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.
mardi 15 août 2017
Time to Hoard More Matte Lipsticks! Six Brand New Nudestix Shades Are Coming
Of all the matte lipsticks on the market, I can confidently say that Nudestix makes some of my absolute favorites. Millennial sisters Ally and Taylor Frankel have mastered a velvety-matte formula that glides on like butter and lasts all damn day. On top of offering insanely pigmented colors, Nudestix lipsticks won't make your lips feel dry or papery compared to other buzzy formulas.
I always stock up on Stiletto (matte red orange) and Purity (matte ballerina pink). So when I found out that Nudestix would be teaming up with six beauty influencers to create six brand new colors, I knew that lipstick lovers everywhere, myself included, would be in for a real treat.
The brand tapped a diverse group of talent including Samantha Ravndahl (@ssssmantha), Jaleesa M (@saythelees), and Cydnee Black (@cydbee) to create bespoke Nudestix shades for its Influencer Custom Shade Palette. The limited-edition lipstick collection caters to just about every beauty style. It features dainty corals and dusty pinks which are perfect everyday colors. For Fall (or date night), it also boasts trendy burgundy and brown sticks. Each shade lasts like a tattoo and won't budge or smudge for up to eight hours - seriously.
The collection ($59) goes on sale at select Sephora locations as well as Ulta.com and Macys.com on August 15. If you're thinking of snapping it up, we suggest you be swift. These influencers have over 3.6 million combined followers, so we expect the new kit to go fast!
No Surprise Here - Cindy Crawford's Malibu Home Is as Stunning as She Is
Cindy Crawford became an iconic supermodel thanks to her classic beauty, but today we learned that she has a classically beautiful home, too! In a new 73 Questions interview video with Vogue, Crawford gives a tour of her beachfront Malibu, CA, abode, and to call it stunning would be an understatement. Not only does the home have a perfect view of the water, but it also perfectly represents everything that Crawford embodies: understated elegance, refined features, and a few hints of her fun personality. Check out some of our biggest decor takeaways from the video, then watch the full interview beneath!
Some of the most notable decor features: Crawford's home has aged iron fixtures, extrawide doorways, dark wood accents, and white walls.
The most sentimental piece of decor: She displays framed artwork from her two kids in the kitchen.
What's in her kitchen? Crawford has a simple white kitchen with warm wood floors, a wood-topped island, professional-grade stainless steel appliances, and plain white dishes.
Something fans can replicate in their own homes: Crawford uses an unfinished wood breakfast tray and a wicker coffee carafe for entertaining.
A pleasant memory from the Crawford-Gerber home: Cindy's husband once snuck a grand piano into their house on Christmas morning.
How Cindy's family enjoys the outdoors: An outdoor firepit overlooking the ocean, surrounded by ocean-blue furniture to complement the outdoor living area. There's also an infinity pool and a round jacuzzi directly overlooking the ocean!
How she brings the outside in: Lots of potted plants all over the home, along with several floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean.
How does Crawford decorate her personal office space? During the video, you can see a camel-colored leather office chair, gold-framed photos from her modeling career in a gallery wall, a clear glass and warm wood desk, and some white built-in shelving.
How to describe her decor style: Crawford has a very classic interior design style, with nothing exceptionally trendy overwhelming the home - she used mostly neutral tones and dark wood and knows how to choose well-placed beams and solid-looking furniture.
Our favorite feature of the home: Either the wood-planked walkway up to front door with modern pond water fixtures on either side or the well-stocked bar in the living area.
Even If You Don't Know What Phubbing Is, You're Probably Doing It
We see the pictures on Instagram all the time - you know, the ones documenting our latest meal and what we were doing on a certain day. Of course, what we forget is that we most likely took those photos in the presence of someone else, prioritizing our phone over spending time with them. Turns out that "phubbing," the term for someone who phone snubs you, can hurt your relationship, according to a study.
To begin, researchers at Baylor University surveyed 308 adults to develop a "Partner Phubbing Scale," which was made up of nine items that people in relationships said about their partner's smartphone use. This included actions we do all the time like placing our phone face up on a table or checking our phone if the conversation comes to a dead end. The second survey quantified these actions and found of the 145 adults surveyed, 46.3 percent said their significant other "phubbed" them. Though most of us would think that's fine as long as we're not on our phone for too long, it might not be since 36.6 percent said "phubbing" depressed them. And if that wasn't awful enough, 22.6 percent said it led to issues in their relationship.
"When you think about the results, they are astounding," said Dr. James A. Roberts, professor of marketing and lead researcher on the study, in a press release. "Something as common as cellphone use can undermine the bedrock of our happiness - our relationships with our romantic partners."
Yikes, guess we all definitely need to take a break from our phones every once in a while. Trust us, it's not as hard as you think it is, and hey, it could end up saving your relationship.
Birth Flowers Are a Real Thing, and You Need to Know the Meaning Behind Yours ASAP
It's fun to gain insight into yourself based on your birthday. Your zodiac sign can tell you everything from personality traits to how to decorate your home. But, if you want even more insight into your personality, you should check out your birth flower. Each month has one - sometimes two - birth flowers designated, and we've translated the language of flowers to reveal what your month's blossom means.
How to Spend $0 on a Bridesmaid Dress
When I look back at my 20s, I'll remember the event that swung through my life the most during those years - weddings. But aside from remembering the awkward dance moves I'd bust out when the wedding band played a Bruno Mars song, I will remember how almost all of my disposable income went toward one thing, and one thing only: bridesmaid dresses.
When I clean out my tiny New York City closet, which I do only once or twice a year, I always find a pile of old bridesmaid dresses that I'm too attached to and can't seem to get rid of. It's not that those dresses breathe memories of some of the greatest nights of my life or the dresses are so gorgeous they should be displayed in a museum and admired by strangers from around the world. It's because, to me, they are what I spent all of my money on.
I don't have a 401K, a savings account with more than four digits in it, or stocks. But I do have a closet filled with bridesmaid dresses that cost between $160-$350 apiece. I learned, the expensive way, that bridesmaid dresses don't have to cost a couple of hundred - they can cost zero dollars. Here are five ways to make that happen.
1. Borrow Your Dress
You may wonder who in the world has the exact bridesmaid dress you need, in the right color, the right size, and the right style, but you would be surprised. There are a couple of main designers that a lot of brides choose when selecting their bridesmaid dresses. You can ask around your immediate friend group to see if they have the dress or even post it on social media.
2. Rent Your Dress
Thankfully there are bridesmaid dress companies now that let you rent the dress from them. This will cost you a little more than $0 - but it's a better option than buying the dress new for a couple hundred dollars.
3. Wear Something You Already Have
Speak with the bride early on and see if she's open to letting the bridal party wear a dress of a certain color that they already have. That way, you can grab something from your closet and don't have to worry about spending a dime on a dress or alterations.
4. Sell Your Dress After the Wedding
So let's say you do have to buy the bridesmaid dress and the dress costs you a couple hundred dollars - don't think that after the wedding, there's no way to get your money back. Instead of having the dress crumpled up in the back of your closet or underneath your bed, there are websites and companies that will buy your used bridesmaid dress. This is a great way to earn back some of that cash or make all of your money back.
5. Get Involved in the Bridesmaid Dress Process
When the bride is starting to decide what dress she'd like all her bridesmaids to wear, jump in and ask if you can help her make that decision. This is a good way to keep the cost low, or even the right time and place to ask her if the bridesmaids can just wear a dress they already have.
Feast Your Eyes on Hot Pictures of Fuller House's Fernando IRL
Buenos Aires-born actor Juan Pablo Di Pace has stolen our hearts. You may recognize the 37-year-old Fuller House star from his previous roles in Mamma Mia! and Dallas, but his role as Fernando, Kimmy Gibbler's Argentinian fiancé, might just be his best one yet. Not only are we obsessed with the fact that there's a Latino in the franchise, we're also just as obsessed with Juan Pablo in general - he is funny and loving and plays one incredibly hot dad.
