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.
vendredi 11 août 2017
7 Eyebrow Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Immediately
I started waxing my eyebrows when I was about 12 years old. Thick, dark hair on my head means thick, dark hair on my arches - and in between them. To deal with the small forest that grew in the center of my forehead, I went to the salon for a quick fix. But about a year ago this method failed when a technician removed the tail of my brow (about one-third!). Horrified, I decided it was time to find a more precise method.
So I did my homework and discovered Sania Vucetaj, a celebrity brow specialist who only tweezes (no waxing or threading) in her NYC studio. Within months, my full arches have magically grown back - no Latisse needed. That's because Sania has a special formula for getting brows back to their naturally thick state. It's chemical-free and painless. Keep reading to find out her brilliant tricks to getting the best eyebrows of your life.
15 Simple Things Stylish Women Do Every Day
Contrary to popular belief, really chic women aren't superhuman - they're just well-prepared. If you don't see them running around with week-old coffee stains on their blouses or hobbling in painful heels, it's not because those things just don't happen to them. It's because they know how to deal.
In fact, they're dealing on a daily basis. Truth is, the fashionable friends you envy have some very helpful habits that make looking polished, confident, and cool a daily reality. It's not about a total wardrobe overhaul or dropping tons of cash on the season's biggest trends. Real style starts at home the moment you wake up. We've done the research - all you have to do is read on for the takeaways you can start practicing right now.
This New Supermodel Will Be as Big as Gigi Hadid Before You Know It
Delilah Belle Hamlin and Gigi Hadid both made appearances on The Real Housewives series (their moms, Lisa Rinna and Yolanda Hadid, star on the show). But the similarities between the two girls don't end there, nor with their gorgeous blond hair or affinity for sneakers. Delilah Belle has signed with IMG models, which is the same agency that represents the Hadids. This all means she's the newest model to watch, and she's even walked down the same runway as Gigi. But like Gigi, Delilah is a smart, California-bred woman who is, at her core, a hard worker. Delilah told Teen Vogue in a feature for the magazine:
"My mom didn't let me model until I was 17. She knew the culture and the industry because she's been in it for so long, and she didn't really want me to get in it too early. She wanted me to mature more and understand things more, and not be so naïve going into it. It is a difficult culture with body type and body image, and she wanted me to wait until I was older."
She also admitted it's her dream to cover Vogue. Read on to see why we don't think Delilah Belle's wish is far off and why we think she's got what it takes to make it in the fashion industry, regardless of her family's roots. Now, at 19, this stylish little lady is about to become an It supermodel.
How to Live Stylishly in a Studio Apartment
If there's one thing that gets a bad rap in design, it's the studio apartment. Often a rental with very little in the way of space, studios must do it all without room to spare. While it is a tall order, we found a place that does it just right. Tucked away in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, this studio is just as relaxing as it is energizing. Keeping rental restrictions and their client Jamie's laid-back style in mind, designers Lindsay Boswell and Ali Levin of LABLstudio created an urban oasis filled with ideas that anyone would sacrifice square footage for.
Mixing earthy and glamorous touches, this "hidden gem" evolved into a room suitable for sleeping, living, and entertaining. Getting creative with the space, Boswell and Levin incorporated unexpected pops of color using removable wallpaper and made sure every piece served a variety of purposes. The result proves that size isn't everything! Keep reading for a full studio tour and Lindsay and Ali's favorite tricks for decking out a small space.
I F*cking Hate Brushing My Teeth, So I Tried Unicorn Toothpaste to Spice Things Up
While I relish most of my nighttime beauty rituals (I consider removing eye makeup genuinely fun!), brushing my teeth just really pisses me off. Life is short, and two minutes is a long time to spend on one boring task. I believe the quote is, "Carpe diem, seize the day," not "Carpe diem, go brush your teeth." I always try and cheat my way out of the task, which, one night, prompted my exasperated roommate to sigh, "You are SUCH a child!"
But back when I was actually a child (by definition, not practice), toothpaste just seemed to taste better. That's because my mother was fooling us young 'uns with children's flavors such as Bubble Mint, Strawberry Splash, and Cookies and Cream. Now the closest thing I get to a flavor is "For Sensitive Teeth." Not exactly the most delicious-sounding name on the market. So maybe I didn't hate toothpaste, I had just fallen out of love with it. Maybe I just needed a frisky new flavor to spice things up.
I believe the quote is, "Carpe diem, seize the day," not "Carpe diem, go brush your teeth."
When I read the customer reviews for Oral Essentials Strawberry Kids' Toothpaste ($9), I threw up my hands and yelled, "FLAVA FLAVE," because I knew I'd found my flavor of love. First, it had a rainbow tube. Yup, Team Unicorn has infiltrated our hair color and eye makeup, and I will gladly surrender my mouth to the trend. Oral Essentials immediately became my "unicorn toothpaste," as its tub features the majestic creature, calling me over into the land of oral health and happiness.
But there were also the reviews. As one satisfied consumer wrote, "My 4 year-old used to protest [brushing her teeth], but now she jumps up and does it with excitement!!" If unicorn toothpaste was good enough for the choicest toddlers, it had me sold. But was I going to f*ck up my teeth?
I hit up NYC-based cosmetic dentist Dr. Gregg Lituchy of Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor, who greenlit my little experiment . . . sort of. According to Dr. Lituchy, "Adult toothpaste tends to have a higher percentage of fluoride than kids' toothpaste," since the chemical compound has been shown to be harmful for children. I could make up for the lack of fluoride by using floss and nonalcoholic mouthwash, and these products "have enough fluoride to prevent decay and cavities." Per Dr. Lituchy's insistence, and good common sense, I always follow up with floss and Act Total Care Mouthwash ($6), which I've used since before I can remember (it's probably my longest relationship to date).
Plus, without knowing it, I'd secretly picked a champion kids' toothpaste. There's a reason that lil' unicorn on the packaging looks so proud - Oral Essentials doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). "The harshness of this chemical has been proven to create microscopic damage to the oral tissue that lines the inside of your mouth, causing canker sores." I am very glad that Dr. Lituchy warned me of this ingredient, because I don't need my toothpaste to give me canker sores. I already get those from eating potato chips, thank you very much.
I decided to pair my toddlers' toothpaste with a sophisticated toothbrush, because that's what grown-ups do. The Boie Toothbrush ($12) just might be the sexiest oral health product on the market (almost to an unnecessary extent, but it is so extra that I'm into it). This adult brush seems like the mature ying to my childish yang of unicorn paste.
With rainbow-high hopes, I tried the toothpaste. When I first started brushing, I almost did a spit take, because the damn stuff tastes exactly like Jolly Ranchers. Like, prime Blue Raspberry Jolly Ranchers, not any of that Grape nonsense. I'll go so far as to say that I would seriously squeeze this sh*t over ice cream like it was hot fudge if I could.
On my very first night of this experiment, I brushed my teeth for two and a half minutes without even checking my timer once. I've been hooked since then, even becoming that annoyingly perfect person who brushes mornings and nights and touches up in-between. I even poured it into a portable holder for contacts so I could use it on a plane at 35,000 feet.
