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.
mardi 9 mai 2017
What Does the Queen Have For Breakfast? Get a Peek Into Life Behind Palace Doors
Image Source: Getty / Handout
The queen has always maintained a dignified silence when it comes to her home life - she never gives interviews and rarely discloses even the tiniest tidbit of personal information - but a glance at the 800 or so companies that hold Royal Warrants provides a wealth of detail about her majesty's private life. A Royal Warrant is an official mark of recognition that is granted to any company that has provided the queen with goods or services for five years or more, and it allows the company to display the queen's coat of arms on its packaging and promotional materials. Prince Philip and Prince Charles are the only other two members of the family who can grant a Royal Warrant, but the most telling are those companies that provide the queen with everything from agricultural machinery to marzipan and lipsticks to helicopter engines.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Breakfast
Cereal is the queen's breakfast of champions, and her choices are reassuringly traditional. Kellogg's, Weetabix, and Quaker Oats all hold a Royal Warrant, and the various cereals are kept in Tupperware containers to keep them fresh. Her majesty's morning tea of choice? Twinings English Breakfast; milk, no sugar.
Drinks
If one was ever to find oneself at a cocktail party at Buckingham Palace, it's good to know what will be served - and for the most part it's not as fancy as you might expect. Gordon's gin, Pimm's, Bacardi, and Bulmers cider are all warrant holders; however, there are numerous suppliers of fine wines and eight different Champagne producers including Bollinger, Krug, Lanson, and Winston Churchill's favorite, Pol Roger (which was also served at William and Kate's wedding).
Beauty Favorites
The queen has been a fan of Clarins ever since her coronation, when she commissioned the company to design a shade of lipstick to complement her gown. It has been reported that she favors its Ever Matte Mineral Powder Compact in Transparent Fair and Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, as well as its eye shadow palettes.
Elizabeth Arden has been a Royal Warrant holder for 55 years, and two of the queen's favorite products are the Eight Hour Cream and Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Bold Red. Her majesty favors Floris perfume and Bronnley soap, as well as quintessential British brand Yardley and the more modern Molton Brown.
Image Source: Getty / Hulton Archive
Eco-Wares
Prince Charles is known for championing environmentally friendly products, but the queen is quietly also big on eco-fare. She uses a number of green warrant-holders including Delphis Eco, which provides environmentally friendly cleaning products, and Agri-cycle, which uses agricultural waste such as spray cans, fertilizer bags, and shrink wrap and recycles it into furniture, flooring, and containers.
The Everyday vs. the Extraordinary
The queen is known for having pretty simple tastes when it comes to what she eats at home, and her wartime upbringing is reflected in her unfussy style - so it's no surprise that she has Heinz ketchup, Ryvita crackers, Baxters soups, and Robinsons fruit squashes at home. She's also a fan of British High Street favorite Boots the Chemist. However, she is a monarch, and the mind-boggling roster of Royal Warrant holders also includes gold-leaf manufacturers, medal makers, chandelier refurbishers, animal pregnancy scanners, calligraphers, silk flower crafters, name-badge makers, helicopter engine manufacturers, and even a taxidermist.
British Artisanal Produce
The royal family are all big supporters of local produce, and many of the queen's choices are very specific - bacon from Denhay Farms, sausages from Musk's, eggs from Noble Foods, jam from Wilkin & Sons, and coffee from H.R. Higgins. It's a good thing she doesn't have to do the shopping herself - a simple cooked breakfast would take a whole day to accumulate.
Image Source: Getty / Arthur Edwards
Interior Design
When it comes to furnishing her properties, the queen unsurprisingly opts for luxury, tradition, and history, choosing AW Hainsworth for fabrics, Sanderson for wallpaper, Albert E. Chapman for curtains, and Heirlooms for fine linens. Charles Farris provides beeswax church candles, and in a strange quirk, A Nash supplies old-fashioned Harry Potter-style brooms for the royal sweeping. Her majesty also likes using philanthropic organizations and purchases mattresses from Glencraft - 70 percent of whose workforce is made up of people with disabilities.
Phones, Laptops, and Tablets
The queen Skypes with various members of her family and tweets to her many fans - and now we know how. Her majesty is clearly an Android kind of lady, as Samsung is listed as a Royal Warrant holder.
Sweet Treats
The queen loves chocolate (and always gives it up for Lent), but on the other 325 days of the year, she has her pick of the everyday supermarket brands Cadbury and Nestlé, along with the more high-end Charbonnel et Walker, Prestat, and Bendicks - which specializes in after-dinner mints.
Image Source: Getty / WPA Pool
The Best of the Rest
Undergarments: Quaintly billed as "corsetieres" on the Royal Warrant holders website, the incredibly fancy Rigby & Peller is the one entrusted with creating the queen's intimates. It has also been reported that the Duchess of Cambridge has called upon the services of the company, too.
Holistic health: The queen is a traditionalist in many ways, yet Ainsworths Homeopathic Pharmacy has a Royal Warrant - so it seems the queen is also a fan of alternative therapies.
Christmas supplies: When William, Kate, George, and Charlotte gather with the rest of the family at Sandringham, they will be tearing open traditional metallic foiled wrapping paper and pulling bespoke crackers from specialist Christmas wares company Tom Smith.
The Story Behind This Mom's Tattoo For Her Late Daughter Will Bring You to Tears
Today is my daughter, Isabells birthday. She would have been 16. She wrote this for me along with a poem when she was 10. Happy Birthday Isabell.
It's a simple, handwritten tattoo that reads, "I love you, Mom!" but the story behind it will bring you to tears. Imgur user 1919roland, mother to Isabell, shared the photo of her new tattoo to the image-sharing platform to honor her late daughter on what would have been her 16th birthday.
"Today is my daughter, Isabell's birthday," the mom captioned the photo. "She would have been 16. She wrote this for me along with a poem when she was 10. Happy Birthday, Isabell."
The heartbroken mother shared in the comments that Isabell suffered from depression and anxiety her entire life and unfortunately took her own life on Nov. 12, 2016. "She wasn't ashamed of who she was and neither am I," Isabell's mom wrote in a comment. "She took her life after years of struggling and is now free of all of it. She was the most loving and caring person I have ever had the honor of knowing. She will be missed by many."
If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, head to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America for help and resources.
The Surprising Reason Why My Oldest, Ugliest Sheet Pan Is My Favorite
If you found this article by searching "how to get baked-on grease off of a cookie sheet," sorry, but you're in for a bit of a bait and switch. Before you get all huffy, I promise this isn't some nefarious scheme, rather, my intentions are kind. Instead of busting out some baking soda and vinegar or Bar Keepers Friend, consider this: that baked-on grease can work in your favor.
Do you go crazy for crisp, deeply-browned roasted vegetables? Do you worship at the altar of the Maillard reaction? If so, you have reason to leave that patina alone. The dark color of those splotches promotes browning and might just be the secret to the best darn roast veg of your life. For this reason, I nearly always reach for the same battered, splotchy half sheet pan when crisp results are what I'm after. One small warning: for the same reason why that well-loved pan works so well on the savory side of things, it is the wrong choice for baking cookies or other delicate applications; the dark surface will accelerate browning on the undersides of your sweet treats.
Good Times! Ban.do and Starbucks Teamed Up For a New Summery Collection
Starbucks's latest collaboration will seriously win you over. The brand has teamed up with Ban.do for a "limited-edition, 10-piece collection of drinkware and accessories" donning an adorable "Good Times!" message. It includes Starbucks signature cold cups, double-walled travelers, notebooks, totes, luggage tags, passport holders, pencil pouches, and drink coasters. Here's the slight bummer: the collection launches May 16 in select Starbucks locations throughout Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Taiwan, South Korea, and China.
While this may give you reason enough to go ahead and book a ticket around the world, alternatively, US fans can enter this Ban.do x Starbucks giveaway from May 16 to June 16 for a chance to win the collection. FYI, the brands have plans to launch a "second capsule collection" in July 2017. Yippee! Or should we say . . . "no bad days."
Excuse Us While We Relish in Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart's Adorable Friendship
The Riverdale cast is filled with some adorable friendships, but we have a soft spot for Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart. Together they make up the show's biggest couple, Jughead and Betty, and their offscreen bond is just as endearing. Whether they're goofing off on set or taking family trips to the beach together, it's clear these two have a special connection. There have been rumors that these two are a couple in real life (fans of the show have been shipping them hard), but we'll soak up their sweetest moments no matter what their status is.
