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.
jeudi 10 août 2017
When You See the Bag Selena Gomez Designed For Coach, You'll Think, "OMG, It's Perfect"
As soon as Selena Gomez was announced as the face of Coach we started predicting the items she might design for the label. Selena slips seamlessly into everything from the brand's quirky sweaters to bomber jackets, and she totes plenty of the luxurious bags. But it's time Selena put her stamp on one she can really call her own.
The star just rolled out the Selena Grace, which she collaborated on with Creative Director Stuart Vevers. It's truly the perfect shape and size for women on the go, and it comes in three classic color combinations. What's more, every carryall comes embroidred with a personal message from Selena to her fans: "To be you is to be strong." And on the exterior base, you'll find "Love yourself first" in her own handwriting, a detail that could be found on Selena's custom Met Gala purse and one that references the tattoo on her side.
"I'm very excited for everyone to finally see the design Stuart and I worked on together. I can't wait to carry it - it's totally versatile, perfect to wear day-to-night, and it goes with everything," Selena states in the press release. Read on for an exclusive first look at the entire collection, which will be available for preorder on Aug. 14 and in stores globally Sept. 1 and includes limited-edition key fobs, wallets, and wristlets too. (Bonus: you can also enter to win a signed bag on Coach.com as of Aug. 4!)
The 1 Genius Decorating Tip Everyone Should Steal from RHOC's Heather Dubrow
Real Housewives of Orange County star Heather Dubrow's palatial mansion is filled with many over-the-top design elements that are far from feasible for the ordinary gal; her floating onyx bar, massive closet complete with it's own champagne door bell (we kid you not), and movie theater come to mind. And while we can only gape at those pricey features, Heather does have one elegant design ritual dwellers on any budget can get behind: she fills her entryway with a new display of fresh flowers each week. The fragrant seasonal blossoms set a welcoming tone, while the constantly rotating displays help prevent her home design from becoming stale.
In typical Heather fashion, her the flowers are from a swanky delivery service and are opulent enough to decorate the head table at a black-tie wedding - but you need only swap in a new simple grocery store bouquet every week to achieve the same results. You can even create depth to the look by breaking up the bouquet into multiple vessels arranged at different heights, like Heather does.
Check out the Bravo! star's stunning floral displays ahead. And remember, no matter how much you pay for your blooms or how you arrange them, the key is to make bringing them into your home a habit that you do consistently.
32 Things You Never Knew About Apple Stores, Straight From Employees
They call them "Geniuses" for a reason! If you've ever owned or plan on owning an iPhone, Mac computer, or other Apple product, prepare to have your mind blown. We've reached out to several former Apple store employees (who will remain anonymous) for the insider tips and the shocking stories you need to know. Here's what they told us.
Money- and Time-Saving Shopping Secrets
1. You can self-checkout in the store. Through the Apple Store app, you can scan the barcode and pay via your Apple ID. This is limited to items on the sales floor, which is mostly computer and iPhone accessories.
2. Use ApplePay. It's way faster than a credit card.
3. Personal pickup is your friend. Apple has a free service where you can reserve an item at a store, prepay, and get in and out quickly.
4. Everyone can take advantage of the higher education discount online. In person, they will ask to see your college ID, but there's no verification online.
5. Your Apple-branded chargers and headphones are all covered under a one-year warranty. Even if you are out of warranty, it's less expensive to get them replaced through the Genius Bar than buying new ones.
6. Every store has free workshops. And you can attend an unlimited amount of times.
What It's Really Like to Work at an Apple Store
7. It's really hard to get a job there. Apple has a lower acceptance rate than Harvard. The easiest way to get hired is have a current employee refer you.
8. NSOs (New Store Openings) are a big deal. This is especially true if it's in a major city like New York, Hong Kong, and Barcelona. Executives from all around the world will fly in for the event. It's a huge sense of pride to be on an NSO team.
9. Apple's customer service training is based on the Ritz Carlton. New-hire training is three weeks. You learn the APPLE steps of service (Approach, Probe, Present, Listen, End), as well as the three A's of customer support (Acknowledge, Align, Assure). You'll start using these steps on your friends and significant others.
10. The pay is not great. But it is getting better.
11. The benefits are awesome. You receive part-time health benefits, employee purchase stock program at 15 percent discount, $100 a month for commuting, 401K match, and an employee discount.
12. Certain words and actions are off limits. These include:
- "Unfortunately" becomes "As it turns out."
- "I don't know" becomes "Let's find out together!"
- No pointing - use an open hand if you must point something out.
- "Crash" becomes "doesn't respond."
13. Each shift starts with a "daily download." After checking your email (you can't check your email unless you are in a store), the daily download is a 15-minute pep rally for the day. Team metrics, initiatives, and current programs are discussed.
14. Attendance and punctuality are strictly enforced. This is by far the most common reason for employees being involuntarily terminated.
15. Apple forbids its employees from talking about their job on social media and posting pictures of themselves in their uniform shirts. Because of this, there's an underground community of anonymous employees (like Genius Bar Tales on Twitter) who take to social media to vent their frustrations. Everyone reads them and tries to guess if they know who's behind them.
16. We see those comments you write in the surveys. If you fill out an online survey about your store experience, it will get back to the employee who helped you. Each employee gets an NPS (net promoter score) that is used during promotion and raise time.
17. When you leave voluntarily, you get a "clap out." The Apple store is no stranger to clapping. We clap for everything. If you ever see employees randomly cheering in the middle of the day, it's likely a clap out, given to send off an employee on their last day.
18. Product Launches are really exciting. Although we don't get to see the product before it comes out, we train on it in the weeks leading up.
19. Dating your co-workers is very common, but if it comes out that you are dating a manager, one of you will get transferred immediately. One former employee writes, "This is very common. There have been a number of Apple weddings I've been to, and I've met some of my closest friends when working at Apple. I also found my bestie working there."
20. When someone makes daily purchases or pays all in cash, they are likely a reseller. Products are frequently released in the United States before other countries. There is a huge market overseas for Apple products.
Genius Bar Pro Tips and Horror Stories
21. If you have a desktop Mac with AppleCare, you may be eligible for at-home repair. Don't lug your huge computer to an Apple store. Call AppleCare to see if they can arrange at-home/office repair (at no additional cost).
22. The Genius team is a boys club. Although Apple prides itself on diversity, one former employee notes that she never saw a Genius team that was more than 10 percent female, with many stores not having a single woman on the team.
"Being a woman isn't exactly a walk in the park when it comes to the Genius Bar," she writes. "There have been many times that a customer did not believe what I said or did not want me to work on their device. It's a little disheartening when a male employee repeats the same exact thing you said to a customer and the customer agrees. There have been times where a customer did not let me to touch their iPhone when it needed to be fixed but instead flagged down a male employee."
Bodily fluids, computers yellowing with nicotine, bug infestations, cat vomit on computers - you will get it all.
23. Not everyone staffed at the Genius Bar is a "Genius." A Genius is someone who is certified to repair and troubleshoot Apple computers. Apple has created several other positions that specialize in individualized training, group workshops, and iOS hardware/software that are all staffed at the Genius Bar.
24. You will see things you wish you hadn't. These include gross stuff in and on computers and phones. Bodily fluids, computers yellowing with nicotine, bug infestations, cat vomit on computers - you will get it all.
WE DO NOT GO LOOKING THROUGH YOUR STUFF, but sometimes it just happens. Please remember that. Be mindful of your browser history, or what applications open up automatically when you turn the computer on. You know that feature to reopen all windows when you restart? Just remember to close your last porn session browser before you bring the computer into the store. The same goes for mobile devices. Most times, a technician has to open up Safari to run diagnostics; please remember that and close any questionable websites. Even if you're not embarrassed, the technician might be.
