Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 6 juillet 2017
4 Ways Prince William Is Making Sure Princess Diana's Mark Is Left on the World
Prince William was just 15 years old when his mother, Princess Diana, died in a car accident in August 1997. Even though it's been nearly 20 years since her tragic passing, the royal intends to keep his mother's legacy alive. Not only has William gotten more and more comfortable with speaking about Diana in interviews, but both he and Prince Harry have championed some of the same charities as their mother and attribute their philanthropic nature to her. Here are four ways William is carrying on Diana's legacy with his charity work.
The 12 Kitchen Gadgets You Can't Live Without This Summer
Having the ultimate Summer is all about finding the time to indulge in your favorite seasonal snacks. Spend your vacation days and weekends creating fun dishes you enjoy, like popsicles, sliders, and cocktails. Whether you need an ice tray or a mini BBQ, we found some cool tools that will make your kitchen Summer-ready. Check out our top hot picks.
9 Spiked Cupcakes That Bring On the Booze
You know what's better than a cupcake? A spiked, boozy cupcake. These recipes contain liqueur in the batter and/or icing, but if you really want to go all out on the alcohol percentage, stock up on these mini pipette syringes and squeeze the booze directly into the cupcake before consuming. Buzz achieved.
9 Years of Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas's Unbreakable Friendship in Pictures
It's been more than a decade since Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas bonded on the set of Camp Rock, their big break as Disney Channel stars, when they were both just 16 years old. Since then, the singers have gone through a roller coaster (rehab and a breakup with Nick's brother for Demi, and a split from his brothers for Nick), but through it all, the pair have only become closer, growing together both musically and personally, calling each other best friends, becoming business partners for a record label, and going on tour together.
To celebrate Demi and Nick's stronger-than-ever friendship, we're looking back at their cutest pictures together. Keep scrolling to see them grow up in front of your eyes.
Hillary Clinton's Response to the GOP's Demand For a Healthcare Plan Is Dynamite
Hillary Clinton may not be the President of the United States, but that didn't stop the GOP - which currently controls the Congress and the presidency, by the way - from asking her to provide ideas for reforming the current healthcare system. On Wednesday, July 5, the official GOP Twitter account uploaded a clip of Clinton discussing the "broken" Affordable Care Act, and asked the former secretary of state what exactly her plan was to fix it. Not only did Clinton respond in rapid time, but she also delivered a 9-point presentation via her website which lists out all the ways she intended to address the health care issue and "not kick 23 [million people] off their coverage" had she won the 2016 presidential election.
Keep reading to see the initial tweet that started it all, and read Clinton's epic response that will make you say "checkmate!"
"We've got to fix what's broken." Where's your plan, @HillaryClinton? http://pic.twitter.com/CmRB4mCsZd
- GOP (@GOP) July 5, 2017
Right here. Includes radical provisions like how not to kick 23 mil ppl off their coverage. Feel free to run w/it.https://t.co/jBMFBJpSP7 https://t.co/zZoA16Ym03
- Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 5, 2017
Some of Clinton's health care solutions include working to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, bringing down out-of-pocket costs for copays and deductibles, and defending access to reproductive health care. Naturally, the internet had a lot of reactions to Clinton's timely tweet. Read on to see some of the best of the bunch ahead.
[applies for job, doesn't get job]
EMPLOYER: Sooo why weren't you at work today? https://t.co/v4rqEGB6Fu- Thug Kitchen (@thugkitchen) July 5, 2017
Why are they asking the person who lost the election for a plan? https://t.co/mEhy2sRqJs
- Jason Emory Parker (@jaspar) July 5, 2017
Hillary Clinton sparring with the Republican Party on Twitter. 2016 is never really going to end, is it? https://t.co/tKTEZ6VOpu
- Anthony Zurcher (@awzurcher) July 5, 2017
I will never forget how they critiqued you for being prepared, doing homework and research, and having an actual plan and policy.
- Calvin (@calvinstowell) July 5, 2017
Thank you for tweeting about caring for our healthcare and not wrestling GIFs. This is why you were the most popular based on votes.
- Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) July 5, 2017
The GOP really stepped into that one, didn't they? 👊
- Max Weiss (@maxthegirl) July 5, 2017
Game, set and match! https://t.co/ZyrKSegsFm
- Bob Levine (@idguy) July 5, 2017
http://pic.twitter.com/BhpyuNmyJT
- shauna (@goldengateblond) July 5, 2017
Here's How to Stick to a Workout Plan Once and For All
Faced with a seemingly endless supply of trendy new workouts that all promise a better body and improved health, choosing the best one can seem overwhelming. As a doctor, I'm setting the record straight: the single best exercise program is the one that you stick with. The simplest way to do this, of course, is to focus on physical activity that you actually enjoy and avoid anything that you hate (even if every Victoria's Secret model swears by it). But beyond common sense, there are plenty of science-backed methods for sticking to an exercise program. If you've ever had grand plans of overhauling your fitness routine only to find yourself returning to your couch three weeks later, these techniques are for you.
Shorten your workouts.
Though it sounds counterintuitive, focusing on shorter bouts of exercise has distinct advantages over longer workouts. In a study among young women who were asked to start an exercise program, those who were assigned to multiple 10-minute workouts throughout the day stayed more committed than women who were asked to complete one continuous workout of up to 40 minutes. In fact, the shorter-bout group logged more total workout time and exercised more days per week compared to the longer workout group. Rest assured: the cumulative effect of exercising in short bouts has the same physical benefits as longer workouts, both in terms of weight loss and overall heart health.
Believe in yourself.
Decades of studies on exercise psychology have consistently identified self-efficacy as the most important predictor of exercise adherence. Self-efficacy is defined as the belief in one's ability to succeed in a specific goal or behavior change, much like the "I think I can" motto of the little engine that could. Self-efficacy is, thankfully, not an inborn trait but a learned skill that can be developed through achieving small successes over time. When starting a new exercise program, set yourself up for small wins and celebrate them. Focus on the better night's sleep you may get after just one workout instead of the weight you hope to lose by the end of the month. Another way to improve self-efficacy is to find a role model you identify with who has achieved her fitness goals. Research shows this can vicariously bolster your own self-efficacy.
Make it social.
Though it's not surprising, the dramatic effect of social support on exercise is worth emphasizing. In an analysis of 44 studies on exercise adherence, researchers found that it was highest when it involved a group, like a sports team or a dance group. Drop-in fitness classes were associated with slightly lower adherence, but they were still superior to solo, home-based exercise programs. Even if home-based exercise is your only feasible option, you can still harness the power of social support by recruiting a family member or friend to work out with you or harnessing the power of an online community. Some studies even suggest that simply discussing your plans to exercise with a healthcare provider, mentor, or friend can increase your likelihood of following through with it.
Adopt other healthy habits.
A handful of studies have demonstrated that people who prioritize eating a healthy diet are more likely to be active. The theory is that engaging in one health-promoting behavior tends to inspire others, and although the link is strongest between healthy eating habits and exercise, it's likely that any healthy behavior - like getting a full night's sleep or even flossing your teeth - can increase your probability of following through with exercise.
Keep your expectations in check.
If you expect to see a physical transformation within the first few weeks of starting an exercise program, you may be less likely to keep at it. Studies of new exercisers have found that those with unrealistic expectations of physical change tended to give up when their hopes were not immediately met. Health psychologists have dubbed this the "false hope syndrome." To avoid it, remember that noticeable physical changes from a new exercise routine can take months to develop. And if your goal is weight loss, it's important to know that exercise alone - without dietary changes - typically isn't enough. What you can expect from exercise, however, are short-term improvements in mood and sleep and, in the long term, a dramatically reduced risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and several different types of cancer. How's that for motivation?
Here's What a Full Week of Fruits and Veggies Looks Like
You know that it's important to eat your fruits and vegetables every day, but do you really know how much is enough? It seems simple enough: the USDA recommends two cups of fruit and two-and-a-half cups of vegetables every day, but putting it all together day by day, week by week is a different story. We've taken all the hassle and guesswork out of the picture with this seven-day plan that includes recipe ideas and serving suggestions. Click through to see all the gorgeous produce on your healthy menu for the week!
