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.
dimanche 13 août 2017
Why a Stranger Offered to Take a Photo of a Sweaty Mom and Her 4 Kids in the Supermarket
Jess Wolfe was in the midst of a semistressful trip to Aldi in which her baby was strapped to her back, her 3-year-old was begging for a doughnut to ease her stomachache, her 6-year-old was using ordinary objects as weapons, and her 7-year-old wanted to spend his own dollar on something in the store. While she was at the checkout, hoping to get out of the store quickly and with her brood in tact, a stranger approached her to ask a question.
"While I was bagging up my groceries (thanks Aldi) and trying to quietly keep from losing my ever loving sh*t, the lady next to me asked if I have one of those phones that takes pictures," Wolfe wrote in a post to Facebook. "Trying not to convey my annoyance to someone else adding to the million questions that make up my day, I replied that, yes I do have one of those fancy phones. She asked to take a picture of me with the kids."
At first, Wolfe was a bit confused. Why would this woman want to snap a photo of her and her kids in a grocery store together? The stranger explained that she wished she had more photos of her and her kids doing everyday things, so Wolfe, convinced, posed with her little ones and their shopping cart.
The mom ended her post with a note about what the kind woman - who totally changed the course of an otherwise ordinary day with her kids - had to say and why this photo is now so important to her: "She validated the fact that a simple grocery trip is hard. She told me that what I do matters. She doesn't miss what made the days hard, but she misses what made them sweet. I will always cherish this picture and the message that came with it."
5 Easy Hair Hacks You'll Be Happy You Learned This Summer
Summer brings out the worst in everyone's hair. Fine strands frizz up, curls shrink up with the humidity, and long locks transform into a sweaty mess. This season, we turned to Chrissy Teigen's mane man and T3 stylist David Lopez to give us his on-set hair hacks. If these tricks can hold up at swimsuit shoots on the beach, then they'll do the job for you, too! Plus, you'll be amazed at the time you'll save on styling with the two-minute updo and five-minute blowout secrets David shares ahead.
Wedding Music: 50 Upbeat Recessional Songs
Need some help planning out the music for your wedding? Not only do we have a complete guide, but we also have suggestions for songs for all aspects of the wedding. We gave you ideas for the processional, which is when you walk down the aisle. Now it's time for the companion piece: recessional songs! Also known as when you walk back up the aisle after saying "I do," the recessional signifies that it's time to celebrate. We have 50 ideas that will work for you, whether you want a classic or modern feel, whether you love Dean Martin or Beyoncé.
Piecing Together the Plot of American Horror Story: Cult
Here we are again. We're on the cusp of a new season of American Horror Story, and we hardly know anything about the madness on the horizon. Luckily, we're in better shape than we were with last year's Roanoke, which infamously didn't reveal anything ahead of its premiere date. This time around, with Cult, we're a little more in the know: we have creepy teasers, a few hints from Ryan Murphy, and even official character portraits. There's still one key factor we're missing, though: what exactly is going to happen? We're piecing together the potential plot for the latest installment. Here's what we (think we) might have uncovered so far.
Meet the Mayfair-Richardses
At this point, the character we have the most information about is, no surprise, the character Ryan Murphy muse Sarah Paulson plays. Prepare to meet Ally Mayfair-Richards. Paulson confirmed at the Summer TCA panel for American Horror Story that her character is married to Alison Pill's character, Ivy Mayfair-Richards. Here's the interesting part. Creator Ryan Murphy himself posted a photo of some concept art. It shows Ally with Kai (played by Evan Peters). In the caption, he called it "a love story for the ages." Does that mean Ally will be torn between two loves this season? Perhaps Kai is in the mysterious clown cult and Ally finds herself pulled between a love she's always known and the allure of something new.
All the "Mysterious Tank Tops" and Other Characters
This is Billy Eichner's first season of American Horror Story, and he's joining the cast as Harrison Wilton, a close confidant of Ally who also wears "mysterious tank tops."
We also learned at the recent TCA panel that Leslie Grossman plays a character named Meadow Wilton. That likely means she's somehow related to Harrison. A sister, perhaps? After that, all we have are names and question marks. We know Colton Haynes will play Detective Samuels, Cheyenne Jackson is Dr. Rudy Vincent, and Billie Lourd is Winter Anderson, but we don't know how they factor into the equation . . . yet.
Hints From the Executive Producers + Script Excerpts
Another cool couple of tidbits from the TCA panel came via executive producer Alexis Martin Woodall. The first thing Woodall did was clarify the whole election situation. Rather than focus on Trump, she said, "I think it's more about what's going on in our world around us." She also noted that "paranoia" would be the underlying current that runs through every episode.
To do us one better, Woodall offered a few more cryptic statements: she teased "bloody tension, a well-cooked meal, an exciting trip to a grocery store. It is true to our brand, which is you are going to be in a whole new world all over again."
It's interesting Woodall mentioned a grocery store and a "well-cooked meal." This week, on the AHS: Cult interactive website, fans were able to unlock two exciting script excerpts.
That sounds like exactly the kind of "well-cooked meal" AHS might feature. Given the evidence, we could be in for some serious psychological torture at the hands of the cult.
American Horror Story: Cult premieres on Sept. 5.
19 Spanish-Language Movies to Add to Your Netflix Queue Stat
If you've already binge-watched your favorite telenovelas on Netflix, might we suggest loading up your queue with must-see movies in Spanish?
The popular streaming platform actually has a solid mix of comedies, dramas, and feel-good films, all perfect for when you need a break from episode-heavy shows. Ahead, find 19 titles we'd recommend adding to your list.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto
Is It Possible to Give Back in a Meaningful Way While Traveling?
The idea of a vacation as we know it is "outdated," says Amy Merrill, cofounder of impact-driven travel company Journey. The majority female-founded company creates experiences that aim to "transform both the communities [people] visit and the travelers they engage."
The company has taken around 450 people on "Journeys" in the past 18 months, visiting eight countries and raising $450,000 for schools, homes, refugee relief work, and women's collectives and working with big brands like Red Bull and others to make it happen. The concept is simple: travelers visit another country with the intention of working on a project - such as building homes and renovating schools - in the community they are visiting.
"Our generation is not looking for the old model: to sit on a beach, drink beers and eat buffet, and come home with a sunburn and hangover," Merrill said. "We are looking for inspiration, enrichment, adventure, meaning and purpose, and great people to share it with. Plus, studies show this is actually what recharges you and gives you more fuel for your life."
"Our generation is not looking for the old model: to sit on a beach, drink beers and eat buffet, and come home with a sunburn and hangover."
The company challenges people to "travel with a purpose," but there's a fine line between "voluntourism" and making an actual lasting impact on the communities travelers are visiting. Journey - whose founders have extensive backgrounds in nonprofit organizations and international development work - are very conscious of that fine line.
"We take impact seriously and are very aware of the flaws in voluntourism and 'poverty safaris,'" Merrill said. "We always partner with nonprofits who have a deep local presence, typically local offices and experts who guide the strategy and implementation of each project. This means it can be a true win-win, because then a) the project is necessary and appropriate for the community's needs, b) every project is sustainable and monitored for the long term, and c) travelers learn more because they are truly immersed in local culture, with its challenges and opportunities."
How does Journey work?
Travelers sign up for a six-day trip to one of the locations that is listed as an option (and is open) on the company's site. There are 30-50 people per trip - the average age of a traveler is between 26-40. Trips combine an element of volunteer work with days travelers also have to tour the area, go on excursions, and engage with the community they are visiting. Currently, the majority of trips are to Central America.
