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.
mercredi 16 août 2017
How 1 Mom and Her Boy With Autism Were Treated at a Park Will Shatter Your Heart
On the eve of April, Autism Awareness month, one mom experienced something that she's been dreading for the past six years. The timing wasn't lost on Kate when for the first time in her child's life, she and her boy with severe autism were publicly shamed and belittled for his disability.
Instead of staying silent after this heartbreaking interaction with another family, Cooper's mom is sharing an important message about her pain in hopes of bringing some awareness and compassion for autism families - especially this time of year. "The world has to get better . . . I have never apologized more than I did to this family and they made me feel like we didn't belong and that we shouldn't be there."
She explained that the incident occurred when she took 6-year-old Cooper to his favorite place in the world, a park built for special needs families. According to Kate, Cooper was rolling on the slide when he accidentally kicked a little girl, which caused her to slide down the slide. "I watched the whole thing happen, I was right there and immediately I was next to the family," she said in an emotional video on Facebook. "Before the father even checked on the child, he yelled at me and yelled at my son. I apologized to these people five times and I tried to explain that he has severe, nonverbal autism."
According to Kate, Cooper didn't understand, so he ran off and continued to play, but the little girl wasn't crying or hurt. However, this fact and her profuse apologies weren't enough for the family who didn't seem to understand - or care - about her son's disability. "They proceeded to yell at me and ask what was wrong with my kid and what were we doing there . . . at the park for disabled children," she said. "I couldn't speak. I had told them that he has autism, I tried to explain it and it wasn't enough. They continued to yell at me and I found my son, who was having the time of his life and had to physically remove him from the special needs park."
At this point, Kate was furious over the way they were treated and saw the couple again in the parking lot. She approached them and apologized for a sixth time, also trying to explain that he didn't even see their daughter and that it was an accident. Yet, they continued to shame her as they stood next to the sign explaining that the playground is for kids with special needs and was built for a girl with cerebral palsy.
As she cried on the way home, she had a startling thought that she'll never be able to comfortably leave the house with Cooper until the world changes. "How's that for spreading autism awareness? Another one gives up," she said. "We're never going to leave the house because people out there treat us like monsters."
But for Cooper's sake, Kate isn't going to give up on her son and hopes the world catches up quickly on behalf of all kids with disabilities and their families. "I am so sorry that my son pushed a little girl. No one feels it more than me," she said. "Cooper is not a monster, he doesn't even know. I'm doing the best I can - every parent is doing the best they can and we are trying so hard and we have to be able to leave our houses. I'm scared, it's going to be a long road for all of us and these families when you can't even go to a special needs park."
This Man Was Reprimanded For Wearing Makeup to Work - and He's NOT Having It
The man in this photo looks flawless. That should be the end of this story. Unfortunately, it isn't. Because this man claims that his manager asked him to remove his makeup just because he's a man. But as he posted in the Facebook group "Spotted Portsmouth," he's not having it, and neither are we.
According to the employee (who withheld his name from the group that covers news and events in Portsmouth, England), there is no official makeup policy at his office. He writes that, "A lot of my female colleagues wear a lot more makeup than I do." He's worked at the unidentified company for about eight months and has not run into any problems. In fact, he claims that a lot of people have actually complimented his looks. That all changed recently, when a new manager took over and asked this man to take off his makeup one morning.
Shocked, the man refused and alleged that he was then asked by management to "tone it down." He replied, "Excuse me? Tone it down? You can't tone down a masterpiece." Of course, that last comment has us all SCREAMING and will be our new response to absolutely everything from now on.
Although this story is disappointing, we're glad that this man had such a makeup-positive takeaway from all of it, writing, "But guess what? This is 2017, a time of year where we celebrate Pride throughout Summer and I look hella hot so deal with it! It's wrong to blatantly discriminate for whatever reason that may be."
Can we get a hell yes to that? (And also a detailed breakdown of his killer look?)
Classic '90s Movies You Can Watch on Netflix Now
So you're jonesing for some nostalgia, are you? Look no further than Netflix, because the streaming service has plenty of classics to laugh at and cry at and to generally fill you with fuzzy feelings. There are a ton of comedies from the stars of '90s, plus dramas like Forrest Gump. How are you not on Netflix watching these right now? Well, don't go yet - take a look at all your options first!
These Brutally Honest Parenting Comics Will Crack You Up
Brian Gordon - a cartoonist and dad of two - has been making fun of being a parent since he became one. In an attempt to keep himself sane and bond with other parents, he shamelessly started creating funny-because-it's-true parenting comics - and we can't stop laughing at them.
As soon as he brought his first child home from the hospital, Brian convinced himself that he was the worst parent ever, that is, until he started sharing his insecurities with other parents, who completely identified with his struggles. From there on, he decided to start documenting anything and everything about parenting - from being exhausted to being spit-up on for the hundredth time - through cartoons, and it's now his favorite thing to do.
"Being a parent can be incredibly frustrating, and I think sharing those frustrations and laughing with other parents is the best thing we can do to keep each other sane," Brian told us. And keeping us all sane, he is. His comics have been so successful in the parenting world that he was able to compile his comics into his first book, which should undoubtedly be centered among the pile of kid crap on every parent's coffee table.
Read through to see some of Brian's hilarious comics, preorder his book before its March 22 release, become a patron of his work to see behind-the-scenes strips, shop his designs at Society6 and Zazzle, and visit him regularly for new comics.
20 of the Cutest Korean Beauty Products You've Ever Seen
Korean beauty products are famous for being innovative, offering skin-loving ingredients and, frequently, adorable packaging. The over-the-top cute factor of K-beauty is one of the reasons the category has surged in popularity in recent years. Plus, it makes the goods completely irresistible.
Korean brands are great at transforming ordinary, boring products into items that seem to come straight from the sugar-filled imagination of a child. While in the United States we wrap our hair in boring velcro rollers, in Korea you can get your voluminous 'do from strawberry-shaped ones. Even hand creams in Korea are delightful. Whether you prefer a cream-cheese- or penguin-inspired bottle, there's a lotion that will get you excited to moisturize.
If you're tempted to upgrade to the most loveable products around, you're in luck. We've rounded up the cutest kitschy cosmetics that are sure to make you smile. Read on to see all the delightful beauty picks.
How to Master a 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine in Under 15 Minutes
When I introduced the Korean 10-step skin care routine for the very first time in 2014, the reaction was unexpectedly positive. I say "unexpectedly" because, sure, I was obsessed with the results I got from a multistep regimen, but I wasn't sure if others would be as into it as I was (thankfully, they were).
Since then, a lot's changed for me and my face. My skin care needs are different (hello, 30s and hormonal acne!), and a whole slew of new products have come on the market. Naturally, my skin care routine has changed too. Here's an updated, two-years-in take on my own Korean 10-step routine.
A Look at the Man Selena Quintanilla Left Behind
Selena Quintanilla met her husband, Chris Pérez, when he became a guitarist in her band Los Dinos in 1990. The couple started dating, and their relationship got serious quickly - in a series of Facebook posts, Chris confessed the famous pizza scene in the 1997 movie Selena marked the first time Chris and Selena said "I love you." The pair dated in secret since Selena's dad, Abraham, did not approve of their relationship and eloped in April 1992. The two tried to keep their marriage a secret, but news outlets reported that they had tied the knot, so they were forced to tell her family that Selena was now Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.