25. Please let people know if you are leaving your device in an Apple store for repair and turn off message notifications. Most people have their messages synced across all their Apple devices. The last thing you want is to have one of them in for repair and have ultrapersonal and/or intimate messages start popping up. Again, most technicians do not go through and read any of that stuff, and most of them want to know AS LITTLE about a customer's personal life as possible, but it's hard to ignore a picture message that suddenly appears on the screen.
26. Be kind; most people behind the Genius Bar genuinely want to help you. When they tell you that in order to fix a hardware issue there will be a cost associated with it, understand that the Genius helping you has most likely tried everything they can in order to avoid this.
27. AppleCare is not insurance. AppleCare is an extension of the manufacturer's warranty. What that entails depends on the product. Physical damage is not covered for computers, and some mobile devices (iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads) have AppleCare+ available. This gives you a specific number of instances to pay a lower deductible for physical damage.
28. Cases and screen protectors are not a 100 percent protective guarantee. It helps with cosmetic appearance, but if your product still gets damaged with a case on, that's normal. And no, if the case or screen protector is damaged, Apple cannot replace it.
29. Back your stuff up before you come in for a repair. A technician never ever wants to tell someone, "Hey, you know all those pictures of your new baby? Yeah . . . those are gone and it could have been completely preventable."
Yes, it is incredibly frustrating to delay a repair because you have to go home and back your stuff up, but keep in mind this technician is trying to help you not lose important information. If you don't care, and you tell that to your technician, they probably document that in the paperwork. Please do not be insulted by this. There have been a ton of instances where a customer was told a million different ways "there is a chance you will lose ALL of your information, are you OK with that?" and they said "yes" only to lose their sh*t when they find out that all of their information was lost.
30. When you drop something off for repair, make sure the customer information is correct. This is how the Apple store gets in contact with you. Also add anyone that might possibly pick up the repair. The Apple store takes customer privacy seriously and asks for ID when picking up the computer. They don't want to hand off the repair to the wrong person. It has happened . . . A LOT.
One More Thing
31. Celebrities need phones, too. Apple 5th Ave. has a secret room to the right of the cash wrap, used by VIPs and celebs to shop in private.
- Additional reporting by several former Apple store employees who wish to remain anonymous.
Is It Possible to Give Back in a Meaningful Way While Traveling?
The idea of a vacation as we know it is "outdated," says Amy Merrill, cofounder of impact-driven travel company Journey. The majority female-founded company creates experiences that aim to "transform both the communities [people] visit and the travelers they engage."
The company has taken around 450 people on "Journeys" in the past 18 months, visiting eight countries and raising $450,000 for schools, homes, refugee relief work, and women's collectives and working with big brands like Red Bull and others to make it happen. The concept is simple: travelers visit another country with the intention of working on a project - such as building homes and renovating schools - in the community they are visiting.
"Our generation is not looking for the old model: to sit on a beach, drink beers and eat buffet, and come home with a sunburn and hangover," Merrill said. "We are looking for inspiration, enrichment, adventure, meaning and purpose, and great people to share it with. Plus, studies show this is actually what recharges you and gives you more fuel for your life."
"Our generation is not looking for the old model: to sit on a beach, drink beers and eat buffet, and come home with a sunburn and hangover."
The company challenges people to "travel with a purpose," but there's a fine line between "voluntourism" and making an actual lasting impact on the communities travelers are visiting. Journey - whose founders have extensive backgrounds in nonprofit organizations and international development work - are very conscious of that fine line.
"We take impact seriously and are very aware of the flaws in voluntourism and 'poverty safaris,'" Merrill said. "We always partner with nonprofits who have a deep local presence, typically local offices and experts who guide the strategy and implementation of each project. This means it can be a true win-win, because then a) the project is necessary and appropriate for the community's needs, b) every project is sustainable and monitored for the long term, and c) travelers learn more because they are truly immersed in local culture, with its challenges and opportunities."
How does Journey work?
Travelers sign up for a six-day trip to one of the locations that is listed as an option (and is open) on the company's site. There are 30-50 people per trip - the average age of a traveler is between 26-40. Trips combine an element of volunteer work with days travelers also have to tour the area, go on excursions, and engage with the community they are visiting. Currently, the majority of trips are to Central America.
Journey has two main projects: home builds (with Techo) and school renovations (with Glasswing International). "Home builds involve local volunteers and families coming together over the course of two days to erect transitional homes from kits, using mainly basic hand tools," Merrill said. "It's extremely challenging, rewarding work and involves a beautiful interchange of local families (who live in extreme poverty), volunteer college students, and Journeyers coming together as one and seeing one another as human beings."
School renovations take a day and a half of work, with the goal to make the building "a healthier, happier place for kids to learn."
How involved is the local community?
"We source projects through our nonprofit partners, which we've vetted and selected carefully on a variety of criteria: track record, innovative approach, tangible projects where we can get hands-on involved, commitment to sustainable/responsible approach," Merrill said. "I take our impact seriously, after spending 10+ years in the nonprofit world.
"We never execute a project without local experts and partners, because we always need to ensure the project is most needed, expertly implemented, and long-term sustainable. On the ground, we let our partners lead those two days - we are in their hands, they line up volunteers and local supplies, and they teach us about the region, the need, and the opportunity for lasting change."
What is special about Journey and social impact travel like it?
For Journey, the social impact projects are "the main event" and, most importantly, are sustainable projects that are implemented with local partners. And according to those who've experienced these trips firsthand, what makes this type of travel stand out are the people involved.
"Beginning a trip with impact work is not only good for the world and increases understanding and empathy, but it's a canvas for relationships, personal growth, everything that comes after on a group trip. There's a bond that comes through going through a challenging yet rewarding experience together . . . the point of a Journey is to present more questions than answers as you immerse yourself in a new culture, understand a community's needs firsthand, experience how you show up in the face of challenges and opportunities, and gain new perspectives on the world and your place in it."
10 Houseplants That Can Actually Improve Your Health
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Grace Hitchcock
You know that adding a houseplant or two can improve the look of a room, but did you know it can also improve your health? According to studies by NASA, certain plants can filter dangerous compounds commonly found in homes that are associated with respiratory illnesses, cancer, and more. This detailed infographic from Barratt Homes gives the lowdown on what's actually polluting your home and how you can combat the effects with beautiful plants! We're sold.
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Everything You Know About Passwords Is Wrong, but There's Some Good News
Coming up with a new password is probably one of the most mundane and annoying things a person has to do in their everyday life. Do you make it something easy to remember? Or do you add in a bunch of symbols for extra security? Most people tend to opt for the easier path and come up with something they'll remember . . . and then end up writing it down on their phone or a piece of paper. But if you're one of the people who followed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines about including numbers, characters, and capital letters in your password (or were one of the many people whose employers told them to do so), we have some good and bad news for you: those rules are totally useless and don't actually help. Now, how about you start making your passwords words you'll actually remember?
Back in 2003, NIST created a guide titled "Special Publication 800-63-3. Appendix A." on how to come up with the best password. The rules stated that a secure password would use numbers, special characters, and capital letters and be changed regularly. However, the man who came up with these rules, Bill Burr, told the Wall Street Journal on Aug. 7 that it's all wrong. He based all his information on a paper published in the 1980s - before the internet as we know it existed. The 72-year-old man says he "regrets" his mistake.
If you're about ready to tear your hair out after realizing how much time you've spent agonizing over your password choices, there's a silver lining. NIST updated the guidelines in June and released a new set of rules in "Special Publication 800-63-3." NIST now wants sites and companies to forgo requiring people to change their passwords periodically, which makes sense since a study from Carleton University revealed that this is a pretty useless tactic. The organization also wants sites to let users come up with passwords that are 64 characters long (with spaces), so that people can use words they'll actually remember.
