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.
lundi 7 août 2017
The Only Thing More Insane Than That Game of Thrones Battle Was the Fan Response
The following includes spoilers from Game of Thrones season seven.
Are there any words for the latest battle in Game of Thrones other than "HO-LY SH*T"?! The epic fight between Daenerys, her dragons, the Dothraki, and the Lannister forces is hard to fully describe with anything other than expletives, hand gestures, and general sound effects, but luckily that's what Twitter is for. Fans on the internet lost their freakin' minds over the battle scene; let's be real, the only thing more intense than the episode itself were the fan reactions!
We've gathered some of the most appropriately enthusiastic responses to the battle below. Because helloooooo, who could help losing their cool over that "Dracarys"? (We certainly couldn't!)
20 New Beauty Launches You Need in Your Stash This Summer
As warm weather approaches, we're packing up our sweaters and heavy coats and swapping them for our sundresses and shorts. But just like we're a little bored of last year's Summer styles, we're yearning to add new beauty swag to this season's stash. Thankfully, there's plenty of fabulous new launches to choose from! From a coconut oil self-tanning balm to an at-home dip powder gel set, keep reading to see everything we'll be stocking up on for Summer 2017.
These Are the 32 Books From Your Childhood That Your Kids Should Have
With so many amazing books for children out in the world, nursery and kid-room bookshelves have the tendency to get filled up pretty quickly - but are you stocking them with the stories you once enjoyed? Maybe you were the type to have your parents read Madeline to you until they were blue in the face, or perhaps you preferred a few poems from Where the Sidewalk Ends. Either way, it's time to revisit those books that you once (and probably still) love so that your kiddos can enjoy them as well.
Read through for the 32 books from your childhood that your tots need to have on their bookshelves, stat!
Why Huda Kattan Thinks You Need This $3 Beauty Tool from Muji
Huda Kattan is one of the biggest beauty influencers in the world, so when she recommends an affordable product, we pay attention. In a recent blog post, the beauty guru praised Muji Thin Cotton Swabs ($3) as her must-have beauty tool.
She explained that these cotton swabs are ideal for perfecting your makeup because they're so narrow. If you're suffering from a zit, Huda recommends dipping one of these swabs into your concealer and covering it that way for a more hygienic application method. Because you aren't going to reuse the swab, you prevent spreading bacteria around your face.
Another genius tip Huda shared was to dip a swab into some moisturizer or micellar water and swipe it along the side of your eyeliner, like an eraser, to perfect the wing. This method will give you a sharp line every time without ruining the rest of your makeup.
If you aren't familiar with Muji's products, your life is about to change. While the Japanese retailer is known for its affordable and minimalist home basics and stationery, there isn't a better place from which to get innovative beauty tools and practical (and pretty!) storage for your massive makeup collection.
Keep reading to check out more products you'll love from a store that's Huda-approved.
Chrissy Teigen Is Putting on a Fashion Show in the Streets of Venice
Chrissy Teigen is on vacation with her family in Venice, Italy, and she packed some very chic outfits with the help of stylist Monica Rose. No matter where she goes, it seems like Chrissy has the perfect pair of statement earrings for every look and a turban to match her lavish separates. She even coordinated dresses with her mom for a lunch date and wore two sexy LBDs for date night with John Legend. Read on to see what Chrissy's wearing on her getaway, and watch her parade around the streets of Venice in colorful, look-at-me ensembles you'll be inspired by for your own future vacations.
Blast From the Past: 56 Unforgettable MTV VMAs Moments
The 2017 VMAs are almost here, and we're celebrating by taking a look back at the most jaw-dropping moments from the unpredictable event in years past. From Kanye West's infamous mic-grab from Taylor Swift in 2009 to Beyoncé's baby bump reveal in 2011, there is always something exciting going on both on and off the stage at the VMAs. Plus, who could forget Drake declaring his love for Rihanna at the show last year?
11 Ultracomforting Recipes From The Pioneer Woman
It's undeniable that blogger, cookbook author, and Food-Network-star, Ree Drummond - aka The Pioneer Woman - knows her way around comforting American classics. Take a look at her blog, and your mouth is bound to water. We've rounded up 11 must-try recipes from Ree, including chicken chili, macaroni salad, cookies, and cinnamon buns; keep reading for those and more.
A Game of Thrones Bath Bomb Exists, and It Brought Out My Inner Khaleesi
During Game of Thrones season, I have a Sunday evening ritual: I light a Winterfell-scented candle, pour myself a glass of wine, silence my phone, and sit down to watch the new episode of the HBO series. I just discovered a new step that I might need to add to my Sunday night agenda . . . taking a hot bath with the Pearl Bath Bombs "Mother of Dragons" fizzy ($25 each or $55 for three).
I may or may not have drawn the hottest bath possible and whispered, "Fire cannot kill a dragon!" under my breath.
The bomb, which is shaped like earth and includes refreshing ingredients like rosewood, bergamot, and lemongrass, is a good buy for more than just novelty purposes. I cracked mine open after a long day of helping my in-laws move, and its calming scents helped reinvigorate my body and mind in time to fangirl over the latest Game of Thrones episode! What's more, the fizzy eventually dissolved to reveal a ring inside. It wasn't just any ring, either, but a replica of the silver and double-pearl ring like Daenerys Targaryen wears on the show.
Of course, if you grab one of these bath bombs for yourself, you don't have to be as extra as I am about the whole situation. (I may or may not have drawn the hottest bath possible and whispered, "Fire cannot kill a dragon!" under my breath while I basically scalded my skin. This is not a requirement, nor is it advisable.)
You can use the bath bomb any time, even if you're not a huge fan of the series. Like the brand's unicorn bath fizzy, it's just a plain, good product that happens to include a bit of extra fun.
Don't believe me? Check out these photos and GIFs of the Mother of Dragons bath bomb, and you'll definitely want one for yourself.
32 Real Couples Who Gave Up Their Engagement Rings For Tattoos
When Behati Prinsloo first revealed her engagement tattoo - three small dots that run vertically down her ring finger - we were surprised. She admitted to setting aside her diamond in order to get inked with husband Adam Levine, and frankly, we don't know many girls who'd ditch jewelry for a love tat.
But after careful consideration and a bit of research, we realized that the idea behind getting an engagement tattoo is actually pretty sweet. It symbolizes the permanence of the bond between husband and wife, and it's a trend that wasn't just started by Adam and Behati. In fact, we've rounded up 32 real-couple tattoos that take the place of - and even sometimes complement - engagement rings.
Some designs are small and simple; some are bold and reflect some sort of secret message. But one thing's for sure - all of the tattoos here are beautiful and illustrate the strong, unwavering sort of love we'd take over a shining accessory any day. Keep reading to see them all.
These Photos of Jason Momoa With Long and Lucious Hair Should Be Respected at All Times
POPSUGAR is usually a very happy and calm place, but once every so often, us editors get into a very serious and important debate: is Jason Momoa hotter with longer or shorter hair? While some of us have remained adamant that his short hair is a lot sexier, others (me) have held onto the belief that his long and beautiful locks could save the world. The Aquaman actor, who is currently rocking some serious beach waves, has worn his hair in many different ways over the years. From dreadlocks to bedhead to putting it all up in a pretty little man bun, there is not one photo of Jason's mane we don't love.
