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
15 Vegan Products That Will Change the Way You Think About Beauty
If you're diligent about making sure your diet is free of animal-derived ingredients and byproducts, you shouldn't have to settle for anything less when it comes to beauty. And even if you're not vegan, it's always smart to add more plants (read: healthy antioxidants) into your routine. The good news is that more and more brands are developing high-performance products that mean you don't need to compromise.
We're not just talking fruit-dyed synthetic waxes and salt sticks here. We're talking one of the best mascaras you've ever laid eyes on, a travel-friendly bar that serves as an exfoliator and moisturizer in one, and a high-intensity lipstick that will have your lips vibrating at a much higher (and happier) frequency. Did we mention the new tanner-sunscreen hybrid that won't wash off in the water and which actually smells good? Read on for 15 of our top beauty picks, all amazing and 100 percent vegan.
The Sunscreen That Saved My Skin From the Scorching Sun at Walt Disney World
I have a confession to make: I'm a reluctant user of sunscreen. I know I'm supposed to use it to protect myself from sun damage, fine lines, and the like, but I've never enjoyed the feeling of sunscreen lurking beneath my usual makeup. What's more, many drugstore sunscreens had the tendency to irritate my skin and cause unusual rashes. With an exciting trip to Walt Disney World's Pandora steadily approaching, however, I knew I needed something to protect my skin from the harsh Florida sun, and I needed it ASAP.
Through a little process of elimination, I landed on Tatcha's Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen ($65). My daily skincare routine largely consists of products from the gentle brand inspired by Japanese beauty practices. In addition to knowing that Tatcha products typically work well for me, the line's sunscreen boasts a near perfect five-star review on Sephora.
Now here's the nitty-gritty on this sunscreen: the broad-spectrum product is made with zinc oxide and offers SPF 35 protection from UVA and UVB rays. In addition to its protective ingredients, it also consists of calming ones like silk extract, wild rose, and green tea. The sunscreen does come out of the bottle white, but it blends in easily with minimal effort.
As I left for the airport early in the morning, I applied a thin layer of the sunscreen and immediately noticed a change in the appearance of my pores. As a result, I decided to go without makeup until I arrived in Orlando. (Plus, I hate flying with loads of makeup on.) Before hitting the park, I applied yet another layer and, this time, I also applied foundation and concealer atop the sunscreen. To my surprise, the combination of different products did not make my skin feel all covered up and suffocated.
The following day was the real test: I'd be spending a full sunny day at Animal Kingdom. I made sure to apply a thicker layer as I left the hotel that day. Now, here's where you might say I made a huge mistake: I did not reapply. Probably because I'm not used to wearing sunscreen on a regular basis, I completely forgot about the handy bottle of sunscreen once it made its way to the depths of my backpack. Once I got back to the hotel in the early evening, I noticed a reddish color on my shoulders and simply thought to myself, "F*ck." But guess what? My face ended up being just fine. Though my arms were sunburned, my face didn't show any signs of sun exposure.
Since my trip, I won't lie and say I've been as committed to sunscreen as I know I'm supposed to be. That said, I have learned to implement it into my daily routine when it's a sunny day or I know I'm going to be outside a lot. That's progress, right?
1 Teen's Side-by-Side First-Day-of-School Photos With His Dad Are Every Parent's Dream
From the first day of kindergarten to college move in. Thank you dad. http://pic.twitter.com/IpbudBIgdp
- Charles Brockman III (@TheOnlyCharlesB) August 13, 2017
A Mississippi State-bound teenager, Charles Brockman III, melted the hearts of social media users everywhere when he posted two side-by-side "first day of school" photos with his dad on Twitter.
The future collegiate track runner posted two pictures: the first was Brockman's first day of kindergarten and the second showed a shot of the pair walking down a hallway on college move-in day. He included the caption: "From the first day of kindergarten to college move in. Thank you, dad."
The post, which has amassed nearly 70,000 retweets and over 281,000 "likes" since it was uploaded on Aug. 13, demonstrated how grateful the teen is for his parents.
"I just wanted to post that picture to thank my dad for always being there during everything we went through," Brockman said in an interview with People. "He and my mom are really special to me."
It's safe to say the Twittersphere totally blew up at the adorable tweet, and people are showing all types of support for the father-son duo, even going so far as to compliment the dad on rocking the same hairdo for so long:
Also proud of his Father for holding down those dreads for that long http://pic.twitter.com/ohLxdQ22FX
- Oasis⛩ (@0asischild) August 14, 2017
No matter how you slice it, there's no denying that photo is pretty damn sweet.
Jessica Chastain Stars as Hollywood's Infamous "Poker Princess" in Molly's Game Trailer
Even when Jessica Chastain is playing a woman indicted for "running the world's most exclusive and decadent man cave," it's impossible not to root for her. Chastain stars in screenwriter Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut, Molly's Game, which is the true story of Molly Bloom. The Olympic-class skier and "Poker Princess" ran high-stakes poker games for high-profile movie stars, athletes, and businessmen (and accidentally the Russian mob, oops) for a decade before she was arrested by the FBI. With the help of criminal defense lawyer Charlie Jaffey (Idris Elba), Molly fights to clear her name without ruining the lives of everyone who ever sat down at her poker tables. The drama, which is looking like major Oscar bait, also stars Kevin Costner and Michael Cera and hits theaters on Nov. 22.
40 Awesome Backpacks For a Stylish School Year
Whether your little one is headed out for his first day of kindergarten or is an old hat at the school game (with the homework to prove it!), a backpack is a back-to-school necessity. We tracked down 40 fun, fabulous, and functional backpacks - including the awesome options from Skip Hop, Herschel Supply Co., and Pottery Barn - that will get your kid to and from the classroom in serious style.
Before You Judge, This Dad Named His Baby Pancake For the Cutest Reason
When Chris Danzig announced the birth of his first child, a baby girl, he had to know people would have some follow-up questions. He and his wife, Sari, named her Mia Pancake Danzig. That's right: this newborn's middle name is Pancake.
Amid the congratulatory comments on his Facebook post - which included a snapshot of the birth certificate to prove it was no joke - one friend was brave enough to ask what we were all wondering: "WHY?"
His reason was nothing short of syrupy sweet:
"You always have to take extra care when making your first pancake because you don't know if the griddle is hot enough, if there's enough butter in the pan . . . " he wrote. "When she was in utero we called her pancake - because we had to be extra mindful when making our first pancake. When it came time to decide a name, Sari and I couldn't agree so we made a deal. Sari could pick the first name if I could pick the middle - no vetoes allowed."
His wife chose Mia, which he actually liked, and he chose, well, Pancake.
"I wanted her to keep that term of endearment with her throughout life, and hopefully it will prevent her from taking herself too seriously," he added. "Life is a bit absurd - it's helpful to have a reminder of that from time to time."
Here's to you, Mia Pancake!
After Years of Searching, This Is the ONLY Sunscreen That Keeps My Pale Skin Sunburn-Free
To call my skin "pale" would be a huge understatement. Translucent? Ghostly? The Irish Girl Sunbathing Meme come to life? Those are all more accurate. While I'm fine with blinding everyone on the beach as soon as I take off my cover-up (click here and here for reference), I'm most definitely not OK with getting sunburned. Unfortunately for me, getting sunburned is as easy as standing in the sun unprotected for literally just five minutes. Five minutes, people.
