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.
vendredi 5 mai 2017
Get Your Wardrobe Inspiration From the Magical City of Tulum
Tulum, Mexico, has quickly become a hotspot for fashion bloggers and wanderlust travelers looking for a vacation. From its pristine sandy beaches (that serve as the perfect Instagram backdrop) to the amazing local culture, it's no surprise that we're seeing this destination all over our social media feeds. But there's something else we've noticed when double-tapping those 'grams, and that's the amazing wardrobe it has inspired.
We've been seeing the city's love of ruffles, pom-poms, and tassels influence brands halfway across the world. Tularosa and Faithfull the Brand have perfectly captured the laid-back aesthetic with pieces that look like they're specifically made for vacationing on this little slice of beachy heaven. We're talking everything from off-the-shoulder tops, striped rompers, and colorful pom-pom-covered sandals - it's hard not to see the influence Tulum has had on some of Spring's biggest trends. From statement-making one-pieces to wicker basket bags, here's how you can steal the style without having to hop on a plane.
I'm French - and Everything My Country Stands For Is at Stake in Our Election
Liberty, equality, fraternity. Those are the values France was built on. But today, those values I cherish - those values my ancestors fought so hard for - are being trampled. They seem to have been reduced to meaningless yet powerful words that politicians have taken hostage in a bid to have us believe that they care for our freedom and our rights. And I have never felt so disheartened.
Today, we find ourselves in an undeniably strange and stressful situation. For the first time in decades, two outsiders have gone through the first round of elections, ousting the two political parties that have been governing for what seems like forever. One, neither from the right nor the left, is young, and some would argue inexperienced. Emmanuel Macron has graced numerous tabloid covers with his wife, was part of a government that failed to keep most of its promises, and is the brain behind one of the most contested laws passed in the past five years. We don't know much about him or his policies, and his past as a banker isn't reassuring.
The other is from the far right. Marine Le Pen has been in the political sphere for as long as I can remember and took her father's place as National Front leader in the stated goal of un-demonizing a party that is known for its negationist views. Everybody knows what she stands for, although she very cleverly has managed to blur some lines. "She isn't the monster everybody thinks she is," someone recently told me. "She's not a racist. She just wants us to be safe." But see, closing down the frontiers, evicting illegal immigrants, and imposing a ban on Muslim headscarves is racism, because trust me when I say that the borders will not be closed to my white, Catholic friends who live in other parts of the world. And no, it will not prevent terrorism. What it will do, however, is reinforce this feeling of hatred, threat, and fear that we already have toward the "other" when we should be helping those who are in need.
Although none of the choices we are being given are ideal, the answer lies in this one simple question: would you rather vote for someone who plays on the fears of a nation, is against LGBTQ rights, abortion, and Europe itself, who is a threat to the freedom of the press, and who will not fight for women's rights? Or for someone else?
If anything, these elections have shown me that my country is more divided than ever. The population doesn't trust its representatives and doesn't believe in what they have to offer. Politicians seem completely disconnected from our reality, at war with each other and using us only to gain personal power. The country of love and culture that the whole world used to look at with envy is slowly but surely turning into a country of hatred, violence, and corruption, and some of us - whether we are conscious of it or not - are pushing in that direction. Only a handful of people seem to be concerned by the fact that our democracy is at risk, and that is a problem.
Now, I am by no means a political expert, but I know that the extreme right isn't the answer. France is a free country, and I wish we wouldn't forget about all the sacrifices it took our people to get to where we are now. It is still in our power to prevent history from repeating itself. It is still in our power to make sure future generations will live in a world where love isn't a crime, where the press isn't suppressed, and where our own beliefs are not used as a weapon against us. It is time for us to make the right choice. It is time for us to make our voices heard, even if it is by voting for someone who doesn't represent our values. Refusing to go to the polling station isn't an option when we are so close to destroying everything our country stands for. Anything but the extreme right.
You'll Be Obsessed With These 25 Expert-Approved Green Beauty Products
Long gone are the days when you had to compromise your health and safety values in the name of quality beauty products. Earth- and body-friendly brands and formulas are growing in quantity and popularity each day, and even huge, internationally recognized companies are adding natural lines to their portfolios. We've come so far, in fact, that when we reached out to experts for some of their favorite green picks, they had a hard time choosing just one.
From the vegan face scrub that is (huzzah!) safe on sensitive skin to the best mascara on the green beauty market, these picks are worthy of adding into your regimen ASAP. Read on as skin, hair, and makeup experts reveal 25 essentials, just in time for Earth Day.
You'll Be Obsessed With These 25 Expert-Approved Green Beauty Products
Long gone are the days when you had to compromise your health and safety values in the name of quality beauty products. Earth- and body-friendly brands and formulas are growing in quantity and popularity each day, and even huge, internationally recognized companies are adding natural lines to their portfolios. We've come so far, in fact, that when we reached out to experts for some of their favorite green picks, they had a hard time choosing just one.
From the vegan face scrub that is (huzzah!) safe on sensitive skin to the best mascara on the green beauty market, these picks are worthy of adding into your regimen ASAP. Read on as skin, hair, and makeup experts reveal 25 essentials, just in time for Earth Day.
How 2 Entrepreneurs Found Sugar-Sweet Success by Age 30
Carrie Baltezore and Amy Ephraim are the rad duo behind CANE, a sophisticated and ultracool sugaring studio in San Francisco's NoPa neighborhood. But besides being the kind of people you feel cool just knowing, they're both smart, inspiring women who impressively each became business owners by the age of 30. One-year-old CANE is Amy's first venture with Carrie, while Carrie has owned HABIT, a similarly stylish SF hair-removal salon, since 2005. Together, they share the fresh perspective of a first-time business owner and the learnings of someone who's been through it before. The biggest takeaway: Try it! Take the leap!
POPSUGAR: What made you decide you wanted to own your own business at such a young age?
Amy Ephraim: I actually realized I wanted to own a hair-removal salon when I was about 23. I was working at my first "job job" after college (G-chatting the day away) and went to get a bikini wax. I loved the environment of the salon - the "girl's girl" attitude, the beauty-insider feel, the happy employees - and saw my future.
Carrie Baltezore: It happened pretty naturally. I didn't think about it as a dream. It wasn't a "maybe someday or let me talk to other business owners and map out a plan." It felt more like the next promotion at a job but with life.
PS: How did you decide you were financially ready to be a business owner?
AE: Is there ever such a thing as feeling financially ready? I never felt that way. I did feel ready to own my own business though and that was enough for me. I saved up and knew I would go through the very adult process of getting a small-business loan. It was complicated and frustrating at times but very empowering. I learned a lot about the stuff that usually sounds like gibberish to me. Sometimes I feel like I'm learning a new language.
CB: I didn't. I just know myself. I'm a workhorse. If I had to be open seven days a week, so be it. If I needed to moonlight at some odd job, so be it. At the time I wasn't married and didn't have kids. I had nothing BUT time to work.
"Is there ever such a thing as feeling financially ready? I never felt that way."
PS: How long did it take you to get the business going after you decided you wanted to take the leap?
AE: Seven years, I guess. I knew it would be a leap and that I wanted to do it right. When I first thought about opening a salon, the idea was very abstract. Sometimes, even today, I ask myself how I got here. A series of very fortunate events led me to this point. I met the right people who believed in me and supported me along the way. I met women who taught me about the kind of service provider and the type of boss I wanted to be.
CB (on opening HABIT): I got the call from a friend saying there was space in her building and asking if I wanted to open up my own place doing facials. I had just returned from my 30th birthday in Costa Rica and didn't have a dime. It was the biggest vacation I had ever taken in my life. I had walked to work that day because I didn't want to waste money on bus fare. It's funny to think about it. No money for the bus but I agreed to go look at a space for rent. At the time there were no "all waxing" businesses in SF. Only corner nail salons or big spas and nothing in between. I thought there was a need for one so I went for it. I worked out a business plan and luckily had two women who believed in me and honored me with a loan. I signed the lease on Aug. 1 and opened on Nov. 5 of 2005!
