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.
mercredi 9 août 2017
Matthew McConaughey's Dazed and Confused Audition Is Everything You Want It to Be
Let us not forget: before Matthew McConaughey creeped us out in True Detective, charmed us in a slew of romantic comedies, and took home an Academy Award, he starred in a little coming-of-age film called Dazed and Confused. In celebration of The Criterion Collection's release of the 1993 Richard Linklater film, the company released Matthew's epic audition tape. It's everything you want it to be, as he completely embodies Texan slacker Dave Wooderson and delivers two of his infamous lines: "It'd be a lot cooler if you did" and "That's what I love about these high school girls, man. I get older - they stay the same age." Watch the video above now, and be prepared to crack a huge smile.
Ed Sheeran Isn't the Only Celebrity Making a Cameo on Game of Thrones Season 7
Game of Thrones has it all - dragons, zombies, epic kingdoms, and even celebrity cameos.
As Arya continues on her long-awaited return to Westeros in the season seven premiere, she runs into none other than Ed Sheeran as a Lannister soldier. This actually isn't the first time the show has incorporated real-life musicians into its expansive world. Other cameos beyond musicians have happened, too, like when the faces of show runners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss were among those in the Hall of Faces.
As far as season seven goes, Sheeran isn't the only celebrity cameo to keep an eye out for. New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard also pops up on Team Lannister in the fourth episode, "The Spoils of War," as a general (pictured below). The superfan was tight-lipped on exact details leading up to the appearance, only hinting in a Sports Illustrated interview that his character will either kill someone or get killed in his scene. Now that the episode has aired, we know that Syndergaard's character shows off some pretty sick spear-tossing skills, so we'll assume he gets out of the climactic battle against Dany and the Dothraki unscathed.
Brent Hinds of the metal band Mastodon is also confirmed to make a cameo. Previously, he and his bandmates played Wildlings-turned-wights in "Hardhome," the episode with an insane White Walker vs. Night's Watch and Free Folk battle. Though he'll show up solo this time, he'll be undead once again.
Like with everything else Game of Thrones-related, rumors about cameos fly about as well. Among the unconfirmed appearances are indie-pop band Bastille, who hired Sophie Turner for their "Oblivion" music video and were spotted on the show's Belfast set. Supposedly they'll be Wildlings at the end of the season, but the band insists they were simply there for a tour. UFC fighter Conor McGregor also denied a cameo after word got out that he might show up in Westeros. No one should be surprised if they do end up on the show, though - remember when everyone involved kept saying Jon Snow was definitely dead?
How the Patties Are So Darn Juicy and 5 More Secrets From a Former Five Guys Employee
Five Guys may have just been named America's number one burger chain, but it turns out there's way more to the restaurant than grease-laden takeout bags and peanut-shell-covered floors. A former Five Guys employee, who worked at the burger and fries joint for a few months, recently did a Reddit AMA, and things got juicy (pun semi-intended). During the "Ask Me Anything" conversation online, the employee spilled details on the chain's french fries, burger meat, and so much more. Read on to get the insider scoop.
You can add literally anything you want to their grilled cheese.
When asked what the most popular menu items are, the former Five Guys employee said, "If I had to break it down, it would probably be 60 percent order some kind of burger, 25 percent order a dog, 10 percent a grilled cheese, and BLT/veggie is 5 percent. I would recommend the grilled cheese, you can add anything you want to it, even a patty!" Furthermore, they later added that grilled cheese is their personal favorite choice because "it's the safest thing to eat on the menu."
The meat may not be as great as you think.
On the quality of the meat used in burgers, the former employee said, "Honestly? Not very good. It's not even seasoned, and sometimes we served bad meat." When another user chimed in to ask for more details on this tidbit, they clarified by saying it was meat that "was unsafe to serve to guests. Gray, slimy meat that we were still forced to serve. Also, meat that fell on the floor." Hmm, I think I've lost my appetite.
About that "small" order of fries . . .
Another user asked, "What is the rationale behind ordering a 'small' fries, putting a tiny cup in the bag and then pouring four pounds of potatoes on top?" It turns out, it's actually mean to be a bit of an "illusion." The employee explained, "When you order a small fry (for example, but they do this for all sizes) you are paying for all of the fries that go into the bag. That 'extra' scoop is kind of an illusion, they told us during training that its to make customers think they're getting a big bargain. And you can ask for the cup with no topper if you want, you can do that."
There's a reason the patties are so freakin' juicy.
When one Reddit user commented on how fresh and juicy their burger patty was, the former employee replied that it's all about the cooking method. "We're not supposed to press down on it, that removes the juices," they said.
Why do they have free peanuts?
"The peanuts are to distract the customers so that they won't stare at us."
Plot twist: Some employees actually think In-N-Out is better.
Ah, the never-ending battle of Five Guys versus In-N-Out! When one Reddit commenter asked for the former employee's take on the matter, they said, "In-n-Out is way better, hands down." Moreover, they continued by saying, "As an insider, i can tell you In-N-Out is probably safer." Oh dear . . .
The 1 Thing You Should Try Adding to Your Scrambled Eggs
Some people add milk to their scrambled eggs, some prefer heavy cream, and some scramble them in bacon fat. Even if you think you've tried it all, there's one sneaky ingredient you might not have added before, and that's worcestershire sauce. I found this idea in a Facebook comment on our post about how chefs scramble eggs, and I knew I wanted to try it myself because I'm a huge fan of the incredibly savory condiment. The sauce, which is typically used for steak and Bloody Marys, is made of anchovies (yes, really), garlic, vinegar, molasses, salt, onions, chili peppers, and other spices.
So how does it taste in scrambled eggs? It's interesting, but in a good way - I totally approve. I recommend adding 1/4 teaspoon of worcestershire sauce per two eggs and whisking everything together well before cooking your eggs low and slow. The sauce is already really salty, so you don't need to add any more salt. The eggs develop a slightly tangy, smoky, umami-rich flavor that's unlike any scrambled egg I've had before. If you have worcestershire sauce on hand anyway, give this a try. It just might become your favorite scrambled eggs recipe.
You Don't Get to Keep the Furniture - and 6 Other Shocking Revelations About Being on Fixer Upper
As avid fans of Fixer Upper as we are, our knowledge of the show is limited to what we see on TV. We have no idea what it's actually like to be cast on the show and have Chip and Joanna Gaines renovate our Waco, TX, dream home. Luckily, the star of season three episode "A Big Fix For a House in the Woods" shared her story with POPSUGAR Select blogger Rachel Teodoro of Holy Craft.
Check out the seven things we were shocked to learn from her below, and for even more unprecedented insight into what it's really like to be on Fixer Upper, head to Holy Craft, where you can read the complete interview.
Casting Moves Fast
This cast member applied to HGTV one day and received a call from the casting agency the very next. "After that it was a quick, big, exciting blur," she told Holy Craft of the fast-paced process.
You Don't Get to Keep the Furniture
The gorgeous Magnolia Market finds Joanna fills the house with are actually just there on loan to stage the house for the big reveal. While the furniture is not included in the makeover, the homeowners can buy any pieces they want to keep - but at that point the budget is usually pretty tapped.
Chip Is Seriously Goofy
Watch any clip of the show and it's obvious that Chip isn't a serious guy, but we didn't realize that his silly personality played nonstop in real life. He kept this season three cast member and her husband laughing the entire time they filmed, giving producers ample material to choose from.
They Make Over the Entire House
Since we only see the "after" shots from a few spectacularly renovated and staged rooms on the show, we figured that these were the only rooms Chip and Joanna lent their magic to - but we're happy to be wrong. This cast member said every room in her house was addressed, but those not featured on the show were given more basic cosmetic upgrades, such as fresh paint, carpeting, and fixtures.
Joanna Is Quiet in the Best Way
Compared to Chip's outgoing personality, Joanna can come off as downright reserved in real life - but it's because her brain is constantly churning and plotting brilliant design ideas. And when she does speak, she's very thoughtful. "I was in awe of her during our real estate filming day because she was constantly thinking about different cool things about each house," the cast member told Holy Craft.
