed container and you. Can. Not. Leave. Period. The ship is a natural hot zone. Over 4,000 people crammed together for sometimes a week at a time, bound to happen. If the ship gets over 5 percent ill, that's when things start to get nasty. Mandatory face shield etc. Also, whenever anyone gets on the ship, they get a hand full of Purell. Mandatory. And nobody can bring food on or off. They take cleanliness very seriously."
8. The one thing crew members want cruise-goers to know . . .
"The one thing that cruisers should know is that during a port day, the crew are just like passengers. They go out and have fun! On sea days however, they work their asses off to make you have the best time of your life. They really do want to make your vacation amazing, and work hard to do so."
Al Franken Shut Down Bill O'Reilly Back in 2003 and It's Just So Satisfying
Before Google, it was a lot easier to lie about your success and get away with it. But if you're Bill O'Reilly and Al Franken is on your case, it wasn't so simple. Back in 2003, then-comedian Al Franken was promoting his satirical book about the conservative media, Lies: And the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right and he happened to share the stage with O'Reilly at BookExpo.
The clip begins with O'Reilly aptly explaining how he didn't have to "retract one story" throughout his six and a half years on The O'Reilly Factor. "If I'm going to be accused of being a liar, now you better have something there," said O'Reilly.
Well, as it turns out, Franken did have ample evidence to proclaim O'Reilly a liar - and he does it on stage, right in front of a fuming O'Reilly. Taking the stage after O'Reilly's remarks, Franken described how he heard O'Reilly repeatedly laud his then-show, Inside Edition, for winning three Peabody Awards. O'Reilly was defending the show from being labeled as "tabloid TV." Franken, astounded by Inside Edition's journalism achievements, decided to investigate.
"So I go to the Peabody website and look for Inside Edition Peabody Awards and there aren't any," Franken explained. "Then I call the Peabody people and I said, 'Did you guys give Inside Edition a Peabody?' and there was some laughter."
After following a lengthy trail of sources, Franken discovered that neither O'Reilly nor Inside Edition ever won a Peabody. Inside Edition did win another journalism award, the Polk Award, a year after O'Reilly left however. "Usually I find that if you find someone made a mistake, if you ask them to correct it, they do correct it," Franken joked. "Not in this society anymore. So Bill, I'm sorry to call you one of the many people who do lie in my book."
"See, this is why you don't retract things," Franken bashed. "You just continuously lie." When Franken's comments conclude, O'Reilly attempts to defend himself by silencing Franken, there's a brief spat, and it's clear Franken has gotten under O'Reilly's skin: he's only capable of responding by telling Franken to "shut up."
It's also clear that Franken has a point: pundits, particularly on the far right, have long manipulated information when it benefits them or their cause. Alternative facts are not new; they simply have a new name.
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?
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