My relationship with the sun has been a perilous one, to say the least. There was the time I thought an SPF 8 bottle of tanning oil would keep me safe during an all-day trip to the beach when I was 14 (I ended up in the hospital with sun poisoning). And I can't forget my many trips to the tanning salon when I was in college. I'd spray myself with sunscreen before I got in the beds . . . I was that clueless.
With my pale skin, auburn hair, and big freckles, my dermatologist was ready to kill me every time I walked into her office for my twice-yearly appointment with a tan, and I don't blame her. Luckily for both her sanity and my skin, my days chasing a sun-kissed complexion (and a future melanoma diagnosis) ended, and my hunt for the perfect sunscreen began.
At this point, I've tried almost every product in the book, and while I've seen some instances of success from brands like Dr. Jart and Blue Lizard, it wasn't until I tried Sun Bum's Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 70 ($16) this June that I was finally able to go an entire day out at the beach with some friends without getting burned. When I got home later that night and realized the only marks on my skin were very minor tan lines, I nearly wept with excitement. I've never, ever in my life been able to be at the beach without getting sunburned (unless I spend every single second I'm there under an umbrella, which gets really old, really fast). It was a Summer miracle!
Since then, Sun Bum's magical formula has kept me blissfully burn-free all day long, whether I was kicking it on a boat on the Fourth of July or spending hours in the sun at Lollapalooza. I still make sure I wear a floppy hat and a long-sleeved cover-up when I can, but knowing I'm wearing a powerful sunscreen makes a huge difference.
The brand's motto, "Trust the Bum," is seriously no joke, and neither is what's inside the lotion. Not only does the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) officially recommend this Sun Bum product, but the sunscreen also enriches your skin with vitamin E (an antioxidant that helps to neutralize the free radicals that cause premature aging) and protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
The sweatproof SPF 70 lotion is definitely on the thicker side, but it rubs in really well in my experience and isn't greasy. The thicker quality also means it lasts a lot longer than others I've used. That said, you should still reapply every few hours, just to be safe. As an added bonus, it smells fantastic. My only criticism is that it might be a bit too heavy to wear on the face if it's going to be hot out. For those truly steamy days, I stick to Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Broad Spectrum Touch Sunscreen in SPF 70. Regardless, the Sun Bum doesn't leave my skin irritated or my pores clogged.
Whether you're pale like me or simply in the market for a sunscreen that feels like silk but works like heavy-duty armor, I have no doubt this will be the answer to your Summer prayers - just ask my boyfriend, friends, and family members, whom I attempt to get to use it anytime we step outside.
10 Lunchbox Surprises For the First Day of School
As excited as Mom may be for the first day of school, chances are tots are a mixed bag of eager anticipation and nerves. Before posing them for their annual back-to-school photo, pack them a lunch that reminds them that Mom's thinking about them throughout the day. Lunchbox notes are great throughout the year, but it's easy to add a special touch to that very first lunch of the year. We've rounded up 10 fun ways to surprise them when they open their lunch sack on that very first day. Check them out!
L'Oréal Paris's New Mascara Might Actually Be Better Than Sex
My relationship with my eyelashes has always been casual yet complicated. Each lash is long and thick, which makes it easy for them to stick together like magnets. And don't even get me started on the days where I get a stray lash in my eye. But beside these natural annoyances, I had never given my eyelashes too much thought. I didn't start experimenting with makeup until after high school, and mascara was something that I felt would be the easiest to start with - oh, how I was wrong. My first attempt was a clumpy disaster that then became an even bigger mess as I tried to wash it off (waterproof mascara is no joke sometimes!).
After that experience, I was convinced that mascara wasn't for me - that was until our POPSUGAR Beauty editor assigned me the task of testing and reviewing L'Oréal Paris's buzzy new Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara ($10). With a metallic millennial pink tube, it's easy to see why many claim it be a Too Faced Better Than Sex dupe. Personally, I didn't need this product to perform miracles; I would be sold if it was easy to apply and gave me great results. But by comparing it to a product with a such a cult following, my expectations for L'Oréal Paris's new offering just kept growing.
Read on for a product breakdown and to see this mascara in action!
Watch Zendaya Cover Her Acne Scars With No Other Makeup On
When you woke up today, looked at your bare face, and felt bad about your acne scars - know you're not alone. I personally struggle with this every time I wash my skin (ICYMI: I am a recovering chronic face picker). And guess what? Beauty queen Zendaya has acne scars, too. And she's so f*cking real that she created a video for her own app, revealing her makeup-free skin and her process for covering up said spots. The young Hollywood star also shows off her gorgeous, naturally curly hair texture.
For her app, Zendaya created a tutorial she dubbed "The Bare Beat." It's a minimalist makeup look - using your fingers or items you can fit into a small bag when traveling on a plane, she explained.
The simple tutorial included applying concealer, powder, bronzer, cream blush, highlighter, and fiber mascara. The one area she did not hold back on was brows, making them bold as ever.
While the exact products Zendaya used are not revealed, she gives us insight as to what she looks for in everyday makeup.
"I'm personally attracted to all things shiny, so I'm going to use a sparkly, glowy bronzer that is going to add a little definition, a little highlight - all at the same time," she said. Zendaya then used the same bronzer on her eyelids as shadow.
She did note that she used Aquaphor or "any type of shiny balm" as a highlighter base. We know she's a huge fan of the affordable staple, when she previously shared her Aquaphor hacks here.
Zendaya often does he own makeup for major red carpet events, and this tutorial gives us a peek into her process!
See the rest of her tips on getting this effortless, easy, and dewy look in the video above.
5 No-Fail Beauty Tips I Learned on the Set of Telenovelas
Singer, actress, fashion designer, entrepreneur, writer, and mom of two Thalia shares her parenting, lifestyle, fashion, and beauty tips as POPSUGAR Latina's contributor.
After appearing in so many telenovelas and working with so many different makeup artists, makeup brands, and hairstylists who changed my look for each role and sometimes several times in one day, I walked away with a few tricks up my sleeve. Here are five of my favorite and most useful ones.
Kristen Bell Reveals She and Dax Shepard Broke Up Before Getting Serious
Since my heart is still raw from the devastating split of Anna Faris and Chris Pratt, I can't help but be concerned about my other favorite celebrity couples. While I haven't yet been able to check in on Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds (anytime you want to give me your number, Blake, I'm here), I did recently have a moment with Kristen Bell to chat about her adorable marriage to Dax Shepard. POPSUGAR sat down with the actress this week, and she revealed a few little-known facts about their romance, as well as expanded on her honesty about why staying together isn't an easy job.
"It still takes a lot of work, but we are choosing to be this happy because the other choice is, what, choosing to be unhappy? No thanks," she said when I told her it always looks like the two of them have so much fun together. She went on to describe the hiccup they actually went through very, very early in their relationship that resulted in a breakup. "We were dating for about three months, and I already knew that I was in love with him and he was hesitant because he knew he was still dating other people," she said of when they got together 10 years ago. "He sat me down and said, 'I can't have this right now. I think you're wonderful, but I am still dating other people.' And then I, like, liquefied and fell to the ground, but I felt incredibly respected that he had the balls to tell me we weren't in the same place."