Exactly How to Make Big Money Selling Your Furniture Online
We love when the warmer weather comes around and we get that urge to purge all our extra stuff. Offloading furniture - to make room for new, fun pieces - can be a bit tricky, but it's totally doable. These days, with so much technology at our fingertips, more and more people are turning to the internet to sell everything, including furniture.
We asked Geoffrey De Sousa, chief curator for Previously Owned by a Gay Man, for a breakdown of how to sell your furniture, where to sell it, and how to make it appealing - including the one photo rule you should never break.
There is no bad time to sell
"Anytime of the year can be a terrific time to purge unwanted things from your life," according to Geoffrey. He said springtime and right before holidays tend to be when he feels there's an uptick in wanting to clean out, but any time you feel like clearing clutter, it can easily be sold to someone else.
The online furniture market is bustling
While it may seem a little wacky to sell something as cumbersome as furniture online, Geoffrey insists that it's the way to go. "You can reach so many more people," he said, especially if you use a site like Previously Owned by a Gay Man or even eBay.
Be realistic about pricing
Geoffrey said it's extremely important to not only do your researching when pricing what you're selling but to also forget about what you paid for it originally. "I find that can be a stumbling block for some people. You'll need to be realistic - what will someone pay for this item?" You want to clear out your space, so sometimes going down on a price is what you have to do just to get rid of it.
Never put filters on sales photos
Filters distort what the piece of furniture truly looks like, so it's something Geoffrey said to always avoid. He recommends, however, taking the furniture outside to shoot in natural light, if you can. "It's great to show the piece head on, from all four sides, and from the top." He also noted that you should be sure to take detail shots, especially if your furniture has some wear and tear. You want to be honest with your potential buyers! He also suggested including photos of a label if it's a name that will attract more buyers.
Above all, make sure your furniture is clean
"Dust the entire piece, use some furniture polish on wood pieces, tighten any bolts that need to be tightened, fluff cushions - you know what I'm saying!" Put yourself in the buyer's shoes and think of it that way. Make sure your furniture is something you'd want to buy. Again. Since, you know, you did already buy it once.
50+ Photos That Show the Outpouring of Love at Princess Diana's Public Funeral
When Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car crash in August 1997, it seemed as though the world was mourning just as deeply as her own family. Diana, dubbed "The People's Princess," made an indelible mark on those in the UK as well as around the globe; her funeral, which was held on Sept. 6, was watched or listened to by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide - making it one of the most watched events in history. In London, a crowd of nearly one million people gathered to trace Diana's coffin from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey to her final resting place at the Spencer family's home in Althorp.
Diana's sons, Harry and William, followed their mother's coffin alongside their father, Prince Charles, and their uncle Charles, the Earl Spencer. The visibly moved onlookers blanketed the streets with heartfelt notes, bouquets, and teddy bears, and flower petals rained down from bystanders along the procession route. People also gathered in Hyde Park, where the ceremony was being aired on a giant screen, while celebrities like Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Hillary Clinton, and Elton John attended the official ceremony inside Westminster Abbey. We're looking back on the outpouring of love from the public at Diana's funeral. Scroll through to see all the tearjerking photos.
This Kraft Ad Geared Toward Moms Who Swear Is F*cking Hilarious
When we read that 74 percent of moms admit to swearing in front of their kids, our first thought was, "Holy sh*t - what the f*ck do the other 26 percent of moms do?!"
It seems Kraft Mac & Cheese was thinking the exact same thing. The brand created an informational "film" with Melissa Mohr, the mom who literally wrote the book on swearing, to offer up alternative curse words parents can use around their little ones. And, son of a motherless goat, it's great advice!
Go ahead: watch the video and just try not to let out a good expletive-fueled laugh.
31 Sexy Pictures For Anyone Who Is Mildly Obsessed With Skeet Ulrich
Skeet Ulrich is the embodiment of scary-sexy. He's played creeps in movies and TV shows since the '90s, and now he's back on our radar (thank God) because of Riverdale. The 47-year-old plays the mysterious gangster FP Jones (father to Cole Sprouse's Jughead), and it seems like each week he just gets hotter . . . and hotter . . . and hotter. What better way to celebrate Skeet than with his steamiest pictures over the years? Brace yourself; there are a lot.
The Story Behind This Mom's Tattoo For Her Late Daughter Will Bring You to Tears
Today is my daughter, Isabells birthday. She would have been 16. She wrote this for me along with a poem when she was 10. Happy Birthday Isabell.
It's a simple, handwritten tattoo that reads, "I love you, Mom!" but the story behind it will bring you to tears. Imgur user 1919roland, mother to Isabell, shared the photo of her new tattoo to the image-sharing platform to honor her late daughter on what would have been her 16th birthday.
"Today is my daughter, Isabell's birthday," the mom captioned the photo. "She would have been 16. She wrote this for me along with a poem when she was 10. Happy Birthday, Isabell."
The heartbroken mother shared in the comments that Isabell suffered from depression and anxiety her entire life and unfortunately took her own life on Nov. 12, 2016. "She wasn't ashamed of who she was and neither am I," Isabell's mom wrote in a comment. "She took her life after years of struggling and is now free of all of it. She was the most loving and caring person I have ever had the honor of knowing. She will be missed by many."
If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, head to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America for help and resources.
20 Spring Recipes For Those Who Favor Heartier Meals
The days are longer, the temperatures are milder, and the crocuses are starting to poke their fragile little heads out of the soil. It must be Spring! Soon everyone's farmers markets will be stocked with fresh Spring produce, from asparagus and leeks to peas and beets. But just because Spring veggies typically inspire lighter fare doesn't mean that you have to give up your comfort foods. Here are 20 recipes featuring Spring produce that are just as meaty, carby, and hearty as your favorite Winter meals.
I Brought 2 Skin Care Secrets Home From Japan - and They Transformed My Complexion
The rumors are true: Asia is a skin care paradise, and its women have flawless complexions. I was able to witness this IRL on a press trip to Okinawa with beauty brand SK-II. The company was hosting an event to discover Asia's next top beauty creator, and thus hundreds of influencers from across the content had descended upon the Japanese island.
I don't think I saw a single blemish, wrinkle, or dry patch on a face other than my own throughout my visit, and I was obviously eager to learn the secret behind perfection. I met with Kazumi Toyama, Global SK-II Senior Manager, Technical Marketing & Scientific Communications, to unveil the defining differences between Asian and Western skin care regimens. According to her, there are only two distinctions - and they are so simple! - but they are essential for youthful, glowing complexion.
You're removing your eye makeup wrong.
You've probably heard that ever since you were old enough to understand what eye cream was, it should be applied with caution to this delicate area. But while I've been daintily applying treatments with the pad of my ring finger, I've also been removing my eye makeup like a savage, leaving my skin streaked and slightly sore from rubbing. This is unacceptable behavior overseas.
Kazumi noted that heavier eye makeup is starting to increase in popularity in Asia, as smoky eyes and other Kardashian makeup is migrating there from the states. However, there's more education behind eye care there. "We're teaching them how to do the gentle removal," she said. "Because we know that this area really is the fastest to show signs of aging, we make sure that when we cleanse, it's very gentle."
That means no aggressive rubbing. Instead, simply soak a cotton pad with your favorite makeup remover, press it firmly to your closed eyelid, and hold it there for around 10 seconds. (This will allow the formula to dissolve your mascara, liner, shadow, and any other products.) Then, gently wipe your makeup off in one smooth motion. Repeat as necessary until the cotton pad comes away clean. Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Makeup Remover Pads ($20) are designed for this exact method and are infused with a cleanser with a milky formula, the texture that Kazumi recommends for makeup removal.
Swap out your toner for facial essence.
The other minor skin switch? Put down your toner. For many American beauty junkies, this is the first slot in a skin care regimen post-cleanse, but it's creating a stripped, parched canvas for the following products. "It's harsh and removes water rather than adds it," Kazumi said.
After Asian women wash their faces, they use an essence instead. This is not a generalization – according to Kazumi, approximately 95 percent of consumers overseas incorporate essences into their routines. "It's very specific to Asian skin care," she said.
Approximately 95 percent of consumers overseas incorporate essences into their routines.
As you've likely noticed, essences (also known as "clear lotions") have made their way into American skin care markets, but there is still a lot of confusion around these formulas. Essences basically function as a thin, watery serum that is meant to be patted into clean skin as the first step of any regimen. They're packed with high concentrations of powerful ingredients and infuse a complexion with deep hydration.
SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence ($179) contains more than 90 percent of Pitera, the brand's fermented yeast-derived star ingredient, which hydrates, brightens, and gently exfoliates without stripping the skin. And, like most essences, it absorbs quickly and leaves no residue behind, making an ideal addition into even the laziest of regimens. However, don't use essence as a replacement for moisturizer (in other words, don't be too lazy). You should be following the application of this step with a hydrating cream like they do in Asia.
Seeing the precedence that was placed on proper skin care routines abroad, I gave my own a complete overhaul after returning home from Japan. I also incorporated both of these tricks both into my regular regimen. I confess that I am still struggling to be patient when removing my eye makeup, but I am officially addicted to using an essence and don't go a day without using SK-II's. I have always been blessed with good skin, but now more than ever, I am receiving compliments on its luminosity and even tone. Discover more essence shopping recommendations here.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by SK-II for the purpose of writing this story.
This Kraft Ad Geared Toward Moms Who Swear Is F*cking Hilarious
When we read that 74 percent of moms admit to swearing in front of their kids, our first thought was, "Holy sh*t - what the f*ck do the other 26 percent of moms do?!"
It seems Kraft Mac & Cheese was thinking the exact same thing. The brand created an informational "film" with Melissa Mohr, the mom who literally wrote the book on swearing, to offer up alternative curse words parents can use around their little ones. And, son of a motherless goat, it's great advice!
Go ahead: watch the video and just try not to let out a good expletive-fueled laugh.
15 Signs You Are Turning Into Your Latina Mom
It's inevitable. Even after all of the times you've yelled at your mom saying you'll never be as irrational, strict, or protective as she is, sorry to break it to you, but it's happening: you're probably turning into your mom.
Don't fight it. As much as Latina moms can be a lot to deal with (isn't every mom sometimes, really?), they are admirable and take care of their kids and families like no one else can. So whether you've started using every container imaginable to store food in your fridge or you've offered someone Vicks VapoRub when they said they were sick, the symptoms are here to stay. Keep scrolling to see the signs you are turning into your mom.
I Brought 2 Skin Care Secrets Home From Japan - and They Transformed My Complexion
The rumors are true: Asia is a skin care paradise, and its women have flawless complexions. I was able to witness this IRL on a press trip to Okinawa with beauty brand SK-II. The company was hosting an event to discover Asia's next top beauty creator, and thus hundreds of influencers from across the content had descended upon the Japanese island.
I don't think I saw a single blemish, wrinkle, or dry patch on a face other than my own throughout my visit, and I was obviously eager to learn the secret behind perfection. I met with Kazumi Toyama, Global SK-II Senior Manager, Technical Marketing & Scientific Communications, to unveil the defining differences between Asian and Western skin care regimens. According to her, there are only two distinctions - and they are so simple! - but they are essential for youthful, glowing complexion.
You're removing your eye makeup wrong.
You've probably heard that ever since you were old enough to understand what eye cream was, it should be applied with caution to this delicate area. But while I've been daintily applying treatments with the pad of my ring finger, I've also been removing my eye makeup like a savage, leaving my skin streaked and slightly sore from rubbing. This is unacceptable behavior overseas.
Kazumi noted that heavier eye makeup is starting to increase in popularity in Asia, as smoky eyes and other Kardashian makeup is migrating there from the states. However, there's more education behind eye care there. "We're teaching them how to do the gentle removal," she said. "Because we know that this area really is the fastest to show signs of aging, we make sure that when we cleanse, it's very gentle."
That means no aggressive rubbing. Instead, simply soak a cotton pad with your favorite makeup remover, press it firmly to your closed eyelid, and hold it there for around 10 seconds. (This will allow the formula to dissolve your mascara, liner, shadow, and any other products.) Then, gently wipe your makeup off in one smooth motion. Repeat as necessary until the cotton pad comes away clean. Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Makeup Remover Pads ($20) are designed for this exact method and are infused with a cleanser with a milky formula, the texture that Kazumi recommends for makeup removal.
Swap out your toner for facial essence.
The other minor skin switch? Put down your toner. For many American beauty junkies, this is the first slot in a skin care regimen post-cleanse, but it's creating a stripped, parched canvas for the following products. "It's harsh and removes water rather than adds it," Kazumi said.
After Asian women wash their faces, they use an essence instead. This is not a generalization – according to Kazumi, approximately 95 percent of consumers overseas incorporate essences into their routines. "It's very specific to Asian skin care," she said.
Approximately 95 percent of consumers overseas incorporate essences into their routines.
As you've likely noticed, essences (also known as "clear lotions") have made their way into American skin care markets, but there is still a lot of confusion around these formulas. Essences basically function as a thin, watery serum that is meant to be patted into clean skin as the first step of any regimen. They're packed with high concentrations of powerful ingredients and infuse a complexion with deep hydration.
SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence ($179) contains more than 90 percent of Pitera, the brand's fermented yeast-derived star ingredient, which hydrates, brightens, and gently exfoliates without stripping the skin. And, like most essences, it absorbs quickly and leaves no residue behind, making an ideal addition into even the laziest of regimens. However, don't use essence as a replacement for moisturizer (in other words, don't be too lazy). You should be following the application of this step with a hydrating cream like they do in Asia.
Seeing the precedence that was placed on proper skin care routines abroad, I gave my own a complete overhaul after returning home from Japan. I also incorporated both of these tricks both into my regular regimen. I confess that I am still struggling to be patient when removing my eye makeup, but I am officially addicted to using an essence and don't go a day without using SK-II's. I have always been blessed with good skin, but now more than ever, I am receiving compliments on its luminosity and even tone. Discover more essence shopping recommendations here.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by SK-II for the purpose of writing this story.
Barack Obama Asks Congress to Have "Courage" to Fight the New Healthcare Bill
Former President Barack Obama took little time to speak out against the American Health Care Act. In an award acceptance speech, Obama implored Congress to have the "courage" to do what's right when it comes to health care and repealing Obamacare.
The former president spoke about health care, courage, and keeping hope during these uncertain times as he accepted the 2017 Centennial John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation on May 9. His speech remarked on the members of Congress who helped vote in the Affordable Care Act, even though it might've "cost them their new seats, perhaps end their political careers." However, Obama believes that they did what they felt was right and showed the meaning of "courage." He then asked that today's Congress members do the same.
"I hope that current members of Congress recall that it actually doesn't take a lot of courage to aid those who are already powerful, already comfortable, already influential," he said. "But it does require some courage to champion the vulnerable and the sick and the infirm, those who often have no access to the corridors of power. I hope they understand that courage means not simply doing what is politically expedient but doing what they believe deep in their hearts is right."
"We need courage to stand up to hate not just in others but in ourselves."
Obama also tried to reassure any Americans who feel scared about the times we're living in. He mentioned how former President Kennedy lived in a more troubling era, but he still braved it. Obama reminded Americans "we need courage to stand up to hate not just in others but in ourselves . . . At such moments, we need courage to believe that together we can tackle big challenges like inequality and climate change. At such moments, it's necessary for us to show courage in challenging the status quo and in fighting the good fight but also show the courage to listen to one another and seek common ground and embrace principled compromise."
It's clear where the former president stands on the new Trumpcare bill that will eliminate health care for an estimated 24 million Americans. You can watch Obama's entire speech ahead.
Tinkerbelle the Dog Continues Her Streak of Crazy-Amazing Vacations
Tinkerbelle is a five-pound Papitese (Papillon/Maltese) from New York and an award-winning trained model, actor, travel blogger, and fashionista with over 100K followers on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter combined as well as two viral music videos on YouTube!
Tinkerbelle the Dog is hitting up every location on our travel bucket lists. She's seen Las Vegas, and she took in the sights in Orlando, FL, but this time she had the ultimate luxury getaway in Punta Cana. If you think you can control your jealousy, scroll through to see her pictures.
20 Spring Recipes For Those Who Favor Heartier Meals
The days are longer, the temperatures are milder, and the crocuses are starting to poke their fragile little heads out of the soil. It must be Spring! Soon everyone's farmers markets will be stocked with fresh Spring produce, from asparagus and leeks to peas and beets. But just because Spring veggies typically inspire lighter fare doesn't mean that you have to give up your comfort foods. Here are 20 recipes featuring Spring produce that are just as meaty, carby, and hearty as your favorite Winter meals.
