Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 3 août 2017
Oh My Freakin' God! Kate Middleton Has a Short Haircut - And It's Gorgeous!
June 3, 2017, will always be the day that Kate Middleton debuted her new long lob (or midlength) haircut. It's just as good as any of us could dream as the cut shows off her thick, shiny brunette locks. It looks voluminous thanks to longer layers and her signature polished curls.
Kate debuted her new chop at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club wearing a chic polka-dot dress. To style your hair like hers, wear it in a side part and curl hair away from your face around a two-inch wand.
We could go on and on about how flawless she is, or you can just see for yourself as we've rounded up the best zoomed-in shots of her short, summery hairstyle!
These Clips of Donald Trump Contradicting Himself Need No Explanation
With Trump, sometimes you don't need to do anything - his actions speak for themselves. In this segment from Late Night With Seth Meyers, several clips of Donald Trump actively contradicting himself before and after becoming president need no explanation - though, luckily for us, Meyers added a bit of commentary anyway.
Meyers included a statement where Trump's administration bragged about the president's heavy-handed use of executive orders during his first 100 days in office - 30 orders, to be exact - then showed several video examples of Trump heavily criticizing Barack Obama using executive action. "For every Trump action, there's an equal and opposite clip," joked Meyers, who went on to lampoon the president's love-hate relationship with Senator Chris Christie and give a comical recap of Ivanka Trump's uncomfortable appearance on a German women's panel.
A clip of Trump discussing his plans for a Mexican border wall continued the theme of flip-flopping. "After initially insisting on money for the wall, Trump finally relented and indicated that the border wall funding could wait until September," Meyers states, before showing a clip where Trump shrugs at the idea of any set timeline for the wall. "He's like a dad who made the mistake of mentioning Disneyland to his kids," pointed out Meyers.
Meyers ended the bit with a transcript from an Associated Press interview with the president, wherein many of Trump's words are entirely unintelligible. To sum it up, Meyers quipped, "Trump's answers are literally just Mad Libs now." Give the video a watch, and you'll see how the clips speak for themselves.
You Need to Know What the Semicolon Tattoo Really Stands For
Behind every tattoo there's a story waiting to be told. Some will make you smile while other tiny tattoos leave you deeply moved. For those part of the #semicolonproject, the image is more than just a punctuation symbol. It's a reflection of the individual's personal struggles with depression, suicide, or other mental health issues.
Founder of Project Semicolon Amy Bluel said, "A semicolon is used when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life."
After losing her father to suicide, Amy founded the nonprofit organization to raise awareness about mental health. The semicolon symbol not only represents the difficulties people face but also their will to live on. Project Semicolon encourages people to post images of their tattoos and since its conception, many social media users have shared their emotional stories through the viral hashtag.
Read on to see and be inspired by these personal inks!
The 25 Best Exercises to Tone Your Abs (and None of Them Are Crunches)
Let's be honest: crunches aren't the most exciting of exercises. And they're not always the most effective way to tone your abs anyway. If you're bored with your sit-up routine, here are 25 fun and effective moves to mix up your workout and tone your midsection!
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb and Jenny Sugar
The Walking Dead Cast Celebrates 100 Episodes With a Heartfelt (and Hilarious) Video
Guys. Guys. Can you believe we've endured almost 100 hours of walkers chowing down on gastrointestinal tracts on The Walking Dead? And hearing the name Carl pronounced as "Coral"? And seeing our beloved faves get their brains bashed in? It might feel like just yesterday Rick Grimes was waking up in an abandoned hospital in the first episode, but in actuality that was a long, long time ago. To celebrate AMC's zombie drama reaching its 100th episode during this October's eighth season premiere, the cast got together for a heartfelt and hilarious video thanking their dedicated fans. Check it out above!
9 Years of Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas's Unbreakable Friendship in Pictures
It's been more than a decade since Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas bonded on the set of Camp Rock, their big break as Disney Channel stars, when they were both just 16 years old. Since then, the singers have gone through a roller coaster (rehab and a breakup with Nick's brother for Demi, and a split from his brothers for Nick), but through it all, the pair have only become closer, growing together both musically and personally, calling each other best friends, becoming business partners for a record label, and going on tour together.
To celebrate Demi and Nick's stronger-than-ever friendship, we're looking back at their cutest pictures together. Keep scrolling to see them grow up in front of your eyes.
This Bride's Gorgeous, Sheer Wedding Gown Will Give You Major Heart Eyes
We were casually scrolling through Instagram when we spotted Isabel Roth's gorgeous wedding in Puglia, Italy. While the bride's picturesque wedding to Jake Stein was the stuff of dreams, it was her stunning wedding dress that really stole the show.
The gorgeous bride wore a sheer wedding dress by Lebanese designer Reem Acra that featured a high neckline and long, lace sleeves. The bottom of the dress was completely sheer, revealing a figure-hugging nude slip.
If you look closely, you'll notice that there's intricate beading within the floral lace designs. As for the finishing touches, the bride wore a delicate floral crown and matching sheer veil, making her the most luxurious kind of bohemian bride. Have a look at her incredible wedding dress ahead.
The Best Halloween Porch Decor on Amazon Prime - Because Why Wait?
As soon as Christmas in July is over, it's time to start planning ahead for Halloween. And the most impactful place to decorate is the front of your home. There's no need to get in the car and drive to the store when you can shop Amazon Prime from the comfort of your couch. In two days you can be decking out your porch or sprucing up your lawn with spooky decor. Check out our favorite pieces ahead.
Don't Let Summer End Without Trying Estée Lauder's Newest Foundation
I was never able to identify the one beauty product I couldn't live without until I used Estée Lauder Double Wear. I was introduced to the foundation in college and I've been hooked ever since for a few good reasons.
For starters, Double Wear provides practically full coverage that perfectly conceals my hyperpigmentation with just one coat of product. If I need additional coverage, there's no need to whip out multiple concealers - the buildable formula allows me touch up my concern areas without applying numerous layers to my face. And unlike other full-cover foundations that tend to look and feel heavy, Double Wear mimics the appearance of actual skin so my makeup never looks caked on.
So, naturally, when I found out my favorite foundation of all time would be coming in a new formula, I knew I needed to get my hands on it ASAP. The Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup foundation is the weightless, UVF-fighting younger sister to classic DW. It's perfect for the girl who wants to achieve a "no-makeup" makeup look while protecting her skin (which is basically all of us, amirite?).
Like the traditional formula, you can achieve an even complexion that will last you up to 24 hours. It's extremely breathable and feels like silk when applied to the skin. Its weightless texture is perfect for Summer days when you want light coverage without your face melting off in the heat. And, speaking of Summer, Water Fresh is formulated with SPF 30 and antioxidants to help protect your skin from the sun, so if you forget to apply sunscreen in the morning, you can feel confident that your makeup has you covered.
