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
The Secret to Losing Fat and Toning Your Backside
If you're trying to tighten up your butt and upper quads, you're not alone. This area is a problematic spot for women, and there's no single cure to change things overnight. According to celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser, increasing the intensity of your cardio and strength-training program is a great start. Anna's other piece of advice? "Put down the fork. No one needs to be eating five bowls of pasta a week and think that they're going to get rid of [fat] if they're doing 500 leg raises. It's just not going to happen."
So stick to a healthy eating plan, add plenty of cardio to your workout routine, and try out these helpful exercises to help you feel more confident the next time you slip into something slinky.
10 Shoes Every Woman Should Own
If we lived by Carrie Bradshaw's rules, then we could never have too many shoes. Sometimes, we think that may be the case. However, we don't have the budget (or closet space for that matter) to jump on every single trend.
To make your wardrobe planning a little easier, we've zeroed in on the 10 key shoe styles every woman should have in her closet. Sure, these silhouettes might get an update from time to time - but the bare bones remain the same. If you adhere to this foolproof footwear plan, then you'll always have the pair you need. From your secret-weapon statement shoe to the go-anywhere ankle boot, click on to see, shop, and stock your closet with all the necessary ingredients.
16 Mind-Blowing Life Hacks From Instagram
Life hacks - two little words that have the potential to change the way you live. You've seen some of the best that Reddit has to offer, but Instagram users are just as creative and resourceful. That's why we've rounded up some of their most impressive life hack ideas that are easy to copy yourself. From how to cook your eggs the perfect way to how to take those mason jars on the go, you'll want to check out these pretty genius ideas. Prepare to have your mind blown and wonder, "How did I live without them before?"
- Additional reporting by Hilary White
Dad Explains Why Enduring His 3-Year-Old's Meltdown in a Quiet Bookstore Was Vital
When Clint Edwards knew his 3-year-old daughter wasn't ready to leave the quiet bookstore without the Peppa Pig backpack she was "cradling like it was her firstborn," the dad had two choices: be impractical by giving in and buying her the bag (which she already had at home) or deal with her inevitable public tantrum. He noted that Aspen also had two choices: listen to her father or dissolve into a meltdown.
After attempting to explain to Aspen that she already had the bag at home, he quickly realized that there would be no reasoning with her, that "it was her job to be a turd about it," and that they'd both be going with their second options.
"I waited until my wife and kids were finished shopping, then I pried the toy out of her arms, her screaming like I actually removed a limb, me trying not to hurt her, the whole time wondering if she was actually Thor because of her freakishly strong grip," Clint wrote in a post to Facebook. "I hauled Aspen out of the store underneath my arm, her screaming in a Peppa Pig swimming suit, her legs kicking, my swimming suit falling down, crack showing, but unable to pull it up because my hands were full. I got her in the van. I got her calmed down. And once it was all said and done, I looked at her in the backseat, and wondered if I'd done the right thing. I do this a lot as a father."
Clint continued, reflecting on how before becoming a parent he didn't realize how emotionally draining it would be to be in the throes of a situation with your child you can't possibly win. "You are either going to create an expectation that if your child grabs something at the store, you will buy it for them, regardless. . . . Or you end up disrupting everyone in a 20-mile radius as you work to establish boundaries with your child," he wrote.
Because Aspen's a 3-year-old whom Clint says is basically programmed to "just want things" and can't truly listen to reason like an adult would, dilemmas like this become even more challenging. However, Clint ended his post explaining why even though it was difficult and embarrassing, he chose to reinforce a boundary with Aspen rather than give in to her demands.
"I said, 'no.' I disrupted a quiet bookstore to do it. I got a little embarrassed. But looking back now, I know I did what was best for Aspen's overall development. It sucked. But I did it.
Parents make these decisions everyday. And it's never easy. But if you are reading this, and you've faced something similar, I get it. We all do. It sucked, I'm sure. But you most likely did what was best for your child, and that's a wonderful thing."
Lauren Conrad Is a Treasure Trove of Halloween Costume Inspiration
Lauren Conrad - whose wedding photos are Pinterest gold, even years later - is a huge inspiration when it comes to Halloween costumes; not only does she always have cute and original ideas, but she also swears by DIYing her designs each year. She's dressed up as Minnie Mouse, Mary Poppins, and even the Twitter bird - and now that she's a mom, we can't wait to see what kind of family looks she has up her sleeve. In honor of Lauren's crafty costume ideas, we've rounded up her outfits from Halloween.
This Congressman Thinks You Can Buy Birth Control at Grocery Stores
Another day, another GOP congressman is in trouble with his constituents after insinuating that women can get birth control at grocery stores. The comment, made at a town hall, comes from Representative Glenn Grothman who has previously made inflammatory statements.
Grothman, who represents Wisconsin's sixth congressional district, held a town hall in Neenah, WI, on April 30. During the meeting, a constituent calmly explained to him that her daughter receives care at Planned Parenthood because her employer doesn't offer medical benefits. So she asks him, "Help me understand why you want to defund planned parenthood and please do not use abortion as an excuse."
Of course, Grothman begins his answer by stating that Planned Parenthood is the "biggest abortion provider in the country." He then goes on to suggest that women can receive birth control at pharmacies and grocery stores. The crowd lets him have it, yelling at him and shouting "Be honest." You can watch a clip of the exchange ahead.
This isn't the first and most likely won't be the last incendiary comment Grothman makes. He's previously said that he believes the government "bribes" people to stay single and have children to receive welfare benefits; that Pell grants shouldn't go towards low-income or first-year students; and that black people don't care about Kwanzaa. He is up for reelection in two years.
Mindy Kaling's Stylist Created a Maternity Outfit Fashion Girls Will Flip For
We knew right away that Mindy Kaling would master maternity style. She's got Salvador Perez as a trusty friend and stylist and one of the brightest wardrobes in Hollywood. Mindy favors flirty Dolce & Gabbana fit-and-flares, so we weren't surprised to see her step out in a bright red version while dining at Madeo in California.
Mindy confirmed that Perez crafted her monochrome look from head to toe, including adding a quilted Chanel crossbody bag and Rockstud Valentino pumps that have been a fashion-girl favorite for many years. Read on to take another look at Mindy's adorable outfit, then shop her Summer basics, which clearly look good together - whether or not you're expecting.
9 Things to Cut Out of Your Life to Be Healthy
Many of you are here to improve your diet and overall well-being and to start cutting certain things out of your life. But that doesn't always mean junk food or sweets - we've got some habits that might be holding you back from your healthy goals that you should definitely consider eliminating for good.
Here's what we're cutting out of our lives to have our healthiest year yet.
- Negative self-talk: Stop being mean to yourself. Just stop. You are enough! You are strong! You're capable. Start giving yourself more compliments, and make this year about no negative self-talk - ever. The more you berate and degrade yourself, the harder your year will be; you'll also have a much harder time reaching your healthy goals.
- Your scale: Look, quantifiable goals are great, but the scale can be an evil enemy, and doctors agree! If you've been obsessed with the scale and every decimal point on your weight, it's time for that thing to go. In the trash. Forever. Remember that a number on a scale doesn't reflect the hard work you're putting in, and the numbers absolutely do not define you.
