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.
mercredi 31 mai 2017
25 of the Best Swim Cover-Ups - All Under $100
Attending beach functions or bachelorette parties involves much more than just grabbing your favorite swimsuit and throwing it into a bag. You're probably already packing slip-on sandals, a large carry-all tote, and Instagram-worthy towel, but the one thing you must add this season is a cover-up. Whether you want to protect yourself against that Summer breeze or just like to cover your skin while lounging poolside, cover-ups are clutch. Up ahead, we have 25 affordable picks.
Apologies to Your Bank Account, but You Need All of These Rainbow Pride Month Nikes
Nike's best - and latest - styles have been made over in magical rainbow colorways for Pride Month. The brand is making a bold statement with BETRUE, a campaign that shows the Nike team is "standing together against bigotry and any form of discrimination."
Not only is the message powerful, but the shoes are ridiculously covetable. Like, so good that every month will be Pride Month according to your feet.
"The BETRUE collection seeks to empower all athletes by supporting initiatives to end discrimination in sport," Nike says on its website. "Since 2012 in the U.S., Nike has provided approximately $2.5 million in financial and in-kind support to LGBTQ causes. Nike remains true to its core belief that diversity and inclusion in sport make the world a better place for all."
Check out the VaporMax, Pegasus, Flyknit Racer, and Cortez (seriously, we meant it when we said best styles) all decked out in their rainbow best for Pride.
Queen Letizia Isn't Afraid to Wear a Good Outfit More Than Once - or Twice
When it comes to fashion, no one can call Queen Letizia of Spain wasteful. The royal wears and rewears the same pieces with total confidence - sometimes in the same month - getting photographed at official events and meetings with dignitaries in recycled outfits like it's no big deal.
Whether it's a classic white dress with black leather trimming, a trendy statement jacket, or even a white shirt and A-line skirt combo, the queen knows what styles work for her, reaching for the same outfit from head to toe often. We don't blame her! The classic items in her closet could really carry her through her entire reign. Keep scrolling to see just 30 of the many outfits the queen has grown fond of, then check out her style evolution through the years.
Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance Look So Good Together It's Almost a Crime
Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance are both Hollywood icons in their own right, but we're equally as obsessed with their romance. The two first met in 1980 and have been making us swoon ever since. They tied the knot in 1997 and welcomed their twins, son Slater and daughter Bronwyn, nine years later. Aside from writing a book together, Friends: A Love Story, they have both starred in hit Ryan Murphy shows - Angela was in the last four seasons of American Horror Story while Courtney gained critical acclaim for his performance in The People v. O.J. Simpson. Honestly, if the famous writer were to create a show about their relationship, it would probably be called American Love Story, because these two know how to keep the flame burning.
A Definitive List of 2017's Biggest Accessory Trends
You'll need little convincing that these 10 accessory trends have staying power. Just take a stroll down the sidewalk of any city or scroll through some street style - we bet you'll spot the items below over and over again. Some are old styles with modern updates (we now refer to the fanny pack as the waist bag, for example, and it comes in a sleek leather finish), whereas others are brand new (bracelet bags double as jewelry!).
It's safe to say these outfit add-ons aren't come-and-go fads; they're here to stay and all worth the investment. Scroll to read up on every accoutrement, then decide whether you want to splurge or shop the trend at a more affordable price point.
Laguna Beach and The Hills: Where Are They Now?
It's been nearly 13 years years since MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County debuted on Sept. 28, 2004, introducing us to the world of Lauren Conrad, Kristin Cavallari, Stephen Colletti, and the rest of their impossibly good-looking crew of high school pals. However, not everything was perfect on the show. Kristin revealed in an interview that she felt "manipulated" during filming and accused producers of making Stephen take LC out on dates for the sake of drama.
Sure, most people know what LC is up to, but what ever happened to Trey Phillips? Or Jen Bunney?! Keep reading to find out where the Laguna Beach and Hills stars, including Justin Bobby, are today, and be sure to check out pictures of the stars at their high school reunion!
- Additional reporting by Nick Maslow
Laguna Beach and The Hills: Where Are They Now?
It's been nearly 13 years years since MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County debuted on Sept. 28, 2004, introducing us to the world of Lauren Conrad, Kristin Cavallari, Stephen Colletti, and the rest of their impossibly good-looking crew of high school pals. However, not everything was perfect on the show. Kristin revealed in an interview that she felt "manipulated" during filming and accused producers of making Stephen take LC out on dates for the sake of drama.
Sure, most people know what LC is up to, but what ever happened to Trey Phillips? Or Jen Bunney?! Keep reading to find out where the Laguna Beach and Hills stars, including Justin Bobby, are today, and be sure to check out pictures of the stars at their high school reunion!
- Additional reporting by Nick Maslow
13 Restaurants Around the World That Define Dinner With a View
If you've never chosen a travel destination based on a restaurant, you're about to now. Foodies and jet-setters alike will appreciate this extensive list of must-eat-at establishments that offer both incredible cuisine and unforgettable sights. And we're not just talking about any dinner with a view - guests get a front-row seat to some of the most amazing sites around the world, from the Eiffel Tower to the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. You'll want to make a reservation just for the setting alone. Check out these 13 restaurants that take the dining experience to the next level.
15 Outfits to Wear When You're Ready to Party It Up in Miami
The lure of Miami's beaches and nightlife tends to make even the best travelers overpack. We get it, you want to bring all the swimsuits, denim shorts, cute dresses, and more bikinis . . . but you don't really need five different outfits for every day you are there. The strategy then is to plan your outfits beforehand. And hopefully, you'll be able to fit everything into a carry-on. To do this, we drew inspiration from our favorite bloggers who always look ready to fly out at a moment's notice. They've got that Miami dress code down, and now, so will you.
These Twins Celebrated Their 100th Birthday With an Adorable Photo Shoot
The Brazilian sisters donned flower crowns and tutus.
Bee Tattoos Are a Beautiful Tribute to Manchester Victims
People around the world are getting a tattoo of the worker bee, the longtime emblem for the city of Manchester, England, in support of those affected by the terror attack. Watch on to see the moving way some people are paying permanent tribute to the victims.
These Twins Celebrated Their 100th Birthday With an Adorable Photo Shoot
The Brazilian sisters donned flower crowns and tutus.
15 Outfits to Wear When You're Ready to Party It Up in Miami
The lure of Miami's beaches and nightlife tends to make even the best travelers overpack. We get it, you want to bring all the swimsuits, denim shorts, cute dresses, and more bikinis . . . but you don't really need five different outfits for every day you are there. The strategy then is to plan your outfits beforehand. And hopefully, you'll be able to fit everything into a carry-on. To do this, we drew inspiration from our favorite bloggers who always look ready to fly out at a moment's notice. They've got that Miami dress code down, and now, so will you.
