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.
samedi 12 août 2017
Game of Thrones: Arya Stark Looks So Much Like Ned Now It's Insane
During the most recent episode of Game of Thrones, "The Spoils of War," a long-awaited reunion between separated sisters Arya and Sansa Stark finally happens. They hug and catch up in Winterfell's crypt, standing in front of the tomb of their late father, Ned Stark. Although Arya remarks that the stone statue looks nothing like him, it's hard not to notice in that scene in particular who does look like Ned: Arya herself.
Over the course of seven seasons, the deadly assassin has undergone a major transformation. She starts off Game of Thrones as a scrappy young girl who just wants to learn how to sword fight rather than becoming a lady of a castle and marrying some lord. Arya clearly has a special bond with her dad from the get-go, and seeing him brutally and tragically beheaded in King's Landing is what kicks off her mission to get revenge on everyone who harmed her family.
With each new season of the series, Arya has subtly transformed into her father as she matures and becomes savvier about the world around her. From their half-up, pulled-back hairstyles to their layered cloaks, the resemblance between the characters is uncanny (they even wear a similar leather X detail over their chests).
This isn't the first time one of the Stark children has physically taken after Ned, either. In season six, Jon Snow ditches his typical Castle Black attire for a brown leather coat of plates. The vest is the same one that Ned wears in previous episodes and is traditional attire for House Stark (Robb also dons similar armor in earlier seasons). Not only that, but Jon's habit of tying his hair into man bun earns him some Ned comparisons every now and then, as does his personality overall since both are brooding, fantastic leaders.
Despite the fact Ned has been dead and gone since season one, it's touching to see his legacy still living on in his children in different ways. With the Starks back in control of the North, it will be exciting to see how Jon, Sansa, Arya, and Bran choose to rule.
Dirty Dancing: Where Are They Now?
This month marks the 25th anniversary of Dirty Dancing, which, besides being insanity, has driven us into wild nostalgic consumption of the timeless soundtrack. Of course, it also makes us wonder where everyone is now; while a couple of the stars have sadly passed on, it's fun to see where our other favorite stars ended up.
Lupita Nyong'o's Performance in JAY-Z's New Music Video Will Leave You in Tears
Watch: @S_C_ x MaNyfaCedGod x TIDAL https://t.co/We5OlPBrLl http://pic.twitter.com/rHfN0iRmhx
- TIDAL (@TIDALHiFi) August 11, 2017
JAY-Z just released the music video for his song "MaNyfaCedGod" off his 4:44 album, and it's emotional. In the black and white clip, Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong'o delivers a powerful performance as a heartbroken woman who is scorned by her lover, and yes, it will leave you in tears. The somber video is a stark contrast to the colorful and playful "Moonlight" music video the 47-year-old rapper released earlier this month. Watch a clip from the Tidal exclusive above, then head over to the streaming service to watch it in full.
A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Lemonade Between Beyoncé, Rachel Roy, and JAY-Z
In early July, JAY-Z dropped his thirteenth solo album 4:44, and the project quickly garnered attention for personal, pointed lyrics about his marriage to Beyoncé - specifically, the cheating accusations she made on Lemonade in 2016. JAY apologized to his wife on the album's title track, saying, "I apologize often womanize / Took for my child to be born / See through a woman's eyes." He also brought up Beyoncé's infamous "Becky with the good hair" lyric on another song, "Family Feud": "Yeah, I'll f*ck up a good thing if you let me / Let me alone, Becky."
In April 2016, the world was forever changed when Lemonade, the visual album by Beyoncé, roared through HBO. There was plenty of buzz surrounding the mysterious event, and we're not just talking about the rumblings in the Beyhive. As the special aired, not only did viewers try to derive the meaning of the album's name, but the greater, more personal implications were also hard to ignore. We all couldn't help but wonder: did Jay Z cheat on Beyoncé? It wasn't long before fans latched onto a scapegoat, citing past drama and a cryptic Instagram caption as damning evidence. It seemed clear that fashion designer Rachel Roy had done the deed. But how much did we actually know about the situation? How sure are we that Rachel was Jay's other woman? We're breaking down everything, so read on, learn your facts, and arrive at your own conclusion.
"Donald Trump Jr." Calls the Russia Email Controversy a "Nothing Burger" on SNL
Though it already feels like so long ago, it was only in early July that Donald Trump Jr. released emails in which he talked about meeting with a Russian lawyer to receive incriminating information on Hillary Clinton. And while you might've forgotten all about it, the folks at Saturday Night Live did not.
In a clip for Weekend Update: Summer Edition on Aug. 10, both Eric and Donald Trump Jr., played by Alex Moffat and Mikey Day respectively, came on to talk to Colin Jost about the president's successes and Trump Jr.'s own email scandal. In the hilarious bit, Eric calls Trump Jr.'s subpoena "some peanuts" and ends up playing with a fidget spinner as his brother tries to pretend his emails aren't a big deal.
Can't Make the Solar Eclipse? Catch The Perseid Meteor Shower This Weekend Instead
Every August for about the last 2,000 years, the Perseids meteor shower has passed through the sky. The spectacle is linked to the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun once every 133 years. Here's how it works: as Earth passes through the comet's debris, the pieces burn in our planet's atmosphere to create a meteor shower. This year, the Perseid meteor shower will peak on Aug. 12 and 13.
The incredible space event is expected to show 150 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, the moon will still be three quarters full, meaning the sky will be much brighter than in past years. It's also why NASA had to debunk a rumor that this would be the "brightest shower in history."
Look out for the shower during the night on Aug. 12 or in the early morning hours of Aug. 13. Can't make it? Catch a Slooh livestream on Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. EDT or start set your sights on seeing the solar eclipse instead.
- Additional reporting by Ann-Marie Alcántara
Before You Throw Away Your Feminine Hygiene Wipes, Read This
There's been a lot of ruckus lately about the safety of feminine hygiene wipes, but before you go chuck your Summer's Eve in the trash, let's talk to a doctor about freshening up the downtown, if you know what we mean.
As it turns out, these wipes are not all that bad inherently, and there's no real reason to panic. "Some women can wipe their bottoms with sandpaper and be fine," said New York gynecologist Dr. Alyssa Dweck, MD, author of The Complete A to Z For Your V. "Other women are sensitive and will have a reaction to one or multiple ingredients." Those women who are sensitive are the only women who would be at any kind of risk from using the wipes.
"I don't want to give these wipes a bad name," Dr. Dweck said. "They're not dangerous, but they're also not necessary." What that means is, you should reconsider how you're using them and why. Dr. Dweck told POPSUGAR that these wipes can be a great staple for a gym bag if you're not going to have the chance to shower until later that day (this was a "very reasonable use," she said), but "the vagina has amazing self-cleaning properties" and can really take care of things itself.
She did mention something important, however: "If you feel like you have such a bad odor that you need to use some sort of deodorizing or fragrant wipe, then you better get yourself checked for an infection."