Put On Your Detective Cap to Learn More About Your Potential Employer
Doing research on a company is one of the first steps to tailoring your job application and prepping for an interview. One of the more common ways people learn about the company is by googling it and seeing what kind of articles pop up in their search. Another way is to read the company's "FAQ" or "About Us" section, and checking out the info and reviews on sites like Glassdoor. But if you rely on those sources alone, you will be only scraping the surface of the company. You'll also be reading the same things other competing job candidates will be reading. To get a leg up on your competitors, check out these little known sources:
- 10-K filing. It's very possible that the company you are applying to is public (which means it's trading on the stock market), and all public companies have to file a 10-K filing. The Form 10-K is basically an annual report compiled by companies that summarizes the firm's performance and backs it up with data. You'll be able to see information on where the firm is going, what they're investing in, their competition, and where the majority of their revenue comes from. You'll be able to discern the firm's strengths and weaknesses, which will be helpful when you're figure out what value you can bring to the company. You can usually find the 10-K document in the investor's section of the corporate website or the SEC's website.
- Annual report. The annual report is a different document from the 10-K and is pretty much a summary of the 10-K findings with less numbers and details and is in a format that is easier for laymen to understand. Reading the annual report and 10-K filing will help you have a better sense of what direction the company wants to take and its future goals. Having this knowledge will make it easier for you to better align your answers with the company's goals.
- Press releases. The press releases can be found in the "Press" section of the corporate website and are official documents stating company announcements. It's helpful to read these documents because they are usually up to date and you'll have a good sense of what kind of image the company wants to present and what's important to the company.
- Competitor's documents. When you're done reading up on your dream company, be sure to check out similar documents on its competitor's website. This will help you learn more about the industry and help you come up with new suggestions that your target company will be interested in exploring. Companies are always on top of what their competitors are doing, so your hiring manager will be impressed to know that you've done your research.
Let's Take a Moment to Appreciate Cersei's Poisonous "Lipstick" Shade
As evil as Cersei Lannister is, one thing we can get behind is her beauty looks. Her hair (when she had it) was always a glorious crown of braids. Her brows, always hinting at mischief, are shaped to perfection. And on season seven, episode three of Game of Thrones, she seemed to be wearing a glossy, pink shade on her lips.
Of course, those who watched the episode know it was actually poison. She used it to kiss, thus kill, the daughter of her new prisoner Ellaria Sand, who used the exact same method to murder Cersei's daughter Myrcella back in season five.
It was horrendous. But, purely from a makeup standpoint, we were admittedly into the very on-trend sheen on the mad queen's pout (even while internally screaming "HOW COULD SHE DO THAT?!?"). Now, if you'll humor us, find ahead five glosses that all resemble the "shade" Cersei wore. Swipe these on and dare someone to kiss you.
A Look Back at Adriana Lima's Dating History
Adriana Lima is one of the most beautiful women in the world, so it's no wonder she has a lot of men trying to win her heart. Since becoming a Victoria's Secret Angel, Adriana has had her fair share of famous (and not so famous) men by her side. Did you know she was engaged to a very famous musician before she tied the knot with the father of her children? Take a look back at the men Adriana has had in her life since she first stepped on that catwalk.
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.
Nobody Does Halloween Quite Like Nicole Richie and Her Family
Plenty of celebrity families dress up every year for Halloween, but one brood that really takes the holiday seriously is Nicole Richie's. Not only does the fashion designer deck out her home with skulls and pumpkins, but she gets her whole family in on the costume fun. Throughout the years, we've seen Nicole pay tribute to A Clockwork Orange with Joel Madden and dress up like a cat with little sister Sofia Richie, and in 2014, she and her mini mes, daughter Harlow and son Sparrow, channeled Cruella de Vil and the 101 dalmatians. We can't wait to see what she comes up with this year!
The Surprising Truth About Refrigerating Eggs
Eggs in the US are sold under refrigeration, but that's not the case in many other countries. People who have their own chickens also sometimes leave the eggs outside of the refrigerator until they're ready to cook with them. What's the deal? Do we really need to refrigerate eggs? Here's the breakdown.
If you have your own backyard chickens and can confirm the health of the chickens and the cleanliness of the coop, your unwashed eggs should be OK to leave out for several days. The reason is that eggs have a "bloom," or natural coating, that keeps out air and bacteria. Once eggs are washed, that coating is removed and it becomes easier for bacteria to penetrate the inside of the egg, and thus refrigeration is necessary to keep them fresh.
As for store-bought eggs in the US, you need to refrigerate them. American egg producers wash eggs to make sure the shells are clean and that there's a decreased risk of salmonella. Thus the protective coating is removed before the eggs arrive in grocery stores. "The USDA requires that eggs destined for supermarket shelves - called graded eggs - are washed and sprayed with a chemical sanitizer before they are sold to the public to reduce the risk of salmonella infection," Business Insider reports. Other countries do not wash their eggs, which is why you'll see them for sale near other unrefrigerated items.
Of course, to be safe, you can always choose to refrigerate your eggs no matter what. If an egg sits out at room temperature for a day, that's roughly the equivalent of seven days in the fridge, so you have to eat them more quickly. But as always, the fresher the eggs, the better they'll taste.
What Really Drives Airbnb Hosts Crazy
The best Airbnb hosts aim to make their places feel like your home away from home, so you should treat it that way. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.
I've been renting out my home for the past year, and a few common guest habits get under my skin.
I've been renting out my home while I travel for the past year and just received "Superhost" status, which means the majority of my guests have had positive experiences. And overall, I've been pleasantly surprised by how friendly and responsible my guests have been. Still, sometimes a few common guest habits get under my skin. If you want to keep your guest profile positive, you'd be smart to avoid these bad habits. Unlike hotels, guests on Airbnb get reviewed, too. And hosts might consider them when deciding whether or not to approve you for your stay.
I recently chatted with fellow Superhost Sara Combs to compare our pet peeves. Combs rents out beautiful spaces in Joshua Tree, CA, and loves being an Airbnb host. But thanks to two years doing it, she also has some helpful insight for guests trying to make the best impression. Check out our list of seven things that drive an Airbnb host crazy, as well as one thing you can do to really impress them.
1. Disrespecting the Neighbors or the Surroundings
As a host, one of the biggest challenges I've had is making sure my guests don't disturb my downstairs neighbors. I try to handle this by leaving a sign by my front door asking people to remove their shoes and reminding guests when they check in to be mindful of the noise. So when I get a text from my neighbors at 2 a.m. asking for my guests to turn down their music, my heart sinks.
"Airbnb offers an amazing opportunity to travel and feel like a local," Combs points out. With that in mind, you should be mindful of the locals you may interact with. "It's especially important to respect neighbors and sound levels, as well as leaving the local environment the same or better than how you found it."
2. Failing to Read Check-in Instructions and Other Information
Hosts put a lot of time into writing and updating their instruction manuals for their guests and do their best to make check-in smooth. Sometimes guests miss the memo. I'll never forget the guest who showed up at my place at 2 a.m. and simply called my cell phone to tell me she was at my front door ready to be let in. Never mind the fact that my front door has a keypad lock and I had sent the codes earlier that week. My guest hadn't even bothered to read my basic check-in message.
On the flip side, it makes a great impression when you do take the time to read what a host has put together for you, as Combs explains: "We're incredibly appreciative when guests do read the details of our listing or our check-in email before asking questions. We're always happy to answer questions, but guests make us feel particularly respected when they read what we've taken the time to send them first."
