Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 18 août 2017
Jennifer Lopez Is on a Mission to Ooze Sex Appeal in All of These Jumpsuits
Alright, this confirms there's not a single garment Jennifer Lopez could wear that won't end up being hot as smokes. The queen of all things sexy dresses loves to switch up what she wears on the red carpet, often turning to jumpsuits for one-and-done looks.
Instead of wearing a naked dress (yet again), she mixes in very sexy one-pieces that show off all of her assets while still looking elegant. She stopped everyone dead in their tracks at the 2016 Latin Grammy Awards when she wore an exquisite Zuhair Murad Couture glittery jumpsuit. She owned the red carpet and then went on to own the show, surprising everyone with a duet performance and a kiss with Marc Anthony. Savor Jennifer looking like a true goddess in these fabulous jumpsuits.
20 of Eva Longoria's Best Bikini Moments Through the Years
Eva Longoria's body is steamy, fit, and always on display. The former Telenovela star loves to hit the beach, take vacations in seaside locations (including her honeymoon with husband José Antonio Bastón) where she can lounge on a yacht, and go for swims in the pool - so we've been lucky enough to get several glimpses at her toned physique in tiny bikinis through the years. Our conclusion: Eva's body gets stronger and hotter . . . and her swimsuits get skimpier. Keep reading to see what we mean, and then check out photos from her beautiful wedding.
The 1-Pot Pasta Recipe You'll Make on Repeat From Ina Garten
Ina Garten, aka The Barefoot Contessa, can do no wrong. Any time I see a recipe of hers that looks promising for dinner, I pounce. Such was the case when I spotted her weeknight bolognese, a recipe that gives you al dente orecchiette topped with homemade tomato sauce in fewer than 45 minutes. This version requires just one pot (for the sauce) and a few staple Italian ingredients.
Red pepper flakes, oregano, and nutmeg bring out the flavors of tangy San Marzano tomatoes and lean ground sirloin. The sauce, flavored with red wine, thickened with a bit of heavy cream, and beautified with flecks of basil, fills each bite of shell pasta. The final product is sprinkled with as much Parmesan as your heart desires (and served with a couple of glasses of your favorite red wine). I don't want to downplay the sophisticated flavor profile of the dish, but it almost tastes like a perfect piece of garlic bread, which is never a bad thing in my book.
My mom makes this at least once a month and says the recipe is very forgiving; you can substitute pork for beef, penne for orecchiette, etc. And if you chop and measure the ingredients before you turn on the stove, cooking is a breeze. After all, how hard can making pasta sauce be when most of the "work" involves breathing in the amazing aromas of tomatoes and spices? Make this lifesaving bolognese once, and you'll see why it's good enough - and easy enough - to make on even the longest of week days.
Get the recipe: weeknight bolognese
The Only 5 Swimsuits You Ever Need to Pack For Vacation
Ditch that "one swimsuit a day" mentality when packing for a vacation. Because, really, there are no more than five suits you'll need for your whole trip - whether it's a lengthy getaway or a three-day excursion. If you secure the pieces ahead, you won't find yourself running out of beachside looks, and you'll even have one or two designs to incorporate into your evening wear for shorter stays. Now, that's not to say you can't pick up multiple styles of each suit to build up your swim drawer. On that note, brush up on our checklist and see what you're missing ahead of your next getaway.
Here's How to Travel Nashville Like a Local
Welcome to Nashville, your weekend getaway destination! Thanks to a growing music industry and the show Nashville, there's been a lot of hype over our little Southern town. But we're more than just country music and cowgirl boots. We love our craft beers, artisanal-meets-Southern food scene, music from punk to rock to roots in the '50s, '60s, and '70s, and the beautiful parks that make getting back to nature ridiculously accessible. Flights to Nashville are affordable from major cities all over the US. Get ready to pack and try the following - lesser known and personally curated - ideas for your very own Nashville getaway adventure.
Sophie Turner's Hair Is Key to the "Subliminal Messages" on Game of Thrones
It's simply impossible to watch Game of Thrones without feeling a sense of amazement over the hairstyles - especially that of fiery-haired fan favorite, Sansa Stark. Stark is, of course, played by British actress Sophie Turner, who has put her hair through the ringer for the sake of the role. But no matter how many times Turner dyes her hair red, black, or back to her natural blonde, she always maintains stunning strands - which is why it's no surprise that she was just announced as the first-ever ambassador for Wella Professionals hair care.
When POPSUGAR talked with Sophie about this exciting new partnership, it was clear how passionate she is about Wella's products. "I was actually using their products beforehand, because my team - whether it's for Game of Thrones or just for styling in general - always kind of used it," Turner shared.
We chatted with Sophie all about her "desert island" beauty products, her keys to confidence, and - of course - all things Game of Thrones. Read on for more!
Chances Are You Used Expired Mascara This Morning
A chilly change in season is the perfect excuse to lock yourself indoors, binge-watch Netflix, eat lots of ramen, and reorganize your makeup bag. Since expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and eye infections, it's important to replace them before they go south. A new study from Stowaway Cosmetics and Poshly found that 89 percent of women hoard old makeup "just in case." Plus, fewer than one in five of us trash mascara within the recommended three months (we're guilty, too).
Unlike food, cosmetics aren't required to have an expiration date on their packaging. Instead, you'll have to keep track of when you opened them. Most products have a jar symbol with a numeral that signifies the number of months you have until the item is no longer usable. If you have a hard time keeping track of when you've bought things, just use a Sharpie to write down the purchase date.
If you know how to take care of your cosmetics, your makeup should serve you well. But use common sense: if your gloss is gloopy, your nail polish is separating, or your lipstick has a funny smell - it's time to bid it adieu. And maybe your next life goal should be to never let crusty compacts and congealed mascara make an appearance again. See guidelines for when to replace your makeup below:
| Product | When to toss |
|---|---|
| Powders (including blushes, bronzers, and shadows) | Two years |
| Cream shadows and blushes | 12-18 months |
| Oil-free foundation | One year |
| Cream compact foundation | 18 months |
| Concealers | 12-18 months |
| Lipstick and lip liner | One year |
| Lip gloss | 18-24 months |
| Pencil eyeliner | Two years |
| Liquid or gel eyeliner | Three months |
| Mascara | Three months |
Here's Why You Should Always Shop at Trader Joe's on Tuesday and Wednesday
There are plenty of Trader Joe's fun facts that would make any customer an even bigger fan of the store, and so will these secrets about what it's really like to work there. An employee who describes himself as a mate, or a manager, at Trader Joe's did a Reddit AMA ("Ask Me Anything") session in which he anonymously answered burning questions from fans on the internet. If you've wondered how good the pay is, if the notoriously nice employees are really that enthusiastic all the time, and how the employees feel when you ask to try products, read on to discover all the answers.
The employees really are always happy.
Someone wanted to know, "Why are you all so happy?" It's true that Trader Joe's employees tend to be enthusiastic and friendly all the time, so is there any sorcery or company policy behind it? The employee said, "Honestly, before I worked there and was just a shopper I was thinking the same thing . . . 'Why are all these people so damn happy, must be faking it or something.' But now that I work there I can tell you it is 100 percent genuine. We are just happy to be at work. It's a great job with great people and we get treated humanely. Need a break? Go stretch your legs. Hungry? Grab a snack. Also very flexible with leaving early/coming in late. Low pressure, low stress job that pays well = happy employees."