Makeovers Are High Quality
Call us pessimists, but we often assume that reality TV shows do the bare minimum amount of work required to make a home look good on camera. Not Fixer Upper - Jamie said her makeovers extended far beyond the surface and what we saw on the show. "There is not a door in my house that isn't surrounded in beautiful thick wood trim casing. They just finish out the entire project, parts you don't see on the show, to a tee," the cast member said.
You Don't Actually Become Best Friends
Joanna and Chip seem to become fast friends with everyone on the show - perhaps it's because they're all residents of close-knit Waco - and while they're super friendly in real life, it's still business and highly unlikely that they'll be inviting you over for a dinner party after filming wraps. "I think life is pretty busy for them with all this newfound success and adventures, and their first priority is obviously their family," the cast member explained.
So what does the house look like after the HGTV cameras (and the borrowed furniture) have left? See the before-and-after pictures of this cast member's house on Holy Craft.
These Are New 2017 Books Your Kids Need to Have on Their Summer Reading Lists
There have already been so many new book releases for kids and teens in 2017 that it's hard to pick just one to read first. Whether your child is a regular bookworm, they have to pick a few books for Summer reading, or you'd like to take advantage of slow Summer living to get your child to devour a few stories, there's a new book from this year that they'll want to read.
Ahead, the new books of 2017 that your kids of all ages need to have on their Summer reading lists.
Picture Books
Hands Off! Are You Overtouched?
Before becoming a mom, I was never much of a cuddler. I like my personal space, and I really appreciate alone time. Of course, both of those things are pretty much out the window now that I have two small children, both of whom seem to prefer to have some part of their bodies touching me at all times (my investment in a huge sectional couch and king-sized bed obviously didn't make an impression on the little wallowers).
Truth be told, most of the time, despite my natural aversion to extended physical contact, I love cuddling with my kids as much as they do. Now that they're 2 and 5, I know that the days of rocking a wet-haired, sweet-smelling little one to sleep are limited. Before I know it, they'll be asking me to leave their rooms and shut the doors behind me at night, telling me to move to the other side of the couch during family movie night. Most of the time, I'm happy to soak up every minute of this physically overwhelming stage. But, at the end of the day, I'd also prefer if my husband kept his hands off me. Thanks to our adorable children, I'm totally touched out.
The phenomenon of moms being touched out or overtouched seems to be fairly common among my friends, all of whom love their spouses but just can't stand to cuddle with them after a day of carrying infants and toddlers around, changing kiddie clothes and diapers, and offering up our laps as the most comfortable seat in the house. The feeling can be recognized fairly easily: when your husband comes near you for a kiss, a hug, or an extended snuggle, even though your mind says yes, your body? It says hell no, closed for business.
Because my husband, like most men, shows love through physical touch, my post-motherhood distaste for it hasn't always been easy on our marriage. He understands that after a full day with our kids, my touch limit has been way exceeded, but who wants a wife who prefers a pillow barrier to a spooning session before bed? Of course it hurts his feelings, and it frustrates us both that me being touched so much and him being touched so little means that neither of our physical needs are being met.
We've found a few ways to deal with the conflict between his desire for closeness and my desire to put a impenetrable plastic bubble around my body. He'll take the kids when he gets home from work and let me hide in our room for an hour to recenter myself. He'll take bedtime duty with our little guy, who still prefers an extended cuddle session before he'll submit to sleep, while I put our older, less physically demanding daughter to bed. We try to schedule a few hours of alone time together each week, no kids allowed, to reconnect. We talk it out and remind each other that our relationship is strong, even if our cuddle game is not.
U.S. audit raised 'significant questions' about Canadian meat inspections
The U.S. Agriculture Department has found “systemic” inspection and sanitation problems during a recent audit of Canada’s meat, poultry and egg inspection systems, issues American officials say “raise significant questions about the Canadian system.”
Diplo Asked Rihanna What She Thought of His Music, and Her Response Is Legendary
There are some moments when I think to myself, "There is no possible way that I can ever love Rihanna more than I do right now." And then, of course, the "Wild Thoughts" singer immediately proves me wrong. Shortly after recovering from my brief stint in the ER (because, you know, my jaw broke from hitting the floor too hard after seeing her Crop Over Festival photos), I stumbled across Diplo's recent profile in GQ, where he graciously relayed a legendary anecdote about Rihanna. He said "she's like the one artist that" Major Lazer can never get to agree to be on their songs. Then, he explained why while recounting a time when she casually ripped his career to shreds:
"I think before we're all done, she'll be on a song of ours. Hopefully. But if not, I don't really care. I played her 'Lean On.' She was like, 'I don't do house music.' I face-palmed so hard on that one. Another time I had a session with her, and Future was also invited. The Weeknd was there. Metro Boomin was there before anybody knew who he was. I was so contact high. Future played her, like, 700 songs. It was four in the morning. Finally, I was like, 'Yo, G, I'm leaving unless you let me play her a song.' So I played her a song. And she was like, 'This sounds like a reggae song at an airport.' [laughs] I was like, 'I'm gonna go kill myself.'"
Wow. She truly never disappoints.
Breakup to Makeup: 34 On-Again, Off-Again Celebrity Couples
Sometimes giving it a second chance is worth a shot, and other times, the third time may not be the charm. While some celebrity couples, such as Kate Middleton and Prince William, have proven that a break is necessary to strengthen a relationship, others, like Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber, probably should have made a clean break the first time around. From Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to Pink and Carey Hart, we're taking a look at all the celebrity couples who've been on and off again so much you'll feel like you're riding a roller coaster.
The Major Style Difference Between Melania Trump and Michelle Obama
Image Source: Getty / JEWEL SAMAD
When I woke up the morning after Election Day to find that Donald Trump would be the next president of the United States, I cried. Then I signed online and covered the latest Instagram trend: DIY crop tops made from an old pair of tights. Then, obviously, I cried some more. I had just witnessed one of the most heartbreaking and important elections in history, at least in my opinion. How did I muster the strength to write about a passing fashion trend on a day like that?
After that, it was admittedly hard to keep working. I talked to my sister, who also felt devastated, and I texted my boyfriend, who is one of those people who, political views aside, always reassures me I am worrying before I need to be. Then Hillary Clinton gave her concession speech wearing a purple-lapeled Ralph Lauren blazer, and instantly, I was inspired to write again. She was most likely wearing that shade because it was a blend of red and blue, the Republican and Democratic parties unifying right there on her outfit.
I don't think that Hillary's pantsuit was more important than the powerful words she spoke, a recognition of defeat but a promise she won't stop fighting for women, minorities, and our nation's progress. I do think that Hillary hammered her point home with that blazer, and in that moment, I felt it my duty to explain why. For the time it took me to crank out that post, my job had purpose again.
Every time I have written about Michelle Obama's dresses, since I began my career as a fashion editor, I have felt a sense of pride. It has been remarkable to track Michelle's style during her time in the White House, watching her thoughtfully support American designers with each appearance.
Image Source: Getty / Chip Somodevilla
I don't think she started to wear Brandon Maxwell (he dressed her for the Singapore state dinner and for the cover of InStyle) because he was Lady Gaga's stylist. I don't think Michelle was trying to resonate with pop culture, but rather to rally behind new art and its artists.
With every outfit choice Michelle makes, she tells a story. Michelle rotates between her favorite London fashion houses when she's in the UK, and she wore a Narciso Rodriguez dress to meet with Melania Trump for the first time. First, because Rodriguez is a Cuban-American designer whose family came to the country before he made a name for himself; an immigrant's success story like those Michelle and the Obama administration have often championed. Second, I'm sure, for its color palette: a purple dress, again marrying blue and red, but with a fiery orange stripe, a blaring, shocking wink: "Melania, can you handle this?"
