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.
mardi 1 août 2017
Things Toddlers Love About Summer That Parents Totally Don't Understand
I remember Summer vacations as a child: sleeping until noon, watching movies at the drive-in, swimming, and biking, and the ever-present smell of sunscreen on everything in the house. I'm certain I have always loved Summer, even as a toddler, but I can't remember the reasons why.
That is, until I had children of my own.
Toddlers are not known for their ability to think rationally. Too young to appreciate the finer things in life, young children have their own ideas about Summer fun. And as is the case with most opinions expressed by toddlers, they can appear quite confusing to parents.
- Sunglasses. But only the blue pair with the sharks on the frames, but not the new ones (those are too new, too shiny, and far too accessible). It has to be the pair that belongs to a sibling, preferably the ones they are happily wearing at that exact moment and only on days when the sun is so glaringly hot and bright that it is melting the eyeballs from the toddler's sockets (or so he would have you believe), and if he doesn't get the correct pair of sunglasses right this very minute he shall clearly die. And of course, they must always be worn upside down for approximately 45 seconds before they are tossed to the ground. No questions asked.
- Open windows. Nothing says toddler logic quite like rolling down the car window in 105-degree heat and then complaining about how hot it is in the car. Except maybe the fact that the air-conditioning, which must be on full blast to counter the sweltering heat pouring in from the open window, is too loud or too cold or too tickly. It's a little like walking a tightrope, except with no net, the crowd jeering the entire time, and someone throwing half-chewed popcorn at the back of your head.
- Staying up late. While late nights are often associated with long, luxurious Summer days, toddlers take it to another level. These miniature humans are dependent on the sun like reverse vampires, and as the days get longer, their sleep cycles get shorter and shorter until eventually you find them stumbling aimlessly through the house and waking at dawn to howl at the moon. Sure, missing an hour or two of sleep every once in a while can be fun for kids, but after three months, it feels more like a form of slow torture.
- Popsicles. Have you ever wondered what the best flavor of Popsicle is? Turns out, toddlers are born with an innate understanding of this age-old question: the best flavor of Popsicle is the one they almost chose, but then changed their mind about at the last minute to pick a different one. Of course, they won't realize this until they're halfway through their current selection and must now wait for it to melt, sticky drip by sticky drip, onto their hands before they head back to the freezer to correct their grievous mistake. Bonus points if they wipe their hands on the walls on the way over.
- Going barefoot. Toddlers love nothing more than digging their heels in on a disagreement, especially when it involves offending items of clothing. Once they have decided that they will no longer wear shoes (only a single sock and only on their left hand), no amount of sizzling sidewalks will dissuade them. They will simply screw up their face and stubbornly march, like a shaman over hot coals to the middle of the driveway where they will suddenly abandon their principles and scream at the top of their lungs for you to retrieve them. You will, of course, be barefoot and scald the bottom of your feet as you hop back toward the house. That's actually their favorite part.
- Reading. The long days and short nights mean more time for snuggling up and reading before bed. Sounds decadent and perfect for Summer, right? Well, while there are thousands of exciting adventure stories and beautiful picture books to choose from, my toddler once insisted on reading The Night Before Christmas, every night, several times a night, for the entire month of July. I can't tell if he was just delirious from too much sun or engaged in some elaborate troll, but he was quite amused.
- Water balloons. Have you ever noticed that no matter how many water balloons you fill up for your children, there are never enough? Someone is always disappointed, and the entire game eventually ends in tears. And one of the children, usually the toddler, will take to hoarding their share of the balloons into the corner of the yard and then hovering over them, muttering to himself like Golem over his ring. Although he may appear as though he's not enjoying himself, should you foolishly suggest that he throw out one of his precious possessions, he will turn the entire pile on you and then resent you for ruining his fun.
- Life jackets. Pool safety is obviously extremely important to parents and something that comes to mind often when I think of Summers with small children. My kids, on the other hand, have no interest in wearing the expensive life vests I purchased for them in the pool. No, they don't need floatation devices while swimming; that's what shivering parents (and suckers) are for. Life jackets are clearly better suited to be worn to the grocery store, on play dates to the park, and occasionally to bed. They are well-loved, very dry, and obviously worth every penny.
As far as I can tell, these are some of many reasons toddlers love Summer. You don't have to understand, but if you deny them any one of these things, I'm pretty sure they'll cut you.
Game of Thrones: Cersei's Ice-Cold Revenge on Ellaria Sand, Explained
Cersei Lannister, the current holder of the Iron Throne, hates a good many people on Game of Thrones. As she outlines in the season seven premiere, the Lannisters at King's Landing face enemies from all sides. But there is perhaps no one she dislikes more right now than Ellaria Sand, parter to the late Oberyn Martell and mother to the Sand Snakes. But why this seething hatred?
It all has to do with Cersei's children, who we have seen time and again are the most important things in Cersei's life. Or they were - unfortunately for her, all three of them are dead, and Ellaria Sand is directly responsible for the murder of Cersei's daughter, Myrcella.
In the fifth season finale, Ellaria is seemingly ready to forgive and forget that the Lannisters are responsible for the death of her lover, Oberyn Martell. She willingly lets Jaime, Myrcella, and Trystane Martell (who Myrcella is set to marry) depart Dorne for King's Landing. Ellaria even kisses Myrcella gooodbye at the docks.
But it is quite literally a kiss of death, with Ellaria's lipstick being tainted with poison. Ellaria has an antidote to said poison, but Myrcella is not so lucky, succumbing to the poison aboard the ship, dying in her father's arms.
In season four's eighth episode, Oberyn is fighting for Tyrion Lannister in a trial by combat for Joffrey's death. Oberyn, a skilled spear fighter, has the Mountain defeated. But Oberyn can't help himself from taunting both the Mountain and the crowd, and it is during this preening that the Mountain gets a hold of him and then crushes his skull. It's a horrible scene, but it is not Cersei's fault that Oberyn dies.
Ellaria holds Cersei responsible, though, and murders Myrcella. So now it is Cersei's turn to exact some revenge.
"When my daughter was taken from me - my only daughter - well, you can't imagine how that feels unless you've lost a child . . . I never got to have a mother, but Myrcella did. She was mine and you took her from me, why did you do that?" says Cersei. "We all make hard choices. You chose to murder my daughter. You must have felt powerful after you made that choice. Do you feel powerful now?"
Cersei then gives the pain and torment right back to Ellaria by kissing her daughter Tyene with the same poison Ellaria used to kill Myrcella. The difference is that Ellaria is chained up with Tyene and will be forced to watch her die and then rot.
"Make sure the guards change the torches every few hours, I don't want her to miss a thing," says Cersei.
Ice. Cold.
Kate Middleton Is Actually Much Younger Than She Seems
Kate Middleton usually looks so ladylike and composed during her royal outings that she often seems older than she really is. But it's time we settled this once and for all: how old is the Duchess of Cambridge? Well, Kate was born on January 9, 1982, which makes her 35 years old. In fact, she's actually five and a half months older than Prince William.
The way Kate's chosen to ring in her birthday over the years is also an indication of what else was happening in her life at that time. For her 35th this year, Kate reportedly celebrated privately at her home in Norfolk, Anmer Hall, with William and their two kids, Princess Charlotte and Prince George.
The Easiest Way to Clean Your Microwave
If you haven't cleaned your microwave in a while, then you might notice a buildup of gunk. And if it's been sitting in there for a while, then the bits of food may have hardened to the point of making it almost impossible to remove. Thankfully, steam-cleaning the inside of the appliance with a vinegar-water solution will remedy the mess without much effort. Here's what you need to do.
First, gather your materials:
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Toothpick or stir stick
- Vinegar
- Water
- Sponge
Instructions:
- Pour equal parts vinegar and water into the bowl. Measure based on how long you plan to steam your microwave for. Using half a cup of each liquid is good enough, but if it's in need of a deeper clean, then use one cup vinegar and one cup water.
- Insert a toothpick or another small wooden object into the vinegar-water solution. This is a cautionary step that not everyone has to take, but it minimizes the chances of explosions. It's not necessary, but I like to do this just to be on the safe side.
Bubbles will form on the toothpick or wooden implement, letting it boil without exploding. Bubbles can't form on really smooth surfaces, which causes it to boil into an explosion when the bowl is suddenly moved. Most plates and bowls aren't completely smooth, so you don't usually have to worry about this.
For this cleaning, I used a wooden stir stick instead of a toothpick since I didn't have any on hand.
- Heat the bowl for five to 10 minutes, depending on how dirty the microwave is. When the time is up, leave it in for a minute or two to let it steam it up more.
