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.
mardi 8 août 2017
A Thank You Letter to Betsy DeVos From a Public School Teacher
Thank you, Betsy.
That sounds strange coming from a public school teacher of 15 years. Indeed, after a day of teaching fourth graders, who are diverse in every way and whose future is now in your control, saying thank you is the last thing I thought I'd say today. But thanks. On Feb. 7, 50 Republican senators voted for you, you who would not have made the cut to be hired as a tutor for their own children. Thank you, Betsy, for showing me money has power, but not over all.
I don't know if I feel worse for the senators who sold out because of the money you gave them or for the ones who sold out for free. But not everybody let their vote be bought, and that gives me hope.
Thanks, Betsy, for by showing me my fears, you clarified my beliefs. Yes, you inspire a lot of fears in me . . . will class size grow? Will Title I be cut? Will English For Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services disappear? Will special education be decimated? How will my job change? Will my students have the same opportunities for college as my generation?
Through clarifying my beliefs, you triggered my actions. Thank you for giving me more solidarity with my co-workers, friends, family, and world. In our mutual sorrow at your lack of credentials, we came together. On Tuesday, I did not eat while grading papers or planning lessons. I sat with my co-workers as we mourned the loss of our voice. During the fight to block your confirmation, so many teachers, students, and parents spoke up while calls and letters to senators were ignored and protests delegitimized.
My union never lit a fire beneath me - but you did. Thank you.
Thank you, Betsy, for inflaming my disappointment in our government. Mr. Rogers taught us to look for the helpers in any time of darkness. But it was you who made it dark enough for me to look.
I watched hours of CSPAN listening to thoughtful testimony of so many education advocates and became obsessed with ordering a bound copy of Monday night's incredible congressional record. I have never before felt so political or so united behind my party. Now I want to donate money, support the candidates I believe in, organize . . . the sky is the limit. My union never taught me this, never lit a fire beneath me - but you did. Thank you.
More than anything, I want to teach. I want to continue to teach my fourth graders that citizenship means respect for all and a responsibility for each other, to read critically, to value being informed. I want to teach them that a million small efforts will eventually be more powerful than one large campaign check. And I want to teach them that America will always return to freedom, no matter how much corruption tries to reign.
So, thank you, and good luck to you. You have no clue what you just signed up for.
This post was originally published on February 20, 2017.
WTF: A Woman Was Denied a Second Job Interview For Asking This Question
On Monday, March 13, Taylor Byrnes tweeted screenshots of the response she received from SkiptheDishes after asking about pay and benefits following her first interview at the food delivery service in Winnipeg, Canada. "Applied for a job at @SkipTheDishes. They cancelled my interview b/c I asked about wages/benefits," she wrote in a now-viral tweet.
Applied for a job at @SkipTheDishes. They cancelled my interview b/c I asked about wages/benefits @CBC @CBCNews @ctvwinnipeg #boycottSkip http://pic.twitter.com/CjBdnFvY1P
- . (@feministjourney) March 13, 2017
"Hi Victoria, I had another question that I wanted to ask you," Byrnes's initial email reads. "If I do end up filling this position, how much do you think I'll be getting paid an hour? Benefits will also be included, right? Sorry, I just thought I should ask now. Thanks for your time and have a lovely day," she concluded.
Screenshots show that Victoria responded, "Hello Taylor, your questions reveal that your priorities are not in sync with those of SkipTheDishes. At this time we will not be following through with our meeting this Thursday." In a follow-up email, Victoria called out qualities the company looks for in employees, including "hard work and perseverance in pursuit of company goals as opposed to focusing on compensation."
"For these reasons, questions about compensation and benefits at such an early stage is a concern related to organizational fit."
After the screenshots were posted and shared across social media, Byrnes received yet another response from the company, this time from its cofounder, who expressed disappointment with the way the situation was handled. The company also shared its screenshots on its Twitter page to rectify the backlash from people who were calling for a boycott of SkipTheDishes.
(1/2) The email to Taylor does not represent #SkipTheDishes team values. We have followed up to offer heartfelt apologies & a 2nd interview. http://pic.twitter.com/XKYWsHXj7P
- SkipTheDishes (@SkipTheDishes) March 14, 2017
(2/2) We do share compensation & it's OK to ask. We are coaching internally to ensure this doesn't happen again. @CBC @CBCNews @CTVWinnipeg
- SkipTheDishes (@SkipTheDishes) March 14, 2017
SkipTheDishes cofounder Joshua Simair addressed the controversy in an emailed statement to POPSUGAR, writing, "We are very disappointed in how it was handled. We do share a compensation package prior to hiring. As soon as we became aware of it on Monday, we reached out to Taylor to apologize for the email and reschedule her interview."
Simair also revealed that the company would be changing internal policies to make sure it doesn't happen again. "We've also addressed the email internally and will be providing additional training. We are very committed to our community, employees and continuing to grow and create employment opportunities in the Prairies."
Although Byrnes has received an outpouring of support for standing up for herself, there is still a dispute over whether or not her questions were appropriate to ask. Seeing as it's important for women to ask about pay upfront so that they get what they deserve, we'd say the answer is yes.
We've reached out to Byrnes for comment and will update this story if we hear back.
11 Adult Piggy Banks Because Your Loose Change Can Really Add Up
Everyone remembers having a piggy bank as a kid. There was no greater joy than dropping in coin after coin and watching the collection grow. Bring back that feeling with these adult-friendly piggy banks. Not only will they solve the problem of accumulating loose change, but they'll also get you saving - without even realizing it. Who knows, it could even add up to that dream vacation.
What, Exactly, Is Cellulite, and How the F*ck to Get Rid of It
This is the no-nonsense cellulite article you've been looking for. We're not here to BS you about miracle potions and we're not here to shuttle you off to a room full of magic, cellulite-banishing lasers. We're addressing what cellulite is, how it forms, and why people of all shapes and sizes - including fitness buffs - develop it. We're also here to walk you through cellulite treatments (no sugarcoating involved). And we are OK with breaking the news that, ultimately, there's no way to remove 100 percent of your cellulite.
How and Why Cellulite Develops
Fun fact number one: Roughly 85 percent of women have cellulite.
Fun fact number two: Cellulite isn't about your weight.
"Cellulite is not just about fat, but rather about the structure of the skin," explained board-certified dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, who specializes in cosmetic dermatology. "It is hypothesized that the circulation under the skin slows, causing fat cells to swell. The elastic bands that hold down the fat gradually weaken, enabling the fat cells in between the bands to pop out and cause the dimpling effect."
Dr. Nussbaum adds that while weight gain and poor diet may increase the development of cellulite, hormones - and the genetic predisposition of slowed circulation, as described above - are the leading causes. In other words, a woman can be at her ideal weight and still have cellulite while a woman who weighs more can be dimple-free.
Over-the-Counter Cellulite Treatments
So just how much hope can you put into all those creams that promise smooth skin? Not a ton. Remember, there's no way to remove 100 percent of cellulite. Still, some can slightly improve skin texture.
"When choosing an at-home lotion or firming cream, look for one that is formulated with antioxidants, as this works to attack free radicals that tend to break down healthy skin cells," Dr. Nussbaum said. "[Additionally], products formulated with caffeine can increase circulation and temporarily shrink fat cells, as well as evenly distribute water between fat cells for a smoother appearance."
Another option is dry brushing, which is exactly what it sounds like. You use a specialized brush to massage the skin, which helps exfoliate, brighten, stimulate circulation, and slightly improve texture.
Products that promise to instantly or completely firm, tone, or remove cellulite aren't giving it to you straight. They may temporarily mask the appearance of cellulite by tightening or smoothing the skin, but these effects last 24 hours, tops, or until you wash off the product.
