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
1 Move For Toned Legs and Tight Abs
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kathryna Hancock
Very rarely in life are we given two things for the price of one. Sure, we all see the signs and gimmicks for great value and promises, but how often do you come away from anything feeling like you got more than you truly expected? Not often enough! That's why we like exercises that not only deliver on your overall health but also positively impact how you feel in your body.
We've all heard the many benefits of planking. If you haven't, it's entirely likely you've been hiding out on the hidden planet with Luke Skywalker. But even if you haven't heard why planks are awesome, all that matters is that you're here and you're about to learn how to do one right. We'll get to the two-for-one plank leg lifts on an exercise ball, but first you'll have to master a plank. Thankfully, we asked personal trainer Kendall Wood, CSCS and coauthor of Core Fitness Solution. Here's his advice:
How to Plank
Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios
- Lie face down resting your weight on your forearms and knees.
- Pushing off the floor, raise up to your toes so your weight is resting exclusively on your elbows, forearms, and toes.
- Brace your abs and keep your back straight. Don't let your butt go high or low - keep as straight a body position as possible and contract your core muscles throughout. Hold this position as long as you can.
Now that you know how to do the basic move, let's kick it up a notch with a move that will challenge your balance and just about every muscle in your body - especially your abs.
How to Do Plank Leg Lifts on an Exercise Ball
Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios
- Put an exercise ball under your belly in a lying-down position and proceed to walk your hands out until the ball is under your shins while your hands are in line with your shoulders and your arms are straight.
- Just like with the plank, brace your abs. Since your legs are on an exercise ball, you're going to feel this even more because your abs will be what's keeping your balanced.
- Alternate lifting your legs by squeezing your glutes and hamstrings, and slowly lower your legs to the starting position. Remember to keep your hips straight. Raising both legs in an alternating fashion is one rep. Aim to do as many reps as you can for three sets.
12 Times Sneakily Game of Thrones Foreshadowed the Future
Game of Thrones is one of those shows that you really do have to watch from the beginning (and not just because Jason Momoa is only in the first season). There are so many details that seem random or offhand at face value, but then make sense or explain something several episodes or even seasons later. Here are 12 of the times Game of Thrones perfectly foreshadows what was to come.
7 Reasons Why I Wish I Hadn't Taken My Husbands Last Name
The wedding is over, the tan from your honeymoon has faded and the Instagram pictures of you in your wedding gown move further down your feed. You're beginning to settle into newlywed life. Whether you made the decision to keep your maiden name, or change it to your husband's last name - the choice is a very personal one, despite public debate on the topic. Of course, this entire discussion is fairly new - historically, a woman taking her husband's last name upon marriage wasn't even up for discussion.
As someone born in the 80s and married in her 30s, I felt a little opposed to tradition. While my now-husband and I were dating, throughout the months of being engaged, the thought never crossed my mind about my surname. My maiden name was one I have had for 32 years, and never thought much about it. After we were married, I thought about my husband's last name; I liked his name better than mine because 1) phonetically it was easier to pronounce and 2) because of the nuances of having different names if we ended up having children together. Plus, I wanted to honor my husband so, simple enough, I would change my name.
I didn't really think about how the new name would affect me, but most importantly, how it would make me feel. The road to making a name change was one of the most frustrating, time-consuming and irritating processes with an outcome that simply didn't match the workload. I never thought that a name would take such a prominent role in my life without much more meaning than something people refer to you as. Now, almost three years later, new name or not, I am who I always was - and that's exactly the point. Here's why I wish I hadn't taken his name.
Note: This is not an attack on anybody's decision to change your name. Whether you give your name up or not, I don't care, and am not trying to convince you one way or the other. I am just sharing a personal decision and thoughts to open a discussion.
- Marrying someone does not mean I want to become him.
I married my husband because I love and respect him and because he would be a great life partner. Our balance as two completely separate individuals makes us an incredible team, so why is it that my last name had to be the same as his? Our vast differences make us stronger. And one of those differences, inconsequential as it may seem, is our names. - My name is my identity.
My surname has been mine for the past 32 years and I've battled countless obstacles and celebrated so many life achievements with that name. I grew into a confident adult, lived in a foreign country, started a company; I built a life and a reputation I am proud of. My life is no less than my husband's - so why is the woman's name the one that is disposable? Not to say that those accomplishments and life goals are now meaningless because my name is different, but I feel that the name change was cleared the slate and my life "started over" as a new Mrs. - My husband didn't even care if I changed my name or not.
One of the best parts about my husband is that he does not sweat the small stuff. He never pressured me to change my name and would have never been bothered if I never changed it. When I brought up the topic, he offered to take my surname, like reverse tradition. So changing my name to honor someone who did not care either way, makes it all the less worthwhile. - It's a paperwork nightmare.
If you enjoy filling out forms, waiting in never ending lines and spending countless hours going around to different government offices, then you are golden. But for the majority of people (even with those presumed "easy" name change services), from driver's licenses to passports to titles, it is needless work. Oh and the hassle of dealing with little things like transferring miles and points over, what a headache. Phone calls to credit card companies, insurance brokers, and even utility bills can get really daunting - the list feels never ending! And I can't tell you how many forms of ID I brought around for months, to prove my old self, and then my new self. - Learning a new signature.
Let's be honest, signatures can resemble a series of squiggles, but learning to scribble a new last name can feel really awkward. The hand moves slightly slower after your first name is signed and it almost feels like you completely forget how to write at all. Give it some time, a new squiggle will form. I'm still figuring how to keep all my new signatures the same. - My surname will die with this generation.
My siblings and cousins are all female and if we played this according to only tradition, the surname would die with me and my sister. My parents immigrated to this country and their life struggles and everything they gave up to give me a great life lives in that surname, something I so easily gave up. - The reference of "Mrs. New Name."
A lot of people revel in the sound of their "Mrs. New Name." For me, I simply was confused. I knew the name, but I couldn't get it through my head that they were referring to me. I think I even turned around a few times thinking people were referring to someone behind me. The adjustment period is probably similar to that of calling your husband, "your husband" versus fiancé or boyfriend. Plus the term "Mrs", just aged me 10+ years.
12 Times Sneakily Game of Thrones Foreshadowed the Future
Game of Thrones is one of those shows that you really do have to watch from the beginning (and not just because Jason Momoa is only in the first season). There are so many details that seem random or offhand at face value, but then make sense or explain something several episodes or even seasons later. Here are 12 of the times Game of Thrones perfectly foreshadows what was to come.
10 Years, 30 Photos of Selena Gomez's Ever-Changing Gorgeous Hair
If like us you've been having a hard time keeping track of Selena Gomez's latest haircut and color, this guide will come in handy. We took it upon ourselves to dig deep in the archives of Selena's beauty looks of years past, all the way to her Disney star days. What we found were 30 different hair changes that included rainbow streaks, waist-length hair, lots of bobs and lobs, and even a blond moment. Scroll ahead to see Selena's outstanding hair evolution.
15 Beer-Based Latin Cocktails That'll Quench Your Thirst
It's no secret that beer and nice weather go together like chips and guacamole. But if, for your next warm-weather party, you want a more unique offering than just setting out a cooler full of bottles and an opener, get fancy with a beer cocktail or two. From fruity shandies to favorites like margaritas and mojitos with a touch of brew, we've got you covered.
25 Must-Know Tips For Runners
If you've been itching to take up running, there's no time like the present! Keep these running tips in mind the next time you head out for a confident and effective workout.
25 Must-Know Tips For Runners
If you've been itching to take up running, there's no time like the present! Keep these running tips in mind the next time you head out for a confident and effective workout.