They LOVE when you ask to try snacks - really!
"I LOVE when customers ask to try products!!!! Yes, you get to eat as much as you want and the remainder will be given to crew members. We donate as much food as we can to local food shelters but some food does get tossed into the trash. If an item is out of code (expired) we write it off and it goes to the suitable location (trash or donated)." Just make sure it's a reasonable request. He continued, "We're not gonna grill up a steak for you, but something that you can open up and taste, yeah go for it. They'll be happy to open it and let you try. Chips, candy, snacks. Stuff you can just open and eat. Shouldn't be an issue."
Trader Joe's might never come to Canada.
At least, according to this person. When someone asked if the store would ever come to Canada, the response was, "Sadly I don't think so."
Kids can get treats if they find the hidden animal.
"Each store has a stuffed animal of some sort hiding somewhere. It's really just for kids to run around and find the missing animal, and they get a treat. Kids seem to LOVE it and parents go along with it too."
Managers have great hourly wages.
Your hourly wages might start at $10 at first, but once you move up, the pay gets even better. "There is no salary for managers other than the Captain (GM) but mates like myself are still hourly, which in my opinion is much nicer. I make $23 an hour and I work 50 hours a week, so factor in the OT and I get paid handsomely for a job I love doing and is low stress/fun. Plus the benefits are the best."
There's a reason for the quick expiration dates.
When a customer commented on the fact that the "bread has nearly immediate expiration dates," the employee explained about Trader Joe's lack of preservatives. "The best answer for this is that NONE of our products, breads included, have any sort of preservatives in them. Also if the section leader (person who orders that section, in your case - bread) does a poor job and orders too heavy then they are always having backstock which depletes slower so the new stuff becomes old stuff quick. And rotation. But I feel your pain. Thanks for the question!"
The best days to shop are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
According this employee, there are certain best days to shop at Trader Joe's. "Tuesday, Wednesday are the best days. Early morning is best time. I think it's hilarious people go on Sunday and complain that we are so busy. Right when we open is honestly the best time to go. We get fresh produce in every morning so you can get the best products, and some stuff actually will sell out for the day around 2 to 4 p.m., including perishable and non perishable items."
Don't get caught trying to take advantage of the return policy.
Trader Joe's generous return policy allows you to return any product you didn't like, even if you already opened it, and sometimes even without a receipt. But the employees can totally tell if you're faking it and are attempting to "return" an item you just found while shopping. "For example, our vitamins can run up to about $20 for a small bottle, a customer will grab it off the shelf and come to a register claiming a refund. The company knows this happens and enforces the policy, knowing well they are being frauded. It eats at my core though. The worst kind of person."
A $30 Fire Pit and 15 Other Ikea Products Your Home Needs For Fall
As the Summer starts to wind down and the temperatures start to drop, it can only mean one major thing: Fall, yes, FALL is upon us! And if you ask us, it is never too early to start trading in those bright colors and that sunshine-y decor for more muted and neutral Fall-inspired items. So if you just can't wait any longer to deck out your digs in honor of your favorite season, read on as we round up our favorite (and affordable!) 16 home items from Ikea that are sure to welcome Autumn with open arms.
8 Female-Led Podcasts to Fire Up Your Professional Life
According to a recent analysis, more men create podcasts than women - despite the fact that podcast listeners are fairly evenly split between men and women. So if you're looking to support fellow working ladies and find some podcasts that will motivate you to up your work game, keep scrolling for some major downloadspiration.
Watch Luis Fonsi Explain the Lyrics of "Despacito" - the Meaning Might Shock You
Luis Fonsi is spilling all of the sexy tea behind the lyrics of "Despacito." In a video for Genius, the Puerto Rican singer opened up about the song's origins, saying: "I wish I had a better story, but, honestly, I woke up one morning with 'Despacito' in my head. It was that simple and that obvious." But Luis came around pretty quickly, giving himself a little more credit for the sensual lines behind the song.
Going line by line in the song, Luis revealed "Despacito" talks about having uncontrollable feelings for a woman but wanting to slow down things and enjoy them as they heat up. We already knew that, but did you also know that he purposely incorporated the phrases "this is how we do it down in Puerto Rico" and "ay, bendito" in a nod to his country?
In case you didn't already know, the song has been on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for weeks and shows no sign of stepping down from the No. 1 spot. Watch the video above to find out what else Luis had to say about the lyrics, plus how Justin Bieber asked to be on the remix.
How Today's Preschools Are Actually Harming Your Kids
Parents have the best of intentions when they send their kids off to preschool. For the most part, they also have certain expectations - that their kids will learn the "important" skills necessary to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. And that's why so many preschools today focus on academically minded activities, like prereading and the practice of sorting, counting, and coloring.
And that type of environment is likely to yield students who test above average in writing and math. The only thing is, it's the wrong approach . . . and it's setting our children up for failure.
Angela Hanscom, a pediatric occupational therapist, believes children - her daughter included - are struggling with social and sensory issues at an increasingly young age and sees it as "a growing epidemic" that will only get worse the more we as parents and educators push for academic readiness too early.
Some signs of these issues? She interviewed a respected preschool director who listed them:
- They are more easily frustrated, often crying at the drop of a hat
- They frequently fall out of their seats several times a day
- They are less attentive
- They run into each other and even the walls
- They have difficulty paying attention
- They can't control their emotions and use poor problem-solving methods
- They have a hard time with basic social interactions
"It is so strange," the director noted. "You never saw these issues in the past."
But now they are rampant, and although research points directly at the reason - that "young children learn best through meaningful play experiences" - preschools are still transitioning from play-based learning to becoming more focused on academic achievement.
"As parents and teachers strive to provide increasingly organized learning experiences for children, as I had once done, the opportunities for free play - especially outdoors is becoming less of a priority," Hanscom wrote in the Washington Post. "Ironically, it is through active free play outdoors where children start to build many of the foundational life skills they need in order to be successful for years to come."
And instead of letting these children engage in whole-body sensory experiences on a daily basis, they are seated at rows of desks and tasked with assignments involving pencil and paper.
As Hanscom points out, we can teach academics at any time, but once children reach the age of 7, it's nearly impossible to course-correct sensory, motor, and cognitive development - skills that shouldn't have to be taught at all.
Her recommendation is simple: "Children just need the time, the space, and the permission to be kids. Let the adult-directed learning experiences come later. Preschool children need to play!"
Simple, yes, but will parents and preschools come together to do something about it?
Man who faked physiotherapy licence recently worked at Halifax clinic using alias
A man with a lengthy history of faking his physiotherapy credentials, including during his time in the Canadian Forces, was until recently working under an assumed name as a manager in Atlantic Canada's largest hospital system, CBC News has learned.
6 Ways to Watch the Solar Eclipse Without Going Anywhere
The upcoming - and highly anticipated - total solar eclipse takes place on Aug. 21, and it's inspiring people to travel across the country to find the best viewing spots. Even Southwest Airlines is joining in on the fun, as the company recently announced themed flights that will allow passengers to watch the solar eclipse from the sky. However, if you're stuck at work or in a state where a total viewing isn't available, don't fear - the internet's here to save the day.