Journey has two main projects: home builds (with Techo) and school renovations (with Glasswing International). "Home builds involve local volunteers and families coming together over the course of two days to erect transitional homes from kits, using mainly basic hand tools," Merrill said. "It's extremely challenging, rewarding work and involves a beautiful interchange of local families (who live in extreme poverty), volunteer college students, and Journeyers coming together as one and seeing one another as human beings."
School renovations take a day and a half of work, with the goal to make the building "a healthier, happier place for kids to learn."
How involved is the local community?
"We source projects through our nonprofit partners, which we've vetted and selected carefully on a variety of criteria: track record, innovative approach, tangible projects where we can get hands-on involved, commitment to sustainable/responsible approach," Merrill said. "I take our impact seriously, after spending 10+ years in the nonprofit world.
"We never execute a project without local experts and partners, because we always need to ensure the project is most needed, expertly implemented, and long-term sustainable. On the ground, we let our partners lead those two days - we are in their hands, they line up volunteers and local supplies, and they teach us about the region, the need, and the opportunity for lasting change."
What is special about Journey and social impact travel like it?
For Journey, the social impact projects are "the main event" and, most importantly, are sustainable projects that are implemented with local partners. And according to those who've experienced these trips firsthand, what makes this type of travel stand out are the people involved.
"Beginning a trip with impact work is not only good for the world and increases understanding and empathy, but it's a canvas for relationships, personal growth, everything that comes after on a group trip. There's a bond that comes through going through a challenging yet rewarding experience together . . . the point of a Journey is to present more questions than answers as you immerse yourself in a new culture, understand a community's needs firsthand, experience how you show up in the face of challenges and opportunities, and gain new perspectives on the world and your place in it."
Hold Our Avocados While We Attempt to Explain the New Millennial-Inspired Meme
A manufactured millennial catchphrase is currently stirring up conversation, inducing generational clashes, and, of course, making loads of memes. It all began when Ken Norton, a Google Ventures partner, shared a tweet about the nation's ongoing tension with North Korea. In the tweet, a baby boomer is speaking with a millennial about growing up with the fear of nuclear warfare, at which point the millennial says, "Hold my avocado."
Millennial: your generation got houses and jobs
Boomer: yes but we lived with constant fear of nuclear winter
Millennial: hold my avocado- Ken Norton (@kennethn) August 8, 2017
The ridiculous joke is a play on the whole hold my beer meme - its predecessor, if you will. The joke quickly garnered attention as the tweet amassed over 72,000 retweets and a whopping 200,000 "likes." It even caught the attention of Time, which dubbed "hold my avocado" the "catchphrase millennials have been looking for."
In an absurdly meta turn of events, millennials online then began badgering the magazine for trying to make the phrase more meaningful than it really was. There were people online who felt the phrase did not accurately capture an overall millennial mood, while others are just sick of the whole avocado trope. That being said, we still think it's pretty f*cking funny joke. Now, hold our avocado while we present some of our favorite reactions to this meme.
17 Photos of the Stark Siblings That Prove Blood Is Thicker Than Water (and Fire and Ice)
Game of Thrones has taken so much from the Stark family, but we have a feeling that no matter what other horrible things may happen in Westeros, nothing will be able to fully break them. Despite parents Ned and Catelyn being killed off a long time ago, as well as Robb (Richard Madden) and Rickon (Art Parkinson), their remaining children have never stopped loving each other (despite being separated by wars and thousands of miles). And it turns out that their bond is just as strong in real life.
Sansa (Sophie Turner), Arya (Maisie Williams), Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), and "bastard" Jon Snow (Kit Harington) - who isn't Ned's son, but nobody really knows yet - love getting together outside of work. Whether they're hitting a red carpet or just relaxing on a Friday night, we love their sibling-like bond. Keep scrolling to see some of their best moments together (some also feature more familiar Game of Thrones faces).
I Gained Weight Because of These 3 Lunch Mistakes
Straight out of college and having lived off a diet of cereal, pasta, and bagels, I was having major stomach issues, so I thought gluten was the culprit. When I gave it up, I wanted to replace it with something that felt just as comforting as a bowl of noodles, so I turned to rice.
For lunch, I would cook up one cup of rice and add one can of beans. That was lunch for two days. TWO DAYS. Holy carb overload. You would have thought I was training for a marathon. I did this for about a year and ended up getting pretty chunky, when I was actually trying to lose weight! I wish someone had told me not to make these three mistakes.
Portion Control!
While rice and beans is full of fiber and protein, I was probably eating twice the amount I should have been. I should have read and followed the serving sizes suggested on the packages and divided that lunch into four containers instead of two.
No Veggies
Beans do count as veggies, but since they're high in calories and carbs, they definitely should not have been the only veggie in my bowl. I should have cooked those beans up with red peppers, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, corn, and kale. Or maybe had a big salad and plopped a few spoonfuls of rice and beans on top to make it more filling. Or maybe I should have discovered veggie-packed alternatives and made this cauliflower rice and beans! Veggies are low in calories, high in fiber, and high in water content, so they would have satisfied my appetite without causing weight gain.
No Fat
For someone reason, I was convinced that eating fat would make me fat. But on the contrary, healthy fats can make you feel fuller longer, so they can help with weight loss. I should have added a few slices of avocado on top or added some dressing and sliced almonds to a side salad.
Inside Mariah Carey's Life as the World's Most Glamorous Mom
Mariah Carey: elusive chanteuse or supercool mom? According to her Instagram, it seems the iconic singer is more devoted to the latter role. But let's get one thing straight from the get-go: Mariah is not your average celebrity parent. She has ridiculously expensive taste, and as a result, her kids are treated to nothing but the best. Boat excursions, Christmas in Aspen, theme park takeovers - these are just some of the A-list activities Mariah does with her adorable twins, Moroccan and Monroe Cannon. Read on to find out what Mariah has (probably) been thinking as she takes on motherhood like a loving diva, and be sure to follow more celebrity families on Instagram.
16 Reasons Being Pregnant Now Is So Much Better Than in the 1980s
Try to imagine the days before the Internet, affordable (and stylish!) clothing options from Target, and your beloved iPhone - and now imagine being pregnant too. Aside from the added perks of Seamless for a fast pregnancy craving fix and Facebook to announce the exciting news, many parents in the '80s didn't even have spouses in the delivery room – and they certainly didn't know their baby's gender until the big day. While giving birth definitely hurts no matter what decade you experience it, here are 16 reasons you'll appreciate your pregnancy timing just a bit more.
A Definitive Ranking of the Best Butts on Game of Thrones
We've been through a lot with Game of Thrones. So much, in fact, that we're pretty much irrevocably scarred for life because of all the damage it's done. It's so easy to forget, though, that we've had lots of good times too. We've already ranked the hottest guys on Game of Thrones, but there's one important thing we need to rank: all those butts. With excitement for season seven heating up and just a few episodes before the finale, we're remembering all the best bare bottoms on the show. Keep reading for the hottest booties in Westeros.
Everything You Need to Know About the TV Adaptation of Sweetbitter
Starz, the home of Outlander and The Girlfriend Experience, is developing your next TV obsession: Sweetbitter. The network announced on July 31 that it is working on a half-hour drama adaptation of this 2016 bestselling novel, so here's everything you need to know about the project so far.
1. There is source material.
Sweetbitter is based on Stephanie Danler's novel of the same name, which NPR named one of the best books of 2016. The book follows the life of 22-year-old Tess, who moves to New York from Ohio and begins working at a renowned downtown restaurant, which leads her to a life of drugs, alcohol, love, dive bars, and fine dining.