Bee Tattoos Are a Beautiful Tribute to Manchester Victims
People around the world are getting a tattoo of the worker bee, the longtime emblem for the city of Manchester, England, in support of those affected by the terror attack. Watch on to see the moving way some people are paying permanent tribute to the victims.
Mom Gives Her Daughter's Homework Assignment a Feminist Rewrite
If you've ever looked over your child's homework, you're likely familiar with the overwhelming urge to help them correct every wrong answer (that you know of at least). This was the case for Lynne Polvino, who took one look at her daughter's fill-in-the-blank worksheet about a mom going back to work after having a baby. However, it wasn't 6-year-old Hazel who was wrong in any way - Polvino had an issue with the worksheet itself.
The worksheet, which required first graders to fill the correct words into blanks in a story, didn't sit right with Polvino because of its suggestion that mothers who work make their families unhappy, and that dads shouldn't be trusted to do any housework or cooking correctly.
"It just pushed so many buttons for me, and with each sentence it managed to get worse!" Polvino told TODAY. "My shock and dismay quickly turned to outrage. I mean, what decade are we in, anyway? In this day and age, we're going to tell kids that mothers working outside the home makes their children and families unhappy? That fathers don't normally do things like cook and wash the dishes?"
To combat the irritation she was feeling, the working mom decided to rewrite the worksheet with a feminist twist.
Lisa was happy. Her mother was back at work. Before Lisa was born her mother worked in a big office. Because it valued her important contributions to the workplace, her employer offered nearly a year of paid maternity leave and flex time upon her arrival. The morning was wonderful. Lisa had to get to school on time. Her mother had to get to work on time. her father was home on his paid maternity leave, caring for Lisa's younger brother and contributing equally to the running of the household. Nobody had to rush because Dad had things firmly under control.
Polvino says she composed the rewrite "to reflect the kind of world I want to live in, the kind of world I want my kids to live in when they're old enough to have jobs and families." After updating the worksheet, the mom sent an email to her daughter's school about the outdated assignment, and Hazel's teacher agreed with Polvino's points, promising she'd look more carefully at each worksheet that's assigned before sending it home.
"I have so much respect for all the working moms of past generations who had to deal with this type of crap on a regular basis!" Polvino said. "I'm so grateful to them for paving the way."
Fancy Flats For Every Occasion - All Under $100
Make this Summer season easy by being kind to your feet. That means wearing flats. From saving your feet at a wedding to finishing your office wardrobe, flats are proven winners. Even if you need to start your day out in heels, throw a pair of flats in your bag for the end of the night. On the hunt for a pair? We found cute options all under $100.
23 Styles That Prove Saying "I Do" With Your Natural Hair Is Beautiful
When it comes to picking out the perfect style for your wedding, the possibilities are truly endless, especially for brides with natural hair. Thanks to the incredible versatility of natural hair, women who rock their God-given kinks don't have to resort to straightening tools for the big day if they don't want to.
You can transform your hair into braided buns and stretched pompadours, or you can even let your curls roam free and adorn them with floral and bejeweled headpieces. So if you're planning your look for your upcoming nuptials, we've rounded up some elegant hairstyles that might just be "the one." Get ready to screenshot and send these to your stylist.
Fancy Flats For Every Occasion - All Under $100
Make this Summer season easy by being kind to your feet. That means wearing flats. From saving your feet at a wedding to finishing your office wardrobe, flats are proven winners. Even if you need to start your day out in heels, throw a pair of flats in your bag for the end of the night. On the hunt for a pair? We found cute options all under $100.
Mom Gives Her Daughter's Homework Assignment a Feminist Rewrite
If you've ever looked over your child's homework, you're likely familiar with the overwhelming urge to help them correct every wrong answer (that you know of at least). This was the case for Lynne Polvino, who took one look at her daughter's fill-in-the-blank worksheet about a mom going back to work after having a baby. However, it wasn't 6-year-old Hazel who was wrong in any way - Polvino had an issue with the worksheet itself.
The worksheet, which required first graders to fill the correct words into blanks in a story, didn't sit right with Polvino because of its suggestion that mothers who work make their families unhappy, and that dads shouldn't be trusted to do any housework or cooking correctly.
"It just pushed so many buttons for me, and with each sentence it managed to get worse!" Polvino told TODAY. "My shock and dismay quickly turned to outrage. I mean, what decade are we in, anyway? In this day and age, we're going to tell kids that mothers working outside the home makes their children and families unhappy? That fathers don't normally do things like cook and wash the dishes?"
To combat the irritation she was feeling, the working mom decided to rewrite the worksheet with a feminist twist.
Lisa was happy. Her mother was back at work. Before Lisa was born her mother worked in a big office. Because it valued her important contributions to the workplace, her employer offered nearly a year of paid maternity leave and flex time upon her arrival. The morning was wonderful. Lisa had to get to school on time. Her mother had to get to work on time. her father was home on his paid maternity leave, caring for Lisa's younger brother and contributing equally to the running of the household. Nobody had to rush because Dad had things firmly under control.
Polvino says she composed the rewrite "to reflect the kind of world I want to live in, the kind of world I want my kids to live in when they're old enough to have jobs and families." After updating the worksheet, the mom sent an email to her daughter's school about the outdated assignment, and Hazel's teacher agreed with Polvino's points, promising she'd look more carefully at each worksheet that's assigned before sending it home.
"I have so much respect for all the working moms of past generations who had to deal with this type of crap on a regular basis!" Polvino said. "I'm so grateful to them for paving the way."
Whoops! Venus Williams May Have Just Revealed the Sex of Serena's Baby
The Williams sisters clearly aren't good at keeping secrets. Just a month after Serena accidentally announced her pregnancy on Snapchat, her sister made a slip-up about the sex of the baby during an interview with Eurosport on Wednesday. After winning the second round of the French Open, Venus joked about possible baby names, saying, "She's going to call me 'favorite aunt. Every day we're like, 'Baby Vee, baby Isher, baby Lyn,' so we all want the baby to be named after us." Whoops!
Serena is engaged to Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian, and earlier this month, the couple made their red carpet debut at the Met Gala. Perhaps George Clooney's mom has some damage control advice for Venus?
Whoops! Venus Williams May Have Just Revealed the Sex of Serena's Baby
The Williams sisters clearly aren't good at keeping secrets. Just a month after Serena accidentally announced her pregnancy on Snapchat, her sister made a slip-up about the sex of the baby during an interview with Eurosport on Wednesday. After winning the second round of the French Open, Venus joked about possible baby names, saying, "She's going to call me 'favorite aunt. Every day we're like, 'Baby Vee, baby Isher, baby Lyn,' so we all want the baby to be named after us." Whoops!
