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.
vendredi 9 juin 2017
I Wore All White to a Workout; Here's Why I'll Be Doing It Again All Summer Long
Would you ever wear all white to a workout? Sounds a little silly at first, right? Won't it get sweaty? Is it going to be see-through? Is this a exercise-themed wet t-shirt contest? Wait, what? Forget I said that.
I had my reservations about it, too - when Lululemon told me a few months ago that they were going to come out with all white yoga pants ("They're amazing, I swear," US PR manager Meghan Chisholm ensured me), I didn't believe they could really work. After all, it's the antithesis of the all-black yoga uniform we've become accustomed to over the past decade. But that was exactly what intrigued me, too. I also can't help myself around whites, pastels, and light, bright colors . . . so one look at the Lululemon Anew Crop ($98), and I was in.
Then I started seeing the all-white-errythang look pop up a couple months ago and decided I was totally down for "boy banding" for Summer. After all, this was the fit version of a Backstreet Boys album cover, and I was absolutely here for it. Who am I to deny a prime opportunity to indulge in '90s nostalgia - at the gym, of all places?!
So the decision was made. I'd put this look to the test in the sweatiest classes I could imagine, hot yoga and Barry's Bootcamp. I donned a white sports bra from Adidas, the white Lulu crops, and my white Adidas Boost sneakers and headed for boot camp. Here's a look at the before:
Before:
Sweat poured. Honestly, I refer to this as "projectile sweating." I get into Barry's Bootcamp, and without fail, every time, sweat literally spurts from my pores like a sprinkler system. Sorry, I know that's effing disgusting, but I just really want you to understand what these poor pieces of white clothing went through in the name of journalism.
During:
After an hour of weights, bodyweight work, and sprinting on the treadmill, it was judgment time. I had a 50/50 chance of walking out in a set of see-through pants and a see-through bra, so I wasn't entirely looking forward to that. I was also waiting to see if it looked like I had an accident . . . not looking forward to that either. But I came out of the dark studio and into the light, and . . . well . . . BEHOLD:
After:
It's safe to say that these pieces are totally gym-proof. The sturdy material didn't show sweat the way that even my dark-colored yoga pants do. Another concern I heard from women when discussing these pieces - the pants, specifically - is that they would "show cellulite" or not give that smoothing, slimming effect that black pants typically do. Again, I think this has more to do with material than color. For instance, my dark purple Align crops from Lululemon, though buttery soft, show all the jiggle and lumpiness from the rearview, but the compression on these white Anew crops keep everything nice and smooth and held in (also, I know everyone's body is different, this is just from my experience).
Important note: though these are entirely gym-proof, I must warn you to be VERY careful with anything and everything outside of the gym. My first pair that I bought were lost to a washing machine accident - just one rogue black sock got into my all-Lulu-laundry-load (how's that for an alliteration) and totally tie-dyed them after only one wear. Bleach, OxiClean soaks, baking soda, Shout spray, and six washes later, and no dice. The second pair (pictured here) are also not free of stains, though this one is very faint (ie, undetectable in boomerangs) - I got a drop of cinnamon toast on one leg after hot yoga. So again, they stood up to hot yoga, but not the aftermath of my toast-loving lifestyle.
Pros: smoothing, compressiony, doesn't show sweat, looks awesome.
Cons: holds onto stains.
Before and After:
Away from the pants, and onto the boy banding trend: this will take some trial and error for us, dear readers, but so far, these pieces have been gym-proof and definitely do NOT become a fitness-themed wet t-shirt contest. Brands are releasing all-white pieces like crazy, including some of my favorites like Nike, Outdoor Voices, Victoria Sport, Alo Yoga, and Calia.
This trend gets my Fitness editor seal of approval. Live your best boy band life! If you're like me, and you don't understand the jokes about only owning black clothing and you gravitate toward brighter, lighter colors, then definitely get after this new look. I felt like a goddess in all white, and I firmly believe that wearing things that make you feel more confident and contributes to an even better workout. Who doesn't want that?
17 Books by Latinx Authors You Should Read at the Beach This Summer
While you're at work or busy running errands, it's hard to imagine beach days full of lying around and basking in all your free time! Top of the list for any good beach day is having a good read, and when you include books written by some awesome Latinx authors whose stories you can easily relate to, there's no going wrong. Here are 17 books that will help you make some pretty great beach memories.
The 10 Rules of Weight Loss You Should Always Follow
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart
There's no magic bullet or secret pill - sustainable weight loss does not happen overnight. If want to take off weight and keep it off for good, some major healthy lifestyle changes need to occur in order for your results to last. Here are the 10 rules to live by every day.
1. Thou Shalt Eat Breakfast
Healthy foodie trends may come and go, but breakfast is a must. People who eat breakfast regularly lose more weight, since it jump-starts your metabolism, helping your body to burn more fat. With that said, any old breakfast won't do! Follow this nutritionist-approved weight-loss breakfast formula to choose yours wisely and start seeing results sooner.
Related: 100 Simple Ways to Lose Weight
2. Thou Shalt Keep It Clean
One of the very fastest ways to see and feel results is to cut out processed foods and fill up on fresh foods straight from the Earth. Whenever possible, opt for whole, natural foods and follow our clean eating dos and don'ts. Once you clean up your diet and cut out the junk, you'll start feeling and seeing enormous changes. After a few weeks, you'll wonder how you ever ate any other way.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
3. Thou Shalt Control Portions
Even when you choose healthy foods, overeating these good-for-you choices can sabotage your weight-loss goals, and you might not even realize you're overdoing it. Use this handy printable chart to start learning about just how much constitutes one serving, or instead of eyeballing your meals, pick up some portion-control products so you can be as precise as possible.
4. Thou Shalt Welcome a Sweaty Workout Session
When it comes to working out and losing weight, 15 minutes a few times a week is simply not enough. For her clients who want to lose weight, Michelle Bridges of The Biggest Loser Australia recommends working out "six days a week, ideally for 50 to 60 minutes at a time," and you can't be afraid to go intense, feel the burn, and build up a sweat. Your clothes should not be dry when you leave the gym! Not every workout has to be a crazy sweat session, but Michelle says three of your workouts every week should be "hard" exercise like interval training in order to see results.
5. Thou Shalt Set Minigoals
As you move along on your weight-loss journey, there is so much more to revel in beyond a tiny number on the scale. Setting specific and personal minigoals like training for a race, slipping into the old pair of jeans, or grabbing heavier weights will help you stay connected and realize just how much progress you're making every day. These may seem like small wins, but they're absolutely worth celebrating.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart
6. Thou Shalt Drink (More) Water
You'd be surprised just how many people confuse hunger with dehydration. Keeping your water bottle full all day long keeps your body in tip-top shape and helps you steer clear of unnecessary snacking. To maximize your water intake for weight loss, dietitian Julie Upton, MS, RD, recommends "drinking about half of your body weight in fluid ounces of water (or other calorie-free beverages). Cold water provides a brief shock to your metabolism, raising it by about 30 percent so that over the course of a day, your body will burn about 100 more calories."
7. Thou Shalt Plan Ahead
Occasionally enjoying a sweet treat or special meal out are essential parts of any sustainable weight-loss plan, but it only works when you're realistic about your indulgences and learn to plan ahead. Heading to the beach next weekend? Keep your diet extraclean leading up to your getaway. This way you have a little more wiggle room to enjoy as you please. We're big believers in the 80/20 rule over here; eighty percent of the time you keep your diet clean and the other 20 percent of the day you're able to indulge freely. The math is simple: if you eat three square meals a day, three of those meals are the 20 percent of your week up for grabs.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart
8. Thou Shalt Strength Train
If you were fed the myth that strength training impedes weight loss and messes with results, it's time to change your tune. Strength training builds muscle mass while boosting your metabolism. You might not tip the scale, but strength training is where the real resculpting of your body happens. Once you start lifting and moving through bodyweight moves at home, you'll be hooked.
