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
Doctors Found a Piece of a Woman's Braces in Her Stomach 10 Years Later!
Prepare to expand your list of medical nightmares after you learn what happened to a 30-year-old woman in Australia. After undergoing a CAT scan for abdominal pain, doctors discovered that an old dental wire was attached to the woman's small intestine. The craziest part? She hadn't worn braces for 10 years.
The ordeal, published in the journal BMJ Case Reports on Aug. 7, detailed the woman's harrowing journey. At first, the woman came to the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital's emergency room with some pain. She was sent home but came back two days later with even more discomfort. The doctors then performed a CAT scan, spotted the dental wire, and realized it had "penetrated" in different parts of the small intestine. They also discovered that her small intestine was experiencing volvulus, a condition in which the small intestine can twist itself.
Thankfully, the doctors were able to perform an emergency surgery and remove the dental wire. The woman had no recollection of ever swallowing or missing a part of her braces. The lesson here for everyone according to the study? If you're complaining about pain in your abdomen, it might because you accidentally swallowed a "foreign object." Or, if you're thinking of getting braces, maybe try Invisaligninstead?
36 Reasons You Should Stay FAR AWAY From Disneyland During Halloween Time
Disneyland will officially open its park for Halloween Time on Sept. 9! That means bewitching and spooky festivities will go into full effect. It may seem like an exciting time, but do you really want to go? Check out our reasons going to Disneyland during Halloween Time is a terrible idea, and decide for yourself.
Making a Murderer: 7 Theories About What Really Happened to Teresa Halbach
If you haven't yet pressed "play" on the Netflix docu-series Making a Murderer, then you are likely unaware of the controversy surrounding the 2005 murder of Wisconsin photographer Teresa Halbach. However, if you're one of the many subscribers - including celebrities like Alec Baldwin, Lauren Paul, Mia Farrow, and Ricky Gervais - who binge-watched the entire series and found the results of the subsequent investigation disturbing, then you've come to the right place.
While public opinion on the case widely varies, one constant theme amongst viewers' reactions to the show is this: that the evidence used to convict former DNA-exoneree Steven Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey, of Halbach's murder simply doesn't add up. Seemingly planted clues, coerced confessions, and shady practices abound throughout the Halbach case, and the frustrating (and at times blatantly unjust) criminal proceedings left many Making a Murderer viewers with a sick feeling in their stomachs. While Avery and Dassey are now serving individual life sentences for their alleged crimes, tens of thousands of citizens feel that the convictions were undeserved and founded upon bias.
But all of this begs the question: if Avery and Dassey are not responsible for the death of Teresa Halbach . . . who did it? Fueled by the passion that only a stimulating Netflix binge and overwhelming mistrust of the criminal justice system can spark, viewers have bombardered the Internet with their own theories about Halbach's killer(s). Here are the ones that we think are worth considering - but beware, you'll only be left with more questions. If you're looking for more things to watch after this, we have those, too, and if you just want another season, we have good news.
Picnic-Friendly and Portable: Healthy Beach Eats
Staying away from foods that bloat your belly before the beach is helpful, but a girl's got to eat. Grabbing goods from the market is always an available option, but packing some homemade snacks that are easily transportable to the sea can be a real treat. Here are a few ideas we love for picnic-friendly healthy beach eats.
Find Out What a Bikini Competitor Eats in a Day
The behind-the-scenes effort it takes to become a bikini competitor is insanely hard and takes more willpower than just choosing a salad over fries to go with your burger. I spoke with Taylor Chapman, an ACE-certified personal trainer, who has four competitions under her sequined bikini bottoms, and she shared just what it takes to hit the stage in heels, a skimpy two-piece, and a spray tan.
Preparing for a competition takes about three to five months, depending on how in shape you are. Taylor says if you're already in good shape, working out three to five times per week, it should take about 12 weeks. If you're not, you're looking more at 20 weeks. "You also want to be sure to allow enough time to lose the weight in a healthy manner, aiming to lose at most two pounds per week."
Strict doesn't even begin to describe her meal and workout plan. Take a look at what she eats in a day. If it's not on the list, it's off-limits. She admits, "I would dream about Mexican food pretty much every night, and I watched the Food Network religiously!"
Meal Plan
Meal 1: 7:00 a.m.
1/2 cup oatmeal
3 egg whites, 1 egg
Meal 2: 9:30 a.m.
Pro Whey 30 protein shake made with water (30g protein, 5g carbs, and 1g fat)
Meal 3: 12:00 p.m.
6 oz. grilled chicken
Large salad
2 tbsp. light dressing
Meal 4: 3:00 p.m.
Dannon Light and Fit Greek Yogurt
1/4 cup almonds
Meal 5: 5:00 p.m.
Protein shake
Meal 6: 7:30 p.m.
6 oz. chicken/tilapia/shrimp or 4 oz. lean ground beef
1 cup veggies
1/4 cup brown rice or 3 oz. sweet potatoes
Meal 7: 10:00 p.m.
1 flavored rice cake
Total daily calories: 1,100 to 1,200
Workout Schedule
For the first eight weeks of competition prep, she does 45-minute cardio sessions five times a week. For the last month, she steps it up to 60-minute cardio sessions, seven days a week. She says, "I got so tired of cardio that I had to mix up the exercise I did every 20 minutes." Example: 20 minutes stair stepper, 20 minutes arch trainer, 20 minutes treadmill. Actually, for best results, Taylor recommends interval training to keep your muscles guessing and to avoid overuse injury. As far as weights go, she trained five days a week. "You should build your plan based on muscle groups that need the most work. My typical week is as follows:"
Monday: Cardio, legs, and abs
Tuesday: Cardio, shoulders, and abs
Wednesday: Cardio, chest, and triceps
Thursday: Cardio, back, and biceps
Friday: Cardio, legs, and abs
Saturday: Cardio and abs
Sunday: Cardio and abs
Some competitors split workouts up, doing twice in one day, but Taylor preferred getting it all done at once. She admitted that in the last month, having no rest days was killer, so she'd do double cardio on Saturdays (one hour elliptical, then one hour soccer or tennis to mix things up) just so she could rest on Sunday.
Training for a bikini competition is no joke. The before-and-after pics are so impressive, to see what's possible with hard work and perseverance. But it becomes your only focus. "I hated that I basically had no life for three months. I lived in the gym and out of Tupperware containers," Taylor said. "You miss out on a lot of outings and events while competing because it can be very tempting to go out with your friends and not partake in eating or drinking. But in the end, it's worth it when you reach your goals."
Another tidbit you'll appreciate hearing is that this perfect body she achieved, with only 12-percent body fat, could only be maintained for that one day of competition. You can't possibly eat so strictly and work out that much all the time. Her off-season body was much healthier (pictured above), but she had to deal with nasty comments like, "Wow, so I guess you're done with the whole competing thing, huh?" It takes a very secure and strong person to brush those comments aside, and Taylor admits that competing never made her feel so insecure. But she also said, "This was one of the most challenging tasks I have ever done in my life and I learned the art of willpower and determination. I learned that I can truly do anything I put my mind to."
Sephora Is Offering a MAJOR Discount on Palettes - For One Week Only!