PS: What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a business owner?
AE: I feel really proud to be the owner of a business that serves my community. I feel so connected to SF and it feels good to be able to give back to the city that has given me so much. This is a city where people are excited to try new things and have a very high standard when it comes to quality. The fact that people keep coming back here makes me feel like we've done a great job.
CB: My clients. They are so trusting and funny and hilarious. They share the good and the bad with me. It's pretty cool to learn from people, about people, all day long. What's the phrase? If these walls could talk.
Amy at CANE
PS: What are some of the biggest struggles of owning your own business?
AE: Figuring out how to get a loan, how to build out a space, how to get plans approved by the city - that was so foreign to me and quite overwhelming. I still can't look at our plans and make sense of how the walls went up. Lucky for us, we had people who did understand and were patient with us. The day to day is wonderful. There are always a few hiccups here and there - the internet is out, we're out of sparkling water - but we're learning more and more and the ship runs pretty smoothly.
CB: Paperwork. It's not my strong suit at all. I'm always shocked when my yearly business registration is due. Or taxes. Didn't I just do that? My reaction to business paperwork is the same as a kid to a jack-in-the-box.
PS: What do you think it the most important aspect of growing a successful business?
AE: Customer service is key. Yes, we provide sugaring services, but we also offer so much more. We are part esthetician, part BFF, and part therapist. Since we are a teaching salon, we are constantly honing our skills and keeping up with changes in the industry. If that means trying bizarre-sounding services just so we can tell our clients about it, so be it. I'll report back after my eyelash perm.
CB: Never forget that people have choices. If you goof up, which you will, just try your best to make it fair and make it right. Great service is about being accountable.
PS: What's your philosophy for being "the boss"?
AE: I definitely try to lead by example and I am a "yes girl." I work with clients, fold laundry, and wash dishes just like everyone else. I also make time to offer my services to the girls working here. We are all on the same team and it's up to us to be supportive and helpful to each other. I take suggestions and opinions seriously. At the end of the day, CANE is my business and I want everyone, clients and staff, to be happy they are here.
CB: Help your staff grow before you. Empower them to come up with a better way to do things. Let them try it out. A fresh eye is usually the best eye.
Carrie at CANE
PS: What qualities should a person cultivate the most if they want to be an entrepreneur?
AE: My only suggestion is that anyone starting a business should love what they do. You're going to live and breathe your work for a very long time, so you should be passionate about it. Otherwise, you'll probably burn out really quickly.
CB: Ask for help when you need it. People are dying to support you if they know how. If you know you're not good at something, hire it out. My bookkeeper is a godsend. Be authentic. People can smell phony a mile away. Don't open a business because you think it will make you money. Only choose one you are going to love no matter what.
"Take the leap! If you believe in what you're doing, go for it!"
PS: Any advice for young women looking to become business owners?
AE: Yes! Learn as much as you can. Ask a lot of questions. Get help. There is no shame in asking for help. I am constantly surprised by how generous people are with their time and knowledge if you only let them be. Your business will feel like home when your community helped you build it. Take the leap! If you believe in what you're doing, go for it!
CB: Try it. Why can't it be you? Usually it's only ourselves that are holding us back. Fear is a big one. Figure out what you're afraid of and work on making that fear go away.
Hailey Baldwin's Bikini Grams Will Make You Want to Book Your Next Vacation
It seems like Hailey Baldwin owns every style of swimsuit known to mankind. Or at least she knows an Instagram-worthy swimsuit when she sees one. Either way, it seems she hoards swimsuits by the drawer full, and we can't blame her when they look this good.
The 20-year-old constantly posts Instagram shots of herself in various styles, causing thousands of followers to hit that "like" button. She loves swimsuits so much, she's been known to play favorites and even double up on certain designs.
We're several months into 2017 and Hailey has already worn some of the hottest swimsuits of the year, which is why we're dubbing her the queen of swimwear. From a peach crochet two-piece to a strappy lime green bikini, there's no style Hailey Baldwin can't rock. Have a look for yourself and shop for similar swimsuits while you're at it.
Hailey Baldwin's Bikini Grams Will Make You Want to Book Your Next Vacation
It seems like Hailey Baldwin owns every style of swimsuit known to mankind. Or at least she knows an Instagram-worthy swimsuit when she sees one. Either way, it seems she hoards swimsuits by the drawer full, and we can't blame her when they look this good.
The 20-year-old constantly posts Instagram shots of herself in various styles, causing thousands of followers to hit that "like" button. She loves swimsuits so much, she's been known to play favorites and even double up on certain designs.
We're several months into 2017 and Hailey has already worn some of the hottest swimsuits of the year, which is why we're dubbing her the queen of swimwear. From a peach crochet two-piece to a strappy lime green bikini, there's no style Hailey Baldwin can't rock. Have a look for yourself and shop for similar swimsuits while you're at it.
This Boring Beige Living Room Is Unrecognizable After a Lowe's Makeover
In a dramatic episode of Lowe's original series The Weekender, designer Monica Mangin works her magic on a mind-numbingly boring living room. The builder-grade space hasn't been touched since the homeowners moved in two years ago, hence the beige walls, beige carpet, and little else in terms of furniture or architecture. Monica changes all that to stunning effect with a handful of DIYs and some surprisingly affordable furniture and decor from Lowe's. Check out the dramatic after shots and get all the makeover details ahead. Then, watch The Weekender episode for the complete story!
American Is Reducing Your Legroom - Find Out How Other Airlines Compare
The last thing any traveler wants is less legroom on their flight. However, American Airlines is reportedly cutting down on the front-to-back space between economy class seats on its upcoming Boeing 737 Max jetliners. Every inch counts when you're trying to stretch out, and these new planes will be cutting out two inches of legroom - from 31 inches to 29 on three rows, and from 31 to 30 on the rest.
The amount of legroom is called a plane's seat pitch - and can vary greatly depending on the airline and on the type of plane you're flying on. Low-fare airlines like Spirit and Frontier typically have lower seat pitches since they are more budget-friendly and basic, but airlines like JetBlue, Virgin, and Southwest boast larger seat pitches (30+ inches of legroom per seat in economy) that passengers love.
United Airlines is expected to follow American in decreasing seat pitch on some of its aircraft. "Fliers will still pay regular economy fares for the 18 seats with two inches less leg room," reported CNN. "Two of those three rows of 29-inch pitch will be in the back of the plane and a third farther forward. These seats won't be part of its new basic economy fares, which sell for less because fliers don't get access to overhead bins, a seat assignment or frequent flier miles."
So, what's a "normal" or "good" amount of legroom? Read on to see what the seat pitch is for each one of these major US airlines.
Bella Hadid's Hip Cleavage Is the New Thighbrow
Oh, the fashion trends the world's sexiest models and stars dream up. From the Kardashian family's "lampshading" to the "thighbrow" they create by striking a pose in their swimsuits, there is no end to the little tweaks they make to their clothes, all to turn heads. Bella Hadid's got a new trick she's been employing, slipping into high-leg bodysuits and tugging her track pants down below her hip bone to create a makeshift cutout.
The sliver of skin is what we're calling "hip cleavage," and it seems Kylie Jenner is on board, too. She was spotted rocking the look with a bikini underwear set and sweats months ago. Of course, it's not difficult to create a leisure outfit like this one if you're into the style. Just scroll to get inspired, then shop baggy trousers and tight-fitting bodysuits to coordinate on your own.
Bella Hadid's Hip Cleavage Is the New Thighbrow
Oh, the fashion trends the world's sexiest models and stars dream up. From the Kardashian family's "lampshading" to the "thighbrow" they create by striking a pose in their swimsuits, there is no end to the little tweaks they make to their clothes, all to turn heads. Bella Hadid's got a new trick she's been employing, slipping into high-leg bodysuits and tugging her track pants down below her hip bone to create a makeshift cutout.
