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.
jeudi 1 juin 2017
How Muslim “Hijabistas” are Resisting in the Trump Era - With Style
President Donald Trump's travel ban against six Muslim-majority countries was a slap in the face to the Islamic world - and it still stings. While fashion might not seem the most likely way to cope with feelings of division and discrimination, two Muslim women are finding creative ways to fight the hate with style.
Hassanah El-Yacoubi and Reem Motaweh are merging art and entrepreneurship to quench the bitterness they feel toward Trump's presidency very differently than most demonstrators. Both women wear hijabs and are self-proclaimed hijabistas, or hijabi fashionistas. Both are fashion bloggers and clothing curators who have launched businesses specifically to empower Muslim women during this time of cultural tension.
"Every day I wear my hijab to show that I am proud of who I am," said Motaweh. "I knew I had to do something to help others who may not feel the same way."
At only 21-years-old, Reem Motaweh is a budding fashion designer and the creator of the Los Angeles-based subscription service About That Wrap. For less than $30 a month, Motaweh sends a box of modern and modest clothing items right to her customers' doors. It includes items such as chic hijabs, scarves, and jewelry. Unlike other clothing subscription services, this package comes with a personalized style guide intended to inspire the buyer to love and appreciate the beauty of the Islamic faith.
"I walk around proud with my hijab because nothing I'm doing is wrong," said Motaweh. "My hijab is a part of me just like my name."
Hassanah El-Yacoubi is also on the cutting edge of Muslim fashion in Los Angeles. As the founder of a PFH, Perfect For Her, El-Yacoubi encourages Muslim women to bridge their religious identity through fashion. El-Yacoubi is a PhD student at the University of California Riverside and one of her interests is how Muslim women create new forms of identity through mediated practices such as modest fashion. She also hosts the largest annual modest fashion show in California to help women and girls renew their confidence in being Muslim.
"I wear my headscarf as a symbol of modesty just like the Virgin Mary," said El-Yacoubi. "In most of the images that we see of the Virgin Mary, she is wearing a veil."
Tackling Hate With Hijabs
Averaging around $25 a scarf, hijabs El-Yacoubi has sold are made of silky cloth and oftentimes have a contemporary flare with a gentle pattern. The lightweight necklaces and earrings Motaweh sells are often pieced together with pastel gems. Once their items are ready to hit the market, models pose for photo shoots that look they should be in the glossy pages of a couture magazine. Instead, the photos end up on Instagram.
And women like El-Yacoubi and Motaweh are not alone in their efforts. Muslim female entrepreneurship is surging, and the Muslim consumer market is growing. Muslim consumers spent approximately $266 billion on clothing worldwide in 2016, a figure that is estimated to almost double by 2020, according to a report by Thomson Reuters and research firm DinarStandard.
"Los Angeles is a huge market for me and other Muslim women right now because this city is so open-minded," said Motaweh. "I have a large following in Egypt and Malaysia, but Los Angeles is becoming the new hub for hijab exporters and buyers."
The California Fashion Association reports that $46 billion in apparel imports come through Los Angeles ports annually, including authentic fabrics and textiles predominantly from Middle Eastern regions. Such a large supply of these materials being funneled into Los Angeles has made designing and selling authentic hijabs relatively inexpensive for new designers and large companies alike.
"Corporations and organizations were always hesitant to publicly align themselves with Muslims out of fear they would lose funding," said El-Yacoubi. "Now, there's a wave of companies standing up for us."
A True Fashion Statement
Neiman Marcus, Marshalls, Sears, and Burlington are among the list of stores that have stopped carrying the Trump brand after he instituted the travel restrictions on Muslims. Other stores like Macy's and Amazon are being pressured to do the same. Nordstrom also confirmed in early February they would no longer sell Ivanka Trump shoes or accessories.
"We made this decision based on performance," a spokesperson for Nordstrom said in a statement. "Over the past year, and particularly in the last half of 2016, sales of the brand have steadily declined."
In addition to backpedaling away from selling Trump products, companies and designers are also improving Muslim representation in their marketing campaigns. Amid a streamlining effort, brands like Dolce & Gabbana and DKNY have turned the hijab into high fashion by using it as the focal point of their collections. Rapper Kanye West also pushed for the debut of a hijab-wearing model, Halima Aden, in his latest show during New York Fashion Week.
Eric Rose, a crisis management expert and partner at the communications firm Englander Knabe & Allen, believes the current political climate is inspiring business owners to celebrate Muslim culture more directly.
"We are in a new era where companies are now advocating for social issues and taking stances that are predictably going to cause a reaction in the marketplace," said Rose.
While it is still uncertain whether companies are dumping the Trump brand for business or political reasons, Motaweh and El-Yacoubi both believe this is a significant step toward mending the troubled relationship America has with the hijab.
Bridging Divides Instead of Building Walls
The latest FBI annual hate crime report shows anti-Muslim hate crimes in the United States rose 67 percent in 2016 year over year and are steadily increasing. El-Yacoubi says that Muslim women are often targets.
"Muslim women bear the brunt of the hate because they are visibly Muslim," El-Yacoubi said. "I want to remind women that diminishing that visibility is not the answer."
Many nonprofit organizations and groups are also channeling their efforts toward normalizing the visibility of being Muslim. Edina Lekovic, the spokesperson for the Muslim Public Affairs Council, proudly wears a colorful hijab daily and believes systemic change begins with the non-Muslim community.
"Clothing is a symbolic issue, and I think it's unfortunate when Muslim women are used as political footballs," Lekovic said. "There's a larger issue of integration and identity here and non-Muslims have to help us stand against the hate and bigotry."
Motaweh and El-Yacoubi both plan to continue growing their brands in Los Angeles in hopes their clothing lines will inspire other large and small retailers to be fearless in when it comes to understanding the lived realities of Muslim women - and showing respect for diverse beliefs and cultures. Through the hard words flaring from pro-Trump forces, Motaweh says one message is very clear:
"With so many individuals coming together around the world to make Muslims feel included and worthy, time will heal our divides."
Here's How You Can Get Even Closer to Living Ree Drummond's Pioneer Lifestyle
Ree Drummond is launching her own magazine! The Pioneer Woman magazine will debut in June 2017 as a collaboration between Hearst Magazines and Scripps Network Interactive, the media company that owns Food Network. According to Hearst's official statement, "The Pioneer Woman magazine will feature a strong emphasis on food, showcasing Drummond's accessible style for cooking, meal planning, and casual entertaining. Additional stories will cover fashion, lifestyle, family, and culture/fun, along with personal anecdotes and photographs of her life on the ranch."
Ree Drummond started her blog 10 years ago and has since starred in one of the most popular cooking shows on the Food Network and written several New York Times bestselling cookbooks. "I love using images to tell stories, demonstrate recipes, and share helpful tips, and I want to create a fun, positive, exciting experience for readers," Ree said in a statement. Pioneer Woman fans might not be able to re-create her camera-ready kitchen at home, but reading her magazine will get them that much closer to her ranch.
An 11-Year-Old Girl's Stunning Cover of an Ed Sheeran Song Basically Stops Traffic
One of the most touching songs on Ed Sheeran's new album, Divide, is "Supermarket Flowers," an emotional ode to his grandmother. Although we'd hesitate to say anyone can sing it better than the English singer-songwriter, 11-year-old Allie Sherlock is giving Sheeran a run for his money. In a video shared on Facebook by iRadio, the talented aspiring musician can be seen stopping shoppers on Dublin's popular Grafton Street literally in their tracks to got a front-row seat to her cover of the beautiful song. It's hard to believe such a powerhouse voice is coming out of someone so young, and it will no doubt leave you with goosebumps. Listen to Sherlock do her thing above (seriously, your ears will thank you).
This MTV-Inspired Gear Makes It Easy to Flash Back to the '90s
MTV has always been a guilty pleasure. From watching TRL after school to binging on My Sweet 16 and catching up on the latest episode of Catfish, there was never a shortage of shows. Marc Jacobs's recent MTV-logo-themed Resort 2017 Collection reminded everyone of their teen years, and the trend picked up fast. You don't have to spend a fortune on these fun MTV logos; we have a mix of affordable and splurge-worthy items.
