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.
samedi 10 juin 2017
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.
Alessandra Ambrosio Wore the 1 Monokini You Need to Show Off Your Curves
If you're after the monokini trend, look no further than Alessandra Ambrosio's display of chicness while vacationing with her girlfriends in Saint-Tropez. Back in the Summer, the Brazilian Victoria's Secret Angel posted an Instagram video featuring a peek at the Henna Blues Monokini One-Piece ($180) from her Ále by Alessandra swimwear collection.
Although we're understandably in awe of the fact that she's partying by a hot tub on a boat (seriously), we need a moment to take in how perfect the swimsuit she's wearing actually is. Adorned with a fun paisley pattern and edgy cutouts, the purple-hued suit is one that will never go out of style and always flatter your figure. Press play above to see it in action. Then, check out even more similar styles.
Miranda Kerr on Her Heartbreak-Healing Essential Oil: It's Like "a Big Warm Hug"
Image Source: Getty / Kevin Mazur
Before you call "bullsh*t," hear Miranda Kerr out. According the the mega model and beauty brand owner of Kora Organics, an essential oil may help to heal a broken heart. Kerr recently launched Kora Organics Heart Chakra Aromatherpy Oil ($48), which allows you to use the power of scent to uplift your mood. The website claims it will, "invoke, nurture, and empower the energies of your Heart Chakra."
Kerr explained the inspiration behind this launch to Elle.com. "A few years ago, I was in a really rough place," she said. "My heart was really wounded. This strong wave depression really hit me all of a sudden, and I didn't know what to do. I finally asked my aromatherapist if she could help. And that's how this all started."
Then, she went on to clarify what a "heart chakra" is and how a scented oil can help it.
"It's the closest thing I can describe to feeling a big warm hug."
"Your heart chakra is the fourth chakra," Kerr noted. "It's literally right over your heart. And our chakras can open and close, and when your heart chakra is closed, you're feeling less energy, more stress, like everything is overwhelming and your whole body just wants to shut down. . . . So we created this super-charged wellness essence that really helps nurture your heart and empower your energies. We put in sandalwood, ylang ylang, cedar wood, and we combine them together and filter them through a rose quartz crystal to charge them."
It may sound a bit hokey, but many swear by this method. I once got a massage in Prague based around relaxing chakras, and I was shocked at how well it worked.
Here's how Kerr advises to apply it. "The first thing you do is smell the heart chakra oil. When you smell it, you'll feel it. It's such a sensory experience that's really uplifting and energizing . . . to be honest, I use it as an alternative to perfume because it smells so yummy. It's the closest thing I can describe to feeling a big warm hug."
Finally, it's a give-and-take method. Stay with us: by using this magical oil, you may help others around you, too. "If your heart chakra is open and activated, you're more willing to give and receive love," Kerr explained. "So then you can activate other people's hearts and make them give and receive love, too!"
More Than 50 Tips to Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight is not easy, and whoever tells you differently is lying. It takes commitment, hard work, and, for many, a complete lifestyle makeover. But armed with these 56 techniques, losing weight suddenly becomes easier.
If you're looking for quick fixes or a lose-10-pounds-in-10-days kind of promise, then you've come to the wrong place. But if you want an insider's guide on how to lose weight and keep it off for good, keep reading. From basic weight-loss fundamentals to weird tricks proven to melt away that muffin top, you're only 10 pounds away from your new self.
The Top 25 Reasons You Aren't Losing Weight
Even if you follow a fitness routine and you often choose healthier foods, you may not be seeing the weight come off the way you hope. While there are plenty of other healthy accomplishments to celebrate on this journey, it can be frustrating to not see results when you step on the scale. Sound familiar? Chances are, one of these reasons is all that's standing in the way of your weight-loss goals.
- Additional reporting by Jenny Sugar, Michele Foley, and Leta Shy
The Top 25 Reasons You Aren't Losing Weight
Even if you follow a fitness routine and you often choose healthier foods, you may not be seeing the weight come off the way you hope. While there are plenty of other healthy accomplishments to celebrate on this journey, it can be frustrating to not see results when you step on the scale. Sound familiar? Chances are, one of these reasons is all that's standing in the way of your weight-loss goals.
- Additional reporting by Jenny Sugar, Michele Foley, and Leta Shy
Get Ready to Work Up a Sweat With Free Fitness Classes at Disney Resorts!
If you needed another good excuse to book a trip to your favorite Disney resorts, we have good news for you. Walt Disney World is now offering free yoga classes at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The complimentary event, aptly titled Rise and Shine Yoga, will reportedly be offered at the resort on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:15 a.m. sharp. No need to worry about lugging a yoga mat with you, either. Free yoga mats will be provided for all guests who wish to attend. All you have to do is show up at Boca Chica, also known as building eight at the resort, and enjoy your free yoga session - no advance reservations required.
Disneyland's California Adventure Park is also getting in on the free fitness action, offering complimentary classes every Tuesday led by certified instructors, and the classes take place inside the park near Paradise Pier Bay. If you're looking for a workout that's "a blend of stretching and classic Pilates," then this one has your name written all over it. You'll have to act fast, though, since the program ends Nov. 21, 2017. Your magical workout awaits you.
Why Digestion Is Messed Up During Your Period
It's beyond rough when you suffer from digestive issues during your period. To help answer a reader's question on this matter, we turned to a board-certified physician who practices in southern California for her expert advice.
Dear Doctor,
I am wondering why my digestion goes haywire during my menstrual period. I always keep my diet clean and exercise daily, but I can't seem to combat the gas, diarrhea, constipation, and constant gurgly noises coming from my gut! What could this be and how can I stop it?
Oh, what fun menstruation is! It's our monthly reminder that we are capable of reproducing, which is a beautiful thing! But, unfortunately, it brings with it some not-so-fun symptoms, including the ones you've listed: gas/bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The most straightforward answer for your question is that these symptoms you have are due to hormones and chemicals!
The intricate balance of hormones and chemicals is what allows ovulation and menstruation to take place. Estrogen is the hormone that is important in preparing the egg for ovulation. According to MedicineNet.com, it is the progesterone, and to a lesser extent estrogen, that is the culprit for a few of the symptoms you have. Progesterone is the hormone that increases immediately after ovulation and decreases slowly until its levels drop enough to trigger menstruation. The main symptoms that progesterone (and estrogen) cause are bloating, gas, and constipation. This is secondary to the slowing or quieting effect on the contractility of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract that progesterone causes.
Once menstruation is triggered, chemicals called prostaglandins are released. Everyday Health explains that prostaglandins are important in that they cause the uterus to contract to slough off the uterine lining during menstruation. Prostaglandins, especially if present in excess, can lead to uterine cramping and discomfort that some women experience during their menstrual period. In a published study on prostaglandins and the menstrual cycle, prostaglandin levels measured in women during their periods showed that women with diarrhea had higher levels of prostaglandins in their system. Thus, it is possible that higher or excess levels of prostaglandins could be the cause of the diarrhea and gurgly noises you experience during your period, as they cause increased contraction and motility of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract.