The sliver of skin is what we're calling "hip cleavage," and it seems Kylie Jenner is on board, too. She was spotted rocking the look with a bikini underwear set and sweats months ago. Of course, it's not difficult to create a leisure outfit like this one if you're into the style. Just scroll to get inspired, then shop baggy trousers and tight-fitting bodysuits to coordinate on your own.
See the Places Barack and Michelle Called Home Before the White House
Until very recently, Barack and Michelle Obama have proudly called 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue "home." For almost a decade, not only has this monumental White House served as their living quarters and "office space," but it has been where they have raised two cute little girls into poised and well-rounded young women. And while they have already selected their new home post-White House, we were curious to know where Barack and Michelle lived before they both became staples of American history. Read on for an inside look at their digs long before we referred to this power couple as president and first lady.
10 Ways to Stop Micromanaging Your Kids Before You Become a Permanent Helicopter Parent
It's great to be an involved parent, but once that passion turns into overbearing behaviors, you need to take a major step back - both physically and mentally. Not only does micromanaging your child prevent him or her from maturing, it also keeps them from learning vital problem-solving skills, independence, and important life lessons. Instead of being the helicopter parent on the playground, learn how to redirect those overbearing impulses before your fears turn into anxiety or depression in your child. These are 10 important tips that will help you to stop hovering over your child before they become too dependent.
10 Ways to Stop Micromanaging Your Kids Before You Become a Permanent Helicopter Parent
It's great to be an involved parent, but once that passion turns into overbearing behaviors, you need to take a major step back - both physically and mentally. Not only does micromanaging your child prevent him or her from maturing, it also keeps them from learning vital problem-solving skills, independence, and important life lessons. Instead of being the helicopter parent on the playground, learn how to redirect those overbearing impulses before your fears turn into anxiety or depression in your child. These are 10 important tips that will help you to stop hovering over your child before they become too dependent.
Adele's Makeup Artist Reveals How to Get the Singer's Signature Cat Eye
There are a lot of beauty tricks that we'd love to learn from Adele - like where she finds the perfect rosy lipstick, or the techniques she uses to sculpt her cheekbones to perfection - but her signature cat eye is at the top of our must-know list. Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge tracked down the colleague who created Adele's famous retro-chic beauty style, Michael Ashton, and enlisted him to create a DIY on her YouTube channel.
Utilizing a close doppelgänger for a model, Ashton breaks down every step of Adele's now-iconic look and even divulges which products he uses to achieve them. Of course we're thrilled to finally learn exactly how he crafts that razor-sharp cat eye! Watch the above video to discover his tricks, then grab Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink ($26) so you can practice re-creating it yourself.
Adele's Makeup Artist Reveals How to Get the Singer's Signature Cat Eye
There are a lot of beauty tricks that we'd love to learn from Adele - like where she finds the perfect rosy lipstick, or the techniques she uses to sculpt her cheekbones to perfection - but her signature cat eye is at the top of our must-know list. Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge tracked down the colleague who created Adele's famous retro-chic beauty style, Michael Ashton, and enlisted him to create a DIY on her YouTube channel.
Utilizing a close doppelgänger for a model, Ashton breaks down every step of Adele's now-iconic look and even divulges which products he uses to achieve them. Of course we're thrilled to finally learn exactly how he crafts that razor-sharp cat eye! Watch the above video to discover his tricks, then grab Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink ($26) so you can practice re-creating it yourself.
You Can Never Have Enough Highlighters – So Here are 11 Pastel Hues
Pastel-hued highlighters are taking over your Instagram feeds due to the modern and playful vibe the beauty trend exudes. Whether you opt for a purple-toned iridescent hue, or experiment for upcoming music festivals with green or blue variations, there are a plethora of shimmery, colorful products to choose from. The soft-hued treasures are reminiscent of unicorn horns and mermaid tails and will give you the ethereal glow you crave during warmer weather. Discover the magical picks ahead, and don't be afraid to try out all the rainbow tones.
Interns at These 25 Companies Earn More Than the Average American Worker
If you're lucky enough to score a crazy-high-paying internship at Facebook, you no longer get to complain about broke college student woes. In perhaps typical Silicon Valley fashion, the tech behemoth offers its interns a handsome median pay rate of $8,000 per month. It's enough to make any working stiff long to attempt the plot of The Internship - taking an internship as a grown-up at a tech company because the opportunity (and apparently the pay!) is so tremendous.
While Facebook tops the Glassdoor list of highest-paying internships in America, it's far from the only company to offer swanky pay and helpful perks. Both Apple and Yelp, for example, offer a median monthly pay of $6,400, while interns at other companies like Deutsche Bank and Adobe have mentioned the hands-on experience and access to senior employees as major highlights.
As Glassdoor points out, "The median annual salary for a full-time US worker is currently $51,350. However, if interns at these companies worked a full 12 months, their salaries would range from about $96,000 at Facebook (No. 1) to about $55,000 at Bank of America (No. 25), much higher than what the average full-time American worker earns." Keep scrolling to see the list of America's highest-paying internships and feel that slow, familiar burn of envy.
The 25 Highest-Paying Internships in America For 2017
- Facebook
Median Monthly Pay: $8,000 - Microsoft
Median Monthly Pay: $7,100 - ExxonMobil
Median Monthly Pay: $6,507 - Salesforce
Median Monthly Pay: $6,450 - Amazon
Median Monthly Pay: $6,400 - Apple
Median Monthly Pay: $6,400 - Bloomberg, L.P.
Median Monthly Pay: $6,400 - Yelp
Median Monthly Pay: $6,400 - Yahoo
Median Monthly Pay: $6,080 - VMware
Median Monthly Pay: $6,080 - Google
Median Monthly Pay: $6,000 - NVIDIA
Median Monthly Pay: $5,770 - Intuit
Median Monthly Pay: $5,440 - Juniper Networks
Median Monthly Pay: $5,440 - Workday
Median Monthly Pay: $5,440 - BlackRock
Median Monthly Pay: $5,400 - Adobe
Median Monthly Pay: $5,120 - MathWorks
Median Monthly Pay: $5,120 - Qualcomm
Median Monthly Pay: $5,040 - Capital One
Median Monthly Pay: $5,000 - Chevron
Median Monthly Pay: $5,000 - Accenture
Median Monthly Pay: $4,960 - Deutsche Bank
Median Monthly Pay: $4,640 - AIG
Median Monthly Pay: $4,616 - Bank of America
Median Monthly Pay: $4,570
How I Married the Best Man at My First Wedding - and Learned to Live With a Bachelor
When people ask how I met my husband Shaun, I always feel slightly embarrassed. Because the truth is that I was introduced to him four weeks before my first wedding when I was only 22. Shaun was to be our best man. He and my first husband had been at law school together - although I'd never seen Shaun before because he'd been living abroad with a Scandinavian girlfriend.
When we first said hello to each other, I felt this odd shiver down my spine. It wasn't just that he was tall, blond, and extremely handsome. Or that he was warm and friendly. Or that we were able to immediately talk as though we'd known each other for years. It was all these things.
I'm often asked if I felt attracted to Shaun at the beginning. It's true that I did feel a "wow!" moment. But the truth is that because I was getting married, I would never have considered looking at anyone else. If I hadn't been engaged, I would have been very flattered if he'd asked me out. But he was surely out of my league! I never considered myself to be good-looking; my best feature was my blond hair but, that was about it. I was also desperately shy and hadn't had many boyfriends. Shaun on the other hand, had left a trail of broken hearts behind him - and continued to do so.
During my 27-year marriage, Shaun brought lots of girlfriends over to visit us. I became good friends with one. She was actually a centerfold model with a very kind heart (she looked after her grandmother). Meanwhile, Shaun was a fantastic godfather to our three children and always arrived laden with presents. He also looked after them when my first husband and I went away once.
Because we were friends for so long, we talk about everything.