Since unicorn toothpaste has cured my decades-long grudge against brushing my teeth and sports the cutest packaging ever while doing so, I'd say this product is nothing short of a fantasy. It's also further proof that in the everlasting battle between mermaids and unicorns, my side has the upper hand - er, hoof. Your move, Team Mermaid.
15 Supercute Photos of Jim Parsons That Will Make You Shout, "Bazinga!"
Jim Parsons has been on our radar since his 2007 debut as Sheldon Cooper in the CBS hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory. His silly onscreen persona is the perfect match for his sweeter-than-pie personality off screen, and it's probably why he's one of the most relatable actors in Hollywood. Earlier this year, Jim, whose full name is James Joseph Parsons, married his boyfriend of 15 years, Todd Spiewak, and the two could not have looked more adorable. Read on to see 15 other times Jim was a total babe on Instagram.
Every Time Megan Fox's Bikini Body Made Your Jaw Drop
There's no question that Megan Fox is one of the sexiest stars in Hollywood. The actress, who married Brian Austin Green in 2010, is just as hot off screen as she is on, and these bikini pictures prove it. Keep scrolling to see the mom of three's best swimsuit moments from over the years.
We Might Have Unlocked the Secret of Jennifer Lawrence's New Horror Film, Mother!
This week, the full trailer for Mother! was released, leaving us more intrigued by Darren Aronofsky's mysterious new film than ever. While the trailer does hint at the dangers to come, and we do have plenty of extra details, it's safe to say we have more questions than answers at this point. I decided to take matters into my own hands. With just the posters and the trailer at my disposal, I embarked on a quest that no one really asked for to discern what exactly the movie is about. Surprisingly, I actually unearthed some fascinating stuff. Take my hand and descend into this confusing labyrinth, won't ye?
Hints From the Title
Let's start with the most basic analysis. Mother! must have some sort of matriarchal structure to it. We just have to figure out who the "mother" is. Is Jennifer Lawrence an aspiring mother who wants to bring new life into the world? If this is the case, then perhaps all the events revolve around her attempts to get pregnant. Given the slight resemblance between Lawrence and Michelle Pfeiffer, it's not too far a jump to wonder if Pfeiffer plays Lawrence's mother. This could be a good twist if Lawrence was abandoned as a child.
The final theory will bring us deeper into the film: maybe the "mother" is some kind of entity. Could this mysterious group of people be trying to summon some sort of goddess or creature? This would explain some of the more disturbing things that appear in the posters and the trailer.
Hints From the Posters
Before we were able to see any footage of Mother!, two arresting and unsettling posters were released. The first shows Jennifer Lawrence with a gaping wound in her own chest. In her hands, she holds her own heart. Her expression is almost completely blank, but there's almost a sort of wonder or tranquility laced into it. There are other strange things to note. On the left side, one flower seems to house an octagonal door knob. Once you watch the trailer, you'll notice this shape appears in many different ways (windows, wallpapers, etc.) throughout the house.
On the right side, things get even weirder. Near Lawrence's shoulder is some sort of roughly cut crystal. Further down, you'll notice a frog, which could mean any number of things. If you want to go Biblical, the frog would have to be associated with the plagues. A frog could also signify some sort of transformation, since the amphibians have their own metamorphosis after being born as tadpoles. Also, if you zoom in on Lawrence's eyes, you can actually see the reflection of another person (Bardem?).
The poster featuring Javier Bardem is even stranger. The chair he's sitting on is breaking apart. He's bathed in flames that have hidden faces in them. If you zoom in on the mirrored ball he's holding, you can just barely make out the image of a baby. This again, would reaffirm that maybe this whole thing is about Jennifer Lawrence trying to get pregnant.
Then, we get to my favorite part of the poster(s): the little object with the strange symbol on it. I'm inclined to call it a lighter, since the shape seems to fit. The lighter actually also appears on Lawrence's poster, deep down on the bottom right side. After some serious internet digging, I discovered that the symbol is actually some sort of ancient rune called a Wendehorn. Are you ready to put on that tinfoil hat and strap the f*ck in? Here's where sh*t gets crazy.
Diving Into the Wendehorn
Before we dive into everything, let me explain runes. Runes were basically a set of letters in an ancient alphabet. (Kind of like how Russian uses its own alphabet.) They were used for Germanic languages before the Latin alphabet was adopted. That's why we're looking toward German history to understand this symbol. Actually, and more specifically, this ancient rune can be traced back to Nazi Germany.
Occultism has been loosely associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. A book called Hitler's Elite explains how they used runes in some of their documentation. In this diagram, you might recognize the symbol we're looking for. It has been split in two: The "Leben-Rune" and the "Toten-Rune," or in English, the "life rune" and "death rune." I'm not suggesting Mother! involves Nazis in any way (hey, though, never say never). I'm saying that, if you use the runes as a jumping off point, you get somewhere pretty wild.
I discovered that, when you combine the life rune and death rune, it's called the Wendehorn. The nature of the symbol has been explored in plenty of different texts. The Wendehorn was thought to have been developed by an acclaimed occultist known as Guido Von List. It's said to be a "complex and yet austere symbol that symbolises the uniting and bonding of contrasts and disparities - 'life and death,' 'order and chaos,' . . . 'good and bad,' 'fire and ice,' 'mind and body,' 'light and dark.'"
Get this: the rune is also, according to List, associated with Freyja, the Norse goddess of "love, fertility, battle, and death." If we're thinking fertility, this brings us right back to Mother!, doesn't it? Perhaps this group of crazies is praying to Freyja to help Jennifer Lawrence bring a child into this world. Or, take it one step further - maybe they're trying to summon the goddess herself.
Hints From the Trailer
This brings us to the last piece of the puzzle: the trailer, which we have to pretty much take at face value for the time being. Here's what I know for certain: Lawrence and Bardem have built some kind of idyllic life in the countryside together. Lawrence has painstakingly put together the home of her dreams, and suddenly, two strangers show up: a man and his wife.
Bardem professes not to know them, but they have pictures of him. Then, more people show up. Lots and lots of people. Lawrence finds some f*cked up sh*t in the basement. A light bulb bleeds. Domhnall Gleeson inexplicably shows up. Kristen Wiig allegedly is in the cast, but she's nowhere to be seen. (Freyja, amiright?) By the end, it seems pretty clear that, in some kind of Rosemary's Baby twist, everyone is in on it except for Lawrence, and she's just trying to make it out of the whole thing in one piece.
That's all we have at this point. I do really think the Wendehorn might be the key to all of it. After all, in her new Vogue profile as part of the publication's September issue, Lawrence teased that "the themes are just huge." And what greater themes are there than life and death, light and dark, order and chaos? As a parting gift, consider this shot of the trailer. Could that be a half-painted Wendehorn? Maybe I'm just overthinking it. But, I mean, this is Darren Aronofsky. Anything goes.