We're Calling It Now: Camila Cabello's New Song With Major Lazer Will Be the 2017 Summer Hit
Since starting her journey as a solo artist, Camila Cabello has been unstoppable, and now, she's featured on Major Lazer's new song and it's unquestionably a Summer banger. On June 1, Major Lazer surprised fans with a new EP and a hit new song titled "Know No Better" featuring none other than Camila, Travis Scott, and Quavo from Migos.
Camila's impressive vocals are heard throughout the song's chorus against Major Lazer's pumped-up beats. Major Lazer - artists Diplo, Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire - released the lyric video to the song and we're warning you, you're going to want to dance to this jam.
The group's new EP, also titled Know No Better, features J Balvin, Sean Paul, Anitta, Pabllo Vittar, and more. Watch the video above, and we'll be sure to add "Know No Better" to the top of our Latin Summer playlist!
This MTV-Inspired Gear Makes It Easy to Flash Back to the '90s
MTV has always been a guilty pleasure. From watching TRL after school to binging on My Sweet 16 and catching up on the latest episode of Catfish, there was never a shortage of shows. Marc Jacobs's recent MTV-logo-themed Resort 2017 Collection reminded everyone of their teen years, and the trend picked up fast. You don't have to spend a fortune on these fun MTV logos; we have a mix of affordable and splurge-worthy items.
We're Calling It Now: Camila Cabello's New Song With Major Lazer Will Be the 2017 Summer Hit
Since starting her journey as a solo artist, Camila Cabello has been unstoppable, and now, she's featured on Major Lazer's new song and it's unquestionably a Summer banger. On June 1, Major Lazer surprised fans with a new EP and a hit new song titled "Know No Better" featuring none other than Camila, Travis Scott, and Quavo from Migos.
Camila's impressive vocals are heard throughout the song's chorus against Major Lazer's pumped-up beats. Major Lazer - artists Diplo, Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire - released the lyric video to the song and we're warning you, you're going to want to dance to this jam.
The group's new EP, also titled Know No Better, features J Balvin, Sean Paul, Anitta, Pabllo Vittar, and more. Watch the video above, and we'll be sure to add "Know No Better" to the top of our Latin Summer playlist!
2 Activists Investigating Ivanka Trump's Shoe Manufacturer Just Went Missing in China
Ivanka Trump's clothing brand employs an ethically questionable manufacturer. At the end of April, reports of labor abuse at the factory, operated by G-III Apparel Group Ltd, surfaced; employees were allegedly paid $62 for a 60-hour workweek and forced to work exorbitant overtime hours. Now, China has detained at least one activist who was investigating labor violations at another factory where Trump's shoes are produced.
According to the Associated Press, one labor activist was detained by Chinese authorities while two others are missing (but are presumed to have been arrested as well). The activists worked for China Labor Watch, an American nonprofit that investigates abuse of workers across China. Hua Haifeng, one of the detained activists, worked undercover at the Huajian factory where Trump's shoes are made; he allegedly witnessed verbal abuse, unpaid overtime, low pay, and misuse of student labor, according to the nonprofit's executive director, Li Qiang.
Authorities called Haifeng's wife, Deng Guimian, to inform her that her husband had been arrested. "They said, 'You only need to know that your husband has been arrested on criminal charges. You don't need to know anything other than that,'" Guiman told NPR. Chinese officials claim that the activists used illegal surveillance methods in their research; Li contends that they only had cell phones.
Li also told NPR that Haifeng had recorded more than eight hours of footage that purported to show labor abuses at the Huajian shoe factory (which produces roughly 20,000 pairs of shoes for Trump a year). The factory was a target, Li added, because it would be convincing leverage to persuade Trump's brand to address rampant poor labor conditions in China.
It's not shocking that the Chinese government detained activists investigating Trump's factory, given the suspicious timing of Trump's trademark approval in the country, and Li agrees. NPR reports that "he believes that the police are trying to protect this factory because it makes shoes for Ivanka Trump," and "he says he has investigated hundreds of factories in China - and while his staff have often been caught and kicked out, they have never been arrested until now."
21 Little Ways to Save Money Every Day
Saving more money is one of those broad goals everyone sets for themselves at the start of a new year. But with so many tips and tricks out there, it can be hard to know exactly where to begin, especially when the temptation to buy a new pair of sneakers is always looming in the back of your head. Fear not, budget newbies! The tips below are so doable, even a shopaholic can accomplish them on a daily basis. Get ready to save some major dough.
1. Skip out on your daily skinny vanilla latte. "Sorry, Starbucks, but we're taking a break. It's not you, it's me." This one may be hard, especially if you rely on caffeine to jump-start your day, but a coffee maker is a worthy investment when you realize how much this seemingly innocent cost can add up. And if you simply can't go your separate ways from Starbucks, try out one of its cheaper drink options.
2. Start painting your own nails. Sure, sometimes a salon mani-pedi is just what you need to unwind and treat yourself, but those visits add up. A bottle of nail polish can cost anywhere from $4 to $15 and will last you years, whereas a pedicure can cost as much as $20. The math says it all.
3. Cook your own dinner most nights. You don't have to be a whiz in the kitchen to prepare an enjoyable meal. There are plenty of simple dinner recipes out there that are easy on the wallet. Bonus points if you cook enough to give you leftovers to take to work for lunch the next day!
4. Speaking of lunch, make your own every day. This one's a no-brainer, but the temptation of a fancy $10 salad often cancels it out. Sticking to this tip throughout the year will save you major bucks.
5. Discontinue your cable subscription. Unless you're really utilizing your cable every day, it may be time to consider a more affordable online-streaming option like Netflix or Hulu.
6. Stow away a dollar a day. Invest in an adult-approved piggy bank and stash away a dollar (or your loose change at the very least, if you can't stand to part with your precious Washingtons every day). At the end of the month, you'll have around $30!
7. Buy a reusable water bottle and actually use it. Investing in a high-quality water bottle will save both the environment and your budget. The cost of those plastic water bottles adds up, and Mother Earth will give you a pat on the back for this one.
8. Sip on some drinks at home before hitting the bars. College students had the right idea with their beer-chugging "pregames." Enjoying a few drinks at home ensures that you won't fall victim to buying one too many overpriced drinks once you get to the bar or club.
9. Always remember to turn off your lights and air conditioning. Those little expenses can add up to a whopping utilities bill at the end of the month. Get in the habit of hitting the light switch every time you leave a room in your house or apartment.
10. Consider selling your random knickknacks. Though this is technically a money-making tip, the end result is still having more cash in your wallet. Set up an eBay account and finally get rid of that random dog figurine that's gathering dust in the back of your closet.
11. Seek out discounts. Whether you become a coupon champ at the supermarket or start taking advantage of sites with heavily discounted clothes, it's best to think twice before paying full price for something. Examine all your options before swiping your card.
12. Make a shopping list before stepping foot in a store - and don't stray from it. Precisely planning out your meals, down to the exact ingredients you need each week, is crucial for saving some green. Venture down the aisles with a written checklist of items in hand rather than aimlessly browsing your options. The same goes for when you hit the mall for clothes.
13. Speaking of groceries, try to only buy versatile staples. OK, that random exotic vegetable may look cool, but is it really worth $5? Stick to those adaptable and affordable essentials like eggs, canned beans, and pasta.
14. Roll up your sleeves and become a DIY pro. When it comes to DIY projects, the options are endless. You can make your own cleaning products, holiday gifts, and decorations. Before throwing away things like old jeans or books, consider how you can upcycle them.
15. Think twice about your transportation options. This is mostly dependent on where you live. If you reside in a car-reliant city like Los Angeles, consider carpooling to split the cost of gas. In a bustling city like New York, try walking or taking the bus or subway instead of an overpriced cab. And if you're traveling somewhere like the airport, opting for UberPool instead of UberX is always the way to go.
16. Quit smoking. This one's pretty self-explanatory. Your wallet (and your lungs) will thank you.
17. Go for the generic brands at the store. With goods like toothpaste and soap, the generic brand is usually just about the same as the more expensive, well-known brands. We all have that one brand we're loyal to, but is it really worth it to pay an extra $3 for body wash if the off-brand version is just as effective at getting the job done?
18. Take an inventory of your monthly subscriptions and cancel the ones you don't need. Unless you're really reading every single page of that one magazine or constantly listening to music from that one streaming service, it may be time to nix that monthly cost.
19. Buy your home staples in bulk. Purchasing toilet paper, laundry detergent, and paper towels - aka those pesky items we hate lugging home from the grocery store - in bulk will always pay off in the long run.