In-Office Cellulite Treatments
When it comes to the most effective ways to treat cellulite, Dr. Nussbaum advises that those performed at your dermatologist's office are your best bet. However, that comes with the same disclaimer as over-the-counter remedies: you won't see a 100 percent reduction, and there's no treatment that will work on every single patient. Add to that the expense of a doctor service - and often the need to repeat them - and you're talking about a serious investment with a potentially minimal return.
If you want to go the in-office route, though, Dr. Nussbaum has a couple of suggestions.
"Certain infrared and radiofrequency lasers use heat to tighten the collagen bands and break up the fat cells, giving a potentially smoother look. These often only last a few months [and] results vary widely," Dr. Nussbaum said. "Ultrasound can also be used to target pockets of fat in conjunction with lasers to tighten collagen bands. However, again, results are temporary and not permanent."
Another option you might have heard of is subcision. For this service, the surgeon uses a needle to physically break up collagen bands under the skin. Dr. Nussbaum said that "research has shown that it is not all that effective and causes bruising and pain." #nothanks
The Bottom (Get It?) Line
We're not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but cellulite is pretty much impossible to prevent - especially if you're genetically predisposed - and is not likely to go away.
"There are ways to improve the overall look and texture of the skin, but it is important to note that there are no treatments that are permanent, achieve 100 percent resolution, or work for every patient. They can only temporarily achieve a reduction in appearance of cellulite," Dr. Nussbaum stressed. "Expectations must be realistic and tempered with physician guidance."
Cellulite research is still underway, so there may be hope yet for those of you who can't stand your dimples. Meanwhile, you can embrace your body - marks, dimples, warts, lines, and all - and keep treating yourself well by eating right, exercising often, and drinking lots of water.
10 Zumba Videos to J Balvin's Songs That'll Make Your Workout Feel Like a Party
All of the songs J Balvin releases are made for dancing - that's why every time you hit the club, they are playing. But they also lend themselves to Zumba, so you can sweat it out while listening to his biggest hits.
You can learn how to move your body to the beat of "Mi Gente" or "Safari" while getting in shape with the 10 YouTube videos ahead.
The Evolution of Queen Letizia and King Felipe's Love
For the past 13 years - since they announced their engagement in 2003 - Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain have shared with us more than a few sweet moments. Their glamorous wedding in 2004 was a true fairy-tale event; the birth of their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, a cause for major celebration; and their everyday official appearances and trips, always total treats where they look smiley and just absolutely happy.
From the way Felipe helps Letizia down the steps every time she's in heels to the mischievous looks and whispers they share at public hearings, it's pretty obvious that the affection between these two lovebirds only gets stronger as time goes by. They truly are one supercute couple - see what we mean by scrolling through their most adorable moments here.
Kids Always Beg For a Pet Dog, but No Dad Has Ever Responded Quite Like This
For generations, kids have begged their parents for a pet dog. It's essentially a childhood rite of passage, right up there with learning to ride a bike and threatening to run away from home. But only a few parents have likely drafted a legally binding "family dog contract" and went on to have each child sign the document before agreeing to add a furry friend to the household.
Herein is one of those parents. Father to Amy, Jessica, Casey, and Samantha, this dad created a 13-point contract and posted it to Imgur - possibly to make it hold up in a court of law? - before it went viral for its head-scratching requirements.
For instance, although the dad gets full veto power over the dog's name and breed (no slobberers, sorry), he refuses to allow anything fancier than "plain old dog food" for feeding purposes and he won't budge on the animal being a part of the family Christmas card in either name or likeness.
One area he did budge on? Although he originally mandated a 10-pound dog, it appears one of his children convinced him to amend the target weight to a more respectable 15 pounds.
It's clear he's raising his kids to be just as good at negotiating as their proud pop!
57 Cheap and Original DIY Couples Halloween Costumes
The best part of any holiday (besides the food) is dressing up. Whether it's Fourth of July or New Year's Eve, putting together the right outfit is key to starting the celebration. And no other holiday calls for outrageous and funny costumes like Halloween. For this trick-or-treat celebration, these 57 DIY couples costumes are not only effortless to make but also up your outfit creativity level. If you're planning to dress up with your partner but have no idea where to start, just get some sweet (or scary) inspiration now! You guys can make the outfits together and then stun the crowd at your Halloween bash.
Forget That Pregnancy Glow - This Photographer Captures Real-Life Maternity Photos
Pregnancy can be the most beautiful time of a woman's life, and family photographer Danielle Guenther knows how to capture it stunningly. But she also knows that it isn't always rosy and full of that "natural glow" everyone talks about. It's exhausting. It's uncomfortable. It's even embarrassing sometimes. So the Hoboken, NJ-based Guenther is setting out to show it in all of its glory (and exaggerated form) in her new series, "What the BUMP!?" - a collection of hysterical, artfully staged photos that show the truth about pregnancy.
Guenther is no stranger to the world of real-life scenario photography. Her Best Case Scenario series that depicts the true chaos that is parenting has been a hit with parents who are tired of seeing beautifully staged family photos that so frequently appear in our Instagram feeds. Her new series, includes expectant mamas in familiar settings like business meetings, shopping with older, wilder kids, and an overdue mom doing just about anything to go into labor (funny enough, eight hours after shooting that scene, the woman did go into labor!).
Guenther has plenty more ideas floating in her head and has already booked a few more sessions in the coming weeks - she just needs more pregnant ladies to serve as her models!
Read on to see the entire What the BUMP!? collection, and follow Guenther on Instagram to see all of her work.
5 Things to Bring to a Job Interview
Job hunting is a process more people are having to go through as companies undergo big layoffs in the face of a challenged economy. It's competitive out there and the little details matter more with crowded applicant pools. Make your case stronger by showing up prepared - check for these five items before you head out the door.
100 Real-Girl Tiny Tattoo Ideas For Your First Ink
If you're a little nervous about a permanent stamp, the best way to start is with something small. We can tell you firsthand that tattoo removal is no easy feat. Luckily, we have endless inspiration of real-girl tattoos that will leave you feeling less anxious about expressing something on your skin. Whether you're looking for a mark with meaning or just a fun design, keep reading to check out all of these teeny-tiny tattoo ideas.
- Additional reporting by Marina Liao
11 High-Protein, Low-Calorie Snacks That Are Perfect Grab-and-Go Options
Hungry? Grab a Sni . . . grab a snack! A high-protein, low-calorie, wholesome snack, that is! These mindful choices are easy, delicious, and ready to take on the go - and there's an option for every kind of diet.
- Jerky: Whether it's beef, turkey, or chicken, this lean protein snack packs a punch and won't add to your carb count for the day. Calories vary, but many jerky packs and bars come in at under 150 calories with over 10 grams of protein.
- Edamame: Soybeans aren't just an appetizer for a sushi dinner! A great plant-based snack with a lot of protein, they're only 150 calories per half cup and taste delicious.
- Pumpkin Seeds: A half cup of pumpkin seeds makes a hearty, savory snack and will bring you nearly six grams of protein in under 150 calories.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: A 78-calorie hard-boiled egg brings in over six grams of protein, and it's one of the easiest snacks to prep. Just boil, chill, store in the fridge, and snack on the go.
- Trail Mix: Lean on a hearty balance of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit when you need a healthy snack on the road. Trail mix varies based on ingredients, but you can make your own healthy trail mix with high-protein, low-calorie ingredients to keep you full without overdoing it on calories.
- Hummus: You can do so many things with high-protein hummus, a creamy dip for veggies and chips. Because it's made from low-calorie chickpeas, you'll have a filling snack that won't set you back (calories vary, but a quarter cup is usually around 100 calories).
- Cottage Cheese: While it's delicious with a little fruit or stuffed into a cantaloupe, cottage cheese is also a great stand-alone snack that you can eat like yogurt. A half-cup serving will only run you 50 to 85 calories.