9. Thou Shalt Rest Well
Getting adequate sleep every night makes sure you have the energy to power through your workout, but it's also been proven to help curb a ravenous appetite, since those who get adequate sleep eat an average of 300 calories less than those who don't. Sleep also surprisingly fights against "fat" genes. In one study that looked at twins, the twin who slept longer had a lower BMI than the twin who did not. In short? Wind down and get to bed earlier. Your body thanks you in advance for supporting all its hard work in the kitchen and the gym.
10. Thou Shalt Remain Positive
When you treat yourself with kindness, you're able to bounce back faster and stay on track for longer. Keep a healthy sense of humor, leave room to laugh, and take it day by day. Every experience won't be perfect, but when you're kind to yourself and keep a positive outlook, this whole weight-loss thing will feel a lot easier.
The 10 Rules of Weight Loss You Should Always Follow
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart
There's no magic bullet or secret pill - sustainable weight loss does not happen overnight. If want to take off weight and keep it off for good, some major healthy lifestyle changes need to occur in order for your results to last. Here are the 10 rules to live by every day.
1. Thou Shalt Eat Breakfast
Healthy foodie trends may come and go, but breakfast is a must. People who eat breakfast regularly lose more weight, since it jump-starts your metabolism, helping your body to burn more fat. With that said, any old breakfast won't do! Follow this nutritionist-approved weight-loss breakfast formula to choose yours wisely and start seeing results sooner.
Related: 100 Simple Ways to Lose Weight
2. Thou Shalt Keep It Clean
One of the very fastest ways to see and feel results is to cut out processed foods and fill up on fresh foods straight from the Earth. Whenever possible, opt for whole, natural foods and follow our clean eating dos and don'ts. Once you clean up your diet and cut out the junk, you'll start feeling and seeing enormous changes. After a few weeks, you'll wonder how you ever ate any other way.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
3. Thou Shalt Control Portions
Even when you choose healthy foods, overeating these good-for-you choices can sabotage your weight-loss goals, and you might not even realize you're overdoing it. Use this handy printable chart to start learning about just how much constitutes one serving, or instead of eyeballing your meals, pick up some portion-control products so you can be as precise as possible.
4. Thou Shalt Welcome a Sweaty Workout Session
When it comes to working out and losing weight, 15 minutes a few times a week is simply not enough. For her clients who want to lose weight, Michelle Bridges of The Biggest Loser Australia recommends working out "six days a week, ideally for 50 to 60 minutes at a time," and you can't be afraid to go intense, feel the burn, and build up a sweat. Your clothes should not be dry when you leave the gym! Not every workout has to be a crazy sweat session, but Michelle says three of your workouts every week should be "hard" exercise like interval training in order to see results.
5. Thou Shalt Set Minigoals
As you move along on your weight-loss journey, there is so much more to revel in beyond a tiny number on the scale. Setting specific and personal minigoals like training for a race, slipping into the old pair of jeans, or grabbing heavier weights will help you stay connected and realize just how much progress you're making every day. These may seem like small wins, but they're absolutely worth celebrating.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart
6. Thou Shalt Drink (More) Water
You'd be surprised just how many people confuse hunger with dehydration. Keeping your water bottle full all day long keeps your body in tip-top shape and helps you steer clear of unnecessary snacking. To maximize your water intake for weight loss, dietitian Julie Upton, MS, RD, recommends "drinking about half of your body weight in fluid ounces of water (or other calorie-free beverages). Cold water provides a brief shock to your metabolism, raising it by about 30 percent so that over the course of a day, your body will burn about 100 more calories."
7. Thou Shalt Plan Ahead
Occasionally enjoying a sweet treat or special meal out are essential parts of any sustainable weight-loss plan, but it only works when you're realistic about your indulgences and learn to plan ahead. Heading to the beach next weekend? Keep your diet extraclean leading up to your getaway. This way you have a little more wiggle room to enjoy as you please. We're big believers in the 80/20 rule over here; eighty percent of the time you keep your diet clean and the other 20 percent of the day you're able to indulge freely. The math is simple: if you eat three square meals a day, three of those meals are the 20 percent of your week up for grabs.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart
8. Thou Shalt Strength Train
If you were fed the myth that strength training impedes weight loss and messes with results, it's time to change your tune. Strength training builds muscle mass while boosting your metabolism. You might not tip the scale, but strength training is where the real resculpting of your body happens. Once you start lifting and moving through bodyweight moves at home, you'll be hooked.
9. Thou Shalt Rest Well
Getting adequate sleep every night makes sure you have the energy to power through your workout, but it's also been proven to help curb a ravenous appetite, since those who get adequate sleep eat an average of 300 calories less than those who don't. Sleep also surprisingly fights against "fat" genes. In one study that looked at twins, the twin who slept longer had a lower BMI than the twin who did not. In short? Wind down and get to bed earlier. Your body thanks you in advance for supporting all its hard work in the kitchen and the gym.
10. Thou Shalt Remain Positive
When you treat yourself with kindness, you're able to bounce back faster and stay on track for longer. Keep a healthy sense of humor, leave room to laugh, and take it day by day. Every experience won't be perfect, but when you're kind to yourself and keep a positive outlook, this whole weight-loss thing will feel a lot easier.
17 Books by Latinx Authors You Should Read at the Beach This Summer
While you're at work or busy running errands, it's hard to imagine beach days full of lying around and basking in all your free time! Top of the list for any good beach day is having a good read, and when you include books written by some awesome Latinx authors whose stories you can easily relate to, there's no going wrong. Here are 17 books that will help you make some pretty great beach memories.
Your Goal For Spring: Make at Least 20 of These In-Season Recipes
Spring is here, and with all the new colors that are popping up at the farmers market, we couldn't be happier. If you love picking up Spring vegetables (like fava beans, English peas, artichokes, carrots, avocados, and asparagus) and are wondering what to do with your bounty, here are 40 healthy recipes to inspire you the next time you're in the kitchen.
80 of the Best Kid-Friendly Recipes
Kids love macaroni and cheese, pizza, and lasagna, but the same old recipe gets boring for kids and adults. Mix things up with reinvented recipes and spins on the traditional and try one of these dishes. Tried and tested by moms, these recipes are sure to become new family favorites - from 30-minute pasta recipes to slow-cooker dishes that take only minutes of prep work. Invite your child into the kitchen to help make one of these quick and easy kid-friendly recipes tonight.
Your Goal For Spring: Make at Least 20 of These In-Season Recipes
Spring is here, and with all the new colors that are popping up at the farmers market, we couldn't be happier. If you love picking up Spring vegetables (like fava beans, English peas, artichokes, carrots, avocados, and asparagus) and are wondering what to do with your bounty, here are 40 healthy recipes to inspire you the next time you're in the kitchen.
New Runners: Here's Why You Should Run For Time, Not Distance
Imagine this scenario: you're brand new to working out, and your friend is a seasoned vet. You're both going to the same workout class together, but because you're new (and probably slower), you have to do this workout for an hour, while your friend only has to work out for 30 minutes. Doesn't make much sense, does it?
Unfortunately, that's typically what happens for new runners. Think about it: you give yourself a goal of three miles, and it takes you 40 minutes or more to get it done. Your runner friend might finish in 18 minutes, because they're faster and more advanced. You both are doing the same workout with the same goal - run for three miles - but you're working out for 40 minutes, and your friend is working out for less than half that time. You wouldn't approach a studio class like that, so why would you approach running in the same way?
You can look at almost any run training program, and they guide you based on mileage, not length of time of your workout. And part of that makes sense - especially if you're training for a half marathon. There's only so much you can do to prepare your joints for the impact that comes with 13.1 miles . . . and that's to do those miles ahead of time. That said, if you're not on a race-specific program, it's a reasonable idea to ditch the mileage goals and focus on your stamina, endurance, and strength via timed goals.
Try setting new goals to the tune of, "I'm going to run for 15 minutes today," or "I'm going to run for an hour this weekend," versus setting lofty mileage goals that might be detrimental to your joints and leave you feeling really sore, fatigued, and resentful toward running. A run that takes you an hour - even if it's only four miles - is still a long run. You're working out intensely, sweating, and working your heart and lungs for 60 minutes. It doesn't matter if you ran four miles or 12.