20. Suggest free activities when hanging out with friends. Those happy hours and dinner dates add up over time. Instead, research fun and free activities like doing outdoor yoga, checking out a museum with free admission, or watching the sunset.
21. Take five before making impulse buys. Ask yourself, "Is this something I want or something I really need?" Your response should reveal if it's a worthy purchase or not, so try your best to answer honestly. And if anything, reach out to your mom or a trusty friend who will give their honest opinion about whether it's something you should really spend money on.
A Mom Opens Up About Supporting Her Son's Love of Superheroes and Dresses
Crystal Kells isn't sure what the future holds for her 5-year-old Cian, but she does know that she irrevocably loves him. See, Cian exhibited a curiosity in clothes and gender performances at a young age. In a beautiful essay about her son on Bored Panda, Crystal stated quite simply that some days Cian pretends he's a superhero and wears capes, while other days he wears dresses.
At this current stage, Cian identifies with his sex. He is a boy, but his gender does not define him. Crystal explained, "His gender does not dictate what he should wear or what he should play with because he does not use his gender to operate or use it. My husband and I are raising him without gender stereotypes."
Crystal is also unsure, however, about how Cian will want to live his life as an adult. She said, "Some days he says he wants to be a girl with a vagina and we simply tell him, 'When you're an adult, you can certainly make the decision to change to that if you wish.'" Adding, "We support our child in whoever they are and look forward to seeing how their gender expression manifests as they age. The most important thing to us is the health and happiness of our son."
Though parents of transgender children may disagree, Crystal does feel as though he's too young to make that decision right now. Adding, "He's 5. He also wants to be a mermaid and Iron Man. We're keeping it simple right now."
Common acne medicine reduces risk of multiple sclerosis, Calgary researchers find
Millions of people already take minocycline to treat acne, but University of Calgary researchers have found the inexpensive antibiotic also helps to control multiple sclerosis.
Zoe Saldana and Marco Perego Are Officially the Most Romantic Celebrity Couple on Instagram
When Zoe Saldana and her hunky Italian husband aren't chasing after their adorable twins, Bowie and Cy, they're being downright romantic on Instagram. The duo, who have been happily married since 2013, definitely don't shy away from a little social media PDA - and we love it.
Whether they're celebrating a holiday together, enjoying a fun date night, conquering a red carpet, or even just cuddling at home, Zoe and Marco continue to redefine couple goals. Don't believe us? Keep scrolling to relive some of their most swoon-worthy moments on Instagram. Then, take a scroll through their sweetest family pictures.
A Mom Opens Up About Supporting Her Son's Love of Superheroes and Dresses
Crystal Kells isn't sure what the future holds for her 5-year-old Cian, but she does know that she irrevocably loves him. See, Cian exhibited a curiosity in clothes and gender performances at a young age. In a beautiful essay about her son on Bored Panda, Crystal stated quite simply that some days Cian pretends he's a superhero and wears capes, while other days he wears dresses.
At this current stage, Cian identifies with his sex. He is a boy, but his gender does not define him. Crystal explained, "His gender does not dictate what he should wear or what he should play with because he does not use his gender to operate or use it. My husband and I are raising him without gender stereotypes."
Crystal is also unsure, however, about how Cian will want to live his life as an adult. She said, "Some days he says he wants to be a girl with a vagina and we simply tell him, 'When you're an adult, you can certainly make the decision to change to that if you wish.'" Adding, "We support our child in whoever they are and look forward to seeing how their gender expression manifests as they age. The most important thing to us is the health and happiness of our son."
Though parents of transgender children may disagree, Crystal does feel as though he's too young to make that decision right now. Adding, "He's 5. He also wants to be a mermaid and Iron Man. We're keeping it simple right now."
15 Things My Depression Would Definitely Text Me, If It Could
For those suffering from depression, it can often feel like nothing will ever get better and nobody will ever understand. My personal bouts consist of oversleeping, undereating, shutting down at inappropriate times, disconnecting or isolating myself from the people I care about in an effort "not to burden them," and generally being a challenging person to deal with and get through to.
I think about all the ways depression (and its sh*tty second cousin, anxiety) have made a home in me; like a devil on either shoulder, telling me I don't deserve the things I want, the people I love don't love me back, and the roads to healthy relationships and self-confidence will always be closed for construction. But one of the things I can bring to my decades-long odyssey with mental illness (besides, you know, medication and therapy) is a wry, malapropos sense of humor - because sometimes, it really does seem like there is nothing else. That being said, here are some text messages I just know I'd get from my depression if it could fit its grubby little hands around a cell phone (and if I actually gave it my number).
- It's honestly so crazy to me that you have friends. Isn't that crazy to you?
- You realize nobody like, actually likes you, right? Try looking up "tolerate" in the dictionary, hun.
- They "just want you to be happy?" LOL, you don't really believe that, do you?
- Yeah, that dude is WAY out of your league. Cute that you thought he'd be into you, though.
- Don't you think you're being a little too . . . I dunno . . . happy right now? Snap out of it, girl. It's not always about you!
- Isn't Pinterest so inspiring? It's like, all the things you'll never have and don't deserve, but in one handy place. You should check it multiple times a day!
- You really are better off just keeping your head down, getting your work done, and going home. Nobody will notice because nobody cares!
- You really are better off just saying you're tired, turning down the invite, and staying home. Nobody will notice because nobody cares!
- Wait, you tried to explain our relationship to someone?! I bet you cried! Way to go. Have fun looking insane.
- OMG, my vacay was amazing. Looks like you had a fun couple of weeks without me but I'm so glad to be back - aren't you so glad I'm back?
- Did that doctor just call me "severe?" Way harsh, Tai.
- Hey, we have that 11 hours of sleep that we really need to get to. So what the sun's still out? Seems like the sun's problem.
- Um, Anxiety just told me you were awake half the night thinking about how f*cked up your life is and didn't get the 11 hours of sleep we need to function. Care to explain?
- Wait, who told you your life was f*cked up? Not me, I hope.
- Dude, you're so dramatic. You'll be fiiiine. When have I ever lied to you?
See the First Photos of the Official Beauty and the Beast Makeup Collection
Wondering why there wasn't an official makeup collection centered around the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast? Us too. Disney caters to every detail when it comes to its theatrical releases, so we expected an announcement around the time the film was released, only to learn there wasn't anything in the works.
Sure, there was a limited-edition serum, a (unverified) full-range collection overseas, and even Beauty and the Beast-inspired brushes that weren't affiliated with the film. We even got nail polish. But the lack of authentic Belle-inspired makeup left something to be desired. Alice Through the Looking Glass had an official collaboration, as did the live-action Cinderella remake. This is arguably the most anticipated film of the year - so where is our Beauty and the Beast collection?
Perhaps Disney was testing our patience, much like the Beast's? It doesn't matter, because Lorac Los Angeles partnered with the House of Mouse on a limited-edition makeup collection, launching today! There's a 16-shade eye shadow palette, a cheek palette, and a lip gloss and lipstick collection. And you might shed a tear at how gorgeous everything is.
Scroll through the gallery to see all the products and to learn more about the inspiration behind them!
13 Jobs to Satisfy Your Wanderlust
If you have endless wanderlust, you can get the best of both worlds by getting a job that requires you to travel. Traveling for a living is a way to make money while doing what you love, so it's a win-win! Here are some career options that may be the perfect fit for you.
We're Trying to Keep Up With All of Kourtney Kardashian's Amazing Style Moments
Kourtney Kardashian has always been the sister with the funny one-liners in the Kardashian-Jenner clan, but when it comes to fashion, she usually plays it safer than her siblings. While it's no secret that this Kourtney keeps it 100 with her a steamy bikini-grams, it's her latest fashion statements that have been grabbing our attention recently.
Kourtney has proved she has a style game all her own in pieces like these amazing monogrammed PVC heels and chic LWDs that are perfect for Summer. Scroll on to have a look at some of her most fashionable moments and shop similar pieces for yourself.