Typically, most women experience constipation prior to their menstrual period and this resolves within the first few days of menstruation. Also, according to Everyday Health, generally speaking, women who experience diarrhea during their menstrual cycle typically get it once menstruation has started and it usually occurs in the first three days of your menstrual period. However, all women are different in terms of the levels of hormones they have, and thus, different women can experience different symptoms at different times during their menstrual cycle.
Another study found that women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more likely to experience digestive disturbances during their menstrual periods compared to women without chronic bowel problems. Not all women who experience gastrointestinal problems during menstruation have IBS, but it's something to talk to your physician about if your symptoms are extreme. Anytime your symptoms are extreme, or you are experiencing significant pain or bloody stools, you should consult with your physician for further workup and treatment.
There are many things that can be done in the premenstrual and menstrual period to try and alleviate your symptoms. You can alter your diet to include lots of high-fiber foods, whole grains, and vegetables, and limit intake of extra salt, dairy, sugar, alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. You can manage or decrease stress by using relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation or by talking with someone. Regular exercise is also recommended during your premenstrual and menstrual period, which can help reduce stress and help your digestive system function more smoothly. Keeping a diary of your GI symptoms prior to and during your period may help you identify patterns with symptoms and food/exercise/behaviors and then a plan can be developed to optimize or avoid certain things during these times to minimize symptoms. Some people's menstrual symptoms may improve by taking medications such as Advil or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) that decrease prostaglandin levels. These medications are relatively well tolerated with short-term use, although they can upset the stomach and are best taken with a small amount of food. Contraindications to use of NSAIDs include: pregnancy, history of stomach or intestinal ulcers, asthma, bleeding abnormalities, and history of allergy to this type of drug. For more information on whether this type of medication is safe for you to take, you should consult with your primary care physician.
DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.
Game of Thrones: The Season 7 Finale Will Break the Record For the Longest Episode Yet
Season six of Game of Thrones came to a bloody end last year, and we're still having some serious withdrawal issues. If you're in the same boat, let's all remember that the end of one season just means the beginning of speculation about another! Much has been revealed over the past few months, so we have a lot to talk about. Here's what we know about what's coming up from the show, the premiere date, all the trailers (there's a new one!), some telling set pictures, and quotes from the cast.
26 Movies That Will Remind You of the Magical Summers of Your Childhood
Summer is all about being outside, whether it's cooling off in the neighborhood pool or getting dirty while playing an intense game of Capture the Flag. But while everyone soaks up as much sun as they can during those precious three months, it's also nice to stay in and watch movies that transport you back in time. And since Summer is the perfect excuse for adults to still act like kids, why shouldn't your movie selection reflect that? We've rounded up some of our favorite films that we watched on a couch cushion while sitting way too close to the TV when we were young. From four friends on a mission to buy a tree house to a group of boys playing baseball on a sandlot, these movies are guaranteed to put a smile on your sun-kissed face. So, grab a Capri Sun, put on those matching pajamas, and press play to go back to a time when Summer was all about freedom and adventure.
Happy Father's Day to Every Other Family Member Who Plays the Dad Role
My mom passed away when I was 10 years old and, so, since then Mother's Day has always been a hard day to get through. I know what I was missing out on - as a kid, it was making cards out of construction paper that my mom would say were beautiful; as a teenager, it was missing out on the chance to feel proud about having enough money to buy a card and a small present; and as an adult, it was making a salary and not being able to take her out and spoil her.
I don't have the same mixed feelings about Father's Day.
I know who I celebrate on Father's Day - it's my uncle who did school pickup and drop-off every single day, who helped me pack for college, and who figured out ways to make ends meet after my mom died.
It's my mom, who while she was alive, never left me wanting for a strong-willed role in my life; she was that and more.
And the narrative extends beyond me. I'm not the only Latina who grew up without a biological father, and I'm definitely not the only one who had others step into that role in magnificently selfless and impactful ways.
It's every mom who pulled double the weight and never dropped the ball long enough for you to feel that you were different or at a loss.
It's the grandpa who hugged you when you cried and cleaned your knee when you fell off your first bike.
It's the older brother who grew up too fast for his liking but who never let you know that. The one who danced with you at your quinceañera.
It's your older cousins who shared their parents, their toys, or their feelings to help you feel less alone.
It's your uncles who taught you what strong, and present, men were like.
To them we say happy Father's Day, because they taught you through example the role dads are supposed to play in your life.
Like any other parent, they're meant to be present and available. They're meant to be strict and compassionate. They're meant to pick you up from your friend's house when it's dark out and remind you that you're strong and that they trust you.
Dad is what you call the people who show up. Happy Father's Day is what you say to the men who gave you a clear vision of the kind of men you choose to have in your life, whether as friends or significant others.
Happy Father's Day to all those who made it clear that we don't settle, that we retain the power to redefine a day to fit our own narratives, and that we have nothing to be ashamed of just because we have more than one person to celebrate on this day.
41 Photos of Shakira and Gerard Piqué Proving They Are a Match Made in Heaven
Shakira and Gerard Piqué were destined to be together. The two are head over heels for each other, but that's not all. The couple shares a birthday 10 years apart, have two little ones, and are extraordinarily charitable people, making them a match made in heaven.
Gerard is a hottie with a body, and don't get me started on Shakira. Just take a moment to think about her belly dancing skills. We'll wait! Back? OK, time to look at the best photos of the hot couple. Keep scrolling to see these two lovebirds in action.
Uber's 4 New Controversies Show How Much More It Needs to Change
If some companies had the week Uber just had, it might be time for executives to reassess their strategy and company leadership. For Uber, however, it was simply another week in what's shaping up to be a year of company missteps that have raised questions as to whether the company's CEO, Travis Kalanick, is fit to keep leading. Though the company fired more than 20 people after investigating claims of sexual harassment, it still had a series of PR nightmares that prove nothing has been fixed when it comes to its broader cultural issues. In one week, Uber faced a flurry of negative news including firing a top executive who reportedly obtained the medical records of a customer who was raped in an Uber ride, reportedly using an algorithm to pay new employees less, and the CEO using a lactation room to meditate and also sending employees a letter in 2013 instructing them "not [to] have sex with another employee."
An Uber executive was fired after he carried around the medical records of a rape victim for a year.
In 2014, a woman was raped by the driver in an Uber ride in New Delhi, India. The driver was later arrested and is serving a life sentence in prison. However, Uber's president of business in Asia, Eric Alexander, reportedly didn't believe the rape occurred and obtained the medical records of the rape victim, reports Recode. Alexander shared the records with Kalanick and Senior Vice President Emil Michael, and the three started to wonder if a competitor intentionally planted the story. Alexander then carried around the report for a year. Recode asked Uber on June 7 whether Alexander was still with the company following the June 6 firings; he was then fired once more reporters started asking the same question.
Uber used an algorithm to figure out pay for new hires and ultimately reinforced gender pay gaps.
