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
You Are Better Than a Smoky Eye - So Don't Ask For It Again
After being a makeup artist for over a decade, I can pretty much size you up the minute I see you coming. I can quickly assess you by your outfit, your bag, your hairstyle, and your jewelry and know immediately that you want only a tinted moisturizer. I know that, even when you say you want something more than that, you won't like it.
I know that you use retinol everyday without you telling me. I know that you have botox and fillers. I know that you only wear chapstick on your very chapped lips. When you say "Um yeah, I have an eye cream," with hesitation, I know that you are referring to the free Clinique sample that has been in your drawer for at least a year. I also know that you are compulsively plucking your brows that "just never grow!"
I don't judge. I really don't care what you do at home. Please, I am asking you to just be honest.
I can also tell as soon as you sit in my chair, if you can handle a lot of makeup or not. But without fail at least once a day, a preppy, non-makeup wearing woman will sit down and look me straight in the face and say "I think I would like a smoky eye."
I don't know who came up with this clever term, but if I ever meet him I will punch him in the face.
You don't want a smoky eye. You like the idea of it. You see Kim Kardashian on Pinterest and you fantasize about having this sultry look the next time you are attending a wedding or bar mitzvah. You imagine yourself as a much younger, sexier version of yourself, and you think that at the ripe age of 37 you are now ready to look like that sexy woman on Instagram with fake eyelashes and "contour" and black eyeliner rimming every inch of your eyeball.
Sometimes you have a Naked Palette from Urban Decay so you think you are edgy, but if you were to be honest you would admit you only use the lightest shades in the palette and the darker colors are untouched. You may have watched the tutorials on YouTube on "how to create a smoky eye," so you think you are ready for it.
You're not.
I know it.
You will have to learn the hard way.
"So do you normally wear a lot of eye makeup?" I ask innocently, while I prep your skin. I start with a soft fleshy tone on your lid and then I add a little bit of a darker tone. Never a true smoke color, because I don't want you to cry or run away. You will clutch the hand mirror and ask if you can look. I will let you.
I know. Please stop saying this. I don't even know how to make someone look like a clown. If you hired me to do clown makeup I would have to decline the job. I am not in the clown business. I am simply attempting to do what you requested me to do.
PS. We haven't created any "smoke" yet.
You will clutch your mirror and try to watch what I am doing, as you give me permission to proceed. I will add some dark brown or smoky color in your crease. I add some smudgy black liner and some mascara. You don't even have two layers of fake lashes on yet like a Kardashian. I see that you are clutching your hand mirror and your knuckles are white so I let you take a peek.
You don't. But you also don't look like yourself.
I ask if you would like me to take off some of the makeup and gently remind you that you are nowhere near the amount of makeup featured in the Instagram photo that you showed me when you first sat down. You sheepishly say that you would like to take off some of the liner . . . and maybe some of the dark shadow.
I take off the makeup.
You say "Maybe just do what you think looks best?"
Now we can get along.
I suggest a more realistic "eye look" that will allow you to feel comfortable while still making you look good. I say "Let's create a look that shows off your eye color and makes you look like a better version of yourself." The tension in your shoulders lessens and the grip on the hand mirror relaxes a bit."Yes, let's do that." you say with relief.
Because you are not Kim Kardashian, nor do you want to be. You will not be followed by the flashbulbs of the paparazzi and you will not spend your days taking selfies. You simply want to look like a better version of yourself and a "smoky eye" does not do that for most women.
You will leave with hydrated glowing skin and makeup that makes your blue eyes pop and your cheekbones glow. You are simply a better version of yourself, and you will walk out the door with your head held high and a little bit of a skip in your step.
You are better than a smoky eye. So don't ask for it again.
Matthew and Camila Are Hollywood's Best Dressed Couple
True, we all watch in awe whenever George and Amal Clooney walk the red carpet, get married in Italy, or even just leave the house, but if they're trying to top Hollywood's best dressed couples list, they've got some stiff competition. Time and time again, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves slay it on the red carpet: him in a sharp-looking suit, her in a form-fitting gown.
So we though we'd take a look back at some of the duo's best red carpet moments. Because if these two look great on their own (and they do!), they're even better together. Keep scrolling to see why we're crowning this couple Hollywood fashion royalty.
Consider These 6 Expert Picks Your Korean Beauty Starter Kit
The Korean beauty market is arguably one of the most fascinating (IMO). It seems like every day new, unique ingredients (looking at you, snail goo) are infused into equally innovative K-beauty products, creating a world of endless makeup and skincare options for beauty-lovers.
So when we caught up with Charlotte Cho, founder of SokoGlam.com and Editor in Chief of The Klog, we asked her to pick out five of her favorite K-beauty items that you absolutely must try. Among Charlotte's picks is a peel infused with red wine (yum!), a hydrating facial essence, and, of course, an essential sheet mask.
Read ahead check out all of her picks, and if you're in NYC you can snag all of these items at Sokoglam's chic new pop-up shop located in Bloomingdales. Happy shopping!
Matthew and Camila Are Hollywood's Best Dressed Couple
True, we all watch in awe whenever George and Amal Clooney walk the red carpet, get married in Italy, or even just leave the house, but if they're trying to top Hollywood's best dressed couples list, they've got some stiff competition. Time and time again, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves slay it on the red carpet: him in a sharp-looking suit, her in a form-fitting gown.
So we though we'd take a look back at some of the duo's best red carpet moments. Because if these two look great on their own (and they do!), they're even better together. Keep scrolling to see why we're crowning this couple Hollywood fashion royalty.
8 Women Who Bagged Ryan Reynolds Before Blake Lively
For some, it's hard to remember a time when Ryan Reynolds wasn't married to (and shutting down the red carpet with) Blake Lively. But before he and the former Gossip Girl star tied the knot on a South Carolina plantation, Ryan actually had a pretty colorful dating history. From costars to '90s It girls, look through to see the women he's romanced over the years.
A Message to Makeup-Shamers at the Gym: Can You Freakin' NOT
Hey, you - yes you! The one on your phone at the gym, texting your friend about the girl with the "painted face," by the weight rack . . . and you, the one in the studio whispering to your friend, talking crap on the person in front of you for wearing foundation . . . STOP. Just stop right there.
It's easy to be judgmental; snap judgments are how we get through life. But cool it, because while we shouldn't feel pressured to get dolled up to work out, we absolutely should not be making other women feel bad for their choice to feel more comfortable and confident. Makeup shaming is makeup shaming, at the gym or otherwise, and it's wrong (just like any other kind of shaming!).
Since when does someone wearing makeup to the gym impact you in any way whatsoever? You're at the gym to get healthy and have a workout. That's it. Focus on you, your journey, your development, and your own face, not someone else's. Also, major newsflash - no one who puts on makeup before heading out the door signs up to receive your opinion on the matter.
Our culture has shifted toward "let's point out everything that everyone's doing wrong," and "if I don't agree with what you're doing, you're wrong." Oh, and (according to Facebook comments everywhere) everyone feels the need to share their opinion, whether or not that opinion contributes to a positive conversation.
While at a workout event in San Francisco, a fitness influencer (who shall not be named) was giving a speech, saying something to the tune of "To all you girls wearing makeup at the gym, when your face comes off on your towel, it's not cute." My coworker and I were horrified by this - especially because there were women at that same event who were wearing makeup at the time. It was awful, and painfully awkward.
How does saying something like that contribute to empowering women? On one end, sure - we want women to feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin. As women, we shouldn't have to feel like we need to uphold a certain standard of beauty when we're projectile sweating and borderline dying in the gym. But here's the thing: not everyone feels comfortable without makeup, and THAT'S OK. And other women like wearing makeup at the gym, and it's not attached to any sort of insecurity.