However, I used to worry about him. He'd make such a good father! Surely it was time he got married? So my best friend and I decided to match-make. We introduced him to her sister and for a whole year, it seemed serious. But then Shaun did what he usually did and broke it off. He was in his early 40s then and enjoying life. He says he was scared of commitment.
After my first marriage ended (for reasons which are too personal to discuss but which were not prompted by Shaun), I moved into a house with my youngest son who was then 14. The older two were at university. It was a very tough time for us all and had come after a great deal of soul-searching and pain.
I found this three-year stage very difficult to manage. Once, when the lights fused, I had to pay a lot of money to an electrician - only to find that I could have done the job myself for free by simply knowing how to press the trip switch.
Shaun and a male cousin of mine were very kind about coming around to help after that. And slowly, one thing led to another. At first, I was really worried, as I didn't want to lose Shaun as a friend. His track record was not good and my first husband (understandably perhaps) warned me against him. But Shaun promised that he was now ready to commit and that he would never let me down. Something told me that I had to take this leap of faith. It wasn't easy for the children because they suddenly had to make this jump from seeing Shaun as a godfather to a step-father.
At first when we first got married, we only lived together for three days a week. This was partly because Shaun's home was in the north and we were still working out where to live. I have to say that I did find this hard but in hindsight, it gave us both time to adjust. I was used to living with the man whom I'd been with since I was a young girl and Shaun was used to his own space.
Then we moved several miles to a pretty seaside town where neither of us had lived before. It helped us set our own traditions as a new couple. Gradually, we both learned to make compromises. As a bachelor, Shaun was (and still is!) very set in his ways. He likes to load the dishwasher in a certain way and I get quite offended when he tells me how to do things in the kitchen. After all, I'd been a working-from-home mom for years!
It wasn't easy for him either - marrying a divorced mother of three brings its own challenges. Shaun had to accept that my children come first and that I sometimes did things he didn't approve of - like helping my youngest when he runs out of money.
But the good thing is that because we were friends for so long, we talk about everything. We're not afraid to voice our thoughts, which is much healthier than tiptoeing around eggshells. He's also always making me laugh. He's taught me, too, to take time out. This might be a long walk with the dog along the beach, a great holiday, or simply watching a film.
At the same time, Shaun is completely understanding when it comes to my work. As a writer, I need long periods of peace and quiet. I will often go up to my study for "a few minutes" and come down some hours later. He never minds.
In turn, I've learned to shut the door on his study when he's playing his loud music instead of asking him to turn it down. I've also learned not to tidy his clothes: he can't bear me to touch any of his things as he likes to do it himself. This took some getting used to, but actually it's rather nice not to iron shirts any more!
Shaun and I have been married for eight years now. Every day is different - never boring! But the best thing that has happened is that we are now grandparents. My daughter and her husband gave birth to a beautiful little girl a year ago, and this has helped to bring us all together. They live around the corner from us and I look after my granddaughter two days a week (sometimes I am mistaken for her mom by strangers!). Even though Shaun has never had children of his own, he is very good with her. His favorite trick is to raise one eyebrow which makes her roar with laughter.
The other wonderful event is that our new arrival has brought the whole family together. Shaun and I now meet up every now and then with my first husband and his wife. Ironically, I used to know her when we were much younger, and I genuinely like her.
Another brilliant thing about Shaun is that he is genuinely proud about my work. He was very supportive when I worked as a writer in a high-security male prison before we got married - even though lots of other friends thought I was mad to put myself in a potentially dangerous situation. He was also really thrilled when my book, My Husband's Wife (which drew inspiration from my jail experience) reached the bestseller list in the UK. And now he is telling everyone that the book is about to come out in the US and that it's already had some great reviews.
Is My Husband's Wife based on any of the characters in my real life? No. But I couldn't have written it without having gone inside a prison and being married twice. I never expected my life to be so eventful. It's taught me a lot. And I am very grateful.
Jane Corry is a writer and journalist and has spent time as the writer in residence of a high-security prison for men, an experience that helped inspire My Husband's Wife, her debut thriller. Corry runs regular writing workshops and speaks at literary festivals worldwide, including The Women's Fiction Festival in Matera, Italy. Until recently, she was a tutor in creative writing at Oxford University.
You Can Never Have Enough Highlighters – So Here are 11 Pastel Hues
Pastel-hued highlighters are taking over your Instagram feeds due to the modern and playful vibe the beauty trend exudes. Whether you opt for a purple-toned iridescent hue, or experiment for upcoming music festivals with green or blue variations, there are a plethora of shimmery, colorful products to choose from. The soft-hued treasures are reminiscent of unicorn horns and mermaid tails and will give you the ethereal glow you crave during warmer weather. Discover the magical picks ahead, and don't be afraid to try out all the rainbow tones.
What You Need to Know About Donald Trump's Disturbing Views on Climate Change
President Donald Trump is nowhere near an environmentalist. As soon as he hired climate change denier and former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruit as the Environmental Protection Agency's director, it became quite clear that Trump's administration would not promote policies seriously aimed at preventing global warming. As he nears his 100th day in office, Trump's energy policies seem to be adhering to his infamous tweet claiming that global warming was a hoax orchestrated by the Chinese.
The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2012
Let's take a gander at just how many anti-environmental policies he's managed to push.
- With one executive order, Trump lifted former President Obama's effort to limit the coal industry. Hoping to revitalize the struggling industry, Trump signed the order which would keep plants open which would have been shutdown by Obama's Clean Power Plan. The trouble is, the coal industry is already doomed; natural gas and alternative energies have eclipsed the once booming business.
- According to the New York Times, Trump is expected to sign an executive order that would expand offshore oil drilling, and release formerly protected federal land to be explored for private interest. Obama had attempted to ban offshore drilling permanently by citing a 1953 law, however Trump will likely try to reverse this despite the fact that the Obama administration believed the moratorium would withstand legal challenges.
- In his budget proposal Trump slashed the EPA's budget by a third from $8.1 billion to $5.7 billion. He's also reportedly refused to hire anyone at the EPA whose research or title includes the word "climate."
- On the campaign trail Trump promised to "cancel" the monumental Paris Climate agreement reached in 2015 and agreed upon by more than 195 countries. It's unclear whether he will proceed with this pledge; however three of his cabinet members, including former Exxon CEO and now Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, have encouraged the president to remain in the pact.
- Although a minute detail, Trump failed to mention climate change in his April 23 Earth Day statement. Instead, Trump has evidently prioritized expanding the economy over protecting the environment as he reiterated on Twitter.
I am committed to keeping our air and water clean but always remember that economic growth enhances environmental protection. Jobs matter!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2017
- After months of protests, Trump cleared a path for the controversial North Dakota Access Pipeline to be completed. It's already started pumping.
- Targeting water restrictions, Trump also ordered the EPA to disassemble another Obama administration policy protecting waterways and wetlands. The Waters of the United States rule attempted to stipulate anti-pollution regulations; with the dismantling of the law, millions of Americans' safe drinking water is at risk.
13 Exciting Milestones Princess Charlotte Hit Before Her Second Birthday
Princess Charlotte been a very busy little girl - but then again, she is no ordinary 2-year-old. When her father is king, she will be second in line to the throne, so there are more to her milestones than first word, first steps, and first tooth. Take a look at all the different things the little princess has done in her jam-packed first two years.
What You Need to Know About Donald Trump's Disturbing Views on Climate Change
President Donald Trump is nowhere near an environmentalist. As soon as he hired climate change denier and former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruit as the Environmental Protection Agency's director, it became quite clear that Trump's administration would not promote policies seriously aimed at preventing global warming. As he nears his 100th day in office, Trump's energy policies seem to be adhering to his infamous tweet claiming that global warming was a hoax orchestrated by the Chinese.
The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2012
Let's take a gander at just how many anti-environmental policies he's managed to push.