If he caught your eye, too, we know you're counting down the days until Netflix releases season three! While you wait, allow Juan Pablo's sexiest Instagrams to tide you over. Spoiler alert: lots of buff arms ahead!
Ultra-High-Waist Pants Are an Active Girl's Best Friend
We're seriously crushing on high-waisted workout pants - we've been reaching for them before every workout lately! Not only do they keep everything nice and tucked in, but they're figure flattering, slimming, and secure. Tapping it back in SoulCycle? No need to worry about anything hanging out. Going into a deeper bind in yoga? You're covered.
These high-waisted wonders are also the perfect match to long line sports bras and cropped tops, meaning you can rock a "shirtless" look in a superhot class without feeling overly exposed. Here are some of our favorite high-rise styles, some of which completely cover your navel (awww, yeah!).
Katy Perry Reunites With Orlando Bloom After Doing Dinner With Robert Pattinson
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom may have ended their relationship, but it seems that the two are still pretty close. Over the weekend, the exes, who split in February after a year of dating, were spotted zooming on a motorcycle towards Ed Sheeran's concert at the Staples Center in LA; Katy held on to Orlando as they made their way to the venue and were all smiles after the show. Katy's reunion with Orlando comes just a week after she was photographed having dinner with close friend Robert Pattinson. Their night out led to romance rumors, which were stoked even further after Robert's "kind of" fiancée FKA Twigs was snapped getting cozy with a male model in Ibiza days later.
So This Is Why You're So Clumsy on Your Period, According to a Doctor
The first day or two of your period can leave you feeling like you're someone else entirely. You're bloated, irritable, and tired, and you have weird cravings that never show up throughout the rest of the month. Another less-talked-about side effect of menstruating that many women experience is being clumsy. Whether that means you drop your keys three times in a row or are more prone to jamming your finger in the door frame, clumsiness is a very real PMS symptom for lots of women - and it's not all in our heads.
Alyssa Dweck, MD, gynecologist in New York, and author of The Complete A to Z For Your V: A Woman's Guide to Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Vagina, told POPSUGAR that period clumsiness is a definitely a thing, and there are some pretty reasonable explanations for it.
One reason might be that "you're eating tons more salt and not necessarily drinking so much water, so you may get a little more swelling," Dr. Dweck said. Having extraswollen hands and feet could make you a bit more accident-prone than usual. "If your sleep is interrupted during your PMS time, clumsiness can be a result," she added.
It's not uncommon for women to feel especially fatigued during their periods, and Dr. Dweck said you'll often see them trying to combat this exhaustion with caffeine or sugar. "Therefore you might get a bit shaky," she said. Cue the spilled coffee.
Perhaps the most fascinating explanation is that, during your period, neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals that are associated with mood, happiness, and overall well-being, change in your body the same way your hormones do. This could cause you to act (or react) in odd ways.
Dr. Dweck explained it this way: One of the main medications prescribed for severe PMS is SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). You may know that SSRIs are a treatment for clinical depression, since they're meant to alter your serotonin levels and thus better your moods. Similarly, prescribing SSRIs for women with debilitating PMS will help them cope with their symptoms better.
"There's definitely science to suggest that serotonin is involved in PMS syndrome," Dr. Dweck told POPSUGAR. Even the slightest chemical changes in your brain could lead to weird (read: blundering) behavior that you wouldn't normally see.
In other words, it definitely wouldn't hurt to be extra careful when you're on your period, and maybe stay away from complicated machinery or sharp knives until you're done menstruating.
How to Have a Coach Flying Experience That Isn't Awful
We'd all love all our flights to be at the front of the plane, but for most of us, flying first class is a (very) rare treat. As we walk down the aisle, past the luxury of the front of the cabin and toward the great unknown in the back of the plane, we see the comfort level of our flying experience rapidly decrease. However, while coach seats will never match the first-class experience, there's lots we can do to make flying economy a lot more pleasant.
1. Bring your own entertainment
First class might get the luxury of a killer entertainment system, allowing passengers to Skype and watch Netflix during flights. "Unfortunately, flying coach often doesn't have that same luxury. Travel with your own array of podcasts, films, TV programs, and music," said Tristan Seymour, managing director for Lodging-World.
2. Score an empty middle seat
When selecting your seats, choose an aisle seat for one person and a window seat for the other. This leaves the middle seat vacant. "Meanwhile when solo travelers go to select their seat, they will certainly avoid choosing the middle seat unless it's a very full flight and there aren't any other options," explained John Widmer of Roaming Around the World.
So what happens if it is a full flight and someone does occupy the middle seat? Once you're on the flight, if you don't want to be separated from your travel companion by someone in the middle seat, you can simply offer the middle seat occupant your window or aisle seat. No one in the middle seat will ever refuse that. "But typically that middle seat will remain unoccupied. And as airlines continue to shrink legroom in coach, having an unoccupied middle seat to be able to stretch out can be a great little benefit!" said Widmer.
3. Keep the noise out
"For overnight flights, what travelers often complain about is the cabin noise. Use earplugs first, then place a pair of noise-canceling headphones on after. The extra coverage over your ears will help block out plane engine noise and your talkative neighbor," said Stefanie Michaels of AdventureGirl.com.
Noise-canceling headphone good bets are AKG N60 NC Wireless, which have an ultracompact folding feature, or JBL Everest Elite 750 NC, an around-ear wireless headphone that is outfitted with the latest Adaptive Noise-Cancelling (ANC) technology, which will totally come in handy to drown out sounds from airplane takeoffs and screaming toddlers.
4. Bring your own pillow and blanket
First-class fliers get the big seats, and that's not the same for coach. "If you're going to be on flight for a couple of hours, the last thing you need is to be cramped and uncomfortable. Invest in a soft, breathable blanket and pillow for long-haul flights," said Seymour. A flexible travel pillow, such as this Evolution Cool from Cabeau, can go a long way toward getting some sleep on that long-haul flight.
5. Bring your own snacks
While first class is enjoying the fine stuff, coach is stuck with the basic flight food. "Treat your taste buds to some fine dining by bringing your own snacks," said Seymour. Try to stay away from anything especially pungent or aromatic out of consideration for your fellow passengers.
6. Plan for discomfort
Flying coach is like riding the bus in the sky. It's cheap, but it sure isn't fancy. "For flights longer than a couple hours, you'll want to be ready for discomfort. You'll have no room, limited ability to recline, and all the random sights and smells that come with budget travel. Wear loose-fitting clothing, bring extra entertainment, and bring physical items to keep you comfy (extra sweater, neck pillow)," said Christopher K. Oldfield, budget travel blogger from Lessons Learned Abroad and the community manager at Nomadic Matt. Earplugs and an eye mask are worth bringing, too. Leave the knee-high boots in your checked luggage and wear easy-to-slip-off breathable shoes, such as these by OluKai, a Hawaiian-inspired footwear brand, which has a drop-in heel for shoe and slide versatility. This detail allows your feet to breathe here and there thought the flight. Don't be shy about going a step further and stashing your favorite slippers in your bag, either. After all, why should you feel constricted in a pair of uncomfortable or claustrophobic shoes when you're confined enough in coach?
7. Charge your devices before you fly
Many airlines will include outlets, but this isn't always the case. "Do yourself a favor and save that battery life for when you need it! If necessary, arrive early at the airport so you can hunt down the best places to charge your devices," said Oldfield. While you are at it, bring an extra battery, like this 10,000 mAh Pocket Power by Belkin. That way you won't end up landing with a depleted iPhone battery just when you need to request that Uber pickup.
8. Lower your expectations
Take a minute to acknowledge the fact that you are about to be crammed in a rocket tube with hundreds of other strangers for a few hours. "This is not meant to be a luxury experience, so stop expecting it to be awesome. As best, it will be adequate, so keep your expectations measured. This is the most important thing you can do to have a better flying experience in coach!" said Oldfield.
