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.
lundi 31 juillet 2017
Here's the Exact Coffee-to-Water Ratio For the Best-Tasting Cup
Ever notice that sometimes the coffee you make at home tastes better on certain days than others? That's likely because the coffee-to-water ratio could be off. Although it's tempting to just add a few scoops of the grinds into the filter and then pour water until it seems like a good amount, paying close attention to the measurements is important for brewing the best-tasting coffee. The good news is there's an explicit formula that coffee experts tend to agree on, and it will eliminate any guessing games you have about the correct amount of coffee and water.
One to two tablespoons ground coffee for every six ounces of water.
That's the coffee-to-water ratio that you should follow when you're making drip coffee in your coffee pot at home. Depending on how strong you like your coffee, you can choose one or two tablespoons based on your taste preference; bonus points if you grind your own coffee (freshly ground always tastes better than packaged).
If you add too much water and not enough coffee, you'll end up with watered-down-tasting coffee that won't exactly satisfy your needs in the morning. Without enough water, the coffee could end up tasting too bitter and the flavor profile will be off. As long as you grab a measuring cup and a tablespoon, you'll be on your way to the best home-brewed coffee of your life.
This Is the Explosive History Between Tyrion and Ser Davos on Game of Thrones
A peculiar group has been gathering at Dragonstone on Game of Thrones. After dispatching her girl power group in Daenerys's first big move toward taking the Iron Throne, the Mother of Dragons welcomes Jon Snow, King in the North, and his advisor, Ser Davos Seaworth, former right-hand man to Stannis Baratheon, to Dragonstone - which leads to a couple rather cheeky exchanges between Ser Davos and Tyrion Lannister.
"The Onion Knight," says Tyrion to Ser Davos upon meeting on the beach. "We fought on opposite sides at the Battle of Blackwater Bay."
"Unluckily for me," Davos responds.
Later, when Daenerys questions why she needs Jon Snow's help, Davos tells her it's not to win the Iron Throne.
"[You don't need us] to defeat Cersei. You could storm King's Landing tomorrow and the city would fall. Hell, we almost took it and we didn't even have dragons," says Davos.
"Almost," interjects Tyrion (and damn, can Peter Dinklage deliver the simplest of lines in the best way).
If you don't remember what they're referring to, let us take you back to season two, episode nine, "Blackwater."
Like a lot of Game of Thrones seasons, the action of season two climaxes in a terrific battle that takes over almost an entire episode. "Blackwater" sees Stannis Baratheon's forces trying to take King's Landing, led by Ser Davos, only to be thwarted by the Lannister army, largely thanks to Tyrion.
Tyrion's master plan involves sending one lone, unmanned ship out into the bay, which he then lights on fire with an arrow shot from the shore by Bronn. It ignites wildfire, the insane green substance developed by the Alchemists' Guild that burns so hot water cannot put it out. This ship's explosion takes out several of Stannis's ships.
Then when the remaining forces storm the shore, Tyrion leads a group of men through a tunnel and takes the Baratheon fighters from behind. Aided by his father, Tywin Lannister, and his army, Tyrion and the Lannisters successfully defend King's Landing against Stannis and his army.
Tyrion takes a sword to the face during the fight, which is how he got the scars he still sports, while Stannis and Ser Davos narrowly escape back to Dragonstone after the crushing loss.
It's a little curious that Davos would be so flippant about the Battle of Blackwater, since it is where he lost his son, Matthos. But we suppose it did happen five years ago, so perhaps he has moved on - or he does not want to make an enemy of Tyrion Lannister in the face of the North needing Daenerys's dragonglass to fight the White Walkers.
This Popular Designer Couple Just Launched a Chic Shop on Amazon Prime
Getting HGTV-approved interior decor has never been so easy, thanks to the duo behind The Novogratz. Robert and Cortney Novogratz have recently paired up with Amazon to give decor-lovers and Amazon Prime fans alike a seamlessly chic shopping experience with their new storefront.
The Novogratz Amazon shop is filled with 150 pieces of furniture, art, lighting, and so much more. If it's not the incredibly adorable designs that draw you to the shop, maybe the low price points and Amazon Prime efficiency will convince you.
In addition to their entertaining home life with seven children, the couple's love for decorating has been featured on Bravo and HGTV, and now, we'll be able to decorate our homes with their taste in mind. Read on to see some of our favorite pieces from the collection, and bookmark these items for your next redesign!
Flight Attendants Reveal the Most Annoying Thing You Can Order on a Plane
You might think that one of the most popular refreshments would be the easiest for flight attendants to grab - they'll have lots on hand and endless practice pouring it. However, it turns out that although a refreshing glass of Diet Coke is a one-ingredient drink to prep, it's possibly the most annoying think you can order on a plane.
In a 2013 post on the flight attendant blog These Gold Wings that has since gone viral, an anonymous flight attendant named Jet explained why pouring a can of Diet Coke is more difficult for the airline crew to serve you.
"As you may know, the aircraft cabin is not pressurized to sea level, but rather to the equivalent of about seven or eight thousand feet. This means some passengers might feel a little lightheaded or that alcohol affects them almost twice as much as it would on the ground. It also means soft drinks foam up a lot more when poured out of a can. The worst culprit for this is Diet Coke. I literally have to sit and wait for the bubbles to fall before I can continue pouring. If all three passengers ask for diet coke I'll often get them started, take another three drink orders, serve those, and then finish the diet cokes. As the infomercials say, 'There's GOT to be a better way!'"
Heather Poole, an American Airlines flight attendant, shared this sentiment with The HuffPost UK as well in her book, Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 Feet. "[Diet Coke is] the most annoying beverage a flight attendant can pour for a passenger in flight, because in the time it takes us to fill one cup, we could have served an entire row of passengers," Heather wrote. "I've actually had nightmares about frantically trying to finish a never ending Diet Coke beverage service before landing."
A spokeswoman for Coke told HuffPost UK that the extra ice enhances the extra bubbles but declined to explain why the altitude affects this beverage differently than the brand's other products. "The amount of bubbles across different sparkling beverages is related to the specific recipe versus the altitude in which they are poured," the spokesperson said. "Generally, when sparkling beverages are poured at room temperature from a can and over ice, the fizz is increased."
It's Hard to Believe These 16 Summer Sandals Are All Under $100
When shopping for sandals, there are two things we usually keep in mind: style and price. But with so many trends to choose from this season, it can get a tad bit overwhelming to find a design that fits both your aesthetic and your budget.
Keeping these important factors in mind, we rounded up some of the best Summer sandals that you won't feel guilty about buying. From a woven pair of slides to ones that are embellished with tassels, have a look at 16 sandals that are all under $100.
These "Minnie Van" Vehicles Are Going to Change the Way You Do Disney World
Walking to and from everything Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts offers on sweltering hot day can be pretty far from magical. As usual, Disney has the perfect solution. At D23's 2017 Expo Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced that a new transportation service is coming to Disney World, and it only gets better: the vehicles will Minnie Mouse-themed!
"Since we're all about exceeding guest expectations and making every aspect of your vacation uniquely Disney, we're creating a new point-to-point transportation service in a way that only Disney can do," Chapek said.
The "Minnie Van" service will take you everywhere you want to go at the Walt Disney World Resort, so guests "never have to leave the story while on a Disney vacation." The cute cars also make sure you get there in style. From Disneyland Halloween Time dates to a Star Wars-Themed Hotel, D23 was full of exciting news.
The Internet Has a Lot to Say About Anthony Scaramucci's Departure
On July 31, merely 10 days after Anthony Scaramucci officially began his job as the White House communications director, "The Mooch," as he's referred to informally, was stripped of his new role. Allow us to remind you that Scaramucci's appointment to this position was reportedly the main reason Sean Spicer chose to resign, as Spicer believed it was "a major mistake." And it looks like Spicer was right about that one.
So why exactly was he removed so quickly from his position? Apparently it was at the request of John F. Kelly, who succeeded Reince Priebus as the White House's new chief of staff on the same day as Scaramucci's firing. Kelly reportedly told his aides that he wanted to "impose a new sense of order and operational discipline that had been absent under his predecessor," The New York Times reports. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued an official statement that said: "Mr. Scaramucci felt it was best to give Chief of Staff John Kelly a clean slate and the ability to build his own team. We wish him all the best."
Scaramucci's abrupt dismissal came as a surprise to many, especially considering that President Donald Trump proudly (and perhaps prematurely) announced on Twitter that there was "No WH chaos!" earlier in the day. Although it's unclear whether Trump will offer the now-former director another role in the West Wing, many internet users have spoken up to offer their comments on Scaramucci's short-lived reign in the White House - even Bachelor host Chris Harrison couldn't resist getting in on the action.