Think before you speak. Sure, it may seem like a casual text to a friend, or an off-hand Facebook comment, or some cupped-hand gossip whispering to the girl next to you won't hurt anyone, but our actions and our words are cumulative, and over time, it contributes to a culture of shame, exclusion, and negativity. Gut check: Does what your saying contribute to a more positive society? Does it contribute to the empowerment of women? Does it help anyone on their fitness journey? If the answer is no, then just stop. Then, once you've stopped, take a moment to look inward and find out why you're unhappy and taking this unhappiness out on others.
And for those of you who love makeup, or are squeezing in a lunchtime workout from the office with a made up face, or who aren't yet ready to bare it all in a public setting and need that little layer of makeup or touch of highlighter to make you feel your best, you do you! Don't let anyone call into question how fabulous you are, or make you doubt your decision, or bring you down. Feeling confident makes your workout even better (thanks, makeup!), so just get out there and crush them in the gym. End rant.
Stay Rested and Refreshed With These 8 Tips For Better Sleep
Warmer weather can be great during the day, but when nighttime comes around, seasonal shifts like high pollen counts, stuffy nights, and active evenings can mess with our sleep routine. To make sure you get the right amount of sleep as hot weather nears, read these tips.
A Message to Makeup-Shamers at the Gym: Can You Freakin' NOT
Hey, you - yes you! The one on your phone at the gym, texting your friend about the girl with the "painted face," by the weight rack . . . and you, the one in the studio whispering to your friend, talking crap on the person in front of you for wearing foundation . . . STOP. Just stop right there.
It's easy to be judgmental; snap judgments are how we get through life. But cool it, because while we shouldn't feel pressured to get dolled up to work out, we absolutely should not be making other women feel bad for their choice to feel more comfortable and confident. Makeup shaming is makeup shaming, at the gym or otherwise, and it's wrong (just like any other kind of shaming!).
Since when does someone wearing makeup to the gym impact you in any way whatsoever? You're at the gym to get healthy and have a workout. That's it. Focus on you, your journey, your development, and your own face, not someone else's. Also, major newsflash - no one who puts on makeup before heading out the door signs up to receive your opinion on the matter.
Our culture has shifted toward "let's point out everything that everyone's doing wrong," and "if I don't agree with what you're doing, you're wrong." Oh, and (according to Facebook comments everywhere) everyone feels the need to share their opinion, whether or not that opinion contributes to a positive conversation.
While at a workout event in San Francisco, a fitness influencer (who shall not be named) was giving a speech, saying something to the tune of "To all you girls wearing makeup at the gym, when your face comes off on your towel, it's not cute." My coworker and I were horrified by this - especially because there were women at that same event who were wearing makeup at the time. It was awful, and painfully awkward.
How does saying something like that contribute to empowering women? On one end, sure - we want women to feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin. As women, we shouldn't have to feel like we need to uphold a certain standard of beauty when we're projectile sweating and borderline dying in the gym. But here's the thing: not everyone feels comfortable without makeup, and THAT'S OK. And other women like wearing makeup at the gym, and it's not attached to any sort of insecurity.
Think before you speak. Sure, it may seem like a casual text to a friend, or an off-hand Facebook comment, or some cupped-hand gossip whispering to the girl next to you won't hurt anyone, but our actions and our words are cumulative, and over time, it contributes to a culture of shame, exclusion, and negativity. Gut check: Does what your saying contribute to a more positive society? Does it contribute to the empowerment of women? Does it help anyone on their fitness journey? If the answer is no, then just stop. Then, once you've stopped, take a moment to look inward and find out why you're unhappy and taking this unhappiness out on others.
And for those of you who love makeup, or are squeezing in a lunchtime workout from the office with a made up face, or who aren't yet ready to bare it all in a public setting and need that little layer of makeup or touch of highlighter to make you feel your best, you do you! Don't let anyone call into question how fabulous you are, or make you doubt your decision, or bring you down. Feeling confident makes your workout even better (thanks, makeup!), so just get out there and crush them in the gym. End rant.
The 7 Coolest Tech Gadgets Out in 2017
When it comes to rising tech trends, right now we're seeing a big focus on products that will make your life easier. Whether that means giving you time back in your day or keeping things all in one place, products are being designed to make the wearer's day better. Instead of trying to keep up with the constant stream of new stuff coming to market, let us do the hard work for you.
Up ahead, we rounded up the most mesmerizing, useful items you'll want to get this year. Check them out.
5 Things to Know About James Comey's Wife, Patrice Failor
James Comey got one of the only chuckles during his otherwise fairly tense Senate testimony on June 8 when he publicly regretted canceling plans with his wife to have his now-infamously awkward dinner with Donald Trump. (You know, the one where Trump reportedly - and repeatedly - demanded Comey's "loyalty.")
James Comey says he had to "break a date" with his wife when Pres. Trump invited him to the White House for dinner https://t.co/oWfQ0jkiXG
- CNN (@CNN) June 8, 2017
Almost immediately after the shout-out, the internet wanted to know who, exactly, Comey is married to. Her name is Patrice Failor - and she's pictured to the right of Comey in the photo below, which was taken during his swearing-in as FBI director back in 2013. Read on to learn more about Comey's wife of 30 years:
1. She says she met Comey at a "daiquiri party" in college - he disputes this
In a 2014 interview with Flat Hat News, the student newspaper of the College of William and Mary - where Failor and Comey first met - Comey disputed his wife's story about how they first crossed paths. Comey said he doesn't "recall meeting her" at that particular event. He did remember that she nominated him to run for president of their dorm council, soon after which they were introduced by a friend. "She let me talk about myself for three hours," Comey remembered. "Naturally, I walked away deeply in love with her, because she let me talk about myself, a habit which she has since fixed." No word as to whether Failor confirms or denies the fact that this habit has, in fact, been nipped in the bud.
2. She has her own impressive professional credentials
Failor has a master's degree in counseling and has worked as a court-appointed special advocate in juvenile court. In 2016, Comey attended to watch her testify in front of the Connecticut Judiciary Committee about the need for greater support for neglected children. Failor and Comey have also been foster parents to several children over the years.
3. She once wrote a heartfelt op-ed about the death of their son
In 1995, Failor wrote a very personal essay, published in The Baltimore Sun, about the loss of her infant son Collin. The baby died at just 9 days old of a bacterial Group B Strep infection. She penned the article, she said, to help inform other parents of the risk. "I do not want to frighten anyone with my story," Failor wrote. "But I cannot allow the death of my beautiful boy to become just one in a long line of GBS tragedies." Failor and Comey are parents to five other children
4. She's apparently a fan of LGBTQ stories and Broadway . . .
Shortly after Comey was fired by President Trump, he and Failor attended a matinee of Fun Home, an acclaimed Broadway show about a woman scrutinizing her identity as a lesbian and her own father's life as a closeted gay man. A producer on the show later told The New York Times that both Comey and Failor were so moved by the play, they were wiping away tears as they headed backstage to greet the cast.
Today James Comey and his wife Patrice joined us at #FunHome in Washington, D.C. http://pic.twitter.com/W5HLrgKaPi
- Fun Home (@funhomemusical) May 13, 2017
5. But she didn't "dig" living in NYC
In a 2003 profile in New York Magazine, Comey said his wife encouraged their move to Virginia in the early '90s. "My wife wasn't digging New York," he said. "We wanted to live in a place where we'd both be happier raising our kids. She knew northern Virginia, because she'd grown up there and in Iowa, but we liked Richmond as a place to live."
The True Story Behind Orange Is the New Black
If you're a fan of Orange Is the New Black, then you know by now that it's based on the real experiences of Piper Kerman. Kerman, known as Piper Chapman (and played by Taylor Schilling) on the show, published a bestselling memoir of the same name. While Kerman says the show, headed by Weeds creator Jenji Kohan, is not a docudrama whatsoever, her real-life experience does come through in the series. Obviously, the show has diverted a lot since we've been through almost five seasons now.