Chris opened up in an interview with CNN in 2013 about how unhappy the Tejano singer's father was when he discovered the two were together. "I think the main reason for that was it kind of hurt his pride and his ego to find out that he was the last to know and when things got tense and things were said by him, it hurt me that he was saying it but I didn't let it get to me because I knew deep down he knew the kind of person I was."
The now-47-year-old also went on to say he and Selena hit a rough patch in their marriage before her untimely death and had even discussed divorce. "I think what it boiled down to is that we were young. We were married and together 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We had to learn how to handle that and that was both of us. It's not like she brought up the idea and I was fighting it because honestly I was right there with her," he told CNN. "We communicated with each other and when that came out on the table it wasn't like I hadn't thought of it myself. The more we talked about it and the more time went on, it wasn't a long time, maybe a month, we ended up patching things up and making a promise that we would never let that happen again."
Chris became a widower when Selena was murdered in March 1995, a little over three years after their wedding. He remarried Vanessa Villanueva in 2001 and had two children, a boy and a girl, before divorcing in 2008. Now, he makes efforts to keep Selena's legacy alive, attending the launch of Selena's MAC Cosmetics line, and even gave fans a peek at his marriage with Selena when he wrote his book To Selena, With Love.
The Hottest Pics of Rafael Amaya, aka El Señor de los Cielos
Telenovelas are full of gorgeous ladies, an exorbitant amount of drama, crazy love triangles (and subsequent wedding scenes), and lots and lots of hunky actors. But from all of those hotties, Telemundo's El Señor de los Cielos might take the cake as the most handsome of them all.
Go ahead and watch one episode of the novela, now entering its fifth season, and try to tell us that 40-year-old Mexican actor Rafael Amaya doesn't ooze a ridiculous amount of sex appeal as he portrays (sometimes mean, sometimes crazy) drug lord Aurelio Casillas. That sexiness doesn't only shine through the TV, it shows on every snap the actor shares on his Instagram and every shot of him on the red carpet. Seriously - take a look for yourself!
26 Times Selena Gomez's Sexy Hair Sent Us Straight to the Hair Salon
You are not the only one who swoons over Selena Gomez's hair or immediately books a salon appointment when she steps out on the red carpet wearing an elaborate updo or with a new hair color and cut. We too pay close attention to her every braid, blowout, and bun, which is why we've been keeping track of her sexiest hairstyles through the years. We're talking disheveled bedhead styles, voluminous waves, and even embellished buns worthy of their own Pinterest board. Check them out straight ahead.
These Are the Things You Can (and Should!) Throw Out of Your Kids' Rooms Right Now
When you have kids, it's only natural that you also have a lot of stuff. So much stuff, in fact, that it's hard to even know what's worth keeping and what can be trashed, donated, or handed down. But, as difficult as it might be to say goodbye to your child's tattered blanket or their 237th sketch of a tulip, it's better you get it out of the way now than have to deal with it all over again in 20-odd years. Ready to get on with it? Use these tips to help clear out the four trickiest things in your kids' rooms today.
The Surprising Reason Babies Everywhere Are Sleeping in Cardboard Boxes
It almost seems too simple to work, but for more than 75 years, Finland's government has provided all expectant moms - regardless of their economic status - with a maternity box filled with a selection of clothes, bedding, and products used in the first few months of a baby's life. And the government there says the box is the reason Finland has one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates - 3.4 deaths per 1,000 births - half the rate in the United States.
In addition to baby's layette and some bath products, the box comes with a small mattress that is placed in the bottom of the box to create baby's first bed. To get the box, all expectant parents need to do is attend a a prenatal appointment prior to their fourth month of pregnancy.
Although the box had been around for more than half a century, news of its existence spread a few years ago and a number of copycat boxes began cropping up - some government or charity-issued, and some for sale by entrepreneurial companies.
In South Asia, for example, the Barakat Bundle was created by a Harvard University doctoral student. Karima Ladhani developed the low-cost box to include a clean-birth kit that helps prevent infections during childbirth, a thermal kit, and a mosquito net to ward off malaria. "We wanted to provide low-cost life-saving solutions to new mothers - specifically targeted to causes of preventable infant and maternal mortality," Ladhani told the BBC. The box also includes health and hygiene information, as well as newborn essentials - including a safe place for the baby to sleep. In order to receive the box, mothers must attend a prenatal checkup.
Here in the US, Jennifer Clary and Michelle Vick were taken with the story of the Finnish baby boxes and set out to create a version that American parents could buy for themselves. The result is The Baby Box Company, a for-profit company that sells several different boxes that provide a safe sleeping environment for babies up to 8 months old. Depending on the box you buy, it can be simple with just the box, a mattress, a waterproof cover, and a sheet ($69) to luxurious with onesies, socks, bibs, sleep sacks, organic bath products, and more ($199). The company also works with government agencies and hospitals to distribute their for free.
And lest anyone think the folks in Finland are just watching other countries copy one of their signature products, Anssi Okkonen, Heikki Tiittanen, and Anton Danielsen - three dads who were impressed with the contents of the boxes they received for free from their government - have created the Finnish Baby Box that ships copies of the government-issued boxes to expectant parents around the world for approximately $450.
Read on to see what the boxes look like around the world.
Why Oprah Winfrey Never Married Stedman Graham - and Probably Never Will
Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham have been together for more than three decades, but just because they're fiercely devoted to each other doesn't mean they need to walk down the aisle. In fact, the famous talk-show host admitted that they've only talked about marriage once during the course of their relationship. "The only time I brought it up was when I said to Stedman, 'What would have happened if we had actually gotten married?'" the 63-year-old told Vogue. "And the answer is: 'We wouldn't be together.' We would not have stayed together, because marriage requires a different way of being in this world. His interpretation of what it means to be a husband and what it would mean for me to be a wife would have been pretty traditional, and I would not have been able to fit into that."
While the couple faced wedding rumors last September, which Oprah promptly shut down on social media, she adds that choosing to live as lifelong partners rather than husband and wife has helped her "live life on your own terms." And she isn't the only celebrity following this mantra. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, who first started dating in 1983 and share a beautiful family together, have also vowed not to get married.
20 Cozy Casserole Recipes
Whether you call them casseroles or hot dishes, there's no argument about the merits of these cozy, crowd-friendly recipes. We've rounded up the best options out there ranging from ultraclassic (think tuna noodle casserole) to creative spins (breakfast pancake lasagna).
Source: My Name is Yeh, Half Baked Harvest, Damn Delicious, How Sweet It Is
Kesha's Rainbow Is Full of Bangers and Hymns, and It May Be the Most Important Album of the Year
Kesha's legal battle didn't just capture headlines and our collective attention as she fought to be released by her label to avoid working with the man who had allegedly sexually assaulted her. It threatened to define her - and overshadow her career. Now, despite the legal setbacks in her case, Kesha has earned an incredible triumph with the release of her new album, Rainbow. It's officially Kesha's third studio album, but there's something so phoenix-like about it; this is the Kesha we know, and yet it's a side we hadn't necessarily seen this clearly yet, at least musically.
With Rainbow, the talented songwriter has possibly delivered the album of her career with tracks that are vulnerable, honest, cathartic, and yes, total bangers. The range and variety of the tracks are impressive, but even more so is the fact that it's still a completely cohesive album. But enough about how incredible the album is on the whole - let's talk about which songs truly make Rainbow one of 2017's best albums.
"Bastards"
"Don't let the bastards get you down," Kesha sings, as much for you as for herself. The opening track is a low-key f*ck you anthem and reminder to keep your head up. It's the perfect way to kick off this collection of her work.
