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.
dimanche 7 mai 2017
The Obamas Unveiled the Design of Their Chicago Center - and It's Awesome
The Obamas have been busy since leaving office. They wasted no time moving into a luxurious private home in DC and now they've announced plans for a new endeavor in Chicago's Jackson Park: The Obama Presidential Center. According the Obama Foundation, the "living, working center" will be open to the public and serve as an "ongoing project where we will shape, together, what it means to be a good citizen in the 21st century." In addition to the center's commendable mission, its innovative design is also notable.
Multiple contemporary structures and an outdoor plaza are designed to invite visitors to flow through. A towering museum anchors the space while the roofs of the forum and library are covered with lush, green plantings. "This approach will soften the transition between city, landscape, lagoon, and lake," the Obama Foundation explains. The buildings will be constructed of variegated stone with light filtering through glass openings and will be certified LEED v4 Platinum, indicating that they're designed to the highest level of efficiency and sustainability. The center is slated for completion in 2021 and was designed by Billie Tsien Architects | Partners and Interactive Design Architects.
10 Facts About Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen That Will Kinda Blow Your Mind
Image Source: Getty/Stephen Lovekin
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been household names literally since the year they were born. After playing Michelle Tanner on Full House, the twins went on to create their very own childhood empire, complete with made-for-TV movies, big-screen blockbusters, and countless items of merchandise. The twins are now 30 and stay mostly out of the spotlight to run their fashion brand, The Row. While we've previously been curious about their past romances and Mary-Kate's intriguing marriage to Olivier Sarkozy, we also wanted to find out more general facts about their life in the spotlight. See them all below while we all keep our fingers crossed for a Michelle cameo on Fuller House!
- They're not identical. Mary-Kate and Ashley are fraternal twins. Ashley is two minutes older than Mary-Kate, is an inch shorter, and has a freckle above her upper lip.
- They made their acting debut shortly after they were born. The twins were cast as Michelle Tanner in Full House when they were just 6 months old, and they began filming when they were 9 months old.
- They wore dentures on set. Since Mary-Kate and Ashley played Michelle until they were 8, they went through typical childhood milestones during filming, including losing baby teeth. But since they lost different teeth at different rates, they both wore dentures so that Michelle had the same smile.
- Ashley's middle name is Fuller. In a weird twist of fate, Ashley's middle name mirrors the title of Full House's Netflix spinoff show, Fuller House. Since Mary-Kate's name is hyphenated, she technically has no middle name.
- They dominated Hollywood at a very young age. The twins became the youngest-ever Hollywood producers in 1992 when they formed the production company Dualstar. They were 6 years old.
- Both of their first onscreen kisses were in Passport to Paris. Their two love interests were played by Brocker Way and Ethan Peck.
Image Source: Everett Collection
- They once christened a cruise ship. Mary-Kate and Ashley christened the MS Zaandam in May 2000.
- They grew up with Pretty Little Liars' Troian Bellisario. Troian lived across the street from the twins whey they were younger, and the three girls became best friends.
- They have siblings. Mary-Kate and Ashley have a older brother, Brent, and a younger sister, Elizabeth, who has made quite a name for herself as an actress in recent years. They also have a half-sister, Courtney, and a half-brother, Jake, from their father's second marriage.
Image Source: Getty/Jamie McCarthy
- They made Walk of Fame history. Mary-Kate and Ashley were the first twins to receive a joint star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.
How to Stay on Theme - and Look Cool - at Disney
As a self-proclaimed Disney obsessive, I plan my park outfits strategically. We're talking a Lion King graphic tee for Animal Kingdom and Princess Ariel crown on the day I plan to visit the grotto in Fantasyland. Lame? I don't think so. Because when I actually hit Main Street, I promise you I look less like a crazy chick in a costume and more like a fan who's also fashion girl. Because listen, I style my Disney gear with cute cutoffs or bright-red Daisy Dukes and a pair of on-trend sneakers.
It seems like the celebs I follow on Instagram are all on board with the same set of rules. Whether they're on the West Coast at the OG theme park in Anaheim or park hopping it in Orlando, Gigi Hadid, Lily Aldridge, Kourtney Kardashian, and more keep their looks fresh and topped with a pair of Mickey ears. That's just how I like it. Scroll to get inspired, then shop a few essentials.
How I'm Getting Through Mother's Day After Losing My Mom and Grandma
On Easter Sunday, I had a hard time making it through the day. At 3 p.m., you could find me sitting on a bus on my way to get a milkshake because life got that hard, that quickly.
I walked down New York City streets in my Easter best - a crop top and high-rise joggers, trust me it worked - and my only thought was, "I see how she's missing in every part of today."
That feeling reminded me of what I would be up against come Mother's Day. It's an empty kind of feeling that somehow is heavy enough to weigh on you. It's the reminder that they would've, could've, should've done this, if only they were here. It's the kind of all-encompassing feeling that leads me to quiet moments and a bartering conversation with God that I know I'm not going to win.
"Just give me five more minutes to say 'Feliz Día de las Madres,' and tell them that I love them and that I'm doing all right."
There's a good chance that in this moment my mind cues up Kanye West's "Hey Mama" as background music as I proceed to sit there, head down, looking for acceptance because I'm out of moments when someone I call Mami will say gracias back because of a card I picked up at the store.
For a decade of my life, my grandma was on the receiving end of those cards and flowers. In one of her favorite batas, she would sit there, year after year, as a little girl who'd just lost her mom figured out how to not feel awkward on the one day that highlighted how different she felt.
I'm going on the third year of having to visit both of my moms at the cemetery if I want to give them flowers, and each year reminds me of moments I'll never get back.
So instead, I try to be brave in ways that both my mom and my grandma taught me. On Easter Sunday, I was brave and let a friend into my sad day, I'd decided I could take the bus alone or I could let someone sit next to me, if even metaphorically.
On Mother's Day, I publish essays on my website, Too Damn Young, that others who have lost their mom have written. It reminds me of my grandma's ability to bring people together around any one feeling or on any single day.
As a Latina, my grandma was as much of a mami to me as my own mom was, so, yeah, Mother's Day is definitely not the easiest day. I miss her singing old Ecuadorian classics in our living room, as she was surrounded by flowers, cards, and flan. I feel cheated out of the opportunity to see my nephews and baby cousins squirm uncomfortably as she hugged them a bit tighter.
A family changes after losing a matriarch, but for her I'm brave. For them, I at least give it my best try.
Why Your Child Should Never Be Forced to Hug a Relative
As we head into the vacation season and into visits with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, there's one awkward situation that will arise in many families that most parents will be unprepared to deal with: relatives who expect hugs and kisses from little ones - even when those little ones don't want to show them affection.
To spare a relative's feelings, many of us will urge a small child to endure or even return this unwanted physical contact. But should we? What messages are we sending to our kids about their body boundaries when we do this?