She said she left that conversation thinking he had just made a huge mistake, but she knew she'd get through it. And sure enough, she said, he called her just four days later and said he screwed up. "He called me and he was like, 'I don't know what I was thinking. I was dating someone else but they're just not as interesting as you, and I don't know what I'm doing,' and he came back," she continued. "But I still always remind him of when he broke up with me."
8 Things to Do in St. Lucia That Are Off the Beaten Path
St. Lucia continues to top the charts in island destinations, and can easily be mistaken for a slice of heaven on earth. With its crystal clear cobalt-colored seas, lush emerald vegetation, and breathtaking cotton candy-color sunsets, it's a travelers (and Instagrammers!) paradise. Caribbean life is filled with plenty to do, or not do. If you choose to nap all day under the palm trees to the sound of the ocean, no judgments; I did it. But, if you want to discover far beyond the typical tourist sites such as the sulphur springs and mud baths, I will take you through the jungle, off the beaten path - all the way to paradise you go. Here are the top eight things you shouldn't miss out on on the idyllic island of Saint Lucia.
Are You Ready For This? Our 56 Favorite Sneakers of 2017 Are So Freaking Cool
When we say, "You can never have enough sneakers," we mean it. Whether you're using your kicks to go to the gym, take a class, or just stroll around town, there's always room for more. That's why we created an ultimate guide to our favorite sneakers of the year. These shoes come in every color of the rainbow, and every style you can think of too. Shop through these enticing options and score yourself a pair before they all disappear. Trust us, they'll be selling out soon.
A Trainer Gets Brutally Honest About Why You Aren't Seeing Results
I have some tough love for you today. It's about your workouts. You go to the gym several times a week, sometimes twice in one day, and yet you aren't as fit as you should be.
As a certified group exercise trainer and indoor cycling instructor, I've taught hundreds of classes. Based on what I see, I think a lot of you are shortchanging yourself. Taking a step back and getting honest about your approach will help you work out smarter, and maybe even harder.
1. You Aren't Paying Attention
Some instructors are better than others, but let's assume you aren't wasting your time with bad trainers. When you go to a class, are you listening to what you are being asked to do? Do you pay attention to alignment cues in yoga? Do you check your form in weight training?
Listen to what the people in spandex wearing microphones are saying. They are certified experts who take continuing education classes and spend hours creating quality workouts. They have taken on the burden of exercise selection, interval timing, choreography, and sequencing.
Sometimes the key to success is recognizing that you can't get there on your own. You wouldn't ask an accountant to do your taxes and then scribble all over the return as she was filling it out would you? Trust your instructors. They want to get you there as badly as you do.
2. You Aren't Working Hard Enough
Here's a dose of tough love: instructors know how hard you are working, and that you aren't always tapping your potential.
Example: you are in an indoor cycling class and your instructor asks you to add resistance. Everyone adds gear, except for you because you don't want it to be "too hard." When the music picks up and the entire class is straining to get up that hill, there you are, pedaling like a demon, barely breaking a sweat.
Another example: you are in a weight-training situation and even though you've been doing the same moves for months, you're still using the same weights. You wonder why you aren't getting stronger. Guess what? You aren't challenging your muscles when you always choose the same weights. Pick up something heavier. What's the worst thing that can happen? It's too heavy and you have to switch to lighter weights to finish? Do that every time if you want to see results.
Final example: you are in a HIIT class. There are people that are going to go half-speed the entire time. And there are people that are going to stop working halfway through the interval. You know how I know? Because I CAN SEE THEM! Don't be self-conscious; no one is staring at you while you work out. But the instructor is scanning the room for safety reasons and can see how hard you're working. I promise that you'll see better results when you put in the effort.
3. You Aren't Competing With Yourself
Stop comparing yourself to the other people in class. Who knows what they had for breakfast? How many workouts a week they do when you don't see them? It's not about them. It's about you and what you can achieve. Whenever I teach class, I want my students thinking, "Today I am going to do more than I did last time. I am going to add more gear. I am going to hold my sprint longer. I am going to pick up the eight-pound dumbbell instead of the five."
You go to your classes to improve yourself. You have special strengths and abilities. You may struggle at push-ups but you can plank for two minutes. You may have spaghetti arms but can crush squats all day long. Be you. Don't worry about anyone else. Stay on your own mat, mentally and physically. Your fitness will blossom.
4. You Don't Accept What You Can't Change
You have to set reasonable expectations. You can't do 1,000 burpees in 10 minutes and you will never change the biology of your body. If you're bottom heavy, you will likely always trend that way when gaining weight. If all the women in your family get saggy underarms by the time they are 40, you probably will too. However, you can tone and shape that bottom, heavy or not. You can strengthen and tighten your triceps to help that underarm sag. But remember: there is no amount of exercise that will completely transform you into someone else - and you shouldn't want it to. You were made to be you, unique and special. You can be the best you possible, and that should be your goal. Once you accept that, you can stop fighting your body and start working with it to achieve your goals.
5. You Reward Workouts With Food
We all do it. Now that I've worked out, I can go have that bin of pasta I've been craving. I can hit the drive-through for that burger and fries "because I've earned it." You haven't though. You've earned the right to refuel your body. You've worked so hard to achieve a higher level of fitness, to lose weight, to feel good about yourself. And yet you sabotage it, sometimes daily, by rewarding your workouts with food.
It's time we stepped back from food. Instead of it becoming a reward system, it should be a means to an end. The reward for the work is not a consumable. It's an intangible. It comes from within us. It's called pride. Satisfaction. Self-confidence. You can't get those things from a drive-through. If you want the burger, eat it. But don't confuse yourself about why you are having it. You haven't "earned" it. You've allowed it. And that's OK, once in a while. The next time you see that neon sign calling to you, though, think about where you are really headed, physically, and whether that detour is worth it on your path to well-being. If not, keep driving.
Best of luck on your path to greater health and wellness. Remember, you can start each day fresh. Take each class like it's your last. And be kind to yourself: you've only got the one body, so help it go the distance.
The 1 Hat Every Fashion Girl Will Be Wearing This Autumn
You know a trend is going to take off when you see Rihanna or Bella Hadid stepping out in it, so it's time to pay attention, fashion girls. Berets are back. This hat is the perfect Fall accessory to top off your look because it's classic and chic. We're loving the assortment of colors and fabrics - you can go edgy in black leather or vibrant in red wool. It's a hat that works for every style. Besides being a statement piece, it also keeps your head warm as the temperatures cool down. Peruse our favorite options and snag yourself a beret fast - you'll be ahead of the curve. If it was good enough for Faye Dunaway, it's good enough for us.
Upset and Unable to Find Party Supplies For Kids of Color, This Mom Made Her Own
Lynnette Abbott is an event planner, blogger, and mom who felt disappointed by the lack of options for children's party supplies. Though party themes and decorations have progressed in creativity, she felt as though they didn't represent a diverse range of children - especially children of color. That's when she decided to go ahead and solve the problem herself.
Using Kickstarter, the Craft My Occasion blogger launched a campaign to fund her line of party supplies for children of color. On the campaign page, Lynette explained, "As a mom, and a woman of color, it has been challenging for me to find party supplies that represent my family. Once I became an event planner, I realized that other women of color also struggled with the lack of options for their children."
Lynnette feels that representation in this area is incredibly important in that it gives children "positive images that they can relate to," adding, "Our party supplies are tools that will be used to help develop a self-image of value and love."