"Hymn"
Another song that offers comfort and camaraderie, "Hymn," rallies the hopeless to become hopeful - and with Kesha's raw vocals (and bangin' chorus), it succeeds.
"Praying"
Kesha's first single off of Rainbow may be the most direct missive about her very public personal struggle with Dr. Luke. Even without context, this song is a goosebump-inciting, satisfying ballad that you have to turn all the way up.
"Woman"
You don't have to be a "motherf*ckin' WOMAN" to love this song, but goddamn, if you are, this is your new mantra. It's powerful, rocking, and so much fun, and if you're like me, you haven't been able to stop playing it since the single came out.
"Rainbow"
Kesha's title track has a lot to live up to, and it does. Neither the album's loudest roar (that'd be "Woman") nor the most mournful exhale (that's "Praying"), it instead has its own subtle beauty. It's stunning without being too showy.
"Godzilla"
Accompanied by just a guitar, Kesha takes a metaphor that's almost silly and makes it a brilliantly searing satire (that's also really fun to sing along to).
"Spaceship"
The final track has old-school country twang with old-school country heartbreak behind it. She's given us everything with this album, she seems to say, but also communicates that the more we take, the more she grows.
21 Dishes That'll Have You Freaking Out Over Fall
We don't know about you, but it takes us a long time to deal with the Summer to Fall transition. It's sad to let go of warm nights, succulent barbecue, and plump berries. However, it's important to remember that the chillier months have plenty of fabulous fun to offer as well! Think slow-cooked soups, hearty pasta dishes, and decadent desserts. Keep reading for those plus many more dishes that'll have you looking forward to the season ahead.
- Additional reporting by Lisette Mejia
Photos: Lauren Hendrickson, Nicole Perry, Cook's Country, and Girl Versus Dough
Read All About It! Our 50 All-Time Favorite Children's Books
POPSUGAR has joined Thrive Global in celebration of Screen-Free Week, May 1-7, 2017. Check out our Digital Detox Challenge and inspiration for offline activities like this post.
If there's one thing that we can't get enough of around here, it's books for our kids. Reading is something that resonates with us as editors, as parents, and as the kids we once were ourselves. When it came time to cultivate a list of the all-time best children's books, we polled our co-workers to ensure a list that's comprehensive, including everything from old classics to newfound favorites.
Did your family's most beloved books make our list?
24 Halloween Movies For Kids Based on Their Age
The Halloween season is all about spooky decorations, creepy costumes, and, of course, horror flicks. Whether your child is a scary-movie-lover or not, there's a Halloween movie out there for every kid to enjoy based on their age and how much frightening media they can handle.
Read through to see which movies can go on your family Halloween watch list this Fall.
14 '80s Movies You NEED to Show Your Kids Today (and Not a Disney Movie in Sight)
Every generation has their flicks. My parents made me sit through Lawrence of Arabia and The Godfather, but few flicks are as generationally relevant as the classic '80s films so many of us grew up watching. I'm looking at you, John Hughes. You defined a generation. You taught us what it meant to be an angsty teen. You provided us with hours upon hours of VHS enjoyment!
With news that Pretty in Pink will be returning to theaters next month for the flick's 30th anniversary (yes, we are that old), I quickly started brainstorming my favorite movies from my childhood that my kids MUST see. It isn't pretty - '80s fashion leaves much to be desired - but the stories stand the test of time and give kids a glimpse at life before cell phones, texting, and the Internet, along with some great life lessons. Read on to see what you should add to your family's movie-night list now!
Leonardo DiCaprio Is Reportedly Dating Yet Another Model
Image Source: Getty / Kevin Mazur / Dave Benett / amfAR2017
Nearly three months after splitting from model Nina Agdal, it appears Leonardo DiCaprio is already moving on. According to Page Six, the 42-year-old Oscar winner has been hanging out with 23-year-old German model Lorena Rae. On Monday, Leo was spotted having lunch with Lorena and another friend at Hillstone restaurant in NYC. "They seem like an item," a source told the publication. "They walked out together, he pulled down his hat over his eyes." Another insider also reportedly saw them at MoMA PS1 later in the day.
While their relationship may be fairly new, it appears Leo and Lorena have known each other for quite some time now. In late May, Lorena was photographed hanging out with Leo and his friends in Monaco, though his rep denied the rumors, insisting they were "not dating." Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
This Husband's Hysterical Account of Shopping at Ikea With His Wife Is Every Couple
Ikea can make or break a relationship. How a couple navigates the never-ending aisles, furniture decisions, and assembling instructions at home can have a lasting impact. And yet, it can be almost impossible for couples not to get sucked in at least once.
When Nathanael Showalter found himself being dragged to the massive store, he didn't suck it up for the meatballs or spend the afternoon complaining about the spotty cellphone reception. Instead, he decided to document what shopping with his wife - when they didn't actually need anything - was really like.
His hysterical play-by-play of the outing is going viral because everyone who has ever been tortured by their partner and an insanely long trip to Ikea can relate to it. He starts off by making the purpose of their recent visit clear: "We are here. Our apartment is furnished. I am not sure why we are returning," he shared on Imgur.
He continues to share in perfect detail exactly what a day of browsing at Ikea is like according to a husband who doesn't particularly want to be there. "Perhaps we are here for institutional storage solutions. My wife says, 'Maybe when we have eight kids.' We have zero kids. We move on," he captioned a photo of a storage unit. "She has commented on how sturdy these spoons are. Our other measuring spoons do not strike me as structurally unsound."
Although they ended their day by walking out on a much stronger note than many couples who fall victim to the showroom bickering and box-hauling stress, every person who has ever stepped into Ikea will crack up over the rest of this guy's spot-on commentary.
Jon Snow Runs For His Freakin' Life in the Preview For Next Week's Game of Thrones
We really weren't prepared for Game of Thrones season seven. The season's fiery fourth episode was followed by "Eastwatch," which basically dropped a major bombshell in every scene. Season seven's sixth episode looks just as insane, with the preview containing glimpses of Beric Dondarrion's flaming sword (AHHHH!), serious drama at Winterfell (AHHHH!), and Jon Snow running like hell from the Night King (AHHHHHHH!). Check it out above.
Is Fame to Blame For Anna Faris and Chris Pratt's Split? Here's What We Know
Chris Pratt and Anna Faris announced their separation this week, and needless to say, fans were heartbroken - actually, "heartbroken" is an understatement: crushed, destroyed, and emotionally wrecked are probably more accurate ways to put it. It wasn't long before reports of "how this could possibly happen" began to surface. Was Chris's skyrocketing career a factor? Did the couple, who are parents to 4-year-old son Jack, disagree on growing their family? Did one of them cheat?! Here's everything we know about their split so far.
- Anna announces the separation on Instagram. On Aug. 6, Anna posts an Instagram photo of a text message (?) that reads, "We are sad to announce that we are legally separating. We tried hard for a long time, and we're really disappointed. Our son has two parents who love him very much and for his sake we want to keep this situation as private as possible moving forward. We still have love for each other, will always cherish our time together." Chris followed up with his own version of the statement on Facebook, to which he added, "[We will] continue to have the deepest respect for one another."
- Chris's skyrocketing career could be to blame for the split. According to Us Weekly, the actor's success with the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation and big-budget films like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World created tension in the marriage. "Chris became this huge movie star and Anna wasn't getting any big jobs," a source told the outlet, adding, "She was the more famous and sexy one at the start of their relationship and then things took a turn." By the time Chris and Anna married in 2009, she had landed roles in The House Bunny, Lost in Translation, and Brokeback Mountain and was starring in the Scary Movie franchise.