How to Avoid Teaching the Wrong Lessons
A CNN article entitled I Don't Own My Child's Body that explores these questions is the subject of lively discussion here. Katia Hetter, its author, asserts that, "Forcing children to touch people when they don't want to leaves them vulnerable to sexual abusers, most of whom are people known to the children they abuse."
Assuming that giving Grandma a kiss on the cheek could have anything at all to do with the sexual abuse of a child might seem crazy at first blush, but Nichole M. feels Hetter's connection makes perfect sense. "You're violating their comfort zone and the kids may learn to accept anyone into those uncomfortable spaces." Lisa E. also agrees, and shares how she's teaching her own son about respecting his body and his own physical space:
"The boundary we're teaching our child is to listen to his own 'gut feeling.' He tells us whenever he feels uncomfortable around someone (usually whispering so he doesn't hurt feelings). He never has to touch or be touched if he feels uncomfortable - family or otherwise. I will never force him to kiss anyone - even if a great aunt is visiting who may get her feelings hurt. Hugs and kisses are his to give and are not compulsory."
Hetter also reminds us that forcing our kids to be affectionate when they don't want to can impact their sexual relationships as teens, because it "teaches them to use their body to please you or someone else in authority or, really, anyone."
"Affection should never be forced."
In addition to preventing abuse, many moms feel it's important to try to understand how your child feels when a relative demands physical affection. Jenni D. references her own memories from childhood as a guideline in her parenting: "As a kid, I didn't like to be hugged or kissed much except by my mom, and hated when my grandma would force me to kiss her goodbye. As an adult, I love giving kisses and snuggles to my kids, but if they would ever seem like they didn't want me to hug or kiss them I would respect that."
As Jenni D.'s comment points out, forced affection between a parent and child is concerning as well. Stacey's kids became uncomfortable when her husband, who is their stepfather, became too demanding of hugs and kisses. In situations like this, members urge Stacey to have her husband back down. Lorena M. explains that "kisses and hugs should come out because one feels like giving them and not because they're pressured." A reader who goes by "Dove" is even more emphatic: "Affection should never be forced."
How to Head Off a Relative's Hurt Feelings
Toddlers often test our patience by refusing to do things that we actually do have to find a way to make them do, such as eating, bathing, and behaving well. However, refusing affection should not be equated with bad manners or bad behavior. Hetter asserts that children can (and should) be polite and respectful while still maintaining their own personal boundaries: "Manners - treating people with respect and care - is different than demanding physical displays of affection."
A good first step may be to explain your policy to relatives. Adults, even close relatives, should be able to respect your decision. Hetter found that while it can be more work, it can also lead them to truly appreciate the affection they do get from your child. "I explain to relatives who want to know why we're letting her decide who she touches, and when she does hug them, the joy is palpable - not from obligation or a direct order from Mom," she says.
Hetter also offers suggestions for greetings that are less intimate, and that are perfect for a child in the early stages of getting to know a new family member. Instead of kisses and hugs, encourage a handshake or a high-five: "When kids are really little and shy, parents can start to offer them choices for treating people with respect and care. Even shy kids can shake somebody's hand or wave or do something to communicate respect and care."
Far from disappointing, these alternatives can actually strengthen a relative's relationship with your young child, as Angie S.'s story shows: "You could do what my boyfriend and our son do, they have a special hand shake. He will even stay awake, and when he hears his dad come home from work he'll come out just to do their shake."
How do you and your child handle social situations?
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.
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!)
Why Your Child Should Never Be Forced to Hug a Relative
As we head into the vacation season and into visits with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, there's one awkward situation that will arise in many families that most parents will be unprepared to deal with: relatives who expect hugs and kisses from little ones - even when those little ones don't want to show them affection.
To spare a relative's feelings, many of us will urge a small child to endure or even return this unwanted physical contact. But should we? What messages are we sending to our kids about their body boundaries when we do this?
How to Avoid Teaching the Wrong Lessons
A CNN article entitled I Don't Own My Child's Body that explores these questions is the subject of lively discussion here. Katia Hetter, its author, asserts that, "Forcing children to touch people when they don't want to leaves them vulnerable to sexual abusers, most of whom are people known to the children they abuse."
Assuming that giving Grandma a kiss on the cheek could have anything at all to do with the sexual abuse of a child might seem crazy at first blush, but Nichole M. feels Hetter's connection makes perfect sense. "You're violating their comfort zone and the kids may learn to accept anyone into those uncomfortable spaces." Lisa E. also agrees, and shares how she's teaching her own son about respecting his body and his own physical space:
"The boundary we're teaching our child is to listen to his own 'gut feeling.' He tells us whenever he feels uncomfortable around someone (usually whispering so he doesn't hurt feelings). He never has to touch or be touched if he feels uncomfortable - family or otherwise. I will never force him to kiss anyone - even if a great aunt is visiting who may get her feelings hurt. Hugs and kisses are his to give and are not compulsory."
Hetter also reminds us that forcing our kids to be affectionate when they don't want to can impact their sexual relationships as teens, because it "teaches them to use their body to please you or someone else in authority or, really, anyone."
"Affection should never be forced."
In addition to preventing abuse, many moms feel it's important to try to understand how your child feels when a relative demands physical affection. Jenni D. references her own memories from childhood as a guideline in her parenting: "As a kid, I didn't like to be hugged or kissed much except by my mom, and hated when my grandma would force me to kiss her goodbye. As an adult, I love giving kisses and snuggles to my kids, but if they would ever seem like they didn't want me to hug or kiss them I would respect that."
As Jenni D.'s comment points out, forced affection between a parent and child is concerning as well. Stacey's kids became uncomfortable when her husband, who is their stepfather, became too demanding of hugs and kisses. In situations like this, members urge Stacey to have her husband back down. Lorena M. explains that "kisses and hugs should come out because one feels like giving them and not because they're pressured." A reader who goes by "Dove" is even more emphatic: "Affection should never be forced."
How to Head Off a Relative's Hurt Feelings
Toddlers often test our patience by refusing to do things that we actually do have to find a way to make them do, such as eating, bathing, and behaving well. However, refusing affection should not be equated with bad manners or bad behavior. Hetter asserts that children can (and should) be polite and respectful while still maintaining their own personal boundaries: "Manners - treating people with respect and care - is different than demanding physical displays of affection."
A good first step may be to explain your policy to relatives. Adults, even close relatives, should be able to respect your decision. Hetter found that while it can be more work, it can also lead them to truly appreciate the affection they do get from your child. "I explain to relatives who want to know why we're letting her decide who she touches, and when she does hug them, the joy is palpable - not from obligation or a direct order from Mom," she says.
Hetter also offers suggestions for greetings that are less intimate, and that are perfect for a child in the early stages of getting to know a new family member. Instead of kisses and hugs, encourage a handshake or a high-five: "When kids are really little and shy, parents can start to offer them choices for treating people with respect and care. Even shy kids can shake somebody's hand or wave or do something to communicate respect and care."