The Crime
After college, the real Piper Kerman fell for a woman caught up in an international drug ring. In the book, she calls her Nora, and if you watch the show, you know her as Alex (played by Laura Prepon). The real Piper smuggled $10,000 from Chicago to Brussels, Belgium, during her time with Nora, and 10 years later, the law caught up with her. In a 2010 interview with NPR, Kerman said that while she had long harbored resentment toward Nora, during her time in prison, she accepted full responsibility for the drug-ring days. She said, "It was a reckless and selfish time in my life."
The Author Fiancé
Just like in the show, Kerman had a fiancé named Larry (Larry Smith, who is a writer), who was by her side during her incarceration. In the show, Larry, played by Jason Biggs, writes a Modern Love article titled "One Sentence, Two Prisoners" in season one. The real Larry's Modern Love piece was published on March 25, 2010, with the title "A Life to Live, This Side of the Bars." In the real column, Larry recalls how he and Kerman reacted when her past came back to haunt her: "To say she was freaked out and wondering if I would stick around for the messes sure to come is an understatement. To say that it never once crossed my mind to bail on her is simply a statement of fact." In her own memoir, Kerman said this of the column: "Even here, without him, I couldn't imagine any sweeter Christmas present." Kerman wed Smith in 2006, and they're still married. Obviously, on the show, Larry has been long gone, having left Piper for her best friend.
The Prison Rules
In the Orange Is the New Black book, Kerman wrote about the official and unofficial rules of prison life, many of which are played out in the series:
I had learned a lot since arriving in prison five months ago: how to clean house using maxipads, how to wire a light fixture, how to discern whether a duo were best friends or girlfriends, when to curse someone in Spanish, knowing the difference between "feelin' it" (good) and "feelin' some kinda way" (bad), the fastest way to calculate someone's good time, how to spot a commissary ho a mile away, and how to tell which guards were players and which guards were noth-in' nice. I even mastered a recipe from the prison's culinary canon: cheesecake.
In her NPR interview, Kerman also discussed how race played a part in how people organized in prison. But she also explained that as time goes on, the "tribal" organization becomes looser: "While initially people might sort of gravitate toward the people who are the same color of them, I think that matters less and less the longer you're there."
Kerman's husband's real New York Times column also touched on the strict rules that play out in the show's many visitation scenes. He wrote: "No one else in my life knew the reality of our circumstances, like why buying your lady a Diet Coke from the vending machine in the visiting room (because our women weren't allowed to touch money) was among the greatest acts of love you were capable of performing."
The Cast of Characters
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Netflix show is its diverse ensemble cast. While many are purely fictional, others are adapted from people Kerman actually came across in prison. While show writers created the backstory for Sophia, played by transgender actress Laverne Cox, there was a trans woman living next door to Kerman in prison, whom she calls Vanessa in the book. Also, Kerman dedicated her book to the Red character, whom she calls "Pop" in the memoir. In the book, she recalls Pop saying:
Listen, honey, I know you just got here, so I know that you don't understand what's what. I'm gonna tell you this once. There's something here called "inciting a riot," and that kind of shit you're talking about . . . you can get in big trouble for that . . . so take a tip from me, and watch what you say.
Finally, the true nature of the relationships are also captured. "A lot of folks sort of ask salacious questions about the romantic relationships between women," Kerman said in 2010, "but I think the dominant paradigm of women's relationships in prison is the mother-daughter relationship."
The Ex
Kerman gave a TED talk in 2013 about the prison system, peppering it with details about her own incarceration. In it, Kerman shared bits about people who inspired characters on the show - like the ex-lover who got her into the drug trade. At the seven-minute mark of the video below, Kerman shares how confronting her ex helped her confront her past.
The SHU
Season two begins with Piper serving time in the SHU for attacking Pennsatucky, but in real life, Kerman never had solitary confinement. She did, however, testify before the Senate earlier this year on behalf of eliminating the use of solitary as punishment.
Furlough
A big season two plot point for Piper is how she gets furlough when she finds out her grandmother is dying. In the show, she misses her death but still gets to head home for a couple of days. In real life, Kerman also lost her grandmother but didn't get furlough or to say goodbye. She told EW in a 2010 interview: "It's devastating when you confront how selfish actions you've taken are preventing you from being there for the people who need you the most. That's a terrible, terrible thing."
Want more Orange Is the New Black? Find out how every inmate landed behind bars, find out what would land you in Litchfield, and see Piper's road to becoming a badass.
- Additional reporting by Shannon Vestal
Consider These 6 Expert Picks Your Korean Beauty Starter Kit
The Korean beauty market is arguably one of the most fascinating (IMO). It seems like every day new, unique ingredients (looking at you, snail goo) are infused into equally innovative K-beauty products, creating a world of endless makeup and skincare options for beauty-lovers.
So when we caught up with Charlotte Cho, founder of SokoGlam.com and Editor in Chief of The Klog, we asked her to pick out five of her favorite K-beauty items that you absolutely must try. Among Charlotte's picks is a peel infused with red wine (yum!), a hydrating facial essence, and, of course, an essential sheet mask.
Read ahead check out all of her picks, and if you're in NYC you can snag all of these items at Sokoglam's chic new pop-up shop located in Bloomingdales. Happy shopping!
14 Baby Shower Gifts For Moms Who Love Their Sleep
Nothing is guaranteed once you become a parent, but most people can confidently assume that motherhood will definitely come with a lot less sleep (unfortunately!). Most new parents have a difficult time with the sleepless nights early on, but for some women who are passionate about their sleep, this can be an ever harder adjustment to make. Help a mama who's serious about her snoozing embrace her new role with a gift that honors her love of a good night's rest.
From sassy mugs to the perfect nursery book, check out these 14 must-have gifts for mamas who are all about sleeping.
14 Baby Shower Gifts For Moms Who Love Their Sleep
Nothing is guaranteed once you become a parent, but most people can confidently assume that motherhood will definitely come with a lot less sleep (unfortunately!). Most new parents have a difficult time with the sleepless nights early on, but for some women who are passionate about their sleep, this can be an ever harder adjustment to make. Help a mama who's serious about her snoozing embrace her new role with a gift that honors her love of a good night's rest.
From sassy mugs to the perfect nursery book, check out these 14 must-have gifts for mamas who are all about sleeping.
Stay Rested and Refreshed With These 8 Tips For Better Sleep
Warmer weather can be great during the day, but when nighttime comes around, seasonal shifts like high pollen counts, stuffy nights, and active evenings can mess with our sleep routine. To make sure you get the right amount of sleep as hot weather nears, read these tips.
So, Like, Shouldn't Piper Be Out of Prison by Now on OITNB?
The thing about Orange Is the New Black is it's hard to tell how much time everyone has left. Which is ironic, because the Regina Spektor theme song is called "You've Got Time." Over the course of the past four seasons, we've kept track of all the crimes everyone committed to land themselves behind bars. The murkier part of the show is how long their sentences are. This is not quite the case when it comes to Piper Chapman, mostly because she's pretty clear on her prison sentence from the get-go: she's serving 15 months for her pretty minor role in Alex Vause's drug cartel. With a clear time period in mind, you might think it's pretty easy to figure out how much time Piper has left. It should be simple math, but there are two things that are seriously throwing us off.
Remember in season two when Piper is flown to Chicago to serve as a witness against Alex's boss, Kubra Balik? You might also recall how Alex asks Piper to commit perjury. Alex wants Piper to corroborate her story: that she had never met Kubra. Alex begs Piper to lie under oath so that their stories match. At the last second, though, Alex decides to tell the truth in exchange for early release, making Piper's lies obvious.
Piper returns to Litchfield, and we never truly know if the court adds time to her sentence for lying. It's never really brought up again. So it's possible she's still serving her 15-month sentence, and it's possible her time in jail is set to be longer.
There's something else that makes it hard to calculate remaining time: the show's complicated timeline. We're not exactly sure how much time has passed since Piper first entered the prison, but thanks to the collection of holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day), weather clues, and even Daya's pregnancy, we have a rough timeline. Based on all the information, it's probably been a little over a year since Piper was first incarcerated. Meaning she's got some time left on her initial sentence, plus extra if she is indeed getting punished for perjury.