- After letting it sit for a bit, take the bowl out with oven mitts, because it's going to be very hot. Then, take a sponge and dip it into the hot vinegar-water mixture and scrub down your microwave. Most likely you won't need a sponge, and the gunk will come off easily with a few swipes of the rag or paper towel.
Here's Ryan Reynolds Genuinely Looking Like He Was Chiseled From Stone
Ryan Reynolds graces the September cover of Men's Health, and we can't help but notice how completely ripped the Deadpool star looks (even through that tight t-shirt). In the photos, the 40-year-old actor and dad of two gives his steeliest gaze for the camera while hanging out on top of a building, and in a behind-the-scenes video from the shoot, Ryan reveals that he'd most like to be stuck on a desert island with Stanley Tucci - because "he's resourceful, and can cook" - and talks about the best prank he's ever pulled. Check out the sexy photos and video below now, then see what Ryan's wife Blake Lively had to say about him in her own magazine interview this week.
If You Have a Tattoo, You Need to Get a Hold of Lush's Newest Launch
Image Source: Lush
Just like the Tin Man needed to be oiled up every once in a while, inked skin also demands some TLC. Thank goodness Lush just released a balm called Elbow Grease ($11). As the name implies, this product was originally intended to moisturize elbows (but we all know that dry skin doesn't discriminate). Lushies already know and love Elbow Grease Moisturizing Bar, but this new update to the line makes the popular formula portable and travel-ready.
A mix of cupuacu, murumuru, and illipe butters works together to hydrate skin, fight flakiness, and keep ink looking fresh. While we love how Lush is throwing some much-needed beauty love in the direction of tattoo care, even virgin skin can get in on the Elbow Grease action. This magical, multipurpose balm also works wonders on reducing the itchy effects of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
You can buy Elbow Grease on Lush's website, and it expands to stores on July 31. If this news is so exciting to you that you want to brand your body with the Lush logo or a celebratory bath bomb, you're in good company, because that's a thing people do now!
MIT Created Tiny Robots That Can Change the Look of Your Clothing in Seconds
If you're still not convinced robots are going to be part of our (very near) future, you might want to reconsider your stance after you see MIT's newest invention. The MIT Media Lab Group recently unveiled Project Kino, which features tiny robots that can seamlessly change the design on a piece of clothing.
The team behind Project Kino has a few different visions of what the robots will do in their final iteration. The first is "pattern changing," where a robot has a similar pattern to an article of clothing but can move around to change the design. A preview of the concept is ahead.
Another possible function is "shape-changing jewelry," which is similar to "pattern changing," but would feature several different robots moving in tandem to form several kinds of jewelry shapes simultaneously.
A more permanent version of this idea is the "etching pattern" robot, which could "draw" new designs by simply moving around a certain kind of fabric. For example, if the robot moves on a piece of velvet fabric, it "creates" a new temporary look.
For those who care more about function than form, another possibility is "climate-reactive clothing." In this case, robots could react to temperature and adapt the clothing piece appropriately. So if the temperature were to get warmer, the robots could pull down the strings of a raincoat hood to free your head.
The Project Kino team hopes to solve some of the robot's small kinks (like its size) so that it can someday be worn regularly. "It is our vision that in the future, these robots will be miniaturized to the extent that they can be seamlessly integrated into existing practices of body ornamentation," the team wrote in a blog post. For more on how Project Kino works, check out the below video.
KinoPresenting Kino, a new research project led by Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao: "Living" wearables that can act as shape-changing jewelry, weather-responsive clothing, and more. Kino devices can move independently on the body to perform assigned tasks; paired with mobile devices, they become personalized on-body assistants. Learn more: http://mitsha.re/BiUC30e2Lme
Posted by MIT Media Lab on Monday, July 31, 2017
MIT Created Tiny Robots That Can Change the Look of Your Clothing in Seconds
If you're still not convinced robots are going to be part of our (very near) future, you might want to reconsider your stance after you see MIT's newest invention. The MIT Media Lab Group recently unveiled Project Kino, which features tiny robots that can seamlessly change the design on a piece of clothing.
The team behind Project Kino has a few different visions of what the robots will do in their final iteration. The first is "pattern changing," where a robot has a similar pattern to an article of clothing but can move around to change the design. A preview of the concept is ahead.
Another possible function is "shape-changing jewelry," which is similar to "pattern changing," but would feature several different robots moving in tandem to form several kinds of jewelry shapes simultaneously.
A more permanent version of this idea is the "etching pattern" robot, which could "draw" new designs by simply moving around a certain kind of fabric. For example, if the robot moves on a piece of velvet fabric, it "creates" a new temporary look.
For those who care more about function than form, another possibility is "climate-reactive clothing." In this case, robots could react to temperature and adapt the clothing piece appropriately. So if the temperature were to get warmer, the robots could pull down the strings of a raincoat hood to free your head.
The Project Kino team hopes to solve some of the robot's small kinks (like its size) so that it can someday be worn regularly. "It is our vision that in the future, these robots will be miniaturized to the extent that they can be seamlessly integrated into existing practices of body ornamentation," the team wrote in a blog post. For more on how Project Kino works, check out the below video.
KinoPresenting Kino, a new research project led by Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao: "Living" wearables that can act as shape-changing jewelry, weather-responsive clothing, and more. Kino devices can move independently on the body to perform assigned tasks; paired with mobile devices, they become personalized on-body assistants. Learn more: http://mitsha.re/BiUC30e2Lme
Posted by MIT Media Lab on Monday, July 31, 2017
The First Female Marine to Fly An F-18 in Combat Is Running For Congress in Kentucky
Lieutenant General Amy McGrath is a retired fighter pilot, and the first woman to fly an F-18 in combat. Now, she's running for Congress in Kentucky.
On August 1, a mere two months after retiring from a 20-year career in the Marines - during which she flew 89 combat missions, and bombed both al Qaeda and the Taliban - McGrath posted a YouTube video announcing her candidacy for the 2018 race in Kentucky's 6th district. While McGrath has always known that her dream job was to fly fighter jets, she's no stranger to the way that Congress works. In fact, her history with the governing body dates all the way back to the age of 13.
"When I was 13, my congressman told me I couldn't fly in combat. He said Congress thought women ought to be protected and not allowed to serve in combat," she says in the ad, while walking on a runway in front of a jet. "I never got a letter back from my senator, Mitch McConnell." McGrath goes on describe how she wrote letters to each and every member of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees asking them to change the rules, and while she may not have heard from the current House Majority Leader, she did in fact hear back from several who tried to tell her she couldn't do it - though the law changed when she was accepted into the Naval Academy.
It's this type of strength in the face of adversity that McGrath will bring to the race in Kentucky's 6th, where she will face off against two other Democratic challengers seeking to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. Andy Barr. Barr, a noted Trump supporter who has stood by all of the president's controversial policy decisions (and lack thereof) has been the subject of a lot of criticism from his constituency over the fact that he has taken stances on the issues that don't necessarily align with the values and beliefs of the people that he represents. The dissatisfaction came to a head this Spring when Barr held a Town Hall during the Congressional recess and was met with boos, interruptions, and angry words from those who attended the event, specifically about his continued support of a repeal and replace for Obamacare, as the program enabled Medicaid to expand in the state and now enables nearly half a million additional people to receive healthcare benefits.
These sentiments are not lost on McGrath, who is seeking to capitalize on Barr's shortcomings with a heavy focus on healthcare and the struggles of low-income families during her campaign. She joins a handful of other veterans who have already come forward as candidates for the 2018 election, looking to join the fight against President Trump.
And you can bet that we'll be closely watching her campaign in the coming months, because McGrath is one badass woman that we would love to see take a seat in 2018.
50 Marvelous "M" Names For Baby Girls
Marvelous! Magnificient! Miraculous! All things you'll be saying about your beautiful baby girl . . . with her brand-new-to-the-world "M" name! For those of you in love with the letter M or perhaps bearing a moniker that starts with M as well, here are some perfect baby girl names all beginning with M and all marvelous and magnificent just like the little miracle you're about to meet any day now.