To save money, Uber started to use a new algorithm in 2015 to come up with "lower compensation offers for many new recruits," reports The Information. The algorithm ended up doing two things: it kept up gender pay gaps and people were paid differently for the same role. The company is now fixing the algorithm.
Uber's CEO used a lactation room to meditate.
Arianna Huffington, an Uber board member, spoke at the iCONIC Conference on June 7 in New York City and tried to soften Kalanick's image. She failed when she instead told a story about how Kalanick went into a lactation room to meditate, since Uber doesn't have meditation rooms.
"Literally, it was an amazing moment last week when we were in the office and he said, 'I really need to go meditate in order to be in a place to make good decisions right now,'" Huffington said. "And literally [he] went into a lactation room that happened to be open, because they don't have meditation rooms yet. This is part of the change coming." While Huffington applauds the move and believes meditation helps Kalanick make decisions, lactation rooms should probably be kept to the women who need them.
In 2013, Kalanick wrote an obnoxious email explaining to employees how to act at a company offsite in Miami.
According to Recode, Kalanick sent out an email in 2013 to the company's 400 employees (at the time) that detailed how to act, including not having sex with another employee. The letter, which Record reports some thought Kalanick should have never sent, states "you better read this or I'll kick your ass." It goes on to ask employees not to end up in jail, "not [to] throw large kegs off of tall buildings," "do not have sex with another employee," and other dos and don'ts.
Each of these new reports was revealed in one week, and it's unbelievable that Kalanick is still CEO.
Okay, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner's Twilight Reunion Is Pretty Freakin' Adorable
Miss seeing Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner play a vampire and werewolf in the Twilight series? Well, the actors probably aren't reprising their supernatural roles anytime soon, but they did have an adorable reunion in LA on Thursday. The former costars and real-life friends shared a sweet embrace at a Moschino afterparty. While Kristen sported her infamous buzzed haircut, Taylor showed off some sexy scruff as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. This isn't the first time the two have reunited since wrapping Breaking Dawn – Part 2. In 2015, Kristen brought along Taylor as her date to her big premiere for American Ultra. Bella and Jacob may not have been true love, but we're happy to see Kristen and Taylor's friendship is still going strong.
Jennifer Lopez's Nickname For Alex Rodriguez Will Make Your Heart Pitter Patter
Jennifer Lopez has a nickname for Alex Rodriguez that we can't get out of our heads. The 47-year-old multitalented star posted two comments under a professional head shot the 41-year-old former baseball player shared on his Instagram, saying "Macho bello cono" (we think she meant coño, by the way), followed by just a few kiss-print emoji. While everyone on Instagram is freaking out about J Lo's Spanish, we took a deeper look at the meaning behind everything.
This isn't the first time that J Lo has used "macho bello" to describe ARod, which leads us to believe that's her sweet pet name for her boyfriend. When the couple was on their way to the Met Gala, Jennifer posted a selfie from the car and captioned it "Me and my macho bello..." That's quite the nickname, huh? These two have been dating for a few months and don't seem to be going anywhere.
See a screenshot of J Lo's comments below and get ready to have your heart skip a beat.
Happy Father's Day to Every Other Family Member Who Plays the Dad Role
My mom passed away when I was 10 years old and, so, since then Mother's Day has always been a hard day to get through. I know what I was missing out on - as a kid, it was making cards out of construction paper that my mom would say were beautiful; as a teenager, it was missing out on the chance to feel proud about having enough money to buy a card and a small present; and as an adult, it was making a salary and not being able to take her out and spoil her.
I don't have the same mixed feelings about Father's Day.
I know who I celebrate on Father's Day - it's my uncle who did school pickup and drop-off every single day, who helped me pack for college, and who figured out ways to make ends meet after my mom died.
It's my mom, who while she was alive, never left me wanting for a strong-willed role in my life; she was that and more.
And the narrative extends beyond me. I'm not the only Latina who grew up without a biological father, and I'm definitely not the only one who had others step into that role in magnificently selfless and impactful ways.
It's every mom who pulled double the weight and never dropped the ball long enough for you to feel that you were different or at a loss.
It's the grandpa who hugged you when you cried and cleaned your knee when you fell off your first bike.
It's the older brother who grew up too fast for his liking but who never let you know that. The one who danced with you at your quinceañera.
It's your older cousins who shared their parents, their toys, or their feelings to help you feel less alone.
It's your uncles who taught you what strong, and present, men were like.
To them we say happy Father's Day, because they taught you through example the role dads are supposed to play in your life.
Like any other parent, they're meant to be present and available. They're meant to be strict and compassionate. They're meant to pick you up from your friend's house when it's dark out and remind you that you're strong and that they trust you.
Dad is what you call the people who show up. Happy Father's Day is what you say to the men who gave you a clear vision of the kind of men you choose to have in your life, whether as friends or significant others.
Happy Father's Day to all those who made it clear that we don't settle, that we retain the power to redefine a day to fit our own narratives, and that we have nothing to be ashamed of just because we have more than one person to celebrate on this day.
41 Photos of Shakira and Gerard Piqué Proving They Are a Match Made in Heaven
Shakira and Gerard Piqué were destined to be together. The two are head over heels for each other, but that's not all. The couple shares a birthday 10 years apart, have two little ones, and are extraordinarily charitable people, making them a match made in heaven.
Gerard is a hottie with a body, and don't get me started on Shakira. Just take a moment to think about her belly dancing skills. We'll wait! Back? OK, time to look at the best photos of the hot couple. Keep scrolling to see these two lovebirds in action.
Why Digestion Is Messed Up During Your Period
It's beyond rough when you suffer from digestive issues during your period. To help answer a reader's question on this matter, we turned to a board-certified physician who practices in southern California for her expert advice.
Dear Doctor,
I am wondering why my digestion goes haywire during my menstrual period. I always keep my diet clean and exercise daily, but I can't seem to combat the gas, diarrhea, constipation, and constant gurgly noises coming from my gut! What could this be and how can I stop it?
Oh, what fun menstruation is! It's our monthly reminder that we are capable of reproducing, which is a beautiful thing! But, unfortunately, it brings with it some not-so-fun symptoms, including the ones you've listed: gas/bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The most straightforward answer for your question is that these symptoms you have are due to hormones and chemicals!
The intricate balance of hormones and chemicals is what allows ovulation and menstruation to take place. Estrogen is the hormone that is important in preparing the egg for ovulation. According to MedicineNet.com, it is the progesterone, and to a lesser extent estrogen, that is the culprit for a few of the symptoms you have. Progesterone is the hormone that increases immediately after ovulation and decreases slowly until its levels drop enough to trigger menstruation. The main symptoms that progesterone (and estrogen) cause are bloating, gas, and constipation. This is secondary to the slowing or quieting effect on the contractility of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract that progesterone causes.