For several reasons, Lynnette chose a beautiful mermaid as her first design. She explained that she had been unable to find decorations depicting a mermaid of color anywhere. It was also important to Lynnette that this mermaid had "full lips, beautiful brown eyes and big hair." As for her purple tail, Lynnette said the color symbolizes prosperity and royalty.
At press time, Lynnette's Kickstarter campaign has received nearly $2,000 of its $20,000 goal. That being said, it is a fairly new campaign and has nearly a month left to continue raising the necessary funds.
You'll Need Windex to Wipe Away The Tears After Watching This Commercial on Your Computer Screen
There's nothing like a good cry, and if you're due for one, Windex's latest commercial, "The Story of Lucy" will transform you into an absolute puddle.
The video, which clocks in at just under three minutes long, takes viewers on the story of Lucy's life, starting when she was a newborn baby.
Set to Grace Vanderwaal's (yes, the 13-year-old girl from America's Got Talent) song "Beautiful Thing" the commercial is literally a perfect storm of emotion no matter if you're the kid or the parent.
There are plenty of relatable moments, from seeing your baby in the nursery for the first time to going away on your first work trip to giving your daughter away at her wedding. So if you ever needed proof that life's a journey, look no further . . . and grab a box of tissues.
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.
The Easiest DIY Halloween Costumes For Fashion Girls
Come Oct. 30, you don't want to be stuck still figuring out exactly what to wear for Halloween. Armed with your own wardrobe full of great pieces and a few inspiring ideas, whipping up a stylish costume is about to be totally painless (no, this isn't a trick).
Whether you're into a fashion-forward costume or a one-and-done look is more your style, these 44 easy DIYs will help you win your annual costume contest - no competition.
Tina Fey Absolutely Obliterated Trump, neo-Nazis, and a Sheet Cake on "Weekend Update"
Tina Fey stopped by the "Summer Edition" of Weekend Update on Aug. 17 to speak out against the deadly events in Charlottesville, and the UVA and SNL alum gave us exactly the kind of real talk we've been aching for - and a brand new movement we can all get behind.
Fey condemned "Donny John" Trump's reluctance to address the white supremacists and neo-Nazis and questioned his "many sides" comments. "I've seen Raiders of the Lost Ark, and I wasn't confused by it. Nazis are always bad," she said, before turning her attention to the fact that there are dozens more white supremacist rallies scheduled to take place across the country in the coming weeks and months. And it's here that Fey started her very own grassroots movement: "sheetcaking."
"I would urge people this Saturday, instead of participating in the screaming matches and potential violence, find a local business you support - maybe a Jewish-run bakery, or an African American-run bakery - order a cake with the American flag on it, and just eat it," Fey said, after which she launched into some fierce commentary on Charlottesville between bites of cake. From Standing Rock to Hillary, no stone was left unturned - after which Fey explained, "Sheetcaking is a grassroots movement. Most of the women I know have been doing it once a week since the election."
Watch the clip in full above, and check out the action that Tina Fey has inspired with the hashtag #sheetcaking on social media.
Researchers at MIT Are Using Emoji to Teach Software Sarcasm and Slang
Sometimes when you're texting or chatting, words just don't cut it. That's when an emoji steps in to fill the void and save the day. Whether you like it or not, emoji aren't going anywhere - in fact, they've quickly become an alternate way to express an array of emotions. As a result, researchers at MIT's media lab have created DeepMoji, a Twitter-based deep learning algorithm that uses 1.2 billion tweets with emoji to predict the emotion being conveyed by the user via emoji. The researchers believe the more data the model can accumulate, the bigger the possibility of companies or chatbots using the algorithm.
DeepMoji uses deep learning, a subset of machine learning that trains an algorithm to learn and decipher patterns by feeding it huge amounts of data. It's similar to something like QuickDraw from Google, a fun, interactive "game" that has an algorithm try to guess what you draw (which helps grow the database as you use it). In DeepMoji's case, the researchers have given it tweets with emoji so that it can learn which emoji would be matched with a tweet. The team believes that once it can predict what emoji will be used, it'll learn the "emotional content of that sentence." By using real tweets, the algorithm is learning how people actually write and feel, rather than being fed the information.
So far, DeepMoji has figured out when a tweet is being sarcastic or uses slang, as well as understanding how an emoji is being used. For example, a sad emoji can be separated into different categories of emotion like negativity, annoyed, and angry. With other phrases, it knows the difference between something like "this is sh*t" and "this is the sh*t (the former is negative, whereas the latter is positive).
For now, the next steps of the project include the public's help. You can feed the algorithm your last three tweets and emotionally rate them. You can also try out the database for yourself by writing a sentence and seeing if the emoji chosen were correct. The researchers also want to come up with more labels for emotion that range farther out of "positive" and "negative" - so watch the video above to learn more about DeepMoji and how to contribute to the team's research.
Try Not to Laugh Hysterically at These Notes Home From School
Upon asking, "How was school?" most parents get the response, "Good" - but the truth is, a lot must go on during those six-hour days, and based on some of these notes home from teachers, it sounds like their days are pretty eventful!
Read through to see the hysterical notes, and just try not to laugh!
The Reason Serena Williams Says She's Getting an Epidural is F*cking Valid
No one can dispute that Serena Williams is one badass human. The pro tennis player might even be one of the strongest people on the planet. Because of that, the eight-months-pregnant athlete is already having to make excuses for why she isn't planning to have a natural childbirth.
"I'm nervous about childbirth," the 35-year-old told Vogue in its September issue. "I'm not a spring chicken. The one thing I really want is an epidural, which I know a lot of people are against."
The horror! Why would someone with such a high tolerance for pain opt for a pain-free delivery? Well, first of all, it doesn't matter – it's her choice. But, for those people who've clearly already tried to change her mind, let it be known that her reason is 100-percent fair:
"I've had surgeries galore," she said, "and I don't need to experience any more pain if I can avoid it."
Game, set, match.
The Reason Your Scrambled Eggs Aren't Turning Out Soft and Fluffy
Making scrambled eggs is simple enough: crack eggs in a bowl, whisk and season them, and cook them on the stove. And no matter what you prefer to add to your scrambled eggs, whether that's cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, or just butter, there's one thing that will affect the flavor and consistency of your eggs far more than any ingredient: the level of heat.
Fact: protein and high heat don't usually mix well. And as tempting as it is to cook eggs in the blink of an eye as soon as they hit the skillet, you're not doing your taste buds any favors by cranking up the burner before scrambling them. You could be doing everything else correctly - thoroughly whisking the eggs, adding enough salt, using a silicone spatula and a nonstick pan - and still end up with rubbery, overcooked eggs. And temperature is the number one thing to blame.
As chef Tyler Florence says when talking scrambled eggs, "Protein hates high temperatures. The high temperature is always about the exterior flavor profile and texture, but it's never about cooking it all the way through." So do you want high heat when searing a steak to get a crusty exterior? Yes! But do you want to hear a loud sizzle as you pour your whisked eggs into a pan? Definitely not. You want to cook them low and slow, meaning the pan is on low to medium-low heat, and you constantly move the eggs around with your spatula until curds start to form. Slowly but surely, the eggs will transform from wet to fully cooked, and you should remove them from the pan when just a little moisture remains (the residual heat will continue to cook them). Your eggs will be fluffy and light, and there won't be any browned spots in sight.