- Workouts you hate: Not everyone likes running, and that's OK. Forcing yourself into a workout that you hate definitely won't encourage you to keep working out. There are alternatives to running and so many other kinds of cardio exercises. If you hate bootcamp classes, try barre. Hate barre? Stop doing it! Try yoga. If something's not working, try a new studio or new instructor. Keep going until you find something that clicks, but absolutely do not keep going to a class or attempting a workout you don't like.
- Exercising to "fix" or change a part of your body: Working out because you "hate" your body is the worst thing you can do. Exercise makes you feel good - it celebrates your body, makes you feel empowered, and sends a rush of feel-good endorphins through your body. Working out will boost your energy, will improve your health, and can change your mood for the better, alongside so many other benefits. Celebrate your body; don't try to "fix" it.
- Kale (or that one food you just can't stand): A lot of you hate kale. So stop forcing it! You don't need kale to be healthy! Maybe it's not kale, but it's another healthy food you've been forcing yourself to eat under the pretense that it's healthy and you "need it" to be healthy yourself. This just isn't true, and if your diet consists of things you don't love, you're not going to stay on that diet for very long. For a more sustainable diet, experiment more with other healthy foods to find out what you do love. You'll be eating healthier all the time!
- Perfectionism: Striving for a goal is great; striving for perfection is unhealthy. Giving yourself unrealistic or unattainable goals is detrimental to your mental and your physical health. That desire for perfectionism can often be a defense mechanism, when you're either consciously or subconsciously protecting yourself from the judgment of others. Focus that energy on progress, not perfection, and you'll have a much better year.
- Calorie counting: This year, stop obsessing over calories, especially if it has created a negative relationship with food. Food is fuel, and we need calories to have strong muscles, strong bones, and a functioning body! There are so many ways to track your food and eat healthy without calorie counting. If you need the data and numbers to stay in control of your healthy eating, try looking into counting macros - you'll have a healthy balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates each day.
- Stress: Whether you have clinical anxiety or you've been stressing way too much, your compromised mental health can have a seriously negative impact on your health. Stress can cause weight gain, bloating, physical pain, skin problems, and more. Quite a setback for your healthiest year yet, right? To relax and cut out stress, get yourself a great therapist, or try a self-care practice like diffusing essential oils.
- Everything that is holding you back: What is keeping you from being your best self and living your best life? Is it an unhealthy relationship, a terrible job that drains you of your energy, or a deep-seated fear? Let. It. Go. Cut the people out who don't support you. Say goodbye to work that doesn't make you feel good, or worse, makes you feel bad. Remove unnecessary obligations that keep you from reaching your physical, mental, and personal goals. This is your time! Replace these things with activities that help you reach your goals, a job that fosters your creativity and empowers you, and relationships with people who build you up.
40 Stylish Small Tattoos You'll Want to Flaunt Every Day
Choosing a great outfit takes time and careful consideration - a tattoo, well, the fact it's permanent means it takes even more thinking. Even a woman with a great sense of style sometimes needs a little inspiration to figure out what she wants and where.
So if fear of buyer's remorse has kept you from getting your first ink, why not start with something small? These 40 tiny tattoos are stylish enough to show off but are also discreet so you can tuck them away. Just scroll to see them all!
TV Scorecard: Which Shows Have Been Renewed or Canceled in 2017?
Image Source: HBO
We are smack in the middle of the exciting, sometimes heartbreaking, time of the year when TV shows are either given the green light for a new season or axed forever - until the reboot eventually gets underway in 2036. Take a look to see what fates have been decided, and if the show you're looking for isn't on this list yet, check our 2016 scorecard.
What's Been Renewed
CBS
- Code Black: The medical drama lives to see another season.
- Elementary: The Sherlock-inspired drama will return.
- The Amazing Race: As if you had any doubt that this competition series would be back!
- Law & Order: SVU: Season 19 is on the way!
- The Big Bang Theory: The hugely popular series will be back for at least two more seasons.
- Blue Bloods: The family drama will return for season eight.
- Hawaii Five-0: Season eight is on the way.
- Life in Pieces: The 30-minute family comedy will be back for season three.
- Madam Secretary: Another season of Tea Leoni's drama is coming.
- Mom: Anna Faris and Allison Janney will return.
- NCIS: Los Angeles: The spinoff will be back for season nine.
- NCIS: New Orleans: Scott Bakula's spinoff is also returning.
- Scorpion: The tech drama has earned a fourth season.
- Bull: Season two is on the way!
- Kevin Can Wait: CBS wants another season of Kevin James's sitcom.
- MacGyver: The reboot lives to see another season.
- Man With a Plan: Matt LaBlanc is a man with a job for another year.
- Superior Donuts: The new series has gotten a second season.
- Survivor: Lucky season 35 is on the way.
- 60 Minutes: Of course, the veteran news series will return.
- 48 Hours: The investigative show will also be back.
- Criminal Minds: The procedural will get a 13th season.
NBC
- This Is Us: NBC has greenlit the show for seasons two and three.
- The Good Place: We will be getting season two of Bell's comedy.
- Superstore: The comedy will return for a third season.
- Blindspot: Season three is on the way.
- Timeless: After being saved from cancellation, the drama will be returning for a second season.
ABC
- Once Upon a Time: The fantasy drama will come back for season seven.
- Modern Family: The Emmy winner will return for seasons nine AND 10.
- Grey's Anatomy: Season 14 is on the way.
- Scandal: Olivia Pope and company will return for season seven.
- How to Get Away With Murder: Shonda Rhimes's TGIT will stay intact another year!
- The Middle: The family comedy has been renewed for season nine.
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Marvel property will come back for season five.
- American Housewife: The freshman drama will get a second season.
- Designated Survivor: The political drama with Kiefer Sutherland will get another shot.
- Black-ish: The family sitcom will get another season.
- The Middle: It's time to bid the Hecks adieu, because the family comedy's ninth season will be its last.
Fox
- New Girl: The Zooey Deschanel comedy has been granted one final season.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine: The comedy is coming back for another season.
- The Exorcist: Shockingly, Fox renewed the show for season two.
- Gotham: The Batman-inspired tale will return.
- Last Man on Earth: Will Forte's smart comedy will be back.
- The Mick: Kaitlin Olson will be back with a second season of the comedy.
- Lethal Weapon: Fox has renewed the action-packed drama for round two.
- Empire: The hip-hop drama has been renewed for a fourth season.
- So You Think You Can Dance: Fox's competitive dance show is coming back for season 14.
- Lucifer: The drama is getting a third season.
The CW
- iZombie: The series will return for season four!
- The Originals: The spinoff will continue without its TVD predecessor.
- The 100: The CW has renewed the series for a fifth season.
- Riverdale: The Archie reboot was granted a second season.
- Supergirl: The DC show was handed an early season three renewal.
- The Flash: The speedster will return for a fourth season.
- Arrow: Oliver and his merry band of vigilantes will come back for season six.
- DC's Legends of Tomorrow: Season three is on the way.
- Jane the Virgin: Jane will return for season four.
- Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: The Golden Globe-winner is coming back for season three.
- Supernatural: And finally, the Winchester brothers will be back for a 13th round.
Netflix
- Stranger Things: The megahit will return on Halloween.
- The OA: The sci-fi show will return for season two.
- Love: Judd Apatow's romantic comedy series has scored a third season.
- A Series of Unfortunate Events: The show will be back for a second season.
- Grace and Frankie: Season four is on the way, and Lisa Kudrow has joined the cast!
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Titus and Kimmy are officially coming back for season four.