13 Words in Spanish That Don't Have an English Equivalent - So Frustrating!
If you're a Spanish speaker, you probably find yourself at a literal loss for words often. There are just so many times when you know a Spanish term (just a few letters put together) can perfectly describe what you're feeling, but no matter how much you rack your brain to find the English version, you come out with nothing - or a very long and complicated sentence that simply doesn't feel right. It's not your fault! We've come up with just 13 commonly used Spanish terms that don't quite translate into English, making for frustration and the need for Spanglish. Scroll ahead to find our list.
The Best Disneyland Foods Worth Sitting Down For
During a Disneyland visit, it's not hard to get caught up in the "go go go" mentality of running back and forth between attractions, barely stopping to catch a breath - let alone a bite to eat. Many people never even bother with sit-down eateries at the parks, opting instead for the quickest meal options. While many of these counter-service meals are tasty (hellooooooo, Dole whip and corn dogs!), there's a whole new world of tasty Disney delicacies that are worth sitting down and waiting for.
Between Disneyland, California Adventure, and the famous Disney park hotels, here are our top picks for menu items worth taking the time out of your magical day for. Trust us . . . they're very much worth the wait.
Think we missed a table-service restaurant dish that no trip to Disneyland is complete without? Let us know in the comments!
A 10-Minute Total-Body Workout That Puts the Focus on Form
High-intensity may be all the rage, but it isn't necessary to go to your edge during every single workout. In fact, there is strong evidence against making HIIT your only form of exercise. By slowing workouts down, you're able to better work on your form, which is huge when it comes to maximizing the benefits of an exercise, said Austin Lopez, CSCS and founder of Ausome Fit. With the focus on technique, you're also less likely to injure yourself, which could sideline you from workouts altogether.
This is precisely the reason that Lopez likes to give his clients AMRAPs (as many reps as possible) to do on their own. Clients can go at a pace that feels comfortable to them, focusing on form over speed. Of course, if their form is locked in, an AMRAP can easily be sped up to max intensity!
For a little taste of the kind of at-home workouts Lopez gives his clients, he shared the following with us. Not only does it work the entire body, but it doesn't require a single piece of equipment. Talk about no excuses.
The Workout
Perform each of the following moves for 30 seconds, completing as many reps as possible. After completing the sixth and final move in the circuit, rest for one minute before beginning again. Run through the circuit a total of three times.
- Reverse lunge on the right leg
- Reverse lunge with hop on the right leg
- Mountain climbers
- Reverse lunge on the left leg
- Reverse lunge with hop on the left leg
- Push-ups of your choice
Instructions For Each Move
Reverse Lunge
- Stand with your feet hip distance apart with your hands at your hips. Take a large and controlled step backward.
- Keep your core stable, and lower your body until both legs are bent in right angles; your back heel should be lifted.
- Return to standing by pressing your front heel into the floor and bringing your back leg forward to the starting position. This completes one rep.
Reverse Lunge With Hop
- Start by coming into a lunge.
- With momentum, swing one leg forward to hop up onto your opposite foot, and then land softly back in a lunge. This completes one rep.
Mountain Climbers
- Start in a traditional plank - shoulders over hands and weight on your toes.
- With your core engaged, bring one knee forward under your chest, with the toes just off the ground. Return to your basic plank. Switch legs, bringing the other knee forward.
- Keep switching legs and begin to pick up the pace until it feels a little like running in place in a plank position.
Push-Up
The below instructions are for a traditional push-up, but feel free to do the push-up variation of your choice.
- Start in a traditional plank - shoulders over hands and weight on your toes.
- Take a breath in, and as you exhale, bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the ground. Stop as soon as your shoulders are in line with your elbows.
- Inhale to straighten the arms. If this is too difficult, do this exercise with your knees on the floor. This counts as one rep.
Skeet Ulrich Pulls a Total Dad Move, Sort of Confirms Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart Romance
It looks like FP Jones ships Bughead as much as we do. During a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Skeet Ulrich (who plays Jughead's dad on Riverdale) seemingly confirmed what we've all been speculating: Lili Reinhart and Cole Sprouse have taken their onscreen romance off screen. "They have great chemistry and they've been at our house with a lot of the Riverdale people and they always enjoy each other's company, so I wish them the best," Skeet said. He even added that the two share a "special connection" when the cameras aren't rolling. "You just hear them talking to each other like they've been best friends for 20 years. So it's a good sign."
While the pair have yet to go official with their relationship, they certainly aren't shy about showing off their sweet bond on social media. Aside from posting cute selfies, Lili penned a special message to Cole on his 25th birthday. "To the man who has showed me more beautiful places in this past year than I have ever seen in my whole life," she wrote. "Happy birthday, Cole. Thank you for all of the adventures and here's to many more 🌙"
1 of Obama's Top Aides Reveals a POTUS Story She's Never Told Before
As President Obama's former deputy chief of staff for operations, you better believe Alyssa Mastromonaco has some stories to tell. In her new memoir, Who Thought This Was a Good Idea: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House, she shares a moving, funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching look back at the years she spent in politics and by POTUS's side. We caught up with Mastromonaco to find out what it was really like to be one of the youngest people - and one of the few women - to ever hold her position in the White House, discuss sexism's impact on politics, and get her to share her personal hopes for what's next for Barack and Michelle Obama. She even told us a pretty charming story about President Obama's meddling in her romantic life she's never told anyone - and that includes her husband.
POPSUGAR: It's pretty clear from your book that you have a deep admiration and respect for Obama. Is it fair to say working for him made you a better person? Better at your job?
Alyssa Mastromonaco: I would say that Barack Obama not only made me a better person but made me better at my job. He's one of the most intellectually curious people you'll ever meet and really brings that out in other people. When I first got to the White House, I was super anxious all the time about not knowing the answer to every question. And Obama was actually the person who let me be me. He was like, "Alyssa's not the person who wears the Ann Taylor suit. She's not the kind of person who always says the exact right thing." And I'm a bit of a wild animal. I brought a different perspective and I was a little bit more irreverent and casual.
PS: I teared up when I got to the end of the book and read the passage about him calling you after your beloved cat died. It was well after you'd resigned from your White House post.
AM: Just so you know, I had to reread that portion of my audiobook three or four times, because I cried every time. I, more than anybody, saw all the things that were on his plate every day. I felt other people maybe didn't realize how much a note meant that he wrote them or a phone call. But I saw his thought process behind the few moments of free time he had and how he used them. So, I knew that him taking the time to call me meant he really cared and really deeply understood how upset I was. That's what made it so meaningful.
PS: I love the anecdotes about Barack trying to set you up. It happened more than once, if I recall!
AM: There's a story I tell [in the book] about leaving Iowa, when he's telling me to email a guy that he said was into me. There was a thunderstorm, and we ended up having to drive from Ames, IA, all the way back to Chicago. So Gibbs [then Obama's senior adviser] and I were in the backseat of the PT Cruiser, and Obama kept turning around like, "Email him. Email him right now. He was not a bad-looking guy."
PS: So wait, you were driving Senator Barack Obama around in a PT cruiser?
AM: He was in a PT Cruiser. It was gray.
PS: What's the biggest way you saw the presidency and everything that comes with it - the responsibility, the celebrity - change Barack and Michelle?
AM: I think the external perception made them much more aware of making sure they stayed themselves. We win and it's super heady, and then a couple months later you are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but the one thing that we all believed - and that the president believed - is that you can never really buy into your own hype. Because as much as the world loves you one minute, they can be way down on you the next. I think that you would say if you looked at both of them, they kept it pretty even-keeled throughout the eight years, and he expected the same of us.
Someone on the campaign came to me and said, "You better get in line, because the people in South Carolina are just going to think you're a real bitch."
PS: Do you keep in touch?
AM: Oh, yeah. I saw them both in Chicago [on Jan. 7], and I saw the president at Marvin Nicholson's wedding down in Florida [on Jan. 10].
PS: I know a lot of people are very excited to see what he and Michelle do next. What do you hope to see them do?