2. It is inspired by Danler's own story.
Danler wrote her novel while waitressing at Union Square Care and attending The New School for her MFA, so she very much drew on her own experiences, though Tess is not a carbon copy of the author. Danler told NPR that while she does have a lot in common with Tess, "[Tess] quickly became a character, and is in many ways much better and much worse at life than I was at that age."
She also told told The Paris Review that Tess is actually more like the young women she saw working at her restaurants than herself, though Tess is also a lot like Danler "in some ways," like trying to find a new life in New York.
3. It's part sexual awakening.
In the novel, Tess is caught in a love triangle with a bartender named Jake and a waitress named Simone, both coworkers. "Sex is the undercurrent of the whole book, because what we're really investigating is Tess's appetites across the board," Danler told NPR in the same interview mentioned above. "And also her becoming more of a woman, this transition from girlhood to womanhood."
4. The show has a solid pedigree.
Danler is writing the pilot script and also serving as executive producer, but helping her in this first foray into television is veteran Stu Zicherman, who has been a writer and either a consulting producer or executive producer on Six Degrees, Lights Out, The Americans, and The Affair.
At this point, there are no casting announcements to share, though we can expect those to roll out over the next several months. There is also no timeline for a release, but mid-2018 is likely the earliest it would air on Starz.
Seven Magic Mountains Is a Colorful Destination That Stands Out in the Nevada Desert
Against the dull brown backdrop of desert sand sits a splash of color reminiscent of a rainbow. The Seven Mountains art exhibition, however, is man-made. Located in the desert outside of Las Vegas, NV, the installation created by Ugo Rondinone features seven 30- to 35-foot-high "dayglow totems" made of painted boulders.
The colorful piece of art can be see off of Interstate 15 and was designed as an imitation of travel destinations like Las Vegas. According to Rondinone, the location is "physically and symbolically mid-way between the natural and the artificial: the natural is expressed by the mountain ranges, desert, and Jean Dry Lake backdrop, and the artificial is expressed by the highway and the constant flow of traffic between Los Angeles and Las Vegas."
Travelers clearly enjoy capturing the bright boulders in the background of their photos; the spot is undeniably a prime one for Instagram-lovers and photographers. See the photos of the stunning installment ahead and stop by the totems the next time you're road tripping out West.
15 Times Your Latina Grandma Was Too Real
My grandma was, at different times in my life, both my best friend and my biggest opponent. She challenged me in ways that only she could while simultaneously reminding me that I was strong and independent. As a Latina, it might not be a shock to hear that my grandma also happened to be my second mom. She raised me just as much as my mother did, and because my mom was a single working parent, there were moments my abuela was more physically present than anyone else in my life. She taught me by example what it meant to be a badass boss. She taught me through words that being too real was never really a thing, especially when it came from a place of love. Here are just some of the times she couldn't help but be gut-wrenchingly real with me - your abuelita might have done the same.
- When I brought a boyfriend home for the first time. Forget guys being afraid of dads, they should be taught to fear abuelas. She grilled me, she grilled him; no one was safe.
- Any time my parents screamed at me for something she didn't think was scream-worthy. In her eyes, you are a perfect child and deserve only hugs, and while she defends you, she still lets you know you should do as your parents say.
- Whenever I talked back to my parents. You'd want to hide because you may be her little angel, but that in no way prohibits her from giving you the lecture of your life.
- When I left food on my plate and said I wasn't hungry. When she puts a plate in front of you, you best believe you aren't getting up until it's all done.
- Whenever el noticiero started talking about the state of her country. This is where you learned to voice your opinions on politics without any filter.
- Every time she ruled the family like the matriarch she is. Latinx culture may be rooted in patriarchy, but when it comes to the point person any time a big life decision had to be made, you are betting on abuela's opinion and she knows you are.
- Any time I brought new friends home. You are guaranteed to get a rundown of what she thought about them and a "dime con quien andas y te dire quien eres" if she vehemently did not approve.
- If I said I was leaving without asking for permission to leave. That led to an hour-long lecture on how kids never would have thought to be tan "alzados" in her days.
- When I went ahead and talked about the really expensive toy or gadget I wanted just because it was popular. You'd hear the Spanish version of "if your friends jumped, would you?"
- When I questioned the power of the red string tied around my wrist. Don't mess with Grandma's beliefs, that's all I'm saying.
- That one time I made the mistake of interrupting Walter Mercado. There was no wrath like that.
- Any time it was below 70 degrees outside and I didn't wear layers. You best not dispute this truth, "el aire" will get you sick.
- When strangers commented on my behavior in public. If someone called me rude or got sassy, she would defend me like no one else could, but best believe that once we were in private she'd chastise me for being so reckless.
- When she talked about love. The lessons she is able to pack into stories of how she made your grandpa court her are so, so real.
- Any time I came down on myself. She would not have any of that; she was always my best and biggest champion. Grandma will tell you you're amazing and worthy.
Stephen Colbert Calls Out Trump's Obsession With Obama Because, Well, It's True
On Friday, Stephen Colbert called out the fact that Trump appears to have an obsession with former president Barack Obama. This past week, Trump retweeted the results of an online poll from a pro-Trump Twitter account, which asked whether Trump or Obama is the better president.
"One thing that does not make Trump happy is that there ever was a man named Barack Obama," Colbert said during the opening segment of his late-night show. Colbert cited two articles where European diplomats agreed Trump's "only real position" is to oppose anything Obama was in favor of.
Of course, Colbert didn't pass up the opportunity to make a joke out if it. The host channeled his best impression of Trump and imagined what the POTUS would do if he found out what Obama ordered for dinner at the G20 summit. Watch the video above to see the hilarity unfold, then see what happened when Colbert polled his audience on Trump's presidency thus far.
A Definitive Ranking of the Best Butts on Game of Thrones
We've been through a lot with Game of Thrones. So much, in fact, that we're pretty much irrevocably scarred for life because of all the damage it's done. It's so easy to forget, though, that we've had lots of good times too. We've already ranked the hottest guys on Game of Thrones, but there's one important thing we need to rank: all those butts. With excitement for season seven heating up and just a few episodes before the finale, we're remembering all the best bare bottoms on the show. Keep reading for the hottest booties in Westeros.
Cheetos Opens a Restaurant, Because We Already Crumble Them on Everything
In today's news, Cheetos fans 'round the globe are screaming with excitement, because Cheetos is opening a pop-up restaurant called The Spotted Cheetah in New York City. Chester teamed up with Chef Anne Burrell, the amazing Food Network star who has developed a crunch-tastic menu for the three-day event running Aug. 15-17. While remaining reservations are scarce, we can at least feast our eyes upon the entire menu (see below), which includes Cheetos grilled cheese, fried pickles, and sweet dessert crepes. The images we've seen so far of the Cheetos-topped dishes prove it is easy to be cheesy.
Dangerously Cheesy Starters
Cheetos Crusted Fried Pickles + Creamy Ranch
Cheetos Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup
Cheetos Meatballs
Purrfectly Fried Green Tomatoes
The Big Cheese
Flamin' Hot and White Cheddar Mac 'n' Cheetos
Cheetos Mix-Ups Crusted Chicken Milanese
Spicy Cheetos Nachos
Flamin' Hot Limón Chicken Tacos
Sweet Spot
Cheetos Sweetos Crusted Cheesecake
Cheetos Sweetos Sweet and Salty Cookies
White Cheddar Cheetos and Cheetos Sweetos Apple Crepes
25 Exercises You Should Be Doing If You Want a Stronger, Firmer Butt
If you're bored with basic squats and lunges, here are some new moves for working your backside. To start targeting your glutes, grab an exercise ball, weights, and a resistance band - your backside will be in tip-top shape in no time!
samedi 12 août 2017
This Guy Is Tweeting About a Dead Person Haunting Him, and It's F*cking Terrifying
Image Source: StockSnap / Steinar La Engeland
Animals never lie. I'm not a big believer in the supernatural, but when a cat's tail fluffs up at an unknown threat or a dog starts growling viciously at something we can't see, it's time to start considering that there's something - or someone - out there that may not be all that benevolent. It's not even October yet and already Twitter user Adam Ellis is scaring the living sh*t out of the world with a terrifying story of his own.
