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
Justice Is Being Served in the Most Glorious Ways on Game of Thrones This Season
We're a little less than halfway through the shortened seventh season of Game of Thrones, but we've already seen quite a few shocking deaths. It's true, death is not a groundbreaking concept on the show. We've been seeing gruesome, graphic, and gratuitous demises since the show's first episodes. That said, there's something pretty special about the deaths we've seen so far in season seven: they're some of the most poetic and justice-infused moments of the series so far. Maybe it's because we've spent so long with these characters that the context adds that extra layer, or maybe it's just because we've reached peak Game of Thrones. Either way, we're examining the sweet, sweet vengeance that's prevailed in the last few weeks.
Vanessa Hudgens's Swimsuit Has a Sexy Detail You Shouldn't Miss
Vanessa Hudgens was on vacation in Mexico earlier this year, posing in a beige one-piece with a straw hat and a drink in hand. At first glance, the suit blends perfectly with the sandy beach, which is why we almost missed the sexy low-cut side detail.
This subtle yet sultry swimsuit style was popular over the Summer, spotted on celebrities like Shay Mitchell and Bella Hadid. Judging from Vanessa's snap, the style won't fade out for 2017. In fact, we're obsessed with this particular one-piece and even found similar options to shop below.
The It Remake Looks So F*cking Scary, You Guys
Because we can't just let terrifying stories fade into obscurity, Warner Bros. is remaking Stephen King's It. The latest trailer is a total nightmare. If you're familiar with the original film or the book, you'll notice several key scenes in both the new and old trailers, including the rain gutter incident. (Side note: f*ck that.) Bill Skarsgard (Allegiant) is playing Pennywise the clown, who will undoubtedly scar a new generation. The movie, also starring Stranger Things' Finn Wolfhard, will be out on Sept. 8. Check out the rest of the trailers and some stills below.
Watch the new trailer for Stephen King adaptation 'It' https://t.co/jicImUkZG5 http://pic.twitter.com/aR5nzMiAEr
- Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 8, 2017
Nope.
NOPE.
NOPE NOPE NOPE.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOPE.
Why it's good and bad that people don't take all their painkillers after surgery
More than two-thirds of U.S. surgery patients had leftover opioid painkillers, review suggests.
The It Remake Looks So F*cking Scary, You Guys
Because we can't just let terrifying stories fade into obscurity, Warner Bros. is remaking Stephen King's It. The latest trailer is a total nightmare. If you're familiar with the original film or the book, you'll notice several key scenes in both the new and old trailers, including the rain gutter incident. (Side note: f*ck that.) Bill Skarsgard (Allegiant) is playing Pennywise the clown, who will undoubtedly scar a new generation. The movie, also starring Stranger Things' Finn Wolfhard, will be out on Sept. 8. Check out the rest of the trailers and some stills below.
Watch the new trailer for Stephen King adaptation 'It' https://t.co/jicImUkZG5 http://pic.twitter.com/aR5nzMiAEr
- Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 8, 2017
Nope.
NOPE.
NOPE NOPE NOPE.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOPE.
Selena Gomez Reveals 1 of the Reasons Why Her Relationship With The Weeknd Works
Selena Gomez seems to be in a great place in her life right now. She's slowly releasing singles from her upcoming album, she executive-produced the hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, and she's in a relationship with The Weekend. More and more we are seeing Selena open up about her life and speaking candidly about how she found herself and "learned the power of saying no." The 25-year-old is on the cover of InStyle's September issue and she's opening up about the place she is in her life right now and how she felt after returning to the spotlight after taking a break.
This Little Bikini Is So Hot, A Princess and Kendall Jenner Both Bought It For Summer
Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark first landed on our radar thanks to her stylish ways and she hasn't disappointed since. The royal proved she's right on trend with the season's hottest swimsuits by slipping into a red bikini by Lisa Marie Fernandez. If you haven't heard, everyone is wearing this brand lately, including Kendall Jenner. The model wore the same swimsuit in a bubbly pink color to Cannes only a few months ago.
It seems the two stars share a love for the ruffle high-waist style, which is super flattering and feminine. Luckily, the bikini also comes in a variety of colors so you too can shop it before Summer ends.
How My Boyfriend and I Vacationed in Cabo For 5 Days For $621 Each
Travel isn't the easiest expense when you're young and broke, but it's not impossible. I spontaneously booked a five-day trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with my boyfriend, and we returned home to San Francisco without having blown all our money. Not only that but we were able to fully enjoy ourselves and even splurge a little throughout our vacation. Our entire trip - including airfare, hotel, and daily allowance - came out to be a doable $621 per person. Not bad, right? We honestly had the best time together, and what made it even more incredible was the amount of money we were able to save. See how you too can vacation in Cabo on a budget with these seven tips.
1. Travel during off-season months.
One of the best times to visit Cabo is during May (especially in the beginning of the month) because you miss Spring breakers and families have yet to arrive for Summer vacation. Not to mention the weather is fantastic with average highs at 89 degrees Fahrenheit and lows at 61.
Flights and accommodations are typically cheaper during the slower months around this time and between July and September when the heat really starts rising. Our flights (on Virgin America) were about $135 each way, totaling $280 round trip per person after taxes and fees.
2. Book your hotel through travel sites.
Immediately after we purchased airfare, we looked on Hotels.com to find accommodations within our budget. I prefer booking through travel search sites because I can easily filter by price range and rating. And that's when I landed on a quaint and cute boutique inn that seemed too good to be true: Cabo Vista Hotel. I am not joking when I say that we scored a nightly rate of $35. Obviously, you can't expect it to be anything like the Four Seasons at that price point, but we were surprised at how clean the rooms were and how friendly their staff was. Each room is equipped with TV, free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette (stove top, sink, and microwave), bathroom, and most importantly, AC. The only caveat was that it's about a 10- to 15-minute walk to downtown, which was actually not bad. Four nights and five days only cost us $183, including tax.
3. Set your budget beforehand.
In a Google doc, I planned out a day-to-day itinerary to get an idea of how much we'd spend. This helped us figure out the exact amount we needed to exchange into pesos when we got to Cabo and how much we were allowed per day. You're also more likely to spend less when you have a figure in your head. What I knew I wanted to splurge on was dinner, so we gave ourselves the highest allowance on days we had dinner reservations. We wanted to check out Cabo dining staples like The Office and Edith's and were fine with being more frugal with other meals and expenses for the days we ate there. Dinner at both spots came out to be a little over $100 for both of us, and we filled up on local fare for breakfast and lunch. Food is extremely affordable at nontouristy places, and we were able to feast on tacos and beer for $15 total per meal.
4. Cash out at ATMs.
The best way to get the most for your buck when exchanging currency is to withdraw from ATMs. Avoid airport kiosks (rates are terrible) and frequent transactions, as your bank is likely to charge a foreign transaction fee every time. As soon as we landed, I headed straight to the airport's ATM and took out half of what we needed for the trip. Not only will you save on debit/credit card fees by sticking to cash but you're also more likely to stick to your budget. We took out the remaining amount we budgeted for halfway through our trip, and this prevented us from being charged for multiple unnecessary withdrawals.