5 Quotes About Mom For Mother's Day
Forget flowers; show your mom you care this Mother's Day by sending her one of these funny, sweet, and heartfelt quotes about moms. We've got a quote from author Jodi Picoult, a moving line from Kristin Hannah's Summer Island, and even a famous quote from a former president. Feeling inspired? Pin your favorites, and be sure to follow POPSUGARLove on Pinterest.
Wet N Wild Is Launching Limited-Edition Unicorn Glow Collection - and It's All Under $6
In case you've been living off the grid for the past year, allow us to help you catch up: beauty is all about unicorns right now. Up until recently, it's been mostly prestige brands getting in on the mythical creature fun. But now, thanks to Wet N Wild's upcoming Unicorn Glow collection, glamour girls on a budget will be able to try out the whimsical trend.
It's appropriate that the brand's now-iconic rainbow highlighter will be making a comeback for this limited-edition collection. It will also be available in two new shades (bronze and rosé). There's also iridescent lipsticks reminiscent of the cult-favorite Too Faced Unicorn Tears, loose pigments, and most exciting, a superaffordable unicorn horn makeup brush in an oil-slick black shade. But best of all, nothing will set you back for more than $6 apiece.
If you're already itching to pick up the entire collection, know that Beautycon New York attendees have a special advantage. They can get the entire set - where it will make its debut - on May 20 for just $25. The rest of us will have to wait and shop the bundle for $30. You can get it from Ulta.com on May 21, or you can hit up wetnwildbeauty.com on May 22 to snag the whole assortment or individual pieces. In anticipation of the launch, keep reading to see everything in the Unicorn Glow Collection.
15 Signs You Are Turning Into Your Latina Mom
It's inevitable. Even after all of the times you've yelled at your mom saying you'll never be as irrational, strict, or protective as she is, sorry to break it to you, but it's happening: you're probably turning into your mom.
Don't fight it. As much as Latina moms can be a lot to deal with (isn't every mom sometimes, really?), they are admirable and take care of their kids and families like no one else can. So whether you've started using every container imaginable to store food in your fridge or you've offered someone Vicks VapoRub when they said they were sick, the symptoms are here to stay. Keep scrolling to see the signs you are turning into your mom.
Wet N Wild Is Launching Limited-Edition Unicorn Glow Collection - and It's All Under $6
In case you've been living off the grid for the past year, allow us to help you catch up: beauty is all about unicorns right now. Up until recently, it's been mostly prestige brands getting in on the mythical creature fun. But now, thanks to Wet N Wild's upcoming Unicorn Glow collection, glamour girls on a budget will be able to try out the whimsical trend.
It's appropriate that the brand's now-iconic rainbow highlighter will be making a comeback for this limited-edition collection. It will also be available in two new shades (bronze and rosé). There's also iridescent lipsticks reminiscent of the cult-favorite Too Faced Unicorn Tears, loose pigments, and most exciting, a superaffordable unicorn horn makeup brush in an oil-slick black shade. But best of all, nothing will set you back for more than $6 apiece.
If you're already itching to pick up the entire collection, know that Beautycon New York attendees have a special advantage. They can get the entire set - where it will make its debut - on May 20 for just $25. The rest of us will have to wait and shop the bundle for $30. You can get it from Ulta.com on May 21, or you can hit up wetnwildbeauty.com on May 22 to snag the whole assortment or individual pieces. In anticipation of the launch, keep reading to see everything in the Unicorn Glow Collection.
1 Woman Gave Up Washing Her Face For 6 Months - and Her Skin Transformation Is Astounding
We've been using the magical potion that is micellar water for a few years now, but thanks to one Redditor, we now know just how magical the stuff is. Reddit user mollsballsss posted to the SkincareAddiction subreddit to share before and after photos of her skin, showing how it's been transformed by using exclusively micellar water to cleanse her face.
"In the past year, I found this subreddit and have tried to follow some of the recommendations," she said. She explained that she's been on Accutane twice, which has lead to some seriously dry skin. "In one post, someone mentioned not washing his/her face, and for some reason, that jumped out at me to try." She added, "I haven't put facial soap on my face for six months and it has made a HUGE difference."
The Redditor shared her full skin care regimen, which is extremely simple and consists of just SPF in the morning and moisturizer at night, rinsing her face with a splash of lukewarm water and Garnier Micellar Water ($9).
While some may be horrified by the distinct lack of cleanser in this routine, micellar water is actually an excellent substitute for face wash. In a past interview about this liquid miracle, dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades told POPSUGAR it contains small molecules called micelles, which are "nano-sized, single-layer fatty bubbles." Dr. Alexiades explained, "They are able to absorb other fats such as sebum and oils inside."
It's similar to using a cleansing oil: lipids bind to other lipids (in this case, micelles and sebum) to leave your complexion clean. Additionally, most micellar waters do not contain surfactants. These are cleansing agents that often include sulfates, which can aggressively strip the skin. So, you're replacing what could be harsh, drying soap with a gentle, soap-free cleanse. Even better, you don't need to rinse anything away - just add a few drops of micellar water to a tissue, wipe your face, and then you're done.
While replacing your face wash with micellar water might not be the best thing for your complexion (every face is different!), mollsballsss's results are inspiring enough to give this skin care switch-up a try.
The Truth About Sulfites in Wine
Every time I see "contains sulfites" on the back on a wine bottle, I pause. "Is this safe? What does that really mean?" I always ask myself before inevitably putting the bottle in my cart anyway. Granted, I'm always shopping in the $12-$15 range, so I've also wondered if more high-end wines are sulfite-free. To get to the bottom of it, I spoke to a couple of pros from Napa Valley's Conn Creek Winery and Stags' Leap Winery about what the labeling really means and whether consumers should be concerned or not.
First things first: all wine contains sulfites.
Sulfites are a form of the natural element sulfur, and they are used to prevent food and wine from browning and spoiling. Without sulfites in your bottle of Pinot Noir, not only could it go bad in the bottle within a few weeks, but it could also go bad the day after you open it. Not only are sulfites typically added to wine to extend its shelf life, but they also occur naturally after fermentation - so wine contains sulfites from the very beginning.
There's another common belief that European wine doesn't contain sulfites, but in reality, it does - it's just not labeled on the bottle. The US is one of the only countries that requires this particular labeling. I'm even staring at a bottle of Rosé from France that's on my desk right now, and sure enough, it says, "Product of France. Contains sulfites." Wineries have been using sulfur in wine for many, many years.
So what percentage of sulfites do most bottles contain? It will vary depending on the wine maker, but a bottle typically contains between 40 and 80 milligrams per liter. Per US regulation, any wine containing more than 10 ppm (parts per million), which tends to be the natural amount, must be labeled as containing sulfites.
It's also important to know that many foods contain sulfites but aren't required to say so on the label. A sampling of foods that contain sulfites includes bottled lemon juice, molasses, maraschino cherries, pickles, fresh mushrooms, maple syrup, dried fruit snacks, and various cheeses.
The only reason you should be concerned about consuming sulfites is if you have a serious allergy, which is often linked to asthma. If you're concerned about your reaction to sulfites, there is a way to remove some sulfites from wine. But if you tend to get headaches from wine, the sulfites probably aren't to blame; histamines, which are even more common in red wine than white, could be.
TLDR; yes, there are sulfites in all wine, and no, you shouldn't be concerned! Go forth and stock up on $6 wine from Walmart, or choose that fancy Sonoma Cabernet you've been eyeing. Despite the bottles' differences in price and outward appearance, you'll find the same two words on the back.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Cercone Brown Company for the purpose of writing this story.
10 Dinner Options That Are Totally Worth It to Meal Prep
Oftentimes when you get home from work, the last thing you want to do is pull out all the stops and make a big, elaborate dinner. Even less so, you're probably not eager to go right back out to pick up takeout. Lucky for you, we've rounded up 10 versatile options that, with a little planning at the beginning of the week, will be totally worth it to just heat up and dish out in the evenings. In fact, we think you'll be counting down the minutes to dinnertime with these in mind. Dig in.