AM:There are so many kids in the world who have only grown up knowing that an African-American first family is a part of life. I think the next couple of years are going to be pretty hard to get through, so I hope that they're super visible and that FLOTUS keeps up all of her work with young women.
PS: You explicitly say part of your motivation in writing this book was to get more women interested in pursuing political careers. What in your own experience proved the need for that?
AM: I didn't have a ton of role models back in 1998. So, when I was looking to get in, it was really just looking up at all the men who were out there. When you're not seeing women - when you're breaking into anything - it's like, "Well, this is what the men do and how they act, so we're going to just emulate that behavior." I wanted young women to know that I was very lucky that I worked for people who literally let me be me. If I had ever been anyone other than me, I would have come off as a fake, a phony, a fraud, and never would have gotten where I ultimately ended up. You can be yourself and be in politics, and they should know that. That was kind of why I wanted to do it - because I didn't see any freaks in politics like me.
PS: Was there a particular moment you remember facing blatant sexism in the political world? How'd you handle it?
AM: There was a moment. It was the very beginning of the Obama campaign in January or February of 2007. I was asserting myself and someone on the campaign - who wasn't David Plouffe or Axelrod or anyone like that - but someone came to me and said, "You better get in line, because the people in South Carolina are just going to think you're a real b*tch." It was a man. I was just like, "Wow." I didn't say it, because I was so stunned, but in my head I was like, "Wow, and you're a real d*ck." That's the one moment I can really think of where I was like, "I don't think anybody would have said that to one of the guys." I wasn't even being aggressive. They were just wrong and I told them they were wrong.
I think that what you saw during those eight years, and in those last few weeks, was that the Obamas love people and they are going to miss them.
PS: I'm sure you have a fascinating perspective on how sexism impacted the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton- who you worked alongside when she was Secretary of State.
AM: I don't think that Donald Trump treated Hillary any differently than he treated Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio. He is a deeply disrespectful person who didn't have enough reverence for the office he was running for to act humane. I never like to oversubscribe to sexism. I'd love to say "Donald Trump is just sexist." And I do believe he's sexist, but I also believe that he also treats anyone who is his opponent in a very insane and disrespectful way. Saying "lock her up!" - which is insane - and calling him Lyin' Ted and him Little Marco . . . it's all really bad.
PS: What was it like from your perspective to witness the entire election cycle, this time from the outside in? Did you have FOMO?
AM: It was really hard. But the whole time, I think that we all thought that she was really going to win. So, you didn't feel that kind of FOMO like, "Oh my god, I should be there because I could make such a difference." I think we all kind of thought it was handled and then, when she didn't win, I did feel like, "Oh, god, now I really need to be an activist." I want to be out marching all the time. I want to wear "Feminist AF" t-shirts.
PS: How did the Obamas seem in January when you saw them? I know Michelle Obama has been pretty open about feeling a sense of relief about being able to step away from the White House.
AM: The times I saw them, they were pretty nostalgic. I'll tell you two things: if you look at the video of the farewell speech the president gave on Jan. 10 in Chicago, and you look at the very end, you can tell he's taking in the moment. The thing that I think is so depressing, fundamentally, about Donald Trump, is that he doesn't appreciate what's happening right now. He doesn't seem to think it's an honor. He doesn't seem to understand why we're actually super blessed to have the government we have. I also don't ever get the sense that he loves Americans. If you look at POTUS [Obama] - and I will always call him POTUS - I think that what you saw during those eight years, and in those last few weeks, was that they really love people and they are going to miss them. And that they deeply appreciate the opportunity they were given.
Most women will want to only give their opinion only when it's almost fact in their mind - whereas dudes will pontificate a lot more. And I will tell you, I've started pontificating a lot more.
PS:What's your advice for young women who might be interested in getting into politics, but are feeling deterred - whether it's because it's still a male-dominated field, or they just don't know where to start?
AM: Find someone who you really believe in - that can be at a state level. The one thing I can encourage women to do the most is to start at the state level. It is the biggest reason that the Democratic party is behind. Women generally have to start building the bench, and right now our bench is a little thin. If I were to ask you who you think will run in 2020, we're like, "I don't know. Maybe Elizabeth Warren? Maybe?" Because there aren't five or 10 people. I would encourage young women to find that person, give it your all, and leave it all on the field. The one thing I have found is that, if you are sitting at a table, most women will want to only give their opinion only when it's almost fact in their mind - whereas dudes will pontificate a lot more. And I will tell you, I've started pontificating a lot more, which is very satisfying. They should not be afraid to speak.
PS: What's a piece of advice, or something Obama said to you over the years, that really stuck with you?
AM: Here's something nobody knows. When I had been dating my husband for a while, the president said to me, "When is he going to put a ring on it?" And I was like, "Oh, come on. We are so busy. We don't need to think about that." He said, "He needs to put a ring on it because you're worth it." And the thing is, I'm not even kidding you, it was about a week or two later that we got engaged. I've never told that story to my husband, either. It would be news to him. Also, what, are you going to go back to your boyfriend and say, "The president told you to put a ring on it"? The lamest thing ever.
I'm Transgender, and My Family Refused to Attend My Wedding
The author and his wife walking down the aisle.
Planning a wedding is probably the best test of a relationship. If you and your partner can successfully get your big day set up without either of you sleeping on the couch, then your relationship is set for life. (Especially if your event coordinator, venue, and caterer all flake out two months before the date.)
Somehow, my now-wife Heather and I were able to get the wedding planned in less than two months and survived a cross-country road trip to my fiancé's hometown where we held the ceremony, our two dogs in tow, without getting into a single disagreement . . . OK, that's not quite true. I wanted our first dance to be "Marry Me" by Train, but she drew the line and we compromised with a Jason Mraz song.
It was a beautiful ceremony and an even better reception. Her entire family and people she'd grown up with were all laughing and congratulating us, welcoming me into the fold with open arms.
My family? Well, my parents and siblings were there. But the rest of my family didn't show up. Most of them didn't bother to respond to the invites. I heard all the excuses from the few who did: "I'm too tired." "I have a job interview, so I might have a job and can't make it." "It's too far away."
I responded to each of these excuses with ideas about how to make it work. We offered to cover travel expenses and hook them up with places to stay - we even offered to pick some of them up during our road trip and drive them halfway across the country.
I knew the real reason they wouldn't be at the wedding, though. It was the same reason most of them haven't spoken to me in years, despite the fact that I send Christmas gifts and birthday wishes and celebrate every life event of theirs.
I'm transgender, and that's something many of my family members have never been able to fully accept.
My family members didn't even tell me directly they wouldn't be at the wedding. My mom gave me a call and first told me that my grandmother wouldn't attend. I was hurt, especially since I call my grandmother several times a week to check in on her and see how she's doing. My mom was devastated, though. This would be her first grandkid's wedding, but she wouldn't be there.
My mom was also the messenger who informed me that the rest of the family I had invited wouldn't be coming, either.
I was disappointed. Of course, several other people we had invited that wouldn't be able to make it for one reason or another, but they were pretty legitimate reasons. One of our favorite family members was eight and half months pregnant and wouldn't be able to travel across the country. Another simply couldn't afford to take the time off work. But to not come to your own family member's wedding because they're transgender is a huge blow to that person. It's had a devastating impact on our family. Conversations are tense, and there's an unanswered question that dances around the back of my mind every time I think about them: Why?
I still talk to my family. I still send them birthday wishes. They still tell me they love me. So why didn't they love me enough to come to the most important event of my young life?
They live in Texas and Arkansas, so their conservative views are heavily ingrained into their lives, something that I understand and accept. I know that I can't change their minds about certain things and I've never tried. Some people are impossible to get through to, but that doesn't mean I've ever stopped loving them or supporting their dreams.
Why aren't they able to do the same for me?
Throughout the night's festivities, I found myself making the rounds and meeting all of my wife's friends and family members. A few of my friends were seated at a table with my wife's cousins. Parents of my old classmates had made the five-hour trek from Virginia to Philadelphia and shed tears during the ceremony. My new aunt-in-law spent half an hour laughing with my dad over some Yuengling beer.