The Best Beach Reads For a Summer Getaway
Looking for poolside page-turners you can dive into while you're away on vacation? With a mix of popular classics, romantic novels, thrillers, and modern fiction, we're highlighting a range of options you can tote along on your next vacation. Before you start packing, take a look at these must-have beach reads, plus some of the best books of 2017.
12 Stranger Things Halloween Costumes, Since You'll Be Seeing It Everywhere This Year
Stranger Things took the world by storm when it debuted on Netflix last Summer, and last Halloween it was a huger costume than anything else. With the second season coming back just before Halloween this year, you can bet you'll be seeing plenty of little Elevens and Barbs running around on Halloween. Whether you want to brush up on exactly what Will Byers was wearing the night he disappeared or you just want to gaze at yet another photo of Steve, we've got everything you need to nail a costume inspired by the show. If you need step-by-step DIY instructions, we can help with that too.
Which Is Which? 4 Ways to Tell Cole and Dylan Sprouse Apart
If you watched the Disney Channel as a kid in the '00s, you probably remember Cole and Dylan Sprouse from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. The brothers were born on Aug. 2, 1992, and are identical twins, but that still doesn't mean they are carbon copies of each other. In fact, Dylan is the older brother since he was born first. While it's certainly easier to tell them apart now thanks to Cole's dark hairdo, there was a time when it was almost impossible. Here are the easiest ways to tell the Sprouse twins apart.
The 10 Best Bottles For Breastfed Babies
Breastfed babies don't only take their milk from the breast. While lactation consultants suggest waiting at least three weeks before introducing a bottle, breastfeeding mamas often abide by their own schedules. Finding a bottle that truly mimics the motion, flow, and feeling of the breast is often the hardest part of making the switch. We've put countless bottles to the test, and narrowed our list down to nine.
Check out our picks for the most breast-like bottles on the market, and let us know which one you (or your children) prefer.
James Corden Re-creates "The Boy Is Mine" With John Boyega and Oh My God
Just when you thought James Corden couldn't possibly come up with another amazing idea for The Late Late Show (honestly, what could top Carpool Karaoke?), he goes and and taps into one of the '90s biggest anthems. Before there was Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood," Brandy and Monica battled it out on the iconic 1998 track "The Boy Is Mine." The late night host decided to put a fresh spin on things on Wednesday by changing the lyrics to "The Boyega Is Mine" and fighting over John Boyega with Transparent actor Jeffrey Tambor. There really are no words, so just take it all in right now.
5 Things We Know About John Green's Turtles All the Way Down, His First Book in 5 Years
John Green hasn't released a new novel since 2012's The Fault in Our Stars, but that's all about to change. The bestselling author - who also wrote YA novels Looking For Alaska and Paper Towns - has a new book in the works, titled Turtles All the Way Down. Green's return has been highly anticipated, and after announcing the news of his new book on Twitter and during his VidCon appearance in late June, a few choice details about it have started to trickle out (including the meaning behind that mysterious title and the release date!). Here's what we know so far.
The Plot
On his website, Green lays out the basics for the upcoming novel. It will follow 16-year-old Aza, who's struggling "to be a good daughter, a good friend, and a good student" all while also trying to solve one of the greatest mysteries of her time. With the help of "her Best and Most Fearless Friend Daisy," Aza sets out to uncover what happened to fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett (and possibly collect a $100,000 reward in the process). Aza and Daisy's journey to Russell Pickett's son, Davis, will be an emotional and illuminating one, as Aza also attempts to deal with her own mental illness.
The Real-Life Inspiration
During Green's Ask Me Anything session on Reddit in 2015, the 39-year-old author opened up about his experience with obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. "I've known that I have this mental illness for a long time, and I've had a lot of therapy and learned a lot of strategies for dealing with my illness," he wrote. "I know the benefits of exercise and meditation and medication and CBT strategies and etc."
In a statement from publisher Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, Green revealed that Turtles All the Way Down was written as a way for him to work through his own struggles with mental illness. "This is my first attempt to write directly about the kind of mental illness that has affected my life since childhood, so while the story is fictional, it is also quite personal," he said.
The Title's Meaning
"Turtles all the way down" is actually a popular expression in cosmology that comes from an anecdote explaining "the unmoved mover" paradox. It posits that Earth is actually flat and is riding on the back of "a World Turtle," which itself is on the back of another turtle, and so on. The end of the anecdote concludes that it's "turtles all the way down." Apparently Aza will be a fan of The Big Bang Theory.
The Book Cover
The cover of my new book, Turtles All The Way Down, out October 10th 2017. https://t.co/hT1gAV371H #TurtlesAllTheWayDown http://pic.twitter.com/PyoJHxicld
- John Green (@johngreen) August 10, 2017
The Release Date
It's set to hit bookshelves on Oct. 10.
The Best Beach Reads For a Summer Getaway
Looking for poolside page-turners you can dive into while you're away on vacation? With a mix of popular classics, romantic novels, thrillers, and modern fiction, we're highlighting a range of options you can tote along on your next vacation. Before you start packing, take a look at these must-have beach reads, plus some of the best books of 2017.
Giada De Laurentiis's 20 Most Popular Pasta Recipes You Need in Your Life
Fact: Giada De Laurentiis is queen of pasta. If you need proof, look no further than her 20 most popular pasta recipes on Food Network, from classic lasagna to lemon spaghetti. If your idea of a good meal involves plenty of carbs and cheese, these are the trusted recipes you'll want to bookmark. As impossible as it seems to narrow down Giada's best recipes, these are hands down the 20 most popular, according to Food Network viewers.
Wedding Music Ideas: 100 Songs For Your First Dance
There are plenty of details to consider when planning a wedding, not the least of which is the music. The first dance is often the first song decision many couples make, because it's the centerpiece of the reception, with the newlyweds dancing for the first time with all eyes on them. If you're on the hunt for the perfect tune for the first dance, we're here to help. From rock to classic to pop, here are 100 song suggestions sweet enough for a first dance. Need more advice? Here are all of our wedding music ideas!
20 Songs You Didn't Know Came From Sia
As Sia becomes more and more of a household name, we've been thinking about how else she's impacted the music world. There's "Chandelier," of course, which was memorably covered on The Voice. And let's not forget "Elastic Heart," which caused a stir with its music video. What you might not have known, though, is Sia wrote Beyoncé's "Pretty Hurts", plus songs for Maroon 5, Britney Spears, and more. Wondering what else has come from Sia? We've collected 20 songs that have been written, cowritten, and sometimes even performed by the Australian artist. Keep reading, and prepare for a few surprises.
Who's Still on Arya's Kill List on Game of Thrones?
Arya Stark is back in Westeros on Game of Thrones, and she's in full revenge mode. Now that she's picked up a few tricks from the time she spent at the House of Black and White, she's using them to avenge her family. After exacting revenge on the Freys for the Red Wedding, Arya is merrily on her way to kill the queen - well, after she stops over at Winterfell right quick. When she finally reunites with her family, she also mentions the kill list - which Sansa initially laughs at, but then realizes it's a legit thing when Three-Eyed-Raven Bran mentions it too.