TGI. . .T?! Leave it to Sephora to make Thursday the new Friday. The megaretailer just announced that every Thursday will bring a week-long sale on the items you really want. And the store is pulling out all the stops for their inaugural Weekly Wow Sale. We hope you're sitting down (and near a computer), because starting today, Sephora is offering 50 percent off palettes from Anastasia Beverly Hills, Stila, and Tarte.
Here's the fine print, if you care to read it (or you can just start shopping immediately, because, who wouldn't?): a new sale, discount, or exclusive sample will be announced every Thursday. You have one week to shop the sale, which is a fairly generous time frame for discounts. This isn't some 24-hour flash sale that leaves you out of luck if you're busy or traveling.
Sephora posted an Instagram story that previewed the sale on Wednesday, but we're not yet sure if that's going to be a regular thing. We'll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for what's coming next. If future weeks are anything like this one, step aside, Saturday - Thursdays are about to be the best day of the week.
4 Genius Mascara Hacks That Will Change the Way You Do Your Eyelashes
Ask women what makeup step they won't leave the house without, and the majority will respond: mascara. These itty-bitty brittle brushes have potent power to transform your eyes - opening them, brightening them, and making them appear more wide set. Some say they feel naked without any lash enhancement.
Since we are all so obsessed with and devoted to wearing mascara, we asked Nars makeup artist Niko Lopez how to take one wand (Nars Audacious, specifically) and manipulate it four ways to create different lash looks. The results are mesmerizing.
Keep reading to discover how to DIY natural lashes, winged-out lashes, lush lower lashes, and megavolume lashes. We promise you'll never do your makeup the same way again!
Get Zendaya's 9 Favorite Hair and Skincare Products in Your Life ASAP
Everyone thinks Beyoncé is flawless, and while I worship the queen of all bees, Zendaya is the celebrity who wins my vote when it comes to the "F" word. Zendaya is one of the most creative beauty stars on the red carpet. She's a chameleon, constantly changing up her look with wigs and dramatic makeup. The young Hollywood It girl will take on every character from David Bowie to Cleopatra. Plus, she even told me in this interview that she often does her own makeup for photographed events. Girlfriend has beauty, brains, and brush skills!
On her app, she recently revealed nine products she regularly uses. And because she is so authentic, I truly believe these are her tried and trusted. "Sometimes you find products that you love so much that you just keep rocking with them," she said. "From moisturizer to body soap, here are products I love!"
To make this even sweeter, they're all under $30. So you don't need a Hollywood-size budget to add them to your routine, too.
30 Times Cristiano Ronaldo and His Son, Cristiano Jr., Were Total Twins
When he isn't scoring goals as Real Madrid's superstar forward or modeling his new products, Cristiano Ronaldo can be found spending quality time with his adorable 6-year-old mini me, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
A scroll through the Portuguese-born soccer player's Instagram - with a whopping 100 million followers and counting - proves that his son is the most important thing in his life, and it's adorable! Don't believe us? Read on to have your heart melted by the (nearly identical) Cristianos. Then, watch him make people swoon.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Gendry Is 100% Returning to Game of Thrones This Season!
Image Source: HBO
It's been one of our burning questions for the last couple seasons of Game of Thrones: where the hell is Gendry? And, of course, the follow-up: is he ever coming back? Now we know the answer is yes! During the big Game of Thrones premiere red carpet in July, the actor who plays Gendry, Joe Dempsie, showed up and walked the red carpet (looking very handsome, I might add). It could have been a somewhat subtle confirmation of his return, but he gave solid confirmation when he told The LA Times he's definitely back this season. His reaction to fans figuring out that he'd be back was positive: "Very fortunately, from what I've seen it's been nothing but interest and excitement and some quite witty memes."
Image Source: Getty / Jason LaVeris
Now, not only do we know the answer to if he's coming back, but also when his reappearance will go down. Although the huge leak at HBO that went down after someone hacked their data resulted in a number of released scripts and upcoming episode footage (which included some major spoilers for season seven's action-packed fourth episode, "The Spoils of War"), the information about Gendry's big return actually comes from IMDB. The page for next week's episode, "Eastwatch," initially included Dempsie's name, signaling that Gendry will be in episode five.
HBO must have picked up on the slip-up, because the page now has no mention of Dempsie or Gendry. If he does come back, though, it will be a welcome return, since we haven't seen the character since he was rowing away in season three's "Mhysa."
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Fry Eggs
One of the simplest yet most complicated cooking basics everyone learns is how to fry an egg. Simple because cracking an egg into a pan and waiting until it's cooked doesn't require much skill, but complicated because if you're not careful, you can easily end up with undercooked whites and an overcooked yolk. So how can you make sure your fried eggs are perfect every time? Taking a few tips from the experts is a great place to start. Here's how some of our favorite celebrity chefs and Food Network personalities fry their eggs.
Alton Brown: Cracked in a Ramekin
Alton Brown's number one tip for frying eggs is to not crack them directly into the pan. In his recipe for perfect eggs over-easy, he explains, "Never crack eggs directly into a pan - always crack them into a cup or ramekin. It's the only way to make sure they cook evenly, and you can pour them into the pan right where you want them." His other pro tip involves the proper way to flip the eggs without cracking the yolks. "Never flip the food up and bring the pan down. Try to meet the food with the pan as best as you can, thus preventing a hard - and potentially yolk-busting - landing."
Giada De Laurentiis: Fried in Olive Oil
Would you expect anything less from the queen of Italian food? To make Giada's Italian fried egg sandwich, you'll want to reach for the olive oil and forgo the butter. After adding the eggs to a pan with two teaspoons of olive oil heated over medium heat, Giada covers the pan in order to cook the whites quickly.
Ree Drummond: Basted in Canola Oil
Rather than covering the skillet with a lid or flipping the eggs over, The Pioneer Woman's tip is to carefully spoon the hot oil over the whites to help them cook evenly. Ree's final tip is important, too: she recommends removing the eggs and draining them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Mario Batali: Don't Touch! Then Flip
Mario Batali's first rule for frying eggs is to crack the eggs into the skillet and avoid touching them at all for the first 30 seconds. Then, using a nonstick silicone spatula, gently loosen the edges of the eggs and make sure the bottoms aren't sticking. Flip the eggs, and cook for 30 more seconds.
Chrissy Teigen: Fried in Butter and Olive Oil
You get the best of both worlds when you follow Chrissy Teigen's recipe for fried eggs. You won't find it online, but when you open her Cravings cookbook to the Breakfast All Day section, you'll find her popular recipe for Cajun Catfish With Over-Easy Eggs ("I am aware of how gross this sounds," she promises in the intro). To get a perfectly cooked and flavorful egg, Chrissy cooks in both butter and olive oil.
Paula Deen: Fried in Bacon Fat
A woman after my own heart, Paula Deen knows it's a wise decision to cook eggs in bacon fat. Paula's fried egg and avocado sandwich calls for bacon, and her pro tip is to reserve one tablespoon of the fat before discarding the rest. Use that grease to cook your eggs in the same skillet, and you'll have a perfectly fried egg seasoned with the salty and smoky flavors of the bacon.
Emily Ratajkowski's Sexiest Swimsuit Pics All Include This Little Detail
We're never too surprised when Emily Ratajkowski shares a sexy swimsuit pic. At this point, it's pretty much become her "thing," and the star's Instagram is full of revealing one-pieces and teeny (sometimes mismatched) bikinis. But something we've never truly noticed before? That Emily piles on jewelry with all her suits - a fact she admitted in an interview with Elle magazine.