So, go forth and make your passwords words you'll never forget. Or, better yet, get a password manager like LastPass or 1Password and have it come up with those complicated passwords for you - which you can then access with a master password that fits NIST's new guidelines.
Guys, There Are Only 9 Episodes Left of Game of Thrones EVER
This season of Game of Thrones is already one of the best - with it being the second-to-last season, sh*t's been going down, but I think all of the exciting events are kind of distracting from us from something truly heartbreaking: the show is almost over FOREVER. Last year we learned that the final two seasons would consist of 13 episodes; seven for the current seventh season, and a paltry six for the final season.
So let me remind you how few episodes we actually have left: nine. Nine! Nine. That's right, this weekend's episode will be the fifth episode of season seven, then two more after it. Three total left until we're Game of Thrones-less for another entire year. But that's not even as sad as the fact that when season eight is finally back in 2018, there will be fewer episodes in the season than ever before, and on top of that, it will be the last season ever. I guess we still have those spinoffs to look forward to, but still: it's appropriate to start the despairing now.
You Have to See What Kim Kardashian Looks Like After a Barbie-Style Makeover
Kim Kardashian seems to love keeping her fans on their toes by switching up her strands. The reality star stunned us all when she showed up at Paris Fashion Week with a platinum mane, but that wasn't her first stint as a blonde.
In a recent post on her app, KimKardashianWest.com, she revealed behind-the-scenes photos from a shoot for Kurv Magazine from 2009. In one snap, Kim sports an ice-blond wig with bangs like Barbie (or Nicki Minaj). And in another image, she amped up the volume with sky-high golden blond curls and a J Lo-esque spray tan.
"This was the first time I had ever dyed my hair and I was working with [photographer] Clyde Haygood," Kim explained. "He was determined to get this hair color photographed because he knew I was only keeping it for a month - I had to shoot my first perfume campaign and they wanted me back to dark hair."
While we will always be fans of her signature brunette locks, we love when Kim tries new styles. Maybe Kylie's mane-changing mania was first inspired by this shoot! Read on to see the doll-like photos.
Believe It or Not, Gwyneth Paltrow Has Spent Her Summer in These Affordable Shoes
Gwyneth Paltrow is absolutely the queen of classic, elevated looks. While for her, that generally means pricey wardrobe staples in neutral colorways - some of which she sells on Goop - Gwyneth can also be practical.
The actress and entrepreneur stepped out in a Summer evening outfit while vacationing in Montauk, and her ivory embroidered blouse and straw Janessa Leone sun hat fit the vibe. But it was Gwyneth's more laid-back pieces that made us do a double take: distressed denim cutoffs and white Birkenstock sandals, which made a rather casual statement.
While you might expect Gwyneth to walk the streets in designer gladiator sandals, her getaway uniform isn't fussy. By combining the chunky, functional slip-ons we lived in through the '90s with boho essentials, Gwyneth made Birks look cool again - and now we want a pair too.
8 Grocery Store Policies You Should Be Taking Advantage Of
Grocery shopping on a budget isn't always fun, but these store policies make it easier. Did you know that your favorite stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Costco have company-wide rules that will help you save money? Before you head out for your next grocery shopping spree, read ahead for eight of the best store policies you can (and should) take advantage of, from return policies to coupon-filled apps.
Olivia Palermo Has a Favorite Swimsuit Label, So of Course You Should Know About It
We don't just admire Olivia Palermo for her street style, we're also inspired by her fashion prowess and often commit to re-creating her looks. So when it comes to swim season, we're not about to turn a blind eye to Olivia's bathing suits. Presumably, she's shopping all the right labels and coordinating her designs with the proper cover-ups.
Take her gingham maillot, for instance. It's one of the Lisa Marie Fernandez pieces that's tremendously popular among celebrities. But when we talked to Olivia, she confirmed she's been wearing Lisa Marie Fernandez for years - and we found proof she wasn't lying.
But Olivia's beach rules don't end there. While she keeps her trustworthy one-pieces in steady rotation, Olivia has designated silhouettes for swimming laps, sunbathing, and more. Read on to find out what Olivia revealed about the contents of her swim drawer.
30-Minute Power Yoga Flow For Tight Abs and a Toned Butt
A good yoga flow, when the poses are connected into a flowing sequence directed by your breath, makes for a great two-in-one workout providing flexibility training and strength training all at once. This 30-minute yoga session, led by Jess Taras and inspired by NYC- and LA-based Y7 Studio, is a full-body yoga-flow workout targeting the butt and core that lengthens while it strengthens. Focusing on your breath adds a de-stressing element to your sweat sesh - bonus. Grab a mat, press play, and get ready to feel grounded and strong.
On Anna: Lorna Jane top and Vimmia tights. On Jess: Y7. On Julana: Graced by Grit top and Ultracor Tights.
People Are Matching Their Glitter Manicures to Their Cats - and It's Adorably Glam!
Back in April, a woman gave her pet turtle a manicure and became my eternal #relationshipgoals. Luckily for my animal-loving heart, 2017 hasn't seen the last of pet manicures.
As the story goes, Cristi Hanzel, a 19 year-old from Littlerock, CA, got her nails done. She then went to Target to get nail caps for her cat, Wednesday ("named after Wednesday Addams since they are both sassy ," she told Buzzfeed). As fate would have it, she found purple caps that were nearly identical to her own fresh new nails.
Hanzel took to Twitter to show off their matching looks and was promptly retweeted by a user who captioned the pic, "How I'm trying to be." Seriously, who taught that cat how to selfie and how do I learn from them? The newfound beauty icons received over 70,000 likes and found themselves in a friendly competition between cat and dog owners over who wears it best.
As Hanzel reminded us, it's very important to stress that normal nail polish is toxic for pets' claws, so be sure to keep your new ColourPop Polish to yourself . Aside from looking fly AF, nail caps are designed to limit the effects of scratching and can be found at pet supply stores .
'We need that tool in our toolkit': Chef Michael Smith voices support for GMO foods
Celebrity chef Michael Smith came out in support of genetically-modified food at a consultation about Canada's Food Policy.
Uber's Newest Feature Will Make Finding Your Ride So Much Easier
Uber passengers, your prayers have finally been answered. Instead of calling your Uber driver and getting no response - or trying to find your car in a sea of other people looking for their Uber - the company is bringing a chat feature to the app. Now, before your ride arrives, you can chat your driver a specific location where you are or let them know how to spot you among the crowd without exiting the app.
The new feature will start rolling out in the next few weeks to both Android and iOS devices and should make life a little easier and safer for the rider and driver. Instead of increasing distractions for the driver, any message a rider sends will be read aloud (at least in the US). Then, the driver can choose to send a "thumbs up" to acknowledge they saw the message. Since this is an in-app feature, it also means both you and the driver won't need to share any contact information. Currently, Uber does generate a "unique, anonymous local number," if you need to call your driver, but this furthers the separation between the two of you.
And though some people aren't fans of read receipts, the feature will show to both riders and drivers whether or not the other person has seen - and read - the chat. This way, you'll know if you need to follow up again or keep your cool.
It might feel like an unnecessary feature, but it eliminates the extra step of calling your driver or wondering if you should pick up the call from an unknown number. Uber's already considering trying this feature out for other purposes. "We're exploring adding this feature to UberEATs, too," Jeremy Lermitte, a product manager at Uber told POPSUGAR.
The new feature does mean you might be forced to overhear messages from your Uber driver's next rider during your own journey. And keep in mind, you can only use this feature before your driver picks you up. Once you're marked as picked up, the feature "turns off." That means this new update won't be useful if you find that you've left your favorite sweatshirt or lipstick in the car. Lermitte did share with us, however, that the company is "thinking about how to expand the in-app chat feature to more areas of the Uber experience."
To use the chat feature, request a ride, go to the Uber feed, tap "Contact," and pick "Chat." Then, send your message away. Ahead, see more images of how chatting on the Uber app actually works.