- Yogurt: Grab a Greek or Icelandic yogurt (fat-free if you're cutting calories) for a protein-packed, satiating snack. Try to opt for plain or vanilla, as some of the intensely flavored options can contain a lot of sugar. That said, Siggi's has some great flavored options that still have more protein than they do sugar.
- Nuts: A supereasy dry snack is a handful of almonds, walnuts, cashews, or macadamia nuts. Just watch your intake, as there's a decent amount of fat in certain kinds. Twenty-one raw almonds (standard serving size) will give you 145 calories and 5.4 grams protein.
- Nut Butter: A spoonful of PB might be all you need to curb a midafternoon craving, but it also tastes great on apples or celery. One tablespoon of peanut butter is roughly 96 calories.
- Canned Tuna: Load up on protein and vitamin D with packed tuna. Those three-ounce to-go packs typically have under 75 calories with over 16 grams of protein.
Game of Thrones Costars Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams Are the Cutest BFFs
They play sisters on the small screen, but in real life, Game of Thrones stars Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams are adorable friends. Sophie and Maisie were 13 and 12 years old when the show first started filming, and they're now 21 and 20, respectively. In an interview with The New York Times, the actresses explained why their friendship is so special amid all the Game of Thrones madness, with Maisie saying, "Our other friends don't 100 percent get it. Sometimes it's nice to just be with the one person who does." The pair also revealed that they bonded in their first audition together; Sophie said, "I remember a lot of high-fives being thrown around that day, like 'Woo! Friendship!'"
They've continued to be the cutest pals ever since, hitting the red carpet together at Hollywood events and regularly taking to social media to share funny photos and videos of themselves. Keep reading to see some of their BFF moments, then check out the best reactions to their emotional season-seven reunion.
If You've Dreamed That Your Teeth Fell Out, There's an Important Meaning Behind It
Have you ever woken up and remembered your teeth falling out or breaking in a dream? It could mean something important about what's going on in your life. It's also a very common dream that people remember on a regular basis. There are a few explanations for why you may be experiencing these types of visions, and we're breaking them down for you so that you can better understand what's happening in your mind.
The most likely meaning behind these dreams is that you're not taking good care of yourself and you know that. When your teeth are broken and gone, it takes away your ability to do many things like eat or talk normally. Your mind could be telling you that you need to start looking after yourself, whether it be mentally or physically, in order to clear your conscience.
It could also stem from your fear of getting older. If you've had any important changes or developments recently occur, you could be thinking about your life overall. If the idea of aging makes you nervous, it could be on your mind when you fall asleep, which is why you're having those dreams.
Thoughts of your teeth falling out could also be a sign that you need to be nurtured. You may not even realize it, but if you don't have anyone in your life to look after you, you could be longing for that. These dreams are your way of telling yourself that you want somebody in your life who you can count on.
As you can see, there are many ways to interpret this type of dream. The best thing to do is examine your life and see if any of these explanations apply to you. Once you correct what's happening in your life, those dreams should go away!
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A Catholic Nun Perfectly Explains the Major Hypocrisy of the "Pro-Life" Argument
A Catholic nun's explanation of the term "pro-life" from 2004 is resurfacing after recent antiabortion events. On PBS's Now With Bill Moyers, Sister Joan Chittister explained why being against abortion doesn't mean you're pro-life.
Here's the full quote:
"I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion that that makes you pro-life. In fact, I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed. And why would I think that you don't? Because you don't want any tax money to go there. That's not pro-life. That's pro-birth. We need a much broader conversation on what the morality of pro-life is."
Chittister's position is not only informed by her faith, but also her academic experience: she's written over 50 books and has multiple degrees (including a doctorate).
The crux of Chittister's point is that there's a difference between advocating for birth and advocating for that child's entire life. If antiabortion proponents are truly "pro-life," then those same legislators would not argue for defunding programs like those that provide school lunches or health care. Many who oppose abortion also oppose access to contraceptives. Antiabortion congressmen have consistently also advocated for defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides women with birth control options.
Liberals have pointed to Chittister's quote as an argument for the social benefits that Republicans hope to limit without providing feasible options for women if they cannot obtain abortions.
Game of Thrones: This Theory About Arya Killing Littlefinger Now Seems Extremely Likely
Season seven update: Now that season seven of Game of Thrones is well underway and Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish is acting as conniving as ever, this theory about how his death will come about seems even more likely with Arya Stark back at Winterfell. Read on for the full theory about how Littlefinger will die in season seven!
Original: We all know that when it comes to Game of Thrones, Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish is either going to die or end up on the throne. When it comes to that conniving, backstabbing, creepy-uncle-looking motherf*cker, there is no middle ground.
After successfully starting a civil war by conspiring to kill the Hand of the King, passing false information to Catelyn Stark, and then betraying Ned Stark, Littlefinger has continued to sneakily leave destruction in his path - he collaboratively murders King Joffrey while simultaneously framing Tyrion, shoves his own wife out of a sky door, and then essentially forces Sansa Stark into marrying an cruel, abusive rapist. When it's all said and done, the Seven Kingdoms would be much better all around if somebody just offed the guy - and boy, are we in luck!
We're banking on a completely different Stark eventually slaying Littlefinger.
At the end of season six, the Starks have finally begun putting back the pieces of their family's shattered remains; Jon and Sansa are reunited and attempting to take back the north. They've lost two brothers and have no idea that their other two siblings (or, in Jon's case, cousins) are still alive. Then, Littlefinger manages to squirm his way back into the picture, providing the necessary force for Jon's army to win the Battle of the Bastards in an attempt to win Sansa's love. (Spoiler alert, Petyr: you're creepy and manipulative, and comparing your crush to her dead mom isn't a good way to hit on her.)
Not only does Littlefinger approach Sansa romantically for what feels like the millionth time, but he also tries to turn her against Jon. At the end of the episode, the two exchange a strange look that can either be interpreted as Sansa conspiring with Littlefinger or fearing and despising him. Per usual, we'll have to wait until season seven begins to find out.
The Theory
Because of the strange glance exchanged between Sansa and her incessant, murderous suitor, some fans have theorized that she will ultimately kill him as penance for the way he has manipulated her and demolished her once happy family. However, we're banking on a completely different Stark eventually slaying Littlefinger: Arya.
We already know that Arya is making her way home, casually stopping in the Riverlands to enact some bloody vengeance on Walder Frey and his ilk. (Season seven update: check!) We also know that The Hound is roaming the Riverlands, and he and Arya have history - remember that time when she left him for dead in the middle of the wilderness? And thanks to season seven promo teasers, we know that Arya is donning northern clothes that suit noble members of Stark house. With these two bits of knowledge, we theorize that Arya and The Hound will cross paths somewhere in the Riverlands - though whether Arya will look like Arya is still a question, thanks to her training with the Faceless Men - and he will reveal in casual conversation that Littlefinger is the one who betrayed Ned Stark to King Joffrey way back in season one. Arya will either check The Hound off her list for good or make peace with him and part ways.
Armed with the new knowledge that Littlefinger is to blame for her family's misfortunes, Arya will return to Winterfell and find him there, probably still putting the moves on her older sister. Because she's no stranger to violent revenge, she will put an end to him and his creepy, fiendish ways. Voila! That's some perfect Stark justice, if you ask us. There are other fans who believe that Arya will eventually murder Petyr Baelish, too; there are even entire videos dedicated to the idea on YouTube. What's up for debate is the when and how, but in our opinion the Riverlands timeline this season makes all too much sense.
Of course, given the show's history, sometimes the bad guys win - and if Sansa and Littlefinger are indeed conspiring against Jon in some way, this scenario could end badly for either Arya or Sansa, depending on who has the upper hand.
5 Natural Hacks to Lighten Brunette Hair
When temperatures begin to rise, I feel a pang of envy when seeing my blond-haired, beach-waved friends. It feels like chic braids are so much more flattering on them - but I'm too scared to lose my hair-color virginity. I've never processed my straight, light-brown strands, and colorists constantly try to convince me to try dye.