Far from disappointing, these alternatives can actually strengthen a relative's relationship with your young child, as Angie S.'s story shows: "You could do what my boyfriend and our son do, they have a special hand shake. He will even stay awake, and when he hears his dad come home from work he'll come out just to do their shake."
How do you and your child handle social situations?
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.
How to Stay on Theme - and Look Cool - at Disney
As a self-proclaimed Disney obsessive, I plan my park outfits strategically. We're talking a Lion King graphic tee for Animal Kingdom and Princess Ariel crown on the day I plan to visit the grotto in Fantasyland. Lame? I don't think so. Because when I actually hit Main Street, I promise you I look less like a crazy chick in a costume and more like a fan who's also fashion girl. Because listen, I style my Disney gear with cute cutoffs or bright-red Daisy Dukes and a pair of on-trend sneakers.
It seems like the celebs I follow on Instagram are all on board with the same set of rules. Whether they're on the West Coast at the OG theme park in Anaheim or park hopping it in Orlando, Gigi Hadid, Lily Aldridge, Kourtney Kardashian, and more keep their looks fresh and topped with a pair of Mickey ears. That's just how I like it. Scroll to get inspired, then shop a few essentials.
10 Facts About Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen That Will Kinda Blow Your Mind
Image Source: Getty/Stephen Lovekin
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been household names literally since the year they were born. After playing Michelle Tanner on Full House, the twins went on to create their very own childhood empire, complete with made-for-TV movies, big-screen blockbusters, and countless items of merchandise. The twins are now 30 and stay mostly out of the spotlight to run their fashion brand, The Row. While we've previously been curious about their past romances and Mary-Kate's intriguing marriage to Olivier Sarkozy, we also wanted to find out more general facts about their life in the spotlight. See them all below while we all keep our fingers crossed for a Michelle cameo on Fuller House!
- They're not identical. Mary-Kate and Ashley are fraternal twins. Ashley is two minutes older than Mary-Kate, is an inch shorter, and has a freckle above her upper lip.
- They made their acting debut shortly after they were born. The twins were cast as Michelle Tanner in Full House when they were just 6 months old, and they began filming when they were 9 months old.
- They wore dentures on set. Since Mary-Kate and Ashley played Michelle until they were 8, they went through typical childhood milestones during filming, including losing baby teeth. But since they lost different teeth at different rates, they both wore dentures so that Michelle had the same smile.
- Ashley's middle name is Fuller. In a weird twist of fate, Ashley's middle name mirrors the title of Full House's Netflix spinoff show, Fuller House. Since Mary-Kate's name is hyphenated, she technically has no middle name.
- They dominated Hollywood at a very young age. The twins became the youngest-ever Hollywood producers in 1992 when they formed the production company Dualstar. They were 6 years old.
- Both of their first onscreen kisses were in Passport to Paris. Their two love interests were played by Brocker Way and Ethan Peck.
Image Source: Everett Collection
- They once christened a cruise ship. Mary-Kate and Ashley christened the MS Zaandam in May 2000.
- They grew up with Pretty Little Liars' Troian Bellisario. Troian lived across the street from the twins whey they were younger, and the three girls became best friends.
- They have siblings. Mary-Kate and Ashley have a older brother, Brent, and a younger sister, Elizabeth, who has made quite a name for herself as an actress in recent years. They also have a half-sister, Courtney, and a half-brother, Jake, from their father's second marriage.
Image Source: Getty/Jamie McCarthy
- They made Walk of Fame history. Mary-Kate and Ashley were the first twins to receive a joint star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.
8 Easy Ways to Update Your Bathroom in 1 Weekend
The bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms to remodel. So if you're on a budget, a bathroom renovation might be out of reach. The good news is you don't have to live with the ugly - all you need is a little DIY elbow grease. Try these unique and easy projects to give your bathroom an upgrade, and the best part is, you can do any of these in one weekend.
Starbucks Rewards Members Are Going to Lose Their Sh*t Over This Exciting News
Loyal Starbucks customers have even more of an incentive to rack up points using the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program. For the first time, Starbucks Rewards members can earn stars on even more products in the grocery aisle - the new announcement more than triples the number of products eligible at the grocery store! Products that earn you points will now include Starbucks's lineup of ready-to-drink beverages (like bottled Frappuccinos), K-Cup packs, and Starbucks Multi-Serve Chilled Coffees.
If you're not already a Starbucks Rewards member and want to sign up in order to reap the benefits at the grocery store, you can sign up here. Ahead, take a look at which Starbucks products are eligible for the program, sorted by least to most Stars points earned.
Point Breakdown
Earn 2 Stars:
Starbucks Ready-to-Drink beverages, including: Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Coffee, Frappuccino chilled coffee drink, Starbucks Refreshers beverages, Iced Coffee, Cold Brew (6.5-13.7 ounce)
Earn 4 Stars:
Starbucks Multi-Serve chilled coffee beverages, including: Iced Coffee, Iced Espresso (40 ounce)
Earn 10 Stars:
Starbucks Roast and Ground Coffee (10-12 ounce), Starbucks VIA Instant (5-8 count), Starbucks K-Cup Packs (10 count), Cold Brew, Starbucks Caffè Latte K-Cup Packs (6 count)
Earn 15 Stars:
Starbucks Roast and Ground Coffee (18-20 ounce), Starbucks VIA Instant (26 count), Starbucks K-Cup Packs (16 count), Starbucks Caffè Latte K-Cup Packs 9 count
Earn 20 Stars:
Starbucks Roast and Ground Coffee (32-40 ounce), Starbucks K-Cup Packs (20-32 count)
Earn 25 Stars:
Starbucks K-Cup Packs (40+ count)
Some Days of Blackness
The following post originally appeared on Medium.
Some days it is easy to forget the pain of being a Black person on this earth. Some days we can celebrate the Beyoncé's and Solange's and cheer on the Shonda's. Some days we sing the praises of Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy. Some days we're grateful for power of the Jesse's and the Zoe's. Some days it looks like the world might be a little better for the Brianna's and the Kaya's. Some days it seems like maybe the Rodney's and the Temika's did not struggle in vain. Some days we feel the love of those who appreciate us, not in spite of our different melanin level, but because of it. Some days it is easy to dance and laugh and be free, if only ever so briefly, of the pain.
Some days are not so easy. Some days we are reminded that no matter what we do, our lives do not matter to many. Some days we worry that even allowing our children to walk outside will result in their deaths. Some days we remember that we are not valued in the workplace, continuing to work twice as hard for half as much, to have that hard work overlooked because it is hidden in the shadows of our skin color. Some days we recall that our parents went to segregated schools and still some of our children go to segregated proms, because the idea of their children socializing with a Black person is just too much for some. Some days we lose our friends and family for decades at a time to imprisonment for crimes that other people who don't look like us get a slap on the wrist for. Some days we lose the Jordan's and the Trayvon's, we lose the Mike's and the Eric's, we lose the Akai's and Rekia's to a coward with a badge or a gun. Some days both. Some days we lose Sandy and know something was wrong, but are powerless to do anything about it. Some days we wonder why it has to be this way, why we must be harmed in body and spirit for being Black, when we are just trying to live. Some days all that pain settles in our chests, squeezing like a vice grip, until it is unbearable and the pain comes out in a sob and a wail and our eyes overflow, and we ask, beg, plead why to the air in front of us, because maybe the air will have the answer, when nobody else does.