So whether you're making Gordon Ramsay's scrambled eggs or a more unconventional scrambled eggs recipe, there's one common theme that all good scrambled eggs have in common: they were made by someone who kept the low-and-slow mentality in mind.
Researchers at MIT Are Using Emoji to Teach Software Sarcasm and Slang
Sometimes when you're texting or chatting, words just don't cut it. That's when an emoji steps in to fill the void and save the day. Whether you like it or not, emoji aren't going anywhere - in fact, they've quickly become an alternate way to express an array of emotions. As a result, researchers at MIT's media lab have created DeepMoji, a Twitter-based deep learning algorithm that uses 1.2 billion tweets with emoji to predict the emotion being conveyed by the user via emoji. The researchers believe the more data the model can accumulate, the bigger the possibility of companies or chatbots using the algorithm.
DeepMoji uses deep learning, a subset of machine learning that trains an algorithm to learn and decipher patterns by feeding it huge amounts of data. It's similar to something like QuickDraw from Google, a fun, interactive "game" that has an algorithm try to guess what you draw (which helps grow the database as you use it). In DeepMoji's case, the researchers have given it tweets with emoji so that it can learn which emoji would be matched with a tweet. The team believes that once it can predict what emoji will be used, it'll learn the "emotional content of that sentence." By using real tweets, the algorithm is learning how people actually write and feel, rather than being fed the information.
So far, DeepMoji has figured out when a tweet is being sarcastic or uses slang, as well as understanding how an emoji is being used. For example, a sad emoji can be separated into different categories of emotion like negativity, annoyed, and angry. With other phrases, it knows the difference between something like "this is sh*t" and "this is the sh*t (the former is negative, whereas the latter is positive).
For now, the next steps of the project include the public's help. You can feed the algorithm your last three tweets and emotionally rate them. You can also try out the database for yourself by writing a sentence and seeing if the emoji chosen were correct. The researchers also want to come up with more labels for emotion that range farther out of "positive" and "negative" - so watch the video above to learn more about DeepMoji and how to contribute to the team's research.
Princess Diana's Wedding Shoes Had a Romantic Message Only She Could See
When you're marrying the love of your life, you find all the little ways to make your wedding day outfits extra special. Princess Diana made sure no details were left unnoticed on her bridal ensemble, including the heels. (FYI: She wore this dramatic Elizabeth and David Emanuel white gown). Meanwhile, the shoes were designed by Clive Shilton and had a low heel (because the princess was 5'10"). They were covered in 542 sequins and 132 pearls.
If you thought that was already extravagant, Princess Diana went the extra step and had her and Prince Charles' names engraved on the bottom sole. The message read "C" and "D" with a heart in the middle. "No one even saw the bottom of the shoes, but it was important to us that they looked fantastic," said Shilton. It seems Princess Diana had a knack for sending hidden messages with her outfits. This particular one though, all brides will love.
You've Probably Never Heard of Queen Letizia's Healthy Diet
Queen Letizia of Spain has been admired for years, way before she married Prince Felipe. Prior to becoming a part of the Spanish royal family, the former TV reporter was revered for her sense of style, which has only continued to evolve.
Many fans also wonder how Queen Letizia manages to keep her figure so trim, and we may have uncovered one of her secrets: she is known to follow the Perricone diet, an anti-inflammatory regimen that includes all food groups and healthy staples such as fresh salmon, forest fruits, green vegetables, and extra-virgin olive oil. According to nutritionists, this diet is one of the healthiest - known for prioritizing healthy eating over weight loss. Clearly, the queen is more focused on staying healthy than looking skinny.
It should come as no surprise that Queen Letizia places greater importance on wellness than on having a slim physique, as she is a champion for charitable programs focusing on nutrition, as she passionately educates the public about rare diseases.
Her fitness regimen also clearly plays a role in what keeps the queen looking great, as her biceps are defined enough to give Madonna and even former First Lady Michelle Obama a run for their money. Whatever her exercise secrets are, Letizia's toned arms are sure to keep her style timeless for years to come.
"Tiger Eye" Hair Color Is the It Dye Trend For 2017
When it comes to subtle ombré fades and highlights on the hair, we've seen everything from balayage to tortoiseshell and ecaille take off. Recently, we learned about the a technique called "tiger eye," which is inspired by the tiger eye stone. The pretty pebble is thought to have healing powers, so choosing it as a Winter hair color means you'll start the new year off with good vibes.
Honey Artists hairstylist Corey Tuttle told Byrdie, "A tiger eye is an ancient stone worn for protection and confidence - it's known for its rich browns and golds." These colors are seen blended through strands using a technique that is similar to balayage. Tuttle advises to ask your colorist for "hand-painted caramel highlights paired with a warm or dark chocolate base." And like balayage, it grows out seamlessly, since the roots are not necessarily dyed.
Celebrities like Jessica Alba (pictured) and Jennifer Lopez have rocked tiger eye hair, and as the fad grows, we predict it will be a hot salon staple for the start of Fall.
Keep reading to see how stunning this looks women from Instagram!
This Powerful Photo of a Baby Still Connected to His Placenta Shows How Mind-Blowing Birth Is
The first moments of a baby's life are a whirlwind - so much is happening that it's almost impossible to stop and simply appreciate what has just happened. One midwife-turned-photographer, Emma Jean Nolan, took the opportunity to capture the awe-inspiring power of birth with a startlingly beautiful image. In it, a newborn baby is still connected to his placenta by his umbilical cord that is adjusted to spell out the word "love."
Her intention with the image of baby Harper, which was shot just 90 minutes after he was born last week, was to draw attention to an ancient Maori tradition of burying a newborn's placenta after their birth. Nolan wrote on Facebook:
As a Maori baby his placenta will now be returned to the land. The word 'whenua' relates to the placenta and to the land. Whenua (placenta) is returned to the whenua (land) with the pito (umbilical cord) the link between the newborn and papatuanuku (mother earth). With this affinity established, each individual fulfils the role of curator, for papatuanuku (mother earth), which remains life long.
Interestingly, Nolan told us that she'd been planning to take a photo like this for a while but "was waiting for a baby with a long enough cord to spell" the word. She said, "Once I saw how long Harper's cord was, I knew he was the right baby!"
Although this method for honoring the placenta is rare in the US, the Australian photographer's black-and-white image has gotten more than 2,500 "likes" on Facebook in less than a week, probably because it shows readers - even moms - a sight they've likely never seen before: what is actually birthed when a newborn baby enters the world.
Joe Biden's Favorite Meme Reveals Exactly How Deep His Bromance With Obama Goes
Remember the good ol' days when former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden were in the White House? The internet loved the duo so much, they made a whole meme over their bromance. Well, turns out Joe Biden recently saw the memes and picked out his favorite one.
Ashley Biden, the daughter of Joe Biden, told Moneyish in an interview that she was the one who showed the memes to her dad. Biden's response? "Sat there for an hour and laughed," she said. Biden then picked his favorite one, which you can see below.
"See? Doesn't this feel right?"
"Joe I'm not leaving my wife for you."
"You said we'd be together forev-"
"8 years. I said 8 years." http://pic.twitter.com/C2PoAXCD00- Ol' QWERTY Bastard (@TheDiLLon1) October 17, 2016
The original tweet, posted on Oct. 17, 2016, has more than 1,900 retweets and 2,700 "likes." Now it's your turn to tell us your favorite Obama-Biden bromance meme!