"I basically stay in jewelry all the time," she told the publication, responding to whether or not she's big on rocking jewelry at the beach. "I have the same couple of necklaces, earrings, and rings, and they usually don't come off my body. I like that feel on the beach, that's kind of casual like you just threw something on."
Looking at her recent pool and beach pics, it becomes clear this is an important key to nailing Emily's swim look. Scroll through to see her beach-approved jewels ahead, including Jacquie Aiche's body chains.
When You See This Saudi Arabian Princess's Outfits, You'll Never Forget Her
Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia isn't just any royal. She is a mother of three, runs a fashion business called D'NA, nurtures emerging designers (past talents include Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Mary Katrantzou, and Erdem), and was the former editor in chief of Vogue Arabia.
To top off her boss résumé, the princess has also earned her stripes as a street style star to watch at Fashion Week, often wearing her trademark poufy skirts. Her style is refined, like that of any royal, but she's also one of the most fashion-forward of the ladies, often wearing bold prints and silhouettes you wouldn't see on Kate Middleton or even Queen Rania. With an eye for style - she was a fashion editor after all - and the wardrobe to match, it's time Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz lands on your radar. Scroll on for her best outfit tricks and tips, because once you set eyes on these looks, you'll never forget them.
105 DIY Costumes For Women You'll Be OBSESSED With
It's possible to look amazing without spending a ton of money on your Halloween costume - if you have the perfect idea. We've rounded up costumes for women that are creative AND easy to DIY. You'll be obsessed with these 100+ ideas!
10 Affordable Ways to Get the Bedroom of Your Dreams
If most of your decorating budget is going into the living room, you're probably panicking about your barren bedroom. Luckily, we've got your back. These affordable hacks only look expensive, so no one has to know you pulled it together on a shoestring budget. Check out our 10 favorite tricks for styling a dreamy boudoir.
These Are the 10 Best Foundations, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
If you want to improve your makeup game, the key is to start with a good foundation. For many, that's easier said than done. Shade matching and finding that unicorn formula - the one that looks like a better version of your skin instead of a cakey mask - can seem impossible. To help make the search for Mr. Right Foundation easier, we took these challenges to the pros in hopes of separating the flaky from the flawless. Read on for some of the ones they and their celebrity clients have come to love.
SECOND OPINION | Pregnancy paradox: Dangers of not testing drugs on pregnant women
It's estimated that nine out of 10 women will take at least one prescription drug during pregnancy. Yet most of those drugs come with no instructions about how to prescribe them for pregnant women.
42 Baby Names Inspired By Your Favorite Legendary Latinx Celebrities
If the time has come to start thinking about baby names for your little one, why not start by paying homage to some of your favorite Latinx celebrities? Whether you are having a boy or a girl, there are so many options that honor a Hollywood legend, and the best part is you'll have a story to tell your child about the origin of their name once they're old enough to understand. Imagine watching your child's face light up when you tell them they were named after Selena Quintanilla or Don Francisco. Keep that picture in your head while you read through and feel inspired.
Girls
Ana (Ana Gabriel)
Ana María (Ana María Polo)
Celia (Celia Cruz)
Cristina (Cristina Saralegui)
Eva (Eva Longoria, Eva Mendes)
Frida (Frida Kahlo)
Gabriela (Gabriela Spanic)
Gloria (Gloria Estefan)
Itatí (Itatí Cantoral)
Jenni (Jenni Rivera)
Jennifer (Jennifer Lopez)
Lucero (Lucero Hogaza León)
María Celeste (María Celeste Arrarás)
Penélope (Penélope Cruz)
Raquel (Raquel Welch)
Rita (Rita Moreno)
Salma (Salma Hayek)
Selena (Selena Quintanilla)
Shakira (Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll)
Sonia (Sonia Sotomayor)
Thalía Soldia (Thalía Sodi)
Verónica (Verónica Castro)
Victoria (Victoria Ruffo)
Boys
Andy (Andy García)
Antonio (Antonio Banderas)
Benicio (Benicio del Toro)
Carlos (Carlos Ponce, Carlos Vives)
Cristian (Cristian Castro)
Danny (Danny Trejo)
Edward (Edward James Olmos)
Enrique (Enrique Iglesias)
Fernando (Fernando Colunga)
Francisco (Don Francisco)
Guillermo (Guillermo del Toro)
Jaime (Jaime Camil)
Joan (Joan Sebastian)
Jorge (Jorge Salinas)
Juan (Juan Gabriel)
Julio (Julio Iglesias)
Marc (Marc Anthony)
Ramón (Ramón Luis Ayala aka Daddy Yankee)
Robert (Robert Rodriguez)
The 20 Best Ina Garten Chicken Recipes of All Time
Ina Garten, culinary queen, is the source if inspiration you need if you're tired of making the same chicken recipes all the time. The Barefoot Contessa's chicken recipes are guaranteed to be crowd pleasing and easy to follow - she's a stickler about measurements, after all. Ahead, discover 20 of the best Ina Garten chicken recipes that have ever existed, and be prepared to answer the question "What's for dinner?"
Gendry Is 100% Returning to Game of Thrones This Season!
Image Source: HBO
It's been one of our burning questions for the last couple seasons of Game of Thrones: where the hell is Gendry? And, of course, the follow-up: is he ever coming back? Now we know the answer is yes! During the big Game of Thrones premiere red carpet in July, the actor who plays Gendry, Joe Dempsie, showed up and walked the red carpet (looking very handsome, I might add). It could have been a somewhat subtle confirmation of his return, but he gave solid confirmation when he told The LA Times he's definitely back this season. His reaction to fans figuring out that he'd be back was positive: "Very fortunately, from what I've seen it's been nothing but interest and excitement and some quite witty memes."
Image Source: Getty / Jason LaVeris
Now, not only do we know the answer to if he's coming back, but also when his reappearance will go down. Although the huge leak at HBO that went down after someone hacked their data resulted in a number of released scripts and upcoming episode footage (which included some major spoilers for season seven's action-packed fourth episode, "The Spoils of War"), the information about Gendry's big return actually comes from IMDB. The page for next week's episode, "Eastwatch," initially included Dempsie's name, signaling that Gendry will be in episode five.
HBO must have picked up on the slip-up, because the page now has no mention of Dempsie or Gendry. If he does come back, though, it will be a welcome return, since we haven't seen the character since he was rowing away in season three's "Mhysa."
The 35 Most Gorgeous Birth Photos Ever Taken
Having a child is one of the most monumental moments in a person's life. Not only are you physically bringing a human being into the world, but you're also experiencing a lifetime's worth of emotions and feelings. And while the act of delivering a baby isn't necessarily glamorous (yes, there tends to be blood and gunk), this precious day offers opportunities to capture the most stunning pictures you will ever take. Check out these 35 magical photos that are so pretty, they'll make you want to go through the process all over again!
Toddler Wet Herself After a Flight Attendant Banned Her From the "Business Class" Bathroom
Hearing airline horror stories has become increasingly common, but those that involve the mistreatment of children take things to a different level. Instead of dealing with breast milk issues during security, getting kicked out of their seats, or dealing with a midair meltdown, one grandma flying alone with a toddler experienced the unimaginable when an Air Canada flight attendant refused to let the child just use a bathroom.