There are several ways to watch at work, home, or on the go. Bookmark these options now.
- NASA: Watch NASA's Eclipse Megacast on the agency's website, Facebook page, or YouTube channel. The live stream event will include interviews with scientists, film from several different places, and footage from airplanes, ground telescopes, and 57 "high-altitude balloons." On NASA's Facebook page, the agency will hold a livestream from Charleston, South Carolina beginning at 12 p.m. ET.
- Slooh: Of course, Slooh, which regularly live streams meteor showers, will also host one for the solar eclipse from Stanley, ID.
- San Francisco Exploratorium: If you need on-the-go coverage, the San Francisco Exploratorium will live stream the eclipse from both its website as well as the Total Solar Eclipse app, available on both iOS and Android. It will include telescope views from Oregon and Wyoming.
- CNN: Take your live streaming of the eclipse up a notch with CNN and Volvo, which are broadcasting it via 360-degree video in 4K resolution. You can watch it on CNN's website, the CNN app on iOS and Android, or a virtual reality headset.
- Science Channel: The Science Channel will live stream the solar eclipse from Madras, OR, via Facebook Live on its Facebook page. The company will also air a one-hour special of the day, called The Great American eclipse, at 9 p.m. ET.
- Twitter and the Weather Channel: Twitter is partnering with The Weather Channel to live stream the solar eclipse from 10 different locations in the US. The stream starts at 12 p.m. ET and will include live updates, GIFs, and drone footage.
Now you have zero excuses to miss the solar eclipse! If you do decide to watch this once-in-lifetime event in person, don't forget to follow NASA's safety tips to avoid injury. You can even pick up free solar eclipse viewing glasses from a local Warby Parker store.
10 Ways to Cool Down Your Skin After Spending a Day in the Sun
There is nothing more unpleasant than coming home from the beach or pool and discovering that your entire body and face have been roasted. Thankfully, there are countless beauty products made for soothing and hydrating your parched skin. Keep reading for 10 that will cool you down when you've had a little too much sun.
Why the "One and Done" Label Makes Me Cringe
The following story, "Why the 'One and Done' Label Makes Me Cringe," by Anna Davies was originally published on Boomdash.
I have some news . . .
I know what's coming in the ellipses. My stomach clenches and, even though I'm texting, I set my face in a smile. I'm ready.
The announcement takes many forms. There's the cutesy: Madeline is going to be a big sister! The coy: Looks like I'll be sticking to seltzer on our next girl's night. And of course, the obvious: I'm pregnant.
Of course, I send congratulations, exclamation points and baby-face emojis. Because I am excited for my friends. But each announcement is a reminder that, while they're continuing to grow their families, my two-year-old daughter, Lucy, is likely to remain an only child.
What surprises me every single time is just how much these announcements affect my mood. After all, why do I care if my friends have one kid or two kids or seven kids? Technically, I could have another child. But as a single parent, financially and logistically, sticking to only one kid makes sense. I joke about that, trying to downplay the hurt I feel at the center of my stomach. "I'll have another if I also have a husband or a million dollars. And right now, the million bucks seems more likely." It's a practiced line I've used at daycare drop off and mom groups and is always guaranteed to get a laugh.
But here's the thing: I feel like a failure for not having either the partner or the padded bank account that would allow me to provide my daughter with a sibling. I'm not an only child, and I don't know how I could have navigated certain aspects of my life without my two older brothers. They taught me how to swim, they bought me my first drink, and we all leaned on each other when our mother died seven years ago. So many family memories are stored in their brains. They know things about me my parents never did and I am closer to both of them than I am anyone else on the planet. They're my "people," who will Lucy's "people" be?
Of course, things could change. I'm 33 now; Lucy is two. If I met someone today, Lucy could easily have a brother or sister by the time she's five. But still, that age gap means they won't share a childhood - and that's something I also mourn. My brothers are nine and ten years older than me, although I always loved them, we didn't become close until I reached my twenties. I was always jealous of their 15-month age gap, the fact they had the same friend group and shared experiences, like an epic party they hosted during a summer between college - one that is still discussed in our small town more than 20 years later. Meanwhile, that same weekend, I was 9 years old and stuck on a "family" trip to a flower show with just my parents, feeling lonely and left out in the back seat. Going to amusement parks with just my parents always felt weird; I always wanted to be part of a bigger group of kids.
Not only that, I felt ready to be pregnant again just weeks after giving birth to Lucy. Pregnancy had been relatively easy for me, I would have loved to do it again knowing that what came next - a newborn - wasn't nearly as terrifying as I had envisioned. And while I'm not proud of it, part of the reason why I want another child is for my ego: Think I'm doing an awesome job with one? Just watch me with two.
I know that I should take stock in what I have - a sunny, rebellious, doggie-loving 2-year-old who says "help you?" and runs around the house to find my shoes every morning. I know that I am lucky that the door to another child is potentially open to me; that many parents of an only child didn't necessarily make that choice. But I also think it's equally important to acknowledge the sadness that comes from realizing the family you always imagined having is not necessarily the family you get.
Out of interest, I recently joined a "one and done" Facebook group. Many of the moms there celebrate the choice in having only one child, which doesn't reflect my situation. Others feel just as conflicted as I do, but have physical reasons why it's not an option. That's not my situation, either. Making the decision to have only one child - especially when it doesn't feel like a decision so much as a necessity - is, for lack of a better word, lonely.
Right now, with all Lucy's friends hitting their second birthdays, the announcements for second kids seem to be coming in fast and furious. I know I'll always feel that pang when I hear the news, or hold a newborn, but I also know that the family Lucy and I have created together is still evolving. Maybe there will be more kids. Maybe there won't. But I will say that the real, imperfect family we've created is a million times better than the three-kid family that exists in my imagination.
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"We're All Queens in Our Own Queendoms" - Noomi Rapace on Women Kicking Ass at the Movies
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - days of the week, sure, but also cinema's latest female ass-kickers du jour in What Happened to Monday, Netflix's brutal, bloody sci-fi romp starring Noomi Rapace.
The Swedish actress stars in the streaming network's dystopian action flick, out Aug. 18, as identical septuplets named after each day of the week. All seven sisters have grown up living in hiding thanks to the government's law restricting families to one child only due to overpopulation, so their grandfather (Willem Dafoe) allows them out of the house only on the day corresponding with their name. They're able to maintain one public identity through adulthood, until a government agency led by the steely Glenn Close picks up on the scam. Monday doesn't return home after her day out, and soon enough her sisters savagely work their way through a long line of agents (and end up getting picked off in gory fashion themselves) in an effort to save her.
Signing on to play a character who flings herself out of second story windows and chops off fingers is not an unusual choice for Rapace, who has steadily built her career around projects that allow the slight, 5'4" star to fully embrace her physicality after a childhood spent practicing martial arts. "I don't really go and chase [those roles]," Rapace tells me during a recent phone call. "I'm very drawn to physical parts because I like doing all of that and it's always a fun ride, but it always needs to be coming out of a character and be character driven. When it's just pure action, that doesn't really do much for me. I like an action movie with real drama."