A Definitive, Ongoing List of All the People the Trump Administration Has Parted Ways With So Far
Six months into the Trump presidency, one fact has become incredibly clear: the former Apprentice star has no plans to stop saying "you're fired!" anytime soon.
Shakeups in the White House are to be expected with any new administration (especially after the opposing party has held office for eight years), but the tumult at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is starting to feel a whole lot less like strategic planning and a whole lot more like a Survivor
-style reality show. In the month of July alone, four big-name staffers were sent packing. Countless others were put on notice, like Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, whom Donald Trump threatened in front of an audience of Boy Scouts, saying that if Price were to fail to get an Obamacare repeal through the Senate, the secretary would be told, "Tom, you're fired."
While attempting to guess who will come next on Trump's hit list is a rather futile endeavor - here's looking at you, Jeff Sessions, Jared Kushner, and Robert Mueller - what we will do is take a moment to pour one out for those who have already fallen victim to the ever-moving Trump train, both those who have been fired outright as well as those who claim to have left of their own volition. And be sure to check back here regularly, as we'll be making sure to update this page as and when the next staffer makes his or her exit.
This Week's Game of Thrones Calls Back to the First Episode (and You Probably Missed It)
Poor Jon Snow is the wolf that cried White Walker. On this week's Game of Thrones, Jon and Daenerys finally meet for the first time, but he's left disappointed when Dany doesn't immediately spring into action when Jon tells her about the impending White Walker apocalypse. Later, when he and Tyrion are having a brood-off on the bluffs, he vents his frustration about how nobody believes him, saying "It's hard for me to fathom, it really is. If someone told me about the White Walkers and the Night King. . ." then he takes a long pause, seeming to realize the truth: someone did tell Jon.
If you remember back to the very first episode of Game of Thrones, Ned executes a man who deserted the Night's Watch after witnessing a White Walker attack. As Jon, Robb, and Bran look on, the ranger begs that Ned spread the word about what's coming, saying, "I know I broke my oath. I know I'm a deserter. I should've gone back to the Wall and warned them, but I saw what I saw. I saw the White Walkers. People need to know." After the beheading, Bran asks his father if the man was lying and Ned replies, "A mad man sees what he sees."
As Jon seems to recall this memory, he tells Tyrion, "You probably don't believe me." Because now he's the guy who left the Night's Watch to warn people about the White Walkers, and he's the one who sounds like a mad man. It's a full-circle moment, but hopefully Jon will meet a better fate than his fellow believer.
Is This How Jaime is Going to Kill Cersei on Game of Thrones?
Looks like we've got even more reason to believe Jaime will kill his sister, Cersei, on Game of Thrones. This scenario traces back to that dreaded prophecy that came from Maggy the Frog in season five. Basically, the prediction states that Cersei will marry a king, then become queen herself until she is usurped by a younger, more beautiful queen. She will lose all her children and eventually die at the hands of someone else. Almost all of this has already come true, except she's still queen and she hasn't been murdered yet. While Daenerys is almost surely her usurper, there are plenty of people who might kill her. In light of another telling hint, we're setting our sights on Jaime.
To refresh, the whole reason we're not sure about the identity of Cersei's killer is because of the ambiguity of Maggy's prophecy. Here are her words: "When your tears have drowned you, the Valonqar shall wrap his hands about your pale white throat and choke the life from you." In Valyrian, "Valonqar" means "little brother," making Tyrion the obvious choice. That said, there's always the chance Cersei was born just before her twin brother, Jaime, which would also make him a younger brother. At this point, he's the one closest to Cersei, and he's most likely to clock her slow descent into insanity. Taking all this into consideration, Game of Thrones may have slipped a little Easter egg into the season seven premiere. It all boils down to Cersei and her new map.
In the scene, Cersei stands directly on top of a region known as "The Neck." You can barely even make out the label just beyond Cersei's feet, and you can also see it on the map that appears in the books. While you're at it, check out where Jaime happens to be standing. Yep, his feet are just off the shore of an area known as "The Fingers." Do you see where we're going with this? The prophecy states a "little brother" will strangle the life out of Cersei, and this particular placement makes Jaime the "Fingers" to Cersei's "Neck." When you consider how every other aspect of the prophecy has come true, it's hard to ignore the evidence: Cersei may not survive the season.
Even more interestingly, we can see little breadcrumbs that fill out the "Mad Queen" theory that made its way around last year. Cersei has destroyed a huge part of King's Landing with wildfire, and she's lost all her children. In the second episode of the season, Euron Greyjoy attacks the Iron Fleet and kidnaps Ellaria Sand and her daughter. And remember how Ellaria Sand is the one who poisons Myrcella? Cersei gets her ultimate revenge when she poisons Ellaria's daughter in front of her, but it may come at a price: Jaime could come to believe that she's not sane enough to keep the throne, just like he stopped the Mad King Aerys Targaryen before. The Kingslayer is about the become the "Queenslayer."
Game of Thrones: Everything You Should Know About Jon Snow's Father, Rhaegar Targaryen
Even though we keep meeting a whole bunch of new characters on Game of Thrones, there's one name that keeps popping up who we'll likely never see in the flesh: Rhaegar Targaryen. The famed Targaryen prince might be long dead in both the books and the show, but as we learned during the crazy sixth season finale, he plays a huge role in the Game of Thrones universe. Join us as we explain why.
- He is the eldest son of the Mad King, Aerys II. Prince Rhaegar Targaryen is the son of King Aerys Targaryen and Queen Rhaella Targaryen, making him Daenerys and Viserys's older brother (though Dany was born after his death).
- He is married to a Dornish princess and has two children, who are later murdered by The Mountain. Rhaegar and Princess Elia Martell (Oberyn Martell's sister, FYI) of Dorne have a daughter, Rhaenys, and a son, Aegon. The children are killed, and then Ser Gregor Clegane rapes Elia before stabbing her to death with a sword. Makes sense why Oberyn wanted to kill him so bad, huh?
- He allegedly abducts Lyanna Stark, which ignites the deadly rebellion against the Targaryens. Despite a seemingly happy marriage to Princess Elia, it seems Rhaegar abducts Ned's sister for undisclosed reasons. When the Starks order Rhaegar to release Lyanna, the Mad King has both Ned's father, Rickard, and oldest brother, Brandon, cruelly executed. This prompts Ned and Robert Baratheon (who is betrothed to Lyanna) to team up with several other clans to take down the Targaryens.
- He dies at the end of Robert Baratheon's hammer. Although Rhaegar manages to avoid the initial uprising while living in Dorne, he's eventually summoned to battle. During a fight known as the Battle of the Trident, Rhaegar goes up against Robert, who deals him a fatal blow with his warhammer.
- He has been mentioned in the show many times before. In the first episode of season one, Robert and Ned share an emotionally charged moment in the crypt where Lyanna is buried, where Robert reveals that "he kills [Rhaegar] every night" in his dreams. In season three, Jorah Mormont and Ser Barristan Selmy bicker over how honorable Rhaeger truly was in front of Daenerys, and Barristan brings him up again in season five when he shares some pleasant memories of Rhaegar's love of singing. Petyr Baelish also recounts the events surrounding Rhaegar's kidnapping of Lyanna to Sansa Stark in the same crypt where Robert and Ned were years earlier. And of course, Daenerys has been bringing him up in season seven - including to Jon Snow, who doesn't know that's his dad.
- He's Jon Snow's father. By far the most significant point of Rhaegar's role in the current state of Westeros is his parentage of Jon Snow. In the season six finale, Bran travels back in time, once again, to the Tower of Joy, where Lyanna is being held captive. Ned arrives to rescue his dying sister, who reveals she is the mother of Jon Snow and begs Ned to raise the baby as his own. Although she doesn't explicitly say Jon is Rhaegar's son onscreen, HBO confirmed the news with a handy infographic explaining how all the characters are related. This whole scene also feeds into the myth of the "Prince That Was Promised."
This Is How Much Calcium You Need - and the Best Places to Get It
There's a list of nutrients we know we need to consume every single day in order to stay healthy. Calcium is an important one that often gets overlooked, especially by women. In fact, Cynthia Sass, MPH, MA, RD, CSSD, nutritionist and health expert, told POPSUGAR that "females are less likely than males to get adequate amounts of calcium from food."
This is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately, because if we're not getting the proper nutrition our body needs, we won't be able to achieve our fitness goals or maintain our overall health; calcium is essential for bone health.