- Dear White People: Justin Simien's critically acclaimed series will be back for season two.
- Anne With an E: The Anne of Green Gables reboot has been renewed for season two.
Showtime
- The Affair: The sexy series is coming back for a fourth season.
Freeform
- The Fosters: The show has been picked up for a fifth season.
FX
- Baskets: The comedy will be back with season three.
- American Horror Story: The popular show has been renewed through season nine.
- Taboo: FX and BBC have ordered a second season of Tom Hardy's dark drama.
HBO
- Silicon Valley: Another season is coming our way.
- Veep: No surprise here; the Emmy-winning comedy will return.
- Westworld: HBO's breakout hit has been renewed for a second season.
- Divorce: Sarah Jessica Parker's NYC-set series will be back for season two.
- Insecure: HBO has also renewed Issa Rae's comedy for season three.
- Ballers: Dwayne Johnson's show will return for season four.
- Curb Your Enthusiasm: Larry David has agreed to do a ninth season.
- Crashing: Season two of Pete Holmes's comedy series is on the way.
Hulu
- The Handmaid's Tale: The critically acclaimed adaptation is returning for season two.
- The Mindy Project: The show has been renewed for a sixth and final season.
- The Path: Hulu has renewed the cult drama for a third season.
Amazon
- Mozart in the Jungle: Amazon has renewed its critical hit for season four.
- Red Oaks: Amazon announced that Red Oaks's third season will be its last.
AMC
- The Night Manager: A second season of the miniseries is in "early development."
- Fear the Walking Dead: AMC has greenlit a fourth season, with new showrunners.
SyFy
- 12 Monkeys: The time-travel series will return for a fourth and final season.
- The Magicians: Season three is incoming.
CMT
- Nashville: The resuscitated drama will come back for a sixth season on CMT.
IFC
- Brockmire: IFC has ordered season two of the half-hour comedy.
- Portlandia: The quirky comedy is getting one final season.
What's Been Canceled
Image Source: Netflix
Fox
- Scream Queens: Ryan Murphy's horror-comedy is over after two seasons.
- Making History: The time-travel comedy is history.
- Son of Zorn: The live-action/cartoon hybrid is done after one season.
- APB: The futuristic cop drama starring Justin Kirk is dead in the water.
- Pitch: After one season, Fox is pulling the plug on this sports drama.
- Rosewood: Two seasons in, and Fox is done.
- Sleepy Hollow: Fox is calling it quits after four seasons.
- 24: Legacy: The action spinoff of the long-running original 24 has been chopped from the lineup, but Fox is reportedly thinking about creating other versions of the show in the future.
ABC
- The Real O'Neals: After two seasons, the show is over.
- Dr. Ken: Ken Jeong's medical comedy is history.
- Imaginary Mary: Viewers didn't tune in for Jenna Elfman's show, and now they never will.
- American Crime: Though critically acclaimed, the anthology drama is through.
- Secrets and Lies: After a solid first season, rating dipped in season two and ABC has canceled the drama.
- The Catch: The sexy crime thriller is no more.
- Last Man Standing: Tim Allen's show has been canceled.
- Time After Time: After five episodes, ABC has pulled the low-rated drama.
NBC
- The Blacklist: Redemption: NBC has pulled the plug on the spinoff.
- Powerless: The superhero comedy is officially done.
- Emerald City: We hardly got to know this Wizard of Oz adaptation before it was canceled.
CBS
- The Odd Couple: CBS is calling it quits after three seasons.
- Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders: Say goodbye to the Criminal Minds spinoff.
- The Great Indoors: Will Arnett's comedy is over after a single season.
- 2 Broke Girls: After six seasons, CBS canceled the comedy.
- Doubt: CBS pulled Katherine Heigl's legal drama after just two episodes.
The CW
- Frequency: The time-travel drama failed to catch on after one season.
- No Tomorrow: The CW also axed this whimsical romantic drama.
FX
- Man Seeking Woman: The show has been canceled after three brilliant (but low-rated) seasons.
Disney Channel
- Girl Meets World: The reboot was the first show of 2017 to get a cancellation slip.
Netflix
- The Get Down: Baz Luhrman's mesmerizing hip-hop drama got the boot after just one season.
- Sense8: After two seasons, Netflix decided to cancel The Wachowskis' bold sci-fi show.
- Girlboss: After one season of the comedy inspired by Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso's early life, Netflix canceled it.
OWN
- Love Thy Neighbor: OWN canceled the Tyler Perry-produced show.
- For Better or Worse: This show, also from Perry, is ending with its current season.
WGN
- Outsiders: After two seasons, the drama has been shut down.
- Underground: WGN has canceled the historical drama after two seasons, but Sony Pictures Television (who produces the show) is reportedly working to find it a new TV home.
29 Summer Recipes That Make Feeding a Crowd a Breeze
Feeding a crowd during Summer, whether it's a big family or a group of dinner-party guests, can be hassle-free if you have the right recipes. To help you out, we've rounded up more than 20 summertime meals that can easily be made in big batches (think easy grilling recipes, casseroles, and caprese salads) that are designed to feed and please a crowd.
Would You Pay a Little Extra For American-Made Clothes? Here's Your Test
After American Apparel filed for bankruptcy in 2015, it spent a year gradually shutting down operations. Shortly thereafter, however, the hip clothing company was acquired by Gildan Activewear. Now, after a long hiatus, American Apparel has finally relaunched its website with an incredibly powerful capsule collection.
The e-commerce site currently gives shoppers two versions of the same eight clothing items. One version is made the United States, while the other is made overseas. As the website states, "Both are sweatshop free, identical in quality, different in price." With each item, the globally made version costs several dollars less. For example, the American-made Fine Jersey Crewneck T-Shirt costs $22, while the globally made version costs $18.
The Made in USA Capsule Collection is essentially giving consumers the option to by locally made clothes. Gildan CEO Glenn Chamandy actually floated around the idea earlier this year in an interview with Bloomberg. He said, "There are consumers that really want 'made in USA,' so we're going to cater to those consumers," adding, "But there are consumers that didn't want to pay the actual price but they love the brand, so now they can also buy the brand."
American Apparel is upholding its strong anti-sweatshop stance, so the company isn't likely to judge consumers who choose to buy the globally made clothing items. Instead, they seem to be more invested in learning what consumers really want.
10 Things to Know About 13 Reasons Why's Christian Navarro, aka Tony
Christian Navarro is the actor that stole our hearts and tugged at our mystery-loving souls. The 25-year-old plays the part of Tony in Netflix's hit 13 Reasons Why, and we are in love with him just as much as you are.
After devouring the first season of the Selena Gomez-produced show, we are hoping Tony is going to have a bigger and more developed role in season two of the series. Though we don't know much about Tony so far, we dug deep to find out more about the man who plays him - here's everything you need to know about your new crush.
There's No Outfit Amal Clooney Hasn't Mastered
We love Amal Clooney for providing us with endless outfit inspiration every time she steps out of the house. But even more than that, we love Amal for being open to new styles, so much so that she surprises us with every appearance she makes.
Amal doesn't just stick to a particular look - one day she's showing off a groovy crocheted dress with fringed wedges and the next she's bringing major edge in ripped skinnies, booties, and a leather jacket. We got down to business to decode Amal's wardrobe, dividing her outfits into six unique categories to see what she's already worn.