He started off a thread with the bold statement: "So, my apartment is currently being haunted by the ghost of a dead child and he's trying to kill me." The thread continues to detail his experience, with photos of his cats behaving oddly to further justify his claims. The story comes complete with a drawing of the boy, "Dear David," who Ellis says appears at midnight both in his dreams and perhaps - even more terrifyingly - in the real world. Follow the whole thread below, and keep your fingers crossed for Ellis . . .
So, my apartment is currently being haunted by the ghost of a dead child and he's trying to kill me. (thread)
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
He started appearing in dreams, but I think he's crossed over into the real world now.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
The first time I saw him, I was experiencing sleep paralysis and saw a child sitting in the green rocking chair at the foot of my bed.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
He had a huge misshapen head that was dented on one side. I did my best to draw it: http://pic.twitter.com/AJizlw7qXe
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
For a while he just stared at me, but then he got out of the chair and started shambling toward the bed.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
I couldn't move because I was paralyzed. (I have sleep paralysis fairly often. It sucks.)
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
Right before he reached my bed, I woke up screaming.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
I had another dream a few nights later, where I was in a library and a girl came up to me and said, "You've seen Dear David, haven't you?"
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
I was like, "Who?" And she said, "Dear David. You saw him."
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
She continued, "He's dead. He only appears at midnight, and you can ask him two questions if you said 'Dear David' first."
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
Then she added, "But never try to ask him a third question, or he'll kill you."
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
Then, David came back in another dream. Same situation-I was in bed, and he was sitting in the rocking chair near the window, staring at me.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
In the dream, I say, "Dear David, how did you die?" He mumbles, "An accident in a store."
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
I say, "Dear David, what happened in the store?" He groans, "A shelf was pushed on my head."
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
I'm frozen with fear. I ask, "Who pushed the shelf?" David doesn't answer.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
I realize that I've asked a third question, which I'm not supposed to do. At that point, I wake up, absolutely terrified.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
The next couple days I google deaths in the city, but can't find anything about a kid named David dying in a store.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
I even try different names-Daniel, Dylan, Devon. Nothing. A few weeks go by without incident.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
Sort of randomly, the apartment above mine is vacated, and I have the opportunity to move into it. It's a larger apartment, so I'm thrilled.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
For the past 4 nights, my cats gather at the front door at exactly midnight & just stare at it, almost like something is on the other side. http://pic.twitter.com/Y8nnVLv6b4
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
Last night I got a weird feeling and looked out the peephole, and I'm dead certain I saw movement on the other side.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
When I opened the door and turned on the hall light, nothing was there, but my cats seemed unnerved. Bushy tails, etc.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
And that's where I am right now. Dear David found me, I think. I don't know what to do. I'll keep you updated.
- ˗ˏˋ ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ᴇʟʟɪs ˊˎ˗ (@moby_dickhead) August 7, 2017
Everything You Need to Know About the TV Adaptation of Sweetbitter
Starz, the home of Outlander and The Girlfriend Experience, is developing your next TV obsession: Sweetbitter. The network announced on July 31 that it is working on a half-hour drama adaptation of this 2016 bestselling novel, so here's everything you need to know about the project so far.
1. There is source material.
Sweetbitter is based on Stephanie Danler's novel of the same name, which NPR named one of the best books of 2016. The book follows the life of 22-year-old Tess, who moves to New York from Ohio and begins working at a renowned downtown restaurant, which leads her to a life of drugs, alcohol, love, dive bars, and fine dining.
2. It is inspired by Danler's own story.
Danler wrote her novel while waitressing at Union Square Care and attending The New School for her MFA, so she very much drew on her own experiences, though Tess is not a carbon copy of the author. Danler told NPR that while she does have a lot in common with Tess, "[Tess] quickly became a character, and is in many ways much better and much worse at life than I was at that age."
She also told told The Paris Review that Tess is actually more like the young women she saw working at her restaurants than herself, though Tess is also a lot like Danler "in some ways," like trying to find a new life in New York.
3. It's part sexual awakening.
In the novel, Tess is caught in a love triangle with a bartender named Jake and a waitress named Simone, both coworkers. "Sex is the undercurrent of the whole book, because what we're really investigating is Tess's appetites across the board," Danler told NPR in the same interview mentioned above. "And also her becoming more of a woman, this transition from girlhood to womanhood."
4. The show has a solid pedigree.
Danler is writing the pilot script and also serving as executive producer, but helping her in this first foray into television is veteran Stu Zicherman, who has been a writer and either a consulting producer or executive producer on Six Degrees, Lights Out, The Americans, and The Affair.
At this point, there are no casting announcements to share, though we can expect those to roll out over the next several months. There is also no timeline for a release, but mid-2018 is likely the earliest it would air on Starz.
The Real Annabelle Is Actually a Raggedy Ann Doll - and It's Terrifying
Image Source: Flickr user volvob12b
This Friday marks the release of Annabelle: Creation, which is the second Annabelle movie and, technically, the fourth movie that traces back to famed paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren. In its Hollywood context, the Annabelle doll first appears in 2013's The Conjuring (but, sadly, not in The Conjuring 2) as a pretty gnarly little object with some quite impressive drag queen eyebrows. What you might not know is that the doll has been totally creeped up for the big screen, and, in actuality, is just a vintage Raggedy Ann doll. Believe what you will, but the real-life Ed and Lorraine Warren have a full account of Annabelle on their official website. Ahead of Annabelle: Creation, we're presenting the highlights of the haunting tale.
1. The Beginning
According to the Warrens, the story of the Annabelle doll began in 1970 when a woman purchased an antique Raggedy Ann doll from a hobby store. The doll was a gift for her daughter Donna, who had just graduated from college. Within a few days, the doll began to move. At first, it just made slight changes in position, but the doll eventually began moving to entirely different rooms.
Things quickly escalated. Donna would find parchment paper with notes scribbled on it. They would say things like "Help us" in childish writing. When Donna found blood inexplicably dripping out of the doll, she called a medium.
According to the medium, they were dealing with the spirit of a little girl named Annabelle Higgins. Apparently, young Annabelle had lived on the property before it became Donna's apartment building. She was found dead at just 7 years old. She wanted to be kept and loved by Donna and her roommate.
Image Source: Warner Bros.
2. The Haunting
Donna had a friend named Lou who faced Annabelle's wrath the most. Lou apparently was not a huge fan of the doll and repeatedly told Donna that it was evil. One night, he said he spotted the doll at the foot of his bed. It floated up from his feet and began to strangle him. He blacked out from the oxygen deprivation and didn't wake up until the next morning.
In another instance, Lou believed that someone had broken into the apartment but only found the doll in Donna's room. When he turned his back, he suffered scratches that yielded seven burning claw marks. At this point, Donna decided to seek expert help. She tried to contact a member of the church but was quickly referred to the Warrens.
Image Source: Everett Collection
3. The Warrens' Involvement
After a local priest put them in touch with Donna, Ed and Lorraine conducted an investigation and quickly decided that the doll was not attached to the spirit of a little girl at all. In fact, in the Warrens' expert opinion, a violent demonic entity was using the doll as a conduit. Since demons can't possess inanimate objects, this spirit had hoped to hang around long enough to possess one of the occupants of the apartment. The Warrens decided to exorcise the apartment and take Annabelle home with them.