Image Source: Pacific Coast News
But Melania can handle this. She has been in the public eye for many years, and when CBS's Lesley Stahl stared her down during the Trump family's 60 Minutes interview, warning her that first ladies have been famously scrutinized and that they must present themselves "with not a hair out of place," Melania didn't bat an eyelash. Throughout the entirety of her husband's campaign, Melania wore a lineup of sophisticated looks that are nothing short of appropriate. They are what you'd call modern FLOTUS attire: well-tailored, modest, sleek, but with a bold twist thanks to an ultrasaturated color or a trendy sleeve. Her Inauguration wardrobe was no different.
Image Source: Getty / DOMINICK REUTER
These pieces got her noticed; some of those pieces sold out instantly, right after she debuted them. Melania possesses the allure of a first lady. It might even be more uniquely exciting that Melania has shopped for a handful of these looks herself and counts covetable designers like Roksanda, Gucci, and Antonio Berardi as her favorites. Time will tell whether fashion houses begin to dress her more and more - Hervé Pierre did for the Inaugural ball, and whether you were Democrat or Republican, it was hard to knock her elegant gown.
Image Source: Getty / AFP
What I will miss, ultimately, is a lady like Michelle, and maybe even one like Hillary, who uses her clothes to tell a story or to convey a mood. Throughout her period in the White House, Michelle mixed high and low. She wore a J.Crew studded belt with a long Thom Browne plaid coat because it was fun and it felt right, and she was learning about what she liked.
Once she did, she selected designs that did all the right things: they flattered her figure by showing off her toned arms or they recognized the holiday season with the mixing of two festive colors. They purposefully showed support for certain cultures or countries. Michelle's outfits did not always look perfect. Sometimes her skirt blew up in the wind or she had to fight a hair out of place. But Michelle's outfits were fairly thought out, brave, bold, and irrefutably American. Melania, are you ready?
Your Handy Guide to the 6 Types of Bikini Bottoms
Just like how underwear comes in different styles, so too do bikini bottoms. The cheeky, the high waist, and the hipster are some terms you may have heard of. Not to get all technical, but when you shop for body-flattering swimsuits, you should be somewhat familiar with the different styles. They play a role in your overall look! Though bikini bottoms can be an amalgam of two styles (you can wear a high-waisted bottom that also has a deep-V cut), we've narrowed down the categories to six common selections. These are the ones you'll come back to time and time again.
When All the World's a Cash Bar - How to Go On a Cash-Only Budget
If you're looking at your budget and constantly thinking, "Where can I cut back?" and "How did I overspend again this month?" it might be time to try something new.
Budgeting is actually really tough. It's hard to give yourself a limitation on something and even harder when you want it and can't have it. That is why the cash-based diet eliminates your wishy-washy attitude on whether you can afford to spend. If you're struggling to manage your budget, it might be time to break up with your credit card and get together with cash. Here are the best practices for juggling life on a cash-based diet.
First things first: go back in your banking and find out what you've been spending each month.
This is the best way to figure out a realistic dollar amount to put toward each category of your budget. Once you've done that, write them down by hand. Yes, like it's 1999. Writing it down will make you more aware of the actual amounts you've been spending. I'd say if you go back three months, you'll be able to find a pretty solid average within those bills.
Secondly, it's time to see if you should cut anything down.
If you've been spending too much money on movies, cocktails, or data - be honest. It's a lot easier to cut down on things you have control over than, say, your rent-controlled apartment. Now, again, write down by hand your new and realistic numbers.
Third, hit the bank and take out your monthly allowance.
And no, that doesn't mean walking down the street to the 7-Eleven and using an ATM that'll cost you money. Hit your bank whenever you have time, and take out the total amount of money you'll need for each section of your budget.
Why monthly? Weekly or biweekly can become a pain to manage. By organizing your finances each month, you'll be able to create more consistent habits and a better balanced budget.
Need an example of how much that might be? Here's my small breakdown:
- Groceries: $150
- Gas: $60
- Entertainment: $200
- Date nights: $100
Lastly, put those into individual envelopes and keep them somewhere safe.
Now that your cash envelopes are filled up, it's time to give the diet a rightful go. Unlike your Paleo, Atkins, or vegan diets, though, there are no "cheat days" that no one will notice. Once you have spent that money, you don't get any more until the next month. If you decide to drop $100 of your date night budget on a steak dinner and bottle of wine, that might be your only date night this month - and that's OK.
Not yet convinced?
Most of the time, cash over credit is the simplest way to control your spending habits. Why? Cash hurts. Using credit or debit is the easiest way to avoid seeing how much money is left over and whether you can truly afford what you're about to buy.
On the other hand, if you must go into your grocery envelope and see that you only have $50 leftover for the month, you might be a little bit more conscious of how much you spend on that trip and become the frugal queen of every finance-lover's dream.
Remember to review your cash amounts required each month in case you're aware that you'll be spending more or less in certain areas over the next 30 days. For example, if you're traveling and won't spend as much on groceries and entertainment, take note. Put that money toward your trip or another savings goal.
Now, let's recap what you need to do:
- Review your spending and find the average spent within each section of your budget.
- Cut back in realistic areas of your budget.
- Take out enough cash to cover those expenses.
- Separate the cash into envelopes and monitor spending.
Only four steps! See? It's not that intimidating. Now get out there, try a cash-based diet, and start to take control of your money - finally.
SNL Alum Says Working With "Moron" Host Donald Trump Was "Not Fun"
Way back when Donald Trump was a presidential hopeful in 2015, he hosted Saturday Night Live - exactly one year before Election Day. Taran Killam, who once impersonated Trump and later joined him on stage when he hosted, was stunningly candid about the now president in a recent interview with Brooklyn magazine.
Killam responded to a host of questions about his post-SNL career and joining the cast of Hamilton right after Mike Pence famously attended the show (and heard a compassionate message from the cast). President Trump was especially incensed by the incident, to which Killam replied with the utmost honesty. "Yeah, well the president is a moron," Killam told the magazine.
Later in the interview, Killam elaborated on what it was like to work with Trump on the show, and you might not be surprised by how difficult he said it was. "It was not fun, and most of the cast and writers were not excited to have him there," Killam said. "I didn't get the feeling that he was excited to be there, and it felt like a move for ratings from both sides."
Perhaps most unsurprising of all, Killam revealed how the president . . . struggled to read his lines. "What you see is what you get with him, really. I mean, there was no big reveal," Killam added. "He struggled to read at the table read, which did not give many of us great confidence. Didn't get the jokes, really. He's just a man who seems to be powered by bluster."
We're pretty sure Trump would write off Killam's account of his time on the show as "fake news."
A Gay Cafe Owner Had the Perfect Facebook Response to a Homophobic Couple
We've updated this story with comments from Horne.
Homophobia, despite progress toward equality, unfortunately remains alive and rampant. A gay cafe owner in Cairns, Australia, named Jay Horne posted his tale of prejudice (and how gracefully he handled it) on Facebook, and it's since gone viral.
🤔 I'm curious... 🤔
Do you think you are going to turn gay (if you're not already) if you eat and drink at a gay owned...
Posted by Jay Horne on Thursday, March 16, 2017
In the post shared on March 16, Horne explains that a couple who frequent his restaurant, Paradiso Cairns, recently decided not to return after discovering it was gay owned and operated. "Do you think you are going to turn gay (if you're not already) if you eat and drink at a gay owned and operated cafe?" Horne hilariously asked in the post.
"One of our regular 'straight' couples have stopped frequenting our cafe because we are gay owned and operated and they had no idea," he went on to detail. "All I can say is . . . their loss!"
POPSUGAR spoke to Horne about the experience and community response via Facebook messenger. "I don't want the world to think that Cairns is a homophobic city, as it's definitely not," Horne said. "I have been living here for eight years and proudly promote the Cairns region as an LGBT hot spot to both national and international travelers."
Horne told us that he's witnessed an outpouring of support from the community in Cairns following his post. "One gentleman came in on Saturday who was so thankful that he broke down in tears," Horne wrote. "Another couple who sat in the cafe in hope the old regulars would walk by so they could confront them. I know I don't stand alone."
