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.
mercredi 2 août 2017
The Lazy Girl's 5-Step Guide to Weight Loss
When a lot of people think about weight loss, it involves giving up all the foods that you love and busting butt at the gym five days a week. If you're a lazy girl like me, you've probably tried that route and failed more times than you'd like to admit. Here's how to successfully lose weight, the lazy way.
1. Eat Things You Love (Just Less of Them)
You don't have to break up with carbs - or any food group - to lose weight. There is absolutely no reason to ban the things you love in order to lose weight. In fact, doing so may only increase your cravings and lead you to failure. The one thing you need to do to lose weight is eat fewer calories than you burn. Instead of giving up on foods you truly enjoy, be mindful of portions and try to balance every meal out with whole, natural foods.
2. Skip the Gym (and Get a Step Counter)
What if I told you a gym membership is in no way necessary to lose weight? As long as you are watching what you eat, exercise is not even necessary to lose weight. However, if you want to speed up the process, upping the number of calories you burn is the way to go. You can do this simply by incorporating more regular movement into your day.
Take your dog for an extra walk each evening. Park farther away from your office. Switch out a night per week of binge-watching Netflix for playing badminton in the yard or taking a stroll around the neighborhood. Investing in a fitness tracker is a great way to challenge yourself to gradually increase your everyday activity level, and you can even compete with friends, if that's your thing.
3. Weigh Yourself Less (and Don't Obsess)
Body weight can fluctuate several pounds per day, regardless of whether or not you're losing fat. Hormones, bathroom habits, and diet can all cause temporary water weight gain. Don't bother getting on the scale every day. You may find yourself discouraged or even throw in the towel completely trying to decipher the ever-changing number you face. Pick a day of the week and a time of day. That's when you'll weigh in each week. Then, put the scale away and do not touch it again until your weigh-in day comes around next week.
4. Get Your Drink On (With Zero-Calorie Beverages)
You can drink juice, soda, and alcohol and still lose weight. However, you'll quickly realize that these items should be categorized as treats rather than daily drinks, due to their high caloric content. Water, unsweetened tea, or diet beverages (if you're OK with artificial sweeteners) are your new best friends. They will help you feel full between meals and aid with digestion, which can sometimes struggle to adjust to dietary changes.
5. Spend More Time Online (Giving and Receiving Support)
Losing weight is simple, but that does not mean it is easy. Search online for weight-loss support groups that embrace practical, safe (and yes, "lazy") approaches to achieving your goal. Like-minded supporters in your corner means you'll be more likely to reach out for advice in those inevitable moments of frustration instead of reaching out for extra-large fries at the nearest drive-through.
Prince George's First Day of School Is Closer Than You Think
Prince George marked his fourth birthday on July 22, and with a new year comes new milestones. One of them is starting preparatory school. The young royal is set to attend Thomas's Battersea School, a private school in South London, in September. "Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to have found a school where they are confident George will have a happy and successful start to his education," Kensington Palace officially announced in March. The school is about a 30-minute drive from Will and Kate's home in Kensington Palace, and according to the school's website, it focuses on "enjoyment, learning and achievement." George is currently attending the Westacre Montessori School nursery until his Thomas's School debut in the Fall.
10 Things You'll Find at Your Latina Mom's House
Growing up in a Latinx household means you didn't eat out much, you didn't do sleepovers, and you learned the ins and outs of your mom's very quirky and incredibly useful habits. So now, when you go back to visit her or spend the day thinking about her house, you have an avalanche of memories that more often than not include chancletas, VapoRub, and whatever was in the butter container in the fridge the last time you were over (hint: not butter). Keep reading for 10 things you'll most likely find at every Latina mom's house.
5 Ways to Watch the Solar Eclipse Without Going Anywhere
The upcoming - and highly anticipated - total solar eclipse takes place on Aug. 21, and it's inspiring people to travel across the country to find the best viewing spots. Even Southwest Airlines is joining in on the fun, as the company recently announced themed flights that will allow passengers to watch the solar eclipse from the sky. However, if you're stuck at work or in a state where a total viewing isn't available, don't fear - the internet's here to save the day.
There are several ways to watch at work, home, or on the go. Bookmark these options now.
- NASA: Watch NASA's Eclipse Megacast on the agency's website, Facebook page, or YouTube channel. The live stream event will include interviews with scientists, film from several different places, and footage from airplanes, ground telescopes, and 57 "high-altitude balloons."
- Slooh: Of course, Slooh, which regularly live streams meteor showers, will also host one for the solar eclipse from Stanley, ID.
- San Francisco Exploratorium: If you need on-the-go coverage, the San Francisco Exploratorium will live stream the eclipse from both its website as well as the Total Solar Eclipse app, available on both iOS and Android. It will include telescope views from Oregon and Wyoming.
- CNN: Take your live streaming of the eclipse up a notch with CNN and Volvo, which are broadcasting it via 360-degree video in 4K resolution. You can watch it on CNN's website, the CNN app on iOS and Android, or a virtual reality headset.
- Science Channel: The Science Channel will live stream the solar eclipse from Madras, OR, via Facebook Live on its Facebook page. The company will also air a one-hour special of the day, called The Great American eclipse, at 9 p.m. ET.
Now you have zero excuses to miss the solar eclipse! If you do decide to watch this once-in-lifetime event in person, don't forget to follow NASA's safety tips to avoid injury. You can even pick up free solar eclipse viewing glasses from a local Warby Parker store.oh s
Fact: Megan Fox's Adorable Sons Will Melt Your Heart in Record Time
Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have had quite a busy few years. A few months after they announced their split in August 2015, news broke that Megan was pregnant with their third child together. The two then called off their divorce to make things work for their growing family, and in August 2016, they welcomed their son Journey. Despite the couple's up-and-down romance, one thing definitely hasn't changed: their sons are freaking adorable. They're also parents to Noah, Bodhi, and Kassius, Brian's son from a previous relationship, and while they don't share too many family snaps on Instagram, the ones they do will definitely make you say, "Awww!"
66 Positive Things You Should Be Saying to Your Child
In a world where saying "no" is usually a lot easier than saying "yes," it is important to bring up children who don't feel that negativity has a higher value than positivity. Encouraging words can have a truly lasting effect on your kiddo years and years after you've said them, so we should choose to use phrases that will make them feel good about themselves inside and out, things that will stick with them as words that got them through tough times.
Whether you want to tell them how great they were at their soccer game, or how much you love spending time with them, here are 66 positive and encouraging things to say to your child on a daily basis.
- I'm grateful for you.
- You make me proud.
- Your words are meaningful.
- You have great ideas.
- I love being your parent.
- You don't have to be perfect to be great.
- Your opinions matter.
- You are important.
- You are loved.
- I believe you.
- I believe in you.
- This family wouldn't be the same without you.
- You are valuable.
- You can say no.
- You can say yes.
- I know you did your best.
- You were right.
- I accept who you are.
- We can try your way.
- You are helpful.
- You are worth it.
- You make me happy.
- I love your creativity.
- Being around you is fun.
- I can't wait to hear about it.
- Don't be afraid to be you.
- You're making a difference.
- I'm excited to spend time with you.
- You are interesting.
- I love seeing the world your way.
- It's good to be curious.
- I love the way you tell stories.
- What you did was awesome.
- I admire you.
- That's a great question.
- Your friends are lucky to have you.
- I trust you.
- That was a really good choice.
- Seeing you happy makes me happy.
- Being your parent is my favorite job.
- I learn new things from you every day.
- You make me better.
- You are a good boy/girl.
- Thank you for being you.
- I'm so glad you're here.
- You look great.
- I understand you.
- Watching you grow up is the best.
- That was really brave.