And then we have moments like this: recently, Danielle Brooks (who plays Taystee) revealed that season five's time period is just three days. So even after the end of season five, it's clear Piper's still got time. If there was any hope for her respite from the hellish halls of Litchfield, it might be time to let that go. Season five drops on June 9, so maybe we'll have more answers after that.
So, Like, Shouldn't Piper Be Out of Prison by Now on OITNB?
The thing about Orange Is the New Black is it's hard to tell how much time everyone has left. Which is ironic, because the Regina Spektor theme song is called "You've Got Time." Over the course of the past four seasons, we've kept track of all the crimes everyone committed to land themselves behind bars. The murkier part of the show is how long their sentences are. This is not quite the case when it comes to Piper Chapman, mostly because she's pretty clear on her prison sentence from the get-go: she's serving 15 months for her pretty minor role in Alex Vause's drug cartel. With a clear time period in mind, you might think it's pretty easy to figure out how much time Piper has left. It should be simple math, but there are two things that are seriously throwing us off.
Remember in season two when Piper is flown to Chicago to serve as a witness against Alex's boss, Kubra Balik? You might also recall how Alex asks Piper to commit perjury. Alex wants Piper to corroborate her story: that she had never met Kubra. Alex begs Piper to lie under oath so that their stories match. At the last second, though, Alex decides to tell the truth in exchange for early release, making Piper's lies obvious.
Piper returns to Litchfield, and we never truly know if the court adds time to her sentence for lying. It's never really brought up again. So it's possible she's still serving her 15-month sentence, and it's possible her time in jail is set to be longer.
There's something else that makes it hard to calculate remaining time: the show's complicated timeline. We're not exactly sure how much time has passed since Piper first entered the prison, but thanks to the collection of holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day), weather clues, and even Daya's pregnancy, we have a rough timeline. Based on all the information, it's probably been a little over a year since Piper was first incarcerated. Meaning she's got some time left on her initial sentence, plus extra if she is indeed getting punished for perjury.
And then we have moments like this: recently, Danielle Brooks (who plays Taystee) revealed that season five's time period is just three days. So even after the end of season five, it's clear Piper's still got time. If there was any hope for her respite from the hellish halls of Litchfield, it might be time to let that go. Season five drops on June 9, so maybe we'll have more answers after that.
Put a Little Disney Princess Magic Into Your Lingerie Shopping
If you need a playful little nudge to shop for lingerie from time to time, look no further. We've already broken down your bedroom look by zodiac sign, which makes defining your personal style easy. But if you have a favorite Disney princess, you're in for a treat.
The bras and undies below are a subtle ode to the magical characters we grew up with, but they're not as costume-like as you might think. Below you'll find lacy details and standout colors that will conjure images of some very iconic gowns. And hey, if you don't like the option we paired with your go-to gal, it just might be time to introduce yourself to a new princess.
This Teen's Surprise Birthday Present From His Late Dad Will Bring You to Tears
After John Crow's dad unexpectedly passed away in April, the last thing he ever expected was to receive a birthday present from him two months later. John's father purchased an awesome electric guitar for him back in February, but he didn't live long enough to present John with the sweet gift. When John's birthday rolled around, he was brought to tears as he received the card and gift from his late dad. John's sister, Chandler, orchestrated the whole surprise for her brother and captured the emotional moment on camera, seen above.
"About a month ago I dropped Johnny off at his guitar lesson, and one of the amazing instructors told me there was something I should see," Chandler wrote on Facebook. "When she showed me I just dropped to my knees, I just couldn't believe it. But I had to keep it a secret until his birthday."
According to The Times Herald, John and his dad bonded over music and his love for music has helped him cope with losing him. "I discovered music and it was amazing how it made me feel," John said. "It made that sadness go away, it made me more like my father who I so aspired to be."
This bittersweet tale gets even sweeter, however: As the story of John's heart-wrenching birthday surprise picked up steam online, Redditors tracked down the owner of the music store that sold John's dad the guitar and started sending in donations to be given to John for guitar lessons (or anything else he wished). A recent tally of the donations collected for John's birthday came to over $16,000, proving that every so often, the internet is a tender and beautiful place.
Put a Little Disney Princess Magic Into Your Lingerie Shopping
If you need a playful little nudge to shop for lingerie from time to time, look no further. We've already broken down your bedroom look by zodiac sign, which makes defining your personal style easy. But if you have a favorite Disney princess, you're in for a treat.
The bras and undies below are a subtle ode to the magical characters we grew up with, but they're not as costume-like as you might think. Below you'll find lacy details and standout colors that will conjure images of some very iconic gowns. And hey, if you don't like the option we paired with your go-to gal, it just might be time to introduce yourself to a new princess.
Catch a Recruiter's Eye With These 7 Cover Letter Tips
Although your résumé is definitely important, the cover letter can also be a make-or-break factor. Before you even get an interview, your application will have to impress the recruiter or hiring manager, so perfecting your cover letter is key to earning a face-to-face meet. Here are some tips for a perfect cover letter that will catch any recruiter's eye:
1. Tweak your tone for every company.
Don't send generic cover letters that can be used for any job application. You want to make sure that the tone of your letter fits the type of firm you're applying to. Is the company looking for someone with sass or someone more serious? Figure that out on your own, and tailor your letter to what suits the company.
2. Make a case.
You won't be able to get to this on your résumé, so be sure to make the case for why you're the right person for the job and why you want to work for the company on your cover letter. A good way to sell yourself is to connect your experiences with the job description. List your skills and experiences that match the type of candidate they are looking to hire.
3. Be different.
Don't repeat everything on your résumé in your cover letter. The letter is your chance to shine and show a bit of your personality. Repeating what's already been said just takes up valuable space.
4. Don't bring up your weaknesses.
If no one is asking you what your biggest failings are, then don't be so eager to volunteer that information. The cover letter is not the time to reflect on self-improvement; save that for the weakness question you may be asked during the interview.
5. Focus on the company, not yourself.
Try your best to show that you care about the company and how you want to help it grow. Try to avoid using too much "I," and instead show how you can be a helpful addition to the company, not in general.
6. Stick to the right length.
Limit yourself to a page, and try to stick to four paragraphs. The first should comprise an introduction, the position you'd like to apply for, and a sentence briefly summarizing why you'd like the job and why you're a perfect fit. The next two paragraphs should go on to mention applicable skills and specific achievements that further showcase how qualified you are for the job. You can even use some of the space to explain your suitability if it needs more details, such as the fact that you'd move for the job or why you're changing careers. The last paragraph should be a final, brief emphasis on why you're excited for the position and a place for you to thank the readers for their time and consideration. You can also make a polite mention of letting them know you'll be in touch.
7. Keep it clean.
Be sure to repeatedly edit your cover letter, and always have at least one other pair of eyes look it over. Check for grammar mistakes, run-on sentences, and spelling errors. Make sure everything is consistent. If you say "I am" in the first sentence, then don't suddenly switch to "I'm" in the next.
To round out your application package, avoid making these common résumé mistakes, as well.
The Internet Is Loving the Latest Controversy Between Taylor Swift and Katy Perry
Taylor Swift just pulled an interesting stunt with her music, and Twitter is having a field day. On Thursday, the singer's team announced the exciting news that she would be returning her entire music back catalog to streaming services, including Spotify, at midnight on June 9 as a personal "thank you" to her fans for helping her 2014 album 1989 sell over 10 million copies. While the whole thing seemed innocent on the surface, people couldn't help but notice the timing of her move was pretty suspect, considering it was the exact same time Katy Perry's Witness was set to drop. Petty? Maybe. But people are eating (or should we say sipping?) it up. See some of the best reactions to Taylor and Katy's ever-evolving feud below.
Most strutted straight to the Internet.
Katy Perry: new album out now!!!