Josh Gad Might Be a Stone-Cold Killer in the Murder on the Orient Express Trailer
Are you ready for the most star-studded game of Clue ever? The first trailer for the highly anticipated Murder on the Orient Express has dropped, and a whole slew of stars play suspects when someone (*cough* Johnny Depp *cough*) is murdered aboard a lavish sleeper train zooming through Europe. Is Josh Gad the killer? Or could it be Daisy Ridley, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, or Leslie Odom Jr.? Kenneth Branagh directs the adaptation of Agatha Christie's bestselling 1934 novel and also stars as Hercule Poirot, aka "probably the greatest detective in the world." If none of that interests you, please watch just to see how stunning Michelle Pfeiffer looks. Murder on the Orient Express chugs into theaters on Nov. 10.
The Best Beach Reads For a Summer (or Spring!) Getaway
Looking for poolside page-turners you can dive into while you're away on vacation? With a mix of popular classics, romantic novels, thrillers, and modern fiction, we're highlighting a range of options you can tote along on your next vacation. Before you start packing, take a look at these must-have beach reads, plus some of the best books of 2016.
Josh Gad Might Be a Stone-Cold Killer in the Murder on the Orient Express Trailer
Are you ready for the most star-studded game of Clue ever? The first trailer for the highly anticipated Murder on the Orient Express has dropped, and a whole slew of stars play suspects when someone (*cough* Johnny Depp *cough*) is murdered aboard a lavish sleeper train zooming through Europe. Is Josh Gad the killer? Or could it be Daisy Ridley, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, or Leslie Odom Jr.? Kenneth Branagh directs the adaptation of Agatha Christie's bestselling 1934 novel and also stars as Hercule Poirot, aka "probably the greatest detective in the world." If none of that interests you, please watch just to see how stunning Michelle Pfeiffer looks. Murder on the Orient Express chugs into theaters on Nov. 10.
Zoe Saldana and Marco Perego Are Officially the Most Romantic Celebrity Couple on Instagram
When Zoe Saldana and her hunky Italian husband aren't chasing after their adorable twins, Bowie and Cy, they're being downright romantic on Instagram. The duo, who have been happily married since 2013, definitely don't shy away from a little social media PDA - and we love it.
Whether they're celebrating a holiday together, enjoying a fun date night, conquering a red carpet, or even just cuddling at home, Zoe and Marco continue to redefine couple goals. Don't believe us? Keep scrolling to relive some of their most swoon-worthy moments on Instagram. Then, take a scroll through their sweetest family pictures.
We're Trying to Keep Up With All of Kourtney Kardashian's Amazing Style Moments
Kourtney Kardashian has always been the sister with the funny one-liners in the Kardashian-Jenner clan, but when it comes to fashion, she usually plays it safer than her siblings. While it's no secret that this Kourtney keeps it 100 with her a steamy bikinigrams, it's her latest fashion statements that have been grabbing our attention recently.
Kourtney has proved she has a style game all her own in pieces like these amazing monogrammed PVC heels and chic LWDs that are perfect for Summer. Scroll on to have a look at some of her most fashionable moments and shop similar pieces for yourself.
Grool! The Mean Girls Burn Book Palette Is Becoming a Reality
Storybook Cosmetics has teased some particularly magical collaborations in the past, like its Wizard Wand and Rose makeup brushes, and the upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory palette. The enchanted brand's most recent announcement, though, is pretty "grool": the line is officially launching a Mean Girls Burn Book Eye Shadow Palette this Fall.
If you're a longtime fan of Storybook Cosmetics, your breasts didn't have to sense this collaboration was on its way, because it was among one of the first ideas they posted on Storybook's Instagram account. (And has since been deleted.)
"We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Paramount Licensing on Mean Girls," said Missy Maynard, cofounder of the brand. "We're total Mean Girls fanatics, and this eye shadow palette is one of the first palettes we dreamed up! When we secured licensing for it we were ecstatic!"
There will be 12 shades available in the palette, although exact names and colors haven't been divulged yet. When we originally covered the idea back in October, the concept was an eight-pan palette, featuring shadows inspired by quotes in the movie, like green and blue shadows named "Army Pants" and "Flip Flops." Other names included at the time: "Glen Coco," "You Can't Sit With Us," "So Fetch," and the pink "Wednesday." It's cool to see that Storybook's idea is finally becoming a reality with an even bigger palette than initially imagined!
While we don't have photos or names just yet, one thing's for sure: you'll get your own Burn Book replica filled with pigmented shadows. And there has to be a few shades of pink involved, right? How cool would it be if it came with a feathered pen-inspired eye shadow brush? Fingers crossed it drops on October 3.
We'll keep you updated when we learn more, so stay tuned!
Grool! The Mean Girls Burn Book Palette Is Becoming a Reality
Storybook Cosmetics has teased some particularly magical collaborations in the past, like its Wizard Wand and Rose makeup brushes, and the upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory palette. The enchanted brand's most recent announcement, though, is pretty "grool": the line is officially launching a Mean Girls Burn Book Eye Shadow Palette this Fall.
If you're a longtime fan of Storybook Cosmetics, your breasts didn't have to sense this collaboration was on its way, because it was among one of the first ideas they posted on Storybook's Instagram account. (And has since been deleted.)
"We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Paramount Licensing on Mean Girls," said Missy Maynard, cofounder of the brand. "We're total Mean Girls fanatics, and this eye shadow palette is one of the first palettes we dreamed up! When we secured licensing for it we were ecstatic!"
There will be 12 shades available in the palette, although exact names and colors haven't been divulged yet. When we originally covered the idea back in October, the concept was an eight-pan palette, featuring shadows inspired by quotes in the movie, like green and blue shadows named "Army Pants" and "Flip Flops." Other names included at the time: "Glen Coco," "You Can't Sit With Us," "So Fetch," and the pink "Wednesday." It's cool to see that Storybook's idea is finally becoming a reality with an even bigger palette than initially imagined!
While we don't have photos or names just yet, one thing's for sure: you'll get your own Burn Book replica filled with pigmented shadows. And there has to be a few shades of pink involved, right? How cool would it be if it came with a feathered pen-inspired eye shadow brush? Fingers crossed it drops on October 3.
We'll keep you updated when we learn more, so stay tuned!
Here's the Otherworldly Beauty Who Plays Wonder Woman's Mom
While Gal Gadot is undeniably the star of Wonder Woman (it's right there in the title), another Amazonian goddess may catch your eye in the new superhero film. Hippolyta is queen of the Amazons, and she's very protective over her daughter, Princess Diana. Her steely stare could turn an ocean into a series of icebergs, and she's played by a women who you've very likely seen elsewhere.
Actress Connie Nielsen hails from Denmark. She got her start in the late '80s, making the transition from Danish TV to American films in the '90s. She scored a smaller part in 1997's The Devil's Advocate, but she probably first caught your attention as Mrs. Calloway in Rushmore, Lucilla in Gladiator (pictured below), or Nina in One Hour Photo.
However, if you're like me, you know her best as Dani Beck, the detective who momentarily replaces Olivia Benson as Elliot Stabler's partner on Law & Order: SVU. (LOL, like anyone could replace Olivia.) Additionally, she's had arcs on Boss, The Following, and The Good Wife. The more you know!
The Best Beach Reads For a Summer (or Spring!) Getaway
Looking for poolside page-turners you can dive into while you're away on vacation? With a mix of popular classics, romantic novels, thrillers, and modern fiction, we're highlighting a range of options you can tote along on your next vacation. Before you start packing, take a look at these must-have beach reads, plus some of the best books of 2016.
I Tried That Viral Black Peel-Off Mask So You Definitely Don't Have To
If you've been on social media anytime in the past few months, chances are you've come across a monsoon-like flood of Instagram advertisements and YouTube reviews for the Shills Black Peel-Off Face Mask. The product has earned viral fame and developed a cult-like following of beauty mavens who praise its ability to banish blackheads with just one use. This skin-purifying mask promises to unclog pores of their impurities, leaving your face feeling smooth, exfoliated, and, most importantly, blackhead-free. Sounds pretty glorious, right?
As soon as I stumbled upon an ad about the Shills mask, so many questions came to mind: Does it actually work? How long does it take to show results? And on a scale of 1-10, how bad will it hurt? So I scoured YouTube to see what vloggers had to say about it, and it turned out the reviews were pretty evenly divided. Some admitted it was extremely painful and even caused a little inflammation, while others raved of its pore-cleansing effects and even featured up-close footage of their blackheads getting stripped of dirt and grime as the mask got ripped off.
It's those zoomed-in shots of the pore-stripping action that really drew me in.