Start with a plan that emphasizes minutes more than miles. Once you feel stronger and more capable of tackling longer runs, you can totally pick a running plan and train for a race with mileage goals, but you can also keep sticking to this idea of going for timed runs instead. Even advanced ultramarathoners will go out with a goal of running for three to four hours - they'll just end up logging more mileage. The point is, don't go so hard on your body, especially so early on. You don't want to burn out, or worse, injure yourself!
New Runners: Here's Why You Should Run For Time, Not Distance
Imagine this scenario: you're brand new to working out, and your friend is a seasoned vet. You're both going to the same workout class together, but because you're new (and probably slower), you have to do this workout for an hour, while your friend only has to work out for 30 minutes. Doesn't make much sense, does it?
Unfortunately, that's typically what happens for new runners. Think about it: you give yourself a goal of three miles, and it takes you 40 minutes or more to get it done. Your runner friend might finish in 18 minutes, because they're faster and more advanced. You both are doing the same workout with the same goal - run for three miles - but you're working out for 40 minutes, and your friend is working out for less than half that time. You wouldn't approach a studio class like that, so why would you approach running in the same way?
You can look at almost any run training program, and they guide you based on mileage, not length of time of your workout. And part of that makes sense - especially if you're training for a half marathon. There's only so much you can do to prepare your joints for the impact that comes with 13.1 miles . . . and that's to do those miles ahead of time. That said, if you're not on a race-specific program, it's a reasonable idea to ditch the mileage goals and focus on your stamina, endurance, and strength via timed goals.
Try setting new goals to the tune of, "I'm going to run for 15 minutes today," or "I'm going to run for an hour this weekend," versus setting lofty mileage goals that might be detrimental to your joints and leave you feeling really sore, fatigued, and resentful toward running. A run that takes you an hour - even if it's only four miles - is still a long run. You're working out intensely, sweating, and working your heart and lungs for 60 minutes. It doesn't matter if you ran four miles or 12.
Start with a plan that emphasizes minutes more than miles. Once you feel stronger and more capable of tackling longer runs, you can totally pick a running plan and train for a race with mileage goals, but you can also keep sticking to this idea of going for timed runs instead. Even advanced ultramarathoners will go out with a goal of running for three to four hours - they'll just end up logging more mileage. The point is, don't go so hard on your body, especially so early on. You don't want to burn out, or worse, injure yourself!
The 15 Best Sunnylife Products For Your Most Vibrant, Instagrammable Summer Yet
We've got a thing for Sunnylife. The Australian lifestyle brand has so many cheerful, colorful products, and we truly want them all. Whether you need a pool float, speaker, beach game, bag, or anything Summer related, really, odds are they have it. Take a look at our must haves and get yourself some statement-making necessities.
I Never Thought I'd Allow Myself to Be in a Physically Abusive Relationship - Until I Was in One
The first time I'd ever been hit by my ex-boyfriend was my freshman year of college outside my dorm building. He slapped me across the face so hard it felt like dry ice was stuck to my cheek. What had just happened didn't quite register as quickly as his hand moved, and all I could do was stand there stunned with tears down my face and my lunch now spilled on the ground. He continued to scream at me because we had just gotten caught by the front desk for breaking the overnight guest policy (we exceeded the 48-hour rule by a few days) and because I tried to talk it out with the RA instead of storming out with him. What was even worse is that he denied hitting me, eventually apologizing for what I thought he had done. Just when I began thinking that maybe I was going crazy, a floor mate came to check on me later that day. My boyfriend at the time was yelling at me so loudly, he was able to hear (and see) us from the 11th floor behind closed windows. I continued to stay in this relationship for four years, and this incident was only just the beginning.
This is the part where you're probably thinking, why the f*ck didn't you leave that psycho? - I also had never understood why women would ever allow themselves to stay in such horrible situations. And it wasn't until I experienced it firsthand that I realized, unfortunately, it's never that easy. It has nothing to do with who the person is, whether they're weak or strong-willed, educated or uneducated. The psychological effects of abuse are so powerful, it can turn anyone, male or female, into someone completely and utterly powerless. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women have been physically abused by an intimate partner. The dynamics of a toxic relationship are far more complex than any other because it involves someone you deeply care about and oftentimes love. I would never tolerate that kind of treatment from a stranger, but when it comes to a significant other, it becomes much more confusing and messy and not so black and white.
Also according to the NCADV, domestic violence is most common among women between 18 and 24, the same window I fell in. And it makes sense. It's just around the time when people begin getting into their first serious relationships. My ex and I started dating toward the end of our senior year in high school, and then we both went off to separate colleges on opposite ends of California. I think distance is what made things even more complicated. He was extremely jealous, insecure, and paranoid when it came to fidelity, which wasn't apparent when we first met. I fell for his confidence, thoughtfulness, and intelligence, and those qualities weren't easily forgotten when I learned about his anger.
I mistook fury for passion and I focused on the fact that when things were good, they were really good.In his moments of sweetness, I convinced myself that he did care for me and that it was my responsibility as his partner to make him feel secure about our relationship, even if that meant I had to stop talking to my friends and family, send him photos of where I was at all times, and reject all invitations outside of my dorm room. He was manipulative and all-controlling; I wanted to prove that I was a faithful and devoted girlfriend, and I was willing to do whatever it took to avoid fighting. It wasn't unusual to be woken up by a call from him at 3 in the morning, hearing "f*cking slut" and "dumb b*tch" screamed from the other line. He called because he couldn't stand the thought of me being with other guys before him. He always assumed I was cheating on him, which made him feel like I needed to be constantly punished. And eventually, I was somehow convinced of the same.
Verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse were common in the first two years of our relationship, and the physical side increasingly worsened with time. I remember one particular fight so vividly, when he repeatedly punched my arm over and over so hard as I was driving that I couldn't move it. I was pleading for him to stop and when he didn't, I intentionally ran a red light so that the cop I passed would stop us. He was able to convince the police that his hysterically crying girlfriend was unstable and crazy and needed to be taken away from him. They let us go with a warning and I was shaking with fear when they left, afraid of how I was about to be punished. He shattered my car windows with his skateboard, but of course, he would wait until we got home to really give it to me. He slammed me against the wall and strangled me, and I recall thinking that he was going to kill me. We made up, of course. He saw how purple and brown my arm was and apologized, and that was that.
I transferred schools and moved in with him by our third year together. I can't tell you how many times the cops came to our door because of calls from our neighbors and how many times I had to lie and say that it was just an argument. As much as I wanted to turn him in myself, this was still my boyfriend. We were both great students with bright futures, and I couldn't help but be sympathetic to that. I was in a new city where I knew no one else - where would I go? How could I tell my parents about what I was going through? Who would take my calls after years of being shunned? In his moments of clarity, he also knew how dangerous he could be. So, he started seeing a therapist on campus and we began to treat his "demons," as he'd call it, as a mental illness, which complicated things further. I couldn't just leave someone I loved who also desperately needed help. It ran in his family; he was a replica of his short-tempered father, and it saddened me that he was unable to be somebody different.
But a person can only take so much, and everyone has a breaking point. I started to fight back and hit back, and I'm not proud of it. I had so much anger built up inside of me that when he provoked me, I didn't hold back and I didn't want to. Our fights would end with us both exhausted, breathing heavily on the ground. My psyche was damaged beyond repair and I felt as though I was going insane, going through the same fights and accusations day in and day out. You'd think that being tackled into the bedpost and coming out with a golf-ball-size lump on the back of your head instead of a broken neck would be enough to snap you out of it. But it didn't. Eventually, I became so numb to it all and accepted that I was stuck. This was my life now. Working 30 to 40 hours a week and balancing internships as a full-time student, I didn't have enough energy to come home and continue the battle. He stopped having an affect on me, and he didn't like that. A lifeless face would just stare back at his yelling when it would normally be able to get a reaction. By our fourth year, I was too physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted to even figure a way out. He refused to accept the fact that I wanted to leave, that I hated him more than I had ever loved him. He would plead and plead to make me stay, and I would because I didn't know any other option.