Why It Took Queen Elizabeth II 5 Days to Publicly Address Princess Diana's Death
Image Source: Getty / Graeme Robertson
It's been nearly 20 years since Princess Diana's fatal car accident in Paris, and the upcoming anniversary of her death has sparked renewed interest in the tragic event. When news broke that Diana had died in August 1997, Queen Elizabeth II was highly criticized for the way she handled the situation. Many accused her of failing to capture the mood of the nation and faulted her for being aloof in the days following her former daughter-in-law's passing. The queen conveyed a "business-as-usual" message by taking Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry (who were 15 and 12, respectively, at the time), to church at Balmoral in Scotland hours after Prince Charles had broken the news to them. She was also criticized for remaining at her Scotland residence for too long, failing to appear at tributes near Buckingham Palace, and not returning quickly enough to London.
Image Source: Getty / Tom Wargacki
However, according to the queen's first cousin and close friend Margaret Rhodes, the queen's choice to temporarily abandon the people was due to her overwhelming concern for the welfare of her grandchildren, William and Harry. In an interview with CNN back in 2012, Margaret came to the queen's defense, saying, "She was castigated . . . for staying up at Balmoral with the two little boys. She was being a proper granny. What was the point of bringing the boys down to sit in London with nothing to do but sit there feeling sad about mum. Personally, I think I would have behaved in exactly the same way."
It was only when then-Prime Minister Tony Blair intervened that Elizabeth came back to London and acknowledged the public's outpouring of grief. "She made it all right in the end by coming down and looking at all the flowers," Margaret stated. Five days after Diana's death, Elizabeth delivered a live address to the people of England from the Chinese Dining Room at Buckingham Palace. She paid tribute to Diana, calling her "an exceptional and gifted human being," and explained her reason for being at Balmoral, saying, "This week at Balmoral, we have all been trying to help William and Harry come to terms with the devastating loss that they and the rest of us have suffered." She ended her speech with a touching statement: "May those who died rest in peace and may we, each and every one of us, thank God for someone who made many, many people happy." Watch her entire speech below.
Why It Took Queen Elizabeth II 5 Days to Publicly Address Princess Diana's Death
Image Source: Getty / Graeme Robertson
It's been nearly 20 years since Princess Diana's fatal car accident in Paris, and the upcoming anniversary of her death has sparked renewed interest in the tragic event. When news broke that Diana had died in August 1997, Queen Elizabeth II was highly criticized for the way she handled the situation. Many accused her of failing to capture the mood of the nation and faulted her for being aloof in the days following her former daughter-in-law's passing. The queen conveyed a "business-as-usual" message by taking Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry (who were 15 and 12, respectively, at the time), to church at Balmoral in Scotland hours after Prince Charles had broken the news to them. She was also criticized for remaining at her Scotland residence for too long, failing to appear at tributes near Buckingham Palace, and not returning quickly enough to London.
Image Source: Getty / Tom Wargacki
However, according to the queen's first cousin and close friend Margaret Rhodes, the queen's choice to temporarily abandon the people was due to her overwhelming concern for the welfare of her grandchildren, William and Harry. In an interview with CNN back in 2012, Margaret came to the queen's defense, saying, "She was castigated . . . for staying up at Balmoral with the two little boys. She was being a proper granny. What was the point of bringing the boys down to sit in London with nothing to do but sit there feeling sad about mum. Personally, I think I would have behaved in exactly the same way."
It was only when then-Prime Minister Tony Blair intervened that Elizabeth came back to London and acknowledged the public's outpouring of grief. "She made it all right in the end by coming down and looking at all the flowers," Margaret stated. Five days after Diana's death, Elizabeth delivered a live address to the people of England from the Chinese Dining Room at Buckingham Palace. She paid tribute to Diana, calling her "an exceptional and gifted human being," and explained her reason for being at Balmoral, saying, "This week at Balmoral, we have all been trying to help William and Harry come to terms with the devastating loss that they and the rest of us have suffered." She ended her speech with a touching statement: "May those who died rest in peace and may we, each and every one of us, thank God for someone who made many, many people happy." Watch her entire speech below.
10 Dinner Options That Are Totally Worth It to Meal Prep
Oftentimes when you get home from work, the last thing you want to do is pull out all the stops and make a big, elaborate dinner. Even less so, you're probably not eager to go right back out to pick up takeout. Lucky for you, we've rounded up 10 versatile options that, with a little planning at the beginning of the week, will be totally worth it to just heat up and dish out in the evenings. In fact, we think you'll be counting down the minutes to dinnertime with these in mind. Dig in.
28 Too-Real Chancla Memes That Will Make You Laugh Until It Hurts
At first sight, it looks like nothing but a shoe . . . until the time comes for you to the feel its wrath. All of a sudden, that flip-flop turns into a monster that will find you no matter where you are. It's called the chancla or chancleta, and it's the weapon of choice for Latina moms.
Sometimes all you needed to stop misbehaving was for your mom to simply mention its existence, while other times, you let it go a little further, tested the water, and might have gotten a gentle (or not so gentle) wack with it, but one thing I can tell you is that you weren't alone. These memes show exactly what it was like fearing the chancla and growing up with this silent but deadly weapon in your home. Keep scrolling to see what we mean.
9 Things You Should Absolutely Avoid Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
Before you permanently do anything to your body, make sure you know what you're getting into. That includes laser hair removal. It may seem like a no-brainer: zap unwanted hair with a wand, and poof! It's gone. But it's not that simple.
First, choose a place to get laser where the pros will be honest with you. I was hesitant about trying it myself, but after reading reviews about different spots, I decided to laser my armpits at Romeo and Juliette in NYC. I liked that technicians there would not just do the treatment on any part of my body. For example, they did not want to do it on my upper arms, where the hair growth is hormonal. This made me feel confident that the areas they did take on were actually treatable. While I am still treating my pits, the hair has gone from coarse and dark to soft and blonde.
Along the way I learned more tips from the spa's owner Christian Karavolas. For instance, you can't do laser when you have a spray tan! I had no idea. Keep reading to discover why that is a problem plus eight other things to never do when getting laser hair removal.
Tip: Avoid self-tanner
Why: "You should always avoid self-tanner when you know you have a session booked for a few reasons," Karavolas said. "It is best to wait at least four weeks after you have used a self-tanner before getting your next treatment. Having self-tanner on your skin may increase the chances of having unwanted side effects, like blisters or burns. Also, self-tanners darken the surface of the skin which creates a competing target for the light energy of the laser - the other competing target being the color in the hair. By darkening the surface of the skin, more laser energy will be absorbed at the skin's surface rather than at the base (bulb) of the hair follicle, which is where we want the light energy to be absorbed to result in a good treatment."
Tip: Avoid actual tanning
Why: "Like the self-tanning rule of thumb, we usually recommended to avoid general sun exposure for at least seven-10 days before and after your appointment," Karavolas explained. "Wait a good six months at minimum, if you are prone to getting hyperpigmentation as a response to treatments (acne, burns, scratches etc). Generally, it is best not to have a tan at all if you are planning treatments because if the color of your skin is closer to the color of your hair, then the laser's setting may not be as aggressive, and you may need more treatments to remove all the hair.
He went on: "Avoiding the sun and applying sunblock daily are highly recommended in general while receiving treatments. This helps to minimize the risk of side effects, such as burns, blisters, and pigment changes. Tanned skin can be more prone to these types of complications with laser hair removal. Remember, a tan is essentially a bruise on the skin, and you don't want your skin to be compromised for laser hair removal."
Tip: Avoid antibiotics
Why: "Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity," he noted. "Photosensitivity is inflammation of the skin induced by a combination of light and certain medications or substances. The skin becomes more prone to elements of heat damage including blisters, rashes, fever, fatigue, joint pain, etc. We recommend that you check with your personal physician prior to receiving laser treatments if you are currently taking a longterm antibiotic. If you become ill and begin taking an antibiotic mid-treatment, you will need to stop the medication for seven days before your next laser treatment. You should always consult with your physician for your personal needs."
Tip: Avoid certain vitamins
Why: "You should always check with your family physician for your personal needs, but in general, we suggest you avoid supplements that are blood thinners and generally vitamin E in large doses," Karavolas said. "Also, a lot of clients don't think about it, but if you are taking a hair growth supplement, that may have an adverse effect on your treatments."
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kathryna Hancock
Tip: Avoid Makeup
Why: "We don't recommend applying normal makeup or concealer before your sessions," he explained. "Laser is attracted to pigment and melanin, and anything that is of dark color will be attracted to the laser and could make it less active. You can apply mineral makeup directly after treatment to cover any noticeable redness, but we would also advise you to remove this thoroughly in the evening to make sure the skin can recover. We suggest you limit the products you put on your skin so you have less chance of irritation."