Some days it is easy. Some days it is hard.
Today is one of those days.
The Hardcore Hike Leading to This Secret Water Slide in Hawaii Is a Wild Adventure
Hidden in Waipio Valley, HI, is a 35-foot water slide that looks like something straight out of a story book. Why is this incredible slide so secret? Well, the hike to get there, known as the White Road Hike, is difficult and dangerous. In fact, state officials would prefer that you didn't take the trail. You have to make your way through dim tunnels and winding jungle paths to make it to this epic location.
Despite the potential risks, many people still journey to the secret slide so they can experience it for themselves. It's made out of an irrigation flume that transported sugar cane over a century ago. In order to get to the top of the slide, you have to hang onto a rope as you climb up a steep hill. Since you're technically not supposed to go to this wildly thrilling location, you can just enjoy the pictures and videos of other adventurous visitors.
Put Your Best Foot Forward This Summer With These 7 Shoe Trends
Every Summer, I find myself looking for a new pair of shoes that feel both fresh and on trend. I've learned that flip-flops are solely reserved for the beach, and as much as I'd like to be one of those girls who can wear heels every day, they are impractical and almost always leave me with painful blisters.
We've already covered the most comfortable Summer sandals of the year, and now, we're listing the best shoes of the season. From tie-up ballet flats (we see you, Miu Miu) to mules (don't worry, there's more than just the Gucci Princetowns), here are the best shoes of the Summer.
If Drake Was a Chocolate Cake, This Is What He Would Taste Like
New York's Butter & Scotch bakery combines two of our favorite things, (chocolate and Drake!) with this yummy Hotline Bling cake. Described as "one of the best chocolate cakes I've ever had," by POPSUGAR's executive editor, Nancy Einhart, the Drake-inspired cake is said to be "rich and chocolatey, with just a touch of welcome saltiness." Yeah, we're already drooling, too.
That's not all, though. The dark chocolate Hotline Bling cake ($45) is covered in edible gold glitter fitting for the rap king, and has "layers of salted caramel" in between. If you're ready to try it for yourself and you happen to be in the NYC area, you can order and pick-up the 10-inch cake which serves up to 22 slices, or the 6-inch cake which serves up to 10 slices. You can also request a personalized message on top, because YOLO. Now excuse us while we treat ourselves to another piece and stare at these 31 photos of Drake looking edible AF.
Put Your Best Foot Forward This Summer With These 7 Shoe Trends
Every Summer, I find myself looking for a new pair of shoes that feel both fresh and on trend. I've learned that flip-flops are solely reserved for the beach, and as much as I'd like to be one of those girls who can wear heels every day, they are impractical and almost always leave me with painful blisters.
We've already covered the most comfortable Summer sandals of the year, and now, we're listing the best shoes of the season. From tie-up ballet flats (we see you, Miu Miu) to mules (don't worry, there's more than just the Gucci Princetowns), here are the best shoes of the Summer.
Some Days of Blackness
The following post originally appeared on Medium.
Some days it is easy to forget the pain of being a Black person on this earth. Some days we can celebrate the Beyoncé's and Solange's and cheer on the Shonda's. Some days we sing the praises of Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy. Some days we're grateful for power of the Jesse's and the Zoe's. Some days it looks like the world might be a little better for the Brianna's and the Kaya's. Some days it seems like maybe the Rodney's and the Temika's did not struggle in vain. Some days we feel the love of those who appreciate us, not in spite of our different melanin level, but because of it. Some days it is easy to dance and laugh and be free, if only ever so briefly, of the pain.
Some days are not so easy. Some days we are reminded that no matter what we do, our lives do not matter to many. Some days we worry that even allowing our children to walk outside will result in their deaths. Some days we remember that we are not valued in the workplace, continuing to work twice as hard for half as much, to have that hard work overlooked because it is hidden in the shadows of our skin color. Some days we recall that our parents went to segregated schools and still some of our children go to segregated proms, because the idea of their children socializing with a Black person is just too much for some. Some days we lose our friends and family for decades at a time to imprisonment for crimes that other people who don't look like us get a slap on the wrist for. Some days we lose the Jordan's and the Trayvon's, we lose the Mike's and the Eric's, we lose the Akai's and Rekia's to a coward with a badge or a gun. Some days both. Some days we lose Sandy and know something was wrong, but are powerless to do anything about it. Some days we wonder why it has to be this way, why we must be harmed in body and spirit for being Black, when we are just trying to live. Some days all that pain settles in our chests, squeezing like a vice grip, until it is unbearable and the pain comes out in a sob and a wail and our eyes overflow, and we ask, beg, plead why to the air in front of us, because maybe the air will have the answer, when nobody else does.
Some days it is easy. Some days it is hard.
Today is one of those days.
The Most Flattering Trends to Wear This Spring
Sometimes seeing the season's biggest trends on a runway isn't enough to convince you to actually try them IRL. With a little help from some of your favorite fashion bloggers, we've gathered all the inspiration you need for how to style this season's most flattering trends.
From punched-up vacation-printed dresses to the classic button-down reimagined, we're counting down the wardrobe essentials that people of all shapes and sizes can pull off. Whether you're curvy or petite, check out these eight Spring trends that will look good on anybody.
If Drake Was a Chocolate Cake, This Is What He Would Taste Like
New York's Butter & Scotch bakery combines two of our favorite things, (chocolate and Drake!) with this yummy Hotline Bling cake. Described as "one of the best chocolate cakes I've ever had," by POPSUGAR's executive editor, Nancy Einhart, the Drake-inspired cake is said to be "rich and chocolatey, with just a touch of welcome saltiness." Yeah, we're already drooling, too.
That's not all, though. The dark chocolate Hotline Bling cake ($45) is covered in edible gold glitter fitting for the rap king, and has "layers of salted caramel" in between. If you're ready to try it for yourself and you happen to be in the NYC area, you can order and pick-up the 10-inch cake which serves up to 22 slices, or the 6-inch cake which serves up to 10 slices. You can also request a personalized message on top, because YOLO. Now excuse us while we treat ourselves to another piece and stare at these 31 photos of Drake looking edible AF.
K-Beauty Has Done It Again! You're Going to NEED This Snoopy Beauty Collection
Snoopy stole our hearts with his dance skills, Red Baron fantasies, and big, wet, kisses. So being enormous Peanuts fans, when we saw the Limited Edition Snoopy x SkinFood Collaboration, we almost got on a plane and flew straight to Korea. The adorable collection is filled with skin and nail goodies adorned with our favorite Beagle and his friends Woodstock and Charlie Brown.