5. Walk or bus as much as you can.
Taxis in Cabo are ridiculously expensive but luckily, Cabo San Lucas isn't a huge city to navigate. The walk from our hotel to anywhere within downtown and Medano Beach was totally manageable, so we set out on foot for most of our trip. The main bus, Ruta del Desierto, takes off from Puerto Paraiso (the main mall downtown) and is your best method of transportation to anywhere outside the city. It was only a $2 bus ride to get to Santa Maria Beach (great for snorkeling), which was too far to walk (20 minutes driving). Since Los Cabos International Airport is located in San José del Cabo, about 35 to 40 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, the best method of transportation is the bus if you want to save money. Shuttles can cost around $20 per person, while taxis can set each person back $40 to $60 one-way. Bus fare is significantly cheaper at a little over $4 (80 MXN) each.
6. Don't be afraid to barter with locals.
There are tons of vendors approaching you on the main Medano Beach trying to sell you everything you can imagine from excursions to fruit. You can almost always bring it down from the asking price. We took a boat tour from Medano to Lover's Beach for $10 each when they originally offered it at $15. They work with tourists all day, every day, and the worst they can say is "no."
7. Take advantage of timeshare presentations.
Yes, my boyfriend and I fell for a timeshare presentation when that was exactly what we wanted to avoid. We didn't even make it out of the airport because companies bombard you, asking you how you're planning on getting to your hotel. Despite saying "no gracias" and avoiding eye contact, we somehow got stuck with one for the following morning at a resort. Their hook? We'll take you to your hotel on a private taxi for free and pick you up to bring you to the resort tomorrow. The catch? Give us $80 now and you'll get it back in full after you sit through the 75-minute presentation. Look, I was resistant as hell. But I did want to get to our rooms as quick as possible and head to our dinner reservation. They eventually got me.
The next morning, we got to their resort where we enjoyed a free breakfast and a spiel that lasted way longer than they advertised (two hours!!). At one point, my boyfriend and I looked at each other half laughing, half crying because we realized we were never leaving. They do booze you up during it all to try to break you down, but we remained strong. I also specifically planned to do it early enough in the day so that we still had a full day ahead of us. After it all, we got back our $80 as promised, breakfast, free transportation, a three-day VIP pass to their beach and facilities, and 50 percent off of activities. We definitely could've milked it more, but we just wanted to get the f*ck out of there. Other resorts often give you a bottle of tequila to take home, some even spending cash to ease the offer. If you're OK with giving up some of your time - it's not 75-minutes long no matter what they tell you - you can definitely get some perks.
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.
6 of Your Favorite Disney Princess Movies Are Returning to Theaters This Fall
Disney wants you to be their guest for a magical movie marathon this Fall. This week, the Walt Disney Company announced the exciting news that your favorite princess films will be returning to the big screen for their Dream Big, Princess marathon from Sept. 8 to Oct. 13. Each movie will run for one week and will have 14 showtimes per week at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day. You can take a trip down memory lane at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and select AMC movie theaters across the country. So, which princesses will be making a guest appearance? See the full lineup below. And if you can't nab tickets, don't fret. Some of your favorite heroines will be reuniting in the Wreck-It Ralph sequel, which hits theaters on March 9, 2018.
Ivanka Trump Chose This $138 Blush Pink Shift Dress From Her Clothing Line
Ivanka Trump hosted a listening session with military spouses in the Rooselvelt Room at the White House. For the occasion, Ivanka chose a blush pink crepe dress with a pair of drop earrings. But perhaps the most interesting part about the $138 dress is the designer.
The shift dress, which features a ruffle hemline and polished beads accents, is actually from Ivanka's bespoke clothing line. Her label has garnered a lot of heat over the past year with many retailers such as Nordstrom, T.J.Maxx, and Marshalls deciding to drop the line. Have a look at her ensemble ahead and buy the exact dress if you're feeling inspired.
Mark Bittman's 3-Ingredient No-Knead Bread Actually Works
If bread is the staff of life, then this cook has been wobbling on shaky legs for much of her culinary career. What is it about baking bread that's so daunting? I suppose I've rationalized my bread-baking evasion by telling myself it takes too long and my spaghetti-noodle arms can't knead well enough. But I recognize those are silly excuses, so this week I set about tackling the easiest bread recipe I could find.
About five years ago, New York Times journalist Mark Bittman introduced the baking-phobic world to Jim Lahey's no-knead bread recipe and - in typical Bittman fashion - wowed us again by reducing the 24-hour process to a mere five hours. One of us valiantly (and very successfully, I might add) took a stab at the original, but for those of us who can't plan further ahead than tonight's dinner, this may be the closest we'll come to a lovingly leavened, rustic loaf.
Bittman's recipe calls for a wet dough with plenty of yeast and leverages that high water content to steam the dough in a heavy lidded pot before browning the loaf. This process results in that crisp, crackly crust and fluffy, chewy interior that you crave in a rustic loaf, and all this without a single kneading stroke. Someday I'll pursue the weight training that will get my arms in bread-kneading shape. But until then, I thank Mr. Bittman for fostering my lazy side. For the recipe, keep reading.
1 Mom Surprised Her Daughters With an Adopted Sister - and Their Reactions Are "Priceless"
We got a call about a quick adoption. Our kids had no clue, so this is how we told them about their BABY SISTER. Their reactions r priceless http://pic.twitter.com/7BLFwUSR7U
- Shane Pruitt (@shane_pruitt78) July 27, 2017
The Pruitt family just got a little bit bigger, and no one was more excited than older sisters Raygen and Harper. The two girls welcomed a brand new little sister, whom their parents finally adopted after a 10-month wait.
Parents Shane and Kasi Pruitt got the good news that there was a baby available for adoption on July 25 but decided to keep it a secret from their other children in case things fell through.
On July 27, Shane posted a video on Twitter of the big surprise with the caption: "We got a call about a quick adoption. Our kids had no clue, so this is how we told them about their BABY SISTER. Their reactions [are] priceless."
Though the family has adopted two sons in the past few years, their newest little addition brought in some serious excitement since Raygen and Harper have wanted a little sister to dote on.
And the reaction the new parents got were priceless. Six-year-old Harper was completely surprised screaming, "Are you kidding me?" in the video, while her older sister, 11-year-old Raygen, started to cry.
In the month that the Pruitt family has had their new bundle of joy, Raygen and Harper have taken their roles as older sisters very seriously.
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.
6 of Your Favorite Disney Princess Movies Are Returning to Theaters This Fall
Disney wants you to be their guest for a magical movie marathon this Fall. This week, the Walt Disney Company announced the exciting news that your favorite princess films will be returning to the big screen for their Dream Big, Princess marathon from Sept. 8 to Oct. 13. Each movie will run for one week and will have 14 showtimes per week at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day. You can take a trip down memory lane at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and select AMC movie theaters across the country. So, which princesses will be making a guest appearance? See the full lineup below. And if you can't nab tickets, don't fret. Some of your favorite heroines will be reuniting in the Wreck-It Ralph sequel, which hits theaters on March 9, 2018.
I'm a Family Psychologist and These Are the 20 Most Common Parenting Mistakes I See
Most parents try to do what's best for their children. What happens when we don't even realize our behavior is harmful? Our friends at Fatherly share with us 20 common partenting mistakes.
What are some common mistakes parents make that could actually hurt their children's mental and physical health in the long term?
I have seen so many good intentions go horribly wrong over the years that can result in self-harm, suicide and, in extreme cases, even murder. Here are some of the most common mistakes that can be really harmful to kids.
1. Giving Them Too Many Choices
Many parents think children always should have endless choices, when the reality is kids can be overwhelmed if they're always given so many options.
2. Praising Them For Everything They Do
It's very common now to see kids who are almost junkies for praise. They won't do anything unless there is a payoff for them.
3. Trying to Make the Child Happy
Their job is to learn to make themselves happy, and you can never force a child to be happy.