Seth Rogen's Mom Tweeted About Sex, Which Totally Mortified Seth Rogen
Image Source: Getty / Angela Weiss
Seth Rogen was probably just having a quaint little Wednesday, trying to get back to normal after the long holiday weekend like the rest of us, when his mom, Sandy, embarrassed the f*ck out him on Twitter. Seth retweeted his mom's innocent musing, "Falling asleep after sex is like shavasana after yoga!" adding, "Jesus f*cking Christ, Mom." The tweet exchange quickly evolved and went viral: Sandy explained that "it's just an observation of life," to which Seth responded, "Whatever!!" to which Sandy teased him with, "Whateverrrrrrrr mom mm!" Apparently, moms talking about sex can even gross out one of the kings of gross-out comedy.
Falling asleep after sex is like shavasana after yoga.!
- Sandy Rogen (@RogenSandy) July 5, 2017
Jesus fucking Christ mom. https://t.co/KJSIlWZMhL
- Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) July 5, 2017
Whatever!!
- Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) July 5, 2017
17 Days of Vegetarian Comfort Food
The trouble with some vegetarian recipes is the meat substitutes can look (and taste) scary. If seitan, tofu, and tempeh are a few of your not-so-favorite things, allow these meatless recipes to be a breath of fresh air. Nuts, legumes, mushrooms, and pseudograins (aka quinoa) sub in for meat in some of your favorite comfort-food recipes like lasagna, tacos, and potpie. Going meatless for a few meals or a few weeks is starting to look a lot easier now, isn't it?
mercredi 5 juillet 2017
7 Times You Could Confuse Hailey Baldwin and Bella Hadid in Their Matching Bikinis
When you and your best friend are both successful models who also love fashion, there's a strong chance that the two of you will end up owning a couple of the same items. Case in point? Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin. The ladies, who are both known to post steamy bikinigrams, have been spotted wearing similar bikinis on multiple occasions.
From a white-hot bikini that would make anyone blush to an Insta-worthy crochet style, read on to have a look at the seven times Bella and Hailey were swimsuit twins. Then, shop similar versions of their bikinis if you're feeling inspired.
This GOP Senator Breaks Down Why Healthcare Plans Should Include Maternity Care
As the Senate's Better Care Reconciliation Act continues to flounder, some members of Congress remain resolute in believing that should not cover any prenatal or maternity care. To people like Representative Pete Olson, women just somehow find a way magically to procreate. But there's at least one Republican Senator who understands why health insurance plans should cover these benefits and at a June 28 press appearance, he subtly chastised men for believing otherwise.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana expressed his concerns about a plan put forth by Senator Ted Cruz that would let insurance plans not cover certain requirements like maternity care, according to The Washington Post.
"Yes, you want cheaper plans, absolutely," Cassidy said. "Unless you have a common risk pool, you end up with policies that don't cover maternity. As best I tell, women don't get pregnant without sperm." Cassidy ultimately thinks Cruz's plan would harm those women who require maternity care, and pointed to the simple biological facts of why services like maternity care are necessary.
There you have it, everyone. The next time you want to start a debate about why maternity care or prenatal care is considered an essential benefit, you might want to first consider how you entered the world in the first place.
1 Thing You Should Never Say to Your Child
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." When I was little that rhyme was the big, bad, powerful statement we used to ward off the vicious attacks of other kids.
That rhyme gave us power but didn't protect us from the sting of the words. It didn't stop the ugly words from sinking in and taking root. It didn't stop those words from becoming the way we saw ourselves or from imagining it was the way others saw us, too.
What got me thinking about this was a parent-child interaction I witnessed this week in the grocery store, and this conversation about basic needs for healthy relationships, in which a member named Nancy R. shared the thought that "The emotional hurt may be hidden from others, but it plays on your mind, heart, and soul."
If you remember the sting of mean words spoken to you as a child, why would you ever label your kids in ways that could be hurtful to them? I'm not talking about labels like "autistic" or "sensory seeking"; I'm talking about calling your child "sloppy," "liar," "stupid," "awful," etc.
Do parents who do this believe that labeling their child will change something about them or help correct a behavior? Can that ever work?
An "Awful" Boy
I was in line at the grocery store when I heard a mom very calmly and very firmly whisper to her son, "Are you an awful boy?" The little one tried to pull his body away from his mom, as if to escape the sting of his beloved mother's words, but he couldn't. He very sadly dropped his head and said, "Yes."
This little one's face told the whole story. It was obvious this was not the first time mom had said those words to him. You could literally see the effects of his mom's words being accepted by his emotional self. You could see the words becoming part of how he will define himself, now, and in the future - I am an awful person.
We've all read that parents need to separate the behavior from the child, that parents should tell a child that his behavior is awful, not that he is awful. I don't agree. I don't believe that children can distinguish between the two, not really.
Think of it this way. A group of little girls are playing. Trish looks at Suzie and says, "Suzie, your hair looks funny!" The other girls laugh. Does Suzie understand that she's just having a bad hair day, or does she translate that comment into "I'm ugly"?
I suppose she could have if her parents had coached her on how to respond, maybe by giving her a one-liner comeback like, "You think my hair is funny today, you should have seen it yesterday!" from Sally Ogden's book, Words Will Never Hurt Me: Helping Kids Handle Teasing, Bulling and Putdowns. But most kids can't deflect labels so skillfully. Labels become deeply rooted in how they see themselves and affect all future decisions about what they are and are not capable of.
Most of us remember the sting and impact of a peer's mean label. Imagine how much bigger the sting is when a parent labels.
When the one person a child sees as always being right, her beloved parent, labels her, she just accepts it and defines herself by it. The wound is so deep that it requires a great deal of reprogramming, if you will, to change it.
Why do we need to use harsh words at all? There are far better words to use - words that can actually motivate a child to change.
3 Questions That Improve Behavior
When your child behaves badly, try asking her if what she did was kind. Was it safe? Was it respectful? These three questions begin the process of change and teaching - without categorizing or labeling.
As an educator, a mom, a former child, and now an empowered adult, I implore you: stop labeling your child, even if the label accurately describes what he's done. Using words that motivate change will get you and your child where you want to go, faster.
Sharon Silver is the author of Stop Reacting and Start Responding and the Skills e-class. Visit proactiveparenting.net to download two free chapters from her book and learn about other Proactive Parenting programs.
The Cheesecake Factory's New Menu Item Is Like a Birthday Party in Your Mouth
The days of having to decide between cheesecake and Funfetti cake are officially in the rear view, because The Cheesecake Factory has just announced a new menu item that checks all the boxes: "Celebration Cheesecake." The new cake is, quite literally, a party in your mouth - it was created specifically to celebrate National Cheesecake Day!
A press release from the popular chain eatery describes the new addition as "layers of Original cheesecake, vanilla cake, strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla mousse topped with cream cheese frosting and finished with brightly colored confetti." So if you're imagining all the goodness of Neopolitan ice cream, childhood Funfetti birthday cakes, and traditional cheesecake all in one . . . you're spot-on, friend!
This new, colorful cheesecake is set to debut in time for The Cheesecake Factory's two-day National Cheesecake Day celebration on July 30 and 31. As if a Funfetti-inspired cake wasn't enough goodness, you'll be able to get a slice of the honorary dessert at half price during this celebration. Count us in for this party! We'd offer to bring confetti, but it seems like The Cheesecake Factory has that covered.
You Can Have S'mores For Breakfast Thanks to Honey Maid's New Cereal!