Instead of giving in to the pretty peer pressure, I'm turning to natural remedies to brighten my mane. If you're also brunette (and bored!), I suggest you do the same - plus, these DIYs make for a superb Pinterest board. While you might not get to platinum status, these easy tricks will add some sun-kissed golden tones to your mane without the serious commitment of bleach. Read on to master these hacks!
The Surprising Color Everyone Should Be Using on Their Brows
Just like the rest of the world, I have a serious case of eyebrow fever - but I have yet to achieve the brows of my dreams. I've tried a wide variety of arch-filling products to get brows on fleek, but even when emulating a natural look like Kiernan Shipka's, I still end up looking more like Groucho Marx. I turned to pro Brett Freedman, the master behind notable brows like those of Camilla Belle and Taylor Swift, and got a life-changing beauty tip.
"Your one ideal brow shade is actually two," explained Brett. When filling your brows, you first want to create depth with a lighter shade, then add definition to any patchy areas (or your brow's tail) with a darker shade. Finish your look by blending the shades together with your spoolie brush. Just like when contouring your face, you want a dimensional effect so your brows don't look painted on but natural (yet sculpted).
But don't assume that the color of your brows is the best filler shade for you! Brett uses a blond shade like Brett Freedman Beauty Brett Brow Duo-Shade Pencil in Medium Blonde ($18) on nearly all of his clients, including the raven-haired actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. When I asked why he wouldn't use a brunette shade on darker brows, he reminded me of their true purpose. "You don't want people to focus on the frame - you want them looking at the picture."
Kate Middleton Has Been Wearing These Brown Boots For Over a Decade - and Now We Know Why
One thing we know to be true: Kate Middleton is a thrify shopper. Beyond loving her favorite high street stores like Zara and Topshop, the savvy duchess also saves her old items, waiting for the perfect moment to bring pieces back out.
During her well-documented tour in Canada, Kate brought along her favorite pair of Penelope Chilvers tasseled boots. The knee-high, embellished Long Tassel Boots ($616) were perfectly on-trend, but the shocker is she's owned them for years. She even packed them for her tour in India and Bhutan and sported these babies as far back as August 2005 for the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in England.
Perhaps the key to why they've lasted so long lies in how they're made. Watch a video from the designer, who talks about the process and all that goes into a single pair. Then, check out how Kate's worn these boots throughout the years.
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What Happened When 1 Mom Missed Class Because She "Couldn't Find Childcare"
When Morgan King had to miss class one day because she couldn't find a babysitter, she emailed her professor to explain her absence - and the teacher's response will make you shed a few tears of joy.
A single mom attending the University of Tennessee, Morgan tweeted a picture of the email from Sally Hunter, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies at the university. Not only did the understanding professor excuse Morgan's absence, but she also encouraged her to bring her baby, Korbyn, along to class in the future if a similar situation arises.
Told my professor I missed class yesterday bc I couldn't find childcare & this was her response. I'm literally crying. So blessed/thankful😩😭 http://pic.twitter.com/3QaThJRXdo
- Morgan King (@morgantking) June 16, 2017
"In the future, if you are having trouble finding someone to watch Korbyn, please feel free to just bring her with you to class," Hunter wrote. She also mentioned how she'd be "absolutely delighted" to hold the baby while teaching the class so that Morgan could pay attention in class. How sweet! "I work for the Department of Child and Family studies, so how terrible would it be if I was unwilling to have a child visit our class? I'm very serious with this offer, just bring Korbyn with you!" she added.
When Morgan arrived a tad late to class the following day, her teacher had a similarly adorable response.
Update: I walked into class a couple minutes late this morning & my professor said "awe dang, I thought you were gonna bring Korbyn today😞"
- Morgan King (@morgantking) June 16, 2017
The single mom's initial tweet quickly went viral, garnering more than 26,000 favorites. Hunter's reaction to the Twitter fame will warm your heart and restore your faith in humanity.
Update: I just went to email my professor to let her know I posted her email and it went viral but she beat me to it! Hahaha #twitterfamous http://pic.twitter.com/4n8EEc0zux
- Morgan King (@morgantking) June 19, 2017
22 Tasty Breakfast Recipes That Also Promote Weight Loss
What you regularly choose for breakfast could make or break your weight-loss results. If you're on a mission to shed a few pounds, look to these 22 recipes for help. They're all high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients that will keep you satisfied and on course.
31 Celebrity Couples Who Have Broken Up This Year
This year has been peppered with sad celebrity breakups. We're more than halfway through 2017, and while we haven't reached 2016 levels yet, we're still hoping we won't have to mourn the end of many more high-profile pairs. Read ahead to see the couples who have already called it quits this year.
Chris Pratt and Anna Faris First Met and Fell in Love in the '80s - Well, Sort Of
Chris Pratt and Anna Faris brought joy to our lives for years with their adorable relationship, sweet red carpet moments, and normal family life with their son, Jack. But in August 2017, the two shocked fans when they announced their decision to legally separate. "We tried hard for a long time, and we're really disappointed," they said. "We still love each other and will always cherish our time together."
That time together started way back in 2007 on the set of Take Me Home Tonight, a movie set in the '80s about a recent college graduate (Topher Grace) who has no idea what he wants to do with his life. After attending a Labor Day party in his hometown, he tries to win over his high school crush (Teresa Palmer) and prove that he can make decisions for his future.
Anna plays Topher's twin sister, while Chris plays her onscreen boyfriend-turned-fiancé-turned-ex. While things didn't work out for their characters, the two fell in love on set. "This is a pretty spectacular moment for us, to be able to come to this movie that we met on and fell in love making," Chris said at the film's 2011 premiere (it was delayed for years due to scenes showing heavy cocaine use among young adults). It's also worth noting that Anna was still married to her first husband, actor Ben Indra, when filming began in February 2007, but Chris admitted that he didn't make a move until after she filed for divorce that April. Now, excuse us while we mourn their breakup with the rest of the world.
Game of Thrones: This Theory About Arya Killing Littlefinger Now Seems Extremely Likely
Season seven update: Now that season seven of Game of Thrones is well underway and Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish is acting as conniving as ever, this theory about how his death will come about seems even more likely with Arya Stark back at Winterfell. Read on for the full theory about how Littlefinger will die in season seven!
Original: We all know that when it comes to Game of Thrones, Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish is either going to die or end up on the throne. When it comes to that conniving, backstabbing, creepy-uncle-looking motherf*cker, there is no middle ground.
After successfully starting a civil war by conspiring to kill the Hand of the King, passing false information to Catelyn Stark, and then betraying Ned Stark, Littlefinger has continued to sneakily leave destruction in his path - he collaboratively murders King Joffrey while simultaneously framing Tyrion, shoves his own wife out of a sky door, and then essentially forces Sansa Stark into marrying an cruel, abusive rapist. When it's all said and done, the Seven Kingdoms would be much better all around if somebody just offed the guy - and boy, are we in luck!
We're banking on a completely different Stark eventually slaying Littlefinger.
At the end of season six, the Starks have finally begun putting back the pieces of their family's shattered remains; Jon and Sansa are reunited and attempting to take back the north. They've lost two brothers and have no idea that their other two siblings (or, in Jon's case, cousins) are still alive. Then, Littlefinger manages to squirm his way back into the picture, providing the necessary force for Jon's army to win the Battle of the Bastards in an attempt to win Sansa's love. (Spoiler alert, Petyr: you're creepy and manipulative, and comparing your crush to her dead mom isn't a good way to hit on her.)
Not only does Littlefinger approach Sansa romantically for what feels like the millionth time, but he also tries to turn her against Jon. At the end of the episode, the two exchange a strange look that can either be interpreted as Sansa conspiring with Littlefinger or fearing and despising him. Per usual, we'll have to wait until season seven begins to find out.