Even on the way home, the Warrens claimed that the entity became hateful and angry. They almost swerved into multiple accidents, their brakes and power steering failed, and their car completely stalled out. After Ed Warren splashed the doll with holy water, things quieted down.
The next few weeks yielded more of the same for the Warrens. Annabelle would appear to levitate or switch rooms. Even after locking her away in their office, she would move to the living room. At one point, they hired a Catholic exorcist who verbally and physically assaulted the doll and got into a serious car accident shortly thereafter. Eventually, the Warrens had a special case made for Annabelle, and she's remained there ever since.
The cool thing is, 2013's The Conjuring pays homage to this story. In the first scene, we meet the women who have been dealing with the terrible wrath of Annabelle. They are being interviewed by Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). The couple decides take her home and lock her in her case. Of course, she does some really intense stuff from there, but we'll leave all that to the movies.
The Real Annabelle Is Actually a Raggedy Ann Doll - and It's Terrifying
Image Source: Flickr user volvob12b
This Friday marks the release of Annabelle: Creation, which is the second Annabelle movie and, technically, the fourth movie that traces back to famed paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren. In its Hollywood context, the Annabelle doll first appears in 2013's The Conjuring (but, sadly, not in The Conjuring 2) as a pretty gnarly little object with some quite impressive drag queen eyebrows. What you might not know is that the doll has been totally creeped up for the big screen, and, in actuality, is just a vintage Raggedy Ann doll. Believe what you will, but the real-life Ed and Lorraine Warren have a full account of Annabelle on their official website. Ahead of Annabelle: Creation, we're presenting the highlights of the haunting tale.
1. The Beginning
According to the Warrens, the story of the Annabelle doll began in 1970 when a woman purchased an antique Raggedy Ann doll from a hobby store. The doll was a gift for her daughter Donna, who had just graduated from college. Within a few days, the doll began to move. At first, it just made slight changes in position, but the doll eventually began moving to entirely different rooms.
Things quickly escalated. Donna would find parchment paper with notes scribbled on it. They would say things like "Help us" in childish writing. When Donna found blood inexplicably dripping out of the doll, she called a medium.
According to the medium, they were dealing with the spirit of a little girl named Annabelle Higgins. Apparently, young Annabelle had lived on the property before it became Donna's apartment building. She was found dead at just 7 years old. She wanted to be kept and loved by Donna and her roommate.
Image Source: Warner Bros.
2. The Haunting
Donna had a friend named Lou who faced Annabelle's wrath the most. Lou apparently was not a huge fan of the doll and repeatedly told Donna that it was evil. One night, he said he spotted the doll at the foot of his bed. It floated up from his feet and began to strangle him. He blacked out from the oxygen deprivation and didn't wake up until the next morning.
In another instance, Lou believed that someone had broken into the apartment but only found the doll in Donna's room. When he turned his back, he suffered scratches that yielded seven burning claw marks. At this point, Donna decided to seek expert help. She tried to contact a member of the church but was quickly referred to the Warrens.
Image Source: Everett Collection
3. The Warrens' Involvement
After a local priest put them in touch with Donna, Ed and Lorraine conducted an investigation and quickly decided that the doll was not attached to the spirit of a little girl at all. In fact, in the Warrens' expert opinion, a violent demonic entity was using the doll as a conduit. Since demons can't possess inanimate objects, this spirit had hoped to hang around long enough to possess one of the occupants of the apartment. The Warrens decided to exorcise the apartment and take Annabelle home with them.
Even on the way home, the Warrens claimed that the entity became hateful and angry. They almost swerved into multiple accidents, their brakes and power steering failed, and their car completely stalled out. After Ed Warren splashed the doll with holy water, things quieted down.
The next few weeks yielded more of the same for the Warrens. Annabelle would appear to levitate or switch rooms. Even after locking her away in their office, she would move to the living room. At one point, they hired a Catholic exorcist who verbally and physically assaulted the doll and got into a serious car accident shortly thereafter. Eventually, the Warrens had a special case made for Annabelle, and she's remained there ever since.
The cool thing is, 2013's The Conjuring pays homage to this story. In the first scene, we meet the women who have been dealing with the terrible wrath of Annabelle. They are being interviewed by Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). The couple decides take her home and lock her in her case. Of course, she does some really intense stuff from there, but we'll leave all that to the movies.
1 Connection Between Dumbledore's Army and the Marauders You Probably Missed
Throughout the Harry Potter series, the connections between Harry and his parents are made abundantly clear; Harry and his dad, James, look so similar that they're often mistaken for one another, and Harry picks up his dad's knack for Quidditch naturally. It's frequently mentioned that Harry has his mother Lily's eyes, and his fierce, untiring defense of what's right is also something he inherits from her.
But there are other similarities between the Potters' generation and their son's friend group, many of which are subtle . . . yet when articulated, the connections between the Marauders and Dumbledore's Army are striking. In a now-viral post, Tumblr user cameralinz connects several key characters in the series to older generation counterparts.
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Sirius tells Harry: "Anyway, I suppose you're the young ones now." The theory reflects this sentiment, suggesting that each of the major characters in Harry's friend group is an opportunity to redeem the losses or failings of the previous generation.
"Anyway, I suppose you're the young ones now."
According to the theory, Neville Longbottom represents what Peter Pettigrew could have been if he'd made better choices. In this same vein, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Luna also act as foils to other members of the Marauders-era Hogwarts class.
But in a more fleshed-out reply to the theory, another Tumblr user challenges the initial character pairings . . . and we're inclined to agree.
Image Source: Tumblr user mischievous-mo0ny
Per this alternate reading, Harry and his friend correspond to different Marauders. In a shocking twist that would surely disturb each of them, Neville actually plays foil to his least favorite teacher, Severus Snape. Why? They each struggle to live up to their families' respective legacy before finding their place among a core group of friends and allies in young adulthood. Snape falls in with the wrong crowd, while Neville chooses a better crew of friends.
Similarly, Ron plays foil to a character that he hates: Peter Pettigrew. Overshadowed, jealous, and insecure in his social standing, Ron displays what Peter could have been if he had overcome his insecurities and remained loyal to his friends.
Ron displays what Peter could have been if he had overcome his insecurities and remained loyal to his friends.
Hermione, who found Sirius Black irresponsible albeit charming, acts as his generational foil: they each fiercely love their chosen families, and struggle with politics related to their blood status.
Luna and Remus Lupin are connected through their outsider status, and their knowledge of fringe magical communities. While each are often socially isolated and ridiculed because of who they are, Luna is different than Lupin due to her confidence and self-acceptance. (On another note: they both have names related to the moon!)
The theory goes on to connect Ginny with confident, sometimes-showoffish James Potter, and Harry to his muggle-raised, talented mother, Lily. The characters are undeniable in their similarities, and might even make you feel silly for not having noticed before.
So, do you agree with this assessment of the Marauders and their Dumbledore's Army counterparts? Let us know in the comments whether you buy into this version of J.K. Rowling's magical series!
Shaun T Will Make Your Abs Shake in 8 Minutes and All You Need Is a Chair
We have a special treat for your core from directly from Shaun T. He's a Beachbody super trainer and creator of Insanity and Shaun Week, and he knows how to strengthen and sculpt abs. This workout is short but specific, and the only equipment you need is a chair. Yeah, leave it to Shaun to find an exercise that will make your midsection quiver while sitting down. If you want more, check out Beachbody on Demand.