3. Waiting Until the Review to Complain About Fixable Issues
While hosts hope you read their instructions before contacting them, they also want you to know the lines of communication are open. It's not fun to read a critique in a review when you know you could have easily resolved it and improved your guest's stay. For example, I had one guest complain in the review that I only provided one towel per person. While that seemed reasonable to me for a four-day stay, I would have happily let her know where she could find more towels if she had asked me when she arrived. The best guests let us know if there's something they want or need, and we can almost always accommodate their request. Don't be shy!
4. Breaking the House Rules
Airbnb hosts think hard about house rules, which may include a ban on smoking, events, or even young children staying in the home. Since they are clearly visible on the listing description and right before you book your stay, there is really no excuse for violating them.
5. Misleading Your Host About What You Plan to Do With the Space
"We've noticed a recent trend of bookings that mention just relaxing with friends, and upon check-in a whole crew arrives for a photo shoot," Combs says. She finds it frustrating when companies view her Airbnb listings as free locations to promote their goods. "We really appreciate honesty about true intentions for a booking," she continues, "and do offer a reasonable location fee for those looking to use the house for profit."
I love when guests are completely transparent with me. I've had one who told me she planned to host Thanksgiving dinner in my place, which was totally fine, but also good to know in case any issues came up with noise. If you plan to use a rented Airbnb for something other than sleeping, relaxing, and eating meals with other registered guests, you should tell your host before you book.
6. Lying About the Number of Guests
Some hosts have an additional charges for extra guests. So don't be sneaky and mark only four guests when you really plan on having five. If you do, the host might not be prepared for additional laundry or cleaning that comes with extra guests. Also, if something comes up and a friend has to crash, just let your host know. They'll appreciate it.
7. Expecting 24/7 Hotel-Level Service
There's no denying that hotels offer more service. You can have a concierge make reservations for you, expect your room to be cleaned each day, call the front desk if a neighbor is making too much noise, and get help carrying your bags up to your room. When you're staying at an Airbnb, you trade some of those comforts for a more authentic experience. But that means you may have to deal with the realities of living in your own place, like buying toilet paper if it runs out and researching logistics on your own. It can be frustrating as a host when a "needy" guest contacts you constantly about things they could Google themselves or expects you to make very specific things materialize. Let's just say it drives hosts crazy when you call them after 11 p.m. to ask how the washing machine works when you could read it in their house manual.
One tip to make it feel more like a hotel: if you're staying for more than a week, ask your host if they might be able to arrange a cleaning for you midstay. They might even throw it in free of charge.
The One Thing They Love: When You Leave a Personal Touch
"We've had so many wonderful guests over the years and have even become great friends with some of them," says Combs. Her mind is always blown when guests leave a gift, which may include a bottle of wine, a chocolate bar from their country, or a drawing they did while at the house. In my experience, I've also noticed the best guests will try to connect on a personal level, either asking where I bought a piece of furniture they loved or letting me know they enjoyed a tourist recommendation I made. That feels like the best of Airbnb: only good surprises.
This Trick Helped Me Finally Get Healthy and Lose Weight in My 50s
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Ericka McConnell
A couple of years ago, my doctor warned that my blood sugar levels had been consistently high for two consecutive years (one year is a possible anomaly, two years is a pattern). So high, she was worried that I was on the cusp of being prediabetic. I got the dreaded lecture, "You need to cut your sugar intake and lose some weight. You must exercise. Consistently."
I had prioritized family and work while relegating my self-care to nights in front of a TV . . . now I faced the consequences.
Back in the day, I used to be active: running, biking, swimming, Jazzercise (LOL), even kung fu (not kidding). But life - and TBH a touch of my own innate laziness - had sidetracked me. I had prioritized family and work while relegating my self-care to nights in front of a TV or cooking amazing desserts. I'm not abdicating; I made those choices, but now I faced the consequences.
Lucky for me, family and friends were ready to reintroduce me to a more active lifestyle. I started out slowly: walking, then hiking, and eventually working up to long-distance walks like half-marathons. I even joined a running group, San Diego's In Motion Fit, so I could improve my half-marathon walking speed.
My daughter Dominique, a POPSUGAR Fitness editor, consistently championed my journey and encouraged me to push boundaries. A recent conversation went something like this:
Me: "My blood sugar levels are improving, but I'm still not losing any weight."
Dominique: "You have to do cardio."
Me: "I'm walking and hiking."
Dominique: "Get your heart rate up. Try running with your group instead of walking."
Me: "I'll try."
I lied. I wasn't going to try.
I went to my Saturday group run with all my justifications lined up: a recent broken ankle, my chronic knee issues, an inability to keep up, it was too hot, it was too cold. You name it, I was prepared.
And that is when I accidentally ended up running.
Wait, you say . . . how does one "accidentally run"? Well, it's easy: I didn't want to be rude.
In Motion Fit groups runners together by goal and by speed. I was with the half-marathoners in the 15-minute-mile group. That morning, I began talking to some women I thought were fellow walkers as we started walking that week's scheduled six-mile course. A couple of minutes in, they all began to run. As I was midconversation, I ran to keep up. And then they stopped. Whew, I was so relieved . . . the running was just a fluke. We walked for another minute, and they began to run again. Then walk. Then run, again. "What madness is this?" I questioned.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Alicia Astorino
"Oh, this is the Galloway method," someone said, laughing. "We run for 45 seconds and then we walk for 45 seconds." "For how long?" I asked. "For six miles."
Well, as I said, I didn't want to be rude. And they weren't going that fast. I figured I could tolerate anything for 45 seconds. I would try it for one mile.
Six miles later, I was incredulous. I hadn't run in 30 years, and I had just run-walked-run SIX miles.
My health and fitness had just taken a turn for the better. I kept training with that group and I completed a half-marathon (13.1 miles) using the run-walk-run (RWR) method for the entire distance.
The method is as straightforward as its name implies: run - then walk, then run - for short, timed intervals, over any distance. I use the Nike+ app to track distance and the HIIT timer in the Seconds Pro app to time the intervals.
Recently, I ran into the person behind the RWR method at a Disney Half Marathon prerace expo; I noticed a long line of people waiting to shake hands with none other than Jeff Galloway, member of the 1972 US Olympic Team, former All American Collegiate athlete, author, and entrepreneur. I, too, stopped to thank him for changing my life . . . and he graciously told me I was doing it all wrong.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Alicia Astorino
Well, maybe not all wrong. Galloway shared a few things that I might consider, like changing the interval timing for the pace I was striving to hit (13:44 to break a three-hour half-marathon) to 0:15 run/0:15 walk or 0:30 run/0:30 walk. He also suggested the walking interval never be longer than 30 seconds because as the distance increases, it can get harder and more tiresome to start back up from the walk to the run.
I was further intrigued. I picked up his book The Run Walk Run Method ($20) and followed up with a call to find out what sparked him to create this training approach.
Galloway related that shortly after he opened a running store in the early '70s, he was asked to teach a running class. He soon realized that inserting walking breaks into the training was very beneficial to his beginners. At the end of the 10-week training, every participant was able to complete a 5K or 10K race. More importantly, he realized no one had suffered an injury, which was rather unusual in Galloway's running experience.
At the end of the 10-week training, every participant was able to complete a 5K or 10K race.
When I asked why he - a highly trained marathon athlete - continued to run this way, Galloway said, "I haven't had a running-related injury since 1978."