He also added that using his profile to fight homophobia is important. "Cairns has one of the highest if not the highest youth suicide rate in Australia, which is often related to fear of not being accepted in the community as being gay," Horne said. "If I have helped one person or saved one person from taking their own life through sharing my experience, I am happy [sic]."
While incidents like this are widely reported in the United States, Horne's experience demonstrates that homophobia is an international issue. It's also an applaudable instance of responding to intolerance with dignity and a dash of humor.
25 Empowering Books Every Strong, Badass Latina Boss Lady Should Read
We are strong Latinas, hear us roar! Some of the most inspiring insight into empowerment, womanhood, and strength comes from the pages of authors like Esmeralda Santiago, Isabel Allende, Julia Alvarez, and many, many more. Whether the authors are Latina, black, white, purple, yellow, or somewhere in between, these 25 reads by female authors will have you feeling proud to be a woman and Latina - and maybe even push you to finally lean in. Keep scrolling to see our picks, then check out 10 powerful quotes you'll want to Pin immediately.
The Photos of This Dad Delivering His Own Twins Will Absolutely Blow You Away
One couple not only had a peaceful home water birth experience, but they were also lucky enough to have a talented birth photographer on hand to capture each breathtaking moment.
While it's estimated that 75 percent of twin births in the United States are delivered via C-section, this couple decided to welcome their babies at home - and the process moved so quickly that their ob-gyn wasn't able to arrive in time. In the stunning series of photos taken by Birth Blessings Photography & Childbirth Services, Robin Baker managed not only to photograph this twin birth but also to assist in it.
Baker told POPSUGAR that she arrived only 20 minutes after initially receiving the couple's call but could immediately tell that it wasn't going to be a long labor. "In between contractions and taking photographs, I was focused on helping them prepare a space to birth," said Baker. "I'm also an experienced home birther, so I knew what needed to be done."
As soon as Baker warmed the water and the laboring mom got into the bathtub, she immediately had the urge to push. Since everything was happening so quickly, Baker and the daddy-to-be spoke with their doctor over the phone to update him on their progress. The unnamed father joined his wife in the bathtub and helped to deliver their twins, a baby boy and girl.
They joyful couple had 30 minutes of bonding time with baby A before baby B made his way into his father's hands while still en caul. "The mom reached down and removed the [amniotic] sac and dad turned the baby to release the Nuchal cord and then handed him to mom," described Baker. "The parents were calm, peaceful, and brought their babies into the world effortlessly!"
Even though Baker has witnessed more than 70 births, she said that this was one of the most incredible moments of her career. "Since so many twins are born in the operating room, this birth was very special," added Baker. "Women are incredible when they follow their body's natural instincts!"
This post was originally published on March 15, 2016.
18 Breakfasts That Follow the Perfect Weight-Loss Formula
Experts don't recommned skipping meals to save on calories, especially breakfast. Nutritionists Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition have shared the perfect equation for how to make asatisfying breakfast that will help also you lose weight. So instead of grabbing a scone or donut with your latte, reach for one of these delicious recipes.
Hong Kong's It Girl Wore a Wedding Gown That Has the Entire Internet Buzzing
Destination weddings take on a life of their own, and Feiping Chang's was out of this world. The fashion influencer said her "I do's" to Lincoln Li in Capri, where she walked down the aisle in a strapless Giambattista Valli dress. She worked with the designer to create the dramatic gown and it featured layer upon layers of tulle. The poufy dress, which resembled a giant cloud, was only one of the extravagant parts of this It girl's wedding.
For the reception, Fei switched into a floral high-low dress that was similar to her welcome dinner look. The couple entered into a space filled with dangling wisteria and guests were treated to a sunset view during their meal. As far as destination weddings go (people are still talking about it), Hong Kong's socialite nailed it with her Italian location and fabulous outfits.
This Is Gisele Bündchen's Favorite Outfit, and It's Easy to See Why
Gisele Bündchen's favorite outfit isn't a dress and heels - it's a combination you and I reach for almost every day. The retired supermodel told Vogue Paris that her go-to look is simply "jeans and a T-shirt." No ifs, ands, or buts. Well, it's no wonder. After some careful digging, we discovered that there's simply no one who can add so much glamour to a casual ensemble.
When we think of Gisele, high-fashion editorials and iconic runway moments might come to mind, but after seeing how darn good she looks in denim, that's about to change. Read on for all the inspiration you need to choose jeans and a tee when you wake up tomorrow.
7 Times the Lottery Curse Was Broken
We've all heard the lottery horror stories about winners who had it all and lost it. From bankruptcy and jail time to murder and suicide, many lottery winners seem to be cursed with bad luck - or maybe just bad judgment.
Fortunately, a sunnier side to lottery stories exists. Some winners have done great things with their winnings, and others have wisely chosen to employ experts to help them manage the lump of cash they lucked into. Below are seven lottery stories that prove winning the lottery can be a blessing, not a curse!
- Allen and Violet Large Donated All Their Winnings
This Canadian couple made headlines in 2010 not only for winning $11.2 million in the lottery, but also for giving most of it away. When the pair, in their 70s at the time, received the money, they decided that others needed it more. After setting up their family members financially, the Larges chose to donate the majority of their winnings to hospitals and other charitable organizations.
- Colin and Christine Weir Gave to Their Community and Children in Need
While known to splurge every now and then, this Scottish couple has given large amounts over the years to causes that moved them. Since winning about $250 million in 2011, the two have made notable donations to a little girl with cerebral palsy, a promising young artist, and a child in need of a prosthetic limb. They also gave their house to their neighbor, who was a teen mother, and contributed countless dollars to fund causes in their community through the Weir Charitable Trust.
- Jim and Carolyn McCullar Planned For Future Generations
In 2011, Jim and Carolyn McCullar, from a small town in Washington state, won half of a $380 million prize in the Mega Millions lottery. The couple, who claimed their part of the second-largest jackpot in US history at the time, took the win in stride. Instead of blowing the money all at once or planning extravagant trips around the world, the McCullars said they planned on using the money to give future generations of their family comfortable lives.
- Louise White Hired Legal Help and Established a Trust
Eighty-one-year-old Louise White walked away with around $210 million in 2012, after claiming a lump sum prize from the $336 million Rhode Island Powerball lottery jackpot. White decided not to detail her exact plans for the money. She did indicate that it would make her family happy, and also hired legal help and safely deposited the winnings in a trust named after the sherbet she bought alongside her winning ticket.
- Les Robins Founded a Day Camp For Children
When Les Robins won the $111 million jackpot in 1993, it was the highest Powerball jackpot to date. It's likely that his background as a middle school teacher inspired Robins to use a large portion of his winnings to build a day camp for children. Camp Winnegator is still a successful camp over 20 years later.
- Jim Dancy Gave It All Away
Jim Dancy didn't break any lottery-winning records when he claimed $10,000 in the Michigan Lottery's Club Keno game, but he warmed many hearts when he chose to donate all of his winnings to Greater Kalamazoo United Way instead of keeping any for himself.
- Ed Nabors Went Fishing
One winner, former Georgia truck driver Ed Nabors, decided to take a simpler route than most when he claimed half of a $390 million prize. He chose to call it a day and go fishing.
I Wore the Same Mascara For Over a Decade, but This One Made Me Switch
My answer to the question "What mascara do you use?" was the same for more than 10 years, and it rolled off my tongue like clockwork. I swore by an under-$15 drugstore mascara whose thin brush elongated and thickened my eyelashes like no other high-end product ever could. "I have it in my purse if you want to see it," I've said countless times. My steadfast resistance to change made me question even the most trusted sources' recommendations because I knew I had found the only mascara I'd ever need. But when a POPSUGAR Beauty editor messaged me at work one day to tell me about a new mascara that I had to try, I was intrigued. She sent me a link to Tarte Maneater Voluptuous Mascara ($23), which she had just gotten an early preview of and thought I might like. Many exclamation points followed her enthusiastic advice. "Doesn't clump; coat after coat after coat," she promised.