- Things seemed to get competitive. Us also reported that Chris and Anna, who both have pretty amazing senses of humor, were frequently competing for attention when around friends. "When they're in a big group, they each want to be the one telling the funniest joke."
- Chris is spotted without his wedding ring. Chris was photographed bringing son Jack to church sans wedding ring in LA on Aug. 13. Later that day, he made his first public appearance postsplit, showing up to the Teen Choice Awards and accepting the surfboard for choice sci-fi movie actor. He skipped the red carpet, but was all smiles inside while mingling with Judd Apatow and Millie Bobby Brown.
- Anna thanks fans for their support. The actress gave a quick shout-out to listeners during an episode of her podcast on Aug. 15, saying, "Hey, dear listeners! I just want to thank you all so much for all the love I've been receiving, and I truly love you."
Report: For-Profit Companies Are Exploiting a Religious Exemption to Deny Employees Birth-Control Coverage
According to a new report, more than two dozen for-profit or nonreligious US companies benefited from a provision in the Affordable Care Act that exempted religiously affiliated businesses from the requirement to cover birth control for employees. Obamacare gave 55 million women access to low-cost birth-control coverage, but as the new report suggests, many women likely lost out on coverage they were rightfully entitled to because of unfounded exemption requests.
The Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, published a report on August 11 detailing the results of a Freedom of Information Act request to the US Department of Health and Human Services. The group asked for all records of requests for religious accommodation for contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Those records revealed that of those 45 companies, 24 were for-profit corporations, while the rest were religiously affiliated nonprofits or education institutions.
Among the companies that submitted religious accommodation requests were those focused on human resources, agriculture and forestry, and garden supplies.
Half of the companies that requested religious accommodation asked for "a blanket exemption covering all forms of contraception," says CAP. Eleven companies specifically requested exemption from the most effective and expensive forms of birth control, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and emergency contraception, or the morning after pill. Many companies incorrectly labeled such contraception "abortifacients," or methods that induce abortion, in their requests, says Jamila Taylor, senior fellow at CAP and an expert on domestic and international women's health and reproductive justice.
"For us, the most significant piece is the number of for-profit companies seeking the exemption relative to the other companies," Taylor tells POPSUGAR. "It's very chilling for us in terms of the cost for women."
The exemption requests, made between January 2014 and March 2016, followed the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Supreme Court decision, which ruled that "closely held" for-profit corporations - generally a private company with a limited number of shareholders, and, according to the IRS, one where more than half the stock is owned by five or fewer people in the second half of the year - could deny healthcare services to their employees based on religious beliefs. Among the companies that submitted religious accommodation requests were those focused on human resources; agriculture and forestry; and garden supplies. The Center for American Progress did not supply POPSUGAR with the names of or any other details about the companies, citing the need to be mindful of information about small family businesses, and the women who work at them, becoming public.
According to the National Women's Law Center, in 2013 the contraceptive coverage mandate saved women $1.4 billion on birth-control pills. As Taylor says, "I was able to save hundreds of dollars per month now that my contraceptive is free." Unfortunately, the report suggests that potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of women may have been denied access to this benefit by companies that applied for an exemption they did not quality for.
The report is particularly important in light of the interim final rule on contraceptive coverage, which was leaked from the Trump White House in May. The IFR, as it is known, outlined new rules that would expand religious exemption and allow nearly any employer in the US to deny contraceptive coverage to their employees based on religious or moral objection. With no clear definition of what "moral" actually means in this case, "It's going to be a free-for-all," says Taylor.
Buried in the more than 30,000-word rule is the assertion that "these interim final rules will result in some enrollees in plans of exempt entities not receiving coverage or payments for contraceptive services."
Current healthcare policy requires most private health plans to cover contraception for employees. A religious exemption applies to houses of worship and other closely tied religious organizations; they do not have to cover anything. Other employers are eligible for a religious accommodation, meaning that employees can still get coverage from a company's insurance plan, even though the company doesn't have to cover it. Multiple lawsuits have challenged both of these waivers. Following Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, the Obama administration expanded the religious accommodation process and granted Hobby Lobby an accommodation. For-profit companies like Hobby Lobby can submit a form to the federal government outlining why their religious beliefs meant they want to deny their employees birth-control coverage.
"Employers should not be, in our words, discriminating against women. For the Trump administration to take things even further, really broadening what we saw under the Hobby Lobby decision" would be a disaster, says Taylor. "It would really give any individual or entity to refuse to cover contraception care for women, which is extremely dangerous."
The importance of access to contraception cannot be overstated, and it often gets lost in political fights like these. Birth control gives women and families social and economic freedom, lets women and girls stay in school, and helps to prevent unintended pregnancies. As is always the case when women's rights are under threat, there will be a disproportionate impact on the economic security and health of low-income women and women of color if the Trump administration's expanded rules come into force.
The CAP report is "more evidence to show that even the current policy can be harmful," says Adam Sonfield, senior policy manager at the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive-rights think tank. But without seeing the details of the companies and their reasons for requesting an accommodation, it's difficult to determine whether or not they qualify, says Sonfield. In the case of the 45 companies, "they are making a statement about their beliefs about contraception, and that is what qualifies them." In any case, they were deemed qualified by the federal government, as all companies were granted accommodations, according to CAP.
"I don't think that the point of this report was to identify potential lawbreaking," says Sonfield. "I think the point of the report was to show that there are for-profit companies in this country that are claiming they have religious objections to contraception."
The 2017 legislative session has already seen a huge number of state-level rollbacks of women's reproductive rights. In addition to insane abortion laws - one of the strangest examples being a Kansas law that requires doctors to give their patients their résumés in a specific font - there are the fight to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, various attacks on maternity coverage, and the Global Gag Rule that Trump enacted earlier this year, which bars US federal dollars from going to international NGOs that provide, counsel on, or even discuss abortion. Trump's IFR would be yet another blow to women in the US and another victory for those staunchly against a woman's right to choose.
"Whether opponents of reproductive services and rights will be emboldened, I think they clearly already are by the actions of this administration and this congress," says Sonfield.
At Under 400 Calories, These Slow-Cooker Meals Equal Weight-Loss Success
Slow and steady wins the weight-loss race, but slow and steady also makes it happen when it comes to low-calorie meals. Dust off the ol' slow cooker and whip up these meals - full of flavor, fiber, and protein, and all under 400 calories.
25 Movie Titles in Spanish That Were Legit Lost in Translation
If you've ever taken a close look at the Spanish-language titles of popular American films, chances are you've noticed that they're called something . . . else. And it does not make sense.
Sure, there isn't always a direct English-Spanish translation, but Latin America really lets its creativity shine when choosing new movie names for its audience - almost always losing the original in the process. (Spoiler alert: not even Lost in Translation could be saved!) Read on to see which of your favorites have been hilariously brutalized.
55 Fun Themes For Your Boy's Next Birthday Bash!
If you're searching for inspiration for your little boy's next birthday bash, you've come to the right place! These 55 themes range from the tried, true, and traditional to the unexpected and inventive. We've rounded up some of our very favorite boys party ideas - from animals and sports to planes, trains, and automobiles - to get party-planning moms into full gear for their best boys' next soiree!