To use, I just shake the bottle, apply a few dots around my face, and buff out with my favorite foundation brush. I've been using it in the sweltering NYC heat and never have to worry about my makeup disappearing by lunchtime or sweat-induced breakouts. The sleek one-ounce bottle also makes this convenient to travel with, and I won't be leaving for my upcoming vacay without it.
Double Wear Nude comes in 12 shades ranging from fair to deep so women of various complexions can get in on the magic. You can snap up the new formula now at esteelauder.com and Sephora for $42, so if you aren't already on the Double Wear train, get on it now.
This Cheap Hack Makes Any Room Look Expensive
Ugly window treatments are the thorn in almost every renter's rear. Plastic mini blinds - or worse, vertical blinds - are automatic aesthetic killers, but they can be remedied for a shockingly small amount of money. The key to making dirt-cheap window treatments look like a million dollars is as easy as knowing where to shop and mastering the designer tricks for hanging them properly. This foolproof formula will instantly elevate the look of any room - we promise!
Start With the Classics: White Linen Curtains + Black Curtain Rods
You cannot go wrong with white linen curtains and black rods with simple finials. Think of it as the tuxedo for interiors, only a tux that plays well with any style, from formal traditional to California casual. This pared-down color palette also grants you permission to go bananas with colors and prints in other places in the room and you won't get sick of your choice halfway through your lease.
Find Affordable Versions of the Classics
Absurdly cheap price point aside, these Ikea Ritva curtains ($25 for a pair) are actually beautiful in person and well-loved by design bloggers. They are made from a cotton/linen blend and have a subtle crosshatch pattern that adds the perfect amount of texture. You can add Ikea's black-out liner to create a thicker, heavier drape, which can make them look even more formal, or leave them as is if you want them to filter (not block) light while adding privacy. They also come with heading tape along the top back of the curtains, which makes it easy to create pleats with hooks and curtain rings.
Mainstays 1" Diameter Curtain Rod With Black Ball Finial($12) is another great buy. $12 for a 30"-84" adjustable curtain rod is pretty hard to beat – I've looked. I have these hanging in my living room and they look identical to rods I've sourced for quadruple the price. Pair them with these matte black drapery rings and you have the ingredients for the perfect curtain cocktail on a budget.
Use Curtain Rings:
Using curtain rings makes opening and closing curtains a cinch, but designers also prefer their polished aesthetic. Adding rings creates neatly pinched pleats that keep curtains looking beautiful, open or closed.
Know How to Hang Your Curtains:
Create the optical illusion of sky-high ceilings by hanging your curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. You'll be amazed by how drastically this shifts the look and feel of a room.
- Extend drapery rods out about four to six inches (not including the finial). This will make your window appear wider and allow you to enjoy the full spans of your window when the curtains are open.
- Hang curtains so that the bottoms barely touch the the floor or have one or two inches of fabric on the floor. If your curtains are longer, you can have them hemmed by measuring and pinning them to the desired length once you've hung them. If they aren't long enough, you can add more fabric for a cool colorblock look, no sewing needed!
8 Things You Should Never Ever Say to Your Wedding Makeup Artist
As your wedding approaches and you are securing a makeup artist, please remember that he or she is in charge of your face on the biggest day of your life. If you want to get along perfectly with a makeup artist (like me!), there are a few comments that you might want to keep to yourself:
1. "My husband doesn't like when I wear lipstick."
My husband hates a lot of things that I do. As a result, I continue to do those things, which is why this comment rubs me the wrong way. Your look on your wedding day should be about YOU! Not your husband. In theory, we want to make sure that he thinks you look beautiful, but if he asked you to spend the rest of your life with him, you probably already have that one in the bag.
When you look in the mirror on your wedding day you should feel and look your best. Take his opinion into account - or pretend to, so his feelings aren't hurt. But omitting lipstick or anything else that might make you your most gorgeous to appease a man sets a bad tone.
2. "This is my third trial."
Makeup artists have different styles of makeup application, and we all have individual ideas of what makes a bride "beautiful." We also have a variety of favorite products that we utilize on our brides. Despite these differences, most makeup artists are able to hone their talents to cater to your needs and your idea of what makes a beautiful bride. If a bride finds herself hopping around from makeup artist to makeup artist and is never satisfied, this is a red flag for me. Often the problem lies in a bride's unrealistic dream of her wedding day; she envisions herself walking down the aisle as a Disney princess rather than the beautiful human that she is.
Reality check: you have flaws. Maybe you don't like your lashes or your skin tone or you have a zit. Embrace yourself and stop nitpicking every little thing about your face. Find an artist who you feel comfortable with, who uses products that you like, and make it work! That artist will be spending the bulk of your wedding day with you. Make sure it is someone you can trust, and you will be happy.
3. "I don't want you to come too early because my makeup has to last until midnight."
Yes. I know. I am in the business of applying makeup so that it will be flawless and last through the day and the night. You might need to touch up your lips or apply powder for shine but your face makeup will last. I will use primers and setting powders and sprays and glue to make sure of that.
When you want me to come do your makeup and your mother's makeup and the eight other bridesmaids, it's going to take a while - even if I bring an assistant. We will start early. There's no way around it. If a bride is nervous, I always recommend that she go last so she can rest easy that her face will be perfect all night.
4. "I just wash my face with soap and don't moisturize."
That statement is often followed with further information like, "I don't take my eye makeup off at night." This type of skin care negligence only leads to a face that feels like sandpaper and eyes that have black circles around them. If your skin is in bad shape and your eye makeup hasn't been taken off properly for years, no amount of makeup can help you.
Makeup simply does not sit well on unhealthy skin. If you are a "skin-abuser" and then you show me a picture of Gwyneth Paltrow and say, "I just want to look like this!" I can tell you right off the bat, "It's not going to happen." Please consider proper skin care at least six months prior to your wedding day. You don't have to do anything crazy, just proper cleansing, moisturizing, and the occasional face scrub will work wonders.
5. "What lipstick should I use?"
Often as I am packing up from a grueling five hours of makeup application on a wedding day, brides or bridesmaids will say expectantly, "So what should I use to touch up my lips?" Sometimes the expectation is that I will start doling out $28 lipsticks to everyone. Lip color is hard to choose, especially for an event. It should be chosen well before the event and PURCHASED. Do not wait until the day of to realize that you need a proper lip product.
6. "If I don't want a trial, can the price be cheaper?"
No. No it cannot. If anything I should increase the price if you don't have a trial because now we are both going to be anxiety-ridden on the day of your wedding. Not having a trial is ill-advised. You should at the very least meet with your artist ahead of time to discuss your expectations and show her a picture of what you like. To show up on the biggest beauty day of your life and expect perfection with no previous meeting is a recipe for disaster.
7. "I don't like blush, and I want a nude lip."
