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
Don't Waste Calories at a Bar: 5 Low-Calorie Cocktails to Order at Happy Hour
When you're worried about calories, drinking the wrong cocktail can make all the difference. Two drinks out with the girls suddenly turns into a 1,000-calorie night. Vodka sodas are always a safe bet but can get boring quickly. The next time you're out at a bar or restaurant, order one of these cocktails instead - all good and all well under 200 calories!
George W. Bush Opens Up About His Heartwarming Connection With Michelle Obama
At the opening ceremony for the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016, Michelle Obama embraced George W. Bush in a sweet and unexpected moment. Now, the former president is opening up about their friendship and that hug which he described as a "genuine expression of affection."
In an interview with People regarding upcoming book and art exhibit, Bush explained why he and the former first lady get along so well. "She kind of likes my sense of humor. Anybody who likes my sense of humor, I immediately like," he said.
Bush then recalled other heartwarming times he's shared with the Obamas. "I can't remember where else I've sat next to her, but I probably have a few wise cracks and she seemed to like it okay," he said. Adding, "I needle her a little bit and around her, I'm fairly lighthearted. They're around serious people all the time and we just took to each other."
Moving forward, he says he hopes to work more closely with the Obamas and Bidens on their Joining Forces initiative, which offers support for veterans, military personnel, and their families.
OK, but When Will Prince William Actually Become King?
Image Source: Getty / Max Mumby / Indigo
Since Queen Elizabeth suffered an illness over the 2016 holidays, there's been a lot of hullabaloo about who will get their paws on the throne when the beloved monarch passes away. Elizabeth was only 25 when she took the throne after the death of her father, King George VI; she is currently the United Kingdom's longest-running monarch and doesn't seem to have any plans to give up her title voluntarily. But in the event of her retirement, abdication, or death, the current line of succession to the throne declares that her firstborn son, Prince Charles, would become king - and at 68, he would be the oldest heir to do so.
Image Source: Getty / WPA Pool
So, where does that leave Charles's firstborn, Prince William? Seeing as the 34-year-old is next in line for the throne after his father, it's possible that he could becoming king sooner than we think. Charles could decide that he doesn't want the responsibility of running the Commonwealth or that he'd rather kick back on a beach for the rest of his days, in which case William would take over almost immediately. The wife of a king normally gets the title of queen, but it is purely ceremonial; technically, William's wife, Kate Middleton, would be officially known as the queen consort. And in line after William? That would be his son, Prince George, followed by Princess Charlotte, Prince Harry, and the queen's second son, Prince Andrew.
On Being Called "Brown Sugar" and "Oprah" in Morocco
It's a truth universally acknowledged that when you complain to an ignorant man about being catcalled, they'll say you should take it as a compliment. And when you further explain that being catcalled abroad is even worse, they'll mansplain to you that it's just the way the culture is and you should just suck it up and expect it if you're going to travel.
I don't recall being whistled at or spoken to like a sexual object much in my youth. I wasn't exactly the ideal standard of beauty in my small town, so it wasn't until I moved away to bigger cities that I realized that this unfortunate act of catcalling was something that could happen to me. And sadly, as I've gotten older and lived in cities such as Los Angeles, London, and New York, it's only gotten worse. I'll never enjoy being on the receiving end of it and certainly do not consider it flattering.
My adventurous nature took me on a trip to Morocco after finding extremely inexpensive flights. It was a country I had heard so much about and just had to figure out if all the hype was justified. Thankfully, I was overjoyed to find out that it exceeded my expectations. Morocco is an intense blend of old and new. The vibrant colors, smells of spices, and old ruins were fulfilling my Indiana Jones fantasies.
In my research, before I arrived, it was made clear that the men of Morocco tended more toward the aggressive side when it came to interactions with women. I had faced many sexual remarks toward me in my travels to other locations but didn't want to go in with a bad attitude about this and have it ruin the trip. From the moment I landed in the North African country, a barrage of physical remarks rained down upon me. My inner angry feminist was enraged.
It's a complicated feeling to want to change the world and how women are treated, but then to try and respect the culture of a country and not go in with a stubborn mind on how things are done. I wanted so badly to stand up for myself, but I also didn't want to cause a scene. I just let it be because I wanted to enjoy my time there, even if it meant feeling tremendously uncomfortable.
I do have to give it to Moroccan catcallers, though, for their creativity. When I'm walking around New York City, I just get a honk and suggestive look from a car as it passes by, or told that I should be smiling by a stranger who thinks he should get to dictate what my face looks like for him. Or I might be trying to innocently enjoy a museum when a security guard comes up to me and whispers right up in my ear in a creepy voice that he thinks I'm pretty. At least in Morocco, I received the borderline sexual harassment compliments with a bit of flair.
Morocco is insanely gorgeous and I don't want to miss out on seeing more of it just because some random guy called me Brown Sugar.
As a curvy black woman, some of my favorite names I've been called in Morocco are Beyoncé, Brown Sugar, Oprah, Bob Marley, and Whoopi Goldberg. I guess in a way I certainly do feel flattered. Beyoncé, Oprah, and Whoopi's careers are literally my life goals, so being compared to them could be considered a bit nice. Brown Sugar feels a little obvious, but at least it's sweet. And traveling with long, thick braids, I guess I was just asking for the Bob Marley comparisons.
I realize that a lot of it has to do with being a marketing tactic to make people pay attention to them and possibly come over to buy their products. The culture is that of hustling as hard as possible to make enough money to support themselves or their families, so I understand that it's all about how to gain new customers. And I'm sure I didn't notice if they were also saying things to men as well since I was in my own head a lot with each new name they called me.
Despite being treated this way, I went back to Morocco a year later and still have plans to go again in the near future. The thing is, it definitely may suck for a woman to have to endure these sexist moments while seeing the world, but the fact of the matter is that Morocco is insanely gorgeous and I don't want to miss out on seeing more of it just because some random guy called me Brown Sugar.
Morocco is still one of my favorite countries I've been to, and the first location I mention when people ask me for suggestions of places to go. The culture may not be the most attractive thing for a Westernized feminist to have to digest, but it's good to get outside of your comfort zone and face those that haven't been brought fully up to speed on how many women don't like to be spoken to. My inner Oprah gives me the serenity to face anything, including being called Oprah by someone who needs to back away five steps and not touch me, please.
29 Dumbledore Quotes That Will Inspire You to Do Magical Things
In the Harry Potter books and movies, Albus Dumbledore can do spells that make ordinary wizards' heads spin, he can defeat dark wizards in duels, but most of all, he can drop gems of wisdom that are pure magic. Throughout the series, Dumbledore is known for his impeccable wit and insights - when he speaks, wizards and Muggles alike listen. We've gathered up some of his most inspirational, funny, and moving quotes about life, friendship, hope, and love that are all bound to brighten your day and inspire you to make your own kind of magic.
Steph Curry's Adorable Family Lives to Outshine Him
This year was definitely a good one for Stephen Curry and his adorable family! He helped lead the Golden State Warriors to their second NBA Finals win in three years, became the first NBA player to sign a supermax contract, and has had even more cute moments with his wife Ayesha and their two daughters, Ryan and Riley. The cute family is keeping up their celebrations in 2017 - they often share funny, stylish, and sweet moments on social media and with their newest addition, they are posting even more cute photos! Read through to see some of the Curry family's best snaps.
This YouTuber Is Inspiring Women to Fix Their Own Cars
YouTuber Jessicann is all about breaking the stereotype that women can't work on their cars.
Genius Storage Solutions to Make Your Tiny Bedroom Feel Larger - All Under $68
We don't all have the luxury of having a large bedroom that can accommodate our reading-nook dreams and walk-in closet fantasies. Bedrooms can be small and boxish, making it not only hard to turn them into an Instagrammable oasis, but to find place to put things. So whether you're looking to organize your bedside space (enough with all those cords, right?), or need help in the closet, we found bedroom storage solutions that are sure to help - and they're all under $68.