Serena is engaged to Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian, and earlier this month, the couple made their red carpet debut at the Met Gala. Perhaps George Clooney's mom has some damage control advice for Venus?
Opioid epidemic fuelled by 1 paragraph in journal, doctors say
A letter to the editor in a prestigious medical journal was part of a push to convince physicians to prescribe opioids more freely by downplaying addiction risks, Canadian researchers say.
These Smoothie Bowls Are Almost Too Pretty to Eat (Keyword: "Almost")
If the saying "you are what you eat" is true, then consider Instagrammer Rachel Lorton a work of art. The vegan and self-professed "smoothie bowl art enthusiast" is not kidding around about her gorgeous meals; the colorful creations that she posts on her feed are pleasing to the eye and the palate. Complete with recipes, how-to videos, and encouragement for her growing group of followers, Rachel's beautiful smoothie bowls are only matched by her cheerful personality.
"I inspire them to eat healthy because they didn't realize vegan food can look so good!"
"I constantly get feedback from, let's just say 'junk-eaters,' who tell me that I inspire them to eat healthy because they didn't realize vegan food can look so good," Rachel told POPSUGAR of her edible artwork. There's just something about a beautiful meal that makes you more likely to eat healthily and broaden your culinary horizons, right?
While Rachel uses a variety of ingredients (which are listed in the captions of each smoothie snap), there's one standout favorite. "I absolutely love using raw beetroot," she said. "I will prep it ahead of time by peeling it, chopping it into cubes, and freezing it." Not only does the root lend a gorgeous magenta color to the smoothie bowls, but Rachel also adores its health benefits: "I love all of its nutritional characteristics, but I enjoy how it helps muscle recovery and stamina for working out the most." Another of her favorite smoothie bowl ingredients is spirulina, a natural algae powder high in protein and antioxidants.
We've collected photos of these smoothie bowls that are almost too pretty to eat - keyword: "almost" - but you should definitely check out Rachel's Instagram for full recipes and instructions for each beautiful meal.
Head over to our Snapchat today to see how you can make a gorgeous millenial pink smoothie bowl!
If You're Thinking About Sticking Around For a Wonder Woman Post-Credits Scene, Don't
Superhero films and Easter egg-filled post-credits scenes practically go hand-in-hand these days. Marvel is particularly fond of the trend, recently packing in a whopping five end credits scenes in Guardians of the Galaxy 2. For anyone annoyed by the practice (and I'm with you, because the bathroom line is crazy by the time all of those names go by), Wonder Woman skips out on including a post-credits scene entirely. It's not exactly surprising, either, since the DC Universe hasn't exactly embraced adding extra scenes. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice neglected to include one, although Suicide Squad did (as well as Man of Steel back in 2013).
Wondering why? "I'm not going to say we'd never do one," producer Chuck Roven explained to Cinemablend recently. "There was one in Suicide Squad. But I don't think that we want to feel that we're forced to do something just because we didn't in the past." Luckily director Patty Jenkins's take on the kickass female superhero is strong enough to survive excluding a gimmicky tease for Justice League. At of Wednesday afternoon, Wonder Woman is sitting pretty at 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, which is higher than its Marvel counterparts (The Avengers scored a 92 percent, and Iron Man has 94 percent), and leaps and bounds above Batman v Superman (which has 26 percent) and Suicide Squad (25 percent). If you want to stick around just to enjoy the incredible theme song playing over the credits, though, feel free.
You'll Be Getting All Your Summer Updo Inspiration From This Royal
After we saw Queen Letizia of Spain wearing a bubble ponytail, we realized the royal is actually the queen of the updo - we couldn't resist the pun. Going back through our archives and analyzing her looks through the past few years (it's our job), we noticed that while Letizia's modern fashion choices are always what capture our attention right away, her hairstyles are as carefully planned and executed as what she's wearing.
Just in the past year, Queen Letizia has let go of her short bob for a longer length that allows her to braid, twist, and knot her hair to her every whim, and there's not one single updo she's worn that doesn't feature a special detail. Keep reading to see what we mean, and get ready to feel inspired to wear your hair up all Summer long.
This Secret Indian Hair-Growth Formula May Finally Give You a Mermaid Mane
Anyone who has unsuccessfully tried to get their hair to grow may roll their eyes at this video in which Prachi (the vlogger behind Super Wow Style) shares a family recipe for lengthier locks. Could a simple mix of natural ingredients really make hair grow up to 30-40 percent as Prachi claims? We were a bit skeptical, too, and while we have not tried this remedy, a look at Prachi's long shiny mane and reading the reviewers' testimonials is making us reconsider. Perhaps this is the holistic answer to getting the mermaid mane of your dreams. In fact, Prachi challenges viewers to take before and after images when they test the treatment.
"People ask, 'How does you hair grow?' and I give them the same answer," she says in the video. "I learned it from my mom, and she learned is from her mother. It's an old Indian secret."
To DIY it, you'll need: coconut oil, castor oil, vitamin E, aloe vera leaves, and two bowls (one small and one large). Start by cutting up the aloe vera leaves, and then scratch it with a knife or fork to scrape out more gel. Rub the leaf on your scalp and massage the aloe gel into your roots. Use your fingers to make sure it's all over your head.
Then, in a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of castor oil with 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Pierce the vitamin E capsule with needle, extract the oil, and add it to the formula. Place the small bowl with the three oils in a larger one containing hot water. Warning: do not place the oil directly on a fire (including a stove) or in microwaves, since it can catch fire immediately.
After five minutes, the hot oil should be ready. Use your fingertips to apply it onto your scalp. Lay down on a sofa or the like and gently massage it into your scalp for two to three minutes. "This is very important to increase blood circulation for hair growth," she explains.
Once you're done, weave your hair in tight braid and sleep on it. Wash you hair in the morning. According to Prachi, you will start seeing a difference in your hair length "very, very soon."
While she does not specify how often to do the treatment, reviewers offer their successful trials.
"I tried this method exactly as she explained to and it WORKED!" one commenter said. "My hair grew about 4 to 5 inches in about 3 months! I did it 2 x per week for a month. Then 1 x per week for the next 2 months. It made my hair so healthy and strong. Everyone kept commenting on how fast my hair grew and how long it is. Before I started my hair was bra strap length. Now it is to my hips! I don't have photos to post, because I seriously hate taking photos of myself since I have gained weight (next thing to work on) but I will consider it."
Another commenter said, "I watched your video and used these products! And it works like MAGIC. I don't know how but my hair grew in a week. I used it two times a week though aloe vera was not available! But castor oil is super! Hats off!"
A third remarked, "It's amazing . . . I've seen results in just 2 wash[es] . . . My hair [ha]s became more silky and the best part it made my hair 2.5 cm longer."