Arya's Kill List, if you don't remember, is the list of people she started reciting a few seasons ago after losing almost her entire family at the hands of various villains. There were 11 names on the list originally, which the fiercest Stark girl has not forgotten (except to eliminate one). If you've forgotten who's on it and what they did, we're reminding you of that and whether they're still alive (fun fact: the list is slightly different in the book than on the TV show).
The Trailer For Leatherface Is Grisly, Unsettling, and Totally Awesome
Back in 1974, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre introduced us to one of the most violent and horrifying villains ever. Now, more than 40 years later, there's no question as to why it's one of the best horror movies of all time. There's also no question as to why there have been half a dozen different iterations of the story over the years: this killer is just that iconic. This year, yet another chapter is being layered into the Texas Chain Saw mythology. In Leatherface, we're going to learn all about the beginnings of a monster when the movie hits theaters Oct. 20. And, well, if the first full-length trailer is any indication, things are going to get dicey. Pun intended.
Look Back at Last Year's Hottest Swimsuit Moments
There were tons of celebrities who slipped into sexy swimsuits last year. Now that Summer is finally here, we're looking back at some of the hottest moments, including Jessica Simpson's Mexican getaway with her family and Hilary Duff's Hawaiian trip. And let's not forget Ashley Graham's birthday trip to Cancun. Read on to see them all.
Wedding Music Ideas: 100 Songs For Your First Dance
There are plenty of details to consider when planning a wedding, not the least of which is the music. The first dance is often the first song decision many couples make, because it's the centerpiece of the reception, with the newlyweds dancing for the first time with all eyes on them. If you're on the hunt for the perfect tune for the first dance, we're here to help. From rock to classic to pop, here are 100 song suggestions sweet enough for a first dance. Need more advice? Here are all of our wedding music ideas!
Kylie Jenner's 20th Birthday Party Included an Ice Sculpture of Her Famous Butt
Kylie Jenner was surrounded by her best girls when she rang in her 20th birthday in LA on Wednesday night. After her boyfriend Travis Scott's concert with Kendrick Lamar, the beauty mogul attended a surprise bash in her honor with her famous family. While Kourtney Kardashian was noticeably absent from the party, Khloé Kardashian brought along her beau Tristan Thompson for the festivities. Aside from posing with her sisters for a photo, Kylie couldn't help but document all the crazy decorations on social media, including an ice sculpture of her infamous booty.
20 Songs You Didn't Know Came From Sia
As Sia becomes more and more of a household name, we've been thinking about how else she's impacted the music world. There's "Chandelier," of course, which was memorably covered on The Voice. And let's not forget "Elastic Heart," which caused a stir with its music video. What you might not have known, though, is Sia wrote Beyoncé's "Pretty Hurts", plus songs for Maroon 5, Britney Spears, and more. Wondering what else has come from Sia? We've collected 20 songs that have been written, cowritten, and sometimes even performed by the Australian artist. Keep reading, and prepare for a few surprises.
16 Brilliant Hacks That'll Get You the Best Brownies of Your Life
If you feel as though every time you make brownies, they're not quite perfect (too dry or not flavorful enough), allow these hacks to step into your kitchen. No matter your preference (crispy edges? Gooey center?), there's a tip that guarantees perfectly baked brownies every time, and you just might end up swapping your go-to recipe for one of these new ones. Keep reading to learn 16 ways to make the best brownies you've ever had.
Who's Still on Arya's Kill List on Game of Thrones?
Arya Stark is back in Westeros on Game of Thrones, and she's in full revenge mode. Now that she's picked up a few tricks from the time she spent at the House of Black and White, she's using them to avenge her family. After exacting revenge on the Freys for the Red Wedding, Arya is merrily on her way to kill the queen - well, after she stops over at Winterfell right quick. When she finally reunites with her family, she also mentions the kill list - which Sansa initially laughs at, but then realizes it's a legit thing when Three-Eyed-Raven Bran mentions it too.
Arya's Kill List, if you don't remember, is the list of people she started reciting a few seasons ago after losing almost her entire family at the hands of various villains. There were 11 names on the list originally, which the fiercest Stark girl has not forgotten (except to eliminate one). If you've forgotten who's on it and what they did, we're reminding you of that and whether they're still alive (fun fact: the list is slightly different in the book than on the TV show).
Once Upon a Time: Regina Reunites With Henry in New Photos, but There's a Catch
Once Upon a Time is undergoing a major reboot next season, but that doesn't mean it will be completely unrecognizable to fans. Even though some of our favorite characters won't be returning as regulars (don't worry, some are already slated for cameos), the show is still staying true to its main theme: hope. And that's not the only similarity it will have with past seasons.
As a new book is opened and new stories are told, Regina, Rumple, and Hook will face yet another curse as they are transported to Hyperion Heights in Seattle, WA. While the Comic-Con trailer dropped a few breadcrumbs about what's to come, we finally have a handful of season-seven photos to piece everything together.
We got the first look at Hook's new identity, Officer Rogers, in the season-seven trailer, and now we finally have the first look at Regina, or should we say, Roni? That's right, the former mayor of Storybrooke is now a jeans-wearing bar owner. "She's no longer in charge," actress Lana Parrilla revealed. "We've always seen Regina in charge, and then she redeemed herself, but this Regina is something else." Not only is Roni a little rough around the edges, but she also won't recognize Henry as her son, similar to when Emma unknowingly befriended her mom in season one. Can you hear our Regal Believer hearts breaking?
Don't worry though, Regina (and Hook) will have a reunion with adult Henry via flashbacks. As for Rumple, the creators are keeping a tight-lip on his cursed persona, but fans are theorizing he's playing a a bad detective named Crocker. We'll have to wait until Oct. 6 to know for sure, but until then, enjoy these season-seven photos.
I Didn't Eat Breakfast For 3 Months and This Is What Happened
My weight-loss journey has been a long one, with many mistakes along the way, including spooning peanut butter from the jar and eating too much during half-marathon training. Even after years of religiously exercising and eating right and not reaching my weight-loss goals, I thought signing up for CrossFit would be the answer. But after six months of burpees and barbells, my body hadn't transformed the way I thought it would. "Give it nine months," my fellow CrossFitters kept saying, but by the end of my eighth month, I still had the baby fat on my belly I was trying so hard to get rid of (and my baby was almost five years old!). I was beyond frustrated.
Before
So after a ton of research, I decided to try intermittent fasting (IF), specifically the 16/8 plan, where I'd fast for 16 hours and eat for eight. I'd stop eating around 7 or 8 at night, then wouldn't eat again until 11 a.m. or noon the next day, so essentially I'd skip breakfast. The photo above was taken March 1, 2017, six days after I started intermittent fasting and eight months after starting CrossFit.
After
This photo was taken May 20, 2017, just over 12 weeks after starting intermittent fasting. I was actually really surprised, getting dressed to go to my Saturday morning CrossFit class, I caught a glimpse of my belly in the mirror. I took a pic so I could compare it to three months ago and couldn't believe that the change was so visible. And I was also in disbelief because I've been weighing myself every few days since I started and because I was keeping up with CrossFit classes four to five times a week, I actually gained a few pounds, which I can see now is muscle weight!