Color on your face can be scary if it's not what you're used to in your daily life. But please remember that this is not your daily life. Putting your body into a white gown, placing a tiara on top of a head of curls and bobby pins, and then walking around with no lipstick or cheek color doesn't add up.
This is an event like no other. Take the plunge and add a little color to your lips and cheeks and you will be happy - especially when you see your pictures.
8. "I don't want lashes - my eyelashes are long enough."
Sorry, but nobody's are. It's not just the dancing and cocktail hour we have to consider when we make this decision. The main objective here is to make sure you look absolutely fabulous in your wedding photos.
These photos, after being held hostage by your photographer for a year, will then find their way to an album for your coffee table and possibly a bunch of frames around your home. Those images will be looked at every day by you and your husband. When you are older and tired from breastfeeding your baby and caring for a toddler, you will gaze fondly at that photo as evidence that you were once stunning and full of life.
Your children will place that photo on a table at the entrance of their wedding, that 300 people will look at closely and say, "Look how gorgeous his mom was!" That photo will be placed in a collage at your funeral. Please consider all of this, and know that fake eyelashes are the most surefire way to look like an absolute bombshell.
Planning a wedding is stressful enough - avoid these mistakes and you will be halfway to having the most flawless face for your wedding day!
There's a Skirt Shape For Every Body Type - and We've Got Proof
Bella Hadid has a love for miniskirts, but me? Not so much. Skirts are probably one of the hardest items for me to wear simply because I never know what to pair them with. (What top? Which shoes?) Plus, they never quite fit the way I want them too. Maxis are usually too long, and I worry about flashing people on my commute in a mini.
But then I did some research. I wanted to find the right skirt for my body type, so when I do shop, I know exactly what to look for. I soon realized that no matter your shape, there is a perfect skirt out there for you. You don't have to follow the exact guidelines below (tall girls can certainly wear A-line skirts too!), but hopefully, our handy advice serves as a jumping-off point for your skirt-searching journey.
The Ups and Downs of Being a Back-to-School Parent
Let's be real: back-to-school time is both a delight and a headache. There are the highs (she made it onto the volleyball team!), the face-palm moments (which troublemaker is he hanging out with this time?), and everything in between. Let's revisit what it's like to be a parent, GIF-style, thanks to Oprah, Modern Family's Cam and Mitch, and other favorites. Only 10 more school months to go!
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Get Long and Lean With CorePower Yoga
You will love this short yoga flow series. Not only will it help calm all the holiday stress, but it will strengthen and lengthen your entire body. And they don't call it CorePower Yoga for nothing! There's a sweet little ab workout tucked in the middle. Grab your mat, press play, and get your yoga on!
Why Huda Kattan Thinks You Need This $3 Beauty Tool from Muji
Huda Kattan is one of the biggest beauty influencers in the world, so when she recommends an affordable product, we pay attention. In a recent blog post, the beauty guru praised Muji Thin Cotton Swabs ($3) as her must-have beauty tool.
She explained that these cotton swabs are ideal for perfecting your makeup because they're so narrow. If you're suffering from a zit, Huda recommends dipping one of these swabs into your concealer and covering it that way for a more hygienic application method. Because you aren't going to reuse the swab, you prevent spreading bacteria around your face.
Another genius tip Huda shared was to dip a swab into some moisturizer or micellar water and swipe it along the side of your eyeliner, like an eraser, to perfect the wing. This method will give you a sharp line every time without ruining the rest of your makeup.
If you aren't familiar with Muji's products, your life is about to change. While the Japanese retailer is known for its affordable and minimalist home basics and stationery, there isn't a better place from which to get innovative beauty tools and practical (and pretty!) storage for your massive makeup collection.
Keep reading to check out more products you'll love from a store that's Huda-approved.
Yes, You Can Become Debt-Free Even on 1 Income
It was a crazy thought - paying off and cutting up every single one of my credit cards. It was an even crazier thought that one day we may not owe anyone a single dime.
I kept thinking to myself, "It'll never happen" and "I'm a stay-at-home mom with another baby on the way and my husband is a contractor, we can't make this work." But little by little, we did.
We killed off over $55,000 of debt in just two years all while living on one income and growing our family of five. It was anything but easy, but it was the best decision we ever made - to become debt-free.
Our family members looked at us like we had lost our minds when we told them we no longer had a credit card for "emergencies" and when we got rid of our fully loaded Mac Daddy Tahoe for a well-loved, paid-for Sequoia with leather interior being the only bells and whistles it has.
My friends thought I was insane when I started walking dogs for extra money to pay off our debt even faster. "Uh, you're hugely pregnant and you're walking dogs in this heat?! Y'all must really need the money."
And the truth is, we did need the money. We needed every penny because we had a crazy plan of paying off all our debt. And this year, we are going to finish that plan and pay off our house.
By now, our friends and family don't think we're crazy anymore because they've seen firsthand the blessing that becoming free from the hold of debt has been to our family. My husband was able to quit a job that he no longer loved in favor of starting his own business again and being home more with our three children. We've been able to give like never before without fear that we won't have enough money left to pay the bills. We've been able to send our two oldest children to a private preschool, and we've been able to go on several vacations. All without using credit cards and all while paying off debt.
It hasn't been easy, but then again, nothing worthwhile ever is. If you want to join my family in the crazy and pay off debt, here's how you get started:
1. Stop Using It
In order to completely become debt-free, you have to make a commitment to stop using debt - of any kind. That means no more credit cards, no more taking out loans of any kind, and no more borrowing money from a relative.
It'll be scary at first, like real scary. You'll feel a little panic like you won't know what to do if this or that happens, which is why you must do step two . . .
2. Start Saving
Trust me when I tell you this - once you make the declaration to become debt-free, all of a sudden all these worries and panic will hit you. You'll start worrying how you'll pay to fix the car when it breaks down or how you'll pay your insurance deductible if an emergency happens. This is why you must absolutely start building up an emergency fund.
Start with your starting point - talk to your spouse about how much you want to save first. It could be as little as $500 and as high as $5,000. The point with the starting point is to pick a number that works well for your family but is not overwhelming.
A great emergency fund will end up having six months of your living expenses saved in it. Which for most folks, if you tallied up how much money it takes you to live every month, then multiply that number by six, it's probably at least $20,000 if not more.
The truth is that if you tried to make $20,000 your starting point instead of, say, $1,000, you'd end up overwhelmed and feeling defeated when you struggled to save up that amount. Don't do that to yourself. Pick a starting point that you can realistically save in the next month to three months.
Then once you've reached your starting point, pick another point and work your way up to your six-month emergency fund goal.
3. Pick Your Method
There are a lot of arguments in the personal finance community of which debt payoff method is better - the debt avalanche method or the debt snowball method. For me personally, I love the debt snowball method (and it's the one we used) because it helps you build up momentum and keeps you from feeling frustrated by little visible progress.