Joanna Gaines's Parents Have the Cutest Love Story
Let's be honest, Joanna Gaines inspires us all on the daily. Not only is she a design and renovation powerhouse, but her swoon-worthy relationship with husband Chip Gaines gives us all the feels. Plus, did we mention how cute she is with her look-alike sister?! Needless to say, Joanna is definitely a family gal, and after doing a little digging, we've realized that as the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Her adorable parents, who have been married for 45 years, are simply the epitome of marriage goals. Read on as we break down some of our favorite moments between Joanna's sweet parents and the Stevens family.
How to Stay Invisible When You're Browsing LinkedIn
If you're job hunting on LinkedIn, be aware that when you look at someone's profile on the network, they can find out if you're viewing them through the "Who's Viewed Your Profile?" feature. Although there are both perks and drawbacks of being visible, sometimes you just want your privacy. Here's how to make yourself invisible on LinkedIn:
- Log into LinkedIn with your user name and password.
- When you're logged in, hover over your mini photo icon in the top right-hand corner, and the Account & Settings menu will drop down. Click on the Privacy & Settings option.
- Once you're in the Privacy & Settings page, scroll to the bottom of the page to get to the Privacy Controls section. Click on the "Select what others see when you've viewed their profile" option to edit your settings. (You may need to click on "Go to previous version of Settings" to view this option.)
- You can choose from three options. The first one will allow your headline and name to be visible to everyone, the second is an anonymous profile but your industry and company can be viewed, and the third will let you be totally anonymous ("You will be in complete private mode."). Choose the last option and click on the "Save Changes" button to stay completely invisible.
5 Things to Know About Kamala Harris's Husband, Douglas Emhoff
Senator Kamala Harris is quickly becoming a household name for her refusal to be silenced or interrupted by her male colleagues. And since some are already speculating about a possible 2020 presidential run for Harris, interest in her personal life has grown. Here's what you need to know about her husband, Douglas Emhoff.
He's also a lawyer.
Emhoff is currently the managing West Coast director at Venable LLP. According to his LinkedIn profile, he's held the position since he joined in 2006.
Emhoff recently took the bar again.
Though Emhoff is based in LA, he recently took the bar in Washington DC and was sworn in on March 10.
My swearing in ceremony for DC Bar today with my lovely wife @KamalaHarris. http://pic.twitter.com/PrsQSZOage
- Douglas Emhoff (@douglasemhoff) March 10, 2017
He met Harris on a blind date.
Emhoff, who was previously married and has two children, met Harris on a blind date that was "set up by a close friend of Harris's," according to SFGate. The two were married in August 2014 at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Harris's sister, also a lawyer, officiated the ceremony.
His biggest mistake was lashing out in court.
In an interview with Law360, Emhoff retells a story of his earlier days in law, when he loudly accused another lawyer of lying in court. Though he contends that the other lawyer truly was lying, he learned that "you don't lose your cool, ever, and just file away the information to be used at the appropriate time, in an appropriate manner." In the same interview, he revealed that his toughest lawsuit was against a con man in Orange County, CA. The suit, which was brought up by "a group of Midwestern investors," was difficult but settled in trial. Since then, he's even kept in touch with the investors.
Emhoff's and Harris's tax returns show they earned $1.7 million in 2015.
According to the Sacramento Bee, which asked for the then-Senate candidate's tax returns in 2016, the form also revealed that the two paid about $450,000 in state and federal income taxes and gave $32,947 to charity.
If you're interested in following Harris's life from her husband's viewpoint, you can follow Emhoff on Twitter, where he keeps an active presence and posts photos of them together.
Pre Howard U Commencement address with my amazing wife and proud Howard grad @KamalaHarris! http://pic.twitter.com/ctGVVKyfxG
- Douglas Emhoff (@douglasemhoff) May 13, 2017
110 Baby Names That Can't Be Shortened, No Matter How Hard People Try
Picking a baby name is one of the most important decisions parents make right out of the gate. But sometimes when babies get a little bit older, they acquire nicknames that weren't exactly hand-picked by Mom and Dad. If you are hell-bent on giving your kid a name that won't ever evolve into a nickname, here's a list of potential monikers that can never ever be shortened, no matter how much their friends try.
A
Ace, Adam, Amy, Ann, Arya, Audrey, Austin, Autumn, Ava
B
Beau, Blair, Blake, Brady, Bree, Brooke, Brynn
C
Cara, Carl, Chase, Cora, Chloe, Claire, Cole
D
Declan, Drake, Drew
E
Eden, Eli, Enid, Ethan, Evan, Eve
F
Faith, Faye, Finn
G
Grace, Graham
H
Hazel, Harry, Henry, Holly, Hope, Hugh
I
Ian
J
Jack, Jake, Jane, Jean, Joel, Josh, Joy, Jude, Judy, June
K
Kai, Kate, Kit, Kurt, Kyle
L
Laura, Lauren, Leo, Levi, Liam, Lisa, Luke, Luka, Lyla
M
Mark, Martha, Mauve, Max, Mia, Miles, Molly, Mya, Morgan
N
Nancy, Noel, Nora
O
Olive
P
Paige, Paul, Pierce
Q
Quinn
R
Ralph, Reese, Remy, Rory, Rose, Roy, Ruby, Ruth
S
Sadie, Sage, Scott, Shane, Skye, Sean, Seth, Simon
T
Tara, Tess, Tia
W
Wren
Y
Yvonne
Z
Zeke, Zoe, Zoey, Zuri
What to Wear on Your Birthday, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Your birthday is one day where you can look and feel your sexiest and not be embarrassed that the attention's on you. Clearly, when all eyes are looking in your direction, you want to look cute! Depending on where you host the party, whether it's at home or at a restaurant, you'll likely have a range of dress options in mind.
Just in case you don't, however, we have a little suggestion: let your zodiac sign determine what to wear on your big day. After all, it's helped us in other areas, like wedding dress shopping and finding the perfect lingerie. Scroll on to see what you should be wearing on your birthday and have your credit card on hand to shop once the stars speak to you.
Who Do We Have to Charm to Get This Harry Potter Eye Shadow Palette ASAP?
We have to state this first so that we don't break your heart: these Harry Potter eye shadow palettes don't exist (yet). But if one creative Reddit r/makeupaddiction user has her way, the world won't have to be deprived of magical makeup collections much longer.
After sharing her gorgeous Photoshopped mock-ups of four shadow palettes, each inspired by a different Hogwarts house and featuring two feather quill makeup brushes, the Redditor remarked that she was considering making them for real. We hope she plans to share them with the world, or our hearts will be broken!
From fiery Gryffindor shadows to elegant Ravenclaw blues, these palettes look like enchanting makeup picks for Yule Balls, magical weddings, and Hogsmeade weekend dates. Which one (or more) would you empty your Gringotts vault to buy in real life? Let us know in the comments!
See the Places Barack and Michelle Called Home Before the White House
Until very recently, Barack and Michelle Obama have proudly called 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue "home." For almost a decade, not only has this monumental White House served as their living quarters and "office space," but it has been where they have raised two cute little girls into poised and well-rounded young women. And while they already have their new home post-White House, we were curious to know where Barack and Michelle lived before they both became staples of American history. Read on for an inside look at their digs long before we referred to this power couple as president and first lady.
A Complete Breakdown of All the Airline Credit Cards a Traveler Can Choose From
It's no secret that credit card points can help you see the world. Just about every airline these days has partnered with a credit card issuer to help people earn points to book travel, but not all cards are created equal. Some cards will earn you miles that can be used across various airlines, but some cards are dedicated to one airline, and often those cards will rack up points faster, thanks to your devotion to said airline. Below, we've broken down all the airline cards you can choose from and laid out what the interest rates are, the annual fees, and all the perks that come with having an account.
Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
APR: 16.74 percent to 24.74 percent
Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
Sign-up bonus: Earn 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after making $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Extra perks: First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation. Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights. No foreign transaction fees. Receive 25 percent savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights. Earn 10 percent of your redeemed AAdvantage miles back - up to 10,000 AAdvantage miles each calendar year.
Apply here
Citi/AAdvantage Gold World Elite Mastercard
APR: 16.74 percent to 24.74 percent
Annual fee: $50, waived for first year
Sign-up bonus: Earn 25,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after making $750 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Extra perks: Receive 25 percent savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights. Earn one AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on purchases. Reduced Mileage Awards: Fly for 5,000 fewer AAdvantage miles round-trip to select destinations.
Apply here
Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
APR: 16.74 percent to 24.74 percent
Annual fee: $450
Sign-up bonus: Earn 10,000 AAdvantage Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year.
Extra perks: Admirals Club membership for you and guests with you. Complimentary Admirals Club lounge access for authorized users. Earn two AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and one AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to eight companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
Apply here
Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card From American Express
APR: 16.74 percent to 25.74 percent
Annual fee: Nothing the first year, $95 every year after
Sign-up bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months and a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new card within your first three months.
Extra perks: Earn two miles on every dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta. Earn one mile for every eligible dollar spent on purchases. Check your first bag free on every Delta flight. Settle into your seat sooner with Priority Boarding.
Apply here
United MileagePlus Explorer Card
APR: 16.99 percent to 23.99 percent
Annual fee: $95
Sign-up bonus: 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
Extra perks: Check your first bag for free when you use your card to purchase your ticket. Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with two one-time passes each year for your anniversary. No foreign transaction fees. Earn two miles per $1 spent on tickets purchased from United and one mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Your miles don't expire as long as your credit card account is open, with no limit to the number of miles you can earn.
Apply here
British Airways Visa Signature Card
APR: 16.99 percent to 23.99 percent
Annual fee: $95
Sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Earn an additional 25,000 bonus Avios after you spend $10,000 total on purchases within your first year from account opening for a total of 75,000 bonus Avios. Earn a further 25,000 bonus Avios after you spend $20,000 total on purchases within your first year from account opening for a total of 100,000 bonus Avios.
Extra perks: Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years. In addition to the bonus Avios, you will also get three Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases and one Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
Apply here
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card
APR: 13.24 percent to 20.24 percent
Annual fee: $75
Sign-up bonus: Get 30,000 bonus miles after you make $1,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
Extra perks: Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22) every year on your account anniversary valid on Alaska and Virgin America flights booked on AlaskaAir.com. Save with a free checked bag on Alaska and Virgin America flights for you and up to six other passengers on the same reservation. Earn three miles for every $1 spent directly on Alaska Airlines and Virgin America purchases and one mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No foreign transaction fees.
Apply here
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
APR: 16.99 percent to 23.99 percent
Annual fee: $69
Sign-up bonus: Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
Extra perks: Get 3,000 bonus points after your cardmember anniversary. Two points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. One point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Earn unlimited points that don't expire as long as your card account is open. No blackout dates or seat restrictions. Bags fly free and no change fees.
Apply here
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
APR: 16.99 percent to 23.99 percent
Annual fee: $99
Sign-up bonus: Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
Extra perks: Get 6,000 bonus points after your card member anniversary. Two points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. One point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Earn unlimited points that don't expire as long as your card account is open. No foreign transaction fees. No blackout dates or seat restrictions. Bags fly free and no change fees.
Apply here
JetBlue Plus Card
APR: 12.99 percent, 20.99 percent, or 25.99 percent
Annual fee: $99
Sign-up bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.
Extra perks: Earn six points per $1 on JetBlue purchases, two points per $1 at restaurants and grocery stores, and one point per $1 on all other purchases. No blackout dates on JetBlue-operated flights and redeem for any seat, any time on JetBlue-operated flights. Points awarded in your TrueBlue account don't expire. Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary. Fifty percent savings on eligible in-flight purchases like cocktails and food and the primary cardmember's first checked bag is free on JetBlue-operated flights. Enjoy TrueBlue Mosaic benefits for one year after you spend $50,000 or more on purchases each calendar year with your card. Enjoy a $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more with your JetBlue Plus Card.
Apply here
JetBlue Card
APR: 12.99 percent, 20.99 percent, or 25.99 percent
Annual fee: $0
Sign-up bonus: Earn 5,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Extra perks: Earn three points per $1 on JetBlue purchases, two points per $1 at restaurants and grocery stores, and one point per $1 on all other purchases. No blackout dates on JetBlue-operated flights and redeem for any seat, any time on JetBlue-operated flights. Points awarded in your TrueBlue account don't expire. Earn and share points together with Family Pooling. Fifty percent savings on eligible in-flight purchases like cocktails and food on JetBlue-operated flights. No foreign transaction fees.
Apply here
Does Diet Soda Really Help You Lose Weight?
For many people, the indulgence of a sweet diet soda is a guilt-free pleasure, and it's considered a savior for just about anyone trying to lose weight. Does diet soda really have zero consequences when it comes to weight gain, though?
To get to the bottom of how diet soda affects weight, we sought out expert advice from a doctor and registered dietitian. First, however, it's important to be clear on what diet soda actually is because there are so many different drinks out there. Diet sodas are calorie-free or close to it. Usually the sweetness from sugar is replaced with sweeteners that are calorie-free. The question is whether or not replacing calorie-dense sugar with a calorie-free alternative will still make you gain weight.
The age-old mantra of weight control has always been calories in versus calories out, or in other words, if your body burns more calories than you consume, you'll lose weight. This leads most of us to think that diet soda is harmless toward weight gain because it doesn't add to your calorie intake. The truth, however, is more complex than this simple math equation. After all, most things that seem too good to be true usually are. Let's see if diet soda falls into that category.
A Doctor's Take on Diet Soda
"The zero calories from diet soda don't necessarily mean zero weight gain. There's been a lot of research that suggested diet soda alters your perception of sugar. So that even if you don't get the calories from that diet soda, you may end up drinking and eating more calories from other sources," said Jonathan Fricke MD, MHP.
What this means is that the more often you consume foods or drinks that taste sweet, like diet soda, the less sensitive your body becomes to sweet foods. It's similar to how the more coffee you drink the more you need to have the same effect, which could mean your body will crave more sugar than ever before if you favor diet drinks.
And we may not be able to fully trust science on this one, as all the studies and research making claims about diet soda and weight gain probably aren't totally reliable yet. "A lot of the research comes from rats and mice so it may not translate to human beings," Dr. Fricke warned. Last time we checked, a mouse and a human are pretty different.
The doctor's final word on diet soda? "The mantra of everything in moderation is the important bottom line for it," Dr. Fricke cautioned. "I recommend to my patients there's no reason from a health perspective to drink anything other than water."
A Dietician's Take on Diet Soda
The research on diet soda is still growing and not completely conclusive, as McKenzie Flinchum RD, LD/N, CPT and owner of Flexible Dietetics LLC pointed out.
According to Flinchum, "There are studies on the possible increase of sugar cravings with intake of diet soda, as well as studies revealing that artificial sweeteners may not activate the food-reward pathways in the brain. Other factors would need to take place to link diet soda to weight gain, but from what is currently known, diet soda contains alternative sweeteners, which contain zero calories, thus not contributing to overall caloric intake."
What does all this mean to you? Basically, not adding calories to your diet by drinking diet soda won't mean putting on a few extra pounds - at least in the short term. The long-term effects on how it could change your body are still unclear. Constantly having a sweet drink that doesn't have the same impact on the body as sugar could distort your perception of sugar and sweetness, leading you to overindulge down the road. Drinking a diet soda may mean no calories today, but it could lead you to reach for an extra bar of chocolate or slice of cake later.