Taylor Swift: *puts her entire catalogue back on streaming services* http://pic.twitter.com/MmnLGImiHJ- Common Gay Boy (@CGBPosts) June 9, 2017
Some stated the facts.
In other news: Taylor Swift putting all her music back on Spotify on Katy Perry release day? SHAAAAAADE.
- Juno Dawson (@junodawson) June 9, 2017
Some were shook.
taylor swift puts her discography back on spotify and discounts all her albums on katy perry's album release day http://pic.twitter.com/8io7TPjnni
- judgmental gay 🦄 (@jdgmntlgay) June 9, 2017
Some made jokes.
Katy Perry: hey guys I'm releasing my alb-
Taylor Swift: http://pic.twitter.com/Ww2KLaRYpd- Diogo G. (@Diogo_A) June 9, 2017
Some applauded Taylor's pettiness.
Taylor Swift putting her music on Spotify the day Katy Perry released her new album is the level of petty I aim for in life
- Lee Munro (@_leemunro) June 9, 2017
Some sipped the tea.
Katy Perry spent 4 years on her new album but got OVERSHADOWED BY ALL OF TAYLOR SWIFT'S OLD MUSIC BEING RE-RELEASED http://pic.twitter.com/5SGk0lk8HR
- summer (@slaylorstan) June 9, 2017
Some thought the whole thing was pointless.
It's hard to pick sides in the Katy Perry/Taylor Swift feud because they both don't have a point.
- Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) June 9, 2017
While others suggested a popular alternative.
i'm NOT taking sides on this but i will say i'm FASCINATED by the timing!! my official stance on ~taylor vs katy~ is #BuyJoanneOniTunes ✨ https://t.co/gzsTGuWcJ7
- Tyler #ChosenFamily (@tyleroakley) June 9, 2017
How Sex Can Give You the Best Skin of Your Life
That's right, we're talking about sex and skin ladies (which happen to be our two favorite things). While there are endless benefits to having a weekly orgasm when it comes to fitness and health, you can actually enlist your significant other in a wild romp for a clearer complexion, too. And did we mention bed head? Nothing gives a fresh blowout texture like a quickie. Now, we know it sounds too good to be true, so we've called upon a couple dermatologists to prove our point. Below you'll find five fantastic beauty reasons to have sex tonight, and tomorrow, and yeah, you get the picture!
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.
11 Powerful, Moving LGBTQ+ Documentaries You Can Watch on Netflix
We're celebrating LGBTQ Pride all month long, but there's always a way to take this action, awareness, and passion step further. In 2017, it's more important than ever to celebrate and bring awareness to the LGBTQ+ community. We're continuing our efforts by spotlighting some of the most poignant LGBTQ documentaries currently on Netflix. With captivating stories about all different aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender life, it's practically impossible not to feel inspired and even more impossible not to learn something incredible along the way.
Wow, the Honeymoon Capital of the World Is Trashed and Abandoned - See the Creepy Photos
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania had been considered to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" for decades, but in the 1990s, hotels in the area started closing down. Soon enough, the romantic getaway spot turned into an abandoned area that's downright chilling. Photojournalist Seph Lawless documented many of the resorts in the area after their demise.
The Penn Hills Resort and Summit Resort are particularly spine-tingling. Check out some of Seph's fascinating video and photos. Wouldn't it be creepy to visit these places? It's amazing how they've been left like this.
Ellen Pompeo's Sweet Family Photos Will Make You Feel Anything but Grey
When she's not running Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital on ABC's hit medical drama Grey's Anatomy, Ellen Pompeo (who plays Meredith Grey) is a full-time mom. The actress and her husband Chris Ivery, whom she married in 2007, are loving parents to three adorable children; daughters Stella, who was born in 2009; and Sienna, who arrived via surrogate in 2014; and their 5-month-old son, Eli Christopher. Over the years, Ellen has given us tiny glimpses of her adorable family by posting pictures (and a few sweet videos) on social media. See some of her best mom moments here.
How Sex Can Give You the Best Skin of Your Life
That's right, we're talking about sex and skin ladies (which happen to be our two favorite things). While there are endless benefits to having a weekly orgasm when it comes to fitness and health, you can actually enlist your significant other in a wild romp for a clearer complexion, too. And did we mention bed head? Nothing gives a fresh blowout texture like a quickie. Now, we know it sounds too good to be true, so we've called upon a couple dermatologists to prove our point. Below you'll find five fantastic beauty reasons to have sex tonight, and tomorrow, and yeah, you get the picture!
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.
The Internet Is Loving the Latest Controversy Between Taylor Swift and Katy Perry
Taylor Swift just pulled an interesting stunt with her music, and Twitter is having a field day. On Thursday, the singer's team announced the exciting news that she would be returning her entire music back catalog to streaming services, including Spotify, at midnight on June 9 as a personal "thank you" to her fans for helping her 2014 album 1989 sell over 10 million copies. While the whole thing seemed innocent on the surface, people couldn't help but notice the timing of her move was pretty suspect, considering it was the exact same time Katy Perry's Witness was set to drop. Petty? Maybe. But people are eating (or should we say sipping?) it up. See some of the best reactions to Taylor and Katy's ever-evolving feud below.
Most strutted straight to the Internet.
Katy Perry: new album out now!!!
Taylor Swift: *puts her entire catalogue back on streaming services* http://pic.twitter.com/MmnLGImiHJ- Common Gay Boy (@CGBPosts) June 9, 2017
Some stated the facts.
In other news: Taylor Swift putting all her music back on Spotify on Katy Perry release day? SHAAAAAADE.
- Juno Dawson (@junodawson) June 9, 2017
Some were shook.
taylor swift puts her discography back on spotify and discounts all her albums on katy perry's album release day http://pic.twitter.com/8io7TPjnni
- judgmental gay 🦄 (@jdgmntlgay) June 9, 2017
Some made jokes.
Katy Perry: hey guys I'm releasing my alb-
Taylor Swift: http://pic.twitter.com/Ww2KLaRYpd- Diogo G. (@Diogo_A) June 9, 2017
Some applauded Taylor's pettiness.
Taylor Swift putting her music on Spotify the day Katy Perry released her new album is the level of petty I aim for in life
- Lee Munro (@_leemunro) June 9, 2017
Some sipped the tea.
Katy Perry spent 4 years on her new album but got OVERSHADOWED BY ALL OF TAYLOR SWIFT'S OLD MUSIC BEING RE-RELEASED http://pic.twitter.com/5SGk0lk8HR
- summer (@slaylorstan) June 9, 2017
Some thought the whole thing was pointless.
It's hard to pick sides in the Katy Perry/Taylor Swift feud because they both don't have a point.
- Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) June 9, 2017
While others suggested a popular alternative.
i'm NOT taking sides on this but i will say i'm FASCINATED by the timing!! my official stance on ~taylor vs katy~ is #BuyJoanneOniTunes ✨ https://t.co/gzsTGuWcJ7
- Tyler #ChosenFamily (@tyleroakley) June 9, 2017
15+ Trader Joe's Foods Your Game Day Isn't Complete Without
If the only thing you hear when someone says "game day" is "food," you've come to the right place. And the other place you'll want to go is Trader Joe's. Among the stocked aisles of Trader Joe's, you'll find some of the best dips, guac, and frozen bites that will score you major points, no matter whose team you're on. Ahead, get the details on 15-plus of our must-have Trader Joe's picks for any game-watching party, and be sure to add them to your list before you head to a friend's get-together or host your own. Because who wants to spend hours making game-day snacks when you could buy plenty that are just as good?
Simple Summer Chores For Kids of All Ages
Once school is out for Summer, kids' schedules and routines tend to become a bit more lax, which means a messier home, messier kids, more dirty, ice-cream-stained laundry than you know what to do with, and tons of "I'm boreds" coming out of your kids' mouths. For a total win-win, combat Summer boredom and keep your household a bit more together by assigning your little ones a few chores to do.