The Theory
Because of the strange glance exchanged between Sansa and her incessant, murderous suitor, some fans have theorized that she will ultimately kill him as penance for the way he has manipulated her and demolished her once happy family. However, we're banking on a completely different Stark eventually slaying Littlefinger: Arya.
We already know that Arya is making her way home, casually stopping in the Riverlands to enact some bloody vengeance on Walder Frey and his ilk. (Season seven update: check!) We also know that The Hound is roaming the Riverlands, and he and Arya have history - remember that time when she left him for dead in the middle of the wilderness? And thanks to season seven promo teasers, we know that Arya is donning northern clothes that suit noble members of Stark house. With these two bits of knowledge, we theorize that Arya and The Hound will cross paths somewhere in the Riverlands - though whether Arya will look like Arya is still a question, thanks to her training with the Faceless Men - and he will reveal in casual conversation that Littlefinger is the one who betrayed Ned Stark to King Joffrey way back in season one. Arya will either check The Hound off her list for good or make peace with him and part ways.
Armed with the new knowledge that Littlefinger is to blame for her family's misfortunes, Arya will return to Winterfell and find him there, probably still putting the moves on her older sister. Because she's no stranger to violent revenge, she will put an end to him and his creepy, fiendish ways. Voila! That's some perfect Stark justice, if you ask us. There are other fans who believe that Arya will eventually murder Petyr Baelish, too; there are even entire videos dedicated to the idea on YouTube. What's up for debate is the when and how, but in our opinion the Riverlands timeline this season makes all too much sense.
Of course, given the show's history, sometimes the bad guys win - and if Sansa and Littlefinger are indeed conspiring against Jon in some way, this scenario could end badly for either Arya or Sansa, depending on who has the upper hand.
Once Upon a Time: Regina Reunites With Henry in New Photos, but There's a Catch
Once Upon a Time is undergoing a major reboot next season, but that doesn't mean it will be completely unrecognizable to fans. Even though some of our favorite characters won't be returning as regulars (don't worry, some are already slated for cameos), the show is still staying true to its main theme: hope. And that's not the only similarity it will have with past seasons.
As a new book is opened and new stories are told, Regina, Rumple, and Hook will face yet another curse as they are transported to Hyperion Heights in Seattle, WA. While the Comic-Con trailer dropped a few breadcrumbs about what's to come, we finally have a handful of season-seven photos to piece everything together.
We got the first look at Hook's new identity, Officer Rogers, in the season-seven trailer, and now we finally have the first look at Regina, or should we say, Roni? That's right, the former mayor of Storybrooke is now a jeans-wearing bar owner. "She's no longer in charge," actress Lana Parrilla revealed. "We've always seen Regina in charge, and then she redeemed herself, but this Regina is something else." Not only is Roni a little rough around the edges, but she also won't recognize Henry as her son, similar to when Emma unknowingly befriended her mom in season one. Can you hear our Regal Believer hearts breaking?
Don't worry though, Regina (and Hook) will have a reunion with adult Henry via flashbacks. As for Rumple, the creators are keeping a tight-lip on his cursed persona, but fans are theorizing he's playing a a bad detective named Crocker. We'll have to wait until Oct. 6 to know for sure, but until then, enjoy these season-seven photos.
Arya and Bran Have Been Separated For Way Longer Than You Remember
In the latest episode of Game of Thrones, Bran Stark reunites with Arya Stark after she makes it back to Winterfell. Bran might have the most dramatic transformation out of all of the Stark children because he's not Bran anymore; technically, he's the Three-Eyed Raven. But when is the last time he sees Arya?
That would be in the very first episode of the show, "Winter Is Coming." We see Bran, along with the rest of the Stark family, lined up in Winterfell in order to welcome the Lannisters. Arya is messing around and is late to get in line. When she does, she tells Bran to move and stands next to him. This is their last interaction. Later, Bran climbs up a tower and catches Jamie and Cersei Lannister in the act. Jaime pushes Bran off and he is unconscious from the fall for the next episode. That also happens to be the episode where Ned, Arya, and Sansa leave Winterfell to go to King's Landing.
So we haven't seen these siblings really interact. Only time will tell how the Starks will continue to react to Bran's transformation.
The Best Disneyland Foods Worth Sitting Down For
During a Disneyland visit, it's not hard to get caught up in the "go go go" mentality of running back and forth between attractions, barely stopping to catch a breath - let alone a bite to eat. Many people never even bother with sit-down eateries at the parks, opting instead for the quickest meal options. While many of these counter-service meals are tasty (hellooooooo, Dole whip and corn dogs!), there's a whole new world of tasty Disney delicacies that are worth sitting down and waiting for.
Between Disneyland, California Adventure, and the famous Disney park hotels, here are our top picks for menu items worth taking the time out of your magical day for. Trust us . . . they're very much worth the wait.
Think we missed a table-service restaurant dish that no trip to Disneyland is complete without? Let us know in the comments!
This Dad's Texts After His Kid Puked in the Car Will Make Your Day
On an evening his wife had plans with her friends, Ben Patterson swapped cars with her so that he could drive the kids home and leave her to her night - no big deal, right? Wrong. What ensued as an indirect result of this swap is so hilarious and relatable that even though we feel bad for Ben, we're so glad he shared the experience online to make us laugh.
"On the way home, projectile vomit occurred . . . " Ben wrote in a Facebook post that features three hilarious screen grabs of the text conversation with his wife, Stephanie. And as if his son's throw up wasn't bad enough, Ben couldn't seem to keep it together long enough to clean it up and started puking as well . . . all over some woman's lawn.
To see what happens next and to read Stephanie's response to the situation (spoiler alert: she never ends up answering him), click through the photos above.
12 Best Dumbbell Exercises For Strong, Chiseled Arms
When you want to isolate specific muscle groups in the arms, using dumbbells is truly effective - get ready to feel the burn! Depending on your strength, grab at least two size weights ranging from five to 15 pounds so you can switch up the appropriate size dumbbells for each move.
Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay Is Engaged! The Lucky Guy Is . . .
We did it, The Bachelorette-lovers! Another season has come and gone, and suddenly there's an empty place in our hearts. But one guy's heart is very, very full, as Rachel Lindsay confessed her love to him! Congratulations to Rachel and Bryan!
Right there on a beautiful hill overlooking Spain, Bryan gave his whole I'm-in-love-with-you-and-want-you-as-my-wife speech and whipped out a Neil Lane rock the size of the iceberg from Titanic. Rachel said "yes" and presented him with her final rose.
The final three men were Eric, Peter, and Bryan, and they all got overnight dates in the Fantasy Suite (ooh la la!), but ultimately she could only choose one. Rachel first said goodbye to Eric, which was a total shock because he was the most open about his feelings. It was also shocking that Rachel brought Peter to the final two since she said that she came on The Bachelorette for a husband, not a boyfriend, and he expressed his hesitation with getting down on one knee.
Rachel went to Peter's room for a final discussion on the whole proposal issue. She said that she was worried he would never be ready for marriage, even though he constantly reinforced that he sees a future with her and wants to continue their relationship. Talk about a dilemma! But ultimately, Peter couldn't see himself proposing to Rachel the next day - and apparently she wouldn't have it any other way. So the two broke up. Both of them cried and it was raining, of course, so the scene couldn't have been any more dramatic.
So with Bryan being the only guy left, it's natural that #BachelorNation would question if she would have chosen him if Peter had wanted to propose. But I'll guess we'll never know! Here's to happily ever after.
Whittle Your Middle With the All-Abs Workout
Here are nine great exercises for toning your midsection. Remember, the ol' Pilates trick of pulling the belly button in ensures that you're working the deepest ab muscle (known as the transverse), which helps create a sleek midriff.