During my first month of IF, I didn't talk to anyone about it, because skipping meals, especially breakfast, is so taboo. Experts constantly talk about how not eating in the morning will slow down your metabolism, but after reading so extensively about intermittent fasting and the success other people had and the success I had experienced in the first month, I felt compelled to keep going and to talk to more people about it.
I discovered a few people I knew who also did intermittent fasting, and I even inspired a couple friends to try it themselves. It still feels a little weird that I finally found success in transforming my body in a way that's looked down upon by so many experts. But speaking from personal experience, it's the only thing that's worked for me.
There are two main reasons I found so much success. One, IF allowed me to enjoy larger, more satisfying meals and gave me the freedom to eat what I wanted and not be as calorie-restrictive as I was with my previous daily eating schedule of three meals and two snacks.
But most importantly, reason number two, it helped me get a handle on my obsession over food and weight loss and my sugar cravings. Before IF, I never felt hunger because I was eating every two to three hours, like I was taught to. But eating that often just made me want to eat all frickin' day. I was always reaching for food, even if I wasn't hungry. Intermittent fasting taught me that it's OK to feel hungry before meals, but what's interesting is that I feel less hungry eating less often and surprisingly don't crave sweets as much. I'm more conscious about when I'm actually feeling hunger, and realized that most of the time, I was just thirsty, and drinking water is what I needed. And when I do eat, I'm more in tune with my body, recognizing when I'm full, and stopping before I overeat, instead of just finishing the food because it's piled on my plate.
I also feel freedom from thinking about food. I'm not meticulously counting calories or spending hours planning out meals, food shopping, prepping meals, and cooking. I eat two big, satisfying meals a day and I'm done. It's been liberating and so good for me mentally to not be so tied to food.
Many people ask if I'm going to stick with this "not eating breakfast thing." I'm not gonna lie - some days are so tough and I get home from CrossFit and want to eat everything in my kitchen breakfast with my family at 7 a.m. But then I look at these before-and-after photos and I see that it's working. It totally inspires me to keep going, since my body isn't quite where I want it to be yet. Aside from changing my body composition, I've become a huge fan of intermittent fasting for the other benefits, such as less bloating and a clearer, more focused mind - I can't wait to see what the next three months bring.
For Newbies and Veteran Yogis Alike: 50 Essential Yoga Poses
You've been thinking about starting yoga, but who can blame you for being intimidated? Especially after seeing pictures of people balancing on their hands or sitting with their legs behind their heads. We're here to ease your anxiety. This is a list of the most basic poses found in any yoga class or DVD. While some poses are more challenging than others, most won't leave you knotted up like a pretzel. Becoming familiar with these essential yoga poses will boost your confidence, but even if you're a seasoned yogi, you'll appreciate having all your favorite yoga poses all in one spot.
Why This Dietitian Says There's No Food She Wouldn't Eat
Stop calling certain foods "bad." Yes, there are certain foods that are less nutritious, but labeling foods as "bad" or "good" can be psychologically damaging - and oftentimes, it's simply inaccurate.
Registered dietitian Lisa Eberly agrees. In fact, there's no food group in particular that she'd shy away from (unless you count trans fats as a food group, but alas, they are not). "The idea of calling any food 'bad' vilifies it, making it sound like it's evil and going to kill you," she told POPSUGAR. "There are foods that are unhealthier than others or that have fewer nutrients or are more calorically dense (more calories per gram of food), but that just means they should be consumed less often."
The exception to this rule is allergies or negative physical reactions. "If you have a specific reaction to certain foods, then sure, that is a 'bad' food for you, but otherwise there are just 'unhealthy' foods."
There's no one group of food Lisa shies away from - she lives a life of balance and recommends the same to her clients. "I am a big believer in moderation and living life to the fullest," she said, "so I don't completely restrict foods 100 percent of the time."
"Vilifying an entire food group . . . will lead to nutritional deficiencies and is never recommended by accredited nutrition professionals."
She also warned that "vilifying an entire food group (like protein, carbs, fat) will lead to nutritional deficiencies and is never recommended by accredited nutrition professionals." And not only will you physically suffer, but you can create a damaging mental cycle with food that can be difficult to break.
"As a dietitian, I have clients who talk to me daily about their relationships with food, which includes the effects of not only 'vilifying' foods, but reading about vilified foods," she said. "People have been driven to starvation, depression, anxiety, debt, and eating disorders because of what media tells us about foods, and it's clear why: every day there's a new 'evil' food to cut out, and what are we left with? Kale and avocado toast? What happens when those become vilified because kale isn't organic enough and the avocado toast isn't locally sourced?"
Lisa urges you to stop being afraid of food groups. "People are spending too much time being scared of their food or being shamed for their food to enjoy eating it," she said. "Everyone wants to blame a food for their problems, but this attack on a new food every week leads to obsession and guilt and countless other damaging psychological effects."
Need more convincing that it's OK to just eat? Let's look at the most commonly targeted food groups: fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. Lisa had lots to say about each group, starting with fats. Spoiler: it's not bad for you. Fat doesn't make you fat.
The Skinny on Fat
"Fat comes in countless forms and chemical structures that all have varying impacts on your health," she said. "For instance, a naturally occurring omega-3 fat molecule in a piece of wild salmon is a completely different thing than a fat molecule in a trans fat (trans fats are created in a lab or factory and were invented to replace whale blubber in street lamps so they'd burn longer. Read: they were not meant for human consumption)."
But what about saturated fat? That tends to get a bad rap, too. Lisa will still eat it . . . in moderation. And with specific guardrails. "Saturated fat from a grass-fed cow is very different than that from a non-grass-fed cow, because it contains beneficial fatty acids thanks to the fiber in the grass and the cow's four-chambered stomach, such as butyric acid." That was a lot of science, but stay with us - the summary is that grass-fed dairy products (like butter and milk) are more nutritious than the alternative.
"Unsaturated fats have similar differences," she said, "And a cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil is a different beast than canola oil, thanks to EVOO's anti-inflammatory properties." So not all fats are created equal, meaning you can't just say "fat is bad for you." You have to think more critically and identify the source.
One consideration is weight loss - if you're trying to lose weight, you can (and should) still eat fat, but less of it. "Overall, fat is more calorically dense than all other food groups, so if calories are your target, it's still best to reduce fat. However, fat provides valuable long-term energy for the body and many fatty acids are necessary to consume because we can't make them on our own (hence the term 'essential' fatty acids)."
Fats to keep eating: omega-3 fats, grass-fed saturated fat, and certain unsaturated fats
Fats to avoid: trans fats, saturated fat from non-grass-fed cows, and pro-inflammatory vegetable oils
The Truth About Sugar
"Sugar is found in highly processed foods like candy but is also naturally occurring in fruit," Lisa said. "The sugar in fruit is still sugar, but when eaten with the fiber in the fruit, it is a healthier option." Hence: you need to eat the whole fruit, not just juice. She was very adamant about this. "Juicing is not as healthy as eating the fruit itself - you're just drinking the sugar without the fiber."
