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.
vendredi 4 août 2017
Here Are All the Gory Details About Universal's Halloween Horror Nights 2017
Image Source: Flickr user Best of Orlando
There's nothing I love more than getting the sh*t scared out of me. I'm a horror movie buff, I live for thrill rides and risky travel adventures, and most of all, I love horror houses and mazes, which is why my first experience with Halloween Horror Nights a few years ago was a dream (well, more like a nightmare) come true. Thankfully, every year brings a fresh new terror to the tradtional Universal Studios event, and 2017's Halloween Horror Nights promises scares that are nothing short of spine-tingling.
The events at the Hollywood and Orlando parks will also feature classic attractions like scare zones, fun shows, and more! The event begins at both parks on Sept. 15 and runs on select nights through Nov. 4. Here's what you can look forward to this year!
Ash vs. Evil Dead
First the first time ever, Halloween Horror Nights will feature a haunted maze inspired by the Starz TV show. The attraction will be at the Orlando and Hollywood parks and promises to "transport guests into the town of Elk Grove, Michigan, where they will encounter Deadites - people or objects possessed by evil demons - that have been unwittingly unleashed by Ash Williams - again." Throughout the maze, guests will come face to face with "disturbing characters and iconic comedic and gory scenes . . . as they desperately try to escape all things evil."
The Shining
The Shining maze is making a haunting debut at the Orlando and Hollywood parks this year, and guests will be able to "relive some of the film's most iconic, and sinister, moments." Brave souls will enter the Overlook Hotel and will be "thrust into the hotel's tragic history of murder and madness, bearing witness to caretaker Jack Torrance's spiraling descent into insanity." Evil entities be will around every corner, and guests must make it through the maze while trying to escape Jack Torrance as he "violently succumbs to the hotel's paranormal forces."
American Horror Story: Roanoke
An American Horror Story attraction is returns to both parks this year, promising more twisted horror for guests. The new house will feature brand new content from season two, Asylum, season three, Coven, and season six, Roanoke. Guests will "relive the horrific story of the Millers in Roanoke" where they'll be "at the mercy of Piggy, the grisly Polk family and the ghosts of the blood moon."
The Walking Dead Attraction
Universal Studios Hollywood has a new permanent attraction inspired by AMC's TV series The Walking Dead. Guests can immerse themselves in a world where the dead don't stay that way, full of creepy sounds, bloody sights, ominous music, and more.
Tickets are now on sale for Halloween Horror Nights 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood; get them here. You can find tickets for Orlando's event on the website here.
The Ultimate Harry Potter Bucket List For Your Next Trip to Scotland
Harry Potter fans, if you've got the time and the means to really traverse Scotland, there are several places you absolutely must see. The picturesque country in the UK not only played as the backdrop in many scenes of the Harry Potter films, but as a longtime devotee to Scotland, author J.K. Rowling also drew inspiration from the country while writing. From the cafe where the Harry Potter books were supposedly born to the lakes in each of the movies, Scotland has magic sprinkled all across it. For the ultimate guide on where to go, grab your broomstick - or a flight to Scotland - and keep reading.
Joanna Gaines's Parents Have the Cutest Love Story
Let's be honest, Joanna Gaines inspires us all on the daily. Not only is she a design and renovation powerhouse, but her swoon-worthy relationship with husband Chip Gaines gives us all the feels. Plus, did we mention how cute she is with her look-alike sister?! Needless to say, Joanna is definitely a family gal, and after doing a little digging, we've realized that as the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Her adorable parents, who have been married for 45 years, are simply the epitome of marriage goals. Read on as we break down some of our favorite moments between Joanna's sweet parents and the Stevens family.
5 Reasons You're Bombing Your Phone Interviews
After actually submitting a job application, a phone screen is the first step in landing your dream job. Even though it's a short and simple process, it can be extremely nerve wracking. After screening hundreds of candidates for POPSUGAR, I've gained plenty of insight into what makes a successful phone screen. Here's what you could be getting wrong and some tips on how to do better.
You're rambling
Phone screens are simple! All a recruiter needs to hear from you is a basic rundown of your experience and why it's relevant to the job you're applying for. Prepare a 3-5 minute pitch explaining your career progression, and what led you to apply for this job. You don't need to give a play-by-play of every single task you did for each job - only highlight projects, tasks, or accomplishments that are directly related to the role you are speaking about.
You're not showing your enthusiasm
If you really want a job, your enthusiasm will shine through during the conversation. Recruiters read people well, and they speak to countless numbers of people . . . it's very obvious if this is a role you're passionate about versus a role that you're just applying for. I can tell you that out of every single role I've screened, I can still remember the enthusiasm I felt from the candidate that ended up landing the job. I can also remember candidates who tell me they want the job because "the office is cool," "you have good snacks," or "someone told me it's a good company." You can be enthusiastic about the role, the company, the industry - just be enthusiastic. Passion is important.
You aren't showing off your qualifications
I read plenty of resumes that lead me to believe the candidate can totally do the job at hand. As recruiters, we know what we're looking for, and we're only going to take time to talk to people who could be a great fit. Sometimes I'll be excited about an applicant's resume, and then once I actually get on the phone with that person, the conversation totally falls flat. I understand why people are shy - phone screens can be awkward AF - but make sure you're highlighting your relevant experience, even if it doesn't come up in the conversation. Always remember: if a recruiter is calling you, it means they see something promising in your experience. It's up to you to show them that they're right.
You really just might not be qualified . . .
On the flip side, sometimes recruiters will see something on your resume they think makes you qualified for the job, but after your conversation they realize it's not the case. Don't sweat this or take it personally, some things just aren't meant to be. As long as you've done your research on the company and the role and have explained why you think you're a fit, you've done everything you can possibly do.
You're making it weird
Recruiters are typically approachable and personable people, so it's easy to feel comfortable when you're talking to them, but don't play yourself. It's extremely important to be who you are and show your personality, but there is a fine line between being yourself and going overboard. Always remember that you are interviewing for a job, so keep it professional at all times - no super personal stories or anecdotes, and never say something in a screen that you wouldn't say to your current boss.
10 Signs of a Strong-Willed Child and Why It's Actually a Good Thing
If you've ever caught yourself exasperatedly wondering, "Why won't they just do as they're told?!" multiple times in the same day - or even hour - chances are good that you have a strong-willed child on your hands. Plenty of parents can relate to dealing with a marathon argument or two, but there's a difference between enduring a sporadic, passionate outburst and the day-in, day-out struggles with a spirited child. And while you may catch yourself feeling envious of the quiet kid at the restaurant or the one who isn't a picky eater, your child's hard-headed tendencies can actually be a blessing in disguise.
Here's a checklist of 10 signs that you have a strong-willed kid and why it can actually be a good thing.
The Hashtag #ObamaAndKids Is Still Our Favorite Thing on the Internet
Political preferences completely aside, former President Barack Obama is arguably one of the most adorable public figures around, which is why these pictures of him and babies are actually making us melt. Obama has never been shy about his love for children and was constantly appearing in sweet photos with kids throughout his presidency - which sparked the hashtag #ObamaAndKids - but we've got to argue that the snaps of him holding, snuggling, and kissing babies are by far the best.
Read through for photos of Obama looking too cute to handle alongside the most precious little babes.
1 Makeup Artist's Viral Clapback to Haters Who Accused Her of Charging Too Much
At just 18 years old, Mikala Walker has already built her very own business around doing makeup. What started as a free favor for her friends quickly blossomed into a full-on side hustle, as she now does proms and the occasional bridal event.
As her skills and experience grew over the years, so did the prices she charged her clients - and rightfully so! Whereas she initially charged $20 for a full face, Mikala now prices her services at $75.
Take one look at her Instagram, and you'll instantly see that her impressive talent makes her services worth every darn penny. But alas, some trolls in the depths of the internet seem to think otherwise. When the 18-year-old used Twitter to advertise a deal she was offering for prom makeup, she got quite a few mixed responses.