The collection, which was released in November 2016, included a Royal Honey Essential Mist and the Royal Honey Moisturizing Cream. It also came with three scented marshmallow hand creams, a hydrating honey mask, and a whipped body cream. If you're a nail junkie, you'll love that the company also released seven nail polish shades and two sets of nail decals.
Unfortunately, adding these cuties to your beauty collection will be tough. They were never sold stateside, but you can scour for one on eBay and Amazon. Until Korean beauty brands respond to our pleas for more cute products, we will have to admire them from afar or deal with searching for them online. Read on to see all of the sweet products.
This Sweet Couple Had a Fixer-Upper Shoot to Celebrate Their New Home Together
We forget that couples portrait sessions aren't limited to engagements, weddings, and anniversaries, but are meant to celebrate all momentous occasions. So, when Elise and Ryan wanted to document their love and excitement before renovating their new home together, photographer Elizabeth Willis was completely open to the idea. "I imagined all of my HGTV Fixer Upper dreams coming true and the session did not disappoint!" she said.
Elizabeth met up with the couple on the same day they closed on the house to capture all the emotions. The photos feature the peeling wallpaper, outdated appliances, and all the work that's to be done, but most importantly, they show the beginning of Elise and Ryan's adventure as homeowners together.
See the sweet photos!
The Handmaid's Tale Author: "With Trump, People Are Starting to See It Can Happen Here"
Image Source: Getty / Rich Fury
Margaret Atwood knows a thing or two about authoritarian governments. She was living in West Berlin in the 1980s at the time when she wrote The Handmaid's Tale, her classic novel about a dystopian America under the rule of authoritarian Christian men. During her time there, the German city was encircled by the Berlin Wall and the Cold War raged. Under the circumstances, she experienced some of what her main character, Offred, encounters in the republic of Gilead: namely, the feeling of being spied on and the clever ways people trade information under duress. But her research didn't stop there; she turned up several other instances of man-made oppression as she wrote like bans on reading and education, public executions, gag orders, slavery, the history of American polygamy, and the children of Argentina's "disappeared."
"When I wrote The Handmaid's Tale, American exceptionalism was prevalent, but it's less so now. With Trump, people are starting to see it can happen here."According to Atwood, history's examples of crushing, dictatorial regimes are plentiful because "power can shift into the wrong hands easily and quickly when certain preconditions are present," she told POPSUGAR. "The availability of jobs and money are based on the principle of supply and demand, so when either of these becomes scarce, people panic and seek a change in leadership." Indeed, opportunistic would-be leaders know this.
In light of her seminal book becoming a new TV series on Hulu - and the uncomfortable parallels we're seeing between the story and our own political environment - we connected with the author to talk about literature, power, and the Populist movements sprouting up around the globe.
The Inciting Incident
Atwood hails from Canada, but legend has it her heritage can be traced back to Mary Webster, a woman accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts during the Salem witch trials. She says this personal history motivated her to write a story about a society that rounds up its women and strips them of their basic rights. And she was keen on sending Americans a message: don't think it can't happen here, because it already has. "When I wrote The Handmaid's Tale, American exceptionalism was prevalent, but it's less so now. With Trump, people are starting to see it can happen here." Atwood's dystopian tale, something of an oracle, does feel as - if not more - relevant now than it's ever been.
The Recipe For a Dictatorship
In The Handmaid's Tale, there's a running theme throughout: a tug of war between the freedom from and the freedom to. Curious about this distinction, we asked Atwood which of these freedoms is most conducive to a healthy society. "People often think that one of these freedoms is preferable to the other," she said. "But each has their drawbacks when taken to the extreme. The key is finding a balance between the two."
She went on to describe the difference by sharing her recipe for a dictatorship. She asked us to draw a diagram as part of the exercise.
Following her instructions, we . . .
- Drew a large circle in the middle of a sheet of paper and dissected it with a line running from top to bottom, drawing arrows at both ends of the spectrum.
- Then, we labeled the arrow pointing upward "Dictatorship: Freedom From" and the arrow pointing downward "Anarchy: Freedom To."
- Next, we found the middle of the spectrum - which is also the center of the circle - and we marked it with a bullseye, labeling it "Center: A Balance of Both Freedoms."
- Finally, we wrote the words "Left" and "Right" in their respective halves of the circle.
With the diagram in front of us, she explained that a dictatorship promises its citizens the freedom from, which is a type of freedom best described as protection and security. On the opposite end of the spectrum, anarchy promises the freedom to, which is the freedom to do anything without consequence. A pair of quotes taken from chapter five of The Handmaid's Tale put this in context:
"There is more than one kind of freedom. Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Women were not protected then. Now you are being given freedom from. Don't underrate it."
"Now we walk along the same streets, and no man shouts obscenities at us, speaks to us, touches us. No one whistles."
Atwood went on to say both the Right and the Left are capable of creating either a Dictatorship or Anarchy, although we can avoid these extremes by striking a balance between the ideologies. The bullseye - or sweet spot, as she calls it - is a perfect state of harmony where we enjoy our own individual freedoms without infringing upon others' freedoms. When we asked her how a government could achieve this balanced state, she was quick to reply: "A more equitable distribution of money in society."
She noted that in the US in the 1950s, for all its faults concerning civil and women's rights, there was a more even distribution of wealth than we have now. The result was the strongest middle class the world has ever seen, and in turn, a period of relative stability. Family units were more stable because they had savings in their coffers and the fear of ending up on the street was less of a threat. It's well documented that money (or the lack thereof) is the leading cause of stress in relationships, so for all the talk about "family values" in this country, it would behoove both the Right and the Left to put their money where their mouths are. Atwood says that when Trump talks about "making America great again," he's referring to this previous golden age of the American middle class, yet the policies he's proposing are in direct opposition to making this a reality.
Image Source: Netflix
The Thing That Will Save Us All
Our conversation with Atwood was sobering but not without brightness. We asked the author to share her thoughts on the role literature plays in society, and her response was hopeful:
"A novel is the closest you will ever get to being inside another person's mind. With film, it's visual; you're watching a character go through an experience, just as we do in our daily interactions with people. But with a novel, you are reading and processing a character's direct thoughts as they go through the highs and lows of the human experience. You are literally thinking their thoughts, therefore, it's the closest we can get to standing in another person's shoes. Studies have shown that reading literary novels increases our ability to experience empathy. No other art form can give you this same experience."
Empathy is hot topic right now. Educators at every level - from preschool teachers to college professors - are touting the benefits of social emotional learning and emotional intelligence. It seems they are catching on to what Atwood already knows: empathy may be our best hope for a healthy, unified society, and fiction is the conduit. Indeed, in a time rife with political uncertainty and an Us vs. Them way of thinking, literature - and the TV shows inspired by it - may be the thing that saves us all.
The Ultimate '80s Wedding Reception Playlist
Whether you grew up in the '80s or not, one thing's for sure: the music from that decade features plenty of upbeat tunes to get down to, especially if you have a wedding - and wedding reception playlist - to plan. If you're looking to bring a good time (and some dance-offs) to your big day, then we've got the ultimate playlist for you. From "Mickey" to Madonna and Michael Jackson classics, check out the songs that are guaranteed to get guests up off their feet all night long.