- With one executive order, Trump lifted former President Obama's effort to limit the coal industry. Hoping to revitalize the struggling industry, Trump signed the order which would keep plants open which would have been shutdown by Obama's Clean Power Plan. The trouble is, the coal industry is already doomed; natural gas and alternative energies have eclipsed the once booming business.
- According to the New York Times, Trump is expected to sign an executive order that would expand offshore oil drilling, and release formerly protected federal land to be explored for private interest. Obama had attempted to ban offshore drilling permanently by citing a 1953 law, however Trump will likely try to reverse this despite the fact that the Obama administration believed the moratorium would withstand legal challenges.
- In his budget proposal Trump slashed the EPA's budget by a third from $8.1 billion to $5.7 billion. He's also reportedly refused to hire anyone at the EPA whose research or title includes the word "climate."
- On the campaign trail Trump promised to "cancel" the monumental Paris Climate agreement reached in 2015 and agreed upon by more than 195 countries. It's unclear whether he will proceed with this pledge; however three of his cabinet members, including former Exxon CEO and now Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, have encouraged the president to remain in the pact.
- Although a minute detail, Trump failed to mention climate change in his April 23 Earth Day statement. Instead, Trump has evidently prioritized expanding the economy over protecting the environment as he reiterated on Twitter.
I am committed to keeping our air and water clean but always remember that economic growth enhances environmental protection. Jobs matter!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2017
- After months of protests, Trump cleared a path for the controversial North Dakota Access Pipeline to be completed. It's already started pumping.
- Targeting water restrictions, Trump also ordered the EPA to disassemble another Obama administration policy protecting waterways and wetlands. The Waters of the United States rule attempted to stipulate anti-pollution regulations; with the dismantling of the law, millions of Americans' safe drinking water is at risk.
8 Up-and-Coming Brazilian Fashion Designers You Need to Know and Shop
Come Fashion Month every year, Instagram feeds are dominated by the looks in New York, London, Paris, and Milan, but it's São Paulo, Brazil's fashion scene that we should be following closely. The large South American country is home to some of the most innovative designers, marrying traditional and clean designs with postmodern cuts and patterns. This cohort of up-and-coming designers have already landed huge collaborations and impressed both Instagram style stars and fashion editors around the globe.
8 Up-and-Coming Brazilian Fashion Designers You Need to Know and Shop
Come Fashion Month every year, Instagram feeds are dominated by the looks in New York, London, Paris, and Milan, but it's São Paulo, Brazil's fashion scene that we should be following closely. The large South American country is home to some of the most innovative designers, marrying traditional and clean designs with postmodern cuts and patterns. This cohort of up-and-coming designers have already landed huge collaborations and impressed both Instagram style stars and fashion editors around the globe.
The Best Merch From Guardians 2: These Baby Groot Mugs
Baby Groot's cuteness may be the top reason to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Well, that and to hear the awesome classic rock soundtrack. And, um, Chris Pratt's muscles. But back to Groot! While there's a ton of merch on the market for the new movie, I have to say . . . the baby Groot mugs will make you squeal with glee. Those big dewy eyes! You'll lose yourself (and some of your paycheck) when you take a look at what mugs are still on the market.
Tricks to Get Baby to Drink From a Bottle
"I have to get my baby to take a bottle but he won't," says Sarah C. in a panic. She's worried about her upcoming six-hour work shift next week. "I've tried expressing my milk, tried formula and different bottles, but he just hates it," she says of her 15-week-old son. Shakira too, would like to give herself an occasional break from breastfeeding, but her daughter won't take a bottle, whether it's filled with breast milk or formula. "I breastfeed my daughter every day, all day, but I would like and really need for her to take a bottle." If you, too, like Sarah and Shakira, feel like a prisoner because your baby refuses a bottle, the following six tips from other moms may help your situation.
1. Make a Bottle That Feels and Tastes Like Mom
Readers say some babies only like milk from a bottle if it's similar - in touch, taste, and temperature - to drinking from mom's breast. Joyce W., for example, says her son is very particular, only wanting mommy. She notes he took breastflow bottles and nipples better and would only drink if the milk was at the right temperature. "When my sister was helping me, she would have to reheat it after he only ate a few ounces," she says.
To find out if your baby is picky about temperature, Sarah M. suggests moms pump and feed the baby the milk in a bottle immediately. If temperature isn't an issue, then perhaps your baby wants to drink from a bottle and nipple that more closely resembles a breast, Nicole N. suggests. "My little girl is breastfed as well and I had a hard time trying to give her a bottle. She refused the bottle every time and would cry and cry." Then Nicole switched to a bottle called Adiri that is shaped like a breast and soft like a breast. "It's the only bottle she will drink out of. It costs about $15 for one bottle, but it is so worth it," she adds.
Maria O. says she had a similar experience, and had to find the "right" bottle for her daughter. "I went from buying the cheapest to the most expensive bottles, then she finally took the Soothie bottles. The bottle's nipple looks exactly like the pacifiers that the hospital gives you." Meanwhile, Sarah G. says she went through about five different types of nipples and finally her daughter took the Adiri bottle. "My son was the same, and would only take Medela nipples. So I think just finding the right nipple is the key," she shares.
2. Move Away From Mom
On the other hand, some readers suggest it helps if moms not bottle feed their babies, but instead put some distance from their children. "My pediatrician told me that I need to leave the house and not be anywhere near my daughter when someone tries to give her a bottle," Adisalem C. says. Previously, she had always been in the house but in another room, and her 22-month-old wouldn't bottle feed. Once she left the house, her husband was successful in getting their daughter to drink from the bottle.
Shelley H.'s breastfeeding coach made a similar recommendation, advising that the bottle not resemble a breast, and to have daddy or someone else give the bottle instead of mom. She also suggested not to repeat your breastfeeding routine (i.e., if you breastfeed in the dark, don't bottle feed that way), Shelley reports. Alley C. says the person trying to give the bottle should have baby face away from them and sit up so that it doesn't remind the baby of breastfeeding.
3. Add a Sweetener
As long as your pediatrician approves, then some moms recommend adding something to the bottle to make it more palatable. For instance, Mallory H. says her 8-month-old refused the bottle until she mixed formula and a baby jar of applesauce in the bottle. Marcy C. admits she thinks sugar is a terrible thing, but the only method that helped her son start taking a bottle was to wet the nipple and put a little sugar on it. "We tried everything with our son. I spent a small fortune on bottles and nearly lost my mind running back and forth to day care while I was working to nurse him," she says. "The small amount [of sugar] he received was worth my sanity."
Meanwhile, Danielle suggests trying to sweeten drinking from a bottle by using breastmilk. "Try putting [baby] on your breast first, then slip the bottle in," she suggest. "He might chew on it for a bit, but then he should start sucking. It may take three or four [tries], but he can then realize what the bottle is for."
4. Be Patient
Getting a baby to drink from a bottle will take a little persistence, moms generally agree. "It took me two months and about 10 different bottles to get my baby girl to feed out of a bottle," Victoria W. reports. "I found the flat nipples worked in the end, but it was just perseverance. Just keep trying, you will get there!" Ali B. says it took her a year to get one of her children to bottle feed. "All I can say is keep trying, be patient."
5. Skip Ahead to a Cup
If you're not having any luck with a bottle, then by all means offer a cup. Sarah M. shares that a friend's daughter would never take a bottle, even when she was little; she would only take a Nuk sippy cup. Christina P. also chose that route, noting that her daughter won't take a bottle but will drink out of a sippy cup, or even a regular cup. Francesca S. says she tried every make and model of bottles, but her 10-month-old daughter drinks best out of a cup with a straw. "She loves the novelty of it. She has been doing that since 4 months old," she says.
6. Ask For Help
When nothing seems to be working, then moms suggest asking an expert for assistance. Doreen P. says she learned her daughter wouldn't take a bottle around 5 months old, but then started taking it around 7 months old because she was teething. Meanwhile Vanessa S. says a speech pathologist helped to assess her son's sucking behavior and provide exercises for his tongue, and then he was able to take a bottle all day.