Despite the fact that blood relations were missing, this simple ceremony brought together almost a hundred people who would have otherwise never met. Celebrating our love and future together had created a brand-new family that I didn't know I needed. The next morning, I had breakfast with my parents and siblings before spending the rest of the day with my wife's aunts, uncles, and cousins. It never once felt like I was going from my "true" family to "the in-laws." It was a day full of family, simple as that.
The open arms of my new family made the sting of denial fade into a dull burn. It's still there, but I've gained the most accepting - and goofy - family that I could have asked for. They don't care about who I used to be or the fact that I'm trans. All that matters to them is that I love my wife and I know how to put back a few beers and share a good laugh.
To me, that's what family is, and I've found mine.
Your Guide to the Most Delicious and Popular Latin American Beers
When it comes to beer, forget about Belgium and the UK; Latin America has some of the best. Whether you enjoy the smooth taste of a light lager or the heavier flavor of a dark Vienna sip, there's something here for you. From favorites like Corona and Presidente to names you might've never heard of before like Gallo or Toña, give these beers a test on your next trip down south or dig for them at your local Latin supermarket. Salud!
How Cersei's "Good" News May Finally Turn Her Into the Mad Queen
Sometimes you can see a Game of Thrones twist coming years before it actually happens. Come on . . . was anyone really surprised when Jon Snow's parents were revealed in season six? Cersei's pregnancy is not one of those twists. In Sunday night's episode, "Eastwatch," Qyburn confirms Cersei is pregnant and tactfully offers her something to deal with the issue, but she declines. Does that mean Cersei is really expecting again? Almost certainly, but it may not be good news for the queen.
There is a palpable shift in Cersei's attitude in this episode. She actually allows her little brother Tyrion into the castle to meet with Jaime, and she is entertaining the thought of speaking with Daenerys. Suddenly, Cersei sees a future for herself and Jaime that is a happy one. The joy on her face when she tells Jaime the world will know he's the father of her child is real. After losing her three children, the Lannister Queen now has a reason to hope for a new beginning, but allowing herself to hope could be her downfall.
Maggy's prophecy still looms over Cersei's story. The wood witch from season five promises a young Cersei that she will have three children and "gold shall be their crowns and gold their shrouds." The deaths of Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen all come to pass just as Maggy predicts. There's no mention of a fourth child, which suggests Cersei will not carry this baby to term. That begs the question: why bother making Cersei pregnant at all? And the answer is simple enough: to finally push her fully over the edge.
Ever since she blew up the Great Sept of Baelor, fans have been predicting that Cersei would become the Mad Queen. So far, she's been stable enough. She certainly wants to destroy Daenerys's army, and her goal of uniting the realm to make sure the Dragon Queen doesn't take her position of power remains her focus. All of her interactions with Jaime suggest she wants to build a world where no one can tell them what they can and cannot do anymore. They are lions, after all, and she's heeding her father's advice about not worrying about the opinions of the sheep. As ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, she is finally in a position in which she doesn't have to answer to anyone, and that's all Cersei has ever wanted.
Now that she has a new baby on the way, Cersei has even more of a reason to seek peace with Daenerys. In her mind, she can finally have a happy ending, but if that beautiful image in her head is destroyed, so will be the last vestiges of her humanity. Right now, Jaime and the baby are keeping her grounded. But if Jon succeeds in bringing a White Walker to King's Landing, then Jaime may be inclined to join the fight to stop the fall of Westeros. Cersei doesn't warn her brother never to betray her again for no reason. One way or another, Cersei seems destined to lose Jaime, and this reality compounded with a miscarriage could push her over the edge.
Her children are everything to her, and she has yet to truly grieve over Tommen. Losing a fourth child could be her undoing and lead to the birth of the true Mad Queen. If Cersei's hope for the future is crushed, then she will be more than happy to watch the world burn around her. In fact, she may once again light the match.
12 Reasons Prague Should Be on Your Bucket List
Prague, Czech Republic, is a magical city right in the center of Europe. With enchanting fairy-tale architecture, delicious Czech cuisine, and quaint cobblestone streets, Prague is the perfect destination for those looking for rich culture and a hint of romance. It's easy to see why Prague charms everyone who visits.
There are few cities in Europe as downright beautiful as Prague, but its famous medieval looks are just one element of its layered appeal. If the fact that their beer is cheaper than water isn't enough to move this city high up on your bucket list, than here are more reasons you should visit Prague right now.
Forget the Mat! Try These 25 Wall Yoga Poses
Blocks and straps are well-known yoga props, but a wall is even better because it's free! Check out all the cool ways you can use a wall to get deeper into your yoga practice, and have a little fun.
We're About to Learn How Similar Arya REALLY Is to Her Dad on Game of Thrones
The following contains spoilers from Game of Thrones season seven.
Now that the living Stark siblings have reunited in Winterfell for Game of Thrones' seventh season, similarities between the kids and their departed parents abound. While many have chosen to focus on how much Sansa and her mother look alike, one of the most stark (heh) comparisons has been between Arya and her father, Ned. And it seems that after the season's fifth installment, we will learn the true depths of Arya's similarities to Ned Stark quite soon - that is, if Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish has anything to say about it.
It's a battle between super sneaks, and eventually it will boil down to whether Arya is truly the embodiment of her dad or if she has learned more about deception than he ever knew.
A big show is made of Arya Stark tailing Littlefinger and discovering that he has summoned an old message from Winterfell's maester on behalf of a grateful "Lady Stark." Arya follows Baelish and reads the message, which fans have discovered is Sansa's coerced message to Robb from season two, when Cersei forces her to encourage Robb's surrender and denounce her own father as a traitor. Always hiding in the shadows, Littlefinger sees Arya - who has been butting heads with her sister over how Sansa governs Winterfell - read the message and smiles smugly to himself.
Though episode five contains other major revelations, like Jon Snow's Targaryen legitimacy and everything Gendry has been up to, the fact that Littlefinger is still quietly scheming should be deeply disturbing to fans. Between Arya's training with the Faceless Men and Littlefinger's decades of experience manipulating and backstabbing throughout Westeros, discerning which character actually has the upper hand is impossible. It's a battle between super sneaks, and eventually it will boil down to whether Arya is truly the embodiment of her dad or if she has learned more about deception than he ever knew.
In the discussion after the HBO episode, showrunners Dan Weiss and David Benioff confirm that Littlefinger is attempting to drive a wedge between Arya and Sansa to get a better manipulative hold on Sansa. By planting the seemingly incriminating message from Sansa and pretending that it was Sansa who was attempting to hide it, Littlefinger is undoubtedly trying to plant the seed in Arya's mind that Sansa is a traitor to her family and should not be trusted. Let's dive into the possible outcomes of Littlefinger's plot, shall we?
Black Lives Matter Cofounder Patrisse Cullors Says We Shouldn't Be Shocked by Charlottesville
Almost a week ago, I set up a phone interview with Black Lives Matter cofounder Patrisse Cullors for the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 14. By that morning, our interview had taken on a new kind of urgency and direction. Over the weekend, racist violence rocked Charlottesville and the nation, and on Monday morning, I found myself scrapping several of my planned interview questions and writing new ones. Earlier that day, Cullors had released a statement on the terror unleashed by white supremacists that was both hopeful and forcefully clear-eyed about the legacy of racism in America that beget the attacks.
"We live in a world where Black people are targeted for death and destruction," Cullors wrote, "and we should not be surprised when moments such as these occur - in fact, Charlottesville confirms the violence that Black people endure every day."
Cullors, who in just four years has helped transform #BlackLivesMatter from a hashtag into a global social justice movement, has been both eyewitness to and active participant in the struggle for racial equality in America and beyond. In our conversation, Cullors discussed why being shocked by the events in Charlottesville denies a legacy of racism in America and shared her advice on how we can meaningfully combat hatred in our day-to-day lives. She also reflected on the power - and limits - of social media in creating real change.