It might not be socially acceptable to eat traditional s'mores for breakfast, but now it's possible to eat them in the form of cereal! Post's new Honey Maid S'mores cereal has basically made all of our childhood dreams come true with this campfire-inspired breakfast filled with chocolaty flavors, crunchy marshmallow pieces (like those found in Lucky Charms), and bits of golden cereal made with the taste of Honey Maid graham crackers. It's basically a bunch of crushed-up s'mores, minus the mess of melted marshmallows, and we have a feeling this will satisfy our s'mores cravings for breakfast and dessert. The cereal will start rolling out to Walmart shelves this month and will be available at grocers nationwide in the coming months, and you can use the Post store locator to find a location close to you. Between the introduction of this s'mores cereal and the comeback of Post's Oreo O's, we might not ever go back to "regular" cereal again, and we're totally OK with that.
What Your Workday Lunch Needs Is 1 of These Black Bean Salads
Black beans, in all their versatility, are one of the most underrated sources of protein out there. From soups to burritos, there are so many ways you can add them into a meal to make it more filling and comforting, but if what you're looking for is a healthy alternative to your workday desk-side lunch, a black bean salad is for you. Here we've rounded up 19 easy recipes that'll perk up your midday slump.
25 Fashion Lessons Every Woman Can Learn From Bella Hadid
By now, you've probably realized: those Hadid girls? They've got some preeetty great genes, as well as a killer sense of style. But when it comes to combining daring, sexy staples with athleisure ones, Bella's your go-to girl. In only a few short years, she's mastered both off-duty street style and glamorous red carpet looks, and we've learned quite a bit from her outfits alone.
Scroll through for a few of Bella's best fashion tips and tricks. Then, find out how to nail Gigi Hadid's style one standout ensemble at a time.
We Can't Get Enough of Zoë Kravitz's Ridiculously Cool Family
Zoë Kravitz is one of the coolest It girls in Hollywood and her family is even cooler. Aside from being the only daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, the actress also has Aquaman actor Jason Momoa for a stepfather. It's no wonder why she's so fierce - it runs in her blood. When she's not hitting the red carpet with her three famous parents, she's bonding with her adorable half brother and sister, Nakoa-Wolf and Lola, over dinner. Seriously, when it comes to celebrity families, few compare to Zoë and her clan. See some of her best moments with her big, blended family below.
What This Mom Wants Her Girls to See Instead of Her "Bubble Gum Belly"
After giving birth to four babies, what Janene Crossley sees when she looks at her postpartum body is different than what her daughters notice.
When this Texas mom was snuggling with three of her little ones, her 5-year-old daughter made a bold declaration about her tummy: "It feels like bubble gum!" Instead of recoiling at her child's observation, Janene decided to post this "unflattering open-mouth picture" that captured the exact moment her child squeezed her belly, rather than a "prettier" one.
She explained that she hopes her daughters always feels confident in the skin they're in - even if it's stretched, loose, or marked. "[My postpartum body is] a novel that pleaded and prayed to house my babies," she wrote on Instagram. "The fresh, crepe-paper skin means that tiny Avery is nestled in my arm instead of on the inside. My sore chest means that I'm still single-handedly growing this baby. What a straight up miracle this is."
Janene wants her girls to know that her belly will forever share her story, and to understand exactly why she isn't ashamed of it. "I'm feeling 100 percent proud of this postpartum body, with its jelly abs and shriveled up skin. It made me a mother," she wrote. A mother who now has cellulite because that's just how my body handled pregnancy."
For Janene, how her body recovered from forming a life is simply just part of her road to motherhood. "Paved with miserable pregnancies and yet a lifetime of unconditional pure love for these four little ones," she wrote. "And yeah, I'll make these girls reenact this childhood photo when they're grown with bubblegum bellies of their own."
Selena Gomez Wore a Wedding Guest Dress That Can Take You From Summer to Fall
As soon as we saw the Emilia Wickstead number Selena Gomez wore to her Wizards of Waverly Place costar's wedding, we knew we had to have one just like it. Though David Henrie's nuptials were in the Spring, Selena's dress could work for virtually any season. Its sleeveless cut means you'd be comfortable enough to sit outside in the Summer, but its texture and color would also be perfectly appropriate for Fall.
In other words, this extremely versatile piece (which hails from the Emilia Wickstead Fall 2016 collection) will take you to many a wedding - especially since it's modest enough to fit a handful of dress codes. Read on to see why we haven't forgotten Selena's pick, then shop for the most similar looks we could find, all of which you can buy now and wear, well, forever.
How Celebrity Parents and Their Kiddos Celebrated the Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is definitely time to celebrate in the US. We're talking the ultimate holiday for grilling, hitting the pool, and spending time with our families and friends. And celebrity parents are no exception - here's how some of your favorite celebrities rang in the weekend with their kids in tow.
Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander Max and Relax on a Boat in Spain
Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander caught some rays while relaxing on a boat in Formentera, Spain, on Wednesday. The Oscar winner was spotted diving into the ocean wearing a polka-dot bikini while Michael went shirtless to get a little sun on his biceps. The on-off couple has been dating since 2014 and made their first red carpet appearance together at the Venice Film Festival in 2016. Michael recently hit the big screen in Alien: Covenant, while Alicia has been hard at work on the forthcoming Tomb Raider reboot, which hits theaters in March 2018.
How to Fry French Fries With Only 1 Teaspoon of Oil
I'm a fairly new owner of a Philips Airfryer (bacon that is simultaneously crispy and chewy is my specialty), and I had heard mixed reviews about making french fries in the trendy kitchen gadget. However, I had to know if the airfryer could possibly yield deliciously crisp, fresh french fries or if I'm destined to live off of frozen fries for the rest of my life. It turns out that airfryer french fries may be even better than deep-fried ones, but there are a few secrets you must abide by so you have a perfect batch every time.
This New Photo May Prove Amelia Earhart Survived Her Plane Crash
WATCH: "This could rewrite history." Investigators uncover new photo that they believe shows Amelia Earhart alive in Japanese custody http://pic.twitter.com/QmH1NX3uzJ
- TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 5, 2017
Amelia Earhart, the first female pilot to attempt to circumnavigate the world in 1937, was legally declared dead in 1939. Although her remains were never found, it is widely believed that Earhart's mysterious disappearance was caused by a plane crash. However, a new image discovered by The History Channel may prove otherwise. Sean Henry, a former FBI executive assistant director, told Today that in light of the new image, he believes Earhart survived the crash. "When you see the analysis that has been done [on the new photo], I think it leaves no doubt to the viewers that that's Ameila Earhart," he said in the clip ahead.
The remains of Earhart's navigator, Fred Noonan, were similarly never found. But the new photo, taken in 1937, appears to show Earhart and Noonan together on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands, which were settled by the Japanese until their defeat in World War II. The theory is that both Earhart and Noonan survived the plane crash and were held as prisoners until they died. According to facial recognition expert Kent Gibson, the receding hairline, teeth, and nose of one of the men in the photo matches up with other photos of Noonan. And as for the woman in the photo with the short hair? Well, Gibson says his side-by-side comparison of body measurements proves the possibility of the woman in the photo being Earhart is "very likely."
Watch the full clip above to see the photo that has everyone questioning whether or not Amelia Earhart's mysterious disappearance has finally been explained.
I Love My Kid - That's Why I Send Him Away For the Summer
"I could never," the stranger in line in front of me at Target exclaimed with her hand clenched against her chest.
Moments earlier, she overheard me on the phone asking my 10-year-old son how many tubes of sunscreen he went through last Summer and if he needed a new fan this year. She asked where we were headed, which, based on the overflowing nature of my shopping cart, I understood. I laughed, telling her it wasn't "we" - it was "he." He was going to sleepaway camp for the Summer and I was trying to get a head start on packing. That, of course, led to questions about how long and where and why. To which I answered, seven weeks, five hours away, and because we love him and want him to experience all that camp has to offer.
That's when she made her comment. I decided it wasn't worth any more discussion - I had my reasons and didn't need to explain them to a stranger - but it did get me thinking. Why do we ship our children away for the Summer?
Both my husband and I went away to camp when we were kids, me for four weeks each Summer and him for eight. Ask us, or really any other kid who did so, and they'll probably tell you those were the happiest days of their childhoods. We can still sing the songs, tell color war stories until your ears fall off, recall first crushes . . . and first kisses, and remember the distinct smell of the dining hall and the slimy bottoms of the lakes.