- Mabel
- Madeline
- Madison
- Mae
- Maggie
- Mahogany
- Makayla
- Malissa
- Mallory
- Mandy
- Margaret
- Maria
- Mariah
- Marianna
- Marianne
- Marina
- Marion
- Marissa
- Maritza
- Marjorie
- Martha
- Mary
- Marybeth
- Matilda
- Maura
- Maureen
- Mavis
- Maxine
- Maya
- Mckenna
- Meghan
- Melanie
- Melinda
- Melissa
- Melody
- Meredith
- Mia
- Michelle
- Mila
- Miley
- Mimi
- Mirabelle
- Miranda
- Miriam
- Moira
- Mollie
- Mona
- Montana
- Morgan
- Morgana
Idris Elba Singing "I'll Make Love to You" Will Do Crazy Things to Your Body
Idris Elba is currently in the midst of his press tour for The Dark Tower, and on Monday, he took a page out of Miley Cyrus's playbook when he joined Jimmy Fallon for a fun round of Google Translate on The Tonight Show. After putting the lyrics of songs through Google Translate, Idris showed off his rap skills when he took on Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back," which Google changed to "The Baby Escaped," but it was his duet with Jimmy set to Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You" that really got us swooning. Between his soulful voice and his smooth moves, get ready to melt in your seat.
These Are the 6 Foods Chrissy Teigen Keeps in Her Fridge at All Times
Chrissy Teigen doesn't shy away from sharing most things, but especially not from what she eats. Not only is she the author of an extremely popular cookbook, Cravings, but she's also constantly sharing her favorite foods, recipes, and indulgences on Instagram and Twitter. So while it's not exactly a secret that she's a self-proclaimed soup master, a fan of avocado toast, and a hater of Nutella, what's not as well-known are what some of her most important, everyday staples are at home.
So when I got a chance to speak one-on-one with Chrissy over the phone to talk about her involvement in the global launch of McDonald's delivery, I had to ask: "What's always in your fridge?" Fulfilling my expectation that Chrissy is just as relatable and genuine as she comes off as, Chrissy responded with a helpful list of six of her must-have refrigerator staples. You might be surprised by how much you have in common with Chrissy - well, what your refrigerator might have in common with hers - after discovering what she shared ahead.
France's First Lady Is Bound to Surpass Melania Trump as Style Queen
Brigitte Macron shot to fame when her husband, Emmanuel Macron, became France's president. At the time, their relationship sparked a fervor of attention (she's 24 years older than him), but since then, focus has shifted. We became particularly interested in her style. As the first lady of France, Brigitte, an ex-school teacher, has crafted an impeccable signature look of skirt suits and structured blazers.
She's racked up designer creds by wearing labels like Alexandre Vauthier, Balmain, and especially Louis Vuitton, which has become her go-to label for public appearances and official events. She recently wore a cropped Louis Vuitton coat with jeans to greet Rihanna in Paris, and the outfit spoke to her sophisticated-cool vibe. Brigitte's personal style can best be described as polished but not fussy, a way of dress Parisian women have become known for. Read on to see more of Brigitte's outfits, because this won't be the last you see of her.
Starting at 310 Pounds, Melissa Lost 90 With Surgery and the Rest With This Diet
If you're considering weight-loss surgery, Melissa Jurado's inspiring story will help you decide whether it's right for you. But surgery wasn't the magic cure! It helped her drop the first 90 pounds, but it took hard work and determination to lose the rest.
Melissa: Before
POPSUGAR: When did you start your weight-loss journey? What made you decide to?
Melissa Jurado: I started my journey in February 2015. I was in such a bad place. My weight and health were in bad shape, and so was my mind. I knew they were connected. I knew I needed to change.
PS: What was your starting weight? How much weight have you lost so far?
MJ: My starting weight was 310 pounds. I have lost 152 pounds and gained a whole new life.
PS: How did you do it? Did you have a special diet or exercise routine?
MJ: I had bariatric surgery in February 2015. The first year, I lost 90 pounds. It was amazing what that boost of weight loss did for me. It ignited a passion inside me I never knew existed. After my first year, I changed to a low-carb diet and transitioned to eating keto in March 2017. Being 300 pounds, I could barely walk on the treadmill. Now I exercise every day. Every workout is a celebration of my body. I do yoga, Spinning, and weightlifting. I am probably the happiest looking person at the gym.
Melissa: After
PS: Can you explain what "VSG/Lifestyle/Keto" means on your Insta profile?
MJ: It stands for the way I achieved and maintain my weight loss. "VSG" means vertical sleeve gastrectomy - it's the procedure I had. It is the safest of the weight-loss surgeries. The size of your stomach is reduced by 80 percent, but you still have a fully functioning stomach. "Lifestyle" meaning lifestyle changes to tackle the behaviors associated with my weight. And "keto" is the way I am nourishing my body. It is a diet that is high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb.
PS: What are some nonscale victories you've experienced?
MJ: I could list a million nonscale victories. My favorites have to be wearing a little black dress and heels (an outfit that I never knew could be so empowering), fitting in a restaurant booth, and being able to keep up with my kids (who are 18, 13, and 10).
PS: How do you stay motivated?
MJ: Motivation is something that fades in and out, especially when progress is slow or at a stop. I count on my good friend "discipline" to carry me though until I can kick it up again. Looking back at old pictures is more than enough motivation to keep pushing myself.
PS: What does a typical day of meals look like for you now?
MJ: I start my morning with coffee. Many don't know this, but while I sip my coffee, I recite positive affirmations. I am a busy mom and working woman. Oftentimes the only mindful moments I get are when I drink my coffee. After my coffee, I will typically have an egg omelet. I love eggs!! Snacks are typical low-carb foods like deli meat and cheese. And lunches and dinners are always some protein and veggies with an added healthy fat. Being on keto, healthy fats are important for my energy.
PS: Any advice or tips for people on their own journey?
MJ: If you find yourself lost or just starting, take a blank sheet of paper and draw your ideal self. What are you wearing? How do you feel? What do you think about? What do you do for fun? Now go live like that person. Be that person. Transform yourself!
Although I have done it with ease, it does not mean this journey is easy. You have to lose the fear and find the courage to be seen. As a fat person, you hide from the world. There is nothing wrong with being seen. Show yourself and work hard! Show up and show out!
I Tried Disneyland's New Summer Treats - What to Eat, What to Skip
Disneyland has released a new menu to celebrate the return of the Fantasmic! show, including some desserts that I couldn't wait to try for myself. So on my recent trip to Disneyland, I made sure to taste two of the most enticing treats: the s'mores churro and the blackberry beignet. Both of these are twists on classic Disneyland desserts - the churros that are available at food carts throughout the park and the beignets from New Orleans Square - but it's always risky to mess with perfection. So did they pass this Disneyland fan's taste test? Well, yes and no.
Blackberry Beignets
First up were the blackberry beignets, which come in a three-pack ($4.49) or six-pack ($7.49) and are served from the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square. The classic Mickey-shaped beignets get a sparkly upgrade with a dusting of edible star glitter and blackberry-flavored purple sprinkles. They are beautiful, no doubt, but the taste . . . not so much. Look, I love glitter, I would bathe in it if I could, and I've been known to buy all manner of photogenic treats for the sake of the 'gram, but these should be skipped. The sprinkles have a horrible chemical-y aftertaste that ruin an otherwise delicious, warm beignet. And I even ate one with only a fraction of the sprinkles you see in the photo. I ended up giving away the other two in my three-pack, because I couldn't even finish one. In this case, stick to the classic or buy it and just accept the fact that this is created purely for Instagram.
S'mores Churros
Just steps away from the blackberry beignets is the churro cart in New Orleans Square, where you can find the s'mores churros. The beloved Disneyland churro, which is up there with the Dole Whip as a fan favorite, is instead coated in crushed graham crackers and paired with a small cup of marshmallow chocolate dipping sauce. This. Is. Where. It's. At. Or as my husband so eloquently mumbled with a mouthful of the deep-fried goodness, "F*ck the blackberry beignets. These are good." I will say, the churros are slightly less sweet than the classic cinnamon-and-sugar iteration, but I think that's what makes them so tasty, especially dipped in the heaven-sent marshmallow chocolate sauce that we may or may not have drank out of the container once the churro had been devoured . . .
The Meaning Behind Lady Olenna's Final Speech Makes Her the Ultimate Badass
At the end of the latest episode of Game of Thrones, titled "The Queen's Justice," Lady Olenna Tyrell serves up a rather glorious mic drop when staring down imminent death at the hands, er, hand of Jaime Lannister.
After being assured her death will be painless, Lady Olenna downs her poisoned wine in one gulp and then says to Jaime, "I'd hate to die like your son: clawing at my neck, foam and bile spilling from my mouth, eyes blood-red, skin purple. Must have been horrible for you, as a King's Guard and a father. It was horrible enough for me. A shocking scene, not at all what I intended. You see, I'd never seen the poison work before. Tell Cersei, I want her to know it was me."
