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 7 juin 2017
A New "Interview" Claims Ivanka Trump Took a Stand Against Her Dad - Except She Didn't
The latest issue of US Weekly boldly imagined a world where Ivanka Trump does not agree with her father's political decisions and defiantly resists them. The only problem? It's all unconfirmed.
On June 7, the tabloid magazine released their latest cover featuring a close-up shot of the assistant to the president. The headline states, "Ivanka Takes a Stand: Why I Disagree With My Dad." Though the headline is in first person, US Weekly did not interview Trump at all for the story. Instead, the magazine simply pulled quotes from an undisclosed source and other interviews in Harper's Bazaar and The New York Times.
According to US Weekly's unnamed source, Trump frequently argues with the president. "She has battled the 70-year-old about everything from LGBT rights to the North American Free Trade Agreement." The interview then alleges that she was particularly upset by his recent decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. "A source close to Ivanka says she was disappointed by his decision, but she's learned to take such defeats in stride."
Following the reveal of the story, Twitter nearly erupted with laughter. Many people expressed a belief that the pseudo-interview was a calculated move to improve her image.
Why My Brand Disagrees With My Dad's Brand https://t.co/1fTCt5egAu
- James Poniewozik (@poniewozik) June 7, 2017
US Weekly wants us to believe that Ivanka isn't like her dad.
The majority of Americans react: http://pic.twitter.com/QD4KKFjfI1- Doctor #Covfefe (@ShomahKhoobi) June 7, 2017
To be clear: Ivanka isn't participating in this (even though the cover uses the first person). But Us has stake in her continued celebrity
- Anne Helen Petersen (@annehelen) June 7, 2017
Others online reveled in the ridiculousness of the phrase "Why I Disagree With My Dad," and used it to launch a new onslaught of entertaining memes that will keep everyone laughing until the next one emerges.
Why I Disagree With My Dad was the subject line of the email I wrote my mom about why my parents should unground me in 9th grade
- Charlotte Wilder (@TheWilderThings) June 7, 2017
WHY I DISAGREE WITH MY DAD http://pic.twitter.com/XWsCpCB0Re
- Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) June 7, 2017
WHY I DISAGREE WITH MY DAD http://pic.twitter.com/XedA1A9bav
- Morgan Evans (@totallymorgan) June 7, 2017
"Why I Disagree With My Dad" http://pic.twitter.com/39C0h5uvdX
- Sarah Lerner (@SarahLerner) June 7, 2017
These Candies From World Market Offer a Sweet Way to Travel the Globe
There's a whole wide world of candy to discover, and your taste buds can travel around the globe with a simple trip to Cost Plus World Market. Its candy selection is beyond epic. These are some of the bestselling candies that hail from Japan, Germany, Indonesia, and many more sweet locations.
The Best Way to Help Loved Ones Struggling With Depression
Depression can be relentless when it wants to defeat a person, which doesn't make helping a struggling loved one very simple. The fear of burdening others can cause someone to isolate themselves and in turn, those who care have to be extracautious to prevent him or her from retreating any further. To find out the best way to aid friends and family with depression, we spoke with Dr. Alison Darcy, a Stanford clinical psychologist and CEO of therapy startup Woebot.
Darcy noted that you should most importantly be mindful about how the person will receive your words. "It's a really tricky one, because particularly when people feel depressed, they can interpret things as further evidence of what they already think; they're a loser, for example," she said. "And somebody coming along making accusatory statements just sort of feeds into that idea."
To avoid making them feel like they're being attacked, Darcy advises to share how you're feeling rather than pointing the finger. An example includes: "'I've noticed the things that you're doing are really different to what you normally are, and you just don't seem as happy and I feel really worried'" versus something like, "You never leave the house anymore, what's wrong with you?" The latter might make him or her defensive and not feel comfortable enough to open up to you.
"That's a very different message because you're not confronting somebody," Darcy said. "You should always share how you feel and let them know you're worried, and that you're there ready to listen if they want to talk through stuff."
47 Frida Kahlo Tattoos That'll Finally Convince You to Get Some Ink
Getting inked is no small thing. You want to make sure that whatever design you choose to forever etch on your body is worth it. Well, we can't think of a better icon to honor with a tattoo (or two) than Mexican feminist Frida Kahlo.
The internet obviously agrees, with thousands of images popping up under the #FridaKahloTattoo hashtag. We combed through that long list of tattoos inspired by Frida and compiled a list that is sure to inspire your own. Scroll ahead to find our picks.
32 Ways Harry Potter Taught Us the Magic of Love
Harry Potter fans spit out their butterbeer in shock when J.K. Rowling said Hermione should have ended up with Harry Potter instead of Ron. While it's impossible to imagine the series without the romance between Hermione and Ron, if taken from a completely realistic perspective, I can see how Ron wouldn't have been intellectually stimulating enough for the clever heroine. (Although if that's the case, Harry wouldn't have been a good fit either). Emma Watson - who should know, having essentially lived the character for a decade of her life - put it thus, "I think there are fans out there who know that, too, and who wonder whether Ron would have really been able to make her happy." When I asked the cast about J.K. Rowling's comments, I especially loved the response from Evanna Lynch (who plays Luna Lovegood):
"With any relationship you can look back and say, 'Oh, I shouldn't have had that relationship; I shouldn't have been with that person.' But you were! It happened and it made them into who they are. So I think even if J.K. Rowling would feel a pull towards it, history is written. You can't change it. I think Ron and Hermione have something really beautiful and different. They're not a typical pairing, which I found more interesting."
One of my favorite things (of many) about the Harry Potter book and film series is that it's not a cheesy romantic story on the outside - hello mystery, adventure, and badass female heroines - but at the heart of it, it is a love story. There are various romantic pairings that slowly develop over the course of the series, and there is, of course, the love of Harry's mother that steers the entire plot. So using GIFs and quotes from the movies and books, I'm sharing 32 of the best love lessons J.K.'s series has taught us about the magic of love.
John Legend Is a "Proud Papa" After Luna Throws the First Pitch For the Mariners
Chrissy Teigen and 1-year-old daughter Luna are currently on tour with John Legend, and on Tuesday, the brood squeezed in some quality family time at the Seattle Mariners game in Washington. While John and Chrissy looked adorable as always, it was little Luna who ended up stealing the show. With help from her mom and dad, Luna likely melted the entire crowd into a puddle when she took to the mound and threw the first pitch before the Mariners faced off against the Minnesota Twins. Naturally, Chrissy and John shared photos from their fun outing on Instagram later that evening. "Proud papa #LunasFirstTour," John captioned a snap of him holding Luna on the baseball field.
Back in 2014, Chrissy hit the field at Dodger Stadium in LA to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Despite drinking margaritas with her dad before the big event, the model threw a nearly perfect pitch while also looking sexy in a pair of blue short shorts and knee-high socks. Clearly Chrissy passed on her baseball skills to Luna.
Donald Trump Is Launching a Subscription Box Service and All We Have to Say Is "Nah"
Have you ever sat and thought, "Wow, I really wish I could receive a fresh shipment of Donald Trump merchandise every month"? Well, not that anything remotely close to that has ever crossed our minds, but if you answered "yes," you're in luck - President Trump will be starting a subscription box service and the fees will be a "monthly donation" to his reelection campaign.
After CNN reporter Betsy Klein received the promotional email for the Big League Box, she immediately shared it on Twitter, seen ahead. The box will include "a handpicked bundle of exclusive and vintage OFFICIAL Donald J. Trump merchandise."
The Trump campaign is taking the @birchbox subscription approach, introducing the "big league box" http://pic.twitter.com/41zUCxAlYA
- Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) May 29, 2017
The Trump Make America Great Again Committee is selling these boxes for a whopping $69 per month, which will go toward Trump's campaign in 2020. The Center for Public Integrity reporter Dave Levinthal shared his own screenshots from the email as well.