To the Parents I Judged Before I Was a Parent: I'm Sorry
There I was, a 30-year-old woman who taught preschool and was a private tutor, walking down the aisles at Target when I saw her.
She was a woman with a toddler - no older than 3 - and in the middle of Winter her toddler was gasp - Not. Wearing. Shoes! He just hung out in the shopping cart with his dangling freezing tootsies.
It's Winter, I thought. What is she thinking? I made my silent smug judgment, picked up my one item I went into Target for, although I left with 50 other things, and walked away knowing I would never do that!
Not me, I said.
It was a lovely Summer night, and I was out to dinner at a romantic location with my ex who was my husband at the time. Sitting at a table next to us was a family of three: a wife, husband, and a 4-year-old girl. She was adorable but utterly loud. No amount of preschool experience could help me tune out this kid. Waiters thought she was cute, but me? Nope. She was my nemesis. All I wanted was to enjoy a glass of wine and some penne pasta, but this kid with her yammering was ruining the "mood" I was trying to set with the hubby. Eye roll.
I started to daydream of how I could entice this kid out of the restaurant. Maybe dangle Mickey Mouse on a fishing pole out the door? Tell her Santa Claus was in the parking lot.
Why do people have to bring their kids to regular adult restaurants? I told the husband. Why can't they go to Friendly's or Pizza Hut? Don't they know better?
I'd never do that. Not me.
Oh, the smugness! The ignorance!
Let's not forget the spectacular backseat parenting I did when you know, I had barely parented a Chia pet.
As I watched a mom shove a lollipop into her whiny kid's mouth while at the doctor's, I broke out my Rules on How to Parent.
"I'd never do that with my kid. Tell him to be quiet and redirect him. She's just trying to shut him up, but instead, she's spoiling him," I thought to myself.
That was said and done with an - eek - shake of my head.
I'd never do that. Not me.
Then there was the time one of the parents of my students told me, "Oh junior likes to sleep with us from time to time. Actually, pretty much every night. He's having a hard time getting out of our bed."
He's in kindergarten, I thought. It's time to cut the cord already. If I were MOM OF THE YEAR, I would give him the boot already. How do his parents have sex?
I'm never doing that, I thought.
In fact, just keep inserting ways I, the person who had never changed a diaper, silently judged (or sometimes not so silently) parents - whether it was about eating habits or clothing choices. Apparently, I had forgotten to tell the world that I knew everything about parenting.
Well, to the woman at Target, the wife and husband dining with their kid, the lollipop mom, cosleeping parents, and pretty much everyone I advised on what to do when I knew zilch about zilch:
I'm sorry!
There I was, in the middle of Target approximately four years after I witnessed the horrifying sight of a toddler's bare toes in the middle of the Winter, with my very own toddler dressed in a dress in the middle of last year's polar vortex. She had a coat on, but no hat. As I pulled up to pay for my items, an elderly lady touched my daughter's head (oh lady, don't you go there! Parenting pet peeve!) and said to me, "She needs a hat."
I'd like to tell you that I graciously smiled, but really I dreamed of choking that woman and telling her to go wear her own hat. Instead, I nodded and said, "Uh-huh," while paying for my goods.
You see, like many kids, my kid hates to be bundled up, which is something I didn't know when I was "Laura Know-It-All," and we had a major war over the hat and dress. I tried getting her to wear flannel-lined jeans and a hat. I actually prayed to the god (goddess) of Cinderella I was so desperate. After a screaming match and battle of the wills, I gave up.
Karma was a b*tch, indeed.
Not me? Oh, yes! Yes, me!
And four years after I saw that couple eating out at a romantic restaurant with their kid, there I was at an Italian restaurant, desperately hungry and dying to do something with other adult people. Of course, I didn't have anyone to watch my kid like so many other parents, so I did what I had to in order to converse with someone over 2 years of age: I brought my child. And what did she do?
She got up and danced and sang at high-decibel levels. No one seemed to mind that (I guess they weren't all a bunch of judgmental jerks like I was), but of course, my daughter mooned everyone at the end of "her song" to add more of a burlesque element to her show.
To the keeper of the universe: Ha ha - you really got me, didn't you?
Let's not forget the many times during my daughter's first year and a half of life in which I decided to not leave her in her bed, but instead, pop a boob in her mouth and bring her to sleep with me. Why? I was tired and lazy. Teething was a b*tch, and I was its slave.
There I was on my phone, telling my sister why I didn't think it was such a big deal to cosleep sometimes as she was telling me "Tisk-tisk, she'll want to stay in your bed forever."
Now at almost 4 years old, I still invite my little one to sleep with me as a special treat on the weekends from time to time, or when she wakes up early and this single divorced mommy is too tired to parent. Instead, I let Mickey Mouse take my job, and we hang in bed while I sleep and she watches.
To the parent who I shook my head at and judged: who's the one with the full bed now? Hmm.
Let's not forget the time I brought my daughter into Victoria's Secret to pick up a bra because heaven forbid a mother shop with her child, and she ran around trying the bras on her head. Or when I brought her to the register and a young couple swooped down to say how cute she was, and as I told her to tell them hello, she yelled, "No!" and gave them a face only a mother could love.
(And trust me with that grimace it takes a lot of work to feel love for that mug!)
Or the time she decided to do a toddler-version exercise routine that only Richard Simmons could love in the middle of a busy Manhattan restaurant. To add insult to injury, it was a freezing-cold day out, and she didn't want to wear her coat. As I took her out of the restaurant coat-less, I saw the hostess' face wince.
And there I saw myself, just five years before. I wanted to grab her by the arm and whisper, "Your time is coming honey. Just you wait. One day, your kid will be flashing her 'boobies' at age 2 in the middle of Starbucks."
Of course, this time, I won't judge.
Jon Snow Runs For His Freakin' Life in the Preview For Next Week's Game of Thrones
We really weren't prepared for Game of Thrones season seven. The season's fiery fourth episode was followed by "Eastwatch," which basically dropped a major bombshell in every scene. Season seven's sixth episode looks just as insane, with the preview containing glimpses of Beric Dondarrion's flaming sword (AHHHH!), serious drama at Winterfell (AHHHH!), and Jon Snow running like hell from the Night King (AHHHHHHH!). Check it out above.
Here's How to Go to All the Movies You Want For Only $10 a Month (Seriously!)
Image Source: Everett Collection
Sick of paying an arm and a leg and promising to hand over your first-born child just to go to the movie theater these days? You're not alone. Thankfully, MoviePass is here to help. The startup, which has been around since 2011 and is led by former Netflix executive Mitch Lowe, has made it possible for you to go to all of the movies you want in a month for one low fee. Sound like a Joanne the Scammer-level trap? Yeah, we thought so, too.
MoviePass originally offered subscribers the service to see one movie per day (if they were so inclined) for $30 a month, but now it's dropped its fee to a paltry $9.95 (which excludes 3D and IMAX films). For people who live in big cities where movie tickets reach as high as $15 or $16 for a single ticket, this would be an incredible money-saver. According to Lowe, competition from streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon is not to blame for the recent drop in ticket sales. Instead, he (quite rightly) asserts that it's the insanely high ticket prices that most likely keep people from going to the movies. "People really do want to go more often," Lowe said. "They just don't like the transaction."
In a recent note on its website announcing its new price, MoviePass explained that space to sign up for the program is limited. It didn't take long for people to flock to the sale, crashing its site. As of publication, it's still down, but keep checking back to see if you can get in on the deal! In the meantime, here's its full post so you can get a better idea of how MoviePass works.