At this news, a stricken Jaime strides out of the room as Lady Olenna presumably succumbs shortly thereafter to the poison. But what is that epic speech all about?
Back in season four, Lady Olenna's granddaughter Margaery is betrothed to King Joffrey. The marriage will form a good alliance between the two houses but also means Margaery is forever tied to a psychotic monster. So Olenna conspires with Petyr Baelish (aka Littlefinger, who is now Sansa Stark's right-hand man) to kill Joffrey. They stage the death at the wedding, poisoning Joffrey's cup with a jewel from Sansa's necklace. As Joffrey chokes, vomits, and dies right there at the banquet . . .
. . . Petyr has Sansa spirited away to a ship and Cersei blames the absent Stark and her husband, Joffrey's uncle, Tyrion, for the death. But neither Tyrion nor Sansa have anything to do with it. It's Lady Olenna all along, which she reveals to Jaime in what is perhaps the best predeath speech Game of Thrones has ever seen.
Lady Olenna FTW. We will miss you terribly, Tyrell matriarch (and actress Diana Rigg). You fought well, and now your watch is ended.
The Lannisters (and Samwell Tarly's father, Lord Tarly) now control Highgarden and all its riches. After taking out what had remained of the Martells from Dorne and the Greyjoy fleet in season seven's second episode, this is another blow to Daenerys's bid for the Iron Throne. Maybe aligning with Jon Snow isn't looking too shabby anymore.
Game of Thrones: Melisandre's Prophecy Could Be Part of a Larger Plan
Poor Varys is officially on the receiving end of one of Melisandre's prophecies, and that has to be one of the worst places to be. In the latest episode of Game of Thrones, the Red Woman reveals she's heading to Volantis but will return because she, like Varys, has to die in Westeros.
Now, it's not surprising that Melisandre's story is set to end in the Seven Kingdoms. In season three, she promises Arya they will meet again, and she's also on the Stark girl's list. It stands to reason that Arya will be the one to end Melisandre's life.
But why does poor Varys have to be dragged into this mess? Up until this point, Varys has been untouchable, but his luck may have finally run out. Given her penchant for staring into the flames, Melisandre could have seen Varys's end reflected back at her. However, there have been no previous hints about the Spider's impending demise.
In the books, Varys is alive and well and busy manipulating the major players to get his chosen monarch on the Iron Throne. He's one of the rare characters who has been able to escape the prophecy game. He deals in political machinations and stays far away from magic.
What's worrying is that Varys's death may not be the only one coming. Melisandre boasts about introducing ice to fire, but if Varys is doomed, how many more of Daenerys's allies will fall? The Dragon Queen is currently losing her war against Cersei, and those who stand with her are paying a steep price. Melisandre is such an enigmatic character; it's impossible to know where her loyalties truly lie. She only says Daenerys has a role to play in her visions, not that she's the prince or princess who is promised.
"While Varys has never shown any interest in dying to achieve his goal, Melisandre seems to be at peace with her fate."
Since her meeting with Arya, Melisandre has been living on borrowed time. There's no guarantee that Jon Snow's little sister will be the one who kills the Red Woman, but the promise that they would meet again needs to be fulfilled before her death can come to pass. Melisandre's life has been a long one, and everything she's done has been in service of the Lord of Light. Her god is likely what will draw her back to the Seven Kingdoms and lead her to die far from her birthplace. Remember: Volantis is home to the Red Temple, where the show's other High Priestess, Kinvara, serves. Melisandre may be rallying the followers of R'hllor to return with her to Westeros to serve Daenerys or Jon (or the both of them, if they form an alliance). Her final contribution to the battle to come may be an army of priests and priestesses who can use magic to fight the White Walkers.
At the same time, there are hints that Melisandre has another agenda, as well. Her suggestion to Varys that his death is imminent could upset the balance of Daenerys's court in an unexpected way. The Spider is nothing if not a survivor, and if he believes that standing with Daenerys will lead to his death, he could switch teams. Of course, that would be a mistake, because the Dragon Queen swears to kill him if he ever betrays her. Melisandre's prophecy may push Varys to cross his queen and ensure his role in the great game comes to an end. It would be a devious move on Melisandre's part, but she's nothing if not adept at convincing people to bend to her will without their knowledge. There's no guarantee her words were an actual prophecy at all. She knows Varys despises her, and there's no better way to get rid of him than by planting a seed of doubt in his mind about his own safety if he stays with Daenerys.
Death has been coming for Melisandre for some time now, and that makes her dangerous. The only thing she's truly beholden to is her god. If she believes removing Varys from the equation will in some way pave the way for Jon and Daenerys to get down to the business of fulfilling the show's ultimate prophecy, she's going to make sure it happens. For now, she's planted a seed of doubt in Varys's mind and created a scenario in which the Spider could become caught in his own web.
This Leaf-Clearing Hack Will Make You Throw Out Your Rakes - For Good
You might think raking leaves is a relatively simple - albeit tedious and annoying - Autumn task, but it turns out there's a way to make raking leaves even simpler and far more efficient.
And it doesn't even include a rake at all - just a piece of cardboard.
Using a large, flat, sturdy section of cardboard, simply push the leaves, snowplow-style, in lines across the yard until they form one big heap. It almost seems like there must be a catch, but check out the video below and you'll see that as long as the leaves are dry, it really is this straightforward (even Bob Vila recommends this tactic!). "Cardboarding" leaves may not become your favorite autumnal pastime ever, but at least this dreaded chore just got a little less, well, dreadful.
Why Madonna's Children's Hospital in Malawi Is a Complete Game Changer
Madonna and Malawi haven't always had a harmonious relationship, but after several failed charity projects and controversies in the country where she has adopted four children, Madonna has finally found political goodwill with the opening of the Mercy James Centre For Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care Clinic on July 11, 2017.
Madonna's relationship with Malawi began when she adopted her son David Banda from the country in 2006 and daughter Mercy James in 2009. She also adopted twins Esther and Stella earlier this year. But Madonna wasn't content merely growing her family; she wanted to give back to Malawi in a bigger way - hence, the Mercy James Centre, named after her 11-year-old daughter. Getting here, however, was a very bumpy road.
Malawi President Peter Mutharika officially adopted Madonna as the "daughter of Malawi" in appreciation of her "motherly heart."
The 45-bed facility, centrally located in the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) compound, is dedicated to children's surgery and includes the country's first pediatric intensive care unit. Mercy herself spoke at the opening ceremony on July 12, thanking her mother and all of the partners involved in the construction of the hospital. Malawi President Peter Mutharika also took the podium and officially adopted Madonna as the "daughter of Malawi" in appreciation of her "motherly heart."
Malawi's infant mortality rate is incredibly high (44.80 per 1,000 births, versus 5.8 per 1,000 in the United States) due to a lack of sophisticated equipment and medicine, not to mention the long distances families must travel to receive care. According to Madonna's charity, Raising Malawi, the new facility will help the QECH double the number of surgeries performed on children each year, as well as provide preoperative and postoperative care. It is, in the words of pediatric surgeon Dr. Eric Borgstein, "a game changer for Malawi."
Since its opening less than three weeks ago, the MJC has already treated 313 patients, and a remarkable 73 children have undergone successful operations, according to hospital director Venancio Kapalamula. He also reports that patients are traveling to the new facility from all over the country, and of the more than 300 treated, 238 were admitted into the hospital and 75 were treated as outpatients.
The pediatric hospital is even more remarkable when you consider Madonna's previous charity projects in Malawi, which have been blighted with controversies, including a very public row with former President Joyce Banda and court battles with previous employees.
An Obstacle Course to Adoption
Madonna's Malawi obstacles started with the adoptions of David and Mercy, which were challenging due to Malawi's archaic adoption laws that date back to the pre-independence colonial period in 1949. In the case of David, the law in Malawi did not allow someone who was not living in Malawi to adopt a child, and Madonna had to appeal the case before the adoption was granted.
The second adoption, too, faced legal huddles. At the time Madonna applied to adopt Mercy James, she had just divorced from Guy Ritchie. The court in Malawi turned her down on grounds that she was a divorcee and therefore unfit to raise a family as a single parent. Again, she had to appeal the case before she was granted adoption.
The adoption of the twins has been a smoother affair because of the remarkable growth of David and Mercy. This, coupled with the successful completion of the MJC hospital, has renewed confidence that Madonna only means well for the children and the country. Meanwhile, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has asked government to expedite amendments to the adoption law in order to protect children.