For $69, a Trump-of-the-month box to benefit @POTUS' re-election campaign and the @GOP http://pic.twitter.com/PXqjlnCRDu
- Dave Levinthal (@davelevinthal) May 29, 2017
Trump is by no means the first person to promote a subscription box service, and the cofounder of Birchbox has her own thoughts about the model. "I DO NOT endorse this use (actually, misuse) of the @birchbox business model..." Hayley Bay Barna wrote.
I DO NOT endorse this use (actually, misuse) of the @birchbox business model... https://t.co/gvUKc7yLLw
- Hayley Bay Barna (@hayleybay) May 30, 2017
What do you think about Trump's Big League Box service? It probably won't include any Birchbox beauty products, but expect an overflow of Trump and Pence merchandise.
Reminder: Here's Why Piper Landed in Prison on Orange Is the New Black
If Piper Chapman had never landed herself in prison, we never would have witnessed any of the wild events on Orange Is the New Black. Her incarceration is the single event that kicks everything into motion. For all the crazy sh*t that goes down inside the walls of Litchfield Correctional Facility, it's pretty easy to forget about this moment, and what lands Piper in prison in the first place. After all, when we first meet her, she has an artisanal soap business in Brooklyn. We've kept scrupulous track of how all the inmates got into prison, and with season five returning, we thought it appropriate to focus on Piper, because doesn't it seem like her time in prison is winding down? Can you remember the real reason she's behind bars? Let's have a little refresher course.
Back before this whole mess, and before she ends up with Larry (eye roll), Piper has a hot and steamy romance with fellow inmate Alex Vause. At this point, Alex is a high-profile drug smuggler who travels around the world, and for awhile, Piper is happy to be her girlfriend. She never really gets involved in Alex's business, except for one time: she helps smuggle drug money from Colombia to Belgium. Gradually, everything between the two falls apart and they break up.
Eventually, Alex gets arrested for her crimes, and she names names in exchange for a plea deal. Basically, she reveals that Piper was her accomplice so she doesn't have to serve as much prison time. Piper is sentenced to 15 months at Litchfield for criminal conspiracy and money laundering. The rest is history.
47 Frida Kahlo Tattoos That'll Finally Convince You to Get Some Ink
Getting inked is no small thing. You want to make sure that whatever design you choose to forever etch on your body is worth it. Well, we can't think of a better icon to honor with a tattoo (or two) than Mexican feminist Frida Kahlo.
The internet obviously agrees, with thousands of images popping up under the #FridaKahloTattoo hashtag. We combed through that long list of tattoos inspired by Frida and compiled a list that is sure to inspire your own. Scroll ahead to find our picks.
A New "Interview" Claims Ivanka Trump Took a Stand Against Her Dad - Except She Didn't
The latest issue of US Weekly boldly imagined a world where Ivanka Trump does not agree with her father's political decisions and defiantly resists them. The only problem? It's all unconfirmed.
On June 7, the tabloid magazine released their latest cover featuring a close-up shot of the assistant to the president. The headline states, "Ivanka Takes a Stand: Why I Disagree With My Dad." Though the headline is in first person, US Weekly did not interview Trump at all for the story. Instead, the magazine simply pulled quotes from an undisclosed source and other interviews in Harper's Bazaar and The New York Times.
According to US Weekly's unnamed source, Trump frequently argues with the president. "She has battled the 70-year-old about everything from LGBT rights to the North American Free Trade Agreement." The interview then alleges that she was particularly upset by his recent decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. "A source close to Ivanka says she was disappointed by his decision, but she's learned to take such defeats in stride."
Following the reveal of the story, Twitter nearly erupted with laughter. Many people expressed a belief that the pseudo-interview was a calculated move to improve her image.
Why My Brand Disagrees With My Dad's Brand https://t.co/1fTCt5egAu
- James Poniewozik (@poniewozik) June 7, 2017
US Weekly wants us to believe that Ivanka isn't like her dad.
The majority of Americans react: http://pic.twitter.com/QD4KKFjfI1- Doctor #Covfefe (@ShomahKhoobi) June 7, 2017
To be clear: Ivanka isn't participating in this (even though the cover uses the first person). But Us has stake in her continued celebrity
- Anne Helen Petersen (@annehelen) June 7, 2017
Others online reveled in the ridiculousness of the phrase "Why I Disagree With My Dad," and used it to launch a new onslaught of entertaining memes that will keep everyone laughing until the next one emerges.
Why I Disagree With My Dad was the subject line of the email I wrote my mom about why my parents should unground me in 9th grade
- Charlotte Wilder (@TheWilderThings) June 7, 2017
WHY I DISAGREE WITH MY DAD http://pic.twitter.com/XWsCpCB0Re
- Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) June 7, 2017
WHY I DISAGREE WITH MY DAD http://pic.twitter.com/XedA1A9bav
- Morgan Evans (@totallymorgan) June 7, 2017
"Why I Disagree With My Dad" http://pic.twitter.com/39C0h5uvdX
- Sarah Lerner (@SarahLerner) June 7, 2017
Donald Trump Is Launching a Subscription Box Service and All We Have to Say Is "Nah"
Have you ever sat and thought, "Wow, I really wish I could receive a fresh shipment of Donald Trump merchandise every month"? Well, not that anything remotely close to that has ever crossed our minds, but if you answered "yes," you're in luck - President Trump will be starting a subscription box service and the fees will be a "monthly donation" to his reelection campaign.
After CNN reporter Betsy Klein received the promotional email for the Big League Box, she immediately shared it on Twitter, seen ahead. The box will include "a handpicked bundle of exclusive and vintage OFFICIAL Donald J. Trump merchandise."
The Trump campaign is taking the @birchbox subscription approach, introducing the "big league box" http://pic.twitter.com/41zUCxAlYA
- Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) May 29, 2017
The Trump Make America Great Again Committee is selling these boxes for a whopping $69 per month, which will go toward Trump's campaign in 2020. The Center for Public Integrity reporter Dave Levinthal shared his own screenshots from the email as well.
For $69, a Trump-of-the-month box to benefit @POTUS' re-election campaign and the @GOP http://pic.twitter.com/PXqjlnCRDu
- Dave Levinthal (@davelevinthal) May 29, 2017
Trump is by no means the first person to promote a subscription box service, and the cofounder of Birchbox has her own thoughts about the model. "I DO NOT endorse this use (actually, misuse) of the @birchbox business model..." Hayley Bay Barna wrote.
I DO NOT endorse this use (actually, misuse) of the @birchbox business model... https://t.co/gvUKc7yLLw
- Hayley Bay Barna (@hayleybay) May 30, 2017
What do you think about Trump's Big League Box service? It probably won't include any Birchbox beauty products, but expect an overflow of Trump and Pence merchandise.
6 Theories About How Orange Is the New Black Season 5 Will Start
Last season of Orange Is the New Black ended with a bang, almost literally. In the final moments of the finale, everything descends into chaos as the inmates riot. Daya gets a hold of CO Humphrey's gun and points it at his face, and that's all we know. In the months since we finished season four, we've locked in on new season five details. Now, with a handful of new pictures and an intense new clip that shows the gripping first minute of the premiere, we're determined to figure out how this all ends up. Let's go over all the possibilities.
1. Daya Shoots Humphrey
This has to be the most obvious outcome. She's already pointing the gun, and Humphrey is right there. Everyone knows Humphrey is an awful, awful man. Plus, I mean, we're sure Daya still has some hard feelings after Bennett broke her heart. Maybe she's got some issues to work out. So, for all those reasons, she fires.