According to Stacey Osmond, her 2-year-old granddaughter was forced to wet herself during a recent flight and sit in her own urine after a flight attendant banned the little girl from the business class restroom during their five-and-a-half-hour flight. Ruby and her grandmother were flying from Nova Scotia to Calgary during the incident.
Stacey explained that she purposefully picked their seats near the business class bathrooms because she knew that her granddaughter would need to make more than one trip during their journey. "The second or third time I tried to take Ruby to the bathroom, the flight attendant told me, 'I can't have you coming up here anymore,'" Stacey told CBC News. "I said, 'She's a baby. I was given those seats by a booking agent for that reason, so that she would be close to the bathroom.'"
She claims that the flight attendant responded, "That doesn't matter, you are not to come up here."
There was a beverage cart blocking the bathroom at the back of the plane so the business class facilities were the only option for the little girl. Although Stacey was furious with the flight attendant's stance, she didn't want to make the situation worse in front of her granddaughter, so instead of fighting back, they returned to their seats.
As Ruby tried to hold it, she eventually had an accident. "I was enraged," Stacey said. "I sat there, still having to play with Ruby with a smile on my face, while I was just full of anger because of this woman, especially after she peed in her pants. I got some napkins off the flight attendant and I put them underneath her so she could sit on them."
Since Ruby had been potty trained for months at this point, her grandmother didn't have a change of clothes in their carry-on bag. Instead, the child was forced to sit in her urine for the remainder of the flight.
Air Canada offered Stacey a 25 percent discount on her next flight, a $200 voucher, and toys for Ruby, but that is meaningless to this infuriated grandma.
"I would have liked a little common courtesy," Stacey told Scary Mommy. "You can't just treat the passengers beyond the curtain like they are not worth your time. Air Canada would not be able to operate on business class alone. And I didn't pay $1600 to be treated like garbage."
These Mashed Potatoes Are Basically Like Cream-Cheese Frosting
Whether it's with cream or extra butter, people are always looking for ways to make mashed potatoes as smooth and rich as they can be. Jeff Mauro, aka the Sandwich King, has a tater trick you'll wish you'd known about a long time ago: cream cheese. The ingredient's mild flavor and thick texture is the perfect tool to make mashed potatoes incredibly velvety. Cream cheese, a stick of butter, and half-and-half are whipped with a hand mixer until fluffy, then combined with diced, boiled potatoes, plenty of garlic, and black pepper.
Already, the potatoes are supercreamy and flavorful (I may or may not have sampled about 10 forkfuls at this point), but the King doesn't stop there; he pours the mixture into a baking dish and drizzles melted butter over the top, baking it until the potatoes are thick and golden brown on the surface. There's a buttery taste in every bite and minced chives add fresh color and crunch. Mauro boldly calls these the "creamiest, butteriest, tastiest mashed potatoes ever," and he definitely isn't wrong. Make these smooth spuds once, and you'll want to bring them to every potluck and holiday gathering you attend - but sharing them will be the hardest part.
Get the recipe: Jeff Mauro's mashed potatoes
4 Reasons the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Paris Is the Creepiest of Them All
Some argue that the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is hands down the best ride in the park. While it definitely is a top contender, there's another Haunted Mansion in one of the sister locations that out-creeps the attraction in the Anaheim park by far.
The one at Disneyland Paris is actually called Phantom Manor, the only version that has a completely different name and appearance compared to the original and its global copycats. There is the exception of Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor, but it has a totally separate theme (exotic museum) from the rest, so it doesn't count.
Phantom Manor is definitely darker and spookier on every level, making it another great reason to visit Disneyland Paris. See four reasons ahead.
Treat Your Mom With One of These 15 Great Gifts
Moms are always taking care of everyone else, so it's important to make sure they feel appreciated. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift, a Mother's Day gift, or just a present to show her you care, we've picked out things she'll love. From robes to cheese plates, keep reading to find the perfect items for the mom in your life.
Kat Von D's New Glimmer Veil Will "Make Your Lips Look Like a Giant Christmas Present"
In her own words (and our own observation - the woman is dropping all kinds of products these days), Kat Von D is "so f*cking busy." But, we're so glad she took the time to show off the nine Glimmer Veil ($22) swatches. Our eyes were so glued to these gorgeous hues that we barely noticed her chipped manicure ("Don't hate me for it!" she pleaded).
In the video, Kat Von D said that she was inspired to make a truly long-lasting metallic product that "makes your lips look like a giant Christmas present." The lazy girls (or perennial late) among us will love to hear that Glimmer Veil can be worn on its own. But, if you have some extra time, Kat Von D recommends layering it over matte lipstick "for an opaque glitter glimmer." She demonstrated both options in the video.
Read on to see for yourself, but be warned: you may have to take out a second mortgage, because you'll want to buy every gorgeous shade on Aug. 22. (And when you see how she perfectly layers Glimmer Veil over her Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks, you'll probably want to pick up a few of those, too!).
Not Many People Have a Coat Like Queen Rania's, but We Can All Do This Trick With Our Shoes
Queen Rania, the royal with more designer bags than we can count, clearly has a handle on the coat section of her wardrobe. Jordan's queen stepped out for the Sovereign's parade at Sandhurst Military Academy, where her son, Crown Prince Hussein, is graduating. Her cherry red jacquard design featured an asymmetrical hem, and Rania subtly played up its shape with a triangle pendant necklace, which she then complemented with her Louis Vuitton bag.
Perhaps our favorite element of her look was the matching shoes - a pair of pumps in an identical shade. The style move is a no-brainer during the transitional season when you slip into a lightweight outfit that calls for a little more polish and less bohemian ease. Read on to close in on the details, then shop a few of these Summer-to-Fall essentials inspired by the trendy sophisticate.
Getting Robbed at Gun Point Was Apparently a Walk in the Park For This Jimmy John's Employee
Sometimes, life hands you a bad day and you need to just let it ride out. That's how one Jimmy John's employee seemingly approached a robbery at gunpoint as he stoically handed the gunman money from the register.
The robbery took place at a Jimmy John's in Kansas City, MO, on April 26 at 9:15 p.m. In a video uploaded to YouTube by the Kansas City Police Department, the suspect, wearing a blue hoodie, enters the store and orders an item. As the cashier tells him his total, the suspect pulls out a gun. The Jimmy John's employee then takes off his gloves, hands him all the money, and even tries to give him the drawer with all the change. You can watch the encounter ahead.
The video quickly went viral on the internet, with some people on Twitter noting that the gun looks like it was jammed and that's why the cashier was so chill. According to the Kansas City Police YouTube page, police have the suspect in custody and they wrote, "Investigation is continuing." We hope the cashier and anyone else working during the robbery are home safe and sincerely OK.
You Need to See These Photos If Your Child Sits in a Car Seat
An awful car crash in Tacoma, WA, could have ended in serious tragedy last week, but due to proper car seat installation, two children - and their mom - are doing so much better than the photos suggest.