Galloway is adamant that the RWR method can help anyone run while reducing or eliminating running-related injuries but also relieve stress while improving mental acuity. He states that by focusing on the intervals, a person assumes cognitive control over their workout, allowing them to better control fatigue and avoid negative or detrimental thoughts that can derail training.
I'd have to concur. I've been using RWR for nearly a year and had no injuries - and my joints are on the older side. On a few hill-training days when my knees started to act up, I shortened the intervals to 0:15/0:15 and avoided pain and injury. I actually look forward to run days, and I'm no longer as exhausted (physically or mentally) at the end of distance runs.
My blood sugar levels are under control and I'm off my doctor's prediabetic radar. And I'm losing weight - about eight pounds so far - which has stayed off. I've completed two half-marathons this year, with one more scheduled wherein I hope to break that three-hour time.
A simple approach with amazing results is worth a shot, right? I know it's cliché, but if I can do it, anyone can do it.
All the Times We've Seen Chelsea Handler's Boobs - So Far
Chelsea Handler has basically been living in a topless version of Green Eggs and Ham - much like Sam I Am, she'll go topless on a house, with a mouse, in a box, or near a fox (and even at the top of the Twitter offices). The comic and former Chelsea Lately host has been challenging Instagram's nudity guidelines by posting photos and videos of herself sans shirt over the past two years, and though she has come under fire for the racy snaps (a few of them caused her account to be suspended), there's really nothing that will stop the notoriously outspoken star from baring her boobs on social media.
However you feel about Chelsea, her brand of comedy, or her breasts, you have to admit that her topless photos are way more funny than they are scandalous - seriously, standing on top of a snow-covered mountain with no shirt on? Is it really that much more outrageous than Kim Kardashian posing on a snow-covered mountain in a fur bikini? We've rounded up all the times that Chelsea has flashed boob at us - keep reading to see the NSFW photos now.
10 Healthy Snacking Tips to Fuel Smarter and Lose Weight
We love snacks, but snacking can be a little mysterious: what's the "right way" to snack? In terms of portions, timing, nutrients, choices . . . there's a lot to take in. We combined some of our best, favorite tips for healthy snacking that are helpful no matter what your goals are (read: not just weight loss . . . but they definitely help with that, too). Get a little nutrition 101 and pick up some yummy hacks and recipe ideas along the way.
My Unapologetic Love For This Dutch Oven
About seven years ago, my now husband and I were traveling up the coast of California and we decided to treat ourselves. While normally I wouldn't describe my husband as spendthrift, when it comes to anything kitchen related, he gets a little weak in the knees. Our Le Creuset Oval Dutch Oven (starting at $210) was less of an impulse buy and more of a way to establish our serious, "adult" kitchen. Despite the hefty price tag, there is no piece in my kitchen that works as hard and looks as good.
Our beautiful marine-colored dutch oven really does it all. Due to the thick cast-iron and secure lid, it can really cook almost any meal at any temperature. With it, we've made bread, BBQ, soup, chili, roast chicken, eggplant parmesan, tabbouleh - the list goes on and on. It's the workhorse of the kitchen, getting used at practically every meal.
But any kitchen supply would be worthless if it was difficult to clean, because no one has time to scrub away at crusties on a pan. It doesn't matter what I've seared into the bottom of the oven, with a light soak and quick scrub, it still looks as clean as the day we bought it. This is one tough piece of equipment.
Besides working like a champ, it also is stunningly beautiful. While I'm normally not one for clutter in a kitchen, I have no problem displaying the vibrant dutch oven. The colored exterior, still vibrant after years of abuse, is the statement piece that we've built our kitchen around. If the price is still a concern, remember that this should not only last your lifetime, but could also be gifted to your children when they're old and setting up their kitchen. With an oven this good, you might want to make some room on your counter.
Lift and Shape Your Butt With This 8-Minute Workout
CrossFit is all about high-intensity WODs (workout of the day), so here's a quick and intense one you can do at home or the gym that's only eight minutes long. It may seem short and basic, but holy booty burn! Eight minutes will seem so long for your butt and thighs, plus your heart rate will be soaring, and your sweat dripping! If you think you're sore now, just wait until tomorrow (you're welcome!).
The Workout: Complete this three-move circuit as many times as you can for eight minutes, with no resting between exercises if possible. Aim for three to four rounds.
10 alternating backward lunges
20 step-ups (10 on the right, 10 on the left)
30 air squats
Jade Jenny, CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit suggests backward lunges instead of forward lunges "for a slightly different stimulus," since it requires more coordination, and can be less taxing on the knee. I like to up the intensity of this workout by holding 15-pound dumbbells for the lunges and step-ups, which CrossFit coach and competitor Dani Horan says will also work your grip. Then I drop the weights and really bust through the 30 squats. But you can hold lighter dumbbells for all three moves, or use no dumbbells at all - it's up to you. But no matter what, push yourself hard, embrace the burn, and remember, it'll all be over in eight minutes!
Why St. Croix Should Be Your Next Island Getaway
"Welcome to the Don't Hurry." These are the words painted across the walls of the Cruzan Rum Distillery, and they're a testament to the kind of vacation and energy you're sure to find on St. Croix. The largest (and arguably least touristy) of the US Virgin Islands, St. Croix has everything you could hope for from a Caribbean getaway: white sand beaches (of course), island reefs, ever-flowing rum cocktails, and more.
Better yet, the island's just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the States, with direct flights from Miami or quick connections available in San Juan, Puerto Rico. And 2017 happens to mark the 100th anniversary of the USVI's transfer from Denmark to the United States (to celebrate, you could even get paid to vacation here). So pack a bag full of colorful dresses, sunhats, and a hundred birthday candles. Here are nine excuses to jet off to the Don't Hurry.
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.
If $100 Yoga Pants Make You Ragey, Then Shop These Affordable Workout Clothes
While we definitely have our favorite luxe active pieces, when you're going to get all sweaty and gross in your workout clothes, sometimes you just want affordable options. We've rounded up some great picks from our online shopping excursions to give you great pieces under $50. From Amazon Prime to Old Navy, there are great pieces that are figure flattering, comfortable, and technical enough to handle ultrasweaty, intense exercise.
14 Celebrity Engagement Rings That'll Inspire You
Are you hearing wedding bells? Then, it's time to figure out what engagement ring will best fit your personality.
If you're feeling stumped (or totally overwhelmed by the many options out there), how about taking inspiration from your favorite celebrity? No, we're not saying you have to sell all your possessions and spend thousands of dollars on a sparkler; we're just saying there's no harm in looking. Keep reading to do just that and then learn a thing or two about nontraditional settings.
21 Things I Learned How to Do in the Kitchen This Year
This year will forever be the year I discovered the Instant Pot, June Oven, and Airfryer. I cooked cheaper and smarter than ever before. I wanted to gather everything I learned in one year and share it so that you may be inspired to take on a new cooking technique or invest in a gadget that will make cooking seem less daunting.
The World's Oldest Amusement Park Opened in 1583 - and You Can Visit Today!
Disneyland has been around since 1955, and we thought that was old. But Bakken, an amusement park located in Klampenborg, north of Copenhagen in Denmark, beats Disneyland in age by several hundreds of years. Bakken opened in 1583 and is recognized as the oldest amusement park still in operation in the world by Guinness World Records.