There are a bunch of tasks around the house and in the backyard that can be completed by children based on their age, which will help them to learn about hard work and having responsibilities over their break (you can make them each a "Before You Play" list of tasks or even include rewards for each one that's completed, so that there are incentives involved).
Ahead, the best Summer chores your kids can pitch in with - or do on their own - this Summer.
13 Awesome Father's Day Decor Gifts on Amazon Prime
How is it that Father's Day sneaks up on us every year? It's always the third Sunday of June, yet we're again in a time crunch to find the perfect gift for dad. Luckily, Amazon Prime is here to rescue us with their supply of ready-to-ship items guaranteed to be on our doorstep in just two days. Looks like our status as favorite child is secure for another year. Check out our favorite, fun finds for dad ahead.
15+ Trader Joe's Foods Your Game Day Isn't Complete Without
If the only thing you hear when someone says "game day" is "food," you've come to the right place. And the other place you'll want to go is Trader Joe's. Among the stocked aisles of Trader Joe's, you'll find some of the best dips, guac, and frozen bites that will score you major points, no matter whose team you're on. Ahead, get the details on 15-plus of our must-have Trader Joe's picks for any game-watching party, and be sure to add them to your list before you head to a friend's get-together or host your own. Because who wants to spend hours making game-day snacks when you could buy plenty that are just as good?
Simple Summer Chores For Kids of All Ages
Once school is out for Summer, kids' schedules and routines tend to become a bit more lax, which means a messier home, messier kids, more dirty, ice-cream-stained laundry than you know what to do with, and tons of "I'm boreds" coming out of your kids' mouths. For a total win-win, combat Summer boredom and keep your household a bit more together by assigning your little ones a few chores to do.
There are a bunch of tasks around the house and in the backyard that can be completed by children based on their age, which will help them to learn about hard work and having responsibilities over their break (you can make them each a "Before You Play" list of tasks or even include rewards for each one that's completed, so that there are incentives involved).
Ahead, the best Summer chores your kids can pitch in with - or do on their own - this Summer.
40 Killer Vegetarian Appetizers
Even if you're an omnivore, it's nice to offer up at least one meat-free option when hosting a party, as it's likely some of your guests are vegetarian, or even vegan. Thankfully, we've got an array of options so superb that no one will miss out on the meat at all.
- Additional reporting by Susannah Chen and Hilary White
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.
I Made These 6 Changes at Snack Time and Lost Weight
When it came to my sanity, snacking on something between lunch and dinner helped prevent me from wanting to push the entire refrigerator into my mouth by 6 pm. Sadly though, I wasn't always making the right choices. Instead my snack choices left me feeling sleepy, famished, and weren't doing anything for my waistline. I decided to get serious about snack time by making these changes, and now feel more alert, less bloated, and the scale is even budging!
Crackers, Pretzels, Chips, Oh My!
Can you say carbs? Yes, a snack is supposed give you energy to get through your day, but munching strictly on chips or pretzels left me feeling sleepy and hungry. On their own, I found that refined carbs were a terrible snack choice because they tend to be low in fiber and protein, the nutrients you need to feel satiated. I started to make sure my snack choice had fiber and protein, which kept me fuller longer. Carrots with hummus or a few homemade banana oat protein balls are my new choices.
I've Got to Have That Cookie!
Whether picking up an enormous 300-calorie peanut butter cookie when out buying my lunch or consuming a bar of dark chocolate, sugary snacks left me feeling foggy, and the empty calories - although super delicious - wasn't helping with my weight-loss goals. To satisfy my sweet cravings, I started enjoying a fruit and protein smoothie or a date with almond butter.
Two is Key
Certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition told POPSUGAR that snacks should contain at least two of the following to help you feel fuller longer: protein (6-10 grams), fiber (at least three grams), and healthy fats (6-10 grams). Heeding her advice, I started making sure I wasn't just eating my normal piece of fruit, but would couple it with some protein or healthy fats, like raw almonds. This banana sushi snack is one of my go-tos.
But Nuts Are High in Protein, Right?
While nuts offer all three, I was eating handful after handful of salted cashews with raisins - I'm sure I ate almost a cup's worth. One handful is a serving, so even when eating healthy foods, I make sure to stick to serving sizes!
Eating a Meal, Not Snack
A snack is supposed to be a little something - not a lot of something. To keep things in check, I now keep my snacks around 150-200 calories, which means it's important to choose the right foods. Case in point: one of my go-to snacks used to be a Cashew Cookie Larabar (I'm a little addicted to these!) and a banana. This combo was the equivalent of 330 calories, which was almost as much as my breakfast. To navigate around this, I started checking the labels on my protein and granola bars and realized they were higher in calories than I thought. So instead of an entire Larabar, I might enjoy half with a handful of berries.
Thirsty, Not Hungry
One thing I realized is that it became a habit to eat an afternoon snack. I'd get the slightest urge to have a little something and immediately reach for food. So I started reaching for a water bottle instead. I'd drink about 12 ounces, and then give it about 10 minutes to see if I was still feeling hungry or not. Most of the time the feeling subsided, or I'd only need a little bite of something like an orange, which saved me unnecessary calories. So before going straight to crunching, try sipping!
40 Killer Vegetarian Appetizers
Even if you're an omnivore, it's nice to offer up at least one meat-free option when hosting a party, as it's likely some of your guests are vegetarian, or even vegan. Thankfully, we've got an array of options so superb that no one will miss out on the meat at all.
- Additional reporting by Susannah Chen and Hilary White
I Made These 6 Changes at Snack Time and Lost Weight
When it came to my sanity, snacking on something between lunch and dinner helped prevent me from wanting to push the entire refrigerator into my mouth by 6 pm. Sadly though, I wasn't always making the right choices. Instead my snack choices left me feeling sleepy, famished, and weren't doing anything for my waistline. I decided to get serious about snack time by making these changes, and now feel more alert, less bloated, and the scale is even budging!
Crackers, Pretzels, Chips, Oh My!
Can you say carbs? Yes, a snack is supposed give you energy to get through your day, but munching strictly on chips or pretzels left me feeling sleepy and hungry. On their own, I found that refined carbs were a terrible snack choice because they tend to be low in fiber and protein, the nutrients you need to feel satiated. I started to make sure my snack choice had fiber and protein, which kept me fuller longer. Carrots with hummus or a few homemade banana oat protein balls are my new choices.
I've Got to Have That Cookie!
Whether picking up an enormous 300-calorie peanut butter cookie when out buying my lunch or consuming a bar of dark chocolate, sugary snacks left me feeling foggy, and the empty calories - although super delicious - wasn't helping with my weight-loss goals. To satisfy my sweet cravings, I started enjoying a fruit and protein smoothie or a date with almond butter.
Two is Key
Certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition told POPSUGAR that snacks should contain at least two of the following to help you feel fuller longer: protein (6-10 grams), fiber (at least three grams), and healthy fats (6-10 grams). Heeding her advice, I started making sure I wasn't just eating my normal piece of fruit, but would couple it with some protein or healthy fats, like raw almonds. This banana sushi snack is one of my go-tos.
But Nuts Are High in Protein, Right?
While nuts offer all three, I was eating handful after handful of salted cashews with raisins - I'm sure I ate almost a cup's worth. One handful is a serving, so even when eating healthy foods, I make sure to stick to serving sizes!
Eating a Meal, Not Snack
A snack is supposed to be a little something - not a lot of something. To keep things in check, I now keep my snacks around 150-200 calories, which means it's important to choose the right foods. Case in point: one of my go-to snacks used to be a Cashew Cookie Larabar (I'm a little addicted to these!) and a banana. This combo was the equivalent of 330 calories, which was almost as much as my breakfast. To navigate around this, I started checking the labels on my protein and granola bars and realized they were higher in calories than I thought. So instead of an entire Larabar, I might enjoy half with a handful of berries.