Now accepting Prom Makeup Appointments! EMAIL me for bookings! mikalamwalker@gmail.com 💅🏻 http://pic.twitter.com/HCHcADtvOa
- mikala (@mikalawalker) February 22, 2017
Many people accused her of charging too much money, with one user calling the price "pretty ridiculous for the quality of [her] work" and another labeling it as "total bs." But instead of letting the haters get the best of her, Mikala responded in a subtly sassy get oh-so-fitting way: by crunching some numbers to show her followers exactly how expensive all of her makeup products really are. She tweeted a list of the various items she uses, along with a photo of her calculator showing the whopping total: $635!
The fact that people complain about my price of $75 for full face but don't realize the actual cost behind it 🙂 http://pic.twitter.com/tZHBRMMYSw
- mikala (@mikalawalker) March 2, 2017
Tons of her followers and other makeup artists quickly responded to support Mikala for firing back at the haters.
This Girl Gave Her Sleeping Dad a Makeover and His Reaction Will Make You Cry Laughing
Oh my god I am dying of laughter 😂😂 http://pic.twitter.com/SYYPs6Rpxd
- Breeanna 🌻 (@Breevnnv) April 17, 2017
Playing pranks on sleeping family members is a time-honored tradition, but one beauty-lover took her practical joke skills to the next level. Twitter user @Breevnnv, also known as Breeanna, documented how she beat her father's face for the gods as he snoozed.
This was not a quick application of eye shadow and lipstick. No, Breeanna started playing some mood music on full blast (including Mariah Carey and Chris Brown) and got to work. She began with a dramatic "Instagram brow," then continued with a glitter cut crease, intensely luminous highlight, and lacquered lips. She even added brow tint to his beard and a bold set of falsies.
However, those lashes proved problematic once Breeanna woke up her dad: she had accidentally glued his eyes partially shut. If you hadn't already been cracking up throughout the makeover process, seeing her father struggle to open his eyes - and witnessing Breeanna's mother practically crying with laughter over it - will definitely push you over the edge. Here's hoping that this is just the first in a long series of Dad glam sessions! Watch the above video now for your daily dose of hysteria, and be sure to turn up the volume.
9 Ways to Make Back-to-School Season Exciting For Everyone - Including Yourself
When the end of Summer is near, a wave of mixed emotions comes over the back-to-school bound. First-day jitters set in for the little ones, teachers anxiously await introductions as they put the final touches on colorful name tags, and moms set out to make the perfect carpooling game plan. So much prep can lead to early burnout all around, but we've got a few tips that'll take the edge off. From kid-friendly DIYs to simple home tweaks that'll restore order in your happy place, keep scrolling for ideas to infuse every back-to-school moment with a dose of excitement.
9 Ways to Make Back-to-School Season Exciting For Everyone - Including Yourself
When the end of Summer is near, a wave of mixed emotions comes over the back-to-school bound. First-day jitters set in for the little ones, teachers anxiously await introductions as they put the final touches on colorful name tags, and moms set out to make the perfect carpooling game plan. So much prep can lead to early burnout all around, but we've got a few tips that'll take the edge off. From kid-friendly DIYs to simple home tweaks that'll restore order in your happy place, keep scrolling for ideas to infuse every back-to-school moment with a dose of excitement.
20 Zumba Videos to Daddy Yankee's "Shaky Shaky" That'll Have You, Well, Shaking
Daddy Yankee's "Shaky Shaky" was a hit the moment it was released. The music video has over 990 million views on YouTube, and Yankee even released a remix based on the "Hula Hoop" hook. Because you've danced to the song at home and in your car, you know "Shaky Shaky" lends itself perfectly to Zumba - and YouTube confirms it. With the videos ahead, you will get a mean workout.
Think You Could Spot Game of Thrones' Lord Varys Out in Public? Probably Not
Lord Varys (Conleth Hill) is one of those sneaky characters on Game of Thrones - you never really know where his loyalties lie and he always seems to be up to something. But do you think you'd be able to spot him out in public? Our guess is probably not. Unlike Varys, Conleth actually has a full head of hair. "It's funny, because I wasn't bald for 47 years before I did this, so [my hair] is normal to me," Conleth recently told Business Insider. "But other people get freaked out by the hair."
While Conleth initially hated shaving his head every year, he's come to terms with it now and actually kind of likes it. "I'm not so conspicuous when I'm not on set, since I look so different year round. My hair grows back fairly fast after shooting, so I'm not hounded at home." Which look do you prefer?
Sofia Vergara Has an Airport Uniform - and You Will Too After Seeing These Photos
Sofia Vergara has always been very vocal about how much she loves to dress up for red carpets, but when it comes to putting together a look to get on a long plane ride, her style is the total opposite.
The Modern Family actress has developed a formula: she loves rocking a pair of dark leggings or jeans, a sweater (sometimes with a jacket on top), workout sneakers, and a statement bag, occasionally adding a scarf or a hat and always wearing a pair of sunglasses. She is so used to traveling that she knows the number one rule is to be comfortable but still look chic - she's not one to wear dresses and heels. Check out her very relatable travel style ahead.
The Internet Is Feeling Nostalgic About Rainforest Cafe, the Disneyland of Restaurants
Kids of the '90s know that the next best thing to a theme park is Rainforest Cafe. Like a cross between Disneyland and a tiki bar, this whimsically themed haven of life-size tree frogs, elaborate gift shops, Tracy Tree, and intermittent thunderstorms was what kids' birthday dreams were made of growing up. They are also, strategically, located near several Disney parks around the world. While they still exist - and are pretty much exactly as you remember them - the number of locations has dropped over the years, causing a nostalgic fandom to reemerge. Ahead, here are some of our favorite odes to the cheese-tastic wonder that is the Rainforest Cafe.
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.
Kate Hudson Just Shaved Her Head - And It's Actually Pretty Hot!
Image Source: Backgrid
Kate Hudson may be known for her gorgeous, blond beach waves, but she just completely changed up her hairstyle with a fresh buzz cut. The stunning actress was spotted on the set of her new movie rocking the badass new look alongside Sia.
Kate often switches up her hairstyle with a messy bun, and she even rocked a bob last year, but this is hands down her most extreme hair change yet - and we love it! Following in the footsteps of stars like Cara Delevingne and Kristen Stewart, Kate looks gorgeous with a shaved head.
Image Source: Getty / Steve Granitz
Settling the Confusion Between 401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA Accounts - Once and For All
Image Source: StockSnap / Oliver Klein
Amanda Holden is a personal finance expert providing hilarious and practical financial advice on her site, The Dumpster Dog Blog.
If you're thinking about retirement, good for you! Retirement is easily everyone's least favorite financial priority but it's also one of the most important. Between rising medical costs, spoiling grandchildren, and traveling the world on a Harley Davidson, living for 30+ years with no job is pretty expensive stuff.
So then the question becomes, how does one save for retirement? And where? In what account? Do we bury some shekels in the backyard? Stockpile our Taylor Swift memorabilia and collectors' items?! Nah, it's easy! Use an account specially designed to hold retirement money like a 401(k) or Roth IRA.
Even if you're already using a retirement account, now is the time to sincerely understand how they are different (and similar), why we use them, and feel confident you've chosen the right one.
First, how are retirement accounts different than regular ol' savings accounts?
For retirement, you won't want to save money in your regular ol' checking or saving account at Bank of America or Wells Fargo. Why? There are three characteristics shared by all retirement account types that make them turbo-charged - basically the Serena/Simone Biles of bank accounts:
- Tax benefits! More on this below.
- With these tax benefits do come rules. In the case of retirement accounts, you are spankeroo-d with a 10 percent penalty if you take the money out before age 59 1/2 (there are exceptions to this).