Of course, as long as mom doesn't mind breastfeeding, then there's no reason your baby needs to drink from a bottle. Kathy B. says her third son refused a bottle - and didn't starve. "I would nurse him before I left and he would refuse to eat until I got home eight hours later. Then he nursed like it was going out of style," she says. "The sitter said he was never fussy though; just wanted to wait for mommy."
3 Weight-Loss Rules For Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for so many reasons. But you need to make sure that you're doing it right. If you're trying to maintain or lose weight, here are some things to consider when enjoying your first meal of the day.
Eat It Soon
Studies have found that eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism, and not only that, it can help ensure that you don't feel so starved later that you make bad eating choices for lunch or dinner. To take advantage of your body's fat-burning potential, try to eat breakfast soon after waking up.
Go For Filling
Stay away from foods that can lead to a midmorning crash. Instead, opt for meals that are full of slow-digesting nutrients to help keep you satisfied throughout the morning; high-fiber, high-protein breakfast options are a good choice for feeling full and energized. And make sure your breakfast doesn't have too much sugar in it - here are seven low-sugar, high-protein, and fiber-filled breakfast ideas that fit the bill.
Watch Out For Portions
A big breakfast can help fill you up, but you don't want to overdo it. Check out our handy chart of what servings sizes should look like, and keep calories in check with this list of the amount of calories in typical breakfasts.
Gwyneth Relocated Goop's Office to a Santa Monica Chicken Coop – and It's Gorgeous
A year and a half ago, the Goop team moved their headquarters from a barn on the property of founder Gwyneth Paltrow's LA home to an unlikely location: a former chicken coop in Santa Monica. "We wanted to preserve the spirit of our first office-raw and energetic, filled with natural light, very California," Gwyneth told Architectural Digest. With design spearheaded by RH, the space is as gorgeous and gooptastic as you're expecting. Think industrial meets the 1970s meets the well-bred sophistication Gwyneth has honed into a lucrative art form. The star confessed to the magazine, "I don't have a very broad aesthetic . . . I like beautiful materials and nice textures, simple gestures that elevate your experience of a room." Take a look inside Goop's creative workspace ahead, and then visit Architectural Digest for all the design details.
This Unexpected Nail Look Is the Manicure Trend Everyone Will Be Wearing Next Fall
Just when you thought nail art might be waning, New York Fashion Week Fall 2017 has brought it back with a vengeance. We're only halfway through Fashion Week, and already we've seen nails featuring geometric shapes, negative space, and layered colors.
Perhaps one of our favorite looks so far is the pointer finger accent nail designed by Jin Soon for Tibi. At the show, models rocked a bright color on just the pointer finger nail. To recap: the ring finger has traditionally been the accent finger of choice.
"Tibi's collection was inspired by menswear – very clean and simple with unexpected details," says Jin Soon Choi of Jin Soon. "She used a lot of 1980s pop colors in the clothing, so we used that pop color on the models' nails. We didn't want to put those pop colors on every single nail because that's too predictable, so we decided to do only one finger."
Fortunately, you don't have to be a Picasso to pull this look chic look off. To re-create, apply a clear base on all your nails. Then, on the pointer finger, choose a bright hue a la the '80s.
Models at Tibi wore one of the following shades from the Jin Soon line: Heirloom, Pop Orange, Charme, Hope, or Cool Blue ($18, jinsoon.com).
Tricks to Get Baby to Drink From a Bottle
"I have to get my baby to take a bottle but he won't," says Sarah C. in a panic. She's worried about her upcoming six-hour work shift next week. "I've tried expressing my milk, tried formula and different bottles, but he just hates it," she says of her 15-week-old son. Shakira too, would like to give herself an occasional break from breastfeeding, but her daughter won't take a bottle, whether it's filled with breast milk or formula. "I breastfeed my daughter every day, all day, but I would like and really need for her to take a bottle." If you, too, like Sarah and Shakira, feel like a prisoner because your baby refuses a bottle, the following six tips from other moms may help your situation.
1. Make a Bottle That Feels and Tastes Like Mom
Readers say some babies only like milk from a bottle if it's similar - in touch, taste, and temperature - to drinking from mom's breast. Joyce W., for example, says her son is very particular, only wanting mommy. She notes he took breastflow bottles and nipples better and would only drink if the milk was at the right temperature. "When my sister was helping me, she would have to reheat it after he only ate a few ounces," she says.
To find out if your baby is picky about temperature, Sarah M. suggests moms pump and feed the baby the milk in a bottle immediately. If temperature isn't an issue, then perhaps your baby wants to drink from a bottle and nipple that more closely resembles a breast, Nicole N. suggests. "My little girl is breastfed as well and I had a hard time trying to give her a bottle. She refused the bottle every time and would cry and cry." Then Nicole switched to a bottle called Adiri that is shaped like a breast and soft like a breast. "It's the only bottle she will drink out of. It costs about $15 for one bottle, but it is so worth it," she adds.
Maria O. says she had a similar experience, and had to find the "right" bottle for her daughter. "I went from buying the cheapest to the most expensive bottles, then she finally took the Soothie bottles. The bottle's nipple looks exactly like the pacifiers that the hospital gives you." Meanwhile, Sarah G. says she went through about five different types of nipples and finally her daughter took the Adiri bottle. "My son was the same, and would only take Medela nipples. So I think just finding the right nipple is the key," she shares.
2. Move Away From Mom
On the other hand, some readers suggest it helps if moms not bottle feed their babies, but instead put some distance from their children. "My pediatrician told me that I need to leave the house and not be anywhere near my daughter when someone tries to give her a bottle," Adisalem C. says. Previously, she had always been in the house but in another room, and her 22-month-old wouldn't bottle feed. Once she left the house, her husband was successful in getting their daughter to drink from the bottle.
Shelley H.'s breastfeeding coach made a similar recommendation, advising that the bottle not resemble a breast, and to have daddy or someone else give the bottle instead of mom. She also suggested not to repeat your breastfeeding routine (i.e., if you breastfeed in the dark, don't bottle feed that way), Shelley reports. Alley C. says the person trying to give the bottle should have baby face away from them and sit up so that it doesn't remind the baby of breastfeeding.
3. Add a Sweetener
As long as your pediatrician approves, then some moms recommend adding something to the bottle to make it more palatable. For instance, Mallory H. says her 8-month-old refused the bottle until she mixed formula and a baby jar of applesauce in the bottle. Marcy C. admits she thinks sugar is a terrible thing, but the only method that helped her son start taking a bottle was to wet the nipple and put a little sugar on it. "We tried everything with our son. I spent a small fortune on bottles and nearly lost my mind running back and forth to day care while I was working to nurse him," she says. "The small amount [of sugar] he received was worth my sanity."
Meanwhile, Danielle suggests trying to sweeten drinking from a bottle by using breastmilk. "Try putting [baby] on your breast first, then slip the bottle in," she suggest. "He might chew on it for a bit, but then he should start sucking. It may take three or four [tries], but he can then realize what the bottle is for."
4. Be Patient
Getting a baby to drink from a bottle will take a little persistence, moms generally agree. "It took me two months and about 10 different bottles to get my baby girl to feed out of a bottle," Victoria W. reports. "I found the flat nipples worked in the end, but it was just perseverance. Just keep trying, you will get there!" Ali B. says it took her a year to get one of her children to bottle feed. "All I can say is keep trying, be patient."
5. Skip Ahead to a Cup
If you're not having any luck with a bottle, then by all means offer a cup. Sarah M. shares that a friend's daughter would never take a bottle, even when she was little; she would only take a Nuk sippy cup. Christina P. also chose that route, noting that her daughter won't take a bottle but will drink out of a sippy cup, or even a regular cup. Francesca S. says she tried every make and model of bottles, but her 10-month-old daughter drinks best out of a cup with a straw. "She loves the novelty of it. She has been doing that since 4 months old," she says.