I just so happened to be near the end of my drugstore tube, and I was intrigued. Not normally one to pass up yet another purchase of my standby mascara, I had a feeling this one could be worth it. Trusting our resident beauty expert and feeling excited to try a hyped-up product, I caved and ordered one Tarte Maneater mascara, hoping I wouldn't regret the slightly steeper price than I was used to. Spoiler alert: I most certainly would not. In fact, after my first time using Maneater, I knew I was hooked. This was the one. Tarte promises 23 times more lash volume after two coats of this mascara, and . . . whoa. I'm convinced that's not an exaggeration.
In my experience, longer lashes benefit from a mascara with superthin bristles, and Maneater has dozens of tiny, delicate bristles that are pros at separating and elongating every lash. The volumizing black liquid thickens my lashes and manages to curl them upward at the same time. The formula also contains jojoba extract, which keeps lashes strong and hydrated throughout the day, preventing any flaking.
The product speaks for itself, so read on to see Tarte Maneater in action and zoom in on the results. If you're like me, you'll be rethinking your favorite mascara pretty soon.
Jennifer Lopez's Leggings Will Add a Little Sexy to Any Gym Outfit
Jennifer Lopez is the queen of athleisure style, there is no denying that. The 47-year-old stepped out in New York City looking as comfy as ever in an oversize parka (it was a cool Spring day), a black graphic sweatshirt, black leggings, and sneakers - a pretty simple outfit, until you look closer. Zoom in on J Lo's calves and you'll spot crisscross mesh detailing on her leggings that gave her gym outfit a sexy twist by showing unexpected skin.
This look was a strong contrast to her most recent outing, where she wore a $7,900 Valentino trench coat. That's what J Lo does well - dressing high fashion one day and super chill the next. Keep scrolling to see more photos of Jennifer's gym look and shop similar legging options.
8 Secrets From Amazon Employees, Including the Weirdest Thing Someone's Ordered
We see Amazon.com as our own fairy godmother who drops off virtually any item possible on our doorsteps, sometimes even within the hour. But the next time you make an order, you'll appreciate the person fulfilling it by the end of this post. Instant gratification is made possible by the warehouse employees who have to walk more in a day than some of us do in a week (or more) and who have to grab the weirdest items people secretly purchase. In these Reddit IAmAs from a former worker at a million-square-foot warehouse, a picker from another large warehouse, a former fulfillment center worker, and an Amazon Prime employee, see some of your most curious questions answered!
1. What are some products that we might be surprised to learn are purchased a lot? What's the strangest thing someone's ordered?
"Not sure if you'd be surprised, but lots of sex toys. I'd say one out of fifty [orders]; mainly butt plugs and dildos. The weirdest was a fake ass. Usually the sex toys are wrapped in black plastic so we can't see them but this was sitting on the shelf in the open. It was just a life-size fake ass used for obvious reasons."
2. Roughly how long after I place a Prime order is my item actually being picked?
"One-hour orders always have priority. It is usually picked within 15 minutes after the order was made and out the door not even 10 minutes later."
3. What's the largest item Amazon can ship?
"Apparently the biggest thing they ship for free is a 2,000-pound gun safe. But they can ship just about anything, including something the size of a car."
4. Is it true they don't keep similar looking items next to each other so a picker can't grab the wrong item by mistake?
"No, they employ Chaotic Storage. They mix items of different sizes in order to maximize storage volume. It's almost impossible to pick the wrong item because of the picking system they use."
5. Is employee theft from the warehouse difficult?
"Yes, metal detectors."
6. What are the worst aspects of the job?
"Ridiculous quotas. At my peak, I was picking 120-plus items per hour, and it was just good enough. As I had to sometimes walk 1/4 of a mile or more between items, it was very difficult and physically demanding."
"Security checkpoints. We had to leave everything at the door . . . cell phones, iPods, watches, anything that could be sold at Amazon was off limits (which is everything). So there was no stimulation while we walked in upwards of 30 miles per day."
7. How can you be efficient in packaging items if you have to walk around between hundreds of aisles?
"Great question. I was only a picker. My only job was to grab two large, yellow plastic bins, put them on my double-decker shopping cart, and fill them with the items that my scanner told me to find. My scanner would then tell me when that particular bin was completed (sometimes it would only have one tiny item in it), at which point I'd move to the next one. When both were filled, I'd take them to a nearby conveyor belt and stick them on, where they would travel to the packagers. Rinse and repeat. Forever."
8. How many products did you pick a day? How are the products organized?
"Between 1,000 and 2,000. There are literally thousands of shelves full of little cubby holes. Each cubby hole is filled with an assortment of items . . . there might be a book, a toothbrush, a copy of a Barbie VHS tape from 1993, and a pair of moccasins. And you'll only pick one of the items."
These Illustrations of Disney Princesses Going to the Doctor Without Obamacare Are Too Real
Belle, Ariel, and Elena of Avalor are all dealing with the effects of a world without Obamacare in these illustrations created by a duo of creative Latinas, illustrator Maritza Lugo and writer Danielle Sepulveres.
With the fate of the Affordable Care Act (popularly known as Obamacare) still up in the air, Maritza and Danielle decided to use everyone's favorite princesses to show off the devastating implications that the repeal will have for millions of Americans - specifically women.
"At the end of 2015, I contacted Maritza and asked if she'd be interested in drawing re-imagined Disney princesses to bring awareness for cervical cancer awareness month," Danielle told us via email. "This year, we decided to revamp that project and brainstormed how we could be most effective in showing the consequences of the repeal of ACA, looming ominously over essential healthcare for women." The results: Pocahontas being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, Belle having to pay for a new birth control prescription, and Elena facing protestors outside of Planned Parenthood. Scroll ahead to see the poignant illustrations and read what Maritza said about each of them on Instagram.
41 Photos of Shakira and Gerard Piqué Proving They Are a Match Made in Heaven
Shakira and Gerard Piqué were destined to be together. The two are head over heels for each other, but that's not all. The couple shares a birthday 10 years apart, have two little ones, and are extraordinarily charitable people, making them a match made in heaven.
Gerard is a hottie with a body, and don't get me started on Shakira. Just take a moment to think about her belly dancing skills. We'll wait! Back? OK, time to look at the best photos of the hot couple. Keep scrolling to see these two lovebirds in action.
Jennifer Lopez Is Not Holding Back on Instagram - Her Photos Are Sexier Than Ever
Maybe it's the fact that she's now in love with former baseball player Alex Rodriguez or simply that she's feeling more confident than ever, but Jennifer Lopez is definitely in the mood to share her hotness with the world.
The singer, actress, and producer - who has a superbusy year filming season three of Shades of Blue, being a judge on World of Dance, and getting ready to release her new Spanish album - has already shared a some supersteamy photos of herself on Instagram. And though we thought they couldn't get more revealing than the the black swimsuit photo she shared last year, they have, and we love it. From the look of these snaps, it's safe to say we can expect J Lo to get more revealing as the year goes by. Scroll ahead for what she's given us so far.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Dad of Interracial Family Honestly Reveals His Own Biases
"I have a confession to make. It's embarrassing. Especially because I have an interracial family. And because it shows that I still have bias," writes Frank Somerville, an evening anchor at KTVU who often sparks honest and important discussions about parenting and race on his Facebook page. Although the father of two daughters - one of which is adopted and black - typically shares other people's stories, he took to Facebook on Monday night to share one of his own.
Somerville was walking past a bus stop around 8 p.m. when he saw a white woman sitting alone and a black man walking toward her on the sidewalk. He decided to keep an eye on the woman to make sure nothing happened to her, when out of nowhere a young boy ran to catch up to the man and grabbed his dad's hand. Somerville admits that when he realized the man was a father, his whole perspective changed instantly.
The man did absolutely nothing wrong and yet I initially saw him as a possible threat. And let's be honest. The main reason was because of his skin color. The whole way home I was thinking to myself: "I grew up in Berkeley. I have a black daughter. And yet I still have that %$#%$@ bias. What the %$#%$ is wrong with me?"
And on top of that I just had a talk with my daughter about how people might treat her differently from her "white" sister based solely on her skin color. And now here I am doing the EXACT same thing.