- I forgive you.
- I appreciate you.
- We all make mistakes.
- Yes, me too.
- You are very good at that!
- You can try again tomorrow.
- Nobody is perfect.
- I love how you said that.
- Not everyone will like you, and that's OK.
- You did that so well.
- I'm listening.
- That's a very fair point.
- You are beautiful inside and out.
- I love you.
- I could never stop loving you.
- You are enough.
- You make my heart full.
What will you say to your child today?
mardi 1 août 2017
This Is Not a Drill: Bath & Body Works Just Dropped All of Its Fall Candle Scents!
Summer . . . what's Summer? When it comes to seasons, there's only one time of year we care about: Fall! Autumn brings with it the best of any season: crisp air, pumpkin spice everything, arguably the two best holidays (Halloween and Thanksgiving), beautiful changing leaves, the cutest clothes, and the excuse to stay inside all day burning candles. Every Fall, we look forward to replenishing our cozy candle collections, storing up for the months of chilly weather and dinner parties to come. Luckily for everybody, Bath & Body Works wasted no time in helping us do just that.
The retailer just dropped all of its ridiculously comforting Autumn candle scents both in stores and online, so naturally the internet lost its collective mind. We can't blame people for freaking out - we look forward to this every year!
wake me up when bath and body works starts selling fall candles
- india 🍒 (@indiawyant) August 1, 2017
FALL CANDLES FROM BATH AND BODY WORKS ARE OUT THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!!!!!
- nicole (@nicole_madsen) July 31, 2017
I shouldn't go near a Bath and Body Works store when their fall candles come out
- Morg (@morganritt_17) July 28, 2017
With every three-wick candle priced under $25 and tons of regular discounts for Bath & Body Works shoppers, we won't even bother pretending that we're going to exercise self-control in this situation. How many candles per room is too many? Asking for a friend.
Check out each of the Fall scents ahead. You'll spot some old favorites, along with some brand-new scents for the season. If only we could smell through our screens!
Cory Booker Has a Plan For Making Weed Legal in the US - Here's Why It Just Might Work
The United States has an incredibly complicated relationship with marijuana. More than half of all drug-related arrests in the US are related to cannabis, and we're not talking about a small number of people. Between 2001 and 2010, there were a staggering 8.2 million marijuana-related arrests, and almost all of them were for mere possession of the drug. This would be understandable if we took a common stand or had a national policy in place, but instead the rules and regulations vary from state to state, from full-on legalization to complete criminalization. As a result, we've got a patchwork of laws across the country that are often murky and always inconsistent. It's a recipe for disaster, and it should come as no surprise that there are millions who have suffered overzealous punishment in the hands of our nation's criminal justice system.
The Plan to Finally Fix Our Pot Problem
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, however, has a strategy. On Aug. 1, he announced a long-teased piece of legislation: the Marijuana Justice Act.
"Our country's drug laws are badly broken and need to be fixed," Booker said in a statement. "They don't make our communities any safer - instead, they divert critical resources from fighting violent crimes, tear families apart, unfairly impact low-income communities and communities of color, and waste billions in taxpayer dollars each year." The best way to deal with this systemic pattern of damage, therefore, is to stop doing what we're currently doing - and try something else.
How This Law Could Fix Our Broken Drug Policies
What this new act proposes is to completely legalize marijuana on a federal level. This would enable the fair trade and regulation of the drug on the open market. It would also work retroactively, giving individuals who are currently serving prison terms for pot-related crimes the ability to petition a court for a resentencing. Booker emphasizes the particular strain current marijuana laws have put on minority communities. "Descheduling marijuana and applying that change retroactively to people currently serving time for marijuana offenses is a necessary step in correcting this unjust system," he says. "States have so far led the way in reforming our criminal justice system and it's about time the federal government catches up and begins to assert leadership."
The bill doesn't purport to be the answer to all the problems facing America right now. It does not address harder drugs like opiates - which are fueling a nationwide health crisis - but it does look to fix some things we have the ability to change. It also isn't blind to the fact that we need to invest not in the War on Drugs, but in rebuilding the communities most damaged by the failed policies of the past. The bill would hold back criminal justice funding from any state that failed to bring down its incarceration and arrest rate. That funding would then be funneled into a larger national program supporting job training, reentry programs, community center investment and other programs targeting minority communities hardest hit by an unprecedented rise in pot-related criminal arrests.
Why This Particular Bill Matters So Much
Booker isn't the first to concoct radical legislation aimed at turning drug statistics around, but he is certainly the most hopeful. In a Facebook Live video announcing the bill, he spoke to how well the states that have legalized weed are doing, which is a far cry from the current state of affairs on a national level. The senator is well aware that he will face skepticism, pushback, and legal hurdles from those who aren't as sold on the possibilities as he is - including from the extraordinarily marijuana-averse attorney general, Jeff Sessions. But that hasn't deterred Booker, who stated thoughtfully in his video announcement, "I believe the federal government should get out of the illegal marijuana business." And if anyone can do it, it's Cory Booker.
Kate Middleton Owns So Many Coats, but These 10 Are Perfect For Fall
Kate Middleton taught us the power of owning a good coat for every season. The duchess of Cambridge seemingly has every color and print on hand, rocking them at a moment's notice to public events. Whether she's coordinating them with her shoes or hat, Kate's mastery of outerwear is completely brilliant.
Of course, knowing where to shop helps a lot. The royal is known for wearing designs from Catherine Walker, Hobbs, and Alexander McQueen - just some of her favorite brands. Now that we know the labels, we can easily track down similar outerwear styles too. Read on to see the 10 coats Kate always turns to and then shop the variations for Fall.
Here's the Cast of American Horror Story: Cult So Far
Information about season seven of American Horror Story has been rolling in! While last season was (unfairly) shrouded in mystery until the premiere, we actually have more morsels about season seven since this year's Comic-Con, including the new title, premiere date, and details from Ryan Murphy himself. A few regular cast members have gotten on-board, but there are also some newbies we were really not expecting (Lena Dunham?!). We'll update you with more casting news as it's revealed, but for now, take a look at the returning alums and fresh faces.
This Senator Just Revealed the Weirdest Thing He's Gotten in the Mail, and It's a Doozy
Just when you thought you've seen it all . . . you haven't. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse recently uploaded a picture of the "endangered species condoms" he received in the mail at his office on Capital Hill, and yep, they are as strange as they sound. "[W]e get lots of weird mail in my DC office--but the 'Endangered Species Condoms' we received today were a first . . ." Sasse tweeted.
we get lots of weird mail in my DC office--but the "Endangered Species Condoms" we received today were a first... http://pic.twitter.com/xFa0WMg4Ch
- Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) July 7, 2017
If you're scratching your head trying to figure out what "endangered species condoms" even are, don't fret: the entire internet had a similar reaction. Responses to Sen. Sasse's tweet ranged from pure confusion to those that actually tried to dissect the intent behind the bizarre prophylactics. Read on to see some of the best responses to the lawmaker's superrandom tweet.
More people, more pollution?
- Leslie Perry (@perry7846) July 7, 2017
I thought the same thing at first;now I think the message is there'd be less extinction if there were less humans. I can dig that msg!
- Portia Fendeman (@PortiaFendeman) July 7, 2017
My fear of extinction is why I refuse to wear a condom.
- Matt Gurney (@mattgurney) July 7, 2017
Is there a one with a duck. Or too easy?
- Denise Tate (@stateof_tate) July 7, 2017
is there a sloth one
- Shoshana Weissmann (@senatorshoshana) July 7, 2017
Hmmm lets see- "don't be a dodo, wrap up your chodo", "Easy there Tasmanian tiger", "avoid the fate of the Great Auk and take care of your c
- Darius Amiri (@SuperDario) July 7, 2017
Haha that's funny please don't raise healthcare costs for cancer patients.