In summary, "there's nothing wrong with them unless you're sensitive to an ingredient" in the wipes, but they "should not be used to mask some sort of a smell that might be a sign of something worse going on."
Piecing Together the Plot of American Horror Story: Cult
Here we are again. We're on the cusp of a new season of American Horror Story, and we hardly know anything about the madness on the horizon. Luckily, we're in better shape than we were with last year's Roanoke, which infamously didn't reveal anything ahead of its premiere date. This time around, with Cult, we're a little more in the know: we have creepy teasers, a few hints from Ryan Murphy, and even official character portraits. There's still one key factor we're missing, though: what exactly is going to happen? We're piecing together the potential plot for the latest installment. Here's what we (think we) might have uncovered so far.
Meet the Mayfair-Richardses
At this point, the character we have the most information about is, no surprise, the character Ryan Murphy muse Sarah Paulson plays. Prepare to meet Ally Mayfair-Richards. Paulson confirmed at the Summer TCA panel for American Horror Story that her character is married to Alison Pill's character, Ivy Mayfair-Richards. Here's the interesting part. Creator Ryan Murphy himself posted a photo of some concept art. It shows Ally with Kai (played by Evan Peters). In the caption, he called it "a love story for the ages." Does that mean Ally will be torn between two loves this season? Perhaps Kai is in the mysterious clown cult and Ally finds herself pulled between a love she's always known and the allure of something new.
All the "Mysterious Tank Tops" and Other Characters
This is Billy Eichner's first season of American Horror Story, and he's joining the cast as Harrison Wilton, a close confidant of Ally who also wears "mysterious tank tops."
We also learned at the recent TCA panel that Leslie Grossman plays a character named Meadow Wilton. That likely means she's somehow related to Harrison. A sister, perhaps? After that, all we have are names and question marks. We know Colton Haynes will play Detective Samuels, Cheyenne Jackson is Dr. Rudy Vincent, and Billie Lourd is Winter Anderson, but we don't know how they factor into the equation . . . yet.
Hints From the Executive Producers + Script Excerpts
Another cool couple of tidbits from the TCA panel came via executive producer Alexis Martin Woodall. The first thing Woodall did was clarify the whole election situation. Rather than focus on Trump, she said, "I think it's more about what's going on in our world around us." She also noted that "paranoia" would be the underlying current that runs through every episode.
To do us one better, Woodall offered a few more cryptic statements: she teased "bloody tension, a well-cooked meal, an exciting trip to a grocery store. It is true to our brand, which is you are going to be in a whole new world all over again."
It's interesting Woodall mentioned a grocery store and a "well-cooked meal." This week, on the AHS: Cult interactive website, fans were able to unlock two exciting script excerpts.
That sounds like exactly the kind of "well-cooked meal" AHS might feature. Given the evidence, we could be in for some serious psychological torture at the hands of the cult.
American Horror Story: Cult premieres on Sept. 5.
Kesha Frees Herself From Her Past in the Stunning Music Video For "Rainbow"
In the lead-up to Kesha's first album since 2012, Rainbow, the singer-songwriter dropped a handful of beautiful singles (as well as one seriously kickass one) with emotional personal essays to go along with each. On Friday, the same day Rainbow debuted, Kesha released the music video for the titular single. In an essay for Refinery29, Kesha explained the meaning behind her raw lyrics and how she hopes the song encourages self-love. "There's a line in 'Rainbow' that I really love: 'What's left of my heart is still made of gold,'" she wrote. "I truly believe that. It's true for me, and it can be true for others, too. I know giant pieces of my heart have been held captive in the past. But not anymore. And what's left is f*cking pure gold, and no one can touch that." Listen to it above.
30-Minute Fat-Burning Pilates Workout
Give us 30 minutes and we will work your entire body from head to toe. LA-based fitness powerhouse Kit Rich will lead you through cardio, abs, and outer-thigh work with classic Pilates exercises and targeted variations to sculpt your abs and legs. No muscle goes unworked! We provide modifications for every exercise, so if you're new to working out you can still get your sweat on. Plus, you can make the workout harder by adding two- to three-pound dumbbells.
Loving the workout gear? Here's the Lucy Activewear featured in the video:
On Kit: Mat and Move Legging in Multi Kaleidoscope Print, Yoga Siren Tank in Sapphire Blue, Fitness Fix Tank in Sapphire Blue
On Anna: Studio Hatha Capri in Tropical Print, Workout Racerback Tank in Camille, Zenergy Bra in Azaelea
On Dre: Revolution Run Capri in Sapphire Blue, I Run This Tank in Multi Pebbles Print, Studio Hatha Bra in Black
Build Muscle, Burn Calories: Printable Cardio-and-Strength Workout
There are no excuses for skipping this 20-minute workout; it requires no equipment, so no matter where you are, you can fit in a sweat session. Quick and effective, today's workout in our Better-Body Challenge mixes classic cardio moves with bodyweight strength-training exercises to burn calories and build muscle. Print the workout, but keep scrolling to learn the moves, and then get at it.
High Knees
- Run in place while lifting your knees high to the level of your waist. Engage your abs as the knee comes up.
- Pump your arms to warm up your upper body.
Lunge Skip
- Come into a lunge with your right leg back. Swing your right leg forward to hop up on your left foot, and land softly back in a lunge.
- Repeat for 30 seconds, then switch sides.
Lateral Bunny Hop
- Make small jumps side to side as if you are jumping over an invisible line.
- Keep your legs as close together as possible, and swing your arms to help you jump.
Pilates Scissors
- Lie on your back, and lift your upper body off the floor so your shoulder blades hover.
- Lift your right leg off the floor, and bring your left leg to 90 degrees, gently holding the left shin. Keep your upper body lifted as you switch or scissor your legs.
Jumping Jacks
- Jump your legs out as you bring your hands overhead, then jump back to standing.
- Add in some cross jacks to work your inner thighs. Open your arms out to the sides as you jump your legs wide. Cross your feet as you jump your legs together while crossing your arms in front of your chest.
Frogger
- Begin in a plank position. Jump your feet to the outside of your hands, coming into a deep squat and keeping your hands on the floor.
- Jump your feet back to plank.
Lateral Bounding
- Start in a shallow squat with your weight on your right foot, and leap sideways as far as you can go to the left, landing on your left foot and bringing the right foot to the left. Immediately reverse directions and jump to the right.
- Continue jumping side to side.
Push-Up and Rotate
- From a plank position, perform a push-up. At the top of the push-up, rotate to the left coming into a side plank, reaching the right arm to the ceiling.
- Return to the plank position, do another push-up, and rotate into side plank on the right.
Box Toe Touches
- Using a box, step, book, or stool, lightly tap your left toes to the box, then jump to switch feet, bringing the right toes up.