Once menstruation is triggered, chemicals called prostaglandins are released. Everyday Health explains that prostaglandins are important in that they cause the uterus to contract to slough off the uterine lining during menstruation. Prostaglandins, especially if present in excess, can lead to uterine cramping and discomfort that some women experience during their menstrual period. In a published study on prostaglandins and the menstrual cycle, prostaglandin levels measured in women during their periods showed that women with diarrhea had higher levels of prostaglandins in their system. Thus, it is possible that higher or excess levels of prostaglandins could be the cause of the diarrhea and gurgly noises you experience during your period, as they cause increased contraction and motility of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract.
Typically, most women experience constipation prior to their menstrual period and this resolves within the first few days of menstruation. Also, according to Everyday Health, generally speaking, women who experience diarrhea during their menstrual cycle typically get it once menstruation has started and it usually occurs in the first three days of your menstrual period. However, all women are different in terms of the levels of hormones they have, and thus, different women can experience different symptoms at different times during their menstrual cycle.
Another study found that women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more likely to experience digestive disturbances during their menstrual periods compared to women without chronic bowel problems. Not all women who experience gastrointestinal problems during menstruation have IBS, but it's something to talk to your physician about if your symptoms are extreme. Anytime your symptoms are extreme, or you are experiencing significant pain or bloody stools, you should consult with your physician for further workup and treatment.
There are many things that can be done in the premenstrual and menstrual period to try and alleviate your symptoms. You can alter your diet to include lots of high-fiber foods, whole grains, and vegetables, and limit intake of extra salt, dairy, sugar, alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. You can manage or decrease stress by using relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation or by talking with someone. Regular exercise is also recommended during your premenstrual and menstrual period, which can help reduce stress and help your digestive system function more smoothly. Keeping a diary of your GI symptoms prior to and during your period may help you identify patterns with symptoms and food/exercise/behaviors and then a plan can be developed to optimize or avoid certain things during these times to minimize symptoms. Some people's menstrual symptoms may improve by taking medications such as Advil or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) that decrease prostaglandin levels. These medications are relatively well tolerated with short-term use, although they can upset the stomach and are best taken with a small amount of food. Contraindications to use of NSAIDs include: pregnancy, history of stomach or intestinal ulcers, asthma, bleeding abnormalities, and history of allergy to this type of drug. For more information on whether this type of medication is safe for you to take, you should consult with your primary care physician.
DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.
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.
You'll Never Eat Another Gummy Bear or Marshmallow Again After Hearing What It's Made From
If you look at the ingredients on a package of gummy bears - even organic ones - you'll see expected things like corn or brown rice syrup and sugar. But you'll also see something called gelatin. Seems innocent enough, but its source might surprise you. Gelatin is a yellowish, odorless, and nearly tasteless substance that is made by prolonged boiling of skin, cartilage, and bones from animals. It's made primarily from the stuff meat industries have left over - we're talking about pork skins, horns, and cattle bones. Ugh.
I guess if you're into the philosophy of using the whole animal, you'll be psyched about this. Plus gelatin contains 18 amino acids, so it does offer some nutritional benefits. But if you're vegan, you'll definitely want to skip the chewy candies and your great-aunt's Jell-O mold - it's made with gelatin, too. This animal-derived ingredient can also be found in some vitamins and medications, marshmallows (not Trader Joe's - they're vegan!), cheeses, yogurts, soups, salad dressings, jams and jellies, fruit snacks, and canned hams. If this tidbit of info grosses you out, you'll want to pay closer attention to these products' food labels.
Here's Your First Look at Marvel's Black Panther, and It's Everything You've Ever Needed
The first official teaser trailer for Marvel's Black Panther aired during game four of the 2017 NBA finals and fans are already losing their sh*t over it. In the nearly 2-minute clip, we get a brief introduction to T'Challa, the man underneath the black panther costume, played by Chadwick Boseman. You'll also spot appearances by Lupita Nyong'o, Angela Bassett and Michael B. Jordan who also play notable characters in the superhero film. Watch the epic teaser trailer above to get your first look into the land of Wakanda, then check out all the juicy details we know about the movie so far.
House of Cards: Let's Talk About Those 3 Shocking Deaths
Warning: Major spoilers for the fifth season of House of Cards below!
House of Cards has never been afraid to brutally dispose of some of its biggest characters. From the shocking moment Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) pushes Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara) in front of a speeding train to the sad (but inevitable) murder of Rachel Posner (Rachel Brosnahan) at the hands of Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly), Netflix's political thriller makes it clear from the get-go that it isn't afraid to get blood on its hands. Season five similarly has no reservations, and by the end of its 13 episodes, three characters have bitten the dust in pretty cruel ways.
You'll Never Eat Another Gummy Bear or Marshmallow Again After Hearing What It's Made From
If you look at the ingredients on a package of gummy bears - even organic ones - you'll see expected things like corn or brown rice syrup and sugar. But you'll also see something called gelatin. Seems innocent enough, but its source might surprise you. Gelatin is a yellowish, odorless, and nearly tasteless substance that is made by prolonged boiling of skin, cartilage, and bones from animals. It's made primarily from the stuff meat industries have left over - we're talking about pork skins, horns, and cattle bones. Ugh.
I guess if you're into the philosophy of using the whole animal, you'll be psyched about this. Plus gelatin contains 18 amino acids, so it does offer some nutritional benefits. But if you're vegan, you'll definitely want to skip the chewy candies and your great-aunt's Jell-O mold - it's made with gelatin, too. This animal-derived ingredient can also be found in some vitamins and medications, marshmallows (not Trader Joe's - they're vegan!), cheeses, yogurts, soups, salad dressings, jams and jellies, fruit snacks, and canned hams. If this tidbit of info grosses you out, you'll want to pay closer attention to these products' food labels.
30 Must-Read Summer Books You Need in Your Beach Bag
It's that time of year again: the weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and Netflix on the couch is about to be replaced by reading on the beach. Even if you haven't picked up a book since Labor Day, fear not; we've gone through all the hottest new releases for the next few months and come up with 30 must-read page-turners that will keep you entertained all Summer long. Happy reading!
30 Must-Read Summer Books You Need in Your Beach Bag
It's that time of year again: the weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and Netflix on the couch is about to be replaced by reading on the beach. Even if you haven't picked up a book since Labor Day, fear not; we've gone through all the hottest new releases for the next few months and come up with 30 must-read page-turners that will keep you entertained all Summer long. Happy reading!
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
The Life and Times of My Drag Queen Grandmother, Flawless Sabrina
I met my grandmother, Flawless Sabrina, when I was 18. It was 2001, and I had just moved to New York City from Syracuse. I went to the West Side Piers for Wigstock, a drag festival they had back then. I couldn't afford the $20 to get in and see the performance, so I hung out near the entrance and took pictures of some of the queens who were coming in and out. As Flawless Sabrina left, I took a picture of her, and she said to me, "You're on the wrong side of the camera, kid."
I hung that picture on my wall. Later, I continued to see her around in the club scene. She was always the oldest person in the club. She's now 77 and has lived in the same apartment in New York for 50 years.