The exercises are divided into three sections: upper abs, obliques, and lower abs. You can approach this workout three different ways: pick one exercise from each section and perform two to three sets, pick two exercises from each section and do one to two sets, or for the ultimate boredom buster, do one set of all nine exercises.
Combining these exercises with regular cardio and clean eating and incorporating these flat-belly foods into your diet will help you keep flat abs throughout the year.
Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay Is Engaged! The Lucky Guy Is . . .
We did it, The Bachelorette-lovers! Another season has come and gone, and suddenly there's an empty place in our hearts. But one guy's heart is very, very full, as Rachel Lindsay confessed her love to him! Congratulations to Rachel and Bryan!
Right there on a beautiful hill overlooking Spain, Bryan gave his whole I'm-in-love-with-you-and-want-you-as-my-wife speech and whipped out a Neil Lane rock the size of the iceberg from Titanic. Rachel said "yes" and presented him with her final rose.
The final three men were Eric, Peter, and Bryan, and they all got overnight dates in the Fantasy Suite (ooh la la!), but ultimately she could only choose one. Rachel first said goodbye to Eric, which was a total shock because he was the most open about his feelings. It was also shocking that Rachel brought Peter to the final two since she said that she came on The Bachelorette for a husband, not a boyfriend, and he expressed his hesitation with getting down on one knee.
Rachel went to Peter's room for a final discussion on the whole proposal issue. She said that she was worried he would never be ready for marriage, even though he constantly reinforced that he sees a future with her and wants to continue their relationship. Talk about a dilemma! But ultimately, Peter couldn't see himself proposing to Rachel the next day - and apparently she wouldn't have it any other way. So the two broke up. Both of them cried and it was raining, of course, so the scene couldn't have been any more dramatic.
So with Bryan being the only guy left, it's natural that #BachelorNation would question if she would have chosen him if Peter had wanted to propose. But I'll guess we'll never know! Here's to happily ever after.
The Best Recipes That Start With a Can of Crescent Dough
Refrigerated crescent dough, so flaky and buttery, tastes like childhood when baked up into croissant rolls, but more and more people are incorporating the dough into recipes. From strawberry cinnamon rolls to pizza roll-ups, one of these crescent roll recipes will inspire you to pop open a can.
Why People Are Applauding This Mom For Doing "Literally Nothing" With Her Kids
Before the school year ended, Kristen Hewitt had big plans to be a "good mom" this Summer. She was going to institute chore charts, reading goals, and writing practices for her girls while they were home.
"There would be no screen time until the beds were made, and planned activities for each day of the week," Kristen shared on Facebook. However, on their first day of Summer vacation, Kristen had a scheduled beach day planned but instead, this is what they did: they lounged in their pajamas until 11 a.m., baked chocolate chip cookie brownies, started an art project that they never finished, and then headed to the pool.
"It's so easy to be pressured by things we see on social. Ways to challenge our kids and enrich their summer. But let's be real - we're all tired," she wrote. "Tired of chores, tired of schedules and places to be, tired of pressure, and tired of unrealistic expectations."
So instead of sticking to her schedule, Kristen has a new Summer plan for her family: to do "literally NOTHING."
There will no longer be any camps, classes, or curriculums for the girls. "Instead, we're going to see where each day takes us," she wrote. "I've dubbed this the 'Summer of Me,' so workouts and clean eating are a priority for me. And also giving our girls the freedom to pick what THEY want to do."
That doesn't mean that the girls are going to sit around bored all day. Kristen explained that they are considering checking out swim programs at the local pool or joining their YMCA, but whatever they do, it's going to be low-key. "It will include family time, too much TV, a few trips, lots of sunshine, some new roller skates, water balloons, plenty of boredom, rest, relaxation, and reading. (Because mama likes to read!)," she wrote. "So if you haven't figured out what you're doing this Summer, you're not alone. And guess what? It's OK! Your kids will be fine and so will you."
Hurry Up, Halloween! Here Are Our 19 Favorite Decorations For Under $25
We're starting to get antsy because Halloween needs to come faster. We're ready for costumes, candy, and - most of all - decorations. If you're like us, you know that it's never too early to start preparing for the most wonderful holiday of the year. That's why we did an internet deep dive to find the very best Halloween decorations for under $25. We think it's smart to stock up now so you're ready to go the second Fall arrives. Time to get shopping . . . these affordable finds won't stick around for long.
J.K. Rowling Says This Theory About Draco Malfoy Isn't True but We're Skeptical
Most Harry Potter fans can agree that Draco Malfoy is a bully who deserves zero sympathy from anyone. While most of his behavior is inexcusable, one theory about the sixth and seventh books might make you reconsider your thoughts on Draco and the Malfoy family. The theory suggests that as a form of punishment ordered by Voldemort, Draco was bitten and became a werewolf.
This isn't a new theory, but recently resurfaced in an Imgur post and still exists on the website Draco Malfoy Is a Werewolf. It states that Draco was bitten by Fenrir Greyback after Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix takes place because of Lucius' mistakes. Lucius failed to retrieve the prophecy and previously let one of Voldemort's horcruxes get destroyed in the second book. As Remus Lupin shares in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Greyback is often used by Voldemort to punish his enemies by letting him bite children and turn them into werewolves. In the same book, Harry starts to notice how pale and different Draco acts. He presumes to think it's because Draco is now a death eater, but with the theory in mind, it's actually because he's a werewolf. It's also why Draco has a close relationship with Severus Snape, as only he could brew the Wolfsbane potion for Draco.
Since Draco was no longer a true pure-blood, it also explains why the Malfoy's end up betraying Voldemort in the last book and leaving him behind. They could no longer abide by and fight for pure-bloods because of Draco, so they saw no reason to continue supporting Voldemort.
Though this theory is severely convincing, J.K. Rowling took to Twitter to dispel it in 2015. Someone tweeted at Rowling the question of whether Draco was a werewolf and Rowling said she hadn't seen it - and that it wasn't true. You can see it below.
I've never seen that one before. Draco definitely isn't a werewolf (and Snape's not a vampire). https://t.co/TSliADJvyi
- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 2, 2015
Even though Rowling has essentially shut down this theory, we're still hoping it was true. It would make up for Draco's attitude towards Harry and everyone else.
Dad's Viral Message About Caring For His 6 Girls While Mom's Away: "I'm Not the Babysitter"
With his wife heading out of town for a work trip, Jeremy Martin-Weber knew that there would be a lot to do in caring for their six children. As Jessica boarded her flight, this Oregon dad thought about who was going to pick up the slack at home and typed an exhaustive list of the responsibilities that would need to be tackled:
Now to figure out who:
- will cook and feed my children?
- will get them to school on time?
- will pick out clothes for our youngest to wear?
- will respect their routines and help hold those boundaries for them?
- will hug them when they need a hug and kiss their bruises, and tend to their scrapes?
- will comfort them with their nightmares and help them go back to sleep?
- will help them with conflict resolution with their siblings?
- will listen to every little detail they want to share about their day?
- will read them a story, encourage them to play outside, or play a game with them?
- will support and encourage my teenage daughters with their feminine 'problems,' and their relationship struggles?
- will model kindness, love, patience, listening, empathy, strength, bravery, and all the good things to them?
Jeremy has a simple solution for this parenting "dilemma," which he shared in a sassy Facebook post dedicated to all those who don't understand a father's role in his kids' lives. "Who is going to do all that stuff while their mom is away? Me. That's who. Because I'm not the babysitter. I'm not just their playmate," he wrote. "I'm their dad. And looking after them and guiding them and caring for them is my responsibility."
Jeremy explained that he loves being a parent to his six girls, even with all of the challenges that come along with it - and as their dad, he's more than capable of dealing with any issues as that may arise.
No the house will not fall apart or be trashed and the kids will not be ruined because dad is in charge. And no, I don't deserve anyone's special praise and adoration because, "Wow! This dad can look after his own kids." I'm just doing what every parent should do, and what moms do every day without praise or adoration. It is enough that the mother of our children and I communicate our appreciation to each other for all the things we do for our family.