- Continue alternating feet. No box? No worries. Hop from foot to foot, aiming toes at an imaginary step.
Triceps Dips
- Place your hands on a step or floor with fingers facing you. Lift your pelvis off the ground.
- Bend and straighten your elbows to work the backs of your arms.
A Definitive Ranking of the Best Butts on Game of Thrones
We've been through a lot with Game of Thrones. So much, in fact, that we're pretty much irrevocably scarred for life because of all the damage it's done. It's so easy to forget, though, that we've had lots of good times too. We've already ranked the hottest guys on Game of Thrones, but there's one important thing we need to rank: all those butts. With excitement for season seven heating up and just a few episodes before the finale, we're remembering all the best bare bottoms on the show. Keep reading for the hottest booties in Westeros.
10 Times Kim Kardashian Was an Over-the-Top Mom
Whether you love them, loathe them, or are on the fence, the Kardashian-West family consistently makes headlines for their grand lifestyle and over-the-top experiences. The public is intrigued by the antics of America's most camera-friendly family, particularly middle sister and mom Kim. No matter your views on the Kardashian clan, one thing's for sure - Kim loves being a mom to her two kids, North and Saint, and she isn't afraid to show it with some spectacular gestures. Here are 10 times that North and Saint's mama made us say "Wow!"
Kesha Frees Herself From Her Past in the Stunning Music Video For "Rainbow"
In the lead-up to Kesha's first album since 2012, Rainbow, the singer-songwriter dropped a handful of beautiful singles (as well as one seriously kickass one) with emotional personal essays to go along with each. On Friday, the same day Rainbow debuted, Kesha released the music video for the titular single. In an essay for Refinery29, Kesha explained the meaning behind her raw lyrics and how she hopes the song encourages self-love. "There's a line in 'Rainbow' that I really love: 'What's left of my heart is still made of gold,'" she wrote. "I truly believe that. It's true for me, and it can be true for others, too. I know giant pieces of my heart have been held captive in the past. But not anymore. And what's left is f*cking pure gold, and no one can touch that." Listen to it above.
Artist Shows What Follows "Happily Ever After" With Her Drawings of Disney Princesses as Moms
Though every Disney princess's feature film eventually cuts to credits, haven't you ever wondered what follows the "happily ever after" ending? Artist and mother Kristen Keller Reeves took her wonder to the next level by drawing some of the most beautiful Disney portraits we've ever seen, which feature your favorite princesses completely reimagined as mamas.
Scroll through to see Reeves's beautiful color drawings of the princesses we all know and love, each with an undeniable new-mom glow.
Still Confused About Obamacare? Here's a Simple Explanation
US President Barack Obama is applauded after signing the Affordable Health Care For America Act during a ceremony with fellow Democrats in the East Room of the White House on March 23, 2010, in Washington DC.
The debate over healthcare in this country is far from over, and it's clear from President Donald Trump's tweets that he is still determined to see the Affordable Care Act (ACA) repealed and replaced. However, as the conversation continues around ACA - better known as Obamacare - it looks like some Americans are still unsure over what the exactly bill contains and does for citizens. So before you write off Obamacare, take a deep dive into its history and what it's done for the country.
When did Obamacare pass?
The ACA was signed into law on March 23, 2010, by then-President Barack Obama. However, it faced another hurdle in 2012, when its fate was left in the hands of the US Supreme Court. The court ruled the law was constitutional but did strike down a part of the law that required states to participate in expanding the Medicaid program, spelling an overall victory for the legislation.
What are some of the key parts of Obamacare?
The law introduced several new regulations that both private insurance companies and citizens must follow, like:
- Letting people stay on their parents' health insurance until they reach the age of 26.
- Providing free birth control with no copay.
- Refusing to let insurance companies deny coverage for people with preexisting conditions.
- Eliminating insurers the option to charge someone more based on their gender.
- Requiring insurance companies to pay for hospital admission, any emergency room visits, and preventive care, like the flu shot.
- Prohibiting annual limits on health benefits.
- Legally requiring Americans to be insured or pay a fine of either $695 or 2.5 percent of your household income, whichever is higher.
The signing of Obamacare also led to the introduction of the ACA marketplace (also called the healthcare exchange), which allows Americans to buy private insurance if their employer does not provide it.
What are the goals of Obamacare?
According to HealthCare.gov, Obamacare has three main purposes: to ensure that more people have health insurance, expand the Medicaid program, and "support innovative medical care delivery methods designed to lower the costs of health care."
Has Obamacare helped people?
In short, the ACA has helped millions of Americans get health insurance coverage. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, only 28.6 million Americans were without health insurance in 2016, compared to the 48 million in 2010. However, critics of Obamacare believe it costs people too much money and point to examples of rate increases and say the requirement to purchase insurance infringes on the lives of people and businesses. This reflects a fundamental difference in conservative and liberal views: liberals tend to view health care as a right, while conservatives largely think health care and insurance coverage should be up to individuals.
Weight-Loss Victory Quotes That Will Make You Wanna Throw Out Your Scale
Celebrate your weight-loss victories that have nothing to do with the scale, like comfortably fitting into your favorite pair of jeans or running a mile without collapsing. These quotes will remind you that transformation can't be measured by numbers.
Bye-Bye, Ponytail! 11 Easy Hairdos For Your Daughter
Between fancy updos and no-frizz curls, it often looks like little girls are stopping by the salon en route to school. Unfortunately, you're a one-trick ponytail when it comes to hairstyling. Though you may not have a cosmetology degree, it doesn't mean you have to send your girl to school with lackluster locks. We've rounded up 11 easy-to-follow tutorials for some of the most creative hairstyles that your little girl will love. From chic buns to crazy braids, these styles will make your daughter's do the talk of the playground.
40+ Life-Changing Books to Read This Year
Knowledge is king. The first step to creating change in your life is to know what you're doing wrong or why you need to change. We've picked out 41 books that will better your life in a dramatic way. Whether it's figuring out how to get out of debt, learning how to be happier, or trying to find ways to get a job, reading just one of these books this year is guaranteed to change your life for good.
14 Kitchen Islands That Will Improve Even the Smallest Kitchens
Small-space living has its challenges, but many people don't see the potential in small spaces - especially when it comes to small kitchens. Often, the main issues are lack of storage space and counter space for meal prep. The great news is, you can solve both of these issues with the same piece of furniture: a kitchen island.
While many people with small kitchens avoid adding an island for fear of making the space feel even smaller, the main trick is to adjust the scale of the island to fit your space and your storage needs. Keep reading to see some of our favorite small-space kitchen islands that don't sacrifice on functionality or style.
How Nikki and Ian's Baby Name Is Connected to 1 of Her Twilight Movies
Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on July 25, and named their little one Bodhi Soleil Reed Somerhalder. Not only does the name translate to "awakening sun," but Nikki recently revealed to Fit Pregnancy magazine that she found out she was expecting after taking a test "before dawn." The connections are not lost on us: Awakening sun! Before dawn! And, hey - Nikki also starred in Twilight: Breaking Dawn! See more stars who became fathers this year.