POPSUGAR: Many people seemed shocked by this weekend's events. Does being shocked by Charlottesville necessarily mean you're coming from a place of privilege, or failing to recognize our history?
Patrisse Cullors: I think to be shocked really means folks have an ahistorical analysis of this country. What we saw in Charlottesville, and what we'll continue to see across the country as white nationalist groups rise up and take to the streets, is that this is very much the fabric of American culture. What I'm most interested in thinking about is how this connects directly to the White House, how this is Trump's base. These are the people that were beating up Black Lives Matter protesters as they protested his candidacy. So we are seeing white nationalists in the streets, but we're also seeing them in the White House. We're seeing them in Trump's cabinet.
"The first statement that Donald Trump put out is exactly how he felt . . . . His revised speech was damage control."
PS: The next question I wanted to ask was how you view Donald Trump's culpability - and what was your opinion of the statement he gave this morning?
PC: The first statement that Donald Trump put out is exactly how he felt: no remorse. He felt like he had no impact on what happened with the protesters, the white nationalists. His revised speech was damage control. The revised speech was because he was being pressured by both the Democratic party and the Republican party and the American people that he needed to say something stronger. What he first said, the very vague approach that didn't really speak to the issues, didn't speak to white supremacy, that's how Trump actually feels. We should be reminded every single day as he has rubber-stamped and pushed for a Muslim ban, as he tweeted out a transgender ban, as he has developed some of the most regressive policies on climate change. This president of America, 45, is actually racist, homophobic, and transphobic. He can make a statement all day that he condemns white supremacy, but the only way I'll believe that is if he is no longer the president, if he pushes out [Jeff] Sessions, if he transforms. And that's not going to happen.
PS: Especially since the election, there's been a lot of discussion of self-care around activism. I'm wondering how - personally, as a human being - you're coping with the events of the weekend?
PC: It's been a very challenging three to four years in this current movement, moment. It's been exhausting to have to do the work of making sure that black people don't die at the hands of the police, and now challenge white supremacists that are showing up in our cities, our communities. And most days I feel like I'm mourning. I don't get a chance to breathe. It's constant mourning, and that's exhausting.
"White supremacy is directly linked to transphobia. It's directly linked to patriarchy . . . . Our work is about looking at how all marginalized people are impacted by Trump and his regime."
PS: We saw really shockingly hateful, misogynistic attack being directed at Heather Heyer, the victim of the terror attack this weekend. It called to mind for me that you have been outspoken about the recent transphobic treatment aimed at Janet Mock. Why is it so vital that we face this threat together - as people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community - as an intersectional, cohesive unit?
PC: White supremacy is directly linked to transphobia. It's directly linked to patriarchy. Our work isn't about silos. Our work is about looking at how all marginalized people are impacted by Trump and his regime. This moment is not about saying yes to one identity. This moment is saying yes to all of them and how they intersect - and how our work intersects. I want to be showing up to airports and shutting them down when the Muslim ban is enacted, and I want those same folks to be coming out to our marches when Charlottesville happens. It is our work to really connect the dots around why this moment is so important for all of us. This is a matter of survival. This is a matter of life or death. And as we've seen white supremacists in the streets, we see them at every moment in Trump's appointments, and as folks are pushing to be elected and be a part of this new, they call it the alt-right, and I've been really appreciative of the hashtag #NoNewKKK - because that's what it is.
PS: What is your response to some of the false equivalency comparing BLM to these white supremacist groups, which I think many heard echoed in Trump's "many sides" comment?
PC: That's a distraction. Black Lives Matter is a group that is fighting for the rights of black people and marginalized communities. White supremacist groups, like the ones who showed up in Charlottesville, are fighting to take away peoples' rights.
PS: Can you share a message to young people on how they fight this in a meaningful way?
PC: My biggest advice right now is to gather with your people. Gather with the people that love you the most, that see you, that fight for you, not with you. That will take care of you. Have family dinners with your chosen family and your blood family. Hug on your children if you have them. Ask people how they're doing; check up on each other. It can be very isolating being in this work, even if you're with a bunch of people. We don't often check on each other, so make sure that you are checking on your team.
What fortifies me - I was actually texting with Angela Davis earlier, checking up on her - and I said, "I'm low, but I'm grateful to be part of this powerful, powerful movement." I want to encourage young people to join us. Come! You're welcome here. We want you to be a part of this and we know that many of you are partaking online. There are organizations that you can show up to and show up to those meetings, and we will support your leadership
PS: How do you maintain hopefulness in light of days like these?
PC: Sometimes I don't. I want to be honest. Some days I'm really, really hopeless. Some days are harder than others. Today feels better, easier, because I'm talking to people and we're in action. We're planning a national action next weekend, Beyond the Moment, which is a coalition of people, from Black Lives Matter to the Women's March to Black Youth Project 100. We're planning a national action for people to be able to feel agency, to be engaged. In Boston, a white supremacist group is showing up there, so our Black Lives Matter chapter will be doing a counterprotest.
PS: You have a book coming out - what can you share about that?
PC: My book is called When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir, because Black Lives Matter has been called a terrorist group, and I've been called a terrorist. It's really the story of a young black girl and her relationship building a movement. It really draws on my experience growing up during the war on drugs and the war on gangs. It draws on my experience living with and growing up with a single mother. And it draws on my experience developing and ushering in this new movement.
PS: It's been four years since Black Lives Matter was founded. How has its mission or purpose morphed and how has it stayed the same in those years?
PC: Black Lives Matter has always been a movement - and would eventually become a network and organization - that challenged antiblack racism here in the United States and across the globe. In the last four years, I think we've been able to see some of the most courageous and innovative approaches to calling forth why black lives should matter, and we've seen people domestically and abroad use #BlackLivesMatter to talk about antiblack racism in that context. We have trained and developed and really amplified the leadership of thousands of black women - queer and trans - across the globe, and I think that is so powerful.
PS: Black Lives Matter began as a hashtag. How useful is social media in impacting change? Where does it fall short?
PC: Social media is one avenue into becoming an activist, and social media is our current gateway to rising consciousness in this country, and I think across the world. I think social media allows for new voices to be in the conversation. I think the downside of social media is we can often be pretty siloed, because we curate who we talk to and who we listen to. I think many of us did not believe that Trump could be the president, and it's because we didn't have people like that on our walls. We wouldn't have a bunch of white nationalists on our walls; we could block them, we could get rid of them. I don't actually encourage folks [to] sit with a white supremacist or a white nationalist, but I think it's important that we step out of our bubbles and realize what else is happening in the world so we have a better sense and we're not caught off guard in the ways that we have been, I think, in the last several months.
18 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Quotes You've Used at the Office
Getting through a hectic workday can sometimes feel like a battle with the undead. No one understands that struggle better than Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 2017 marks 20 years since the series premiered, yet the sci-fi drama still has an active legion of fans who will forever love the show. We're taking a look back at some of Buffy's most memorable quotes that you may or may not have used at your workplace. Read them here, then be sure to check out all the reasons Buffy is still your role model.
We're About to Learn How Similar Arya REALLY Is to Her Dad on Game of Thrones
The following contains spoilers from Game of Thrones season seven.
Now that the living Stark siblings have reunited in Winterfell for Game of Thrones' seventh season, similarities between the kids and their departed parents abound. While many have chosen to focus on how much Sansa and her mother look alike, one of the most stark (heh) comparisons has been between Arya and her father, Ned. And it seems that after the season's fifth installment, we will learn the true depths of Arya's similarities to Ned Stark quite soon - that is, if Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish has anything to say about it.
It's a battle between super sneaks, and eventually it will boil down to whether Arya is truly the embodiment of her dad or if she has learned more about deception than he ever knew.
A big show is made of Arya Stark tailing Littlefinger and discovering that he has summoned an old message from Winterfell's maester on behalf of a grateful "Lady Stark." Arya follows Baelish and reads the message, which fans have discovered is Sansa's coerced message to Robb from season two, when Cersei forces her to encourage Robb's surrender and denounce her own father as a traitor. Always hiding in the shadows, Littlefinger sees Arya - who has been butting heads with her sister over how Sansa governs Winterfell - read the message and smiles smugly to himself.