But obviously, you should pick the method that best works for you and your family. In case you're not familiar with these methods, here's how they work:
- Debt Snowball Method: In this method, you pay off the lowest balance debt first and then "snowball" up from there to the next lowest balance debt.
- Debt Avalanche Method: In this method, you pay off the debt with the highest interest rate and then "avalanche" from there down to the next highest interest rate debt.
4. Which Debt to Start With?
Once you've decided on the method you're going to use, you'll then pick which debt you're going to start paying off. In order to pay off this debt, you're going to have to throw every extra penny that you have at it.
5. Stick to It
This is the hard part of killing off the debt monster. You have to stay committed and focused to paying off your debt. Even when there are setbacks (and there will be setbacks!), you must keep going. The debts aren't going to pay off themselves.
Always remember to give yourself grace when you hit a stumbling block, but don't be afraid to get back up and back to work. Write down what your life will look like once you're debt-free, and keep that as inspiration for those tough days to help keep you motivated.
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.
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.
5 Notable "Heirs and Spares" in the British Royal Family
Not only does the adorable Princess Charlotte have the the most adorable uncle ever in Prince Harry, but on a deeper level, she also has someone who will always understand what it feels like to play backup to an older sibling who will one day be king. The royal family has always been keen to produce a "spare" to the heir so that if - heaven forbid - anything should happen to the elder sibling, the future of the monarchy can continue with the younger.
This has been the case with some incredibly notable monarchs - Henry VIII was actually the "spare" - but in modern times it has thankfully been less necessary, and so the younger sibling nudges further down the line of succession with every niece and nephew born. However the nature of a "spare" can create all sorts of issues; they are a vital cog in the royal machine as they grow up, but as soon as the the elder sibling starts having children of their own, their official role becomes less defined, with (as we have seen in the last five generations of the royal family) very mixed results.
Macarons: Don't Confuse Them With Macaroons
It's high time we set the record straight: the word "macaron" is not an alternate spelling of macaroon. In fact, the two terms refer to distinctly different things. Both macarons and macaroons are confections, and both names are derived from ammaccare, which is Italian for "to crush" - but that's where the similarities end.
A macaron specifically refers to a meringue-based cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and granulated and powdered sugar, then filled with buttercream, ganache or fruit curd. The delicate treat has a crunchy exterior and a weightless interior with a soft ending that's almost nougatlike in its chewiness. To add to the confusion, it's often called a French macaroon.
In contrast, the word macaroon is a generic phrase that is applied to a number of small, sweet confections. Mostly, the term is equated with the moist and dense coconut macaroon, which is composed of egg whites, sugar, and dried coconut, often piped with a star-shaped tip, and sometimes dipped in chocolate. The coconut macaroon, or congolais, as it's known in France, is frequently served during Passover because it contains no flour.
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."
14 Places Every Harry Styles Fan Needs to Visit in Their Lives
Harry Styles fans of the world: have you gone somewhere specifically because you knew Harry had been there or because Harry loves it? I am not here to judge you if you have. In fact, I'm here to provide you with further inspiration for your next round of travels. We can call this a Harry Styles travel bucket list of sorts, because each place in here is somewhere that plays an important part in his story. From where he grew up to a couple of iconic places One Direction went on tour, this is your worldwide list of places to channel your inner Harry.
These Outrageously Over-the-Top Hotel Bathtubs Are Nicer Than Most People's Entire House
There are few things in life more relaxing than slipping into an oversize tub this side of steaming and letting all of the pressures of the outside world drift down the drain (at least temporarily).
Yet the sad reality for many of us is that our home's piece of porcelain is too small, too short, or too sad to be a true sanctuary of soak. It's the reason so many rub-a-dub schlubs seek out hotels with big and beautiful basins when booking a vacation or trying to find design inspiration for a bathroom remodel.
Whether you prefer bubbles, jets, alfresco ablution, or room for two, here are 25 amazing tubs from resorts around the world worthy of being showered with praise.
Exactly Which Beauty Products to Pack When Going on Vacation
We've been stocking up on the miniature samples and tiny gifts with purchase all year, anticipating this very moment - packing. Each year we start our devious strategy to thwart TSA early, so that by our vacation, our toiletry bag is perfectly planned out. This season, we've compiled a packing checklist that's beauty editor approved and shared some of our favorite travel-size products, too. Whether you're just spending one night away from home or organizing a lengthy vacation, you'll find a comprehensive list of hair, makeup, and skin essentials to get you through the Summer (and airport security) without a hitch.
As Sports Illustrated's Curviest Model, Hunter McGrady Knows Sexy Suits All Sizes
You've seen Hunter McGrady everywhere - the 23-year-old model has been named the "curviest" model to grace Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue. (Those body paint photos aren't easy to forget. Hubba hubba!) Hunter started modeling at 16, coming from a long lineage of models in her family - her mother, grandmother, and aunt were models; her father is an actor. But after being told she was too big at a size two, she took a hiatus from the industry for a few years. She's now a part of Wilhelmina International's Curve division and has appeared in campaigns for Lane Bryant.
Being a plus-size model has its challenges, first being the term "plus-size," according to Hunter.
"A size six, in New York, on a modeling board, would be considered plus-size. Fourteen is what really works in the plus-size industry, but it starts at six; I mean, that's insane," Hunter said. It's problematic that "regular sizes" are limited to zero, two, and four, especially when research shows that 67 percent of women in America are size 16-18. "That's 17 percent more than half the population," Hunter reiterated. "So why is it just now becoming such a big thing?"
The term "plus-size" also has a connotation that Hunter feels separates her from other models, when the reality is the only difference is her size. "I would love to just be called a model. I think that labeling plus-size, curve, full-figure, whatever it is . . . I understand that some people need that clarification," Hunter said. "For me, I'm just a model. I show up, I do the same job as everyone else, I get paid the same, everything is the same. You wouldn't say, 'size zero model so-and-so.'"
Further, people tend to think being a curve model means having fewer restrictions or, according to some of the comments on a version of this video that appeared on Facebook, that curve models are "unhealthy."
"I think people think that we can get away with looking however we want. They're like, 'Whatever, she's a curve model. She doesn't have to work out, she doesn't have to eat well.' Which isn't true. I have a personal trainer, I eat clean. But on the other spectrum, there is a pressure to have the Coke bottle body, to be really tight. Someone's always going to want you to be thicker," Hunter said.
Watch Hunter's full interview on Pretty Unfiltered, which has new episodes every Wednesday on POPSUGAR Girls' Guide, and let us know your favorite moment in the comments below.
26 On-Trend Dining Tables For $500 or Under - Way Under
After a bed and a sofa, a dining table is one of the first essentials you need to build a home. But if your wallet is depleted after a big move, it can be hard to find a dining table that is affordable enough to fit your budget while being stylish enough to suit your taste. Or at least it seems that way, so POPSUGAR scoured the web to find the most on-trend dining tables you can actually afford. All are $500 or under - with many way under. Check them out ahead.