"Weight-bearing exercise is important for maintaining strong bones, but this also requires a healthy diet with adequate calcium," Sass said. "And calcium is needed for muscle contractions. Inadequate calcium over time can increase the risk of bone fractures."
Here's the first thing you need to know: Sass says women need between 748 to 968 milligrams of calcium a day, while the National Institutes of Health recommend 1,000 milligrams. It may sound like a lot, but if you eat the right foods, you won't have a problem at all hitting that mark. Below is a list of foods that Sass recommends eating on a daily basis, as they're very high in calcium:
- Dairy products
- Sardines
- Salmon (with edible bones)
- Cooked collard greens
- White beans
- Black eyes peas
- Sesame seeds
- Bok choy
- Seaweed
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Almonds
There's something in this list to suit every kind of diet, whether you're vegan or a meat eater.
"More than 99 percent of calcium in the human body is found in bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong," Sass said. You also need all that calcium for proper nerve and hormonal function. So don't skip out on these nutritionally dense foods! Your body needs every bit of calcium it can get.
You'll Totally Agree With the Reason This Mom Let Her Daughter Dye Her Hair Pink
When Rachel Ann Carpenter's daughter Nevaeh asked if she could dye her hair pink the first time, she said no. And it wasn't until a year later after Nevaeh survived a terrible accident that she realized she gave the wrong answer the first time around.
"I was at work when I got the call that Nevaeh had been in an accident involving fire while she was at Summer camp," Carpenter told POPSUGAR. "They were doing a demonstration and it went horribly wrong and caught her on fire. When they first called us, no one would tell us over the phone how bad it was. I got ahold of her father and we both left work and headed for the hospital."
Unfortunately, both of Nevaeh's parents had to wait seven hours to see her, and when they did, they discovered she had third-degree burns over 70 percent of her body. Three months and seven painful skin grafts later, Nevaeh was finally well enough to go home.
So when Nevaeh was feeling well enough to ask her mom for the second time if she could dye her hair pink, Carpenter didn't shoot down the idea right away. "This time last year, she asked me if she could have pink hair and I said no," she said. But after the accident, Carpenter's outlook changed.
Carpenter said that seeing her daughter in pain for all those months was something she didn't wish upon her worst enemy. "I can't even put into words some of the things we saw her go through while we were in the hospital. It's the worst feeling to see a child in pain and feel so hopeless," she said. "We wished we could just take it all away for her and have it be ourselves."
A year ago, they were in the hospital, unsure if Nevaeh was going to live or die.
"So this time when she asked me if she could have pink hair, I said yes. That experience taught me you never know how much time you have left, with anyone."
14 Places Every Harry Styles Fan Needs to Visit in Their Lives
Harry Styles fans of the world: have you gone somewhere specifically because you knew Harry had been there or because Harry loves it? I am not here to judge you if you have. In fact, I'm here to provide you with further inspiration for your next round of travels. We can call this a Harry Styles travel bucket list of sorts, because each place in here is somewhere that plays an important part in his story. From where he grew up to a couple of iconic places One Direction went on tour, this is your worldwide list of places to channel your inner Harry.
The Disneyland Railroad Is Back and Better Than Ever - See the New Route in Action!
Disneyland's beloved train ride is back in action with a beautiful new waterfront route! The Disneyland Railroad originally opened with the park on July 17, 1955, and it, along with the other Rivers of America attractions, has been closed for a year in preparation for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. While the new Star Wars land expansion is still under construction (it opens in 2019), the Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes officially reopened on July 28.
I took a ride on the new-and-improved Railroad, and I loved the gorgeous new route along the Rivers of America. You ride on a wooden trestle past waterfalls and rock cliffs, various animals in their natural environment, and a Native American village. It's all very immersive (well, if you ignore the large cranes in the distance!) and feels reminiscent of the Grizzly Peak land in California Adventure. The Grand Canyon Diorama and Primeval World scenes also have some cool, high-tech updates, including projected pterodactyls flying in the background, which elicited oohs and ahhs from fellow passengers.
See the updated route now!
Your Head Might Hurt After Reading This Year's Most Heated Fashion Controversies
If last year's most controversial moments in fashion touched on body image and inclusivity, this year, the space became very political. Topics such as which designers would dress Melania Trump and brands speaking out against our administration were just the start of this unrest.
Magazines, especially Vogue, couldn't steer clear of controversy, as the publication was accused of cultural appropriation on numerous occasions. Kendall and Kylie Jenner came under fire again for their clothing line, and unexpected players like supermodel Karlie Kloss also found themselves embroiled in controversy. If you forgot all the heated debates that have happened so far, read on for a trip down memory lane. Warning: the news will probably send you into a tailspin . . . again.
9 Ways to Travel With Zero Plans When You're an Overplanner
"Winging it" is a foreign an obscene concept to an overplanner. Showing up to a place you've never set foot in when you've scraped together that precious time off work and saved all your pennies with zero plans in place? Insert anxiety here. I should know, on account of the fact that I am one. As a regular traveler and overplanner, I can often be found creating more stress for myself than necessary. Like most humans, I have a major case of FOMO that shines through even more when it comes to travel. I don't want to miss out on anything in the epic locations I'm exploring. In fact, I'd like to know each option, every nook and cranny, and plot out as much as possible to maximize my time in seeing ALL. THE. THINGS; please and thank you.
What if I couldn't find a place to sleep? What if I whizzed right past a rare gem of a place and was none the wiser? What if I had walked just a touch further and found an even tastier restaurant? What if, what if! These are just a sampling of the lovely thoughts constantly darting around my noggin. I mean, we all agree that it's great to have a back-up plan, obviously. And learning the ins and outs of a destination to maximize your experience sounds reasonably reasonable, in theory. But, as smart as it feels to plan your trip to the Nth degree, it can actually hinder your overall travel takeaway.
Overplanning closes you off to opportunities that spontaneous travel will potentially give you.
Making a conscious change happens differently for everyone, and for me, it happened because I was exhausted. Nearing the end of a five-month jaunt to 17 countries, I was tired, tired of overplanning and researching. So, I showed up to New Zealand, my last big stop, for a two-week road trip around the South Island with only the first night in a hotel and a car rental booked. I did everything else on a whim and it was a whole new way of absorbing a place that I hadn't truly allowed myself to do yet. It was a bit like skinny-dipping. Hesitant at first, but then liberating and enjoyable once you dive in.
Go on a trip with zero plans? Sounds like a cruel joke to us overplanners, one that is enough to fuel our nightmares for the next month. But it could actually be a good thing, if we let it. Life-changing, even. Although it's a constant work in progress, these smattering of two cents tips on relinquishing control in a manageable way are a good jumping-off point. If all else fails, we can start an overplanners anonymous group.
1. Let go.
This is likely the most difficult aspect. Control feels like a luxurious security blanket, but with travel things can still go wrong, and they will. We should take a page from Frozen's book and just "let it go." Easier said than done, Elsa. In all seriousness, giving up that need to control will loosen up some tension in the long run. Keeping an open mind will open you up to experiences you can't read about on review sites and will ultimately end up being your most meaningful memories.
2. Prioritize.
We can't just quit our overplanning ways cold turkey. Make a list. Prioritize what you absolutely must do/see/eat on your trip, and then leave the rest up to the travel gods and spontaneity. Limiting yourself is the key here. Top 583,295 priorities sounds reasonable, right?
3. Balance.
Although there's a time and place for everything, it's all about balance. I mean, you don't want to show up to Santorini, Greece in August with no place to stay booked in advance. It's the high season and a popular destination. But you could show up and not have done hours of research or planned an itinerary and get recommendations from the locals, which is a more authentic way to travel anyhow.
4. Break the cycle.
You have to take the first steps in breaking the habit of overplanning by, well, not overplanning. So the next time you find yourself elbow deep on TripAdvisor, walk away. Then come back and rip up that second-by-second itinerary that you've photocopied for all parties in your group into a million pieces. And highlighted. And laminated. Then burn it.
5. Timing.
Timing does not always, if rarely, line up perfectly, in travel and in life. No matter what Google Maps says for driving distances, it certainly didn't factor in the herd of sheep blocking the main road in Norway. Or the Italian train taking a midday siesta for no apparent reason other than it's Summer. Or that the restaurant you had your heart set on for the perfect dinner actually closed on Mondays.
6. Perfection.
It doesn't exist. Besides an overplanner, I'm also a self-proclaimed perfectionist. Adorable, right? We tend to obsess over making everything "just so" and pore over review sites researching the best of the best for our ventures. We have too many choices at our disposal in general, and as overplanners, we have a fear of making the wrong decision. Researching, the little unassuming demon that it is, becomes addicting. We think if we just look into it a little more, read a few thousand more sites, there has to be something better. Stop trying to constantly find the unequivocal best, and just pull the trigger already. Be savage and decide in the moment even.