Looking for more wedding music? Here's our wedding music guide, suggestions for the first dance, and suggestions for the father-daughter dance.
The Ultimate '80s Wedding Reception Playlist
Whether you grew up in the '80s or not, one thing's for sure: the music from that decade features plenty of upbeat tunes to get down to, especially if you have a wedding - and wedding reception playlist - to plan. If you're looking to bring a good time (and some dance-offs) to your big day, then we've got the ultimate playlist for you. From "Mickey" to Madonna and Michael Jackson classics, check out the songs that are guaranteed to get guests up off their feet all night long.
Looking for more wedding music? Here's our wedding music guide, suggestions for the first dance, and suggestions for the father-daughter dance.
Pottermore Is Launching a Wizarding World Book Club, Because Dreams DO Come True
Coming June 2017 from Pottermore, the official Wizarding World Book Club awaits: https://t.co/WPHQnsarID #wwbookclub http://pic.twitter.com/l56HGSaoU1
- Pottermore (@pottermore) May 5, 2017
Is Snape truly a good guy when all is said and done? Do Ginny and Harry actually belong together? And is Dumbledore really related to Salazar Slytherin? All of the hours, days, and years you've spent debating Harry Potter theories with friends, family members, and complete strangers were merely practice for what's coming in June 2017.
Pottermore just announced a Wizarding World Book Club, where fans can join a free online group to "examine and debate every book in the Harry Potter series," which, to be honest, is something most of us Potterheads do semiprofessionally anyway - so now Bloomsbury and Scholastic (along with Pottermore) are graciously giving us a more official platform. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Pottermore is launching the book club to spark conversation with new and seasoned readers of the series alike.
A different theme from the Harry Potter stories will be discussed every week over on Pottermore's new Wizarding World Book Club Twitter account, @WWBookClub. People will read (or reread) a Harry Potter book each month, or, as the books get longer, every two months. Then everyone can join in for the discussion on Twitter and Pottermore.
"Our goal is to create a global community of Harry Potter readers who are communicating with each other as they are reading the same book, at the same time," says Henriette Stuart-Reckling, global digital director of Pottermore. This is something fans have been begging for over the past two decades, and now our dreams have come true - just like magic.
Image Source: Warner Bros.
Couple With 5 Biological Kids Adopts 6 Siblings, and They're the Cutest Family
With two parents and five biological children, the Sanders family was already pretty big, but they decided there was still room for more love. So they adopted six siblings at the same time, making for one big, happy family of 13.
Ohio residents Christina and Christopher Sanders took the six children into their home as foster parents back in 2014. Since then, Coby, 16, Christan, 14, Caleb, 13, Cayley, 12, Carson, 10, and Chloe, 9, have been living in their six-bedroom home, and the Sanders kids have welcomed them with open arms. When the parents decided it was time to make things official, the six siblings were ecstatic and, most importantly, grateful to join their family without getting split up.
Thirteen-year-old Caleb told the Cincinnatti Enquirer, "I would not know where I'd be right now if it wasn't for the Sanders. We (were) having a rough life, before." His younger sister, 12-year-old Cayley, could barely contain her excitement on the day of their adoption. "I'm happy that I'm here because everything is wonderful," she said. "This is just what I wanted."
Watch the video above to hear more about the adorable Sanders family.
The Most Flattering Trends to Wear This Spring
Sometimes seeing the season's biggest trends on a runway isn't enough to convince you to actually try them IRL. With a little help from some of your favorite fashion bloggers, we've gathered all the inspiration you need for how to style this season's most flattering trends.
From punched-up vacation-printed dresses to the classic button-down reimagined, we're counting down the wardrobe essentials that people of all shapes and sizes can pull off. Whether you're curvy or petite, check out these eight Spring trends that will look good on anybody.
Attention Book-Lovers: Take the 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
Fellow bibliophiles, start prepping your book lists, because the 2017 POPSUGAR reading challenge is here - with a new twist! For 2017's challenge, there are 40 book prompts to help diversify and expand your reading in the new year, PLUS an "advanced" section with 12 books for hardcore readers who complete the challenge before the year is over. That's a book a week for the overachievers out there! Not that you have to read all 52 books - the idea is just to have fun with it. From "a book recommended by a librarian" to "a book with a cat on the cover," this reading challenge is made up of a variety of ideas to mix up your reading choices, not specific book titles. Maybe you'll even discover a new favorite book by trying something unexpected.
What now? We'd suggest joining this awesome Goodreads group that is made up of almost 2,000 readers who participate in the POPSUGAR reading challenge with supportive discussions about the books they've read along the way and ideas for books that fit the prompts. You'll also be able to track which books you've read and rate them on the site.
Download our printable, checking off the books as you go, and pin the handy graphic below for reference. Share your progress on Instagram with #popsugarreadingchallenge!
14 Things You'll Only Understand If You're a Latina Who Grew Up in the '90s
There truly hasn't been an era that's matched the amazingness of the '90s. The Lipsmackers, the jellies, the butterfly clips were all too good, but if you're a Latinx that grew up in the decade, you know things were even better for you.
The gel, gold jewelry, and dramatic-as-heck novelas were always on your mind and looking as fly as possible was a must. Romeo Santos was the hot man you wanted to be in a relationship with and La Macarena was playing nonstop. Sound familiar? Keep scrolling to go on a walk down memory lane.
Wedding Music Ideas: 100 Songs For Your First Dance
There are plenty of details to consider when planning a wedding, not the least of which is the music. The first dance is often the first song decision many couples make, because it's the centerpiece of the reception, with the newlyweds dancing for the first time with all eyes on them. If you're on the hunt for the perfect tune for the first dance, we're here to help. From rock to classic to pop, here are 100 song suggestions sweet enough for a first dance. Need more advice? Here are all of our wedding music ideas!
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Recreated That Epic Spider-Man Kiss
.@ChrissyTeigen & @JohnLegend re-enact a classic Spider-Man moment! See more tonight at 7:30/6:30c on @MTV - followed by the #MTVAwards. http://pic.twitter.com/VewWi6KyDW
- Lip Sync Battle (@SpikeLSB) May 7, 2017
Mary Jane and Spider-Man have nothing on Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Ahead of Sunday night's Lip Sync Battle against Spider-Man: Homecoming costars Zendaya and Tom Holland, Chrissy shared a hilarious video of her dangling from the roof. Not only did she don the superhero's iconic costume, but her husband even joined her onstage to recreate that epic upside-down kiss from the 2002 film starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. Let's just say, they totally nailed it!