Jennifer Aniston Started This Sexy Trend on Friends That's Still Going Strong
From "The Rachel" hairstyle to slinky slip dresses and miniskirts with knee-high boots, Jennifer Aniston championed so many popular '90s looks on Friends. There was one little faux pas, however, that was widely discussed throughout the 10-season series: Jen's nipples and how visible they were on screen.
It's really no big deal - even if the actress had been going braless, that's her prerogative (or perhaps an idea of the costume designer's). By now there are plenty of celebrities - models and Hollywood stars included - who ditch their lingerie both on the street and behind the camera.
Even so, Jennifer insists she was wearing a bra on the show in an interview with Vogue: "Yeah, I don't know what to say about that! It's just one of those things, I guess. I wear a bra, I don't know what to tell ya! And I don't know why we're supposed to be ashamed of them - it's just the way my breasts are! But hey, OG [of the #FreeTheNipple trend], I'm not going to complain!"
Read on to see the many times Rachel's breasts were – ahem - well-defined on Friends. One thing's for sure: she looked good in whatever she was wearing, no matter what trend she was setting.
Sam Claflin Squeezes Into Shailene Woodley's Bathing Suit, and We're Not Complaining
There are two things you need to know about Sam Claflin: he's extremely attractive and a total goofball. The actor, who is currently filming a movie with Shailene Woodley, recently thought it would be a good idea to try on her one-piece bathing suit and document the whole thing on Instagram. Aside from looking extremely uncomfortable as his Adrift costar snapped some photos of him on a boat, the suit also leaves very little to the imagination as it hugs his, um, parts. He appropriately captioned a few of the snaps "Oucheeze" and "Pressure." Not that we're complaining, though!
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez Are Already Wearing Matching Outfits!
Their romance might be new, but Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are already so connected to each other, they are dressing alike. The Puerto Rican singer and Dominican former baseball player stepped out for a meal in New York City on a rainy day wearing matching beige looks.
Wearing a wool midlength coat with a popped collar over a long-sleeved dress featuring a butterfly print and sporting one of her favorite Christian Louboutin leather structured bags, J Lo balanced on her superhigh hunter-green stilettos while holding on to A Rod's arm, while he wore a Spring-ready Tom Ford suit and suede shoes. Honestly, could they look more like Hollywood royalty together?
But that's not the only time the pair has coordinated their looks. They've also stepped out in matching monochrome jean outfits in shades of blue (see what we did there?) and gray, outfits with pastel touches, and all-black chic looks. They are so in sync, you guys. Look ahead to see more photos of their outings.
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Make Scrambled Eggs
One of the most basic recipes everyone learns is scrambled eggs, but the truth is perfectly scrambled eggs are a lot trickier than they seem. Much like the classic omelet, scrambling eggs is one cooking method on which many chefs differ. To whisk in a bowl or in the pan? To add dairy or to not? Minor tweaks can make huge differences in something so basic, and we guarantee you'll want to change up your scrambled egg routine with tips from these experts - they know a thing or two about recipe developing. Here's how some of our favorite chefs scramble their eggs (we're not kidding when we say Gordon Ramsay's method is a game changer).
Alton Brown: Whisk With Whole Milk
Simple yet effective is the name of the game in Alton Brown's scrambled egg recipe. Adding whole milk isn't his only tip, though. "Odds are you're going to be serving these on a plate. If so, I strongly suggest you park an ovensafe one in a low oven or in hot water while you're cooking. Cold plates suck the heat right out of food," his recipe description reads.
Anthony Bourdain: Skip the Dairy
Anthony Bourdain doesn't condone adding milk or cream to scrambled eggs - or anything, for that matter. "I just don't feel that milk or cream adds anything. I believe that a scrambled egg is principally about the egg," the Appetites author says in a video about the best way to cook scrambled eggs. Anthony's other pro tip is to be careful not to overbeat the eggs; you want some white parts remaining. He cooks them in a heated pan with warm, foaming butter and carefully pushes them around in a figure-eight pattern to create soft folds.
Giada De Laurentiis: Frittata Cupcakes
Giada's preferred method of scrambling eggs involves a mini muffin tin - she likes to make frittata cupcakes. She told POPSUGAR in an interview, "I love making my little cupcakes - frittata cupcakes. I just stick whatever's left in the fridge. Whatever it is that was from the night before, whether it's leftover pasta, leftover meat, leftover vegetables . . . Another favorite is lox, scrambled eggs, and peas - for a little color. For a Sunday morning, it's one of my favorite go-to breakfasts."
Gordon Ramsay: Low and Slow (With a Secret Ingredient)
Gordon Ramsay's scrambled eggs recipe is one everyone must try at least once. The finished product looks more like custard, and thanks to his cooking method and a secret ingredient, they're melt-in-your-mouth good.
Paula Deen: With Water and Vidalia Onions
"We can't operate without Vidalia onions around here," Paula Deen said of her scrambled eggs in an interview with POPSUGAR. In addition to caramelized onions, Paula adds a splash of water to her eggs. "Water doesn't make it as tough as milk," she says. The real kicker, though, is to scramble the eggs in both butter and bacon fat to get the most flavor.
Chrissy Teigen: "Cheesy" Eggs, Hold the Cheese
Chrissy Teigen swears by her method of creating "cheesy" eggs without the cheese, thanks to her secret ingredient: heavy cream. Her tip for getting them as creamy as possible with no browned spots? "Don't stop gently stirring and scraping (edges and all) for more than a few seconds!"
The Pioneer Woman: Smoked Salmon and Chives
Like most Pioneer Woman recipes, this one sounds delightful. Calling them the "best scrambled eggs ever", Ree Drummond suggests sprinkling in chopped smoked salmon after the eggs are cooked and then garnishing with chopped fresh chives.
Mario Batali: Topped With Shaved Truffle
Leave it to Mario Batali to bring some serious culinary chops to such a basic recipe. To make scrambled eggs special, Mario suggests adding mascarpone or parmesan cheese, but to make them "spectacular," garnish with shaved truffle.
Katie Lee: Back to Basics
Food Network host Katie Lee has a strictly back-to-basics approach to scrambled eggs. She melts butter in a skillet and cooks the eggs low and slow. "It is important to keep the heat low when cooking eggs so as not to burn them," Katie told POPSUGAR in an interview.
Kourtney Kardashian Packed 2 of the Most Classic Swimsuits For Her Trip to Egypt
Kourtney Kardashian is vacationing in Egypt, and that's no ordinary location. While she could have made her boating trips on the Red Sea a fashion circus, the reality TV star only packed classic, sophisticated swimsuits in black. Kourtney styled her looks with dark sunglasses and a baseball cap, letting her beautiful surroundings take center stage.
We're not surprised by the "chill" vibes she's giving off - the 38-year-old isn't the trendiest of the Kardashian-Jenners, she just sticks to what she likes: sexy, skin-baring designs in neutral colorways that are actually pretty simple. Read on to catch up on Kourtney's 'grams, then shop her suits.
The 50 Best Parenting Hacks You Need to Learn
It's been a while since we first started researching parenting hacks, and we simply can't get enough. From the tiny little "Why didn't I think of that!?" moments to serious game-changers (hello, marshmallows as sore-throat medicine!), we've gathered 50 of the most useful discoveries. From organizing the family minivan to making the holidays less stressful, these 50 tips are guaranteed to make life just a little bit easier - something that we could all use!