6 Things We Just Learned About Congress, Straight From a Former Intern
Ever wondered what goes on day-by-day in Congress? So have we. Luckily, one Reddit user who says they just finished up an internship with Congress has heard our prayers and decided to answer them. This week, user HombreSinNombre96 went ahead and (drunkenly, per their words) posted a new Ask Me Anything thread:
Just finished interning in Congress a few weeks ago, AMA! from AMA
Some of the questions, naturally, came from trolls: "On a scale of one to John Boehner how big of scumbags are the people there?" one user asked. But a few serious questions came in as well, and the former intern offered a handful of rather insightful answers. Curious about the sh*t-talking, the pay, and the other things that might come up in the presence of our esteemed representatives? Here are the top highlights from the thread.
1. The Internship Was Not Paid
If you think the government will shell out for its intern employees, think again. "No, it was not paid. :( Which is some actual bullsh*t, because I worked my f*cking ass off; every day I'd wake up at 5:30 am, get to D.C., work 8-9 hours depending on if we were in session, and then get home at 7:30 pm."
2. Congress Staffers Don't Actually Make That Much Money
Another misconception about the government: that all officials make bank. After all, the President has $400,000 salary, plus $50,000 for expenses and $100,000 for travel. As for the people further down? "If you think staffers make a lot of money, that is definitely not the case lol."
3. Allegedly, Congress Really IS Working Toward Wise Spending
The prevailing myth is that the government is blowing money on useless things for no reason. "Believe it or not, Members of Congress really do try to spend tax money wisely. A common question they ask is "do we really need to spend money on bill X?"
4. The Representatives Actually Provide Some (Very Random) Additional Services
When they're not arguing about the future of America, representatives can do all sorts of fun things. "Services provided are things like free tours of the Capitol, the ability to book White House tours . . . In addition to that, if you're having an issue with a federal agency you should definitely call the Rep's district office . . . The district office can help you (or at least try its best) with things like fighting the Veterans' Administration to get your benefits, or get your passport expedited, or try and help with things like social security."
5. There's a Lot of Sh*t-Talking, but at Least They Aren't Doing Anything Shady
Bet you thought government workers don't act like a bunch of high school mean girls. But, guess what? This is as catty as any other office space can (sometimes) be. Even so, there's a silver lining. "There was a lot of sh*t talking behind peoples' backs which really turned me off. I never saw anything unethical go down though as far as taking bribes from lobbyists etc."
6. If Your Representative Is From the Opposite Party, There's Basically Nothing You Can Do but Wait
Being a Democrat in a conservative area or vice versa is even harder than you think. "If you're a Republican in a district where a Democrat represents you, no amount of railing against Obamacare will get him or his staff to change their position supporting Obamacare, thus you basically have to deal with not having your interests represented in Congress at all."
15 Times Kate Middleton Was Totally Just a Regular Mom
Ah, royals . . . they're just like us! OK, maybe not, but there is something truly universal about raising kids that means it doesn't matter if you are the Duchess of Cambridge - you're still going to have your fair share of struggles. Kate Middleton may always seem poised and put together, but as every mom knows, parenting is hard.
Scroll through for 15 times Kate was just like every other mom trying to raise kids.
Dangerous Curves Ahead: Over 40 of Kim Kardashian's Hottest Swimsuit Photos
It's been a busy few years for Kim Kardashian and her growing family, what with her lavish wedding to Kanye West in 2014 and a slew of adorable moments with their kids, daughter North and son Saint. Amidst all the exciting moments, Kim always makes time to slip into a two-piece and show off her famous figure. And whether she's got a six-pack or a baby bump, Kim has also made sure to document her steamiest moments with tons of social media snaps and fashion spreads.
The Cast of Chaos Walking Is Almost Too Beautiful For Words
A new YA-to-movie adaptation is about to take over your life, so strap in. Patrick Ness's Chaos Walking trilogy - which consists of The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and the Answer, and Monsters of Men (as well as a prequel, The New World) - is hitting the big screen in 2019 (March 1, to be exact). The cast is jam-packed with some of Hollywood's biggest talents, so keep reading to see who will be taking on the characters of Todd, Viola, and more.
This Moving Harry Potter Theory Will Make You Love Neville Longbottom Even More
Neville Longbottom could have been The Chosen One, but he wasn't. Instead, Harry took on the weight of the wizarding world, and his acts of bravery proved countless times that he was a true Gryffindor at heart. While Harry's bravery was brash, bold, and apparent to everyone around him, Neville's went more or less unnoticed throughout their years at Hogwarts. But his quiet courage was something else entirely. I've seen this fan theory throughout the years, and I can't help but agree that while Harry, Ron, and Hermione were undeniably brave, Neville Longbottom's particular type of bravery was perhaps the most remarkable of all. Here's the theory.
Basically, Neville stood before his greatest fear and faced it daily. What's more, he stood up not to his enemies, but to his friends in The Sorcerer's Stone - because he believed it was right. "And then led a resistance against a Snape-led Hogwarts in year seven. He led a group of children (and friends) in a mini-war against his biggest fear," added Redditor TheKyleBaxter.
Then, in what is arguably one of the bravest deeds in the entire Harry Potter series, Neville stood up to Voldemort himself. "This is the moment when Voldemort appears to have won. Harry appears to be dead. There's almost no hope left to win the war for them. And still, Neville continues to defy Voldemort, despite Voldemort's offer to let him join the Death Eaters," SchroedingersKneazle pointed out in a Reddit thread on the subject. It may not be the same kind of bravery Harry had when he knowingly walked into the Forbidden Forest to face Voldemort and to his inevitable death. And it's not the same as the bravery it took Harry to come back to the warring wizarding world and finish it all when he could have gone on to be with those he'd loved and lost.
But Neville's is a different kind of courage that perseveres. Harry's bravery resulted from facing a responsibility that was thrust upon him at birth; Neville's bravery was something he chose to have daily, even if wasn't something that came as naturally to him. Some fans have even said Neville's experience facing Snape is a metaphor for dealing with anxiety and fear of failure, and even more understandably, dealing with fears of facing bullies at school - which many Muggle children deal with everyday as well.
Either way, there's no doubt that the Sorting Hat made the right decision when he sorted Neville Longbottom. The hat placed him in Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart, their daring, nerve, and chivalry truly setting them apart.
Wedding Music Ideas For the Mother-Son Dance
Nowadays, a wedding isn't all about just the bride, and to reflect that, many couples choose to have a mother-son dance to complement the father-daughter dance. Because it's not the easiest for song selection, we're here to help. We have many ideas for the song that the groom and mother-of-the-groom can dance to at the reception, so scroll through and find the one you're looking for!
Game of Thrones Theories Are Cool, but Hot Pictures of Dickon Tarly Are What's Up
All "Dickon" jokes aside, the younger Tarly brother on Game of Thrones is certainly easy on the eyes. Played by British actor Tom Hopper, the role of Dickon was recast from one sexy star (Freddie Stroma) to another for the show's seventh season. In the latest episode, Dickon saves Jaime midbattle by stabbing a Dothraki warrior, but the jury's out on what his fate might be after that wild battle. For now, we're just paying tribute to all the glorious Dickon moments that have popped up so far - and if you're wondering why his armor seems so bulky, we're pretty sure it's just because Tom Hopper's muscles are insane.
11 Things You Didn't Know About Luisana Lopilato
Let's be clear: Luisana Lopilato might have just debuted in her first English-language movie, Fair Market Value, but she isn't, by any means, a newbie on the scene. The 30-year-old Argentinian actress and L'Oréal Paris spokesperson has been on TV and the big screen since she was just a little kid with long hair and bangs - just ask her more than six million loyal Twitter followers.
If you grew up in Latin America, chances are you did it with Luisana, watching her in hit telenovelas like Chiquititas and Rebelde Way and singing along to every one of her records. But for those who don't yet know much about Michael Bublé's wife, we've compiled this list of interesting facts, straight from Luisana herself. Scroll ahead to get to know the mom of two in her own words.