According to Bakken's site, the park is located in the woods of Dyrehaven and is a unique amusement park that offers "a historic and nostalgic venue combined with modern and fun amusements and thrill rides." Guinness World Records says that most major medieval European cities had "pleasure gardens" with live entertainment, games, and rides, which would one day become amusement parks as we know them. "Most closed down during the 1700s," says Guinnes World Records, "but Bakken is the only one to survive."
Best of all (and unlike Disneyland), entrance to the park is free! Because of its history and location, the park says that no big brands are allowed to set up stands at Bakken and neon signs are banned. "Instead a jumble of colorful wooden structures, small independent shop owners, and quirky stalls meets visitors," says the Bakken site. Guests will be able to spot the well-known "white-faced clown" who visits the park daily and can ride the park's 80+ year-old roller coaster as well. Read on to see images of the charming amusement park, which we imagine looks quite a bit different than it did in medieval times.
20 Hot New Beauty Launches You Need to Hoard This Fall
As our bottles of sunscreen and heat-friendly makeup start emptying as Summer ends, we've got our eyes set on exciting new beauty offerings for Fall. Like sweaters and pumpkin-spice everything, these new hair, skin, and makeup goods will make you stoked for the last leg of the year. From a hair lotion that repairs split ends to sheet masks for your nails (really), keep reading to see exactly what should be at the top of your shopping lists.
Yes, Mark Zuckerberg Hired a Former Hillary Clinton Staffer, but He's Not Running For President
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook who's currently on a tour of the US to meet with real, everyday Americans, is not running for president. Sure, there's a super PAC that really wants him to run, and he continues to hire former political strategists like Joel Benenson, a former Hillary Clinton pollster. But despite his many photo ops, the man is not gearing up for a presidential run. If anything, Zuckerberg will set his sights on a more achievable local contest, such as San Francisco's mayoral race in 2019.
Why does everyone think Zuckerberg is running for president?
Currently, Zuckerberg has three former political strategists working for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, an organization he founded with his wife that's devoted to "advancing human potential and promoting equality." Benenson and his company, Benenson Strategy Group, will join the organization as consultants for a single project. He'll be working with former President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign manager, David Plouffe, who serves as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's president of policy and advocacy, and Amy Dudley, the former communications adviser to Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. Zuckerberg's personal photographer is also Charles Ommanney, who served as photographer for the George W. Bush and Obama campaigns.
Outside of these hires, Zuckerberg's tour of the US has also produced numerous campaign-trail-style photos, such as gutting a fish with Alaskan locals, hanging out with truck drivers in Iowa, and grabbing Iftar dinner with Somali refugees in Minneapolis. All of the photos capture Zuckerberg looking normal and having fun, though in reality there are several rules one must adhere to when meeting Zuckerberg, so it's unlikely things were as tranquil as they seem. The giddy earnestness captured in these moments serves to reveal a different side to Zuckerberg, one that's grounded outside of Silicon Valley and CEO meetings, putting him smack-dab in the minds of "normal" people who exist in the US, those who most likely use Facebook every day.
Why would Zuckerberg run for a local race first?
Zuckerberg believes in the power of community, or so he insinuated at the Facebook Community Summit in June. This sentiment is also reflected in Facebook's new mission statement: "Give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together." It's therefore more likely that he'd pin his hopes on local races, where he can talk to the community both directly and through Facebook groups. Besides, if Zuckerberg were to run locally, he'd have an easier time convincing people to vote for him. His audience, after all, includes people who live nearby and work in tech companies themselves.
Most importantly, the 2020 presidential race is going to be a total rat race. Contenders are already contemplating throwing their hats into the ring, and President Donald Trump has even started to fundraise. Zuckerberg wouldn't bet his future on such convoluted odds.
What race would he run for?
Zuckerberg could start small, run for a seat on San Francisco's Board of Supervisors, but he'll most likely go for something like the 2019 San Francisco mayoral race. Sure, Zuckerberg will face a ton of critics, especially among those who oppose the tech shuttle buses or the pricing out of locals in the housing market due to companies like Facebook. But, if current San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee won reelection despite these valid criticisms, what's to stop constituents from voting in someone like Zuckerberg?
So for now, keep an eye on Zuckerberg's tour of America and his earnest Facebook Live videos. It's still too early for us to predict that Zuckerberg will relocate the White House to Palo Alto someday, but you heard it here first.
10 Workouts You Can Do Without Needing to Leave the House
When the gym seems intimidating or impossible to get to, home workouts reign supreme. And guess what? You don't need a fancy gym, studio, or even a bunch of equipment. Even better? You don't even have to put on real clothes. Do any of these workouts in your PJs - we dare ya. No matter what you're in the mood for, there's a mood-boosting, energy-lifting, empowering workout for you to do - and they're all free.
- Dance cardio. Try an at-home dance with The Fitness Marshall or Body by Simone!
- Zumba. Give your dance time a Latin edge with fun Zumba routines.
- Tabata. Keep your Tabata routine to four minutes, or try a 30-minute Tabata exercise to keep the intensity up and burn tons of calories.
- Bodyweight routines. Try a printable no-equipment workout like this quick ab workout or a total-body 20-minute workout.
- HIIT. Like Tabata, you can do tons of HIIT routines at home from your bedroom, living room, or home gym if you have one. Squeeze in a quick 10-minute routine or double it with a 20-minute HIIT sesh.
- Mat Pilates. From the series of five to a four-minute tone-up to a 30-minute Pilates burner workout, mat Piates is an excellent way to lengthen, lean, and burn calories.
- At-home "Megaformer." There are Megaformer moves you can do at home if you use paper plates, slider discs, or even towels on hardwood. Try this four-move at-home workout for legs and abs.
- Class FitSugar videos. They're free, they're seemingly infinite, and you can do all of them from the comfort of your own home. Try any of the Class FitSugar videos to get in shape without changing out of your pajamas.
- At-home boxing. No heavy bag needed for shadow boxing and kickboxing routines.
- Yoga. Namaste at home? Yes. We've got tons of yoga flows and sequences for you to choose from so you can Zen out and build strength wherever you are.
Science-Backed Tips to Burn More Calories on the Treadmill
Are you consistently hitting the treadmill but not seeing results? Or maybe you just want to maximize your gym time and get more out of your workout - totally reasonable! Here are six quick tips and tricks to mix and match that up your caloric burn and help you get the most out of your indoor run - scientist- and trainer-approved.
1. Drink Caffeine First
Fun fact: that whole "But first, coffee" thing has some real truth to it. Drinking caffeine before a workout can increase your caloric burn and aid in your muscles' strength. So before you hit the tread, sip your favorite brew. You'll feel energized, and you'll be getting a better burn.
2. Strength Train Before You Jump On
Warming up is essential to running, both for indoor and outdoor runs. What's more is that "strength training should always come first - always," Natalie Carey, certified trainer and sports nutritionist at Diakadi, told POPSUGAR. Scientists agree - Nicole Aurigemma, M.S. physiology at the Women's Health and Exercise Lab at Penn State, explained that burning through your glycogen stores (carbohydrates) with strength training allows you to burn more fat when you hit the treadmill.
3. Increase Your Pace Little by Little
Even if you only up your speed by 0.5, you increase the amount of calories burned. It will feel challenging, but you'll get more out of each minute by using this tactic. If you can increase your speed by 1.0, even better!