He added: "It is best to wait 24-48 hours - depending on your skin's recovery - to put full-coverage makeup on. If you are self-conscious of your skin, we recommend making your appointments in the evening after work or school, so that you do not need to worry about later commitments and the need to put makeup on right away. When you do cleanse your skin, make sure to use tepid water with a fragrance-free cleanser and a clean towel to dry the skin. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliators and if you have excess redness, apply a layer of aloe vera to reduce the redness."
Tip: Avoid deodorant
Why: "Deodorant absolutely needs to be avoided, or washed off, prior to a session treating the armpit area," he said. "Some deodorants leave a residue. It will deflect the laser light because (as with makeup detailed above) the laser will be attracted to the residue and will significantly reduce the effectiveness of the laser. You should also wait 24 hours post treatment to apply deodorant as you do not want to irritate the area post sessions."
Tip: Skip laser if you have a cold sore or breakout
Why: "Active oral or genital herpes infection are a temporary contra-indication for the procedure," Karavolas noted. "However, once it has healed, treatment can be done. If you are prone to cold sores, we suggest you take prophylactic anti-viral medication before your sessions to prevent an outbreak. [Talk to your doctor first.] Additionally, if you have an active cold sore, the heat from the laser would make it worse as laser causes heat on the skin, which in turn would make the cold sore much worse. Avoid laser treatments altogether until you are healed."
Tip: Also pass on laser if you have an acne breakout
Why: "If you have an acne breakout, it is best to avoid laser treatments," he said. "As explained with regards to cold sores, the heat of the laser may excite the glands and increase breakouts." He added that even if you have a breakout near the area you're getting laser, your zits could get worse. Talk to your dermatologist about clearing up your acne before getting laser on or near the area.
Tip: Avoid laser around the time of the month
Why: During your cycle, there is more sensitivity towards pain than any other time of the month, therefore we suggest that the person waits until their cycle is over to continue treatments. There is no contra-indication with having laser hair removal performed during one's cycle except for elevated sensitivity towards pain.
28 Too-Real Chancla Memes That Will Make You Laugh Until It Hurts
At first sight, it looks like nothing but a shoe . . . until the time comes for you to the feel its wrath. All of a sudden, that flip-flop turns into a monster that will find you no matter where you are. It's called the chancla or chancleta, and it's the weapon of choice for Latina moms.
Sometimes all you needed to stop misbehaving was for your mom to simply mention its existence, while other times, you let it go a little further, tested the water, and might have gotten a gentle (or not so gentle) wack with it, but one thing I can tell you is that you weren't alone. These memes show exactly what it was like fearing the chancla and growing up with this silent but deadly weapon in your home. Keep scrolling to see what we mean.
The Truth About Sulfites in Wine
Every time I see "contains sulfites" on the back on a wine bottle, I pause. "Is this safe? What does that really mean?" I always ask myself before inevitably putting the bottle in my cart anyway. Granted, I'm always shopping in the $12-$15 range, so I've also wondered if more high-end wines are sulfite-free. To get to the bottom of it, I spoke to a couple of pros from Napa Valley's Conn Creek Winery and Stags' Leap Winery about what the labeling really means and whether consumers should be concerned or not.
First things first: all wine contains sulfites.
Sulfites are a form of the natural element sulfur, and they are used to prevent food and wine from browning and spoiling. Without sulfites in your bottle of Pinot Noir, not only could it go bad in the bottle within a few weeks, but it could also go bad the day after you open it. Not only are sulfites typically added to wine to extend its shelf life, but they also occur naturally after fermentation - so wine contains sulfites from the very beginning.
There's another common belief that European wine doesn't contain sulfites, but in reality, it does - it's just not labeled on the bottle. The US is one of the only countries that requires this particular labeling. I'm even staring at a bottle of Rosé from France that's on my desk right now, and sure enough, it says, "Product of France. Contains sulfites." Wineries have been using sulfur in wine for many, many years.
So what percentage of sulfites do most bottles contain? It will vary depending on the wine maker, but a bottle typically contains between 40 and 80 milligrams per liter. Per US regulation, any wine containing more than 10 ppm (parts per million), which tends to be the natural amount, must be labeled as containing sulfites.
It's also important to know that many foods contain sulfites but aren't required to say so on the label. A sampling of foods that contain sulfites includes bottled lemon juice, molasses, maraschino cherries, pickles, fresh mushrooms, maple syrup, dried fruit snacks, and various cheeses.
The only reason you should be concerned about consuming sulfites is if you have a serious allergy, which is often linked to asthma. If you're concerned about your reaction to sulfites, there is a way to remove some sulfites from wine. But if you tend to get headaches from wine, the sulfites probably aren't to blame; histamines, which are even more common in red wine than white, could be.
TLDR; yes, there are sulfites in all wine, and no, you shouldn't be concerned! Go forth and stock up on $6 wine from Walmart, or choose that fancy Sonoma Cabernet you've been eyeing. Despite the bottles' differences in price and outward appearance, you'll find the same two words on the back.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Cercone Brown Company for the purpose of writing this story.
9 Things You Should Absolutely Avoid Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
Before you permanently do anything to your body, make sure you know what you're getting into. That includes laser hair removal. It may seem like a no-brainer: zap unwanted hair with a wand, and poof! It's gone. But it's not that simple.
First, choose a place to get laser where the pros will be honest with you. I was hesitant about trying it myself, but after reading reviews about different spots, I decided to laser my armpits at Romeo and Juliette in NYC. I liked that technicians there would not just do the treatment on any part of my body. For example, they did not want to do it on my upper arms, where the hair growth is hormonal. This made me feel confident that the areas they did take on were actually treatable. While I am still treating my pits, the hair has gone from coarse and dark to soft and blonde.
Along the way I learned more tips from the spa's owner Christian Karavolas. For instance, you can't do laser when you have a spray tan! I had no idea. Keep reading to discover why that is a problem plus eight other things to never do when getting laser hair removal.
Tip: Avoid self-tanner
Why: "You should always avoid self-tanner when you know you have a session booked for a few reasons," Karavolas said. "It is best to wait at least four weeks after you have used a self-tanner before getting your next treatment. Having self-tanner on your skin may increase the chances of having unwanted side effect,s like blisters or burns. Also, self-tanners darken the surface of the skin which creates a competing target for the light energy of the laser - the other competing target being the color in the hair. By darkening the surface of the skin, more laser energy will be absorbed at the skin's surface rather than at the base (bulb) of the hair follicle, which is where we want the light energy to be absorbed to result in a good treatment."
Tip: Avoid actual tanning
Why: "Like the self-tanning rule of thumb, we usually recommended to avoid general sun exposure for at least 7-10 days before and after your appointment," Karavolas explained. "Wait a good six months at minimum, if you are prone to getting hyperpigmentation as a response to treatments (acne, burns, scratches etc). Generally, it is best not to have a tan at all if you are planning treatments because if the color of your skin is closer to the color of your hair, then the laser's setting may not be as aggressive, and you may need more treatments to remove all the hair.
He went on: "Avoiding the sun and applying sunblock daily are highly recommended in general while receiving treatments. This helps to minimize the risk of side effects, such as burns, blisters and pigment changes. Tanned skin can be more prone to these types of complications with laser hair removal. Remember, a tan is essentially a bruise on the skin, and you don't want your skin to be compromised for laser hair removal."
Tip: Avoid antibiotics
Why: "Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity," he noted. "Photosensitivity is inflammation of the skin induced by a combination of light and certain medications or substances. The skin becomes more prone to elements of heat damage including blisters, rashes, fever, fatigue, joint pain, etc. We recommend that you check with your personal physician prior to receiving laser treatments if you are currently taking a longterm antibiotic. If you become ill and begin taking an antibiotic mid-treatment, you will need to stop the medication for seven days before your next laser treatment. You should always consult with your physician for your personal needs."
Tip: Avoid certain vitamins
Why: "You should always check with your family physician for your personal needs, but in general, we suggest you avoid supplements that are blood thinners, and generally vitamin E in large doses," Karavolas said. "Also, a lot of clients don't think about it, but if you are taking a hair growth supplement, that may have an adverse effect on your treatments."
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kathryna Hancock
Tip: Avoid Makeup
Why: "We don't recommend applying normal makeup or concealer before your sessions," he explained. "Laser is attracted to pigment and melanin, and anything that is of dark color will be attracted to the laser and could make it less active. You can apply mineral makeup directly after treatment to cover any noticeable redness, but we would also advise you to remove this thoroughly in the evening to make sure the skin can recover. We suggest you limit the products you put on your skin so you have less chance of irritation."