Eventually, we both moved to San Francisco after graduation and we got into another massive blowout at our new apartment. But this time, he called my parents and left the worst possible voicemail you could imagine. When he left for work the next morning, and as I was getting ready, my mother called and said, "I'm getting on the next plane; pack a bag and leave now." I didn't argue back or try to convince her that everything was OK like I normally would have - I said, "OK," and followed her instructions. I never went back. I fought hard over the next few months to get a restraining order because the calls and threats were nonstop. Little did I know that it was my responsibility to prove to the courts that I needed protection. Eventually, I won and was granted a five-year order against him. Some days, I question whether this piece of paper is enough to keep him away. And I also wonder what happens next when the order is up.
The fact that it's so difficult as a woman to be believed as a victim is disheartening.And I understand why so many women choose to keep their mouths shut aside from embarrassment, financial reasons, dependency created by the effects of the abuse, and other factors. I know that I'm incredibly lucky to have a family who could help me out and put me in my own safe apartment, and it breaks me that not everyone is as fortunate.
For those who feel guilty about not being able to protect their loved ones from abusive partners, know that there's only so much you can do. I heard it all from friends and family, urging me to end it, but I ignored them all and shut them out. A person who loves their partner so much that they're willing to endure abuse will not simply leave because you asked them to. The decision is theirs. When my mother called me that day and told me to go, it was still ultimately up to me to listen. But even if someone continues to be stubborn year after year, hit after hit, always remind him or her that you're there. Because you never know when they'll finally accept an extended hand.
Today, I've never been happier. And looking back in retrospect, it's hard not to be sickened by my choice to stay, especially for as long as I did. But instead of torturing myself about those painful years, I focus on how it's made me into such a strong woman. It was an awful learning experience, but a learning experience nonetheless. I know now more than ever before how a person who really loves you is supposed to love you, that the best kinds of relationships are the ones that make love feel easy, that it's not solely your responsibility to make your partner happy, and that nobody should ever be mistreated for any reason. I had to work on myself for a while to come to those realizations, and though things won't return to normal overnight, I can tell you that it does get better, no matter how defeated you feel. My relationships with my friends and family have never been better, I've been in the healthiest long-term relationship with a man I'm grateful for every day, and, most importantly, I love who I am.
If you or someone you know is in danger, there are resources available in your state, as well as the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233). Know that you are not alone and that staying is not your only option.
80 of the Best Kid-Friendly Recipes
Kids love macaroni and cheese, pizza, and lasagna, but the same old recipe gets boring for kids and adults. Mix things up with reinvented recipes and spins on the traditional and try one of these dishes. Tried and tested by moms, these recipes are sure to become new family favorites - from 30-minute pasta recipes to slow-cooker dishes that take only minutes of prep work. Invite your child into the kitchen to help make one of these quick and easy kid-friendly recipes tonight.
This is How a Dietitian Makes Yogurt Even Healthier
We love yogurt. You love yogurt. It's a gut-friendly, debloating, high protein food that can be used in sweet and savory dishes (hello, versatility), but choosing the right yogurt - and eating it the right way! - is important for your health and nutrition.
Lisa Eberly, RD, MPH has a few things to say about it - and by that we mean, she is very passionate about her yogurt and shared her tips on the right and wrong way to eat it to optimize and maximize your nutrition.
- Opt for Icelandic. Her favorite kind? Icelandic yogurt (skyr), because it's higher in protein and lower in sugar than Greek yogurt. "Siggi's, all day, every day, nothing else. I opt for the lowest sugar varieties. Rule for yogurt: more grams of protein than sugar!"
- Add your own fruit. One way to ensure your yogurt has less sugar? "I get nonfat plain Greek yogurt and mash in blackberries for flavor," she said. This ensures you get that fruity flavor with less sugar than flavored yogurt varieties that often have sneaky added grams.
- Spice it up. "Plain yogurt is an easy vessel to add all that good stuff," she told POPSUGAR. Try anti-inflammatory turmeric or cinnamon (which also tricks your brain into thinking your yogurt is sweet, sans sugar) to add flavor and powerful nutrition.
- Mix in protein. Another nutritional add-on she loves: seeds. "ALWAYS add chia seeds to yogurt," she said. It increases protein, omega-3s, fiber, and magnesium (great for muscular recovery and cramps!). She also suggested flax or hemp seeds for a good crunch.
- Watch the honey. While it might be tempting to layer on the honey (It's natural! It's sweet!), Lisa warned about going overboard. "Be careful adding honey to plain yogurt - you may think you're doing the healthier thing, but if you're making it rain honey on there, you may be adding more sugar and calories than you think. Stick to 1/2 to one teaspoon of honey on plain yogurt."
This Is Already Turning Out to Be Selena Gomez's Sexiest Year Yet
Selena Gomez is back from her 2016 hiatus with a vengeance. Not only is the singer working on a new album (and collaborations with Paulina Rubio and Kygo), she also teased a Wizards of Waverly Place reunion, landed a new hot relationship with The Weeknd, posed for a now-deleted topless and thong-clad photo, and covered her first issue of Vogue - wow, right?
If all of that is any indication, Selena will surely have her hottest year ever. We predict she'll show off an even more revealing sense of style, give us more sultry Instagram selfies and magazine spreads, and probably come out with the most sensual album cover she's yet to give us. Scroll ahead for her best moments so far.
It Was Love at First Sight For Gisele, Even Though Tom Was Already Taken
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary in February, but their love story actually begun three years before their 2009 nuptials. The couple, who has three adorable kids between them (Jack, Benjamin, and Vivian), started dating while Tom was still in a relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan. "I knew right [a]way - the first time I saw him," Gisele told Vanity Fair in 2009. "We met through a friend. The moment I saw him, he smiled and I was like, that is the most beautiful, charismatic smile I've ever seen! We sat and talked for three hours. I had to go home for Christmas, but I didn't want to leave. You know that feeling of, like, you can't get enough? From the first day we met, we've never spent one day without speaking to each other."
Gisele also confessed that she "wasn't looking for a relationship" at the time. "I'd always been in serious relationships, but you learn a lot about yourself when you're by yourself, and I was enjoying that process. But you don't choose." While both of Tom's relationships overlapped just a tiny bit, Tom ended up breaking things up with Bridget, who later announced she was pregnant with Tom's child and gave birth to son Jack in August 2007. "It was definitely a surprise for both of us," Gisele recalled. "In the beginning you're living this romantic fantasy; you're thinking, this can't be true, it's so good! And then, whoops - wake-up call! We were dating two and a half months when he found out, and it was a very challenging situation. Obviously, in the beginning, it's not the ideal thing." Fast-forward to present day, and Gisele has fully embraced being a stepmom to Jack and seems to have an amicable relationship with Bridget.
It Was Love at First Sight For Gisele, Even Though Tom Was Already Taken
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary in February, but their love story actually begun three years before their 2009 nuptials. The couple, who has three adorable kids between them (Jack, Benjamin, and Vivian), started dating while Tom was still in a relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan. "I knew right [a]way - the first time I saw him," Gisele told Vanity Fair in 2009. "We met through a friend. The moment I saw him, he smiled and I was like, that is the most beautiful, charismatic smile I've ever seen! We sat and talked for three hours. I had to go home for Christmas, but I didn't want to leave. You know that feeling of, like, you can't get enough? From the first day we met, we've never spent one day without speaking to each other."
Gisele also confessed that she "wasn't looking for a relationship" at the time. "I'd always been in serious relationships, but you learn a lot about yourself when you're by yourself, and I was enjoying that process. But you don't choose." While both of Tom's relationships overlapped just a tiny bit, Tom ended up breaking things up with Bridget, who later announced she was pregnant with Tom's child and gave birth to son Jack in August 2007. "It was definitely a surprise for both of us," Gisele recalled. "In the beginning you're living this romantic fantasy; you're thinking, this can't be true, it's so good! And then, whoops - wake-up call! We were dating two and a half months when he found out, and it was a very challenging situation. Obviously, in the beginning, it's not the ideal thing." Fast-forward to present day, and Gisele has fully embraced being a stepmom to Jack and seems to have an amicable relationship with Bridget.