Raising Malawi's Bumpy Road
Madonna's first project in Malawi was the Raising Malawi Academy For Girls, a $15 million school outside of Malawi's capital city, Lilongwe, that planned to enroll 500 girls annually. However, in 2011, one year after laying the foundation stone, Madonna abandoned the project and let all of her employees go - including CEO Anjimile Oponyo-Mtila, the sister of Malawi's former President Joyce Banda.
The controversy began when the New York Times reported that Raising Malawi Inc. had spent $3.8 million on the project - with very little to show for it.
This revelation did not go down well with the ex-employees, who alleged in Malawi's The Nation newspaper that the $3.8 million figure was wildly inaccurate. The ex-employees claimed only $654,630 had been transferred to the project, not $3.8 million, and that the sum had mostly been spent on two events involving Madonna during her visits.
That same year, seven ex-employees filed a court case demanding compensation from Raising Malawi. Court documents obtained at the labor court in Blantyre indicate that Raising Malawi settled, paying out a total of $129,533 in compensation to the six ex-employees in 2011. However, Joyce Banda's sister, Oponyo, refused to accept the $88,515 she was offered, instead demanding $395,223 in compensation. As of April of last year, the court case was still on, but we do not know the outcome of the case or whether or not it has been settled. Raising Malawi did not respond to our requests for comment on the matter.
A National Controversy
In 2013, Madonna announced that she was shifting her focus from the girls' academy to building primary schools across Malawi. She partnered with an organization called BuildOn, which adds classrooms to existing schools that have large student populations and not enough space; in rural Malawi, students are often forced to hold class outside. Admirably, Raising Malawi partnered with BuildOn to fund the construction of 10 new classrooms, but when Madonna claimed that she had "built 10 new schools," it ignited a public row with then-president Banda.
Joyce Banda released an extraordinary statement to the press, accusing Madonna of lacking the decency to tell the truth: "This is an insult to the people of Malawi. She can't be lying to the world at our expense . . . . For her to tell the whole world that she is building schools in Malawi when she has actually only contributed to the construction of classrooms is not compatible with manners of someone who thinks she deserves to be revered with state grandeur."
"This is an insult to the people of Malawi. She can't be lying to the world at our expense."
The withering statement from Banda's office also condemned Madonna for trying to use her celebrity to get special treatment. "Granted, Madonna is a famed international musician, but that does not impose an injunction of obligation on any government under whose territory Madonna finds herself, including Malawi, to give her state treatment."
Adding an unorthodox turn of phrase, the statement said Malawi had played host to other international stars, including Chuck Norris and Bono, "who have never demanded state attention or decorum despite their equally dazzling stature." In an absurd final blow, the government even denied Madonna use of the VIP lounge at the airport as she was leaving the country. (It should be noted that, in an unrelated story, the Malawi government this week issued a warrant for Banda's arrest in relation to allegations of corruption.)
Celebrity and Charity in Harmony
But with the hospital project, Madonna has finally found her cause - and acceptance in Malawi. At the opening ceremony, Madonna thanked the partners who helped the hospital project happen. "What started out as a dream for Malawi and her children has become a reality, and we couldn't have done it without your support," she said in a press release. Madonna's team did not respond to requests for comment regarding the actual cost of the hospital, saying only that Raising Malawi provided the bulk of the funding to build and equip the hospital. The MJC will continue to operate the facility in conjunction with the Ministry of Health.
In Malawi, the Mercy James Center's impact could be far-reaching. Just a month ago, the nation woke up to the sad news that two mothers had given birth to two stillborn babies because there were no anesthetists to attend to them seven hours after their scheduled Caesarean operations at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. In the aftermath, QECH Chief Hospital Administrator Charles Mhango told the nation that the hospital has an acute shortage of anesthetists; the hospital has 20 operating theaters but only eight anesthetists to attend to patients.
A shortage of medical personnel is just a small portion of the mammoth challenges besetting the QECH. Chronic shortages of medicine, congestion in the wards, rising cases of gross negligence, and a lack of sophisticated equipment for diagnosis and treatment all cast a shadow of gloom over the patients at QECH. But with the opening of the Mercy James hospital, there are now three extra theater rooms to perform life-saving sophisticated surgeries.
Not only that, but the MJC has a classroom to teach more doctors the science of surgery. Alongside Raising Malawi, QECH surgeon Dr. Borgstein developed a training program for doctors, which recently produced the first Malawi-born pediatric surgeon. To further improve the quality of service at the center, 20 nurses received specialized training from experts flown in from South Africa, which is aimed to reduce the cases of negligence, according to Raising Malawi's Facebook posts.
In a recent interview, former Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume urged Madonna to do more, noting that there are still gaps in the health system that require urgent attention. "Currently the Ministry of Health has 247 patients on the waiting list that require specialized treatment abroad," he said. "Out of these, 76 are children, and 68 of these children are suffering from heart-related diseases. These children should not be on the waiting list. The MJC should start offering cardiac operations for these children. I appeal to you to open cardiac surgery as well at the MJC."
The Mercy James Center is more than just a clinic for medical treatment. It is also a place where the healing process is accompanied by fun and where children can come to be inspired. The reception area features a mural of a giant tree giving shelter to birds, while the walls of the wards feature paintings of renowned statesmen, such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. In Mercy James's words, the center is a place for healing and fun, and the art sends a strong message to the patients that tough times will not remain forever.
1 Annoying Thing From the Jon/Daenerys Scene You Only Noticed If You're a Woman
One of the great feats of Game of Thrones is that for the hour every Sunday I spend watching each episode, I'm completely transported from reality and taken deep into the wild world of Westeros. When I was watching "The Queen's Justice," however, one scene felt all too real. Like, ripped-from-the-headlines, why-am-I-still-protesting-this-sh*t real.
It was the much-anticipated meeting of Jon Snow and Daenerys, and it went a little something like this:
Missandei: "You stand in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful queen of the Andals and the First Men, protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains."
Davos: "This is Jon Snow."
(Awkward silence . . .)
Davos: "He's King of the North."
The long-awaited scene garnered lots of chatter on social media, namely that the whole laundry list of Daenerys's titles is getting to be rather annoying, as is Daenerys herself, and about how refreshing it is that Jon Snow doesn't concern himself with accolades. He's the real deal.
Did no one else see what I saw?
Because I was watching the most obvious metaphor for sexism in the workplace, the most stereotypical man-versus-woman job interview in fake history.
Here's this orphan girl, who spent the better part of her life being subjugated by men, toiling endlessly to rise up and do some good along the way (ahem, she freed a bunch of slaves). She's now in a position of power, backed by a killer résumé. She's a working mom with three unruly toddlers, she's proud of her accomplishments, and she isn't about to be all modest about it.
And here's Jon Snow, a bastard with no birthright, yes, but a white man who apparently needs no introduction just the same.
Sure, Daenerys spent a good deal of time on "bend-the-knee" semantics when there are justly some bigger undead fish to fry, but before everyone writes off Dany as just another bossy b*tch, consider the context.
Daenerys hasn't seen Jon Snow in action - she doesn't know what he's done or what he's gone through to get here, that he took a knife to the heart and straight-up died for his people. At this point, she's meeting yet another man who's probably planning to betray, rape, or murder her. ("So many men have tried to kill me, I don't remember all their names," she aptly puts it.) She has good reason to stand her ground and push for what she believes is justly hers.
Anyone who thinks she shouldn't needs to stop and ask themselves why.
I love Jon Snow as much as the next GOT fan, but before everyone starts lifting him up on their shoulders while piling mud atop Daenerys, remember that they both want the same thing, whether they admit it or not. They want to rule. Jon might seem above titles, but he certainly didn't seem willing to let his go.
Perhaps I read into this and the bitter realities of our male-dominated world had no place in that intimidating meeting room in Dragonstone, but I can't help but think that none of these eye-roll-emoji-filled tweets about Daenerys would be making the rounds if she weren't a woman.
What You Need to Know About Jennifer Lawrence's Psychological Thriller, Mother!
Jennifer Lawrence is going dark for her next role, and we're here for it. The actress is starring in the psychological horror-thriller Mother!, and it already looks like a doozy. If the poster of her ripping her actual heart out isn't creepy enough, just wait until you catch the 20-second teaser trailer. Let's just say, you'll be hiding under the sheets all week. Intrigued? Find out more about the film below.
The Cast
Lawrence is joined by Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kristen Wiig, and Domhnall Gleeson.
The Director
The film is written and directed by Darren Aronofsky, the mastermind behind Black Swan (and Lawrence's IRL boyfriend).
What Is It About?