I'm not gonna lie: it's those zoomed-in shots of the pore-stripping action that really drew me in. There's something so oddly satisfying about watching it, kind of like seeing Dr. Pimple Popper's blackhead-blasting adventures. (I know, I know; I'm weird.) My curiosity eventually got the best of me, so I decided to take one for the team and try the mask myself (naturally documenting my journey with a plethora of obnoxious selfies and Boomerangs, of course).
I have to preface things by honestly admitting I've been blessed with pretty decent skin. It's by no means a blackhead haven, but I do have tons of pesky clogged pores mostly concentrated around my nose that I've been itching to get rid of (and that I usually resort to squeezing out with my fingertips, despite my mom's best efforts to advise against doing so).
Before you sacrifice your precious pores and hop on the bandwagon, read on for the 11 tips and tidbits you need to know about the infamous Shills mask.
1. There appear to be two different Shills products on the market that people are mixing up
Shills isn't exactly a drugstore mainstay, so many of the brand's products are sold on Amazon. I ended up purchasing mine through a semisketchy website (see tip No. 2 for more details on that) and soon realized there are two different black peel-off masks that people are interchanging.
The two versions are the Purifying Peel-Off Mask and the Acne Purifying Peel-Off Black Mask. The first claims to "increase vitality" and is used by many beauty vloggers who have reviewed it on YouTube. The second claims to "increase complexion" and is sold at Walmart and on the official Shills website. I chose the Purifying Peel-Off Mask, because it's the first one I came across on social media. The difference in how well each of these products removes blackheads is a tad unclear, but it's definitely something to keep in mind if you're planning to purchase one.
2. If you're impatient like me, don't buy it through an Instagram ad
Being the millennial consumer I am, I simply couldn't resist clicking on an ad for the product on Instagram (especially when I saw the word "free" involved in the promotion). That ad took me to a website, which was offering the product for free (plus shipping costs). I paid $13 for it at the time - though the price appears to fluctuate daily because of the high demand. Purchasing it through a random website I'd never heard of was a rookie mistake on my end, because I had to wait three weeks for it to arrive, and when it did arrive, the packaging was pretty beat up. I suggest buying it from Walmart or Amazon, both of which offer quicker shipping times, if you're dying to try it ASAP.
3. Apply the mask using a brush, not your fingertips
Whereas some gals on YouTube excitedly slathered on the goopy liquid with their fingers, others opted for using a makeup brush to do so. This resulted in much cleaner, accurate coverage. I went for a basic foundation brush from the local drugstore and found that I was able to properly cover my face. It also helped me get in those hard-to-reach spots (like between my eyebrows, near my nostrils, and by my hairline). A soft, semitapered foundation brush is definitely the way to go, rather than a large powder brush.
Another upside of using a brush to apply the Shills mask? I didn't have to deal with furiously scrubbing my fingers to get any of the black color off afterward because the brush took the fall instead. I simply dabbed on some dish soap, rubbed it on my silicone brush cleaner, and voila! My brush was good as new again.
4. On that note, apply it very carefully - yet quickly
I'm admittedly a tad of a perfectionist, so I wanted to apply my mask evenly to allow for the best selfies possible (yes, I know that was painfully millennial of me to say). But I realized that the liquid starts to dry pretty quickly, so you have to move fast when slathering it on. That doesn't mean sloppiness is welcomed, as getting that full coverage is what you should be going for. Just make sure you get yourself in ninja-mask-applying mode beforehand.
5. If you do mess something up, I've got the perfect solution
A few times during application, I accidentally veered my brush too closely to my eyebrows and hairline (both of which should 100 percent be avoided). In a moment of panic, I glanced over at the Q-tips in my bathroom and the imaginary light bulb illuminated above my head. A damp cotton swab was the ideal tiny tool for easily wiping away excess mask goop before it was too late. Note: this is a helpful hack you can use with any face mask, not just the Shills one!
6. The mask goes on thick - like, super thick
I was honestly a bit surprised at just how thick the liquid mask is when I first applied it to my face. I assumed I'd need to smear on a few layers, but all I needed was one coat of it, and I was good to go. Now you know!
7. Set aside nearly 30 minutes for it to dry
The packaging advised leaving the mask for 20-30 minutes before getting down to peeling business. I set a timer for 25 minutes and found that to be the perfect sweet spot. By then, the mask was evenly hardened all around, whereas if I had started peeling away around the 20-minute mark, a few patches where I applied it in a slightly thicker coating wouldn't have been ready.
8. Take a deep breath before peeling - and prepare for some pain
I suggest treating it like a bandage - just rip it as quickly as possible to get it over with.One of the major caveats for this mask is just how painful it is to remove. Although I think this aspect has been a tad overhyped all over the internet, I can confirm that it hurt pretty freakin' bad. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst), I'd give it a solid 8. By far the most painful area for removing the mask was near my eyes. I'll just go ahead and admit that unintentional tears may or may not have rolled down my face while ripping it off my skin. I suggest treating it like a bandage in that area - just pull it as quickly (and carefully!) as possible to get it over with.
9. It didn't actually remove any of my blackheads
Lots of happy customers have walked away from their black mask experience with clean, unclogged pores, so I hoped for those results going into it. But I was pretty darn disappointed when I peered at my reflection only to see the same little dots all around my T-zone. (Maybe I should've played "Mask Off" while peeling it to summon Future's magical powers for good measure? Hah, kidding.) The mask did, however, have an unexpected result: it ripped away some of my "peach fuzz" and a few hairs from my upper lip, which you can slightly see in the photo below. So it was basically like a two-in-one facial wax . . . that I didn't exactly ask for.
10. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid this one
Like I said before, I prepped for the big day by binge-watching YouTube reviews of the Shills mask. One of the videos featured two fair-skinned gals whose faces were beet red in the aftermath. Personally, my face (mainly my cheeks) was red for about two hours after I removed it, and my skin felt all tingly for about 30 minutes after peeling it off. I'm no skin expert, but if yours is notably sensitive or prone to inflammation and flare-ups, I think it's probably best to skip out on the Shills hype. Something a little more mild may be more your style.
11. A few postmask tips you need to know
All in all, the mask came off my face pretty seamlessly, mostly in two large pieces. There were a few remaining pieces stuck on near my hairline, which I suggest removing with a damp washcloth. The product's packaging advises following up your peel-off session with some toner to "tighten and cleanse the pores." Although my pores weren't exactly empty caverns by the end of it, I still applied toner for good measure, and it really soothed my slightly aching skin.
My final thoughts
Although I'm glad I finally quenched my undying curiosity over this mask once and for all, it definitely wasn't as effective as I had hoped it would be. At the end of the day, I wouldn't recommend succumbing to the hype - unless you're looking for a quick way to get rid of peach fuzz sans a razor, that is. Onward to my next face mask adventure!
These Are the Unique Baby Names No One Uses Anymore
Although there has been a huge rise in unique baby names in recent years, it turns out there may be such a thing as "too unique" of a name. Researchers at Nameberry procured a list of names that weren't used for newborn babies once in 2016, which had over 5,000 names, and narrowed it down to 124, creating a truly exclusive list for parents seeking a name that no other child has.
Ahead, their very mixed list of unique baby names that you may or may not fall in love with.
Girls
- Acantha
- Araminta
- Artemesia
- Bee
- Bluebell
- Branwen
- Calico
- Capucine
- Ceil
- Chandra
- Christmas
- Cia
- Circe
- Coralia
- Daffodil
- Dancer
- Diablo
- Eluned
- Endellion
- Eulalie
- Fifer
- Finola
- Franny
- Freesia
- Frostine
- Grania
- Hester
- Ianthe
- Jericho
- Jessamy
- Jocasta
- Kalindi
- Kerensa
- Leocadia
- Letitia
- Louisiana
- Lucasta
- Ludovica
- Madrigal
- Malou
- Marcellina
- Mazarine
- Melisande
- Minette
- Morwenna
- Nephele
- North
- Oberon
- Ottoline
- Perdita
- Petronilla
- Puck
- Remember
- Rhonwen
- Romola
- Samoa
- Sanne
- Season
- Sheherazade
- Signy
- Tally
- Thaddea
- Undine
- Venetia
- West
- Whimsy
- Winsome
- Zephyrine
Boys
- Auberon
- Averill
- Bard
- Bas
- Basie
- Beach
- Cassio
- Cathal
- Corentin
- Drummer
- Eleazer
- Falconer
- Fenno
- Florent
- Gower
- Gulliver
- Hiawatha
- Humphrey
- Kassian
- Kermit
- Land
- Ludovic
- Merce
- Mingus
- Moe
- Nat
- Nicholson
- Night
- Osgood
- Pagan
- Per
- Pim
- Piran
- Placido
- Puck
- Rancher
- Raoul
- Roald
- Romilly
- Roone
- Rudyard
- Runyon
- Salmon
- Scorpio
- Septimus
- Sim
- Spike
- Story
- Taddeo
- Thibault
- Thoreau
- Tibor
- Traveler
- Trout
- Umberto
- Whistler
These Are the Unique Baby Names No One Uses Anymore
Although there has been a huge rise in unique baby names in recent years, it turns out there may be such a thing as "too unique" of a name. Researchers at Nameberry procured a list of names that weren't used for newborn babies once in 2016, which had over 5,000 names, and narrowed it down to 124, creating a truly exclusive list for parents seeking a name that no other child has.