After hypnotizing audiences with her raw, gritty performance as Lisbeth Salander in the 2009 adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Rapace racked up action-heavy roles in films like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Prometheus. She carries the latter film on her shoulders, enduring a stomach-churning, self-induced alienectomy that rivals Alien's iconic chest-burster scene and cemented her as one of Hollywood's most gifted action stars. Though she might not have consciously sought out parts to showcase her combat-ready skills since then, her choices did not go unnoticed by What Happened to Monday director Tommy Wirkola, who made a massive change to the script so that Rapace could star after multiple attempts to cast her in some of his previous projects.
"I was terrified. It was like, 'If this doesn't work, it's all on me.' I stepped into this knowing that I had to do something I've never done before and no one's done before."
"He called me up and said, 'So, Noomi, I have this project, I want you to read it. It's actually seven brothers, but if you want to want to do it with me, because I can only imagine you doing this, I want to change it into women, to seven sisters.' Then he sent me the script and I read it, and I called the next day saying, 'OK. Absolutely, yes.' But I was terrified," she recalls. "It was like, 'If this doesn't work, it's all on me.' I stepped into this knowing that I had to do something I've never done before and no one's done before, because it's not seven clones. It's not a person with multiple personalities. It's actually seven different people."
Rapace immediately began working closely with What Happened to Monday's screenwriter to fully flesh out each of the sisters so that they felt "real and solid, like a real person." As she began the journey to make Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday feel more like women you know rather than shallow caricatures, she was surprised to find pieces of her own past staring back at her.
"What was kind of amazing was I realized that they are all me," she says, laughing. "It's like seven versions of me at different times in my life. There was a time in my life when I was more like Wednesday, when I was only training all the time, doing kung fu and Thai boxing, a complete tomboy. And then I was more rebellious, a punk rocker, more like Thursday, kind of angry and explosive. It's been interesting to realize that it's all in me. I have them all."
Now, more than ever, female characters in action movies are getting to be more than Just One Thing: the sexy sidekick, the scientist, a secretary.
Saturday, the most complex and feminine of the bunch, was Rapace's personal favorite, however. She enjoyed exploring the character's "flirty, sexual humor" and sincerity, and prepared to embody the character by listening to a lot of Rihanna and Beyoncé. Though Saturday isn't the toughest sister or the one who gets to go to town on a high-tech punching bag, she's closer to the recent spate of feminist heroes leading the movies this Summer. Women have certainly been holding their own in action-heavy films for a while now (Rapace is proof), but now, more than ever, female characters in action movies are getting to be more than Just One Thing: the sexy sidekick, the scientist, a secretary. Instead, women are taking over as action stars in their own right. Characters like Wonder Woman's Diana Prince and Atomic Blonde's Lorraine Broughton have refreshingly frank (and positive) approaches to sex, and never once falter or pause to question their own self-worth all while saving the entire damn world. It's a welcome trend, to be sure, and it's not surprising in the least to Rapace.
"It feels like I've been doing these kind of parts - running, fighting, surviving - for many, many years. I can totally see the wave of films coming out now with really strong women doing parts that men normally do," she says. "Just the fact that they changed What Happened to Monday from being seven brothers into seven sisters for me, I think that is something that's happening more and more, and it's amazing. Obviously it's time for a change, because it's been too many years of women being simply something to light up and spice up male-dominated films. That era is totally over."
For a woman who grew up watching Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis paint the town red in Thelma and Louise and who cites the moment in True Romance when Patricia Arquette and James Gandolfini fight to the death as one of her "favorite scenes, ever," it's no wonder she became the actress she is today (and why Wirkola bent over backwards to make sure she was a part of his film). Fortunately for all of us who adore watching Rapace kick ass on the regular, there's plenty more on the way. After What Happened to Monday premieres, she has a role in the CIA thriller Unlocked alongside Orlando Bloom and Toni Collette, and then Netflix's big-budget fantasy-crime flick Bright in November (in which she plays an elf who beats up Will Smith, naturally).
"I think it's amazing that things are changing," she adds. "It's a strong, good message to girls today. Women are not objects. We are not here to be judged and looked at as just sex symbols or cute, nice girlfriends. We are who we are. We're all queens in our own queendoms."
8 Things You Never Knew About Starbucks, Straight From a Former Employee
I spoke to a former Starbucks employee who worked there for about three years, and she gave me all the insider details I wanted to know. What's it really like to work there? Do baristas really rip off customers by intentionally underfilling lattes? What's the deal with the secret menu? Behold, her tell-all responses:
You can ask for light ice in your iced drinks to get way more for your money.
"If you order an iced drink, ask for light ice and you will get way more of whatever was in your cup."
And to save money on hot drinks, order it in a bigger cup.
That's right. You can order a grande latte "in a venti cup," and you'll basically be getting the larger drink for the smaller price. "Most baristas will be lazy and just make a lot of steamed milk and fill the bigger cup up all the way to the top."
The one thing that drives baristas INSANE is . . .
Saying, "Actually, can I get that cold?" after you've already ordered a hot drink. It's an inconvenience and someone has probably already started making your drink the way it was ordered.
Baristas are NOT asked to "underfill" lattes.
Although Starbucks faced a lawsuit for underfilling its lattes, this barista assures us that is not a company-endorsed policy for saving money. If your drink is less than impressive, the problem might be . . . you. She elaborated, "No one has ever said anything about that. I always filled my cups to the brim like we were told. But the truth is, most of the time if your drink sucks, you were probably rude to the barista and they didn't like you. So be kind!"
Employees receive great benefits.
"If you're full-time, you get dental and health insurance options. The one amazing thing I got from working there was my stock in Starbucks: over three years, I made about $400 when I finally sold my share."
If you love coffee, it's the best job.
You don't even have to be a morning person to enjoy working at Starbucks. "Making coffee is soothing, especially at 4 a.m. when all you want to do is stick your nose in the grounds and wake up." You also get to drink unlimited drinks - for free! This woman loved her Starbucks job and highly recommends working there: "I loved it very much. We were more of a family there," she said.
You CAN order from the secret menu, but it's discouraged.
You're probably aware that a not-so-secret Starbucks secret menu exists, but it's not something the company endorses. "Most of the time our managers didn't want us to make them because technically they're not on the menu. I didn't care about making them really, except when people got mad because it 'didn't taste the same as the other Starbucks.' Well, that would be because it's made-up, and there's no real way to make those drinks." So order your secret menu Frappuccinos with caution.
Starbucks really does donate all unsold food.
Ever wonder what happens to all those unsold pastries at the end of the day? Starbucks recently announced its plans to donate 100 percent of all leftover food to feed the hungry, and this former employee confirmed that her location has practiced this all along. "I know a lot of people think that's fake, but I personally packed the food and have seen it get picked up by different organizations. If you're in need of food, try asking your local Starbucks when they close."
How to Make Your Legs Look Longer in a Swimsuit
High-waisted bikini bottoms nip at the smallest part of your torso to highlight your curves, and scalloped edges give your booty a boost. But when it comes to your legs, there's one swimsuit silhouette that will lend you some length: the high-leg cut. It's exactly like you're picturing: fabric that curves upward right above your thigh, adding inches at the highest point of your stems, right below the hips. Read on for a few examples you can shop right now - two-pieces and maillots included - and jog your way down the beach Baywatch style. Things are about to get leggy up in here.