- Chance Prigge (@Chance__P) July 7, 2017
Celebrate the End of Summer With Our August Must Haves
We have one more month of warm and sunny weather, so here are some clothes, gear, and tasty goodies to keep you fit, healthy, and inspired for your end-of-Summer adventures.
How a Stranger's Comment Changed the Way I Parent
We'd spent a few hours at the beach during our Spring break trip to San Diego when the weather turned and we decided to pack it up and head out. I juggled sandy beach toys and wet towels in my arms and attempted to convince my 2-and-a-half-year-old that it was a good idea to leave the endless playground that is the beach while my husband followed behind with the folding chairs and our crying 4-month-old. As we trudged through the sand, I noticed an older man look at us and heard him comment sweetly to his wife: "Those were the days, weren't they?"
I stopped - not physically, because that would have sent plastic toys flying and my toddler running - but inwardly, and when we got back to the car my voice cracked as I told my husband what I'd heard. There weren't actual tears, though that wouldn't have been too surprising for my sentimental self, but I got emotional thinking about it. These are the days. We're in them, living them. Right. Now.
Related: A Stranger Called Me Out in the Street For Being a Bad Mom, and It Almost Ruined Me
It was a powerful reminder for me as a mom. Especially as a mom who, at the time, was only four months in with two kids and who'd spent the first eight weeks after my second son's birth wondering how on earth anyone has more than one child and their sanity. It had taken me a while to get into a groove and there were more than a few mornings when I had to force myself to get up to tend to a crying child and even more afternoons when I wondered how early was too early to pour a glass of wine.
Juggling 2-year-old tantrums with nap schedules and never-ending bedtime routines makes for some long days, and when you throw in being responsible for actually feeding the entire family and maintaining the relationship that got you there in the first place, it can be overwhelming.
The grocery shopping and the lunch packing and the endless picking up of toys. The busyness of all the little things starts to drown out the beauty of it all as one big thing. It's easy to lose sight of how magical a time it is when you're in the middle of the everyday, but that man's comment reminded me that the days when our children are little are the days that we'll be nostalgic for once they're calling us for money instead of whining for more Cheerios.
Related: This Is the One Thing Kids Want From Their Parents
In the weeks since, I've made a conscious effort to replay those words and that scene at the beach in my mind. We were sticky with sunscreen, hair tangled from the wind, hands full of stuff, dragging our babies through the sand, and instead of seeing chaos, that man saw us as a beautiful memory of his own young family. We were the highlight reel.
The potty training accidents, the endless snack requests and subsequent spills, the constant fight over the need to actually be buckled into a car seat - these may not be the highlights of each day, but somewhere along with that first baby smile, the hilarious comments only a toddler is capable of making, and the out-of-nowhere hugs that make you want to freeze time, they all combine to make one amazing lifetime of experiences.
The challenge is remembering that the next time your toddler intentionally throws a plastic fire truck at your infant's head after they both refused to nap all day and you just realized there's no food in the house for dinner. Man, these are the days.
Summer Phoenix Files For Divorce From Casey Affleck
Casey Affleck and Summer Phoenix are officially done. The couple, who announced their separation in March 2016, tied the knot in 2006 and are parents to sons Indiana, 13, and Atticus, 9. According to E! News, Summer, who is the younger sister of actor Joaquin Phoenix, filed for divorce on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split. She's also requesting spousal support and joint physical and legal custody of their kids.
The official end of their marriage comes on the heels of a dramatic few months for Casey, who is the younger brother of Ben Affleck. He won the best actor Oscar for his role in Manchester by the Sea in February, but the attention also put a major spotlight on the disturbing allegations of sexual assault against him from 2010. Despite the controversy, Casey brushed things off, telling The Boston Globe, "I believe that any kind of mistreatment of anyone for any reason is unacceptable and abhorrent, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect in the workplace and anywhere else. There's really nothing I can do about it. Other than live my life the way I know I live it and to speak to what my own values are and how I try to live by them all the time."
10 Ways to Start Living Like a Minimalist
So, you want to start living as a minimalist? We totally get it - there's so much to love about this lifestyle. Being more with less. Living with intention. Achieving freedom from consumption. Decreasing your carbon footprint. Simple living is probably something that we could all benefit from, but how exactly do you get started? If you are interested in trying this way of living out for yourself, read on for 10 tips to ensure a more minimalistic tomorrow.
A Look Back at Adriana Lima's Dating History
Adriana Lima is one of the most beautiful women in the world so it's no wonder she has a lot of men trying to win her heart. Since becoming a Victoria's Secret Angel, Adriana has had her fair share of famous (and not so famous men) by her side. Did you know she was engaged to a very famous musician before she tied the knot with the father of her children? Take a look back at the men Adriana has had in her life since she first stepped on that catwalk.
The 10 Swings That'll Have Your Baby Asleep in No Time
When you're having a baby, your list of things to buy seems to get longer and longer with each passing day. And while there are some things you can probably live without, a soothing swing for your possibly fussy bundle of joy isn't one of them. Take a peek at the best swing options for babies this year.
Here's the Scoop on That Collagen Powder All Over Instagram
If you follow anyone remotely trendy (in terms of wellness, health, fitness, etc.) on Instagram, you've seen collagen powder, a Vital Proteins canister, Bulletproof collagen coffee, or a collagen smoothie recipe of some sort. And if every time one of those images or stories has popped up on your phone screen you've said, "WTF," then we're here to break it down for ya. Let's back it up a little.
What Is It?
Everyone's talking about collagen supplements. If you've ever cooked or baked with unflavored gelatin, it's kind of like that but a finer powder, and it doesn't solidify the way gelatin does. It comes from animals (NOT vegetarian, important to know) like chicken, cows, or fish. It's often sold as a loose powder in canisters or bags, and you can do a whooole lot of things with it. Just you wait.
Why Is Everyone Obsessed With It?
For one, some seriously great health benefits:
- Gives your hair, skin, and nails a boost
- High in protein (could replace your protein powder)
- Aids in a healthy gut, which helps with mood, digestion, and immunity
- May help with weight loss due to high protein content and promotion of a healthy gut
- Promotes healthy bones and joints
- Has BCAAs for athletic recovery and reduced soreness
Sounding like a miracle food yet? Hold on to your pants. Back to that "replace your protein powder" thing - if you're not a protein powder person, then this might be your lucky day. Collagen is unflavored, and there's no chalkiness - think about adding protein powder to almost all your food and drinks without making anything taste like protein powder. Amazing, right? It blends into both hot and cold drinks without affecting the taste or texture (unless you opt for a flavored variety, of course). That means you can give your morning coffee an instant boost of protein and nutrition (often things like probiotics, hyaluronic acid. and vitamins), and it still tastes like . . . well . . . coffee. We're all for efficiency, and collagen really helps you kill at least three to seven birds with one unflavored stone.
How Do You Eat It?
As mentioned, this powder can go into hot and cold drinks, but it can also go into your food. Here are some ideas to get those collagen wheels turning . . .
- Mix it into your juice
- Blend it into a shake or smoothie
- Make a matcha latte with it
- Bake some into your favorite goodies
- Whip up some protein-packed pancakes
- Stir it into water
- Make cookies with it
- Add some to your golden milk
- Upgrade your overnight oats or chia pudding
- Boost your Bulletproof coffee
- Pour a protein-packed smoothie bowl
- Heat up a savory soup
- Make a pie with a protein kick
- Mix some into a veggie dish
- Try a healthy Bloody Mary
. . . Are you catching our drift?
Where Do You Get It?