Ahead, their very mixed list of unique baby names that you may or may not fall in love with.
Girls
- Acantha
- Araminta
- Artemesia
- Bee
- Bluebell
- Branwen
- Calico
- Capucine
- Ceil
- Chandra
- Christmas
- Cia
- Circe
- Coralia
- Daffodil
- Dancer
- Diablo
- Eluned
- Endellion
- Eulalie
- Fifer
- Finola
- Franny
- Freesia
- Frostine
- Grania
- Hester
- Ianthe
- Jericho
- Jessamy
- Jocasta
- Kalindi
- Kerensa
- Leocadia
- Letitia
- Louisiana
- Lucasta
- Ludovica
- Madrigal
- Malou
- Marcellina
- Mazarine
- Melisande
- Minette
- Morwenna
- Nephele
- North
- Oberon
- Ottoline
- Perdita
- Petronilla
- Puck
- Remember
- Rhonwen
- Romola
- Samoa
- Sanne
- Season
- Sheherazade
- Signy
- Tally
- Thaddea
- Undine
- Venetia
- West
- Whimsy
- Winsome
- Zephyrine
Boys
- Auberon
- Averill
- Bard
- Bas
- Basie
- Beach
- Cassio
- Cathal
- Corentin
- Drummer
- Eleazer
- Falconer
- Fenno
- Florent
- Gower
- Gulliver
- Hiawatha
- Humphrey
- Kassian
- Kermit
- Land
- Ludovic
- Merce
- Mingus
- Moe
- Nat
- Nicholson
- Night
- Osgood
- Pagan
- Per
- Pim
- Piran
- Placido
- Puck
- Rancher
- Raoul
- Roald
- Romilly
- Roone
- Rudyard
- Runyon
- Salmon
- Scorpio
- Septimus
- Sim
- Spike
- Story
- Taddeo
- Thibault
- Thoreau
- Tibor
- Traveler
- Trout
- Umberto
- Whistler
Tell Us Why You're Proud to Be an LGBTQ Supporter!
June marks the 17th year of LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States, and we are celebrating at POPSUGAR! All month long, we're featuring essays from influencers and activists in the LGBTQ community, and we'd like to feature you and your story, too!
We created this printable so that you can tell us why you are proud to be LGBTQ or an LGBTQ ally. All you need to do is print it out, write down what makes you proud, and share it on social media. Be sure to tag @POPSUGAR and use #POPSUGARPride for a chance to be featured on our Instagram and Facebook and here on our site.
These Are the 5 Best Plank Variations If You're Trying to Lose Weight
If you want to tone your arms and abs, plank is one of the most effective moves. But aside from building muscle, if you want to lose weight, doing cardio will help burn calories. So try these cardio plank moves to maximize the calorie-burning effects of this basic must-do move.
These Are the 21 Hottest June Beauty Launches You Need to Own
As we embrace June's warmer weather, our beauty routines are getting way lazier - and we mean that in a good way. We will be air-drying our hair with sea salt sprays, dabbing on a bit of sexy, musky, ocean-inspired perfume oils, and keeping it minimally chic when it comes to makeup. Here, we're sharing the just-launched hair, skin, fragrance, and makeup products we plan to use down to the very last drop (#empties).
These Are the 5 Best Plank Variations If You're Trying to Lose Weight
If you want to tone your arms and abs, plank is one of the most effective moves. But aside from building muscle, if you want to lose weight, doing cardio will help burn calories. So try these cardio plank moves to maximize the calorie-burning effects of this basic must-do move.
These Are the 21 Hottest June Beauty Launches You Need to Own
As we embrace June's warmer weather, our beauty routines are getting way lazier - and we mean that in a good way. We will be air-drying our hair with sea salt sprays, dabbing on a bit of sexy, musky, ocean-inspired perfume oils, and keeping it minimally chic when it comes to makeup. Here, we're sharing the just-launched hair, skin, fragrance, and makeup products we plan to use down to the very last drop (#empties).
See What Jeffree Star Looks Like Without Makeup - Because You Know You Want To
Whether he's applying a killer neon smoky eye shadow look or testing out a shimmery bronzer, we're pretty used to seeing Jeffree Star with a face full of bold makeup. But have you ever wondered what the YouTuber looks like when it's all stripped away? In his latest video, we get a glimpse at just that, as he tests out three products from Urban Decay's Meltdown Makeup Remover collection.
In the beginning of the video, Jeffree's face is covered in foundation, powder, eye shadow, mascara, and a highly pigmented liquid lipstick. But after a few spritzes of UD's Dissolving Spray, two coats of the clear Lip Oil Stick, and a few swipes of the Cleansing Oil Stick, all of his makeup magically melts away once he wipes it off with a damn washcloth. Watch the video above to see what Jeffree looks like sans makeup - because you know you want to.
Police dogs saved from opioid overdoses
Police officers have a new tool to protect their four-legged partners: naloxone, a drug that has already been used for years to reverse overdoses in humans.
Tell Us Why You're Proud to Be An LGBTQ Supporter!
June marks the 17th year of LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States, and we are celebrating at POPSUGAR! All month long, we're featuring essays from influencers and activists in the LGBT community, and we'd like to feature you and your story, too!
We created this printable so that you can tell us why you are proud to be LGBTQ or an LGBTQ ally. All you need to do is print it out, write down what makes you proud, and share it on social media. Be sure to tag @popsugar and use #POPSUGARPride for a chance to be featured on our Instagram, Facebook, and here on our site.
See What Jeffree Star Looks Like Without Makeup - Because You Know You Want To
Whether he's applying a killer neon smoky eye shadow look or testing out a shimmery bronzer, we're pretty used to seeing Jeffree Star with a face full of bold makeup. But have you ever wondered what the YouTuber looks like when it's all stripped away? In his latest video, we get a glimpse at just that, as he tests out three products from Urban Decay's Meltdown Makeup Remover collection.
In the beginning of the video, Jeffree's face is covered in foundation, powder, eye shadow, mascara, and a highly pigmented liquid lipstick. But after a few spritzes of UD's Dissolving Spray, two coats of the clear Lip Oil Stick, and a few swipes of the Cleansing Oil Stick, all of his makeup magically melts away once he wipes it off with a damn washcloth. Watch the video above to see what Jeffree looks like sans makeup - because you know you want to.
See Which Diet Category You Fall Into - It'll Change the Way You Eat
We recently had a casual conversation with Brooke Barnett - a woman we interviewed last year who lost over 100 pounds - about eating habits, healthy tips, and wellness philosophies, and she dropped a little knowledge on us. Apparently, there are two groups of people: moderators and abstainers. According to Brooke, determining which one she is was fundamental in her weight loss journey.
"I'm an abstainer," she told us. "I would love to actually be a moderator and to be able to moderate my intake, but that's just not how I'm wired." She explained that it took her a while to understand the way her brain and body work, but once she did, it was life changing. "The concept was introduced to me, and it wasn't like a light switch; it was actually a gradual understanding and acceptance after continuous trial and error. Once I was able to accept it, things clicked."