4. Overindulging Them
They will almost always end up believing acquisitions lead to happiness. This sets up chasing the never-satisfying carrots, and can result in addictions and compulsions.
5. Keeping Them Too Busy
Most commonly with sports. Many parents wrongly believe "activities" will keep their kid out of trouble, but often times this will lead to the child being burned out or even becoming a bully.
6. Thinking Smart Will Save Them
It can be tempting for parents to promote smart as the end-all-be-all. Yet this can lead to a child becoming arrogant, thinking everyone else is stupid or secretly believing that they have to put on an act and are a fraud. As a result, nobody likes them.
7. Thinking a Strict Religion Will Give Them Perfect Values and Save Them
The first time they see hypocrisy in their parents or the touted beloved leaders, the house of cards start to fall.
8. Withholding Common Information About Important Topics - Like Sex
Many parents are terrified of talking about sex, and believe avoiding discussing it with their children will save them. But I've seen 13-year-old girls get pregnant, sometimes just to flaunt it at their parents.
9. Being Hyper-Critical of the Child's Mistakes
It can be easy to assume intense scrutiny promotes success and makes kids better. But kids raised this way are driven to perfection in everything from looks, likability, sports, smarts, or you name it. When a mistake happens, they are worthless as a human being and start getting so angry that in some cases they will resort to self-harm even to the point of suicide.
10. Using Shame, Shunning, or Threats
Never imply that there is a chance you might not love your child due to their actions, as some parents do so in order to get their kids to achieve compliance. It is a short term gain with abandonment lurking in the shadows. Then the child doesn't care either.
11. Making Kids Do Things Inappropriate For Their Age
I have 3 patients right now who, by age 4, were having to feed themselves and/or had to be in charge of a sibling also. I've seen many who didn't have children of their own because as they all said; "I raised my family."
12. Not Limiting Screen Time
Whether it's TV, video, games, phone or texting. I know a family where the mom and teenage son text each other constantly and no one else can get into their relationship link.
13. Not Letting Kids Get Bored
Some parents think children are supposed to be stimulated at all times and it's their job to avoid boredom. Then kids don't learn to be creative and find the way out of boredom in themselves.
14. Protecting Kids From Their Own Consequences and Loss
I see parents with good intentions get their kids everything, from a simple toy to buying them out of legal trouble, and suddenly are surprised when the child respects nothing. All of us need to learn losing is just another way to gain wisdom and experience about what not to do.
15. Not Letting Kids Play Dangerously
The Forest Kindergarten schools have shown the children get sick less, are more well adjusted and also get along better than their regulated indoor peers.
16. Not Debriefing Kids at Bed Time
"What happened today?" Children sleep better and feel loved when the parent shows an interest in what happened that was significant to them in their own lives.
17. Not Reading to Very Young Children
Reading requires the child to be still, be quiet, and use their imagination. All the things videos don't. It prepares them for listening in school and being able to use their imagination for creativity and alternatives as a resource.
18. Pulling Pacifiers Too Soon
Parents know the pacifier is an outward symbol of insecurity, so they tend to take it away as soon as they can, instead of getting the child secure where it would drop-out naturally. I have adult patients who secretly suck their thumbs.
19. Not Regulating Food
And especially inquiring: "Are you full?" When this happens, typically your kid will load the plate again. That is an old survival program from our heritage as scarcity, when food was not available. Kids then chase a full-filled sensation, not understanding each time you fill yourself, your stomach adapts to that as normal and expands.
20. Spanking Children Older Than 5
Parents think it will teach them to be good, but using corporal punishment never works as well as love. I see all kinds of patients where the concept of 'Spare the rod - spoil the child' was anything but. No spoiling, just oppositional, angry, bullying, deceiving, fearful or performing automatons.
Author Mike Leary is a psychologist who primarily deals with relationships and parenting.
19 Reasons Karlie Kloss Is Our Street Style Icon For Life
Supermodel Karlie Kloss has yet to meet a pair of sneakers she doesn't like. She's worn the functional footwear in just about every style on the market, from Yeezy high-tops to designer trainers. But Karlie's not just rocking her flats with leggings and a parka on the street. She considers them for red carpet events just as she would a pair of heels, confirming that sneakers are appropriate for any event. You could shrug us off: "Psh, she's a model standing tall at 6'1. No wonder sneakers don't make her legs look stumpy."
Karlie, who made Time's 100 Most Influential People list in 2016 as an icon, knows just which dresses call for low-tops and just the right pant silhouette to pair with platforms. Read on for a few styling hacks straight from Ms. Kloss. We could all benefit from a few of these tips during this feel-good time of the year.
15 Drool-Worthy Photos of Jay Ellis That Will Make Him Your New Man Crush
Jay Ellis makes fans drool in his breakout role as Lawrence: the drop-dead-sexy, yet not-so-perfect love interest of the brilliant Issa Rae on HBO's hit comedy series, Insecure. Besides the fact that he has kissable lips, (and a glorious backside), the 35-year-old South Carolina native has a certain sweetness about him that's hard to resist. Keep reading to see 15 photos of Jay Ellis that will make him your new man crush if he isn't already.
6 Secrets Real Estate Agents Know About Kitchen Remodels
So you're finally ready to renovate your dated kitchen, but unsure what upgrades will see a return when it comes time to sell. Katharine Tuckerman, a seasoned real estate agent in Manhattan's Upper East Side with Brown Harris Stevens, says that this room can make or break a deal, because buyers know they will "spend all their time in the kitchen!"
First and foremost, "people really lean towards light and bright kitchens," she says. And although there are so many fun opportunities for customization and colors in a remodel, Katharine confirms the adage that "a neutral palate is always a safe call." Of course, it's not quite that simple! While buyers often anticipate "making minor adjustments," some specific design choices have major selling power, or will just make the space "show much better," as Katharine puts it. From countertops and cabinetry to lighting and appliances, she gives us her winning formula for a kitchen renovation that will rock the MLS!
Source: A Beautiful Mess and Brittany Makes
4 Things You Should Be Doing to Lose Weight This Summer
Whether you're trying to lose a few this Summer or you just don't want to gain, these are four must-follow tips to keep in mind.
Breathe, Sweat, Repeat
You breathe every single day, you need air to live - think of moving your body as just as essential. The best thing you can do this Summer to hit your weight-loss goals? Move every single day (even on vacation). Let the warm weather inspire you and go swimming, hiking, or rock climbing. After a couple weeks, it will become a habit, second nature, something you just do, and it will feel weird not to fit in a workout every day.
Grab That Reusable Bag
Make a point to hit up your local farmers market every week. Take advantage of the fresh Summer produce because you'll not only save money buying foods in season, but they'll taste better too. All those fresh fruits and veggies like berries, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, and greens are full of fiber and nutrients and are much healthier to eat than a cheeseburger off the grill.
Get Out Your Calendar
Summer should be about having fun, being impulsive, and living on the edge a little. That freedom is what makes Summer feel so joyful. But without a little structure to your days, you can easily fall into bad habits of eating whenever and whatever you like and skipping your workouts. Keep your calendar close and make sure to pencil in times to exercise each day before your crazy Summer schedule makes that impossible. Even if you're away from home for a weekend or a week, find ways to stay on track and keep up with your established routine.