Jason Momoa Shows Off His Muscles With an Equally Large Friend
We have been over this before: Jason Momoa is a very large, very sexy man. But we also could talk about that fact every single day for the rest of our lives. You too? Good. The Aquaman actor showed off his famous muscles when he stepped out with his personal trainer in Australia on Wednesday. Jason, who has been married to Lisa Bonet since 2007, proved that he could probably knock you over just by breathing when he flexed his muscles for photographers with the equally large Mada Abdelhamid. The two men then grabbed a bite to eat, where Jason, who made the table and chairs he was sitting at look like children's toys, appeared to joke around with a waitress. BRB, draining our bank accounts for a trip Down Under.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Recreated That Epic Spider-Man Kiss
.@ChrissyTeigen & @JohnLegend re-enact a classic Spider-Man moment! See more tonight at 7:30/6:30c on @MTV - followed by the #MTVAwards. http://pic.twitter.com/VewWi6KyDW
- Lip Sync Battle (@SpikeLSB) May 7, 2017
Mary Jane and Spider-Man have nothing on Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Ahead of Sunday night's Lip Sync Battle against Spider-Man: Homecoming costars Zendaya and Tom Holland, Chrissy shared a hilarious video of her dangling from the roof. Not only did she don the superhero's iconic costume, but her husband even joined her onstage to recreate that epic upside-down kiss from the 2002 film starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. Let's just say, they totally nailed it!
Jason Momoa Shows Off His Muscles With an Equally Large Friend
We have been over this before: Jason Momoa is a very large, very sexy man. But we also could talk about that fact every single day for the rest of our lives. You too? Good. The Aquaman actor showed off his famous muscles when he stepped out with his personal trainer in Australia on Wednesday. Jason, who has been married to Lisa Bonet since 2007, proved that he could probably knock you over just by breathing when he flexed his muscles for photographers with the equally large Mada Abdelhamid. The two men then grabbed a bite to eat, where Jason, who made the table and chairs he was sitting at look like children's toys, appeared to joke around with a waitress. BRB, draining our bank accounts for a trip Down Under.
14 Things You'll Only Understand If You're a Latina Who Grew Up in the '90s
There truly hasn't been an era that's matched the amazingness of the '90s. The Lipsmackers, the jellies, the butterfly clips were all too good, but if you're a Latinx that grew up in the decade, you know things were even better for you.
The gel, gold jewelry, and dramatic-as-heck novelas were always on your mind and looking as fly as possible was a must. Romeo Santos was the hot man you wanted to be in a relationship with and La Macarena was playing nonstop. Sound familiar? Keep scrolling to go on a walk down memory lane.
Amal Clooney Looks Business Professional Right Until You See Her Shoes
Why is it that Amal Clooney's outfits are always so darn good? While arriving to give a speech at London's Chatham House, Amal looked elegant as ever. The lawyer and activist stepped out in a bright red shift dress and a camel-colored trench coat with a structured leather Altuzarra bag. Both the dress and the coat were vintage pieces - the coat was a Balmain number from the '60s and the loose-fitting dress was from the Dior A/W 1972 Haute Couture collection.
While her vintage outfit was on point, the real stars of the show were her vibrant Oscar de la Renta slingback heels that are perfect for Spring. Amal found the perfect way to incorporate a fun print with her business-professional attire, and we've gotta say we're all about it. She actually wore the same pair of shoes at another event back 2014. Check out her power ensemble and shop the heels ahead.
21 Badass Breastfeeding Tattoos That Might Tempt You to Get Ink
Whether you breastfed for two weeks, six years, or not at all, there's a certain beauty to the act of breastfeeding that just can't be denied. To honor nursing and the unique bond it creates between mother and baby, tons of moms have taken the plunge and gotten permanent reminders of that vulnerable time with gorgeous tattoos.
Scroll through for 21 breastfeeding tattoos that will totally make you want to get ink.
Wedding Music Ideas: 100 Songs For Your First Dance
There are plenty of details to consider when planning a wedding, not the least of which is the music. The first dance is often the first song decision many couples make, because it's the centerpiece of the reception, with the newlyweds dancing for the first time with all eyes on them. If you're on the hunt for the perfect tune for the first dance, we're here to help. From rock to classic to pop, here are 100 song suggestions sweet enough for a first dance. Need more advice? Here are all of our wedding music ideas!
Amal Clooney Looks Business Professional Right Until You See Her Shoes
Why is it that Amal Clooney's outfits are always so darn good? While arriving to give a speech at London's Chatham House, Amal looked elegant as ever. The lawyer and activist stepped out in a bright red shift dress and a camel-colored trench coat with a structured leather Altuzarra bag. Both the dress and the coat were vintage pieces - the coat was a Balmain number from the '60s and the loose-fitting dress was from the Dior A/W 1972 Haute Couture collection.
While her vintage outfit was on point, the real stars of the show were her vibrant Oscar de la Renta slingback heels that are perfect for Spring. Amal found the perfect way to incorporate a fun print with her business-professional attire, and we've gotta say we're all about it. She actually wore the same pair of shoes at another event back 2014. Check out her power ensemble and shop the heels ahead.
21 Badass Breastfeeding Tattoos That Might Tempt You to Get Ink
Whether you breastfed for two weeks, six years, or not at all, there's a certain beauty to the act of breastfeeding that just can't be denied. To honor nursing and the unique bond it creates between mother and baby, tons of moms have taken the plunge and gotten permanent reminders of that vulnerable time with gorgeous tattoos.
Scroll through for 21 breastfeeding tattoos that will totally make you want to get ink.
If You Love Your Mom, Buy Her This Doughnut Bouquet on Mother's Day
Traditional flowers are so last year. This year, show your mother just how much you love her with this yummy doughnut bouquet from Tim Hortons. The best part is you won't have to break the bank for this sweet treat. The edible bouquet will be available at select Tim Hortons locations in the US on Mother's Day for just $8. That means you should buy your loving mama more than one, because she deserves it!
Each bite-size doughnut comes in a one of 24 flavors and is slid onto a skewer to give the appearance of an actual flower bouquet. There's also ribbon, tissue paper, and a special Mother's Day gift box that will make your mother feel like the special lady she is. Sounds like the perfect Mother's Day gift, if you ask us!
This Is How Long You Can Expect to Bleed After Giving Birth, According to 2 Doctors
Something many first-time moms might not know in reference to what will happen with their bodies after giving birth is that they can expect to bleed. Understandably, the body goes through a pretty intense experience while birthing a child, so it continues to bleed vaginally - similar to a period - for a bit of time afterward. All it really comes down to is the body expelling the extra blood and tissue that it needed for the baby. But how long can you expect to bleed? And what are normal levels of bleeding? To find out, we asked two doctors to weigh in on it.
Iffath Hoskins, MD, clinical associate professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center, said bleeding will typically last for about 10-14 days. Heather Rupe, MD, DO, OB/GYN at The Womens Group of Franklin and WebMD contributor, agreed with Dr. Hoskins and added that women can also see spotting for up to eight weeks post-childbirth.