He added: "It is best to wait 24-48 hours - depending on your skin's recovery - to put full coverage makeup on. If you are self-conscious of your skin, we recommend making your appointments in the evening after work or school, so that you do not need to worry about later commitments and the need to put makeup on right away. When you do cleanse your skin make sure to use tepid water with a fragrance-free cleanser and a clean towel to dry the skin. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliators and if you have excess redness, apply a layer of aloe vera to reduce the redness."
Tip: Avoid deodorant
Why: "Deodorant absolutely needs to be avoided, or washed off, prior to a session treating the armpit area," he said. "Some deodorants leave a residue. It will deflect the laser light because (as with makeup detailed above) the laser will be attracted to the residue and will significantly reduce the effectiveness of the laser. You should also wait 24 hours post treatment to apply deodorant as you do not want to irritate the area post sessions."
Tip: Skip laser if you have a cold sore or breakout
Why: "Active oral or genital herpes infection are a temporary contra-indication for the procedure," Karavolas noted. "However, once it has healed, treatment can be done. If you are prone to cold sores, we suggest you take prophylactic anti-viral medication before your sessions to prevent an outbreak. [Talk to your doctor first.] Additionally, if you have an active cold sore, the heat from the laser would make it worse as laser causes heat on the skin, which in turn would make the cold sore much worse. Avoid laser treatments all together until you are healed."
Tip: Also pass on laser if you have an acne breakout
Why: "If you have an acne breakout, it is best to avoid laser treatments," he said. "As explained with regards to cold sores, the heat of the laser may excite the glands and increase breakouts." He added that even if you have a breakout near the area you're getting laser, your zits could get worse. Talk to your dermatologist about clearing up your acne before getting laser on or near the area.
Tip: Avoid laser around the time of the month
Why: During your cycle, there is more sensitivity towards pain than any other time of the month, therefore we suggest that the person waits until their cycle is over to continue treatments. There is no contra-indication with having laser hair removal performed during one's cycle except for elevated sensitivity towards pain.
The Average Student Loan Debt in Every State
The following post was originally featured on GOBankingRates.
If you know someone who's in debt, you're not alone.
From sea to shining sea, 68 percent of college students who graduated from college in 2015 had student loan debt, owing an average of $30,100, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS).
GOBankingRates looked at the student loan debt and percentage of students carrying debt in every state, except North Dakota, using a 2016 TICAS report on the student loan debt of graduates from four-year colleges. A No. 1 ranking shows the highest average debt or the highest percentage of graduates with debt; No. 50 shows the lowest. Click through to see the states where college grads face the biggest student loan bills.
There Were a Handful of Suspects in JonBenét Ramsey's Murder, Including Her Own Parents
Image Source: ABC News
JonBenét Ramsey was only 6 years old when she was brutally murdered in her own home in December 1996, but the case has continued to fascinate the public in the more than 20 years since then. JonBenét's father, John, was the one who found her body on Christmas Day in the basement of their Boulder, CO, home roughly eight hours after her parents reported her missing after they found a ransom note. An autopsy of JonBenét's body revealed that she was struck in the head and strangled to death. Police also later confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted.
Unlike other murder cases that go cold after years of being unsolved, JonBenét's has done the opposite and only continues to heat up. There have been a number of documentaries and TV specials about the murder, and most recently, Netflix released Casting JonBenet, its chilling take on why the intense media attention of the Ramsey family has failed to waver. JonBenét's murder remains unsolved to this day, but there were a few main suspects that police thought could have committed the horrific act.
1. John and Patsy Ramsey
Because it seemed so unlikely that kidnappers would kill their victim, leave the body in their own home, and still leave behind a ransom note, police were quick to turn their suspicions to JonBenét's parents, John and Patsy. Boulder police believed for many years that on the night of the murder, Patsy injured JonBenét in a fit of rage and either killed her while still angry or killed her to cover up an injury. In 1999, a Colorado grand jury voted to indict Patsy and John because they believed they were abusive toward their daughter, which eventually led to murder. In 2008, two years after Patsy died of ovarian cancer, prosecutors officially cleared the family of any wrongdoing.
Image Source: ABC News
2. Burke Ramsey
Despite looking closely at JonBenét's parents, police were clear that her older brother, Burke, who was 9 years old at the time of her murder, was never a main suspect. He was formally exonerated along with his parents in 2008, but he recently got a lot of unwanted attention when the CBS docuseries The Case Of: JonBenét Ramsey aired in September. In the show, a team of experts, which included a retired FBI agent and a behavioral analyst, came up with the theory that Burke was eating pineapple on that fateful Christmas Eve when his little sister came downstairs and took a piece of fruit from him (her autopsy revealed she had pineapple in her stomach at the time of her death). They suggested that Burke got angry and hit JonBenét in the head with a flashlight, breaking her skull. They theorized that John and Patsy Ramsey then attempted to cover up what Burke had done with the ransom note plan. The team also analyzed video footage of interviews police did with Bruke shortly after the murder, in which he shows no signs of trauma or emotional distress.
After the special aired, Burke was quick to fight back against the damning claims, telling Dr. Phil in a rare sit-down interview that he had nothing to do with his sister's death. "I know people think I did it, that my parents did it," he said. "I know that we were suspects. I want to honor her memory by doing this interview."
Image Source: ABC News
3. John Mark Karr
In a bizarre turn of events, former schoolteacher John Mark Karr, who appeared to have no connection to the Ramsey family or the case, confessed to killing JonBenét in graphic detail in 2006. After fleeing the US for Thailand after facing child pornography charges, Karr emailed professor Michael Tracey at the University of Colorado Boulder about a documentary Tracey was making about the case. After telling Tracey about his sexual fascination with JonBenét, Tracey reported him to the police. He was arrested in Thailand and immediately flown back to Colorado for questioning. Despite his detailed confession, which included saying he strangled JonBenét during a "love game" gone wrong, he was ultimately cleared after his DNA failed to match the profile of an unknown male's found at the crime scene. Police could also never confirm whether or not he had ever been to Boulder before, and he was quickly considered to be a pedophile just looking for fame.
Image Source: Getty / Paula Bronstein
4. Gary Oliva
Despite thinking that JonBenét's murder was committed by someone she knew, police did turn their attention to Boulder resident Gary Oliva, who was a 32-year-old sex offender living nearby at the time of her death. After Oliva was arrested in 2000 on drug charges, he quickly became a suspect when police reportedly found a magazine cutout of JonBenét in his backpack. He was released after his DNA also failed to match the crime scene, but the Ramsey family's longtime private investigator, Ollie Gray, criticized the Boulder police for not looking at him more closely. Olvia's high school friend, Michael Vail, also came forward and claimed that Oliva confessed to him that he "hurt a little girl" not long after the murder.
Swimsuit Shopping as a Petite Can Be Frustrating, So We Did It For You
Whether you have a bigger bust, short legs, or you're super focused on flattering your tummy, swimsuit shopping is frustrating. It's no different for petites. I myself have trouble any time I want to buy a bikini, often needing the tiniest possible top but a size medium in the bottoms (because yes, I'm small, but I've got curves!).
That's why we searched for designs that will flatter many a petite figure. If you're lacking in inches and like to give off the illusion of a longer frame, so many of the suits below will be right for you. And if your goal is to add volume - whether at your booty or your chest - keep an eye out for the frilly ruffles and perfectly placed cutouts. Just scroll for a whole lineup of options to try this Summer.
It Has Come to This: Your Nipple Color Is Your Perfect Lip Shade, Apparently
I'm spinning http://pic.twitter.com/urjZ8XfaZz
- cakedfacehijabi (@crayon_chomper) May 1, 2017
It's 2017, so this headline does not faze me. Maybe in 2014 I would be surprised to hear that the color of your nipple is a great hack for finding your perfect lip shade, but not today. We've seen it all: the Kylie Jenner shot glass challenge, using household items like a heel to contour, and one ballsy makeup-lover using her boyfriend's testicles to apply foundation. (Which I have so many concerns about. I don't want to smell like balls, thanks.)