While this feature may seem limiting, it's actually a godsend! A casual dip into an easily-accessed savings account is far too seductive. Think of all the temptation you'll encounter on the road to retirement - a wedding (or two), new furniture for the house, driving past Panda Express on your way home every day. Having an account specifically designated and designed for retirement is a good thing. - Within retirement accounts, you can invest the money. This is important. Saving your money is only half the battle - you have to invest it as well!
Let's talk about taxes.
Now, obviously no one likes to talk about taxes, but it's the most important part! If you truly want to understand retirement accounts you have no choice but to choke down this financial brussels sprout.
Saved and invested money is taxed in two ways. The first of those is through capital gains tax. That's the tax you pay when you earn money off of an investment, like a stock. This is (mostly) always the case unless you invest the money in a retirement account!
Being free from capital gains tax is easily the greatest and most underrated feature that all retirement accounts share, and you'll reap this benefit no matter which type you choose. If you're doin' it right, the majority of the money you'll end up with in retirement will come from investing - not saving! That makes this one helluva deal.
The second tax consideration is income taxes. Here's where retirement account identities begin to diverge. And the million-dollar question with income taxes is:
Should I pay income taxes now or later?
- Later:
The "traditional" forms of retirement accounts - 401(k), IRA, and SEP IRA - are all tax-deferred. This means income taxes are - exactly as it sounds - deferred until later. Instead of paying income taxes up front on the money you earn, you pay taxes on the money you take from your account to spend.Income taxes are levied on any money that leaves the account - on what are called distributions.
- Now:
Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) are the opposite. Money deposited into a Roth is post-tax dollars. You've already paid income taxes - they came out of your paycheck! - and that's it. Money is not taxed again when you take it out of the account. In this way, it's like your regular ol' checking/savings account.Income taxes are taken before money enters the account - on what are called contributions.
So, whether you pay income taxes now or later, it has to happen eventually. Perhaps you are thinking, well then what's the big whoop? Pay 'em now or pay 'em later, who gives a sh*t?
Generally speaking, we should want to pay as little in taxes as possible. And the less we earn, the less we pay in income taxes. So it's best to pay income taxes when we're on the low end of the income scale. Traditional IRA-style accounts were designed for workers to save while they are substantially earning and in a higher tax bracket. For someone like this, it's smart to defer taxes because you will likely be in a much lower tax bracket in retirement (remember, you will pay taxes on distributions - what you spend).
Conversely, if you're just getting started in your career and getting paid in peanuts, but aspire to an extravagant retired life that's something betwixt Queen Elizabeth and Baddie Winkle, a Roth might make more sense. Get those pesky income taxes out da way, and never pay taxes again.
(Disclaimer: Don't lose sleep over this income tax stuff. It's important, but we also can't foretell the future of tax laws so much of this is merely hypothetical. Consult a tax adviser for more questions.)
Image Source: StockSnap / Benjamin Child
What else should I consider when choosing a retirement account?
Income taxes are the biggun'. But as important as taxes are, I want my recommendation to be very clear: Use whatever account is easiest for you. If there's an account you can access through your employer, hit it hard and don't look back. The most important thing is having one you actually use!
This is especially the case if your employer offers an employer match - where your work gives you free money if you make contributions into your retirement account.
(Example: Your employer offers a match of 50 percent of your contributions, up to 6 percent of your salary. So if you contribute 6 percent of your salary towards retirement, they'll match it with 3 percent of your salary.)
For those of you who don't have an account through work - or who simply want to know more! - read on for a comparison of account types. The major considerations you should be a-peepin' in addition to taxation are contribution limits and income limits. Find one that is the best fit for you!
Account Types
401(k)
- What it is: Retirement account offered to employees of a corporation.
- Where: At a bank of your employer's choosing.
- Income Taxes: Later.
- Contribution Limit (how much you can put into account in one year): $18,000 in 2017.
- Pros: Money is taken automatically from your paycheck as a percentage of salary (this is a good thing). Lower taxable income for the year. Some companies offer a company match - this match is not included in your $18,000 contribution maximum (can go over this amount with employer match).
- Best for: Someone who works for a company that offers one, especially if they provide a match!
- Watch out for: Fees. If you see suspicious fees in your 401(k), talk to your HR department or the bank.
IRA (Traditional IRA and Rollover IRA are the same things)
- What it is: An individual retirement account that you open and fund yourself.
- Where: At a brokerage bank of your choosing.
- Income Taxes: Later. Same tax status as a 401(k).
- Contribution Limit: $5,500 in 2017.
- Pros: Lower tax bill for the year. Because you are funding an IRA with money from your paycheck, which has already been taxed, those taxes are refunded upon tax filing.
- Best for: People without a retirement account offered through their work. Those who want to lower their taxable income for the year. And great to have for consolidating old 401(k) accounts into!
- Watch out for: You may not be able to deduct IRA contributions if you are already covered by a retirement account through your work and earn more (according to your modified gross adjusted income) than $71,000 (phase out beginning at $61,000).
Roth IRA
- What it is: An individual retirement account that you open and fund yourself.
- Where: At a brokerage bank of your choosing.
- Income Taxes: Now.
- Contribution Limit: $5,500 in 2017.
- Pros: Pay taxes now and never again.
- Best for: Young people or people with low incomes. People without a retirement account offered through work. Anyone who wants to pay income tax now. Freelancers, self-employed.
- Watch out for: To contribute to a Roth, you must have an earned income (a job). The Roth option was designed for lower earners, so your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out when your income (modified adjusted gross income, specifically) reaches $118,000, up to $133,000 when you can no longer contribute. As a joint filer, these figures are $186,000 up to $196,000.
Roth 401(k)
- What it is: Retirement account offered to employees of a corporation. It is a newer* hybrid of the 401(k) (employers offer it, may include a match) and a Roth IRA (pay taxes up front).
*Because the account type is still pretty new, it is not widely offered by employers. - Where: At a bank of your employer's choosing.
- Income Taxes: Now.
- Contribution Limit: $18,000 in 2017.
- Pros: Money is taken automatically from paycheck. Some companies offer a company match. Pay taxes up front and never again (although, contributions from your employer may be taxable). Unlike with a Roth IRA, there is no cap on how much money you can earn to use a Roth 401(k).
- Best for: Someone who works for a company that offers one!
- Watch out for: If you have both a 401(k) and a Roth 401(k), you cannot exceed the annual $18,000 max between the two - though this does not include any employer match!
403(b)
- What it is: Retirement account for employees of a tax-exempt organization (teachers, school administrators, doctors, nurses, librarians, some ministers, etc.). It's like a 401(k), but for teachers!
- Where: A bank of your employer's choosing.
- Income Taxes: Later.
- Contribution Limit: $18,000 in 2017.
- Pros: Savings beyond pension plans. Occasional match programs (though this is rare). Lower taxable income for the year.
- Best for: Anyone who is offered one!
- Watch out for: 403(b) accounts come in a couple of different flavors when it comes to investing options. Be careful if you're only offered an annuity (as opposed to mutual funds) - these often have high fees.
Solo 401(k)
- What it is: Retirement account for people who run their own business and are the only employee (a spouse being the only exception).
- Where: At a brokerage bank of your choosing.
- Income Taxes: Later.
- Contribution Limit: $18,000 from your salary + up to approximately 20-25% of your compensation as a contribution from the business for a combined maximum of $54,000 (the precise calculation depends on how your business is structured).
- Pros: Much higher contribution limits than IRA and Roth IRAs. Lower personal tax bill this year (through salary deferral - the $18,000) and additional business contributions are potentially tax deductible.
- Best for: Business owners who are flyin' solo and who earn enough and want to contribute more to retirement than what IRA and Roth IRAs allow.
- Watch out for: These accounts are more complicated than your run-of-the-mill IRAs, so do your research and get help from a tax adviser.
SEP IRA
- What it is: Retirement account established by a small business owner or self-employed business for herself (and any employees).
- Income Taxes: Later.