2. Someone Else Fires an Entirely Different Gun
Just because we hear a gun fire, it doesn't necessarily mean it's Daya's. After all, with such an intensely escalating situation, it's possible someone calls for backup. Perhaps there's a chance someone else arrives on the scene with another gun, deems Daya a danger, and fires to put her out of commission.
3. Daya Shoots the Ceiling to Shut Everyone Up
In the first minute, it's clear Daya is overwhelmed. It seems like it's so loud, she can't hear herself think. Maybe she just fires the gun into the ceiling so everyone stops screaming at her. Then, with a clear head, she can make her choice - which, really, could be any of these other options.
4. Another Inmate Grabs the Gun and Shoots Humphrey
With so many angry, riled up inmates surrounding Daya, what's to stop someone else from grabbing the gun and shooting Humphrey? After all, he's forced Maritza to eat dead flies at gunpoint, and he's just forced Suzanne and Maureen into a crazy brutal brawl. It's safe to say a lot of these inmates want him dead, so if Daya doesn't do it, someone else will.
5. Daya Accidentally (or Deliberately) Shoots Someone Else
Daya has been underestimated and marginalized by many other inmates for plenty of seasons. That might explain why she just might snap and shoot someone else entirely. Then again, as we mentioned above, this is a high-stress situation, and she's clearly overwhelmed, which is why she might just shut her eyes and fire at will, no aim required.
6. No One Fires a Gun
Listen, we hate to bring this up, but it's a possibility. Maybe it's all just a fake-out, just a juicy sound effect to keep us on our toes. Since the teasers have yet to show Daya (or anyone) firing a gun, we have to consider the possibility that it doesn't happen. Since Daya is taking so long to decide what to do, maybe she gets intercepted by someone else before she has a chance to make her decision. It would certainly be the lamest outcome, but it's not impossible.
One way or another, we'll have our answer when Orange Is the New Black returns on June 9.
Nope, This Isn't Your '90s Notebook, It's the New Lisa Frank Eye Shadows!
Lisa finalized the designs for our Lisa Frank x Glamour Dolls single eyeshadows!! ✨ What do you guys think?? https://t.co/QRl5TwEvcm http://pic.twitter.com/kvzgZchaXQ
- Glamour Dolls ♡ (@GlamourDollss) June 6, 2017
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that our favorite Lisa Frank designs were being turned into a makeup line and we'd finally be able to bring our rainbow, unicorn memories into our adult lives. Now that we've seen the highlighter, nail polish, bronzer, and more from the brand's collaboration with Glamour Dolls Makeup, we're finally getting a look at the single eye shadow packaging, and it does not disappoint.
Glamour Dolls shared a photo of the eye shadow on Twitter, and while it might look exactly like one of our notebooks from the '90s, we can promise there's no pink gel pen doodles inside. The blush-colored shadow comes in a purple package with a rainbow eye on one side and an adorable heart-covered bottom that reads "XOXO Lisa Frank" - how cute?! The single shadow is only $6, and the company describes the formula as "buttery, blends with ease, and is super pigmented."
In addition to the single eye shadows, the collaboration will also include bright shadow palettes along with tons of other colorful products. The collection is available for preorder online now and will ship in September.
20 Stylish Watches That Will Look Just as Good on Dad as They Will on You
Father's Day is fast approaching, and one of the most classic gifts you can give is a watch. It's a great idea - dudes collect timepieces like you collect shoes. But we have an even greater idea: why not shop for yourself while you're browsing for the stylish dad in your life? All of the watches below are versatile, some featuring leather bands and others gold or metal, and they'd look just as good on your wrist as they would on a guy's. In fact, you might even find yourself purchasing two of the same accessory when you check out. If the designs below don't speak to you, these brands make women's styles that retail at similar price points, so you too can get your fill. Just scroll to get started.
Prepare to Lust After Urban Decay's New Naked Heat Palette - Swatches Included!
Raise your hand if you blindly buy any and all Urban Decay palettes. (Raises hand.) For me, it doesn't matter what shades come in the palettes, because I know that there will be several shades that flatter my eye color, even if every one isn't the perfect match. As someone with hazel eyes, though, I'm psyched with the reveal of Naked Heat ($54), the newest addition to the Naked palette family, which includes varying shades of amber, orange, and sienna - all perfect for enhancing the green in my eye color. And it's perfect timing, too: these shades are popular on Instagram and the red carpet.
The 12 new shades include En Fuego, a matte red; Ounce, an ivory shimmer; Sauced, a terra-cotta matte; and Ember, a deep metallic copper-burgundy. According to Urban Decay, this palette is the most "shade-driven" one the brand has done. It was built off the popularity of shades from other palettes, like Bitter from Vice4.
If you want to try the fiery trend but aren't in the market for another palette, the brand also launched three new limited-edition Vice Lipsticks ($17) and two 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils ($20) to correspond with the eye shadow. Note that this is the first time UD has done something like this - releasing a palette and other products inspired by it at the same time! The warmer lipstick shades include Fuel, Heat, and Scorched, plus Alkaline and Torch liners.
You can pick up all the products during a limited pre-sale on June 12 at UrbanDecay.com; it officially launches June 30. Take a look at the gallery to see swatches of each product, and let us know in the comments which is your favorite!
6 Theories About How Orange Is the New Black Season 5 Will Start
Last season of Orange Is the New Black ended with a bang, almost literally. In the final moments of the finale, everything descends into chaos as the inmates riot. Daya gets a hold of CO Humphrey's gun and points it at his face, and that's all we know. In the months since we finished season four, we've locked in on new season five details. Now, with a handful of new pictures and an intense new clip that shows the gripping first minute of the premiere, we're determined to figure out how this all ends up. Let's go over all the possibilities.
1. Daya Shoots Humphrey
This has to be the most obvious outcome. She's already pointing the gun, and Humphrey is right there. Everyone knows Humphrey is an awful, awful man. Plus, I mean, we're sure Daya still has some hard feelings after Bennett broke her heart. Maybe she's got some issues to work out. So, for all those reasons, she fires.
2. Someone Else Fires an Entirely Different Gun
Just because we hear a gun fire, it doesn't necessarily mean it's Daya's. After all, with such an intensely escalating situation, it's possible someone calls for backup. Perhaps there's a chance someone else arrives on the scene with another gun, deems Daya a danger, and fires to put her out of commission.
3. Daya Shoots the Ceiling to Shut Everyone Up
In the first minute, it's clear Daya is overwhelmed. It seems like it's so loud, she can't hear herself think. Maybe she just fires the gun into the ceiling so everyone stops screaming at her. Then, with a clear head, she can make her choice - which, really, could be any of these other options.
4. Another Inmate Grabs the Gun and Shoots Humphrey
With so many angry, riled up inmates surrounding Daya, what's to stop someone else from grabbing the gun and shooting Humphrey? After all, he's forced Maritza to eat dead flies at gunpoint, and he's just forced Suzanne and Maureen into a crazy brutal brawl. It's safe to say a lot of these inmates want him dead, so if Daya doesn't do it, someone else will.
5. Daya Accidentally (or Deliberately) Shoots Someone Else
Daya has been underestimated and marginalized by many other inmates for plenty of seasons. That might explain why she just might snap and shoot someone else entirely. Then again, as we mentioned above, this is a high-stress situation, and she's clearly overwhelmed, which is why she might just shut her eyes and fire at will, no aim required.
6. No One Fires a Gun
Listen, we hate to bring this up, but it's a possibility. Maybe it's all just a fake-out, just a juicy sound effect to keep us on our toes. Since the teasers have yet to show Daya (or anyone) firing a gun, we have to consider the possibility that it doesn't happen. Since Daya is taking so long to decide what to do, maybe she gets intercepted by someone else before she has a chance to make her decision. It would certainly be the lamest outcome, but it's not impossible.