"Dear MoviePass Community,
For the last several years, we have been testing a number of service offers and price points. We have learned a lot during this process and believe that we now have an offer that can't be beat.
Effective today, we are introducing a universal subscription plan for $9.95 per month. MoviePass will have one price point nationwide and it will be for standard 2D films only. As a subscriber, you can see any movie, at any theater, at any time. For your convenience, we currently support more than 91 percent of movie theaters nationwide. Unfortunately, premium formats such as 3D and IMAX will not be included in this plan.
We believe that you want to see more movies in theaters. Our $9.95 per month subscription makes it possible for you to see a movie every day, if you would like.
For current members, your price will automatically be reduced to $9.95, beginning on your next billing cycle following August 15th.As before, there is no contract, so you are free to cancel at any time. This price point will be guaranteed for at least 12 months for those who sign up during this period. Space is limited.
To all of those members who have supported us over the years, thank you! We look forward to continuing to provide award-winning service and giving you the largest selections of movies and theaters in the industry.
See you at the movies!
The MoviePass Team"
In short, this is us right now:
Image Source: Warner Bros.
100 Books to Read Before They're Films
There are always going to be books that are being made into movies, and we love to read them before they get the big-screen treatment as much as you do. If you like being able to say the book was better (isn't it always?), then we have 100 novels to dive into. Click through and see which books you need to add to your shelf - before they get to the theater.
'Be more cautious' in prescribing off-label drugs for chronic back pain, review says
Doctors are prescribing anti-seizure and nerve pain medications for a common type of chronic low-back pain, a non-licensed use, despite a lack of studies supporting their effectiveness for that purpose, according to a new review.
10 Tinted Lip Balms That Give You Just the Right Amount of Color
If you're addicted to lathering chapstick on throughout the day or you're just not a huge fan of lipstick, tinted lip balm could be the perfect combination for you. It gives your lips hydration all while helping you achieve a rosy finish. Or you can layer it on top of colored lipsticks and glosses to keep your pout moisturized with a splash of color. Take a look at these popular tinted choices and pick up a few so you can throw one in every purse.
Brides, Pay Attention: These Wedding Favors Cost Under $3
If you and your partner have set a firm budget for the ceremony and reception and found that between the caterer and the rentals you've gone way over it, you're not alone. It's incredibly difficult to adhere to those financial guardrails when you're at the mercy of so many vendors, with so many fees. One thing you can control, though, is how much you spend on wedding favors. Guests certainly love leaving with a small token - that they'll use - from your love-filled day, so get them something good without breaking the bank. Up ahead, here are wedding favors that all ring in under $3 each.
23 Wedding Favors That Are Easy to DIY
With all the stress from wedding planning, the last thing you probably want to add to your list is DIYing wedding favors. We're not going to lie, it definitely will be work, but the amount of money it will save you is completely worth the extra time and effort. If you want to recruit some help, one idea is to invite your bridal party for a fun (and busy) day of Champagne and crafts. Or why not ask your soon-to-be spouse to pitch in?
Regardless of who comes to your aid, we've rounded up easy DIY ideas that won't require a ton of resources or cash to make. Plus, your guests will love the thought over store-bought goods. Get inspired by the 23 wedding favors ahead!
These Peeks of Jason Momoa as Aquaman Prove That He's the Perfect Casting Choice
In case his crazy Justice League workout regimen or the first look behind the scenes didn't convince you that Jason Momoa is perfect for the role of DC Comics' Aquaman (a trident-wielding half-god also known as Arthur Curry), we've rounded up all the peeks we've gotten at the highly anticipated Atlantean hero. Momoa's hulking stature, no-nonsense gaze, and ability to rock tattoos lend him the perfect look for embodying director Zack Snyder's new take on the beloved hero, and the actor's pioneering attitude and respect for the sea mean that he's inwardly suited for the role also.
Both interviews with Momoa and social media snaps about his new role reveal that he's ridiculously excited to pick up Aquaman's trident - especially because he'll be able to portray his Polynesian heritage in the role. Check out these incredible moments from the filming of Justice League, his appearance in the trailer, and Aquaman's brief cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Once you see how powerful, passionate, and intimidating Momoa appears in the role, you'll barely be able to wait for the Justice League premiere! (If that is indeed the case, then here are all the shots you need of him from the first Justice League trailer.)
This Could Explain Why the Game of Thrones Timeline Has Been So Weird Lately
Game of Thrones fans have had plenty to be thankful for during season seven - Jon's surprise legitimacy! Gendry's return! Starks reunited! - but there's been one consistent complaint since the show's return. "What the hell is this timeline? I can't get a grip on the pacing this season at all," one of my coworkers messaged me on a Monday morning. I admitted that I, too, have been baffled by how quickly everything has been unfolding.
What happened to Bran taking months to get to the Wall? Didn't Arya spend years journeying from King's Landing to Braavos? Heck, Daenerys didn't manage to cross the Narrow Sea for six seasons. Nobody ever accused this show of happening too quickly until season seven.
If the entire series is revealed as an extended sequence of Bran's flashbacks, it would explain why the timeline has suddenly experienced such a drastic change in pacing.
Suddenly it seems like everybody on the show can teleport; one minute, Jaime Lannister is washed up on a riverbank near Highgarden, and the next he's congratulating his sister-wife on her pregnancy in the Red Keep. In the very same episode, Euron Greyjoy's fleet sails from Blackwater Bay all the way around Westeros to launch a surprise attack in Lannisport. Similarly, in a single episode, Ser Davos travels from Dragonstone to Flea Bottom to get Gendry, travels back to Dragonstone, and then the Baratheon bastard proceeds to travel all the way to Eastwatch by the Sea and beyond the Wall.
This could certainly be chalked up to rushed storytelling . . . after all, there are fewer than 10 episodes left of Game of Thrones ever, so the series needs to wrap up quickly. But what if there is another explanation for the increased pacing of the plot?
Unlike in the A Song of Ice and Fire book series, there is no narrator for each character's storyline. The HBO show unfolds, like most television programs, from an omniscient perspective with no narrative voice; viewers jump from one plot and setting to the next with ease.
You know who else is able to hop from different locations and timelines seamlessly? Bran Stark, when he is exploring different planes and memories with his greenseer abilities as the newly dubbed Three-Eyed Raven.
Picture this: if the entire series was revealed as an extended sequence of Bran's flashbacks, with him simply reflecting back on the events of his life and house many years later, it would explain why the timeline has suddenly experienced such a drastic change in pacing.
You see, back when characters' timelines take a while to unfold, sometimes spanning more than one season simply to travel from place to place, Bran is not yet the Three-Eyed Raven. He is still personally invested in his family members, in his own plight, in dragons and fantastical queens in foreign lands, and in the fates of people who've wronged him. It makes sense that a young, still emotionally engaged Bran would spend time dwelling on every detail of his siblings' stories, or on the various sins of the Lannisters.
But as Bran begins to gain abilities as a greenseer, eventually taking the helm as Three-Eyed Raven, minor details and major spans of time begin disappearing from the show's narrative. Bran has thousands of years of events to see, and he becomes numb to the details of even his closest loved ones' lives. (Remember the dead look in his eyes as he compliments Sansa's appearance on the night of her first rape? He's just not there emotionally anymore.)
Perhaps the entire story of Game of Thrones is unfolding as Bran learns of it: slowly at first, as he gains the ability to see other places and times, then all at once as his powers blossom and he leaves behind the boy he once was. Maybe the show even concludes as Bran, now an elderly Three-Eyed Raven, attempts to educate a young replacement on the major events leading up to the defeat of the Night's King, which happened during his own lifetime.