Thirsty, Not Hungry
One thing I realized is that it became a habit to eat an afternoon snack. I'd get the slightest urge to have a little something and immediately reach for food. So I started reaching for a water bottle instead. I'd drink about 12 ounces, and then give it about 10 minutes to see if I was still feeling hungry or not. Most of the time the feeling subsided, or I'd only need a little bite of something like an orange, which saved me unnecessary calories. So before going straight to crunching, try sipping!
These 10 Wipes Will Keep You Fresh in the Sweltering Heat
While most of us love spending time outdoors and soaking in the sunshine, you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who likes feeling sweaty, sticky, and smelly. Luckily, you can avoid this. Keep some of these packs of wipes in your bag so you can use them to wipe down your body when the weather is just too hot to handle. Not only will this ensure you stay smelling lovely, but it will help with preventing breakouts. Keep reading to find which 10 wipes made our cut.
How 1 Redhead Got Her Princess Ariel Mermaid Waves Back With a Perm
I'll never forget when it happened - the day I lost my curls. I had just turned the corner out of my 20s and was celebrating my big 3-0 in the Hamptons with my closest friends. After a day spent at the beach, frolicking in the ocean, we came home to begin preparations for our night out. And instead of my usual curls twisting up into beachy mermaid waves, they lay limp and flat.
Let's backtrack: I'm a major beauty girl. I love the art of getting ready. I like to think of it as an arts and craft project with the canvas being my face. I've never met a face mask or a tube of mascara that I didn't love! The joy of getting ready, however, ends with my face. Doing my hair? Not so much.
I always found the blow-dry, or curling or straightening process arduous, and I never really got the hang of it. I'll admit that part of the reason is because I never had a problem with my hair. In fact, my hair has always been my trademark - long and thick, in a rather unique shade of red. It has always been the kind of mane that really just obeyed orders - when I was in high school and only wanted straight hair, I would take to an iron and live my life frizz free. Postcollege when wavy/beachy hair was en vogue, I tossed some surf spray in and voila! For the first 29 years of my life, my hair was low maintenance and drama free!
Fast forward to the Hamptons 2016: As if turning 30 wasn't enough of a life change, it seemed as though the universe thought it would be funny to bestow me with straight, limp hair. This transition wasn't something that happened overnight - clearly it was a slow progression. But to say the timing was uncanny would be an understatement.
Following that fateful weekend, I began a quest to get to the bottom of my "mane" identity crisis (pun intended). I treaded through what seemed like the end of the internet and back, viewing countless articles on the reasons behind why one's hair may randomly change texture, and I scrolled through seemingly endless beauty message board conversations. I polled every hair expert I came into contact with, asking them to solve why my hair suddenly went from bouncy and happy to limp and sad.
Nothing really worked - I would leave my house and by my second Tito's and Soda, my hair would resemble a strange unidentifiable crimp situation.
The most troubling part about my new state of affairs was that my hair no longer held a curl at all. So even my attempts at faking a beachy wave with a wand failed. As with everything in life, I slowly learned to cope with my new set of circumstances. I stocked up on volumizing shampoo and went through my fair share of hairspray trials in an attempt to lock in my styled curls. Truthfully, nothing really worked - I would leave my house and by my second Tito's and Soda, my hair would resemble a strange unidentifiable crimp situation.
As much as I tried to accept and embrace my new set of hair(y) circumstances, I couldn't really reconcile having straight hair. I just didn't feel like myself. Just as I had when I first encountered my new straight hair, I delved into the depths of the World Wide Web to try and figure out if and how I could ever regain my curls back. Naturally, my initial search process lead me to the traditional perm - a word that terrified me for a number of reasons. A) I had no interest in looking like Jesse Spano from the early days of Saved By The Bell (she was a total hottie, but not really my style), but more importantly B) I had VIRGIN HAIR - as a natural redhead, my parents never allowed to dye my hair growing up, and until recently I had no reason to chemically treat it.
Seeing as though the traditional perm was OUT, I hit a wall in terms of possible solutions. Luckily for me, I happen to have a best friend who does double duty as a beauty editor. She was all too familiar with my struggle (sorry for all the whining, Lauren), so when she came across a treatment that the NYC Nunzio Saviano salon offered called the Digital Wave, I was the first person she told.
The Digital Wave is similar to a traditional perm but is less chemically damaging, and it creates beach waves instead of ringlets. It uses a digital iron to get the job done, and results last three to four months. It seemed like my knight in shining armor, and I was ready to go along for the ride. To help you see what the deal is, I photographed the journey and interviewed my stylist, Jean Oh, along the way!
The Hidden Benefit to Finding Out the Sex of My Baby
"Are you going to find out the sex?" Once people learn you're pregnant, that's often the next question you get. For me it was an easy one: "Yes. And in fact, I already know. It's a girl."
By the time I started telling people I was pregnant around 12 weeks, I knew my baby's sex. My husband and I had decided to opt for the new genetic blood test called NIPT, which you can take as early as 10 weeks. We liked it for various reasons, including the high-accuracy for assessing Down syndrome risk and the fact that it would tell you the baby's sex long before the traditional ultrasound done between 16 and 20 weeks. It cost us about $400 out of pocket, but for me the peace of mine was worth it - as was knowing the sex of the fetus growing inside of me.
It was a relief to take a test that didn't have a good or bad result.
Yes, finding out the sex of my baby was really important to me - but not because I wanted to buy a bunch of gender-specific clothes, hold an elaborate gender reveal party, or paint a nursery blue or pink. (For what it's worth, my second bedroom is mint green and will stay that way.) Rather, it was a way for me to break up early pregnancy. I found the first trimester to be a pretty tough slog of nausea, lifestyle changes, and anxiety about genetic testing or the risk of miscarriage. It was a relief to take a test that didn't have a good or bad result. It felt like a way to treat myself and get a little excitement before the birth. Pregnancy is already such a waiting game, so I didn't see the point of hoarding all the discovery about my future baby until the day of the birth.
Learning the sex also helped me "bond" with my baby. Pregnancy seems almost theoretical early on: there's no bump, just symptoms. The whole thing felt much more real once I started referring to my future baby as "her" instead of "it." Carista Luminare is an expert in prenatal bonding and author of Parenting Begins Before Conception: A Guide to Preparing Body, Mind, and Spirit for You and Your Future Child. Along with journaling, talking to your belly regularly, or singing to the baby, she agrees that finding out the sex can build a connection and affection. It also offers a chance to settle on a name early. "For many, putting a personal name to the baby makes it less abstract," Luminare says. Of course, she also stresses that there are no rules about bonding, just "whatever opens the heart of each parent." For me, that was finding out the sex.
It gave us a chance to talk through our own gender biases.
The choice to find out the sex helped my husband and me connect, too, which I wasn't expecting. Right before we got the call with the results, "My Girl" came on at the restaurant we were at. I told him it was a sign, and five minutes later we found out we were having girl. As silly as it was, I know we'll never forget that moment. The news also encouraged us to start narrowing down baby names, a fun pregnancy project. And it gave us a chance to talk through our own gender biases and plans. We talked about how to help our future daughter be driven by her interests, not society's confining gender norms. We promised to share my husband's passion for technology and coding with her, while I would be sure to expose her to my love of sports. And if she loved princesses or anything overtly girlie, we'd embrace it, since femininity and feminism are not mutually exclusive.
If you believe men and women are equal, finding out the sex of your future baby may seem arbitrary. But even as a feminist, I discovered it did matter. I also realized that saving it until the end as some big surprise might have made the sex a bigger deal than I wanted it to be. Finding out as soon as I could came with many benefits for me, including bonding with the baby and my husband. And it didn't require that I fall into a sea of pink.
Watching Shakira Perform Her Son's Favorite Song For the First Time Will Give You Chills
Even though Shakira's El Dorado is already one of the bestselling Latin music albums ever, the Colombian singer just got around to hosting a launch party in Barcelona - and we wished we were there. Lucky for us, Shakira's Facebook page posted a video of some of the songs she performed for the audience.