What we didn't realize at the time was everything else we learned. We learned independence. We learned to care for ourselves. Yes, there were counselors there overseeing everything, but we really did learn how to handle so much on our own. Without parents there, we learned to make new friends. We put ourselves out there and tried new activities and new foods. We learned a bit about ourselves without even realizing it.
These are the lessons I want my sons to learn - once both are old enough to go (my youngest is still too young). Being away from home is a time to learn about yourself outside of the comforts and security of home. It's a time to learn to bask in the uncertainty of what comes next or who will be sleeping in the bed next to you. In this age of connectivity, where there's always a phone, computer, or tablet in sight, it's a forced break from that. My son's camp does not allow any electronics and I couldn't be more grateful. Camp is a time to re-create the carefree days of childhood that my kids' grandparents - and even their great-grandparents - experienced all those years ago. As city dwellers, it's also a chance for my kids to experience nature - not at a museum or a park surrounded by buildings, but nature in its natural state.
And, let's be frank here: it's always a great break for us, the parents. The hustle and bustle of the school year is exhausting. And by the time the Summer rolls around, we could all use a break from each other. Yes, I spend half my day scrolling through the photos the camp posts for any sign that my child is happy, sad, or really just clean! But the time apart proves that absence does make the heart grow fonder.
Last year, my oldest went off to camp for the first time. He didn't know a soul. He sat on the bus with a boy he had met a few minutes earlier and a few days later I got a letter from him that he was loving it. He had already gone camping, canoeing, and water skiing - three things he'd never done in his life. He was playing street hockey and tennis and eating s'mores each night. And the kid I had to drag out of bed each morning for school had joined a Polar Bear club where they jump in the lake first thing every morning. In the matter of three days, he was already making memories. Five weeks later, he was begging us to extend his Summer to the full seven weeks away. We told him we thought he'd had enough for his first Summer, but would gladly do it for the next. Right now, he's counting down the days on his calendar.
In shipping my kid away for the Summer, I'm giving him something special, whether he knows it or not right now. Just a few weeks ago, we were having one of our frequent arguments about something trivial. He suddenly blurted out that the reason I send him to camp is to "get rid of him for the Summer." And while in that moment it may have rung true, I told him that wasn't the case at all - that camp is hardly punishment; it's a privilege and he's very lucky to be able to go, that I would never spend the money I do on a camp if it was punishment.
So while the woman in line at Target may never understand why we send our kid to camp, I can think of a thousand reasons. But the best reason is that we're doing it for him. There's a saying the campers like to say: "We live 10 months for two." I can't think of a better sentiment.
This Fact About Pippa Middleton's Husband Is Completely Heartbreaking
Pippa Middleton officially became part of the Matthews family when she tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend, financier James Matthews, in England on May 20. The lavish and beautiful affair was attended by those closest to the bride and groom, including James's reality TV star younger brother, Spencer. While the siblings are obviously well-known in the UK for very different things, there is one thing that some people might not know: they had an older brother named Michael. In 1999, Michael became the youngest Brit to climb Mount Everest at age 22. While making his way back down the mountain, the experienced climber lost contact with the rest of his team when bad weather approached and he sadly passed away.
To ensure that his memory lives on, his family started the Michael Matthews Foundation, a charity that provides education to children in remote areas. They touched on Michael's spirit on the organization's website, writing, "Mike was cheerful, hard-working, modest and much loved. Wherever he was around, there was laughter. He is greatly missed by his family and friends - and always will be." While James hasn't spoken publicly about his brother's death, Spencer opened up about Michael during an appearance on Britain's Loose Women in 2016, saying, "He lives on in our family. We celebrate his birthday every year. Whenever you feel like giving up, you think about them and how they wouldn't have given up. He was such a brave young man. Often you find the strength to continue with something that you might find tricky by thinking of him."
A Look at the Men and Women of Ricky Martin's Life
Ricky Martin is living his best life right now. He's engaged to boyfriend Jwan Yosef and seems excited to be planning a big wedding in his native Puerto Rico. But before Jwan, there were a few men and women who stole his heart.
On March 29, 2010, Ricky spoke publicly for the first time about being gay in a post on his website. He wrote, "I am proud to say I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am." He also added that "these years in silence and reflection" made him "stronger and reminded" him "that acceptance has to come from within."
After coming out, the singer has only dated men, but he has admitted that he's attracted to women, too. "I know that I like both men and women, I'm against sexual labels, we are simply human beings with emotional and sexual needs," he said in an interview with Univision in 2016.
See the women and men who were lucky enough to steal Ricky's heart before he decided to settle down.
Will Gypsy Get a Second Season? Let's Just Say Things Aren't Looking Good
If you recently found yourself tangled up in Gypsy, Netflix's 10-part psychosexual thriller starring Naomi Watts, you're likely clamoring for more of the drama's twists and turns. In the past, it would've seemed like a second season of the show would be a no-brainer, but given the streaming giant's recent spate of cancellations, it might be safe not to get too attached. Over the last few months, Netflix axed The Get Down, Sense8, and Girl Boss, all shows whose ratings were lower than, say, Stranger Things or Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Since Gypsy currently holds a 27 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's not looking good.
If you're a fan, there are a few things that might mean a light at the end of the tunnel for the show. For starters, Watts's performance has been praised, despite harsh critiques of the painfully slow pacing and storytelling. The series is also in the hands of Sam Taylor-Johnson, whose name has certain pull after directing 50 Shades of Grey (even if she hated it). Then again, Netflix has reiterated how picky it's going to be about what it greenlights moving forward. "Our hit ratio is way too high right now," Netflix CEO Reed Hastings explained during an interview in June. "So, we've canceled very few shows . . . I'm always pushing the content team. We have to take more risk - you have to try more crazy things. Because we should have a higher cancel rate overall."
Since Gypsy's numbers don't look all that great, it's safe to assume it's going to get the ax sometime soon - although, it's also worth noting that we've seen a series come back from worse odds before. Don't count Gypsy out just yet.
Totally Jawsome Shark Clothes For Boys and Girls
You don't have to wait until Shark Week to embrace your little one's love for this underwater creature. Instead, treat your kiddo to some jawsome clothing and accessories in honor of these incredibly fierce fishes. In addition to some seriously adorable shark shirts, you can find pajamas, swimwear, shoes, and more that would make Jaws proud.
Ahead, our favorite shark apparel finds for boys and girls of every age, all of which will definitely be their newest obsession (and check out the most fintastic backyard and pool toys to pair it all with!).
France Has Made Child Vaccinations Mandatory For a Good Reason
No matter how much evidence we have that proves how important vaccinations are, the great debate over vaccinating children never ends. In an effort to avoid all conflicting views and, more importantly, protect children, France has made 11 vaccinations absolutely mandatory for children.
The new French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced that in addition to the three vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and poliomyelitis which are currently mandatory in France, the new law will make vaccines for pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae bacteria, pneumococcus, and meningococcus C mandatory as well, starting in 2018.
Earlier this year, many people in France were hit by the massive measles outbreak throughout Europe, and thanks to the country's new progressive president, Emmanuel Macron, vaccinations have become a priority.
"Children are still dying of measles," Philippe said. "In the homeland of Pasteur, that is not admissible." The Prime Minister referenced Louis Pasteur, the French biologist and chemist who is famous for his groundbreaking vaccination and disease-prevention discoveries.
France's actions are extremely commendable, and they are not the first country to stress the importance of vaccinating children. In March, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced he does not want any unvaccinated child to be allowed in any childcare or preschool center. In May, Italy similarly ruled that if children are not vaccinated against 12 common illnesses by age 6, they will be fined by the government.
Emily Ratajkowski's Sexiest Bikinis All Have Something in Common
Ever since she launched her Instagram, Emily Ratajkowski has been devoted to showing off her sexy style. And while that occasionally includes sun hats and crop tops, more often than not, Emily's wearing a bikini. Yes, sometimes, she even goes topless.