Brands like Vital Proteins and Bulletproof sell their product directly from their websites, but you can find collagen supplements at health food stores (we've seen it at locations like Earth Bar in LA) or on Amazon Prime (gotta get the most out of that membership, you know?). Prices range from $20 to $75-ish, depending on the amount you get, and if you opt for an unflavored straight-up collagen or something fancy like Madagascar vanilla bean (TBH, that flavor is pretty damn good).
Try collagen in our aloe and cucumber collagen ice pops! Get the recipe on our Snapchat today!
Emma Roberts Joins the AHS: Cult Cast With a Razor-Sharp Entrance
Sh*t's about to get intense on American Horror Story. After announcing that season seven would be titled Cult and dropping a creepy teaser, it seems every week is going to get us closer to the secret organization behind the season. This week, Ryan Murphy released a new on-set photo of Emma Roberts, which simultaneously confirmed her as a new addition to the Cult cast. Luckily for us, this isn't the only tease Murphy has shared on his account. The past few months have been filled with hints, announcements, and more. While we await the first official photos of the season, we're collecting all the glimpses we've seen so far between Murphy's revelations and the official teasers for the season. Let the countdown begin.
This Is Exactly How I Gave Up Sugar Once and For All
If we've heard it once, we've heard it a million times: sugar has no nutritional value, and consuming too much of it causes health problems like obesity and heart issues. But it's the hardest thing to give up, especially if we're accustomed to eating it on a daily basis.
I would know, because I used to be a sugar addict who couldn't go to sleep without having some kind of dessert. Whether it was a cupcake, a piece (OK, sometimes a bar) of chocolate, or a handful of gummy bears, I had to satisfy my sweet tooth before my head hit the pillow. But all that sugar was starting to catch up to me. I was experiencing sugar crashes on the regular, my skin was looking a bit dull, and I had very little energy during my workouts. So I decided to give it up cold turkey, because the cons were starting to outweigh the pros.
There was a naive voice in my head saying it wouldn't be that hard to give up sugar. All I had to do was stop eating it, after all. Turns out, it's a lot harder than it sounds. I went through some pretty painful withdrawal symptoms - headaches, mood swings, fatigue - because my body was forced to create its own source of energy again, rather than rely on sugar. It took a full week before I started to feel the positive changes and then an additional week before I felt clear-headed again.
I developed some habits along the way to make sure my sugar-free lifestyle would stick. These are the things I recommend for anyone trying to give up sugar.
Clear out everything in your kitchen that contains sugar
This sounds like a no-brainer, but it's easier said than done. If you're trying to purge your body of refined sugar, you can't risk having anything around that has sugar in the ingredient list. You might think you'll have the willpower to refuse it, but once your third day of withdrawals kicks in, there will be nothing stopping you from ripping open that sneaky bag of Oreos in the back of your pantry.
Schedule sugar-free indulgences throughout the week
Just because you're giving up sugar doesn't mean you have to give up the joy of eating. There are so many ways to enjoy dessert without consuming sugar. Pick a few healthy, plant-based recipes that satisfy your cravings for something sweet - without giving you the dreaded crash a few hours later. Here are a few great options to indulge in throughout the week:
- Vegan Almond Butter Apricot Bites
- Frozen Banana "Nice" Cream
- No-Bake Vegan Brownies
- Sugar-Free Cookies
Always carry healthy snacks with you
During my breakup with sugar, I would go through strange pockets of the day when I had a strong urge to snack on something. These times of the day were when I habitually reached for sugar, so instead of risking going back to that old habit, I always carried snacks with me that were free of sugar and high in protein, like vegan protein bars or almond butter and a banana. Sometimes I would even cart around half of a baked sweet potato, since it's full of fiber. Eating these healthy foods would curb my cravings and ensure I didn't eat something sugary.
Exercise at the time of day when you usually crave sugar
Some people crave sugar in the morning, while others yearn for it in the late afternoon. Then there are some who would do anything for sugar in the evening. It may sound unconventional, but it's helpful to plan your workouts around the time when you crave sugar the most. I changed my schedule and started going to the gym in the late afternoon, around 4 p.m., as that's the time of day when I would toss back anything sweet I could find.
By moving your body and getting the blood flowing, you forget entirely about your sugar withdrawals. Plus, you naturally crave things that are better for your body post-workout.
Experiment with new healthy recipes
Now's the time to get creative in the kitchen. Not only will it take your mind off your longing for sugar, but it will also give you the chance to learn what you're actually putting in your body at all times. Ask yourself what dishes you'd like to try cooking that you never have before. For example, I started experimenting with curries, since I've always wanted to learn how to make them myself. Every other day I would make a different kind of curry, and soon enough my diet completely changed, just from the sheer fact that I was cooking my own meals instead of eating packaged or processed foods.
Torch Calories With This Cardio and Toning Boot Camp
There is no messing around in this 30-minute workout . . . except for the short dance break to shake things up before the final circuit. Barry's Bootcamp trainer Allie Cohen keeps things moving by mixing strength training with cardio moves in this eight-exercise circuit workout. No muscle goes unworked in this fast-paced boot camp, and if you're new to fitness, don't worry. We offer beginner modifications for each of the moves. Grab a pair of medium-weight dumbbells, between five and 10 pounds (we like using eight pounders), press play, and get ready to warm up and work.
Wardrobe by Barry's Bootcamp
Water bottles: Corkcicle
What Is "Hive Mind," and What Does It Have to Do With American Horror Story?
Be of like mind. The official poster for #AHSCult is here. http://pic.twitter.com/oRGmYQXXia
- AmericanHorrorStory (@AHSFX) July 27, 2017
American Horror Story is about to cut deep, and we're here for every single second of it. In July, a special presentation at Comic-Con yielded the title of the new season: Cult. Since then, even more details have poured out. AHS creator Ryan Murphy dropped a bunch of new hints on his Twitter account, while the first official trailer left plenty of room for speculation. But it was the show's first official poster, which shows a woman with a beehive brain, that gave us the most information out of everything. "Be of like mind," the poster is captioned. If you're familiar with the concept of a "hive mind," this is where everything clicks.
Not only does the concept of the "hive mind" perfectly explain the first official poster, it also gives context to Murphy's bizarre bee-man snap from a few weeks ago, which he presented as an integral part of the theme. What exactly is a "hive mind"? It's a common trope from the sci-fi universe; it traces back to a "collective consciousness" or "group mind" that is shared by a community of people. A "group mind" is a lot less malevolent than a "hive mind." There's a sense of equality and harmony, where all members are linked by a set of unifying beliefs, or a connected state of mind.
One of the most striking (and popular) examples of a "group mind" exists in Minority Report. In the 2002 Steven Spielberg film, which is an adaptation of Philip K. Dick's novel, Tom Cruise is the head of a "pre-crime" unit that attempts to stop illegal activities before they happen. They predict crimes with the help of three "pre-cogs," mutants who can see the future and predict crimes. They have a "group mind," and they all foresee the exact same series of events at the exact same time. (Except when one of them doesn't, which is called, you guessed it, a "minority report.")
Image Source: Everett Collection
A collective consciousness can take a dark turn when a single entity appears to indoctrinate underlings and deprive them of free will. This is where the "hive mind" comes in. It refers to the hierarchical structure in a beehive, where every worker bee has a specific, compartmentalized job, and they all serve one queen. In the context of something like a cult, for instance, there may be one overlord who brainwashes subjects into obedience. These members of AHS's cult may be victims to this "hive mind." Completely devoid of individuality and identity, their one purpose is to serve that greater power.