Kylee Barrett was taking her 5-year-old son, Kolton, to school one morning with her 2-year-old, Hunter, also in tow when the car hit a patch of black ice. As the car slid, Barrett swerved to avoid hitting another car head-on, which forced them into a tree that crushed Hunter's side of the car. The impact caused the seat to bend but absorb the force, which kept Hunter safe even though the car flipped upside down.
Had Hunter's rear-facing Safety 1st seat not been properly installed, this family could be dealing with much more than a totaled car, Hunter's broken left femur, and a few bruises and scrapes. Facebook user Heather Viers is using the photo of Hunter's crushed seat to spread the word about proper car seat use: "This specific seat retails for $100. It's NOT a 'nice' seat, but it further illustrates the point that you don't have to spend a fortune to keep your child safe. Get your car seats checked by a CPST. Use it properly every.single.time. The life of your child relies on it."
Barrett has started a GoFundMe page to help with some of the costs that insurance isn't covering but is mostly focused on sharing her story to inform other parents. She says even though she's sore and bruised, her kids are still here to drive her crazy, and she "couldn't be happier."
If you own a car and a car seat, you need to read through and see these photos for yourself.
This post was originally published on Jan. 19, 2016.
What's the Deal With Alcohol and Ibuprofen?
If you wake up with a headache after a night of overindulging, sometimes figuring out what painkiller to take can make the headache even worse. Taking acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) can lead to liver damage, but take note: you're also not supposed to drink while taking ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen drugs (like Advil) are part of the anti-inflammatory drug family known as NSAIDs, which can cause tears in the stomach lining if taken on an empty belly. Add alcohol to the mix, and the potential danger is heightened. If you take ibuprofen when drinking more than the recommended amount for women (about two to three drinks), you increase your risk of stomach irritation and bleeding. This is especially true for people who are prone to ulcers.
But wait! Taking Tylenol when you're hungover isn't such a good idea either, and aspirin has its downsides too. Acetaminophen can lead to liver damage if you take it in large doses for more than a couple of days. Heavy drinkers who take acetaminophen and don't eat enough can overtax their livers. According to researchers at Harvard Medical School:
If you drink a lot of alcohol - say, on a Saturday night - and take a normal dose of acetaminophen to deal with the hangover in the morning, you probably are not going to have liver problems. . . . The trouble starts when regular heavy drinkers take a lot of acetaminophen over a period of time - several days, at least, and maybe longer. (In this context, heavy drinkers are defined as people who regularly have three or more drinks a day.) A drinking habit and a poor diet often go hand in hand. Multiple high doses of acetaminophen are more dangerous for drinkers partly because their glutathione levels tend to be low because they don't eat well.
It may sound like popping a few Tylenols after a night or two of heavy drinking can't hurt, but the risks associated with taking Tylenol after recreational drinking are somewhat blurry. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory group found in a review of its database and a large liver failure study that the median dose that led to liver failure was between 5,000 and 7,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day - scarily close to the current daily limit of 4,000 milligrams (eight extra-strength Tylenol). The FDA group recommended lowering the daily limit to 3,250 milligrams (or 10 regular-strength Tylenol pills a day) to help prevent accidental overdose.
So what's a hungover, headache-plagued gal to do - besides not drinking so much in the first place? Since the jury is still out on the exact effects of combining Advil or Tylenol with booze, it's probably best just to tough it out. While a recent study in rats found that coffee and aspirin are the best remedies for relieving hangover symptoms, it didn't look at possible alcohol interactions - and it is known that taking aspirin with alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding. If you're looking to remedy a hangover, your best bet is to go natural with options like this fresh-pressed hangover juice or a yoga sequence to relieve your symptoms. Even better, help prevent a hangover the next time with these tips.
Shape and Tone Your Butt in Just 3 Weeks
A shapely, rounded, perky tush not only gives you confidence in your yoga pants and bathing suit, but toning your backside with butt exercises will also make you stronger for your active lifestyle whether you run, cycle, swim, dance, climb, or play sports. This challenge takes minutes to do each day, requires no equipment, and is simple enough even for bodyweight-exercise newbies.
Getting started: This challenge consists of five basic exercises that target your glutes and thighs. Over the course of the challenge, you will increase the number of reps you're doing of each exercise, eventually working up to three sets of 15 reps for each exercise. Below is an explanation of how to do each of the five exercises, followed by the plan itself. If the challenge ever feels too easy, go ahead and increase the number of reps, or repeat the circuit for another round.
16 Make-Ahead Recipes From Ina Garten That Will Change the Way You Cook
If ever there were an award for queen of make-ahead recipes, Ina Garten would win. She's so good at this cooking strategy that she wrote an entire cookbook about it. The beauty of Make It Ahead is that "each recipe includes clear instructions for what you can do ahead of time, and how far in advance, so you can cook with confidence and eliminate last-minute surprises," according to the description from Ina herself. Whether you prep the dough for salty oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies in advance, or you make a big pot of soup and freeze the rest for later for dinner on a whim, there's a way to make cooking easier (and more fun) with Ina's expert direction. Ahead, take a look at more than 15 ways people are embracing the make-ahead lifestyle and start enjoying the time-saving recipes for yourself.
20 Stunning Bathing Suits From Swimsuits For All
Swimsuits For All is known for killing it with bathing suit options for women of all sizes. The brand has even had its own dedicated spreads in Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues, which makes sense as Swimsuits For All is one of the best places to pick up fashion-forward, high-quality plus-size swimsuits. This Summer, the brand took it up a notch with special guest collections from supermodel and body-positive activist Ashley Graham and fashion blogger GabiFresh. Here we've put together a selection of the must-have bikinis, one-pieces, and tankinis available on the retailer's site right now. The best part? All this beach-ready cuteness clocks in at $100 or less.
From Blushing Bride to Senior Royal - Kate Middleton's Style Evolution
When Kate Middleton exited Westminster Abbey on her wedding day, she walked straight into her new life as a key member of the royal family, leaving behind many of her single-girl style staples. The flirty and floaty dresses, low-cut evening gowns, tousled locks, and thigh-skimming minis became a thing of the past, as she forged her way ahead with a more demure, duchess-worthy wardrobe. However, since her first year as a royal, Kate has been finessing her look to become something that is suitable for a future queen, sure, but also stays true to who she is. We take a look at how Kate's fashion choices have evolved from her first tentative year as the duchess of Cambridge to a more self-assured mom of two.
The Chicest Waist Bags Every Girl Is Shopping For Now
Whether you're layering two bags or you're just armed with one, there's no denying that mini is in. And really, there's no better place to secure a tiny pouch than around your waist, allowing for a hands-free look that's just as stylish as it is functional.
If you're fully on board with the trend, then you know stars like Kendall Jenner are wearing high-fashion fanny packs from the likes of Chanel, but there are plenty of affordable options too. In fact, there's a belt bag out there for every style, from the boho, festival-going girl to the sporty type who travels straight from the gym to brunch. Read on to stock up.
Books About Funny Misfit Teens
If you're looking for a book for your child that combines humor, coming-of-age lessons, and a little bit of nonconformity, our friends at Common Sense Media have a list of 17 books your tween or teen needs to add to their reading list.
Virtually all teens go through a period where they feel like they just don't fit in. That's what makes the main characters in these novels and memoirs so relatable - they're misfits, too (or at least they think they are!). And they're funny, too - always a plus. For more teen stories, see our Coming-of-Age Books and Teen Romance Novels lists.