Take Our 2017 Summer Happiness Challenge!
If you're not smiling all Summer long, are you doing life right? The season is basically synonymous with happiness, so make the most of it. We have created a challenge for you - try to complete all of the following tasks by the end of the Summer. Doing these things will make you feel joyful and fulfilled, no doubt. Think you can do it? There's no better time to start than now!
- Have a picnic with your best friends.
- Meditate outdoors.
- Run through sprinklers.
- Make ice cream.
- Stock up on fresh food at the farmer's market.
- Go roller skating.
- Chill out on a pool float.
- Visit a national park.
- Fly a kite.
- Fill out a coloring book.
- Create your own boozy popsicles.
- Go to a fair or carnival.
- Give yourself a facial.
- Blow bubbles.
- See a movie in theaters.
- Take a day off work just to relax.
- Take a road trip by yourself.
- Pick flowers and display them in your home.
- Visit the zoo.
- Have a yoga session at sunset.
- Relax in a hammock.
- Draw with sidewalk chalk.
- Make time to read at least one book.
- Blast the radio.
- Take an early morning walk.
- Pick berries.
- Treat yourself to a massage.
- Buy a minipool and use it.
- Wear your favorite Summer outfit.
- Stargaze.
- Roast marshmallows.
- Collect seashells.
- Spend a day in your favorite part of town.
- Go canoeing.
- Send someone a postcard.
- Make your own seasonal playlist.
- Remind yourself of one great thing you've done each day.
The Ultimate Indie Rock Wedding Playlist
If you're the type of person whose music tastes are a little more eclectic, chances are you're looking for some indie rock songs to play at your wedding. Luckily, we've got you covered so you don't have to search through Spotify to compile the perfect guide. Ahead, you'll find love tunes from your favorite bands and lesser-known names you might not be familiar with. Some are romantic enough for the first dance, and others are a bit more upbeat for other parts of the event. Listen to each song and, if you need more inspiration, check out even more wedding music ideas.
10 Years, 30 Photos of Selena Gomez's Ever-Changing Gorgeous Hair
If like us you've been having a hard time keeping track of Selena Gomez's latest haircut and color, this guide will come in handy. We took it upon ourselves to dig deep in the archives of Selena's beauty looks of years past, all the way to her Disney star days. What we found were 30 different hair changes that included rainbow streaks, waist-length hair, lots of bobs and lobs, and even a blond moment. Scroll ahead to see Selena's outstanding hair evolution.
15 Beer-Based Latin Cocktails That'll Quench Your Thirst
It's no secret that beer and nice weather go together like chips and guacamole. But if, for your next warm-weather party, you want a more unique offering than just setting out a cooler full of bottles and an opener, get fancy with a beer cocktail or two. From fruity shandies to favorites like margaritas and mojitos with a touch of brew, we've got you covered.
The Ultimate Indie Rock Wedding Playlist
If you're the type of person whose music tastes are a little more eclectic, chances are you're looking for some indie rock songs to play at your wedding. Luckily, we've got you covered so you don't have to search through Spotify to compile the perfect guide. Ahead, you'll find love tunes from your favorite bands and lesser-known names you might not be familiar with. Some are romantic enough for the first dance, and others are a bit more upbeat for other parts of the event. Listen to each song and, if you need more inspiration, check out even more wedding music ideas.
8 Upcoming Romantic Comedies You'll Actually Want to See
We've long been bemoaning the lack of new romantic comedies, but now it's time to celebrate the ones that are coming. There are a handful of under-the-radar rom-coms coming to the big screen this year, and there will probably be more to add to the list in the coming months. For now, take a look at these eight films with seriously sweet potential. (And if you missed any of last year's romantic comedies, now is the time to watch them from home!)
Stop Everything: There's a Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Lip Balm
If you'll drive all the way to Red Lobster just to get some buttery Cheddar Bay Biscuits in your belly and then beg the waiter for a bag of them to go, you're about to lose your garlic-loving mind. The cult-favorite snack is turning 25, and the seafood chain knows just how to throw it the party it deserves.
Red Lobster is offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience of owning a limited-edition Cheddar Bay Biscuit-flavored lip balm. That's right, if you are one of the incredibly lucky winners, you'll be able to taste the delicious flavor of your beloved biscuits every time you apply it to your lips.
If you're itching to get your hands on one of these buttery balms, all you have to do is register for the Fresh Catch Club by 5 p.m. on May 8. When you receive your email on May 8, follow the instructions listed, and wait for Red Lobster to randomly select 250 winners to score lip balms as well as t-shirts, foam biscuits, and even magnets.
Not only does this lippie smell remarkably like the cheesy goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits, but the balm is also cruelty-free and all-natural, so you know the balm will become one of your favorites. Mark your calendars for May 8 - and may the odds be ever in your favor.
8 Upcoming Romantic Comedies You'll Actually Want to See
We've long been bemoaning the lack of new romantic comedies, but now it's time to celebrate the ones that are coming. There are a handful of under-the-radar rom-coms coming to the big screen this year, and there will probably be more to add to the list in the coming months. For now, take a look at these eight films with seriously sweet potential. (And if you missed any of last year's romantic comedies, now is the time to watch them from home!)
The Huda Beauty Lip Strobes Are Almost Here - See Them in Action
If you've been freaking out over the Huda Beauty Lip Strobes, you're not alone. Huda Kattan has been teasing her new product for weeks now, and we couldn't wait to get a first look at some swatches. She officially unveiled the products on Instagram, and they did not disappoint.
Her post revealed that the 12 shades will be available in June, and she accompanied the reveal with some swatches on her Instagram story. The shades are ultra shimmery and transform her lipstick from a matte finish to a metallic one. Huda went on to show that you can also use the Lip Strobes as liquid eye shadow and applied the shade Fearless to her lids, creating a gorgeous rosy eye look.
We can't wait to pick up these versatile products, but the official release date hasn't been announced yet. We're hoping that Huda posts even more sneak peeks of the product in the meantime, because we're eager to see all of the colors in action.
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.
How to Find Your Own Bra Size Right at Home
Despite what you might have heard, girl, you do not have to go to the store to get fitted for a bra. You can find your true number right at home using a simple strip of measuring tape. We tapped lingerie pro Jenny Altman of I Love a Good and Soma to break down the ridiculously easy steps. Below, you'll find a fast, simple guide to uncovering your number, along with a video of Jenny breaking down the process. Now all you've got to do is go out and buy yourself a bra - then learn the proper way to care for it.
Step 1
Put on a good bra, nothing with padding or compression. Grab your measuring tape (not a metal one) and stand before your mirror. (Take a deep breath and remember nobody else can see this!) Wrap the measuring tape firmly around your rib cage, just around your bra band, and make sure it's parallel to the floor all the way around. This helps to determine your band size. Round up to the nearest even number of inches to arrive at measurement A.
Step 2
Shimmy your measuring tape up a few inches. You want it to be around your body at the fullest point of your breasts, again making sure the tape is parallel to the floor all the way around. Round up to the nearest number of inches. This is to determine your cup size, or measurement B.
Step 3
Take measurement A and subtract it from measurement B. For example, let's say measurement A is 34 and measurement B is 38. 38-34=4. Then, apply that number to this scale to determine your cup size: 1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, 5=DD/E, 6=F, and so on. The cup size for our example would be D. If you want the math done for you, try Soma's bra fit calculator.
Step 4
Put your two numbers together. In this case, our bra size would be 34D.
Now that you have your number, you're done with an at-home fitting. Keep in mind that this number/cup size is just your starting point. Just like with jeans, different brands and styles will not fit the same.