So again, like fat, Lisa eats sugar and says that you can, too. "Sugar from processed food or added sugars really should be avoided and consumed only in moderation, but again, is not evil or 'bad' . . . it's just not as nutritious."
To Carb or Not to Carb?
Lisa has a very pro-carb stance and has science to back it up. "Carbs have been vilified a lot recently, which makes no sense, because carbs are awesome."
But again, it's about the right kind of carbs - you can't paint this food group with a broad brush. "Simple white carbs that have been processed are essentially sugar, so moderation is key," she said. "They're not evil, but they also don't provide much value in terms of fullness or nutrients."
"People have been driven to starvation, depression, anxiety, debt, and eating disorders because of what media tells us about foods, and it's clear why: every day there's a new 'evil' food to cut out."
A more nutritive option? "Complex carbs like whole grains are so good for you and should be consumed daily, at every meal," she said. "These complex carbs provide an immense amount of soluble fiber to manage weight, keep you full, and keep you regular. They provide a boatload of amazing nutrients, and avoiding them completely puts you at risk for developing nutrient deficiencies."
Should You Eliminate Food Groups?
Unless you're suffering from food allergies, probably not. "Elimination diets can be an amazing tool if you're suffering from unexplained symptoms of food allergies or intolerances like stomachaches, headaches, or extreme fatigue," she said. It's imperative that "you are doing it with the guidance and support of a registered dietitian. . . . Elimination diets are most effective when being monitored by a professional, and they can be harmful when you're doing it on your own."
No allergies? No intolerances? "Ask yourself why you're eliminating food. Experimentation? Sure, could be fun. To lose weight or find a food to blame for your weight? You may be disappointed."
If the latter is resonating with you, Lisa has a challenge that both she and her clients love: "Pick one night this week to go to a delicious, amazing restaurant either by yourself or with friends, family, or SO who are on board, and order anything," she said. "Order more than just one thing you want! Order dessert! An appetizer! Two entrees! And eat it, slowly, with intention, thinking about how delicious it is. Anytime a guilty, shaming, or negative thought pops into your head, put your fork down, take a sip of water, and breathe until you come back to the joy."
Sounds amazing, right? Lisa knows that you will love it and ensures that "everything will be OK afterward!" She tried this herself (citing an evening in Los Angeles with many plates of pasta) "and I looked and felt the same the next day."
Ingenious Designer Decorating Secrets That Won't Break the Bank
Interior designers are masters at solving decorating dilemmas, coming up with solutions that address aesthetics and function all within a specified budget. Decorist, an online interior design service, offers virtual creative direction at a fraction of what a traditional designer typically charges, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers who don't mind taking care of installation.
When we caught wind that Decorist was joining forces with ATGstores.com and Porch to pull off a virtually designed house in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood, we were anxious to see the results. Even bigger than the seemingly lofty hurdle of designing an entire home virtually, was the two-week time frame in which it was all executed. With Decorist's top Seattle-based, nationally recognized designers on the job, we jumped at the chance to ask them about their go-to tips for adding major style at minimal expense.
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40 Snaps That Prove Ian and Nikki Are Over the Moon in Love
It's easy to tell that Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed have one incredible bond. The couple, who welcomed a baby girl in July, famously tied the knot less than four months after getting engaged in April 2015, and have been living it up ever since! If their rush to the altar wasn't indication enough, it's pretty clear from their adorable outings and their sweet social posts that these two are head over heels. Start reading to see their best moments together.
Diplo Asked Rihanna What She Thought of His Music, and Her Response Is Legendary
There are some moments when I think to myself, "There is no possible way that I can ever love Rihanna more than I do right now." And then, of course, the "Wild Thoughts" singer immediately proves me wrong. Shortly after recovering from my brief stint in the ER (because, you know, my jaw broke from hitting the floor too hard after seeing her Crop Over Festival photos), I stumbled across Diplo's recent profile in GQ, where he graciously relayed a legendary anecdote about Rihanna. He said "she's like the one artist that" Major Lazer can never get to agree to be on their songs. Then, he explained why while recounting a time when she casually ripped his career to shreds:
"I think before we're all done, she'll be on a song of ours. Hopefully. But if not, I don't really care. I played her 'Lean On.' She was like, 'I don't do house music.' I face-palmed so hard on that one. Another time I had a session with her, and Future was also invited. The Weeknd was there. Metro Boomin was there before anybody knew who he was. I was so contact high. Future played her, like, 700 songs. It was four in the morning. Finally, I was like, 'Yo, G, I'm leaving unless you let me play her a song.' So I played her a song. And she was like, 'This sounds like a reggae song at an airport.' [laughs] I was like, 'I'm gonna go kill myself.'"
Wow. She truly never disappoints.
18 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Quotes You've Used at the Office
Getting through a hectic workday can sometimes feel like a battle with the undead. No one understands that struggle better than Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 2017 marks 20 years since the series premiered, yet the sci-fi drama still has an active legion of fans who will forever love the show. We're taking a look back at some of Buffy's most memorable quotes that you may or may not have used at your workplace. Read them here, then be sure to check out all the reasons Buffy is still your role model.
The Trailer For Leatherface Is Grisly, Unsettling, and Totally Awesome
Back in 1974, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre introduced us to one of the most violent and horrifying villains ever. Now, more than 40 years later, there's no question as to why it's one of the best horror movies of all time. There's also no question as to why there have been half a dozen different iterations of the story over the years: this killer is just that iconic. This year, yet another chapter is being layered into the Texas Chain Saw mythology. In Leatherface, we're going to learn all about the beginnings of a monster when the movie hits theaters Oct. 20. And, well, if the first full-length trailer is any indication, things are going to get dicey. Pun intended.
The 10 Commandments of Rental Decor
If there are rules that you as a renter must follow, make it these 10 commandments. Because, while paying your rent on time is important, so too is making sure your place is personalized and stylish. Working within the boundaries of your landlord, it's little things like a new light fixture that will make an impact without costing a lot of time or money. And, the best part about this entire list is that you'll leave with your security deposit intact once it's time to move up and on.
11 Stars Who Became Fathers This Year
With a new year comes a new batch of celebrity dads. George Clooney welcomed twins Alexander and Ella with wife Amal in June, while Steven Yeun, Bradley Cooper, Ian Somerhalder, and Jordan Peele all expanded their families as well. Let's take a moment to honor all the new famous dads of 2017.
Once Upon a Time: Regina Reunites With Henry in New Photos, but There's a Catch
Once Upon a Time is undergoing a major reboot next season, but that doesn't mean it will be completely unrecognizable to fans. Even though some of our favorite characters won't be returning as regulars (don't worry, some are already slated for cameos), the show is still staying true to its main theme: hope. And that's not the only similarity it will have with past seasons.