Flinchum's overall recommendation? "I would recommend decreasing overall soda intake, regardless of whether it is diet or not, and switching to either more water or a better drink option than soda. In moderation, diet soda can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle. In certain cases, it may aid in weight loss. But as with anything, moderation is key."
Final Word on Diet Soda
In the short term, drinking diet soda won't lead to weight gain because you won't be consuming any extra calories. It's especially true if you're used to drinking regular soda and make the switch. The biggest factor to consider will be how consuming a sweet beverage affects the body and your sense of sweetness. It may turn out that the effects are minimal or they may end up being substantial enough to desensitize how satisfying sweet foods taste, which could lead to overindulgence. For now, it seems safe to say that diet soda doesn't lead to any immediate weight gain, but if it's all you drink, it may usher in some unwanted pounds in the future.
The 25 Best Exercises to Tone Your Abs (and None of Them Are Crunches)
Let's be honest: crunches aren't the most exciting of exercises. And they're not always the most effective way to tone your abs anyway. If you're bored with your sit-up routine, here are 25 fun and effective moves to mix up your workout and tone your midsection!
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb and Jenny Sugar
Spend 45 Minutes Sweating With Jake, and You're Going to Work It All
There is no time to get bored in this quick-paced, 45-minute workout with Jake DuPree. First, there are all of Jake's cheeky comments to keep you giggling, but this man is nonstop! He just keeps you moving. But don't worry: we do provide modifications throughout the workout. Grab a set of low to medium hand weights and some water, and press play when you are ready to werk! If you're looking for a shorter workout, try this 10-minute ab workout featuring Jake's favorite Pilates-based moves.
Wardrobe Credit:
On Anna: Lorna Jane top, Werkshop tights, and Adidas shoes
On Jake: Lululemon outfit and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) shoes
On Dre: MISSION top, Mira Rae tights, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) shoes
Corkcicle water bottle
Jade yoga mat
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Fry Eggs
One of the simplest yet most complicated cooking basics everyone learns is how to fry an egg. Simple because cracking an egg into a pan and waiting until it's cooked doesn't require much skill, but complicated because if you're not careful, you can easily end up with undercooked whites and an overcooked yolk. So how can you make sure your fried eggs are perfect every time? Taking a few tips from the experts is a great place to start. Here's how some of our favorite celebrity chefs and Food Network personalities fry their eggs.
Alton Brown: Cracked in a Ramekin
Alton Brown's number one tip for frying eggs is to not crack them directly into the pan. In his recipe for perfect eggs over-easy, he explains, "Never crack eggs directly into a pan - always crack them into a cup or ramekin. It's the only way to make sure they cook evenly, and you can pour them into the pan right where you want them." His other pro tip involves the proper way to flip the eggs without cracking the yolks. "Never flip the food up and bring the pan down. Try to meet the food with the pan as best as you can, thus preventing a hard - and potentially yolk-busting - landing."
Giada De Laurentiis: Fried in Olive Oil
Would you expect anything less from the queen of Italian food? To make Giada's Italian fried egg sandwich, you'll want to reach for the olive oil and forgo the butter. After adding the eggs to a pan with two teaspoons of olive oil heated over medium heat, Giada covers the pan in order to cook the whites quickly.
Ree Drummond: Basted in Canola Oil
Rather than covering the skillet with a lid or flipping the eggs over, The Pioneer Woman's tip is to carefully spoon the hot oil over the whites to help them cook evenly. Ree's final tip is important, too: she recommends removing the eggs and draining them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Mario Batali: Don't Touch! Then Flip
Mario Batali's first rule for frying eggs is to crack the eggs into the skillet and avoid touching them at all for the first 30 seconds. Then, using a nonstick silicone spatula, gently loosen the edges of the eggs and make sure the bottoms aren't sticking. Flip the eggs, and cook for 30 more seconds.
Chrissy Teigen: Fried in Butter and Olive Oil
You get the best of both worlds when you follow Chrissy Teigen's recipe for fried eggs. You won't find it online, but when you open her Cravings cookbook to the Breakfast All Day section, you'll find her popular recipe for Cajun Catfish With Over-Easy Eggs ("I am aware of how gross this sounds," she promises in the intro). To get a perfectly cooked and flavorful egg, Chrissy cooks in both butter and olive oil.
Paula Deen: Fried in Bacon Fat
A woman after my own heart, Paula Deen knows it's a wise decision to cook eggs in bacon fat. Paula's fried egg and avocado sandwich calls for bacon, and her pro tip is to reserve one tablespoon of the fat before discarding the rest. Use that grease to cook your eggs in the same skillet, and you'll have a perfectly fried egg seasoned with the salty and smoky flavors of the bacon.
Princess Charlotte Will Be Hitting Another Important Milestone Very Soon
Princess Charlotte gave her first diplomatic handshake and her first curtsy during her recent tours of Poland and Germany, but she'll be hitting another important milestone soon: Charlotte is starting school. Just like Prince George, Charlotte will be attending a London-based school in September. While it's still unclear which nursery school Charlotte will be going to, she'll be starting around the same time George will be starting preparatory school. For only being 2 years old, Charlotte sure has hit a lot of milestones
already.
What Reggaeton Song Are You Based on Your Zodiac Sign?
Those who say they don't like reggaeton don't understand the complexities of the music genre. It's not all about loud beats and sexy dance moves; there are romantic songs considered to be reggaeton, too, with deep lyrics that speak to your soul. Just like reggaeton runs the gamut from sweet to fun to totally realistic, so do our personalities.
So, just for fun, we've paired you up with the reggaeton song that best describes you according to your zodiac sign. Find your perfect musical match ahead.
1 Makeup Artist Just Took the Mermaid Trend a Little Too Far - but It's Pretty Impressive
Just as unicorns have become a staple in the food world, mermaids have full-on infiltrated the beauty sphere, inspiring gorgeous makeup looks, products, and even brushes. Many makeup artists mimic the tail-flipping mythical creature using glitter galore and pretty blue hues, but one talented artist just showed another - darker - side of mermaids, and the internet is freaking out over it.
Got bored last night and turned myself into a mermaid. I'd rather be swimming with the fishes anyway 🐬🐟💖🌊🐠 http://pic.twitter.com/rfaZN6ffAu
- channingjudith🦋 (@ChanningCJudith) May 18, 2017
Channing Carlisle took a slightly shocking route with her hyperrealistic mermaid-inspired look: she transformed her leg to make it look ripped open to reveal scales underneath. I'm not gonna lie; at first glance, I thought it was pretty darn gruesome and took the mermaid trend a bit too far. But once I saw that it was all done with special effects makeup (and no skin was actually harmed in the making of it), I realized it's extremely impressive. I can barely even apply my eyeliner properly, but Channing somehow managed to make her leg look like a prop from the set of a mermaid murder-mystery film. This girl's got crazy talent, and that's something to be celebrated just as much as a MUA nailing the perfect cat eye.
It seems like the internet had somewhat similar reactions. When Channing shared the double-take-worthy image on Twitter, it garnered more than 50,000 retweets and nearly 200,000 "likes," not to mention that tons of fans and followers responded to her tweet sharing their praise for her mind-blowing makeup skills.
@ChanningCJudith I keep staring at this trying to see the flaw. Great job
- *Fake black person (@MicFizzle) May 18, 2017
@ChanningCJudith @stratfordneymar me looking at this for 5 minutes trying to understand how you even did all of that and pulled it off so flawlessly http://pic.twitter.com/qVP0WXvdyJ
- 🌻💛✨ (@fuckedfenty) May 18, 2017
@ChanningCJudith This is literally so inspiring I'm obsessed
- aliyah cantu (@_aliyah_Cantu_) May 20, 2017
14 Universally Flattering Trends to Try in 2017
Some trends are short-lived but memorable (arm warmers, bubble skirts, the list goes on), while others have staying power. So far, 2017 has seen plenty of the latter, and we simply must pay them respect. These 14 trends aren't just eye-catching, they are also entirely figure-flattering and help us appear more confident in our clothes. We're taking a closer look at all the styles this year has brought us so far and shopping them just in time to wear all Summer - and beyond. Scroll to read up, get inspired, and hit the streets feeling fashion-forward and fabulous all at once.