7. Test it out.
Take your newly minimal-planner bad self out for a test drive on a smaller trip. Working your way up to it will be less of a shock to your system. Swallow your panic that the trip will be a disaster, leaving you sitting in your hotel room without a clue as to what to do, so you might as well do nothing, and push yourself and you'll see how freeing it feels. You may not ever want to go back to your previous ways.
8. Be present.
I am 100 percent guilty of this and something I struggle to focus on when I travel. I find myself getting so caught up in the next thing and planning for my next move that I'm not actually taking in the moment I'm living in real time. This might be the most golden of benefits from not overplanning. If you want to stay longer somewhere, you can, or if a location is a bust, you can leave. You won't be tied to your pretrip planning decisions you made before arriving, and you'll thank yourself after for being so smart. You want to remember the essence of a place, not the essence of your stress figuring it all out.
9. Roll with the punches.
With travel things will, undeniably at some point, not be smooth sailing. Take a risk. It's all well and good to say "just go with the flow!" but the reality is, that's not super easy to do when you're in an unfamiliar place and things go wonky. You've just missed the last bus, you don't have access to a WiFi connection, and it just started raining . . . hard. Oh, and this morning's breakfast burrito is staging an all-out revolt in your stomach with no bathroom in sight. I may or may not be speaking from experience, but these things really happen, and it's easy to get overwhelmed. The trick is to tackle each issue at a time, and although I'm not telling you how to live your life, I highly suggest attending to the most latter problem first. Just sayin'.
42 Fall Styling Hacks So Good, They Could Only Be Invented by Olivia Palermo
Just by browsing through photos of Olivia Palermo's signature street style, it's pretty obvious she's got a favorite season to dress for. She confirmed as much when we spoke with her:
"I love Fall because you can do Fall layering. But in the summertime, you don't need to have a jacket on, so you can kind of go both ways on that. Since we are on our way into Fall, I'd probably start [my shopping] at Tibi, Moncler, or Banana Republic, where my own collection comes out in September and includes great oversize statement coats."
We're not surprised the influencer and entrepreneur prefers the transitional months. After all, they fall during Fashion Week, where Olivia is a front-row mainstay as she travels from city to city. We imagine she has the most fun constructing outfits for all the shows and parties, as she's snapped by the paparazzi at every turn.
But there's a reason everyone's taking note of her layering game, and it starts with these unbeatable hacks we might never think to employ if it weren't for Olivia. Read on for a list that will definitely inspire you as you get your own wardrobe into tip-top shape.
So That Was Ellaria Sand's Last Scene on Game of Thrones, Ever
Cersei got her ultimate revenge on Game of Thrones. Last week, we thought Ellaria Sand might have died at the hands of Euron Greyjoy, but it turns out the maniacal monster turned her over to an even madder monarch: Cersei Lannister. True to form, Cersei plans the ultimate revenge for Ellaria, who had previously poisoned her daughter, Myrcella. And while we see the cruel and poetic setup for Cersei's plan, we never see the follow through.
Here's how Cersei puts it all together: she chains Ellaria up in a dungeon. Her daughter Tyene is chained up on the opposite wall. Then, using the same poison Ellaria uses on Myrcella, Cersei dooms Tyene to the same death. Cersei even delivers her fate in the form of a kiss, just like Ellaria. Now Ellaria must watch as her daughter dies from the effects of the poison. As for Ellaria, she'll simply waste away until she starves to death.
If you were thinking Ellaria would have an epic death scene, think again. In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, actress Indira Varma revealed that we'll never see Ellaria again. "I was expecting it," Varma explained about her death. "I wasn't heartbroken. And I was like, 'As long as I die on screen . . . ' and they were like 'Yeah!' But of course I don't die on screen. I stay alive, I'm just not going to reappear." So, that's it. That last scene is all we're going to get.
At this point, I think it's important to note that Game of Thrones doesn't really shy away from graphic deaths. We've seen the Mountain crushing Oberyn Martell's skull. We've seen tons of slashed throats and the horrifying and gratuitous death of a pregnant Talisa Stark. We've watched Joffrey turning bright purple and gurgling blood as he gets wrecked from inside out. Because of this, I assumed we'd get a sort of epilogue with Ellaria Sand. Maybe we'd cut back to see her daughter's last moments before the poison took hold, or maybe Cersei would return to put Ellaria out of her misery when she's too weak to stand or lift her head.
But no, Game of Thrones has left this chapter to our imaginations. We can pretty much count Ellaria Sand among the dead in season seven. Her tame, offscreen death joins that of Lady Olenna, who also dies of poisoning this week, but at the hands of Jaime Lannister - and not before delivering a devastating final speech, of course. So, with this information, we bid farewell to Ellaria. If you were hoping for more blood, we're sure there's plenty on the horizon in the weeks to come.
9 Things Teachers Want Parents to Do During the School Year
After seven years in the classroom as a high school English teacher, I assembled a laundry list of things I wish I could tell parents. Although most things were inconsequential and silly, some of it needs to be said. Most teachers want the best for their students - I've never met a teacher who entered into the profession because of the Summers off, though I'll admit that is a nice perk. Teachers on the whole care passionately about their students' right to an education, and there are a few things from a teacher's perspective that would be helpful for parents to know.
Since we all want what's best for your child, these are the things that will help your child have a successful relationship with school once the Summer's over.
11 Things All Helicopter Parents Do
Image Source: ABC
There are a lot of different parenting styles out there - from attachment parenting to free-range - but one particular style seems to consistently be under fire: helicopter parenting. There's a fine line between being helpful and guiding your child through life and doing way too much for your kids. However, every parent is entitled to their own unique way of parenting - and for some of us, we can sleep every night knowing we did everything we could to protect our kiddos.
If you're a proud, hovering helicopter parent (I was a helicopter nanny, so I got you), these are the 11 things you probably (read: definitely) do.
- Endlessly fuss over your child's outerwear. "Make sure you zip up! Yup, all the way to the neck. And gloves, hat, and scarf please - it's going to be, like, 60 degrees."
- Conversely, you cover your child in head-to-toe sunscreen at the sun's first little peek through the clouds. And if you can see any of their skin beneath the thick, white paste, it's time to reapply - there's no such thing as being too prepared.
- Encourage your child to eat in between literally every bite of food. Gotta get them thinking about that next bite as soon as the fork comes out of their mouth or they might never figure it out on their own.
- Put your kid on a leash in the mall, on vacation, or in any situation where the crowd is more than a few people. But it's one of those cute monkey backpacks, so it's OK.
- Take over as teacher at classes and sports games. You've never done ballet a day in your life but you'd best believe you know more about what's good for your child in terms of their dancing career than their ballet teacher does.
Image Source: Paramount Pictures
- Shout for your child's attention if they wander more than three feet away from you. "Hey kid, where do you think you're going?!"
- Follow your kid around on the playground like it's a game. You offer them a hand as they cross the bridges, and run around like a crazy person so as not to miss the sight of them in a blind spot.
- Continuously yell out directives no matter where you are. "Watch out!" "Be careful!" "Don't do that!" "Get off of that!"
- Trail your kid at all times with an endless stream of hand sanitizer. "I don't care if you only touched your hair, everything has germs."
- Call your child's teacher every day, you know, just to check in. You've become "that parent," but hey, at least you know what's going on with your child's education, right? Maybe just lay off doing their homework for them . . .
- Run to your child the second they get hurt to see if they're OK. You want your child to feel super protected and make sure you're there to kiss every boo-boo, no matter how old they are.
Image Source: Freeform
Everything We Know About the Much-Anticipated Deadpool Sequel
Fans just can't get enough of Deadpool. It was a smashing success at the box office, featured a "killer" soundtrack, and of course, it also starred the devilishly handsome Ryan Reynolds. So, it only makes sense that everyone is super pumped about the movie's upcoming sequel! While Reynolds is reprising his role as the antihero, there are also quite a few new additions as well. Now that production has officially kicked off on the film, familiarize yourself with the key details here.
Just When We Thought We Were Over Unicorns, These Froot Loops Pulled Us Back In
In the aftermath of the full-fledged unicorn craze, one recent food product is jumping on the bandwagon in an adorable way, albeit a little late. In Germany, Kellogg's released limited-edition Unicorn Froot Loops, with individual cereal pieces coming in pastel purple, pink, and yellow.