Recall Alert! This iPhone Case Recalled Due to Reported Chemical Burns
Those trendy glitter iPhone cases may turn out to be more harmful than fun. A company that sold glitter iPhone cases to retailers such as Amazon and Nordstrom Rack has issued a recall for its products due to "skin irritation or chemical burns."
MixBin issued the recall on Aug. 1 and it includes all iPhone cases for the iPhone 6, 6S, and 7 sold between October 2015 and June 2017. The phone cases ranged in prices from $15 to $65 and were available at Henri Bendel, Tory Burch, and Victoria's Secret. In an official statement, MixBin stated the cases were recalled "due to risk of skin irritation, blisters, or burns if the liquid contained in the phone case leaks and comes into contact with the skin due to breakage or cracking of the case."
If you're the owner of an affected phone case, you can go through MixBin to get a refund. You'll need to take a photo of the case, so don't throw it out. The company also advises to keep the phone case until you are informed about how to properly get rid of it.
Lush's New Bath Bomb Is Basically a Shooting Star in Your Bathtub
Image Source: Lush
If you're like us, the closest you've ever gotten to being an astronaut is singing "Rocket Man" at karaoke. Lush is here to change that with its newest launch: Rocket Science Bath Bomb ($9).
No big deal or or anything, but this bath bomb creates its own fizzy jet streams, which propel it through your tub like a comet in the night sky. If you don't have Boomerang, you might want download the app before this drops on August 15, because this will look good as hell on Instagram.
Of course, it will feel even better on your body. Rocket Science is made out of citrus oils, which are known to relieve stress. This is good, because owning this product practically makes us all astronauts and that's a demanding job!
Image Source: Giphy
All the Creepy Posters We've Seen For American Horror Story: Cult
Every day brings us closer to American Horror Story: Cult, and, frankly, we're terrified. Ever since the title surfaced at Comic-Con a few weeks ago, the flow of unsettling details and teasers and more has been pretty constant. But some of the most disturbing imagery from Cult, at least so far, has come in the form of the season's official posters. Straight from the AHS Twitter account (and creator Ryan Murphy), here's everything we've seen and what it could possibly mean.
4 Reasons Why Amazon's Echo Show Isn't Worth the Hype - Yet
"Is that a retro TV or a tablet? That's the question I kept getting when I sent around a Snapchat of Amazon's newest product, the Echo Show ($230). The Echo Show brings Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa, to life with a 7-inch touchscreen. You can make video calls with it and even have a spontaneous karaoke session. It sounds like the device of the future - but after testing it at home for about two weeks, I found that while it offers a few distinct advantages over the Echo ($180) and Echo Dot ($50) - it falls short on many of its promises.
So, what is the Echo Show?
Think of the Echo Show as a bigger and more capable tablet. It has a 7-inch touchscreen, eight microphones, a five megapixel front facing camera, and weighs 41.0 ounces. You can make hands-free video calls to anyone who has an Echo show or the Alexa app. Or, if they have an Echo or Echo Dot, you can make regular calls to them.
What are some of the cooler features?
Like the Echo or Echo Dot, you can ask Alexa anything - the weather, what your calendar looks like for the day, and more by enabling some Alexa skills. However, since the Echo Show has a screen, these features are a little more interactive than they are on a typical Echo or Echo Dot. For example, you'll see your calendar on the screen or the weather with clouds and sun icons. It's fun, it's visual, and even prompted me to check the Echo Show over my phone first thing in the morning.
Its beST features are those that work with Amazon subscription services like Amazon Music or Prime Video. With Amazon Music and Prime Music, you can ask Alexa to play a song and it will - complete with on-screen lyrics ready for you to sing along. Watch videos or TV while you're cooking or relaxing by asking it to play on the screen.
The touchscreen also means you'll see way more prompts of what to ask Alexa. Since we're all relatively new to voice assistants, I really appreciated this. I didn't know I could ask Alexa random questions as if it were Google or to see videos attached to news stories.
What are the downsides?
Those on-screen lyrics? They don't work with Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, or TuneIn. AND if you don't subscribe and pay $8-$10 a month for Amazon Music Unlimited, but are a Prime member, your music collection is extremely limited. I asked the Echo Show to play Lorde's Melodrama - a pretty big, mainstream hit - and it couldn't because it's not a part of Prime Music.
The same can be said of Amazon Prime Video. I can't watch many regular TV shows that I can on Netflix or Hulu on the Echo Show. And when I tried to use Alexa to play an episode of Sex and City, I had to first find which episode and season I wanted and be as specific as possible in telling Alexa before it was able to locate it.
The quality of watching videos on the Echo Show wasn't exactly remarkable. Some of my friends thought I was using an old-school TV when they saw it on Snapchat. For me, the screen isn't large enough to really capture a fun, casual video watching experience. And unlike a tablet, the Echo Show is bulky and not easily moveable, so I can't switch it from the kitchen table to the counter top.
And then there's the video and voice calling. I wanted to try it with my friends, but it turns out either they don't have any of the necessary devices, or refuse to allow Amazon access to their contacts out of privacy concerns.
So should you get the Echo Show or not?
The Echo Show is a promising device. I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a big holiday gift later this year. But for now, especially at its hefty price tag, you're probably better off waiting for Amazon to refine the device's capabilities or getting a tablet to use alongside your Echo or Echo Dot instead.
22 Cozy Slow-Cooker Casseroles That Make Life Easy
It's always slow-cooker season, and these cozy casserole recipes are here to rescue dinnertime. You'll be glad you won't have to bother with the oven when you've got lasagna, enchiladas, and more casseroles cooking low and slow on your countertop. Let these 22 slow-cooker casserole recipes inspire your home-cooking plans when you don't feel like making too much of an effort in the kitchen.
The Heartbreaking Thing Prince William Told Diana After She Lost Her Title in the Divorce
When Prince Charles and Princess Diana ended their marriage in 1996, their oldest son, Prince William, was just 14 years old. At the time, he was a student at Eton College studying biology, art history, and geography and playing soccer and water polo. He hadn't yet begun his official royal duties or military career. For all intents and purposes, he was a normal teenager - besides, you know, the whole being king one day thing - and most normal teenagers are pretty bummed about their parents splitting up. But as second in line to the British throne, William recognized his (future) power and made a promise to his mother that is both incredibly adorable and incredibly heartbreaking.
Charles and Diana's divorce was finalized in August 1996, but some drama surrounding her royal title ensued. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up - instead, she was given the title Diana, Princess of Wales. The loss of the honorific separated Diana from the rest of the family in such a way that she had to curtsy to those who had it, including her own children. William is said to have comforted his mother after the loss of her title by saying, "Don't worry, Mummy, I will give it back to you one day when I am king."
Tragically, Diana was killed in a car crash just a little over a year after William made his touching vow to her. In the decades after her death, both he and his brother, Harry, have opened up about their mother, sharing stories about their time with her as well as honoring her impact, both with the charities they support and the traditions she's passed on to them.
Beyond the Lattes: 30+ Healthy Pumpkin Spice Treats, Snacks, and Foods
Whether you're ready or not, pumpkin spice season is upon us. And if you're a pumpkin fan but also livin' that healthy lifestyle, fear not: there's tons of stuff for you, too.
It's true, though - pumpkin spice flavors aren't just for Oreos and sugary lattes (although we don't mind those now and then!). From protein powders to flax-and-pumpkin-seed granolas to oatmeals and Greek yogurts, it seems like pumpkin spice has invaded some of our healthiest staples and snacks. We're not mad about it. 'Tis the season, right?
Ivanka Trump Thinks People Expect Too Much of Her and What She Can Do in the White House
Ivanka Trump, who continuously sets the bar high for herself by attending G20 meetings and telling the media her father knows when she disagrees with something he says, now "wants to lower expectations of what she can achieve." In a recently published profile of Ivanka, it's revealed that the quasi-first lady is finding it hard to convince her father to support the causes she believes in.