So, what do you think? Is this a hoax or the most genius hair hack ever?
These Smoothie Bowls Are Almost Too Pretty to Eat (Keyword: "Almost")
If the saying "you are what you eat" is true, then consider Instagrammer Rachel Lorton a work of art. The vegan and self-professed "smoothie bowl art enthusiast" is not kidding around about her gorgeous meals; the colorful creations that she posts on her feed are pleasing to the eye and the palate. Complete with recipes, how-to videos, and encouragement for her growing group of followers, Rachel's beautiful smoothie bowls are only matched by her cheerful personality.
"I inspire them to eat healthy because they didn't realize vegan food can look so good!"
"I constantly get feedback from, let's just say 'junk-eaters,' who tell me that I inspire them to eat healthy because they didn't realize vegan food can look so good," Rachel told POPSUGAR of her edible artwork. There's just something about a beautiful meal that makes you more likely to eat healthily and broaden your culinary horizons, right?
While Rachel uses a variety of ingredients (which are listed in the captions of each smoothie snap), there's one standout favorite. "I absolutely love using raw beetroot," she said. "I will prep it ahead of time by peeling it, chopping it into cubes, and freezing it." Not only does the root lend a gorgeous magenta color to the smoothie bowls, but Rachel also adores its health benefits: "I love all of its nutritional characteristics, but I enjoy how it helps muscle recovery and stamina for working out the most." Another of her favorite smoothie bowl ingredients is spirulina, a natural algae powder high in protein and antioxidants.
We've collected photos of these smoothie bowls that are almost too pretty to eat - keyword: "almost" - but you should definitely check out Rachel's Instagram for full recipes and instructions for each beautiful meal.
Head over to our Snapchat today to see how you can make a gorgeous millenial pink smoothie bowl!
If You're Thinking About Sticking Around For a Wonder Woman Post-Credits Scene, Don't
Superhero films and Easter egg-filled post-credits scenes practically go hand-in-hand these days. Marvel is particularly fond of the trend, recently packing in a whopping five end credits scenes in Guardians of the Galaxy 2. For anyone annoyed by the practice (and I'm with you, because the bathroom line is crazy by the time all of those names go by), Wonder Woman skips out on including a post-credits scene entirely. It's not exactly surprising, either, since the DC Universe hasn't exactly embraced adding extra scenes. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice neglected to include one, although Suicide Squad did (as well as Man of Steel back in 2013).
Wondering why? "I'm not going to say we'd never do one," producer Chuck Roven explained to Cinemablend recently. "There was one in Suicide Squad. But I don't think that we want to feel that we're forced to do something just because we didn't in the past." Luckily director Patty Jenkins's take on the kickass female superhero is strong enough to survive excluding a gimmicky tease for Justice League. At of Wednesday afternoon, Wonder Woman is sitting pretty at 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, which is higher than its Marvel counterparts (The Avengers scored a 92 percent, and Iron Man has 94 percent), and leaps and bounds above Batman v Superman (which has 26 percent) and Suicide Squad (25 percent). If you want to stick around just to enjoy the incredible theme song playing over the credits, though, feel free.
You'll Be Getting All Your Summer Updo Inspiration From This Royal
After we saw Queen Letizia of Spain wearing a bubble ponytail, we realized the royal is actually the queen of the updo - we couldn't resist the pun. Going back through our archives and analyzing her looks through the past few years (it's our job), we noticed that while Letizia's modern fashion choices are always what capture our attention right away, her hairstyles are as carefully planned and executed as what she's wearing.
Just in the past year, Queen Letizia has let go of her short bob for a longer length that allows her to braid, twist, and knot her hair to her every whim, and there's not one single updo she's worn that doesn't feature a special detail. Keep reading to see what we mean, and get ready to feel inspired to wear your hair up all Summer long.
25+ Refreshing Summer Cocktails You'll Be Sipping Poolside
If your intake of fruity and icy cocktails significantly increases in the Summer, just know that you're not alone. 'Tis the season to give yourself permission to relax and always have a drink in hand over the long and sunny weekends.
To make your life easier - thank us later for always being there for you - we've rounded up your menu of delicious cocktails here. These 26 Latin-inspired mixes feature tropical spirits like rum and curacao and in-season fruits like watermelon and strawberry. So sit back, grab a good read, and get ready to indulge.
1 Woman Is Going Viral For Her Life-Saving Curly Hair Tips
Four year transformation, all from learning how to take care of my curls from curlyhair
Learning to properly care for and embrace your curly hair can be a bit of a struggle filled with endless trial and error. One woman finally has it down to a science, but it took her four years to get there. Reddit user capslockramen is going viral on Reddit for sharing the details of her dramatic hair transformation, along with her daily routine for keeping her luscious curls in check.
She posted before-and-after photos that show just how drastic her hair journey has been. The "before" snapshot was taken during her senior year of high school when she "hated" her curls so much that she "got a relaxed curl perm, bleached it blond, and straightened [her] hair five to six days a week, without using quality heat protectant." But that all changed when she went off to college, where she decided to let her blond perm grow out and started experimenting with different products until she found exactly what works best.
Four years later, she's mastered the art of taming her curls and finally loves her springy ringlets just as they are. "I've never felt more in love with my hair," she wrote in the Reddit post. She also shared her step-by-step styling routine, which is detailed below.
- After shower, squeeze excess water from hair.
- Flip head upside down.
- Apply generous amount of Cantu leave-in conditioner. Run fingers through hair to ensure even distribution.
- Scrunch in generous amount of Miss Jessie's MultiCultural Curls cream.
- Scrunch out excess water using a cotton t-shirt.
- Wrap hair in said t-shirt.
- Stand upright again and let hair sit in the shirt about 10 minutes.
- Flip head upside down again and remove t-shirt.
- Dry with hair drying facing toward the scalp. Use a diffuser! Put the heat settings on warm (not hot) with the speed on high.
- Scrunch hair with t-shirt while drying. This part usually takes me like 20 minutes (definitely have to take breaks so all the blood doesn't rush to my head and make me pass out).
- When it's close enough to completely dry, spray with medium-hold hairspray. Stand back up normally and fix where I want the part, hairspray that a little.
- Done!
Once her detailed routine went viral, amassing nearly 800 comments, the woman responded to other users' questions with various other tips and tricks for managing curls every day.
- Make sure your hairstylist cuts your locks while they're dry, and avoid using a razor to thin it.
- She opts for using a shampoo without sulfates three to four times per week.
- Worried about messing up your hair overnight? Try sleeping with a silk cap on or put it in a loose bun using an elastic ribbon as a hair tie.
- Brush out your locks before you shower, not after.