The drama focuses on a couple who must reevaluate their relationship when unexpected visitors interrupt their lives. (Vague, I know.)
The Teaser Trailer
The Release Date
The film hits theaters on October 13.
9 Employee Secrets Straight From a Haunted House Scare Performer
One time, I almost hit a clown in the face at a haunted house. It was a knee-jerk reaction (I guess we know where I stand on the "fight or flight spectrum"), but luckily I didn't actually sock him. Still, I've always wondered just how many close calls haunted house employees actually have. Their jobs are to scare people, which can result in some pretty hilarious (and potentially dangerous) interactions with those who brave the halls of a horror house. An actor in a haunted house aka a "scare performer" did an AMA on Reddit and revealed some of the most interesting secrets of the job. Sounds like working at a horror house can be as frightening as making your way through one!
1. How many times did you startle someone and get punched/almost get punched?
"So my section involved a flickering light so what I usually did was stay idle for a moment, then when they were off, I would pounce at them so I would reappear in front of them. Startled many, many people with that method, including making two faint! This of course led to an awful lot of reflex punches. Luckily the mask cushioned most of it!"
2. Were there any instances where you will "hold back" if you see someone who might be more vulnerable to a real scare?
"I didn't see as many as my act was second from the end, and people who couldn't handle it would usually be escorted out sometime during it. We did have this clown though that actually acted as a guide for people who wanted to get through it to the end, so he would accompany those who were scared and he would bop us on the head with his hammer to let us know they were coming so we would go easy on them!"
3. Have you ever scared someone so badly they got sick or hit you?
"I actually counted! Over the one month I made two people faint, three people wet themselves, 11 I scared enough to make them run into each other or a prop and hurt themselves (not badly), and countless times have I been attacked. I was lucky enough to be in full costume which acted like armour but some of the poor actors had little to nothing to help them. There were guests who would come in and just attack the actors for their own amusement, and then blame it on 'being scared' but you could easily tell who was scared and who just wanted to hit people."
4. What sort of training did you have to go through before you were given the role?
"What they did at first was give me one costume, give me a room, and see what I was like in there improvising. I went through about four rooms before they found the perfect role for me! We had a couple of vocal training lessons on how to scream without losing your voice and how to do weird movements with your body. We were then trained on how to get out as fast as you can in the event of a fire or someone who's attacking you, and that was about it!"
5. What's the craziest/funniest/weirdest story you have from working there?
"I think the craziest/funniest moment was when I scared a young teenage girl to which she fainted, and when someone faints you have to get security. Only problem for me was getting to them, as the closest security member to my section was through a secret door leading to the first room/entrance, and we were not allowed to break character. So meanwhile on the other side of that door, there was a couple who were so terrified that they couldn't get passed the first scare (it was just a creepy hotel manager asking them if they knew what room they were in). Then, all of a sudden, the wall opens up beside them and I, a deformed bird man, comes out squawking like crazy! The couple turned and ran out the door, giving me time to get the fainted girl out of there!"
6. Did you ever see anything actually creepy to you, whether it was intentional or not?
"About halfway through the month, about three people quit because they were convinced that by pretended to speak Latin in a fake sacrifice, they ended up summoning a demon! I took little notice of it but for the rest of the time working there, I did keep seeing silhouettes of people and kept feeling things brush by me!"
7. Did you ever have to go and speak to people because they were panicking or terrified?
"There were a few people who went into panic mode but like I said in another answer, we weren't allowed to break character, so the best thing to do would be to go around them and scare them out of the room!"
8. What was your favorite reaction to the house?
"My favorite reaction would probably be when a group of young lads sending one guy who was clearly terrified in front while they laughed from behind. When my light flickered, I went around the front guy, and scared the the others, making one fall to the floor, and another wet himself!"
9. Do some people get scared easier than others? Age? Gender? Level of Intoxication?
"The majority of the scares would have been young-to-middle-age girls, while the guys usually laugh at them getting terrified. You did often see lads who go in trying to taunt the actors to show off how cool they are to their friends, so it's extra special when you scare them! In terms of intoxication, they're either drunk enough to get scared easily, or drunk enough to want to fight you."
What You Need to Know About Jennifer Lawrence's Psychological Thriller, Mother!
Jennifer Lawrence is going dark for her next role, and we're here for it. The actress is starring in the psychological horror-thriller Mother!, and it already looks like a doozy. If the poster of her ripping her actual heart out isn't creepy enough, just wait until you catch the 20-second teaser trailer. Let's just say, you'll be hiding under the sheets all week. Intrigued? Find out more about the film below.
The Cast
Lawrence is joined by Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kristen Wiig, and Domhnall Gleeson.
The Director
The film is written and directed by Darren Aronofsky, the mastermind behind Black Swan (and Lawrence's IRL boyfriend).
What Is It About?
The drama focuses on a couple who must reevaluate their relationship when unexpected visitors interrupt their lives. (Vague, I know.)
The Teaser Trailer
The Release Date
The film hits theaters on October 13.
1 Woman's Favorite Candle Turned Into a Nightmare That Sent Her to the Hospital
For those of us who burn candles frequently, it can be easy to ignore the "warnings" label on a new scent in the excitement of bringing it home to burn. After all, aren't most candles the same? It's just wax and wick! But one woman's experience with a freak candle accident is an important reminder to pay close attention to those warnings, practice basic candle safety, and never leave them burning unsupervised.
Ashley Brawley, a mother from Burleson, TX, ended up in the emergency room with first- and second-degree facial burns after attempting to blow out the flames from a three-wick candle that had leapt several inches while she was out of the room. "I walked in the living room and that's when I saw the candle. It was in flames," Brawley told local news outlets of her experience on a regular Sunday afternoon. "I blew on it about three or four times and the last time I blew, it just went all up in my face . . . I immediately started screaming."
Ashley's husband posted about the nightmarish experience on Facebook and included video footage of the incident that some might find disturbing. According to him, Ashley attempting to diffuse the candle caused the flame to engulf her face and splash it with hot wax. Eventually, after attempting to douse the offending candle with water inside the house, Ashley's husband carried it outside with oven mitts and sprayed it with the garden hose.
The family insists that they trim the wicks of their candles regularly, but the warnings on the bottom of the vanilla-scented candle warn against burning for more than three hours at a time. Based on time stamps from the video, the candle had been left burning for three hours and 20 minutes while Ashley did chores and styled her hair with her daughter in the next room. The candle also warns against extinguishing with water.
However, how many of us have forgotten to blow out a candle after the advised time period, allowing it to burn for a bit longer than recommended? It's not an uncommon oversight, which is part of what makes the experience so sobering! "We've done everything that any normal, sane person would do and that's what happened," Cody Brawley told news outlets of the terrifying experience. "It scares me to death."
So next time you're burning a candle to enjoy the scent or relieve anxiety, be sure to give the label a good once-over before grabbing your lighter. Remember to trim your wicks before lighting a candle, and if possible just replace the candle's lid to extinguish the flames. If this is not possible, consider investing in a wick dipper to avoid accidents while blowing out candles!
7 Things You Never Knew About Red Lobster, Straight From an Employee
If Red Lobster is your seafood restaurant of choice, you'll love these surprising facts straight from an insider employee. POPSUGAR spoke to a Red Lobster spokesperson who let us in on little-known facts about the restaurant's history, the truth about how many Cheddar Bay Biscuits people eat every day (spoiler: a lot), and how you can save money on your next meal. Read ahead for all the intel, and if your Red Lobster cravings must be satisfied immediately try making your own Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home.
Red Lobster has been around since the '60s.
"Red Lobster first opened in landlocked Lakeland, Florida, in 1968, creating an entirely new restaurant category at a time when non-coastal communities did not have access to seafood. Since then, Red Lobster has given many people their first tastes of lobster, snow crab, jumbo shrimp, tilapia, calamari, and other seafood."
Hushpuppies used to be served instead of Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Can you imagine a Red Lobster meal without those cheesy biscuits? Up until the '90s, Red Lobster served hushpuppies at the start of every meal. Cheddar Bay Biscuits were introduced in 1992 under the name "freshly baked, hot cheese garlic bread," and the current name was coined in 1997.
And now, Red Lobster serves a TON of the famous biscuits every day.
If you could easily eat three Cheddar Bay Biscuits before your dinner, you're not alone. "The number of Cheddar Bay Biscuits served in one day equals about 13 times the weight of an average elephant," the spokesperson said. That's over 958,000 a day! All Cheddar Bay Biscuits are mixed by hand in each restaurant, and they're baked approximately every 15 minutes. Fun fact: "If you stacked the number of Cheddar Bay Biscuits served in one day it would be 203 times the height of the Eiffel tower, 137 times the height of the Empire State Building, and six times the height of Mount Everest."