The Easy Way to Achieve a Blogger-Approved Feed - Without a Professional Camera
I'm not exactly sure when my love of taking mirror selfies first began to develop. Perhaps it was when I first discovered the hashtag #OOTD, or on a day when I was particularly feeling my outfit as I passed by a full-length mirror. Whenever it was, I began snapping away and haven't really stopped since.
While some people have gone on to make livings off of mirror pics - bloggers often do it to capture their outfits day-of - I'll use it to track what I wore or simply to show off a look that I'm loving. But is it possible to achieve the perfect shot without a professional photographer or a nice camera? You bet. Read on for some tips, tricks, and a few stellar examples from the pros, and see how you, too, can nail the perfect mirror selfie.
This Antiabortion Congressman Doesn't Seem to Understand How Sex Works
It's a rough time for women's rights in America, and it's only getting more outrageous: a Republican state lawmaker in Texas introduced a bill in January that would make it legal to charge a woman with murder if she has an abortion. But Tony Tinderholt's defense of the bill, which was published on Monday, is both disturbing and misguided.
Speaking to The Texas Observer, Tinderholt said he hopes that the so-called Abolition of Abortion in Texas Act would force women to be "more personally responsible" with sex. He continued by demonstrating his belief that women perceive abortion as a last-minute contraceptive.
"Right now it's real easy. Right now, they don't make it important to be personally responsible because they know that they have a backup of 'Oh, I can just go get an abortion,'" Tinderholt told the paper. "Now, we both know that consenting adults don't always think smartly sometimes. But consenting adults need to also consider the repercussions of the sexual relationship that they're gonna have, which is a child."
Mr. Tinderholt evidently doesn't understand how sex works, either, because it takes two people to conceive a child. A woman cannot be solely responsible for a fetus because of the nature of biology.
It's also worth noting that it is not "real easy" to obtain an abortion in Texas, as Tinderholt said. In fact, it's extremely difficult for many women to have an abortion in Texas, a state where only 19 clinics remain due to stringent restrictions on the procedure.
This Mom Taught Her Daughter the Ultimate Lesson About Bullying - With a Tube of Toothpaste
Before her daughter started middle school last year, Amy Gardner made sure to help prepare her for the year ahead.
The mother-daughter duo decorated her locker, bought new uniforms, and shopped for school supplies. But what Amy had her little girl do the night before her transition to the new school was far more important than anything else.
Amy handed her daughter a new tube of toothpaste and simply asked the child to squirt it out on a plate. Once she finished the unusual task, her mom then asked her to put all of the toothpaste back into the tube. Amy shared on Facebook how she responded when the little girl exclaimed that it was impossible and that the toothpaste would never be like it was before.
You will remember this plate of toothpaste for the rest of your life. Your words have the power of life or death. As you go into middle school, you are about to see just how much weight your words carry. You are going to have the opportunity to use your words to hurt, demean, slander and wound others. You are also going to have the opportunity to use your words to heal, encourage, inspire and love others. You will occasionally make the wrong choice; I can think of three times this week I have used my own words carelessly and caused harm. Just like this toothpaste, once the words leave your mouth, you can't take them back. Use your words carefully, Breonna. When others are misusing their words, guard your words. Make the choice every morning that life-giving words will come out of your mouth. Decide tonight that you are going to be a life-giver in middle school. Be known for your gentleness and compassion. Use your life to give life to a world that so desperately needs it. You will never, ever regret choosing kindness.
The 10 Rules of Eyelash Extensions You Need to Know
Eyelash enhancement is a slippery slope. First, you spend hundreds of dollars in search of the perfect mascara. Then you start waking up early to apply false lashes every morning. And if you're still not satisfied, you fully commit to your fringe and take the plunge to get eyelash extensions. If you haven't tried them yet, brace yourself for a full-blown addiction.
Eyelash extensions are the flirty, sex-kitteny cousin of acrylic nails - they require consistent upkeep. The best ones look totally real, and if you go to the wrong tech, you could be putting yourself at risk for permanent damage. We interviewed extension experts Kim Jaynes and Erin Taylor of Borboleta Beauty, a luxury lash training and retail brand, to find out everything you need to know before you go for your first appointment.
Why It Took Queen Elizabeth II 5 Days to Publicly Address Princess Diana's Death
Image Source: Getty / Graeme Robertson
It's been nearly 20 years since Princess Diana's fatal car accident in Paris, and the upcoming anniversary of her death has sparked renewed interest in the tragic event. When news broke that Diana had died in August 1997, Queen Elizabeth II was highly criticized for the way she handled the situation. Many accused her of failing to capture the mood of the nation and faulted her for being aloof in the days following her former daughter-in-law's passing. The queen conveyed a "business-as-usual" message by taking Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry (who were 15 and 12, respectively, at the time), to church at Balmoral in Scotland hours after Prince Charles had broken the news to them. She was also criticized for remaining at her Scotland residence for too long, failing to appear at tributes near Buckingham Palace, and not returning quickly enough to London.
Image Source: Getty / Tom Wargacki
However, according to the queen's first cousin and close friend Margaret Rhodes, the queen's choice to temporarily abandon the people was due to her overwhelming concern for the welfare of her grandchildren, William and Harry. In an interview with CNN back in 2012, Margaret came to the queen's defense, saying, "She was castigated . . . for staying up at Balmoral with the two little boys. She was being a proper granny. What was the point of bringing the boys down to sit in London with nothing to do but sit there feeling sad about mum. Personally, I think I would have behaved in exactly the same way."
It was only when then-Prime Minister Tony Blair intervened that Elizabeth came back to London and acknowledged the public's outpouring of grief. "She made it all right in the end by coming down and looking at all the flowers," Margaret stated. Five days after Diana's death, Elizabeth delivered a live address to the people of England from the Chinese Dining Room at Buckingham Palace. She paid tribute to Diana, calling her "an exceptional and gifted human being," and explained her reason for being at Balmoral, saying, "This week at Balmoral, we have all been trying to help William and Harry come to terms with the devastating loss that they and the rest of us have suffered." She ended her speech with a touching statement: "May those who died rest in peace and may we, each and every one of us, thank God for someone who made many, many people happy." Watch her entire speech below.
How to Wear White After Labor Day - Because Heck Yes, We're Going To
What's the harm in wearing an all-white outfit during the Fall? Absolutely nothing. In fact, the light shade helps make the longer work days feel brighter, and it's a smart way to transition your Summer pieces over - that way you don't have to stow everything away just because the temperature's dropping.
That "no white after Labor Day" rule has long been cast aside, and that's only confirmed by the lovely, long-sleeved maxis and billowy-sleeved tops our favorite retailers are offering in ivory and cream. Ahead, we have a few easy tricks for tackling the monochrome look once the heat subsides. So trade in your sandals for pumps or sneakers and layer up on those breathable fabrics. You're going to feel fabulous.
A Multimillionaire Reveals the Best Thing About Being Crazy-Rich
Let's say you were handed $8 million today, no strings attached. What would you most look forward to about being rich? Buying a nice house or car? Traveling first-class? Quitting your job and enjoying all that unstructured time? According to one multimillionaire app developer on Reddit, none of these things comes close to the biggest satisfaction he gains from being rich: using his fortune to make others happy.