This is How a Dietitian Makes Yogurt Even Healthier
We love yogurt. You love yogurt. It's a gut-friendly, debloating, high protein food that can be used in sweet and savory dishes (hello, versatility), but choosing the right yogurt - and eating it the right way! - is important for your health and nutrition.
Lisa Eberly, RD, MPH has a few things to say about it - and by that we mean, she is very passionate about her yogurt and shared her tips on the right and wrong way to eat it to optimize and maximize your nutrition.
- Opt for Icelandic. Her favorite kind? Icelandic yogurt (skyr), because it's higher in protein and lower in sugar than Greek yogurt. "Siggi's, all day, every day, nothing else. I opt for the lowest sugar varieties. Rule for yogurt: more grams of protein than sugar!"
- Add your own fruit. One way to ensure your yogurt has less sugar? "I get nonfat plain Greek yogurt and mash in blackberries for flavor," she said. This ensures you get that fruity flavor with less sugar than flavored yogurt varieties that often have sneaky added grams.
- Spice it up. "Plain yogurt is an easy vessel to add all that good stuff," she told POPSUGAR. Try anti-inflammatory turmeric or cinnamon (which also tricks your brain into thinking your yogurt is sweet, sans sugar) to add flavor and powerful nutrition.
- Mix in protein. Another nutritional add-on she loves: seeds. "ALWAYS add chia seeds to yogurt," she said. It increases protein, omega-3s, fiber, and magnesium (great for muscular recovery and cramps!). She also suggested flax or hemp seeds for a good crunch.
- Watch the honey. While it might be tempting to layer on the honey (It's natural! It's sweet!), Lisa warned about going overboard. "Be careful adding honey to plain yogurt - you may think you're doing the healthier thing, but if you're making it rain honey on there, you may be adding more sugar and calories than you think. Stick to 1/2 to one teaspoon of honey on plain yogurt."
The Mummy, Frankenstein, and More: a Rundown of Dark Universe's Monster-Filled Lineup
For anyone heading to the movies to watch the reboot of The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe, don't expect to see the same kind of enjoyably preposterous action-adventure Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz blessed us with in the 1999 original. Instead, the film seems more interested in setting up Universal Pictures's brand new franchise of monster movies called the "Dark Universe." An obvious answer to the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe (and Warner Bros.'s "MonsterVerse," to a lesser extent) the Dark Universe aims to make classic movie monsters the new superheroes. Here's what we know about the Dark Universe so far.
The Movies
While speaking to Fandom, Mummy director and producer Alex Kurtzman revealed the movie lineup the studio already has in the works. "We know we're going to do Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Phantom of the Opera, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Invisible Man," he said. "There are characters within those films that can grow and expand and maybe even spin-off. I think that digging into deep mythologies about monsters around the world is fair game for us, as well, and connecting the monsters that we know to some surprising monsters could also be really interesting."
The Actors
Excluding Universal's poorly received Dracula Untold with Luke Evans in 2014, Cruise's The Mummy is the first in this new shared universe and will be followed by Beauty and the Beast director Bill Condon's take on Bride of Frankenstein. Javier Bardem has already signed on to play Frankenstein's Monster in the latter film, but the female lead has yet to be cast. Kurtzman expressed interest in some of Hollywood's A-list. "I'd love to bring Jennifer Lawrence in," he told Fandom. "I'd love to see Charlize Theron in there, Angelina Jolie."
Other talent already locked down includes Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll in The Mummy, who leads the top-secret Prodigium - an organization designed to capture, study, and neutralize any monsters or evil threats roaming the world. We have no doubt he, and possibly Mummy costar Annabelle Wallis, will pop up in later films. Johnny Depp is also a part of the Dark Universe, having signed on to play Dr. Griffin in The Invisible Man. Maybe he and Mr. Hyde will go head to head?
The Release Dates
Once The Mummy drops on June 9, the next Dark Universe flick to hit theaters is Bride of Frankenstein on Feb. 19, 2019. The rest of the premieres for the movies on their lineup are still TBD.
21 Unreal Tree Houses You Only Thought Existed in Your Fantasies
Nope, this is not a joke - these incredible tree houses truly exist. Get ready to be seriously impressed as you check out all of these beautiful images.
You've Never Seen Glitter Highlighter Swatches This Bright Before
Many shimmery, holographic products claim to be "magical," but indie brand Glitter Injections's new highlighter actual is. The glitter strobing cream is blindingly bright, and it actually doesn't come off under running water (just watch the Instagram video ahead!). So you can really be a mermaid, swimming in the ocean with moonbeams on your cheeks - or bum!
The highlighters come in five festive shades: Fame (iridescent gold), Autograph (purple), She's Jelly (green), Own the Stage (red), and Fan Mail (green). Plus, now you can snag the whole set for $88 (normally $100) online here. Keep reading to see gorgeous swatches of these highlighters.
You've Never Seen Glitter Highlighter Swatches This Bright Before
Many shimmery, holographic products claim to be "magical," but indie brand Glitter Injections's new highlighter actual is. The glitter strobing cream is blindingly bright, and it actually doesn't come off under running water (just watch the Instagram video ahead!). So you can really be a mermaid, swimming in the ocean with moonbeams on your cheeks - or bum!
The highlighters come in five festive shades: Fame (iridescent gold), Autograph (purple), She's Jelly (green), Own the Stage (red), and Fan Mail (green). Plus, now you can snag the whole set for $88 (normally $100) online here. Keep reading to see gorgeous swatches of these highlighters.
This Is Already Turning Out to Be Selena Gomez's Sexiest Year Yet
Selena Gomez is back from her 2016 hiatus with a vengeance. Not only is the singer working on a new album (and collaborations with Paulina Rubio and Kygo), she also teased a Wizards of Waverly Place reunion, landed a new hot relationship with The Weeknd, posed for a now-deleted topless and thong-clad photo, and covered her first issue of Vogue - wow, right?
If all of that is any indication, Selena will surely have her hottest year ever. We predict she'll show off an even more revealing sense of style, give us more sultry Instagram selfies and magazine spreads, and probably come out with the most sensual album cover she's yet to give us. Scroll ahead for her best moments so far.
Orange Is the New Black: The Actress Behind Frieda Has Had a Surprising Career
Warning: Spoiler alert for Orange Is the New Black season five.
One of the most interesting supporting characters to emerge on Orange Is the New Black seasons four and five is most definitely Frieda Berlin, played by long time character actress Dale Soules. After being treated to her backstory - young Frieda (played by Mia Sinclair Jenness) had some mad survival skills, even if her dad was a bit much with his survivalist fervor - we find out that present-day Frieda has been hiding a massive bunker in an abandoned pool house underneath the prison, tricked out with all sorts of electronics and tons of nonperishables.
Wait, what? That's amazing.
And it has definitely piqued fans' interest in both Frieda and the actress who plays her. The 71-year-old thespian grew up in New Jersey in the 1940s and '50s, where she was a bit of an outcast at school because she lived in a house with no running water, according to a fan Q&A Soules did on Facebook.
Soules didn't get into onscreen acting until the early 1970s, but Orange Is the New Black is really her first project where she has a sizable part. (Though you may have caught her guest-starring on Law & Order, How to Make It in America, or Unforgettable.)
She is, however, an accomplished stage actress, having appeared in over a dozen Broadway and off-Broadway shows over the years. Soules says she loves theater because it's "a highly collaborative form of storytelling, and the audience is a very important part of that collaboration" where you only get one chance to get it right.
One thing's for sure - now that several Litchfieldians know about Frieda's bunker, it will hopefully be an ongoing addition to the show. We will definitely be seeing more of Frieda, as Deadline reports she was promoted to series regular for the sixth season.