A Definitive Ranking of the Best Butts on Game of Thrones
We've been through a lot with Game of Thrones. So much, in fact, that we're pretty much irrevocably scarred for life because of all the damage it's done. It's so easy to forget, though, that we've had lots of good times too. We've already ranked the hottest guys on Game of Thrones, but there's one important thing we need to rank: all those butts. With excitement for season seven heating up and just a few episodes before the finale, we're remembering all the best bare bottoms on the show. Keep reading for the hottest booties in Westeros.
vendredi 11 août 2017
What Exactly Is CBD Oil, and Should You Be Using It?
Is it possible? Can cannabis can be beneficial without a caveat? Yes, and it's called CBD oil. There is a general misconception surrounding the cannabis plant that tends to turn a lot of people off; severe anxiety, short-term memory loss, and a lowered reaction time can all be side-effects of marijuana usage. But many people fail to realize that there are over 85 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and some can be very beneficial to our health.
This isn't another article promoting the legalization of the marijuana and its controversial compound THC (which, incidentally, is the only psychoactive cannabinoid). I'm referring to its mellowed-out relative CBD, a cannabinoid that is found in hemp. What exactly is CBD oil, and why is it making waves? Let's break it down, starting with the two major varieties of cannabis.
THC vs. CBD
Marijuana is a variety of the plant cannabis sativa that contains large amounts of THC, the chemical that causes the "high feeling." THC binds to receptors in the brain and can help with many ailments and disorders, some of which include appetite loss, nausea, migraines, glaucoma, chronic pain, and arthritis.
Hemp is a variety of the plant cannabis sativa, and it contains large amounts of CBD. CBD binds to receptors all throughout the body instead of the brain and does not cause a feeling of euphoria. It contains very low amounts of THC (0.3 percent), not enough to get you high.
Uses For CBD Oil
"[CBD oil] has anti-inflammatory effects, and I think it would be helpful for patients with chronic inflammation," said William Hayes Wilson, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital's chief of rheumatology. "I'm a pragmatist."
Patients who suffer from localized pain are great candidates to use the oil, because they can just rub it on whatever part of their body is hurt. "There are some people who have pain in just their feet or their hands," he said. "Rather than treating their whole body, you could treat it with something topical like CBD oil."
CBD can be used to . . .
- Ease anxiety and trouble sleeping
- Treat the effects of Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease
- Reduce seizures
- Relieve muscle and joint pain from spinal cord injuries and conditions such as arthritis
Where Do You Get It?
You can order CBD oil from the comfort of your own home or pick it up at a local dispensary. The oil itself can come in many unusual flavors: blueberry custard, chunky monkey, gummy blast, and even unicorn milk. Different varieties also target different benefits: immune booster, anxiety formula, sleep formula, stress formula, and even pain relief.
Is It Legal?
This is tricky. As of August 2017, medical marijuana is legal in 28 states (plus Washington DC), and CBD is legal in an additional 15 states. Experts estimate that that CBD market will be worth $3 billion by 2021. Though the oil is available online, it's illegal to transport it across state lines. However, some distributors have found a way around this; the products from Colorado-based company Charlotte's Web contain less than 0.3 percent THC, which means they can ship to all 50 states.
So what's your take? You know the facts. You've heard the opinion of a professional, and you can check out our first-person account about what CBD oil is like. Now it's your turn to determine if it could be an option for you. No matter what you decide, make sure you do a little research on the product you select before you make a purchase.
These Twitter Conversations Prove This 7-Year-Old Girl Is Funnier Than Most Adults
Seven-year-old Bea is keeping her mom, Kelly Oxford, firmly on her toes. "If you've ever wondered what it's like to raise a kid in LA" is one of Oxford's most common sayings on Twitter, which has come after anything from Bea informing her that her second BFF at school is McDreamy's daughter from Grey's Anatomy to being asked if there's such a thing as weed ice cream. Between her thoughts about vegetarianism to conversations surrounding her love of watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Oxford has tweeted all of Bea's solid gold musings out to the world, and we can't stop laughing.
Read through for 20 times Oxford's priceless tweets about Bea cracked us up.
Get Your Closet Organized With These 10 Genius Products From Ikea
If you have heaps of clothes and random items piled up in you closet, it's time to get your life together! There's nothing more stressful than searching through a sea of stuff to find just one shirt. Thankfully, Ikea has some organizational products that are useful and affordable. Once you include these items in your space, keeping things in order will be effortless. Instead of putting off the inevitable, get these Ikea products from Amazon today. If you have Prime, they will be at your door in as soon as two days. No more excuses - you will feel so much better once everything is put away.
The Real Annabelle Is Actually a Raggedy Ann Doll - and It's Terrifying
Image Source: Flickr user volvob12b
This Friday marks the release of Annabelle: Creation, which is the second Annabelle movie and, technically, the fourth movie that traces back to famed paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren. In its Hollywood context, the Annabelle doll first appears in 2013's The Conjuring (but, sadly, not in The Conjuring 2) as a pretty gnarly little object with some quite impressive drag queen eyebrows. What you might not know is that the doll has been totally creeped up for the big screen, and, in actuality, is just a vintage Raggedy Ann doll. Believe what you will, but the real-life Ed and Lorraine Warren have a full account of Annabelle on their official website. Ahead of Annabelle: Creation, we're presenting the highlights of the haunting tale.
1. The Beginning
According to the Warrens, the story of the Annabelle doll began in 1970 when a woman purchased an antique Raggedy Ann doll from a hobby store. The doll was a gift for her daughter Donna, who had just graduated from college. Within a few days, the doll began to move. At first, it just made slight changes in position, but the doll eventually began moving to entirely different rooms.
Things quickly escalated. Donna would find parchment paper with notes scribbled on it. They would say things like "Help us" in childish writing. When Donna found blood inexplicably dripping out of the doll, she called a medium.
According to the medium, they were dealing with the spirit of a little girl named Annabelle Higgins. Apparently, young Annabelle had lived on the property before it became Donna's apartment building. She was found dead at just 7 years old. She wanted to be kept and loved by Donna and her roommate.
Image Source: Warner Bros.
2. The Haunting
Donna had a friend named Lou who faced Annabelle's wrath the most. Lou apparently was not a huge fan of the doll and repeatedly told Donna that it was evil. One night, he said he spotted the doll at the foot of his bed. It floated up from his feet and began to strangle him. He blacked out from the oxygen deprivation and didn't wake up until the next morning.
In another instance, Lou believed that someone had broken into the apartment but only found the doll in Donna's room. When he turned his back, he suffered scratches that yielded seven burning claw marks. At this point, Donna decided to seek expert help. She tried to contact a member of the church but was quickly referred to the Warrens.