Though episode five contains other major revelations, like Jon Snow's Targaryen legitimacy and everything Gendry has been up to, the fact that Littlefinger is still quietly scheming should be deeply disturbing to fans. Between Arya's training with the Faceless Men and Littlefinger's decades of experience manipulating and backstabbing throughout Westeros, discerning which character actually has the upper hand is impossible. It's a battle between super sneaks, and eventually it will boil down to whether Arya is truly the embodiment of her dad or if she has learned more about deception than he ever knew.
In the discussion after the HBO episode, showrunners Dan Weiss and David Benioff confirm that Littlefinger is attempting to drive a wedge between Arya and Sansa to get a better manipulative hold on Sansa. By planting the seemingly incriminating message from Sansa and pretending that it was Sansa who was attempting to hide it, Littlefinger is undoubtedly trying to plant the seed in Arya's mind that Sansa is a traitor to her family and should not be trusted. Let's dive into the possible outcomes of Littlefinger's plot, shall we?
Robert Pattinson and FKA Twigs Are "Definitely Still Together" After Male Model Pictures
Robert Pattinson and FKA Twigs are reportedly doing just fine after the 29-year-old singer was spotted spending time with French model Brieuc Breitenstein while vacationing in Ibiza, Spain, last week. People reported on Monday that Rob and Twigs are "definitely still together" despite Twigs being photographed getting kind of close with the model while taking in the scenery (Brieuc appeared to be nuzzling into her hair). Later that evening, they were seen walking side by side in matching all-white outfits. Meanwhile, Rob added to the split rumors when he was snapped having dinner with close friend Katy Perry in LA earlier in the week; the insider told People that Rob and Katy are "just friends," and "super cuddly always."
Twigs's outing came just weeks after Robert was asked about his relationship status in an interview with Howard Stern, to which he replied that he and Twigs were "kind of" engaged. The couple first got together back in August 2014, and engagement rumors were sparked in April 2015. The two have said a lot of sweet things about each other over the years but have managed to keep their romance pretty low-key (especially compared to Rob's last relationship with Twilight costar Kristen Stewart).
One of the last times we saw Rob and Twigs out and about together was back in May, when they took a PDA-filled stroll through LA around Rob's 31st birthday. We don't know whether Twigs and Brieuc are just friends or if her relationship with Rob is on the rocks, but we'll let you decide for yourselves.
How Much Avocado Is Too Much?
From its creamy texture to its ability to fight belly fat, there is so much to love about the avocado. But can there be too much of a good thing - especially when it comes to calories? It's so easy to polish off a single avocado in one sitting. And while a single apple or banana counts as a serving of fruit, the avocado falls outside of this simple rule of thumb. Despite being high in good-for-you monounsaturated fats, which are considered a magic bullet in the battle against belly bulge and heart disease, fat is still fat even if it is the "good" kind.
For a 2000-calorie diet, the daily intake of fat, including MUFAs, is capped at 65 grams. A five-ounce, medium-size avocado (roughly one cup) contains 23 grams of fat - that's almost one third of your fat intake for a day - and roughly 250 calories. For comparison, a medium apple is just under 100 calories and is relatively fat free. I am sad to say, a serving size of avocado is not the entire piece of fruit, but one-fifth of it, which is only an ounce. That's about two to three slices.
Now, if you're accustomed to topping your salad with an entire avocado, fear not. Nutritionist Julie Upton says that habit is OK as long as you adjust your diet to account for those extra calories and use it to replace "low-quality carbs or other foods rich in saturated fats." She suggests skipping the croutons and topping your greens with avocado, or replacing the cheese on your turkey sandwich with avocado. She qualifies her statement by adding that "a half of an avocado per day is a more reasonable serving." Come clean and tell us, how much avocado do you usually eat?
18 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Quotes You've Used at the Office
Getting through a hectic workday can sometimes feel like a battle with the undead. No one understands that struggle better than Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 2017 marks 20 years since the series premiered, yet the sci-fi drama still has an active legion of fans who will forever love the show. We're taking a look back at some of Buffy's most memorable quotes that you may or may not have used at your workplace. Read them here, then be sure to check out all the reasons Buffy is still your role model.
23 Disney Songs in Spanish That'll Bring Back Your Best Childhood Memories
If you grew up sitting in front of the TV while a VHS tape of a Disney movie in Spanish played, then get ready to feel all the feels. Straight ahead, you'll find the best songs from old-school favorites like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Mulan, all like you first learned them - in Spanish. You'll be singing along in no time to lyrics you didn't even know were still hidden somewhere deep in your brain.
Grew up watching the English versions? Well, you're about to be so delighted by the Spanish translations of some of your favorite Disney hits, you'll be jealous of the rest of us.
Heartbreaking and Hopeful Moments Following the Charlottesville Attack
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this weekend's tragic events.
12 Pictures That Prove Chip and Joanna's Kids Are Poised to Take Over the Family Business
When Chip Gaines's skill with a hammer combines with Joanna Gaines's home design ideas, the results are dazzling. The couple's home renovations on HGTV's Fixer Upper have earned them legions of loyal fans, many of whom would love to follow in the famous couple's real estate footsteps. But there are four people in particular who are not only genetically predisposed to real estate talent but are also showing a precocious interest in the Magnolia business: Chip and Joanna's kids, Drake, Ella, Emmie, and Duke. The Gaineses' mini mes can often be seen on Instagram assisting their parents on a job site or working on their own design projects. Take a look at the Gaines kids helping out with the family business ahead.
If You Wanna Sweat and You're Short on Time, Supersets Are Your Best Friend
We don't always have a lot of time to spend at the gym every day, especially on the hectic weekdays when we're trying to squeeze in a sweat session between work hours and dinner plans. That's where supersets come in. You may have vaguely heard of a superset before, but never really known what it was: a superset is when you do two exercises in a row without resting.
It may not sound like a big deal, but when performed right, performing supersets will give you all the exercise you need.
Supersets save you a lot of time because you don't have to stop and let your muscles recover between every set. It also gives you the chance to work multiple muscle groups at the same time; alternatively, you can double up on one muscle group and really target a particular part of the body.
A great example of a superset would be to alternate between biceps curls and triceps kickbacks. These are opposing muscles, so you won't need recovery time between each set. Another good combination is deadlifts and shoulder presses. However, supersets aren't just reserved for strength training. If you want to fit in some cardio, you can alternate between weights and a cardio move, like jump squats or jump rope. Your heart rate will go through the roof!
The point of supersets is to work hard and increase the intensity, so if you don't feel your heart rate seriously elevating, you may not be working hard enough. You can do each superset three or four times, depending on how much time you have on your hands.
So even if you've only got 20 minutes on your hands, you could get in a full-body workout. One effective way to do a superset is to set a timer and get through as many rounds as you can. You'll be sweating in no time.
This Political Commentator Stood Up to a Man Telling Her to "Shut Up" About Charlottesville
Yet again, another white man tried to silence a woman of color and had to learn, once more, that it isn't an acceptable form of behavior. Ken Cuccinelli, the former attorney general of Virginia, and Symone Sanders, a CNN political commentator, were on CNN discussing President Donald Trump's lackluster response to the neo-Nazi and white supremacist march that ended with three people dead. However, as Sanders spoke, Cuccinelli continued to interrupt her. When CNN host Chris Cuomo asked Cuccinelli to explain what he was arguing for, Sanders interrupted once, to which Cuccinelli responded with, "Can I finish, Symone? Will you just shut up for a minute and let me finish? God bless America!" Needless to say, Sanders immediately called out Cuccinelli, as did Cuomo.