Of course, the show's confusing pacing could also just be rushed storytelling. So hey, HBO: if this isn't seven years' worth of Bran visions, why don't you throw us a bone in the form of a few more episodes? We all need a few extra minutes to catch our breath!
20 Songs You Didn't Know Came From Sia
As Sia becomes more and more of a household name, we've been thinking about how else she's impacted the music world. There's "Chandelier," of course, which was memorably covered on The Voice. And let's not forget "Elastic Heart," which caused a stir with its music video. What you might not have known, though, is Sia wrote Beyoncé's "Pretty Hurts", plus songs for Maroon 5, Britney Spears, and more. Wondering what else has come from Sia? We've collected 20 songs that have been written, cowritten, and sometimes even performed by the Australian artist. Keep reading, and prepare for a few surprises.
8 Yoga Postures That Will Give You an Instant Detox
Been overdoing it a little? If your body could use some fine-tuning, you can do more than sip on detoxing green juice. Hop on your yoga mat, and do these eight poses designed to detox the body. You have your circulatory, digestive, and lymphatic systems to thank for getting rid of toxins and waste, and these poses stimulate those systems. Pick out the poses your body needs or practice them all, and you'll be on your way to feeling like a new you.
12 Great High School Shows to Watch on Netflix
No, you do not have to be in high school to love watching TV shows (or movies) about high schools. Years after getting my diploma, teen dramas and comedies are still one of my favorite TV genres. Lucky for me, they're all over Netflix. Whether you're looking for a boost of nostalgia (like Gilmore Girls) or you're hoping to catch up on a show that's still on, there are tons of great high-school-centric series that you can watch right now. Take a look to get my recommendations and swoon over the guys you would have loved to go to high school with!
American Horror Story: All the Definite Connections Between the Seasons
It's always thrilling to see what's on the horizon on American Horror Story. Now that we're past season six, we've gotten a solid idea of how Roanoke ties into the rest of the series. Up until the finale, we hadn't seen characters from previous seasons, and even before Lana Winters came back, Roanoke had drawn plenty more threads between the existing seasons. Of course, we have plenty of unconfirmed theories (including some fan theories that are truly wild), but at this juncture, we're focusing only on those threads that are concrete. Let's look back at all the times two (or more) AHS installments definitely intersected.
No, You're Not Crazy: A Doctor Confirms That "Period Brain" Is a Real Thing
If you've ever felt inexplicably forgetful or spacey during the first day or two of your period, you're not alone. Many women report that they do things that are out of character when they start menstruating, whether it's leaving your car keys in the fridge or forgetting the name of your best friend's boyfriend. Most of us have certainly guessed that there was a connection between this behavior and our period, but we didn't really have the proof that the two were related - until now.
POPSUGAR chatted with 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, and she said that period brain is a very real PMS symptom. And there's a very real explanation behind it.
"Before your period, lots of women have altered sleep, and therefore will have mental fogginess and difficulty with concentration," Dr. Dweck told POPSUGAR. Being "very fatigued" plays a significant role in your day-to-day behavior, so don't be surprised if you find yourself doing weird things like putting mayonnaise on your sandwich instead of peanut butter. Additionally, we tend to eat more salty, fatty foods right before our periods, which can leave us feeling groggy. This makes it hard to think straight, especially when you combine that with the fact that we're exhausted.
There's a scientific explanation as well: just like your hormones fluctuate when you're getting your period, some neurotransmitters in your brain change as well. The levels of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, feel-good chemicals that are responsible for good mood and well-being, shift when you start menstruating, and this could cause you to act in strange ways.
Dr. Dweck said there are some studies out there "that suggest this variation," which is why SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are often prescribed for women who suffer from severe PMS symptoms. "Menopausal or perimenopausal women sometimes complain about concentration issues," Dr. Dweck also explained, "probably due to hormonal changes and sleep deprivation." Therefore, it's certainly not far-fetched to imagine that our monthly hormonal changes would produce similar results.
All that to say, go easy on yourself the next time you leave your house without shoes on while you're on your period. It's certainly not the first time a menstruating woman has made a silly mistake.
6 Trippy Harry Potter Photos That Will Make You Do a Double Take
Did someone slip me a befuddlement draught? Sure, the magic is a little tarnished seeing this behind-the-scenes image of Harry, Ron, and Hermione (I mean, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson) speaking with director David Yates on the set of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, but something seems even more off about the following photos from the same film . . . Can you spot what it is?
See the Orange Is the New Black Cast Out of Their Jumpsuits
Despite Sophia Burset's best efforts, the ladies of the Litchfield Correctional Facility lack style. In real life, however, the cast of Orange Is the New Black is anything but dowdy. We gathered pictures of Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Taryn Manning, Ruby Rose, and the rest of the cast in and out of their jumpsuits. You might be shocked at the difference with some of the women - especially Blanca! Take a look at all the pictures ahead, and brush up on all the season six details!
Wedding Music Ideas: 100 Songs For Your First Dance
There are plenty of details to consider when planning a wedding, not the least of which is the music. The first dance is often the first song decision many couples make, because it's the centerpiece of the reception, with the newlyweds dancing for the first time with all eyes on them. If you're on the hunt for the perfect tune for the first dance, we're here to help. From rock to classic to pop, here are 100 song suggestions sweet enough for a first dance. Need more advice? Here are all of our wedding music ideas!
38 Outdoor Activities to Get Kids Out of the House This Summer
The temperature's rising, school's out of session, and all your kids want to do is sit inside and play. Make the next warm Summer day more fun than ever with games, crafts, and activities they can't really do indoors. From messy projects to those that will cool tots off with splashes of water, we've come up with 38 activities that will have tots begging to head outside this Summer.
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb
These Twitter Conversations Prove This 7-Year-Old Girl Is Funnier Than Most Adults
Seven-year-old Bea is keeping her mom, Kelly Oxford, firmly on her toes. "If you've ever wondered what it's like to raise a kid in LA" is one of Oxford's most common sayings on Twitter, which has come after anything from Bea informing her that her second BFF at school is McDreamy's daughter from Grey's Anatomy to being asked if there's such a thing as weed ice cream. Between her thoughts about vegetarianism to conversations surrounding her love of watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Oxford has tweeted all of Bea's solid gold musings out to the world, and we can't stop laughing.
Read through for 20 times Oxford's priceless tweets about Bea cracked us up.
Lobke's 75-Pound Weight-Loss Secrets: Weight Watchers and Fitbit
After her "aha!" moment, Lobke Meulemeester from the UK realized she had to change her habits to live a healthier life. Starting at 233 pounds, she's used Weight Watchers and Fitbit to lose 75 - but she still lives a life of balance, sharing that even now she has days where she doesn't go to the gym and gets takeout ("takeaway," in UK terms!) instead. And while she always gets her steps in, she has a little chocolate every day.
Lobke: Before
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Lobke Meulemeester: I came to a point in my life where doing simple tasks like walking became difficult. Walking short distances gave me a backache; I got short of breath. I was borderline diabetic. I knew things had to change if I wanted to prolong my life. But it wasn't only physical - my mental state was also suffering. I had no confidence in myself and didn't care anymore. I didn't care what I looked like or what I wore.
I have always been a little overweight as a kid, even though I was quite active. And this continued through adulthood but escalated after my mother suddenly died back in October 2013. Dieting and losing weight got put back and I wasn't on my mind at all.