The 31 Most Magnificent Gowns Michelle Obama Wore While in the White House
Since she arrived in the White House eight years ago, Michelle Obama has slipped into about 31 occasion gowns. As you can imagine, they're all pretty memorable. While our former FLOTUS keeps a few favorite designers in steady rotation - Jason Wu, Michael Kors, and Tadashi Shoji included - she's not afraid to get experimental, even in a fancy dress.
Michelle never played it safe at state dinners or celebrations, surprising us with a bold color or print and often even an accessory like coordinating elbow-length gloves. Read on to reminisce about her most regal style moments now that she's left her post. We're sure she'll be around again soon, making us swoon over yet another elegant number.
Hard Seltzer Is the Solution to All Your Day-Drinking Woes
For those of you who like the effects of alcohol but not so much the taste, alcoholic seltzer is for you. SpikedSeltzer was bascially made for cocktail-haters, seltzer-lovers, and health-conscious drinkers. The gluten-free alternative to beer only consists of five grams of carbs - about three times less than the amount in most cans of beer. Just because it's all natural doesn't mean you'll get less drunk, though. Each can contains 6 percent alcohol so you can party without the guilt.
Seltzer alone contains no added ingredients, but SpikedSeltzer is available in four flavors: cranberry, lime, grapefruit, and orange. If you're already convinced, you can purchase a six-pack or 12-pack of cans at Whole Foods and other locations.
A low-carb, better-tasting boozy drink? Cheers to that! Scroll ahead to see what it's all about and let us know what you think at the end.
From a Size 22 to a Size 12: This Woman Changed Her Habits and Her Life
Meet Brooke, an empowered, strong, and inspiring woman from San Francisco, who is taking her health into her own hands and turning her entire life around with her conscious choices and habits. So far, Brooke has lost over 100 pounds.
Multiple factors have contributed to Brooke's awe-inspiring success - she does the Kayla Itsines BBG workouts and Pilates, goes hiking, and preps her meal. But what she most wanted to share about her journey - in which she went from a size 22 to a size 12 - is that "changing behavior through healthy habits and real food are imperative for sustainable weight loss."
A Lifelong Journey: From Obese to Healthy
Her journey started at an early age. When she lost her grandmother to cancer, she turned to food as a source of comfort . . . at the age of five. "One of my earliest memories is hiding under a table and eating at my grandmother's wake," said Brooke. "I don't ever remember a time in my life when I wasn't losing weight, gaining weight, or desperately trying to maintain my weight."
The lifelong battle had begun. She turned to food, then turned to diets. "I have done every diet out there, probably twice, each with varying degrees of success," Brooke told us. Each time she'd stop the diet, she'd gain even more weight back.
Hitting a Low Point
She started trying more extreme methods, like fasting, juice cleanses, and purging - and her struggle only worsened as she battled bulimia and food addiction. "Those periods of control would inevitably be followed by periods of being out of control. I was trapped in the cycle of restricting and binge-eating."
It wasn't until she hit a breaking point that she realized she needed to change something fundamentally. At nearly 300 pounds, Brooke said, "I realized I was slowly killing myself. . . . I finally took a step back and realized how insane my behavior was." At that point, she turned to others for support and realized she wasn't the only one going through this struggle.
"I carried around a tremendous amount of shame about my weight," said Brooke. "It was liberating to let go of that and realize that I wasn't alone."
Alone she is not. Through this awakening and "peeling back the layers of shame," as she puts it, Brooke discovered the thriving BBG community on Instagram. Scrolling through hashtags like #BBG and #KaylasArmy, she wondered "who is this Kayla person and why does she have an army?"
Brooke's use of social media as a support system ended up being a pivotal move in her journey and opened her up to a community that would change her life. After losing some significant weight, Brooke started through the BBG programs with millions of women around the world and turned to the community for strength. "It's empowering to be vulnerable about our flaws, share our goals, and cheer each other on."
A Fitness Journey Begins
Brooke weighed nearly 300 pounds just four years ago. She had debilitating plantar fasciitis and said she could hardly walk a few blocks. Her first goal? Get a FitBit and go for 10,000 steps per day. "It was a way to start moving," she said.
This positive step (10,000 steps, actually) snowballed into greater choices. "It was more about becoming active rather than calories burned." And her consistency has been key. She committed to this goal every day for four years, and her four-year average is now 11,000!
When Brooke wanted to push herself further, she got into hiking. "I really started noticing the mental benefits of exercise and fell in love," said Brooke.
Her new love for movement was taken to another level with the BBG program, which has only intensified her overall love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Today, Brooke combines hiking, BBG, and Pilates.
Lifestyle Changes
In the past four years, Brooke has made huge fundamental behavioral changes. She knows from research that permanent lifestyle changes - not diets - are what works for sustainable weight loss and has since learned that extreme physical exertion and starvation aren't going to work.
Brooke's approach to food has completely 180-ed. Her golden formula? Mindful eating, meal prep, and greens at every meal.
"Being obese, the priority was changing my eating habits and beliefs about food," she said. "For so long I viewed food as a moral issue, like certain foods were 'good' or 'bad' and if I ate them I was 'good' or 'bad.' . . . But that's warped" (seriously). "Food is food and it can be used for fuel or pleasure, but it doesn't define my character."
This honesty helped her focus on the bigger picture and identify which foods triggered overeating - this led to mindful eating. She cut out the trigger foods, "not because they made me fat or I wanted to lose weight, but because I wanted to feel good."
And that's what the big picture is about: feeling your best and living your best life.
Brooke also shared some relatable advice: don't try to cook supercomplicated recipes based on a restrictive diet - you might crash and burn (like she did) and end up at a drive-through because you're so frustrated (and hungry)! Instead, turn to meal prep.
"Preparing meals at home is one of the most effective ways to manage weight, but it has to be easy and enjoyable or it won't happen consistently."
She also loves adding greens to every meal, because "it's universal and can be applied to any diet."
Looking Ahead
Brooke tells us that it's much easier to create a new positive habit than to break a negative habit. One positive choice (like adding in vegetables) can have a snowball or ripple effect, leading to healthier, better choices in other areas. It's helping her stay on a healthy track and meet new goals.
What are those goals? What does a goal look like for someone who has already lost so much weight? "More love and acceptance of my body." Her journey will never end, and she challenges herself to be a little bit better every single day.
Brooke's advice for someone just beginning their weight loss:
"Just start. Then don't stop. Everything else is just details. It's a lifelong journey and it won't be linear, but it will be worth it. Get brutally honest with yourself, and if you can, with another person. Question the excuses that are holding you back, and never, ever give up."
She noted that if you too are "in the thick of it," she would love to hear from you. You can reach out on her blog, or send her a comment on Instagram.
This post was originally posted on May 20, 2016.
This Baby Bachelor in Paradise Spoof Will Make You Laugh For All the Wrong Reasons
Jimmy Kimmel is known for his intense love of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise. The late-night host is so into the dating "reality" show that he usually has the couples come on his show during their whirlwind press tour following the final rose. But this week he decided to take things even further by creating his own show spinoff, Baby Bachelor in Paradise, ahead of the real reality show's season four premiere, and it's hilarious. Not only does the adorable cast feature signature Bachelor Nation personalities, including "the crazy one," but their professions are also enough to make you choke with laughter. For example, Alex, a 50-month-old vape shop owner, recently got out of prison for setting fire to a meth lab. We promise you won't regret pressing play.