Go Easy on the Summer Celebrating
Cracking open a few cold beers, licking an ice cream cone, and sitting down to a barbecue with friends are the definition of Summer. Enjoy those warm-weather foods, but don't make them a daily habit. You can also find lower-calorie ways to enjoy these Summer favorites: try homemade popsicles or frozen fruit ice cream instead of soft serve, grill up sweet potato burgers and veggies using olive oil instead of slathering on butter, and alternate drinking a beer with a refreshing glass of lemon water. Make a point to eat a big salad for one meal every day - and bring one to barbecues like this cucumber, black bean, corn, and avocado salad so you always have a go-to healthy meal to pile on your plate. You'll feel lighter, less bloated, and better about baring more skin.
This Little Girl with Uncombable Hair Syndrome Proves Not Heroes Wear Capes
It's one thing to have curly hair that tangles badly, but you might not realize that there's such a thing as uncombable hair syndrome. Shilah Calvert-Yin, a 7-year-old from Australia, found out she had the disorder in November 2016. Thankfully, wasn't bothered by it in the slightest.
"It's not ordinary and it's not boring like everyone else's," Calvert-Yin said to the Daily Mail. "Everyone knows me and remembers me - especially at school; all the grade levels know who I am."
Shilah's mother Celeste realized something wasn't quite right with her locks when she was about 3 months old. "When Shilah was a baby her hair was so soft and fluffy," wrote Celeste in an Instagram post. "Funny thing is it still is. It is not coarse at all but extremely fluffy and breaks away from the root quite easily."
The condition is extremely rare. And according to the National Center for Advancing Translational Science, Uncombable Hair Syndrome - or UHS for short - is pretty easy to recognize. "The quantity of hair remains normal, but the hair often grows slowly. Over time the hair becomes progressively silvery-blond or straw-colored; dry and disordered (standing out and growing in different directions); and unmanageable to comb flat."
And don't even think about trying to brush it, since trying to manage hair like this can only lead to breakage.
The good news? Most people with UHS tend to grow out of it for the most part. As they get older, their hair becomes easier to deal with and their symptoms lessen.
Until then, Shilah seems to really like her unusual hair: "I think my friends wish they had hair like mine."
Justin Bieber Explains Tour Cancellation: "I'm VERY Aware I'm Never Gonna Be Perfect"
Justin Bieber is turning over a new leaf. Nearly two weeks after canceling the remaining dates of his Purpose World Tour, the singer posted a typed message on Instagram explaining to his fans why he decided to take a break. Following reports that he wants to "rededicate his life to Christ," Justin added that he is not only working on himself, but is also surrounding himself with positive people to help shape him into the man, and future husband and father, he wants to be. His full message reads as follows:
"I'm so grateful for this journey with all of you. I'm grateful for the tours but most of all I am grateful I get to go through this life WITH YOU! Learning and growing hasn't always been easy but knowing I'm not alone has kept me going. I have let my insecurities get the best of me at times, I let my broken relationships dictate the way I acted towards people and the way I treated them! I let bitterness, jealousy and fear run my life!!! I am extremely blessed to have people in the past few years help me build my character back up reminding me of who I am and who I want to be!!! Reminding me my past decisions and past relationships won't dictate my future decisions and my future relationships. I'm VERY aware I'm never gonna be perfect, and I'm gonna keep making mistakes. I wanna be a man that learns from them and grows from them!! I want you all to know this tour has been unbelievable and has taught me so much about myself. I am reminded of how blessed I am to have a voice in this world. I've learned the more you appreciate your calling the more you want to protect your calling. Me taking this time right now is me saying I want to be SUSTAINABLE. I want my career to be sustainable, but I also want my mind heart and soul to be sustainable so that I can be the man I want to be, the husband I eventually want to be and the father I want to be. This message is just an opportunity for you to know my heart, I'm not expecting anyone to understand, but I do want people to have an opportunity to know where I am coming from! THIS MESSAGE IS VERY GRAMMATICALLY INCORRECT BUT ITS FROM THE HEART. BUT I THINK THERES SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT IMPERFECTIONS!!"
You'll Giggle For Days When You See Who's President on This Letter From the White House
My British-born husband takes his oath of citizenship today. In the packet for new Americans, the welcome letter from POTUS is from Obama. 😂 http://pic.twitter.com/O56cMj0hhx
- Aisha Sultan (@AishaS) July 14, 2017
STLtoday columnist Aisha Sultan gave many people something to smile about when she shared photos of her British husband's citizenship welcome letter. The now-viral photo features an official White House letterhead at the top and shows former president Barack Obama as the current POTUS instead of President Trump. Obama's signature is stamped at the bottom of the heartwarming welcoming letter, which talks about embracing incoming immigrants as part of the American family, a stark contrast to the anti-immigration rhetoric Trump has long stood for. The irony of it all was not lost on those who viewed it.
omg they haven't updated that yet? https://t.co/G4hV5bWAOU
- Andrew Losowsky (@losowsky) July 14, 2017
This is ... strange ... https://t.co/K4pKdIIG3z
- Arwa Gunja (@Arwa_Gunja) July 14, 2017
Most people were generally excited about the possibility of living in an alternate universe where Obama is still our president.
Congrats Aisha. My UK-born husband became a citizen under Obama, and looking back, we took it for granted.
- Amanda Kolson Hurley (@amandakhurley) July 15, 2017
Congratulations! You are very lucky.
- Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) July 15, 2017
Amazing. https://t.co/1mGI8EwF36
- Alex Gervasi (@AlexontheMic) July 15, 2017
Perfect http://pic.twitter.com/jbCA1Mka0m
- kelly oxford (@kellyoxford) July 15, 2017
Actually I hope they keep it that way, the only welcome letter that matters: it's the one I received when I became citizen. Respect, O! 🙌 https://t.co/fyWHITjcGW
- FrancescoFrancavilla (@f_francavilla) July 15, 2017
http://pic.twitter.com/JTRyI7vW6c
- kim (@kim) July 14, 2017
While it's unclear why the change from Obama to Trump hasn't yet been made, it is clear that many people are going to enjoy it while it lasts.
2 moms worry about kids' cord blood samples after Health Canada lab inspection
Two mothers from across the country want to know what happened to their children’s cord blood, after finding out the Toronto company they both paid to store it was found non-compliant by Health Canada.
So That Was Ellaria Sand's Last Scene on Game of Thrones, Ever
Cersei got her ultimate revenge on Game of Thrones. Last week, we thought Ellaria Sand might have died at the hands of Euron Greyjoy, but it turns out the maniacal monster turned her over to an even madder monarch: Cersei Lannister. True to form, Cersei plans the ultimate revenge for Ellaria, who had previously poisoned her daughter, Myrcella. And while we see the cruel and poetic setup for Cersei's plan, we never see the follow through.
Here's how Cersei puts it all together: she chains Ellaria up in a dungeon. Her daughter Tyene is chained up on the opposite wall. Then, using the same poison Ellaria uses on Myrcella, Cersei dooms Tyene to the same death. Cersei even delivers her fate in the form of a kiss, just like Ellaria. Now Ellaria must watch as her daughter dies from the effects of the poison. As for Ellaria, she'll simply waste away until she starves to death.
If you were thinking Ellaria would have an epic death scene, think again. In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, actress Indira Varma revealed that we'll never see Ellaria again. "I was expecting it," Varma explained about her death. "I wasn't heartbroken. And I was like, 'As long as I die on screen . . . ' and they were like 'Yeah!' But of course I don't die on screen. I stay alive, I'm just not going to reappear." So, that's it. That last scene is all we're going to get.