There's also a sneaky Cheddar Bay Biscuits policy.
According to a Red Lobster employee on Reddit, there's a reason that your table will have an odd number of biscuits for an even number of people. "We bring one biscuit for every person at the table, plus an additional biscuit for the table. Corporate policy."
The lobsters are cooked live.
If you order a lobster dish from Red Lobster, know that your lobster will be cooked live - to order.
There's an easy way to save money.
You can totally score a freebie before your next Red Lobster outing. "Guests can join the Fresh Catch Club for deals, news, and insider invites. When you sign up, you will receive a free appetizer or dessert, special savings, a surprise birthday offer, and special occasion reminders."
The 1 thing you have to try if it's your first time is . . .
"The Ultimate Feast: Maine tail, steamed wild-caught North American snow crab legs, garlic shrimp, and Walt's Favorite Shrimp. It lets guests try a bit of everything all on one plate."
The 8 Best Ways to Whiten Teeth - Under $50
If there's one beauty category that has become a lot more democratic and attainable (no matter what your budget), it's the vast and varied world of teeth whitening. There was a time when only a professional could whiten and brighten your chompers, and you can bet it was going to cost you a pretty penny. You would make an appointment weeks ahead of time and might consider whitening your teeth a once-in-a-while indulgent beauty treatment - something you'd save for your own wedding and then cancel when you realized, again, that it cost a small fortune.
But, oh, aren't progress and technology great? You're now able to hit the drugstore, go online, or even get ahold of a few cheap materials at your local health food store and whip up your very own teeth whitening treatment in the privacy of your bathroom. Better still: you can score cheap teeth whitening products that have already been tested by many happy beauty-lovers, have been proven effective at safely whitening teeth, and cost less than $50.
Seriously - a brand-new set of pearly whites for less than some luxury-brand eye shadow palettes - that's money well-spent!
Here are eight highly rated and regarded teeth whitening products that won't break the bank.
Do These 3 Things in Your Living Room to Lose Weight
You're already binge watching the highly addictive 13 Reasons Why, or maybe the heartwarming This is Us is more your speed. Since you know you'll be in in your living room for 30 to 60 minutes, it's the perfect time to fit in a little fitness. Every little bit helps, so even if you don't feel like doing a full workout, doing even five minutes can help build muscle and burn calories. Here are three things you should do in your living room to encourage weight loss.
- Get a crate: Set up your own little home gym in your living room, and keep all the equipment in a crate or drawer. Store dumbbells, a jump rope, a resistance band, and a yoga mat, and every time you sit down to watch TV, you'll see the crate and feel inspired to move. Try this at-home fat-blasting cardio workout or grab a couch and a pillow for this 10-minute couch workout.
- Write it down: Every time you make time for a living room workout, record it in a fitness journal (a plain notebook will do) that you keep in your home gym crate. It's helpful to look back at old workouts when you need a little inspiration, and seeing written proof of all your exercise efforts will also motivate you to stick with it and do more workouts! This is also a great place to keep printable workouts like these.
- Don't use your coffee table for coffee: If you have a sturdy coffee table, there are tons of exercises you can do using it like you would a bench at the gym. Try these:
- step-ups holding a set of dumbbells by your side
- step-ups with a shoulder press
- step-ups with an upright row
- triceps dips
- ab- and- arm-toning hip lifts
- elevated lunges
- elevated push-ups
Beyoncé's New Ivy Park Fall Collection Has a Few Surprises Up Its Sleeve
When Beyoncé launched her activewear line, Ivy Park, last year, we were blessed with 200 different pieces to choose from. Leggings, sweatshirts, crop tops, hats - you name it, Beyoncé made it. But she didn't make it all, because Ivy Park is back again this month to launch its Fall 2017 collection.
You might think you've already seen everything Ivy Park has to offer, but if you look closely you'll see that there are a few surprises in the mix. Although you'll see the same relaxed and sexy feel the brand is known for, the Fall 2017 collection will feature "deconstructed elements and asymmetry in deep teal and porcelain blue colorways." This is certainly a move away from the Spring/Summer campaign, which featured army green and black and white.
In addition to playing with new colors, the "activewear features new details such as cut-out stripes, statement branding on hoods, and lattice grid elastic trims." There are also backless caps and embossed sliders to drool over. You'll even be able to choose from leggings that are low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise.
You can get your hands on the Fall 2017 pieces this month at Nordstrom and Topshop. A few have already been released, but you may have to wait a little while until the collection is available in its entirety.
Beyoncé hasn't shared any pictures of the new collection on her website or Instagram yet, so we've rounded up some of our favorite pieces to give you a sneak peek.
The Biggest Designer Shoes of 2017
Whether you're in the market for a new pair of shoes or you're just curious about the latest and greatest, we're here to let you know which designers are making it big. When it comes to footwear, Google can provide lots of intel, and it turns out people are searching specifics (though of course, there's the occasional "shoes with the red sole" query that always makes us giggle). More often than not, shoe connoisseurs know a red sole signifies Christian Louboutin, and in fact, the brand is already the second-most-searched-for in 2017.
But if that doesn't surprise you, maybe this will: sneaker companies like Common Projects are gaining tons of traction, so you can finally replace your Adidas Stan Smiths, if you're so inclined. And if you're ready for a new Summer shoe, try Kenzo or Givenchy, which offer must-have espadrilles and slides respectively. Scroll for a detailed lineup of the eight labels on everybody's radar and find the accompanying style we predict will make it big.
It's a Brand-New Month - See What Our Editors Are Shopping For August
It's only August, but the promise of Fall shopping is as real as our thirst for Rosé on a sweaty Summer afternoon. Sure, we're still crazy about our swimsuits and sundresses - and vow to wear both as long as possible - but what's next is all we can think about as new arrivals start hitting the virtual shelves faster than you can say "Summer Friday."
So, what's a girl to do? We've got our eye on both: the pieces to live out our remaining days in the sun and fresh, forward-thinking finds to help ease the transition between sweltering Summer and cool, crisp Fall days. As far as we're concerned, it's never too soon to start outfit planning. So embrace the last month of Summer and gear up for a whole new season with our editors' picks. Inside are hot collaborations, sweet sandals, and maybe a few surprises. This is what our editors are shopping right now.
Disney's New Funnel Cake Is Drenched in Condensed Milk and Honey - Any Questions?
In celebration of the return of Fantasmic!, Disneyland introduced several new menu items, including the dazzling Milk and Honey Funnel Cake that's currently taking over Instagram. The mouthwatering funnel cake is topped with sweetened condensed milk, clover honey, edible flowers, and whipped cream in the shape of Mickey Mouse.
Though the dessert is appealing to the eye, it's also pretty damn delicious. One food blogger who tried the funnel cake said, "We think it's unfair to say ours was topped with sweetened condensed milk and clover honey - no, ours was swimming in it." Adding, "The funnel cake itself was crispy on the outside but soft on the inside." They did, however, recommend sharing it with others as it is really sweet.
The Milk and Honey Funnel Cake can be found at the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland's Critter Country zone. Priced at $8, it's currently available for a limited time only, and Disney has not yet announced its end date.
Turns Out, the Queen Is Technically a Binge-Drinker
We've gotten to learn quite a lot about Queen Elizabeth II over the course of her 90 years, but this latest fact is especially fascinating to us. According to Esquire UK, the monarch is a pretty impressive day drinker, so much so that by UK government standards she's technically a binge-drinker (same, to be honest).
She gets started right before lunch, enjoying a gin and Dubonnet (a wine-based liqueur) with lemon and lots of ice, then a glass of wine with her meal. A few hours later, she has a dry martini, followed by a glass of Champagne in the evening (there are eight different Champagne producers at the palace including Bollinger, Krug, Lanson, and Pol Roger, which was also served at William and Kate's wedding).
Now, size-wise, Elizabeth's intake is the equivalent of six drinks per day and 42 drinks per week (assuming she doesn't go crazy on the weekends), though the Queen's government recommends 14 drinks a week as a healthy measure of alcohol consumption. What can she say? She has a monarchy to run.
8 Women Who Bagged Ryan Reynolds Before Blake Lively
For some, it's hard to remember a time when Ryan Reynolds wasn't married to (and shutting down the red carpet with) Blake Lively. But before he and the former Gossip Girl star tied the knot on a South Carolina plantation, Ryan actually had a pretty colorful dating history. From costars to '90s It girls, look through to see the women he's romanced over the years.