As a new book is opened and new stories are told, Regina, Rumple, and Hook will face yet another curse as they are transported to Hyperion Heights in Seattle, WA. While the Comic-Con trailer dropped a few breadcrumbs about what's to come, we finally have a handful of season-seven photos to piece everything together.
We got the first look at Hook's new identity, Officer Rogers, in the season-seven trailer, and now we finally have the first look at Regina, or should we say, Roni? That's right, the former mayor of Storybrooke is now a jeans-wearing bar owner. "She's no longer in charge," actress Lana Parrilla revealed. "We've always seen Regina in charge, and then she redeemed herself, but this Regina is something else." Not only is Roni a little rough around the edges, but she also won't recognize Henry as her son, similar to when Emma unknowingly befriended her mom in season one. Can you hear our Regal Believer hearts breaking?
Don't worry though, Regina (and Hook) will have a reunion with adult Henry via flashbacks. As for Rumple, the creators are keeping a tight-lip on his cursed persona, but fans are theorizing he's playing a a bad detective named Crocker. We'll have to wait until Oct. 6 to know for sure, but until then, enjoy these season-seven photos.
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady's Hands-Down Cutest Family Moments
There are plenty of seriously cute celebrity families, but Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen are up there toward the top of the list. With three adorable kids - Jack, Benjamin, and Vivian - between them and lots of adventures under their belt, they have so many shareable moments. Gisele's Instagram account is full of adorable pictures of her family, and while many of them feature photos taken from behind, à la Beyoncé, they're no less post-worthy. Read through to see the all-star family's cutest social snaps, then check out these other famous moms you should be following on Instagram.
Snack Your Way to a Happy Belly With Probiotic Gummies
Improve your gut health with these probiotic gummies. They're simple to make. But be sure the mixture has cooled before adding the probiotic powder into the mix. Be sure to check out our energizing power gummies, too!
The Ultimate Fall Dinner Party Menu
If you're hosting a dinner party this Fall, consider the menu done. Fitting for an elegant, rustic affair, this menu is filled with seasonal flavors guaranteed to impress. Start with a gingersnap cocktail, and end with an epic dessert of apple crisp baked apples. In between those crowd-pleasers, expect to find a little bit of everything, including hoisin braised short ribs. You can do no wrong with this menu. Click through and consider your "hostess with the mostess" status complete.
Embracing My Scars as a Transgender Man
Aron A. Moe Macarow is a writer, web developer, and public speaker.
Before I had top surgery, I always assumed that I'd parade my newly flat, masculine chest around outside at every opportunity. But that wasn't quite how it happened. Although I was out as transgender, I had little experience being seen as trans in the way that I forever would be after surgery. While I was less noticeable as a trans man in many respects, going shirtless presented new vulnerabilities that took time to fully appreciate. I was proud of my chest. But my scars? They were another matter entirely.
The first time I took off my shirt in public and had someone ask me about my chest scars, I was on a group trip in Israel with my partner. It was a warm Spring night, and six of us were on a beach at a kibbutz in the Galilee. The company was mixed; not mixed as in men and women (although that was true as well), but the more significant kind of "mixed." I was the only transgender person present.
"If it's not too personal, can I ask what your scars are from?" a guy on our trip politely asked partway through our conversation. He didn't know that I'd transitioned yet. Neither did most of the other couples on our bus.
"Double lung transplant," I deadpanned. My answer might have been a mildly panicked attempt at humor; I'm still not sure. It was definitely all that came to mind.
Before we flew out of Los Angeles to Tel Aviv, I had meant to think through an answer to that question. During an 11-day tour with 38 other people, I knew my scars would invariably come up. But I'd put it off. While thrilled to finally have my top surgery - I would be able to float shirtless in the Dead Sea! I wouldn't have to wear a chest binder while hiking in Petra's sweltering heat! - I also dreaded the questions that my surgical scars would birth. And even though nearly eight and a half months had passed since my procedure, I'd somehow managed to avoid planning for those inevitable conversations.
I was ecstatic with my results, but taking pride in them was something else. That pride seemed like a public comfort that was out of reach. Instead, I simply felt exposed - and nervous.
This might come as a surprise to those who know me, and why wouldn't it? I've written and spoken openly about my experience as a transgender man, and I'm out as queer and trans in most areas of my life. I was even fairly open about my journey toward top surgery itself. Even the moniker I assigned my fundraising campaign, "Operation Hipster Tank Top," came from the sleeveless shirts that I had always ogled but could never wear without a telltale binder showing.
Still, it was one thing to be happy with my new chest privately and entirely another to have my scars in full view. Those 19 inches split into two red lines shouted to any passerby that I was once seen in the world as a woman. Scars tell stories, and that visceral reminder wasn't one I was ready to share yet.
That's starting to change.
Looking in the mirror today, about two years after that first question about my scars and almost three years after the surgery, I still see both incisions that clearly mark me as transgender, although they've since faded to a soft pink. But as they've softened, they've also seeped inward, developing a significance I couldn't have predicted before surgery. I'm beginning to grow proud of my scars.
In the United States, the average top surgery can range anywhere from $3,500 to $9,000, and some well-known surgeons command even higher rates. Because these gender-affirming surgeries are frequently not covered by medical insurance, this can leave transgender people to cover the large sum themselves. I was one of those people, with the total bill from my surgery exceeding $14,000.
How does a 20-something afford a surgery like this without the help of insurance? It often takes a village, and that's what I encounter every time I look at my scars - the love of my community. I imagine the signatures from all 58 backers of my fundraising campaign, like tattoos on my skin. I see the support of my partner and my family. I acknowledge the skill of plastic surgeons who have devoted their careers to making a small population's lives immeasurably better. I recall the years of multiple jobs that I took to save up the first $10,000 of the payment.
Instead of looking past my scars to the chest that I want, I choose to confront them directly now. And through them, I've found a portal that reminds me of some of the best of what the LGBTQ community and our allies are capable of when we all band together.
Scars tell stories, and to my surprise, mine have begun to say more than I expected. I just had to learn how to listen.
7 Important Exercises You're Probably Neglecting
Ankles are often neglected when it comes to your strength-training routine, but they shouldn't be. Strong, flexible ankles are an important foundation, helping prevent injury whether you're running back and forth on the tennis court or running to catch the bus. The good news is just a few minutes a day can help keep the sprains away. If it's been a while since you gave those joints any extra attention, read on for an ankle-strengthening exercise for each day of the week.
You've Probably Never Seen a Baby Born Inside Its Amniotic Sac Before - and It's Breathtaking
When a baby is born, it's often described as "the miracle of life." But it's fair to say that some births are a little more miraculous than others.
Photographer Leilani Rogers captured one such moment when she was shooting a home birth for a woman having twins. As she was snapping away, she didn't even notice that one of them came out "en caul," which meant it was born entirely inside its amniotic sac.
"There was a good size birth team, it was dark, the room was small, but I didn't hesitate or take any time to worry about all that. I just went to work . . . and didn't realize what I'd captured until after the birth," Rogers, who is based in Austin, TX, told POPSUGAR of the once-in-a-lifetime experience. "There was no time to see the amniotic sac with my own eyes."