At this point, I think it's important to note that Game of Thrones doesn't really shy away from graphic deaths. We've seen the Mountain crushing Oberyn Martell's skull. We've seen tons of slashed throats and the horrifying and gratuitous death of a pregnant Talisa Stark. We've watched Joffrey turning bright purple and gurgling blood as he gets wrecked from inside out. Because of this, I assumed we'd get a sort of epilogue with Ellaria Sand. Maybe we'd cut back to see her daughter's last moments before the poison took hold, or maybe Cersei would return to put Ellaria out of her misery when she's too weak to stand or lift her head.
But no, Game of Thrones has left this chapter to our imaginations. We can pretty much count Ellaria Sand among the dead in season seven. Her tame, offscreen death joins that of Lady Olenna, who also dies of poisoning this week, but at the hands of Jaime Lannister - and not before delivering a devastating final speech, of course. So, with this information, we bid farewell to Ellaria. If you were hoping for more blood, we're sure there's plenty on the horizon in the weeks to come.
If You Always Run to the Bathroom at the Worst Time During Movies, You Need This App
Image Source: StockSnap / Felix Mooneeram
There's always that struggle of needing to go to the bathroom during a movie but not wanting to miss the best scenes. I personally experience this problem as a frequent movie-goer, so I know not to drink anything before a lengthy film. But when I go to theaters that serve food and alcohol, it's not like I'm not going to enjoy myself. But that also means having to pee every 20 minutes and missing several crucial scenes, like I did during the Power Rangers reboot.
After the movie (which was great by the way, despite what others may have told you), I realized that I missed some key moments when I couldn't figure out what a friend was referencing. Dammit, I was peeing then. And that's when he told me to download the RunPee app, a free app dedicated to telling you which times during a movie are ideal for a bathroom break. That means no more returning to rolling credits or missing the juiciest parts!
The RunPee team goes to the earliest showing possible (usually the Thursday night on opening day), so the app is always up to date. If no one is available to attend, the times will be posted by 2 p.m. (PST) on that Friday at the latest. And sometimes if it's a popular blockbuster, they'll even have that information up before the release date.
How does it work?
Each movie includes several "recommended peetimes" with the exact quote to cue you, as well as an approximate time window to let you know how long you have. If you tap the clock icon near the top right corner, you can set a timer as soon as the movie begins. You'll be notified with a vibration when it's time to go! To avoid receiving false alarms from texts, it's suggested that you put your phone on airplane mode so that the app is the only alert you get.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Yi
The user even includes a brief and usually humorous reason for they selected that particular slot for you. It's pretty freaking cool!
So That Was Ellaria Sand's Last Scene on Game of Thrones, Ever
Cersei got her ultimate revenge on Game of Thrones. Last week, we thought Ellaria Sand might have died at the hands of Euron Greyjoy, but it turns out the maniacal monster turned her over to an even madder monarch: Cersei Lannister. True to form, Cersei plans the ultimate revenge for Ellaria, who had previously poisoned her daughter, Myrcella. And while we see the cruel and poetic setup for Cersei's plan, we never see the follow through.
Here's how Cersei puts it all together: she chains Ellaria up in a dungeon. Her daughter Tyene is chained up on the opposite wall. Then, using the same poison Ellaria uses on Myrcella, Cersei dooms Tyene to the same death. Cersei even delivers her fate in the form of a kiss, just like Ellaria. Now Ellaria must watch as her daughter dies from the effects of the poison. As for Ellaria, she'll simply waste away until she starves to death.
If you were thinking Ellaria would have an epic death scene, think again. In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, actress Indira Varma revealed that we'll never see Ellaria again. "I was expecting it," Varma explained about her death. "I wasn't heartbroken. And I was like, 'As long as I die on screen . . . ' and they were like 'Yeah!' But of course I don't die on screen. I stay alive, I'm just not going to reappear." So, that's it. That last scene is all we're going to get.
At this point, I think it's important to note that Game of Thrones doesn't really shy away from graphic deaths. We've seen the Mountain crushing Oberyn Martell's skull. We've seen tons of slashed throats and the horrifying and gratuitous death of a pregnant Talisa Stark. We've watched Joffrey turning bright purple and gurgling blood as he gets wrecked from inside out. Because of this, I assumed we'd get a sort of epilogue with Ellaria Sand. Maybe we'd cut back to see her daughter's last moments before the poison took hold, or maybe Cersei would return to put Ellaria out of her misery when she's too weak to stand or lift her head.
But no, Game of Thrones has left this chapter to our imaginations. We can pretty much count Ellaria Sand among the dead in season seven. Her tame, offscreen death joins that of Lady Olenna, who also dies of poisoning this week, but at the hands of Jaime Lannister - and not before delivering a devastating final speech, of course. So, with this information, we bid farewell to Ellaria. If you were hoping for more blood, we're sure there's plenty on the horizon in the weeks to come.
50 Cupcake Recipes, Because Sometimes More Is More
We'll always have a soft spot for cupcakes; they're cute, individually-portioned - because really, no one likes sharing - festive, and infinitely adaptable. Sure, you could hit up Sprinkles to get your fix, but why not bake your own? We've rounded up 50 stellar recipes ranging from the classics (Magnolia Bakery's vanilla, red velvet, and funfetti) to the super-creative (cotton candy, chocolate tahini, and honey lavender). Pin your favorites, and you'll be all set on the inspiration-front the next time a celebration rolls around.
10 Inspiring Bloggers Who Redefine Society's Beauty Standards
This year, we've been inspired by some incredible beauty influencers who've documented their journeys to self-love on Instagram and YouTube. Whether they've faced a rare disease or celebrated their body hair (or lack of hair!), these 10 bloggers don't let their unique looks let them feel any less beautiful and encourage us to be confident in our own skin, too.
Get to know the new faces defying conventional beauty standards, ahead.
Oh, Honey! This Will & Grace Makeout Session Will Get You So Excited For the Reboot
Honey, what's this? What's happening? Oh, you know, it's just Eric McCormack and Sean Hayes making out. The Will & Grace stars showed off their hilarious affection for each other while attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reboot of their beloved show in LA on Wednesday. The two, who are reprising their iconic roles as Will Truman and Jack McFarland respectively for NBC's limited 10-episode revival, had a great time at the event with costars Debra Messing (Grace Adler) and Megan Mullally (Karen Walker). The reboot doesn't premiere until Sept. 28, so just lose yourself in these photos until then.
What Your Child's Kindergarten Teacher Wants You to Know Before School Starts
While nursery school and preschool are both important, they ultimately serve as stepping stones to get your child ready for the "Big K" - kindergarten. The first "official" level in grade school, kindergarten can sometimes be a big step from pre-k - not only for your kiddo, but for you as well - so we reached out to kindergarten teachers to find out what they really want you to know (and teach your child) before school starts, to prevent you from being totally overwhelmed.
Read through for the seven tips and pieces of advice about everything from autonomy to eye exams.
Tarek El Moussa Just Revealed What Pushed Him to File For Divorce and It Might Shock You
When Tarek El Moussa filed for divorce from wife and HGTV partner in crime Christina El Moussa in December 2016, we had a lot of questions, and now, he's telling all. Tarek recently sat down with Us Weekly to talk about what caused his split, as well as that shocking incident where Christina called the cops on her then-husband in May of last year.
"It was a gradual thing over time," the Flip or Flop star said when asked about what went wrong in his marriage. "We were both very busy people with health issues and kids. We didn't fight, we just grew apart." He explained that his battle with cancer took a toll on their relationship, as well as Christina's fertility issues and their miscarriage after having Taylor, 6, and before welcoming Brayden, 16 months.