The millionaire, a Redditor named regoapps who says he's in his early 30s, admits that there certainly are aspects of happiness that money can buy. For example, the freedom of not answering to anyone is sugar-sweet. Not having to set an alarm or impress a boss is a huge relief. Additionally, being able to splurge on things that will save you time - for instance, skipping the TSA lines at the airport with Global Entry - is gratifying and makes you feel like you bought back all that personal time.
The best kind of splurging, however, is the kind you do for others. Regoapps sums up the best part of being rich like this:
It sucks to feel like your hands are tied and you can't help others. That's how I used to feel when I saw people struggling financially and I didn't have the money yet to do something about it. Nowadays I have funded other people's kids' college funds, tipped people much more than what I was paying for, custom built an Iron Man suit to cheer up kids at hospitals, helped get clean water to villages that before didn't have access to it, and etc. It feels great to be able to help, especially when I can do it anonymously and just walk away.
When it comes to spending money on others, I just splurge. Spending money on myself doesn't always make me that much happier. But I noticed that when I spend the money on others, they feel very, very happy. And seeing them smile makes me smile, too.
So maybe it's true that money can't buy love - but it can provide that warm and fuzzy feeling that comes from helping others.
10 Things You Should Buy at Target
Christy Palmer, an expert bargain hunter and founder of All Things Target, is giving us yet another reason to shop at Target - as if we needed it! She told us the inside scoop on some of the best things to buy at the store and offered helpful hints on how to save cash at Target by making the most of special deals. The next time you go, keep these tips below in mind.
Best Deals on Items and Brands
Makeup: Makeup at Target is a great deal because you can use a Target coupon along with a manufacturer coupon. "I have often bought makeup for under $1 (or even gotten it for free) due to the fact that I can stack coupons," said Christy.
Personal care items: Target offers a variety of coupons for deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, and more, and the store puts many of these items on sale pretty often, too.
Threshold home decor (Target exclusive): Many of the items from the Threshold brand are similar in style to some of the classic high-end stores but at a much lower price, and according to Christy, the quality is great too.
iTunes gift cards: Target may not be the first place you think of when you think of iTunes gift cards, but you can frequently find them on sale for 10 percent off, so wait for the sale, and get in on the deal!
Circo clothing brand for kids (Target exclusive): "I love the quality of their clothing," Christy told us. "The styles are always cute, and the prices are great. Pair them with a sale and a coupon, and I love the brand even more!"
Photo frames: "Pretty much all the photo frames in my house have come from Target," Christy said. "I love the styles and the prices - it's very easy to find frames on clearance for 70 percent off because they always have to make room for new styles."
Up & Up brand (Target exclusive): "I have found so many of the items in their store brand of the Up & Up line work just as well as the leading brands and a much smaller price. The Up & Up brand of hair detangler works perfect for my girls' hair, and it's much cheaper than the leading brand. I always pick up the Up & Up ibuprofen, cotton balls, and so many more household basics," she says.
Kids' bedding and room decor: Kids' bedding and room decor are often included in Target's special offers, and the quality and design are on par with much more pricey options elsewhere. "Target can do no wrong when it comes to children's bedding . . . This is a great department to find clearance items because the bedding styles and colors often change with the seasons," Christy said. "I have five kids, and pretty much all their bedding and room decor has come from Target."
Best Dollar-Spot Finds
Note cards and stationery item and small buckets/baskets: They are great for gifting and make for a cheap and cute way to dress up a gift for someone.
Holiday items: According to Christy, the dollar-spot section changes with the seasons and holidays, so there is always something new to discover every couple of months. When it clears out the old items to bring in the new, the store will mark down certain dollar-spot items to 50 percent off, and then 70 percent off - which means you might end up paying only 30 cents for them!
Get Long and Lean With CorePower Yoga
You will love this short yoga flow series. Not only will it help calm all the holiday stress, but it will strengthen and lengthen your entire body. And they don't call it CorePower Yoga for nothing! There's a sweet little ab workout tucked in the middle. Grab your mat, press play, and get your yoga on!
16 Make-Ahead Recipes From Ina Garten That Will Change the Way You Cook
If ever there were an award for queen of make-ahead recipes, Ina Garten would win. She's so good at this cooking strategy that she wrote an entire cookbook about it. The beauty of Make It Ahead is that "each recipe includes clear instructions for what you can do ahead of time, and how far in advance, so you can cook with confidence and eliminate last-minute surprises," according to the description from Ina herself. Whether you prep the dough for salty oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies in advance, or you make a big pot of soup and freeze the rest for later for dinner on a whim, there's a way to make cooking easier (and more fun) with Ina's expert direction. Ahead, take a look at more than 15 ways people are embracing the make-ahead lifestyle and start enjoying the time-saving recipes for yourself.
A Judge Called a Rapist a "Good Man" While Sentencing Him For 11 Counts
One would imagine that a repeat history of sexually abusing and assaulting family members would disqualify a person from being considered "extraordinary" and "good." But Fourth District Judge Thomas Low used those exact words to describe the convicted rapist standing before him on Wednesday in Provo, UT.
According to The Salt Lake City Tribune, Low "became emotional as he handed down a prison sentence" to former Mormon Bishop Keith Robert Vallejo, who was convicted of 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape.
The judge stated: "The court has no doubt that Mr. Vallejo is an extraordinary, good man. But great men sometimes do bad things," reports The SLC Tribune. Vallejo's repeat abuse of two women (including his sister-in-law) is certainly extraordinary . . . in the disturbing, negative sense of the word.
Low's description of the convicted felon as "good" is a slap in the faces of his victims. That's why one of those victims, Julia Kirby, plans to file a judicial complaint against Judge Low.
"If he really, really cared about me or about the fact that this person was a criminal, he wouldn't have that kind of sympathy. It was shocking to me for that reason," Kirby said following Low's shocking courtroom comments.
Judge Low has faced criticism for his handling of the Vallejo case since before the inappropriate sentencing hearing commentary, particularly after allowing the former bishop to return home on bail to be with his wife and children, even after he was found guilty. Low's behavior regarding this specific case has resulted in a reported 40 emails, six voice mails, and multiple Facebook messages to the Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission.
What Guests Really Notice in Your Home
If the idea of getting your home company-ready is keeping you from hosting a dinner party or even your out-of-town in-laws, we can help. Sure, you could spend all day cleaning and decorating in anticipation, but who has the time? Here are the only things you really need to do before your guests arrive. Don't worry - they are nothing but easy.
- Additional reporting by Miranda Jones
The Scent of Your Home
Decor isn't the first thing guests notice when they walk through your door - it's the smell. Whether you're concerned about the fish you cooked the night before or your dog skipping a bath - or worse, the scents you've become noseblind to - put your mind at ease by lighting a candle or simmering a small pot of citrus peels and cinnamon sticks a half hour before guests arrive. We can't get enough of these yummy-smelling candles - all under $50.
A Well-Stocked Bar
After greeting guests, the first thing that you will want to do is offer them a drink. You don't need to be full service, but make sure you have the home bar basics covered.
Fresh Flowers
Flowers are the only decoration a house really ever needs, no matter the occasion (although we feel pretty strongly about candles too!). To get the most bang out of your buck, buy potted flowers like these orchids. They may look delicate, but with proper care, they will last for a month or longer.
The Lack of Clutter
Even if you don't have time to do a deep cleaning, you can still organize your clutter. Get a tray or a set of lidded boxes for each room and corral all the odds and ends - remotes, keys, mail - in one place. Guests will feel relaxed in a space that appears organized, even if it is just for show!
A Tidy Bathroom
Before guests arrive, make sure your bathroom has clean hand towels and enough toilet paper. Extra points for wiping down surfaces and lighting a candle!
An Organized Entryway
Not only is it the first place and last place that your guests will see, your entryway is also where they will be dropping their coats and bags. Depending on how much room you have, add a coat rack, umbrella stand, and a place to sit while taking shoes on or off.
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