But Emily's swim look isn't so straightforward, and that's exactly what we like about it. She shows off her styling prowess on the regular, mixing and matching her two-pieces and making for unexpected combinations we can't help but want to copy. Read on to see all the times the supermodel switched up her separates.
17 of Selena Gomez's Sexiest Bikini Photos
You already know Selena Gomez is super sexy, and with even the most minimal insight, you probably also deducted that some of her hottest moments have come to us while she's been at the beach or by the pool in a skimpy swimsuit. And that's because the "Hands to Myself" singer, who is currently on her Revival tour, isn't shy about showing off her gorgeous figure, often sharing sultry bikini photos on her Instagram for all of us to feast on.
Ahead we present to you those pictures and more, without further commentary - because they really don't need it and, let's be honest, you weren't going to read it anyway. Get ready to be sizzled by Selena's hottest bikini photos yet!
A Hands-Free Hack For Peeling Hard-Boiled Eggs
As easy as hard-boiled eggs are to make, they're a pain to peel, that is until I learned this hack. It involves shaking the egg in a glass cup with a bit of water until the eggshell breaks into a million shards. It seemed completely unfathomable until I tested it out myself and discovered it's completely legitimate! Here's how it's done.
Fill a glass cup or a mason jar with about 1/2 inch of water. Then add the egg. If you have a mason jar, screw on the lid.
Turn the cup to the side, pressing one hand over the open end so the water doesn't pour out.
Start shaking! Don't let the egg roll around the glass, but rather make sure it's hitting the sides of the glass. You'll begin to see the eggshell cracking . . .
Keep shaking until the shell slips off! Rinse the egg under cold water to remove any small shell shards, then enjoy.
16 Easy Rhubarb Recipes That Prove the Vegetable Is Underrated
First things first: did you know rhubarb is actually a vegetable? Now that we've gotten that out of the way, know that the versatile ingredient can be used in both desserts and dinners, from strawberry rhubarb pie to chicken thighs with rhubarb salsa and more. These 16 recipes prove that rhubarb is one of the best (and most underrated) Spring and Summer veggies, and you'll want to make your favorites while you can.
We Can't Quit Dancing to Ariana Grande With The Fitness Marshall
You love Ariana Grande, you love The Fitness Marshall, and now that we've fused them together, we can dance to one of Ariana's more, eh . . . "emotional" songs, "Quit." The Fitness Marshall says, "This is for all the drama queens," so go ahead, ladies, get your sassy five-minute workout in.
Being LGBTQ in Our Society Isn't Just Emotionally Taxing - It Actually Costs You Money
The costs of being "different" in society can be staggering. Those costs not only exact an emotional and social price, but they also take a financial toll. This unpleasant truth is what drives Dr. Vivienne Ming's work, and while her research might be scientific, it's also deeply personal. Ming came out as transgender when she was in her 30s and is now the board chair of StartOut, an organization dedicated to leveling the playing field for LGBTQ entrepreneurs.
When I caught up with Dr. Ming by phone, she acknowledged that if she had not made the decision to live her truth, she wouldn't be doing the work she's doing now. "Maybe today I'd be a fairly happy scientist at UC Berkeley still," she reflected, before quickly dismissing the idea. "Or actually, I wouldn't be. I'd be a very unhappy - but modestly successful - theoretical neuroscientist." Instead, the mother of two has devoted her career to pursuing equality for people of color, the LGBTQ community, women, and those with physical disabilities through her research. Specifically, she examines the tax on being different: how people who are viewed as "other" in society are financially impacted, in real dollars and cents, by discrimination throughout their educations and careers.
"What I decided with my transition is that I wanted to do much more. I had already laid out for myself a real purpose in life of making other people's lives better," she explained. "I was trying to think of, how do I do that, as a scientist?" Ming's own internal journey clearly fueled her desire to turn outward. "I was inspired to found companies, to found nonprofits, to go out and talk not just about my science, but about all the aspects of my life and the world as I would love to see it."
That meant confronting the injustices that people in her community face with hard facts and data, all driven by her desire to change the ingrained discrimination that impacts people's very livelihoods. One example of this is StartOut's 2016 study on LGBTQ entrepreneurship, which Ming coauthored. In it, Ming and her colleagues found that 37 percent of LGBTQ entrepreneurs chose not to come out to investors, with 12 percent saying they specifically worried being open about their identity might hurt their chances of locking down capital. They also found that while 47 percent of male LGBTQ entrepreneurs raised more than $2 million in funding, 70 percent of LGBTQ female entrepreneurs raised less than $750,000.
"Quite frankly - though it may break the heart of Silicon Valley and its idea of meritocracy to hear this - the vast majority of the people in the world that have no chance to live the life that, in some theoretical sense, is out there for them," Ming said.
Dr. Ming chats with a group of students at UCSD's convocation in September 2016, where she was a speaker.
The Peacock's Tail Analogy
Ming said one barrier for people who are viewed as somehow "different" in society is the concept of "signaling cost." She explained this through the peacock's tail analogy. "Male peacocks have this huge, beautiful, elaborate tail that is a complete and total waste," she said. "It does nothing for the peacock. It doesn't help them get food. The only thing you might think of is that it signals to the female, 'Hey baby, look at me! I'm so awesome I can waste all of this energy on my ridiculous tail.'"
So how does this play out in humanity rather than in peacock land? Ming said one good example - though highly debated - is how we view top-tier education. "The example: going to Harvard doesn't actually do you any good directly. But it signals to everyone else that you're exceptional," she said. "Essentially, because Harvard already vetted me, my Harvard degree then signals that I am an exceptional person, even if Harvard itself actually added very little to my life."
But a disturbing finding borne out by research shows that attending an Ivy League school is less of a make-or-break big deal in the long run for white people than people of color. "In the United States, if you are a white person going to UCLA vs. Stanford, it has actually no measurable difference." Not so if you're also a woman or you're transgender or you're a person of color.
The Compound Interest of Discrimination
Ming explained that viewing discrimination in terms of compound interest is key. "Every little moment that a young girl doesn't get called on for a math question in class may be small and may be trivial and may go beyond anyone else's notice," she said, "but that little indignity compounds over time."
These injustices accumulate in an exponential way. "The way the tax plays out is, you have to work longer, harder, in higher-profile jobs, [attend] fancier schools, even though you're equally qualified," Ming said. "The truth is, if you measure different points in the same person's life, [the tax] gets bigger and bigger. And, by the way, so does the wage gap for women."
Ming said it's important to look at the course of someone's education and career to see these effects really pile up. "If you look at a woman aged 55, the wage gap is about twice as high. So as you go further into your career, the taxes go higher," she explained. "The requirements imposed upon a woman or a person of color - or, God forbid, someone intersectional like a black quadriplegic person - these things don't just add up; they multiply. They interact with another and become even bigger."
Why the LGBTQ Pay Gap Gets Less Attention Than Race or Gender Pay Gaps
Dr. Ming pointed to the first StartOut meeting she attended as illustrative of why the LGBTQ tax may not get as much attention as the equal pay gap when it comes to gender or race. "It was essentially a bunch of white, gay, wealthy men drinking martinis. And that's great; I don't think there was anything wrong with an organization being that thing. But if that's the face of what it means to be gay . . . then it's probably looked at as, well what do these guys need? There's not much to be done here."
But Ming said even among those relatively privileged members of the community, there are demonstrable barriers and real, meaningful taxes to be measured. "No, they're not as large as more marginalized groups, but they are most certainly there," she said. "And to some degree, I think the LGBT community has done this to itself. A lot of the leadership really has come from that population and shied away from their own diversity issues."
But, Ming said, things are changing. "Now we're talking about gender transition, and we're talking about women, and we're talking LGBT intersectionality with other issues like race and disability and economics. This is a conflict that needed to be dealt with internally [in the LGBTQ community] before I think we could deal with it externally in our relationship with the rest of society."