When celebrity hairstylist Oscar Blandi caught wind of this woman's viral hair hacks, he gave additional helpful recommendations for gals with curly manes. Instead of using a t-shirt to dry your hair like the Reddit user suggested, Blandi told Yahoo Beauty how a Turkish towel, which is highly absorbent, may be a better option. "Press the towel on your hair, don't rub it all over your hair," he said. "Rubbing your wet, curly hair will create frizz." After that, apply leave-in conditioner, and then a silicon oil-based product with just a dab of gel. "The combination will keep the hair soft and not crunchy," he said.
At the end of the day, experimentation is key for people with curly hair, but this woman's routine and tips seem like a great place to start if you're looking to kick-start a journey to embracing your ringlets in their gorgeous natural state.
22 Homemade Poke Bowls That Are Way Easier Than Rolling Sushi
Poke bowls, a traditional Hawaiian seafood dish, have recently become mainstream, and it's easy to see why so many people love them. Not only are the vibrant bowls fun to look at, but they're also incredibly flavorful, filling, and easy to make (much easier than rolling sushi!). These 22 recipes prove that there's a poke bowl for everyone, whether you prefer tuna, salmon, tofu, or even vegetable "sushi." Get inspired to make your own poke bowl at home by bookmarking your favorite recipes ahead.
I Love It When My Spouse Says This to Me . . .
We all want to be told that we are loved - but not everyone wants to be told that in the exact same way! Does your spouse or partner speak your love language? For these people I spoke to, their spouses had something to say that just gets right into their very hearts and souls.
These 28 phrases, whether sexy, sensual, sweet, or kind, really make these married hearts go aflutter!
What does your spouse say that makes you feel so loved?
- "I'll give the kids a bath tonight."
- "Take all the time you need."
- "Good job!"
- "You amaze me!"
- "Go take a nap - I've got this."
- "Everything would fall apart without you."
- "I thought about you a lot today."
- "Meow!"
- Calling a spouse a pet name - that was also a popular response from the couples I spoke to.
- "I will make dinner - you sit and relax!"
- "I love you to the moon and back!"
- "I missed you today."
- "It's family time."
- "Go take a bubble bath while I watch the kids."
- "You are such a great mother."
- "I'm proud of you."
- "Hey baby."
- "You did a great job."
- "Thank you for dinner."
- "You don't have to work hard to look pretty."
- "You and me. Me and you. The four of us."
- "I'm grateful I'm married to you."
- "I'm grateful for all your hard work."
- "You are the glue that holds this family together."
- "I love you - be careful," one spouse says to the other before driving.
- "Don't put any makeup on your face. You don't need it when you look like you do."
- "Walk away sloowly . . . ," a spouse says to see his lady's sexy figure.
- "We have a good life."
25+ Refreshing Summer Cocktails You'll Be Sipping Poolside
If your intake of fruity and icy cocktails significantly increases in the Summer, just know that you're not alone. 'Tis the season to give yourself permission to relax and always have a drink in hand over the long and sunny weekends.
To make your life easier - thank us later for always being there for you - we've rounded up your menu of delicious cocktails here. These 26 Latin-inspired mixes feature tropical spirits like rum and curacao and in-season fruits like watermelon and strawberry. So sit back, grab a good read, and get ready to indulge.
Who's Ready to Be Creeped Out By Troian Bellisario and Tom Felton as Twins?
You know how when one twin dies, the other one is haunted for the rest of their days, constantly starving to a slow death because their dead twin steals their food? No? OK, well that appears to be the premise of Feed, a new thriller in which Pretty Little Liars star Troian Bellisario and Tom Felton (aka Draco Malfoy) play way-too-close-for-comfort twins. He dies and she lives, but things get real weird, real fast. In case you're wondering, yes, I will 100 percent see this movie. Stay tuned for a release date!
Who's Ready to Be Creeped Out By Troian Bellisario and Tom Felton as Twins?
You know how when one twin dies, the other one is haunted for the rest of their days, constantly starving to a slow death because their dead twin steals their food? No? OK, well that appears to be the premise of Feed, a new thriller in which Pretty Little Liars star Troian Bellisario and Tom Felton (aka Draco Malfoy) play way-too-close-for-comfort twins. He dies and she lives, but things get real weird, real fast. In case you're wondering, yes, I will 100 percent see this movie. Stay tuned for a release date!
22 Homemade Poke Bowls That Are Way Easier Than Rolling Sushi
Poke bowls, a traditional Hawaiian seafood dish, have recently become mainstream, and it's easy to see why so many people love them. Not only are the vibrant bowls fun to look at, but they're also incredibly flavorful, filling, and easy to make (much easier than rolling sushi!). These 22 recipes prove that there's a poke bowl for everyone, whether you prefer tuna, salmon, tofu, or even vegetable "sushi." Get inspired to make your own poke bowl at home by bookmarking your favorite recipes, ahead.
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III's Sweetest Moments With Their Children
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III have a love story for the books. The two first met at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival, where the actress was promoting To Catch a Thief, and tied the knot in an elaborate ceremony in Monaco nearly a year later. Aside from sharing numerous sweet moments together during their 26-year marriage, they were also loving parents to their three children, Caroline, Albert II, and Stéphanie. See some of their best family appearances together below.
This Drag Artist's Look Is So Unique, It Makes Us Redefine Gender Entirely
"I have problems with gender dysphoria and this has pushed me to distorting my appearance because it's more comfortable for me to confuse people about my gender than have people see me as male," a drag artist known as Salvia told I-D. The male-born, English makeup artist is already gaining buzz on Instagram for rocking out-there, gender-neutral looks. Think: white clown face, eyes that look like hallow sockets, and exaggerated, distorted lips. It's many of the same makeup tricks we use during Halloween, except this is not a costume - it's a form of self-expression.
Not feeling like she fit into any category, the Salvia persona grew. "I named myself Salvia after the magical plant," she said in the interview. "I'm obsessed with flowers, and a common theme in my artwork is giving birth to yourself, and I think that flowers represent that. Mazatec shamans see it as an incarnation of the Virgin Mary and I find that very mystical and romantic. I am Salvia, she isn't completely a made up character."
While Salvia looks may be more abstract than botanical, she definitely has skills when it comes to using makeup brushes. Keep reading to see more of her many gender-neutral faces.
This Drag Artist's Look Is So Unique, It Makes Us Redefine Gender Entirely
"I have problems with gender dysphoria and this has pushed me to distorting my appearance because it's more comfortable for me to confuse people about my gender than have people see me as male," a drag artist known as Salvia told I-D. The male-born, English makeup artist is already gaining buzz on Instagram for rocking out-there, gender-neutral looks. Think: white clown face, eyes that look like hallow sockets, and exaggerated, distorted lips. It's many of the same makeup tricks we use during Halloween, except this is not a costume - it's a form of self-expression.