The mom of two first performed her 4-year-old's favorite song, "Toneladas," a romantic ballad she performed with Milan's music teacher on the piano. During the concert, Shakira also gave new life to the global hit "Chantaje" with an acoustic performance, later singing another new song, "Nada," live for the very first time. Watch Shakira's concert above - you don't want to miss her iconic belly-dancing moves.
Watching Shakira Perform Her Son's Favorite Song For the First Time Will Give You Chills
Even though Shakira's El Dorado is already one of the bestselling Latin music albums ever, the Colombian singer just got around to hosting a launch party in Barcelona - and we wished we were there. Lucky for us, Shakira's Facebook page posted a video of some of the songs she performed for the audience.
The mom of two first performed her 4-year-old's favorite song, "Toneladas," a romantic ballad she performed with Milan's music teacher on the piano. During the concert, Shakira also gave new life to the global hit "Chantaje" with an acoustic performance, later singing another new song, "Nada," live for the very first time. Watch Shakira's concert above - you don't want to miss her iconic belly-dancing moves.
These Are the Iconic Summer Jams That Defined the Last 25 Years
Nothing says Summer like laying by the pool, soaking in the sun, and listening to the hottest, catchiest new song. While the biggest Summer hit of 2017 has yet to be crowned, iHeartRadio recently figured out which jams have been number one on the radio each Summer over the last 25 years (which you can watch above). From Brandy and Monica's "That Boy Is Mine" to Sean Paul's "Temperature," we've rounded them all up below so you can have your own nostalgic walk down memory lane. See if your favorite songs from 1992 until now made the list!
These 10 Wipes Will Keep You Fresh in the Sweltering Heat
While most of us love spending time outdoors and soaking in the sunshine, you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who likes feeling sweaty, sticky, and smelly. Luckily, you can avoid this. Keep some of these packs of wipes in your bag so you can use them to wipe down your body when the weather is just too hot to handle. Not only will this ensure you stay smelling lovely, but it will help with preventing breakouts. Keep reading to find which 10 wipes made our cut.
How 1 Redhead Got Her Princess Ariel Mermaid Waves Back With a Perm
I'll never forget when it happened - the day I lost my curls. I had just turned the corner out of my 20s and was celebrating my big 3-0 in the Hamptons with my closest friends. After a day spent at the beach, frolicking in the ocean, we came home to begin preparations for our night out. And instead of my usual curls twisting up into beachy mermaid waves, they lay limp and flat.
Let's backtrack: I'm a major beauty girl. I love the art of getting ready. I like to think of it as an arts and craft project with the canvas being my face. I've never met a face mask or a tube of mascara that I didn't love! The joy of getting ready, however, ends with my face. Doing my hair? Not so much.
I always found the blow-dry, or curling or straightening process arduous, and I never really got the hang of it. I'll admit that part of the reason is because I never had a problem with my hair. In fact, my hair has always been my trademark - long and thick, in a rather unique shade of red. It has always been the kind of mane that really just obeyed orders - when I was in high school and only wanted straight hair, I would take to an iron and live my life frizz free. Postcollege when wavy/beachy hair was en vogue, I tossed some surf spray in and voila! For the first 29 years of my life, my hair was low maintenance and drama free!
Fast forward to the Hamptons 2016: As if turning 30 wasn't enough of a life change, it seemed as though the universe thought it would be funny to bestow me with straight, limp hair. This transition wasn't something that happened overnight - clearly it was a slow progression. But to say the timing was uncanny would be an understatement.
Following that fateful weekend, I began a quest to get to the bottom of my "mane" identity crisis (pun intended). I treaded through what seemed like the end of the internet and back, viewing countless articles on the reasons behind why one's hair may randomly change texture, and I scrolled through seemingly endless beauty message board conversations. I polled every hair expert I came into contact with, asking them to solve why my hair suddenly went from bouncy and happy to limp and sad.
Nothing really worked - I would leave my house and by my second Tito's and Soda, my hair would resemble a strange unidentifiable crimp situation.
The most troubling part about my new state of affairs was that my hair no longer held a curl at all. So even my attempts at faking a beachy wave with a wand failed. As with everything in life, I slowly learned to cope with my new set of circumstances. I stocked up on volumizing shampoo and went through my fair share of hairspray trials in an attempt to lock in my styled curls. Truthfully, nothing really worked - I would leave my house and by my second Tito's and Soda, my hair would resemble a strange unidentifiable crimp situation.
As much as I tried to accept and embrace my new set of hair(y) circumstances, I couldn't really reconcile having straight hair. I just didn't feel like myself. Just as I had when I first encountered my new straight hair, I delved into the depths of the World Wide Web to try and figure out if and how I could ever regain my curls back. Naturally, my initial search process lead me to the traditional perm - a word that terrified me for a number of reasons. A) I had no interest in looking like Jesse Spano from the early days of Saved By The Bell (she was a total hottie, but not really my style), but more importantly B) I had VIRGIN HAIR - as a natural redhead, my parents never allowed to dye my hair growing up, and until recently I had no reason to chemically treat it.
Seeing as though the traditional perm was OUT, I hit a wall in terms of possible solutions. Luckily for me, I happen to have a best friend who does double duty as a beauty editor. She was all too familiar with my struggle (sorry for all the whining, Lauren), so when she came across a treatment that the NYC Nunzio Saviano salon offered called the Digital Wave, I was the first person she told.
The Digital Wave is similar to a traditional perm but is less chemically damaging, and it creates beach waves instead of ringlets. It uses a digital iron to get the job done, and results last three to four months. It seemed like my knight in shining armor, and I was ready to go along for the ride. To help you see what the deal is, I photographed the journey and interviewed my stylist, Jean Oh, along the way!
The UK Election Ends With a Hung Parliament
Update: Theresa May will visit Buckingham Palace today to seek permission to form a new government, despite not holding the majority. It is understood that the Democratic Unionists of Northern Ireland (DUP), which won 10 seats in the election, will support the administration, however, this will not be a formal coalition.
The UK general election is set to end with a hung parliament. Though a handful of final results are still coming through, it is now clear that Theresa May's Conservatives have not won enough seats to form a majority government, with main rival the Labour Party gaining a number of seats. The BBC predicts that the Conservatives will end up with 318 seats, a few short of the 326 seats needed to win the election outright. Labour is not far behind, with a predicted 262 seats.
This means the UK wakes up today to uncertainty. With no majority win, the first option is a coalition government, where two or more parties form an alliance to make up the number of seats needed to form a majority. The incumbent Prime Minister (in this case, Theresa May) usually has the first opportunity to negotiate this. If her negotiations fail, other parties may discuss possible options, though with such a tight vote, this could prove complicated.
A successful coalition was formed in the UK in 2010, when David Cameron's Conservatives and Nick Clegg's Liberal Democrats joined forces. Technically, a similar coalition could be an option for Theresa May this time around, but it seems unlikely that current Lib Dem leader Tim Farron would be quite so open to such a partnership; the previous one decimated his party, and the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats disagree deeply on Brexit. If no parties can negotiate a coalition, one may attempt to form a minority government, relying on the support of smaller parties to pass laws in the future.
Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party, won his seat in North London and took to the stage saying, "Whatever the final result, we have already changed the face of British politics." He is calling for Theresa May to resign.
With Brexit negotiations set to begin in a matter of days, there is immense pressure for someone to take the lead and form a viable UK government. This could take days, so for now, the UK waits.
12 Latinx Swimsuit Brands That Will Make You Excited For Summer
Latin America is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in world. That's why we're not surprised to see Latinas drawing inspiration from these gorgeous coasts to create the perfect swimsuit lines.
These 12 brands bring an authentic Latin essence, creating pieces any woman would want to wear. From bold and vibrant prints to frilly and flattering styles, there's seriously something for every taste. Don't forget to pack one or two - OK maybe a few - for your next vacation! Keep reading to learn more about your new favorite swimwear brands, and then check out some more Latin-created fashion lines and bridal ateliers.
Articles