This entity at the top can be many things. It could be a person, like a "grandmaster" of the cult. It could be some creature or idol that all the members worship. It could be Satan himself. Hell, it could be an illness that spreads throughout the population like wildfire. While there are plenty of options, the basic skeleton of the concept seems clear. In American Horror Story: Cult, something has taken hold of these terrifying clown people we've been seeing in all the teasers.
Lastly, we have to factor in the 2016 election, which Murphy teased as a part of the theme earlier this year. In my analysis of the first teaser, I pointed out that the voice-over's rhetoric closely matches the logic of Donald Trump. "Do you ever feel alone?" the full-length teaser asks. "Does it seem like no one really understands you? Do some people just make you sick? Are you afraid? We can set you free. We will make you strong. We want you." As we said before, Trump largely managed to win the presidential race by rallying the "angry white man" against the progressive movement. Strangely enough, that sounds a lot like the mechanics behind "hive mind." But hey, we're only speculating.
What Is "Hive Mind," and What Does It Have to Do With American Horror Story?
Be of like mind. The official poster for #AHSCult is here. http://pic.twitter.com/oRGmYQXXia
- AmericanHorrorStory (@AHSFX) July 27, 2017
American Horror Story is about to cut deep, and we're here for every single second of it. In July, a special presentation at Comic-Con yielded the title of the new season: Cult. Since then, even more details have poured out. AHS creator Ryan Murphy dropped a bunch of new hints on his Twitter account, while the first official trailer left plenty of room for speculation. But it was the show's first official poster, which shows a woman with a beehive brain, that gave us the most information out of everything. "Be of like mind," the poster is captioned. If you're familiar with the concept of a "hive mind," this is where everything clicks.
Not only does the concept of the "hive mind" perfectly explain the first official poster, it also gives context to Murphy's bizarre bee-man snap from a few weeks ago, which he presented as an integral part of the theme. What exactly is a "hive mind"? It's a common trope from the sci-fi universe; it traces back to a "collective consciousness" or "group mind" that is shared by a community of people. A "group mind" is a lot less malevolent than a "hive mind." There's a sense of equality and harmony, where all members are linked by a set of unifying beliefs, or a connected state of mind.
One of the most striking (and popular) examples of a "group mind" exists in Minority Report. In the 2002 Steven Spielberg film, which is an adaptation of Philip K. Dick's novel, Tom Cruise is the head of a "pre-crime" unit that attempts to stop illegal activities before they happen. They predict crimes with the help of three "pre-cogs," mutants who can see the future and predict crimes. They have a "group mind," and they all foresee the exact same series of events at the exact same time. (Except when one of them doesn't, which is called, you guessed it, a "minority report.")
Image Source: Everett Collection
A collective consciousness can take a dark turn when a single entity appears to indoctrinate underlings and deprive them of free will. This is where the "hive mind" comes in. It refers to the hierarchical structure in a beehive, where every worker bee has a specific, compartmentalized job, and they all serve one queen. In the context of something like a cult, for instance, there may be one overlord who brainwashes subjects into obedience. These members of AHS's cult may be victims to this "hive mind." Completely devoid of individuality and identity, their one purpose is to serve that greater power.
This entity at the top can be many things. It could be a person, like a "grandmaster" of the cult. It could be some creature or idol that all the members worship. It could be Satan himself. Hell, it could be an illness that spreads throughout the population like wildfire. While there are plenty of options, the basic skeleton of the concept seems clear. In American Horror Story: Cult, something has taken hold of these terrifying clown people we've been seeing in all the teasers.
Lastly, we have to factor in the 2016 election, which Murphy teased as a part of the theme earlier this year. In my analysis of the first teaser, I pointed out that the voice-over's rhetoric closely matches the logic of Donald Trump. "Do you ever feel alone?" the full-length teaser asks. "Does it seem like no one really understands you? Do some people just make you sick? Are you afraid? We can set you free. We will make you strong. We want you." As we said before, Trump largely managed to win the presidential race by rallying the "angry white man" against the progressive movement. Strangely enough, that sounds a lot like the mechanics behind "hive mind." But hey, we're only speculating.
10 of the Absolute Best Primers For Every Skin Type - Starting at $5
No Summer beauty routine is complete without a good primer. In addition to creating a flawless base and preventing your makeup from melting off your face by 3 p.m., there are several primers built to multitask beyond their main job. From protecting your skin to treating your acne, there's a primer for you no matter what your skin type is. Read on for skin-saving options at every price point.
Here's What Your Dinner Should Look Like After a Sweat Session
A strenuous postwork gym session is sometimes a must when trying to fit a workout into a 9-to-5 schedule. One of the biggest problems? Arriving home late and having to figure out what's for dinner. Instead of grabbing whatever is in sight or ordering takeout on the way home, a little planning - and a lot of protein - will go a long way.
Bean Burger
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
A riff on a traditional veggie burger, this bean-and-grain-based spicy chickpea, barley, and quinoa burger offers over 16 grams of protein. This recipe is easy to prepare; just make sure you have all these grains cooked in advance.
Vegetarian Chili
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Michele Foley
You won't miss the meat in this recipe for smoky tofu chili with black beans. Prep a big pot of this stew a day in advance and enjoy a heaping helping after an intense workout.
Baked Eggs in Avocado
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lizzie Fuhr
Enjoy breakfast for dinner with a baked egg in avocado that offers more than 15 grams of protein per serving. Top off your avocado with leftover fresh herbs or a little hot sauce for an extra kick.
Roasted Salmon
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lizzie Fuhr
This one-sheet salmon supper is an ideal meal to enjoy after a tough strength-training session. From prep to plate, it comes together in 15 minutes, and it offers 47 grams of lean protein.
Process Before You Respond - How to Keep Your Cool at Work
Several years ago, while working in publicity for a book publisher, we had a client traveling via private plane to New York City for a few days of media interviews. As the plane was in route, bad weather rolled in. The pilot decided to make an unscheduled landing a few hours outside of the city to refuel, knowing he would likely run out if things got held up for any reason.
My assistant received a call that night from the client and he quickly called me to let me know what was going on. We sat on the phone for the next several hours, trying to calm the client, who by that point had arrived safely into the city and would get plenty of sleep in preparation for interviews starting the next morning.
However, between our efforts to calm her and discuss the situation with the pilot, another call was placed from the client to our boss. When our boss arrived at the office the next morning, we were all questioned about the flight pattern and how we could allow this to happen. We found ourselves justifying our actions, explaining that we simply couldn't control the weather and that we agreed the pilot had done the right thing. The client had reacted as opposed to thinking things through, which in turn caused unnecessary stress for our entire team.
When you react as opposed to processing, you don't allow yourself the opportunity to see the bigger picture - in our case, our client was unable to see that bad weather had prevented her flight from landing on time and the pilot had enough sense to see what could have happened had he not stopped to refuel. We all could have lost sight of the bigger picture in the situation, but our team remained calm and stayed the course, defending what we believed was the right decision.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to step back and stay calm in the heat of the moment, but it's a skill that will serve your career well. Here are some strategies to help you keep your cool under pressure.
1. Think First
A quick reaction based on emotional charge will almost always result in more work, more conflict, and a mess to clean up. It's one of the most damaging causes of stress in the workplace.
I used to tell my team that reacting before thinking is like taking a boulder and dropping it in the middle of a pond, simply to see the ripple effect it causes. Nothing gets accomplished in those moments.
If you tend to react emotionally, take a moment the next time you feel yourself going there and pause. Force yourself to go on a walk and think about the perspectives of everyone else involved. Reflecting on where your colleagues are coming from will allow you to come back ready to collaborate and work toward a solution. Particularly if you're a manager, it's essential to help your employees feel heard, respected, and valued. The worst environment you can create is one where your team is waiting in fear for the next boulder to drop.