Not feeling like she fit into any category, the Salvia persona grew. "I named myself Salvia after the magical plant," she said in the interview. "I'm obsessed with flowers, and a common theme in my artwork is giving birth to yourself, and I think that flowers represent that. Mazatec shamans see it as an incarnation of the Virgin Mary and I find that very mystical and romantic. I am Salvia, she isn't completely a made up character."
While Salvia looks may be more abstract than botanical, she definitely has skills when it comes to using makeup brushes. Keep reading to see more of her many gender-neutral faces.
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III's Sweetest Moments With Their Children
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III have a love story for the books. The two first met at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival, where the actress was promoting To Catch a Thief, and tied the knot in an elaborate ceremony in Monaco nearly a year later. Aside from sharing numerous sweet moments together during their 26-year marriage, they were also loving parents to their three children, Caroline, Albert II, and Stéphanie. See some of their best family appearances together below.
A Theme Park Enthusiast Crammed Your Entire Summer Into 1 Day
For most, a trip to Disneyland is a fun weekend getaway. For me, it's practically my office. As a theme park journalist, I regularly tour land expansions, try inventive park cuisine, and experience new thrill rides before they're open to the public. I love what I do, and it's a joy, but you can imagine my surprise when Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando Resort all unveiled their big Memorial Day Weekend openings on the exact same day.
What is a ride-obsessed reporter to do when she has to be three places at once? Crisscross the country in the span of 24 hours, of course, flying between Florida and California to see, experience, and eat everything on both coasts that's coming your way at Disney and Universal this Summer.
I walked through Pandora - The World of Avatar, a newly themed land that pays homage to James Cameron's blockbuster film, at night; awoke to witness the grand opening of Volcano Bay water theme park at Universal Orlando Resort; and hopped a plane to Anaheim to ride Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout! at Disney's California Adventure.
It was crazy and exciting and obviously tiring, but hey, it's not often you get to fly a banshee, stand at the foot of a volcano, and wave hello to Groot in a span of 24 hours.
Thankfully, everything is now officially open, so you can take your time experiencing these parks IRL. (Phew!) But until you make it there, here's what experiencing a Summer's worth of thrills in a single day was really like.
The Sunscreen That Saved My Skin From the Scorching Sun at Walt Disney World
I have a confession to make: I'm a reluctant user of sunscreen. I know I'm supposed to use it to protect myself from sun damage, fine lines, and the like, but I've never enjoyed the feeling of sunscreen lurking beneath my usual makeup. What's more, many drugstore sunscreens had the tendency to irritate my skin and cause unusual rashes. With an exciting trip to Walt Disney World's Pandora steadily approaching, however, I knew I needed something to protect my skin from the harsh Florida sun, and I needed it ASAP.
Through a little process of elimination, I landed on Tatcha's Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen ($65). My daily skincare routine largely consists of products from the gentle brand inspired by Japanese beauty practices. In addition to knowing that Tatcha products typically work well for me, the line's sunscreen boasts a near perfect five-star review on Sephora.
Now here's the nitty-gritty on this sunscreen: the broad-spectrum product is made with zinc oxide and offers SPF 35 protection from UVA and UVB rays. In addition to its protective ingredients, it also consists of calming ones like silk extract, wild rose, and green tea. The sunscreen does come out of the bottle white, but it blends in easily with minimal effort.
As I left for the airport early in the morning, I applied a thin layer of the sunscreen and immediately noticed a change in the appearance of my pores. As a result, I decided to go without makeup until I arrived in Orlando. (Plus, I hate flying with loads of makeup on.) Before hitting the park, I applied yet another layer and, this time, I also applied foundation and concealer atop the sunscreen. To my surprise, the combination of different products did not make my skin feel all covered up and suffocated.
The following day was the real test: I'd be spending a full sunny day at Animal Kingdom. I made sure to apply a thicker layer as I left the hotel that day. Now, here's where you might say I made a huge mistake: I did not reapply. Probably because I'm not used to wearing sunscreen on a regular basis, I completely forgot about the handy bottle of sunscreen once it made its way to the depths of my backpack. Once I got back to the hotel in the early evening, I noticed a reddish color on my shoulders and simply thought to myself, "F*ck." But guess what? My face ended up being just fine. Though my arms were sunburned, my face didn't show any signs of sun exposure.
Since my trip, I won't lie and say I've been as committed to sunscreen as I know I'm supposed to be. That said, I have learned to implement it into my daily routine when it's a sunny day or I know I'm going to be outside a lot. That's progress, right?
Why time is of the essence in treating sepsis — a growing killer in Canada
Doctors and patient groups are urging the medical community to pay more attention to recognizing and preventing sepsis, a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate.
House of Cards: Who Exactly Is the Mysterious Mark Usher?
House of Cards has long-revolved around Frank and Claire Underwood, but there's a new character added to the mix in season five: Mark Usher. He first appears in "Chapter 55," aka episode three of the new season. We've been immersed in this twisted world for a long time, so if Usher's appearance had you wondering if we'd met the character before, the answer is no - but he plays a big role in season five.
He is a newly appointed campaign adviser to Will Conway. According to Usher, Heather Conway pushed her husband to hire him, but we don't know exactly why she chose him. While Usher does appear to be helping Will, he also clearly has some dark ties in Washington. No biggie; so does everyone on this show. But as the season continues, Usher's relationship with Will sours.
If Usher looks familiar, it's probably because you've seen actor Campbell Scott before. He most recently played the recurring role Boris Kuester von Jurgens-Ratenicz on Royal Pains. You might also be recognizing him from The Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel, in which he played Peter Parker's father. He was also in 2007's Music and Lyrics - obviously a very important, career-defining role.
There you have it!
In Case You're Wondering: Calories and Nutritional Info For Pizza
We love pizza. You love pizza. Don't skip it! But definitely be mindful of what's going into your body - that's true for all foods, pizza or otherwise! Here's what goes into some of your favorite slices: a small cheese pie varies from restaurant to restaurant, so we're giving you a good handful of options to look at from BJ's Brewhouse to California Pizza Kitchen to Domino's.