How to Confront Your Own Prejudices - and Yes, You Have Them
Ming said many of our own biases are invisible to us. So, if you're in a position to hire or manage people, how can you honestly confront your own prejudice? "I'm going to be a little blunt: the starting point is not just acknowledging that they're there," Ming said. "That's not enough. Because they're too deep for that. The starting point is to really step back and concretely assess why you're making your decisions."
For example, if a manager evaluating two candidates and thinks the "straight, white guy" seems like the right hire, it's important to ask whether it's bias or real information influencing the decision. "Now, you have the very hard job of disentangling those and really, truly getting at what is driving your decisions."
Ming suggested a simple thought experiment next time you find yourself in this position: Imagine the same pitch coming from many different people of different races, genders, abilities, and sexual orientations. "How would you respond? Essentially, what is your brain filling in that's about you and not about the person that's there?"
These 18 Sexy Jumpsuits Will Have Everyone Doing a Double Take
Exuding confidence in your clothing isn't all about wearing a short dress. Feel good and try wearing a jumpsuit instead. From off-the-shoulder options to silky floor-grazers that float as you walk, there are many ways you can feel your best while still wearing pants. Make a statement at your next event with one of these top picks.
A Fitness Editor Shares Her Week of Meals and Workouts
Since becoming a fitness writer, I can't tell you how many questions I get about my routine, my food, my favorite products . . . actually, I can tell you. I get one to four questions a day from anyone from family to complete strangers. Most recently, a co-worker asked me what my typical week looks like, so I decided to lay it all out.
This is a sample week, spliced together from two different weeks because of the holiday weekend and travel throwing off my usual routine, but this is actually a very accurate (and painfully honest) account of what my days look like on any given week. Some days my nutrition is on point, other days I'm in a downward spiral of processed carbs. I'm a human, OK!
The through line with my food is that I make a lot of cleaner choices, so I don't actually have an issue if I decide to eat half a pint of ice cream or go out to dinner with friends. I also make healthy foods that I LOVE, and I don't force myself to eat things I don't enjoy. I eat often, so I'm never super hungry (that's when I make my worst decisions - food and otherwise), and try to plan ahead as much as possible.
Sunday
Exercise: This past Sunday was a rest day for me in terms of workouts, but I still was a bit active - I headed up to the Muir Woods National Monument (one of my favorite places!) for a brisk early morning trail walk (not sure if you can call it a hike) for a couple miles before heading back to the city.
Note: I've been following the Tone It Up nutrition plan's eight-week challenge, so on Sundays I meal prep to set up for a healthy week. I use this time to make protein muffins for the week, chop and prep veggies, cook quinoa, make chia pudding, etc. I also typically have an apple cider vinegar metabolism drink every morning, but since it's so redundant, I left it out of the food diary.
Food:
M1: Rebbl's Maca Mocha (I'm OBSESSED, and you need to try it). There's no coffee in it, just maca!
M2: Small fresh-squeezed OJ from Whole Foods while grocery shopping and a lemon protein muffin that I ate fresh from the oven while meal prepping.
M3: Hefty salad and an Icelandic yogurt (skyr - another obsession of mine).
M4: Cauliflower-acaí smoothie (TBH, it was pretty flavorless . . . I need to work on my recipe).
M5: Quinoa bowl with chicken, wilted kale and garlic, roasted sweet potatoes, edamame, and a little truffle salt - holy yumminess.
Monday
Exercise: Mondays and Tuesdays vary for me, but it's usually a studio class of some kind, like Flywheel, SoulCycle, Core40, or yoga. On this particular Monday, I did a 60-minute C2 CorePower Yoga, with my friend Janine teaching. It was sweaty, challenging, yet powerfully relaxing and restorative. Lots of balance work and single-leg poses!
Food:
M1: Iced almond milk latte from Starbucks with a whole lot of cinnamon.
M2: Protein muffin - this week I made lemon chia seed (in lieu of poppy) from the TIU plan and added a little almond extract (great decision, TBH). They're probably my favorite protein muffins to date!
M3: Leftovers from that miraculous quinoa bowl the night before.
M4: Chia pudding with cacao nibs and strawberries.
M5: TIU "tahini tray dinner" with chickpeas, cauliflower, broccoli, and roasted sweet potatoes. I prep these in bags with olive oil, tahini, and minced garlic so I can throw it all on a cookie sheet, bake it, and call it a night. For "dessert," I had GT's guava goddess kombucha.
Tuesday
Exercise: I love the slow, low-impact, muscle-shaking burn from Lagree-method Megaformer classes, and there's a Core40 on my train line to work! I do the Core40 Ramped class, which is Megaformer with an extra gravity challenge thanks to the carriage getting a little incline.
Food:
M1: Two coconut Perfect Fit protein pancakes with coconut flakes and a little organic maple syrup.
M2: Protein muffin.
M3: Greek chicken quinoa salad (I made it myself! Kalamata olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, chicken, quinoa, greens, and a little olive oil and salt with a half a lemon squeezed in.).
M4: Icelandic yogurt.
M5: Tahini tray dinner and a little bit of Halo Top's birthday cake flavor ice cream for dessert.
Wednesday
Exercise: Wednesday was a rest day! I don't always use this as my rest day, but that's just how it turned out. Sometimes I go for a run, sometimes I try a new studio or something like boxing, but I gave my body a break on this day.
Food:
M1: Another iced almond milk latte (I'm a creature of habit) and a protein muffin.
M2: Protein smoothie (I went to Barry's Bootcamp across the street, solely for the Fuel Bar).
M3: Greek chicken quinoa salad.
M4: Icelandic yogurt (word to the wise, Smári's mango flavor is like mango lassi in a cup).
M5: Crispy tofu nuggets and sautéed zucchini. One of my weeknight staples (so easy to make and so cheap!).
Thursday
Exercise: Thursday is my morning for personal training with my PT, Liz. We do a different workout every week, using weights, kettlebells, battle ropes, sleds, and all sorts of cool gym things I had never used before working with her.
Food:
M1: Two scrambled eggs (I get pasture-raised eggs from Vital Farms; they're expensive but worth it for a variety of reasons I won't get into here) and another iced almond milk latte.
M2: Protein muffin.
M3: I work dangerously close to Sweetgreen, and I'm obsessed with the Bay Bowl. My trainer told me to trade kale for romaine since romaine is a little easier to digest. I also do no raisins, add a double serving of strawberries, and get extra sprouted almonds.
M4: Chia pudding with cacao nibs.
M5: Made dinner with friends: pistachio-crusted salmon, coconut rice (we made it with brown rice), and a pineapple mango pico I made with some jicama and jalapeño. For dessert, I made a superfood hot cocoa with coconut milk (from a can), lots of cacao powder, manuka honey, and Moon Juice's Brain Dust.
Friday
Exercise: I don't always double up (nor would I recommend it, unless you're in a conditioning program!), but Friday was a double day for me. I love starting Friday with an early a.m. SoulCycle class with Luigi (he's hilarious and inspiring, and he always starts my day off on a good foot). So, 45 minutes of intense cycling was workout one.
I was also shooting my Instagram Story and Snapchat show for POPSUGAR, You Glow Girl, on Friday, testing all-white activewear (spoiler: it's awesome), so I went to Barry's Bootcamp for a power lunch session (50 minutes of weights and running). Needless to say, I went to bed at 9 p.m. and slept very, very well that night.
Food:
M1: Luigi and I went to Project Juice in the Castro after SoulCycle for a "unicorn parfait" - coconut probiotic yogurt with blue majik layered under a dragon fruit smoothie bowl blend, topped with granola, fruit, and coconut flakes (pictured at the top of this post). YUM. Also a cashew milk coffee.
M2: Protein muffin.
M3: I didn't get to eat lunch right away because 1) Barry's and 2) was making the Instagram and Snapchat show. I grabbed a protein shake from Barry's immediately after class to refuel and keep my body nourished. I get the Skinny B*** (unfortunate name, excellent shake) with strawberries instead of blueberries. It's also made with vegan protein and BCAAs for recovery!