We first spotted the fabulous cereal on the Instagram account Candy Hunting. Though the Unicorn Froot Loops are decidedly new, they are already a big hit with local foodies and unicorn enthusiasts on Instagram. According to some initial reviews, the cereal tastes less fruity than the original flavor. Instead, the taste more closely resembles Kellogg's Honey Loops with slight hints of citrus.
As of right now, it seems as though the trendy product will not make its way to the United States. We have, however, reached out to Kellogg's and will update this story should that change. In the meantime, peruse pictures of the epic and Instagram-ready box.
These Are the Best Bodyweight Moves You Can Do For Leg Day
We are going to apologize to your legs right now, because these bodyweight moves are going to make them insanely sore. But that's what you want, right? Add these exercises to your workout to strengthen and tone your lower half!
I Cut This Out of My Diet to Lose Weight and, No, It's Not Carbs
I've always believed that things like coconut oil and olive oil were part of a healthy diet. I ate them regularly with just about every meal - I cooked with olive oil, spread coconut oil on my toast, and drizzled avocado oil on my hummus. A few months ago, though, I learned that oil is technically not part of a whole foods, plant-based diet. I was shocked to learn that there was virtually no nutritional value to the oils that we're so used to eating on a daily basis.
Julieanna Hever, MS, RD, CPT, a plant-based dietician and health and fitness expert, confirmed that this is true. "Oils are a processed food," Hever told POPSUGAR. "Basically, the fat is stripped out of the intact food (be it an olive, coconut, or avocado), leaving behind the fiber and many other nutrients."
Hever also reminded us that oil "contains 120 calories per tablespoon, almost 2000 calories per cup!" But even worse than that, there isn't any satiating fiber in oil, so eating oil regularly is an easy way to consume way more calories than your body needs - and that can quickly lead to weight gain.
This was hard for me to believe at first, but I decided to go cold turkey and cut out all oil from my diet. It was strange at the beginning. I thought I wouldn't be able to roast vegetables or even sauté an onion. You'd be surprised, though, to find that lots of food releases its own natural water or oil, so you don't even need something like olive oil to cook most things. For example, onion naturally contains oil that's responsible for its smell and taste, and you can see it being slightly released when you sauté it in a pan with nothing else. Besides, if I felt like some foods were sticking too much to the pan while I was cooking, I would simply add a little bit of water.
After two months of eating no oil at home and very little oil while eating out, I noticed my belly was a bit flatter than it was before. It was a small change, but it was a gradual one that became more noticeable over time.
That being said, healthy fats are an important part of our diet, and Hever says we shouldn't ignore them completely. "The best food sources of healthy, disease-fighting fats are nuts and seeds," she told POPSUGAR. "We only need about 1 to 2 ounces a day to meet our essential fatty acid requirements." You can also opt in for some avocado in your dish rather than cooking with oil.
I upped my intake of avocado after I gave up oil, while also logging in all my food to the macros app on my phone to make sure I was getting enough healthy fats. Between avocado, almonds, and chia and flaxseeds, I was getting more than enough of what I needed.
"Because of their high caloric density, I recommend minimizing intake of oils," Hever told POPSUGAR. It could save you a lot of empty calories that you really don't need.
What It's Like to Take a Self-Defense Class and Why You Should Do It
I was nervous walking into my first self-defense class. I'm not a physical or aggressive person, and I felt outside of my element entering the martial arts studio where I enrolled. I had never seen martial artists in action, so the environment seemed utterly foreign to me. But I was trying to shake off an unsettling encounter on Chicago's "L" train, and I was hoping to muster up some poise and perspective.
The class was comprised entirely of women. There were no chiseled athletes among us - we were nervous beginners of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Over the course of the class, we became well-acquainted with each other as we partnered up to practice choke holds, grabs and simple take downs. It was a fun, supportive environment. My teacher was a black belt who seemed as though he had taught the class many times. He was a seasoned pro, who had clearly put a lot of care into his approach.
I learned about the nuts and bolts of defending myself and I also learned how to be a more physically confident person. It was deeply empowering. Here's what stuck with me:
Learning to Think If Being Attacked
My teacher was very professional the first time he put a hold on me. He explained exactly how he would approach, so I knew what to expect. But I had never been physically restrained and I was surprised at my emotional response. His arms were like tree branches - strong and unrelenting. I felt ashamed at my reaction: tears sprung to my eyes. I felt trapped and powerless and I froze in his grip.
My teacher explained what to consider when bound. In a calm voice, he narrated the steps to follow. His assurance and direction replaced the roadblock of my fear. He explained how I could breathe better if I slightly moved his arm from around my neck. He showed me vulnerabilities on his body that I could hit to stun him or knock him off balance. He showed me weaknesses in his hold that I could exploit to get free. He assured me that just by being able to remain calm and analyze this equation, I gave myself power.
I learned to analyze the mechanics of a hold instead of just panicking. As I gained more experience practicing with him and my classmates, I realized that I could problem-solve when I was bound.
This confidence stays with me, and it's a valuable takeaway: if I hadn't studied this, I would still be at the point where I get tears in my eyes if someone grabs me. Now I have an autopilot that kicks on. My body has been trained for that.
The Value of Rehearsal
Over the course of the class, we discussed preliminary moves like foot stomps, groin kicks and kicks to the sides of the knee. We practiced throwing an opponent off balance by using our weight and momentum; for example, if someone grabs you with both arms from behind you can break the hold by leaning back into his grip and then launching your body forward while snapping both of your arms straight.
We also learned about various pressure points including my favorite, the Mandibular Nerve, which is behind the ear and above the jaw bone. It's a great go-to point because it's accessible from many holds, and it really hurts when someone digs her knuckle in at that point.
The Importance of Awareness
I learned that a big advantage attackers have is that they surprise, scare and suppress their victims. By conditioning strategic responses, we usurp that secret weapon.
An important way to avert danger is simply to be more aware, so that we take away the opportunity for a potential attacker to get an upper hand on us. When I'm the train now, for example, I find it safer to stand or sit in an aisle seat rather than to box myself in by a window. I can't enact much from that position if someone tries to overpower me.
Also I recognize that I need to hear what's going on around me on the street. This has been disappointing for me to come to terms with, but I know that walking with my headphones on can make me a target. It leaves me unable to hear and with easy to grab cords near my throat.
Walk like you mean it
Where I once harbored fear, I now amass strategy. I used to hit a mental road block if I would imagine being attacked. It was too scary for me to really contemplate. Now, I can think it through, and I can work out possible moves I would make in various scenarios.
I am a more confident person because I took this class. It empowered me in ways I couldn't have imagined when I started.
That confidence and awareness reverberates through me. It makes me walk taller and with a greater sense of awareness and purpose.
I plan to take a follow-up self-defense class, this time with my kids. I think everyone should train in these vital skills.
If you're considering taking a self-defense class-do it. Don't be intimidated to try it. You don't have to be brave or in great shape to be successful at this. Just show up and be willing to learn. It's worth it.
The Meaning Behind Daenerys Targaryen's New Pin on Game of Thrones
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If you're not spending your days obsessing over Game of Thrones, you need to reexamine your priorities. Just kidding. Sort of. Anyway, if you were paying close attention to Jon and Daenerys's introduction on this week's episode, you may have noticed something interesting. Daenerys was rocking a pretty awesome new dragon pin. It's not unlike Missandei's cool accessory from the first pictures of the season, but it's way more detailed. So, what does the pin look like, and what, exactly, could it mean?
Even though Daenerys wears the pin for the entirety of the episode, we get our best look at it during her outdoorsy one-on-one with Jon Snow. Unlike Missandei's pin - which shows three dragons heads each eating the next in an infinite loop - this one shows three three-dimensional dragon heads all facing outward, as though they're protecting their mother. The design of the pin calls to mind two very distinct aspects of the show: one, it brings us back to one of the first huge teasers for the season, and two, it draws us back to a classic Game of Thrones theory.
As you might remember, the earliest teaser for the season, which dropped back in March, shows three dragon heads crumbling (along with all the other house sigils). There's a notable comparison between the way the dragons are posed in the teaser and the way they're posed on Dany's pin. Perhaps the piece is a reminder of the teaser's underlying message: that the only war that matters is the war with the White Walkers.
And then there's the theory: the "Three Heads of the Dragon" prophecy that's become one of the biggest theories in the Game of Thrones universe. The prophecy comes from Daenerys's time in the House of the Undying, during which her brother Rhaegar tells her, in a vision, that "the dragon has three heads." Seeing as the Targaryen sigil has a three-headed dragon, and Dany's ancestor Aegon originally conquered Westeros while riding a dragon alongside his two sisters, many presume Daenerys needs two other dragon riders for her own conquest. And since Tyrion could be a Targaryen and Jon Snow is definitely a Targaryen, the theory states that these three will ride the dragons and take hold of the Seven Kingdoms.