Image Source: Everett Collection
3. The Warrens' Involvement
After a local priest put them in touch with Donna, Ed and Lorraine conducted an investigation and quickly decided that the doll was not attached to the spirit of a little girl at all. In fact, in the Warrens' expert opinion, a violent demonic entity was using the doll as a conduit. Since demons can't possess inanimate objects, this spirit had hoped to hang around long enough to possess one of the occupants of the apartment. The Warrens decided to exorcise the apartment and take Annabelle home with them.
Even on the way home, the Warrens claimed that the entity became hateful and angry. They almost swerved into multiple accidents, their brakes and power steering failed, and their car completely stalled out. After Ed Warren splashed the doll with holy water, things quieted down.
The next few weeks yielded more of the same for the Warrens. Annabelle would appear to levitate or switch rooms. Even after locking her away in their office, she would move to the living room. At one point, they hired a Catholic exorcist who verbally and physically assaulted the doll and got into a serious car accident shortly thereafter. Eventually, the Warrens had a special case made for Annabelle, and she's remained there ever since.
The cool thing is, 2013's The Conjuring pays homage to this story. In the first scene, we meet the women who have been dealing with the terrible wrath of Annabelle. They are being interviewed by Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). The couple decides take her home and lock her in her case. Of course, she does some really intense stuff from there, but we'll leave all that to the movies.
These 31 Epic Game of Thrones T-Shirts Rule More Than the 7 Kingdoms
We're starting to panic about the limited number of Game of Thrones episodes left, so we're going to indulge our obsession as much as possible. With so many shocking plot twists and turns, the show seems to be getting better and better. That's why we're stocking up on awesome merchandise that references characters, locations, and plot lines from the series. We rounded up our favorite Game of Thrones t-shirts so you can let your fan flag fly too. These options are unique and clever, so you'll definitely stand out. Go forth and shop.
No Visa, No Problem! This Website Easily Tells You Where You Can Travel to Without One
Image Source: StockSnap / ian dooley
Getting or renewing your passport is already a pain in the ass, but having to obtain a travel visa on top of that can be another hassle. If you want to see the world without having to deal with the stress of more paperwork, there's an awesome website called VisaDB that tells you exactly which countries don't require a visa.
Though it's still in its alpha-testing stages, travelers are already able to play around to see their options. All you have to do is select your country of citizenship from the drop-down menu, your "goal" (ex: travel visa-free), and which continent you want to explore. The site, which is set to fully launch soon, will also begin offering the option to filter your goal to places you can live abroad, study abroad, work abroad, and apply for citizenship. In the meantime, travelers are able to see every visa-free country along with cost and weather comparisons to your home country.
It's pretty awesome, especially because before VisaDB, we were limited to manually searching individual countries on the US Department of State website to check whether or not a country required a travel visa. VisaDB simplifies the search, making it totally easy to choose your next destination!
The 11 Backhanded Compliments That All Moms Are Seriously Sick of Hearing
One of the many valuable lessons of motherhood: just because it was said with a smile and a sweet delivery doesn't necessarily make it nice. On a daily basis, many moms endure oozing drool, crazy schedules, and sleepless nights. Yet despite all of the struggles, it's the "kind" words from strangers that do more damage than a blowout diaper ever could. These 11 backhanded compliments might be said with an angelic smile, but there's a deeper meaning that's just plain rude - and many mamas are sick of hearing them!
Did Sansa and Arya's Game of Thrones Reunion Hint at Jon Snow's Eventual Death?
As the battle for the Iron Throne continues and the White Walker threat gets closer to the people of Westeros, there's a Game of Thrones question I'm kind of afraid to ask: is Jon Snow going to die - again? Like, for real this time? As one half of the ice-and-fire equation, he obviously has a large role to play, and theories suggest that he'll lead the fight against the White Walkers. But I'm starting to worry that he won't survive the fight.
A single line in the latest episode might hint at Jon Snow's fate. The moment comes during Sansa and Arya Stark's Winterfell reunion as Sansa talks about their siblings' whereabouts. She mentions her reunion with Jon Snow, acknowledging that he'll probably be more excited to see Arya than he'd been to see her. Here's what she says:
"I hope he comes back soon. I remember how happy he was to see me, and when he sees you, his heart will probably stop."
Heart will stop? HEART will STOP? I know I'm taking her line literally, but crazier things have happened on this show (understatement) and it wouldn't be the first time that words carried more meaning than you might think at first.
What if he, I don't know, first sees Arya on the battlefield and throws himself in front of a White Walker to save her, sacrificing himself? What if Arya goes after Littlefinger and Jon shows up, sees what's happening, intervenes, and dies? Meanwhile, if he dies again, will Melisandre bring him back to life again? Can my OWN heart handle seeing him die again?
When people are brought back to life by the Lord of Light, it's because they still have a role to play. Jon Snow's role could be to bring his family back together, or spread the message of the White Walkers, or team up with Daenerys Targaryen to defeat them. But once his destiny is fulfilled, then what? He's . . . free to die again?
Listen, I honestly hope I'm wrong and I'm reading into that moment too closely. I hope none of the above takes place and he'll be among the last characters standing. Or, even better, sitting. On the Iron Throne. Fingers crossed.
From Miley Cyrus to Kendrick Lamar: All 9 Artists Performing at the VMAs This Year
The 2017 MTV Video Music Awards are almost upon us! After releasing the exciting list of gender-neutral nominations - which sees Kendrick Lamar leading the pack with eight noms while Katy Perry and The Weeknd are both tied for the second most nominations with five each - MTV has dropped the names of the performers who will be lighting up the VMAs stage when the show goes down on Aug. 27.
Perry, who's also hosting the show, will pull double duty when she performs one of her hit songs off of Prism (maybe "Swish Swish," with a surprise appearance from Nicki Minaj?). On top of Perry's performance, we'll get to see Thirty Seconds to Mars, Ed Sheeran (here's hoping he does something other than "Shape of You"), Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Shawn Mendes, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, and Fifth Harmony all do their thing live from LA's The Forum.
As usual, we can't wait.
The Viral Story of This Tied-Up and Abandoned Dog Has an Unexpected Ending
In South Carolina, a puppy was left tied to a dumpster in a strip mall parking lot after his owner went to jail. The puppy was abandoned with a sign that read, "Free pup. Name is Scooter. Owner went to jail today." Thankfully, two good samaritans stumbled upon the puppy and saved him.
After making their heartbreaking discovery, the two women shared a picture of the dog in a local pet group on Facebook. The post stated, "We don't know where to go from here," adding, "I don't want to leave him does anyone have any ideas please."
The plea eventually caught the attention of South Eastern Homeless Animals, a local rescue group. The group's founder, Paula Langford, decided to do some investigating. After picking up Scooter from the women who found him, she realized he was a "loved pet." In an interview with The Dodo, Paula said, "He was clean, he was flea-free. He was abandoned with an expensive carrying case for him, an expensive collar, a bag of grain-free dog food." She added, "He wasn't just a throwaway."