M4: OK, this is another food I don't really talk about, but I love celery with cream cheese! Is that weird? IDK. I grew up with it. So yeah, I ate celery with cream cheese.
M5: I stopped at Lemonade on my way home and got seared ahi with an edamame salad and soba noodles with kimchi vegetables. AND a strawberry rhubarb lemonade, because why not.
Saturday
Exercise: My weekends have been a little up in the air lately from travel, but this past Saturday I went to Level 2/3 Hot Yoga at Love Story Yoga in San Francisco. It's a shorter class than the Sunday one (70 minutes instead of 90), and while challenging, it's still gentle and low-impact, and it helps me wind down.
Food:
M1: Iced tea and sweet coconut toast from Samovar before heading into yoga.
M2: N/A
M3: Bowl of pork, rice, coconut slaw, and beans from Cuban restaurant Media Noche . . . and also a little guava cheesecake ice cream dipped in dark chocolate ("Mi Abuela Favorita").
M4: Literally so many cherry tomatoes and a little ranch for dipping.
M5: I'm not proud of this, but I 100 percent walked to a Walgreens to get Ben & Jerry's Half Baked and Top Ramen. NOW YOU KNOW MY SECRETS.
13 Times Selena Gomez's Summer Dresses Served as Major Outfit Inspo
During the warmer months, we're all looking for that easy one-and-done ensemble. For Selena Gomez, it's a Summer dress. But rather than choosing a simple style, Selena selects dresses that all include a special twist that sets them apart from the rest.
Whether it's the pinstriped Isabel Marant dress she wore while on a romantic getaway with The Weeknd or that vintage-inspired daisy-print dress she wore at Coachella, it seems like the songstress has a bevy of Instagram-worthy dresses. Have a look at all of her Summer dresses and let them serve as inspiration for your wardrobe by shopping similar pieces too.
The No-Fail Outfit Fashion Girls Love, According to WeWoreWhat's Danielle Bernstein
We've all silently said to ourselves, "I have nothing to wear!" For me, this usually happens in the morning right before work. This conundrum has inspired me to buy a clothing rack and even take on fashion challenges, but occasionally, I still end up in a style rut. As I see bloggers and fashion influencers curate one cute outfit after another, almost daily, I wonder: do they ever have the same outfit struggle I do?
My answer came when I had the chance to chat with WeWoreWhat's Danielle Bernstein. I had to know: does she have "what the f*ck do I wear?" days too? This was her answer:
"Well, that's why I started my blog. It was sort of about how getting dressed should be the easiest part of your day, but it's sometimes the hardest. I was definitely victim to that, so I started my blog to be this daily source of outfit inspiration. I even scroll through my own Instagram to get inspired, but there are times where I end up changing 50 times. Then, I just wear jeans and a t-shirt, which sometimes turns out to be the best look anyway."
If Danielle, who has 1.7 million Instagram followers and styles #OOTDs every day, has the same fashion struggle as the rest of us, then, well, we should cut ourselves some slack. Or just wear jeans and a white t-shirt, because as Danielle suggests, it is the no-fail outfit all fashion girls can rely on. For ways to dress up the combo, we browsed through Danielle's own feed to offer you plenty of style inspiration (and some shopping picks!) ahead.
High School Musical: Where Are the Stars Now?
When it comes to the Disney Channel, High School Musical is one of a kind. From the movies to the sold-out tours, the franchise really was the start of something new - especially for the film's stars. Not only did the movies establish a precedent for Disney movies to come, but it also jump-started careers for big names like Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens when it premiered over 10 years ago. Keep reading to see what your favorite Wildcats are up to now!
If You Can't Wait For Bad Moms Christmas, This Movie Is the Answer to Your Prayers
If you didn't fully grasp the concept of moms behaving badly in Bad Moms or the trailer for Bad Moms Christmas, never fear: Fun Mom Dinner is here. The indie comedy stars Molly Shannon, Toni Collette, Katie Aselton, and Bridget Everett as four preschool moms who decide to blow off steam one night with a simple dinner, but alas, nothing goes according to plan. The trailer features poop splatter, weed-fueled shenanigans, a shark onesie, and Adam Levine as a scruffy bartender. If none of that does it for you, there's also Adam Scott and Rob Huebel in the standard Clueless Dad roles, jokes about being too stressed to even buy milk, and a tearful game of Never Have I Ever. Watch it above, and catch Fun Mom Dinner when it hits select theaters and on demand August 4.
8 Times Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian's Romance Was a Grand Slam
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian shocked the world when they announced their engagement in December 2016, but despite keeping a low profile, their romance can actually be traced back to 2015. The tennis champion and Reddit cofounder reportedly first hit it off that year, and Alexis was front and center cheering on Serena at the 2015 US Open. He continued to hint at the romance throughout 2016, but he didn't pop up on Serena's Instagram until August 2016 when she shared a group photo of them hanging out with friends. In April, Serena revealed that she and Alexis are expecting their first child together, and ever since then, the couple seems to be getting more and more comfortable showing off their romance - they even made their red carpet debut at the Met Gala. While we await the arrival of their baby, take a look at Serena and Alexis's sweetest moments together.
This Bikini Shopping Hack Could Change Your Swimsuit Style For Life
I've never been against mixing and matching my bikinis. It's just another way to get the most out of the pieces I've already invested in (while making it look like my swim drawer is filled to the brim). But this wasn't a move I made often - at least until now.
I recently went away on a tropical vacation and pretty much wore a swimsuit every day. That was when I discovered the one bottom that truly looks best on my bum. While it's cheekier than any design I've dared to put on before, I figured there was no better time to experiment and slipped on a V-cut bottom with a single strip of ruching down the center. (Let's just say I had to apply extra sunscreen to my newly exposed cheeks.)
When I turned around and looked in the mirror, I loved the way it looked. The piece made my behind appear toned and perky, covering just enough skin so that I didn't mind leaving the vicinity of the hotel room. I didn't take it off for the rest of the trip, rotating the handful of tops I brought, even if they didn't coordinate perfectly.
Afterward, it hit me: why not use this as an approach to shop for swimwear? Rather than buying a full set just because you fall in love with the color, pattern, or texture, find the silhouette that feels most comfortable and looks good (whether it's a top or bottom), and purchase one or two in neutral tones that can work with the prints you already own.
Scroll for a few winning designs that fit the bill in a whole range of shapes and sizes.
The Best Recipes That Start With a Can of Crescent Dough
Refrigerated crescent dough, so flaky and buttery, tastes like childhood when baked up into croissant rolls, but more and more people are incorporating the dough into recipes. From strawberry cinnamon rolls to pizza roll-ups, one of these crescent roll recipes will inspire you to pop open a can.
Why Kelly Clarkson's Response to a Body-Shamer Online Is "F*cking Awesome"
In addition to be exceedingly talented, Kelly Clarkson also happens to be a body-positive champion and a skilled social-media user. The singer recently responded to a malicious body-shaming Twitter user in a glorious way that both defended her point of view and didn't take the overall situation too seriously.
On July 4, Kelly took the time to thank soldiers and veterans with a thoughtful tweet. Shortly thereafter, a user responded to her tweet by saying, "You're fat." Yes, really. Though we would have understood if she had blown up, Kelly went a different route. In response, she noted that she's "still f*cking awesome" - despite this internet troll telling her that she's "fat."
....and still fucking awesome 😜 https://t.co/LvFgIITaTX
- Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) July 5, 2017
Her defiant tweet has since racked up over 3,000 retweets and 18,000 "likes," at press time. In addition to shutting down the body-shamer, Kelly also gave us something to look forward to and teased that new music from her would be coming "soon."