44 Quote Tattoos That Will Change Your Life
Words change your perspective and inspire you to do amazing things. Nothing is more moving than a perfect quote that encapsulates a sentiment that means something special to you. We've rounded up some of the most beautiful and motivational quote tattoos that will change your life for the better.
Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood's Sweetest Offscreen Couple Moments
Kara and Mon-El's romance (better known by fans as "Karamel") may be at a standstill on Supergirl, but the chemistry between their real-life counterparts, Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood, is currently thriving. Since their relationship was confirmed in March, the costars have gotten more comfortable showing their love for the cameras. While they have yet to make their official red carpet debut, they have had some seriously adorable moments on social media. From their press appearances at Comic-Con to their road trips to Arizona, it's clear that their relationship is just as sweet off screen as it is on.
Off the Cuff: 6 Cool-Girl Ways to Cuff Your Jeans
You know the key to being a street style ace: an ample supply of cool-girl denim. From true blues and playful prints to skinnies and relaxed boyfriend fits, there is a silhouette for every occasion. But it's time to turn your attention to styling.
If you're like me, you strive to revamp the classic with a colorful blazer, statement sandals, or a bevy of baubles to ensure your day-to-day styles are anything but basic - but there is an even easier trick to breathe new life into your denim, and it takes less than a minute.
If you think there is only one way to roll up your dungarees, you're in for a treat. Below, we've fashioned and illustrated six quick-and-easy ways to cuff your denim. Up for the challenge? Then grab your selvedge, and let's get down to business.
Need Room-Temperature Butter Fast? Here's What You Do
We've all been there: recipe in hand, apron on, ready to make a delicious layer cake or a batch of chewy cookies, only to realize that the recipe calls for room-temperature butter. You might think that the best solution is to briefly blitz it in the microwave until soft, but that usually leads to partially melted butter. Since the texture of butter affects the finished baked good, this simply won't do. The solution? Grate the cold butter on the large side of a box grater (it may get messy). This drastically increases the butter's surface area, exposing it to more room-temperature air and bringing it to room temperature much faster, so you'll be able to use it in your recipe that much sooner.
The 2017 Dates For Halloween Time at Walt Disney World Are Here - It Starts REALLY Early!
It's never too early to get excited about Halloween, especially if you're planning to celebrate at Walt Disney World! The park announced the official 2017 dates for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. So when do we get to celebrate? The fun and spooky time will occur from Aug. 25 to Nov. 1. That's right, you can get in on the festivities as early as August. Check out the specific dates below to find out when party events will take place.
- Aug. 25 and 29
- Sept. 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, and 29
- Oct. 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, and 31
- Nov. 1
"Don't miss your chance to collect candies, sweets and frightfully delightful treats - all while the park hosts grim grinning ghosts, eerie entertainment and Disney Characters that go bump in the night," the Walt Disney World website says. Who's going to start planning their costumes now? We are so ready!
41 Insane Facts You Definitely Don't Know About Disneyland
You think you know everything about Disneyland? Wrong. There's some mind-blowing facts out there that even the ultimate Disney fan doesn't know. Check out all the fascinating things we discovered about the happiest place on earth and test your knowledge.
MIT Created Tiny Robots That Can Change the Look of Your Clothing in Seconds
KinoPresenting Kino, a new research project led by Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao: "Living" wearables that can act as shape-changing jewelry, weather-responsive clothing, and more. Kino devices can move independently on the body to perform assigned tasks; paired with mobile devices, they become personalized on-body assistants. Learn more: http://mitsha.re/BiUC30e2Lme
Posted by MIT Media Lab on Monday, July 31, 2017
If you're still not convinced robots are going to be part of our (very near) future, you might want to reconsider your stance after you see MIT's newest invention. The MIT Media Lab Group recently unveiled Project Kino, which features tiny robots that can seamlessly change the design on a piece of clothing.
The team behind Project Kino has a few different visions of what the robots will do in their final iteration. The first is "pattern changing," where a robot has a similar pattern to an article of clothing but can move around to change the design. A preview of the concept is ahead.
Another possible function is "shape-changing jewelry," which is similar to "pattern changing," but would feature several different robots moving in tandem to form several kinds of jewelry shapes simultaneously.
A more permanent version of this idea is the "etching pattern" robot, which could "draw" new designs by simply moving around a certain kind of fabric. For example, if the robot moves on a piece of velvet fabric, it "creates" a new temporary look.
For those who care more about function than form, another possibility is "climate-reactive clothing." In this case, robots could react to temperature and adapt the clothing piece appropriately. So if the temperature were to get warmer, the robots could pull down the strings of a raincoat hood to free your head.
The Project Kino team hopes to solve some of the robot's small kinks (like its size) so that it can someday be worn regularly. "It is our vision that in the future, these robots will be miniaturized to the extent that they can be seamlessly integrated into existing practices of body ornamentation," the team wrote in a blog post. For more on how Project Kino works, check out the video above.
Fifth Harmony on Becoming a Foursome: "There's Nothing We Can't Get Through Together"
The lives of the ladies of Fifth Harmony changed when Camila Cabello announced she was leaving the group last year, and though they went from five to four, it seems like they couldn't be happier. Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Lauren Jauregui, and Dinah Jane are opening up about this new chapter in their lives as the cover girls for Seventeen's September/October issue. They are debuting a new self-titled album on Aug. 25 and have already released their hit single "Down" featuring Gucci Mane, which has over 33 million views on YouTube. The group also just announced they are going on tour throughout Latin America and are set to perform new material and fan favorites. Needless to say, Fifth Harmony is killing it.
14 '80s Movies You NEED to Show Your Kids Today (and Not a Disney Movie in Sight)
Every generation has their flicks. My parents made me sit through Lawrence of Arabia and The Godfather, but few flicks are as generationally relevant as the classic '80s films so many of us grew up watching. I'm looking at you, John Hughes. You defined a generation. You taught us what it meant to be an angsty teen. You provided us with hours upon hours of VHS enjoyment!
With news that Pretty in Pink will be returning to theaters next month for the flick's 30th anniversary (yes, we are that old), I quickly started brainstorming my favorite movies from my childhood that my kids MUST see. It isn't pretty - '80s fashion leaves much to be desired - but the stories stand the test of time and give kids a glimpse at life before cell phones, texting, and the Internet, along with some great life lessons. Read on to see what you should add to your family's movie-night list now!
The Definitive Ranking of Your Favorite Fast-Food French Fries
Fast-food places can be completely polarizing. There were many times when I was a child where my brothers would demand one fast-food place for dinner but I would not settle for anything other than what I wanted. My poor, gracious, amazing dad would then have to go to three different places for food to appease us all. My strong opinions on fast food are still firmly in place, and when it comes to french fries, one of the greatest foods to exist in this world, I have a lot of opinions about them. While I don't think I would necessarily turn down fries from anywhere, I definitely have my favorites - and least favorites - that I ranked in the gallery ahead.
100 Easy Outfits to Try When You Have Zero Clue What to Wear
If you've ever promised yourself you'd wake up early only to snooze five different alarms and stumble out of bed last minute, we feel you. Waking up can be rough - but not quite as rough as getting dressed on mornings like these. Nothing looks right (were you insane when you bought that top?!), clothes are everywhere, and you're about a nanosecond away from sobbing and pretending you're sick. ("Sorry, can't adult today.")