Well as most of you know we left Thursday afternoon to make the journey to reunite Scooter to his loving family. Scooter was very happy to see his family and is back safe and sound with them in Colorado.
Posted by South Eastern Homeless Animals on Tuesday, April 4, 2017
The plot thickened when Paula spoke to the police officer who arrested Scooter's owner. The officer informed her that the owner was really concerned about Scooter's wellness and asked his friends to take care of the dog. Sadly, the friends did not follow through on that promise, and they are currently facing an arrest warrant for abandonment.
The investigation didn't end there. Paula eventually got in touch with the owner's mother in Colorado. The two women met in Nebraska to make Scooter's happy ending happen. Paula said, "It was a very touching and emotional reunion, and it was quite obvious that Scooter was very happy to see his family again." She added, "I am 100 percent confident in my decision to reunite this beloved pup with his family."
19 Facts About Disney's Very Own Private Island
Disney Cruise Line ships are so magical, it can sometimes be hard to imagine wanting to get off of one at all. But one look at Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, and you'll be booking it off the boat faster than you can say "Mickey Mouse." Castaway Cay is a port that Disney Cruise Line ships sailing the Caribbean and the Bahamas dock at for a day during the trip, and it is a destination that simply can't be missed. The island offers both off- and on-land excursions all day, white sand and crystal-clear water, fun for families, and exclusive areas for adults. If you are planning your next Disney Cruise, then make sure you know these Castaway Cay facts before sailing away. Add this to your Disney bucket list!
This New Feature Will Save You So Much Precious Time at Disney World
While the food options at Walt Disney World are both plentiful and delicious, the large crowds make getting what you want - and when you want it - a little difficult. That's why this new rumor made us so damn happy: mobile ordering is reportedly being added to several restaurants this Summer.
In March, it was announced that the Satu'li Canteen at Pandora – The World of Avatar will offer a mobile ordering feature through the My Disney Experience app. The app allows visitors to order meals, pay in advance, and schedule a pick-up time.
Following the introduction of mobile ordering at the Satu'li Canteen, Disney expanded the time-saving feature to two additional restaurants in June. According to the official website, Animal Kingdom's Pizzafari and Flame Tree Barbecue now offer the service.
According to several in-the-know blogs, 12 other restaurants are rumored to be getting the feature, as well. The rumored restaurants are as follows . . .
- Magic Kingdom: Columbia Harbor House, Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, Pinocchio Village Haus, Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, and Tortuga Tavern.
- Hollywood Studios: ABC Commissary and Backlot Express.
- Epcot: Liberty Inn and Electric Umbrella.
- Disney Springs: D-Luxe Burger.
- Animal Kingdom: Restaurantosaurus - in addition to the Satu'li Canteen, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Pizzafari.
Disney will hopefully continue to add the service to restaurants throughout the Summer; however, it seems as though they are testing it out exclusively in Animal Kingdom for the time being. So, yes, it might still be too early to start scheduling some of those meals - but we can dream, right?
Bill Hader's Impersonation of Anthony Scaramucci Will Make You Miss His SNL Days So Much
Leave it to the comedic professionals over at Saturday Night Live to nail this hilarious Anthony Scaramucci skit on this week's episode of Weekend Update: Summer Edition. The former White House communications director (played by SNL vet Bill Hader), stopped by the show to share his thoughts on why he was fired after just 11 days on the job. Watch the full video above to see why Scaramucci says he was not surprised he got the pink slip from President Donald Trump, then decide how much you really miss "The Mooch."
3 Ways the British Royal Family Stays So Damn Rich
It might seem like we know the British royal family based on how public their lives are, but when you really think about it, how much do you really know about the lifestyles of the most famous family in England? While we do know what Prince William and Kate Middleton do when it comes to their jobs - like being a part of the Royal Air Force, in William's case - not many people know where the family's money and wealth actually comes from.
Spoiler alert: the bulk of the money that Queen Elizabeth II and her family have is inherited. What you might not know is how the family first received, and continue to receive, the bulk of that money. Essentially, there are three different ways in which the queen and her heirs make money every year and retain their wealthy status.
1. Private Income
For all intents and purposes, we're going to focus on how Queen Elizabeth II makes money, because technically it's the same formula for her descendants and her heirs. The queen has an undisclosed amount of earnings that come annually from "inherited private estates" including Balmoral Castle and other properties from her personal investment portfolio.
According to the royal family's website, this inheritance initially came from Her Majesty's father, King George VI, and also consists of a valuable artwork and stamp collection. Last year, her private income was estimated to be about £340 million ($490 million), according to a Sunday Times report in 2016.
When it comes to this area of her wealth, the queen does pay taxes on any income she privately makes from her different investments, but what she pays has always remained secret. These properties - unless she chooses to sell them - will most likely go to her descendants someday.
2. The Privy Purse
The Privy Purse isn't just a fancy British term for a handbag or money holder, although if you really think about it, that's sort of what it is - a holder of the set money that the queen receives during her time as monarch. The second form of royal income is all about The Duchy of Lancaster, which provides the Queen with a set income - so no work-related expenses like touring the country and making public appearances have to be paid with this, although some are - called the Privy Purse.
Simply put, The Duchy of Lancaster is a "portfolio of land and other assets that have been in the royal family for hundreds of years." As of early 2017, that compilation of land and property came to about 18,433 hectares. The Privy Purse is all of the income generated from those properties (about £17.8 million or $21.7 million for 2015-2016) and it has been around since 1399.
"Its main purpose is to provide an independent source of income, and is used mainly to pay for official expenditure not met by the Sovereign Grant (primarily to meet expenses incurred by other members of the Royal Family)," the official Royal Family website explains.
Side note: Prince Charles, who is currently next in line for the throne, runs his own estate (that again has properties that have been passed down and cannot be sold from back in 1337) called The Duchy of Cornwall. Charles currently resides over this money (like the queen does for The Duchy of Lancaster), and it is responsible for covering all of the personal, and most of the official expenses, for his family line, which would include Prince William and Harry. When Charles ascends the throne, Prince William will become the heir to The Duchy of Cornwall and it will continue to go down the line to the male heirs.
3. Sovereign Grant
Last but not least is the Sovereign Grant, which is handed out by the Treasury and is funded by taxpayer dollars (or pounds in the UK). This is where the majority of the British Royal Family's income hails from, and it's used to carry out the royal duties, cover royal travel, pay for the staff, and help maintain Buckingham Palace's upkeep.
In 1760, the Sovereign Grant was set up thanks to King George III, and it's basically an agreement that was made between Parliament and the Royal Family saying they would hand over all of the profits from the Crown Estate to the government in return for a percentage of the profits each year.