Sofia Vergara's Hottest Looks Through the Years
Sofia Vergara is definitely a confident woman. The Modern Family actress is outspoken, not afraid to make fun of herself, a powerhouse when it comes to her career, and the ruler of any red carpet she steps on. The star proudly (and rightly so!) displays her curvy body in revealing outfits.
From her supersexy and wedding-worthy Marchesa gown at the 2015 Met Gala to the mermaid-inspired sequined Zuhair Murad dress she wore to the 2012 Emmy Awards, Sofia has been blessing us with her stunning body for years. Keep scrolling to take a look at her sexiest and most curve-showing outfits, then the workout routine she follows to stay fit.
27 Quotes That Will Inspire Weight Loss AND Self-Love
Making the decision to get healthy and lose weight is a big deal all in itself - so, well done! Whether you can't remember the last time you set foot in a gym or you've simply fallen off the wagon, these quotes will give you that extra push, especially when it all seems impossible. You're gorgeous anyway, but now it's time to do your body right and make it strong. If there are any takeaways, they are: everyone starts somewhere, don't compare yourself to others, and wake up every day with the purpose to kick ass!
100+ of the Best DIY Gifts Ever
Don't settle for store-bought gifts when you can give your loved ones these one-of-a-kind DIY presents. No matter the occasion, giving someone a gift you made yourself makes it much more meaningful. Show how special the receiver is to you by putting in some time, effort, and love on something handmade. Read on to see more than 100 different types of DIY gifts for every person in your life!
- Additional reporting by Emily Co
UGG Just Dropped Some Insanely Over-the-Top Boots For Fall - Would You Wear Them?
If you're looking to swap your classic UGG boots for something a bit more elevated this Fall, Jeremy Scott may have the answer you've been waiting for. The fashion designer has breathed new life into the popular boot brand by crafting a line of over-the-top shoes that'll cue up all the nostalgic feels. And yes, you can totally wear them with your denim miniskirt and skintight graphic tank top just like you did back in the early 2000s, if you so please.
Scott's limited-edition capsule collection will feature eight styles for women, men, kids, and babies, including two notably over-the-top options: a brown pair covered in a flame design and black ones encrusted with floral beads and crystals. There will also be a pair that has "UGG" embroidered on one boot and "Life" stitched on the other, according to WWD. Yep, he actually went there, but would you expect anything less from Jeremy Scott?
The furry boots range in price from $90 to $1,195 (time to grab that piggy bank!), and they will debut on Sept. 13 at a handful of retailers, such as Just One Eye, IntermixOnline.com, Chuckies, and David Lawrence. While you await the collection's official launch, read on for a sneak peek at two of the most outrageous pieces from the line.
12 Helpful Gifts For People Who Work From Home
In some ways, working from home is less stressful and more fun than schlepping into the office. There's no slog through rush-hour traffic (both ways), no unidentifiable smells coming from the microwave, and no pants required! However, the WFH life does present its own unique set of challenges, like having to exhibit strict self-control when it comes to snacking on junk food and keeping the TV turned off.
Staying motivated and organized is important to the work-from-home warrior, since their work space is the same as their living space. So keep inspiration, tidiness, and comfort in mind when shopping for the at-home worker in your life.
The 1 Yoga Pose I Do That Strengthens My Core Like Nothing Else
If you think of core-carving yoga poses, Boat, Crow, and Planks probably come to mind, but I've discovered one pose that fires up my core so intensely, it hurts to laugh the next day.
While Headstand is meant to challenge your sense of balance and also work your upper body, holding your body upside down requires a tremendous amount of core strength, especially if you move your legs in space. Try these variations the next time you're upside down and see how quickly the ab burn comes on. I do these at least three times a week:
- Lower your knees halfway and hold.
- Lower your knees as close to your face as possible, then raise them back up to Headstand.
- Take your legs out wide in a straddle and hold.
- While in straddle, lower your toes as close to the floor as you can (touch if you can), then raise them back up to a straddle.
- Make large, slow circles with your legs by taking them out wide, bringing them together just above the floor, raising them into Headstand, and then keep going. Be sure to reverse the direction of your circles for even more of a challenge.
- Lower your straight legs halfway and hold.
- Lower your straight legs as close as you can to the floor (touch if you can), then raise them up to Headstand.
- Bend your knees and slowly twist them from side to side.
Got a Thing For Pink? These Pretty Tattoos May Be Up Your Alley
Let's not paint pink into a corner. There are a lot of ways to incorporate pink into your tattoo beyond pretty hearts and flowers (though you'll see those here, too). It can be feminine, it can be edgy, and it can even be quirky. Whether you ink your shoulder, the back of your neck, or one of these hidden places, a pink tattoo can be a real conversation starter.
Some People Are Really, Really Not Buying Trump's "Working Vacation"
Stephen Colbert is less than impressed by Donald Trump's 17-day "working vacation," on which he embarked this week. On the Aug. 7 episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the host went in on the president's lengthy getaway to his own Bedford, NJ, golf resort. "He's there to relax after months of grueling golf at Mar-a-Lago," Colbert quipped. He also took aim at Trump's tweets insisting he'll still be doing business as usual from afar. "Meetings and calls!" Colbert marveled. "Trump has to do all that during his vacation? Wow, I would not want to work for Vladimir Putin."
Speaking of Putin, the Russian leader himself is also enjoying a vacation in Siberia, sharing photos of himself sunbathing shirtless and enjoying the great outdoors. Colbert deemed Putin's trip as more appealing than Trump's, adding, "I would love to go on a bro-down fishing trip with Vladimir Putin. I bet it'd be so much fun, I'd never come back."
The Most Breathtaking Ways to Use Succulents at Your Wedding
Forget romantic roses or classic peonies! Wedding flowers can be as hip, bohemian, or whimsical as the bride whose wedding they're decorating. So when fashion-forward Hills alum Whitney Port was planning her Palm Springs wedding, she thought outside the box with her florals. "My whole wedding was succulents," Whitney told POPSUGAR. Adding, "Sometimes flowers can be overplayed, especially if you're on a budget." Whitney also adds that surprisingly affordable succulents have much to offer besides their beauty; for example, they're very DIY friendly if you don't want to hire a florist, and instead of dying shortly after the wedding, they can be regifted to guests or replanted and enjoyed for years to come. In fact, Whitney's mom replanted the succulents from the big day in her garden! Want to know more? The savvy former bride (and new mom to baby Sonny) shares her personal tips on how to decorate with succulents to stunning effect ahead.
8 Secrets From Cruise Ship Employees
A lot goes on behind closed cabin doors on cruise ships. Are your accommodations actually clean? Do crew members even care if you're having a good time? And just how much sex is happening on board the boat? Several cruise ship employees have taken to Reddit over time to spill the beans on what life is really like when sailing the open seas, and they have some great tips for cruise-goers to keep in mind the next time they travel. Read on for details you never knew.
1. There are some major benefits (and downsides) to working on a cruise ship.
One cruise ship employee said that there were a lot of positive aspects to working on the ship. "Best parts: cheap drinks, great parties, decent pay, easy way to save, wake up in a new city/country almost everyday, great way to network, become a more confident person, etc." Employees get to travel the world! Still, not everything is great. There are understandably some downsides to living and working on a cruise ship. "Worst: guests are always right . . . ALWAYS, you have a nametag on in public areas even when you are 'off duty,' always tired from lack of sleep, food taste dull after awhile . . . " Because employees are on contract for shorter periods of time, they often work longer hours (up to 16 hours per day).
2. If you get off the ship, follow the crew!
"If you ever go on a cruise, and you get off the ship and you want to know where to eat, follow the crew. The crew knows where the cheap and good food is, where the best dive bars are, and for the most part the safest places in the area. Don't waste money at Señor Frog's like everyone else."