Still, she managed to unknowingly capture two remarkable photos of the second twin, still in the sac, which the midwife typically breaks shortly after birth. ("In this case, she had to tear it with her hands, it was so strong," Rogers recalled.)
If you'd never known such a scenario could exist, you aren't alone. They occur in fewer than one in 80,000 births. Normally, during delivery, the amniotic sac breaks and fluid rushes out - typically known as when one's water breaks. But in these rare instances, the sac, also known as the caul, can balloon out while remaining attached to the infant - usually around its head and face - or in this instance, the entire body.
Typically harmless and most often occurring in premature births, en-caul deliveries have historically been seen as good luck.
Read on to see this en-caul birth at each breathtaking stage.
The Obama Girls Have Grown Up Before Our Eyes
Barack and Michelle Obama's little girls, Malia and Sasha, aren't so little anymore! As the nation's most public mom when she was first lady, Michelle always tried to connect with other Americans raising their kids. Malia was just 10 when Barack was elected, and Sasha was 7. "My life is no different from any other working mother. Mine is just more public," former First Lady Michelle Obama told us back in 2012, adding, "Some of us have more resources than others, but the pain, the challenges, the fears of motherhood, the frustrations of being a woman, the hopes and dreams that you have for your daughters, and all our daughters are the same." As the former first family adjusts to private life, let's take a look at the Obama girls' family photo album.
What You Need to Know For an Amazing Amsterdam Adventure
Simply put, Amsterdam is a stunner. No, scratch that thought. It's a dream destination. After just one visit, you'll forever have the image of houseboats bobbing sketched in your mind and the sound of bike bells ringing in your ears. Even a year later, I can still here that vivacious hum: cling, cling! And to think this city's artistic heritage and modern urban flair is beautifully woven together through horseshoe-shaped canals.
Whether you're looking for your next family vacation, romantic getaway, or solo adventure, trust me when I say this pocket of the Netherlands is the place to go. You'll meet friendly locals and chow down on great food. You'll marvel at the city's charm and revel in the rich culture. And chances are, you'll seek out reasons to extend your stay. (Hint: they won't be hard to find.) So go ahead and pack your bags, because we've got your itinerary covered, tackling everything from accommodations, eateries, and activities. It's all right here. All you have to do is book the flight!
Why This Woman Wants You to Rethink Those "Begging" Gym Selfies ASAP
As Clare works both physically and mentally to love her body, she knows that she has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of and wants the world to see it. However, this 25-year-old also realizes that the conversation around "body positive exercise" needs to change.
This strong woman isn't afraid to show off her physique after a workout, but she wants others to reevaluate why they feel the need to create displays of body confidence at the gym. "Don't get me wrong, seeing women with bodies like mine – proud and sweaty and capable and strong – has been a profound (if not essential) component of my own journey through recovery," she wrote on Instagram with a photo that's been "liked" over 3,900 times.
However, when Clare stops to think about the gym selfies she's posted, it makes her see things differently. "I start to question the extent to which most of them are still stuck on 'performing' the act of 'health and fitness – putting my acts of physical activity on display as if I owe the world some sort of public record of my 'commitment to movement' in order to be considered valid," she wrote. "What this really is then is little more than an act of begging."
Clare knows that lifting up her shirt and showing the world her "unconventional body" is still active and healthy helps to demolish the stereotype that "fat bodies are lazy and undisciplined," however she wants to draw attention the other side to these photos. "In many ways, this action still REINFORCES the normative expectation that fat bodies NEED TO CONSTANTLY BE PROVING WHY THE WORLD SHOULD 'TOLERATE' US," she wrote.
No matter your body type, Clare wants to show what can happen unintentionally when people feel the need to socially flaunt their workouts. "[They are] attaching value to bodies that 'prioritize fitness' and thereby excluding those with disabilities and health conditions … from access to that same respect," she wrote. "It's worth interrogating these types of actions with a little more of a critical eye – keeping in mind that what we want is not acceptance into a culture that enslaves us, but the total eradication of that culture period."
12 Things You Didn't Know About Prince Royce - Straight From the Singer Himself
You might know Prince Royce from bachata hits like "Solita," "Darte un Beso," and "Corazón Sin Cara." Or maybe it was with the release of his first English-language album, Double Vision, that the trailblazer first stole your heart. Whatever it is, the baby-faced singer is now undeniably a powerhouse not to be ignored.
We caught up with the artist to find out straight from his own mouth what even die-hard fans might not know. Keep scrolling to find out 12 surprising facts about the Latin heartthrob, then check out his most muscle-showing photos ever.
30 of the Hottest Songs From the Early '00s
Back in the early 2000s, we found out about the latest music from MTV's TRL, posted whatever song we were listening to on our AIM away message, and would spend hours trying to re-create the latest looks from Britney Spears's or Christina Aguilera's music videos. Of course, no party in those days was complete without someone bringing over a burned CD of pop and hip-hop jams that they may or may not have downloaded via Napster. Just because we're feeling nostalgic for the early days of the 2000s, we've rounded up some of the biggest party songs from 1999 to 2004. Keep scrolling for the full list, and click the videos to listen!
Everything You Need to Know About the TV Adaptation of Sweetbitter
Starz, the home of Outlander and The Girlfriend Experience, is developing your next TV obsession: Sweetbitter. The network announced on July 31 that it is working on a half-hour drama adaptation of this 2016 bestselling novel, so here's everything you need to know about the project so far.
1. There is source material.
Sweetbitter is based on Stephanie Danler's novel of the same name, which NPR named one of the best books of 2016. The book follows the life of 22-year-old Tess, who moves to New York from Ohio and begins working at a renowned downtown restaurant, which leads her to a life of drugs, alcohol, love, dive bars, and fine dining.
2. It is inspired by Danler's own story.
Danler wrote her novel while waitressing at Union Square Care and attending The New School for her MFA, so she very much drew on her own experiences, though Tess is not a carbon copy of the author. Danler told NPR that while she does have a lot in common with Tess, "[Tess] quickly became a character, and is in many ways much better and much worse at life than I was at that age."
She also told told The Paris Review that Tess is actually more like the young women she saw working at her restaurants than herself, though Tess is also a lot like Danler "in some ways," like trying to find a new life in New York.
3. It's part sexual awakening.
In the novel, Tess is caught in a love triangle with a bartender named Jake and a waitress named Simone, both coworkers. "Sex is the undercurrent of the whole book, because what we're really investigating is Tess's appetites across the board," Danler told NPR in the same interview mentioned above. "And also her becoming more of a woman, this transition from girlhood to womanhood."
4. The show has a solid pedigree.
Danler is writing the pilot script and also serving as executive producer, but helping her in this first foray into television is veteran Stu Zicherman, who has been a writer and either a consulting producer or executive producer on Six Degrees, Lights Out, The Americans, and The Affair.
At this point, there are no casting announcements to share, though we can expect those to roll out over the next several months. There is also no timeline for a release, but mid-2018 is likely the earliest it would air on Starz.
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