The Politico story, published on July 30, cited numerous White House officials and family friends to explain just how well Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, are faring in the White House. Spoiler alert: not that great. Though Trump tweeted her support for the LGBTQ+ community, it's clear that her father doesn't agree, considering his latest push to ban transgender people from joining the military. According to White House officials, Trump herself found out about the decision from the president's tweets - and was "blindsided."
Since Trump isn't winning at advancing any of the liberal causes she has publicly cared about, she "told allies that she wants to be held accountable solely on those issues she is actively working on." This includes putting an end to human trafficking at the top of the White House's agenda. And though she disagrees with her father on some issues, she won't publicly lash out on him. "I know her well enough to know her relationship with her father, which is that she will never, ever, go against the grain," a former friend told Politico.
Some of her friends believe Trump is doing her best. "She's in there doing what she can," R. Couri Hay, a publicist and a longtime friend of the Trump family, said to Politico. "It's unrealistic, unfair and cruel to expect her to change climate policy and pre-K and women's issues in six months."
So as Trump reassess her image and expectations, she's taking cues from a biography on Eleanor Roosevelt. She might fare better to learn from her critics and become more publicly disapproving of her father.
Meet the Summer Wrap Dress That Belongs in Every Girl's Wardrobe
When it comes to real-time inspiration for warm-weather looks, we always turn to our favorite bloggers, and this Summer's no different. If you've been scrolling through your Instagram feed, you've probably seen a blogger or two sporting what is sure to be crowned the dress of the season.
This wrap dress by online brand Realisation Par isn't glitzy or ultraglam; instead, it encapsulates the ease of Summer fashion by pairing its classic wrap style with sweet prints. Read on for six ways to style your next spend, and get ready to call off your search for the perfect Summer dress as we show you why you need to shop it now.
17 Quotes That Prove Kesha Is, and Always Will Be, a Warrior
Kesha might have made her name with upbeat party jams like "Tik Tok" and "We R Who We R," but she has a whole lot more to offer than lyrics about brushing her teeth with the remnants of last night's Jack Daniels. The singer, who recently found herself at the unfortunate and unfair mercy of the legal system, is not only a supremely talented songwriter, but she also has plenty of wise words to share with the world. Keep reading to see Kesha's most inspirational quotes, then check out her beautiful new song, "Rainbow."
Here's How to Get Through an Intense Workout Without Puking
If you've ever felt like throwing up during an intense workout, you're not alone. It's pretty common, but can be super uncomfortable (and for some people, embarrassing!). There's obviously no need to feel ashamed - we're all on a messy, sweaty, physical journey together - but let's take a peek at why it happens and a few things you can do to prevent it (if that's your goal).
What Makes You Feel Like Throwing Up During a Workout?
You can feel nauseous for a number of reasons, but when it comes from the intensity of your workout, it's "your body's pH dropping from the accumulation of lactate," said personal trainer and injury-prevention specialist Liz Letchford. "You're reaching what we call your 'lactate threshold,' or the point at which where your body has reached its capacity for generating energy." You've gone so hard, you physically can't go any harder - without puking.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, Liz told POPSUGAR. "This is a great place to be if you are training for an endurance event, or just need to increase your overall cardiovascular fitness. The more you train at this limit, the higher that threshold gets, and the more you'll have to push yourself in order to reach that threshold." Read: you won't feel as pukey the next time doing the same workout at the same intensity.
But we get it - it's uncomfortable, and vomiting in SoulCycle might not be the best experience, right? There are some things you can do to prevent the upchuck.
How Do You *Not* Puke?
- Slow down. "If you don't actually want to vomit in class, try to back off on the intensity," said Liz. "Slow down your bike, sprints, or burpees - but keep moving! Don't just stop or you'll likely puke."
- Watch your HR. Director of group fitness at Crunch, Michelle Opperman told POPSUGAR "watch your heart rate monitor." Don't have one? No worries. She suggested watching how you feel, and if your heart rate is really out of control, scale back. "Make sure you're pushing your intensity, but not past your threshold."
- Drink water, but not too much. There are few things worse than a belly full of sloshing water as you're jumping, sprinting, bicycle crunching. Plus, it can make you barf - or at least feel like you're going to. You want to be hydrated, but maybe don't chug a bottle of water just before hitting the gym.
- Don't eat 30 minutes before class. Keep the 30 minutes before class clear - a rule of thumb we got from DIAKADI trainer Elijah Markstrom was "finish your meal or snack no less than two hours before your workout" to prevent a stomach ache.
- Keep pre-workout meals carby. Avoid fats, red meats, high-protein foods, and fiber - all of those things are slow digesting and can cause digestive distress during a workout. Stick to simple carbs and light amounts of protein.
I Was a MAC Pro For 11 Years, and This Is What It's Really Like to Work There
I worked for MAC Cosmetics for 11 years, and it was wonderful! I worked for them as a retail manager in both California and New York City. I was lucky enough to get the job even though I was a telephone operator with no prior experience! I just happened to love MAC and was at the counter at least twice a week. I often would do my friends' makeup at the counter, and a small group of customers would gather, the manager noticed and encouraged me to interview for a job, and boom! I got it and was hired as part of the management team. Makeup always came naturally, and I definitely had a huge passion for makeup and product. Here is what I learned being part of the MAC Pro team.
These 11 Fall Essentials From NYX Are Totally Worth the Hype
The moment I discovered NYX products in drugstores, I became a huge fan. The brand offers quality cosmetics at insanely low prices. Not only are the products cruelty-free, but they also come in a massive variety of shades. This Fall, there's some gorgeous NYX products you need to create the perfect seasonal look. These are the essentials that every beauty junkie should have on hand. Check them out, then go forth and create autumnal looks.
Game of Thrones: We Will Lose Our Sh*t If Drogon Doesn't Survive That Wound
Epic battles aren't a new phenomenon on Game of Thrones, but the one featured in "The Spoils of War" might be the most satisfying to watch yet. Why? One word: dragon. After hanging back on Dragonstone and handling the war with a more tactful approach, Daenerys finally has enough of her losses and impulsively decides to deal with matters by force. With Dothraki soldiers following, she flies one of her dragons to the Reach, where Jaime and other Lannister soldiers are stationed. Once the surprise attack ensues, it's complete and utter chaos (a ladder, if you will).
The dragon Daenerys rides on is Drogon, so named for her late husband Khal Drogo. Sporting black and red scales and wings, he's the largest and most aggressive of her dragons. His personality's no different in battle as he shows no hesitation to burn nearly everything and everyone to bits. Unfortunately, things don't go quite as planned for Daenerys, but one could say they do for Bronn, who manages to injure Drogon. While the Lannister arrows do nothing to impede Drogon, a bolt from a massive crossbow-like weapon does. It's called a scorpion and had been presented by Qyburn for the sole purpose of killing Daenerys's dragons, but it seems it may not get the chance, since Drogon angrily spit fire at it and destroyed it with his huge tail.
When Cersei and Qyburn previously test out the scorpion, they fire it right into a dragon skull. However, Bronn only manages to hit Drogon in the wing area, which brings him crashing down. Like a dedicated Mother of Dragons, Daenerys pulls the bolt out, showing that it cut in pretty deep. He seems to be OK, though, considering he still succeeds in attacking Jaime and Bronn while grounded. But even with an injured dragon, Daenerys still has two healthy ones, and Cersei has no dragon-killing weapon. It looks like the former may now be in the lead. We can only hope it means more dragons in battle because, if viewers losing their minds on Twitter is any indication, who doesn't love dragons?
Watching that dragon fly in like #GameOfThrones http://pic.twitter.com/UlD0A4jJlW
- CalebJordan (@CalebJordan360) August 7, 2017
Me watching Dany/Drogon burn them all #GameOfThrones http://pic.twitter.com/WmHHdInzpt
- dragon's daughter (@yeahclarke) August 7, 2017
Me when the dragon got hurt #GameOfThrones http://pic.twitter.com/PfqhCQ6PLH
- Frederic (@egcaocr) August 7, 2017
Thousands slaughtered, disemboweled, gutted: no reaction.