Depending on where you eat and the size of your slice, you're looking at anywhere from 200 to 300 calories per slice, with the average coming in around 260. But as you're well aware of, not all calories are created equally. Make sure you know how much protein, fat, and grams of carbohydrates you're getting, too!
| Pizza | Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Sodium | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza Hut, Large Hand-Tossed Cheese | 1/8 of a pizza | 290 | 34 | 11 | 550 | 13 |
| Papa John's, Large Original Crust Cheese | 1/8 of a pizza | 295 | 38 | 9 | 705 | 10 |
| Domino's, Large Hand-Tossed Cheese | 1/8 of a pizza | 290 | 36 | 11 | 620 | 12 |
| Little Caesars, Large Hot-N-Ready Classic Cheese | 1/8 of a pizza | 250 | 31 | 8 | 420 | 12 |
| California Pizza Kitchen, Five Cheese | 1/6 of a pizza | 190 | 22 | 7 | 450 | 9 |
| BJ's Brewhouse Large Cheese and Tomato | 1/10 of a pizza | 300 | 37 | 9 | 760 | 12 |
The True Love Story of the Couple Who Took Gay Marriage to the Supreme Court - and Won
Kris and Sandy Stier made history when their case against California's Proposition 8 went all the way to the Supreme Court in 2013 - paving the way for another historic decision two years later that made same-sex marriage legal nationwide. But their fight to be recognized as a married couple and family in the eyes of the law was long and often personally wrenching. In the below excerpt from their new book, Love on Trial, Kris Stier looks back fondly on their wedding - and remembers the devastating letter that awaited them when they returned from their honeymoon.
Sandy and I shared the news of our engagement with our parents, friends, and coworkers, most of whom seemed happy and less confused than we were. They all seemed to assume we would have a wedding just like any other wedding. We decided to follow their positive outlook: we picked a date in August 2004 and booked the Julia Morgan-designed Brazilian Room in Tilden Park, not too far from Indian Rock.
In February 2004, as we were drafting the "Save the Date" note, news broke that San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom had directed the city clerk to marry all couples, gay and straight. At first, I was dubious. How could he do that? Did the mayor and the city clerk even have the authority to declare that same-sex couples could be married? Yet, suddenly, the possibility existed that Sandy and I could be married legally. The evening news showed streams of happy couples getting married at San Francisco City Hall while reporters warned that this window of opportunity might not stay open long.
Sandy and I felt a sense of urgency to make our impending marriage legal, so I made an appointment at City Hall for Tuesday, February 17; we kept the kids home from school so they could accompany us. Luckily, my mom could come, too. Since the twins had been born, my mom, who now lived a few miles south of San Francisco, had come to our house every week to help with them. We'd come home from work to find dinner waiting, kids' homework done, and cookies in Tupperware. We would laugh sometimes about her exuberance in doing chores at our house, such as folding our underwear into little balls, reorganizing the cupboards, or throwing away things she didn't think we needed anymore. On February 17, she met us in the City Hall parking lot, where news trucks lined the curbs.
Kris and Sandy with their boys outside San Francisco City Hall after getting married for the first time on Feb. 17, 2004 As we approached the steps to City Hall, Frank asked if we were going to be on the news. "Of course not!" we replied. Once we were inside, however, we discovered that Rosie O'Donnell was just ahead of us on the schedule, there to marry Kelli Carpenter. When the camera crews got a glimpse of our contingent in line behind Rosie and Kelli, we became the focus of their attention. Two moms, four boys, and a grandmother - this particular configuration hadn't been seen yet! We were on the local news that night, and a few weeks later, a 60 Minutes segment included a shot of us getting married. This would not be the first time we underestimated the media!
When we arrived home that afternoon, we were greeted by a bouquet of flowers and a huge card signed by every teacher at Spencer and Elliott's elementary school. I had assumed our marriage would be met with the same indifference that our relationship had evoked over the past few years, so the outpouring of excitement and joy was astounding. I had not experienced this kind of public support before. Is this what happens to all couples when they get married?
I accepted the good wishes warily. I tend to be superstitious, and I didn't want to sabotage our happiness. The tension between wanting to share our joy with friends and family and the dread that something would interfere with it was based on years of experience; good things don't often happen to lesbians in love.
Kris and Sandy at home together in Berkeley, California, in 2009. Photo courtesy of Diana Walker. Although we had been planning our wedding for months, we had actually been planning for a celebration of our commitment - we hadn't expected to be celebrating our legal marriage. But on August 1, 2004, Sandy and I celebrated our legal marriage in front of a hundred loved ones. A string quartet played Head over Feet as I walked down the aisle with Spencer and Elliott. Sandy followed, Frank and Tom on each arm. She was radiant as she came toward me. The boys were beaming in tuxedos with tails - at their insistence - and black Converse high-tops. We were so happy to declare our love and commitment
to each other in front of our parents, siblings, and friends. However, when we returned from our romantic honeymoon, a very nasty surprise was waiting for us. Among the unopened mail that had arrived while we'd been in Italy was a letter from the San Francisco city clerk. The form letter informed us that the February marriage had been voided. To add insult to injury, the letter asked if we would prefer that our $32 marriage license fee be refunded or donated to charity. We couldn't blame the city, though. The Supreme Court of California had ordered a halt to these marriages just one month after they started as a response to several groups that had sued the City and County of San Francisco.
On August 12, the court voided all the licenses that had been issued during that month. How could it be that we'd been married and unmarried in the space of six months? We were reeling from the emotional impact, and we felt a responsibility to all the teachers, friends, and family members who had supported our marriage, who had sent flowers, cards, gifts, and good cheer. Should we return the wedding gifts? Send everyone a note saying, "I know you thought we were married, now it turns out we're not." No etiquette book has a chapter on how to handle this kind of situation.
We were not legally married, but we had already owned two homes together, we had joined our finances, we filed and paid our taxes as domestic partners, we participated in each other's family functions, we laughed and we cried together. We often felt forced to downplay our status as a same-sex couple, such as when we attended school functions. In situations like those, we feared that the consequences of being legally unmarried could cause someone to discriminate against us or against the kids. We couldn't legally call ourselves married, but "being married" was the only phrase that described our relationship. Being the rule followers we are, we never said we were married. That was a long time to live a double life, imposed on us by a discriminatory law.
The True Love Story of the Couple Who Took Gay Marriage to the Supreme Court - and Won
Kris and Sandy Stier made history when their case against California's Proposition 8 went all the way to the Supreme Court in 2013 - paving the way for another historic decision two years later that made same-sex marriage legal nationwide. But their fight to be recognized as a married couple and family in the eyes of the law was long and often personally wrenching. In the below excerpt from their new book, Love on Trial, Kris Stier looks back fondly on their wedding - and remembers the devastating letter that awaited them when they returned from their honeymoon.
Sandy and I shared the news of our engagement with our parents, friends, and coworkers, most of whom seemed happy and less confused than we were. They all seemed to assume we would have a wedding just like any other wedding. We decided to follow their positive outlook: we picked a date in August 2004 and booked the Julia Morgan-designed Brazilian Room in Tilden Park, not too far from Indian Rock.