10 Indie Beauty Brands to Test Out If You're All About That Goth Style
The beauty industry's current obsession with millennial pink and mermaid beauty isn't for everyone. While some ladies love mythical sea creatures and everything girlie, other makeup mavens make Wednesday Addams and Elvira their beauty muses.
Goth girls, we've got you covered. You already know about the OG vampy queen, Kat Von D, but there are many more edgy lines out there. We found 10 brands fit for vampires with products that will make your cold, black heart sing.
Read on to discover the brands goth beauties will love and what to pick up from each line.
16 Swatching Instagram Accounts You Need to Follow Right Now
Whenever a brand drops anything new, the first thing we want to see are the swatches. Swatching has changed the makeup game, and a lot of people (me included) refuse to buy a new product without seeing a swatch or review first. These strips of color on a forearm or a lip tell beauty bloggers and subbies (re: subscribers) alike whether a new palette, collection, or launch is worth the money and attention.
Orange Is the New Black: The Actress Behind Frieda Has Had a Surprising Career
Warning: Spoiler alert for Orange Is the New Black season five.
One of the most interesting supporting characters to emerge on Orange Is the New Black seasons four and five is most definitely Frieda Berlin, played by long time character actress Dale Soules. After being treated to her backstory - young Frieda (played by Mia Sinclair Jenness) had some mad survival skills, even if her dad was a bit much with his survivalist fervor - we find out that present-day Frieda has been hiding a massive bunker in an abandoned pool house underneath the prison, tricked out with all sorts of electronics and tons of nonperishables.
Wait, what? That's amazing.
And it has definitely piqued fans' interest in both Frieda and the actress who plays her. The 71-year-old thespian grew up in New Jersey in the 1940s and '50s, where she was a bit of an outcast at school because she lived in a house with no running water, according to a fan Q&A Soules did on Facebook.
Soules didn't get into onscreen acting until the early 1970s, but Orange Is the New Black is really her first project where she has a sizable part. (Though you may have caught her guest-starring on Law & Order, How to Make It in America, or Unforgettable.)
She is, however, an accomplished stage actress, having appeared in over a dozen Broadway and off-Broadway shows over the years. Soules says she loves theater because it's "a highly collaborative form of storytelling, and the audience is a very important part of that collaboration" where you only get one chance to get it right.
One thing's for sure - now that several Litchfieldians know about Frieda's bunker, it will hopefully be an ongoing addition to the show. We will definitely be seeing more of Frieda, as Deadline reports she was promoted to series regular for the sixth season.
The Queen Ordered Charles and Diana's Divorce and More Dramatic Details You Didn't Know
Prince Charles and Princess Diana pose with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in March 1981, shortly after their engagement. Image Source: Getty / Hulton Royals Collection
With the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's tragic death approaching, interest in her life - and especially her marriage to Prince Charles - has piqued in recent months. The relationship between Charles and Diana was tumultuous, to say the least; they met after Charles first dated Diana's older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and only went on 12 dates before getting engaged in February 1981 and tying the knot five months later. By late 1992 (after collective affairs and embarrassing leaked audio conversations), Charles and Diana's 11-year marriage was a disaster - and the royal family couldn't hide it anymore.
Charles's parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, met with the couple for an intervention of sorts. Philip and Diana exchanged heartfelt letters that Summer in which he expressed his disappointment at both her and Charles's extramarital affairs and asked her to see both of their slip-ups from the other's point of view; at one point he seemed ready to give up, writing, "I will always do my utmost to help you and Charles to the best of my ability. . . but I am quite ready to concede that I have no talent as a marriage counselor." Their attempts at reconciliation were unsuccessful, and that December, Prime Minister John Major publicly announced the pair's "amicable separation," reading an official statement from the royal family.
Diana and Charles looked less than enthused during their royal tour of Canada in October 1991. Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
After their separation, more rumors of cheating emerged, and Diana conducted a tell-all interview with the BBC's Martin Bashir in which she disclosed details about her own infidelity and struggle with bulimia as well as Charles's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, making the famous quote, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." Ultimately, Elizabeth gave up too - likely fed up with doing damage control for Charles and Diana's cheating scandals and the blowback from Diana broadcasting their business, she sprung into action. On Dec. 20, 1995, Buckingham Palace announced that the queen had written separate letters to the couple ordering them to divorce ASAP, an unprecedented move at the time. "After considering the present situation, the queen wrote to both the prince and princess earlier this week and gave them her view, supported by the Duke of Edinburgh, that an early divorce is desirable," a palace statement said. It added that both Elizabeth and Philip would "continue to do all they can to help and support the Prince and Princess of Wales, and most particularly their children, in this difficult period." Charles agreed formally in writing soon after, but it took Diana until February to announce her agreement after negotiations with Charles and representatives for Elizabeth and until July for the couple to agree on the terms of their divorce.
Queen Elizabeth reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up.
Their divorce was finalized in August 1996, but some drama surrounding her title ensued. Queen Elizabeth reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up - instead, she was given the title Diana, Princess of Wales. The loss of the honorific separated Diana from the rest of the family in such a way that she had to curtsy to those that had it, including her own children. Heartbreakingly, a 14-year-old Prince William is said to have comforted his mother after the loss of her title by saying, "Don't worry, Mummy, I will give it back to you one day when I am king."
Diana, Harry, William, and Charles watch a parade in London in March 1995. Image Source: Getty / AFP
Diana was allowed to keep her apartment at Kensington Palace - which now serves as the official residence of William, Kate Middleton, and their two children - as "a central and secure home for The Princess and the children." She was given access to the royal family's jets and was able "to use the state apartments at St. James's Palace for entertaining," as long as asked the queen's permission first. She was also permitted to keep all the jewelry she amassed during her marriage, with the exception of the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, which Elizabeth gave to her as a wedding present after only wearing it once. It was lent to Kate Middleton in both 2015 and 2016.
Buckingham Palace publicly stated that as the mother of heirs to the throne, Diana would continue to be regarded as a member of the royal family and "will from time to time receive invitations to state and national public occasions" at the invitation "of the sovereign or the Government." She and Charles were granted equal access to Prince William and Prince Harry, who were 14 and 11 at the time, respectively, and the boys alternated holidays with each of their parents when they weren't attending boarding school. Things seemed to be civil between Charles and Diana as they worked together to coparent their boys after the divorce and up until Diana's death in August 1997. During an inquest into the tragedy in January 2007, Deputy Coroner of the Queen's Household Baroness Butler-Sloss said, "I am satisfied that at her death, Diana Princess of Wales continued to be considered as a member of the Royal Household."
More Than 30 Tips For Healthier Cooking
If you grew up in a house where red meat and fried foods always took center stage, then healthy cooking techniques might feel a bit foreign in your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef looking to make conscious changes or a cooking novice ready to get comfortable in the kitchen, there's a healthy and helpful tip on this list for everyone.
- Additional reporting by Michele Foley
10 Indie Beauty Brands to Test Out If You're All About That Goth Style
The beauty industry's current obsession with millennial pink and mermaid beauty isn't for everyone. While some ladies love mythical sea creatures and everything girlie, other makeup mavens make Wednesday Addams and Elvira their beauty muses.
Goth girls, we've got you covered. You already know about the OG vampy queen, Kat Von D, but there are many more edgy lines out there. We found 10 brands fit for vampires with products that will make your cold, black heart sing.
Read on to discover the brands goth beauties will love and what to pick up from each line.
More Than 30 Tips For Healthier Cooking
If you grew up in a house where red meat and fried foods always took center stage, then healthy cooking techniques might feel a bit foreign in your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef looking to make conscious changes or a cooking novice ready to get comfortable in the kitchen, there's a healthy and helpful tip on this list for everyone.