Although the news of their split was shocking, fans were even more shocked to find out that Tarek and Christina decided to continue filming the show despite their divorce. When asked if it was awkward, Tarek said, "You have good days and bad days. Now we say, 'Hi, good morning.' We film together and talk about houses and the kids. . . . We'll be together for the rest of our lives because we have kids. We need to get along for the kids and for our sanity."
True that! But things did not seem so cordial between the parents of two after the news broke that Christina called the cops on Tarek after he left their home with a handgun in his backpack. As for why she called 911, Tarek said, "You'd have to ask her. It was blown out of proportion. I went hiking in Chino Hills State Park. We have bobcats, mountain lions. I took my gun only for protection."
He said that they went through counseling to try to work things out, but they realized a separation was the right decision. "Over the Summer, I moved out," Tarek said. "We thought it was best to have space. We didn't want the kids to see us upset."
Although there were some suspicious rumors about Tarek hiring a private investigator to check on Christina, he refuted the claims and said he was "done worrying about the past."
So, how's he doing since the split? In addition to saying he's "totally moved on," Tarek truly sounds like he's living his best life. "My goal is to create memories, and I think I'm doing that," he said. "I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. It takes a situation like this, where you get knocked down and you rebuild yourself into the person you want to be. I'm becoming the person I want to be."
The Scary Truth About Clawfoot Tubs
For several years now, clawfoot tubs have been the darlings of glossy magazine makeovers and Pinterest dream bathroom boards alike. But beneath their old-fashioned charm lies a harsh reality: they're not very practical. And worse, they can be downright damaging to your home. Don't take our word for it - Drew and Jonathan Scott, the stars of HGTV's Property Brothers and spokespeople for Esurance, recently gave us an earful about the scary pitfalls of clawfoot tubs.
"It doesn't butt up against the wall, so you get a lot of spillage and it can cause damage to your wall or can seep in and actually drip down from your bathroom to your lower level ceiling," says Jonathan, who reminds homeowners to "think function as well as style" when selecting the right tub for their home. This is especially important if you have kids who will inevitably splash water outside the tub. Adults can struggle with clawfoot tubs, too, especially when there's no separate shower. Drew advises, "If you're going to do it as both a shower and a tub, it has to be in a wet room. You have to have everything tiled and waterproof you can't have it in a regular room."
We're glad we know just how complicated this classic style actually is before taking the plunge (so to speak)!
When It Comes to Street Style, No One Can Beat Jennifer Lopez
In case you were wondering, Jennifer Lopez looks totally put-together and stylish always. The star's impeccable fashion choices aren't just reserved for red carpets, concerts, and late-night appearances. J Lo looks as spiffy as she does at big events like the Golden Globes while running errands in comfortable sweatpants and a sweatshirt or in her highest heels and most formfitting pencil skirt on the way to a business meeting. Seriously! When it comes to putting an outfit together and looking like a total badass in it, no one rivals Jennifer. Just keep scrolling to see for yourself.
No 'magic answer' to Toronto's string of overdoses, mayor says
Mayor John Tory says there’s no “magic answer” for the spate of drug overdoses and deaths that has hit the city, but his meeting this morning with health officials, police and other stakeholders is aimed at figuring out what more can be done to save lives.
The 5 Biggest Mistakes You Make When Getting in Shape For Summer
It's the end of July and the sun is out! It's natural to start thinking about a few weeks by the beach, hot weather, and, invariably, the thought of being "ready" for Summer creeps in, whatever that means. As a trainer, I believe that we should feel comfortable and happy all the time - body positivity is very important! But I also know that being healthy and feeling good is important too. And, yes, some women want to look good by losing weight or toning up - and that's OK! The problem lies in equating looking good with being slim. This constant pursuit of trying to look our best can be stressful, so instead, focus on feeling your best by eliminating these quick fixes from your life and focusing on sustainable changes.
1. Crash dieting
You know the drill. That blissful upcoming beach vacation, where cocktails and sunshine are imminent. You panic and decide to starve yourself in the hope that you'll lose weight quickly, but, well, you can guess the results: you lose couple of pounds, feel awful, and just want to stuff your face full of doughnuts. Crash diets never work.
The emergency fix? Replace refined carbs with leafy greens. After a week of replacing carbs with healthy veggies, not only you will feel lighter and less hungry between meals, but your cravings for sweets and snacks will diminish.
2. Body sculpting
It's not unheard of to want toned thighs, slimmer arms, and a flat belly, but trying to spot tone is a huge waste of time. When done alone, isolated exercises rarely trigger the results you want.
The emergency fix? Stick with big, compound exercises that work the whole body like squats, push-ups, or deadlifts. Focus on intensity and make these part of a well-rounded fitness routine. Your muscles will respond by becoming stronger and more toned, and you'll also feel more energized.
3. Only doing cardio
In general, too much cardio is not the most effective way to get fit. Exercise should be about making your body adapt, and too much cardio prevents your body from making lean muscle. Without strength training, you miss out on building long, lean, and toned limbs.
The emergency fix? When doing cardio, focus on high-intensity interval training. Hill sprints, kettlebell swings, and jumping rope will burn fat while also building - and maintaining - lean muscle. You can also pack in an intense workout in only 10 to 20 minutes, which is a huge bonus if you find an hour on a treadmill or elliptical boring.
4. Too much of the same thing
Your body adapts to exercise quickly, and when it gets used to the same routine over and over, fat loss and muscle toning taper off.
The emergency fix? Mix it up and try something new. Sure, it might be a bit awkward, but ask anyone about their first yoga class. It's likely that they couldn't get into Downward Dog without a bit of a struggle either. However, the challenge and learning process of something new makes your body work harder, resulting in a boost to your fitness.
5. Worrying about the idea of a "bikini body"
Putting effort into something and not seeing results straight away is very, very frustrating. You begin to wonder if there's any point and you start to doubt yourself. All this results in extra stress. And how does your body react to this? By demanding comfort food and lazy days in.
The emergency fix? This is the time to remember that every body is a "bikini body." It's more important to feel good about yourself and focus on the benefits of being healthy and happy all year round. Turn your personal body positivity up to full volume and remember that being healthy is a state of mind not defined by a two-piece outfit.
1 Makeup Artist's Re-creations of Disney Villains Are So Accurate They're Scary
A makeup whiz is already giving us the inspiration we need for this coming Halloween. (Yes, we're fully aware it's several months away - and?) Audrey Logeais is a Paris-based makeup artist who frequently transforms her kind and willing friend, Ahmed Guerrouache, into famous villains from the expanded Disney universe.
Audrey began sharing her work on Instagram in 2015, her very first villain being Jafar from Aladdin. Since then, she's managed to re-create villains from Hercules and Star Wars: The Force Awakens with startling accuracy. As a result, Audrey is gradually amassing a larger social following, with each makeup transformation racking up more likes. It's her re-creation of Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove, however, that has received the most attention. Ahead, see Audrey's incredible work.
If Mary-Kate Olsen Makes These Summer Shoes Cool Again, She'll Be Everyone's Hero
Mary-Kate Olsen stepped out in New York wearing her signature look: oversize neutral separates, a leather hobo bag, and simple sunglasses. We immediately looked down to her pooling trousers, equipped with an ankle flap at the back. Rather than hiding her footwear, the roomy pants brought attention to Mary-Kate's familiar shoe silhouette. She was wearing The Row's Egon sandal, a design with a flat sole and elastic straps that wrap around the foot just like a classic Teva would.
If Mary-Kate and Ashley's sleek, city-chic version of the comfortable shoe brings it back in style, we certainly won't be complaining. In fact, there are quite a few versions on the market that are reminiscent of a Teva, all of which we can get behind for the season ahead. Scroll for another glimpse at Mary-Kate's effortless outfit, then shop her exact sandals along with similar versions we love. (Teva included.)