Effective Ways to Lose Thigh Fat
Even though full hips and thighs are a beautiful thing, many a woman has looked begrudgingly at her legs in the mirror. Unfortunately there's no one exercise or food that does the trick - spot reducing fat doesn't work - but keep reading to find out what can help.
8 Hunger-Satiating Sweet Potato Breakfast Recipes
Refined carbs like bagels and cereal aren't the best choices for breakfast because soon after eating them, you'll end up feeling hungry. Complex carbs are the way to go, so think outside your usual bowl of oatmeal and try these sweet potato recipes. We especially love this tuber because of its ability to regulate blood sugar, helping you avoid that midmorning crash.
S'well Just Launched Its Cutest Water Bottle Collection Yet
Summer's not over yet, and S'well is reveling in the final days of the late summertime heat with this bright, retro collection of candy-coated water bottles. The Pop Collection features five hot 17-ounce styles priced at $40 each, and we're pretty sure we need one of each. Like the other S'wells, the stainless steel bottles keep cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12.
Word to the wise: these babies are limited edition, so get 'em while you can. Take a peek at the gallery to get a closer look at each bottle's design and choose your favorite(s)!
"Chaos Is a Ladder" Is a Callback to Littlefinger's Previous Speech
Before Daenerys and Drogon take everyone by surprise and dragon-nuke the entire Lannister army during the last 10 minutes of Sunday's Game of Thrones episode, a way less heated (pun intended) exchange takes place during a scene with Bran and Littlefinger back at Winterfell. As Littlefinger makes an attempt to get on Bran's good side by consoling him with a small speech about all of the "chaos" he's seen, his spiel is cut short by Bran, who flatly responds with "chaos is a ladder." The line startles Littlefinger, as it's actually a nod to something he says during a speech in a previous season.
It comes from a short speech Littlefinger gives to Varys back in season three during his attempt to explain to the Master of Whispers that the realm is a lie. Varys responds to his quip, stating that once we abandon the lie, all we have left is a "gaping pit" of chaos. And that's when Littlefinger sprinkles down on him these words of wisdom:
"Chaos isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail, never to try again. The fall breaks them. And some given a chance to climb, they refuse. They cling to the realm, or the gods, or love, the illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is."
Littlefinger basically uses the speech to inform Varys that he is aware of the fact that Varys had used Ros to spy and passes off information to him. We find out at the end of the episode that Littlefinger passes Ros off to Joffrey, who ends up playing target practice with her.
Cut to the present, and it seems as though Bran is letting Littlefinger know that he can see right through him, despite the fact that Littlefinger has made it through multiple seasons pulling the wool over the eyes of nearly everyone in Westeros. And seeing how confused Littlefinger is when Bran uses that line on him, it's likely that he's not fully aware of Bran's new abilities. It's possible that Bran's newfound knowledge could spell some trouble for Littlefinger in the future.
What Dany's Brilliant Attack on the Lannisters Means For Game of Thrones
And just like that, Daenerys is back in the game. The fourth episode of Game of Thrones season seven sees the Dragon Queen take matters of strategy into her own hands after Tyrion's "clever plans" fail. After three episodes of hanging out in Dragonstone as her allies fall all around her, Daenerys takes Drogon and the Dothraki to attack the Lannister army as they are preparing to deliver their sudden influx of gold, courtesy of the siege on Highgarden, to the Iron Bank.
The move is a wise one for Daenerys to make because instead of raining fire down on King's Landing and the capital's citizens, she targets only the army. In this way, it can be seen as a clean battle with little to no civilian casualties, which is more than Cersei can claim since her first act as Queen is to blow up the Great Sept of Baelor and the surrounding area. Daenerys's attack on the Lannister army will have lasting ramifications for everyone involved. Let's take a look at what this fiery battle will mean for all of Game of Thrones's major players.
Daenerys Has Shown Her Strength
Up until this point, Cersei and her army have had the upper hand. When Euron attacks Daenerys's fleet, Cersei essentially starts the war between herself and the Dragon Queen. Since then, Daenerys has lost all of her major allies in Westeros as the Sand Snakes, the Greyjoy siblings, and the Tyrells all fall to the Lannisters. The Mother of Dragons needs a win, and she gets one by attacking the Lannisters when their guard is down.
By taking the army unaware, she shows both a mastery of strategy and the brute force of her Dothraki army. The people of Westeros have never had to fight anyone like the Dothraki before, and they certainly haven't dealt with dragons firsthand. Daenerys is truly the queen who can make impossible things happen, and by laying waste to the Lannister army so soon after their victory at Highgarden, she proves she's a true threat to the throne and sets up a scenario where she could be seen as a viable option to lead the Seven Kingdoms in the eyes of the people.
Yes, Cersei Can Still Pay Her Debts
Though it wasn't initially clear, the gold from Highgarden was sent ahead of time, so it's safe. The dragon only torched the food and supplies. Daenerys doesn't need gold to win this war, but the Lannister queen does. She's in debt to the Iron Bank, and if she couldn't pay back the money her father borrowed, she wouldn't be able to secure funds to build up her fleet or add more men to her army.
The Dragon Killer Is Destroyed
That fancy giant crossbow Cersei had built to kill Daenerys's dragons is officially gone. Sure, she can have someone rebuild it, but it isn't as effective as she had hoped it would be. The arrow does pierce Drogon's hide, but it doesn't kill him. More importantly, Daenerys will now know to expect to see the weapon on the battlefield and plan accordingly next time. Cersei has just lost the element of surprise.
Jaime May Be a Hostage
Jaime's fate is uncertain at this point, but Tyrion sees Bronn knock his brother into the lake before Drogon's blast of fire can kill him. The Kingslayer may be taken hostage as a result. As Cersei's lover and brother and leader of her Queen's Guard, he could be a valuable bargaining chip for Daenerys.
Tyrion's Loyalties Could Become Conflicted
While he loathes his sister, Tyrion genuinely loves his brother. He also owes him his life. If Jaime survives falling into the water in full armor and is taken hostage by the Dragon Queen, Tyrion's loyalty to Daenerys could be tested. The temptation to set his brother free will be high. After all, a Lannister always pays his debts, and Jaime has a favor to call in.
Daenerys Can Finally Speak to the People of Westeros
So far, Cersei is using fear to gain allies against Daenerys. Had the Khaleesi gone full scorched-earth on King's Landing, then the war would be over, but she would be forced to rule with fear. That's not Daenerys's style. By attacking the Lannister army in a secluded area, she ensures that most of the people who witness the bloody battle are soldiers and not civilians. In the preview for next week, she seems to be giving those who live a chance to join her. If she also makes sure the people in the southern area keep the grain and food supplies that the Lannisters were taking from them, then she will be seen as benevolent.
If she can sway members of the Lannister army over to her side and show the common people that she is a just leader, then she can begin to make inroads with the people of Westeros - and that will be the true key to winning this war.
The Most Shocking Celebrity Breakups Ever
Over the past couple of years, some of Hollywood's seemingly most-enduring couples have broken up, leaving us feeling heartbroken. Last year it was Brad and Angelina, and in 2015, it was Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner. They weren't the first famous couples to blindside us with their breakups - Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's divorce came out of nowhere, and we couldn't have been the only ones who thought Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey would last forever, right? Read ahead to see all of the celebrity duos that made us gasp when they didn't make it.
Curb Your Anxiety With This Happy Stress-Relief Ball
How can you be stressed with you have something so sunny to play with? This is so easy to make and super squeezable, you can feel the tension melting away. Watch and learn how to make your own stress-relief ball.