How to Find Your Own Bra Size Right at Home
Despite what you might have heard, girl, you do not have to go to the store to get fitted for a bra. You can find your true number right at home using a simple strip of measuring tape. We tapped lingerie pro Jenny Altman of I Love a Good and Soma to break down the ridiculously easy steps. Below, you'll find a fast, simple guide to uncovering your number, along with a video of Jenny breaking down the process. Now all you've got to do is go out and buy yourself a bra - then learn the proper way to care for it.
Step 1
Put on a good bra, nothing with padding or compression. Grab your measuring tape (not a metal one) and stand before your mirror. (Take a deep breath and remember nobody else can see this!) Wrap the measuring tape firmly around your rib cage, just around your bra band, and make sure it's parallel to the floor all the way around. This helps to determine your band size. Round up to the nearest even number of inches to arrive at measurement A.
Step 2
Shimmy your measuring tape up a few inches. You want it to be around your body at the fullest point of your breasts, again making sure the tape is parallel to the floor all the way around. Round up to the nearest number of inches. This is to determine your cup size, or measurement B.
Step 3
Take measurement A and subtract it from measurement B. For example, let's say measurement A is 34 and measurement B is 38. 38-34=4. Then, apply that number to this scale to determine your cup size: 1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, 5=DD/E, 6=F, and so on. The cup size for our example would be D. If you want the math done for you, try Soma's bra fit calculator.
Step 4
Put your two numbers together. In this case, our bra size would be 34D.
Now that you have your number, you're done with an at-home fitting. Keep in mind that this number/cup size is just your starting point. Just like with jeans, different brands and styles will not fit the same.
Stop Everything: There's a Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Lip Balm
If you'll drive all the way to Red Lobster just to get some buttery Cheddar Bay Biscuits in your belly and then beg the waiter for a bag of them to go, you're about to lose your garlic-loving mind. The cult-favorite snack is turning 25, and the seafood chain knows just how to throw it the party it deserves.
Red Lobster is offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience of owning a limited-edition Cheddar Bay Biscuit-flavored lip balm. That's right, if you are one of the incredibly lucky winners, you'll be able to taste the delicious flavor of your beloved biscuits every time you apply it to your lips.
If you're itching to get your hands on one of these buttery balms, all you have to do is register for the Fresh Catch Club by 5 p.m. on May 8. When you receive your email on May 8, follow the instructions listed, and wait for Red Lobster to randomly select 250 winners to score lip balms as well as t-shirts, foam biscuits, and even magnets.
Not only does this lippie smell remarkably like the cheesy goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits, but the balm is also cruelty-free and all-natural, so you know the balm will become one of your favorites. Mark your calendars for May 8 - and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Nicole Richie's Man Chest Outfit on Lip Sync Battle Can't Be Unseen
Nicole Richie pulled out all the stops when she competed against John Michael Higgins during Thursday night's Lip Sync Battle. While her Great News costar performed a groovy version of Tom Jones's "It's Not Unusual" (complete with the world's tightest pants), Nicole really stole the show with her Marky Mark impression. Singing "Good Vibrations" by Mark Wahlberg's hip-hop group, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, she threw it back to the '90s with a muscle t-shirt, baggy jeans, and a lot of pelvic thrusts. We definitely think Mark would be proud of those moves.
This Choreography to Ricky Martin's "Vente Pa' Ca" Will Have You Up and Dancing
The ladies and gentleman of FitDance Life know exactly what you all want to do every time you hear Ricky Martin and Maluma's "Vente Pa' Ca." This choreography to the song is amazing because you will work out every part of your body. After practicing, your booty and abs are definitely going to be in much better shape.
The routine is easy to follow because it's all about repetition and getting comfortable with doing all of the moves. You will probably break a sweat, but you will feel sexy doing it because these moves are hot. See for yourself in the video above.
This Choreography to Ricky Martin's "Vente Pa' Ca" Will Have You Up and Dancing
The ladies and gentleman of FitDance Life know exactly what you all want to do every time you hear Ricky Martin and Maluma's "Vente Pa' Ca." This choreography to the song is amazing because you will work out every part of your body. After practicing, your booty and abs are definitely going to be in much better shape.
The routine is easy to follow because it's all about repetition and getting comfortable with doing all of the moves. You will probably break a sweat, but you will feel sexy doing it because these moves are hot. See for yourself in the video above.
Forever 21 Enlisted a Designer to Solve All Your Bridesmaid Dress Problems
Till recently, dropping $200 on a bridesmaid dress you probably would never wear again felt like the fate of any woman in her friend's wedding party. Fortunately, retailers have wised up to the age-old dilemma and helped to reinvent the bridesmaid dress game with affordable options you might actually wear beyond the big day. That's exactly what Forever 21's up to with their new collaboration, which tapped designer Rory Beca to created a pretty capsule of dresses that ring in between $68-$78, and flatter all body types. A glance at the lineup, available May 8, and you'll know all the makings of a great bridesmaid's dress are there - elegant silhouettes and a soft color palette - for a lot less than you're used to. Read on for a first glimpse of the collection, then go ahead and do all your girls a solid and pass it along to all the brides-to-be out there.
Forever 21 Enlisted a Designer to Solve All Your Bridesmaid Dress Problems
Till recently, dropping $200 on a bridesmaid dress you probably would never wear again felt like the fate of any woman in her friend's wedding party. Fortunately, retailers have wised up to the age-old dilemma and helped to reinvent the bridesmaid dress game with affordable options you might actually wear beyond the big day. That's exactly what Forever 21's up to with their new collaboration, which tapped designer Rory Beca to created a pretty capsule of dresses that ring in between $68-$78, and flatter all body types. A glance at the lineup, available May 8, and you'll know all the makings of a great bridesmaid's dress are there - elegant silhouettes and a soft color palette - for a lot less than you're used to. Read on for a first glimpse of the collection, then go ahead and do all your girls a solid and pass it along to all the brides-to-be out there.
Asia Kate Dillon Is the Change-Makers the Beauty Industry Has Been Waiting For
In a Trump presidency era, where many social issues seem to be moving backwards in time, it's more important than ever to celebrate the change-makers breaking barriers. Actor Asia Kate Dillon is one of those leaders, whose initiatives to normalize non-binary gender identity in Hollywood is rewriting history. (FYI, non-binary gender means a person is not exclusively male or female and would use the pronoun "they" instead of "him" or "her.")
Asia is credited for playing the first genderqueer character in a mainstream TV show for their role of Taylor Mason in Showtime's Billions. Off-screen, Asia also identifies as gender fluid.
"My assigned sex is Female," Asia recently clarified on Twitter. "My gender identity is Non-binary. Anatomy and biology are complicated. I said sex, only as in anatomy...Sex is between legs. Identity is between ears."
This year, Asia made headlines made headlines when they submitted their name for an Emmy Award and choose "actor" instead of "actress," because the former is a more gender-neutral word. The public move to push gender boundaries prompted MTV to combine previously male-and-female-separated categories. And Asia will take the stage to present the best Actor in a Movie.
"I'm proud of MTV for joining the conversation about breaking down binaries," Asia told W. "Binaries whether it be man or woman or black or white, they were created to separate us, to create an us and a them. Without binaries, there's only us. Which means we're actually all equal. So to be presenting the first acting award in history that is based solely on performance and not on sex or gender identity is an historic moment and it's a moment that will go down in history and that is a history I share not only with my family, friends and coworkers, but with all the trans, non-binary and gender-non-conforming people, particularly people of color, who have been leading the way for change long before I was born."