Unlike these other internet trends, though, this one actually seems useful to me. I sit here, glancing at my nipple at the office while my co-workers look at me with genuine concern. Am I inspecting a mole? Did I drop a piece of food down my top? Did I just get pierced? No, my curious colleagues, I'm simply trying to decide if my nipple color is more of a Pillow Talk or an Angel.
This discussion began after someone tweeted a screenshot of an episode of The Doctors in which they discussed whether or not your nipple is your best lip shade. It was also reported that the color of your top lip is also the same shade as your nipple. This is enlightening, because I was of the opinion my bottom lip was also the shade of my top lip - apparently not!
The internet obviously felt some way about this.
just read that your nipple color is your most suitable lip shade and im kinda dumbstruck rn
- mellow chelle (@michellexgeorge) May 2, 2017
@crayon_chomper Someone create a lip line with products using every nipple color and make bank and bless up 🙌🏿
- Moyo 👑 (@movaughan97) May 1, 2017
I just saw that your nipple color is your best lip color...... so what do I do, whip out my tit in Sephora & say here match me?????
- Lacy Imry (@lacymimry) May 4, 2017
This paints a whole new picture when it comes to color matching. If I were in the market to make a beauty line, I'd create a slew of lip liners with names like "Are-hola," a bronzy-tan shade, "The Booby Trap," a pinky-beige, and "Simply the Breast," a deep mahogany.
Also, for what it's worth, may I kindly suggest you do not bust out your nips for the employees (and the free world) at Sephora? They have to deal with enough. No pictures either. If you must, blow up a photo of your nipple so you can only see the shade and it is does not look recognizable as your actual areola.
And in case you're wondering, turns out Pillow Talk is in fact my ideal shade. Thanks, Charlotte Tilbury!
15 Life-Changing Cooking Secrets You Can Learn From Italians
The thing about Italian cooking is that it's a lot simpler than Americans tend to believe. If you go to Italy, you'll quickly learn that the country values high-quality ingredients and freshly cooked meals above just about anything else when it comes to food. It's not about overly complex cooking techniques, but about starting with the best ingredients and figuring out how to pair them together, from homemade pasta to sauces and desserts. And once you learn some of the basic practices, you'll soon discover you can implement them in your own kitchen and start making your best Italian meals ever.
If you want to learn how to cook more authentically Italian, look no further than the following helpful cooking tips that I learned firsthand on a trip to Verona with Giovanni Rana, one of Italy's oldest brands of fresh pasta. I ate a whole lot of pasta to be sure, but I also learned just as much about it.
13 Books to Read If You Loved 13 Reasons Why
Netflix's hit original series, 13 Reasons Why, follows Clay Jensen, a high school student who is given 13 audiotapes from his best friend, Hannah Baker, that explain why she chose to kill herself. As he listens to the tapes, he uncovers shocking secrets about Hannah and his other classmates. The show, which features Selena Gomez as an executive producer, is based off of Jay Asher's 2007 YA novel of the same name. The narrative delves into complex issues such as bullying, sexual assault, suicide, betrayal, and more. For similar stories, check out these other captivating novels.
There Were a Handful of Suspects in JonBenét Ramsey's Murder, Including Her Own Parents
Image Source: ABC News
JonBenét Ramsey was only 6 years old when she was brutally murdered in her own home in December 1996, but the case has continued to fascinate the public in the more than 20 years since then. JonBenét's father, John, was the one who found her body on Christmas Day in the basement of their Boulder, CO, home roughly eight hours after her parents reported her missing after they found a ransom note. An autopsy of JonBenét's body revealed that she was struck in the head and strangled to death. Police also later confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted.
Unlike other murder cases that go cold after years of being unsolved, JonBenét's has done the opposite and only continues to heat up. There have been a number of documentaries and TV specials about the murder, and most recently, Netflix released Casting JonBenet, its chilling take on why the intense media attention of the Ramsey family has failed to waver. JonBenét's murder remains unsolved to this day, but there were a few main suspects that police thought could have committed the horrific act.
1. John and Patsy Ramsey
Because it seemed so unlikely that kidnappers would kill their victim, leave the body in their own home, and still leave behind a ransom note, police were quick to turn their suspicions to JonBenét's parents, John and Patsy. Boulder police believed for many years that on the night of the murder, Patsy injured JonBenét in a fit of rage and either killed her while still angry or killed her to cover up an injury. In 1999, a Colorado grand jury voted to indict Patsy and John because they believed they were abusive toward their daughter, which eventually led to murder. In 2008, two years after Patsy died of ovarian cancer, prosecutors officially cleared the family of any wrongdoing.
Image Source: ABC News
2. Burke Ramsey
Despite looking closely at JonBenét's parents, police were clear that her older brother, Burke, who was 9 years old at the time of her murder, was never a main suspect. He was formally exonerated along with his parents in 2008, but he recently got a lot of unwanted attention when the CBS docuseries The Case Of: JonBenét Ramsey aired in September. In the show, a team of experts, which included a retired FBI agent and a behavioral analyst, came up with the theory that Burke was eating pineapple on that fateful Christmas Eve when his little sister came downstairs and took a piece of fruit from him (her autopsy revealed she had pineapple in her stomach at the time of her death). They suggested that Burke got angry and hit JonBenét in the head with a flashlight, breaking her skull. They theorized that John and Patsy Ramsey then attempted to cover up what Burke had done with the ransom note plan. The team also analyzed video footage of interviews police did with Bruke shortly after the murder, in which he shows no signs of trauma or emotional distress.
After the special aired, Burke was quick to fight back against the damning claims, telling Dr. Phil in a rare sit-down interview that he had nothing to do with his sister's death. "I know people think I did it, that my parents did it," he said. "I know that we were suspects. I want to honor her memory by doing this interview."
Image Source: ABC News
3. John Mark Karr
In a bizarre turn of events, former schoolteacher John Mark Karr, who appeared to have no connection to the Ramsey family or the case, confessed to killing JonBenét in graphic detail in 2006. After fleeing the US for Thailand after facing child pornography charges, Karr emailed professor Michael Tracey at the University of Colorado Boulder about a documentary Tracey was making about the case. After telling Tracey about his sexual fascination with JonBenét, Tracey reported him to the police. He was arrested in Thailand and immediately flown back to Colorado for questioning. Despite his detailed confession, which included saying he strangled JonBenét during a "love game" gone wrong, he was ultimately cleared after his DNA failed to match the profile of an unknown male's found at the crime scene. Police could also never confirm whether or not he had ever been to Boulder before, and he was quickly considered to be a pedophile just looking for fame.
Image Source: Getty / Paula Bronstein
4. Gary Oliva
Despite thinking that JonBenét's murder was committed by someone she knew, police did turn their attention to Boulder resident Gary Oliva, who was a 32-year-old sex offender living nearby at the time of her death. After Oliva was arrested in 2000 on drug charges, he quickly became a suspect when police reportedly found a magazine cutout of JonBenét in his backpack. He was released after his DNA also failed to match the crime scene, but the Ramsey family's longtime private investigator, Ollie Gray, criticized the Boulder police for not looking at him more closely. Olvia's high school friend, Michael Vail, also came forward and claimed that Oliva confessed to him that he "hurt a little girl" not long after the murder.
Swimsuit Shopping as a Petite Can Be Frustrating, So We Did It For You
Whether you have a bigger bust, short legs, or you're super focused on flattering your tummy, swimsuit shopping is frustrating. It's no different for petites. I myself have trouble any time I want to buy a bikini, often needing the tiniest possible top but a size medium in the bottoms (because yes, I'm small, but I've got curves!).
That's why we searched for designs that will flatter many a petite figure. If you're lacking in inches and like to give off the illusion of a longer frame, so many of the suits below will be right for you. And if your goal is to add volume - whether at your booty or your chest - keep an eye out for the frilly ruffles and perfectly placed cutouts. Just scroll for a whole lineup of options to try this Summer.
25 Daddy Yankee Songs That We Can't Live Without
We've been bumping and grinding to Daddy Yankee's beats for well over a decade. So we're taking a minute to reminisce about all the teen bashes where his music was playing all night long. All those nights we spent dancing to "Gasolina" (who could ever forget that one), "Rompe," "Pose," and many more.
Did you know that the album that gave us "Gasolina," Barrio Fino, in 2004 debuted at the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Latin Album chart, making it the first reggaeton album to do that and eventually becoming the top-selling Latin album of the decade? There's a reason people call him the "King of Reggaeton."
Keep scrolling to see what we're calling the ultimate Daddy Yankee playlist.
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