In February 2004, as we were drafting the "Save the Date" note, news broke that San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom had directed the city clerk to marry all couples, gay and straight. At first, I was dubious. How could he do that? Did the mayor and the city clerk even have the authority to declare that same-sex couples could be married? Yet, suddenly, the possibility existed that Sandy and I could be married legally. The evening news showed streams of happy couples getting married at San Francisco City Hall while reporters warned that this window of opportunity might not stay open long.
Sandy and I felt a sense of urgency to make our impending marriage legal, so I made an appointment at City Hall for Tuesday, February 17; we kept the kids home from school so they could accompany us. Luckily, my mom could come, too. Since the twins had been born, my mom, who now lived a few miles south of San Francisco, had come to our house every week to help with them. We'd come home from work to find dinner waiting, kids' homework done, and cookies in Tupperware. We would laugh sometimes about her exuberance in doing chores at our house, such as folding our underwear into little balls, reorganizing the cupboards, or throwing away things she didn't think we needed anymore. On February 17, she met us in the City Hall parking lot, where news trucks lined the curbs.
Kris and Sandy with their boys outside San Francisco City Hall after getting married for the first time on Feb. 17, 2004 As we approached the steps to City Hall, Frank asked if we were going to be on the news. "Of course not!" we replied. Once we were inside, however, we discovered that Rosie O'Donnell was just ahead of us on the schedule, there to marry Kelli Carpenter. When the camera crews got a glimpse of our contingent in line behind Rosie and Kelli, we became the focus of their attention. Two moms, four boys, and a grandmother - this particular configuration hadn't been seen yet! We were on the local news that night, and a few weeks later, a 60 Minutes segment included a shot of us getting married. This would not be the first time we underestimated the media!
When we arrived home that afternoon, we were greeted by a bouquet of flowers and a huge card signed by every teacher at Spencer and Elliott's elementary school. I had assumed our marriage would be met with the same indifference that our relationship had evoked over the past few years, so the outpouring of excitement and joy was astounding. I had not experienced this kind of public support before. Is this what happens to all couples when they get married?
I accepted the good wishes warily. I tend to be superstitious, and I didn't want to sabotage our happiness. The tension between wanting to share our joy with friends and family and the dread that something would interfere with it was based on years of experience; good things don't often happen to lesbians in love.
Kris and Sandy at home together in Berkeley, California, in 2009. Photo courtesy of Diana Walker. Although we had been planning our wedding for months, we had actually been planning for a celebration of our commitment - we hadn't expected to be celebrating our legal marriage. But on August 1, 2004, Sandy and I celebrated our legal marriage in front of a hundred loved ones. A string quartet played Head over Feet as I walked down the aisle with Spencer and Elliott. Sandy followed, Frank and Tom on each arm. She was radiant as she came toward me. The boys were beaming in tuxedos with tails - at their insistence - and black Converse high-tops. We were so happy to declare our love and commitment
to each other in front of our parents, siblings, and friends. However, when we returned from our romantic honeymoon, a very nasty surprise was waiting for us. Among the unopened mail that had arrived while we'd been in Italy was a letter from the San Francisco city clerk. The form letter informed us that the February marriage had been voided. To add insult to injury, the letter asked if we would prefer that our $32 marriage license fee be refunded or donated to charity. We couldn't blame the city, though. The Supreme Court of California had ordered a halt to these marriages just one month after they started as a response to several groups that had sued the City and County of San Francisco.
On August 12, the court voided all the licenses that had been issued during that month. How could it be that we'd been married and unmarried in the space of six months? We were reeling from the emotional impact, and we felt a responsibility to all the teachers, friends, and family members who had supported our marriage, who had sent flowers, cards, gifts, and good cheer. Should we return the wedding gifts? Send everyone a note saying, "I know you thought we were married, now it turns out we're not." No etiquette book has a chapter on how to handle this kind of situation.
We were not legally married, but we had already owned two homes together, we had joined our finances, we filed and paid our taxes as domestic partners, we participated in each other's family functions, we laughed and we cried together. We often felt forced to downplay our status as a same-sex couple, such as when we attended school functions. In situations like those, we feared that the consequences of being legally unmarried could cause someone to discriminate against us or against the kids. We couldn't legally call ourselves married, but "being married" was the only phrase that described our relationship. Being the rule followers we are, we never said we were married. That was a long time to live a double life, imposed on us by a discriminatory law.
In Case You're Wondering: Calories and Nutritional Info For Pizza
We love pizza. You love pizza. Don't skip it! But definitely be mindful of what's going into your body - that's true for all foods, pizza or otherwise! Here's what goes into some of your favorite slices: a small cheese pie varies from restaurant to restaurant, so we're giving you a good handful of options to look at from BJ's Brewhouse to California Pizza Kitchen to Domino's.
Depending on where you eat and the size of your slice, you're looking at anywhere from 200 to 300 calories per slice, with the average coming in around 260. But as you're well aware of, not all calories are created equally. Make sure you know how much protein, fat, and grams of carbohydrates you're getting, too!
| Pizza | Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Sodium | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza Hut, Large Hand-Tossed Cheese | 1/8 of a pizza | 290 | 34 | 11 | 550 | 13 |
| Papa John's, Large Original Crust Cheese | 1/8 of a pizza | 295 | 38 | 9 | 705 | 10 |
| Domino's, Large Hand-Tossed Cheese | 1/8 of a pizza | 290 | 36 | 11 | 620 | 12 |
| Little Caesars, Large Hot-N-Ready Classic Cheese | 1/8 of a pizza | 250 | 31 | 8 | 420 | 12 |
| California Pizza Kitchen, Five Cheese | 1/6 of a pizza | 190 | 22 | 7 | 450 | 9 |
| BJ's Brewhouse Large Cheese and Tomato | 1/10 of a pizza | 300 | 37 | 9 | 760 | 12 |
House of Cards: Who Exactly Is the Mysterious Mark Usher?
House of Cards has long-revolved around Frank and Claire Underwood, but there's a new character added to the mix in season five: Mark Usher. He first appears in "Chapter 55," aka episode three of the new season. We've been immersed in this twisted world for a long time, so if Usher's appearance had you wondering if we'd met the character before, the answer is no - but he plays a big role in season five.
He is a newly appointed campaign adviser to Will Conway. According to Usher, Heather Conway pushed her husband to hire him, but we don't know exactly why she chose him. While Usher does appear to be helping Will, he also clearly has some dark ties in Washington. No biggie; so does everyone on this show. But as the season continues, Usher's relationship with Will sours.
If Usher looks familiar, it's probably because you've seen actor Campbell Scott before. He most recently played the recurring role Boris Kuester von Jurgens-Ratenicz on Royal Pains. You might also be recognizing him from The Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel, in which he played Peter Parker's father. He was also in 2007's Music and Lyrics - obviously a very important, career-defining role.
There you have it!
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