The Disneyland Railroad Is Back and Better Than Ever - See the New Route in Action!
Disneyland's beloved train ride is back in action with a beautiful new waterfront route! The Disneyland Railroad originally opened with the park on July 17, 1955, and it, along with the other Rivers of America attractions, has been closed for a year in preparation for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. While the new Star Wars land expansion is still under construction (it opens in 2019), the Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes officially reopened on July 28.
I took a ride on the new-and-improved Railroad, and I loved the gorgeous new route along the Rivers of America. You ride on a wooden trestle past waterfalls and rock cliffs, various animals in their natural environment, and a Native American village. It's all very immersive (well, if you ignore the large cranes in the distance!) and feels reminiscent of the Grizzly Peak land in California Adventure. The Grand Canyon Diorama and Primeval World scenes also have some cool, high-tech updates, including projected pterodactyls flying in the background, which elicited oohs and ahhs from fellow passengers.
See the updated route now!
50 Adorable Decor Items For an Elephant-Themed Nursery
Elephants have long been a source of inspiration for nursery themes and toddler room decor, whether the motif takes completely over or baby's room features one or two elephant pieces within another theme. However you choose to decorate your little one's room, the elephant-theme items available now are too cute to pass up!
Ahead, our favorite pieces that we may or may not have already added to our future nursery decor purchase lists.
The Dos and Don'ts For Entry-Level Job Seekers
Landing your first entry-level job after college is no small feat: it can take plenty of time, discipline, and confidence to get your foot in the door. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed and in need of direction or you feel confident in your search, it's always good to hear pointers from people who have been in the same position you're in now. We took a look at a Quora thread that shed light on important things to do and not to do during this transitional period in your life.
1. Do your research.
Landing an interview during your grueling job search is an amazing feeling - but the work doesn't stop there. Well before your interview, you should start preparing as many notes as possible about the company and the interviewer you'll be meeting. "In order to be well prepared for an interview, make sure you know the ins and outs of your company first. Look at the company website, research their clients, and check out their social media presence - anything to ensure you're fully versed on the position and the company. That way, you can answer each question thoroughly, and more importantly, tie your answers into the goals of the company," says Josh Tolan.
2. Don't wait for a job offer to jump-start your career.
When jobs seem to be few and far between, it's easy to get discouraged and feel as though you have no control. A good piece of advice is that you don't have to have a job offer to get your career started. "Say you're a newly minted journalism grad (for example) - you've got to get out there and start building your journalism résumé now, even if you haven't been offered a job. Start a blog, get involved in industry organizations, volunteer your writing services - create your own opportunities. And this advice applies across industries," says Charles Purdy. Get motivated by researching the backgrounds of people you admire in your field. They had to start somewhere, too.
3. Do develop networking skills.
In other words, talk to as many people in your field as possible, keep your professional online profiles up-to-date, and keep in contact with any former colleague or manager who could later serve as a reference. As Charles Purdy notes, you should "be smart about networking and your online profile - looking for a job isn't just about searching online and pressing that 'apply' button. After that, you've got to do some research and work your network to find an 'in' at the company." Whatever you do, don't burn bridges with any personal or professional contacts - you'll be exposed to more opportunities and potential success.
4. Don't think your online presence doesn't matter.
If ever there were a time when your online profiles mattered, it's now - especially during a job search. How you portray yourself on social media says a lot about you, and you don't want to let that be the make-or-break factor that sets you a step below another job candidate. "The fact is, the majority of employers will look you up online before even interviewing you. Make sure you have a thorough, professional online presence. Consider creating a professional blog or website to showcase what you know. Share your thoughts and opinions on industry topics, and share your work, your résumé, and anything else that can help better establish your brand," says Josh Tolan. Take the time to delete anything from your sites that could hurt the personal brand you're aiming to establish.
5. Do treat your job search as a full-time job itself.
Candace Williams puts it simply: "Hustle. Finding a job is a full-time job. If someone were to ask you, 'What did you do to find a job this week?' you should have a long answer that includes time sending résumés/cover letters, networking events, cold calls, informational interviews, research, and time crafting your portfolio/interview materials." It's not always easy, but your hard work will eventually pay off, and you'll definitely thank yourself later for putting in all those hours that led to your success.
6. Don't make your cover letter and résumé all about you.
While the main purpose of your résumé is to highlight your personal experience, when employers view it, they're really thinking about themselves and the company. "It's important to remember the cover letter and résumé are about what you can do for the employer, not the other way around," says Josh Tolan. "Showcase the skills you have that are most relevant to your prospective employer, and keep the focus on the company's mission and goals." This means that, yes, you should tweak your cover letter every time you send it out to a different company. It's more time consuming, but you're much more likely to hear back if you tailor your materials to the specific company rather than repeatedly sending out a generic summary of your past work experience. In each cover letter, mention something you admire about the company and how a specific skill you have could benefit that aspect.
7. Do have core values.
As Candace Williams notes, you should look for "a job you're passionate about and fits your core values." A prospective employer will be able to see through you if you truly aren't interested in the company. While you shouldn't be too choosy and limit yourself, you should have a set idea of the types of companies you're striving to work for. "If you're dropping random lines everywhere hoping for anything, you won't show the focus or passion companies want to see. Figure out what you want as a person and how this should manifest itself in your work."
8. Don't assume blind submissions won't be read.
You might feel stressed when looking through the seemingly endless posts on sites like Craigslist and Monster, but many companies do use those as reliable forms of application, and they will read your submissions. You've probably heard similar things as Candace Williams: "someone told me I should stop sending resumes via online forms because no one reads them. They are wrong. The key to Craigslist and online job hunting is to apply early," and make sure your "application has evidence you've thoroughly researched the company and will go the extra mile." Don't write off a job posting just because you don't have a direct contact.
9. Do play up any relevant skills that relate to the job.
While you don't want to keep the focus all about you, you also don't want to forget to highlight skills that the company clearly values. In fact, "you don't have to have been paid for something for it to be included in your résumé's summary section as a skill. Look at the job ad you're responding to, and figure out what experience you have that speaks to it - even if it's a soft skill like teamwork, you can cite a specific example of your success in that area," says Charles Purdy. Talk yourself up a little - a dose of confidence goes a long way.
10. Don't forget to treat the job search as a learning experience.
Above all, remember that seeking an entry-level job is a huge learning experience, and you should take in as much information as you can. Did you bomb a phone interview? Don't sweat it - now you know what not to do next time. As Kellie Melloy puts it, "don't get complacent. Always get momentum going, and don't forget you should always be gaining knowledge." Everything you experience during your job search will only benefit you in the long run of your career.