But rather than give up, what you need is a little direction. The key is not to overthink it: instead of channeling your inner runway model, opt for basics and style them around one statement-making piece. Read on for more inspiration as a few of our favorite bloggers show you how it's done. And just remember to breathe!
15 Telenovela Costars Who Found Love Off Screen
Growing up with Univision and Telemundo constantly playing in the background means that I fell in love with telenovela romances more than I fell in love with any Disney princess fairy tale. Looking back, relationship goals for me were all about that Mia and Miguel love - minus the Gossip Girl-esque drama that surrounded that Rebelde romance.
And because novela love is just sooo deep, we swoon every time a TV duo crosses over to become a couple IRL, immediately picturing their wedding and happy future, just like we do with their characters. For some, it works - just look at Sebastián Caicedo and Carmen Villalobos - but for others, the passion off screen just doesn't live up to the novela standards. Either way, we loved them then, and we love them now.
When You Realize Why Arya and Brienne's Fight Scene Felt Familiar, Your Heart Will Break
Game of Thrones's season seven episode "The Spoils of War" is full of emotional reunions for House Stark. Not only does Arya finally reunite with her brother and sister, Bran and Sansa, at their childhood home of Winterfell, but she also gets to see Brienne of Tarth. Their meeting obviously hasn't been as anticipated as the one between the Stark siblings, but the scene they share actually has a pretty heartbreaking connection to season one.
Arya watches Brienne try to teach Podrick how to duel at Winterfell for a short while but then steps in and challenges the legendary knight herself. After a moment's hesitation, Brienne agrees, and the two begin to sword fight. Arya quickly gains the upper hand time and time again (looks like the nine million years she spent in Braavos were good for something, right?), and Brienne is obviously impressed, but she's not the only one watching the duel. Looking down on the two of them from a balcony above are Sansa and Littlefinger.
While the latter might have some more nefarious motives behind keeping tabs on Arya's sword skills (when does he not, honestly), Reddit user IMovedYourCheese pointed out that the way Sansa observes Arya's sword play is undeniably similar to a season one scene featuring her father, Ned Stark, who looked on during one of Arya's sword lessons with Syrio.
[EVERYTHING] Another cool throwback I noticed in the last episode from gameofthrones
BRB, calling Sam to come mop up all of my tears (we have a feeling he wouldn't mind after all that poop . . . ).
It's been hard not to draw similarities between the late Stark patriarch and his remaining children as the series has gone on. Jon Snow takes after his father the most by far (even if Ned isn't his biological dad), from the armor he wears to his habit of tying his hair back, as well as his personality (like Ned, he's a brooding but fantastic leader). Arya, too, has gotten some comparisons to Ned lately, and now it seems Sansa is subtly channeling her father's legacy as well.
With Jon off in Dragonstone, Sansa is the temporary Warden of the North, and her leadership in the position has never wavered (though her motivations feel more on par with her mother, Catelyn Stark). At this point, the only person who doesn't seem to be taking after Ned in some way is Bran. Then again, now that he's basically an emotionless robot, we can't necessarily blame him.
Chrissy Teigen's Go-To Ingredient Is Perfect For the Lazy Cook
Chrissy Teigen teamed up with Lawry's to come up with some incredible tailgating tips and recipes so you can throw together a delicious feast even at the last minute. Here's what she had to say about the partnership: "My favorite part of any game day is the food - hands down - and having a well-stocked pantry is my secret when cooking for a crowd of sports fans. There are like 10 things that, if I have on hand, I can take over the world - or at least a tailgate. Sriracha, cilantro, and Lawry's Seasoned Salt are some of my favorites."
Having grown up on Lawry's seasoned salts, from the garlic salt on scrambled eggs to lemon pepper on baked chicken breasts and steamed artichokes to the seasoned pepper in a cheese ball, I can attest to its finger-licking goodness. The convenience and flavor makes it all too easy to pick up and shake on just about anything, and Chrissy's ingenious uses of the seasonings will inspire you to get cookin' come football season! Seriously, you'll adore how doable these recipes are.
A Former Forever 21 Employee Breaks Down Everything You Need to Know
Forever 21 is a girl's dream come true when it comes to fast fashion. I worked there for almost two years, and I learned a lot of insider shopping secrets during my time at the store. It's probably why half of my closet comes from there - I know exactly what to look for.
There are so many strategies for finding standout pieces with small price tags. You should take my word for it when I say that these are genius hacks that will take your shopping experience to the next level. Read on to find out what you need to know.
1. The good stuff is "blended" in the back.
When there's only one size left of a particular item, sales associates are taught to take those onesies and "blend" them into a rack of other clothes. Basically, they hang that product behind a batch of clothes in a similar shade. If there's only one item of a certain style left, that usually means it was very popular and on trend so it sold fast. Look at the back of racks to find cute pieces you wouldn't normally see while walking around. They're literally hidden gems.
2. You can get a 10 percent discount on flawed or damaged products.
If you find something with a stain, tear, or missing button, a store manager will give you a 10 percent discount without blinking an eye. If the damage is too terrible, the store won't sell it to you and will return it back to the warehouse. This is a great way to get a little money off of your purchase if it's an easy stain to remove or button to sew.
3. Shop between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on weekdays.
Most customers think it's best to rush into the store right when it opens (for many locations that's 9 a.m.), but they've got it all wrong. Employees are still unpackaging new products and putting misplaced items where they belong, so 10 a.m. on a weekday is the perfect time to go. There are very few customers, so you'll avoid a long line. Plus, the brand-new items were just put out on the floor. It doesn't get any better than that.
4. No, everything is not out on the floor.
If an employee tells you that all their stock is on the store floor for you to see, they're lying. Forever 21 stores have back rooms with all sorts of clothes and shoes. That being said, if a product is out, all the sizes are probably out. All the inventory of one particular item goes out all at once. But if you're looking for a new product you saw online, it might be hiding in the back, waiting for its debut.
5. Each section of the store is organized by style and targeted to specific women.
If you find yourself gravitating toward a certain area of the store, it's probably because all the clothing in that section falls under a particular style. Every few weeks, Forever 21's merchandising team goes into the store after business hours and organizes each section of the store by trends. The store is changing constantly. One of my favorite lines is called Forever 21 Contemporary. It consists of sleek basics with special details; the fabrics tend to be a higher quality than most of the other clothes.
6. There are online-only pieces that are on trend and well made.
If you're shopping online, keep an eye out for items labeled "web exclusive" right below the listed price. These are limited-edition pieces you won't find in stores. Most of these products are sourced from other brands with great fabric qualities and designs. I always find myself filling up my shopping cart with these products.
7. The store mannequins are changed every week.
One of the downsides of shopping at Forever 21 is that employees are absolutely not allowed to give you clothes off the mannequin. However, the mannequins have a clothing change day that occurs once a week. If you're longing for a product that a mannequin is wearing, you can give a sales associate your name and number, and they will call you when the outfit change is happening. They will usually keep those items on hold for you for one day so you can swing by and make your purchase.
8. Browse the #F21xMe hashtag on Instagram for product previews and inspiration.
Forever 21 partners with many influential bloggers and Instagrammers who feature the brand's clothing on their own social pages. If you search #F21xMe on Instagram, you'll see lots of cool pieces that will be out in stores soon after the influencers are posting them to their accounts. It's also an excellent place to look for outfit inspiration.