10 Affordable Ways to Get the Bedroom of Your Dreams
If most of your decorating budget is going into the living room, you're probably panicking about your barren bedroom. Luckily, we've got your back. These affordable hacks only look expensive, so no one has to know you pulled it together on a shoestring budget. Check out our 10 favorite tricks for styling a dreamy boudoir.
Here's How You Can Shop at Costco Without Paying For a Membership
As affordable and awesome as Costco is, there's one slight stipulation that might deter some people from shopping there: the annual membership fee ($60 and up). But in exciting news for bargain shoppers everywhere, Costco is now available on Instacart, the service that delivers groceries to your door. Plenty of grocery stores including Whole Foods and Target have been available on Instacart for a while, but the addition of Costco is a game changer in particular - it's a way to work around the membership and get access to all your favorite Costco groceries. OK, you will be missing out on Costco's popular free samples, but you can always use your friend's membership to get your fix every now and then.
However, a downside of Instacart is that there's sometimes a markup on certain stores' groceries, including Costco. POPSUGAR reached out to Instacart to confirm that there is a 15 percent or higher markup on Costco items sold on Instacart. That means you're paying a higher price than you would in-store, but you're saving on the cost of the membership. For example, Costco's famous rotisserie chicken is $5 in stores but is listed as a little over $6 on Instacart. If the convenience of delivery is worth the steeper prices to you, you're winning out in the end.
Costco delivery through Instacart is available in more than 40 cities in states across the US, and you can see if it's available near you if you're too curious not to try it out.
19 Photos of Taye Diggs and His Son, Walker, Being as Precious as Can Be
Taye Diggs and his son, Walker, are two peas in a pod, if the photos the actor frequently shares on Instagram are anything to go by. The 7-year-old, whom Taye shares with ex-wife Idina Menzel, is already learning to live a judgment-free life full of love, according to stories Taye shared when POPSUGAR recently sat down with him. "I grew up judgmental, and it didn't serve me well," he said. "So I'm doing whatever I can to kind of, in an organic as possible way, to lead him in the direction of accepting."
Taye went on to reveal a special moment he shared with Walker in the car after driving his son to school that made him proud: "I let someone get ahead of me on the road, and I was patting myself on the back to Walker. And then the dude went in front of me and didn't give me that thank you, and that upsets me," Taye said. "And then Walker said, 'Wait a minute, Daddy. Don't get mad, maybe he was just having a bad day.' That was an a-ha moment, where I was like, 'OK it's working. He's teaching me.'"
And beyond teaching him to love, Taye also wants to teach Walker to be healthy, which is why he partnered with Naked Juice for the Drink Good Do Good campaign. For this project, Naked Juice and Wholesome Wave are donating fresh produce to people who don't have access to it, for every selfie posted with the #DrinkGoodDoGood hashtag. A project like this is close to Taye's heart, because when he was growing up, he was one of those 30 million people who didn't have as much access to the right foods. Now that he has the means to eat the best food possible, he wants Walker to do the same, and he wants to help the rest of the world do it too.
To see all of Taye's awesome parenting moments in action, keep reading for more adorable photos. Trust me when I say they're one of the sweetest pairs you've ever seen.
16 Swimsuit Style Moves Every Blogger Makes
This season, we're vowing to confidently embrace our best swimsuit style. Sure, it can be intimidating to boldly rock your suit, but believe it: there's a look out there that works for everyone - and every body. On that note, we tracked down a few fashion girls who embody the cool-girl swimwear vibes we're after. These 16 women have a range of swimwear that's perfect for picking up some tips just in time for Summer. Read on to get inspired by a few real beach babes making waves.
20 Zumba Videos to the Hottest Latinx Songs of 2017
This year has been one full of hot songs released by our favorite Latinx artists. Don't even get us started on Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito" breaking every record or Jennifer Lopez featuring Gente de Zona's "Ni Tu Ni Yo"! The best part of all of this is that Zumba instructors everywhere felt inspired by these tunes and uploaded their own dance workout routines on YouTube. They make it super easy to get a workout in from the comfort of your own home to the songs you've been getting down to anyway.
Trust us when we tell you that you will use parts of your body you didn't even know existed, but it will be fun because you will be moving along to some of your favorite tunes. Grab some workout gear and put our theory to the test.
The Completely Addictive Method of Grilling Steak
The reverse sear method for cooking steak is arguably one of the best indoor techniques, and a similar concept can be applied when grilling steak outdoors on a charcoal grill. Instead of slow-cooking in the oven, the steak is first smoked (positioned away from the charcoal), and instead of searing on a skillet, the steak is finished directly over the charcoal for just a few minutes on each side. You're left with perfectly juicy steak and a crisp exterior, no burnt bits or accidental overcooking. You can do this, grill master, you.
Here's what you'll need:
- A charcoal grill
- Hardwood lump charcoal
- Gelled alcohol
- Stick lighter
- Barbecue tongs
- Mesquite wood chunks (or any other type)
- 2 (12-ounce) strip steaks (at least 1-inch thick)
- Ghee or clarified butter
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
65 Snaps That Prove Ashley Graham Is Ridiculously Sexy
Model Ashley Graham made headlines thanks to prime placement in 2016's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The size-14 stunner's ad campaign for swimsuit retailer SwimsuitsForAll was also the first-ever plus-size swimsuit ad to run in the annual issue in 2015. Ashley has been a working model since the early 2000s and has become something of an advocate for introducing more plus-size models in the fashion industry and promoting body positivity in general. Back in May 2016, she steamed up the video for DNCE's "Toothbrush," starring as Joe Jonas's love interest.
In a previous interview with POPSUGAR Fashion, the beauty said of her recent success, "Finally the industry is recognizing what many of us have always known: curves are sexy. I hope this sparks more momentum for women to flaunt their curves, whether it's at the pool or while on vacation or as part of a major ad campaign. The world is ready to see more curves in bikinis!" We'll say. In honor of Ashley's success (and her all-around badassness in general), we've rounded up some of her sexiest swimsuit snaps, all courtesy of her personal Instagram. Keep reading to see them all now.
We Are Obsessing Over These Topshop Jeans - and They're All Under $80
Denim is the type of closet staple that's always there for you. Whether you're going to a romantic dinner or just meeting friends for a rooftop brunch, jeans are versatile and can easily be styled to suit your needs. Wear them with flat mules for something casual, or cuff the bottoms and slip on sky-high heels. Since you can never acquire too many, we turned to Topshop to see what they had for the season. Up ahead, see our favorite picks - all under $80.
These Are the 10 Best Foundations, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
If you want to improve your makeup game, the key is to start with a good foundation. For many, that's easier said than done. Shade matching and finding that unicorn formula - the one that looks like a better version of your skin instead of a cakey mask - can seem impossible. To help make the search for Mr. Right Foundation easier, we took these challenges to the pros in hopes of separating the flaky from the flawless. Read on for some of the ones they and their celebrity clients have come to love.
Stressed? Kat Von D's New Easy-Peasy Guide to Contouring Will Chill You Out
If you're like us, you probably have zero chill when it comes to makeup products. Sometimes we stress out over our contour. And if you're a powder-lover, the idea of switching to cream contouring may seem slightly traitorous (not to mention difficult!).
Luckily, Kat Von D's new tutorial for her popular Shade + Light Crème Contour Palette($49), makes it look not only easy, but also relaxing. Seriously, if you're stressed, this video is even better than those kinetic sand ones. Ahead, find the video's best tips, step by step.