- Contribution Limit: Whichever is lower of $54,000 or 25% of compensation (capped at $270,000) per employee.
- Pros: Much higher contribution limit than IRA and Roth IRAs. Contributions are tax deductible for the business owner.
- Best for: Self-employed/small biz owner who wishes to contribute to an IRA for herself (and to the IRAs of her employees).
- Watch out for: Because you are setting up a retirement plan for a business, there's more paperwork, and there are unique rules. Read up on these before proceeding, and always consult a tax adviser.
Note: These descriptions do not include every nuance of every account type. In an effort not to bog you down (which is counterproductive) I have included only what I think is important for someone who is first learning about retirement accounts. For more complete information, Investopedia is a great resource, and the IRS website is actually not that bad. Good luck and happy saving!
59 Creative Homemade Group Costume Ideas
If you decide to dress up with your friends this Halloween, then consider getting creative and making your costume instead. That way, you'll have a one-of-a-kind outfit that can't be bought from a store, and you'll save money as well. Out of ideas? Check out some of the coolest Halloween group costumes.
I Never Lift Weights With Shoes on, and Here's the Important Reason
I can't remember the last time I lifted weights with shoes on. For the past year and a half, I've been doing all my strength training barefoot, and although I get strange looks from some people at the gym, I never let it stop me. It may sound counterintuitive at first, since shoes are meant to provide support for our body, but experts say there are many benefits to doing strength training sans sneakers.
Austin Lopez, CSCS and owner of Ausome Fit, prefers his clients remove their shoes during training. "The main benefit is 'increased proprioception,'" Lopez told POPSUGAR. "Shoes take a lot away from your ability to feel the ground."
Particularly when you're doing compound movements or any strength training that involves your legs, Lopez says it's important that you grip the ground with your feet, "like a monkey would with its feet." It sounds strange, but this makes it easier for you to "open up the hip by externally rotating the legs," according to Lopez. This is the form you want to achieve when you're doing movements like squats, deadlifts, lunges, etc.
The first time I ever lifted weights barefoot was at CrossFit. We were working on front squats and I figured I'd give it a try because I'd heard various things about how good it was for your form. I instantly fell in love with it. Since that day, I've never done strength movements with my sneakers on, whether I'm working on my lower or upper body. Being barefoot feels more natural and stable to me, since my toes are grabbing the floor beneath me, just like Lopez described. I feel like I can lift heavier weights without worrying about slipping and falling.
Lopez recognizes that working out barefoot isn't everyone's cup of tea, though. "Some prefer it after they try it and some aren't comfortable taking off their shoes at a gym," he told POPSUGAR. His advice is to simply try it. "You will feel why it helps to keep your balance and help you feel the movement better," he said.
However, when it comes to any kind of circuit or HIIT workouts, where I'm jumping or jump roping, I will leave my shoes on, because my feet and ankles need the support to cover all that ground. Lopez says he also recommends his clients leave their shoes on if they're doing this kind of activity.
But other than that, if you're working on strength training, going barefoot might be the way to go! Give it a try and see what you think.
11 Ways to Create a Slammin' WWE Birthday Party
With such a long and established history, it's easy to see why children still love wrestling, and in particular WWE. The costumes, characters' backstories, and soaring moves create an entertaining show. Don't show your birthday kid just another ordinary celebration. If you're ready to rumble, here are some championship WWE birthday party ideas that your little wrestler will love.
The Simple Reason Prince William Doesn't Wear a Wedding Ring
When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010, he gave her the stunning 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire ring that his late mother, Princess Diana, wore during her marriage to Prince Charles. And when the two tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in London in 2011, Kate added a gold band to sit perfectly next to her sparkler. But despite the duchess of Cambridge's new jewelry, there was no big exchanging of rings, because Prince William never got one. The reason? It's just not his style. Shortly before the couple's big day, the palace released a statement about his decision to ditch tradition and go ringless, saying, "It is simply down to personal preference. It was something the couple discussed but Prince William isn't one for jewelry." Seeing as how William and Kate are one of the most famous couples on the planet, they would be hard-pressed to find someone who wasn't aware of their sweet romance. So there you have it.
The 50 Most Fascinating Facts About Princess Diana's Life
Princess Diana led a remarkable life even before becoming royalty, and her legacy continues to live on in the almost 20 years after her untimely death. While her charity work and her bravery to stand up to the royal family have made her an icon over the years, there are still a few things you may not know about the mother of Prince Harry and Prince William. Like how she originally wanted to be a ballerina. Or that her iconic 12-carat sapphire engagement ring doesn't follow royal custom. Keep scrolling for more interesting facts about the late Princess Diana here.
People Are Matching Their Glitter Manicures to Their Cats - and It's Adorably Glam!
Back in April, a woman gave her pet turtle a manicure and became my eternal #relationshipgoals. Luckily for my animal-loving heart, 2017 hasn't seen the last of pet manicures.
As the story goes, Cristi Hanzel, a 19 year-old from Littlerock, CA, got her nails done. She then went to Target to get nail caps for her cat, Wednesday ("named after Wednesday Addams since they are both sassy ," she told Buzzfeed). As fate would have it, she found purple caps that were nearly identical to her own fresh new nails.
Hanzel took to Twitter to show off their matching looks and was promptly retweeted by a user who captioned the pic, "How I'm trying to be." Seriously, who taught that cat how to selfie and how do I learn from them? The newfound beauty icons received over 70,000 likes and found themselves in a friendly competition between cat and dog owners over who wears it best.
As Hanzel reminded us, it's very important to stress that normal nail polish is toxic for pets' claws, so be sure to keep your new ColourPop Polish to yourself . Aside from looking fly AF, nail caps are designed to limit the effects of scratching and can be found at pet supply stores .
17 Secrets From TSA Employees That Will Completely Shock You
They're the ones constantly telling you to throw out your water bottle and they're the ones who are paid to ensure our safety whenever we fly. Travelers often have a love/hate relationship with TSA officials. They are there for an important reason, but when it's 5 a.m. and you forgot about a liquid over 3.4 ounces that you left in the bottom of your bag and are now being forced to dig it out, they can also seem like your worst nightmare.
Still, Transportation Security Administration employees don't have an easy job - from angry travelers to carrying the weight of thousands of passengers' safety on their shoulders, it can be a difficult gig. And, oh, the things they have seen. Two TSA employees, one a former TSA supervisor and one a TSA agent, did an AMA and an IamA on Reddit, and some of the secrets they revealed will seriously shock you. From what they've found in people's luggage to the ridiculous things travelers have tried to smuggle on their flights, these TSA employees tell all.
1. What happens to confiscated items like pocket knives and other items that are accidentally forgotten and brought through TSA?
"They go into storage rooms, and TSA eventually pays somebody to take them away. At my airport, we had a couple of oil drums full of random knives and tools. Our airport paid some guy three states away to take the items away; he'd put them on eBay."
2. OK, sex toys. How often did you find those in luggage? Anything really kinky?
"All the time. I once found a two-foot long, black double-header surrounded by dirty thongs and a huge bottle of anal lube."
3. What's the most ridiculous thing someone tried to take on a plane that they were actually allowed to take?
"Somebody took a golf club through the checkpoint and said it was their cane. We weren't allowed to question him."
4. What has been your most frightening moment on the job?
"I once opened a checked bag and saw what looked like a PVC tube with lights and wires sticking out under some clothes. I promptly flipped out and thought I was looking at a pipe bomb. Then, I moved some clothes out of the way and saw that it was a prosthetic hand."
5. What was the weirdest thing you had to flag at an security check?
"I once had a request for private screening, which we usually took to mean that we were about to see something weird. The bag was incredibly heavy. After we go behind a curtained-off area, the passengers show me six blocks of mixed metal, four huge bags of random pieces of gold, and two bags of human teeth. Apparently, the couple made a killing off of buying teeth from a crematorium, melting out the fillings, and selling the resulting metal. It smelled bad."