Dragon or dire wolf gets hurt:#GameofThrones http://pic.twitter.com/mqYtsJDQRW- Rebecca Ritchey (@eatingb00ks) August 7, 2017
Still the best damn thing I saw... #drogon #GameOfThrones http://pic.twitter.com/6IaZ7S8hyI
- Umair Siddiqui (@OfficialUmairS) August 7, 2017
7 Things People Who Lose Weight Do Every Day
Big changes can be made from small but smart habits - this includes weight loss! The American Institute for Cancer Research recently shared its best tips for healthy weight loss, and we couldn't agree with them more. In fact, we've seen dozens of success stories of people who have implemented these tips and habits. Here's how they work and how you can apply them to your life.
1. Set Small Goals
Lee Jordan didn't lose 300 pounds by saying, "I'm going to lose 300 pounds." His first goal? "Walking down the hall for 30 seconds." At 450 pounds, Lee described a short walk down the hall as "the Olympics." But by setting small goals, little by little, he lost an absolutely jaw-dropping amount of weight and saved his life.
"If your resolutions are overly ambitious or vague, you may find yourself overwhelmed and slipping up early in the year," said AICR in a press release. "Make concrete, measurable goals and schedule tasks into your day to help you achieve them."
A woman named Becca who lost over 100 pounds said she would've laughed at you years ago if you'd told her she'd be a half-marathoner. She started with the small goal of being able to run for an entire commercial break of a TV program, slowly building up and adding one minute at a time to her PR, before doing 5Ks and half marathons.
Set small goals for yourself daily that you know are achievable and within reach. Whether it's "add one more minute to my exercise time" or "make one healthy recipe today," one small positive action begets another.
2. Eat Veggies
Another woman who lost over 100 pounds also did so by making small changes. Brooke added a green vegetable to every single meal throughout the day, and her consistency with adding those nutrients into her diet helped make a significant impact on her overall habits and her health.
We noticed that this addition of veggies is a major habit among nearly everyone we've ever interviewed about weight loss; experts also agree it's the best way to lose weight. Some of the people we interviewed admitted that they had never tried certain veggies before their weight-loss journey began. "I found out that I love asparagus," said Amanda, who lost 86 pounds. "I'd never had it before! How did I go my whole life without eating asparagus?"
The AICR said: "Instead of denying yourself the foods you love, focus on replacing some with nutritious, healthful foods." Veggies are low in calories yet will keep you full. "Filling up on these can help curb your appetite while you're watching your weight." Whether you're making swaps throughout the day like Kara, who lost 30 pounds in four months (she has spinach in her morning smoothies, big salads for lunch, and zucchini noodles for dinner), or finishing your day with tons of vegetables for dinner like Taylor (who also lost 30 pounds), this small choice can help you lose major weight.
3. Move
It's no secret that more movement leads to more weight-loss success. "Regular physical activity [is] a key component when trying to maintain or lose weight," said AICR. And movement doesn't necessarily mean gym time.
Katie lost over 200 pounds, and her workout routine is simply walking. Brooke (mentioned earlier) hit her goal by setting a Fitbit step goal of 10,000 steps a day and sticking to that consistently.
If you're ready for more than walking and hoping to build muscle tone and get strong, too, start experimenting with different types of exercise. Courtney and Caitlin work out six to seven days a week and lost 75 and 25 pounds, respectively.
4. Practice Portion Control
This daily habit takes some consciousness and mindfulness when it comes to eating. "Portion sizes are big in America," said AICR. And if you dial in your portions, you could shed some serious weight. "Recent studies suggest that several strategies using portion awareness can all result in meaningful weight loss over a year's time."
Although 55-year-old Luz had been active her whole life, she was about 150 pounds overweight. It wasn't until she learned to get control of her overeating that she lost a significant amount of weight. During chemo treatment for cervical cancer, Luz learned to control portions, which created lasting, healthy habits contributing to her massive weight loss.
Slow down, be conscious of how much you're eating, put your fork down in between bites, and don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach!
5. Don't Drink Calories
Is your vice sugary soda or alcohol? Time to cut ties. "Sugary soda and alcohol both add extra calories without beneficial nutrients," said AICR. "For each sugary drink that you swap out for water or another zero-calorie choice, you'll save 100 to 300 calories. Plus, alcohol by itself is linked to increased risk for several cancers, including breast and colorectal."
While Lee Jordan was on his 300-pound weight-loss journey, he noted that cutting sugary soda out was a crucial piece of his weight-loss puzzle. We also spoke with a woman named Brittany who before her wedding made no changes to her diet or exercise routine but just cut out alcohol - and she lost between five and 10 pounds in a matter of two months.
It may be a tough change at first, but take Amanda's word for it when she said it gets easier: "Your taste buds completely change once you stop eating all the added sugar." Try swapping in as much water as possible, as staying hydrated can also help you feel satiated.
6. Snack Better
People who lose weight don't have to cut out snacks, they just snack smarter. Celebrity personal trainer Chase Weber credits healthy snacks as a way to prevent sugar binges, saying, "if you get into a routine of reaching for these options, you'll avoid the pitfalls of sugary snacks [and] deceptive 'nutrition' shakes."
Follow Kara's lead (remember all her veggies throughout the day?): snack on veggies and hummus or even an apple with peanut butter. These healthier snacks (with a good balance of healthy fats and protein) will keep you from making poorer food choices.
7. Balance Cardio With Weight Training
A mix of cardio with resistance and weight training is the most effective way to lose weight with exercise. The AICR said, "working strength training into your schedule a few times a week can help you build muscle and burn calories. It's a great way to mix up your fitness routine and prevent injuries."
Speaking of mixing it up, a well-rounded fitness routine was the key to weight-loss success for Sarah and Caitlin. In fact, many of the women (and men) we spoke with credited a varied exercise schedule for their shed pounds. Brittany Dawn noted that "things clicked for me when I got into weightlifting" - and she lost 50 pounds.
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If You Want to Lose Weight, This Meal Should Be Your Biggest
How many calories you eat in a day has a direct impact on whether you'll lose, gain, or maintain your weight. If you're looking to lose, creating a calorie deficit is a must, but when you eat your calories also plays a role. Should you have an even supply of calories throughout the day, or should you try to eat most of your calories by a certain time?
According to certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition, "making lunch your biggest meal" could be the change you need in order to see results. A recent study of 80 women, ages 18 to 45, found that having lunch as the biggest meal of the day increased weight loss but also helped with blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. The study also showed that over 12 weeks, those having lunch as the biggest meal lost 12.8 pounds and those with dinner as the biggest meal lost 9.6 pounds.
Pretty interesting, huh? Just changing when to eat the most calories could be the edge you need to see results that you aren't seeing from a healthy diet alone. You have more time to burn off those calories, which means less stored calories overnight.
Leslie suggests trying to "eat 40 percent of your daily calories at lunch. So for a 1,500-calorie diet, which would be common for weight loss, it would be a 600-calorie lunch. That leaves a 450-calorie breakfast and a 450-calorie dinner. Or if you prefer snacking, a 400-calorie breakfast, a 100-calorie snack, and a 400-calorie dinner.
It seems easy enough to make this change, and not only could it help with weight loss, but eating less at night could also help prevent bloating or heartburn and help you sleep better. It's worth a try! Remember that just because you're making lunch your highest-calorie meal, it's not a green light to go for unhealthy calories! Keep the mantra in mind, "think of food as fuel," and make sure your meal contains protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
35 TV Shows That Have Been Straight-Up Canceled in 2017
Can you feel the thick tension hanging in the air? Networks are currently announcing decisions about which series will return next Fall and which will . . . not be. While there are a number of shows that are ending in 2017, many of them at least got a final season to finish out their stories. (New Girl and Portlandia aren't on this list, as they have been granted final seasons and will end in 2018.) The following shows have just been dumped from the primetime schedule to make room for new Fall pilots.