3. Crew members get VERY friendly with one another.
Multiple crew members seem to agree on one thing: sex between employees is definitely happening on cruise ships. One former employee said he "hooked up with like seven different people myself and I am a shy, average looking dude." Another, when asked if a cruise ship is like a "sea-orgy" where everyone bangs each other, responded seriously with "Yes, it's actually just one big bang-fest." However, relations between employees and guests are strictly forbidden and grounds for immediate termination of the cruise ship employee.
4. Pay for crew members comes with extra add-ons - and it's not all that difficult to get hired.
"We get paid daily wages and some days we work more than others. Only thing I pay for is drinks. Everything else is on them." Depending on what cruise line a person is working with, members can also potentially get discounts on cruises for personal vacations. "You don't really have any bills on board (aside from tourist traps and drinking)," said a former cruise ship employee. "It was relatively easy to get in, but I'm very good at interviews. If you know what you're doing in the field of your choice, you'll have no problem . . . "
5. Crew members really want you to have the vacation of a lifetime.
"We work extremely hard to make sure you have a vacation of a lifetime . . . Those cruise surveys are actually taken VERY serious with our company. I'm happy to say that I've been mentioned ALMOST every cruise I've worked. I also work extremely hard to make sure the kids are having the time of their lives."
6. Cleanliness is VERY important!
If you're worried about sanitation on cruises, fear no more - or at least fear a little less. "Crew had to wash hands entering and leaving the crew mess. Chicken, seafood, bread, and vegetables all have separate freezers and storage sections (and elevators) which are cleaned daily. It's no joke! They have people clean the little grooves in the metal going into the elevators just to give you an example." According to another crew member, the kitchens on cruise ships are, in a word, "spotless."
7. If a crew member gets sick, they are quarantined.
"If they even think you have the flu, you're in quarantine for up to a week. In your cabin. Food is brought to you in a sealed container and you. Can. Not. Leave. Period. The ship is a natural hot zone. Over 4,000 people crammed together for sometimes a week at a time, bound to happen. If the ship gets over 5 percent ill, that's when things start to get nasty. Mandatory face shield etc. Also, whenever anyone gets on the ship, they get a hand full of Purell. Mandatory. And nobody can bring food on or off. They take cleanliness very seriously."
8. The one thing crew members want cruise-goers to know . . .
"The one thing that cruisers should know is that during a port day, the crew are just like passengers. They go out and have fun! On sea days however, they work their asses off to make you have the best time of your life. They really do want to make your vacation amazing, and work hard to do so."
28 Shoulder Tattoo Ideas You'll Totally Want to Wear on Your Sleeve
There's a time and a place for hidden tattoos, but sometimes the tattoo in question deserves a spot more in the, well, spotlight. If you're bold enough to try the armpit tattoo trend, by all means, be my guest. But if you're going for something more traditional, your shoulder could be just the spot.
Don't know what you want yet? Whether you're filling a sleeve or your body is still a blank canvas, these shoulder tattoo ideas can help you figure out how you want to paint it.
Here's Where to Find Your New Favorite Dating App
It seems like every day there's a new form of online dating. No matter what type of relationship you're looking for - from the forever kind to the friends-with-benefits kind - there's an app for that! I've been hearing my girlfriends discuss their wins and losses with a variety of online-dating phone apps, so I'm breaking down the newest means of tech-based courtship.
- Additional reporting by Ashley Paige
Calling It! It Cosmetics Secret Sauce Will Be Sephora's Hottest-Selling Face Cream Soon
The surface of my vanity is like my pores after a SoulCycle class: clogged. I am swimming in creams, serums, and lotions all meant to give me softer, smoother skin. Beauty shopping can also feel like this. And friends always ask me: what the f*ck should I actually buy? What should I use?! SOS!
I love It Cosmetics because their products really work (I've been using the skin care for about a year and have been satisfied with the results) and are not overly complicated. I often recommend friends buy from this line when they feel confused over beauty choices. It Cosmetics is an easy line to understand and use. For example, It Cosmetics Confidence Cream in a Moisturizer is one of my favorite travel creams. It's the only one I need to bring since it's hydrating enough to use at night but lays nicely under makeup. I have minis of it stashed in my daily gym bag and always pack it on weekend trips.
The brand just launched a new face cream for Fall, and I am already predicting it's going to be a huge hit. It's called the It Cosmetics Secret Sauce ($68), and it's basically the antiaging version of Confidence Cream. Like the latter, it's lovely for evenings but works just as well during the day. As an early tester, I can confirm it doesn't pill at all under makeup.
But now let's get into what makes it so damn special. The formula is just gorgeous! It could be the love child of La Mer Soft Cream (thanks to its dewy texture) and Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream (because it also gives you a subtle glow). The gentle white lotion melts into skin, feels slightly cooling, and then stays dewy for hours. My husband and I both put it on before watching our evening TV shows and collectively noticed it helped our skin felt moist for three episodes of Parks and Recreation. That said, it doesn't feel greasy at all, and as I mentioned, it layers easily under foundation.
Secret Sauce was formulated by plastic surgeons, and while it's paraben-free, it does contain a lot of amazing ingredients. It has fermented sugarcane and rice to make skin plumper, as well as coconut water, which we all know is a hydrating superstar. Sea kelp, green and black tea, white ginseng, and pumpkin all deliver more nourishing, antioxidant benefits. So while it's adding moisture back into the skin, it's also improving it over time.
But there's more! Collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid all help fill in fine lines and deal with sun damage. The glowy result I mentioned comes from fine diamond powder, vitamin C, and licorice root. Basically, this cream makes you look radiant.
After a days of using it, the fine horizontal lines on my forehead filled in. Below, you can see clinical results on mature skin.
And finally, the packaging is on trend. The pearlescent tub looks like a unicorn created it. You need it in your holographic, rainbow-loving life. Secret Sauce is available online now and in Sephora stores come September.
Basically, if you need to KonMari your stash (me: all the time, always), this one will bring you joy.
These Photos of a "Pink Rainbow" Will Make You Believe in Real Magic
Rainbows are associated with a slew of beautiful colors - but pink isn't one of them. So when a pink rainbow showed up around Bristol, England, recently, it definitely stopped people in their tracks.
According to BBC, the optical illusion of a pink rainbow is created when a regular rainbow and a pink sunset happen to occur at the same time. The phenomenon is rare but undeniably stunning. Those in the area took to Instagram to share images of the beautiful moment - see the photos ahead.
Why Barry and Iris Deserve Their Happy Ending on The Flash
Barry and Iris have faced some major ups and downs on The Flash, but we still have faith they will find their way back to each other. While their future is currently on hold, their track record proves that nothing (not even the Speed Force) can keep these two lovers apart. That being said, it is getting a bit exhausting watching them fight for their love time and time again. Seriously, what gives? Even their alternate universe selves can find a way to make it work. As season four approaches, here are just a few reasons Barry and Iris deserve their happy ending, once and for all.
This Is What the Perfect House Looks Like, According to Pinterest
If you're an active Pinterest user, chances are you probably have a board dedicated to your dream house. Whether or not you'll actually live in a Parisian flat with vaulted ceilings featuring crown molding or a sprawling country home on acres of pristine forest doesn't actually matter. It's all about indulging in the fantasy of crafting your ideal home life, and that home life might be more common than you thought.
Pinterest shared its most popular home pins with Tech Insider, and the results are fascinating. Classic interiors that blend clean color palettes with cozy accents prove to be the winning formula. Read on to see what the ultimate dream home really looks like, according to Pinterest.