If you're dealing with a colleague who tends to be reactionary, learn to rise above his or her outbursts. The best thing you can do is stay calm and listen while brainstorming a solution. When you maintain your cool, you allow yourself to see the big picture and offer a helpful response which not only diffuses the tension, but also demonstrates your strength and leadership.
2. Focus on the Solution
Have you ever been in a meeting where everyone is speaking over one another, trying to interject his or her voice and accomplishing nothing? Everyone is stuck on the problem and nobody's talking about the answer.
In these situations, don't engage. Instead, remove yourself from the whirlwind of conflict and direct your attention toward the solution.
My trick: Find a "concentration point." In my previous role, our boardroom had windows with a view of a new building being constructed. When I found myself getting pulled into an argument in a meeting, I looked out the window and focused on the builders at work. It was the only way I could block out the noise and hear my own thoughts. Once you're confident you've found a solution, join the conversation. You'll walk away knowing you stayed above the fray and your colleagues will recognize your contribution.
3. Carve Out Time
If you're constantly feeling behind on deadlines or under the gun at work, you're much more likely to respond emotionally to conflict or mistakes. At the beginning of each week, block off time every day in your calendar - it can be the same time each day or a variety of times, as long as you save it completely for yourself.
Use 30 minutes to recharge: schedule lunch with a friend, go for a walk in the park, run a personal errand. If you don't have time to leave the office, commit to at least closing your door (or if you don't have an office, popping on some noise-canceling headphones) and unplugging for a few moments. You'll be refreshed and ready to focus on the task at hand.
Block off another hour designated as "task time." Let your colleagues know you're not available for calls, meetings, or chit chat. Use this time to respond to emails, complete any to-dos that have arisen during the day, and address anything else that stands between you and your commute home. You'll be amazed how much you can accomplish in a small amount of time when you don't have all the distractions. Allowing yourself this dedicated time helps open the rest of your day and ensures that when it's time to head home, you can leave work at work.
4. Be Prepared
There will be times when you feel emotional, particularly when the stakes are high for your career.
If you believe in something strongly - that you're the right person to take on a new contract or that you deserve a promotion - don't go to battle without your armor. Preparation can help you stay focused while fighting for something you really want. Think about the result you want from the conversation. Have your strongest points noted on a piece of paper and stick to them. Don't get personal and stray off topic - you risk letting your emotions lead you as opposed to approaching negotiations with facts.
Removing the emotion from work is possible, but it takes practice and intention. When we find ourselves off-center, we tend to react and later regret the behavior. By following some of these simple tips and putting them into practice, you will see a shift take place and realize that by doing so, you are creating a career that works for you.
6 Tips For Driving Across America on an Extratight Budget
Is it just me or is there something so incredibly satisfying about a good, classic road trip? Think about it: tearing up the highways with the windows down, the music blasting, and not a care in the world. Or, at least, it feels that way. And we all know driving across the United States is the king of all road trips. What we don't all know is that this adventure can be achieved on even the tightest of budgets.
I'm here to tell you how.
See, five years ago, my boyfriend (now husband) and I embarked on this great American adventure. We had big dreams of making this trip together, but being college students at the time, we had very little money. Yet we couldn't shake the urge to go, see, and explore. Unsure whether we'd ever get the opportunity again, we decided to stretch our savings as far as possible and just go for it. For 31 glorious days, we drove more than 8,500 miles, traveled through 19 states, and saw more beauty than our eyes ever could have imagined, all without zeroing our bank accounts. Our trip was by no means glamorous, but it sure was worth every penny.
Driving across the United States deepened my appreciation for this country I am so fortunate to call home. From the majestic wonders, such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, to the serene flatlands of the Midwest and the breathtaking coasts both on the east and west, there is so much to do, see, and explore. The best part? It's all right here in our backyard - no passports required.
If you're craving an epic adventure this Summer but happen to have a not-so-epic budget, let your worries subside. Here are six tips on how to stretch your dollars and discover the glistening gems of America . . .
Kylie Jenner's 20th Birthday Is Coming, and She Wants to Throw a Party in Your Beauty Bag
Kylie Jenner's 20th birthday is on August 10, but at 3 p.m. PST on August 1 we all get a present. After days of teases, Kylie will release her annual Birthday Collection. The all-pink-everything collection is chock-full of swag. Think of it as the party favor you've always wanted. Included in the bundle are brushes, a palette, new Ultra Glow highlighters, and - of course - lipsticks.
The new highlighters come in King, a regal gold, and Queen, a rosy pink. For lip sets, Kylie's giving us liquid lipsticks that come in mini matte and velvet finishes. The shades look like an eclectic mix of Jenner-approved peach and neutral tones.
Kylie fans will love that the mini matte set is all old favorites: Angel, August Bug, All Nighter, Baby Girl, Gorg, and One Wish, which all came in previous collections.
If we had to sum up this whole collection in one product, it would be the "I Want It All Palette" because we want everything in this line. Made up of two highlighters and nine eye shadows, this pretty pièce de résistance comes with a Kylie Cosmetics signature dripping-mouth mirror.
We've learned from past Kylie Birthday Collections that when Kylie gets another year older, we get another set of products to cram in our vanities. And we wouldn't want it any other way. Read on for more pictures, and don't forget to shop it all on August 1 at 3 p.m.
5 Condiments You Should Refrigerate - and 3 You Shouldn't
Fact: not all condiments belong in the fridge. To make sure you're getting the longest shelf life (and the most flavor) out of common condiments like ketchup, maple syrup, and hot sauce, be sure to refer to this list of products you should - and shouldn't - store in a cold fridge. Some of them might surprise you and remind you to check yours to see if they're in the right place!
Do Refrigerate
- Maple syrup. Maple syrup belongs in the refrigerator because mold can grow inside the bottle if it's left out.
- Mayonnaise. This one is a no-brainer! Mayo is made with eggs and needs to be kept in the refrigerator once opened.
- Nut-based oils. Oils like sesame or peanut that aren't refined and are made with nuts should be refrigerated to keep from going rancid. Pro tip: nuts should also be refrigerated to maintain their best flavor.
- Ketchup. Refrigerating ketchup is up for debate depending on what kind you have and how quickly you plan to use it. Open ketchup can be stored in the pantry for up to one month, but if you won't use it by then, keep it in the fridge.
- Mustard . . . sometimes. Dijon and horseradish-based mustards should be refrigerated, but others are OK to leave out if you prefer them at room temperature. Refrigerating yellow mustard will help maintain its flavor, but it doesn't contain any ingredients that spoil.
Don't Refrigerate
- Soy sauce. Ever notice that soy sauce stays out on the tables at restaurants? That's because it's fermented and doesn't need to be refrigerated.
- Hot sauce. Vinegar-based hot sauces have a shelf life of about three years and don't need to be chilled to stay fresh.
- Honey. Honey will crystallize and become impossible to use if it's hardened in the fridge. Keep it stored away from direct sunlight.
Mom of Kid With ADHD to Stranger in Walmart: "Mind Your Own F*cking Business"
"Oh, for Christ's sake give her a cookie so she'll shut up!"
That's what a complete stranger said to Taylor Myers, a mom in front of her in line at Walmart.
Up until that moment, Taylor had just been trying to do the right thing for her daughter Sophie with ADHD, whose "obsessive little heart" was stuck on a bag of chips Taylor had taken away from her after she called her a "butthole."
For several minutes, Taylor tried to ignore her.
"What's giving in to bad behavior going to do but reinforce the bad behavior?" she wrote on Facebook. "I've walked out of stores hundreds of times because of her. Almost every time, actually, I end up leaving with nothing I came for and a tantrum-having four-year-old attached to my hand and a baby on my hip, but this time I had to stick it out to get the groceries. I tell her for the tenth time to sit down so she doesn't fall."