Somerville is vulnerably sharing his story to show how strong biases can be and says the only way to eliminate them "is to realize that they are there in the first place."
Jennifer Aniston Is Bringing Back Your Favorite Jeans of Yesteryear
As far as jeans go, Jennifer Aniston has admitted to preferring a slouch over a skinny. "[Husband Justin Theroux] really enjoys me in a skinny jean, which I loathe. But I think I have more skinny jeans these days than normal," she told People. But while stepping out in Paris, Jen stuck to what she's comfortable in, opting for rolled, ripped boyfriend jeans by RE/DONE | Levi's and simple white sneakers. While her denim choice isn't exactly on trend - these days we're seeing a lot more high-waisted silhouettes that are slashed or frayed at the hem - Jen made it work.
She finished her outfit with a camel coat, lightweight scarf, textured crossbody bag, and aviator sunglasses, proving that you can never go wrong when relying on wardrobe basics (however old they might be). Since Jen makes such a good case for the classic boyfriend jean, we're shopping for an updated version on the cut below. Scroll for a look.
Hold Your Breath Because This Blogger's Wedding Gown Is Even More Stunning From the Back
Every day for fashion blogger Alexandra Pereira, aka the Lovely Pepa, is pretty glamorous, but her wedding day was one for the record books. Alexandra wed her fiancé in Lebanon last Summer in a shimmering dress so magical, it just might make you gasp.
The breathtaking creation by Spanish label Santos Costura was a dreamy combination of sheer, breezy fabric and delicate all-over sparkle. The resulting gown was practically ethereal, though the best part may just have been when the bride turned around to reveal an open back. Read on to see the spectacular gown in full.
No Star Has Ever Pulled a Style Switch-Up Like Selena Gomez
It takes a lot of confidence to completely revamp your look, especially when you're in the public eye. Selena Gomez knows a thing or two about that. The performer has managed to successfully define her style from the street to the red carpet to the stage, but as they say, "it takes a village." Selena credits much of her transformation to stylist Kate Young, who she began working with in 2015 while promoting her Revival tour.
Before that, she developed a relationship with Louis Vuitton designer Nicolas Ghesquière, and he's dressed her for many events. Selena became a face of the brand, repping her favorite fashion house at the Met Gala and beyond. Now, she's working with Coach and Stuart Vevers to further define her style code. In 23 photos, you can see how she's held onto her sex appeal but embraced sophistication, all while managing to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground. Of course, it helps when you're balancing Louis Vuitton's sturdy platform boots with a delicate Coach bag.
The Fashion Girl's Guide to Wearing Leggings to Work
You've worn leggings to the gym and while out running errands, but to the office, that's always been a different story - until now. While many women may shy away from rocking this cozy staple at the workplace, it actually makes for a genius look for the office. Leggings are sleek and understated, easy to pair with your favorite statement-making boots or a colorful coat. And since leggings tend to fit snugly on your body, they're great for layering with looser pieces on top.
So if you're ready to give the office athleisure look a try, we hand selected a bit of inspiration to get you started. These 23 street style looks are ideal for re-creating - and rocking from 9-to-5 - as long as your office dress code allows it. Just scroll for a little refresher on how to rock leggings IRL and ITO (in the office)!
26 Women Who Took Their Disney Halloween Costumes to the Next Level
You grew up dreaming about looking like a Disney princess. And with Halloween approaching, it might be time to turn your fantasy into a reality. Pull inspiration from your childhood by dressing as your favorite Disney character. But if you're going to draw inspiration from the magical kingdom, do it with panache. That's why we turned to the makeup mavens on Instagram to see how they transformed themselves into iconic characters, and the results are mesmerizing. These beauty pros turned to wigs, fake eyelashes, and extreme contouring and face painting to create results so real you would swear you were looking at a cartoon. Keep reading to see for yourself!
Prince Charles Made a "Joke" After Harry's Birth That Actually Broke Diana's Heart
Princess Diana was many things to many people, but above all else, she was an adoring and doting mother of two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. While much is known about Diana's special connection with her boys, there's one thing people may not know about Harry's birth in particular: Prince Charles "desperately" wanted a little girl, and Diana, knowing that she was carrying a baby boy, kept the secret from her husband throughout her entire pregnancy.
About a year after Prince William was born in June 1982, Diana was under pressure to produce a spare to the heir. In September 1983, Buckingham Palace announced that Diana was pregnant for a second time, but sadly, she suffered a miscarriage later that week while at the Balmoral estate in Scotland. Cut to early 1984, when Charles and Diana found out that they were expecting again. During her difficult pregnancy, Diana told friends, "I don't think I'm made for the production line, but it's all worth it in the end."
In September 1984, Diana gave birth to a baby boy, Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor, after nine hours of labor and zero drugs. In Andrew Morton's Diana: Her True Story, the princess revealed her husband's "dismay" after welcoming their second child: "Charles always wanted a girl," she said. "Harry was a boy. His first comment was, 'Oh God, it's a boy.' His second: 'And he's even got red hair.'" Charles discounted the comment as a joke, but Diana was extremely hurt and offended: not only had she just endured nine f*cking hours of natural birth, but her older sisters and younger brother, Earl Spencer, all happen to have red hair, a trait that runs in the Spencer family. What's worse, at Harry's christening in December, Charles reportedly told Diana's mother, "We were so disappointed - we thought it would be a girl."
Diana went on to explain that she and Charles were "the closest we've ever, ever been and ever will be" in the weeks before Harry was born, adding, "Then, suddenly, as Harry was born, it just went bang, our marriage. The whole thing went down the drain." She went on to admit that "something inside me closed off," after Harry's birth - especially because Charles had picked up his longtime affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. "By then, I knew Charles had gone back to his lady," she said of the rekindled romance.
Harry's red hair led many to believe that his biological father was actually James Hewitt, an English Army captain who was hired to teach Diana, William, and Harry horseback riding. While Diana and James did carry on an affair in the late '80s, they didn't meet until two years after Harry's birth. The prince's hair color is purely genetic. And Charles's desire for a baby girl has held strong after all these years, as evidenced by his excitement over the birth of Princess Charlotte in 2015. "I was hoping for a granddaughter - someone to look after me when I am very old," he told reporters during a public engagement that year. "I am really rather thrilled."
30 Things That Grandparents Should Never Do
Grandparents are some of the most important figures in any child's life, and nobody wants to set a bad example! To ensure your grandkids the happiest family environment imaginable, there are a few steps to take as a grandma or grandpa. From inciting sugar-fueled chaos to behaving manipulatively toward family members, here are 30 things that grandparents should never do.
This Dad's Reaction to His Rainbow Baby Being Born Is Beyond Moving
Every child's birth is full of emotion, but for parents expecting a rainbow baby, there's a unique set of overwhelming feelings that accompany the day of their baby's birth. Austin, TX, birth photographer Leilani Rogers is used to photographing all types of births, but this one in particular featuring the Madden family is giving us serious chills.
Hope and Hunter Madden may have just welcomed a baby girl, but the couple has been through a lot, having experienced loss due to miscarriage as well as infertility. Their rainbow baby's beautiful birth was photographed by Rogers, but more moving than the birth itself was Hunter's emotional reaction to holding his daughter.
"This is a story about a mom and a dad who went through loss and persistence to get their baby," Rogers captioned the stunning photo of Hunter holding his daughter on her Facebook page. "That tattoo on his chest was done after their first miscarriage, and now his daughter lies her sweet head against it. Both of them a reminder of triumph."
Rogers shared with POPSUGAR Moms her feelings during this emotional birth:
I knew [the couple] would be overcome with joy and relief the minute their baby girl was in their arms. I was anticipating it. They were very connected during the birth. Dad was very affectionate towards his wife. I loved every minute I spent with them. To be in the presence of such a supportive partner and strong woman (her labor lasted 40 hours!) was such an honor. I admit that I got choked up a few times as they expressed their feelings about finally having their rainbow baby. This work is so fulfilling.