The concept comes from Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author and happiness philosopher. On Gretchen's site, she describes the following two categories of behavior, which includes how you eat:
You're a moderator if you:
- Find that occasional indulgence heightens your pleasure and strengthens your resolve
- Get panicky at the thought of "never" getting or doing something
You're an abstainer if you:
- Have trouble stopping something once you've started
- Aren't tempted by things that you've decided are off limits
Where do you fall? Do you have a better time limiting your treats to small portions or do you have to throw out the ice cream in the freezer in order to survive?
It's easy to preach "everything in moderation" and "it's all about balance" - but the truth is, it's not that simple if you're an abstainer. What happens when moderation isn't an option, and one bite, one treat, or one day of eating whatever you please snowballs into a cycle you simply cannot break?
"Once I started experimenting with the idea of abstinence [from food], I realized that having none was often easier than having one," said Brooke. "I no longer had to use mental energy or willpower to play the 'Should I? Shouldn't I?' game of moderation." Does that scenario sound familiar to you? In that case, you should adjust your diet accordingly.
"Now that my body has weaned off its drug-like response, I don't really crave sweets or snacks and I enjoy eating real food."
Everyone is wired differently, and everyone's body is different - it's the reason why there's no cure-all diet that works for absolutely every single person, and why it's hard to find nutritionists and dietitians who can agree on every single topic. If you're a moderator, maybe it's time to quit the elimination diets for good. And if you're an abstainer, perhaps that's a better option for you. "We are all different and our bodies tolerate or react to things in different ways," Brooke told POPSUGAR. The best thing you can do for your health and diet is get to know you, your habits, and your relationship to food better.
If you think you fall into the abstainer category, don't freak out. "It seems extreme," said Brooke, "because it goes in the face of moderation - this elusive idea that isn't really measurable and is hailed as balanced and healthy living. So this idea of complete restriction seems like a terrible, terrible idea." But if you can give it a shot, you might have massive success like Brooke did.
"After abstaining from foods like sugar and refined carbohydrates, I no longer have the same taste for them, and not eating them is a nonissue, whereas moderating these foods felt like a constant struggle. Now that my body has weaned off its drug-like response, I don't really crave sweets or snacks, and I enjoy eating real food."
Listen to Conor Maynard and Pixie Lott Sing Hit Songs Over the Beat of "Despacito"
Let the sing-off begin! Singers Pixie Lott and Conor Maynard battled it out to see how many hit songs they could perform to the beat of Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito." The answer: a freaking lot!
From Rihanna's "Umbrella" to Enrique Iglesias's "Súbeme La Radio," Serani's "No Games," and B.o.B's "Airplanes," you'll be shocked at the amount of lyrics that sound incredible over the song of the Summer. In fact, if you're getting "Despacito" fatigue like some of us are, we suggest you try this out on your own. Next time you hear "Sí, sabes que ya llevo un rato mirándote," just start singing another song. Watch above to see how Lott and Maynard did it.
See Which Diet Category You Fall Into - It'll Change the Way You Eat
We recently had a casual conversation with Brooke Barnett - a woman we interviewed last year who lost over 100 pounds - about eating habits, healthy tips, and wellness philosophies, and she dropped a little knowledge on us. Apparently, there are two groups of people: moderators and abstainers. According to Brooke, determining which one she is was fundamental in her weight loss journey.
"I'm an abstainer," she told us. "I would love to actually be a moderator and to be able to moderate my intake, but that's just not how I'm wired." She explained that it took her a while to understand the way her brain and body work, but once she did, it was life changing. "The concept was introduced to me, and it wasn't like a light switch; it was actually a gradual understanding and acceptance after continuous trial and error. Once I was able to accept it, things clicked."
The concept comes from Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author and happiness philosopher. On Gretchen's site, she describes the following two categories of behavior, which includes how you eat:
You're a moderator if you:
- Find that occasional indulgence heightens your pleasure and strengthens your resolve
- Get panicky at the thought of "never" getting or doing something
You're an abstainer if you:
- Have trouble stopping something once you've started
- Aren't tempted by things that you've decided are off limits
Where do you fall? Do you have a better time limiting your treats to small portions or do you have to throw out the ice cream in the freezer in order to survive?
It's easy to preach "everything in moderation" and "it's all about balance" - but the truth is, it's not that simple if you're an abstainer. What happens when moderation isn't an option, and one bite, one treat, or one day of eating whatever you please snowballs into a cycle you simply cannot break?
"Once I started experimenting with the idea of abstinence [from food], I realized that having none was often easier than having one," said Brooke. "I no longer had to use mental energy or willpower to play the 'Should I? Shouldn't I?' game of moderation." Does that scenario sound familiar to you? In that case, you should adjust your diet accordingly.
"Now that my body has weaned off its drug-like response, I don't really crave sweets or snacks and I enjoy eating real food."
Everyone is wired differently, and everyone's body is different - it's the reason why there's no cure-all diet that works for absolutely every single person, and why it's hard to find nutritionists and dietitians who can agree on every single topic. If you're a moderator, maybe it's time to quit the elimination diets for good. And if you're an abstainer, perhaps that's a better option for you. "We are all different and our bodies tolerate or react to things in different ways," Brooke told POPSUGAR. The best thing you can do for your health and diet is get to know you, your habits, and your relationship to food better.
If you think you fall into the abstainer category, don't freak out. "It seems extreme," said Brooke, "because it goes in the face of moderation - this elusive idea that isn't really measurable and is hailed as balanced and healthy living. So this idea of complete restriction seems like a terrible, terrible idea." But if you can give it a shot, you might have massive success like Brooke did.
"After abstaining from foods like sugar and refined carbohydrates, I no longer have the same taste for them, and not eating them is a nonissue, whereas moderating these foods felt like a constant struggle. Now that my body has weaned off its drug-like response, I don't really crave sweets or snacks, and I enjoy eating real food."
A Gay Cafe Owner Had the Perfect Facebook Response to a Homophobic Couple
We've updated this story with comments from Horne.
Homophobia, despite progress toward equality, unfortunately remains alive and rampant. A gay cafe owner in Cairns, Australia, named Jay Horne posted his tale of prejudice (and how gracefully he handled it) on Facebook, and it's since gone viral.
🤔 I'm curious... 🤔
Do you think you are going to turn gay (if you're not already) if you eat and drink at a gay owned...
Posted by Jay Horne on Thursday, March 16, 2017
In the post shared on March 16, Horne explains that a couple who frequent his restaurant, Paradiso Cairns, recently decided not to return after discovering it was gay owned and operated. "Do you think you are going to turn gay (if you're not already) if you eat and drink at a gay owned and operated cafe?" Horne hilariously asked in the post.
"One of our regular 'straight' couples have stopped frequenting our cafe because we are gay owned and operated and they had no idea," he went on to detail. "All I can say is . . . their loss!"
POPSUGAR spoke to Horne about the experience and community response via Facebook messenger. "I don't want the world to think that Cairns is a homophobic city, as it's definitely not," Horne said. "I have been living here for eight years and proudly promote the Cairns region as an LGBT hot spot to both national and international travelers."
Horne told us that he's witnessed an outpouring of support from the community in Cairns following his post. "One gentleman came in on Saturday who was so thankful that he broke down in tears," Horne wrote. "Another couple who sat in the cafe in hope the old regulars would walk by so they could confront them. I know I don't stand alone."
He also added that using his profile to fight homophobia is important. "Cairns has one of the highest if not the highest youth suicide rate in Australia, which is often related to fear of not being accepted in the community as being gay," Horne said. "If I have helped one person or saved one person from taking their own life through sharing my experience, I am happy [sic]."
While incidents like this are widely reported in the United States, Horne's experience demonstrates that homophobia is an international issue. It's also an applaudable instance of responding to intolerance with dignity and a dash of humor.
15 Times Sheldon Cooper Is the Greatest Gift to The Big Bang Theory
There is no denying that The Big Bang Theory would not be what it is without Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons). Between his memorable one-liners and priceless facial expressions, there's a reason he's won four Emmys. While the hit show recently got renewed for seasons 11 and 12, CBS also picked up its spinoff series, called Young Sheldon, which, as you may have already guessed, is all about Sheldon's childhood as a boy genius. Young Sheldon premieres on Oct. 27, but before then, take a look at all the times Sheldon made us giggle on The Big Bang Theory.
ICYMI, Here Are This Week's 10 Biggest OMG Moments
Feeling overwhelmed by the news flooding your social feed? We feel you. To help you stay in the loop, we've rounded up 10 of this week's must-know stories that'll inspire your travel adventures, warm your heart, and prepare you for exciting entertainment and tech releases to come. So sit back, grab your favorite snack (savory Wholey Cheese! crackers are our current fave), and catch up on everything you need to know - all in one place.