5 Facts About Katy Perry and Russell Brand's Wedding That Will Make You Say "Huh"
Image Source: Getty / Michael Buckner
Katy Perry has had a few of Hollywood's sexiest men on her arm in recent years, but before she romanced the likes of John Mayer and Orlando Bloom, she was married to British comedian Russell Brand. The two first got together in 2009 after she threw a water bottle at his head during rehearsals for the MTV Video Music Awards. "I was really annoyed but when she came up to me she was so mouthy, smart, and cocky," he said of their encounter. "It made me really interested." Katy and Russell got engaged that New Year's Eve during a trip to India, and they tied the knot in October 2010. Russell filed for divorce after just 14 months of marriage, and while they've both clearly moved on, their wedding facts aren't any less interesting. Despite neither being of South Asian descent or practicing the Hindu faith, their wedding massively incorporated both.
1. It Was in India
The couple returned to the country where Russell popped the question to say "I do." The ceremony took place near the Ranthambore tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan that featured the "inspirational and majestic countryside of Northern India" as the backdrop. There were also only 80 guests in attendance.
2. The Rehearsal Dinner Was . . . Different
The couple hosted a Bollywood-themed party on the Friday night before the wedding. Russell reportedly wore a white kurta pyjama, a traditional Indian outfit of loose pants and a shirt, while Katy wore a red sari. "The young children looked very pretty, with the boys wearing small turbans too," Rafiq Khan, who was inside the party as part of a musical tribute to the couple, told People. "As the guests entered, my troupe of drum players played our Nagara drums (Indian kettle drums) to welcome them."
3. There Were Elephants
Two elephants named Laxmi and Mala were on hand for the big day, even entering the venue on a red carpet. During the bharat, or traditional Indian wedding procession, the groom and his male relatives and friends walk to the spot where the bride awaits. While he is usually on a white horse, an elephant is seen as more luxurious. The pair also incorporated traditional Indian music during their ceremony, including Rajasthani folk music and sacred Vedic chanting.
Image Source: Getty / Simon de Trey-White
4. They Spoiled Their Guests
In addition to treating their guests to various song and dance performances, Katy and Russell also reportedly showered their closest friends and family members with shopping sprees and safari trips.
5. The Ceremony Was Spiritual
Despite relying heavily on the Hindu faith and South Asian wedding traditions for the ceremony, it was actually performed by a Christian minister and longtime friend of Katy's family (the singer has spoken at length about her strict Catholic upbringing). A rep for the couple told People at the time that it was "very private and spiritual."
The Ultimate Guide to Denim Shorts by Body Type
While you might have a drawer full of denim cutoffs, there's one pair that's better than all the rest. They lift your booty and emphasize your curves, and whenever you wear them, the compliments roll in. Why? These cutoffs were made for your body type, even if you slashed and distressed them yourself.
But if you're not sure what style of shorts should be your go-to, we've got the answer. Whether you're long and lean, petite with toned legs, or curvy, there's a silhouette that will flatter your butt, make for the best foundation to your outfit, and ultimately give you a major confidence boost. And when it comes to finding the right jeans, that's what's most important. Read on for the basics, or jump ahead to your body type.
You'll Freak Out Over These 19 Summer Dresses From Urban Outfitters (All Under $80)
For effortlessly cool, trendy dresses, I always check out Urban Outfitters first. Seriously, I love its selection of unique options at affordable price points. This Summer, it has really impressed me with a variety of spirited prints, whimsical fabrics, and flattering silhouettes (hello, cutouts!). Check out our favorite picks from the store and buy one for yourself before they disappear. They always go fast.
What It's Like Getting a Mammogram at 32
My relationship with my breasts is complicated. They fed my son for the first six months of his life, and they help fill out a bathing suit, which seems to be the only time a well-endowed woman can bare some cleavage without it being considered slutty. Despite these benefits, they are near the top of the list of annoying body parts, somewhere right above the hair that grows on my knee.
My breasts sprouted far too early and far too large for my small frame. I've often felt overwhelmed by their existence, and as an adult, simple tasks like hugging my child and squeezing past strangers on airplanes are fraught with awkwardness. They hurt when I run, and don't even get me started on the back pain. I've more than once wished I could just magically remove them and daydreamed about how wonderful getting dressed would be without that kind of baggage. It wasn't until they started hurting that I realized that what I should be grateful for was that they were healthy.
For the past six months, I've been having what I've dubbed as "phantom lactation" pains. Considering that I had stopped breastfeeding well over a year ago and am not pregnant, this has been a very disconcerting feeling. Throughout my day I would feel as if I desperately needed to pump with lightning-like pain radiating from my nipple. I would check to see if I was leaking, but there was no milk to be seen. It was all the pain of lactation with none of the benefit.
During my tenure as a breastfeeding momma, I got mastitis three times, each more painful than the last. Swollen, tender, and replete with trapped milk, I'd spend hours massaging them in the shower to work out the clogged duct. It's because of these experiences with mastitis and the phantom pains that I began to get concerned that maybe those bouts of inflammation had caused, or were caused, by something far more worrisome.
After an examination, my doctor suspected that the most likely cause of the pain was fibrocystic changes and that it was most likely benign, if not a little annoying and prevalent. Still, despite not finding any lumps, any time breast pain is involved, she recommended getting a diagnostic mammogram to make certain.
Being on the young side of my 30s, the prospect of having to get a mammogram was not a comforting thought. I had at least another 10 years of living it up before I had to start having regular checkups. In the office to get my mammogram, I was the youngest woman there by far, with the exception of someone whose head was smooth and was wearing a neon pink shirt that proudly and rightfully displayed the phrase, "I survived!" It was a stark reminder that while the chances were slight, there was still the possibility that my phantom pain presented a very real problem.
It was a stark reminder that while the chances were slight, there was still the possibility that my phantom pain presented a very real problem.
I was escorted into a changing room where I was given a white waffle-weave cotton robe not too dissimilar from the ones I had worn previously while at a day spa. It was thin and rubbed against my braless chest, and I spent a lot of time tugging it down since I had worn a dress, not pants, to the appointment and needed the robe to cover more than it was designed for.
The technician escorted me to the examining room, where I was greeted by two large machines: one that was tall with clear glass plates and foot pedals below and another that looked like the control center to a fictionalized space ship. She directed me to my station, where I would be for the next half hour. Rotating between three different angles, 45, 90 and 180, my breasts were flattened and squashed between the two plates. Because I didn't know what to expect, I was expecting the worst (maybe it's the pessimist in me). Surprisingly, it wasn't so much painful as it was uncomfortable, like the pressure from a really tight sports bra.
The cramped feeling lasted for at most 10 seconds, and then it was onto the next position. Being nervous and unfamiliar with the process, I kept wanting to help the technician by placing the breast on the plate or turning my body, which only made the whole situation take longer. Eventually I realized that it was best for me to let her direct me, as if I were a child's doll being moved into position. For each photo, I was told to hold my breath and remain very still, not an inaccurate metaphor for the whole experience.
The slides were printed and given to the doctor, who I never saw, as if they were the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain. After waiting for a little while, it was recommended that I take a few more photos, this time with a smaller plate. My slides were placed on the screen, and there I could see four or five spots that had been circled to denote that a closer look was needed. If my nerves had been steadied, they were instantly made jittery again as I disrobed for the second time and took four more x-rays. I'm not sure if my breasts were just over being manhandled or if the process was different, but this time was far more uncomfortable verging on painful.
Once those photos were taken, I was directed down the hall to receive an ultrasound on my breasts. Using the same type of plastic-smelling goo that they had used on my belly when I was pregnant, they squirted the liquid on my breasts and began to search. This closer look allows for the doctor to tell whether or not lumps and spec in the x-rays show cysts, or hard lumps, or water sacks. Essentially, it helps be more specific with what they are looking at. This was painless and truthfully was pretty relaxing. I was left to lie on the table, careful not to wipe any of the gunk off my chest, while the technician left to show the new set of slides to the doctor.
Waiting is always the hardest part, and this time was no different. I had been told at the beginning of the process that I would receive an update by the end of the session, but I hadn't quite prepared myself for what that truly meant. In the span of just over an hour, I would know whether or not I would be faced with one of the hardest situations a person can deal with. Thankfully, the slides looked clear, and I was given the freedom to leave. I have never changed back into my clothes so fast as I did in that moment, grateful that I would have another 10 years before I needed to come back.
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