PS: Was there one program or method that you used?
LM: I had used Weight Watchers before so I thought I'd give it another go. I followed the program, combined with exercise and daily hour-long walks while being on lunch break at work. I got myself a Fitbit and tracked my daily steps. I enjoyed doing the challenges with people all over the world and it got me walking in all sorts of weather. Before Weight Watchers, I had tried a few different weight-loss programs like SlimFast, calorie-counting, and shakes. I had lost weight but always ended up regaining after going back to normal foods.
"I feel so much better and more alive."
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
LM: I love to go to classes. I find it more fun than just using the cardio machines, although I do plow through it sometimes as I know that's what works for me.
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
LM: It depends. I try and go to the gym three times a week but I never set myself a target or set days; I go when I feel like it. Sometimes I have days where I can't face it and go home and have takeaway instead. It's all about balance!
Lobke: After
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
LM: I try and switch it up as much as I can. I go to different classes and do a day of HIIT cardio in between.
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
LM: It was the confidence I gained while losing weight. Not only did I feel so much better and more alive, but I also started to love how I looked as a result. My skin was glowing, I was smiling more, and I started enjoying clothes shopping again.
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
LM: I use the Weight Watchers app but I also have a sheet I made in my kitchen at the moment where I track the days until I go on holiday which I cross off every day so I can keep motivated and on track until then. It's good to have goals to work toward.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
LM: I start my day with a good, filling protein breakfast that will keep me going until 11-ish. Lunch would also be a sandwich with a good amount of protein like chicken. I make sure I have plenty of fruit with me to snack on during the day, and I also make sure I have a little treat in the afternoon with a cup of coffee to keep me going. Being Belgian, that's mostly chocolate!
PS: Do you count calories? What's the range of calories you eat per day?
LM: No. I have tried using the MyFitnessPal app before and it's just not for me. I want something that's easy and doesn't require me to weigh everything I eat.
Lobke: Before and After
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
LM: You will always find yogurts, pineapple, almond milk, eggs, precooked chicken, and gherkins [pickles] in my fridge.
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
LM: I always have one day where I have a treat meal and dessert. I always choose what I want as I think it's important to listen to your cravings. I have learned from experience it doesn't end well if you ignore them. So one day, I will have something I've fancied all week and a nice dessert to follow, that way I feel refreshed for the week ahead.
"I've skipped the gym many times for takeaway and treats instead. It's life. Take one day at a time. Every day is a fresh start."
PS: How did the Fitbit help you on your journey?
LM: I got myself a Fitbit when I first started my fitness journey. It helped me get more steps in on a regular basis as I have an office job and it's actually astonishing to see how little steps you do in a day. So I started taking two 10-minute breaks and walk around the car park, as well as walking on my one-hour lunch every single day. On top of that, I would go to the gym three times a week. I did challenges with people all over the world and it can get quite competitive. Sometimes I ended up walking in the rain just so I could win the workweek hustle!
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
LM: Don't expect it to happen overnight. This will be a long process but one that will be totally worth it. It will become easier once you are a few weeks in. Don't get upset when you are having an off day; we all get those. I've skipped the gym many times for takeaway and treats instead. It's life. Take one day at a time. Every day is a fresh start. Just never stop, never give up. You will get there, one day at a time.
This Mom's Hilarious Cartoons About Pregnancy Problems Will Be the Funniest Thing You See All Day
Nobody ever said that being a mom is glamorous. And although there's plenty of talk about that wonderful pregnancy glow, most moms can relate to the less seductive side effects that everyone experiences but few talk about. You get sick, you get hairy, and you get big.
Illustrator and mother of two Line Severinsen can't help but laugh at these "joys" of motherhood and started making hysterical cartoons of her real-life pregnancy problems. From pining over a glass of wine to judgmental strangers staring when you breastfeed in public, her relatable illustrations have developed with her motherhood experiences.
"I thought to myself that there is no way that no other people felt and looked like I did," she wrote. "So I wanted to create a counterpoint to help people like me to understand that they weren't alone and that it is OK to feel and act less than perfect sometimes."
While we don't know whether to laugh or cry at how spot-on some of these illustrations are, we're just glad to see that we aren't the only ones who've been there!
How to Count to 3 - the Right Way
I was blessed to grow up with a mom who was a preschool teacher for over 25 years. I got to watch her interacting with little kids all of the time. She was skilled at keeping the classroom running in an orderly fashion, while at the same time creating a rich environment for the kids to explore.
When I started having my own children, I found myself automatically implementing her strategies without even realizing what I was doing. It just came second nature to me, since I had spent so much time watching her.
I think her way of interacting with young kids was much like the 1-2-3 Magic Discipline method of today.
What's Is 1-2-3 Magic?
The basic principle is that adults talk way too much. We also make the common error of thinking that kids are mini adults. We assume that kids think about things in the same way that we do, so it makes sense to us to try to explain things in great detail. After all, once they understand why they can't have two cupcakes, surely they will calm down and start being reasonable again!
Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who published the first edition of his wildly popular book, 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting back in 1995. Since the sixth edition of the self-proclaimed No. 1 child-discipline book in America came out last year, Dr. Phelan's strategies have seen a resurgence in the parenting world.
Maybe that's why you feel like everywhere you go you keep overhearing other moms say to their misbehaving children, "That's one. That's two. That's three." And then you watch in disbelief as their kid actually stops!
You may have been wondering, "Why doesn't that work for my kid when I count to three?!"
Well, I'm personally not one to believe that there is one magical way to parent kids that works across the board.
However, I do think that the 1-2-3 Magic Discipline idea has a few merits.
How Does It Work?
When your child is doing something that you don't want them to be doing, you say, "That's one." You wait five seconds. If they have not stopped yet, you say, "That's two." You wait five more seconds, and if they still have not stopped, then you say, "That's three." And you immediately give them a consequence (usually a time out).
The key to this method is that except for the words - "That's one. That's two. That's Three." - you are silent. Not only are you silent, but you are also showing no emotion. After the time out is over, you also do not engage in a conversation with your child. They are simply allowed to continue playing as they were before the misbehavior started. The only caveat to this rule is that a short explanation is appropriate when the behavior is new, unusual, or dangerous.
The idea with less talking and little emotion is that parents will avoid having their own outbursts, won't give empty threats, and don't get excited or yell at their children.
Is It Effective?
Child psychologist Dr. Don Williams says, "This can be a good format to train the parents to not overstimulate their kids when there is already a stressful situation. Minimizing the words and staying neutral can prevent pouring gasoline on the flames."
Luckily, the signs are pretty clear when I've taken a wrong parenting turn into overarticulating myself. When this happens, I get one of two responses from my child. I either get a pair of eyes looking back at me that have become completely glazed over, or I get a geyser of oversize emotions coming out of my child in every possible direction!
When I see either of these two signs, I know that it's time to re-evaluate my parenting strategy. And especially with 1-2-3 Magic, consistency is key. According to Dr. Phelan, "The kids respond positively at '1' or '2' most of the time."
These 26 Crazy Kids' Rooms Will Make You Want to Redecorate Immediately
Redecorating any room of the house is a fun and exciting project, but decorating a child's bedroom is perhaps the most fun because you can use their interests and imagination to fuel your designs. These 26 crazy-cool bedrooms will give you inspiration for days if you're looking to amp up your son or daughter's room, or if you're just looking for some quirky ideas.
Articles