6. Ask For Help
When nothing seems to be working, then moms suggest asking an expert for assistance. Doreen P. says she learned her daughter wouldn't take a bottle around 5 months old, but then started taking it around 7 months old because she was teething. Meanwhile Vanessa S. says a speech pathologist helped to assess her son's sucking behavior and provide exercises for his tongue, and then he was able to take a bottle all day.
Of course, as long as mom doesn't mind breastfeeding, then there's no reason your baby needs to drink from a bottle. Kathy B. says her third son refused a bottle - and didn't starve. "I would nurse him before I left and he would refuse to eat until I got home eight hours later. Then he nursed like it was going out of style," she says. "The sitter said he was never fussy though; just wanted to wait for mommy."
3 Weight-Loss Rules For Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for so many reasons. But you need to make sure that you're doing it right. If you're trying to maintain or lose weight, here are some things to consider when enjoying your first meal of the day.
Eat It Soon
Studies have found that eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism, and not only that, it can help ensure that you don't feel so starved later that you make bad eating choices for lunch or dinner. To take advantage of your body's fat-burning potential, try to eat breakfast soon after waking up.
Go For Filling
Stay away from foods that can lead to a midmorning crash. Instead, opt for meals that are full of slow-digesting nutrients to help keep you satisfied throughout the morning; high-fiber, high-protein breakfast options are a good choice for feeling full and energized. And make sure your breakfast doesn't have too much sugar in it - here are seven low-sugar, high-protein, and fiber-filled breakfast ideas that fit the bill.
Watch Out For Portions
A big breakfast can help fill you up, but you don't want to overdo it. Check out our handy chart of what servings sizes should look like, and keep calories in check with this list of the amount of calories in typical breakfasts.
This Unexpected Nail Look Is the Manicure Trend Everyone Will Be Wearing Next Fall
Just when you thought nail art might be waning, New York Fashion Week Fall 2017 has brought it back with a vengeance. We're only halfway through Fashion Week, and already we've seen nails featuring geometric shapes, negative space, and layered colors.
Perhaps one of our favorite looks so far is the pointer finger accent nail designed by Jin Soon for Tibi. At the show, models rocked a bright color on just the pointer finger nail. To recap: the ring finger has traditionally been the accent finger of choice.
"Tibi's collection was inspired by menswear – very clean and simple with unexpected details," says Jin Soon Choi of Jin Soon. "She used a lot of 1980s pop colors in the clothing, so we used that pop color on the models' nails. We didn't want to put those pop colors on every single nail because that's too predictable, so we decided to do only one finger."
Fortunately, you don't have to be a Picasso to pull this look chic look off. To re-create, apply a clear base on all your nails. Then, on the pointer finger, choose a bright hue a la the '80s.
Models at Tibi wore one of the following shades from the Jin Soon line: Heirloom, Pop Orange, Charme, Hope, or Cool Blue ($18, jinsoon.com).
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.
Why You Should Always Wiggle the Machine Before Swiping Your Credit Card
In case you needed another reason to be extra careful when swiping your credit cards at random ATMs, this scary example should definitely do the trick.
Gas Station Skimmer from gifs
As you can see, credit card scammers are getting savvier when it comes to stealing your credit card information by using a small device known as a credit card skimmer. According to PC magazine, "skimmers are essentially malicious card readers that grab the data off the card's magnetic stripe" when you unknowingly insert your credit card into one of them.
The devices are often inconspicuously attached to real ATMs, gas pumps, and payment devices, so it's frighteningly easy to get tricked. The magazine also notes that most scammers will place hidden cameras next to the machines (or even inside of them!) in order to record your credit card's PIN number for later use.
Along with your PIN number and the information cloned from the magnetic strip of your card after you've swiped, scammers can easily access the money in your bank account, which is clearly something we all want to avoid. So the next time you find yourself in front of an ATM or a gas pump, make sure you wiggle the credit card reader, just in case. If anything seems suspicious, don't swipe! Better safe than sorry, right?
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.
These Are 23 of the Hottest Beauty Launches For May 2017
As you shop for Mother's Day gifts this month, make sure to pick up some beauty swag for yourself. May is bringing us tons of fantastic hair care, skin care, and makeup launches - from a sunscreen mousse to an edgy perfume (that comes in a skull-embossed case) and an ice-cream-inspired lip gloss. Keep reading to see which items POPSUGAR editors are loving and using right now.
These Will Be the Hottest Wedding Trends of 2017
Wedding trends have a way of creeping up on you, usually scattered a little bit here and there, until BAM something you thought you'd never see at a wedding is the norm. (Like, remember when every wedding had spray-painted little plastic toy animals?) The trends on the horizon for 2017 include some of these subtle changes, often influenced by social media themes in other nonwedding areas, but some are distinctly unconventional in a way that feels more like a substantial shift than a swiftly passing fad. Quite frankly, couples are doing weddings the way they want to do them, whether it's weirdly outlandish or pared-down and personal.
Here's what we're predicting will be all over your Instagram in the coming months! #GetReadyForWeddingSeasonHashtags
For Stronger Abs, Add This 2-Minute Ab Workout to Any Routine
This group of classic Pilates moves, collectively known as the Series of Five, is the perfect addition to any workout. Take it from Lisa Corsello, founder of Burn Pilates and wholehearted Series of Five fan. "It is my favorite set of exercises," she explains. "Whenever I work out, I do a Series of Five. It's really focused on the core, but your arms and legs are moving in all these different directions, which makes it much more challenging to hold your position." Lisa recommends it as part of any workout (or even just to start your day off right), but she especially likes it after a run to stretch out tired legs and open up your chest. "It feels fantastic," she says. Even better? Incorporating these ab-burning moves into your normal routine will only add about two minutes to your workout!
The trick is to move through each exercise without a break. Once you've mastered this part, take Lisa's challenge: add a 10-second plank, 10 burpees, or 10 push-ups between each move to really amp up your workout. If that sounds too hard, not to worry: just switching up the order in which you complete these moves will still challenge your body after you've gotten the hang of this sequence. Get the quick ab-toning workout, demonstrated by Lisa herself, here.
For Stronger Abs, Add This 2-Minute Ab Workout to Any Routine
This group of classic Pilates moves, collectively known as the Series of Five, is the perfect addition to any workout. Take it from Lisa Corsello, founder of Burn Pilates and wholehearted Series of Five fan. "It is my favorite set of exercises," she explains. "Whenever I work out, I do a Series of Five. It's really focused on the core, but your arms and legs are moving in all these different directions, which makes it much more challenging to hold your position." Lisa recommends it as part of any workout (or even just to start your day off right), but she especially likes it after a run to stretch out tired legs and open up your chest. "It feels fantastic," she says. Even better? Incorporating these ab-burning moves into your normal routine will only add about two minutes to your workout!
The trick is to move through each exercise without a break. Once you've mastered this part, take Lisa's challenge: add a 10-second plank, 10 burpees, or 10 push-ups between each move to really amp up your workout. If that sounds too hard, not to worry: just switching up the order in which you complete these moves will still challenge your body after you've gotten the hang of this sequence. Get the quick ab-toning workout, demonstrated by Lisa herself, here.
Who Will Take the Throne After Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II is the United Kingdom's longest-reigning British monarch, but we can't help but wonder who will take on the crown after her. If she were to abdicate (give up the royal throne), retire, or pass away, her eldest son Prince Charles would become king - making him the oldest heir to accede to the British throne. Of course, he also has the option to immediately pass the crown on to his oldest son, Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, followed by William's two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Even though Elizabeth II recently celebrated her 90th birthday, it appears she isn't ready to give up her royal title quite yet. Sarah Bradford, the author of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Our Times, revealed that she's never even contemplated abdication, adding, "The queen simply feels she must do her duty."
This Is What It's Like to Live With Birth Marks Covering Your Face and Body
"Ugh, what happened to you?" "You're not pretty like the other girls." "No one likes you. You look like you're covered in dirt." "No one is ever going to like you."