New moms can expect the blood to be bright red and thick because of the tissue right after giving birth, Dr. Hoskins said, but as time goes on, it should change to a brown or orange shade. During this time, pads will be your friend, but it can get messy, so wearing some crummy clothes that you don't mind getting dirty is a good idea. The blood is not cause for alarm; however, if you're passing any clots or rapidly bleeding through pads, it might be time to check back in with your doctor. Dr. Hoskins also cites localized pain in the perineum, fever, and pus as other causes for concern.
Dr. Hoskins put it simply when she said, "No one ever died from being embarrassed about an unnecessary phone call. But postpartum bleeding and/or sepsis are known killers of mothers." We couldn't have said it better. If you're ever in doubt, it's always smart to ask your doctor for help.
Saturday Night Live Wasted No Time Spoofing The Handmaid's Tale
Hulu's TV adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale is gaining major buzz, so of course, Saturday Night Live wasted no time doing a skit about it. During a spoof of the series, host Chris Pine and a few of the male cast members play bros that are totally oblivious to the ways of their new Republic and its unjust treatment of women. "I think I read something about that . . . but I've been super busy with work lately," Pine's character says before his friend nonchalantly adds that the women should just fight back. See the full skit above.
For a Happy Work Life, Move to 1 of These States
Do you wake up every morning feeling energized and excited for your workday without even having a sip of coffee? Or do you have to drag yourself out of bed after snoozing two alarms, only motivated by your countdown to Friday? It turns out, a big factor in determining where you fall along that spectrum is where you live.
After compiling data from more than 250,000 US workers, Sokanu, a career matching platform, discovered which states have the happiest and unhappiest employees. Coming in at the top of the list for most satisfied workers is - drumroll, please - Hawaii. Apparently being surrounded by sunshine and saltwater 24/7 is cause for happiness, which probably surprises nobody. The No. 2 and 3 spots, however, go to West Virginia and Maine, respectively.
Find out if you're living in a state of happiness below:
Top 5 States With the Most Satisfied Workers
1. Hawaii
2. West Virginia
3. Maine
4. Nevada
5. Kansas
Bottom 5 States With the Least Satisfied Workers
46. New Mexico
47. Pennsylvania
48. Washington
49. Rhode Island
50. Vermont
The 5 Most Satisfying Jobs
1. Film director
2. Athlete
3. DJ
4. Choreographer
5. Video game designer
The 5 Least Satisfying Jobs
1. Debt collector
2. Postal service clerk
3. Janitor
4. Lab technician
5. Telemarketer
Check out the infographic below for a visual representation of the findings.
Saturday Night Live Wasted No Time Spoofing The Handmaid's Tale
Hulu's TV adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale is gaining major buzz, so of course, Saturday Night Live wasted no time doing a skit about it. During a spoof of the series, host Chris Pine and a few of the male cast members play bros that are totally oblivious to the ways of their new Republic and its unjust treatment of women. "I think I read something about that . . . but I've been super busy with work lately," Pine's character says before his friend nonchalantly adds that the women should just fight back. See the full skit above.
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
Get to Know the Soon-to-Be Princess With a Royal Wardrobe Better Than Kate's
Get pumped because a new Latina royal is here to stun you with her amazing style. Alessandra de Osma, known as Sassa and born in Lima, Peru, is the 25-year-old lucky fiancé to Prince Christian of Hanover. From the moment the couple, who met while Christian visited Peru as a teen, announced their engagement and 2018 wedding, we've been taking a deep dive into Alessandra's incredible fashion choices, and we must say, we're impressed.
The lawyer and model has been attending royal events, like the Monaco Rose Ball - Christian's father, Prince Ernst August, is married to Princess Caroline of Monaco - and fronting ads and magazine spreads for fashion designers for years. It comes as no surprise then than her closet is full of high-end pieces she wears expertly. Look ahead to see why she should be your new favorite royal.
It Might Be Spring, but You'll Want to Shop Selena Gomez's Sexy Swimsuits
You might think of celebrities on perma-vacations like Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima when you're looking for swimsuit inspiration, but we're telling you right now that Selena Gomez's beach style is the most versatile of them all.
The singer, who, after a short hiatus, made an emotional return to the spotlight at the end of 2016 with her acceptance speech at the American Music Awards, chooses both sexy bikinis and practical one-pieces that flatter her curves and still manage to be comfortable. So if you're headed to a warm location this Spring or simply want to stock up for the Summer - it's never too early - look ahead for lots of inspiration from Selena.
Kurt and Goldie Are Hollywood Royalty, and Now They Have the Stars to Prove It
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn brought their star power to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in LA on Thursday. The longtime couple were honored for their extensive careers by Reese Witherspoon, Quentin Tarantino, and their daughter, Kate Hudson, as they received stars on the legendary memorial walk and shared a sweet kiss before taking turns to speak at the podium. This week, Goldie's Snatched costar Amy Schumer shared a heart-melting video of her father being brought to tears while meeting Goldie, who is the "love of his life." The movie comes out on Mother's Day, and Kurt's new film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is released on Friday.
This Student's Essay on 12 Years a Slave Is Both Candid and Heartwrenching
Although it's probably not the best idea to cram on a college paper, one college student is going viral because of it. On April 18, Twitter user Stephy (@stephypie15) tweeted a photo of her college essay, writing "Possibly the best sentence I've ever written." In the sentence, Stephy calls out Edwin Epps, a plantation owner who viciously mistreated slaves in Solomon Northup's memoir, 12 Years a Slave.
"Yes, Edwin Epps is getting his own paragraph because that's how much of a piece of sh*t he was," she wrote. Her brother, Eric, followed up with a photo of his sister's graded paper, and let's just say it made her professor sound like the coolest professor ever. Instead of getting upset over Stephy's use of profanity, the professor simply wrote "LOL true" next to her candid sentence.
my little sister wrote a paper over 12 Years A Slave, got a 95, and didn't get clocked for this paragraph.
I am dead 😂 http://pic.twitter.com/AxHyOonQpR- eric sparkles ✨ (@eric_espana) May 4, 2017
"I won't knock you for language here [because] the Epps warrant it, but just as general advice you should try to avoid it in academic papers for other professors," the professor added as a side note on the page. After calling Epps and his wife "sh*t human beings" and "scum of the Earth," her professor simply responded with "Fair enough."
Twitter users could not handle how chill Stephy's professor was about it all. According to Eric, Stephy received a 95 on her last-minute paper and Stephy went on to call her professor "the best." Keep reading to see some of the best reactions to the epic essay ahead.
@eric_espana @stephypie15 @MakeupForWOC I'm still shook at the fact that a professor used LOL bruh, L O fucking L
- KillTheNoise⏩EDCLV (@TheUtopianSoul) May 5, 2017
@eric_espana @stephypie15 @MakeupForWOC i am so fucking proud of her A++ also i love her professor
- ✨ex-birthday girl ✨ (@_blxckgold_) May 5, 2017
@eric_espana @stephypie15 @MakeupForWOC The world needs more teachers like this
- Judson (@GaySportsGeek) May 5, 2017