6. Do you see many good-meaning passengers forget about weapons or any other dangerous things they normally keep in their bags?
"All the time. One guy forgot that he had left his pistol in his bag and ended up going to jail for six months or so."
7. What's the best way to make your case when the screener thinks an item isn't permitted, even though the regulations explicitly allow it?
"Ask them to call a supervisor and check the SOP (standard operating procedure)."
8. What is the craziest thing somebody has ever tried to take onto a plane?
"A bag full of fireworks."
9. Why do the policies change based off the airport or even TSA person?
"The basic SOP (standard operating procedure) that most officers have to know is several hundred pages long; few of them have actually read the whole thing and are essentially relying on word of mouth. Taken alone, the individual restrictions make some sense, but combined, they're a mess for anybody to figure out. For example, bowling balls are presumably allowed because they're not weapons, but bludgeoning items (baseball bats, clubs) aren't because they can be used as weapons. When it's all put together, it's a mess."
10. What's the weirdest thing you found in someone's luggage?
"During checked baggage screening, one of my officers opened a bag that has maggots crawling all over the inside."
11. How would you change the security system if you had free reign to do so (from basic steps/regulations to complete redesigns)?
"TSA likes to solve problems with new 'stuff.' You'll notice that things like the backscatter machines and 'puffers' didn't last long, but cost hundreds of millions. Also, the average screener is very good at finding dangerous items; they're not very good at finding dangerous people. I'd scale back much of the newer technology, add better training on warning signs when dealing with people, and pour more money into law enforcement and intel."
12. What is the biggest thing that passengers do that, if they didn't, would make the lines move much quicker?
"Forget to take their liquids and laptops out of their luggage. It was seriously on eight signs leading up to our checkpoints, but nobody actually reads signs on their way to a 6 a.m. flight."
13. What is the most ridiculous situation you were involved in while on-duty?
"Some guy required additional screening because our explosive detection system alarmed (happens all the time). He ended up pulling off his pants and yelling 'Is this good enough for you?'"
14. Is there an honest belief within the organization that you are actually helping? Or is this just a job?
"Definitely just a job. It's really hard to think we are actually helping when we are told our job is 90 percent 'customer service.' Also the rules we actually have are a joke (liquids, nail files, etc.) but some people feel more secure after 9/11. We have the worst reputation ever. I think it's because flying stresses most people out. They are constantly panicking over being late, etc. And we are always just holding them up. I totally get it, I actually travel quite often and regularly have issues at other airports."
15. How likely was it that the people looking at the screen knew that I had brought condoms in my bag?
"Extremely likely. Condom wrappers and condoms are extremely distinctive in the X-ray."
16. What do you guys do with all the liquids? Do you get to keep them? Or does the government sell them? I would love to keep all the alcohol if I were you!
"They go in the garbage. Nobody can keep them, since they were taken out because they may or may not be explosives. I've thrown out some extremely good alcohol before, and it made me cry a little on the inside every time."
17. Does the TSA have the authority to arrest and place someone under custody? Or in a situation where something illicit is found, do you have to wait for local/federal authorities to actually place them under arrest?
"We have to wait for proper authorities to show up and they deal with it from then."
Beyoncé's New Ivy Park Fall Collection Has a Few Surprises Up Its Sleeve
When Beyoncé launched her activewear line, Ivy Park, last year, we were blessed with 200 different pieces to choose from. Leggings, sweatshirts, crop tops, hats - you name it, Beyoncé made it. But she didn't make it all, because Ivy Park is back again this month to launch its Fall 2017 collection.
You might think you've already seen everything Ivy Park has to offer, but if you look closely you'll see that there are a few surprises in the mix. Although you'll see the same relaxed and sexy feel the brand is known for, the Fall 2017 collection will feature "deconstructed elements and asymmetry in deep teal and porcelain blue colorways." This is certainly a move away from the Spring/Summer campaign, which featured army green and black and white.
In addition to playing with new colors, the "activewear features new details such as cut-out stripes, statement branding on hoods, and lattice grid elastic trims." There are also backless caps and embossed sliders to drool over. You'll even be able to choose from leggings that are low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise.
You can get your hands on the Fall 2017 pieces this month at Nordstrom and Topshop. A few have already been released, but you may have to wait a little while until the collection is available in its entirety.
Beyoncé hasn't shared any pictures of the new collection on her website or Instagram yet, so we've rounded up some of our favorite pieces to give you a sneak peek.
What the New Anastasia Beverly Hills Palette Looks Like on Different Skin Tones
Whether you bought it, returned it, or are still lusting after it, it's undeniable that the Anastasia Beverly Hills Subculture Palette ($42) is as viral as it gets. This is likely because the collection of 14 shadows is one of the most unique lineups we've seen this Summer.
Instagram's finest is already populating the hashtag #abhsubculture with thousands of looks created using the bold colors. Keep reading to see incredible swatches and inspired looks featuring the shades on different skin tones.
60 Recipes to Help Shave Calories Off of Lunchtime
Cooking and packing up a quality healthy lunch is a good idea for so many reasons. Whether or not you're trying to lose weight, bringing your own lunch to work keeps you in charge of the ingredients that fuel your body and helps you perform at your best both at work and in the gym. Regardless of your dietary limitations and preferences, (at least!) one of these healthy recipes will fit the bill and make its way into your lunchtime rotation.
Should You Be Worried About Your Beet-Red Face?
There's nothing like the feeling of getting all hot and sweaty from a good cardio workout. You feel amazing, full of energy, and all revved up on endorphins, so why do people keep asking if you're OK? You catch a glimpse of your sweaty self in the bathroom mirror, and the unnaturally, brilliantly red face staring back takes you by surprise, too. Wait - are you OK?
Your frighteningly scarlet skin may not look the prettiest, but it's no cause for alarm. It's actually just a sign that you're working hard and building up heat. When your body temperature begins to climb, you perspire to keep cool, but it also dilates the blood vessels in your skin to reduce your overall body temp. Your face turns red because warm, oxygenated blood rushes to the surface of your skin, which helps heat radiate off of it and prevents you from overheating.
Go ahead and continue exercising as long as you feel good and have no other symptoms. If you find that your flushed face is accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, sweating more than usual, or nausea, then it could be a sign of heat exhaustion, which is more likely to happen outside on hot and humid days. Working out in a hot room or in higher temps is definitely a risk, so if you experience these symptoms, stop exercising immediately, get inside where it's cooler, loosen up tight clothing (or remove it altogether), and drink plenty of cool water.
To prevent heat exhaustion, make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and during your workout. If you love outdoor workouts, try to exercise during a time of day when temperatures are the lowest, like in the early morning. It also helps to run on shady trails in the woods or on a breezy path near a lake or beach. Here are more tips on how to stay cool when working out in the heat and how to recover after a hot and humid workout.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's Wife Actually Doesn't Watch Game of Thrones
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is one of the biggest heartthrobs on Game of Thrones (his gross relationship with his sister aside), but in real life he is sadly already spoken for. The Danish actor has been happily married to Greenlandic singer Nukaaka Coster-Waldau since 1998. Together they have two daughters, Filippa (born October 2000) and Safina (born November 2003). While Nikolaj has gained critical acclaim for his role as Jaime Lannister, his wife surprisingly doesn't watch the series. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he admitted that he dragged her to the series premiere in 2011, but she hasn't watched another episode since. Thankfully, it hasn't put a dent on their incredibly sweet 19-year marriage.
This Bride Wore So Many Dresses at Her Indian-American Wedding, It's Hard to Keep Track
When your buddies NAS and Jay Sean perform at your wedding, you know you can expect a good playlist. But stylish party outfits? Well, that was up to the bride, Hayley Murthy, to master. Hayley and Dee held a gorgeous ceremony at Bacara Resort & Spa, gathering all their friends for the occasion. But that was after the pair headed to India for their engagement party, where Hayley slipped into a beautiful blue embroidered gown. Later, she celebrated her bachelorette in a white monogrammed swimsuit, and finally, it was time for her to pull out the rest of her bridal looks.