28 Times Selena Gomez's Airport Outfits Were Comfy and Chic
Selena Gomez spends a lot of hours on airplanes - thanks to all that jetsetting to attend award shows with BFF Taylor Swift and pose for hot magazine covers. And through the years, the singer and actress has picked up a trick or two about dressing warm for the frigid temperatures inside the plane, always being ready for the paparazzi, and packing a practical but gorgeous bag with all the essentials. Her outfits are stylish and comfortable and provide plenty of airport and street style inspiration. See all the times Selena's style was ready to fly away, then check out her all-time sexiest Instagram pictures.
Why I Ditched the Baby Monitor - and So Should You
When my baby was first born, I started out with not one but two baby monitors. The first was a traditional audio monitor, and the other was a fancy video device that synced with our iPhones. As someone who is always "connected" (hi, I'm the mom who texted during labor - nice to meet you), why wouldn't I want the same level of attachment with my newborn baby?
The only thing - it took less than a month to viscerally hate them both. Here's why.
You know what's a good baby monitor? A baby.
Sure, this might not apply to those families in big houses where there can be plenty of square footage between you and the nursery room, but for this apartment-dweller, having a baby monitor was not just useless, it was synonymous with crappy surround sound. I didn't, it turns out, need to use a speaker system to amplify the combination of static with my child's wails on a 1.5-second delay.
Not all noises are created equal.
Babies are loud. In addition to crying, the most stereotypical of annoying baby sounds, they also do the following: snore, sneeze, cough, wheeze, hiccup, yawn, grumble, gurgle, grunt, sigh, squeak, snort, inhale, and, of course, exhale. (Yes, their very act of breathing in and out is audible.) Being awoken in the middle of the night by every single one of my newbie's 37 sneezes, as adorable as they are, is not ideal.
Babies make for insanely addictive (yet incredibly boring) reality TV.
You put your baby to sleep and slink out of the room. You breathe a sigh of relief (one that, for the record, is patently quieter than anything that baby's done all day) and plop down on the couch. If the next thing you do is grab your phone to scroll your Facebook feed, scarf potato chips by the handful, or zone out to some terrible Lifetime original movie, you pass. Congrats!
If, however, you pull out that damn video monitor and stare at your baby's every move - of which (news flash!) there aren't many - you've truly failed.
You spend so much of your time with your baby that you really should not be spending time when you aren't with your baby with your baby. (Go ahead, read that sentence again until it begins to make sense.)
No sane person wants to spend their free time "troubleshooting."
The modern-day take on Murphy's law? The more expensive the gadget, the more likely it is to break. I can't tell you how many sleep-deprived, passive-aggressive arguments my husband and I got into trying to figure out why our WiFi connectivity was weak, why our login wasn't working, why the camera was frozen. . . . As new parents, the only troubleshooting you should be doing involves dirty diapers.
It will always, always turn on you eventually.
One week, we had family in town. Not to say they overstayed their welcome, but my husband and I would need to help each other with "that one thing" in the nursery room, which was well-orchestrated code for huddling together on the floor and whisper-complaining about how so-and-so said this and how you-know-who did that. Then, all of a sudden, the faint green light of the baby monitor station, just a few feet away from us, caught my eye. It was transmitting to the receiver, which was smack dab in the middle of our living room.
We'd just been made.
Who can say if they were listening? It made no difference because, let me tell you, having to walk into your own living room and collectively pretend no one said or heard anything amiss is not how anyone should spend one minute of their already stressful maternity leave.
You will even use it for evil.
For reasons I am certain were valid at the time, I was convinced my husband wasn't wiping our baby girl correctly. "It's imperative you only go front to back," I'd remind him pre-diaper change. In lieu of having faith in my life partner, I opted to fire up the video monitor and used my distant background in investigative journalism to uncover the cold, hard truth that . . . oh, would you look at the time? I am going to be late for that thing!
So, in one of my surest parenting decisions yet, I turned off both monitors for good. (And, you know, started to trust my husband.)
There are certainly times, however, when I do consider plugging them back in.
One night, I heard my now-toddler coughing. It only lasted for a second, but it sounded slightly different than other coughs she's made. Something wasn't quite right, but I thought better of going in and possibly waking her up for no reason. An hour later, it happened again. I trusted my gut and went into her room. There, on the crib mattress were two small piles of vomit - one a little more dried up than the other.
In my grief over being a terrible mother, I hypothesized that if we'd still had the video monitor, I would have been able to act faster - but, as I try to remind myself, the monitor wouldn't have made her not puke all over her sheets. And if we're going to point fingers, it's really the puke we should be pointing at.
Another cause for second thoughts?
Based on what YouTube has proven time and again to be true, toddlers are hilarious. Thanks to many a viral baby monitor recording, parents have captured their children doing some pretty memorable stuff when they are supposed to be in their beds napping.
I'll never be able to watch my kid attempt a headstand while singing show tunes to her stuffed monkey, which - based on noise alone - is my best-educated guess for what's happening in there. Without a monitor mounted on the wall, I'll never know what she's really up to when no one else is looking.
But maybe it's better that way.
Kate Middleton and Princess Diana's Twinning Style Moments Might Just Blow Your Mind
When Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement back in October 2010, it was inevitable that the newest member of the royal family would be compared to her mother-in-law, the late Princess Diana. Not only did the two women share the same sapphire engagement ring but also good genes, with their catwalk measurements and photogenic good looks. Over the following six years, Kate's fashion choices have also often been compared to those of Diana - many times because they might simply have worn the same color. However, there are some striking similarities between many of the women's choices - some intentional, and others less so . . .
This Video Fighting Back Against Street Harassment Is the True Definition of Girl Power
One of the most unfortunate realities of being a woman in 2017 is that catcalling is still a very real, very common occurrence. In fact, according to a study conducted by Cornell University and Hollaback!, 85 percent of women in the US will have experienced some form of street harassment by the time they turn 17. If you need a reminder of just how dire things can get, viral sensation 10 Hours of Walking in NYC as a Woman encapsulates just how frustrating the simple act of walking on the street can be - regardless of where in the world she might be. It's against this backdrop that five Latina and black women came together to fight back against the epidemic, and what they came up with is one of the most stunning video projects we've seen in a very, very long time.
ELEPHANT combines dance, poetry, music, and art in order to present an empowered world in which street harassment doesn't deter a woman from walking down the street and living her life. Using all these artistic mediums, the film depicts a freer self and an aspirational goal of a woman who doesn't hide her form in order to protect her mental and physical well-being. "I hope it will shed some light on what it feels like to simply walk down the streets as a woman. How we are made to feel as if our bodies are property or entertainment," Alicia Cobb, one of the creators of the film, told NBC Latino. "Maybe the men who see it will think twice before they whistle, cat call, stare, grab, or demean a woman again." And from where we stand, they did a damn good job of getting this sentiment across.
Watch the film in its entirety above, and if you're looking for an outlet for your frustrations on this subject, we highly recommend joining the Hollaback! movement.
39 Powerful Quotes That Will Change the Way You Live and Think
Words have power - and these inspiring quotes are guaranteed to challenge the way you think and perhaps even change the way you live.
What's New on Netflix in August: Nostalgic Classics and 1 of 2016's Best Musicals
Every month brings a treasure trove of gifts from Netflix when it adds a new batch of movies and TV shows to its streaming service, which now includes lots of original series and films. POPSUGAR exclusively revealed one of the offerings earlier this month: The Addams Family, and the nostalgic goodie is just one of many new titles coming to Netflix next month. There are Netflix original series like The Defenders, lots of recent movies, and a ton of older favorites that are primed for a good couch date. All these movies come to Netflix sometime in August, so until then, keep enjoying the July list!
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