F*ck Diamond Rings - We Just Want Nike's New Swarovski Sneakers
Exactly two decades after the initial release of the Air Max 97, Nike debuted revamped versions of the classic sneaker. Now, Nike is at it again with a little help from Swarovski. The two brands recently collaborated to create a silver Air Max 97 sneaker in Swarovski's unique Crystal Fabric. The blinged-out sneakers are made with material that is embedded with over 50,000 miniscule crystals in a very specific pattern.
This isn't the first time Swarovski and Nike have collaborated: in March, Nike released a similar Swarovski version of the black Air Max 97 shoe after designers visited the Swarovski headquarters in Wattens, Austria. Now, Nike is releasing the silver counterpart.
In a press statement, the material design director for NikeWomen Sportswear, Marie Crow, said, "This was such an exciting project in terms of material innovation," adding, "We were looking to explore shine and durability in a new and innovative way, and we loved the juxtaposition of the Crystal Fabric's tough sparkle to reinvent an already iconic shoe."
The silver Air Max 97 LX Swarovski will be available for $400 on Sept. 7 at select retailers. Ahead, browse pictures of both mystifying styles.
How a Mom Used Her Earrings to Prove That She Was Invisible After Giving Birth
Like many new moms, Anastasia Aligiannis noticed that things changed after giving birth to her baby boy. She felt like she had become completely invisible and to prove her point, she took out one of her earrings.
It took seven months before anyone noticed that she was only wearing one earring, despite being surrounded by family and friends. "All those social interactions, and no one ever looked me square in the face and noticed," she shared on Facebook. "It sort of cemented to me that as a very busy mom of then two children under two who 'just stayed at home' or 'didn't work.' I had almost become invisible not just to society, but to my family and friends, and really maybe even to myself."
Anastasia explained that even conversations over the phone followed a similar pattern: people asking how her children and husband are but never following up with asking about her. "I guess people figured if the people it was my responsibility to care for were OK, then I must be," she wrote.
Although many new moms can relate and may even smile in recognition, Anastasia made it clear that the point of her post wasn't to be funny but instead to send a message. "If today you are feeling overwhelmed, invisible or like you don't matter, you do. You are so important and are probably the cog that keeps everything running smoothly," she wrote. "Keep up the good work, and if no one else says it to you this week, know that you are invaluable in the work you do and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed."
Crying at Work: How to Do It the Right Way
In an interview about workplace dos and don'ts, Samantha Bee was once asked if crying at the office was OK, and she replied, "You can, definitely. That's a 'do.'" She then added, "But only if Jon Stewart is your boss because he's really, really nice about it."
Because it's unlikely that Jon Stewart is your boss, needing to cry while you're at work can be a tricky thing to navigate. Recent studies have shown that many people still view crying at the office as a sign of incompetence.
But let's be real: sometimes it's just going to happen. We're human beings. Workplace frustrations along with stress and negativity in the outside world can simply prove too overwhelming. So what should you do? Next time you feel the familiar prickling in the nose and teary eyes, try one of these tricks to find some relief.
The 10 Commandments of the Middle School Mom
The word "awkward" can be used to accurately describe nearly every aspect of being a mother to a kid in middle school. The transition to a new school at the ripe age of tween is difficult for children, yes, but it's also difficult for parents - mature topics start to come up, boundaries are confusing, your child seems to have multiple personalities, and phases (both good and bad) start coming and going before you can even comprehend what's going on - so mamas, we're here for you.
These are the 10 commandments of the middle school mom that can hopefully get you through those three years without too much drama.
The CB2 Pieces You Need to Snag For Fall (Before They Sell Out)
Pumpkin-spiced treats are nice, and back-to-school shopping is always fun, but why not treat your home to some Autumn TLC? Your digs deserve a seasonal refresh just like the rest of your life, and CB2 just made it very tempting with its new releases. From funky palm-tree floor lamps to on-trend oil-slick teapots - and don't even get us started on the drool-inducing selection of retro seating - CB2's got that something special you need to feather your nest for Fall. Check out our favorite picks ahead.
Your Kitchen Will Be Unrecognizable When You Swap in These Budget-Friendly Ikea Products
Over the years, Ikea has morphed from the go-to furniture store for college students to the premier destination for affordable, stylish designs for all. And the brand's kitchen products are no exception. Ikea kitchens are reasonably priced and also put a premium on functionality. Pair this with their on-trend designs and eye for detail, and you have a pretty unbeatable one-stop shop for kitchens. With its latest designs and kitchen products, Ikea has proved that you don't have to shell out thousands of dollars to get your dream kitchen.
37 Things to Let Go of Right Now
There are plenty of things people say you should start doing to help improve ourselves, but there are a few habits we should all let go of as well. Make this year your best year yet by letting go of thoughts and actions that can bring you down, and instead begin habits that will make you happier. Read on for ideas!
The Harry Potter Fan Theory That J.K. Rowling Finds "Strangely Upsetting"
While J.K. Rowling typically entertains - or just doesn't acknowledge - circulating Harry Potter fan theories, she has some pretty strong feelings about one involving Dumbledore and horcruxes.
One of the YouTube vloggers behind SuperCarlinBrothers, Jonathan Carlin, fleshed out a theory that Professor Dumbledore's animal companion, Fawkes, was actually a horcrux - implying that the greatest wizard of all time dabbled in dark magic.
Per Rowling's universe, horcruxes are created to attain immortality. However, they also involve murdering someone else in order to make one. This theory posits that though Dumbledore didn't deliberately murder anyone, he did still harbor guilt over the death of his sister, which he ultimately blamed himself for. Since Dumbledore pinned his sister's murder on his own neglect, he theoretically had a chance to perform dark magic and create a horcrux. You can watch a video about the theory below.
Though Carlin makes a strong case for this theory, Rowling straight up denied it when it was brought to her attention on Twitter - and even went so far as to call it "upsetting."
The idea that anybody believes this is strangely upsetting to me. https://t.co/G4RlSB9kEI
- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 4, 2016
As other people on Twitter noted, Dumbledore didn't fear death and therefore did not desire immortality. His incomparable goodness also makes it really hard to believe that he would do something so evil in nature. Luckily, we can all let out a sigh of relief and thank Rowling for at least acknowledging this troubling one.
30 Things That Grandparents Should Never Do
Grandparents are some of the most important figures in any child's life, and nobody wants to set a bad example! To ensure your grandkids the happiest family environment imaginable, there are a few steps to take as a grandma or grandpa. From inciting sugar-fueled chaos to behaving manipulatively toward family members, here are 30 things that grandparents should never do.
We're Not Picking Favorites, but Dylan Sprouse Is Looking Mighty Fine These Days
The Sprouse twins are making a comeback, you guys. After their hit Disney Channel show The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and its spinoff The Suite Life on Deck wrapped in 2011, the brothers decided to take some time off from acting to attend NYU like regular young adults. But they're slowly starting to return to the spotlight, thank goodness. While Cole has made a new name for himself playing the broodingly handsome Jughead Jones on Riverdale, his older brother Dylan has graced us with some gorgeous appearances of his own. Now, we're not going to say he's had a "glow up" because honestly, we've had a crush on the Sprouse twins since we were tweens, but he is certainly looking mighty fine as of late, and it needs to be acknowledged. Sharp suits? Check. Smoldering stare? Check. Luscious, flowing locks? Double check. Take it all in below.