Hayley walked down the aisle in a voluminous Monique Lhuillier gown that would make any girl weak at the knees, but she brought along plenty of minidresses too, along with one asymmetrical long-sleeved sheath perfect for a formal rehearsal dinner. Right before the final reception, Hayley joined the groom's family for Hindu traditions where bundles of flowers were thrown over her sparkling Sabyasachi Couture creation. Read on to feast your eyes over every ensemble she wore during the memorable weekend.
7 Things to Know About Jonathan Groff If You're Late to the Game
Image Source: Getty / Jason LaVeris
Jonathan Groff has been in the spotlight for quite some time now, but with his wide range of roles, more and more people are becoming fans of his every day. While he is most recognizable for his "gleeful" musical background, the 32-year-old is getting ready to try his hand at the crime-thriller genre with Netflix's anticipated 10-episode series, Mindhunter. The show is about FBI agents who interview convicted serial killers in order to help them solve current murders. Since you'll probably be hearing his name everywhere soon, brush up on these key facts about Jonathan and his impressive career below.
1. He Was Accepted to Carnegie Mellon University, but Didn't Attend
In 2003, Jonathan graduated from Conestoga Valley High School in Pennsylvania with the intention to attend Carnegie Mellon University. However, he deferred for a year when he was cast as Rolf in the national tour of The Sound of Music and eventually decided to move to NYC to pursue theater.
2. He Got His Start on Broadway
Jonathan made his Broadway debut as an understudy for the lead role in the musical In My Life, but he is most notable for originating the role of Melchior Gabor in the rock musical Spring Awakening. His performance even earned him a Tony nomination in 2007.
3. He's Best Friends With Lea Michele
While playing the lead role in Spring Awakening, Jonathan developed a close friendship with his onscreen love interest, Lea Michele. Throughout the years, the two have remained good friends.
Image Source: Everett Collection
4. He Was on Glee
Speaking of his relationship with Lea, Jonathan was a recurring guest star on her hit Fox show as her character Rachel Berry's on-again, off-again love interest, Jesse St. James. Their characters even got married in the series finale.
5. He's an LGBTQ+ Advocate
In 2009, Jonathan publicly came out as gay during the National Equality March in Washington and has continued to support the LGBTQ+ community both on and off screen. Aside from starring in HBO's series Looking, which was about a group of gay men living in San Francisco, he was named a Grand Marshal of the New York City Pride Parade in 2014.
6. He's a Disney Prince, Sort Of
Jonathan voiced the character of Kristoff in Frozen. Even though he's not technically listed as a Disney prince (yet), he is the love interest for Princess Anna, so that's got to count for something. Hopefully we'll be hearing more of his beautiful voice in Frozen 2.
7. He Was in Hamilton
That's right, Jonathan had a hand in the Hamilton craze that swept the nation. He originated the role of King George III in the Broadway production and was even nominated for a Tony in 2016.
7 Moves to Burn 400 Calories in 20 Minutes
Kettlebell fans love the heavy, round-shaped weights for a reason - kettlebell exercises combine cardio and strength training for a time-saving calorie burn. The amount of calories you can burn using kettlebells can be amazingly high: a study by the American Council on Exercise found that the average person burns 400 calories in 20 minutes when doing kettlebell exercises. More research has found that regularly exercising with kettlebells significantly reduces back, neck, and shoulder pain by strengthening core and upper body muscles.
Does all that convince you to add more kettlebell to your life? Read on for tips on choosing the right kettlebell and a few calorie-torching exercises to try. And do check out this kettlebell tutorial and workout to learn the basics.
All-Time-Best Inner-Thigh Exercises
A toned inner thigh is a healthy inner thigh - attractive and strong. Show yours some love with these 18 inner-thigh exercises to get shapely legs.
14 Fall Soups, Because Salads Are So Last Season
Now is the perfect time to cozy up with a bowl of pumpkin soup or, better yet, classic tomato. If those two don't cut it, does butternut squash, beet, or chicken noodle entice your palate? Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a warm way to start your dinner, spoon through our recipes to find a Fall favorite.
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb
What 1 Woman Keeps in Her Fridge to Maintain Her 99.2-Pound Weight Loss
Weight Watchers is truly the healthy-living program that not only works for weight loss but also helps people keep the weight off. Just ask Bri DeMattia, who joined Weight Watchers in January 2015; by May 2016 she had lost a whopping 99.2 pounds. Even better, she's stuck with Weight Watchers' maintenance plan and kept her weight off. By stocking her fridge with healthy staples and keeping up a rigorous Zumba schedule, Bri is healthier than ever. Keep reading to learn more about her journey.
Bri Before
POPSUGAR: What was the moment or motive that made you decide to start your journey?
Bri DeMattia: After getting married and moving into our new house, I realized I couldn't even comfortably walk up the stairs. There was one instance where I was forced to walk from the basement to the second floor (whew . . . two flights of stairs!) several times in a row, and I was so out of breath I couldn't talk to the person I was on the phone with. That was the last straw for me!
PS: What made you choose Weight Watchers?
BD: I had done Weight Watchers in the past, prior to my wedding, so I knew it worked. Weight Watchers lets you live your life - I couldn't survive without eating out and birthday cake - while helping maintain a healthier lifestyle.
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
BD: Zumba! Zumba was one of the first activities I eased back into when I joined Weight Watchers. I could barely get through a class at first and hid in the far back of the room. Slowly I learned the choreography, got into better shape, and became a "front-row diva." As of 2016, I'm a licensed Zumba instructor, teaching three to four classes per week!
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
BD: I work a full-time job, so I usually exercise right after work. I pack my gym bag in the morning to make sure I have everything I need - no excuses! I try to get in five to six days of exercise (usually 50 to 60 minutes), but I always have a rest day worked in there.
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
BD: I love group exercise classes, so in addition to my Zumba classes, I also mix in weightlifting classes and high-intensity interval training. I think the group exercise classes really help motivate me because I'm surrounded by people with similar goals as I have. Group classes can be a great way to try something new!
PS: How much weight have you lost?
BD: I lost 99.2 pounds from January 2015 to May 2016.
Bri After
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
BD: Honestly, I was so proud and excited when my youngest sister decided to join Weight Watchers after seeing the progress I had made after being on the program for six to seven months. It made me so happy to know I inspired her to make a change. Now we're Zumba instructors together!
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
BD: During my weight loss, I weighed in weekly at Weight Watchers meetings for accountability. Now that I'm a Lifetime member, I still attend meetings, but on a less-frequent basis (my Zumba schedule conflicts with my regular meeting time), so I weigh myself weekly at home. I use the fit of my clothes as a better indicator of my progress now that I'm in maintenance mode.
Bri Before
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
BD: I love variety, so I'm constantly mixing up my meals by making different dishes I find on my favorite healthy-eating sites: SkinnyTaste.com and EmilyBites.com. Both ladies are Weight Watchers, so they take the guesswork out of healthy eating. A typical day for me might look like this:
- Breakfast: banana and greek yogurt or protein shake
- Lunch: turkey or ham sandwich with low-fat cheese and guacamole (avocados are my favorite!) plus a big side salad and fruit. Whatever it is I'm eating, I make sure it is heavy on protein and I bulk it up with veggies and fruit. On Weight Watchers, most fruits and veggies are zero points, so I can fill up without adding points to my meal - bonus!
- Afternoon snack (pre-workout): apple or other seasonal fruit and flavored almonds. I'll add a protein shake to hold myself over until dinner if I know I'm teaching a Zumba class and dinner will be late.