In the pre-Stonewall days, Flawless Sabrina was incarcerated around 100 times for the crime of cross-dressing, while she toured her drag contests across America from 1959 to 1969. She and her friends took that act from town to city to town, all across America from Appalachia to the Pacific Northwest. They would organize local talent to perform. In a grassroots effort coordinated by phone tree, advance people would go to the next city or town to hang out in the coffee shops, find out who the gossip queens were, and who could spread the word that the drag contest was coming to town. It was an underground network.
Those are the people that I look to in times like this: our elders who survived intolerably hostile environments and times. Many of the people I revere and look up to have been able to see around the corner. It seems trans folks have a long history of being seers in their communities.
Throughout history, we have been persecuted. Globally, we are persecuted. Nationally, we're persecuted. The stakes are always changing. And the stakes I have, as an American-born white trans woman, are very different from the stakes of my trans sisters who are undocumented and from Central America. The stakes are different for all of us, so it's essential that we look out for the more vulnerable members of our community. Pride this year is more important than it has ever been in my lifetime.
We need to tap into the spirit of resilience.Flawless Sabrina would tell me stories about the way the queens used to treat each other or trans women. Sex workers in Central Park were throwing acid in each other's faces, or super-gluing bits of razor blades under their fingernails, so they could claw each other. We're a group of people who have not always had a good sense of community or sisterhood, a people who've been devoured by internalized shame.
We can't afford to attack each other any longer. It's divisive and cruel to single people out because their politics are different from ours. We're all fighting for the same things, respect and equality.
We need to tap into the spirit of resilience that Flawless has shown. We need to nourish the sense of pride that catapulted the first brick at the Stonewall riots. We need to listen to our inner voices saying: "I'm worth more than this, and I'm willing to speak out and fight for it!"
As told to Ryan Roschke
Jessica Alba Loves Putting Together a Good Outfit - and We Love Trying to Copy It
We like to think that every early January, as we're getting our resolutions in line, Jessica Alba is creating a master plan to outdo her own style from the previous year. That's the only explanation we have for how exponentially greater her looks get every year.
Just look at the outfits she's worn to red carpets and events this year. You'll quickly notice Jessica's style can be glam one day, experimental the next, and super laid-back the day after. She keeps us on our toes, and we love it! Scroll ahead to check out everything she's worn this year so far.
Jessica Alba Loves Putting Together a Good Outfit - and We Love Trying to Copy It
We like to think that every early January, as we're getting our resolutions in line, Jessica Alba is creating a master plan to outdo her own style from the previous year. That's the only explanation we have for how exponentially greater her looks get every year.
Just look at the outfits she's worn to red carpets and events this year. You'll quickly notice Jessica's style can be glam one day, experimental the next, and super laid-back the day after. She keeps us on our toes, and we love it! Scroll ahead to check out everything she's worn this year so far.
Sen. Gillibrand's "Help People or Go the F*ck Home" Speech Is Striking a Powerful Chord
Great to speak at #PDF17 about the ways we can keep fighting and resisting. (But might need to put some cash in the swear jar tonight!) http://pic.twitter.com/SlIBVpagQ7
- Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) June 9, 2017
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand dropped a few F-bombs while delivering a speech at New York University on June 9. Speaking at the Personal Democracy Forum, the New York senator explained why she believes all public servants should live by the motto "If we are not helping people, we should go the f*ck home."
"That should be our framing principle of what we are doing in public service," she stated. "For working families, they want us to cut out the BS. They want us to focus on their lives and how we can make it better." Gillibrand also called on public servants to look at themselves in the mirror and ask, "What are we gonna do, and how are we gonna make good things happen?"
Gillibrand didn't stop there with her colorful language, either. She also addressed President Donald Trump's failure to accomplish much since taking office this year, telling the crowd: "Has he kept his promises? No. F*ck no."
Many publications were quick to call Gillibrand's blunt choice of words "out of character," but it isn't the first time the 50-year-old senator has used expletives to get her point across. In April, Gillibrand made the same exact "go the f*ck home" statement in a profile written on her in New York Magazine. She's also not the only woman in government who's not afraid to say it like she means it and to use the occasional expletive while doing it.
Just last month, California Senator Kamala Harris dropped her own F-bomb during an episode of Pod Save America to make a point about another lawmaker's illogical, cruel comments on health care. We think it's a refreshing trend to see women in politics speak out and speak up, even if that means offending a few people in the process.
7 Habits I Had to Form to Finally Lose the Weight
I've always been an active person, but when I gained 15 pounds after getting an IUD, I had to get real about my diet and workouts. I hired a personal trainer at Equinox, and remarkably, she didn't tell me to download a calorie-counting app or work me until I dropped. Her tips for weight loss proved to be practical and therefore achievable. I lost four percent body fat in three months and felt stronger than I ever have in my life. I now can squat and deadlift my weight! I can fit in my skinny jeans again. The thing is . . . I did have to makes some big changes to my daily routine to lose the weight, and now there's no going back.
1. Strength Train With Cardio
Before Equinox, yoga was my main form of exercise. Though I was going five days a week, I didn't feel like I was getting stronger. Enter my personal trainer. She recommended strength training as my number one priority followed by cardio. I strength trained two to three times a week and did cardio two times a week (usually on the StairMaster). For my active rest days, I did yoga or Pilates two times a week. I also started walking an upward of seven miles several days a week.
2. Challenge Myself at Every Workout
My trainer encouraged me to increase the weight I lifted almost every week, even just a smidge, like two pounds. I resisted at first. After all, over the holidays, I broke a capillary in my eye from lifting too much weight. However, my trainer started me out with low weights and slowly increased the amount. I surprised myself by how quickly I was able to keep up and even found myself asking for more. The same rule here applies for cardio, yoga, and Pilates. I find a little way to challenge myself each time, whether it is increasing the mileage, holding side plank for longer, or perfecting my 100 series with straight legs.
3. Cut Out Sugar
Working out is only part of the equation. Diet is even more important, my trainer told me. I had to break my sugar addiction. I decided to stop cold turkey: no sugar, honey, agave, etc. Though some people say it's the worst thing ever, saying "no" to sugar countless times throughout the day helped me feel strong, like I was in charge - not my cravings. I also had to pay attention to nutrition labels and avoid anything with more than four grams of sugar. Dried fruit, as it turns out, is a sugar bomb! As are smoothies from smoothie joints. Sugar lurks in many unexpected places.
4. Choose Protein and Fat Instead of Carbs
If unchecked, I will eat over 50 percent of my calories in carbs. But that wasn't really working out for me. Though challenging, I reframed my meals so they consisted of mostly protein and healthy fats. I would have bulletproof coffee and smoked salmon with avocado for breakfast rather than a bowl of cereal or oatmeal. For lunch, it's veggie-chicken soup or salads loaded with diced chicken or canned tuna. Dinner consists of baked fish, steak, or chicken with a plate full of veggies (usually roasted broccoli). During the in-between times when I was hungry, I skipped my usual snack of dried fruit or crackers and make a protein shake (Moon Juice Blue Adaptogen plus water) or ate a spoonful of raw almond butter instead.