One way or another, we'll have our answer when Orange Is the New Black returns on June 9.
Why Lauren Conrad Started Dressing Up More After Getting Pregnant
As Lauren Conrad gets ready to expand her family with the addition of a baby boy, the pregnant reality star is also adding to her LC Lauren Conrad fashion label at Kohl's with a new maternity line that reflect the challenges she's been facing dressing her changing body.
Instead of wearing her typical low-key looks, Lauren found that she's been dressing up more since getting pregnant, and it's these personal insights that have influenced the pieces she's created for other moms-to-be.
"Usually, I'm pretty casual, but I've definitely been wearing more sundresses and accessories to feel good about myself while I'm pregnant," Lauren told POPSUGAR. "Personally, when I put together a really cute outfit, I just feel better about myself, so I've been dressing up a little bit more even if I'm not going anywhere."
Lauren knew that what moms-to-be want and need while pregnant are different than what they look for while pre- and postbaby shopping, so she waited until she had firsthand experience before designing pieces for this life stage. What she learned during the process not only went against what she originally thought about pregnancy style but influenced the final pieces: she's more comfortable showing off her bump and is especially feeling her shoulders these days.
"I'm noticing now that there's just less and less parts of me that I want to show off, so we wanted to do some cold-shoulder pieces because I'm still cool with my shoulders," she said. "I also didn't expect to gravitate so much toward the body-con shape; I just thought that I was going to only want to wear shift pieces. But for me, I actually feel better when I'm wearing something a little more close-fitting, because especially when you get toward the end of your pregnancy and put on these fuller pieces, I just felt like I was wearing a potato sack and bigger than I actually was!"
Adventurous Travelers Need to Check Out the Gorgeous Italian Dolomites Mountains
Venice, Rome, and Florence are a few of the most visited cities of Italy and probably what most people envision when they think of the boot country. But not many know about the other side of Italy that boasts some of the most beautiful alpine landscapes, instead of historic buildings and famous landmarks. A mountain range known as the Dolomites is an UNESCO world heritage area located in the northeastern parts of the country, and it is stunning to say the least.
"This area is an absolute dream for adventurous couples, where endless hiking opportunities treat you to sights of dramatic limestone peaks, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear alpine lakes," said photographer Cat Ekkelboom-White who was able to spend one day in the area.
Tucked away in a small valley in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies (or Pragser Wildsee) has tranquil turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding alpines. The stillness of the valley leaves visitors at peace, making them forget all about Italy's more popular northern destinations. Cat suggests taking the footpath around the lake up to the forest for incredible views of the lake.
After seeing the photos ahead, you'll want to make changes to your Italian itinerary.
20 Stylish Watches That Will Look Just as Good on Dad as They Will on You
Father's Day is fast approaching, and one of the most classic gifts you can give is a watch. It's a great idea - dudes collect timepieces like you collect shoes. But we have an even greater idea: why not shop for yourself while you're browsing for the stylish dad in your life? All of the watches below are versatile, some featuring leather bands and others gold or metal, and they'd look just as good on your wrist as they would on a guy's. In fact, you might even find yourself purchasing two of the same accessory when you check out. If the designs below don't speak to you, these brands make women's styles that retail at similar price points, so you too can get your fill. Just scroll to get started.
Boy Dies From Drowning a Week After He Went Swimming in Knee-Deep Water
The tragic, startling effects of "dry drowning" took the life of a 4-year-old boy in Texas a week after he went swimming.
Francisco Delgado Jr., who took his son Frankie and the rest of his family to the Texas City Dike near Galveston over Memorial Day weekend, told KHOU News that it was a typical day and that Frankie was fine when he got out of the water.
Shortly afterwards, Frankie began to have symptoms that resembled a stomach bug. For days, he had bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, and a week later, he stopped breathing.
"Out of nowhere, he just woke up. He said ahhh," Delgado said. "He took his last breath and I didn't know what to do."
He called 911 but doctors weren't able to revive him. They told the family that Frankie had fluid in his lungs and around his heart – that he died from dry drowning.
It seemed impossible – mom Tara Delgado said he was only in knee-deep water. The parents now suspect Frankie must have swallowed water, but they never noticed Frankie coughing or in distress, which are often crucial indicators that someone has accidentally inhaled a small amount of water through the mouth or nose, causing their airway to spasm. It's a devastating reminder for parents to always keep watch over their children in the pool, as they could possibly miss the warning signs.
"There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are over the passing of Baby Frankie," the family wrote on their GoFundMe page, which is raising money for the unexpected funeral costs. "He had so much life to live."
This Genius Beauty Blender Cleaning Hack Only Takes 1 Minute
This is honestly the best way to get all make up off a beauty blender.
Put it in a cup with water and fairy liquid then microwave for 1min! http://pic.twitter.com/9pIR2l5ALE- 2CHINZz (@2chiinzzz) 6 June 2017
The majority of the beauty world bows down to beauty blending sponges. Despite a few good efforts at using household products to apply makeup, none quite come close to the reliable, good old Beautyblender.
However, although our love for the sponges that gave us a flawless base runs deep, cleaning them is the worst chore of them all. But fear not fellow beauty enthusiasts, one Twitter user has blown all of our tiny minds with a surprisingly simple but effective hack.
Laureen puts her Beautyblender in hot water mixed with dish soap, then zaps it in the microwave for one minute, ringing it out once the water has cooled. The foundation should be completely removed from the sponge, killing all of the bacteria in the process. You'll be left with a nearly new blender.
So far the post has reached 2,900 retweets and 9,100 likes. And many have replied with their own photographic evidence saying it really does work. Laureen also noted that it may possibly work with a tanning mitt too!
Made me realise I actually have a purple beauty blender 😅 http://pic.twitter.com/cmRofocnPc
- Lauren✨ (@LozzaMannn) 6 June 2017
Give this quick hack a go for yourself and watch your blenders go from grim to grand. As one Twitter user replied "this was the knowledge I didn't know I needed." We're with you, girl!
This Genius Beauty Blender Cleaning Hack Only Takes 1 Minute
This is honestly the best way to get all make up off a beauty blender.
Put it in a cup with water and fairy liquid then microwave for 1min! http://pic.twitter.com/9pIR2l5ALE- 2CHINZz (@2chiinzzz) 6 June 2017
The majority of the beauty world bows down to beauty blending sponges. Despite a few good efforts at using household products to apply makeup, none quite come close to the reliable, good old Beautyblender.
However, although our love for the sponges that gave us a flawless base runs deep, cleaning them is the worst chore of them all. But fear not fellow beauty enthusiasts, one Twitter user has blown all of our tiny minds with a surprisingly simple but effective hack.
Laureen puts her Beautyblender in hot water mixed with dish soap, then zaps it in the microwave for one minute, ringing it out once the water has cooled. The foundation should be completely removed from the sponge, killing all of the bacteria in the process. You'll be left with a nearly new blender.
So far the post has reached 2,900 retweets and 9,100 likes. And many have replied with their own photographic evidence saying it really does work. Laureen also noted that it may possibly work with a tanning mitt too!
Made me realise I actually have a purple beauty blender 😅 http://pic.twitter.com/cmRofocnPc
- Lauren✨ (@LozzaMannn) 6 June 2017
Give this quick hack a go for yourself and watch your blenders go from grim to grand. As one Twitter user replied "this was the knowledge I didn't know I needed." We're with you, girl!