- Dinner: Salad to start, homemade cheeseburger made with lean beef, a big pile of veggies (for simplicity, I LOVE the steamable bags and always keep plenty on hand so I have no excuse not to include a veggie with dinner). I also love my new air fryer, which allows me to make homemade french fries, zucchini fries, and basically anything you'd traditionally deep-fry, but in a much healthier, practically oil-free way.
PS: Do you count anything other than SmartPoints? Why or why not?
BD: If I'm exercising a lot more than usual - for instance, when I was training for a long-distance (100-mile) bicycle ride - I also count calories. I found that I wasn't eating enough calories with all the biking I was doing, so being able to see both helped me figure out a better balance.
Bri After
PS: What's the range of SmartPoints you eat per day?
BD: On a standard day, I do my best to stick with the 36 points I get in "maintenance" mode. However, I allow myself to use FitPoints (we earn them through exercise) for times when I need more, like birthday parties, cookouts, or a splurge on dessert for date night.
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
BD: I keep tons of flavors of greek yogurts, lean lunchmeat, chicken, lean ground beef, salad ingredients with light salad dressings, mini Babybel cheeses and string cheese . . . and always tons of fresh fruit!
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
BD: My husband and I eat out frequently, at least three to four times per week between lunches and dinners. I wasn't willing to give that up during my weight-loss journey, so I work it into my day. Usually I know in advance if I'll be going out for dinner, so I'll plan a lighter lunch - maybe swap in a large grilled-chicken salad instead of my sandwich - so I have more flexibility with my dinner. My go-to meal usually consists of a protein as my main dish, a vegetable, and a side salad. I always leave room for the bread because I can't avoid it! I've found that you can make healthy choices just about anywhere, especially if you can look up the menu ahead of time and come mentally prepared to make a healthy choice.
PS: Do you use a fitness tracker? Which one? Has it helped you?
BD: Right now I have a Fitbit Blaze, which I really love because it not only tracks my heart rate so I can get a daily and workout-specific calorie burn, but it also lets me control my music when I teach my classes!
PS: What role did Weight Watchers play in your journey? Would you recommend it?
BD: I would highly recommend Weight Watchers to anyone looking to lose weight by making sustainable lifestyle changes. It won't be the quick fix some people are looking for, but Weight Watchers helps instill healthy habits like exercising portion control and balancing meals when you have events later that day or later that week. I also love Weight Watchers meetings for the accountability. The meetings really provide great support because everyone there struggles with the same issues, so you never feel like you're doing it alone.
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
BD: Making the choice to become healthier and lose weight is difficult, so my biggest advice would be to take it one step at a time. Start by changing your eating habits, and then venture into adding exercise or adding new exercise into your routine. Whenever you feel like you're in a rut, introduce something new . . . new types of food, a new form of exercise . . . anything to keep yourself motivated!
Coldplay Puts Emotional Spin on Linkin Park's "Crawling" in Honor of Chester Bennington
For the finale of Coldplay's North American tour stop in East Rutherford, NJ, on Tuesday night, Chris Martin decided to close out the show with one of the band's most emotional performances yet. He sat down at the piano and began to play a soulful, stripped-down version of Linkin Park's Grammy award-winning "Crawling," which no doubt struck a chord with all the band's fans in the stadium still mourning the loss of lead singer Chester Bennington.
The longtime Linkin Park frontman and 41-year-old father died by suicide in late July. Since then, both his wife and his bandmates have released statements about his death. "Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened," Linkin Park wrote in a letter on their official Instagram. "You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized."
Listen to Chris Martin's beautiful rendition of "Crawling" above.
Who Is Ashley Graham's Husband? Get to Know the Man Who Swept Her Off Her Feet
Ashley Graham certainly has a lot to be proud of: she is killing it in the modeling world, has her own lingerie line, and is an all-around badass. Not to mention, she has a handsome husband, who, from the looks of it, is head over heels in love with her. But, who exactly is Ashley's other half? His name is Justin Ervin, and he works as a cinematographer. While not much else is known about his earlier life, he's worked on films like Elephant in the Room and Derby in Black, as well as the TV series Paranormal State.
Justin and Ashley first met at a church in NYC, and they wed in August 2010. Ashley still resides in NYC, while Justin lives in LA for work. In May, Ashley opened up about her marriage to Glamour, saying, "Thanks to Justin's constant communication, I envisioned a marriage that was more than just two people loving each other. And now we have that marriage: a partnership dedicated to building something bigger than ourselves."
The 1 Ingredient That Will Instantly Uplift Any Salad, Sandwich, or Pasta
Roasted red bell peppers are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and antipasto platters. I love to make my own at home, jar them and have them on hand for whenever one strikes my fancy. Large red bell peppers are sweet, not spicy and can be found in grocery stores year-round - although their peak season (when they are the cheapest) is from May until August. Here how to roast them:
- Start by washing the peppers and removing the stickers. Next you can either char them on high heat on a gas range stove by placing them directly onto the grates, or roast them in the oven (which is what I like to do). Use tongs to turn the pepper to blacken on all sides. Cook on the grill the same way.
- If roasting in the oven, preheat to 450°F. Arrange the peppers on a cookie sheet and roast in the oven, turning every 15 minutes until done (about 30 minutes).
- Whatever technique you use to blacken the peppers, once they are done, place in a covered bowl or brown paper bag. As the steam from the peppers condenses, the skin becomes easier to peel off.
- Once the peppers have cooled, carefully peel off the blackened skin and discard. You can do this with your fingers or a sharp paring knife. Pull or cut off the top of the pepper and squeeze gently to remove the seeds.
Never rinse or wash the peppers, as the water will diminish the smoky flavor. When the skins and seeds have been removed, cover the peppers in oil, adding garlic slices or herbs if desired, and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Narcos Season 3 Trailer Declares "The Rise of a New Empire"
There's a new cartel in town. In a world without Pablo Escobar, Narcos's third season sets its sights on Colombia's Cali Cartel, billed as "the biggest drug lords you've never heard of." The drug-trafficking organization is led by four powerful figures - Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela (Damián Alcázar), Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela (Francisco Denis), Pacho Herrera (Alberto Ammann), and Chepe Santacruz Londono (Pepe Rapazote) - which means Agent Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal) and the DEA have their work cut out for them. Check out the trailer and teaser before Narcos returns to Netflix on Sept. 1.
Oh My Cher! Here's Everything We Know About the Will & Grace Reboot
Nearly 11 years after its final episode, Will & Grace is returning to TV for a limited 10-episode run on NBC. Try to suppress your skepticism; series creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick are returning, along with director James Burrows. Not only is the original production team on board for the reboot, but all your favorite characters will be back in action as well. And if their viral reunion in 2016 for the presidential election was any indication, it's sure to be filled with even more ridiculous Karen Walker quotes and hilarious moments between the whole cast.
The Cast
Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, and Megan Mullally are all returning! We have our fingers crossed for some exciting guest stars, but nothing has been announced yet.
The Time Jump
Instead of picking up right after the final episode of the original series, the producers have decided the flash-forward from the 2006 finale never happened. The reboot will take place in present day, and Will and Grace are both single again, neither has kids, and she's living in his apartment.
The Pictures
Here we come! #WillAndGrace @nbc http://pic.twitter.com/0KGcqzyUJn
- Sean Hayes (@SeanHayes) May 5, 2017
The main four cast members have shared tons of pictures on social media. They appear to be as happy as we are that they're back together!
The Poster
We're all in for all-new episodes of #WillAndGrace, starting Thursday, September 28 at 9/8c on @NBC. http://pic.twitter.com/yTvqHrQtDC
- Will & Grace (@WillAndGrace) July 6, 2017
The Trailer
The Premiere Date
The limited series will debut on Sept. 28 on NBC!
Shay Mitchell Loves This Classic $9 Drugstore Mascara Just as Much as You Do
If you're like me and you follow Shay Mitchell on Instagram, you've probably found yourself wondering what makeup products she uses. How is her skin so flawless? How does she get her lashes to look so long? Well, you're in luck because I got the chance to chat with Shay over the phone this week and she was nice enough to share her three favorite beauty products.