4. Up the Incline
Don't want to up the speed? Try the incline! Increasing your incline can increase your caloric burn by up to 30 percent. Need to go slower? Walk at a steeper incline for a great glute workout, combining cardiovascular exercise and strength training.
5. Try Sprinting Intervals
We know that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Tabata training are surefire ways to burn more calories - so apply it to the treadmill! Interval training on the treadmill will challenge your body and help you get your workout done in less time. Try the Tabata method: 20 seconds of sprinting your fastest with 10 seconds of recovery.
6. Do a Group Class
According to some studies, group fitness can help you lose more weight. Try a treadmill class like Barry's Bootcamp, Speedplay, or Orange Theory Fitness where you can run on the treadmill (and get your strength training in first!) with a group of people instead of going it alone in the gym.
5 Healthy Lunches You Can Pack For Your Kids in Mere Minutes
Few things make parents feel as defeated as opening up their kids' lunchboxes at the end of the day and finding their carefully packed healthy lunch untouched. I know, because I've done it too many times! But with a little creativity, even if you're short on time, you can turn an otherwise mundane bagged lunch into something your kids can't wait to eat.
Kids are extremely visual, so the key is coming up with cute, easy - emphasis on easy - ways to serve healthy meals that won't add time to your already-crazy morning routine. Here, five fun ways to serve up a healthy lunch that your kids will want to eat!
15 Foods to Help You Sleep
If you rely on sleeping pills for a good night's sleep, take note: a recent study found that those who took sleeping aids like Ambien and Lunesta had a higher risk of dying sooner or developing cancer. While the jury's still out on whether the study found merely a correlation between being sick and taking sleeping pills (rather than the medication being the cause of the early deaths), why not play it safe with a natural fix? If you're a restless sleeper, try eating any of these foods a few hours before bedtime and be ready for a personal visit from Mr. Sandman.
The Simple Thing I Started Doing on Sundays That Changed the Rest of My Mornings
Every morning sort of went down like this: I'd already be stressed out the second I woke up, and my entire shower time would be spent frantically thinking of my to-dos and errands for the week. The panic would continue as I got ready, as well as on my office commute. I was already setting myself up for a hectic start to my day, as you could imagine it didn't stop once I got to my desk. But once I began doing one very simple thing on my Sundays, the rest of my workweek changed drastically. At the end of every weekend, I sit down and plan my week out on paper, so that I'm ready to hit the ground running come Monday.
It probably sounds like the obvious thing to do, right? Totally, but once I actually committed to making it a habit, everything changed. I'm a huge advocate of using a physical planner to stay organized, but I've always filled things in day to day. Now, I take about 20 minutes on Sunday afternoon or evening to brainstorm story ideas for the week, fill in my calendar with plans and scheduled workout classes, and list out everything else I need to take care of (bills, errands, reminders, etc.). I always argue that writing things down versus adding to your online calendar (I do both) helps you remember them better. Seeing assignments, meetings, and plans spaced out in front of you also gives you a better sense temporally. For example, knowing that something's due on Wednesday doesn't give you the same urgency as seeing it due the day after tomorrow.
When Monday rolls around, my mornings are free to calmly get ready for my day now that a matrix-looking list isn't running through my head. My showers have also turned into a relaxing morning ritual with feel-good music, since I already have everything planned out. Overall, I feel so much more at ease before heading into the office. The key is really to force yourself to prep on that Sunday (and every Sunday!) to make your life significantly easier on the days to follow. Trust me, it's seriously life changing.
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.
11 Books Written by or About Refugees to Add to Your Summer Reading List
While politicians continue to debate helping refugees while simultaneously refusing to allow them to resettle in the countries they lead, some 65 million people suffer worldwide.
The crisis in Syria has accentuated what harrowing circumstances refugees face, but it's not just happening there: people escaping war, famine, and extreme poverty across the Middle East have sought asylum across Europe in recent years.
Too often the plight of refugees is politicized, as is the case now, but one way to combat misrepresentations of refugees is simply by reading their stories. We asked Amazon book editor Sarah Smith to recommend a few books both about refugees and by refugees to enlighten readers of their stories. Ahead are her choices of poetry, short stories, and novels with a brief description about each selection.
The Harry Potter Fan Theory That J.K. Rowling Finds "Strangely Upsetting"
While J.K. Rowling typically entertains - or just doesn't acknowledge - circulating Harry Potter fan theories, she has some pretty strong feelings about one involving Dumbledore and horcruxes.
One of the YouTube vloggers behind SuperCarlinBrothers, Jonathan Carlin, fleshed out a theory that Professor Dumbledore's animal companion, Fawkes, was actually a horcrux - implying that the greatest wizard of all time dabbled in dark magic.
Per Rowling's universe, horcruxes are created to attain immortality. However, they also involve murdering someone else in order to make one. This theory posits that though Dumbledore didn't deliberately murder anyone, he did still harbor guilt over the death of his sister, which he ultimately blamed himself for. Since Dumbledore pinned his sister's murder on his own neglect, he theoretically had a chance to perform dark magic and create a horcrux. You can watch a video about the theory below.
Though Carlin makes a strong case for this theory, Rowling straight up denied it when it was brought to her attention on Twitter - and even went so far as to call it "upsetting."
The idea that anybody believes this is strangely upsetting to me. https://t.co/G4RlSB9kEI
- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 4, 2016
As other people on Twitter noted, Dumbledore didn't fear death and therefore did not desire immortality. His incomparable goodness also makes it really hard to believe that he would do something so evil in nature. Luckily, we can all let out a sigh of relief and thank Rowling for at least acknowledging this troubling one.
You Can Ripen an Avocado Faster With These 2 Kitchen Essentials
There's nothing worse than browsing your supermarket's avocado stash only to find out that not. a. single. one is ripe. Before you raise your hands in an angry fury, stop! We have a pro tip, straight from the folks at the Hass Avocado Board: place your not-quite-ready-yet avo inside a brown paper bag with an apple or a banana for two to three days. It's that easy.
Why It Works
"The plant hormone ethylene, which occurs naturally in fruits like apples and bananas, triggers the ripening process. When combined in a brown paper bag, which helps to trap the ethylene gases produced by these fruits, these gases can cause the fruits to ripen faster together."
And with that, go forth and snag all those unripe avocados, because they'll be guacamole-ready faster than you thought. If only there was this simple of a solution for all the other struggles avocado-lovers face.
dimanche 6 août 2017
Every Parent Needs to See This Photo of What Happens When You Don't Vaccinate Your Kids
It's difficult to look at current photos of 11-month-old Elijah for long. The baby boy contracted chicken pox, which covered his face and body in painful, blistering scabs and sores. As horrifying as these images are, they don't even show that he's also suffering from a secondary infection brought on by the virus.
So, how did this happen?
According to Kayley Burke, the baby's mother, it's simple: because people don't vaccinate their children.
"Our poor baby boy is too young to be immunized," she wrote in a heart-wrenching Facebook post. "Vaccinate your kids, people . . . Think about the risk you are putting on other helpless kids what are too young to who actually can't be vaccinated!"
A baby as young as Elijah getting chicken pox, also known as varicella, is certainly uncommon. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most babies receive antibodies against the virus from their mothers while in the womb that protect them in their first year of life – before they are old enough to get the vaccine at around 12 to 15 months of age.
However, because chicken pox is so contagious and can be passed from person to person - particularly between those who've gone unvaccinated - with remarkable ease, it's possible for babies to get a mild case. In rare cases, even healthy babies and children can develop serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, brain swelling, or a bacterial skin infection.