These remarks were the norm for me when I was growing up. Every comment hurt a little bit more than the last. I subconsciously hoarded them until they started to become the very things I was telling myself. I have a rare epidermal nevus condition called Phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica, which affects about 1 in 2,000 people. A nevus is the scientific term for birthmark or mole. My case is caused by a genetic mutation, although the specific gene remains unknown. It isn't something you'd see everyday, which was why I garnered this kind of attention.
I might've only been 7 or 8 years old, but I could still understand the magnitude of disgust behind every mean comment. I was constantly bullied in school by my peers. They would make fun of me for looking different. During sixth grade lunch hour, a boy threw food at me and crumpled notes with mean things written on them such as, "You're ugly." The harassment didn't stop with my classmates.
Parents of these kids would tell my mom and dad that I should have surgery to remove them, because I wasn't attractive. Adults walking past me would sneer at the sight of me and take pictures to laugh at. My sixth grade Spanish teacher even publically bullied me in front of class and said, "Why don't you go and connect the dots on your face?" You could imagine the amount of emotional trauma this caused to my self-esteem. I received positive comments here and there, but it was always the negative ones that held more weight to me.
My mom would take many measures to cover me up as best as she could to protect me from the world. I was always outfitted in turtlenecks and long pants. When it got hot, my mom would slather on foundation that was five times too light and too sheer for my skin. I was always running around so the makeup melted off anyway. It was not ideal.
I was taught was to hide and to cover my skin so people wouldn't say anything. But no matter how hard I tried, every negative comment and experience felt like the weight of the world. I hated what I looked like and soon I embodied everything that hurt. I believed that I wasn't beautiful and that I never could be. I briefly contemplated suicide around the end of middle school. If I just stopped everything, I wouldn't have to hurt anymore. I could stop my parents from tirelessly trying to find the best medical care for me, since at the time, most dermatologists didn't know what to do with my case. "Maybe I could stop my parents from having to take the emotional abuse. It would be so easy to end my emotional suffering," I thought to myself. [Editor's note: if you or a loved one feels suicidal, find help here.]
I am now 24 years old, and all I can say is that I am grateful I chose otherwise. It was a painfully slow but steady journey to attain self-acceptance. To this day, I feel like I still have a lot to work on. There are days when I'll cry, but I'm only human, and I need to allow myself to feel emotion. Regardless of those bad days, I know that I will always pick myself up and continue on with my life.
Today, I can't help but tell you how much I love my life and how much I am appreciative for my birthmarks. Not only have they given me confidence in my appearance, but they have also given me the strength and drive to pursue my dreams. I grew up with a lot of negativity, but slowly, I learned to stand up against it. I kept telling myself that they were wrong and that what they said meant nothing to me. I began to apply the mindset of "never taking no for an answer" to all aspects of my life.
Being bullied when I was young made me sensitive. I used to hate that I didn't have tough skin but now, I feel fortunate that I don't. My sensitivity allows me to be compassionate towards people who are hurting and it allows me to pick up on subtle hints that they are in pain. My birthmarks also taught me to be positive for myself and for other people around me. There is enough hate in this world and enough people telling us that we can't do something.
I didn't want to add to that, and instead, I chose to have a positive outlook on my life and to lift up the people around me. When I see the people around me reach success, it's a chain reaction for more great things to come. So I can't help but continue to be positive. I can't express the amount of emotional suffering I went through to get to the confidence level I am at now. I came up with things to remind myself when things were especially difficult, and I hope these tips empower you to believe in your worth and your beauty. You have so much to offer in this world! Without further ado:
1. You have to love you.
This was the most difficult, but most important idea to grasp in my journey to accepting myself. My family and friends were always encouraging about my appearance and say that it's what they love about me. It is what makes me different. What I came to realize was that although the support was strong, I could not accept it until I came to accept myself. Strength at its paramount comes from within. People can be strong for you, but it is meaningless until you truly believe you are beautiful. Once you are confident that you are strong, no one can take that away from you.
What is even more important is that once you love yourself, the negative comments you receive become so irrelevant to you that you barely even notice they exist. You can create your reality. If you bottle up those negative comments and make them a part of you, then they will overcome you. But, if you believe that you are strong and beautiful, then that will in and of itself become your reality.
Something I do to feel strong inside and out is that I go to the gym! I love lifting weights and circuit training. I make sure to work out each muscle group throughout the week. I also rarely eat out, because I love to cook healthy. The combinations of both working out and eating clean make me feel great both physically and mentally.
2. When times get tough, get tougher.
There were many situations in which I found myself behind closed doors by myself, crying because I didn't know what I did to garner such negative attention. I would just sit there and feel so bad for myself. It came to a point when I would be sitting in an ocean of used tissues, dizzy from hyperventilating and unable to squeeze any more tears out of my eyes. I realized that life goes on. It's not going to sit and wait for you to feel bad for yourself. There are things out there to be done. Goals to be reached. Empowerment to be gained. Success to be earned. I bit my bottom lip and redirected my energy into the things I felt made my life worth living.
I channeled this energy into becoming a doctor. I had been exposed to dermatology my entire life and have been fortunate to meet some incredible and inspirational physicians who changed me forever. I also have had over 60 major and minor surgeries, so I have also been exposed to the field of plastic surgery. It's something I want to dedicate my life to because I want to help people through what I am currently going through. Because of my birthmarks and the arduous journey with having them, I feel I am able to relate to my patients and lead them to a physically and mentally healthy life.
So, my lesson for you is that you need to take life by the balls and own it. Find something worth being tough about and run with it. The world is yours. You have to choose to take it.
3. Stop trying to hide it - own it!
My mom insisted that I use makeup to cover my skin when I was younger, but now, all I want to do is show the world that I am proud to be me. I tried to use foundation once, but I looked so silly. The coverage was too sheer and the amount I had to use was ridiculous. I honestly didn't feel authentic. If people look, I say let them look! Let them admire your beauty. In a world where people are dying to stand out, we are lucky to already have that trait.
Though I decided to forgo cosmetics for coverage, I still have products to protect my skin from damaging UV rays. My beauty secret is to use a broad-spectrum SPF moisturizer and body lotion. It'll also prevent premature aging, an added bonus. My favorites include: Jergens Natural Glow SPF 20 ($11) for the face and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock ($7 each), SPF 45 and SPF 100 for my body. I encourage everyone, even to those who do not have birthmarks, to use SPF. I love Jergens Natural Glow for its smell and its self-tanning product. Since I can't go out and tan, this my way of getting some color. Neutrogena's Dry Touch line is amazing because it doesn't feel heavy. I've gone through too many greasy sunblocks and am glad to say that this product line definitely does not disappoint.
4. Be compassionate.
The comments that people make must never define you. Sometimes, people will say mean things that will hurt you to the very core. It's an uncomfortable situation, especially if the topic of your appearance is an extremely sensitive subject. It's important to keep in mind that people are curious. Sometimes they are ignorant. If they are mean to you, it is because they still have more to learn about life. They just don't understand how to process your beauty. Continue to be kind, for they are simply naive.
As I get older, less mean things are said to me, but I still get asked about them. I realize that the questions come from curiosity. It's harder to understand this when it's a sensitive topic, but it's important to be compassionate and to not be defensive to those who question. I get asked all the time if I wanted to get them removed and my answer was, is, and will continue to be: no. My birthmarks made me the person I am today. They gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams in more ways than one. They have given me the confidence and grit to continue my goals of being a doctor. They made me compassionate and optimistic.
I want people out there who are going through what I went through to understand that it's OK to be a little insecure sometimes. I want you to know that you are beautiful and that you are loved, even if you can't see it. You don't have to prove your worth to anyone but yourself. You are already great. You have the potential to be even greater and you have it within you to never stop until you reach success. Believe that your differences make you unique. Be confident that they can change your life once you accept them and love them for what they are and who you can be.
Jenna Lee is currently workong on completing a Masters Degree in biomedical sciences; follow her on Instagram here!
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