That's when the woman behind her snapped.
"I could've responded in a nicer way," she wrote. "I could've explained to her that my four-year-old has pretty severe ADHD, I raise both my children alone, and I'm doing my best."
But this stranger didn't deserve the explanation: "Instead, I heard 'she's four years old and you need to mind your own f*cking business' come out of my mouth."
"I kept my composure until I finished what I was doing and walked to self check out so I could avoid facing anyone else as "that person". The person with the misbehaving child. The person who seems lazy because they're ignoring the behavior. The person who knows doing anything but ignoring it is only going to make it worse. By the time I made it to self check out, tears are pouring down my face. I've lost it. I'm angry, my feelings are hurt, I'm offended, and I'm just freakin' sad that I can't have one good experience in a store with my children."
Thankfully, a different stranger approached and proved how it's just as easy to be kind as it is to be cruel.
"As I scan my things, she asks Sophie questions to distract her, but backs me up when Sophie begins to go on about wanting the chips," Taylor said. "'No, you can't have those today. You have to be good for your mommy. She needs you to be good for her. I have a little girl just like you. How old are you? How old is brother?'"
For Taylor, it was a reminder that you never know the problems a child has that causes them to misbehave.
"Unless you know the struggle of being a parent to a child like mine, you cannot judge me," she wrote. "Thank you to the woman in Walmart today, for showing that kindness to my children. Thank you for walking us out. Thank you for backing me up. Mamas have to stick together."
Our Beloved Disney Pineapple Whip Has Gotten a Parfait Makeover, and It Looks Glorious
When it comes to foods at the Disney parks, it's pretty much a known fact that pineapple whip is the star of the show. Whether it's soaked in rum, sprinkled with spicy seasoning, or blended into a tasty cocktail, this tangy tropical treat is the most satisfying indulgence after an endless day spent riding your favorite Disney rides. Since the savvy chefs behind the parks know that pineapple whip is such a hit, they decided to find another way to serve it up to famished guests: in parfait form!
This sweet snack is comprised of pineapple whip mousse layered with vanilla cake and pineapple with a dash of whipped cream to finish it off. According to seasoned park-goers, the parfait started off as a limited-edition Moana-themed treat back when the film debuted last year (it was topped with a chocolate heart of Te Fiti pendant!), but Disney decided to keep it around and replaced the chocolate topping with a pineapple chunk. It can be found at Tropical Imports and Bengal Barbecue, both of which are located at Adventureland in Disneyland Park.
So far, the pineapple whip parfait has gotten some pretty rave reviews, which doesn't really come as much of a surprise to us. One Instagram user admitted, "I wasn't expecting to love it and we ended up LOVING it!" while another noted, "I LOVED this treat." While you patiently await your next trip to Disneyland, feel free to pore over the crave-worthy snaps of the pineapple whip parfait ahead.
6 Gluten-Free Flour Alternatives and Exactly How to Use Them
When switching your diet over to be gluten-free, you don't have to give up some of your favorite foods. Yes, pizza crust typically has gluten, but you can make your own crust without it. Sure, your favorite chocolate chip cookies are most definitely not gluten-free, but I promise you can make an alternative batch that will taste just as good, if not better.
There are a lot of baking products that function virtually the same way as conventional flour, and many of them offer far more health benefits than regular old all-purpose flour. I've experimented with many of them, but the following six are my favorites. Keep in mind, though, that most gluten-free flours don't have the binding agents that all-purpose flour does, so you might need to add xanthan gum to your recipes!
I Made Dirt-Cheap Meals For a Week, and Here’s How I Survived
One day, while feeling particularly dismal about spending yet another $100 on groceries for the week in San Francisco, I read a post that forever changed my outlook on food expenditures: "This Story of How 1 Woman Saved $30,000 in 8 Months Will Motivate You (and Crack You Up!)." I laughed! I cried! It motivated me to get to work. While dumpster diving won't be my method of saving money on food, I had a profound realization: my fridge, pantry, and freezer probably contained enough food to feed me for "free" for at least several weeks, so I set out to only eat from items I already owned. The reserves lasted me well over a week, and in all honesty, I'm still working on clearing it out. Check yours and you'll likely discover an astonishing amount of food that's gathering dust and ice chips. Like me, you may have avoided this food for months. But, when I challenged myself to be creative, I came up with some tasty ways to straight-up survive off of it. You will too, once you read my tips.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Is Getting a Sequel - Well, Sort Of
Over two decades after its initial release, The Nightmare Before Christmas will finally receive a sequel. Unfortunately, the sequel will not come in the form of a feature film. Tokyopop, an anime and manga publishing company, announced that it has secured the necessary rights to create a follow-up comic book, titled The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the comic book will center on Jack Skellington's dog, Zero, as he explores Christmas Town. It will be written by Tokyopop founder Stuart Levy, while Studio DICE will produce the artwork. Fun fact: Studio DICE previously adapted Beauty and the Beast into a manga series.
Though we would have hoped for an animated sequel from Tim Burton and the original gang, we'll take this illustrated variation! At press time, Zero's Journey is expected to be released in the Spring of 2018.
12 of the Best Natural Beauty Products You Can Buy at Whole Foods
The Whole Body section of Whole Foods is every beauty-lover's dream. There's row upon row of skin, makeup, and hair products from some well-known natural brands, along with a good amount of indie newcomers and the store's own labels.
With so many products competing for your attention, it can feel a bit overwhelming. That's especially true knowing that they're all high-quality after managing to pass Whole Foods' rigorous standards.
While we still encourage you to do some of your own digging (after all, discovery is part of the fun) and shop based on your personal needs and preferences, we rounded up some of our tried-and-true go-tos to help get you started.
From the only multitasking ointment you'll ever need to the microdermabrasion face scrub that might just replace your regular facial (yes, it's that good) to the mineral-based mascara giving mainstream formulas a serious run for their money, read on for 12 products that could just make you a Whole Body convert.
Go ahead, find a Whole Foods store near you.
10 Stunning Space Photos That Will Make You Rethink Your Existence
If you're a space geek who dreams in constellations, auroras, and stars or just someone who loves looking at incredible photography, don't waste any more time and take a look at this year's shortlist for the Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest.
The contest, which was open for submissions from Feb. 27 to April 7, includes nine different categories: Aurorae; Skyscapes; People and Space; Our Sun; Our Moon; Planets, Comets, and Asteroids; Stars and Nebulae; Galaxies; and Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year. The grand prize winner wins £10,000 and will have their photos in an exhibition at the Royal Observatory Greenwich beginning Sept. 16.
The shortlisted photos ahead (which were chosen from a list of more than 140 photos) include a title and a description from Insight about the image. The winners will be announced on Sept. 14.
How Southwest Airlines Is Helping You See That Once-in-a-Lifetime Solar Eclipse
On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will darken the skies across the entire United States for about three minutes. The celestial occurrence is extremely rare. In fact, the last coast-to-coast solar eclipse occurred in 1918. To honor this exciting moment, Southwest Airlines is offering travelers a front-row seat with plenty of perks.
In a press statement, the airline company identified the flights that will have the best trajectory for viewing the solar eclipse. Travelers who buy tickets for those flights will then receive special viewing glasses and thematic cosmic cocktails. At press time, the flights included in the promotion range in price from $200 to $500. The flights are as follows:
- Southwest 1375 from Seattle-Tacoma to St. Louis
- Southwest 1368 from Portland to St. Louis
- Southwest 1577 from Denver to St. Louis
- Southwest 301 from Denver to Nashville
- Southwest 1969 from Denver to Atlanta
Of the unique travel opportunity, Southwest's manager of meteorology, Warren Qualley, said, "We plan to showcase the glow of our everyday hospitality in a different light on these celebratory flights in our Summer flight schedule," adding, "Our team of meteorologists is working hard to provide clear viewing of this solar spectacle from our flights."