9. Look at the accessories last.
If you plan to try on clothes, wait to look at all of the accessories. You're not allowed to bring any jewelry, hats, or purses into the fitting room. Browse through those smaller items after you've tried on your picks. It will make your life much easier.
Woman's swollen lips traced to severe Polysporin ointment allergy
A woman developed a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotic ointment Polysporin that left her with itchy, red and scaly swelling of her lips, and swollen cheeks, say doctors in Ottawa who want consumers to substitute another product in routine wound care.
34 Tattoos Perfect For the Wallflower Types
If you're an introvert interested in getting inked, chances are you'll want to avoid big, loud tattoos that draw tons of attention from random passersby. Smaller, simpler designs suit your personality best. Introverts everywhere, this one's for you: here are 34 cute and crafty tattoos to consider, whether this is your first or next up on the list!
If Your Kid Has a Food Allergy, Here's 1 Reason You Might Want to Get Him Retested
For kids especially, food allergies of any sort aren't something to be taken lightly: some children's throats could close if somehow shellfish touches their meals, and others could be sent into anaphylactic shock if a classmate's parent packs them a PB and J. Although food allergies are terrifying in extreme cases, the number of kids with them may not be as high as you think, according to a new study.
A recent study in Pediatrics found that if allergies are an issue for your child, you should consider undergoing more than one allergy test. The research found that cases of self-reported food allergies in kids hovered at around 12 percent. But once follow-up tests were done on the very same patients, the rate dropped to a mere three percent.
Is getting your kid retested something to consider if you're having second thoughts? To be blunt, for the amount of money EpiPens are going for these days, yes.
Still these new findings go against other reported numbers: "According to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 1997 and 2011, the prevalence of food allergies among adults in the US rose by 50 percent," says an article in Medical News Today. "Among children, food allergy prevalence is estimated to have increased by 18 percent between 1997 and 2007."
Although doctors aren't completely certain how or why these numbers have increased so drastically, the medical community has a few hunches. Some experts point to the misunderstanding of allergy tests in the first place. Blood tests and skin pricks aren't totally foolproof - their purpose is to detect the amount of antibodies to the food, rather than diagnosing whether or not your child has an allergy.
So if you suspect your kid has a food allergy, make sure he sees an allergist along with his regular pediatrician to get a thorough diagnosis. Keep in mind, the best way to truly tell if your child is allergic to anything is to do a "food challenge" where your kid samples food and her reaction is tracked under the watchful eye of a medical professional.
This Optical Illusion Quiz Determines What Type of Thinker You Are
If you have things to do, it's best not to go on PlayBuzz - a black hole of quizzes and games. And this quiz by user Samantha Jones that's quickly rising on its charts tests your optical perception through a series of illusions. After being shown an image, you choose which of the two objects you see first; your results supposedly reveal the kind of thinker you are. Based on the hundreds of comments, it looks like this quiz is as addicting as the rest of them.
The Most Dangerous Sunscreens For Kids (and They're Probably Hiding in Your Beach Bag)
Along with wearing sunglasses and hats, sunscreen should always be a part of your family's Summer routine - but is the sunscreen in your beach bag right now actually safe? The EWG released its annual list of the sunscreens with the worst ratings for 2017 to alert parents.
The sunscreens that made the list have potentially harmful chemicals - oxybenzone (which can disrupt the hormone system) and retinyl palmitate (which may actually trigger skin damage on sun-exposed skin) - and high SPFs that don't actually do any more to protect your child than an SPF 30-50. Additionally, some formulas come in a spray that won't completely cover your little one's skin and could be inhaled into their lungs.
If any of these are in your arsenal, toss them and opt for one of these safe sunscreens instead.
23 Cool Home Gifts Your Friends Will Be Thrilled to Receive
Whether you're headed to a housewarming party, your friend is redecorating a space, or it's someone's birthday, a home-related gift is a thoughtful choice because people enjoy adding new touches to their home - there are so many unique odds and ends that are both useful and pretty to look at. If you need to pick something up, we found the coolest gifts you can snag for your pal - we're talking gilded candles, cozy throw blankets, colorful cocktail glasses, and more.
These 29 Parenting Hacks Are Serious Game Changers For 2017
Sometimes being a parent feels like an endless whirlwind of meltdowns mixed with tears. And even though many moms vowed to start 2017 off right and to have the most productive year yet, this resolution may feel completely unattainable as the weeks pass. But thankfully, these 29 parenting tricks are total game changers (think of the time you could save!) and will leave you wondering how you've made it this far without them.
This Optical Illusion Is Blowing the Internet's Collective Mind
Terrific optical illusion by Victoria Skye. @RichardWiseman @chriscfrench http://pic.twitter.com/IeSFupAcfU
- Martin S Taylor (@martinstaylor) August 7, 2017
From a brick wall to the dress, we may be the most technologically advanced generation, but there's nothing we enjoy more than a good mental magic trick. It should come as no surprise, then, that any time someone spots one of these gems in the wild, it immediately makes its way to social media - and immediately goes viral. The latest example of our enduring love for optical mind-trickery, which made its way to the internet this week, comes in the form of a magician's brand new take on a classic optical illusion.
Fifty-eight-year-old Roswell, GA, resident Victoria Skye bills herself as a magical entertainer and illusion artist, and her personal website is chock-full of reasons why that's the perfect way to describe her work. But it took Martin S. Taylor posting one of her artworks to Twitter on Aug. 7 to make her truly go viral - and to spark a fierce debate over whether or not the many lines in the image are bent or, as many claim, are parallel and straight.
The "café wall" illusion is traditionally "an optical illusion produced by a black and white rectangular tessellation when the tiles are shifted in a zigzag pattern," according to Wolfram Alpha, which also confirms that "While the pattern seems to diverge towards the upper and lower right corners in the upper figure, the gray lines are actually parallel." In other words, it's all about the combination of math and colors, which Skye excellently illustrated in her image.
Don't worry, though, if you don't really see what you think you're supposed to - you're not alone. The internet is awash with individuals speculating on whether they had just fallen victim to a hoax, or if there was something wrong with a large percentage of the population's brains. Fortunately, thanks to mathematicians over the past couple of centuries, we can unequivocally say that the lines are in fact straight. You just have to convince your mind to see what it's supposed to.
Real talk: When you do actually see it correctly after staring at it for hours, boy is it a satisfying feeling. Spend some time with a full-size version of Skye's photo, below.
Gendry Is 100% Returning to Game of Thrones This Season!
Image Source: HBO
It's been one of our burning questions for the last couple seasons of Game of Thrones: where the hell is Gendry? And, of course, the follow-up: is he ever coming back? Now we know the answer is yes! During the big Game of Thrones premiere red carpet in July, the actor who plays Gendry, Joe Dempsie, showed up and walked the red carpet (looking very handsome, I might add). It could have been a somewhat subtle confirmation of his return, but he gave solid confirmation when he told The LA Times he's definitely back this season. His reaction to fans figuring out that he'd be back was positive: "Very fortunately, from what I've seen it's been nothing but interest and excitement and some quite witty memes."
Image Source: Getty / Jason LaVeris
Now, not only do we know the answer to if he's coming back, but also when his reappearance will go down. Although the huge leak at HBO that went down after someone hacked their data resulted in a number of released scripts and upcoming episode footage (which included some major spoilers for season seven's action-packed fourth episode, "The Spoils of War"), the information about Gendry's big return actually comes from IMDB. The page for next week's episode, "Eastwatch," initially included Dempsie's name, signaling that Gendry will be in episode five.