Kendall Jenner Is Wearing the New Summer Miniskirt You Never Saw Coming
When Kendall Jenner stepped out for an evening with model friends Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin, she was wearing something you might find on Carrie Bradshaw: a tiny little miniskirt, a crop top to bare her toned abs, a Louis Vuitton designer purse, and glittering slingback heels. But Kendall's white tank was very revealing, and her skirt, at first glance, looks like a deconstructed military parka.
Turns out, the jacket skirt is quite the trend this season, with labels like Marc Jacobs and Faith Connexion churning out their own variations. And if you prefer a leather moto coat, designers are transforming those into bottoms too. Just read on to admire Kendall's daring take on a '90s evening look, then shop the piece for yourself.
This Hidden Beach in Mexico Is Difficult to Reach but Totally Worth the Trip
Puerto Vallarta's bucket-list-worthy gem goes by several names, including Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach) and Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach). Whatever you call it, you're not incorrect - because it fits all of those descriptions: fully hidden and romantic. As part of the Marieta Islands at Banderas Bay, Mexico, Hidden Beach looks like a hole in the earth that's completely invisible from the outside, unless you're viewing it aerially.
Islas Marietas National Park is a group of small, uninhabited islands formed by underwater volcanic eruptions. It is recognized by UNESCO as a protected biosphere reserve and has therefore been increasingly more difficult to get to over recent years. Though it is "hidden," it's definitely not a secret, as it's become a popular tourist site. The open cavern is home to marine wildlife and bird colonies, so the only activities allowed are swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing. The only way to get to Hidden Beach is via a water tunnel that connects to the Pacific Ocean. Your options of getting through are swimming or kayaking, since you're limited to six feet of space above the water.
Though the archipelago originated from volcanic activity, it's said that the hole was a result of military bombs tested by the Mexican government. Scientist Jacques Cousteau protested against harmful activity in the '60s, and the beach was eventually recognized as a national park in 2005. After seeing these photos, you'll understand all the efforts to preserve it. Check them out!
15 Refreshing Cocktails to Celebrate Watermelon Season
Some might be celebrating the arrival of sun rays and Summer fashion, but not us. What we're really pumped about is watermelon season. And just when we thought nothing could beat sitting outside with a juicy slice of the fruit, we found these 15 cocktail recipes. These refreshing margaritas, citrusy sangrias, and sharp mojitos are here to change your life and make happy hour a hell of a lot happier this Summer. Look ahead and get ready to mix 'em up!
How to Get That '50s Boudoir Look All the Cool Girls Are Wearing
I first fell in love with the "straight out of the bedroom" look while watching Sex and the City: The Movie. On New Year's Eve, Carrie ditched her New York apartment spontaneously to go veg out on Chinese food with Miranda in Brooklyn. Her throw-on-and-go outfit was phenomenal: A floral slip and camisole layered over a tee finished with a strand of pearls, leather booties, a furry coat, and some sparkly accessories. Chalk it up to a typically fabulous Carrie ensemble if you will, but I'm pretty sure costumer Patricia Field was onto something.
Enter 2017, and designers like Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs are bringing '50s boudoir elements into play, finishing slinky slips with beads and feathers that make them street ready. Stars such as Alexa Chung, Elle Fanning, and Rihanna have bought into the look and flaunted these ultra-glamorous (but also comfortable) pieces on the red carpet or for a night out. Of course, the trend has trickled down, and we found plenty of items that fit the bill if those pearl Miu Miu slippers and Prada silk coordinated sets are a bit out of budget. Scroll for a refresher on bedroom style, then shop away.
20-Minute Flat-Belly and Toned-Arms Workout
schWe like to think of this workout as a two-for-one! We're going to work your abs and arms with a bunch of multitasking moves that target both areas and more. If you're new to working out, don't worry. We offer beginner modifications for all the exercises throughout the video. Grab a set of dumbbells between five and 10 pounds, and get ready to feel the burn. Here's a printable PDF version of the workout so you can take it to the gym.
Pin For Later
On Anna: BodyLanguage
On Brittany: Puma, Koral, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
On Kaycee: BodyLanguage, Lululemon, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
Manduka mats and Corkcicle bottles
This Week's Game of Thrones Calls Back to the First Episode (and You Probably Missed It)
Poor Jon Snow is the wolf that cried White Walker. On this week's Game of Thrones, Jon and Daenerys finally meet for the first time, but he's left disappointed when Dany doesn't immediately spring into action when Jon tells her about the impending White Walker apocalypse. Later, when he and Tyrion are having a brood-off on the bluffs, he vents his frustration about how nobody believes him, saying "It's hard for me to fathom, it really is. If someone told me about the White Walkers and the Night King. . ." then he takes a long pause, seeming to realize the truth: someone did tell Jon.
If you remember back to the very first episode of Game of Thrones, Ned executes a man who deserted the Night's Watch after witnessing a White Walker attack. As Jon, Robb, and Bran look on, the ranger begs that Ned spread the word about what's coming, saying, "I know I broke my oath. I know I'm a deserter. I should've gone back to the Wall and warned them, but I saw what I saw. I saw the White Walkers. People need to know." After the beheading, Bran asks his father if the man was lying and Ned replies, "A mad man sees what he sees."
As Jon seems to recall this memory, he tells Tyrion, "You probably don't believe me." Because now he's the guy who left the Night's Watch to warn people about the White Walkers, and he's the one who sounds like a mad man. It's a full-circle moment, but hopefully Jon will meet a better fate than his fellow believer.
Why You Should Think Twice About Granite Countertops
Granite and marble have long been the reigning high-end countertop material of choice - but if you've browsed a kitchen showroom recently, you may have noticed that these swanky stones are being usurped by quartz. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, manufactured quartz is now the leading countertop material - and with good reason.
Durability
- Unlike high-maintenance granite and marble (they're beautiful but fragile!), quartz is naturally stain repellent and impervious to acidic foods.
- It's resistant to scratches and chips. Translation: you don't have to worry about your countertops looking trashed from normal wear and tear.
- Quartz doesn't require any sealing, whereas granite and marble require at least yearly treatments.
Style
- The biggest reason for the recent surge in quartz's popularity can likely be traced to advances in the man-made stone's aesthetic.
- Manufacturers have figured out how to remove the overly flecked and unnaturally uniform patterns and create the organic-looking swirls and variations of natural stone.
Affordability
- Quartz falls right between granite and marble at about $80 per square foot, compared to granite's approximate $75 per foot average and marble's $85.
With its reasonable price point, newly improved form, and superior function, we think the quartz trend is here to stay.
Why Moms Should Give Up on Their "Number"
A close friend of mine recently had her third baby, a gorgeous child that her doctors had advised she not have. The baby, like her 2- and 4-year-olds, was delivered by C-section, and because her first Cesarean was a hastily performed, emergency situation that never healed well, her doctors were worried that a third delivery would be dangerous for her health.
I believe the exact words her doctor used, immediately after performing her second C-section, were: "You really should not have any more babies." My friend, however, had always imagined herself with three kids, so she ignored that advice, getting pregnant quickly after she stopped breastfeeding her second child.
This isn't a tragic story. My friend survived her third C-section, as did her child, but she also got such a terrible infection post-delivery that she ended up in the cancer unit, where the doctors placed her because the heightened sterilization was safer for her infection-ridden body. She couldn't see her children, including her newborn baby, for almost a week. She was released from the hospital to recover at home, with a nurse visiting to pack her wounds twice a day.