The Hidden Meaning Behind Taylor Swift's Fascination With the Number 13
It's no secret that Taylor Swift has a fascination with the number 13; both her Fearless and 1989 albums each have 13 tracks, her Twitter handle is "TaylorSwift13," and she even writes the number on her Band-Aids and hands. So, what exactly is Taylor's obsession with the number? Not only is Dec. 13, 1989 her birthday, but as it turns out, the number has a special significance to her career. "I paint this on my hand before every show because 13 is my lucky number; for a lot of reasons," she explained to MTV News in 2009. "I was born on the 13th. I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. My first album [Taylor Swift] went gold in 13 weeks. My first #1 song had a 13-second intro. Every time I've won an award I've been seated in either the 13th seat, the 13th row, the 13th section or row M, which is the 13th letter. Basically whenever a 13 comes up in my life, it's a good thing."
12 Reasons Prague Should Be on Your Bucket List
Prague, Czech Republic, is a magical city right in the center of Europe. With enchanting fairy-tale architecture, delicious Czech cuisine, and quaint cobblestone streets, Prague is the perfect destination for those looking for rich culture and a hint of romance. It's easy to see why Prague charms everyone who visits.
There are few cities in Europe as downright beautiful as Prague, but its famous medieval looks are just one element of its layered appeal. If the fact that their beer is cheaper than water isn't enough to move this city high up on your bucket list, than here are more reasons you should visit Prague right now.
8 Back-to-School Tips For Parents of Kids With Special Needs
Back to school can be an anxiety-provoking time for parents under the best of circumstances. Making sure your kids have the right clothes and the right supplies can be overwhelming, but when you're the parent of a child with special needs, you have to make sure they have the right program in place, too.
Here are some tips to help make sure you and the school are ready for your child to go back to school.
1. Look over your child's current Individualized Education Plan.
If your child with special needs receives special education services, then she has an Individualized Education Plan outlining her needs, academic goals, and services needed to meet those goals. Before school starts is the time to make sure you recall all the services and accommodations your child's IEP has in place. If you can't find a current copy, get in touch with the school or the district's special education office to request a copy.
2. Double-check all the pieces of the IEP are in place.
Once you're up-to-date on what your child's plan says, it's time to check in and make sure all the services will be provided this school year. Reach out to your child's case manager or the school's IEP coordinator and ask specifically how the accommodations and services will be implemented. After all, as mom Mary M. asks, "If parents do not stand up for their child's IEP who will?"
OK, so what next?
3. Meet your child's new teachers and tell them about your child.
Special Education Advisor points out that many kids with special needs have some quirks that teachers ought to know about, but your child also has wonderful things about him that the teacher should know about, too.
Make a point to sit down with or schedule a conference call with your child's new teachers to tell them the good things and the not-so-good things they need to know about your child. Reading a child's file isn't the same as learning about him from someone who knows him.
4. Ensure that transportation is set up.
Special transportation is frequently a service on an IEP, meaning the school will provide transportation other than the regular bus to get your child to her school or special education program.
If you haven't heard yet, check in with the bus company or special education office to get the details about where and when your child will be picked up. Then you can do a "run-through" to make sure your child understands the routine.
5. Organize and reorganize activities and therapy appointments.
You may have changed your child's schedule around for the Summer, but LDOnline.org reminds parents of kids with special needs that before school starts, it's time to start planning a more school-hour-friendly routine. Talk to your child's service providers, get after-school care or activities set up, and try to start the new routine a few weeks before school so it's an easier transition for your child.
6. Take your child to tour the school.
This is really only necessary if your child is going to be in a new school this year or is having a hard time remembering the layout of his school. But if a tour will ease his anxiety, call the school and set one up.
7. Start a new communication notebook.
Mom Nora L. says she sends a communication notebook to and from school with her child to help her and the teachers keep on top of what's happening with her son. It's a great way to stop playing phone tag with the school and let them know if your child is having a rough day.
It's also a good idea to start a new log to keep track of phone calls about your child; you just need to keep track of who you spoke to when and for what reason.
8. Go back-to-school shopping early.
If your child is anything like my child with special needs, who has Asperger syndrome, then he's very particular about his clothing and supplies. They have to feel and look just right. Plus, he gets overwhelmed in crowded stores.
Now's the time to shop; you'll not only avoid the rush, but you also have some time to return clothes that are uncomfortable for some elusive reason or notebooks that are the absolute wrong color.
Burn 200 Calories in 20 Minutes With This Quick Workout
If your schedule is feeling tight, don't skip your workout. We have made a quick calorie-burning workout just for you. In only 20 minutes, you can burn up to 200 calories. So grab a set of five-pound dumbbells if you have them, press play, and work it.
Shutterbug: 20 Must-Take Back-to-School Pictures
Welcome to our guide to Back-to-School Success: 31 days of tips, apps, recipes, and more to help you make this your family's best school year yet. Today, we're sharing some inspiration for your first day of school photos.
It's coming! Back-to-school season is in full swing, and both moms and tots are getting ready for the big day. School supplies are bought, tees and socks are in good supply, and mom's even preparing a few special surprises for the kids' first day at school. Now's the time to get the cameras ready to capture the special occasion for memory books, grandparents, and (of course) mom's Facebook page. Check out these creative ideas to make your back-to-school photo session a memorable one.
What I Did to Get (Permanent) Eyebrows on Fleek
It's a beauty woe that's all too familiar. It started in middle school, when I couldn't stand to look at the tiny feather boas sprouting above my eyes. Gwen Stefani was rocking pink parentheses, and I looked like Harrison Ford. I had to tweeze them. Because, you know, when you're in middle school you make responsible and wise decisions. Little did I know that tweezing was a gateway to overtweezing. I ended up looking like Clara Bow when all I wanted was a clean Audrey Hepburn.
Eventually I stared at my superskinny arches and realized that (believe me, I tried) there was little waxing or threading could do to help my already barely there brows. I watched YouTube videos of women filling in theirs like they'd been doing it since the dawn of man. But I wasn't exactly a makeup connoisseur. Probably more like a festival face-painter . . .
But I turned to makeup nonetheless - pencils for sketching my misaligned arches, powders for filling in those sexy bald spots, gels to keep unruly hairs in line, and waxes for building up color. Do you know how much time that takes? If I'm being honest, it takes up most of my morning routine. I could shave my entire body faster than it takes to create one perfectly arched brow.
After all that time each morning, I still found myself catching reflections of them in the rearview mirror. I looked like I'd passed out at a party too early and got attacked by a Sharpie. I had to switch up my morning eyebrow-creating routine. "Eyebrows" and "trial and error" are now so synonymous to me that I fear the bad brow days and cherish the good like loved ones.
While, naturally, perusing #eyebrowsonfleek on Instagram, I discovered microblading. The clouds opened above me, and light poured down on my thirsty arches. My brow-brush-wielding hands prayed for a paid vacation. So I decided to look into the technique.
This alternative tattooing method produces semipermanent results. However, unlike the block-like and harsh traditional eyebrow tats, microblading creates subtle, natural-looking brows by mimicking the strokes of eyebrow hairs.