Browse Books About Funny Misfit Teens:
All ages
Tweens (10-12)
Teens (13+)
Before Chris Pratt, Anna Faris Was Actually Married to Another Actor
Anna Faris and Chris Pratt are the latest couple to call it quits this year. Over the weekend, the couple announced their decision to legally separate after eight years of marriage, and needless to say, we are devastated. But the news also got us wondering about Anna's past loves. As it turns out, the Mom actress has only opened her heart up to one other man (that we know of). Keep reading to find out more about Anna's former flames.
10 Natural Wonders in Iceland That Will Take Your Breath Away
The Nordic island of Iceland has become an incredibly popular place to travel in recent years. If you haven't gotten a chance to visit the country's spectacular nature, now is the time. Check out the country's awe-inspiring locations.
10 Fall Cooking Tips to Trust From the Barefoot Contessa
If there's anyone whose cooking advice you should wholeheartedly trust, it's Ina Garten. And as Fall approaches and our minds are set on cozy recipes like soup, lasagna, butternut squash risotto, and roast chicken, we've turned to the Barefoot Contessa for her best tips and tricks. Thankfully for you and me, Ina loves sharing cooking advice on the "Ask Ina" section of her site, in interviews, and in her own recipes. Gear up for chillier days ahead and channel your inner Ina with these foolproof tips.
- Stuff roast chicken with herbs. There are a million roast chicken recipes out there, but Ina's perfect roast chicken is the most reliable one. Her secret is to stuff the inside of the chicken with salt, fresh thyme, lemons, and garlic, so that it's seasoned from the inside out.
- Prep butternut squash before you make risotto. Ina says that saffron risotto with butternut squash is one of her favorite last-minute dinners because she preps all the ingredients and roasts the butternut squash in advance. Then, all that's left to do is simmer the stock and cook the risotto on the stovetop.
- Never buy store-bought grated parmesan. Everyone knows Ina's famous motto is "store-bought is fine." When Time asked her if there's anything that's not OK to get store-bought, Ina responded, "grated parmesan." No surprise there; studies have shown grated parmesan cheese can contain wood pulp and other unpleasant additives.
- Roast butternut squash with thyme. While you can roast butternut squash with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, Ina's roasted butternut squash recipe kicks the flavor up a notch with the addition of fresh thyme.
- Turn your grilled cheese into croutons for soup. Transform your average tomato soup and grilled cheese into an even cozier meal. Grab a can of crushed tomatoes to make Ina Garten's tomato soup, and top it off with her gooey grilled cheese croutons.
- Freeze scone dough before baking. A fan asked Ina about the best way to freeze scones to save time before baking, and she advised, "I would roll out the dough, cut out the scones out, and freeze them before baking. Then, defrost and bake when you get there!"
- Add a little extra liquid when reheating soup. Regarding a question about reheating Ina Garten's Winter minestrone soup, she said, "The soup may need a little bit of extra liquid (stock or water) when it's reheated, but otherwise it should be totally fine."
- Freeze foods that have a lot of sauce. According to Ina, the foods that freeze well are "the ones that have sauces to keep the food from getting dry." She recommends soups, stews, pot pies, and baked pastas.
- Use Pinot Grigio in recipes that call for white wine. Recipes like lemon chicken and risotto tend to call for white wine, but what's the best kind to use? Ina suggests Pinot Grigio because it's "versatile and easy to find."
- Use Crisco shortening in pie crusts. Fall means baking all the pie, and Ina's secret to a flaky crust is shortening - Crisco, specifically.
18 People Who Are in Line For the Presidency If Trump Is Impeached
If you're suddenly curious as to who becomes president in case President Donald Trump resigns, dies, or is impeached, take a look at the 18 people in line for succession. Called the Presidential Succession Act, the law has a long history of changes, with the last one taking place in 2006.
The first iteration of the Presidential Succession Act in 1792 stated the Senate president pro tempore would be next in line after the vice president. On July 18, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. This act changed the line of succession in two ways; first it reinstated the Senate president pro tempore and speaker of the House to the succession plan. Secondly, it also placed the speaker of the House right after the vice president instead of the Senate president pro tempore. The last change to the act came in 2006, when the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 added the secretary of Homeland Security to the list.
In Trump's administration, here's the full line of succession.
- Vice President Mike Pence
- Speaker of the House Paul Ryan
- Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch
- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson
- Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin
- Secretary of Defense James Mattis
- Attorney General Jeff Sessions
- Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke
- Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
- Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross
- Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta
- Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson
- Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao
- Secretary of Energy Rick Perry
- Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin
- Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly
The only caveat here is that Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao isn't eligible since she was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and is therefore not a US-born citizen. While it's still uncertain whether or not we'll need to refer to this list in the future, at least we know who we can expect.
Jennifer Aniston's Airport Shoes Are a Summer Staple She Wears Everywhere
One thing we've noticed about Jennifer Aniston's style over the years is that she sticks to the basics she loves. That includes red carpet jumpsuits, boyfriend jeans, plain white tees, and espadrille shoes. When she stepped out at LAX for a flight, Jen was wearing two of the aforementioned wardrobe staples.
She tucked a silk printed blouse into her go-to distressed denim and stood tall in a pair of wedges that are perfectly neutral for the season. Jen could easily finish a Summer dress with these heels, but they work for casual ensembles too. Scroll to catch a glimpse at her full look, which includes the Mark Cross leather box bag of the moment, then shop Jen's summertime sandal of choice.
Bikini Blowout: We Found the Most Tried and Trusted on the Internet
If we had to name a few qualities we look for in a bikini, we'd start with flattering and well-crafted. We pinky promise you that all of the suits below will get you both. But we went one step further, shopping our most trusted swim labels to uncover the coolest, most eye-catching designs from the bunch.
These two-pieces are also unique. They're offered in unexpected colorways and finished with look-at-me frills. Some of them even come from covetable brand collaborations, making them limited-edition styles. Trust us when we tell you that you're about to settle on a handful, not just one or two. Don't say we didn't warn you.
The Most Flattering Swimsuits For Every Body Type
We've resolved to put an end to the fear and frustration that come with swimsuit shopping. From curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the picks that were made to fit and flatter your frame. Want to know what you should be looking for? Read on to get the experts' dos and don'ts, find your perfect suit, and never hate swimsuit shopping again!
Be sure to check out our bikini-body workout plan, too!
For even easier shopping, click below for your needs.
Don't Freak Out, but Disney Cruises Already Announced Its Plans For Halloween
If you've never considered spending Halloween aboard a Disney Cruise, a new announcement might make you change your mind. In anticipation of the spooky holiday, Disney Cruise Line revealed the many events and activities it has planned as part of Halloween on the High Seas.
The festivities will officially begin on the Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy on Sept. 2, with dates differing depending on the ship. The participating ships will offer themed menu items, live entertainment, and elaborate decorations, like the storied Pumpkin Tree that is located right in the middle of the ship. Throughout the entire trip, Disney will also be airing Halloween-themed movies on all televisions.
According to a press release, Halloween on the High Seas will also include several special events. There's Mickey's Mouse-querade Party, a costume party that will involve dancing, trick-or-treating, and games. Haunted Stories of the Sea will allow travelers to gather under the stars and listen to scary stories from a mysterious captain. The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream is described as an "interactive movie experience" where travelers can meet Jack Skellington and Sally afterward. There will also be a Creepy Cabaret music performance with "ghostly musicians."