But that is not the only reason we want to watch Asia. They're also a beauty inspiration - rocking a badass shaved head, seriously gorgeous eyebrows, flawless skin, and unique tattoos. If their career keeps up (Asia has also appeared in Orange Is the New Black, Younger, and Master of None), landing a beauty campaign is only a matter of time. Oh, and if you were wondering, Asia told Ellen Degeneres her romantic partner identifies as male.
Keep reading to see more reasons why Asia is our latest beauty idol.
How to Prepare For a Scheduled C-Section
One in every three babies birthed in the United States is now born via C-section, making the procedure the most common operation in American hospitals. Though women have C-sections for many reasons, approximately 40 percent of the procedures are performed on women who already gave birth via Cesarean - meaning many of the births are scheduled in advance.
Knowing you are giving birth on a certain date and time gives an expectant mama plenty of time to prepare for her baby's impending arrival. Here are eight things she can do to prepare for the big day. And don't forget to check out what to pack and what to expect after your surgery.
Asia Kate Dillon Is the Change-Maker the Beauty Industry Has Been Waiting For
In a Donald Trump presidency era, where many social issues seem to be moving backwards in time, it's more important than ever to celebrate the change-makers breaking barriers. Actor Asia Kate Dillon is one of those leaders, whose initiatives to normalize nonbinary gender identity in Hollywood are rewriting history. (FYI, nonbinary gender means a person is not exclusively male or female and would usually use the pronoun "they" instead of "him" or "her.")
Asia is credited for playing the first genderqueer character in a mainstream TV show for their role of Taylor Mason in Showtime's Billions. Off-screen, Asia also identifies as genderfluid.
"My assigned sex is Female," Asia recently clarified on Twitter. "My gender identity is Non-binary. Anatomy and biology are complicated. I said sex, only as in anatomy . . . Sex is between legs. Identity is between ears."
This year, Asia made headlines when they submitted their name for an Emmy Award and choose "actor" instead of "actress," because the former is a more gender-neutral word. The public move to push gender boundaries prompted MTV to combine previously male-and-female-separated categories. And Asia will take the stage to present the award for best actor in a movie.
"I'm proud of MTV for joining the conversation about breaking down binaries," Asia told W. "Binaries, whether it be man or woman or black or white, they were created to separate us, to create an us and a them. Without binaries, there's only us. Which means we're actually all equal. So to be presenting the first acting award in history that is based solely on performance and not on sex or gender identity is a historic moment and it's a moment that will go down in history, and that is a history I share not only with my family, friends and coworkers, but with all the trans, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people, particularly people of color, who have been leading the way for change long before I was born."
But that is not the only reason we want to watch Asia. They're also a beauty inspiration - rocking a badass shaved head, seriously gorgeous eyebrows, flawless skin, and unique tattoos. If their career keeps up (Asia has also appeared in Orange Is the New Black, Younger, and Master of None), landing a beauty campaign is only a matter of time. Oh, and if you were wondering, Asia told Ellen DeGeneres their romantic partner identifies as male.
Keep reading to see more reasons why Asia is our latest beauty idol.
The Bachelor's Ben and Lauren Will Host Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings Special
Brace yourselves, The Bachelor and Disney fans: Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell are set to cohost an upcoming TV special, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. Airing on Freeform on Sunday, May 7, the TV special will highlight details and decor from Disney weddings plus behind-the-scenes moments from Disney honeymoons, engagements, and weddings at locations across the globe. Hmm, over-the-top, magical, romantic moments? Yeah, that sounds like something Ben and Lauren can handle.
Important question, though: Will they be getting hosting tips from Chris Harrison? And will there be hot tubs and roses?
Guardians of the Galaxy 2: What Mantis Looks Like Without Her Antennae
Part of what makes the Guardians of the Galaxy films so great is not only the amazing soundtracks, but also the galactic superhero films' collection of hilarious, unique characters (Baby Groot, we're looking at you). On top of the usual suspects, the sequel features a few new faces. One of the most memorable is Mantis, played by French actress Pom Klementieff. Some of the movie's best moments are between the socially awkward empath, who's introduced as a employee of Ego the Living Planet (Kurt Russell), and Dave Bautista's brutally honest Drax. Wondering where you've seen her before?
The 31-year-old actress is from Quebec, where she got her start on the silver screen in a few French-language projects like 2007's Après lui and the 2009 miniseries Pigalle, la nuit. She continued appearing in French films and TV shows until 2013, when she scored the role of Haeng-Bok in the 2013 remake of Old Boy (below).
Since then, her résumé has favored low-key films (like the 2015 thriller Hacker's Game opposite 13 Reasons Why star Ross Butler) and the recent indie comedy Ingrid Goes West alongside Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen, which is due out this Summer. If you loved her in Guardians (and how could you not?!), there's luckily more Mantis in all of our futures; she'll reprise her role when Star-Lord and company join up with the rest of the Marvel superheroes in 2018's Avengers: Infinity War.
How to Prepare For a Scheduled C-Section
One in every three babies birthed in the United States is now born via C-section, making the procedure the most common operation in American hospitals. Though women have C-sections for many reasons, approximately 40 percent of the procedures are performed on women who already gave birth via Cesarean - meaning many of the births are scheduled in advance.
Knowing you are giving birth on a certain date and time gives an expectant mama plenty of time to prepare for her baby's impending arrival. Here are eight things she can do to prepare for the big day. And don't forget to check out what to pack and what to expect after your surgery.
22 Yoga Retreats Worth the Splurge
More and more of us are seeking adventure travel with a dose of health and wellness. Who wouldn't love to bask in the sun while enjoying time away from the daily grind. If yoga is your workout of choice, you'll definitely want to sign up for one of these luxe spots and embrace the good chi vibes for a week.
Say it with us now: Ommmmmm
Why Jon and Sansa Should Get Married on Game of Thrones
If you are a human being with eyes and a heart who watches Game of Thrones, you were probably emotionally destroyed by Jon Snow and Sansa Stark's reunion in Winterfell. It's the first time the two have seen each other since they both left home at the beginning of season one. And sure, you could take their tearful reunion as simply two young family members relieved to see a reminder of their innocent childhood - or you could see it as the start of something much more.
While we've already explored how a romantic relationship between Jon and Sansa is a possibility, here's why it would actually make a lot of sense.
A Union to Strengthen the North
At the end of season six, it's clear that a stronger North is rising again under a good ruler. The only problem is, that ruler isn't technically a legitimate Stark (as far as anyone knows right now). And while Jon clearly has plenty of support among the Northern houses anyway (looking at you, Lyanna Mormont), he could still meet resistance later on because of his status as a bastard. This is Game of Thrones, after all.
Enter Sansa, the eldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark and a pretty badass figure all on her own. A marriage between Snow and Stark would add more legitimacy to Jon's rule, give Sansa a bigger opportunity to affect how things play out, and even head off the danger of Jon and Sansa developing a rivalry.
At face value, this relationship might seem creepier to the characters than to the audience, since Jon doesn't actually know yet that he's Sansa's cousin and not her stepbrother - but he might be finding out very soon if his BFF Sam has anything to say about it. Jon and Sansa weren't super close before their family split up, and Game of Thrones doesn't exactly shy away from romantic relationships between family members who are close.
A Solution to That Little(finger) Problem
Sansa has endured the constant emotional abuse of Joffrey and the constant physical abuse of Ramsay, but through all of that one thing has always been clear: Littlefinger using her as a pawn in his Machiavellian game and pretending it's all for her own good. Add in his creepy crush that's really just a projection of his hopeless longing for Catelyn, and you've got a very dangerous potential problem.