Game of Thrones has been weaving plenty of symbolism into recent costume and hair choices. In the premiere, Sansa was clearly channeling Cersei with her hair, signaling that we should maybe keep our eye on Lady Stark. And now, looking at Daenerys's pin, we can't help but see it as something more than just your average piece of jewelry. Maybe these dragons are going to come into play much sooner than we think. Maybe as soon as next week.
There Were 4 Big References to Jon Snow's Dad on the Latest Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones fans squirmed in their seats during the third episode of the show's seventh season, knowing the truth behind Jon Snow's parentage as he and his peers - including Daenerys Targaryen - remain clueless. And what's worse, there were so many subtle references to Rhaegar Targaryen (Jon Snow's secret father) and Jon's true lineage throughout the episode.
"I am the last Targaryen, Jon Snow."
If you're scratching your head about these, don't worry; even the most hardcore fans would have a hard time catching all four of the hints in the episode! We've got the breakdown of each reference and why it's significant. Now all we're wondering is when Bran will break out of his Three-Eyed-Raven shell to let Jon know the truth about his parents.
1. Massive Symbolism Flies Overhead
When Jon and Ser Davos Seaworth first disembark at Dragonstone, they're greeted by a welcoming committee of Dothraki warriors, Tyrion Lannister, and Missandei. Jon and Tyrion, who go way back to season one as hesitant friends, use their long walk up to the castle to catch up on life . . . namely, whether Tyrion ever consummated his "sham" marriage to Jon's sister, Sansa. (The answer, of course, is no.) Over the course of this conversation, Jon reminds Tyrion: "I'm not a Stark." Immediately following this statement, Daenerys's dragons fly right overhead, causing Jon and Davos to instinctively hit the deck . . . much to the enjoyment of the folks who are used to massive, flying, reptilian monsters.
This statement and the timing of the dragons is significant, because it almost indicates that the dragons are trying to tell Jon something. Sure, he's not a Stark by name . . . but it's not because he's a bastard, but rather because he's a Targaryen! Perhaps Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion can sense the blood of the dragon within Jon's veins?
2. Not Exactly "The Last Targaryen"
During her impassioned demand for Jon to bend the knee, Daenerys takes the liberty of telling him: "I am the last Targaryen, Jon Snow." Cue every Game of Thrones fan quietly sipping their tea, because the rest of us know that she is, in fact, not . . . both Dany and Jon carry the Targaryen dynasty on their shoulders, even if they don't know it yet.
Daenerys: "I am the last Targaryen"
Me:#gameofthrones #GOT http://pic.twitter.com/49hN0LgtJB- Adam Shehada (@ShehadaAdam) July 31, 2017
3. The Explanation for Rhaegal's Name
Once Daenerys takes a chill pill and manages to hold a normal (read: non-pissing-contest) conversation with Jon, they discuss their aims while overlooking her soaring dragons from a cliff. She gestures to Rhaegal and Viserion, telling Jon that she named them for the two brothers she lost, before asking him about the siblings that he lost in war. Little do Jon or Daenerys know that one of those two dead brothers, Rhaegar, is actually Jon's true father.
4. Like Father, Like Son
During this same cliffside conversation, Daenerys tells Jon: "We all enjoy what we are good at." Solemnly, and undoubtedly reminiscing about how he doesn't enjoy killing people in battle, Jon replies: "I don't."
This sentiment is especially significant when recalling what Ser Barristan Selmy tells Daenerys about her older brother, Rhaegar, during an earlier season. Though the eldest Targaryen sibling was skilled on the battlefield, Selmy tells Dany, he did not enjoy killing. Rather, he preferred making music and writing songs for his subjects.
So like his father, Jon Snow also does not enjoy the necessity of taking others' lives in battle; even without knowing his father, he has inherited one of Rhaegar's most defining character traits.
The Definitive Ranking of Ben & Jerry's Flavors
We've all been faced with the extremely difficult dilemma of standing in front of the freezer and attempting to pick out a Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor. Some of the most heated debates among friends and significant others probably involve the back-and-forth debate over whether to choose Cherry Garcia, Phish Food, or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough or to branch out and try a new flavor that's calling your name. As true ice cream enthusiasts, we at POPSUGAR have a lot of feelings about Ben & Jerry's, so we ranked all of the most popular flavors from worst to best. Not that there's actually a bad Ben & Jerry's pint, but the truth is some are better than others.
Game of Thrones: The Crazy Thing Tyrion Does When He Last Sees Jon
We collectively went nuts seeing Jon Snow and Daenerys finally meet on Game of Thrones, but it's been a long time coming for another pair in Dragonstone, too. Tyrion, who assures Daenerys that he trusts and likes Jon, also meets up with the King in the North. It's hard to blame anyone who can't quite remember their previous interactions. The last time they saw each other is forever ago, way back in season one.
In the very first episode of the series, Jon and Tyrion have their initial meeting. Not too long after, Jon heads north to join the Night's Watch at Castle Black. Tyrion comes along because he wants to cross something very important off his bucket list. As he so eloquently puts it, "I just want to stand on top of the wall and piss off the edge of the world."
By the third episode, "Lord Snow," Jon begins training with the Night's Watch. Tyrion helps him realize that his noble upbringing in Winterfell could be a great asset to mentoring his less privileged peers. Additionally, Tyrion talks to Benjen Stark about White Walkers - specifically that he doesn't believe they exist. Must be strange for him to now hear Jon insist they're real, huh?
True to his word, Tyrion actually does get all the way up to the top of the Wall to urinate off it before he leaves Castle Black. Jon's there to witness it, but thankfully, that specific moment's not their last interaction. Instead, Tyrion agrees to tell Bran, newly crippled from being pushed out a window, that Jon misses him. Now that Bran is back in Winterfell, perhaps Jon will finally get a chance to relay that sentiment himself. And of course, since we've already seen that Jon and Tyrion work well together, we can't wait to see them team up some more!
You Don't Have to Wait in Line For the New Neon Sneakers Fashion Girls Are Obsessing Over
Whether you're going to a rave, going for a bike ride, or simply trying to infuse a little energy into your wardrobe, the first drop of the new Adidas Originals by Alexander Wang season two collection has you covered. With bright sneakers, bodysuits, and face masks (because why not?), the unisex collaboration pushes the street style limits in ways we've come to predict from Wang.
"This collection fuses contrasting experiences - raving and cycling - to present the story of a tribe of New York bike messengers. Fueled by adrenaline and excess, the protagonists of the campaign symbolize a youthful spirit of freedom," the press release reads.
In addition to the "raver chic" sweats and sexy biker shorts, the collection includes a brand-new sneaker we're especially focused on - the AW Hike Lo - in neon yellow and red options, and we have a feeling we'll be seeing stars like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner rock the design all season long.
Originally, billboards and posters around New York City displayed a phone number and product code for each of the pieces, which shoppers could text, instantly purchasing the items to be delivered to that very spot. But if you missed the chance to embrace the theme of the collection and partake in the mysterious delivery service, drop one of the collaboration will be available on Aug. 5 at select Alexander Wang and Adidas Originals stores and online at alexanderwang.com and adidas.com/originals. Read on to see the colorful campaign and product images.
Jason Momoa Has a Signature Pose That You Probably Didn't Even Notice
Jason Momoa is known for many things: his long, beautiful hair, his incredible acting chops, his shirt-busting muscles, and of course, his laid-back personality. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that his go-to pose is a shaka sign. The friendly gesture, which is often associated with surf culture and the actor's native Hawaii, is most commonly known to mean "hang loose." And he certainly loves throwing the sign whenever he gets a chance. Whether he's on the red carpet or he's grabbing a beer with friends, see all the times he made you want to kick back and hang ten.
This Pregnancy Announcement Goes Out to All the F*cking Moms Who Curse
Think back to the moment you first looked at that positive pregnancy test. What's the first thing you thought? If you're anything like Courtney Woods, it was an expletive.
"'Oh, sh*t' was literally the first thing I thought of when I saw those positives tests," the mom of two girls told POPSUGAR. "I mean, don't most people secretly think that?!"
Plus, when she found out she was pregnant for a third time, the news was unexpected - in no small part because she has polycystic ovary syndrome, which is known to cause fertility issues.
"Between the thought of being outnumbered and being totally shocked I was pregnant again, that is all I could say," said Courtney, who used gold mylar balloons - along with daughters Madeleine and Eloise - to create a hilariously sweet Instagram post. "At that moment I knew that was the perfect way to announce our newest addition."