While the entire cruise is fun for guests of all ages, Disney will also be hosting a few nighttime events for adults, including an adults-only costume contest with appearances from a few famous villains. Since Disney was recently named the top private island cruise line, we're sure this will be an unmatched experience.
You Can Rent Donald Trump's Childhood Home on Airbnb - Yes, Really
Today in unexpected news, Donald Trump's childhood home in Queens, NY, is now listed on Airbnb. Yes, you can actually sleep overnight in the very place where our president first laid his head after coming home from the hospital back in 1946 - if you're OK with being surrounded by Trump paraphernalia for the duration of your stay, that is.
Located in the Jamaica Estates neighborhood, the Tudor-style house was built by Fred Trump and features five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. According to the official Airbnb listing, "Not much has been changed since the Trumps lived here. The kitchen is original and the opulent furnishings represent the style and affluence in which the Trumps would have lived."
But it looks like the decor may have been slightly altered over the years, as the lodging is currently decked out in Trump-themed adornments, such as personal quotes, pictures, and magazine covers. Oh, and there's a cardboard cutout of him in the living room, too, in case you get lonely while watching TV.
Although the home's listing currently "has no relationship with the White House, the President, Donald Trump, or the Trump organization in any way," it is, in fact, officially verified as truly being his former place of residence. Guests who are willing to fork over $725 per night can sleep on one 17 beds that are available for short-term renters to snooze on. Catch a glimpse inside his childhood digs in the pictures ahead.
Katy Perry Feels "Liberated" by Short Hair: "I Have Surrendered to My 30s"
Image Source: Getty / Stephane Cardinale - Corbis
When Katy Perry got the chop seen 'round the 'gram right after announcing her split with Orlando Bloom, just about everyone assumed this was another classic case of the postbreakup hair phenomenon. But in a new interview with W magazine, Katy let it be known that this haircut was all for herself, thank you very much.
After calling the look "so much fun," the singer got serious. "I feel so liberated with this hair now. In general, I feel 360-degrees liberated all around. Whether it's politically, mentally, spiritually, sexually. I feel liberated from all the things that don't serve me." Basically, Katy is all of us leaving the salon after a blowout. Can we get a "YESSSS, girl!"
The 32 year-old singer also pointed to her age as a big factor for hew new look. "I'm surrendering and embracing my 30s. You couldn't give me anything to go back to my 20s." (PREACH.)
This isn't the first time Katy has gotten candid about her bleached cut. In an emotional live stream back in June, Katy reiterated that her new, symbolic crop represents her "authentic self."
Katy also admitted that she's an unapologetic shower singer. Her go-to is none other than will.i.am's 2008 masterpiece "I Like to Move It." According to Katy, "That's very fun - singing in the shower and scrubbing!"
So basically, this is actual footage of Katy's morning routine:
Image Source: Sony Pictures
Do you, Katy. (And keep dropping beauty truth bombs!)
The 10 Most Stylish First Ladies to Walk Through the White House
We could never ignore the POTUS, it's just with such a stylish first lady by his side, we might briefly overlook him, admiring his wife's lovely ensemble right off the bat. In the case of the 10 women here - Michelle Obama, Jackie Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, and Eleanor Roosevelt all included - we were completely smitten.
These women redefined power dressing during their time in the White House, proving their confidence through fashion-forward outfits. Whether they were slipping into a gown for the inaugural ball or just giving a speech in a colorful suit, there was one common thread: these first ladies knew (or know) how to get noticed and make a memorable, sophisticated statement - now isn't that what politics is all about?
Bet You Can't Solve This Viral Math Question Meant For First Graders
Well, folks, the internet is back at it again with the exposing of terrible and impossible test questions meant for little kids. In this episode, we have a math pattern question shared in an online forum, which apparently appeared as a bonus on an exam for first graders in Singapore.
"Study the number pattern. Fill in the missing numbers," the instructions on the question read. Under the text appears a circle split in four with different numbers in each section, smaller circles in between each quarter, and one circle in the middle with the number 3 inside.
Check it out above and see if you can solve it (we couldn't), and if you want a spoiler, find one of the forum's users' explanations below, which makes sense but is a conclusion we never would have been brought to on our own (even with help, our reaction was still "WTF").
Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova Are Still Going Strong After 16 Years
Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova have been dating since 2001. The two met when Anna was featured in Enrique's music video for "Escape" in the same year.
The couple briefly separated in 2013 but got back together and have been going strong ever since. They have settled down in Miami and despite the split rumors, Anna and Enrique continue to do their own thing and stay quiet about their relationship, which is probably one of the secrets to how they have been together for so long. She's a badass former professional tennis player, he has the voice of an angel, and together they make the couple of our dreams. It also doesn't hurt that both of them are smoking hot (cue the fan we need to cool us down). They are adorable, and whenever we see them out and about, our hearts skip a beat.
You May Be Buying “Fake” Extra-Virgin Olive Oil - Here’s How to Stop
Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Annie Gabillet
As consumers, we have to stay vigilant about the food products we buy. Take honey: did you know that most bottles, including those labeled as pure honey, are diluted with high-fructose corn syrup? Unfortunately, extra-virgin olive oil is another common grocery item at risk of deceptive labeling.
The Problem
Sixty-nine percent of imported extra-virgin olive oil sold in California was falsely labeled.
The news has been filled with reports suggesting we can't blindly trust the extra-virgin olive oil on our store shelves. Recently, Italy increased its penalties for olive oil counterfeiting after investigators leaked details of a massive olive oil fraud. Around 7,000 tons of extra-virgin olive oil were labeled 100-percent Italian, though they included oil from other countries like Syria, Turkey, Morocco, and Tunisia. And you might have caught the 60 Minutes investigation of olive oil fraud in Italy, which looked into how the mafia helps perpetuate the food crime.
Extra-virgin olive oil is made by simply crushing olives and retaining juice. In order to get that designation, the olive oil must be manually pressed and no chemicals can be used. The oil must also maintain its complex flavor profile. The unprocessed and unrefined olive oil is called "virgin" because it is the most pure form.
In 2010, Researchers at the University of California, Davis, published a devastating study that found that 69 percent of imported extra-virgin olive oil sold in California was falsely labeled. Dan Flynn, the executive director of the UC Davis Olive Center, explains: "we found that often the quality of the olive oil did not meet extra-virgin standards."
You may have heard of this study when it was featured in a widely-shared New York Times infographic about olive oil fraud in 2014. It's important to note that the New York Times piece inaccurately sensationalized the study's findings by suggesting that 69 percent of olive oil sold in the US was cut with cheaper oil or doctored with chemicals. The paper released an extensive correction. Imported olive oil brands also took issue with the fact that the study was funded in part by the California olive oil industry.
What the UC Davis researchers did find was that 69 percent of imported olive oil labeled "extra virgin" had been compromised. Issues included samples that were oxidized, adulterated with cheaper refined olive oil, or made from olives that were damaged, overripe, or improperly processed. Some samples had a combination of these problems. The Times piece originally implied that all 69 percent has been adulterated with cheaper oil, which was not the case, but the actual results should cause you concern. In their summary, the study's authors state that "sensory tests showed that these failed samples had defective flavors such as rancid, fusty, and musty."