Millennial Pink Accessories That Will Get You Pumped For Back to School
If you're returning to your normal life as a student soon and can't contain your back-to-school shopping excitement, we don't blame you. Stocking up on things like new pens that haven't lost their luster, bathroom goodies that make life easy, and cute new bedroom knickknacks are part of what makes heading back to campus fun. Since shopping for millennial pink items has taken control of our hearts - and our wallets - we've rounded up the most useful academic supplies in our favorite shade.
Grab Your BFF Because Starbucks Is Giving Away BOGO Macchiatos This Week!
Starbucks is celebrating International Friendship Day in a big way this year: with a BOGO Macchiato deal! Starting on Aug. 3, all customers who purchase a Macchiato drink (aka the type of beverage that has a shot or two of espresso poured over a ton of steamed or chilled milk) will receive an additional macchiato drink for free - no strings attached. It looks like the caffeine gods are shining down upon us as we hold onto the last remains of Summer for dear life.
The "Meet For Macchiatos" promotion lasts from Aug. 3-7 from 2-5 p.m. at each participating Starbucks store. We suggest calling your nearest Starbucks before heading there just to make sure it's one of the included locations. And if it is, grab your bestie and head there ASAP to try one of the coffeehouse's yummy macchiatos. May we suggest the Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato?
15 Times Prince George and Princess Charlotte's Sibling Bond Reigned Supreme
Prince George and Princess Charlotte have had some pretty precious appearances over the years, but we are partial to their royal siblings moments. Prince William and Kate Middleton's kids have been stepping into the spotlight a lot lately, and we can't get enough. Whether they're watching Trooping the Colour or they're handling their family's royal tour of Poland and Germany like little pros, you can always count on nonstop cuteness whenever the brother and sister are together.
Jennifer Lopez's Handbag Collection Is Never-Ending and We Want It All
Jennifer Lopez's style is always on point, and with that comes the perfect handbags to match. One of her favorite designs is the well-sought-after Hermés Birkin, and whenever she is walking a red carpet, chances are she's going to be carrying a clutch that goes with her look. It doesn't matter if it comes with a ridiculously high price tag because J Lo has the money to buy whatever her heart desires. We wish we could get our hands on all of these, but in the meantime, we will settle for looking at alternative options to shop.
Health Advice I Wish I Could Give to My 20-Year-Old Self
If I met my 20-year-old self, I wouldn't recognize me. I weighed 40 pounds more, and I'm sure at least 10 were divided between my face and my boobs. I was tired all the time, ate Swedish Fish by the bagful, was constantly bloated and gassy, had trouble sleeping, and was so miserable. I knew I could be feeling and looking better, but I just didn't know what to do. Time has been good to me, and once I found yoga, a healthier diet, running, and a healthier attitude, at 39 years old, if time travel was a realistic option, here's the advice I'd share with my younger self.
Dear Me,
I know you're not happy. You wish things were different. Please don't wait 10 years to make a change. You'll probably roll your eyes at me quoting Oprah, but it's time to "live your best life," and here's how:
- Love yourself. Every action and every thought, make it tender and supportive. That fragile, little voice inside is listening intently, being shaped by your every judgment - feel good about what she hears.
- Quit being critical of your body. You spend way too much time nitpicking what you hate and comparing yourself to others - spend that time celebrating the awesomeness that is you. What you look like isn't as important as you think because the size of your jeans is no measure for the size of your heart.
- Trust your instincts. You know in your heart what's good for you (like not going to bed at 3 a.m., or baking on the beach with no sunscreen). Don't be afraid to follow your gut, even if it goes against what other people are doing.
- Stop caring about what other people think. Let hurtful, crushing comments roll off you like water on a duck's back. You don't need anyone's approval to know your value. Choose to spend time with people who lift you up. Negativity is contagious. So is positivity.
- Do things that make you feel beautiful. When you feel strong, confident, and full of life, it shows.
- Don't let insecurities prevent you from trying new things or doing what makes you happy. Looking good in a bathing suit is not a prerequisite for being good at surfing. Whatever you've been itching to try - signing up for that half-marathon, taking snowboard lessons, or traveling an hour away to try flying yoga - if you don't do it now, it may never happen
- Stop eating crap, and so much of it. Living on your own is exciting with no one telling you how to eat. You can have doughnuts for breakfast and ice cream for dinner! But if you don't start eating a balanced diet now, it's going to take years to lose the weight you've piled on.
- Move every single day, and make it a priority. Some days run five miles, some days take a walk. Life looks different from a bike seat or standing at the top of a mountain, and you'll experience things and meet people you never would have met before. If you start now, it'll become a habit. Make sure it's fun so you stick with it.
- Use fitness as therapy. Endorphins are powerful things, and they're a healthy way to boost your mood when you're feeling down or upset - way healthier than polishing off an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's. And bonus points for working out in nature - it amplifies the benefits.
- Take care of yourself every single day. With every bite you eat and every minute you spend, ask yourself, "Is this nourishing my body and soul?"
- Change isn't as scary as you think. It may seem brutally hard at first, but it gets easier, I swear, and it's totally worth it.
- Seek help. No one said you have to go at it alone. A strong support system will get you further than you can go on your own.
- Arm yourself with information. Don't just go by assumptions about how you think you need to lose weight - you waste a lot of time making mistakes and even more effort being unhappy about it. Ask experts so you can start seeing progress and stop feeling frustrated.
- Never stop feeling like you're 20. Don't become too preoccupied with becoming an "adult." Keep that creative and fun energy going strong, because your mental health is equally as important as your physical health.
- Appreciate your changing body and all that it's able to do. If you think you're unhappy with the way your body looks now, just wait until things start descending and expanding as you become older and throughout your two pregnancies (yes, you're a mom, congrats!). Your body will never be perfect, so celebrate its changes and stop wasting time and energy on wishing for what can't be. Love your body for what it brings to your life.
PS: I love you. Even though it may not feel like that right now - it took me a long time to realize that - I love you. I appreciate you for you and all the things you've allowed me to experience and learn. I feel like at almost 40, I'm just getting started with taking life by the horns, so thanks for the beautiful head start.
Matthew McConaughey Has a Tearjerking Reaction to Sam Shepard's Death on the Red Carpet
Matthew McConaughey is making the press rounds to promote his new science fiction film The Dark Tower, but things took a decidedly sad turn when the actor stopped for an interview during the red carpet premiere of the movie in NYC on Monday night. After an Associated Press reporter asked him a question about the sudden passing of actor and playwright Sam Shepard, who died of complications from ALS on July 27, Matthew looked stunned, asking, "Sam Shepard moved on?"
While visibly trying to process the news, Matthew gave a heartfelt tribute to Sam, whom he costarred with in 2012's Mud: "I'm not going to trivialize that situation . . . But I always told [director] Jeff Nichols this, I said the whole trailer for Mud could be Sam Shepard sitting in that green chair telling the boy about who Mud is." He added, "We lost one of the great ones. Great writer, great mind." Matthew then pointed to the sky and said, "See you at the next one, Sam," before moving down the red carpet. Watch the touching moment now.
7 Fascinating Target Facts Ultimate Fans Don't Even Know
If you're a serious Target fan like me, you know that the store is the best place to shop for basically all your household needs. I did a little digging, and there's some little-known facts about the company that really took me by surprise. Check out seven interesting Target statistics that even the most avid shoppers won't know.
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.
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