Best Bros Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki Goof Off on the Golf Course
Whether they're hitting the red carpet or hitting the green, Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki are just two goofballs at heart. The Supernatural costars and real-life friends hit the green in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on Sunday, and it looked like nonstop fun. While Jensen paired his polo and shorts with a white cap, Jared covered up his long hair with a white beanie in between shots. Aside from showing off their impressive swings as they teed up, the two got super into the game as they putted, causing Jared to break out into a victory dance. Gosh, we love their fun-filled bromance.
The Average Cost of an American Wedding May Surprise You
It's common knowledge that weddings are tough on the bank account - what you may not know, however, is just how much of a hit your/your parents' funds will take. Value Penguin outlines the average cost of tying the knot in America, and let's just say it isn't as pretty as the fancy white dress.
The average cost of an American wedding in 2016 is $29,858.
. . . But it varies from state to state. In Southern Florida or Chicago, for example, the typical price of a wedding runs about $50,000. In Manhattan, specifically, you might be forking over $88,176 (yikes!). There's a silver lining: if you plan to say "I do," in Mississippi, it'll only cost you a little over $12,500. Iowa's another comparatively low figure at $13,637. In west Texas, the average cost is capped at $13,904. All (your money) is not lost.
So why is a wedding valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, anyway? Well, there's a lot to cover. The Knot breaks it down:
- Parking/transportation: 2-3 percent
- Stationary: 2-3 percent
- Attire: 8-10 percent
- Flowers: 8-10 percent
- Reception: 48-50 percent
- Ceremony: 2-3 percent
- Photography/videography: 10-12 percent
- Entertainment/music: 8-10 percent
- Gifts: 2-3 percent
- Wedding rings: 2-3 percent
- Miscellaneous: 8 percent
The Knot recommends saving 20 percent of your monthly income in the time leading up to your wedding. If you want to go all-out with your ceremony, embrace a longer engagement period! YOU make the rules, and a year is really give or take. The longer you stash away cash, the bigger the affair. And check out our tips for spending less - every little thing counts!
14 Iced Coffee Recipes For Warm-Weather Caffeination
When the weather's warm and you need a caffeine fix, there's nothing better than an iced coffee
. We've rounded up every type you could want, from basic homemade cold-brew to chocolaty Frappuccinos and even some boozy ones (coconut rum iced coffee, anyone?). Cheers!
If you love these recipes, you'll love our PB & Espresso Smoothie! Check it out on our Snapchat today!
Let's Take a Moment to Appreciate Cersei's Poisonous "Lipstick" Shade
As evil as Cersei Lannister is, one thing we can get behind is her beauty looks. Her hair (when she had it) was always a glorious crown of braids. Her brows, always hinting at mischief, are shaped to perfection. And on season seven, episode three of Game of Thrones, she seemed to be wearing a glossy, pink shade on her lips.
Of course, those who watched the episode know it was actually poison. She used it to kiss, thus kill, the daughter of her new prisoner Ellaria Sand, who used the exact same method to murder Cersei's daughter Myrcella back in season five.
It was horrendous. But, purely from a makeup standpoint, we were admittedly into the very on-trend sheen on the mad queen's pout (even while internally screaming "HOW COULD SHE DO THAT?!?"). Now, if you'll humor us, find ahead five glosses that all resemble the "shade" Cersei wore. Swipe these on and dare someone to kiss you.
Affordable Snail Cream Has Slithered Into a Costco Near You
Costco isn't just for bulk batteries and frozen foods anymore. Turns out the warehouse store has a pretty robust cosmetics counter (especially for members!). Eagle-eyed Redditors have discovered that Costco now sells Korean beauty products in bulk. This news will especially excite anyone who has ever wanted to try a buzzy snail cream product but suffered from department store sticker shock.
You can now buy a two-jar set of Mizon All-in-One Snail Repair Cream ($30) at Costco. The Peach and Lily-approved product uses 92 percent snail extract to hydrate skin and protect against acne, redness, and scarring. If you have dryer skin, you should apply moisturizer right after this product. The gel-like cream is lightweight and unscented, so you won't have to risk smelling like mollusk goo for a good complexion.
Since snail mucin contains hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides, this product works wonders as both an all-over face cream and acne spot treatment. That means you'll keep reaching for this versatile product to solve many of your skincare woes - so good thing Costco's made it available in bulk!
Snail goo is harvested in a few different ways, but they're all humane and nonfatal. Though the methods differ, every process involves letting the critters crawl around and naturally excrete their mucin.
To recap: the snails are unharmed and you get a clear face. The only thing better than that win-win is reaping its rewards at half price.
Everyone Who Is Confirmed to Return to Once Upon a Time in Season 7
Once Upon a Time is switching things up next season, and it has fans excited and nervous at the same time. While the major time jump signals the departure of some of our favorite fairy-tale characters, there's still hope that some of the show's veteran actors will reprise their beloved roles in flashbacks as we try to piece together the new curse on Hyperion Heights. Even though Jennifer Morrison confirmed she won't be back as a series regular, she has already made good on her promise to appear in one episode. See what other OUAT actors will pop up in season seven.
Jonah Hill Asked Channing Tatum For Gym Advice, and It Appears to Be Working
Jonah Hill was looking all kinds of buff while enjoying a sunny walk in NYC on Sunday. The actor wore a fitted blue t-shirt (a piece we've seen him in before) with red pants and kept his earbuds in as he made his way through NoHo. We first got a glimpse of Jonah's chiseled new physique during a casual stroll in NYC last month, and weeks later, he put his toned arms on display while grabbing a smoothie before a gym session. After gaining 40 pounds for his role in the crime drama War Dogs, Jonah hired a nutritionist and reportedly kept a food journal to lose the weight. He also got some healthy living advice from his 21 Jump Street costar Channing Tatum, whom he called and asked, 'Hey, if I ate less and go to a trainer, will I get in better shape?'"
Game of Thrones: Who Actually Knows About the White Walkers?
It's official: the White Walkers need better PR people. Despite appearing in the first scene of the Game of Thrones pilot episode, only a handful of people in Westeros are aware that the Night King and his army of the undead aren't just the stuff of legends. Jon Snow faces this fact when he can't get Daenerys or her followers to understand the threat rising in the North.
Even though he's seen the White Walkers with his own eyes, it's hard for the King in the North to convey the sense of urgency to people who believe ice zombies are nothing more than bedtime stories told to the sweet Summer children of Westeros. At this point in the series, it's important to know who knows about the White Walkers versus who actually believes they exist. As Jon's experience at Dragonstone illustrates, those two groups don't overlap nearly enough.
Adding to the problem is the number of people who know about the White Walkers, but who are now, sadly, no longer among the living themselves. This list includes Stannis, Jeor Mormont, Osha, Ygritte, Maester Aemon, and Mance Rayder - as well as countless members of the Night's Watch, the Free Folk, and the Children of the Forest, who have died in battle with the Night King's army. It's surprising that at this late stage in the game, so many people are still looking toward the Iron Throne, when Winter is a threat to the entirety of the Seven Kingdoms.
Right now, there are a handful of people who have either seen White Walkers first hand or believe in their existence, and quite a few more who are pretending Westeros isn't under attack. If the latter group doesn't get on board with the former soon, then the Seven Kingdoms is going to be in major trouble. Here's a list of all the people who know the White Walkers are coming - whether they choose to believe in them or not.
Tormund & The Free Folk
Tormund and the rest of the Wildlings have been driven out of their homelands by the dead. For the first time in centuries, they're living on the other side of the Wall because they know it's the only thing standing between them and certain death. This reality has led to many of the Free Folk standing with Jon Snow and the North, with Tormund acting as a de facto leader of sorts for the ragtag group.
Jon Snow & The Night's Watch
The Night's Watch has been trying to spread the message that the White Walkers are coming since the series began. Poor deserter Will loses his head when he tells Ned what he witnesses beyond the Wall, and he is far from the last member of the Night's Watch to face ridicule or pity when describing the horrors lurking just beyond Westeros's borders. Daenerys certainly doesn't have much patience for Jon's stories, much to his frustration. But as one of the few people to face the White Walkers and live, the King in the North isn't going to stop trying to convince the rest of the Seven Kingdoms that they're in imminent danger.
Ser Davos
The Onion Knight first found out about the White Walkers while in the service of Stannis. Now he's firmly on Jon Snow's side and is one of the show's most passionate advocates for focusing on the trouble in the North, rather than the Iron Throne.