Meanwhile, the varicella vaccine is proven to prevent severe illness in almost all children and is 85 percent effective in preventing even mild illness.
As for Elijah, not only was he admitted to the hospital after a week of agony, but Kayley and her 3-year-old daughter also contracted the viral illness.
"Adult chicken pox is so horrible and painful, I would much rather give birth with no pain relief," she wrote. "Bottom line, if you don't vaccinate your kids, you're a bloody idiot."
25 Cactus Flower Tattoo Ideas For Your Beautiful but Prickly Soul
Cacti have been appearing everywhere lately, and we aren't complaining. The prickly plants are dominating home decor, adorning iPhone cases, and appearing in all our friends' homes. Considering the massive trend, it's no surprise that tattoo addicts are getting the lovable designs inked on their bodies.
For a pretty twist on the trend, some tattoo enthusiasts are adding gorgeous cactus flowers to their bodies. Cactus flowers bloom on the plant and come in a variety of hues including pale blush, hot pink, yellow, and magenta. The gorgeous flowers add a unique touch of color to an otherwise monochromatic trend. The results are absolutely beautiful, and we can't stop admiring these works of art.
Keep reading to get some cactus flower tattoo inspiration.
12 Reasons Spencer Reid Is the Best Part of Criminal Minds
The ever-changing ensemble cast of Criminal Minds is always on point, taking down unsubs and bringing happily ever afters to families across the nation. While the team couldn't properly function without each of its very crucial members, there's really one who reigns supreme day in and day out - and who has been with the Behavioral Analysis Unit since day one.
Yes, Dr. Spencer Reid, sometimes referred to (completely appropriately) as Pretty Boy, is the FBI's resident genius and nerdy hot guy. He makes a giant vocabulary sound oh so good and sweater vests unfairly attractive. But he's more than just a pretty face and a brilliant mind! He's also a loyal friend to everyone in the BAU and a devoted son. He truly is the best reason to watch Criminal Minds, as further proved by the following 12 reasons that are only partially credited to Matthew Gray Gubler's unfairly beautiful face.
A Vet's Urgent Warning Against Leaving Dogs in Hot Cars Needs to Be Shared Immediately
If you're a pet owner, you've probably been in the following scenario at one point or another: it's a Sunday afternoon, and you're in the middle of a whirlwind of errands. You just took your dog by the vet for a quick checkup and still have to swing by the grocery store, get your nails done, and make it home for family dinner. As you pull into the grocery-store parking lot, you vow to make your trip quick because you'll be leaving your pup in the car - with the windows cracked, of course. Seems innocent, right?
Dr. Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and self-proclaimed pet advocate, is certainly familiar with the aforementioned situation. But Ward has made it his personal mission to ensure that dog owners know that while it may seem like an innocent thing to do, leaving an animal in a parked car on a steamy Summer day is actually incredibly dangerous. To demonstrate this, Ward decided to videotape himself sitting in a parked vehicle to see just how hot it would get inside over time. Spoiler alert: it got really hot, really fast.
Though the outdoor temperature was 95 degrees, the inside of the car reached a staggering 117 degrees during the 30 minutes Dr. Ward was inside. While he could see that it was breezy outdoors by observing the swaying trees, Ward said he couldn't feel any breeze in the car despite the slightly cracked windows, and it provided no relief from the quickly rising temperature. The vet explained how "helpless and frightening" a situation like the one he was in would feel for a dog left in the car. "Everything in my body is saying 'get out, get out, get out,'" he said.
Oh, and let's not forget the sweat factor. "I can just feel rivulets of sweat careening down my body . . . and I can do that; a dog can't. A dog can't perspire," Ward said. The fact that dogs are unable to sweat is what makes it so hazardous - and potentially fatal - to abandon one in a parked car when it's hot out. "You can make all the excuses you want. You can say, 'It'll just be for a second, and I'm gonna leave the windows cracked . . . but those excuses are meaningless unless you've sat in that car during that same time."
Watch the video ahead to hear what else Dr. Ward has to say about this hot (pun semi-intended) topic.
11 Tips For Surviving Your First Trip to Walt Disney World
"We're going to Disney World!" As soon as my kids heard the Super Bowl MVP utter that post-Super Bowl phrase, they couldn't wait to board the plane for Orlando, FL, themselves. Little did they know that we had booked our trip six months earlier, planning to stay at an apartment off-property (thanks, Nanna!), a few miles from the park. I loved Disney World as a kid, but back then, it was just two parks, and I wasn't the one planning the trip or paying for it. Today there are five parks!
We were planning on meeting friends there the week of Presidents' Day - the kids would be off from school, but so would thousands of other kids all with parents who had the same destination in mind. To say I was nervous about the trip is an understatement. I envisioned waiting in long lines everywhere, being inundated with kids whining for Mickey Mouse ears and other souvenirs every three minutes, and feeling overwhelmed by the size of the parks. My vision couldn't have been further from reality. Sure, those things existed, but despite all of that, we experienced the Happiest Place on Earth.
Here are my tips on how you can do that, too!
Does Diet Soda Really Help You Lose Weight?
For many people, the indulgence of a sweet diet soda is a guilt-free pleasure, and it's considered a savior for just about anyone trying to lose weight. Does diet soda really have zero consequences when it comes to weight gain, though?
To get to the bottom of how diet soda affects weight, we sought out expert advice from a doctor and registered dietitian. First, however, it's important to be clear on what diet soda actually is because there are so many different drinks out there. Diet sodas are calorie-free or close to it. Usually the sweetness from sugar is replaced with sweeteners that are calorie-free. The question is whether or not replacing calorie-dense sugar with a calorie-free alternative will still make you gain weight.
The age-old mantra of weight control has always been calories in versus calories out, or in other words, if your body burns more calories than you consume, you'll lose weight. This leads most of us to think that diet soda is harmless toward weight gain because it doesn't add to your calorie intake. The truth, however, is more complex than this simple math equation. After all, most things that seem too good to be true usually are. Let's see if diet soda falls into that category.
A Doctor's Take on Diet Soda
"The zero calories from diet soda don't necessarily mean zero weight gain. There's been a lot of research that suggested diet soda alters your perception of sugar. So that even if you don't get the calories from that diet soda, you may end up drinking and eating more calories from other sources," said Jonathan Fricke MD, MHP.
What this means is that the more often you consume foods or drinks that taste sweet, like diet soda, the less sensitive your body becomes to sweet foods. It's similar to how the more coffee you drink the more you need to have the same effect, which could mean your body will crave more sugar than ever before if you favor diet drinks.
And we may not be able to fully trust science on this one, as all the studies and research making claims about diet soda and weight gain probably aren't totally reliable yet. "A lot of the research comes from rats and mice so it may not translate to human beings," Dr. Fricke warned. Last time we checked, a mouse and a human are pretty different.
The doctor's final word on diet soda? "The mantra of everything in moderation is the important bottom line for it," Dr. Fricke cautioned. "I recommend to my patients there's no reason from a health perspective to drink anything other than water."
A Dietician's Take on Diet Soda
The research on diet soda is still growing and not completely conclusive, as McKenzie Flinchum RD, LD/N, CPT and owner of Flexible Dietetics LLC pointed out.