Fox
- Scream Queens: Ryan Murphy's horror-comedy is over after two seasons.
- Making History: The time-travel comedy is history.
- Son of Zorn: The live-action/cartoon hybrid is done after one season.
- APB: The futuristic cop drama starring Justin Kirk is dead in the water.
- Pitch: After one season, Fox is pulling the plug on this sports drama.
- Rosewood: Two seasons in, and Fox is done.
- Sleepy Hollow: Fox is calling it quits after four seasons.
- 24: Legacy: The action spinoff of the long-running original 24 has been chopped from the lineup, but Fox is reportedly thinking about creating other versions of the show in the future.
ABC
- The Real O'Neals: After two seasons, the show is over.
- Dr. Ken: Ken Jeong's medical comedy is history.
- Imaginary Mary: Viewers didn't tune in for Jenna Elfman's show, and now they never will.
- American Crime: Though critically acclaimed, the anthology drama is through.
- Secrets and Lies: After a solid first season, rating dipped in season two and ABC has canceled the drama.
- The Catch: The sexy crime thriller is no more.
- Last Man Standing: Tim Allen's show has been canceled.
- Time After Time: After five episodes, ABC has pulled the low-rated drama.
NBC
- The Blacklist: Redemption: NBC has pulled the plug on the spinoff.
- Powerless: The superhero comedy is officially done.
- Emerald City: We hardly got to know this Wizard of Oz adaptation before it was canceled.
CBS
- The Odd Couple: CBS is calling it quits after three seasons.
- Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders: Say goodbye to the Criminal Minds spinoff.
- The Great Indoors: Joel McHale's comedy is over after a single season.
- 2 Broke Girls: After six seasons, CBS canceled the comedy.
- Doubt: CBS pulled Katherine Heigl's legal drama after just two episodes.
The CW
- Frequency: The time-travel drama failed to catch on after one season.
- No Tomorrow: The CW also axed this whimsical romantic drama.
FX
- Man Seeking Woman: The show has been canceled after three brilliant (but low-rated) seasons.
Disney Channel
- Girl Meets World: The reboot was the first show of 2017 to get a cancellation slip.
OWN
- Love Thy Neighbor: OWN canceled the Tyler Perry-produced show.
- For Better or Worse: This show, also from Perry, is ending with its current season.
WGN
- Outsiders: After two seasons, the drama has been shut down.
Netflix
- Sense8: The futuristic drama has come to an end.
- The Get Down: Baz Luhrman's hip-hop vision got the ax after one season.
- Girlboss: Netflix canceled the flashy comedy inspired by the life of Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso, which only lasted one season.
- Gypsy: Netflix cut the 10-part Naomi Watts psychosexual thriller from their lineup after one season.
Prince Charles Made a "Joke" After Harry's Birth That Actually Broke Diana's Heart
Princess Diana was many things to many people, but above all else, she was an adoring and doting mother of two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. While much is known about Diana's special connection with her boys, there's one thing people may not know about Harry's birth in particular: Prince Charles "desperately" wanted a little girl, and Diana, knowing that she was carrying a baby boy, kept the secret from her husband throughout her entire pregnancy.
About a year after Prince William was born in June 1982, Diana was under pressure to produce a spare to the heir. In September 1983, Buckingham Palace announced that Diana was pregnant for a second time, but sadly, she suffered a miscarriage later that week while at the Balmoral estate in Scotland. Cut to early 1984, when Charles and Diana found out that they were expecting again. During her difficult pregnancy, Diana told friends, "I don't think I'm made for the production line, but it's all worth it in the end."
In September 1984, Diana gave birth to a baby boy, Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor, after nine hours of labor and zero drugs. In Andrew Morton's Diana: Her True Story, the princess revealed her husband's "dismay" after welcoming their second child: "Charles always wanted a girl," she said. "Harry was a boy. His first comment was, 'Oh God, it's a boy.' His second: 'And he's even got red hair.'" Charles discounted the comment as a joke, but Diana was extremely hurt and offended: not only had she just endured nine f*cking hours of natural birth, but her older sisters and younger brother, Earl Spencer, all happen to have red hair, a trait that runs in the Spencer family. What's worse, at Harry's christening in December, Charles reportedly told Diana's mother, "We were so disappointed - we thought it would be a girl."
Diana went on to explain that she and Charles were "the closest we've ever, ever been and ever will be" in the weeks before Harry was born, adding, "Then, suddenly, as Harry was born, it just went bang, our marriage. The whole thing went down the drain." She went on to admit that "something inside me closed off," after Harry's birth - especially because Charles had picked up his longtime affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. "By then, I knew Charles had gone back to his lady," she said of the rekindled romance.
Harry's red hair led many to believe that his biological father was actually James Hewitt, an English Army captain who was hired to teach Diana, William, and Harry horseback riding. While Diana and James did carry on an affair in the late '80s, they didn't meet until two years after Harry's birth. And Charles's desire for a baby girl has held strong after all these years, as evidenced by his excitement over the birth of Princess Charlotte in 2015. "I was hoping for a granddaughter - someone to look after me when I am very old," he told reporters during a public engagement that year. "I am really rather thrilled."
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We Definitely Just Got a Juicy New Hint About Big Little Lies Season 2
Image Source: HBO
Variety held the annual Power of Young Hollywood event on Tuesday in LA, and some the brightest stars of tomorrow showed up to celebrate the occasion. On the red carpet, we snagged an interview with Chloe Coleman, who recently played the daughter of Bonnie (Zoë Kravitz) on HBO's acclaimed series Big Little Lies. Seeing as there's been a lot of back and forth on whether the show will return for a second season, this was the perfect opportunity to gain some clarity. Coleman may be young, but she could have inside information. I decided to ask point-blank: had she heard anything about season two?
"Actually, they are working on it," Coleman revealed. "I hear they may be telling a bit more of Bonnie's story. Because last time they did it, they didn't do that much of her story. And she still has a lot to tell. I hope, if they do make a season two - which, they're really close - there are a bit more Bonnie stories." What she says is spot on: if you read the book, you know that there's a major change: Bonnie doesn't confess to the crime in the TV adaptation. Also contained in the book is a subplot that details the abuse Bonnie experienced when she was younger at the hands of her father. Even though we can't count Coleman's quote as an official confirmation, we have to admit she may be on to something.
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
On top of some key intel about the show's next chapter, Coleman also offered her own theory about how she could be involved. "I'm kind of thinking that there may be, like, some new kid at the school, and he does some really bad stuff. Like, badder stuff than they did in the other one," she revealed. "For some reason, I had this dream, there was a bigger bully and all these kids were hanging out, and then they started to build up and work on the bully. That's what I think is going to happen. That's just my prediction." Don't worry, I urged Coleman to set up a meeting with the creator, David E. Kelley, ASAP to share her vision. Whether or not the second season will ever come to light, at least we'll always have that kickass soundtrack.
I Did CrossFit 5 Days a Week For 1 Month and This Is What Happened
I don't really want to share half-naked selfies of myself with the world, but I feel compelled to. Because after years and years of working out four to six days a week, running and training for half-marathons, sweating it out in yoga classes, and eating healthy, I have finally caught a glimpse of the kind of transformation I have been wanting ever since I can remember. And it's only been one month.
Before
This might sound like a PSA, but so what? I really do owe it all to CrossFit. I had been wanting to try it for years but through two pregnancies, working, and taking care of my two young kiddos, I just felt like I couldn't carve out the time. It was kind of a lame excuse, actually, and I realized it was high time to make the time and do something for me. So on Mother's Day 2016, I bought myself a $250 On-Ramp course for CrossFit. No it's not culty, yes the workouts are frickin' hard, and yes, the community support really is amazing and was the key to my success.