The Term "Rainbow Baby" Has Been Around Much Longer Than You Thought
As metaphors go, describing grief as a storm is pretty accurate. Where happiness and clarity once were, now everything seems dark, volatile, and all-consuming. For families who have experienced the loss of a baby, the storm can be especially dark; they are mourning not just the loss of a life, but also what could have been. In truth, the storm that comes from the death of a baby is something that never goes away, but slowly, over time, beams of happiness can begin to peek through. For some families, a rainbow baby helps the healing process.
A rainbow baby is the child that a woman births after the loss of a previous baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant mortality. In essence, the new baby is supposed to signify light at the end of (or during) the storm of grief.
Coined deep in the comments section of baby blogs and message boards around 2008, it's easy to see the appeal. In contrast to the darkness of the family's grief, a new baby is a burst of optimism and hope. There is also a possible religious connection from the story of Noah. According to the Bible, God tells Noah that the rainbow will appear after a storm as a symbol of God's covenant and love for all those living.
The phrase seems to have gained momentum recently, stepping out of the message boards and into the public consciousness. Rainbow-baby-centric maternity photo shoots, op-eds, and custom special onesies are now a common part of the pregnancy experience.
This uptick in exposure seemingly coincides with an increased awareness about miscarriage and stillbirth. Long believed to be a silent struggle, now women are more vocal about their experiences with the death of a baby. Considering that 25 percent of all pregnancies end in either miscarriage or stillbirth, it's something that affects a lot of women.
"All women handle grief differently and may or may not find the term helpful based on their own loss."
POPSUGAR spoke with Lara, a woman who is currently pregnant with her rainbow baby who wishes to use a pseudonym since her family does not yet know. With her previous pregnancy, at seven weeks she endured a miscarriage. While she understand the purpose behind the term, she doesn't feel connected to it.
"I didn't have many pregnancy symptoms, I never heard a heartbeat or saw an ultrasound, I didn't feel the baby kick inside me, I didn't have a bump. Other than two pink lines on a stick, I barely experienced pregnancy at all," she tells POPSUGAR. "That said, the minute you find out you're pregnant, you immediately start planning the future. You think about names, you start planning a nursery in your head, a gender reveal, and telling loved ones. Although I grieved and was incredibly disappointed when I miscarried, I didn't feel like I lost a baby, but more the possibility of a baby."
The relationship that women and families have with the term is incredibly personal and connected to their own healing process. Some believe the term shouldn't apply to them, and others believe that it belittles the grieving process. When a baby is taken away from a parent, the process of grieving is a long and deeply personal journey that never fully heals. By labeling a baby as a "rainbow," some feel that it diminishes the experience of loss or implies that the new baby has completely healed the heartache.
"All women handle grief differently and may or may not find the term helpful based on their own loss," Lara continued. "Many women will blame themselves after such tragedy, going through so many moments of self-doubt and depression."
Yet for many women, the phrase is a signifier of hope. After experiencing such a deep and intimate loss, this little bit of bright color can begin to draw them away from the darkness.
Luisana Lopilato and Michael Bublé's Family Is So Cute, It Almost Hurts
When one of our favorite child actresses married one of the most romantic singers of all time, we could barely contain our excitement. And as time has passed and Argentinian actress Luisana Lopilato - who remembers Chiquititas and the original Rebelde, Rebelde Way? - and Michael Bublé have grown their family with the addition of their two sons, Noah and Elias, their relationship has only gotten cuter, filled with sweet moments with their kids. From adorable cuddly photos in bed to lazy afternoons watching Luisana's soccer team, River Plate, on TV, scroll ahead for some of their best family photos.
23 Quotes From Selena Gomez That'll Make You Love Her Even More
Selena Gomez has kept it real over the past few months, speaking her mind and letting everyone know she's a woman ready to take the world. But that confidence the "Hands to Myself" singer is oozing isn't new. Selena has been full of inspirational words since she was a young Disney star vlogging with BFF Demi Lovato, giving fans solid advice. Her self-awareness and insight are to be admired, and her strong words through the years will seriously make you love her even more. Scroll ahead to read just a few of her best quotes.
Embracing My Scars as a Transgender Man
Aron A. Moe Macarow is a writer, web developer, and public speaker.
Before I had top surgery, I always assumed that I'd parade my newly flat, masculine chest around outside at every opportunity. But that wasn't quite how it happened. Although I was out as transgender, I had little experience being seen as trans in the way that I forever would be after surgery. While I was less noticeable as a trans man in many respects, going shirtless presented new vulnerabilities that took time to fully appreciate. I was proud of my chest. But my scars? They were another matter entirely.
The first time I took off my shirt in public and had someone ask me about my chest scars, I was on a group trip in Israel with my partner. It was a warm Spring night, and six of us were on a beach at a kibbutz in the Galilee. The company was mixed; not mixed as in men and women (although that was true as well), but the more significant kind of "mixed." I was the only transgender person present.
"If it's not too personal, can I ask what your scars are from?" a guy on our trip politely asked partway through our conversation. He didn't know that I'd transitioned yet. Neither did most of the other couples on our bus.
"Double lung transplant," I deadpanned. My answer might have been a mildly panicked attempt at humor; I'm still not sure. It was definitely all that came to mind.
Before we flew out of Los Angeles to Tel Aviv, I had meant to think through an answer to that question. During an 11-day tour with 38 other people, I knew my scars would invariably come up. But I'd put it off. While thrilled to finally have my top surgery - I would be able to float shirtless in the Dead Sea! I wouldn't have to wear a chest binder while hiking in Petra's sweltering heat! - I also dreaded the questions that my surgical scars would birth. And even though nearly eight and a half months had passed since my procedure, I'd somehow managed to avoid planning for those inevitable conversations.
I was ecstatic with my results, but taking pride in them was something else. That pride seemed like a public comfort that was out of reach. Instead, I simply felt exposed - and nervous.
This might come as a surprise to those who know me, and why wouldn't it? I've written and spoken openly about my experience as a transgender man, and I'm out as queer and trans in most areas of my life. I was even fairly open about my journey toward top surgery itself. Even the moniker I assigned my fundraising campaign, "Operation Hipster Tank Top," came from the sleeveless shirts that I had always ogled but could never wear without a telltale binder showing.
Still, it was one thing to be happy with my new chest privately and entirely another to have my scars in full view. Those 19 inches split into two red lines shouted to any passerby that I was once seen in the world as a woman. Scars tell stories, and that visceral reminder wasn't one I was ready to share yet.
That's starting to change.
Looking in the mirror today, about two years after that first question about my scars and almost three years after the surgery, I still see both incisions that clearly mark me as transgender, although they've since faded to a soft pink. But as they've softened, they've also seeped inward, developing a significance I couldn't have predicted before surgery. I'm beginning to grow proud of my scars.
In the United States, the average top surgery can range anywhere from $3,500 to $9,000, and some well-known surgeons command even higher rates. Because these gender-affirming surgeries are frequently not covered by medical insurance, this can leave transgender people to cover the large sum themselves. I was one of those people, with the total bill from my surgery exceeding $14,000.