According to Flinchum, "There are studies on the possible increase of sugar cravings with intake of diet soda, as well as studies revealing that artificial sweeteners may not activate the food-reward pathways in the brain. Other factors would need to take place to link diet soda to weight gain, but from what is currently known, diet soda contains alternative sweeteners, which contain zero calories, thus not contributing to overall caloric intake."
What does all this mean to you? Basically, not adding calories to your diet by drinking diet soda won't mean putting on a few extra pounds - at least in the short term. The long-term effects on how it could change your body are still unclear. Constantly having a sweet drink that doesn't have the same impact on the body as sugar could distort your perception of sugar and sweetness, leading you to overindulge down the road. Drinking a diet soda may mean no calories today, but it could lead you to reach for an extra bar of chocolate or slice of cake later.
Flinchum's overall recommendation? "I would recommend decreasing overall soda intake, regardless of whether it is diet or not, and switching to either more water or a better drink option than soda. In moderation, diet soda can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle. In certain cases, it may aid in weight loss. But as with anything, moderation is key."
Final Word on Diet Soda
In the short term, drinking diet soda won't lead to weight gain because you won't be consuming any extra calories. It's especially true if you're used to drinking regular soda and make the switch. The biggest factor to consider will be how consuming a sweet beverage affects the body and your sense of sweetness. It may turn out that the effects are minimal or they may end up being substantial enough to desensitize how satisfying sweet foods taste, which could lead to overindulgence. For now, it seems safe to say that diet soda doesn't lead to any immediate weight gain, but if it's all you drink, it may usher in some unwanted pounds in the future.
That Game of Thrones Brush Set You've Been Hearing About Is on Sale!
There's a makeup brush set for every fandom out there: Harry Potter, Beauty and the Beast, even Mean Girls. After seven seasons Game of Thrones, the show finally got its own brush collection, too. And my, was it worth the wait.
Created by British makeup brand The Catch 96, the Thrones-inspired set comes with eight brushes each adorned with one of the emblems from the family houses: Baratheon, Lannister, Stark, Targaryen, Martell, Greyjoy, Tully, and the symbol for the Hand of the King. They also feature each family's respective sayings, from the Lannisters'"hear me roar" to the Starks' "winter is coming."
The brushes come finished in silver, gold, rose gold, and copper, and sets include five shadow brushes, a fluffy powder brush, a brow and lash comb, and a liner brush.
On top of that, they are now on sale. Formerly $80, the set is now half off at $40. We haven't been this happy about anything since Jon Snow and Ygritte's infamous cave scene.
Get a closer look at the makeup brushes, ahead.
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?
20 Cocktails Infused With 1 Ingredient That'll Give Them a Spicy Kick: Jalapeños
You either love a good spicy drink or you don't. If you do, then these jalapeño cocktails are going to speak to your soul. Not only are they refreshing (and pretty!), but they also have that spicy kick that will have you wanting more. Adding some slices of jalapeño help decorate the drink and make it Instagram-ready. Get ready to start imagining yourself sipping (or chugging) one of these drinks.
Where Exactly Are the White Walkers on Game of Thrones? Closer Than You Might Think
The Great War is here on Game of Thrones, and we're not talking about that slap fight between Cersei and the rest of Westeros. We're talking about the epic showdown between the humans and the frozen army of the undead. The White Walkers, led by the horrifying Night's King, are heading to Westeros, and they are not here to play. At this point, it's clear the White Walker invasion is inevitable. It's not a question of if - it's a question of when. In order to figure out how far off they are, we need to figure out two things: where they are, and where they're headed.
In order to try to locate the White Walkers, we're using the map that appears on HBO's website.
One of the first tangible White Walker locations is at Hardhome, a small fishing village beyond the Wall at the far east of the region. The White Walkers launch a massive attack on Hardhome in season five. So, that's where the army is by the end of season five. The next huge conflict with the White Walkers happens at the heart tree, where Bran has been training with the Thee-Eyed Raven. During one of his visions, Bran encounters the Night's King, and the Night's King brands his arm. In reality, this mark serves as a beacon, making Bran easy to find. The White Walkers destroy the weirwood tree, as well as the Three-Eyed Raven and poor Hodor.
So, where is the heart tree? According to the books, it's within the Haunted Forest. It's east of the Fist of the First Men (a landmark and vantage point used by the Night's Watch), and North of Craster's Keep, both of which are on the map. If you draw a straight line east from the Fist and a straight line north from the Keep, you'll find roughly where it is. We marked its general location with a red arrow.
It seems the White Walkers backtracked from Hardhome to find and attack Bran. Oh, and for the record, the Wall isn't marked on this map, but it stretches across just above Castle Black.
A wide view of Hardhome from season five. (Image Source: HBO)
In the new season, we've only seen the White Walkers once, and they're just marching through a snowstorm. That said, we've got some cues as to where they'll head. Chances are they won't take the Wall head-on (although it's possible). The most plausible theory so far, though, is that they'll try to go around the Wall on the east side. This is because of The Hound's vision in the fire; he sees the place "where the Wall meets the sea," and "the dead are marching past." Then there's the fact that the opening credits seem to show that the sea is freezing. When you consider how the White Walkers were already on the east side at Hardhome (before they doubled back and went after Bran), it makes total sense that this has been their plan.
So, there's our answer: the White Walkers were all the way over at the heart tree in season six, and they've begun their march to the eastern edge of the Wall. Considering how fast Bran and Meera made it directly south to the Wall, it really won't be long before the White Walkers become the biggest threat in Westeros.
Game of Thrones: Here's Where Dragonstone Is Filmed
Game of Thrones season seven sees Daenerys Targaryen return to her ancestral home of Dragonstone, a seaside castle with a winding staircase and a main hall that features a seat of power to rival the Iron Throne in its impressive size and scope.
But is this a real-life location or has it all been created on a sound stage or with CGI? The answer is: all three.
The beaches where Dany's forces land are actually Itzurun Beach in Zumaia and Muriola Beach near Barrika, both areas on the northern coast of Spain, located about 60 miles apart.
#Goodmorning from the Itzurun beach in #Zumaia, a place where you will feel part of #GOT https://t.co/HoKkpuX4Or #VisitSpain @i_Euskadi http://pic.twitter.com/meIQKnI4yv
- Spain in Switzerland (@Spain_in_CH) July 14, 2017
There were also some exteriors shot on Downhill Strand in County Derry, Ireland, which is part of a Game of Thrones filming tour that visitors to Belfast, Ireland, can take.
As for Dragonstone itself, the winding staircase that Jon Snow and Davos Seaworth climb upon arrival at the castle is a real place. The islet is called Gaztelugatxe, which means "castle rock," and the staircase connects it to the mainland on the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain.
The real-life Dragonstone stairs setting if you want to visit: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe @GameOfThrones http://pic.twitter.com/a7CRVVQVNO
- James Hibberd (@JamesHibberd) July 31, 2017
Unfortunately, at the top of the 241-step trek, you won't find the towering Dragonstone castle, which is purely CGI. The islet merely contains a small church called San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which is dedicated to John the Baptist - and according to Euskoguide, it is rumored he even set foot on the island. Further, according to legend, once you make the climb up the staircase, you are to ring the church's bell three times and make a wish. Supposedly your wish will come true and you will be free of evil spirits, according to the Bermeoko tourism site.
Alas, the interiors of Dragonstone are also not a real location - though how cool would that be? But those scenes are filmed on the Game of Thrones sound stages in Belfast, though tourists can also visit those.
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