After completing that course, I decided to go all in and committed to going for one month, five days a week. Here's what happened.
- Weight down: I have been the same weight for years, trying to lose those last pesky pounds that hide my muscles and make me look softer than I'd like. I was amazed when I stepped on the scale and realized I was at the weight that I lied about on my driver's license. Down four pounds! I mean, that's huge when you don't have a ton of weight to lose. CrossFit smacked my weight-loss plateau in the face!
- Less to pinch: OK, so the scale isn't everything. I also lost at least one inch around my waist. It's not an enormous change, but I can totally tell in the photos because it's the first area of my body my eyes move to whenever I look in the mirror. I have had a belly my entire life it seems, and I can finally see it slimming down and that little muffin top diminishing. I even noticed a little definition in my obliques!
- Arm definition: While brushing my teeth a couple weeks in, I happily noticed my biceps bulging but didn't think anything of it until the month was up and people commented on my arms. "What have you been doing?" they asked. Someone else said when they hugged me, my arms felt stronger. Even the Comcast guy who came to fix my cable commented on my "guns." I also noticed more definition in my upper back.
After
- Toned thighs: I've always had lean legs, thanks to running and inherited genes from my mom, but they look even more toned and defined. I slipped on a pair of leggings and loved that I could seen my quad muscles popping out a little. Thank you lunges and deadlifts!
- Perkier butt: I also inherited a flat butt from my mom, but a month full of squats, wall balls, and kettlebell swings have turned my flat rear into a more shapely, rounder, lifted bum. My husband has noticed, too. Bonus!
- More energy: I used to run for an hour in the morning from 6 to 7 a.m., and by late morning/early afternoon, I felt completely drained. My body felt exhausted, my brain felt foggy, and all I wanted was a nap. I craved sugar and chocolate because I thought it'd give me a pick-me-up. Of course, that backfired with an inevitable sugar crash, plus the extra calories didn't help me lose weight. I didn't feel tired once during this month-long CrossFit experiment. Even after getting up at 4:50 to make my 5:45 a.m. classes, I still had more physical and mental energy.
- Less hunger: Now this surprised me. I thought all that intense cardio and heavy lifting would leave me insatiably famished. But I felt way less hungry than I did after those hour-long runs. I never ate before those early a.m. classes for fear or puking, and by the time I got home, showered, and started working, I wasn't hungry until 9 or 10. I was also inspired to eat better because I was putting in all this time and energy, and I didn't want to undo all that by devouring half a box of Wheat Thins dipped in peanut butter.
- Varicose veins diminished: I thought the bulging blue varicose vein behind my left knee was the oh-so-special badge of honor I shared with moms everywhere. But after four weeks of CrossFit, I swear, it's hardly noticeable. The increased blood flow from all that heart-pumping cardio works magic! I feel way more confident in short shorts and skirts now.
- Stronger overall: Carry three bags of groceries on each arm from the car to the house? No problem! Lifting heavier weights for just one month made me stronger and more capable of handling life's challenges. When both kids' heads accidentally collided when reaching for the same flower, CrossFit mommy power came to the rescue and I could bend down and lift 80 pounds worth of kid without my knees giving out with energy left to kiss both boo-boos! Running feels easier, previously difficult yoga poses like One-Legged Crow are doable, and come Winter, I'm excited to see how CrossFit-strong legs tackle the ski slopes.
- Confidence: It wears on you when you spend years thinking about your weight while working hard to change your body and not seeing the results you're after. Making a change that actually worked was life changing. I feel more confident and am just overall happier. I also realized that I like pushing myself and since CrossFit encourages you to to get stronger every day, I'm embracing this feeling of pride, and it's inspiring me to keep pushing myself. I see now why people become hooked on WODs. It only took one month, but I'm addicted now, too. I can't wait to see how my body changes in the months to come.
Stop Telling Me to "Get My Body Back"
It all started innocently enough. One day, not long after giving birth to my now-11-month-old son, I received a strange message in my inbox promising that I could "burn inches off my waist" if I just bought a waist shaper (aka corset of doom). I never signed up for these emails, but I expect they got my address somewhere along the way during my pregnancy and assume I was sleep deprived, covered in spit-up, and obsessing about how to get my body back. I deleted the email and didn't think much of it, but I started to notice the message that I needed to "get my body back" was everywhere.
When I log on to Pinterest, I see pins telling me what to eat, what not to eat, and how often to work out so I can "lose my baby belly" and "get a flat tummy after a C-section." A quick Instagram search of #bodyafterbaby or #fitmom turns up posts of women with toned, flat stomachs telling me that "my baby isn't an excuse" and I "owe it to my family to take care of myself."
Then there are the before and after transformation photos in my Facebook feed where the women claim that "you can bounce back and regain your prebaby body. Your best days don't have to be behind you!" In most of these posts, the before photo was typically taken just days after giving birth, they are sucking in for dear life in the after photo, and they are usually trying to sell something.
It's not only on social media, either. Some new moms can't even walk through Target without being told they need to change the way they look.
We are getting hit with these messages from every angle and I have something to say to the women putting these messages out there: stop telling me that I need to get my body back!
New moms shouldn't worry about trying to look like they never had a baby while also learning to keep said baby clean, fed, and happy. I'm not saying that women shouldn't be focused on their health after giving birth, but this guilt-inducing, looks-driven messaging needs to go. Instead of the focus being on a new mom's appearance, it should be on how she can best care for her own health and the health of her baby.
We shouldn't be told that we have to go all #norestdays and get up at 4:30 a.m. to find time for a workout. We shouldn't be told that the only right way to look is slim and toned. We shouldn't be told to tough it out and deprive ourselves so we can squeeze back into our prebaby wardrobe.
We should be told that all bodies are beautiful. We should be told that it's OK to skip a workout if your baby is sick or wants to be cuddled all day. It's OK to have a snack in the middle of the night if you are ravenous from breastfeeding a hungry newborn.
It's OK to spend the entire day on the couch getting to know your new baby. It's OK to join team "leggings as pants" while your body heals.
We need to see these messages more often because it is so easy to get sucked in to the "body back" mentality when we are bombarded with it day after day. I have fallen victim to this mentality myself, putting too much importance on the number on the scale after giving birth to my two sons. But the more women who put positive, graceful, and caring messages out there, the more new moms will see them and put less pressure on themselves.
We may not have any control over the messaging that is being put out into the universe, but we can control the messaging we choose to let into our lives.
You can start by unfollowing anyone in your social media feed (or in real life) who isn't sharing this supportive message or who makes you feel bad about your body. Instead, seek out women who celebrate the beauty that comes along with being a mother (thanks, Hilary Duff!) and women who show us how to be strong and healthy in order to care for our new babies.
New moms are under enough pressure raising little ones without worrying about "getting their body back."
Who Plays Claire on Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later?
Wet Hot American Summer returned to Netflix on Aug. 4 with an eight-episode series subtitled Ten Years Later, a nod to the 2001 film where a group of counselors agree to meet up 10 years after their memorable Summer. But never the type to shy away from cheeky winks and nods, creators David Wain and Michael Showalter decided to add a couple new cast members to the sequel in the form of characters they decided had been there the whole time.
Enter Claire and Mark, a couple edited into scenes from the original movie and 2015 prequel series, First Day of Camp, who are now a power couple living in New York City. You may have recognized Mark Feuerstein as Mark, as he's been in a ton of TV, including recurring on The West Wing and playing the lead role on Royal Pains. But you may be wondering where you've seen Claire before.
Claire is played by Sarah Burns, whose first acting gig was playing Barney the purple dinosaur (yes, really). She then appeared here and there in small movie and TV roles before finally getting a recurring role on Enlightened, which led to several other recurring TV roles on Drunk History, Married, and How to Get Away With Murder before booking two big projects for 2017.
The first one is the aforementioned Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later on Netflix, but the other is a small series you may have heard of called Big Little Lies on HBO. This smash hit, which is nominated for 12 Emmys, features Burns as Gabrielle, one of the Otter Bay Elementary School moms who is known as a bit of a gossip.