As if that's not enough, Sansa and Jon technically owe Littlefinger one for bringing in the Knights of the Vale at the last second to win the Battle of the Bastards, and it's a safe bet that he's going to call in that favor in the form of getting closer to Sansa and trying to stir up trouble between her and Jon. Ugh. Sansa marrying Jon nips that potential problem in the bud, and having her completely off the market would keep Littlefinger further away from the seat of power in Winterfell - maybe even get him to go back to the Vale with his weird stepson.
The Last Option For the Targaryen Line?
For all of you reading this article while screaming internally (or externally) that Jon is destined to marry Daenerys Targaryen and bring the Song of Ice and Fire thing to fruition, that is still entirely possible. We know from set photos that they're going to meet this season, and Dany might take one look at Jon's majestic man bun and swoon. But consider this: Daenerys seems pretty set in her belief that she won't (or possibly can't) have any more children of her own, after the dark magic performed by Mirri Maz Duur in season one kills her unborn son and leaves her husband catatonic. She even brought this up as recently as last season.
Since at this point Daenerys and Jon are the only Targaryens left (well, barring any more revelations), if the two of them get together and Daenerys can't have children, there won't be anyone to continue the Targaryen line. However, if Jon marries someone who can bear children, Daenerys can be confident that her family will live on. Who better to marry her nephew off to than someone he already knows and cares about, who would also give her an even stronger alliance with the family who rules the North?
Something Purely Good For the Starks, For Once
In case you forgot, Jon and Sansa haven't exactly had a very good run of it in Game of Thrones. Sansa watches her father beheaded at the order of her then-fiancé, Joffrey. Then she's forced to marry Tyrion against her will, and she has to flee King's Landing after Joffrey is killed just to escape being executed. And after all that, she's married off again to Ramsay Bolton, the worst excuse for a human being ever.
Meanwhile, Jon is perpetually freezing at the Wall because he doesn't believe he has any brighter future than the Night's Watch. He holds Ygritte in his arms as she dies, barely survives a terrifying attack by White Walkers and wights at Hardhome, and is stabbed to death by his own men.
Conclusion: It's high time these two had something good happen to them. They've both had to grow up very quickly in a cruel world and have realized the value of having someone by their side with no ulterior motives who they can trust without being scared for their lives. Jon and Sansa both love their country and their people, and it just makes sense for them to bring both back to glory (and take down some enemies) together.
Cristiano Ronaldo Is a Hottie With a Body We Can't Stop Staring At
Cristiano Ronaldo is a man who everyone loves to look at. Could it be because he has rock-hard abs that make us want to just stop and stare? Or the fact that he has some serious style? Either way, we can't help but enjoy watching the 32-year-old Portuguese soccer player on and off the field.
He recently became the first male athlete to reach 100 million followers on Instagram, and we're pretty sure his shirtless photos have something to do with that growing number of followers. Cristiano is a master at taking a good selfie, so trust and believe, you are going to enjoy scrolling through his sexiest Instagram photos ever.
Kendall Jenner's Vogue India Cover Is Facing Major Backlash
To celebrate Vogue India's 10th anniversary, editor Priya Tanna enlisted two very iconic fashion forces to come together for a shoot. Mario Testino brought Kendall Jenner to Samode Palace near Jaipur, India, which is even more beautiful than you might imagine. Bright, beautiful architecture is the backdrop to a series where Kendall wears monochrome outfits in breezy silhouettes, all of which are not just Pinterest-worthy but also spot-on trend inspiration for the season. Mario is even offering the most gorgeous pic of the bunch up for sale on his site, Mira Mira, in support of the charity Girl Rising India.
Still, since the issue's release, Kendall and Vogue India have been facing major backlash from readers as they were shocked that the magazine hadn't chosen an Indian model for such an important cover. This reminds us of a similar situation Kendall's pal Gigi Hadid faced for her Vogue Arabia cover. Ahead, have a look at the cover and editorial that's now at the center of some drama.
- Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani
Why Jon and Sansa Should Get Married on Game of Thrones
If you are a human being with eyes and a heart who watches Game of Thrones, you were probably emotionally destroyed by Jon Snow and Sansa Stark's reunion in Winterfell. It's the first time the two have seen each other since they both left home at the beginning of season one. And sure, you could take their tearful reunion as simply two young family members relieved to see a reminder of their innocent childhood - or you could see it as the start of something much more.
While we've already explored how a romantic relationship between Jon and Sansa is a possibility, here's why it would actually make a lot of sense.
A Union to Strengthen the North
At the end of season six, it's clear that a stronger North is rising again under a good ruler. The only problem is, that ruler isn't technically a legitimate Stark (as far as anyone knows right now). And while Jon clearly has plenty of support among the Northern houses anyway (looking at you, Lyanna Mormont), he could still meet resistance later on because of his status as a bastard. This is Game of Thrones, after all.
Enter Sansa, the eldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark and a pretty badass figure all on her own. A marriage between Snow and Stark would add more legitimacy to Jon's rule, give Sansa a bigger opportunity to affect how things play out, and even head off the danger of Jon and Sansa developing a rivalry.
At face value, this relationship might seem creepier to the characters than to the audience, since Jon doesn't actually know yet that he's Sansa's cousin and not her stepbrother - but he might be finding out very soon if his BFF Sam has anything to say about it. Jon and Sansa weren't super close before their family split up, and Game of Thrones doesn't exactly shy away from romantic relationships between family members who are close.
A Solution to That Little(finger) Problem
Sansa has endured the constant emotional abuse of Joffrey and the constant physical abuse of Ramsay, but through all of that one thing has always been clear: Littlefinger using her as a pawn in his Machiavellian game and pretending it's all for her own good. Add in his creepy crush that's really just a projection of his hopeless longing for Catelyn, and you've got a very dangerous potential problem.
As if that's not enough, Sansa and Jon technically owe Littlefinger one for bringing in the Knights of the Vale at the last second to win the Battle of the Bastards, and it's a safe bet that he's going to call in that favor in the form of getting closer to Sansa and trying to stir up trouble between her and Jon. Ugh. Sansa marrying Jon nips that potential problem in the bud, and having her completely off the market would keep Littlefinger further away from the seat of power in Winterfell - maybe even get him to go back to the Vale with his weird stepson.
The Last Option For the Targaryen Line?
For all of you reading this article while screaming internally (or externally) that Jon is destined to marry Daenerys Targaryen and bring the Song of Ice and Fire thing to fruition, that is still entirely possible. We know from set photos that they're going to meet this season, and Dany might take one look at Jon's majestic man bun and swoon. But consider this: Daenerys seems pretty set in her belief that she won't (or possibly can't) have any more children of her own, after the dark magic performed by Mirri Maz Duur in season one kills her unborn son and leaves her husband catatonic. She even brought this up as recently as last season.
Since at this point Daenerys and Jon are the only Targaryens left (well, barring any more revelations), if the two of them get together and Daenerys can't have children, there won't be anyone to continue the Targaryen line. However, if Jon marries someone who can bear children, Daenerys can be confident that her family will live on. Who better to marry her nephew off to than someone he already knows and cares about, who would also give her an even stronger alliance with the family who rules the North?
Something Purely Good For the Starks, For Once
In case you forgot, Jon and Sansa haven't exactly had a very good run of it in Game of Thrones. Sansa watches her father beheaded at the order of her then-fiancé, Joffrey. Then she's forced to marry Tyrion against her will, and she has to flee King's Landing after Joffrey is killed just to escape being executed. And after all that, she's married off again to Ramsay Bolton, the worst excuse for a human being ever.