What is the Crown Estate, you ask? Well, according to BBC News, it's "an independent commercial property business and one of the largest property portfolios in the UK." It is made up of residential properties, businesses, shops, and more. Basically, it is everything that the Monarchy owns - for the duration of their reign - and the residents of the United Kingdom pay taxes on it, thanks to the government. How the Sovereign Grant works is this: The Crown (in this case the queen) owns the Crown Estate. That estate makes money, which in turn gets paid to the HM Treasury, who calculates what 15 percent of the surplus income is. That amount is then paid to the queen in the form of a Sovereign Grant and used for royal expenses. It's a mouthful, but it actually makes sense.
While living like a royal does sound great, knowing where the family's money comes from is much more complicated than we expected. But, at the end of the day, money is money, and the British royal family has a lot of it. Cheers!
Kesha's Colorful Transformations Need to Be Seen
Kesha made her debut into the music world when she appeared on Flo Rida's 2009 hit "Right Round," but it wasn't until she released her first single, "TiK ToK," that people really got to know who she was. With three studio albums under her belt, the 30-year-old singer has certainly come a long way, and not just only with her music. As much as her songs have evolved throughout the years, so have her outfits and hair. Take a walk down memory lane and look back at Kesha's time in the spotlight.
9 Relaxing Stretches You Can Do in Bed
Stretching has a way of melting away stress and worry, but there's no need to unroll your yoga mat. Here are nine stretches you can do in your pajamas and your bed - either before you go to sleep or once your alarm goes off - or both! Do all nine if you have time, or just pick a few. Either way, you'll feel more relaxed, whether you're heading to the land of nod or waking with the sun.
How to Find Your Double Stroller Soulmate
Becoming a mom for the second time comes with plenty of perks you didn't get the first time around. You know a little more about what to expect. You've found some mom friends. You've got the gear. The changing table is set up, the rocking chair is broken in, and the volume on the white noise machine has been perfected.
The big question, aside from figuring out how to adjust to life with double the number of children (!), is whether or not you really need a double stroller. You'll have to figure that first part out with some trial and error (and lots of patience), but we can help with the double stroller conundrum. Here are some questions to think through and options to consider as you stroll your way toward baby number two.
7 Equipment-Free Exercises to Sculpt Strong Arms
A weight-training routine is a great idea for anyone looking to tone up (or lose weight), but there are plenty of effective moves you can do anywhere with absolutely no equipment or gym membership required. Add these bodyweight moves to work your biceps, triceps, and deltoids - and there's an added bonus: many of these exercises work much more than your arms. Start with 10 to 15 reps for each exercise, adding extra sets as you become stronger.
15 Snacks That Will Help You Have the Best Workout Ever
You've got to have energy to have an effective workout, so let your pre-workout snack help you push yourself to do your best. What works for you the best will depend on when you eat your snack as well as any stomach sensitivity issues you have, but a good rule of thumb is to make your snack a mix of mostly carbs and a little bit of protein for exercise success. Here are a few pre-workout snack ideas that do just that!
The First Female Marine to Fly An F-18 in Combat Is Running For Congress in Kentucky
Lieutenant General Amy McGrath is a retired fighter pilot, and the first woman to fly an F-18 in combat. Now, she's running for Congress in Kentucky.
On August 1, a mere two months after retiring from a 20-year career in the Marines - during which she flew 89 combat missions, and bombed both al Qaeda and the Taliban - McGrath posted a YouTube video announcing her candidacy for the 2018 race in Kentucky's 6th district. While McGrath has always known that her dream job was to fly fighter jets, she's no stranger to the way that Congress works. In fact, her history with the governing body dates all the way back to the age of 13.
"When I was 13, my congressman told me I couldn't fly in combat. He said Congress thought women ought to be protected and not allowed to serve in combat," she says in the ad, while walking on a runway in front of a jet. "I never got a letter back from my senator, Mitch McConnell." McGrath goes on describe how she wrote letters to each and every member of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees asking them to change the rules, and while she may not have heard from the current House Majority Leader, she did in fact hear back from several who tried to tell her she couldn't do it - though the law changed when she was accepted into the Naval Academy.
It's this type of strength in the face of adversity that McGrath will bring to the race in Kentucky's 6th, where she will face off against two other Democratic challengers seeking to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. Andy Barr. Barr, a noted Trump supporter who has stood by all of the president's controversial policy decisions (and lack thereof) has been the subject of a lot of criticism from his constituency over the fact that he has taken stances on the issues that don't necessarily align with the values and beliefs of the people that he represents. The dissatisfaction came to a head this Spring when Barr held a Town Hall during the Congressional recess and was met with boos, interruptions, and angry words from those who attended the event, specifically about his continued support of a repeal and replace for Obamacare, as the program enabled Medicaid to expand in the state and now enables nearly half a million additional people to receive healthcare benefits.
These sentiments are not lost on McGrath, who is seeking to capitalize on Barr's shortcomings with a heavy focus on healthcare and the struggles of low-income families during her campaign. She joins a handful of other veterans who have already come forward as candidates for the 2018 election, looking to join the fight against President Trump.
And you can bet that we'll be closely watching her campaign in the coming months, because McGrath is one badass woman that we would love to see take a seat in 2018.
What's New on Netflix in August: Nostalgic Classics and 1 of 2016's Best Musicals
Every month brings a treasure trove of gifts from Netflix when it adds a new batch of movies and TV shows to its streaming service, which now includes lots of original series and films. POPSUGAR exclusively revealed one of the offerings earlier this month: The Addams Family, and the nostalgic goodie is just one of many new titles coming to Netflix next month. There are Netflix original series like The Defenders, lots of recent movies, and a ton of older favorites that are primed for a good couch date. All these movies come to Netflix sometime in August, so until then, keep enjoying the July list!
5 Things Every Woman Should Know When It Comes to Her Car
From how to check your fluids to when you should change your tires, Jessicann has got you covered.
23 of Demi Lovato's Most Body-Positive and Confident Workout Pictures
Demi Lovato is known for her badass vocals, but her toned curves are just as noteworthy. The "Confident" singer has been open about her struggles with eating disorders and self-esteem in the past, and she's using her recovery story to promote a body-positive message on stage, on social media, and - of course - in the gym.
Whether she's simply warming up, mid-workout, or cooling down after a tough sweat session, Demi loves sharing her inspirational progress. Read on to see exactly how she stays fit, and then admire her striking Hollywood evolution.
5 Exercises For New Mothers With Abdominal Separation
Getting back into prepregnancy shape is challenging for any mom, but it can be even more complicated for those with abdominal separation.
Also known as diastasis recti, abdominal separation is a condition that occurs in up to two-thirds of pregnant women, caused by ab muscles essentially moving aside to accommodate your growing baby. It's more common among women carrying multiples or women who have given birth before, due to increased or repeated pressure on the abdominal muscles. This separation results in abs that bulge outward, which can make you look pregnant even after the baby is born. Some women also experience lower back pain as the back compensates for a weakened core, as well as constipation and urine leaking.