As for how she gets those sultry eyes of hers, Shay credited these two things: an eyelash curler and mascara. "Specifically, I love Shiseido's eyelash curler," she said. "I love either Covergirl's Lashblast mascara or Tarte mascara." She's also a big fan of coconut oil. "I use coconut oil for everything chapped: cuticles, body, hair, everything." It's time to go shopping!
Everything You Need to Know About the Action-Packed Ant-Man and The Wasp
Are you ready for more Paul Rudd? Because we are most definitely ready for more Paul Rudd. Luckily we don't have too long of a wait before the titular star of 2015's Ant-Man returns to the silver screen as Scott Lang, a thief with one very interesting suit hanging in his closet. New details about the sequel, officially titled Ant-Man & The Wasp, have started to pour in, so let's take a look at what we know so far, from the star-studded cast to the release date.
15 Times Prince George and Princess Charlotte's Sibling Bond Reigned Supreme
Prince George and Princess Charlotte have had some pretty precious appearances over the years, but we are partial to their royal siblings moments. Prince William and Kate Middleton's kids have been stepping into the spotlight a lot lately, and we can't get enough. Whether they're watching Trooping the Colour or they're handling their family's royal tour of Poland and Germany like little pros, you can always count on nonstop cuteness whenever the brother and sister are together.
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.
Running and Lifting in the Same Workout? Here Are the Shoes You Need
So, running shoes aren't designed for weightlifting, and training shoes aren't typically supportive enough for running, but what if you're taking a class that incorporates running and weights? Or if you're hitting the gym and you like to do a little mix of treadmill and floor work?
Girl, you need to get yourself a shoe that can do both. For classes like Orangetheory Fitness, Barry's Bootcamp, and Speedplay that mix a bit of weight training in with a treadmill running, you don't want to be changing shoes halfway (or sometimes a quarter way) through class. In these instances, we consulted some experts to share the best shoes that work for both short-distance running and strength training.
15 Signs You Are Turning Into Your Latina Mom
It's inevitable. Even after all of the times you've yelled at your mom saying you'll never be as irrational, strict, or protective as she is, sorry to break it to you, but it's happening: you're probably turning into your mom.
Don't fight it. As much as Latina moms can be a lot to deal with (isn't every mom sometimes, really?), they are admirable and take care of their kids and families like no one else can. So whether you've started using every container imaginable to store food in your fridge or you've offered someone Vicks VapoRub when they said they were sick, the symptoms are here to stay. Keep scrolling to see the signs you are turning into your mom.
A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Lemonade Between Beyoncé, Rachel Roy, and JAY-Z
In early July, JAY-Z dropped his thirteenth solo album 4:44, and the project quickly garnered attention for personal, pointed lyrics about his marriage to Beyoncé - specifically, the cheating accusations she made on Lemonade in 2016. JAY apologized to his wife on the album's title track, saying, "I apologize often womanize / Took for my child to be born / See through a woman's eyes." He also brought up Beyoncé's infamous "Becky with the good hair" lyric on another song, "Family Feud": "Yeah, I'll f*ck up a good thing if you let me / Let me alone, Becky."
In April 2016, the world was forever changed when Lemonade, the visual album by Beyoncé, roared through HBO. There was plenty of buzz surrounding the mysterious event, and we're not just talking about the rumblings in the Beyhive. As the special aired, not only did viewers try to derive the meaning of the album's name, but the greater, more personal implications were also hard to ignore. We all couldn't help but wonder: did Jay Z cheat on Beyoncé? It wasn't long before fans latched onto a scapegoat, citing past drama and a cryptic Instagram caption as damning evidence. It seemed clear that fashion designer Rachel Roy had done the deed. But how much did we actually know about the situation? How sure are we that Rachel was Jay's other woman? We're breaking down everything, so read on, learn your facts, and arrive at your own conclusion.
How Shay Mitchell Is Striving to Inspire Others, Even After Pretty Little Liars
Image Source: Utopia / Hudson Taylor
Shay Mitchell, 30, is more than an actress. She's a fashion girl, a travel aficionado, a published author, a YouTube star, and a fitness fanatic, and now she's using all of her knowledge and expertise to inspire those around her. I recently got the chance chat with Shay over the phone before she hosted a live workout at Propel Electrolyte Water's first-ever Labs Fitness Festival, and it was everything I imagined but better. Not only was she super sweet and friendly, but it pretty much felt like I was talking to my best friend the entire time. I gained even more admiration for her, and we discussed everything from her interests to her upcoming movie, Cadaver, to how she's finding her happy after PLL.
Pretty Little Liars officially came to an end this Summer with her character, Emily Fields, getting engaged to Alison DiLaurentis (Sasha Pieterse) and becoming a mom, and if you're waiting with bated breath to see how their lives turn out, don't lose hope just yet. Shay is totally open to doing a reboot with the ladies in the future. "I was just watching Sex and the City 2, and I was thinking, 'Oh, it'd be so cool to reunite with the girls in five or 10 years and do a reunion movie.' I'd always be down for that and I think it'd be really fun."
In her new movie, Cadaver, Shay plays a former cop named Megan Reed who works at a morgue, and while that may seem like a far stretch from her character on PLL (given that Emily was terrified of corpses), Shay brought some aspects of Emily over to the film. "She's definitely a very strong character and it was really fun to play something different. I did pull a few things like Emily's competitiveness and the ability to really fight for things is something [she] and Megan share." Shay's character on PLL was a champion swimmer who teamed up with her friends to unmask a cold-blooded killer, and in Cadaver, Shay is faced with a similar task after she witnesses horrible murders and has to fight off an evil entity.
Shay as Emily Fields on the set of Pretty Little Liars with Sasha Pieterse (Alison DiLaurentis). Image Source: Everett Collection
"It's important for me to get out there and show other people they can do it, too."
In addition to channeling some of Emily into Megan, Shay also learned a valuable lesson from her time on the show that she now incorporates into everything she does: prioritizing her time and "not saying yes to everything." "When I first started the show, I was really excited and new to everything, so I said yes and I think I overexhausted myself. Now it's important [for me] to prioritize and know what's important and have the voice to say no at times."
Some of the things Shay is saying yes to are travel and further developing her brand in hopes of inspiring her fans. "I want to inspire people. . . . It's important for me to get out there and show other people they can do it, too," she said. "There [are] a lot of things that I'm excited about that are around travel, production, and different things that I've had a taste of with YouTube," she explained. "For me, it's about focusing on the things I love and only participating in the things I really enjoy doing and see an end goal to. . . . It's important for me to be a part of something that motivates people in the right direction, and anytime I can be a part of something like that in a positive way, that's what I want to do."
Shay's YouTube channel mainly centers around her travels and love of beauty, but she recently announced on Snapchat that she's going to be focusing more on makeup tutorials, given the high number of fan requests. "People ask me all the time. . . . I'm so fortunate to work with such incredibly creative makeup artists and hair [stylists] that I want to showcase their talents, as well as a couple of mine. I think it's going to be fun."
As a big fan of Shay's, I'm excited for this new chapter in her life and am keeping my eyes peeled for her next "Shaycation" (Greece is definitely my favorite so far). She's come a long way from the shy girl she once played on PLL, and I truly admire that she's learned to love herself for who she is and wants to inspire others to do the same. She's beautiful inside and out!
50 States of Summer Travel Destinations
With Summer right around the corner, it's time to start planning your next vacation. And with a size of 3.8 million square miles, the United States has you covered when it comes to travel and adventure. From majestic national parks and awe-inspiring natural wonders to vivacious metropolitan cities or serene seaside towns, whatever you're in the mood for, America is packed with options that will satisfy your craving. So, go ahead - pack your bags. We've combed through each state in search of epic travel destinations. All you have to do is decide where to go and how to get there!
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