Burns's upcoming projects include a sports mockumentary called The 5th Quarter; she is also a frequent performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York.
How Marble and Granite Countertops Compare
Giving your kitchen or bathroom countertops a makeover is a big deal. Before you dish out major bucks for a high end stone treatment, we've gathered everything you need to know about granite and marble slabs, so you can make the best choice for your family. Check out all the essential facts below, and then get to building the kitchen of your dreams.
Appearance
- Marble comes mostly in lighter colors, while granite comes in a variety of colors, including red, orange, pink, blue, green, and red.
- Marble features large veining patterns, while granite has multicolored speckles and a variety of patterns.
- Marble is considered to have a more elegant appearance, but granite is still a high-end look.
Composition
- Marble is derived from a crystallized form of limestone, while granite comes from crystallized magma.
Durability
- Marble is highly susceptible to acid erosion (lemon juice, Champagne, etc.) when not properly sealed, while granite is less susceptible.
- Marble is softer; it is not scratch resistant and will scuff up easily.
- Granite is harder and can fend off most scratches and chips, even those from chopping directly on the countertop (although you'll quickly dull your knives if you do this).
- Putting hot pots and pants directly on a marble surface can cause discoloration, while (and we don't recommend doing this) it generally won't cause damage to a granite countertop, which is said to withstand over 450 degrees.
Maintenance
- Both are porous and therefore require sealing, but marble requires twice-yearly sealing while granite can be sealed biyearly.
- Stains on marble must be cleaned up ASAP, while on granite quickly cleaning up stains is still a priority but it's less urgent.
Pricing
- While there's a range of pricing for both stone types depending on the specific type of marble or granite, marble skews more expensive.
Value
- Both stones are considered high-end counter finishes, but marble is more unique and has a luxury cachet that granite lacks.
- Granite has become extremely prevalent in recent years and is more de rigueur in upscale homes than a special luxury.
How to Master a 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine in Under 15 Minutes
When I introduced the Korean 10-step skin care routine for the very first time in 2014, the reaction was unexpectedly positive. I say "unexpectedly" because, sure, I was obsessed with the results I got from a multistep regimen, but I wasn't sure if others would be as into it as I was (thankfully, they were).
Since then, a lot's changed for me and my face. My skin care needs are different (hello, 30s and hormonal acne!), and a whole slew of new products have come on the market. Naturally, my skin care routine has changed too. Here's an updated, two-years-in take on my own Korean 10-step routine.
35 TV Shows That Have Been Straight-Up Canceled in 2017
Can you feel the thick tension hanging in the air? Networks are currently announcing decisions about which series will return next Fall and which will . . . not be. While there are a number of shows that are ending in 2017, many of them at least got a final season to finish out their stories. (New Girl and Portlandia aren't on this list, as they have been granted final seasons and will end in 2018.) The following shows have just been dumped from the primetime schedule to make room for new Fall pilots.
Fox
- Scream Queens: Ryan Murphy's horror-comedy is over after two seasons.
- Making History: The time-travel comedy is history.
- Son of Zorn: The live-action/cartoon hybrid is done after one season.
- APB: The futuristic cop drama starring Justin Kirk is dead in the water.
- Pitch: After one season, Fox is pulling the plug on this sports drama.
- Rosewood: Two seasons in, and Fox is done.
- Sleepy Hollow: Fox is calling it quits after four seasons.
- 24: Legacy: The action spinoff of the long-running original 24 has been chopped from the lineup, but Fox is reportedly thinking about creating other versions of the show in the future.
ABC
- The Real O'Neals: After two seasons, the show is over.
- Dr. Ken: Ken Jeong's medical comedy is history.
- Imaginary Mary: Viewers didn't tune in for Jenna Elfman's show, and now they never will.
- American Crime: Though critically acclaimed, the anthology drama is through.
- Secrets and Lies: After a solid first season, rating dipped in season two and ABC has canceled the drama.
- The Catch: The sexy crime thriller is no more.
- Last Man Standing: Tim Allen's show has been canceled.
- Time After Time: After five episodes, ABC has pulled the low-rated drama.
NBC
- The Blacklist: Redemption: NBC has pulled the plug on the spinoff.
- Powerless: The superhero comedy is officially done.
- Emerald City: We hardly got to know this Wizard of Oz adaptation before it was canceled.
CBS
- The Odd Couple: CBS is calling it quits after three seasons.
- Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders: Say goodbye to the Criminal Minds spinoff.
- The Great Indoors: Joel McHale's comedy is over after a single season.
- 2 Broke Girls: After six seasons, CBS canceled the comedy.
- Doubt: CBS pulled Katherine Heigl's legal drama after just two episodes.
The CW
- Frequency: The time-travel drama failed to catch on after one season.
- No Tomorrow: The CW also axed this whimsical romantic drama.
FX
- Man Seeking Woman: The show has been canceled after three brilliant (but low-rated) seasons.
Disney Channel
- Girl Meets World: The reboot was the first show of 2017 to get a cancellation slip.
OWN
- Love Thy Neighbor: OWN canceled the Tyler Perry-produced show.
- For Better or Worse: This show, also from Perry, is ending with its current season.
WGN
- Outsiders: After two seasons, the drama has been shut down.
Netflix
- Sense8: The futuristic drama has come to an end.
- The Get Down: Baz Luhrman's hip-hop vision got the ax after one season.
- Girlboss: Netflix canceled the flashy comedy inspired by the life of Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso, which only lasted one season.
- Gypsy: Netflix cut the 10-part Naomi Watts psychosexual thriller from their lineup after one season.
Who Plays Claire on Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later?
Wet Hot American Summer returned to Netflix on Aug. 4 with an eight-episode series subtitled Ten Years Later, a nod to the 2001 film where a group of counselors agree to meet up 10 years after their memorable Summer. But never the type to shy away from cheeky winks and nods, creators David Wain and Michael Showalter decided to add a couple new cast members to the sequel in the form of characters they decided had been there the whole time.
Enter Claire and Mark, a couple edited into scenes from the original movie and 2015 prequel series, First Day of Camp, who are now a power couple living in New York City. You may have recognized Mark Feuerstein as Mark, as he's been in a ton of TV, including recurring on The West Wing and playing the lead role on Royal Pains. But you may be wondering where you've seen Claire before.
Claire is played by Sarah Burns, whose first acting gig was playing Barney the purple dinosaur (yes, really). She then appeared here and there in small movie and TV roles before finally getting a recurring role on Enlightened, which led to several other recurring TV roles on Drunk History, Married, and How to Get Away With Murder before booking two big projects for 2017.
The first one is the aforementioned Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later on Netflix, but the other is a small series you may have heard of called Big Little Lies on HBO. This smash hit, which is nominated for 12 Emmys, features Burns as Gabrielle, one of the Otter Bay Elementary School moms who is known as a bit of a gossip.
Burns's upcoming projects include a sports mockumentary called The 5th Quarter; she is also a frequent performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York.
Oh, So This Is Why Season 7 of Game of Thrones Is Shorter Than Usual
The fourth episode of the seventh season of Game of Thrones went down on Sunday night, which means fans only have three more episodes to look forward to. There are just seven episodes this season instead of the usual 10 because showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss only want to bring fans the most "extraordinary" scenes. "Season seven has much more ambition. There are less episodes this year, so they spent more money on those episodes. So, the whole scale of it is up," Kit Harington (aka Jon Snow) told ABC News.
Iain Glen, who plays Ser Jorah Mormont, also told Radio Times that the production team spent the same amount of time on the seven episodes as they would have on 10 to get them just right. "I think the scale and size of the set pieces, the world that is being created, it's just getting more and more extraordinary and they feel they need that time to shoot seven hours as opposed to ten." At 2016's SXSW panel, Benioff and Weiss confirmed that season eight would consist of six episodes.
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