Why Lauren Conrad Started Dressing Up More After Getting Pregnant
As Lauren Conrad gets ready to expand her family with the addition of a baby boy, the pregnant reality star is also adding to her LC Lauren Conrad fashion label at Kohl's with a new maternity line that reflect the challenges she's been facing dressing her changing body.
Instead of wearing her typical low-key looks, Lauren found that she's been dressing up more since getting pregnant, and it's these personal insights that have influenced the pieces she's created for other moms-to-be.
"Usually, I'm pretty casual, but I've definitely been wearing more sundresses and accessories to feel good about myself while I'm pregnant," Lauren told POPSUGAR. "Personally, when I put together a really cute outfit, I just feel better about myself, so I've been dressing up a little bit more even if I'm not going anywhere."
Lauren knew that what moms-to-be want and need while pregnant are different than what they look for while pre- and postbaby shopping, so she waited until she had firsthand experience before designing pieces for this life stage. What she learned during the process not only went against what she originally thought about pregnancy style but influenced the final pieces: she's more comfortable showing off her bump and is especially feeling her shoulders these days.
"I'm noticing now that there's just less and less parts of me that I want to show off, so we wanted to do some cold-shoulder pieces because I'm still cool with my shoulders," she said. "I also didn't expect to gravitate so much toward the body-con shape; I just thought that I was going to only want to wear shift pieces. But for me, I actually feel better when I'm wearing something a little more close-fitting, because especially when you get toward the end of your pregnancy and put on these fuller pieces, I just felt like I was wearing a potato sack and bigger than I actually was!"
Boy Dies From Drowning a Week After He Went Swimming in Knee-Deep Water
The tragic, startling effects of "dry drowning" took the life of a 4-year-old boy in Texas a week after he went swimming.
Francisco Delgado Jr., who took his son Frankie and the rest of his family to the Texas City Dike near Galveston over Memorial Day weekend, told KHOU News that it was a typical day and that Frankie was fine when he got out of the water.
Shortly afterwards, Frankie began to have symptoms that resembled a stomach bug. For days, he had bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, and a week later, he stopped breathing.
"Out of nowhere, he just woke up. He said ahhh," Delgado said. "He took his last breath and I didn't know what to do."
He called 911 but doctors weren't able to revive him. They told the family that Frankie had fluid in his lungs and around his heart – that he died from dry drowning.
It seemed impossible – mom Tara Delgado said he was only in knee-deep water. The parents now suspect Frankie must have swallowed water, but they never noticed Frankie coughing or in distress, which are often crucial indicators that someone has accidentally inhaled a small amount of water through the mouth or nose, causing their airway to spasm. It's a devastating reminder for parents to always keep watch over their children in the pool, as they could possibly miss the warning signs.
"There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are over the passing of Baby Frankie," the family wrote on their GoFundMe page, which is raising money for the unexpected funeral costs. "He had so much life to live."
Orly's New Collection Finally Makes It Possible For Muslims to Wear Nail Polish
Many Muslim men and women are not able to wear regular nail polish because it conflicts with prayer practices. The coats of polish are believed to create a barrier over the skin, which prevents water from touching every part of the body during ablutions, but Orly's new polish collection offers a solution. In an effort to bridge the diversity gap in the beauty world, the polish brand has teamed up with Muslim Girl to release a new collection of six halal-certified polishes, all of which let oxygen and moisture pass through the polish.
The Breathable line called #HalalPaint features adorably sassy polish names like Haram-Bae, The Perfect Amani-Cure, What the Fatima?, Ig-Noor the Haters, and more, named by MuslimGirl.com founder Amani Al-Khatahtbeh and the Muslim Girl team.
"This line is important because there are so many girls and young women who aren't represented in mainstream beauty," Azmia Magane, Muslim Girl chief of staff, said in a press release. "They either don't fit that definition or see things about them that are designed without them, instead of for them and by them. This is our way of bridging the gap."
And this collection is exactly that and more. While it's created by Muslim women for Muslim women, all women (or men!) can wear it. In addition to the polishes being made of 100 percent halal ingredients, making them permitted under Islamic law, they are made with great ingredients - like argan oil, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin C - to promote healthy nails.
"Many of us are the girls who could never find our names on a keychain, so we wanted to make sure we provided that experience through the collection," Al-Khatahtbeh said. This collection is an incredible way to acknowledge the diverse religions that also exist in the beauty world. Although the polishes were made for Muslim women, anyone can wear them!
The six-piece collection is available for preorder on halalpaint.com for $49 and will ship on July 1. Keep reading to see photos of the stunning colors.
You Only Need 3 Days in Paris to Fall in Love
While you could spend weeks, months, and years discovering everything Paris has to offer, three days is enough to get a good taste of it. On the first day, you can immerse yourself in Parisian life; on the second day, you can check off your tourist bucket list; on your third day, you can indulge your senses with Parisian decadence.
As someone who married a Parisian, I've have been lucky to visit my husband's hometown more than a dozen times. That's given me a lot of data to put together this itinerary, which is exactly what I would share with friends who ask: "what should I do with three days in Paris?" To me, it's all about checking out the best museums and cultural tours while still enjoying the things you would do if you actually lived there. After these three perfect days in Paris, you might even consider moving to your favorite arrondissement.
Ree Drummond Has These 6 Things in Her Pantry at All Times
Let's face it, so many of us secretly want to live and cook like Ree Drummond. As The Pioneer Woman, Ree shares her lifestyle and cooking tips with the world, and since launching her blog 10 years ago, she has done nothing but find more and more success. Her newest venture is The Pioneer Woman magazine, launched in a partnership between Hearst Magazines and Scripps Network Interactive and sold exclusively at Walmart. At an event to celebrate the new magazine, I chatted with Ree to find out how we can live her pioneer lifestyle - specifically what we should be stocking in our pantries that will help us cook like her.
"Well for a quick meal, you can't beat pasta," she said. "Of course you've gotta boil it, but by the time it's cooked, you can just make a quick sauce, and then you've got a meal." In addition to pasta, she said she has a variety of canned tomatoes. Whether they're diced, whole, or in sauce form, she always has a selection.
She said she also stocks a multitude of beans, including canned and dried varieties. When it comes to her canned beans, though, she said she always, always washes them. As for dried beans: "I have truckloads of pinto beans!" she said.
The other two things she said she always has on hand are maybe not something you'd expect: artichoke hearts and kalamata olives. "I always like to have things like that on hand because they're versatile," she said.
Sounds to us like pasta, tomatoes, canned beans, dried beans, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives are a pretty wise selection to have on hand - and all easily accessible items! Don't mind us if we stock our pantries and start cooking some of Ree's best recipes ASAP!
How to Make a No-Bake Watermelon Cake, in Pictures
I don't even have a vent in my kitchen, so the thought of baking on a scorching Summer day is completely out of the question. Thankfully, there are ways to skirt around the oven issue, like with this no-bake watermelon cake. The catch is, there is no cake! A miniwatermelon, whipped cream, slivered almonds, and berries are all you need to create this Pinterest-worthy dessert for 12.
The Ultimate Guide to Pool Safety With Kids
Hitting the pool with kids can create some of the best Summer memories between you and your little ones. As your children gets older, many parents start to feel more relaxed around the water, especially after their kiddos officially learn to swim, but spending time by the water can still present dangers that parents need to be familiar with. From drain entrapment to dry drowning and secondary drowning, there are a variety of issues that parents need to be aware of before their kids cannonball into the water in order to ensure that they have a safe experience every time.
Whether you own a residential pool or frequent a public facility, this is the ultimate guide for navigating the pool as a parent.