Rise and Shine With These 20 Latin Breakfast Ideas
Breakfast isn't just the most important meal of the day, it's also the most delicious. There's nothing better than finding a new, unique spin to try on traditional eggs, pancakes, and toast - are we right? Here, we've rounded up a handful of Latin-inspired breakfast items that will have you popping out of bed like there's no tomorrow.
Look Back on Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II's 70-Year Marriage in Pictures
After almost 70 years of marriage, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II are still going strong. The two were first introduced in 1934, when she was only 8 years old, but it wasn't until their meeting at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in July 1939 - Elizabeth was 13 and Philip was 18 - that they fell in love and began to exchange letters. In November 1947, the two made things official when they tied the knot during a luxurious ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Nearly a year after their wedding day, Elizabeth gave birth to the couple's first child, Prince Charles, and they welcomed their daughter, Princess Anne, two years later. Over the years, the pair have shared a number of sweet moments together as they carry out their royal duties across the globe. Now that Prince Philip has officially retired, look back at his best appearances with Queen Elizabeth II.
If You're Visiting the Bahamas Soon, You Must Track Down This 1 Hidden Gem
Let's be real. Just about everything in the Bahamas is worthy of an Instagram picture: the crystal-clear waters, the pearly white sands, the gently swaying palm trees. There are endless opportunities for capturing your new computer screensaver, but we've just discovered a hidden gem that'll earn you all the "likes" and fuel your wanderlust in ways it's never been fueled before.
Situated in the turquoise waters of Coco Plum Beach on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma is a collection of wooden swing sets that make for the perfect photo opportunity, especially at low tide. Apparently these swings were placed in the water for the Fyre Festival (you know, that "once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience" that turned out to be a total mess), and they've remained intact ever since. Read on to see the dreamiest pictures of this little-known destination.
10 Underrated Beauty Brands You Need to Finally Try
You visit Sephora.com every day to see what's new. The layout of the brands at your local Ulta Beauty is so familiar to you, you can picture it with your eyes closed. You prowl your favorite department stores' counters regularly, and you've tried and tested all the drugstore formulas available in your country. If this sounds like you, you have a problem (and you're completely welcome here with us beauty junkies!).
However, these behaviors mean you've been there, done that, and being bored is no way to live! Thankfully, the beauty industry is almost scarily expansive. You simply only need to get creative in the way you hunt for your next fix.
Start digging around on Etsy. Visit international online boutiques. And read on! We've gotten the ball rolling for you by finding 10 massively underrated - and excellent - beauty brands that are worth incorporating into your routine. You'll likely be inspired to use up some of those gift cards you've been hoarding. Even better, you can be be the beauty equivalent of a hipster: you can tell your friends you liked these companies before they made it big.
This Homemade Drain Cleaner Will Banish Clogs For Good
If your drain isn't flowing as easily as it should, then it's probably a bit clogged. Instead of paying big bucks for chemical-filled concoctions, try fixing the problem yourself with a homemade drain cleaner. It costs basically nothing to make and can be used weekly to help prevent buildup. Safe to use in the bathroom or kitchen, the drain buster will have your sink or tub flowing freely in no time. Have a really plugged pipe? We've even found the solution for seriously stopped drains.
What You'll Need:
- Paper towel
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup cream of tartar
- 2 cups boiling water
Directions:
- Yes, it's a bit gross, but start by removing the drain trap and giving it a good cleaning. Use a paper towel to wipe around the drain of your sink or tub, removing any bits of food or collections of hair.
- Mix together the baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar in a small container. The salt and baking soda work together to help scour pipes and break up buildup, while the cream of tartar naturally cleans metals. Shake the mixture and sprinkle half down the clogged drain.
- Pour in the boiling water and let the drain buster work its magic for about an hour. Then rinse with cool water. You should notice a difference in your drainage.
- If the drain still is still clogged, get serious by pouring one cup baking soda down the drain followed with one cup vinegar. The two create a fizzing reaction, which will attack nasty obstructions. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to work overnight, and then pour two cups boiling water down the drain.
- Still not draining? Don old duds, fill the sink or tub halfway with warm water, and grab your plunger. Yes, it's also gross, but giving your sink or tub a plunging should clear that clogged drain.
- Maintain your free-flowing pipes by using the homemade drain cleaner once a week.
Keep the rest of your place nice and clean with these natural cleaning solutions.
Why Panera Put Peanut Butter on a Grilled Cheese Sandwich For a Child With Severe Allergies
One family is suing Panera Bread claiming that despite multiple warnings about their daughter's allergy, the little girl was given a meal that could have killed her.
The Boston family claims that their highly allergic 6-year-old daughter was served a grilled cheese sandwich complete with two scoops of peanut butter. In the lawsuit, her parents, John and Elissa Russo, state that their daughter was hospitalized overnight after biting into the sandwich.
According to her mom, the sandwich was ordered online, in which she specifically referenced her daughter's peanut allergy twice within the form. By the time anyone realized the extra ingredient had been added to the sandwich, the child had already bitten into it. They family says that she began to vomit and broke out in hives later that evening.
"Is this somebody doing this on purpose?" John later asked a manager. "Because it's two freakin' tablespoons of peanut butter on this sandwich, and it's a grilled cheese."
The manager reportedly apologized to him but blamed the mistake on a "language" issue. However, this explanation that an employee with limited English could have seen the note about "peanut" as a request to add it to the grilled cheese rather than to keep it away from the meal is "no excuse" to John. It didn't seem reasonable to the father because he looked up "allergy" in Spanish and Portuguese – the language the workers in question spoke – and realized how similar the translation (alergia) is to the English version.
"Panera takes the issue of food allergens, including the reported incident at our franchise bakery-cafe, very seriously," a spokesman said in an email to the Huffington Post. "We have procedures in place across the company to minimize exposure and risk for our guests and associates. We do not comment on pending litigation."
According to John, the family didn't plan to take legal actions until discovering that another child with peanut allergies was also served a grilled cheese with peanut butter after ordering the sandwich online less than a month after his daughter's episode. This child also went into an anaphylactic reaction and was hospitalized. While the two situations happened at different locations, the same franchise group owns both Paneras.
Cast a Magical Spell With These Descendants Birthday Party Ideas
In Disney's Descendants, classic characters like Maleficent and Belle get revamped and given a new storyline for their children. Ben, the son of Beast and Belle, believes in the good in people. With the sequel becoming just as popular as the original, celebrate the good in your child with these spellbinding party ideas. You don't need Maleficent's book to put together a party fit for a coronation.
PSA: You've Been Doing Kettlebell Swings All Wrong
Chances are you've done kettlebell swings at some point, whether it's in a group fitness class, with a personal trainer, or during a workout you created for yourself. It's a popular movement that many people are adopting these days to get stronger and improve their overall fitness level. Kettlebell swings aren't as easy as they might seem, though, and it's common to see people perform this exercise with the wrong form. Think of this as your kettlebell swing crash course.