What's a woman to do if she finds herself faced with abdominal separation as she's trying to resume her prebaby gym routine? Consulting a physical therapist is an important first step to ensure that you're approaching the issue in the safest, most sensible way. Improving your deep core stability is another important step in the process, and one that you should consider before embarking on any sort of core-strengthening exercise routine. Once you've got that down, some exercises are safer and more effective than others in treating abdominal separation. Read on for five simple moves that can help tone your core without adding additional strain.
65 Snaps That Prove Ashley Graham Is Ridiculously Sexy
Model Ashley Graham made headlines thanks to prime placement in 2016's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The size-14 stunner's ad campaign for swimsuit retailer SwimsuitsForAll was also the first-ever plus-size swimsuit ad to run in the annual issue in 2015. Ashley has been a working model since the early 2000s and has become something of an advocate for introducing more plus-size models in the fashion industry and promoting body positivity in general. Back in May 2016, she steamed up the video for DNCE's "Toothbrush," starring as Joe Jonas's love interest.
In a previous interview with POPSUGAR Fashion, the beauty said of her recent success, "Finally the industry is recognizing what many of us have always known: curves are sexy. I hope this sparks more momentum for women to flaunt their curves, whether it's at the pool or while on vacation or as part of a major ad campaign. The world is ready to see more curves in bikinis!" We'll say. In honor of Ashley's success (and her all-around badassness in general), we've rounded up some of her sexiest swimsuit snaps, all courtesy of her personal Instagram. Keep reading to see them all now.
How the Obamas Taught Us What Family Values Really Mean
I came of political age during an era of "family values." I cast my first vote for president of the United States in 2004, the year so-called values voters helped pass laws banning same-sex marriage in 11 states. In the political language of the time, family values meant opposing gay marriage, opposing abortion, opposing stem cell research, and emphasizing the role of Christianity in American life.
Many politicians publicly position themselves as respectable public servants who put God and the traditional family first - especially after President Bill Clinton's sex scandal in the late '90s. But over the last eight years, we've witnessed a president who showed us what family values really look like, rather than tell us in campaign commercials.
In President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, we've witnessed a consistent example of mutual love and respect that's both practical and inspiring. They invited Michelle's mother, Marian Robinson, to live with them in the White House for their daughters' benefit, and they show public displays of affection when many political couples seem more like business partners. They are also relatable. In 2011, the first lady shared her advice for a happy marriage with Oprah:
It has to be a true partnership, and you have to really, really like and respect the person you're married to, because it is a hard road. I mean, that's what I tell young couples. I think you go through that wonderful love stage, but when it gets hard, you need a little bit more.
In March, President Obama said he hopes his respect and admiration for his wife sets a good example for his daughters, Malia and Sasha. He hopes it will help them ignore the pressure of beauty standards put on women: "The fact that they've got a tall, gorgeous mom who has some curves - and that their father appreciates - I think is helpful."
We have watched the Obama daughters grow up before our eyes and have listened to the comments of a proud father along the way. In his farewell address as president, Obama had a message for the girls: "Of all that I have done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad." And in a 2011 Father's Day speech, the president said: "That's what being a parent is all about - those precious moments with our children that fill us with pride and excitement for their future, the chances we have to set an example or offer a piece of advice, the opportunities to just be there and show them that we love them."
Looking at photos of the president and his daughters then and now makes me reflect on the passing of time and my warm relationship with my own dad. Like Obama, he might have more gray hair, but my appreciation for him hasn't changed.
The first family is also a powerful symbol for many in the black community. As Lamar Tyler, founder of BlackAndMarriedWithKids.com, wrote in 2008:
With their historic trip to the Presidency, Barack and Michelle Obama have directly challenged longstanding depictions that have been held outside and inside of the Black community. They've proven what some people failed to realize. Successful Black families do exist and like Public Enemy said, "Don't believe the hype!" The Obamas have been able to put an image of what a successful Black family looks like into the minds of millions if not billions of people across the globe and for that we thank them.
It's hard to know yet how great the impact of the first family will be, as Al Sharpton told New York Magazine in October 2015: "When all the smoke clears and Barack Obama's gone, a white president will succeed a black president. We've never been here before. And what will that do emotionally and otherwise in the black community that is already up in arms? When we don't even have the symbolic charge of seeing a black man and woman, two girls, on the news every night?"
Both Barack and Michelle have worked hard to strengthen other American families with initiatives that focus on families and children. With Let's Move!, Michelle Obama put herself and her dance moves out there to encourage parents to make good choices about family health and nutrition. With My Brother's Keeper, a program launched in 2014, the president made efforts to encourage responsible fatherhood and close opportunity gaps faced by young men of color. And with Let Girls Learn, Michelle took the cause global, stressing that girls' education is about more than gender equality: it's essential to economic development. Again, the first couple put family values into action.
As for the old "family values" buzzword and what it represented, times are changing. For the first time, more Americans favor same-sex marriage than oppose it, and thanks to the Supreme Court's 2015 ruling, it appears to be settled law. The debate over abortion is still alive and well, with states implementing restrictions and the future of women's rights uncertain under a President Donald Trump. But on reproductive rights issues, progressives have managed to reframe the debate as a "war on women."
Family values barely came up in the 2016 presidential election, perhaps because the candidates realized voters cared less about the sex lives of their neighbors and more about the economy and international security challenges. We don't hear much about family values anymore, but we have seen them on display in the White House. Thanks to the Obamas, we're moving away from "family values" as a euphemism for anti-gay-marriage and antiabortion politics. I credit them and their actions for reminding us what family values really look like.
Everything About Selena Gomez's Sheer Dress Will Leave You Blushing
After stepping out in a slip dress the other night, Selena Gomez opted for yet another sexy look heading to dinner with The Weeknd while in New York. The songstress wore an LBD by designer Alexandre Vauthier that featured a silver sequined strap and a side slit.
The black dress was designed with a slinky, sheer material that hugged her curves, and she finished her look off with a classic pair of ankle-strap heels by Jimmy Choo. At first glance, the sheer dress looked like it was just another flashy gown, until the light hit. That's when it became entirely see-through, revealing Selena's choice to go braless.
Scroll on to have a look at Selena's revealing date night look, then buy similar dresses.
Prepare to Swoon Over These 13 Throw Pillows From Joanna Gaines's Pier 1 Collection
As if you needed another reason to love Joanna Gaines, the HGTV star has a decor collection at Pier 1 Imports that's to die for. We are loving the Magnolia Home pillows in particular - they come in durable fabrics, yet they're full of character, in rich taupe, rust, navy, and gray shades. We think these pillows will be the ideal addition to sofas and chairs for Fall. Take a glance at our favorite options and buy a few for the season.
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