Ree Drummond Has These 6 Things in Her Pantry at All Times
Let's face it, so many of us secretly want to live and cook like Ree Drummond. As The Pioneer Woman, Ree shares her lifestyle and cooking tips with the world, and since launching her blog 10 years ago, she has done nothing but find more and more success. Her newest venture is The Pioneer Woman magazine, launched in a partnership between Hearst Magazines and Scripps Network Interactive and sold exclusively at Walmart. At an event to celebrate the new magazine, I chatted with Ree to find out how we can live her pioneer lifestyle - specifically what we should be stocking in our pantries that will help us cook like her.
"Well for a quick meal, you can't beat pasta," she said. "Of course you've gotta boil it, but by the time it's cooked, you can just make a quick sauce, and then you've got a meal." In addition to pasta, she said she has a variety of canned tomatoes. Whether they're diced, whole, or in sauce form, she always has a selection.
She said she also stocks a multitude of beans, including canned and dried varieties. When it comes to her canned beans, though, she said she always, always washes them. As for dried beans: "I have truckloads of pinto beans!" she said.
The other two things she said she always has on hand are maybe not something you'd expect: artichoke hearts and kalamata olives. "I always like to have things like that on hand because they're versatile," she said.
Sounds to us like pasta, tomatoes, canned beans, dried beans, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives are a pretty wise selection to have on hand - and all easily accessible items! Don't mind us if we stock our pantries and start cooking some of Ree's best recipes ASAP!
How to Make a No-Bake Watermelon Cake, in Pictures
I don't even have a vent in my kitchen, so the thought of baking on a scorching Summer day is completely out of the question. Thankfully, there are ways to skirt around the oven issue, like with this no-bake watermelon cake. The catch is, there is no cake! A miniwatermelon, whipped cream, slivered almonds, and berries are all you need to create this Pinterest-worthy dessert for 12.
Bellissimo! John Krasinski and Emily Blunt Enjoy a Fun, Kid-Free Italian Getaway
John Krasinski and Emily Blunt will be celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary in July, and the couple got a head start on the milestone by returning to where it all began: Italy! The couple was spotted off the coast of Tuscany for a relaxing beach getaway this week - on Monday, John went shirtless and Emily sported a pink printed bikini as they lounged on a yacht and took a dip in the ocean. Emily was also photographed doing a little shopping and checking out cute kids' shoes at a nearby shop.
Back in 2010, Emily and John tied the knot at George Clooney's waterside estate in Lake Como, and since then, they've shared countless cute moments on the red carpet, starred in huge films, and welcomed their daughters, Hazel and Violet, in 2014 and 2016.
The Ultimate Guide to Pool Safety With Kids
Hitting the pool with kids can create some of the best Summer memories between you and your little ones. As your children gets older, many parents start to feel more relaxed around the water, especially after their kiddos officially learn to swim, but spending time by the water can still present dangers that parents need to be familiar with. From drain entrapment to dry drowning and secondary drowning, there are a variety of issues that parents need to be aware of before their kids cannonball into the water in order to ensure that they have a safe experience every time.
Whether you own a residential pool or frequent a public facility, this is the ultimate guide for navigating the pool as a parent.
Why It's Important to Stop Drinking Shots of ACV
There's a lot to love about apple cider vinegar. Several studies support the claims that ACV helps the body lose weight and debloat. It also doesn't hurt that it's been shown to up energy levels either. And did we mention you can use it to wash your hair?! Before you start guzzling the bottle of ACV in your pantry, keep in mind that there's a right and a wrong way to drink the elixir.
First things first: while straight shots are a popular way to drink ACV - don't. Because it's highly acidic, over time ACV has the potential to do real damage to both the esophagus and tooth enamel. Instead, dilute ACV with water. In general, one to two tablespoons mixed into eight ounces of water is the sweet spot (like you'll find in this delicious ACV honey drink).
Now that you have the formula down, you need to know exactly when to drink it if you're looking to reap any weight-loss benefits. Carol S. Johnston, PhD, directs Arizona State University's nutrition program and has been studying ACV for more than 10 years. Johnston recommends drinking an ACV drink once or twice a day and always right before you eat; you want the ACV to be in your stomach before any food makes its way there.
Johnston told The Washington Post that ACV helps to block some starch digestion whenever you eat. Since less starch (and fewer calories, essentially) is being digested by the body, the spike in blood sugar is lessened. Adding to this benefit is that the good-for-you bacteria in your gut happily feeds on this undigested starch, which can lead to less bloating and a healthier digestive system. If you drink ACV without food, there won't be anything for it to work off of, which probably defeats the whole purpose of drinking vinegar in the first place.
Lauren Conrad's Maternity Collection Is Just as Adorable as You Think It'd Be
After posting an adorable picture of her bikini-clad bump to announce her beach collection, Lauren Conrad took to Instagram yet again to announce more exciting news. The reality star-turned-designer (and everybody's designated Pinterest queen) announced that she's releasing a maternity line with Kohl's called LC Lauren Conrad Maternity.
Lauren's maternity collection is an array of feminine pieces that are affordable and stylish. (Think floral off-the-shoulder tops and flowy empire-waist dresses.) Read ahead to see the full collection, which is available now, and shop out your favorite pieces.
Why It's Important to Stop Drinking Shots of ACV
There's a lot to love about apple cider vinegar. Several studies support the claims that ACV helps the body lose weight and debloat. It also doesn't hurt that it's been shown to up energy levels either. And did we mention you can use it to wash your hair?! Before you start guzzling the bottle of ACV in your pantry, keep in mind that there's a right and a wrong way to drink the elixir.
First things first: while straight shots are a popular way to drink ACV - don't. Because it's highly acidic, over time ACV has the potential to do real damage to both the esophagus and tooth enamel. Instead, dilute ACV with water. In general, one to two tablespoons mixed into eight ounces of water is the sweet spot (like you'll find in this delicious ACV honey drink).
Now that you have the formula down, you need to know exactly when to drink it if you're looking to reap any weight-loss benefits. Carol S. Johnston, PhD, directs Arizona State University's nutrition program and has been studying ACV for more than 10 years. Johnston recommends drinking an ACV drink once or twice a day and always right before you eat; you want the ACV to be in your stomach before any food makes its way there.
Johnston told The Washington Post that ACV helps to block some starch digestion whenever you eat. Since less starch (and fewer calories, essentially) is being digested by the body, the spike in blood sugar is lessened. Adding to this benefit is that the good-for-you bacteria in your gut happily feeds on this undigested starch, which can lead to less bloating and a healthier digestive system. If you drink ACV without food, there won't be anything for it to work off of, which probably defeats the whole purpose of drinking vinegar in the first place.
Can You Cook Dinner in a Hot Tub? Surprisingly, Yes!
Hot tubs aren't just for relaxing - they're for cooking, too! Never again do you have to go between soaking in the hot tub and firing up the grill; you can just prep your food beforehand and let it marinate while you relax. How does it work? Hot tubs aren't just the perfect temperature for play time, they're also perfect for melting cheese and chocolate, heating up frozen meals, and infusing flavor into your favorite cocktails. Who knew?
Hot tubs aren't the only unconventional cooking method - you can also whip up dinner in your dishwasher.
Make sure to check out Nguyen Tran's cookbook Starry Kitchen.
Can You Cook Dinner in a Hot Tub? Surprisingly, Yes!
Hot tubs aren't just for relaxing - they're for cooking, too! Never again do you have to go between soaking in the hot tub and firing up the grill; you can just prep your food beforehand and let it marinate while you relax. How does it work? Hot tubs aren't just the perfect temperature for play time, they're also perfect for melting cheese and chocolate, heating up frozen meals, and infusing flavor into your favorite cocktails. Who knew?
Hot tubs aren't the only unconventional cooking method - you can also whip up dinner in your dishwasher.
Make sure to check out Nguyen Tran's cookbook Starry Kitchen.