Austin Lopez, CSCS and owner of Ausome Fit, told POPSUGAR that there are two types of kettlebell swings: American and Russian. The former go overhead while the latter don't go above the shoulders.
"Both are hip-drive movements," Lopez said. "The back should not really be working in the swings because the abs are braced and legs are driving the hip motion."
According to Lopez, the most common (and dangerous) mistake he sees is people who "don't brace [their abs] enough." If your abs aren't engaged, you run the risk of hurting your back. The second most common mistake Lopez witnesses is people not driving their hips all the way forward. "You aren't getting the most out of your swing this way and it could result in injury at heavier weights," he said.
When it comes to American kettlebell swings, which go overhead, Lopez told POPSUGAR that this requires much more shoulder mobility. "Make sure you are rolling out the muscles around the shoulder before throwing yourself into heavy [weights]," he advised. "Otherwise, make sure the shoulders are pulled back so they don't pull the back into a rounded down position."
It's a lot to think about, which means you shouldn't be afraid to go back to basics with your kettlebell swings. Choose a light weight to start, and don't move on until you've perfected your form. The most important thing to remember is that the movement doesn't come from your arms, back, or your shoulders. It's all about engaging your core muscles and driving your hips forward, all the while keeping your back straight.
Once you get the form right, you'll start to reap all the benefits kettlebell swings have to offer.
Confession: I'm a Woman and I Shave My Face
I can't believe I'm putting this out on the Internet. And at the risk of never getting a date ever again in this lifetime, here it goes: I shave my face. (Never thought Caroline Manzo and I would have something in common, but alas!)
To kick things off, no, I don't stand in front of the mirror with some Barbasol and a Mach3 and get to work. (I know some of you are envisioning a pile of shaving cream on my face.) In fact, no shaving cream is used at all. Let me explain . . .
I grew up with blond lip hair. (I guess you could call it a mustache, but I try to avoid it at all costs.) I was horrified about it. As a teen, I didn't deal with terrible acne (that came later in life - yay hormones!) but instead was bestowed with a patch of blond hair on my upper lip. Sure, all gals have a little bit of fuzz on their upper lips. No big deal. But it wasn't peach fuzz - it was very noticeable. And I was ready to do whatever it took to get rid of my furry friend staring me in the face every morning.
I tried every removal process in the book, starting with Nair. I ended up burning my skin, which put my upper lip even more in the spotlight. After banning the pink cream, I tried threading and waxing, only to have my skin break out in pustules. This deterred me from wanting to remove facial hair, so I went ahead and opted to bleach the sucker. Considering it was blond, that didn't help. At 18, I opted for laser hair removal. It worked okay, but then I went off to college and didn't finish my sessions, so the hair grew back.
But one day in 2011, at the ripe age of 23, I'm perusing YouTube and see a video from Bachelor in Paradise's Michelle Money. She's a cosmetologist and posted a video about shaving her face. Have you seen this woman? She's stunning. I can't imagine she deals with any type of beauty crisis, but she and her friends explained why shaving their faces was not only fun, but also necessary, and then they showed a tutorial. Seeing their fuzz scrape right off their faces led me into an online rabbit hole.
I have to say that I disagree with the girls on one thing: if you have facial hair and it doesn't bother you, get on with your bad self. Removing facial hair isn't mandatory. For me, it was something I wanted but didn't think was possible. Was shaving my face an option? Would it grow back black? Am I about to secure the role as a bearded woman on American Horror Story? (Time travel?)
Scouring the Internet, I found that Kate Somerville was a proponent of facial shaving. You mean to tell me that the queen of clear, youthful skin is down with shaving shenanigans? She told Style.com that Elizabeth Taylor's cosmetic dermatologist disclosed that Elizabeth shaved her face, as did Marilyn Monroe and Cleopatra. It makes your makeup go on smoother, gives you a glow, and because it's a razor, you're physically exfoliating your skin - great for antiaging! Why do you think men look so youthful as they age? They shave a majority of their lives!
Here's the thing: Facial shaving for women isn't news. In fact, dermaplaning is the fancier option that spas offer to help take off a layer of dead skin. In addition to removing those baby hairs, it also helps products absorb into your skin better. It gives you a gorgeous glow and in turn, your fuzz is gone.
Michelle suggested buying a razor called The Tinkle. You have to order them online (and that name is rather embarrassing), so I ventured to Sally Beauty Supply, bought a pack of Touch N Brow razors, and went for it. I shaved my jawline, upper lip, under my chin, and my forehead. I even cleaned up the hair by my ears. And you know what? IT WAS AWESOME. I couldn't stop touching my face. (I wouldn't suggest touching your face all the time, but in this case, it was unavoidable.) I get so many compliments on my skin that when I reveal this secret, people go from pure shock to running to the store and buying their own razors.
So . . . questions. I know you have them. I'll try to cover everything I usually get asked:
1. Does it hurt?
Nope. Not a bit. Just make sure you get the right razor and hold it correctly. (More on that later.)
2. But doesn't it grow back thicker and darker?
No. Come on now, we know this is a fallacy regarding our legs - same for your face. It doesn't grow back black or stubbly! It actually comes back blond and soft. The hair on my face was never black or stubbly, thus it will not grow back that way.
3. How often do you have to do this?
I shave once or twice a week, and I don't mind - it's a part of my antiaging regimen now.
4. What products do I need?
You need one tool: a razor. I use a single-edge, single-blade razor that has a slope to the head of the razor. The Tinkle (such an unfortunate name) and the Touch N Brow ($5) are great options. If the razor is shaped straight up and down with no curve to the razor head, you risk cutting yourself. Also, some of the facial/eyebrow razors I've come across have sharp, blunt edges - so again, look for razors that are curved. Walgreens sells them as well.
5. What about a leg razor?
Honey - no. Don't use your leg razor. Put down the Venus! I haven't tried it, and I can guarantee you won't want to dabble into it, either.
6. So . . . no other products?
Do this on dry skin. No need to wet your skin or use lotion.
7. What's the technique here?
Pull the skin taut, then start shaving downward on your skin in short strokes. You can't just drag the razor against your skin - it wouldn't do anything. Also, hold the razor at a 45-degree angle against the skin. Don't freak when it looks like you skinned a lamb. You have more hair on your face than you think!
8. Any postshaving tips?
Moisturize afterwards. Shaving means taking a layer of dead skin off your face. It's exfoliating! Moisturize afterwards so your skin doesn't get too dry.
I can't stress this enough: only do this if you're comfortable. It's like waxing or any other form of hair removal. You'll need to maintain it! If you're under the age of 18, talk to your parent before. These face razors aren't incredibly sharp, but you'll want to be safe.
So, take it from me, Caroline Manzo, and Kate Somerville: facial shaving is the new(ish) chemical peel.