HBO must have picked up on the slip-up, because the page now has no mention of Dempsie or Gendry. If he does come back, though, it will be a welcome return, since we haven't seen the character since he was rowing away in season three's "Mhysa."
Mom's Pregnancy Announcement Shows Her Kids' Real-Life Shock Over Baby No. 6
Announcing a new addition to the family on social media has become so normal over the years that the creativity that goes into the announcement has had to exponentially grow with the trend. Josie Wood, a mom to five kids ranging in age from 1 to 7, stepped up her game when announcing baby number six with a hilarious announcement featuring her five little ones.
"Shut the front door!! There's gonna be one more," the announcement reads. Each child - save the youngest, who's crying - is pictured mouth open, hands up in shock, which Josie says was actually their real-life reactions. "Our older kids were in complete shock," she told POPSUGAR. "'Mom, another baby?' As if five kids isn't enough! Haha."
The mom says her friends and family have loved the announcement, and she's happy everyone is seeing the humor in it. As for her, she's most excited to watch her five children interact with their new baby brother or sister. "In the past it has blown our mind how they accept new siblings into our family like they've know them for years," she said. "It's always scary adding a new baby into the family, but in the past our babies have fit into our family like missing puzzle pieces."
It's Not Your Imagination - Your MIL Hates You Since You Gave Birth to Her Grandchild
You had her favorite and only grandchild and so your mother-in-law couldn't be any more excited! Technically, you should be her favorite person, and for a while there, you were. She called and texted you constantly and couldn't wait to hear more about how the baby was doing. She even asked how you felt after labor (or a C-section) and brought you a little postbirth present. You two were sort of like BFFs. Well, as close as you can be with someone who's not your own mom and as close as she can be with someone who, well, took her son away. Sniff.
But now? Oh, it's a whole different ball game. Before you could do no wrong, as the bearer of the greatest of all: the grandbaby. But now? Now you are doing everything wrong, according to your dear old mother-in-law. Here are three signs your MIL kind of hates you after having her grandchild.
First She Says: "Don't Do That!"
She questions your every parenting move, from the type of diapers you use to your nursing or feeding process/schedule or what have you. She reminds you of what she did as a young mother, in a way to validate her own parenting, but also to tell you that "Hey lady: you are doing it all wrong!"
You've started telling her less, simply out of fear that you will get her angry or worse, get yourself entangled in a fight.
Then: She Gets In Her Son's Ear
Even if your hubby ignores her, she starts to bother him about what it is that she believes you're doing wrong. This way, she believes, she will have her son on her side and can get you to stop whatever supposedly offensive behavior you're doing. It's not that she hates you exactly, but more that as she sees you with the new baby, a part of her longs for those days back herself. A part of her is envious. Another part of her believes that she truly knows what is best for her grandchild and doesn't want to give up on her opinions.
Mostly, her son is tired of being in the middle and probably is on your side.
The best approach? Simply validate her feelings by saying, "I appreciate how much you care for the baby and that you may have done things differently than I am, but things always change with time and I am doing my best."
In other words? Don't engage the beast!
Lastly: She Admonishes You Publicly
She doesn't hold back from sharing her feelings about you and your parenting in public because most likely, you're following your own maternal instincts and not hers so therefore, she has "had enough." Whether it's at a family gathering or you have invited her to lunch or the park, you'll know she really dislikes you by how she picks you apart, whether it's for the dress you decided to wear, how you dressed your baby, how you breathe, where you bought your groceries, or where you plan on having your child's first birthday party.
Basically, you're doomed. How do you manage this situation?
You can't change her, but you can manage how you respond to her.
- First: Don't feed the fighting. Ignore her catty comments.
- Second: Acknowledge her care for her grandchild and that you're sure she was a great parent who raised great kids and that you're learning your own parenting style much how she did.
- Third: If she starts to be nasty, end the visit or tell your hubby, "It's time to leave now."
- Fourth: Kill her with kindness and include her. Yes, include her! Ask her for her input on other matters. Invite her to special events she might like and when she is nasty, always be kind. Will this stink for a while? Yes, but it may be that she's feeling threatened by you or perhaps just lonely or uninvolved. Making her feel needed may be the trick!
- Fifth and final: Avoid spending time with her alone if it's that bad and none of the other steps work.
It's not always easy getting along with your MIL but hopefully, this little angry stage will pass in time. In the meantime, take the high road and turn the other cheek!
The Moving Story Behind This Lunchroom Photo Will Bring You to Tears
Leah Paske hasn't been in the "scary and hard" middle school grades for years, and understandably has forgotten most things about her experience aside from the one time she cried after a boy called her a name on the bus. But when her son who has autism started sixth grade, Paske started feeling a bit of anxiety about middle school all over again.
"Sometimes I'm grateful for his autism," Paske admitted in a post to Facebook. "That may sound like a terrible thing to say, but in some ways I think, I hope, it shields him. He doesn't seem to notice when people stare at him when he flaps his hands. He doesn't seem to notice that he doesn't get invited to birthday parties anymore. And he doesn't seem to mind if he eats lunch alone."
Paske feels worried for her son, and consistently asks him if anything about his day at school made him sad or if he ate lunch with someone. A few weeks into the school year, however, she got her answer to the latter question not from her son, but through a heartwarming photo of him eating lunch with a special new friend.
"Travis Rudolph, a wide receiver at Florida State, and several other FSU players visited my son's school today," she wrote. "I'm not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I'm happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten. This is one day I didn't have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes."
This post was originally published on August 31, 2016.
Nikki Reed Reveals the Beautiful Way She Found Out She Was Pregnant
Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder are currently expecting their first child together, and the actress's sweet journey to motherhood had the perfect start. Nikki stuns on the September cover of Fit Pregnancy, and in her accompanying interview, she opens up about the moment she found out she was pregnant. "I'm an early bird and took the pregnancy test before dawn," she said. "I didn't have my glasses or contacts and I can't see without them. I was squinting, thinking, 'Are there any more lines?' I yelled to Ian, 'Get up!' He ran into the bathroom, read the test, and we were so excited. We watched the sun come up together, just thinking, 'Wow, we're going to have a baby.'"
The couple, who wed in a stunning ceremony in April 2015, are also vowing to have "a month of silence" following their little one's arrival. "We'll take the baby's first month for ourselves," she continued. "Just the three of us, no visitors, and we're turning off our phones too, so there's no expectation for us to communicate. Otherwise, every five minutes it would be, 'How are you feeling? Can we have a picture?' You don't get those first 30 days back, and we want to be fully present."
How to Make Sure Your Instagram Feed's Up to Date With the Fashion World
We like to think of Instagram as a VIP pass to the best fashion parties, behind-the-scenes snaps, and off-duty stylings of our favorite models and fashion insiders. It's the number one place to catch a glimpse of eye candy, from street style accessories to inspirational #OOTD looks.
Not sure you're following the right crowd? Just scroll down to find the handful of people who will keep you entertained and in the know all day long. From the most stylish actresses, funny fashion ladies, and renowned magazine photographers to major campaign stars, you can be sure this is one carefully curated list of industry insiders. Needless to say, your feed's about to get Insta cool. On Snapchat too? Make sure you're following the right bloggers and It models.
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