In the clip ahead, Sanders told Cuccinelli, "Pardon me, sir, you don't get to tell me to shut up on national television. Under no circumstances do you get to speak to me in that manner. You should exhibit some decorum." Cuomo then intervened and said, "Ken, you don't want to use language like that when you're talking to Symone. You can disagree, but you don't talk like that on this show. You know better than that, Ken." Cuccinelli continued to dig himself into a bigger hole and said he needed to "stand up" for himself and asked, "Then how do you make them stop talking when they keep interrupting you?" Sanders, rightly so, took offense to being grouped as "them," and Cuomo once again apologized to Sanders for Cuccinelli's language.
"You do not get to tell me to shut up on national television" – @SymoneDSanders to Ken Cuccinelli https://t.co/NtqeiXhlNh
- Deena Zeina Zaru (@Deena_CNN) August 14, 2017
Cuccinelli eventually apologized later on in the show and called Sanders on the phone afterward as well, reports The Washington Post. "As someone who would like more civil discussion, I need to make sure that I try to contribute to that effort," he told The Washington Post. He said Sanders "appreciated" the call.
Sanders offered up her thoughts on the whole debate to HuffPost. "I'm not there to be disrespected, I'm not there to be personally attacked or dismissed," she said to HuffPost. "I highly doubt if I were a white man he would be telling me to shut up."
It's time for Cuccinelli and any other men who believe interrupting women is a good tactic to learn it's not, and women won't stop fighting back.
How to Get Your Sh*t Together When You’re Feeling Stagnant
Like many young American women, I totally do not fit under the category of "the people who surprised everyone and really did something with themselves." That's because I just graduated college and I don't know how anyone expects recent college grads to have the résumé of a seasoned elder when we're all still so insanely young.
I don't believe that anyone straight out of college should feel like they need to have their lives perfectly in order. It's unrealistic and (can I be honest?) seems kind of boring. The idea of having my entire life set out for me at this exact moment is highly unappealing. I want to work a thousand different jobs! Have different experiences! Accidentally buy a ticket to Ireland and then be forced to go by myself because I'm impulsive and don't think anything through!
Life is good right now and I'm extremely thankful for the place that I'm in at this very moment. I'm healthy, I'm making money, and I'm able to wake myself up early enough that I can do my makeup before going to work (at least most of the time).
If we act like we have our sh*t together, eventually it's bound to happen, right?
But up until recently, I still didn't feel like I was a real adult, which is an insane concept! I am an adult! But this is totally a millennial thing. I'm not the only one of my peers who feels this way. Employment for recent college grads is dropping and it seems like no one can move out of their childhood bedroom. These are two major life events that we associate with adulthood, and millennials just don't have as good of a chance at either of the two as our parents and grandparents. And even for those who have accomplished getting a job and moving out, there's still a good chance that we're going to be calling Mom for some extra cash come the first of the month.
But hey, I believe in the power of manifestation. The law of attraction tells us that if we send positive vibes into the universe, we get positive vibes back. Now, the only positive vibes I concretely believe in come out of a battery-powered piece of plastic, but this law of attraction thing might just be onto something. If we act like we have our sh*t together, eventually it's bound to happen, right?
1. Stay productive
Don't let yourself get stagnant. OK, so you didn't get a job right out of college. One will come. I can't tell you when, how, what it will be, or how much you'll love it, but you'll find a job eventually. And hey, maybe it has absolutely nothing to do with your career path of choice, but at the end of the day you need money and there will be someone out there willing to give it to you.
But if it's not what you want, you have to stay productive. It's easy to let yourself become stagnant in a job you aren't passionate about. But you have to pursue your interests outside of work. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Freelance. Bake a cake.
2. Adapt healthy habits
Adults give a hoot about their health. It's amazing how much of a difference adding healthy habits to your life can make. When I started cooking for myself, I swear to God I went from broke college grad to frugal young professional. Nothing else changed other than the fact that I made my food instead of hoarded it from the dining hall. And get in a total of 30 minutes of structured exercise a day for your endorphins.
3. Track your expenses
I avoided doing this for a long time because I hated admitting to myself that I spent too much money and was living beyond my means. Then I opened a savings account because I figured, well, it's the right thing to do, and suddenly I loved seeing money stay put. I loved seeing the number go up. So I started tracking my expenses and doing so makes me a lot less tempted to spend.
This doesn't have to be hard. I just have a spreadsheet in my Google Drive with columns for what I spend money on, method of payment, how much I deposit, and the level of necessity. It's a lot easier to stop spending money on useless things when you have to evaluate each purchase by how vital it is to sustaining your life.
4. Discipline yourself
Maybe you don't do the laundry often enough. Maybe you always forget to pack food and end up spending too much money on lunch. Maybe you have been putting off cleaning that one skillet for a solid two weeks because you don't want to face scrubbing away burnt quinoa. Just do it already.
5. Get rid of your bad friends already
It took me a total of one hour to cut out a bad friend earlier this month. And it was both the hardest and easiest decision I had to make. It makes absolutely no sense to hang on to people who you know just really suck the life out of you. Ankle weights are the only kind of weight that should slow you down.
6. Meditate
Guided meditation and practicing mindfulness has made me super focused. I'm lucky that I'm the first one to the office in the morning, because it gives me some time alone. I get to work a little early and do a five-minute guided meditation. I literally type "five min guided meditation" on YouTube and pick one to get my day started.
I've also been reading You Are Here by Thich Nhat Hanh. He talks about the impermanence of everything. Just think about that - everything is temporary! Unemployment, feelings of doubt, life in general. It's easier to move forward when you know you have somewhere to go. If you know you aren't where you want to be, figure out what the right direction is and do something about it.
Dirty Dancing: Where Are They Now?
This month marks the 25th anniversary of Dirty Dancing, which, besides being insanity, has driven us into wild nostalgic consumption of the timeless soundtrack. Of course, it also makes us wonder where everyone is now; while a couple of the stars have sadly passed on, it's fun to see where our other favorite stars ended up.
This Pasta Has 3 Times the Amount of Protein as the Regular Stuff, but How Does It Taste?
I recently gave up bread and pasta because eating it makes me feel like I swallowed a brick, so I was excited when I found this on the shelf on my recent grocery shopping trip. Pasta made from edamame?! I promptly threw it in my cart - I had to know how it tasted!
I've had lentil pasta, which I thought was pretty good, but this has 24 grams of protein per 200-calorie serving. Regular pasta has only seven grams. Edamame pasta wins in the fiber department, too, with 12 grams - regular pasta has a measly two grams. Furthermore, regular spaghetti has twice the amount of carbs, zero calcium, and 10 percent iron. Edamame noodles win again with 10 percent calcium and 45 percent of your daily iron!
This is really sounding too good to be true. So the million-dollar question is: does it taste good? I really wanted this pasta to be amazing because it is so nutrition-packed, but to be honest, I had low expectations. I thought it'd taste like cooked grass, at best, but with my first warm bite, I thought, "This edamame pasta is actually delicious." It really is. It has the same soft texture as regular pasta and a very mild edamame flavor, just as you'd expect.
It was yummy with a little olive oil and salt but tasted even better with tomato sauce, fresh basil, and sauteed mushrooms. I will definitely be buying this edamame spaghetti again and am so thrilled to have found a healthier alternative to pasta. I can't wait to try it with my avocado pesto!
Dirty Dancing: Where Are They Now?
This month marks the 25th anniversary of Dirty Dancing, which, besides being insanity, has driven us into wild nostalgic consumption of the timeless soundtrack. Of course, it also makes us wonder where everyone is now; while a couple of the stars have sadly passed on, it's fun to see where our other favorite stars ended up.
23 Tattoo Ideas For the 1 Hidden Spot You Haven't Thought of Yet
We know people tattoo their necks, but scalp tattoos? They sound freaky, but they're actually pretty stunning. Even Cara Delevingne debuted one at this year's Met Gala and, well, the picture speaks for itself. It's gorgeous, and you don't need to shave your head to rock one. Check out these ideas for inspiration.
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.
26 Healthy Salads That Don't Use Leafy Greens
When you're in the mood for a heartier, stay-full-till-dinner salad, make one of these filling salads that are made with chunky veggies, whole grains, and beans. No kale, romaine, or spinach here!
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