Prepare to Lose Your Sh*t: Krispy Kreme Reese's Doughnuts Are Happening!
Krispy Kreme and Reese's have joined forces for the doughnut of your dreams! The new Krispy Kreme Reese's Peanut Butter Doughnuts will be available at participating US Krispy Kreme locations for a limited time beginning on Aug. 4. The limited-edition doughnut is filled with a Reese's Peanut Butter Kreme filling, dipped in chocolate icing, and topped with a chocolate and peanut butter drizzle and Reese's Mini Peanut Butter chips and peanuts. It's complete and utter chocolate-peanut butter overload, and we're going to need a dozen in our sight ASAP. Just when we thought international Krispy Kreme locations had the best flavors (looking at you, Reese's doughnuts in the UK), this happened!
33 Stars You Didn't Know Are Left-Handed
Despite only about 10 percent of the world's population having a preference for the left hand, there are plenty of famous people who fall into the category. Seven US presidents since 1923, including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, have been lefties, as were astronaut Neil Armstrong and former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and it turns out there's a whole host of them in Hollywood, too. Keep reading to find out which stars sign with their left hands.
Pottery Barn Finally Launched the Small-Space Collection We've Been Waiting For
With many Americans living in apartments and the size of the average home shrinking, it's safe to say that the small-space living trend isn't going away. Luckily for those tight on space, beloved home retailer Pottery Barn has decided to jump on the trend. This Spring they expanded their offerings to include products tailored to the needs and challenges of small-space living. The new offerings were met with such success that Pottery Barn has just announced plans to extend the collection, offering even more small-space living pieces and selling them at a larger selection of stores.
"The collection will debut new styles that are designed and engineered to be size-conscious and multi-functional, offering solutions for smaller living spaces. Each piece is constructed with the same high-quality artisanal design Pottery Barn is known for to appeal to a range of lifestyles at an accessible price," Pottery Barn stated in a press release.
Some standout pieces include the Alice Gateleg Table ($399) that features extendable leafs to accommodate more or less diners and has built-in shelving for additional storage. The new upholstered SoMa Sofa Collection ($699-1,759) is scaled down to better fit small spaces and is equipped with hidden storage or a sleeper bed beneath the cushions. More flex-use items include the Rainier Galvanized Cart ($99), which provides mobile, multi-use storage, and in lieu of a big closet there's a space-saving modular clothing rack with floor mirror ($159).
The collection embraces Pottery Barn's signature handcrafted, historic aesthetic. It can be purchased in its entirety online, while in-store sales have just been extended from 15 Pottery Barn Flagship Stores to 56 stores nationwide.
The 6 Most Durable Flooring Options For Your Home
Every homeowner knows that flooring is a big investment, and choosing the wrong type for your home or for a certain room can be disastrous. Children, pets, moisture, and even regular daily wear can cause major damage to your floors if you're not careful. Luckily, there are lots of durable flooring options out there, none of which require you to sacrifice on style. From bathrooms to kitchens, living spaces, and beyond, consider some of these durable flooring options ahead for whatever life throws at you.
The Unexpected Household Item That Will Protect Your Luggage on Your Next Trip
If you've ever checked a bag, you know that it's a risky endeavor that could result in all manner of destruction to your precious cargo - if you even get it back at all. While you can't control whether or not your bag is lost by the airline, you can prevent some of the damage caused by the rough and tumble journey your bag takes en route to your destination.
This simple hack requires only one household item - plastic wrap - and just a few minutes of your time. In my case, I am mostly worried about the bow on the front of my rolling suitcase ripping off, so I've wrapped the plastic wrap three times tightly around the center of the bag, but you could also wrap it around the entire bag if you were really worried about scuffs or marks on the material. Bonus: no tape is required since the wrap sticks to itself. It also discourages people from tampering with your bag (or at the very least, you'll know if someone has opened your bag). Some airports offer professional baggage wrapping services, but you'll have to pay a fee - this is free and easy, though!
11 Mermaid Desk Products That Will Make You Say, "Is It Back to School Yet?"
There are two types of people in this world: the ones who dread back to school, and the ones who absolutely live for it. I am the latter. For me, there's nothing better than stocking up on fresh supplies and getting ready for the new school year to begin. This year, I'm pretty envious of all the high school and college students who get to show off their mermaid obsessions with these fun products. There are so many cute options that will take both the lecture hall and your home office to the next level. Whether you need a sparkly tape dispenser, playful pencil pouch, or holographic planner, we have you covered. These mermaid-inspired items are sure to kick off school the right way. Check out these must haves.
Olivia Palermo Has a Favorite Swimsuit Label, So of Course You Should Know About It
We don't just admire Olivia Palermo for her street style, we're also inspired by her fashion prowess and often commit to re-creating her looks. So when it comes to swim season, we're not about to turn a blind eye to Olivia's bathing suits. Presumably, she's shopping all the right labels and coordinating her designs with the proper cover-ups.
Take her gingham maillot, for instance. It's one of the Lisa Marie Fernandez pieces that's tremendously popular among celebrities. But when we talked to Olivia, she confirmed she's been wearing Lisa Marie Fernandez for years - and we found proof she wasn't lying.
But Olivia's beach rules don't end there. While she keeps her trustworthy one-pieces in steady rotation, Olivia has designated silhouettes for swimming laps, sunbathing, and more. Read on to find out what Olivia revealed about the contents of her swim drawer.
Layered Under a Dress - and 25 Other Creative Ways to Rock Your Jeans This Fall
Your closet may be full of different pants styles, but chances are your trustiest, no-fail go-to is a good ol' pair of jeans. And why shouldn't it be? They work for nearly every occasion, from casual Fridays to dinner with friends, and every event (and nonevent) in between.
Bloggers and influencers definitely get creative when styling this closet staple, rocking skinnies, cropped options, and boyfriend jeans with a variety of fancy tops and shoes. Scroll through for a few new and unexpected outfit ideas, and revamp those old pants ASAP.
This 1 Question Will Determine If You're High- or Low-Maintenance
A team of our editors recently found themselves divided, caught in a heated debate. The topic? How many swimsuits do you bring on vacation? Yes, it's a silly question, but people have very strong opinions.
Imagine, if you will, that you've been gifted a seven-day tropical vacation. You'll have access to the ocean and pools, and the weather will be warm. You whip out your luggage, and what do you do? Do you toss in a couple suits? Do you go all out and put in a suit for every single day? Or do you go a step further and assume you'll want to rock more than one suit per day? What's your strategy, and how stressed out are you about this whole scenario?
Game of Thrones Fans Totally Lost It When Jon Snow and Daenerys Finally Met
The following contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season seven.
Well, everyone, it's finally happened: after seven seasons of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen have finally met. And contrary to what many fans hoped for their long-awaited meeting - that they'd immediately fall in love and begin planning their wedding - the two stubborn leaders butt heads during their first interaction at Dragonstone. Naturally, the tension between Jon and Dany drove fans wild with emotion - excitement, fear, mistrust, annoyance - and (most of all) anticipation for what's to come.
Twitter never holds back during Game of Thrones, but the reactions from fans about Daenerys and Jon's scenes together are a whole new level of hilarious. Want to relive the emotions you felt while watching their first meeting? Well, in the words of Daenerys Targaryen, "You'd better get to work."
Remembering Princess Diana's Sweetest Mom Moments
In honor of the late Princess Diana, who was born on July 1, 1961, and who passed away in a tragic accident on Aug. 31, 1997, we're taking a look at some of the special moments she shared with Prince William and Prince Harry through the years. Just like the royal baby fever that surrounded Kate Middleton's pregnancies with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, there was plenty of buzz when Princess Diana was expecting.
The world watched as she raised Prince William and Prince Harry, and almost 20 years after her death, we're reliving the sweet moments that were caught on camera when she brought the boys to official events, toted them along on trips, and took them to school. From the princes' first pictures to their later years as young boys, take a look at Princess Diana's adorable public moments with her sons.
Each and Every Star Baring It All on Instagram This Year
If there's one thing stars love more than dressing up, it's stripping down. There's no doubt that last year had its fair share of steamy moments, but this year has been pretty hot thanks to a select number of celebrities. Lea Michele kicked off the new year by baring it all, while Chrissy Teigen unabashedly ditched her bikini to pose nude during her Sports Illustrated press day. And who could forget Ashley Graham's supersexy topless photo? Be sure to have a cool drink nearby, because it's going to get hot in here.
Articles