- Additional reporting by Michele Foley
The Queen Ordered Charles and Diana's Divorce and More Dramatic Details You Didn't Know
Prince Charles and Princess Diana pose with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in March 1981, shortly after their engagement. Image Source: Getty / Hulton Royals Collection
With the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's tragic death approaching, interest in her life - and especially her marriage to Prince Charles - has piqued in recent months. The relationship between Charles and Diana was tumultuous, to say the least; they met after Charles first dated Diana's older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and only went on 12 dates before getting engaged in February 1981 and tying the knot five months later. By late 1992 (after collective affairs and embarrassing leaked audio conversations), Charles and Diana's 11-year marriage was a disaster - and the royal family couldn't hide it anymore.
Charles's parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, met with the couple for an intervention of sorts. Philip and Diana exchanged heartfelt letters that Summer in which he expressed his disappointment at both her and Charles's extramarital affairs and asked her to see both of their slip-ups from the other's point of view; at one point he seemed ready to give up, writing, "I will always do my utmost to help you and Charles to the best of my ability. . . but I am quite ready to concede that I have no talent as a marriage counselor." Their attempts at reconciliation were unsuccessful, and that December, Prime Minister John Major publicly announced the pair's "amicable separation," reading an official statement from the royal family.
Diana and Charles looked less than enthused during their royal tour of Canada in October 1991. Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
After their separation, more rumors of cheating emerged, and Diana conducted a tell-all interview with the BBC's Martin Bashir in which she disclosed details about her own infidelity and struggle with bulimia as well as Charles's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, making the famous quote, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." Ultimately, Elizabeth gave up too - likely fed up with doing damage control for Charles and Diana's cheating scandals and the blowback from Diana broadcasting their business, she sprung into action. On Dec. 20, 1995, Buckingham Palace announced that the queen had written separate letters to the couple ordering them to divorce ASAP, an unprecedented move at the time. "After considering the present situation, the queen wrote to both the prince and princess earlier this week and gave them her view, supported by the Duke of Edinburgh, that an early divorce is desirable," a palace statement said. It added that both Elizabeth and Philip would "continue to do all they can to help and support the Prince and Princess of Wales, and most particularly their children, in this difficult period." Charles agreed formally in writing soon after, but it took Diana until February to announce her agreement after negotiations with Charles and representatives for Elizabeth and until July for the couple to agree on the terms of their divorce.
Queen Elizabeth reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up.
Their divorce was finalized in August 1996, but some drama surrounding her title ensued. Queen Elizabeth reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up - instead, she was given the title Diana, Princess of Wales. The loss of the honorific separated Diana from the rest of the family in such a way that she had to curtsy to those that had it, including her own children. Heartbreakingly, a 14-year-old Prince William is said to have comforted his mother after the loss of her title by saying, "Don't worry, Mummy, I will give it back to you one day when I am king."
Diana, Harry, William, and Charles watch a parade in London in March 1995. Image Source: Getty / AFP
Diana was allowed to keep her apartment at Kensington Palace - which now serves as the official residence of William, Kate Middleton, and their two children - as "a central and secure home for The Princess and the children." She was given access to the royal family's jets and was able "to use the state apartments at St. James's Palace for entertaining," as long as asked the queen's permission first. She was also permitted to keep all the jewelry she amassed during her marriage, with the exception of the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, which Elizabeth gave to her as a wedding present after only wearing it once. It was lent to Kate Middleton in both 2015 and 2016.
Buckingham Palace publicly stated that as the mother of heirs to the throne, Diana would continue to be regarded as a member of the royal family and "will from time to time receive invitations to state and national public occasions" at the invitation "of the sovereign or the Government." She and Charles were granted equal access to Prince William and Prince Harry, who were 14 and 11 at the time, respectively, and the boys alternated holidays with each of their parents when they weren't attending boarding school. Things seemed to be civil between Charles and Diana as they worked together to coparent their boys after the divorce and up until Diana's death in August 1997. During an inquest into the tragedy in January 2007, Deputy Coroner of the Queen's Household Baroness Butler-Sloss said, "I am satisfied that at her death, Diana Princess of Wales continued to be considered as a member of the Royal Household."
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn's Modern Family Is Absolutely Golden
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn have one epic romance, but the only thing sweeter than their love story is their adorable blended family. Together, they share four children: Boston Russell, from Kurt's previous marriage to Season Hubley, Kate and Oliver Hudson, from Goldie's previous marriage to Bill Hudson, and their son, Wyatt, who they welcomed in 1986. In addition to their kids, they also have five grandchildren. While they have been known to post about their sweet family life on social media, they have also brought out the Russell/Hudson clan on the red carpet from time to time. See some of their sweetest photos here.
Coco Austin and Ice T Share the Most Precious Snaps of Their Baby Girl
Coco Austin and Ice T have one serious cutie on their hands! The couple of more than 15 years - who welcomed their first child together, daughter Chanel Nicole Marrow, in November 2015 - have taken to social media to share precious photos of their little one. In addition to sharing a family selfie taken just minutes after Chanel's arrival, Coco also posts a slew of pictures on their daughter's own accounts. As of May 2017, Chanel has over 39,000 Twitter followers and over 432,000 Instagram followers. Keep reading to see more photos of their adorable little cutie.
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn's Modern Family Is Absolutely Golden
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn have one epic romance, but the only thing sweeter than their love story is their adorable blended family. Together, they share four children: Boston Russell, from Kurt's previous marriage to Season Hubley, Kate and Oliver Hudson, from Goldie's previous marriage to Bill Hudson, and their son, Wyatt, who they welcomed in 1986. In addition to their kids, they also have five grandchildren. While they have been known to post about their sweet family life on social media, they have also brought out the Russell/Hudson clan on the red carpet from time to time. See some of their sweetest photos here.
Disneyland Has Droolworthy Mangonadas, So We Can Die Happy
Lately, Disney has been the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to incredible Latinx foods. From deep-fried elote to micheladas at Disneyland, we didn't think things could get any better, until we saw that Clarabelle's Ice Cream at Disney California Adventure added mangonadas to its menu!
The delectable dessert comes with "two scoops of mango sorbet layered with Chamoy sauce, fresh mango chunks, Tajín seasoning, and lime juice," according to the website, and sells for $8. Photos show massive chunks of mango along with hefty portions of sauce and seasoning, so we have high hopes for this addition to the Disney parks menu. And according to people enjoying their own Disney mangonada on Instagram, the frozen dessert is everything you could want (and more) from a theme park snack.
What did we do to deserve this? Must have been something good! Read on for more droolworthy pictures of the frozen mango dessert, then add it to your comfort-food Disney bucket list. Yummmmmm!
Meet the Deaf Singer Who Wowed America’s Got Talent
Who else fell in love with Mandy Harvey from America's Got Talent?
Coco Austin and Ice T Share the Most Precious Snaps of Their Baby Girl
Coco Austin and Ice T have one serious cutie on their hands! The couple of more than 15 years - who welcomed their first child together, daughter Chanel Nicole Marrow, in November 2015 - have taken to social media to share precious photos of their little one. In addition to sharing a family selfie taken just minutes after Chanel's arrival, Coco also posts a slew of pictures on their daughter's own accounts. As of May 2017, Chanel has over 39,000 Twitter followers and over 432,000 Instagram followers. Keep reading to see more photos of their adorable little cutie.
Meet the Deaf Singer Who Wowed America’s Got Talent
Who else fell in love with Mandy Harvey from America's Got Talent?
Disneyland Has Droolworthy Mangonadas, So We Can Die Happy
Lately, Disney has been the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to incredible Latinx foods. From deep-fried elote to micheladas at Disneyland, we didn't think things could get any better, until we saw that Clarabelle's Ice Cream at Disney California Adventure added mangonadas to its menu!
The delectable dessert comes with "two scoops of mango sorbet layered with Chamoy sauce, fresh mango chunks, Tajín seasoning, and lime juice," according to the website, and sells for $8. Photos show massive chunks of mango along with hefty portions of sauce and seasoning, so we have high hopes for this addition to the Disney parks menu. And according to people enjoying their own Disney mangonada on Instagram, the frozen dessert is everything you could want (and more) from a theme park snack.
What did we do to deserve this? Must have been something good! Read on for more droolworthy pictures of the frozen mango dessert, then add it to your comfort-food Disney bucket list. Yummmmmm!