5. Stop Drinking Alcohol
Over the last year, I started drinking more days out of the week than not - usually just one to two drinks, yet it was enough to cause me to put on the pounds. While weight training, I discovered that even one drink would cause my DOMS to flare up and last for days. However, if I didn't drink, I could recover very quickly, usually within a day. Though I am not 100 percent dry, I always seem to regret drinking the next day, so I've cut way back and reserve drinking for special occasions.
6. Schedule My Carbs For Before and After Workouts
"I lost 10 pounds just by scheduling my carbs around my workouts," my friend told me. Inspired by that, I wanted to follow suit, and my trainer supported that mentality. I would eat brown rice, whole-wheat crackers, fruit, potatoes, and beans before or after a workout and limited my carb intake the other times of the day. If, in the afternoon, I experienced a huge slump (and protein/nut butter didn't help), I'd have a small serving of plain popcorn for a little boost.
7. Cook Mostly at Home, but Plan For Meals Out
I prepared almost all my meals at home and kept things simple. I kept the kitchen stocked with frozen meat, canned tuna, and vegetables galore. I used an Instant Pot to make big batches of brown rice, oatmeal, beans, and lentils on Sunday to last me through the week. That said, my trainer said it's OK to have one off day of the week where you may indulge in the bad stuff, whether it be a cocktail or chips with queso, french fries, a cheese plate, etc. So, six out of seven days, I'd have an A+ diet, while the seventh day, I might indulge in a slice of pizza or an IPA. I found letting loose (just a bit) and having a cheat day helped me stay on track and feel balanced.
Orange Is the New Black's Beth Dover Has Been Stealing Scenes in Your Favorite Comedies
There are a ton of characters on Orange Is the New Black, so it's a little tough to keep track of them all. If there's one person you should definitely have on your radar in season five, however, it's Linda Ferguson. As you might recall, "Linda from purchasing" makes a subtly terrifying appearance in season four as the high-strung and ruthless Management & Correction Corporation employee (and briefly Joe Caputo's girlfriend) who has no qualms about depriving inmates of basic human necessities as long as it cuts costs for her company. In season five, after getting trapped in the prison during the three-day-long riot, we learn a whole lot more about Linda, including her own chilly backstory. So, who plays Linda Ferguson? Meet comedy extraordinaire Beth Dover.
Dover's acting résumé before joining OITNB is full of roles on your favorite TV comedies. From guest starring on Brooklyn Nine-Nine alongside husband Joe Lo Truglio to stints on Fresh Off the Boat, Childrens Hospital (pictured below), and Another Period, she's no stranger to making people laugh.
If you want to see more of Dover after binging season five of the Netflix hit, she has a comedy, Little Bitches, coming to the big screen in 2017. It's safe to assume she'll crack you up.
7 Habits I Had to Form to Finally Lose the Weight
I've always been an active person, but when I gained 15 pounds after getting an IUD, I had to get real about my diet and workouts. I hired a personal trainer at Equinox, and remarkably, she didn't tell me to download a calorie-counting app or work me until I dropped. Her tips for weight loss proved to be practical and therefore achievable. I lost four percent body fat in three months and felt stronger than I ever have in my life. I now can squat and deadlift my weight! I can fit in my skinny jeans again. The thing is . . . I did have to makes some big changes to my daily routine to lose the weight, and now there's no going back.
1. Strength Train With Cardio
Before Equinox, yoga was my main form of exercise. Though I was going five days a week, I didn't feel like I was getting stronger. Enter my personal trainer. She recommended strength training as my number one priority followed by cardio. I strength trained two to three times a week and did cardio two times a week (usually on the StairMaster). For my active rest days, I did yoga or Pilates two times a week. I also started walking an upward of seven miles several days a week.
2. Challenge Myself at Every Workout
My trainer encouraged me to increase the weight I lifted almost every week, even just a smidge, like two pounds. I resisted at first. After all, over the holidays, I broke a capillary in my eye from lifting too much weight. However, my trainer started me out with low weights and slowly increased the amount. I surprised myself by how quickly I was able to keep up and even found myself asking for more. The same rule here applies for cardio, yoga, and Pilates. I find a little way to challenge myself each time, whether it is increasing the mileage, holding side plank for longer, or perfecting my 100 series with straight legs.
3. Cut Out Sugar
Working out is only part of the equation. Diet is even more important, my trainer told me. I had to break my sugar addiction. I decided to stop cold turkey: no sugar, honey, agave, etc. Though some people say it's the worst thing ever, saying "no" to sugar countless times throughout the day helped me feel strong, like I was in charge - not my cravings. I also had to pay attention to nutrition labels and avoid anything with more than four grams of sugar. Dried fruit, as it turns out, is a sugar bomb! As are smoothies from smoothie joints. Sugar lurks in many unexpected places.
4. Choose Protein and Fat Instead of Carbs
If unchecked, I will eat over 50 percent of my calories in carbs. But that wasn't really working out for me. Though challenging, I reframed my meals so they consisted of mostly protein and healthy fats. I would have bulletproof coffee and smoked salmon with avocado for breakfast rather than a bowl of cereal or oatmeal. For lunch, it's veggie-chicken soup or salads loaded with diced chicken or canned tuna. Dinner consists of baked fish, steak, or chicken with a plate full of veggies (usually roasted broccoli). During the in-between times when I was hungry, I skipped my usual snack of dried fruit or crackers and make a protein shake (Moon Juice Blue Adaptogen plus water) or ate a spoonful of raw almond butter instead.
5. Stop Drinking Alcohol
Over the last year, I started drinking more days out of the week than not - usually just one to two drinks, yet it was enough to cause me to put on the pounds. While weight training, I discovered that even one drink would cause my DOMS to flare up and last for days. However, if I didn't drink, I could recover very quickly, usually within a day. Though I am not 100 percent dry, I always seem to regret drinking the next day, so I've cut way back and reserve drinking for special occasions.
6. Schedule My Carbs For Before and After Workouts
"I lost 10 pounds just by scheduling my carbs around my workouts," my friend told me. Inspired by that, I wanted to follow suit, and my trainer supported that mentality. I would eat brown rice, whole-wheat crackers, fruit, potatoes, and beans before or after a workout and limited my carb intake the other times of the day. If, in the afternoon, I experienced a huge slump (and protein/nut butter didn't help), I'd have a small serving of plain popcorn for a little boost.
7. Cook Mostly at Home, but Plan For Meals Out
I prepared almost all my meals at home and kept things simple. I kept the kitchen stocked with frozen meat, canned tuna, and vegetables galore. I used an Instant Pot to make big batches of brown rice, oatmeal, beans, and lentils on Sunday to last me through the week. That said, my trainer said it's OK to have one off day of the week where you may indulge in the bad stuff, whether it be a cocktail or chips with queso, french fries, a cheese plate, etc. So, six out of seven days, I'd have an A+ diet, while the seventh day, I might indulge in a slice of pizza or an IPA. I found letting loose (just a bit) and having a cheat day helped me stay on track and feel balanced.