A Look Back at Alex Rodriguez's Dating History
You might not remember that when Alex Rodriguez was just a young baseball player with the New York Yankees, he was married (to a psychologist he met at a Miami gym!). We don't blame you, ARod has been linked to more than a few (very famous) women. Some were just rumored flings, while others were long-term relationships he flaunted with PDA. (We almost forgot about the time he dated Cameron Diaz for over year.)
Now, the 41-year-old is head over heels for his new leading lady Jennifer Lopez. And, while the two have been going strong, we're looking back at those who came before J Lo. Keep reading for a peek at Alex's love life.
Even an Engineer Can't Solve This Second-Grade Math Problem
Parents often find themselves helping children with their homework, and once in a while even the adults struggle to solve a difficult problem. One parent, however, was so stumped by his child's homework that he took his frustration to the Internet. The father, Jeff Severt, was trying to help his second-grade son with a math equation that incorporates the new Common Core standards. The problem asks students to help "Jack," a fictional student who used a number line to find the answer to the subtraction problem 427-316. The students must write a letter to Jack explaining what he did right and what he did wrong. Severt, who has a bachelor's degree in engineering, says he spent two hours trying to help his son solve that one problem before giving up and writing an apologetic letter to Jack.
Critics of Common Core education say this problem is a prime example of the standards being "nonsensical and stupid." With this particular assignment, critics say it turned a simple assignment into "a complex endeavor with a series of unnecessary steps."
To see what creators of the Common Core standards have to say about the equations, read the full story on The Huffington Post.
This post was originally published on April 1, 2014.
This Mom's Important Message to Another Mom After Witnessing What Her Kids Did at a Water Park
Having to stand in line before getting the chance to go on a water slide can be difficult for kids, but patiently waiting your turn can be even harder if you have autism.
Stephanie Skaggs understood what that struggle would be like for her 5-year-old daughter, Baylee, and actively worked with the child on practicing waiting her turn. However, after witnessing what happened when her daughter was cut in line multiple times, Stephanie was left speechless - and wrote a powerful message to the other mother.
Stephanie explained that while kids jumping in line isn't usually a huge deal, it is for her daughter. Not because she has to wait longer but because of how upsetting it is for Baylee when the steps of the routine that she just learned are now out of whack. "[Coping with unexpected change] is one of the more difficult skills to practice and especially in public when people, especially other children, do not understand why she is reacting the way she does," Stephanie wrote on Facebook. "I dread it. Not what she will do but what other people will."
However, as Stephanie was bracing herself for Baylee's reaction to this drastic change in the process she was working so hard to understand, another little girl looked up at Stephanie and said, "She can go ahead of me." Stephanie was left baffled by this child's kind gesture because Baylee hadn't even had a chance to react or get upset before this little girl offered Baylee her spot. "I felt like maybe she could tell by the way I had been talking to her that she had special needs," Stephanie continued. "It was so sweet and I told her what a sweet girl she was. And we moved on."
After a day spent in the busy water park, Baylee and Stephanie found themselves in the same position - another child cut in front of Baylee and jeopardized her routine. This time, a young boy was in front and immediately offered Baylee his place before she had a chance to shed a single tear. "Again, I praised his good behavior and kindness and we went ahead, and I was struck that two different children would be so intuitive and kind," Stephanie reflected. "Like most autistic children, Baylee does not LOOK any different than any other child. And it's not really immediately obvious by her behavior either. It takes some observation and usually children their age don't realize she has autism."
Later, Stephanie spotted both of the children together and it all made sense - they were siblings and their kind actions weren't a coincidence; the same mother raised them. "When I came to you and told you about my experience with your kids and told you that they were super kids and you are doing a great job, you said 'I don't know about that.'" Stephanie wrote to their mother. "Well, mom, you are. A small gesture like theirs may not seem like much. But I promise it was."
As a parent of a child with autism, Stephanie says that the only thing she knows to expect is the worry that comes when she thinks about her daughter's future. But this mom reassured her that some children are being raised to not immediately reject someone who is different. And even if this mom doesn't realize what an amazing job she is doing and what a big deal instilling those qualities in her children is, Stephanie is determined to show her that it does matter.
"Sure your children's kindness helped in that moment to avoid a meltdown, and that is kind of a big deal for kids on the spectrum, but I will tell you what is an even bigger deal though, and that is that it gave me some HOPE!" she wrote. "When I looked at those sweet little faces, filled with pride as I praised them, it made me happy to know that more moms are raising their children the way you are!"
Here's How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally
Chances are high you have all the ingredients you need to whiten your teeth at home. Skip the store-bought whitening strips and opt for one of these natural methods for brightening your smile.
14 Buttercream Frosting Recipes That Will Make You Lick the Bowl
If there's one thing that nearly everyone knows to be true, it's that the frosting is the best part of every cake and cupcake. So we promise that it's worth it to mix up a recipe from scratch to enhance the star of the show! Not sure where to start? Here are over 10 recipes to get you going. Personally, we encourage trying each and every one - and always licking the spoon (after you've iced the cake).
These Insanely Delicious Sundaes in a Pint Are Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Allergen-Free
Wow. We're a little stunned by how freakin' delicious these three pints from Perfectly Free are. The "bascially everything-free" ice creams wooed both us and our taste-testing colleagues, and we're already scrambling for another pint. While they're definitely not low-calorie (they're made from coconut cream and sugar - so, yum!), they're an exceptional option for anyone looking for a dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, tree-nut-free option.
If you've got dietary restrictions but love ice cream, this is a literal dream come true. Even our nonrestricted eaters liked this more than traditional ice cream!
When we opened the pints, we were enchanted by swirls and gobs of sundae topping. Each ice cream is a creamy vanilla coconut-based ice cream but topped with its respective flavor in an ooey, gooey sauce. Fudge Swirl, Caramel Café, and Strawberry Sundae were bringing serious scoop-shop vibes, with a cleaner edge.
"Best dairy-free I've had!"
Each pint's calories vary - a 1/2 cup serving brings in between 210 and 220 calories with 14 to 15 grams of sugar, 1 gram of protein, and 9 to 10 grams of fat. Unless you're not eating sugar, this is a treat that pretty much anyone with any dietary restriction can eat - and even if you have no restrictions (no rules!), you'll still enjoy it. Here's what everyone had to say about the flavors.
Fudge Swirl
- "Super creamy! Not overly sweet - the fudge swirls are SO good!"
- "Wow! The fudge is INSANELY good!"
- "Fudge on fleek."
- "Love it! Doesn't make my mouth or throat sticky."
- "A little *too* chocolaty."
- "Unlike other ice creams, there is enough fudge in this!"
- "I generally don't like chocolate in my ice cream (I know, I'm a freak), but this is great!"
- "Really good!"
- "Better than regular ice cream."
- "Obsessed with the fudge."
Strawberry Sundae
- "WOW! LOVE!"
- "Delishhhhhh!"
- "Not a fan of strawberry, but this is very refreshing!"
- "I don't like the smell of coconut, but I love this!"
- "Delish!"
- "Tastes like a shortcake!"
- "Legit tastes like ice cream! Love this so much!"
- "Yum, yum, yum. Best dairy-free I've had!"
- "Tastes like a perfect ice cream."
- "Just like the strawberry shortcake pops from the ice cream truck but better!"
Caramel Café
- "GIMME GIMME GIMME."
- "Love it, but wish it was just caramel (not coffee). Love the swirls, though!"
- "Wish there was a stronger caramel flavor."
- "Not too strong or sweet, but very refreshing."
- "Tastes like a latte!"
- "Tastes like a latte from Starbucks!"
- "Rich and creamy - on par with Halo Top!"
- "Has a bit of a coffee aftertaste . . . not loving this."
- "This had a strange aftertaste."
- "Really creamy and fab!"
- "Delicious!"
- "Wish it was more caramel and less Werther's grandma candy."
The Boston-based brand sells its delicious desserts at New England Whole Foods locations and supermarkets on the East Coast.
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