Meanwhile, Jon is perpetually freezing at the Wall because he doesn't believe he has any brighter future than the Night's Watch. He holds Ygritte in his arms as she dies, barely survives a terrifying attack by White Walkers and wights at Hardhome, and is stabbed to death by his own men.
Conclusion: It's high time these two had something good happen to them. They've both had to grow up very quickly in a cruel world and have realized the value of having someone by their side with no ulterior motives who they can trust without being scared for their lives. Jon and Sansa both love their country and their people, and it just makes sense for them to bring both back to glory (and take down some enemies) together.
22 Yoga Retreats Worth the Splurge
More and more of us are seeking adventure travel with a dose of health and wellness. Who wouldn't love to bask in the sun while enjoying time away from the daily grind. If yoga is your workout of choice, you'll definitely want to sign up for one of these luxe spots and embrace the good chi vibes for a week.
Say it with us now: Ommmmmm
Olivia Munn's Baywatch Swimsuit Comes With a Personal Touch
Olivia Munn had something to say for her first time playing beer pong. The star geared up for the game with an appropriately labeled one-piece swimsuit that read, "Ride or Die." We're assuming that meant she was ready to win with a partner by her side, though it could also be a total coincidence that the swimsuit happened to match the scene.
The graphic swimsuit is one we've seen on plenty of celebs, such as Hailey Baldwin and Kourtney Kardashian. It looks like last Summer's It piece will stick around for this year too. Though we hope Olivia won the game, in terms of her swim style, there is no match. She's the clear victor.
Olivia Munn's Baywatch Swimsuit Comes With a Personal Touch
Olivia Munn had something to say for her first time playing beer pong. The star geared up for the game with an appropriately labeled one-piece swimsuit that read, "Ride or Die." We're assuming that meant she was ready to win with a partner by her side, though it could also be a total coincidence that the swimsuit happened to match the scene.
The graphic swimsuit is one we've seen on plenty of celebs, such as Hailey Baldwin and Kourtney Kardashian. It looks like last Summer's It piece will stick around for this year too. Though we hope Olivia won the game, in terms of her swim style, there is no match. She's the clear victor.
23 of Once Upon a Time's Most Memorable Kisses
Once Upon a Time is known for having some pretty epic love stories. While Snow White and Prince Charming will always be a classic fairy-tale couple, we are equally obsessed with the show's more nontraditional romances like the Evil Queen and Robin Hood. As the fan-favorite pair Captain Hook and Emma prepare to make their way down the aisle this Sunday, we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than by reminiscing on the most memorable kisses over the past six seasons. Because as we all know, true love's kiss is the most powerful magic of all.
How 1 Swimwear Line Is Bringing Gender-Fluid Style Poolside
Shopping for swimwear can be a daunting task for people whose bodies aren't what most women's magazines declare to be "Summer ready!" Bathing suits require form-fitting silhouettes and baring areas that are often covered up by clothing. Needless to say, wearing a bathing suit can be stress-inducing for those who aren't willing to or comfortable doing water sports in tiny bits of spandex or nylon.
For others, it's about fashion. Androgynous women or gender-nonconforming folks not only want to be comfortable, but they want to feel good about how they look. That's become easier with the rise of lifestyle clothing brands offering unisex button-ups, denim styles and sneakers, but bathing options have yet to catch up. One-pieces are often too high on the hip, the "butchkini" (a sports bra or bikini top with board shorts) isn't ideal for anyone who wants to cover their midriff, and a rash guard can be a little too much fabric for anyone just wanting to get some sun. These are just a few of the reasons surfer Mel Wells decided to take action and create Beefcake Swimwear.
"It was super challenging, and I spent about two years talking to a bunch of different types of people - different gender expressions, different body types, and listening to what they wanted," Wells said.
Although not a designer (she works for a literary nonprofit in Portland, OR), Wells was inspired by the original genderless bathing "costumes" of the 1920s and is now attempting to re-create the look with new materials. ("Wool is not awesome for swimming in.") Beefcake suits are 79 percent polyester and 21 percent spandex, making them a bit softer, stretchier, and thicker than most swimsuits.
"I originally started this with the idea of making it for my masculine of center queer friends who had been assigned female at birth but didn't necessarily feel comfortable in feminine clothing," Wells said of Beefcake. "But when I asked for fitters on Facebook, a ton of my cis, female, femme friends were like 'Oh my god!'"
"I am an early and earnest supporter of Beefcake," said Caryn Brooks. "I have so wanted a suit like this for so long. I would look at wrestling singlets, but they're not made for boobs. I always feel like such a bro in the whole jam shorts/rash guard combo and I am so not a bro, but it seemed to be my swimming lot in life. I was able to help Mel test out some of her samples and damn, it looked great and felt great."
Beefcake launched a Kickstarter earlier this month and has already surpassed its original goal of raising $10,500 twice over. The demand for a new kind of swimsuit that is not only fashionable but functional - and without a specific gender identity tied to its design - has been overwhelming. So far, Beefcake offers two modern updates based on the original 1920s one-piece suits. These black and white prototypes have an optional shelf bra and liner ("for those who want a little support and coverage," something likened to a built-in bra in a yoga top) and the bottom has "a grippy strip of silicone" to make sure the legs won't ride up higher than mid-thigh. There are very specific sizing details so that customers can find a more "feminine fit (i.e. tighter in the crotch)" if they prefer vs. those who would rather have something less form-fitting and looser but still applicable for swimming, surfing, waterboarding, or other activities that require a suit.
"A decision was made so that people who are either packing or born with outies down there could fit into these, and then people who weren't could just wear smaller sizes," Wells said. "The hardest part was deciding whether or not to include binders, deciding whether or not to include underwire. I haven't figured out how to make it perfect for everybody."
Wells said that the current "shelf bra" is a compromise - that with the wider straps and higher neckline, customers who want to wear binders underneath their suits or insert an underwire can do that comfortably. And while her target audience is people who could never find swimsuits they felt comfortable wearing, she's finding that Beefcake is exciting all different kinds of people looking for swimwear alternatives.
"A lot of feedback I got from people was that there aren't enough sizes in swimwear, so I wanted to meet that need first, because that was something I could do with my time and budget," Wells said. "I had so many people come back and be like, 'Hey, this is great, but I still don't fit into your clothing.' I was like, 'OK, that's something I can do. I can make them bigger.'"
Because of that, Beefcake will offer up to size 5X, something Wells partly credits to Portland's progressive views on fat positivity.
"I moved to Portland and met so many people who were fat positive and who were just very unashamed about having a bigger body, and that was radical to me," Wells said. "It shouldn't be radical - it's idiotic that it's radical."
While there's been a growing trend of gender-bending fashion over the last few years, from the popularity of lifestyle companies like Wildfang tailoring men's clothing for women's bodies and brands like Marc Jacobs readying unisex looks for the runway, Wells said that she's seen how certain brands catering to the same community as Beefcake have a lack of plus-sizing that alienates potential customers.
"As a tall lady who wears a 12-14, I don't identify as chubby - I think I'm pretty normal and I can't fit into their clothing," Wells said. "A lot of my bigger friends hate them."
As for the reason behind the lack of size options, Wells said she has heard the reasonings ("it uses more fabric; it's more cost effective to make small sizes; prototyping is more expensive; it's harder to find models"), but she thinks they're "bullsh*t." In Wells's opinion, brands should simply build in those costs to cater to all customers.
Beefcake (a tongue-in-cheek name, Wells said) has a very specific mission of taking away the shame people associate with swimwear, something she said is "so ingrained."