A Deaf Singer's Emotional Performance Leaves America's Got Talent Audience Sobbing
Another day, another amazing America's Got Talent audition. Following the internet's fascination with pint-sized ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, singer Mandy Harvey performed an original song on Tuesday night that reduced practically everyone in the building (and also out of the building, including yours truly) to tears. Before she sang, the 29-year-old introduced herself to judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, and with the help of an interpretor, explained that she completely lost her hearing a decade earlier because of a connective tissue disorder.
"I've been singing since I was 4," she said. "I left music after I lost my hearing, and then figured out how to get back into singing with muscle memory, using visual tuners and trusting my pitch." Then, she pulled out her ukulele and blew everyone away with her song, "Try," which she wrote to inspire herself not to give up on music. As soon as she finished, Cowell, who it's worth noting has never looked happier during an audition, immediately gave her a standing ovation and pushed the coveted Golden Buzzer. Grab a box of tissues (yes, a whole box) and watch her performance above!
Whittle Your Middle With the All-Abs Workout
Here are nine great exercises for toning your midsection. Remember, the ol' Pilates trick of pulling the belly button in ensures that you're working the deepest ab muscle (known as the transverse), which helps create a sleek midriff.
The exercises are divided into three sections: upper abs, obliques, and lower abs. You can approach this workout three different ways: pick one exercise from each section and perform two to three sets, pick two exercises from each section and do one to two sets, or for the ultimate boredom buster, do one set of all nine exercises.
Combining these exercises with regular cardio and clean eating and incorporating these flat-belly foods into your diet will help you keep flat abs throughout the year.
A Deaf Singer's Emotional Performance Leaves America's Got Talent Audience Sobbing
Another day, another amazing America's Got Talent audition. Following the internet's fascination with pint-sized ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, singer Mandy Harvey performed an original song on Tuesday night that reduced practically everyone in the building (and also out of the building, including yours truly) to tears. Before she sang, the 29-year-old introduced herself to judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, and with the help of an interpretor, explained that she completely lost her hearing a decade earlier because of a connective tissue disorder.
"I've been singing since I was 4," she said. "I left music after I lost my hearing, and then figured out how to get back into singing with muscle memory, using visual tuners and trusting my pitch." Then, she pulled out her ukulele and blew everyone away with her song, "Try," which she wrote to inspire herself not to give up on music. As soon as she finished, Cowell, who it's worth noting has never looked happier during an audition, immediately gave her a standing ovation and pushed the coveted Golden Buzzer. Grab a box of tissues (yes, a whole box) and watch her performance above!
Whittle Your Middle With the All-Abs Workout
Here are nine great exercises for toning your midsection. Remember, the ol' Pilates trick of pulling the belly button in ensures that you're working the deepest ab muscle (known as the transverse), which helps create a sleek midriff.
The exercises are divided into three sections: upper abs, obliques, and lower abs. You can approach this workout three different ways: pick one exercise from each section and perform two to three sets, pick two exercises from each section and do one to two sets, or for the ultimate boredom buster, do one set of all nine exercises.
Combining these exercises with regular cardio and clean eating and incorporating these flat-belly foods into your diet will help you keep flat abs throughout the year.
The Incredible Story Behind 1 Girl's Viral First and Last Day of School Photos
Comparing photos from the first and last days of the school year is a pretty amazing way for parents to see just how much their kids have grown, but nothing captures the difference a year can make quite like Sophi Eber's viral snapshots.
When Sophi started the first grade, the 7-year-old had no hair or eyebrows and relied on the assistance of a feeding tube in her nose because of a difficult battle with cancer. Although she beat her stage IV neuroblastoma diagnosis before the school year began, according to HuffPost, she still had to recover from the six rounds of chemotherapy, 14 rounds of radiation, five rounds of immunotherapy, and surgery. The toll this took on her body can be seen in her photo from the start of the school year. Since then, this strong girl is in a clinical trial while being monitored for relapses and on the last day of first grade, Sophi's glowing smile hasn't changed, but new bouncy curls and a continued cancer-free bill of health also accompany it.
As an incredible reminder of how far Sophi has come during this short time, her teacher snapped a photo of Sophi on the last day of school holding her first picture from the school year. She sent it to her parents, which they shared on Facebook, with an inspirational note: "What a difference a school year makes! This picture shows how much your girl has gone through and she continues to just blow us away . . . her strength, determination, and amazing attitude inspires us! So grateful to have had the opportunity to know her and be her teachers!"
Sophi's mom, Bethany Eber, told HuffPost that Sophi had lost an enormous amount of weight before starting off the year and seeing the drastic difference in her child has left a lasting impact. "To see how far she had come just in the course of first grade was remarkable to the teacher. It really is an amazing photo," she said.
The proud mom also shared that her daughter is still kicking cancer's ass and her recent scans came back still clear. "We wanted to show that it happens, that it's not just sad, but that kids can overcome this and they can become stronger . . . so it was really meant to be hopeful and that was how it was received," Bethany added.
Usher Teaches His Adorable Son a Little Thing or 2 About Red Carpet Swagger
Usher attended the Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Gala in NYC on Tuesday night, but it was his son Usher V (aka Cinco) who stole the spotlight. After the singer skipped the One Love Manchester concert to take his 9-year-old to Camp Kudzu (a summer camp for kids living with diabetes), the father-son duo put on their best smiles as they walked the red carpet. While Usher donned black pants and a flashy green shirt, his son looked sharp in a powder-blue tux. The father of two even gave his son a quick lesson in swagger by letting him borrow his shades and showing him how to pose for the cameras. Of course, the sweetest moment had to be when Usher stepped back and admired his little guy from afar. So sweet!
3 New Features Coming to Live Photos That Actually Make It Useful
Two years ago, Apple announced Live Photos, and it made capturing memories a little more interesting (and gave everything a Harry Potter vibe). But the feature was due for an update, and it finally received one at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference. In the new iOS 11, Live Photos is getting three new effects and more editing power.
Live Photos will now have the following new effects: loops, bounce, and long exposure. Loop will turn your Live Photo in a GIF; bounce makes a photo move back and forth (similar to Instagram's Boomerang app); and long exposure gives a photo with moving parts like a waterfall a blurry or smooth effect. Ahead, you can see what the loop and bounce effect look like, left to right.
Along with these effects, iOS 11 will also let you edit, mute, and pick the thumbnail for live photos. iOS 11 will be available as a free update this Fall.
10 Tips to Snag a First-Class Ticket Upgrade
The majority of airline passengers fly coach, but a small percentage of the population regularly enjoys first-class accommodations on airplanes. While these passengers may be loaded and able to afford the costly tickets, the price is still beyond the bucket for a majority of flyers. So, how are those who may not be swimming in wealth able to snag the luxurious upgrade? Alex Matjanec, CEO of MyBankTracker, has compiled a list of 10 tips to secure a first-class airline ticket upgrade.
1. Be Loyal to One Airline
Loyalty always counts. Most people who join frequent flier programs don't actually fly very frequently. The typical thought process is to sign up for every frequent flier or loyalty program in hopes of saving money across the board. Frequent flier programs don't work like grocery frequent shopper cards, however.
So instead of being a frequent flier member who only racks up a handful of miles on any individual airline, focus all of your efforts on being loyal to one airline. The tickets may cost a little more every so often, but the long-term benefits of stockpiling miles for one company can upgrade your travel to first class.
2. Arrive Late/Early
Airlines recommend arriving at the airport and checking in at least 30-60 minutes before a flight (longer for larger international airports). This is because it takes time to check baggage, pass through security, and arrive at the departure gate.