Microblading requires a manual tool featuring several tiny needles in a row to deposit dye into the dermal second layer of the skin. The pen-like device yields amazingly natural-looking arches because the needles etch hyperprecise strokes that actually look like your brow hairs. Or, in my case, my would-be hairs.
Needless to say, I was intrigued, so when I got the opportunity to visit brow specialist Piret Aava for microblading, I decided to take the plunge and get my eyebrows tattooed. What? Tiny tattoos are in style. It's 2016. And I needed some fly eyebrows
, stat.
The Blue and Green Waters of Grotta della Poesia in Italy Will Completely Mesmerize You
If you zoom in on the heel of Italy's boot, you'll find a spot tucked away called Salento in Puglia. The rocky coastline is home to many sinkholes and caves, better known in Italy as "grottos." It's in Puglia that you'll discover Grotta della Poesia, an off-the-beaten-path destination with blue and green waters so beautiful, you'll be mesmerized. After travelers are done being mesmerized (it may take a few seconds), they can leap into the 100-foot-wide grotto or opt for an even more adventurous 30-foot-high plunge into the ocean right beside the sinkhole. Check out photos of the stunning spot, and make sure to explore the area if you find yourself in the southern area of the country.
We Are Living in the Twilight Zone, and Every Woman Is Wearing This Blue Dress
In the Summer of 2016, a chambray dress with a distinct ruffled off-the-shoulder element began popping up in several major retailers. Though its origins are unclear - Is Reformation to blame? Was it H&M? - Zara's affordable iteration seemed to be the one worn most frequently. Much like everyone else with eyes, comedian Lulu Krause picked up on the dress's ubiquity and has been documenting its appearances ever since.
On Tumblr, Lulu uploads sightings of the blue dress on her blog simply titled, "The Blue Off-The-Shoulder Dress From Zara." She also uploads the same pictures to Facebook, where other users are able to share their own sightings in the comments. Lulu has since amassed over 30 pictures of the blue dress out in the wild.
In an interview with Refinery29, Lulu explained that she kept seeing the dress last year, however, she thought the trend would surely die this Summer. To her surprise, it was still going strong. "I wasn't actively searching for a project like this - the dress was popping up so frequently that it's almost like . . . it chose me," she said.
Lulu also admitted that she finds the dress to be flattering, but she personally didn't enjoy wearing it. She explained, "The reason I am so fascinated by this dress in particular is that it's remarkably constricting. A friend actually lent me the dress, and I took it for a test drive, which was as enlightening as it was entertaining. I'd say you lose around 80 percent of your mobility in it."
Though Lulu's blog has resurrected the conversation surrounding the dress, a viral Facebook thread from 2016 first tackled the craze. The thread began with one picture and has since received hundreds of contributions over the course of a year. Ahead, see the dress's astonishing influence and browse several options if you're so inclined.
5 Things No One Ever Told You About Raising a Toddler (but You Need to Know)
Sometimes parenting books feel like they're a dime a dozen - a handful cross my desk each week promising to provide the definitive method for raising sweet, well-adjusted tots - spoiler alert: few actually do. But when I learned that Dr. Tovah Klein, a mother of three and the director of the Barnard College Center For Toddler Development in NYC who has been observing toddlers for over 20 years, would be speaking at my son's preschool PTA meeting, I made sure I was seated in the front row to hear her philosophy and learnings firsthand. Dr. Klein's How Toddlers Thrive: What Parents Can Do Today For Children Ages 2-5 to Plant the Seeds of Lifelong Success ($19, originally $25) was already generating buzz, and after hearing her in person, I understand why.
Based on the philosophy that toddlers are not miniadults, that they're individuals fueled by a desire to know was just the beginning. In just 45 minutes Dr. Klein took us deep into the magical world of the toddler years and got to the root of many of our biggest frustrations with our tots. I learned a few fascinating philosophies about young kids that have already helped me better understand my child. I highly suggest you pick up a copy, but in the interim, here are a handful of teasers you'll find in the book.
Source: Flickr user edmdusty
How a Mom of 3 Created the Most Efficient Kitchen Ever
Despite having two young daughters and a newborn baby girl, Lay Baby Lay blogger Joni Lay's kitchen is serenity personified. That wasn't always the case, though. Like many people who loathe their kitchens, Joni's biggest gripe with her pre-renovation kitchen was the lack of storage and inefficient use of space.
The chaos of her cramped kitchen only felt heightened by the dated design features she and husband Chip inherited when they bought the house - think black-and-white checkerboard floors and particleboard countertops. When an opportunity to work with Home Depot on a kitchen renovation arose, Joni and Chip jumped at the chance to wipe the kitchen slate clean, and the result is pretty breathtaking.
Why It's So Important That These Emoji Were Nominated For a Design Award
When Google's professional emoji women were announced last year, people quickly realized just how long overdue they were. While it might seem like a small development, having emoji that show women in different careers matters - especially when the only female emoji previously included were doing things like painting their nails and dancing. And Google's inclusive efforts paid off, ultimately, as now the company's professional women emoji are nominated for a Design of the Year Award by the Design Museum in London.
The awards include 62 nominations in six different categories: Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Graphics, Product, and Transport. Google's professional women emoji were nominated in the digital category, alongside Pokémon Go and others. The nomination for Google's professional emoji names the designers involved in creating them: Agustin Fonts, Rachel Been, Mark Davis, Nicole Bleuel, and Chang Yang. The 11 new emoji included: a singer, office worker, teacher, factory worker, technologist, farmer, scientist, cook, student, doctor, and mechanic. The winners of the award will be announced on Jan. 25, 2018.
In Google's original proposal for the professional women emoji, the company wrote that "this will empower young women (the heaviest emoji users), and better reflect the pivotal roles women play in the world." Google's move is part of a larger trend we're seeing in emoji, where inclusivity matters.
Kit Harington Wants the GOT Cast to Get Matching Tattoos When the Show Ends
There are only eight episodes left in Game of Thrones ever, and Kit Harington is already brainstorming ways to commemorate the conclusion of the epic HBO show. During an appearance on The Late Late Show on Wednesday night, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (who plays Jaime Lannister) revealed that his costar wants everyone in the cast to get matching tattoos. Even though he isn't too keen on the idea, he said he could be persuaded depending on the design. So what exactly qualifies as a great tattoo? While host James Corden suggested they all get dragons on their backs, Lin-Manuel Miranda joked that Nikolaj should get his onscreen sister Cersei's name with a heart (ew). Guess we'll just have to wait and see if he actually gives in.
These Unseen Photos of Princess Diana's Wedding Dress Are Straight Out of a Fairy Tale
Princess Diana was so stylish, her classic fashion sense is still admired to this day. But her wedding dress - oh, her wedding dress - was straight out of a fairy tale. The iconic design, finished with a long train, pouf sleeves, lace ruffles, and a delicate scalloped hemline, was created by Elizabeth and David Emanuel and completed with a magnificent veil that outdid Diana's fanciest hats.
Recently, never-before-seen photographs from Diana and Prince Charles's wedding, which took place at Buckingham Palace on July 29, 1981, surfaced. The pictures were taken by an assistant to English photographer Lord Patrick Lichfield and feature incredibly gorgeous angles of Diana's gown. We're not surprised that the images have left the fashion world abuzz. Reminisce with us on the anniversary of the late princess's death.
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