"If you look at old photos of people on the beach, [body shame] didn't used to be a part of our culture," she said. "The main excitement [I've heard from people is] 'I've been looking for a swimsuit like this for years.' . . . I think a lot of people are looking for swimwear that is more function than fashion, but not ugly. A lot of performance swimwear is not very fashionable - it's all about performance. And I think there's a lot of people who want something kind of in between."
Beefcake is all locally manufactured and will be sold online only, as she wants to keep the price wholesale at $95.
"They're more expensive than I want them to be, to be honest," Wells said. "I'm not doing 2,000 overseas - I'm doing 300 in Portland. Keeping it American-made is really important to me; not selling out is really important to me . . ."
Because she had never worked in fashion, Wells said she had to give herself permission to try and provide her friends and community with the kind of swimwear they'd always wanted.
"I feel women are so socialized to think we need to be 110 percent qualified before we try something, whereas a lot of dudes get socialized to jump in," Wells said. "So I finally just gave myself permission - why not try this?."
As of now, Beefcake will have a wide range of sizes (XS-5X) for its two flattering (and hip!) black and white styles, with hopes of more colors and customizable options in the future.
"The thing I like about [the name] Beefcake is the sense of confidence and action," Wells said. "I hope people wearing Beefcake swimsuits - I mean that's great if they want to just hang out poolside - but I hope they play volleyball or go surfing or swim with total confidence that their butt cracks aren't going to pop out, or their boobs aren't going to fall out."
You can purchase a Beefcake swimsuit (as well as other Beefcake swag) by donating to their Kickstarter campaign. Estimated delivery for the suits is May 2017 after the campaign closes May 5.
Cristiano Ronaldo Is a Hottie With a Body We Can't Stop Staring At
Cristiano Ronaldo is a man who everyone loves to look at. Could it be because he has rock-hard abs that make us want to just stop and stare? Or the fact that he has some serious style? Either way, we can't help but enjoy watching the 32-year-old Portuguese soccer player on and off the field.
He recently became the first male athlete to reach 100 million followers on Instagram, and we're pretty sure his shirtless photos have something to do with that growing number of followers. Cristiano is a master at taking a good selfie, so trust and believe, you are going to enjoy scrolling through his sexiest Instagram photos ever.
12 New Books to Give Modern Moms This Mother's Day
This Mother's Day, ditch the overpriced flowers that will inevitably wither away and gift your mom with a bouquet of enchanting reads she can enjoy all Summer long. From suspense that will keep her up at night to heartwarming love stories that will leave her in bouts of happy tears, these are the 12 books your mom will seriously thank you for.
How 1 Swimwear Line Is Bringing Gender-Fluid Style Poolside
Shopping for swimwear can be a daunting task for people whose bodies aren't what most women's magazines declare to be "Summer ready!" Bathing suits require form-fitting silhouettes and baring areas that are often covered up by clothing. Needless to say, wearing a bathing suit can be stress-inducing for those who aren't willing to or comfortable doing water sports in tiny bits of spandex or nylon.
For others, it's about fashion. Androgynous women or gender-nonconforming folks not only want to be comfortable, but they want to feel good about how they look. That's become easier with the rise of lifestyle clothing brands offering unisex button-ups, denim styles and sneakers, but bathing options have yet to catch up. One-pieces are often too high on the hip, the "butchkini" (a sports bra or bikini top with board shorts) isn't ideal for anyone who wants to cover their midriff, and a rash guard can be a little too much fabric for anyone just wanting to get some sun. These are just a few of the reasons surfer Mel Wells decided to take action and create Beefcake Swimwear.
"It was super challenging, and I spent about two years talking to a bunch of different types of people - different gender expressions, different body types, and listening to what they wanted," Wells said.
Although not a designer (she works for a literary nonprofit in Portland, OR), Wells was inspired by the original genderless bathing "costumes" of the 1920s and is now attempting to re-create the look with new materials. ("Wool is not awesome for swimming in.") Beefcake suits are 79 percent polyester and 21 percent spandex, making them a bit softer, stretchier, and thicker than most swimsuits.
"I originally started this with the idea of making it for my masculine of center queer friends who had been assigned female at birth but didn't necessarily feel comfortable in feminine clothing," Wells said of Beefcake. "But when I asked for fitters on Facebook, a ton of my cis, female, femme friends were like 'Oh my god!'"
"I am an early and earnest supporter of Beefcake," said Caryn Brooks. "I have so wanted a suit like this for so long. I would look at wrestling singlets, but they're not made for boobs. I always feel like such a bro in the whole jam shorts/rash guard combo and I am so not a bro, but it seemed to be my swimming lot in life. I was able to help Mel test out some of her samples and damn, it looked great and felt great."
Beefcake launched a Kickstarter earlier this month and has already surpassed its original goal of raising $10,500 twice over. The demand for a new kind of swimsuit that is not only fashionable but functional - and without a specific gender identity tied to its design - has been overwhelming. So far, Beefcake offers two modern updates based on the original 1920s one-piece suits. These black and white prototypes have an optional shelf bra and liner ("for those who want a little support and coverage," something likened to a built-in bra in a yoga top) and the bottom has "a grippy strip of silicone" to make sure the legs won't ride up higher than mid-thigh. There are very specific sizing details so that customers can find a more "feminine fit (i.e. tighter in the crotch)" if they prefer vs. those who would rather have something less form-fitting and looser but still applicable for swimming, surfing, waterboarding, or other activities that require a suit.
"A decision was made so that people who are either packing or born with outies down there could fit into these, and then people who weren't could just wear smaller sizes," Wells said. "The hardest part was deciding whether or not to include binders, deciding whether or not to include underwire. I haven't figured out how to make it perfect for everybody."
Wells said that the current "shelf bra" is a compromise - that with the wider straps and higher neckline, customers who want to wear binders underneath their suits or insert an underwire can do that comfortably. And while her target audience is people who could never find swimsuits they felt comfortable wearing, she's finding that Beefcake is exciting all different kinds of people looking for swimwear alternatives.
"A lot of feedback I got from people was that there aren't enough sizes in swimwear, so I wanted to meet that need first, because that was something I could do with my time and budget," Wells said. "I had so many people come back and be like, 'Hey, this is great, but I still don't fit into your clothing.' I was like, 'OK, that's something I can do. I can make them bigger.'"
Because of that, Beefcake will offer up to size 5X, something Wells partly credits to Portland's progressive views on fat positivity.
"I moved to Portland and met so many people who were fat positive and who were just very unashamed about having a bigger body, and that was radical to me," Wells said. "It shouldn't be radical - it's idiotic that it's radical."
While there's been a growing trend of gender-bending fashion over the last few years, from the popularity of lifestyle companies like Wildfang tailoring men's clothing for women's bodies and brands like Marc Jacobs readying unisex looks for the runway, Wells said that she's seen how certain brands catering to the same community as Beefcake have a lack of plus-sizing that alienates potential customers.
"As a tall lady who wears a 12-14, I don't identify as chubby - I think I'm pretty normal and I can't fit into their clothing," Wells said. "A lot of my bigger friends hate them."
As for the reason behind the lack of size options, Wells said she has heard the reasonings ("it uses more fabric; it's more cost effective to make small sizes; prototyping is more expensive; it's harder to find models"), but she thinks they're "bullsh*t." In Wells's opinion, brands should simply build in those costs to cater to all customers.
Beefcake (a tongue-in-cheek name, Wells said) has a very specific mission of taking away the shame people associate with swimwear, something she said is "so ingrained."
"If you look at old photos of people on the beach, [body shame] didn't used to be a part of our culture," she said. "The main excitement [I've heard from people is] 'I've been looking for a swimsuit like this for years.' . . . I think a lot of people are looking for swimwear that is more function than fashion, but not ugly. A lot of performance swimwear is not very fashionable - it's all about performance. And I think there's a lot of people who want something kind of in between."