The sweet dad's expression brought us to tears before we even learned of the couple's experiences leading up to that moment - it's a completely chill-inducing and gorgeous photo that we're sure the Maddens will cherish forever. Scroll through to see Rogers's other beautiful photos of the Maddens and their baby girl.
Change This 1 Thing to Get More From Every Workout
You take the back corner whenever possible. Being close to the instructor is your nightmare. You prefer packed classes where you can get lost in the crowd. You avoid looking in the mirrors, even to check your form. You are OK with marginal fitness improvements because you are scared to work harder in case you look silly.
You know who you are.
As a trainer, I have one thing to say to you: you need to kick that shy person inside you to the curb and start tapping into your inner workout beast. And start today.
The more committed you are to every move, every drill, every repetition, the better you will perform. And more importantly, you will get better results. Too often we let our desire to hide during our workouts shortchange our ability to get all we possibly can out of every minute.
When you walk into any fitness arena - gym, studio, weight room, outdoor boot camp - your game face should be on. You have taken the time out of your busy schedule. In most cases, you have paid money to participate.
Your results are based on the work you put in, not the effort of your trainers. You are given the tools; it's what you do with them that makes you a fitness badass or a wannabe.
The badasses commit. They grunt. They groan. They pick up the heavier weights and crush their sets, even if they have to make weird faces while doing it. They get sweaty in unattractive places. (Hence why I typically only wear black workout pants).
They go all out, all the time (regardless of where their sweat goes), and you know who they are because they look the part.
The people who aren't as successful are often the ones that are more worried about what they look like than what they are actually accomplishing. They barely swing a kettlebell because they are embarrassed to really thrust their hips up to get the full motion of the move. They do a halfhearted punch or kick in their kickboxing class because they don't want to seem overeager.
Or worse, that they are "acting tough." They refuse to sprint in boot camp because they worry about looking like they are trying too hard. It's this self-consciousness that is holding them back from reaching the next level of fitness.
And they need to get over themselves and get out of their own way. I guarantee you, no one is really looking at you.
In yoga, we are reminded to stay on our own mats. In cycling, we are the master of our own rides. While driving, we stay in our lanes. What you chose to do in your fitness lane and how you chose to do it should not be driven by those around you.
Let your inner badass come out, in all its glory.
Your squats will be deeper, you'll squeeze in a few more reps before time expires, you'll burn those extra calories you are after.
Dig in, dig deep, and forget about everyone else. This is YOUR workout.
Be committed. Do this and you will start seeing better results.
This Spectacular 4-Night Train Trip Across Canada Only Costs $397!
We're seeing a resurgence in train travel, and it's easy to understand why. It's an amazing way to take in the views of the place you're exploring. Sure, we've all seen the viral post about traveling across America by train for $213, but there's a new travel opportunity that's catching our eye.
Via Rail Canada offers a four-night, three-day trip on a train called the Canadian. The journey from Toronto to Vancouver, British Columbia, costs only $397, which is a great deal for the amount of time you get on the train. Keep in mind that the trip may fluctuate in price as it grows in popularity. The scenic route shows you all the beauty the country has to offer. "Leave the city centre behind and glide through gentle prairie fields, rugged lake country and picturesque towns to the snowy peaks of the majestic Rockies," Via Rail states on its site.
The stops on your journey include Sudbury Junction, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kamloops, and Jasper. Via Rail says it offers an amazing dining experience and huge picture windows while on your ride. Take a look at the video that will give you a taste of what this Canadian adventure is like!
Someone Get This Girl an Award For Her Sign Comparing Viagra and Birth Control
We've updated this post to acknowledge a Facebook user's observation.
Ever since the Affordable Care Act mandated the coverage of birth control in 2010, there's been a fair amount of backlash to the provision. But as one Twitter user named Tammi pointed out in a glorious protest sign, why is the government subsidy for Viagra not contested?
Facebook vs. twitter #iwdla2017 http://pic.twitter.com/rjw7J3xzly
- tammi (@taammiiM) March 6, 2017
Tammi's sign, which she shared on March 5 just days before A Day Without a Woman, has gone viral for saying, "Viagra is gov't funded ($41.6 mil/yr). If pregnancy is God's will, so is limp d*ck."
Her sign refers to how much money the Department of Defense spent paying for active or retired military personnel's erectile disfunction drugs in 2014. The Department's Health Agency did, in fact, subsidize $41.6 million for Viagra in 2014 and $42.6 million on other erectile dysfunction drugs.
It's worth noting that the Department of Defense also covers birth control and other contraceptives, according to the military insurance website. And erectile dysfunction drugs also treat heart conditions; some women even take their equivalents for such conditions.
Similarly - as a Facebook user rightfully pointed out - those against government-subsidized birth control should know that birth control is prescribed to treat other conditions like endometriosis and severe menstruation pain in women.
Tammi's viral sign reveals a systemic issue and striking discrepancy: why is it that birth control coverage is vilified while coverage for drugs whose primary purpose is erectile dysfunction are not?
This Artist Turns Disney Princesses Into Parents - and the Results Are Perfection
Illustrators have had fun turning beloved Disney princesses into all sorts of things, from '50s-style pinup girls to Star Wars heroines. The only artistic mashup we haven't seen yet happens to be one that would most likely follow all the "happily ever after" storylines - what these fairy-tale characters would look like as parents.
Thankfully, artist Isaiah Stephens lets us in on what it'd really be like for Ariel to have a food-throwing toddler, for Belle to breastfeed, and for Jasmine to rock a baby bump with nine amazingly accurate depictions - all shared on his Facebook page and Instagram account. From Pocahontas to Queen Elsa, it's fun to see what realistically comes after their storybook ending. Take a look.
20 #MomStruggles That Only Parents Can Truly Understand
Despite the pretty picture that many Instagram feeds paint of an edited version of parenthood, being a mom or dad is messy. It's dirty, it's sticky, it can be smelly, and it's also uniquely beautiful - in an organized chaos kind of way. So if you ever feel like you're all alone, remember that the struggle is very real, and don't let the filters fool you. Check out these Instagram-worthy parenting problems that all moms go through (and hopefully find the humor in!).
Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff's Gleeful Friendship Goes Way Back
Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff's Hollywood friendship actually started in NYC. While playing love interests in the 2006 musical Spring Awakening, the duo hit it off right away and became immediate friends. Not only did they keep in touch after their Broadway run, but they went on to share the screen in Lea's hit show, Glee (their characters even ended up together in the finale). Needless to say, these two are pretty in sync, on and off screen. When they're not making us melt with their sweet red-carpet appearances, they're traveling from coast to coast for some quality BFF time. See their best moments together over the years below.
Sally Hansen's New DIY Chrome Nail Polish Kits Are Damn Gorgeous
I am not going to point fingers, but I've asked some of the top nail art salons in NYC for mirror nails over the past six months - and no one will give them to me! Pros at these spots told me the reflective powder topcoat chips easily, so they had to stop offering it. Customers complained.
So when I heard Sally Hansen was launching four Chrome DIY nail art kits featuring a similar look, I was pumped. I could get my futuristic manicure easily and at home, goddammit. It seemed too good to be true. And after seeing the Chrome nail look applied IRL at an editor's preview, I can confirm these sets are as cool as they sound.
"The chrome trend was first seen on social media and has since exploded but was previously only achieved with UV light and a lengthy and costly application process," Kristi Sloe, VP of global product development at Sally Hansen, told POPSUGAR. "Salon Chrome democratizes the trend so that the at-home consumer can achieve the same look themselves and have fun doing it."
There are five Chrome kit colors: Rose Gold (pinky gold), Peacock (purple-blue metallic), Holographic (iridescent metallic), Gunmetal (reflective charcoal), and Mermaid (green-purple hybrid). Out of the bunch, I'd say Gunmetal is the closest the mirror look I've been chasing after. (And it will be mine soon!)