How does a 20-something afford a surgery like this without the help of insurance? It often takes a village, and that's what I encounter every time I look at my scars - the love of my community. I imagine the signatures from all 58 backers of my fundraising campaign, like tattoos on my skin. I see the support of my partner and my family. I acknowledge the skill of plastic surgeons who have devoted their careers to making a small population's lives immeasurably better. I recall the years of multiple jobs that I took to save up the first $10,000 of the payment.
Instead of looking past my scars to the chest that I want, I choose to confront them directly now. And through them, I've found a portal that reminds me of some of the best of what the LGBTQ community and our allies are capable of when we all band together.
Scars tell stories, and to my surprise, mine have begun to say more than I expected. I just had to learn how to listen.
You'll Giggle For Days When You See Who's President on This Letter From the White House
My British-born husband takes his oath of citizenship today. In the packet for new Americans, the welcome letter from POTUS is from Obama. 😂 http://pic.twitter.com/O56cMj0hhx
- Aisha Sultan (@AishaS) July 14, 2017
STLtoday columnist Aisha Sultan gave many people something to smile about when she shared photos of her British husband's citizenship welcome letter. The now-viral photo features an official White House letterhead at the top and shows former president Barack Obama as the current POTUS instead of President Trump. Obama's signature is stamped at the bottom of the heartwarming welcoming letter, which talks about embracing incoming immigrants as part of the American family, a stark contrast to the anti-immigration rhetoric Trump has long stood for. The irony of it all was not lost on those who viewed it.
omg they haven't updated that yet? https://t.co/G4hV5bWAOU
- Andrew Losowsky (@losowsky) July 14, 2017
This is ... strange ... https://t.co/K4pKdIIG3z
- Arwa Gunja (@Arwa_Gunja) July 14, 2017
Most people were generally excited about the possibility of living in an alternate universe where Obama is still our president.
Congrats Aisha. My UK-born husband became a citizen under Obama, and looking back, we took it for granted.
- Amanda Kolson Hurley (@amandakhurley) July 15, 2017
Congratulations! You are very lucky.
- Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) July 15, 2017
Amazing. https://t.co/1mGI8EwF36
- Alex Gervasi (@AlexontheMic) July 15, 2017
Perfect http://pic.twitter.com/jbCA1Mka0m
- kelly oxford (@kellyoxford) July 15, 2017
Actually I hope they keep it that way, the only welcome letter that matters: it's the one I received when I became citizen. Respect, O! 🙌 https://t.co/fyWHITjcGW
- FrancescoFrancavilla (@f_francavilla) July 15, 2017
http://pic.twitter.com/JTRyI7vW6c
- kim (@kim) July 14, 2017
While it's unclear why the change from Obama to Trump hasn't yet been made, it is clear that many people are going to enjoy it while it lasts.
Unicorn Lashes' New Millenial Pink, Glitter Makeup Brushes Fulfill Every Beauty Fantasy
UK-based brand Unicorn Lashes has been blessing us with mystical unicorn brushes for the last year. Now, it's launching Collectors Edition Platinum Brushes (approximately $68), and we've never wanted a brush set more.
The newest collection features silver glitter-adorned unicorn-horn handles and fluffy millennial pink-hued bristles. The package includes a total of 10 brushes, so you'll be able to apply a full face of makeup with just one set. Five brushes in the collection are bestselling brushes from Unicorn Lashes' previous brush lines, and the other five brushes are brand new to this set.
When you purchase the magical collection, you'll also receive a glitter-adorned, diamond-shaped carrying case, featuring a slot for each brush. Unfortunately, this collection is only available in limited quantities, so if you've got your magic-loving heart set on it, we suggest preordering it now before it goes on sale.
Ahead, feast your eyes on the glistening array.
America's Favorite Grocery Store Is Revealed - and You've Probably Never Heard of It
Every grocery store has its devoted shoppers - Whole Foods has the all-organic consumers, Publix wins for sandwich lovers, and Trader Joe's scores the frozen food connoisseurs, but a new study proves that America's most loved supermarket is surprisingly not any of the above - it's Kroger.
Morning Consult Intelligence surveyed 35,000 customers to see if they were "favorable" or "unfavorable" toward 500 different companies. Well, numbers don't lie, and in the grocery category, Kroger pulled in 53 percent of the "favorable" votes. Following Kroger, Whole Foods had 48 percent, Safeway had 40 percent, and Albertsons and Publix each had 33 percent.
According to Food & Wine, the Spring 2017 Most Loved Brands list looked at companies based on the market share, so the chains that make the cut are typically the ones with the highest number of locations. If you're wondering why Trader Joe's didn't make the list, it can only be explained by the fact that there are nearly six times as many Kroger grocery stores than TJ's locations, and they were likely not included in the survey . . . it has nothing to do with the frickin' delicious Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage.
This Bride's Gorgeous, Sheer Wedding Gown Will Give You Major Heart Eyes
We were casually scrolling through Instagram when we spotted Isabel Roth's gorgeous wedding in Puglia, Italy. While the bride's picturesque wedding to Jake Stein was the stuff of dreams, it was her stunning wedding dress that really stole the show.
The gorgeous bride wore a sheer wedding dress by Lebanese designer Reem Acra that featured a high neckline and long, lace sleeves. The bottom of the dress was completely sheer, revealing a figure-hugging nude slip.
If you look closely, you'll notice that there's intricate beading within the floral lace designs. As for the finishing touches, the bride wore a delicate floral crown and matching sheer veil, making her the most luxurious kind of bohemian bride. Have a look at her incredible wedding dress ahead.
20 Smart Tips to Get Your Home Ready For Fall
Fall-lovers, rejoice: our favorite season is just around the corner! While some of us are squeezing the last bit of Summer out of these next few weeks, others are just counting down the days until the crisp, cool weather begins. Whatever your opinion of Fall, now is a great time to start getting your home ready for the change in the seasons. From small updates to larger maintenance tasks, whether you take on the whole list or choose just a few, these tips are sure to get your home ready for the Autumn weather.
These Are the Chores Your Child Should Be Doing This Year Based on Their Age
If you're a mama who feels like she's doing literally everything around the house, including picking up after your very capable kids, we know how you feel. It makes some parents feel guilty to give their children mundane responsibilities like taking out the garbage, and some moms follow the "if I do it, it'll get done faster and better" mode of thinking. But the truth is, our children can - and probably should - handle more than we think.
We're not suggesting you turn your child into a regular Mrs. Doubtfire, but there are a bunch of tasks around the house that can be completed by children based on their age. If you're looking to set your kiddos up with a chore chart to help them learn about hard work and having responsibilities, there's something every child can help with.
Scroll through for a list of manageable household chores for kids based on their age.
These Hidden Tattoos Ideas Will Satisfy Your Craving For New Ink
Even if your body is a tattooed wonderland already, there's something fresh and rebellious about getting new ink in a hidden place. On the flip side, if you're still easing into the idea of your first tattoo, getting something undercover could be just the way to make it all seem less stressful. Either way, hidden tattoos are a great way to ink your body just for you (though don't be surprised if you suddenly feel the need to post it all over Instagram). The best part is you can choose to play peekaboo or let it be your little secret depending on your outfit each day. Ready to get your tat? Browse these ideas.
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