However, showing up early allows you time to have a casual chat with the gate agent without a large crowd. This is the time where you can build a rapport and ask about an upgrade to first class without other people around whom the airline risks upsetting.
Flights are often overbooked, and by arriving late (though don't arrive too late), you'll probably be bumped to a later flight, at which time you can ask for a first-class upgrade to make up for the inconvenience.
3. Travel During Slow Times
Instead of flying near the holidays and weekends with everyone else, book your flights at the right time - such as in the middle of the week. FareCompare, an airline tracking website, points out the most unpopular days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, while dawn, dusk, and red-eye flights are the least popular.
These are the flights that are most likely to have empty seats, meaning there's availability in first class.
Also, look throughout the year for times people don't typically fly. For example, a flight on Thanksgiving Day is much more likely to have availability than flights on the Wednesday prior or Friday after. This, of course, assumes overbooked passengers from previous flights haven't already filled up the plane.
4. Complain About Something
At the end of the day, airlines are customer-serving businesses like any other. This means they'll go out of their way to please a customer and ensure you continue coming back to use their service. Complaining to the airline about any shortcomings is a first step to first-class accommodations.
Politely pointing out these problems and simply asking to be moved will get you an opportunity at a new seat. If the flight is completely booked, there's a good chance there's still an open seat in first class that you can sit in to make up for the problems.
5. Book Through Airline Websites
Travel booking sites like Kayak, Travelocity, Hotwire, and Expedia seek out the lowest possible rates, which has thinned profit margins for airlines and hotels. While these sites make searching for flights and comparing prices easy, don't use them for the final booking.
Instead, after determining which flight is the cheapest bet, log in to that airline's official website and book the flight directly through them. This shows up on their system when checking in, and you'll be treated as a loyal customer who appreciated the airline's marketing as opposed to just another value shopper booking through a discount digital travel agent.
6. Check Emails After Booking
After booking your flight, keep an eye on your emails. The airline will know ahead of time whether the flight is overbooked and will offer more and more aggressive discounts to those wishing to upgrade to first class via email.
Of course, the airline is unable to email customers who used a third-party travel booking site, so you'll be one of a small minority of people receiving these emails for your specific flight. Regardless of who sits where, the airline has to take off on a set schedule, so the closer an overbooked flight gets to departure time, the more drastic discounts are applied to first-class upgrades.
7. Use a Travel Rewards Card
Travel rewards credit cards are a great way to stockpile frequent flier miles without necessarily having to travel. Here are a few of the best travel rewards cards on the market:
With Capital One Venture Rewards Card, you earn two miles for any airline per dollar spent on any purchase, with a $35 annual fee, and with Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you earn two miles per dollar spent on travel and restaurants, with a $95 annual fee. Points are worth 25 percent more if booked through Chase.
Discover It Miles Card users earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent, which are doubled at the end of the first year for no annual fee. In addition, they receive an annual $30 in-flight WiFi credit and enjoy no blackout dates as points are tracked in-house by Discover, not any particular airline.
8. Phone a Friend
Employees of airlines receive great perks, including the ability to fly standby for free throughout the year and access to the airline's passenger systems. If you don't know someone who works for an airline, it's time to make that friend.
Many airlines have done away with (or severely restricted) these buddy passes in recent years, but working in the airline industry (or knowing someone who does) is still more likely to get you an upgrade to first class, regardless of which airline it is.
9. Fly Solo
Upgrading a single ticket is much easier than upgrading tickets for a family of four. If you're traveling with your family, your best bet is to work together to decide who should be upgraded to first class on each trip, rotating who gets the seat on each trip like a nonviolent Game of Thrones.
10. Fly on Your Birthday
Always remember that pilots, flight attendants, and the gate agent are all people just like you and I. A friendly conversation goes a long way, especially when mentioning special occasions like your birthday being today.
"On a recent trip to Hong Kong, we were upgraded to first class thanks to our charm," said John Heaton, managing director at The Heaton Group. "This can also work if it's your birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary. You won't be upgraded for no reason so make sure you let them know you have a genuine reason to be upgraded and with a bit of luck, they'll be listening."
The Incredible Story Behind 1 Girl's Viral First and Last Day of School Photos
Comparing photos from the first and last days of the school year is a pretty amazing way for parents to see just how much their kids have grown, but nothing captures the difference a year can make quite like Sophi Eber's viral snapshots.
When Sophi started the first grade, the 7-year-old had no hair or eyebrows and relied on the assistance of a feeding tube in her nose because of a difficult battle with cancer. Although she beat her stage IV neuroblastoma diagnosis before the school year began, according to HuffPost, she still had to recover from the six rounds of chemotherapy, 14 rounds of radiation, five rounds of immunotherapy, and surgery. The toll this took on her body can be seen in her photo from the start of the school year. Since then, this strong girl is in a clinical trial while being monitored for relapses and on the last day of first grade, Sophi's glowing smile hasn't changed, but new bouncy curls and a continued cancer-free bill of health also accompany it.
As an incredible reminder of how far Sophi has come during this short time, her teacher snapped a photo of Sophi on the last day of school holding her first picture from the school year. She sent it to her parents, which they shared on Facebook, with an inspirational note: "What a difference a school year makes! This picture shows how much your girl has gone through and she continues to just blow us away . . . her strength, determination, and amazing attitude inspires us! So grateful to have had the opportunity to know her and be her teachers!"
Sophi's mom, Bethany Eber, told HuffPost that Sophi had lost an enormous amount of weight before starting off the year and seeing the drastic difference in her child has left a lasting impact. "To see how far she had come just in the course of first grade was remarkable to the teacher. It really is an amazing photo," she said.
The proud mom also shared that her daughter is still kicking cancer's ass and her recent scans came back still clear. "We wanted to show that it happens, that it's not just sad, but that kids can overcome this and they can become stronger . . . so it was really meant to be hopeful and that was how it was received," Bethany added.
Usher Teaches His Adorable Son a Little Thing or 2 About Red Carpet Swagger
Usher attended the Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Gala in NYC on Tuesday night, but it was his son Usher V (aka Cinco) who stole the spotlight. After the singer skipped the One Love Manchester concert to take his 9-year-old to Camp Kudzu (a summer camp for kids living with diabetes), the father-son duo put on their best smiles as they walked the red carpet. While Usher donned black pants and a flashy green shirt, his son looked sharp in a powder-blue tux. The father of two even gave his son a quick lesson in swagger by letting him borrow his shades and showing him how to pose for the cameras. Of course, the sweetest moment had to be when Usher stepped back and admired his little guy from afar. So sweet!
12 Times Poussey and Taystee's Friendship Was the Best Part of OITNB
When you get past all the khaki jumpsuits and the shocking backstories and finally wipe your tears away, the core of Orange Is the New Black can be found in the intense, sweet, and oftentimes hilarious friendships between Litchfield's finest. The best of the bunch is arguably the bond between Taystee Jefferson and Poussey Washington, played by real-life best friends Danielle Brooks and Samira Wiley. In honor of the upcoming season, take a look back at their most memorable moments together.
Here's Everything You Need to Know About Pixar's Día de los Muertos Movie, Coco
After years (no exaggeration here, it's been years!) of anticipation, Disney and Pixar have finally revealed major details about their upcoming Day of the Dead animated film, Coco. Though the internet had a mini freak-out when Disney tried to copyright the phrase "Día de los Muertos" back in 2013 when the concept for the movie first came about, it sounds like the team recruited for the project is determined to honor the day's cultural roots. After seeing the all-Latino cast, which includes Gael García Bernal and Benjamin Bratt, and reading director Lee Unkrich's quotes on the plot of the movie, we have high hopes for Coco. Scroll ahead to find out everything you need to know and watch the first teaser trailer.
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