Stop What You're Doing and Admire This Unicorn Pizza With Cotton Candy!
Just when you thought unicorns might be done infiltrating all of our food, this unicorn pizza happened. And you're going to want to stop what you're doing to admire every single detail, from the rainbow crust to the clouds of fluffy cotton candy on top. This creative and mythical creation is from Industry Kitchen in New York City, and its official menu name is Pop Candy Land Pizza (have you ever related to a pizza more?). Each pizza has a sweet, rainbow-colored crust; a thick layer of cream cheese frosting; cotton candy; and Pop Rocks. While it's listed on the menu next to other pizzas like the herbed goat cheese and margherita, we'd recommend ordering this one for dessert.
At $18 each, the Pop Candy Land Pizza practically begs you to Instagram it in order to make it worth the purchase. And that's exactly what people are doing, allowing the rest of us to obsess over each and every sparkly aspect. Does this place deliver?
Sen. Gillibrand's "Help People or Go the F*ck Home" Speech Is Striking a Powerful Chord
Great to speak at #PDF17 about the ways we can keep fighting and resisting. (But might need to put some cash in the swear jar tonight!) http://pic.twitter.com/SlIBVpagQ7
- Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) June 9, 2017
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand dropped a few F bombs while delivering a speech at New York University on June 9. Speaking at the Personal Democracy Forum, the New York senator explained why she believes all public servants should live by the motto "If we are not helping people, we should go the f*ck home."
"That should be our framing principle of what we are doing in public service," she stated. "For working families, they want us to cut out the BS. They want us to focus on their lives and how we can make it better." Gillibrand also called on public servants to look at themselves in the mirror and ask, "What are we gonna do, and how are we gonna make good things happen?"
Gillibrand didn't stop there with her colorful language, either. She also addressed President Donald Trump's failure to accomplish much since taking office this year, telling the crowd: "Has he kept his promises? No. F*ck no."
Many publications were quick to call Gillibrand's blunt choice of words "out of character," but it isn't the first time the 50-year-old senator has used expletives to get her point across. In April, Gillibrand made the same exact "go the f*ck home" statement in a profile written on her in New York Magazine. She's also not the only woman in government who's not afraid to say it like she means it and to use the occasional expletive while doing it.
Just last month, California Senator Kamala Harris dropped her own F bomb during an episode of Pod Save America to make a point about another lawmaker's illogical, cruel comments on health care. We think it's a refreshing trend to see women in politics speak out and speak up, even if that means offending a few people in the process.
Stop What You're Doing and Admire This Unicorn Pizza With Cotton Candy!
Just when you thought unicorns might be done infiltrating all of our food, this unicorn pizza happened. And you're going to want to stop what you're doing to admire every single detail, from the rainbow crust to the clouds of fluffy cotton candy on top. This creative and mythical creation is from Industry Kitchen in New York City, and its official menu name is Pop Candy Land Pizza (have you ever related to a pizza more?). Each pizza has a sweet, rainbow-colored crust; a thick layer of cream cheese frosting; cotton candy; and Pop Rocks. While it's listed on the menu next to other pizzas like the herbed goat cheese and margherita, we'd recommend ordering this one for dessert.
At $18 each, the Pop Candy Land Pizza practically begs you to Instagram it in order to make it worth the purchase. And that's exactly what people are doing, allowing the rest of us to obsess over each and every sparkly aspect. Does this place deliver?
A Political Adviser Said Trump Jr. Criticizing Comey Is "Rich at Best and Pathetic at Worst"
A political commentator and former communications chief during the George W. Bush presidency had some harsh words for Donald Trump Jr. following James Comey's pivotal testimony. While appearing on MSNBC following the hearing, Nicolle Wallace said that Trump Jr. did not have the right to criticize the former FBI director when he himself is so morally corrupt.
Following the Senate intelligence hearing, Trump Jr. sent a series of tweets criticizing Comey and even blamed him for causing "10 months of nonsense."
Wallace, however, was inspired to call out the hypocrisy of Trump Jr.'s comments. "This idea, though, of the son as the only person sort of channeling his president and attacking the character of Comey I think speaks for itself," she said. "This is a president without a lot of defenders in Congress and without a lot of defenders in the law enforcement community. A normal White House on a day like today would have former attorney generals and former people in law enforcement sort of making legal arguments."
Wallace then delivered a serious diss when she said, "For a guy who kills baby elephants for kicks, to be giving James Comey a lesson in strength of character is rich at best and pathetic at worst."
The president, on the other hand, was noticeably quiet on Twitter until June 9, when Trump shared his first tweet since the hearing, shown below.
Despite so many false statements and lies, total and complete vindication...and WOW, Comey is a leaker!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2017
Wallace hasn't said anything (yet) about the president's tweet, but watch her entire takedown of Trump Jr. in the video above - it's pretty thrilling to watch.
Orange Is the New Black: Here's What You Should Know About Season 6
"Orange Is the New Black's fifth season just premiered, and you're already talking about season six?!" you might be wondering to yourself. And yes, we realize it's a little early to already be speculating about a sixth season, but then again, Netflix has already renewed the prison dramedy for two more seasons. That means it's not really about if we'll be seeing our favorite inmates in the future, but when. Let's take a minute to break down what we know so far, shall we?
The Premiere Date
The exact date is still TBD, but Orange Is the New Black has kept a pretty rigorous premiere schedule since season one hit the streaming network back in July 2013. A new season arrives like clockwork each Summer, always within the first two weeks of June. For instance, season five just premiered on June 9, while season four's premiere was on June 17. That means we'll likely get season six in June 2018 and season seven the year afterward.
The Cast
Season six will likely introduce us to a few new faces, because even if no new inmates are brought in, there are always unfamiliar actors in the flashback scenes. It's also safe to bet that the new episodes will offer some lesser-known characters their chance to shine, the way season five does with Freida and Brandy (Asia Kate Dillon). Another suspicion we have is that season six will be the last we see of Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling). She's supposed to be getting out of prison pretty soon (her sentence was for 15 months for her pretty minor role in Alex Vause's drug cartel), which is probably one of the reasons season five takes place over the course of only three days - to pad the timeline. Unless she does something to lengthen her sentence, it'll be hard to justify keeping her in prison until season seven rolls around.
The Story
In Netflix's statement about the renewal news back in 2016, series creator and executive producer Jenji Kohan hinted that the show's tried-and-true storytelling structure - a present-day timeline in (and sometimes out of) Litchfield Penitentiary mixed with revealing, preprison flashbacks for each character over the course of a few months - was going to be switched up. "Three more years! Not quite a political term, but still plenty of time to do some interesting things. In some cultures, 'May you lead an interesting life,' is a curse, but I don't live in those cultures," she said. "Here's to keeping it interesting."