Sam & Gilly
Jon's best friend and Gilly are in the Citadel gathering information to help Jon in the fight to come. Sam earns the nickname "Sam the Slayer" when he discovers dragonglass can kill the White Walkers. Meanwhile, as one of Craster's daughters, Gilly witnesses countless male babies being left in the snow as a sacrifice to the Night King's army.
Bran & Meera
Thanks to their adventures beyond the Wall, Bran and Meera know firsthand the deadly consequences of dealing with the undead. During their journey they witness the deaths of several of their companions, including Hodor, Jojen, the Three-Eyed Raven, and Summer. Bran's greensight abilities seem to give him a special connection to the Night King, and he's the only person aside from the Children of the Forest who is there to witness the leader of the White Walker's creation.
Melisandre
Melisandre is keenly aware of the army of the dead marching toward Westeros, and she believes only Azor Ahai reborn can save the world from destruction.
The Hound & The Brotherhood Without Banners
The Hound and the Brotherhood are journeying further North after seeing visions of the White Walkers going around the Wall. It seems inevitable that they will meet up with Jon and his people before season seven comes to an end.
Sansa & The North
Sansa and the people of the North seem to believe Jon and the Free Folk's account of their experiences beyond the Wall. They are rallying behind their new king and prepping for a battle with the White Walkers.
Cersei
Cersei, Varys, Littlefinger, Tyrion, and Maester Pycelle receive a raven from Castle Black in season two detailing Lord Mormont's first encounter with a White Walker. Among them, only Tyrion even remotely believes the story, and Cersei openly dismisses the idea of an undead army. Given that she now has a zombie of sorts guarding her in the form of the Mountain, it's impossible not to wonder if her position on the subject has changed.
Tyrion
Lord Commander Mormont asks Tyrion to tell Cersei about the undead army way back in season one, but he still seems rather unconvinced about their existence or the threat they pose. He does get a few points for convincing Daenerys to let Jon mine the dragonglass at Dragonstone for weapons though.
Archmaester Marwyn
The Archmaester of the Citadel isn't particularly bothered by the idea of the White Walkers, much to Sam's frustration.
Randyll Tarly
Sam's dad is way more concerned that his son is involved with a wildling than he is about Sam's experience facing and slaying a White Walker. He needs to sort out his priorities.
Daenerys
Now that she's met Jon, Daenerys officially knows about the Night King and his army. So far, she's still more concerned about winning the Iron Throne, but Jon isn't going to give up on trying to sway her (and her considerable army) to his side.
More people know about the White Walkers than ever before, but Jon needs more people to believe in them if he has any hope of saving the people of the Seven Kingdoms.
Game of Thrones: This Is Why Why Melisandre and Jon Are on Bad Terms
On the latest episode of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow arrives at Dragonstone to meet with Daenerys Targaryen, hoping to convince her of the threat that lies to the north and how he'll need her large supply of dragonglass to forge weapons. One person absent from the big face to face is Melisandre, who tells Varys it is probably best if she stays away.
"I did not part on good terms with the King in the North, or his adviser," says the Red Priestess.
Melisandre is referring to what happens between all of them after Jon's resurrection. The "adviser" in question is Davos Seaworth, who enlists Melisandre to bring Jon back to life because he knows of her powers from all the years they had both worked alongside Stannis Baratheon.
Davos has never particularly cared for Melisandre, but he does recognize a need for her in this instance. However, he has always been suspicious of what happened to Stannis's young daughter, Shireen, who had been a friend to Davos, even teaching him how to read. Davos eventually finds a small wooden carving he made for her in a pile of ash at the site of where Melisandre, Stannis, and her mother had sacrificed Shireen to the Lord of Light. Davos puts two and two together and confronts Melisandre about the little girl's murder.
Jon Snow is there when Davos lays into Melisandre about the cruel and horrible crime, for which Davos wants to execute Melisandre. But Jon feels he owes Melisandre for bringing him back to life and also knows that they may need her again in the coming war with the Night's King, so instead of executing her, he banishes her.
"Ride south today. If you return to the North, I'll have you hanged as a murderer," says Jon.
"If you ever come back this way, I'll execute you myself," Davos vows as she leaves.
Jon and Davos actually come to her by showing up at Dragonstone, so it's not her fault they're in the same place again. Still, it's probably best she decides to stay out of sight. Melisandre tells Varys she's heading to Volantis for a while, but she'll return to Westeros because she - like Varys, she adds - is destined to die there.
6 Ways to Fight the Summer Slump at Work
Let's face it, the summertime means vacation vibes, hanging with friends, and chilling on the beach. But here's another truth: our bills don't stop during the Summer, and unless you are a trust-fund baby, you need to continue to get paid. So how do you stay focused and avoid the Summer slump at work? Here are six tips for doing just that:
1. Find Your Balance
All work and no play will leave you feeling summertime-fun-deprived, so it is important to find your balance. Make sure your week is filled with not only work duties but also many fun things to do so you don't feel bummed out that you have to work. Also, the fact that the sun is up longer during the Summer allows you to have many after-work functions without having to play hooky.
2. Plan Your Day
It is easy to fall into a slump if you allow the day to control you instead of you controlling it. Make sure you plan your day early so that you can schedule in some time for fun. When you have the day planned out, it allows you to dictate what parts of your day will be focused on work and when you can take a break. Schedule lunch breaks and enjoy the sun throughout the day. Also, try to arrive at work earlier so you can leave earlier, if permitted.
3. Do More Work
This may sound counterintuitive, but doing more work is important in order to not fall into a slump. The more idle time you have, the more opportunity your brain gets to wander and wish it was somewhere else. Do your best to stay busy. It's still important to take breaks in between, but in a structured way.
4. Dress Appropriately
Summertime work slump also occurs when you are uncomfortable. Your workplace may be a bit cold from the AC, but the heat outside may be too intense to allow going to work in a full suit (talk about a conundrum), and taking the extra step to assure your comfortability is important for your productivity. If you get to work drenched in sweat or freezing from the AC, your mind will not be too happy and you will probably get very little done. Instead, make sure that you leave appropriate clothes at your job in order to accommodate for both extremes.
5. Stay Organized
Desk clutter can cause serious anxiety and overwhelm you, and this added stress at the workplace can be demotivating (especially when it's hot). Taking the time to get organized and focused is totally worth it.
6. Exercise in the Morning
Morning exercise is said to give you more energy during the day. Instead of relying on your daily cup of joe to provide the boost you need to get through, you can go for a light jog or do some strength training to keep you more alert and productive at work. While your coffee may provide some temporary relief, the crash that comes with it may not add to your cause. Exercise will give you the natural and good energy you need. And if you don't have a gym membership, don't worry - there are plenty of ways to work out without paying for one.
Don't Let Summer End Without Trying Estée Lauder's Newest Foundation
I was never able to identify the one beauty product I couldn't live without until I used Estée Lauder Double Wear. I was introduced to the foundation in college and I've been hooked ever since for a few good reasons.
For starters, Double Wear provides practically full coverage that perfectly conceals my hyperpigmentation with just one coat of product. If I need additional coverage, there's no need to whip out multiple concealers - the buildable formula allows me touch up my concern areas without applying numerous layers to my face. And unlike other full-cover foundations that tend to look and feel heavy, Double Wear mimics the appearance of actual skin so my makeup never looks caked on.
So, naturally, when I found out my favorite foundation of all time would be coming in a new formula, I knew I needed to get my hands on it ASAP. The Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup foundation is the weightless, UVF-fighting younger sister to classic DW. It's perfect for the girl who wants to achieve a "no-makeup" makeup look while protecting her skin (which is basically all of us, amirite?).
Like the traditional formula, you can achieve an even complexion that will last you up to 24 hours. It's extremely breathable and feels like silk when applied to the skin. Its weightless texture is perfect for Summer days when you want light coverage without your face melting off in the heat. And, speaking of Summer, Water Fresh is formulated with SPF 30 and antioxidants to help protect your skin from the sun, so if you forget to apply sunscreen in the morning, you can feel confident that your makeup has you covered.
To use, I just shake the bottle, apply a few dots around my face, and buff out with my favorite foundation brush. I've been using it in the sweltering NYC heat and never have to worry about my makeup disappearing by lunchtime or sweat-induced breakouts. The sleek one-ounce bottle also makes this convenient to travel with, and I won't be leaving for my upcoming vacay without it.
Double Wear Nude comes in 12 shades ranging from fair to deep so women of various complexions can get in on the magic. You can snap up the new formula now at esteelauder.com and Sephora for $42, so if you aren't already on the Double Wear train, get on it now.
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