- Are you a travel buff? Queen of the outdoors? The kind of person who'll do anything for a good 'gram? If you answered yes to any of the above, there's a rainbow mountain in Peru with your name on it, and we suggest you start scoping out plane tickets now.
- Move over, sheet masks: there's a new skincare trend in town. The internet is going insane over bubble face masks (aka oxygen masks, which puff up as they sit on and hydrate your skin), and this is one beauty treatment you'll need to see - and probably try for yourself - to appreciate.
- Just when we thought we couldn't love it any more, the world's favorite affordable furniture superstore just dropped its latest release. With Ikea's brand-new, voice-controlled lights, your home can be the smart house of your wildest dreams - even on a budget!
- Spending a few hours at the hair salon isn't unusual, but seven is well above average. That's what one Florida woman recently endured to shed her long, wavy, two-toned mane, and we can barely recognize her with this sleek new 'do.
- At this point, there's no use in trying to suppress your love for all things medieval on TV. Get ready to freak out and have all of your burning questions answered soon, because the internet's favorite fantasy-packed show is returning for its seventh season, and you can catch the Game of Thrones trailer here.
- If you're like most of us, nothing says "best day ever" quite like being surrounded by pups - or, even better, pugs. After being bullied and outcasted for having autism, the only thing this teenage boy wanted for his birthday was to spend it with pugs, and that's exactly what he got. Warning: this one may leave you in tears.
- Summer is on the horizon, so it's time to kick-start your bikini-bod mission with some fitness inspo. This CrossFit star is showing off her insane strength and a drastic before-and-after transformation that'll leave you wanting to channel her determination and pick up some training tips while you're at it.
- Are you cursed with a sweet tooth that needs satisfying? Dessert-lovers across the globe are losing their minds over this coffee-flavored, chocolaty spread, and you'll soon understand why.
- Between romance flicks, action movies, and everything in between, iconic films are always worth celebrating. With a 30th anniversary this year, one movie with a dancing duo and very memorable lift just got its very own made-for-TV special this week, and fans can't get enough.
- If you're the type who's always setting fashion trends, you may already know about the new denim look that's turning heads this week. But if you aren't, these detachable jeans just hit the scene, and they're going to make you question your faith in the fashion industry.
Check out more from Wholey Cheese! below:
Every Parent Needs to Know the Car Seat Mistake That Killed This Child
It's been exactly 12 years since Christine Miller has seen her child's smile, kissed his cheeks, or felt his arms wrap around her neck. And on the anniversary of Kyle's death, Christine is sharing her heartbreaking story as an important warning about car seats for all parents.
"I had no idea that morning with him would be the last time I heard his adorable laugh and sweet voice call me mommy and see his eyes lit up with life and wonder," Christine shared on the Car Seat Consultants Facebook page.
More than a decade later, this mom is still grieving her tragic loss and believes that it could've been prevented had she known better or if someone had had the courage to point out her mistake. "Losing Kyle was like being plunged straight into hell, a pain and agony beyond description," she wrote. "If the scars on my heart were visible, people would gasp every time they saw me."
Kyle was 3 years old when he was killed. The toddler was sitting in a booster seat when an impaired driver ran a red light and collided with the family's car. Christine believes that he wouldn't have been killed in the crash if he had been restrained in a five-point harness car seat, and that guilt has been almost impossible to live with. "I've walked through hell and still carry a piece of it inside me. I've come to realize that this kind of loss is not something you ever get over or make peace with, it's something you eventually learn how to contain in a box of fire inside your heart, and keep a lid on so that you can function on a day to day basis," she wrote.
Christine explained that although she'll be carrying this severe pain with her daily until she dies, that isn't even what's most difficult about her situation:
I think the hardest part of it all is knowing how easily preventable it was. Had I just known about the dangers of booster seats for toddlers, had somebody warned me, I would have put him in a five-point harness car seat ... and that simple difference would have changed everything. It would have saved his life. It was have saved me from going through hell. I would have had the past 12 years of memories with my beautiful boy, instead of 12 years of grief and pain. I wouldn't have to imagine what my son would be like now, I would be able to hug him and tell him I love him and watch him grow into a man. But I lost all of that because of ONE mistake.
Christine has now made it her life's mission to work toward preventing this tragedy from happening to any other families and is hoping that her raw pain will raise awareness. "Car accidents are the number one killer of children, and statistics show that 80-90 percent of car seats are installed or used incorrectly!" she wrote. "Read that again and let it sink in. We are not protecting our children from the single greatest threat to their lives! It's madness."
In many cases, like Kyle's, these deaths can be prevented simply from parents knowing better and being willing to speak up if they see something wrong. She wrote:
We try to protect our kids from everything from pesticides, GMOs, sharp furniture corners, and cancer, but then buckle them into unsafe car seats. I've lost friends and family members because they were offended that I pointed out their incorrect car seat usage. But to say nothing and have another child's death on my conscience is not something I'm willing to risk.
So please, speak up if you see a child in a dangerous situation. You could save a life. Children's lives are more important than parents egos. If someone would have done so for me, Kyle would still be here. We have a lot of work to do but I know we can save lives if we work together to share Kyle's story and message. Car seat safety is not a "parenting choice," it's a matter of physics and facts.
Every Parent Needs to Know the Car Seat Mistake That Killed This Child
It's been exactly 12 years since Christine Miller has seen her child's smile, kissed his cheeks, or felt his arms wrap around her neck. And on the anniversary of Kyle's death, Christine is sharing her heartbreaking story as an important warning about car seats for all parents.
"I had no idea that morning with him would be the last time I heard his adorable laugh and sweet voice call me mommy and see his eyes lit up with life and wonder," Christine shared on the Car Seat Consultants Facebook page.
More than a decade later, this mom is still grieving her tragic loss and believes that it could've been prevented had she known better or if someone had had the courage to point out her mistake. "Losing Kyle was like being plunged straight into hell, a pain and agony beyond description," she wrote. "If the scars on my heart were visible, people would gasp every time they saw me."
Kyle was 3 years old when he was killed. The toddler was sitting in a booster seat when an impaired driver ran a red light and collided with the family's car. Christine believes that he wouldn't have been killed in the crash if he had been restrained in a five-point harness car seat, and that guilt has been almost impossible to live with. "I've walked through hell and still carry a piece of it inside me. I've come to realize that this kind of loss is not something you ever get over or make peace with, it's something you eventually learn how to contain in a box of fire inside your heart, and keep a lid on so that you can function on a day to day basis," she wrote.
Christine explained that although she'll be carrying this severe pain with her daily until she dies, that isn't even what's most difficult about her situation:
I think the hardest part of it all is knowing how easily preventable it was. Had I just known about the dangers of booster seats for toddlers, had somebody warned me, I would have put him in a five-point harness car seat ... and that simple difference would have changed everything. It would have saved his life. It was have saved me from going through hell. I would have had the past 12 years of memories with my beautiful boy, instead of 12 years of grief and pain. I wouldn't have to imagine what my son would be like now, I would be able to hug him and tell him I love him and watch him grow into a man. But I lost all of that because of ONE mistake.
Christine has now made it her life's mission to work toward preventing this tragedy from happening to any other families and is hoping that her raw pain will raise awareness. "Car accidents are the number one killer of children, and statistics show that 80-90 percent of car seats are installed or used incorrectly!" she wrote. "Read that again and let it sink in. We are not protecting our children from the single greatest threat to their lives! It's madness."
In many cases, like Kyle's, these deaths can be prevented simply from parents knowing better and being willing to speak up if they see something wrong. She wrote:
We try to protect our kids from everything from pesticides, GMOs, sharp furniture corners, and cancer, but then buckle them into unsafe car seats. I've lost friends and family members because they were offended that I pointed out their incorrect car seat usage. But to say nothing and have another child's death on my conscience is not something I'm willing to risk.
So please, speak up if you see a child in a dangerous situation. You could save a life. Children's lives are more important than parents egos. If someone would have done so for me, Kyle would still be here. We have a lot of work to do but I know we can save lives if we work together to share Kyle's story and message. Car seat safety is not a "parenting choice," it's a matter of physics and facts.
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