While there are instances of outright and sophisticated olive oil fraud, a consumer is more likely to find a bottle with such poor quality that the oil inside does not live up to the extra virgin label. Maia Hirschbein, oleologist at California Olive Ranch, who points to the UC Davis study, as well as investigations from Consumer Reports and the National Consumers League. "If the oil is old, was made from bad olives, or was bottled in clear glass that exposed the oil to light, it can be of poor quality."
California Olive Ranch meets high standards and is growing rapidly in popularity.
Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Why It Matters
Getting ripped off isn't the only thing at risk when you buy substandard olive oil - it could also have health effects. Many of us know that extra-virgin olive oil is better (or at least more expensive), but not why. Because it is less processed than other olive oil, extra virgin olive oil retains more of the original flavor and healthy properties of olives. You'll recognize it by its fruity, bitter, or pungent flavors.
"The primary health benefit of extra virgin olive oil is the antioxidant property which we call polyphenol," explains Hirschbein. "Those reduce oxidation in your body and will help prevent things like cancers and heart disease."
If you're not buying the real thing, you're not getting these real health benefits.
Flynn agrees with that assessment: "The health benefits from quality extra-virgin olive oil come from two things: antioxidants and high monounsaturated fat. Studies indicate that these elements are associated with benefits for reducing blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, some cancers, and obesity." If you're not buying the real thing, you're not getting these real health benefits.
Quality olive oil has so many health benefits that the FDA actually recommends eating two tablespoons to reduce the risk of heart disease. Looking at past research, it almost seems like a wonder drug. Olive oil can reduce the need for blood pressure medication. It can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of Type II Diabetes. It can prevent osteoporosis by helping the body absorb calcium. It can ward off obesity thanks to its nutrient-dense, satiating nature. The antioxidants help counter oxidation from the sun and thus prevent the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It can counter free radicals in your body that eventually cause other types of cancer. According to one Spanish study it can also help reduce the risk of mental illnesses, like depression. And another in France found that it reduced the risk of strokes.
When you're eating an oil that is older or isn't actually extra virgin, Hirschbein says, you'll be using an oil that "doesn't have those extra benefits that extra virgin does." You wouldn't want to take expired or damaged medicine, so you shouldn't settle for substandard olive oil.
Who Can You Trust?
Since the UC Davis findings came out, Flynn says "there has been increased awareness among professional buyers." The people stocking our grocery shelves now pay more attention to quality problems and their ability to acquire legitimate product. One such vigilant professional is Lauren Winstead, global Buyer for Whole Foods Market's private label brands. "We test 365 Everyday Value oils for their pH levels, peroxide value, UV extinction, fatty acid composition, sterol composition, wax content, steroidal hydrocarbons, and pesticides to ensure it meets our requirements," she says. And the brand also packages oils in dark glass or tins to protect the oil from light, which can negatively affect the quality of oil.
California Olive Ranch is also committed to authentic extra-virgin olive oil, and has seen a rise in demand as consumers become educated. "Half of the retailers in the US have transitioned to stocking California olive oil. That wasn't the case when we first started in 1998," Hirschbein tells us. Today, she says, California Olive Ranch is the number-four brand in the US and the fastest growing olive oil brand in America. Brands like California Olive Ranch are certified by the California Olive Oil Council (COOC), which uses stricter standards than international requirements. If you see the COOC seal, it means the oil has been submitted for a blind tasting by the board and meets high chemical and sensory standards to qualify as authentic extra-virgin olive oil.
What You Can Do
"Olive oil is simply a fruit juice and it's perishable."
In addition to choosing certified brands with a proven track record, there are other tell-tale signs that an extra-virgin olive oil is legit and things you can do to keep it that way. "Olive oil is simply a fruit juice and it's perishable," explains Hirschbein. If too much time passes from harvest to consumption, it will lose its extra-virgin luster, she says. To makes sure you don't let that happen, here's what Hirschbein suggests:
- Look for a fresh fruit smell: Give your oil a smell and if it reminds you of fruit and herbs that's good. If it smells like band aids or crayons it is of poor quality.
- Never buy oil in a clear bottle: Instead, go for oils that come in dark or opaque bottles so the light can't damage it.
- Try to find a harvest date: Oils in the northern hemisphere are produced at the end of each calendar year. Oils from the southern hemisphere are made around May and June. Olive oil is good one-and-a-half to two years past the bottling date.
- Look for seals of certification: Third-party certifying agencies should give your bottle the stamp of approval. You can find a list of producers who certify their oil with the California Olive Oil Council here.
- Opt for single country of origin: You want oil that comes from one place, not oil that is blended across multiple countries. Often, labels have confusing two letter codes on the back that stand for the four or more countries that the oil came from.
- Don't go for the cheapest: Often, a low price is a sign that the oil may be old or of poor quality. The average price of olive oil is $4 to $5 per half liter. To get quality, you should double that. Expect to pay $8-$10 for a half liter for a good, everyday olive oil, and up to $25 for nice finishing oil.
- Keep it stored in a dark cool place: Try keeping it with your flour and other dry baking goods.
- Resist the urge to savor your favorite olive oil: When you splurge a fancy oil it's tempting to save it for special occasions. Once opened, aim to finish your bottle of olive oil within 30 to 60 days, as it begins to oxidize like wine once exposed to air. If stored correctly and unopened, you can keep for up to two years.
- Buy smaller bottles: If you know you go through olive oil slowly, purchases smaller bottles that you can store unopened.
The Beauty of Buying Local
The easiest solution for avoiding doctored olive oil may be right here at home in the USA. You can be more certain about the quality if you ditch imports for California-grown extra-virgin olive oil. In the UC Davis study, nine out of 10 California samples were confirmed authentic, a much better rate than the imported oils. You had a one in 10 chance of getting a bad oil when you bought California-grown, versus an almost seven in 10 chance for the international oils. Since the study, a proactive American olive oil industry has stepped up pressure to make sure domestic oil is held to appropriate standards. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adopted chemical and sensory standards for olive oil.
You don't have to sacrifice taste either. "California supplies only about 5 percent of domestic consumption," Flynn notes, "but California has been recognized in international competitions as being capable of producing very high quality." A recent blind tasting of supermarket olive oil by Cooks Illustrated magazine, gave their top prize to California Olive Ranch's Everyday Extra Virgin. Some popular import brands were described as "nothing special" or similar to vegetable oil.
Just like the California wine industry in the 1970s, the California olive oil industry could be poised to take on the European establishment. Grapes and olives grow in similar climates, so if California has been conducive to producing fine wine, it should have no problem with olive oil. There are already signs of a boom: there were four million gallons of California extra-virgin olive oil produced during the 2015–16 harvest, compared to just 2.4 million gallons during the 2014–2015 harvest.
Brands like California Olive Ranch want to make sure that their products remain affordable, too. A half-liter bottle of basic extra-virgin olive oil is stocked at Walmart for less than $8 and can also be found at Costco. Hirschbein explains: "One of our priorities at California Olive Ranch is to offer good extra virgin at an affordable price, so you can use it every day." When you realize how good the real thing is, you'll want to do just that.
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