A Dramatic Timeline of Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan's Iconic 2000s Feud
Hollywood was completely different in the early 2000s, but juicy celebrity feuds were still a thing. If you were a teenager growing up in the year 2003, then you probably vividly remember the infamous love triangle between Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, and Aaron Carter. At the time, the young women were at the height of their careers: Hilary was playing the lead on Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire and Lindsay was getting ready to star in the teen comedy Mean Girls. So, how exactly did the infamous feud go down? In the words of Hilary Duff herself, "Let's go back, back to the beginning."
A Dramatic Timeline of Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan's Iconic 2000s Feud
Hollywood was completely different in the early 2000s, but juicy celebrity feuds were still a thing. If you were a teenager growing up in the year 2003, then you probably vividly remember the infamous love triangle between Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, and Aaron Carter. At the time, the young women were at the height of their careers: Hilary was playing the lead on Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire and Lindsay was getting ready to star in the teen comedy Mean Girls. So, how exactly did the infamous feud go down? In the words of Hilary Duff herself, "Let's go back, back to the beginning."
I Tried the Viral Farsáli Unicorn Essence, and I'm Never Looking Back
Scroll through your Insta feed and you're bound to come across a beauty guru wielding the dropper tool of Farsáli's cult-status, much-hyped-about Unicorn Essence ($54), formerly known as Unicorn Tears. The moisturizer-meets-makeup primer is typically applied under the eyes in a sweeping motion to create the effect of shimmering pink tears, and beauty queens swear that it creates a flawless, unparalleled finish.
Intrigued, I had to try it out myself. First, though, a quick bit of history on the brand. Farsáli was launched in 2014 by a man named Sal Ali. His mission was to create products for his wife, Farah, who felt like something was missing in her beauty and skincare regimen.
If you noticed that the name Farsáli is a fusion of the couple's names, you get a gold star. And also, can we take a second to double high-five this proactive, take-charge man?
Anyway, after working with a group of cosmetic scientists, Farsáli's Volcanic Elixir ($37), a luxe nighttime moisturizer, was bestowed upon the world, followed by its Rose Gold Elixir ($54) - which contains 24-karat gold, by the way. With that, the brand was catapulted to fame.
Next came the product we're talking about today, Unicorn Tears, which launched at Farsali.com as a special-edition product and sold out immediately. In February 2017, Sephora.com picked up it as Unicorn Essence and it sold out within 24 hours. The brand smartly decided to keep it around for good, and the beauty community hasn't quieted its rejoicing yet!
Yowza! This Is the Ultraluxe Resort Where Kanye West Just Celebrated His 40th Birthday
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West don't do anything low-key, so we weren't surprised to learn that the superstar family rang in Kanye's 40th birthday in luxurious style. They reportedly sneaked away to the Baker's Bay Golf and Ocean Club in the Bahamas. And instead of renting a single residence, the Kardashian-Wests are said to have rented out an entire lot so Kanye's dearest friends could come along and celebrate the milestone with him.
So what does a Kim-and-Kanye-worthy resort entail? A whole lot! Instead of rooms, this private, 600-acre club features rents picturesque homes, or "island cottages" and "beach bungalows," as the website describes them. Each is beautifully designed and appointed with every imaginable feature. The family need for nothing during their stay as a personal concierge service takes care of every need, from grocery shopping to housekeeping.
Resort amenities include a first-rate golf course, access to a watercraft, a private family beach club, and a swanky spa and fitness facility where patrons relax to the soothing sounds of the nearby ocean. And when the Kardashian-Wests want to take in some local Bahamian culture, they needn't venture far because the resort contains its own seaport village! North and Saint can stroll its cobblestone streets, popping into shops and even stopping for treats at the busy waterfront cantina. For some family fun, there's a rope course, baseball field, and even swing sets. We have no doubt this was one birthday Kanye will never forget.
Check out pictures of the stunning resort ahead and then start plotting how you can visit.
Embrace Your Grungy Glam With This Silky Purple Waterproof Liquid Lipstick
Just as we were getting ready to trade in our dark lipstick shades for brighter Summer hues, LASplash Cosmetics unveiled the perfect purple liquid lipstick in a brand new formula. Perilous is part of the Angels x Sinners Collection, and it'll instantly make you feel like you're on the dark side.
Since it has been revamped and totally upgraded for extended wear time, the new liquid lipstick formula is described as the "silkiest formula yet." It's lightweight, soft, and suppermatte. But the best part about the lippie is that it's water resistant for up to four hours, so we don't need to ditch the dark side during pool time.
Keep reading to see swatches and more photos of the LASplash Cosmetics Wickedly Divine Liquid Lipstick in Perilous ($18).
23 Great Gift Ideas For 1-Year-Olds
Whether it comes in the form of crawling, scooting, or taking those first few steps, one thing's for certain - 1-year-olds are active little people! That's why it's important to provide them with toys that will satisfy their desire to explore the world around them and provide plenty of action. Check out our favorite picks, from push-along toys and blocks to shape sorters and more, for your baby's first holidays.
18 Memes That Sum Up Every Emotion You Have When You Hear "Despacito"
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito" has been all the craze since it first debuted in January 2017 (with the remix featuring Justin Bieber totally taking over the charts).
While we all love the song, we also sometimes hate it - too much of a good thing, you know? There are covers, there are instrumental versions, and there are even dance workout videos. "Despacito" is all the rage, which is why obviously memes about it have been created. We are literally laughing out loud at some of these! Keep reading do the same.
Blender Lemonade Is Fake News - Don't Try It!
I'm all for a great recipe hack. Cooking red wine in spaghetti? Awesome. Two-minute iced coffee? Totally works. Blender lemonade, on the other hand, does not. The Pinterest phenomenon calls for blending a whole lemon with a few tablespoons of sugar, ice, and water. "No squeezing required!" bloggers promised. Pictures of those frozen lemonade slushies looked so enticing and rewarding during Summer months, when the hot weather turns us all into lazy nincompoops. I, too, find myself avoiding "laborious" processes like juicing lemons and suddenly begin to turn every drink into a slushie. I had to have this blender lemonade. I needed this hack to work.
Unfortunately, my first and second go-around were not successful. Despite blending and blending and blending, the slushie remained very pulpy. That white pith did not break down and every sip tasted as fibrous as a green smoothie. The flavor starts shockingly tart. I yelped when I first tried it and shuddered when I swallowed it. The lemonade literally leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. I tried more ice, more tablespoons of sugar, and even a splash of lemon extract, but nope, there was no saving this beautiful-looking but horrible-tasting lemonade.
I'll continue to turn to Beyoncé's lemonade recipe and try blending that with ice before I ever attempt a whole-lemon lemonade again. Remember, the saying goes, "Turn lemons into lemonade," not "blended lemons."
The Only Reason Orange Is the New Black's CO Stratman Looks Familiar
If the prison guards have kind of blurred together for you while watching Orange Is the New Black, don't feel bad. Over two dozen people have played a guard at one time or another - and that number doesn't include other Litchfield support staff - but one guard may have caught your eye during the recently released season five. CO Stratman, played by Evan Hall, first appears in season four's fifth episode, "We'll Always Have Baltimore." He's part of the new set of veterans brought in by MCC to be prison guards because the company gets a tax break for employing veterans.
If you're wondering where this strapping young Stratman has been all your life, the answer is . . . not many places. Orange Is the New Black is Hall's first big acting gig. He has previously been seen in guest-starring roles on The Mysteries of Laura, The Following, and Elementary, but all of those roles were one-offs.
As the events of season five unfold, it's unclear how much more we will see of this new batch of guards. The number one demand on the inmates' list is to "replace all current guards with properly trained ones," which doesn't bode well for any of the newbies - not that they should keep their jobs after the way they've been treating the inmates.
However, we should all take a minute to appreciate Stratman's talent in the guard talent show. Hall's commitment to the striptease is . . . impressive.
It may be time for a new crop of boys and girls in blue at Litchfield, but we'll all have to wait to see how season five plays out to know for sure.
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