As worried as I've been about her since her last child's birth, I can't say I was surprised that the delivery and recovery was so difficult. I don't think she was, either - though of course, she had hoped for an easier path, despite her doctor's multiple warnings. This friend isn't the only one in my life who has gone through hell - physically, emotionally, and financially - all for one goal: to reach their "number."
Most moms I know have one; it's that number of kids you always thought you'd have, usually influenced by your own childhood experiences and sibling relationships. And it can be almost impossible for some women to get past, even when they're medically advised to stop having kids, even when the rounds of IVF aren't working, even when advanced maternal age is putting them in the highest risk category.
I try not to judge. After all, I had my own number (two), preferably a boy and girl, and that's exactly what I got. I realize that I won my own genetic lottery. But that doesn't mean that I think being stuck on a number of kids you thought you'd have is a healthy thing (see hospitalization story above for proof), and it so often leads to so much unnecessary sadness.
She knew she'd always be thinking about those phantom babies that were part of her imaginary perfect family.
When another girlfriend realized that medically she was going to have to stop at two kids, instead of the three or even four she really wanted, she came to me for reassurance that two was enough, that her family might someday feel complete, although she knew she'd always be thinking about those phantom babies that were part of her imaginary perfect family. Of course your family can be complete with only two, I told her. But only if you let it be. Only if you give up that dream scenario and live in reality, where you have two beautiful, healthy children who need you to think that they are enough.
After years of talking about defying her doctors and getting pregnant again (a situation that would have been seriously life-threatening to her), she eventually realized it wasn't going to happen and moved on, but I know she still wishes she had another kid or two running around her house. Our number is that hard to put down. But maybe, for our own health and happiness and the sake of our already-born children, we should try.
Is the "Clean Sleeping" Trend Your Key to Better Shut-Eye, Health, and Wellness?
Previous studies have shown us how sleep and memory are closely linked, but there are far more areas affected by the quality of shut-eye you regularly get or don't get. Mood, weight, immunity, and stress and energy levels are a few on this list. Sleep is a critical factor in determining the state of your overall wellness, which is why Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow is totally on board with "clean sleeping."
Turns out, the "clean" trend isn't solely limited to your diet. It also applies to clean sleeping, which can be achieved through good pre-bedtime habits combined with other lifestyle changes. Adopting them may help you sleep better and, as a result, feel better and look better. While Goop has been known to raise eyebrows with some of its practices and claims, Gwyneth does include some helpful tips in her book, Goop Clean Beauty, on ways to improve sleep. See some of them below.
How to Sleep Clean
- Get nine to 10 hours of sleep each night: According to leading nutritional scientist and hormone adviser Dr. Laura Lefkowitz, your body "repairs and detoxifies overnight," which is why it's critical to get as much shut-eye as you can. While seven to nine is normally the prescribed number for adults (ages 18 to 64), Laura also told the Daily Mail that nine hours is key to aging well, staying slim, and having glowing skin.
- Meditate: Yoga Nidra, which is basically sleeping while awake, is a specific practice recommended by the Goop team, but any form of meditation that brings you to a relaxed state can be beneficial.
- Cut off nighttime snacks at a certain hour: Detox expert Dr. Alejandro Junger added to the Daily Mail article by Gwyneth and Goop editors by recommending a 12-hour fasting window to avoid disrupting the digestive process while you sleep. If you finish dinner at 7 p.m., for example, you shouldn't eat again until 7 in the morning, so you can allow your body to detox properly overnight.
- Shut it off before bed: Scrolling through Instagram before bed could actually keep you from falling asleep. Not only are you more likely to reach over to your phone to check notifications, but blue light from devices can also mess with melatonin.
- Keep the same sleep schedule: Get your body into the habit and go to bed at the same time every night. You'll be able to fall asleep more easily and your biological clock (aka your circadian rhythm) will also be on the same page.
- Limit caffeine to your mornings: Grabbing that second or third cup of coffee in the afternoon can impact your ability to sleep hours later. Cut yourself off from caffeine four to six hours before bedtime.
- Get yourself to relax: Gwyneth suggests trying a trigger point head rub or foot massage before dozing off, but Dr. Sujay Kansagra, director of Duke University's Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program, told HuffPost that "anything that helps your body relax is likely to benefit your sleep."
6 Ways to Fight the Summer Slump at Work
Let's face it, the summertime means vacation vibes, hanging with friends, and chilling on the beach. But here's another truth: our bills don't stop during the Summer, and unless you are a trust-fund baby, you need to continue to get paid. So how do you stay focused and avoid the Summer slump at work? Here are six tips for doing just that:
1. Find Your Balance
All work and no play will leave you feeling summertime-fun-deprived, so it is important to find your balance. Make sure your week is filled with not only work duties but also many fun things to do so you don't feel bummed out that you have to work. Also, the fact that the sun is up longer during the Summer allows you to have many after-work functions without having to play hooky.
2. Plan Your Day
It is easy to fall into a slump if you allow the day to control you instead of you controlling it. Make sure you plan your day early so that you can schedule in some time for fun. When you have the day planned out, it allows you to dictate what parts of your day will be focused on work and when you can take a break. Schedule lunch breaks and enjoy the sun throughout the day. Also, try to arrive at work earlier so you can leave earlier, if permitted.
3. Do More Work
This may sound counterintuitive, but doing more work is important in order to not fall into a slump. The more idle time you have, the more opportunity your brain gets to wander and wish it was somewhere else. Do your best to stay busy. It's still important to take breaks in between, but in a structured way.
4. Dress Appropriately
Summertime work slump also occurs when you are uncomfortable. Your workplace may be a bit cold from the AC, but the heat outside may be too intense to allow going to work in a full suit (talk about a conundrum), and taking the extra step to assure your comfortability is important for your productivity. If you get to work drenched in sweat or freezing from the AC, your mind will not be too happy and you will probably get very little done. Instead, make sure that you leave appropriate clothes at your job in order to accommodate for both extremes.
5. Stay Organized
Desk clutter can cause serious anxiety and overwhelm you, and this added stress at the workplace can be demotivating (especially when it's hot). Taking the time to get organized and focused is totally worth it.
6. Exercise in the Morning
Morning exercise is said to give you more energy during the day. Instead of relying on your daily cup of joe to provide the boost you need to get through, you can go for a light jog or do some strength training to keep you more alert and productive at work. While your coffee may provide some temporary relief, the crash that comes with it may not add to your cause. Exercise will give you the natural and good energy you need. And if you don't have a gym membership, don't worry - there are plenty of ways to work out without paying for one.
Every Royal Bride Has a Sprig of This 1 Flower in Her Bouquet
Spring is well and truly sprung! So what better way to celebrate than by taking a look at all of the royal family's favorite flowers. Which ones have a special meaning for Prince Harry? Which blooms does the queen have on her desk? And what was the secret meaning behind Kate's bridal bouquet? From blossom-drenched weddings to private palace gardens and poignant plantings to meaningful decades-long passion projects, we've rounded up all the royal flower inspiration you'll ever need.
Get the Ultimate Glow With These 10 Luxe Self-Tanners
We don't all have the time to get that naturally beautiful glow, which is why using self-tanners is such an effective and efficient alternative. Shopping at your local department store can result in big rewards because they have luxe choices that smell lovely, contain rock-star ingredients, and even come in chic packaging. We searched through the best high-end products to find the top self-tanners. Once you find one you like, everyone will think you just returned from vacation.
Articles