Season five is already proof of that vision. The season covers only three days, detailing every aspect of the prison riot that began in the season four finale. We have a feeling Kohan will keep experimenting with that freedom in season six, especially since the show is already renewed and she doesn't have to worry about getting canceled over creative differences.
30 Movies That Should Be on Your Radar This Summer
The stars poised to dominate the box office this Summer will make the price of a movie ticket worth it. Chris Pratt, Amy Schumer, Zac Efron, Tom Cruise, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Wahlberg, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Reynolds, and Channing Tatum are just some of the big names coming to theaters. Yes, though it's the very beginning of the season, we're already salivating over Summer's most anticipated titles. Take a look at the horror movies, indie films, comedies, and potential action blockbusters headed your way!
The Most Memorable Movie Beach Scenes
Happy Summer! To celebrate the warm weather while it lasts, we're highlighting the most memorable beach moments in movies. Romantic kisses by the water, hilarious encounters on the sand - these scenes include a mix of sweet, terrifying, and hilarious moments on film. Take a look at these unforgettable beach scenes to prep for Summer-break season!
30 Movies That Should Be on Your Radar This Summer
The stars poised to dominate the box office this Summer will make the price of a movie ticket worth it. Chris Pratt, Amy Schumer, Zac Efron, Tom Cruise, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Wahlberg, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Reynolds, and Channing Tatum are just some of the big names coming to theaters. Yes, though it's the very beginning of the season, we're already salivating over Summer's most anticipated titles. Take a look at the horror movies, indie films, comedies, and potential action blockbusters headed your way!
15 Reasons Portugal Is the Country to Visit in 2017
What comes to mind when you think of Portugal? Native son soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo? Or maybe you remember Magellan the Explorer and the Age of Discovery from your history classes. The country on the edge of the European continent has a lot more than that going for it, both in its past and present. And if you pay a visit, I guarantee you'll fall in love.
Yet for some reason, Portugal hasn't been a top destination for either backpackers or honeymooners. As longtime travel guidebook writer Rick Steves points out, Portugal is Western Europe's least visited country. That may soon change. Recent stats from the government show foreign tourism to Portugal rose 10 percent in one year. And the travel experts I spoke to agree the trend will continue.
"Perched right on the edge of Europe, stunning-but-understated Portugal has been overlooked in favor of higher-profile Mediterranean destinations like France, Spain, and Italy," explains Lonely Planet Destination Editor Tom Stainer. Stainer says travelers should give Portugal consideration, thanks to its vibrant cities, golden beaches, historic villages, and medieval castles. "Portugal has everything," he says, maintaining that 2017 is Portugal's time to shine. "Not only is it one of the safest countries in the world," according to Stainer, "but it also offers great value for money." He notes that many of the top attractions are free, and local food and wine are cheap - and delicious.
Robin Brooks, from adventure tour company Exodus Travels, believes that as more Americans travel overseas, they'll be looking for new places to visit, beyond the standard London, Paris, Rome whirlwind. "Many have already ticked off the classic European Tour," she notes. Portugal, on the other hand, "is packed with history, culture, outdoor adventures, beaches, and other highlights that remain to be discovered."
It's not surprising then that people are catching on. Travel + Leisure named Portugal its top destination last year. Throw in the fact that the dollar is historically strong against the euro, and 2017 is the year to book your trip to Portugal while it's still affordable. If you're not fully convinced yet, here are 15 reasons you should visit Portugal ASAP - along with a healthy dose of travel eye candy.
Amy Schumer Talks About Ben Hanisch Breakup in Classic Amy Schumer Form
Amy Schumer can find humor in any situation, even a breakup. During the Hilarity for Charity Variety Show in NYC on Thursday, the comedian joked about her recent split from Ben Hanisch. "I went through a breakup about a month ago. We were a year and a half, you know, it's not that bad," she told the crowd. "We went out with a couple who had been together a long time, we were trying to rush the intimacy. Like I was trying to impress the girl and I was like 'Well he woke me up this morning with a fart!' And he just slowly turned to me and he goes are 'We doing this?' And I was like 'No, no, no, no, we're not opening fire. Don't tell me any of the disgusting sh*t I've done.'"
While the reason for their split is still unclear, Amy has been keeping plenty busy in the meantime. Aside from promoting her new film Snatched with Goldie Hawn, the actress joked during the variety show that she has a rebound romance brewing. "I'm dating this new dude. He's awesome, he's like Stephen Hawking, sexually," she added.
This Is Us Season 2 Will Be "Bigger" Than Season 1
Your weekly cryfest, This Is Us, is also one of the hottest new TV shows. So hot, in fact, that it got renewed for not one but two seasons back in January, a feat basically unheard of in network TV. And the only thing sadder than the plot twists of this show is the fact that we have an entire Summer to wait until it comes back. Lucky for us, we already have a bit of info about what we can expect next Fall, including some exciting quotes from Milo Ventimiglia and NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke from this year's panel at the ATX TV festival.
Season 2 Will Be "Bigger" Than Season 1
At this year's This Is Us panel at ATX, Ventimiglia, NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke were asked to share anything from season two. Unsurprisingly, they were tight-lipped, but Salke wanted the audience to know that it would be "bigger than season one" in every way. Ventimiglia built the suspense by saying, "It's f*ckin' exciting . . . I've been dying to get back to work." They also shared that filming for the second season will start on July 11.
There Are More Family Dynamics to Explore
Like previous beloved family drama before it, Parenthood (which ran for six seasons), there are nearly endless stories you can tell about a family. Obviously we'll see more Pearson family dynamics explored in season two, and star Justin Hartley intimated to us that the show might explore Randall and Rebecca's relationship more in season two. And we'll obviously also see the next stage in Jack and Rebecca's relationship since the finale showed a cataclysmic relationship fight.
The Episode Count
There will be 18 episodes of season two, and the same number for season three. Creator Dan Fogelman said that the seasons will also be split into two arcs before and after the holidays, like season one.
William Will Still Be Part of the Show
In one of the saddest moments of a very sad season, William succumbs to his illness. That would seem like it would close the door on cast member Ron Cephas Jones being on the show anymore, but it didn't. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly right after William's death episode, Jones said that he would be back in season two in some way. He compared his resurfacing to the fact that Jack is dead in present day, but Milo Ventimiglia is a series regular. "I do know that he's going to carry over into season two in some way, just as well as Jack was in all of season one." He added that "there's a chunk of his life that we haven't explored" and that he's "very excited" about all the possibilities.
William's Death Will Inform Randall's Season 2 Storyline
After the episode about William's death aired, creator Fogelman told Entertainment Weekly that Randall's grief will be a big part of the next season. Fogelman said that Randall will ponder "'How do I honor his legacy? What do I do with what just happened in this year I've just spent with this man so that I just don't go back to the same old existence?' And he starts making a bunch of choices and decisions that will affect us going into season 2." By the end of the season, Randall has quit his job and decided he wants to adopt, so perhaps those are the ways he is honoring his biological father's legacy (please, please, please let us see Randall as a stay-at-home dad).
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!
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