Beefcake is all locally manufactured and will be sold online only, as she wants to keep the price wholesale at $95.
"They're more expensive than I want them to be, to be honest," Wells said. "I'm not doing 2,000 overseas - I'm doing 300 in Portland. Keeping it American-made is really important to me; not selling out is really important to me . . ."
Because she had never worked in fashion, Wells said she had to give herself permission to try and provide her friends and community with the kind of swimwear they'd always wanted.
"I feel women are so socialized to think we need to be 110 percent qualified before we try something, whereas a lot of dudes get socialized to jump in," Wells said. "So I finally just gave myself permission - why not try this?."
As of now, Beefcake will have a wide range of sizes (XS-5X) for its two flattering (and hip!) black and white styles, with hopes of more colors and customizable options in the future.
"The thing I like about [the name] Beefcake is the sense of confidence and action," Wells said. "I hope people wearing Beefcake swimsuits - I mean that's great if they want to just hang out poolside - but I hope they play volleyball or go surfing or swim with total confidence that their butt cracks aren't going to pop out, or their boobs aren't going to fall out."
You can purchase a Beefcake swimsuit (as well as other Beefcake swag) by donating to their Kickstarter campaign. Estimated delivery for the suits is May 2017 after the campaign closes May 5.
23 of Once Upon a Time's Most Memorable Kisses
Once Upon a Time is known for having some pretty epic love stories. While Snow White and Prince Charming will always be a classic fairy-tale couple, we are equally obsessed with the show's more nontraditional romances like the Evil Queen and Robin Hood. As the fan-favorite pair Captain Hook and Emma prepare to make their way down the aisle this Sunday, we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than by reminiscing on the most memorable kisses over the past six seasons. Because as we all know, true love's kiss is the most powerful magic of all.
7 Tips For Teaching Your Child How to Ride a Bicycle
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.
Learning how to ride a bike is a rite of passage for every child. However, it can be a dangerous hobby if they're not taught properly or don't feel fully comfortable with their skills before they head out to ride around with friends on a sunny day. To ensure they're ready before you send them on their helmet-clad way, scroll through for seven tips for teaching a child to ride a bike with as few spills and scrapes as possible.
- Make sure their bike and helmet fit them. Don't buy a bike for your child to "grow into." A bike that is too big or heavy will make teaching them how to ride much more difficult. Their bike helmet should sit in the middle of their forehead, about an inch above their eyebrows. Adjust the fit until the helmet moves around no more than an inch side to side and back and forth - if you can't adjust it tight enough, the helmet's too big.
- Don't just "loosen" the training wheels - take them off. It's like ripping off a band-aid. When you loosen the training wheels, which tips the bike back and forth as your child rides, you're actually doing your kid a disservice. They'll be nervous every time the bike wobbles, and they'll get used to riding while leaning to one side, instead of straight and balanced in the middle.
- Master balancing on the grass. Practice "coasting" on a grassy hill to teach balance, rather than holding the back of their seat while they glide on pavement. Lower their seat so that both their feet can reach the ground, and have them ride down the grassy hill with their feet raised. This way, they can stop with their feet if they need to, but their bike will slow itself down by the end so they shouldn't need to brake. Repeat that process until they're a pro, then have them practice actually pedaling down the hill for balance plus coordination.
- Help them sit at the right height. Now that they know how to balance, make sure they're sitting at the right height. Raise your child's seat high enough so that they have a slight bend in their knee when the pedal is as close to the ground as it can get.
- Use pedal power to start. Teach your child to "start" their bike by having them stand with one foot on the ground and the other on the pedal in the higher-up position. Starting with both feet on the pedals gives them less power behind their push and could cause them to topple over. (Pro tip: always tuck in laces so that they don't get stuck in the pedals or chain.)
- Don't forget the lesson on braking. One of the easiest ways for a child to get hurt is braking standing up, or way too hard, causing them to fall or slam into the handlebars. Teach your child how to brake by helping them coast slowly, as braking at slower speeds will help them to get the feel of the brakes before they start riding around like little speed demons. (You could even teach braking at the end of the grassy slope exercise, as they'll slow down naturally from the hill and won't be going too fast.)
- Don't stress, get frustrated, or feel defeated. Learning how to ride a bike should be fun! If your child is getting upset, seems scared, or you're getting a little too stressed in the moment, take a step back and try again tomorrow. Once they learn, they'll have the skill forever, so don't rush them if they aren't ready, or just aren't getting it yet.
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.
7 Tips For Teaching Your Child How to Ride a Bicycle
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.
Learning how to ride a bike is a rite of passage for every child. However, it can be a dangerous hobby if they're not taught properly or don't feel fully comfortable with their skills before they head out to ride around with friends on a sunny day. To ensure they're ready before you send them on their helmet-clad way, scroll through for seven tips for teaching a child to ride a bike with as few spills and scrapes as possible.
- Make sure their bike and helmet fit them. Don't buy a bike for your child to "grow into." A bike that is too big or heavy will make teaching them how to ride much more difficult. Their bike helmet should sit in the middle of their forehead, about an inch above their eyebrows. Adjust the fit until the helmet moves around no more than an inch side to side and back and forth - if you can't adjust it tight enough, the helmet's too big.
- Don't just "loosen" the training wheels - take them off. It's like ripping off a band-aid. When you loosen the training wheels, which tips the bike back and forth as your child rides, you're actually doing your kid a disservice. They'll be nervous every time the bike wobbles, and they'll get used to riding while leaning to one side, instead of straight and balanced in the middle.
- Master balancing on the grass. Practice "coasting" on a grassy hill to teach balance, rather than holding the back of their seat while they glide on pavement. Lower their seat so that both their feet can reach the ground, and have them ride down the grassy hill with their feet raised. This way, they can stop with their feet if they need to, but their bike will slow itself down by the end so they shouldn't need to brake. Repeat that process until they're a pro, then have them practice actually pedaling down the hill for balance plus coordination.
- Help them sit at the right height. Now that they know how to balance, make sure they're sitting at the right height. Raise your child's seat high enough so that they have a slight bend in their knee when the pedal is as close to the ground as it can get.
- Use pedal power to start. Teach your child to "start" their bike by having them stand with one foot on the ground and the other on the pedal in the higher-up position. Starting with both feet on the pedals gives them less power behind their push and could cause them to topple over. (Pro tip: always tuck in laces so that they don't get stuck in the pedals or chain.)
- Don't forget the lesson on braking. One of the easiest ways for a child to get hurt is braking standing up, or way too hard, causing them to fall or slam into the handlebars. Teach your child how to brake by helping them coast slowly, as braking at slower speeds will help them to get the feel of the brakes before they start riding around like little speed demons. (You could even teach braking at the end of the grassy slope exercise, as they'll slow down naturally from the hill and won't be going too fast.)
- Don't stress, get frustrated, or feel defeated. Learning how to ride a bike should be fun! If your child is getting upset, seems scared, or you're getting a little too stressed in the moment, take a step back and try again tomorrow. Once they learn, they'll have the skill forever, so don't rush them if they aren't ready, or just aren't getting it yet.
25+ Reasons to Fall in Love With Avocado Again
Once you've exhausted your takes on guacamole, avocado and eggs, and avocado toast, what more can be done with the fatty green fruit? The answer is a lot. Dressings, dips, even desserts (ice cream, brownies, pies) get a tad bit richer with the inclusion of avocado. Believe it when you see these 25+ insane avocado recipes.
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