Kate and Will's Sweetest PDA Happens When They're Not Facing the Cameras
Prince William and Kate Middleton don't show PDA often, but when they do, it's superadorable. Aside from cozying up during sporting events, there is one thing that Will does when they're not facing the cameras that is especially sweet - he touches Kate's back. Whether he's helping his wife down the steps, or he's pulling her in for a hug, we can't get enough of the pair's "touching" moments. And he's not the only royal with a signature move. Kate has her own way of showing off her love for Will. See their discrete PDA below.
5 Financial Rules to Live By - and Why I'm Breaking Them All
Image Source: StockSnap / NeONBRAND
So here's the thing: I love rules. I'm sorry, everyone, I just do. Ugh, I feel like such a traitor to my generation of awesome rebels.
But as I see it, rules provide a black and white-ish framework for making things happen. If you've got good rules, and you stick to them, you're pretty much guaranteeing your future success. I created my own "5 Financial Rules to Live By" in my early 20s, and they've paid off huge. Thanks to my rules, my husband, Jarrod, and I went from a net worth of -$47,000 (yup, that's negative $47K) to over $500,000 in just 10 short years. And it's not like I'm some kind of genius. Anyone (including you!) can adopt my rules to get results.
Just one problem. I'm currently breaking every single one of them.
Rule #1: Don't spend more than you earn.
Duh. This is The Big Financial Rule we should all follow, all the time. How are you ever going to get ahead if you're only taking steps backward every paycheck?
I always lived well below my means, limiting spending to necessities and things I truly love, like travel and books. Make sure your earnings far exceed your spending. You can actually foolproof this by setting up auto-transfers to savings and investing accounts every pay period for a certain percentage of your income. If the money isn't sitting in your checking account, you're far less likely to spend it.
Rule #2: Always pay extra on high- and moderate-interest debt.
Did you know it's possible for the minimum payments on some loans to not even cover the interest? So you could be diligently making payments every month for your entire life without ever paying down a single cent of your debt. How crazy is that?!
That's why I always paid way over the minimum payment on debts like credit cards and student loans. Interest is such a waste of money, and I don't want to be in debt forever. You can outsmart the interest-cycle-of-death with just a little planning. By focusing your extra payments on the highest-interest debt until it's totally paid off, then focusing that same monthly amount on your next high-interest debt in line, you can literally save thousands of dollars.
Rule #3: Always be investing in retirement accounts.
What kind of retirement do you want? I know, it's decades away, so it's hard to even imagine. But try. Your geriatric self will thank you for it! Want to be scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef and sipping sangria in Spain? Taking your grandkids to the zoo and the science museum? Joining your friends for yoga and spa treatments?
Or would you rather stay home every day, watching whatever the 2050 version of Netflix is because you're too broke to go out? I'll take the sangria and yoga, please.
The secret to a happy retirement account is a little thing called compound interest. And it explains why it's so important to start saving for retirement as early as possible. Compound interest just means that the interest you earn on your savings earns its own interest. So you're making money on the money your money is making. Exponentially!
Let's say you have an IRA, and you contribute the maximum allowable $5,500/year. That might sound like a lot, but it's totally doable if you start with just five to 10 percent of your income and bump it up another percent each year.
Rule #4: Don't waste money replacing perfectly good stuff.
If it ain't broke, don't replace it. You'd be amazed at the amount of money spent replacing perfectly good stuff in the name of updating. Well, maybe not. You may be one of those people!
I struggle with this less than most people do. I'm perfectly happy with the hand-me-down pots and pans we've had for over a decade and the wall art we received when we got married almost 15 years ago. I'm even good wearing the same hoodies I wore in high school around the house. If it doesn't need to be replaced, I don't waste money replacing it.
Rule #5: Don't accept a pay decrease.
You want to keep your life and your finances moving forward. You're constantly expanding your knowledge, experience, and skill sets, so you should be paid for it! Of course, there's an exception for career changes. If you're a newbie, you've got to expect to be paid like one and to work your way back. Otherwise, don't accept a pay decrease. It just makes your next salary negotiation that much harder because you're starting from a lower number. Jarrod and I both always negotiated higher salaries.
Image Source: StockSnap / Michal Jarmoluk
Why I'm breaking these rules now.
These are all proven rules for financial success. They've served me well, and I fully stand behind every one of them. So why on earth would I break them all now?
Simply put: to chase a dream!
Jarrod was offered a character artist position in Germany, and it provided an opportunity for us to realize my lifelong dream of living abroad. Side note: I'm exceptionally lucky to be married to someone who made my lifelong dream his personal mission!
Making the move to Germany turned my financial rules upside down:
- Jarrod had to take a 50 percent pay cut for the same work he's been doing for 10 years simply because video game work pays less in Europe. And I took a 100 percent pay cut since I don't have an EU work permit (sorry, Rule #5).
- These deep cuts mean we're not actually able to cover our basic expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries with his income (so Rule #1 is out the window).
- Since we can't cover the basics, we certainly don't have anything extra to throw at our remaining debt or retirement accounts (adios Rules #2 and #3).
- And we had to make some stupid replacement purchases to make this happen, like an apartment full of Ikea furniture because that was actually cheaper than shipping our perfectly good furniture here (which shattered Rule #4).
But all hope isn't lost. Because of our diligent adherence to my five financial rules in my 20s, we were able to seize this adventure without risking financial ruin.
Our investments (mainly rental properties) generate some income to help make up the difference between income and expenses, and we can pull some money each month from our Dream Fund Savings to cover the rest. Our high-interest debt is long gone. We're not taking a horrible interest hit with our remaining student loans and low-interest mortgages. Our retirement accounts are still earning their compound interest on the money we've invested over the last 13-ish years. So even though we're not making contributions right now, our money is still growing.
Our fully funded emergency savings covered the insane cost of moving here, including replacing our furniture. The pay decrease still sucks, but it's also giving me time to hone my newer skills like writing, blogging, and learning German. Which may generate better income in the future.
The big lesson here is that these financial rules offer financial freedom. So you have the option later to throw caution to the wind and do something completely crazy for the sake of a lifelong dream.
And that's how I, Michelle Clardie, sworn rule-follower, broke my five financial rules and joined the ranks of awesome rebels!
70 Mind-Blowing DIY Halloween Costumes For Women
Halloween is filled with scary things - ghosts, ghouls, and pricey costumes are just a few! If you're the savvy type who prefers treats to tricks, you'll opt for an inexpensive getup this Fall. However, that doesn't mean that you can't have the coolest costume of the night! Check out these 70 inexpensive options for costumes that are creepy, creative, or just plain cute.
How more Ontarians could gain access to a '99.9%' effective HIV-prevention drug
A generic version of an effective HIV-prevention drug has come on the market in the past few days, but experts say the medication is still far too expensive for many people who need it, and they're hoping other generic versions being released in the coming weeks will be sold at a much lower price.
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