The colored Chrome kits (Rose Gold, Peacock, Gunmetal, and Mermaid) are each $20 and come with the shimmery colored powder, a powder applicator, and a clear coat that seals in the chrome. That said, you need to supply your own base nail polish color and topcoat. These will be available at Target and Target.com, where Sally Hansen products are sold. Ulta store and Ulta.com are getting an exclusive kit, the Holographic one. It is $30 and also comes with the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish in Black-y O. Everything drops at Ulta and Target mid-August.
"I really love Sally Hansen Salon Chrome in Mermaid and Peacock," said Madeline Poole, a Sally Hansen ambassador and top nail artist. "These more jewel-toned blue and green shades have the most impactful chrome effect. They also pick up really well on camera!"
While the Chrome kits are fairly easy to use - and you can see for yourself ahead in our exclusive video featuring Hannah Lee - Madeline has some advice. "It's important to use light pressure when buffing the powder into the nail," she explained. "You want to begin when the base color is still slightly tacky, but as a precaution gently buff so as not to dent the surface of the polish."
And if you desire to create chic nail art, Madeline suggests marking off half the nail with tape before painting. This will create a negative-space look. "Place a piece of masking tape across the width of your nail and then paint the tip of the nail following the Salon Chrome process," she noted.
Luckily, we have a sneak peek at every color plus an exclusive video from a nail blogger on how to use them.
This Model Said "I Do" in a Pink Wedding Gown, Then Made 1 Simple Style Switch For the Reception
For some brides, the more extravagant the wedding gown, the better. Yulia Saparniiazova's bridal look surely falls into this category. The model walked down the aisle in a stunning pink design by Malyarova Olga and said her "I dos" under a sunny sky. We could hardly keep our eyes off the dress, taking in the embellishment and bead work that decorated the bodice and train of the gown. What was more impressive, however, was how Yulia wore the dress to her reception.
While most would change into another look, she simply removed the detachable train to reveal a simple beaded white mini underneath. For the party, Yulia added a silky wrap around the dress, creating a longer, body-hugging gown. We can see why this crafty style hack works. When a dress looks this good, you want to wear it twice (and be able to dance in it!). Read on to see the dramatic transformation for yourself.
How 1 Stranger Saved This Little Boy From an Injury That Only 1 Percent Survive
4-year-old boy who was internally decapitated, expected to make a full recovery. Mother says chance of survival < 1% http://pic.twitter.com/ZBftcIlcN5
- Sierra Oshrin (@SierraKBOI) June 3, 2016
After a horrific accident, one little boy's head was internally decapitated and essentially just hanging on by a thread to his spinal cord. Luckily for this 4-year-old child, he's not only expected to make a full recovery but also one without surgery thanks to a stranger the family credits with helping to save his life.
An internal decapitation is a rare condition that occurs when the skull becomes separated from the spine. Less than one percent of people survive this massive injury and those who do usually require a major operation as well as a halo brace. However, little Killian keeps on beating the odds.
After celebrating Killian's fourth birthday, the little boy and his mother, Brandy Gonzalez, were driving home when their car hit some ice and began to skid out of control. Their vehicle slammed into another car, but luckily a police officer and his wife, Leah Woodward, happened to be driving toward the accident at the time of the crash.
As the first ones on scene, they immediately checked for survivors and heard the child screaming from the car. With the doors locked, the cop had to smash the back window open so his wife could get inside. He then guided her on how to help the severely injured child.
Leah sat up his limp body and securely held his head in order to protect his cervical spine from any further damage, common protocol before EMT professionals can protect his neck with a brace. She didn't move for over an hour, and her actions most likely saved his life - the slightest move could have been enough to completely sever the boy's spine.
"I'm trying to stay calm but inside I'm panicking. I'm thinking I don't know what I'm doing, and it was the worst feeling I've ever had to not know how to help," Leah said to KBOI2.
Killian's mother broke almost every bone in her body during the accident and is currently recovering at a hospital across the street from where her son is being treated for a ruptured spleen and broken arm and ribs, as well as the clinical decapitation.
"It's just so hard because I'm in the same town and I haven't been able to see him," said Brandy. "It's just hard knowing he's in so much pain and I can't be there."
How a Mom Used Her Earrings to Prove That She Was Invisible After Giving Birth
Like many new moms, Anastasia Aligiannis noticed that things changed after giving birth to her baby boy. She felt like she had become completely invisible and to prove her point, she took out one of her earrings.
It took seven months before anyone noticed that she was only wearing one earring, despite being surrounded by family and friends. "All those social interactions, and no one ever looked me square in the face and noticed," she shared on Facebook. "It sort of cemented to me that as a very busy mom of then two children under two who 'just stayed at home' or 'didn't work.' I had almost become invisible not just to society, but to my family and friends, and really maybe even to myself."
Anastasia explained that even conversations over the phone followed a similar pattern: people asking how her children and husband are but never following up with asking about her. "I guess people figured if the people it was my responsibility to care for were OK, then I must be," she wrote.
Although many new moms can relate and may even smile in recognition, Anastasia made it clear that the point of her post wasn't to be funny but instead to send a message. "If today you are feeling overwhelmed, invisible or like you don't matter, you do. You are so important and are probably the cog that keeps everything running smoothly," she wrote. "Keep up the good work, and if no one else says it to you this week, know that you are invaluable in the work you do and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed."
7 Eyebrow Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Immediately
I started waxing my eyebrows when I was about 12 years old. Thick, dark hair on my head means thick, dark hair on my arches - and in between them. To deal with the small forest that grew in the center of my forehead, I went to the salon for a quick fix. But about a year ago this method failed when a technician removed the tail of my brow (about one-third!). Horrified, I decided it was time to find a more precise method.
So I did my homework and discovered Sania Vucetaj, a celebrity brow specialist who only tweezes (no waxing or threading) in her NYC studio. Within months, my full arches have magically grown back - no Latisse needed. That's because Sania has a special formula for getting brows back to their naturally thick state. It's chemical-free and painless. Keep reading to find out her brilliant tricks to getting the best eyebrows of your life.
This Terrifying Skin Cancer Selfie Will Convince You to Wear SPF
You've heard countless times about the importance of wearing sunscreen, regardless of season. But were you really paying attention? To be honest, even as beauty editors, we sometimes "forget" (read: intentionally leave out) applying SPF in hopes of getting a little sun-kissed glow. We'll never do that again now that we've seen the harmful results.
Tawny Willoughby, a 28-year-old nurse and mother from Alabama, shared a graphic selfie of the effects of skin cancer treatment with her Facebook friends, saying she's been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma five times and squamous cell carcinoma once in the past six years. She admits to tanning several times a week because she felt like her glow faded too quickly. Now, she skips sunning in favor of wearing sunscreen and spray tans. "You only get one skin and you should take care of it," insists Tawny. "Don't let tanning prevent you from seeing your children grow up."
This gory image is a harsh reminder of the importance of regular dermatologist visits. Be sure to visit your doctor at least once a year for a full body scan, and get any suspicious or new spots checked out. "I go to the dermatologist every six to 12 months and usually have a skin cancer removed at each checkup," admits Tawny.
Brienne of Tarth and Arya Stark's Friendship Is Even Sweeter in Real Life
Game of Thrones fans completely lost it when Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) and Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) reunited in the seventh season's fourth episode, but as much as we're loving their reignited bond, Gwendoline and Maisie's friendship is even sweeter in real life. The two always seem to have the best time at red carpet events, and in August, they couldn't stop gushing about how much fun they had filming their Game of Thrones scene. "Working with Gwen was great fun," Maisie told EW. "She's been fighting people around the same height as her, and I've been used to fighting people who were close to my height, so we both had a lot to get used to." Gwendoline added, "Oh, it was really fantastic. We worked really hard on it. It's exciting when you learn skills on a job . . . it was exciting to see that development in somebody else too, in Maisie." We can't wait to see where Brienne and Arya end up in the rest of the season.
50 Movies Set in 50 States
As we get closer to the Fourth of July, we're forced to think about the vast history of our country, and the very different states that make up our nation. This complex variation is represented on film, and yes! There's a movie set in every single US state. There's obviously more than one memorable movie per state and multiple memorable movies set in certain states, but we've narrowed it down to one single iconic film to represent each one.
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