Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 1 octobre 2017
13 Undeniable Traits of an INFJ Personality Type
When I first read about my personality type, I felt like someone had written the description as a personal letter to me. Every word hit the nail on the head and actually helped me understand myself better than ever before. I'm an INFJ, the most rare Myers Briggs type, making up less than one percent of the population. INFJ stands for (I) Introverted, (N) Intuition, (F) Feeling, and (J) Judging. INFJs are "the advocates," with unique strengths and weaknesses that only others who share our type can truly understand. We're contradictory and compassionate, intuitive but also private and sometimes oversensitive. If you're an INFJ, you will be able to relate to these 13 traits the personality type has.
- You're a helper. INFJs are helpers who fight for what they believe in and who work to ensure the well-being and equality of others. They have strong convictions and an instinct for understanding people. However, INFJs need to remember to take of themselves, too. Their dedication to the causes they feel most passionate about is one of their greatest strengths, but it can also leave them exhausted and stressed if they forget to practice self-care.
- You are a private person. Trust doesn't always come that easily to INFJs, and they are generally very private about their personal lives. "A well-developed INFJ knows how to stay well emotionally, physically, and spiritually," says Rachel Green, director of The Emotional Intelligence Institute. "This means they know when they need to take private time to recharge their batteries but they don't stay there. They also know they have to have stimulation from the outer world and to socialize. So they develop a healthy balance between the two."
- You're extremely good at reading people. Don't try to get anything past an INFJ - they are like human lie detectors. "INFJs are known for their abilities to read people with uncanny accuracy," says Green.
- You're a perfectionist. INFJs tend to be overachievers, sometimes to a fault. They don't do anything halfway, but this perfectionism has its downsides. "INFJs too often drop or ignore healthy and productive situations and relationships, always believing there might be a better option down the road," says 16 Personalities. This perfectionism can also lead to burnouts if INFJs aren't careful.
- You're very creative. If someone has a problem, INFJs will find the solution. They are creative thinkers, which is one of their greatest strengths. "Combining a vivid imagination with a strong sense of compassion, INFJs use their creativity to resolve not technical challenges, but human ones," says 16 Personalities.
- You're compassionate. You tend to "catch" the feelings of others. INFJs are often empaths, meaning they have the ability to relate to and absorb the feelings of other people. They are extremely compassionate and are often caregivers. Not only do INFJs care deeply about the people they have allowed into their lives, but they care about the state of the world at large.
- You can be oversensitive. "When someone challenges or criticizes INFJs' principles or values, they are likely to receive an alarmingly strong response," says 16 Personalities. INFJs are vulnerable to criticism and do not like to be involved in conflict - though they will engage, if they feel strongly about the subject of the conflict.
- You're an idealist. INFJs see the world they think it should be, and they believe it's possible to improve it. They're idealists, but not "idle dreamers." INFJs don't just dream about a better world; their characteristic determination leads them to go out and make it so.
- You're both emotional and logical. INFJs are an interesting combination of traits. They are capable of being level-headed and logical, but allow their emotions to play a factor in their decision-making as well. This means that INFJs' actions reflect a unique combination of wisdom and gut feelings.
- It's all or nothing for you. INFJs don't waste their time on people or situations if they are not genuine. If they don't see a relationship going anywhere, or if something doesn't enrich their lives, they have no problems cutting it out completely. INFJs want authenticity in everything, and if it they aren't able to find it, they don't want any part of it.
- You hate small talk. Not only do INFJs have an aversion to inauthentic relationships, they also hate surface-level conversation. This personality type wants to get down to important stuff, and quickly, without wasting time on pointless details. That being said, INFJs are actually gifted with language. They are often creative writers and are able to put onto paper what they can't (or won't) put into words.
- You're determined. Strong-willed, opinionated, and determined - INFJs don't back down if they care about something, and the combination of passion and persistence is a strength that makes the personality type stand out and get things done.
- You're all about the big picture. INFJs are deep thinkers who often reflect both on themselves and the world around them. They are able to see an end goal and seek out the "meaning" behind everything.
PSA: Fireball Gummy Bears Exist, and You Can Buy Them Online!
If swearing off all nonalcoholic gummy bears is wrong, then we don't want to be right. The Fire Bears ($10+), aka gummy bears made with everyone's favorite cinnamon whiskey, Fireball, prove that the trend of infusing gummy candy with alcohol isn't going anywhere any time soon, and we're on board. First came Rosé wine gummy bears, then tequila-infused gummy bears, and now this! There's officially a gummy for every type of alcohol preference, and fans of Fireball are sure to love these adorable - and potent - sweets.
You can buy Fire Bears online from Etsy user Vine Gelee, who ships within the US and can customize your order for a bachelor party, birthday, or any other special occasion. A four-ounce bag costs $10, while an eight-ounce bag is $16, and the largest size (16 ounces) costs $22. Reviewers have nothing but good things to say about the alcoholic gummies, and the product has a five-star rating. One customer wrote, "I really like that these bears look like they were made with care and not just thrown together, and before I tasted them I could smell the potency (thank you! I was scared they might be weak). I think these will be great for my party."
There are also Fireball gummy bears called Fire Cubs from Etsy user Irish Confectionery Co, but they're currently sold out. That Etsy shop has a backup option in the form of Rummy Bears, which you can order in a variety of flavors like cherry, grape, lime, and watermelon. It's safe to say we have no shortage of alcoholic gummy bears available to try, and we'd take eating candy over taking shots any day. Cheers to that!
25 Ways to Show Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is not only a great habit for maintaining personal happiness, but it also has a powerful effect on others. Showing someone appreciation can be done in both grand and small gestures, but oftentimes it's the little things that go the furthest. A simple "thank you" acknowledges that you don't take someone or something for granted. For more ways to show gratitude, see 25 examples ahead!
The 1 Habit That Will Help You Stick to Your Workout Plan
You want to exercise. Or at the very least, you want to want to exercise. You know the myriad benefits - weight loss, stress reduction, improved sleep, to name just a few. When you're honest with yourself, you know you could find the time to squeeze in a couple workouts a week. You've even read enough fitness articles or followed enough #FitChicks on social media to know where to find a workout that checks your boxes, whether that's with free weights in your garage or with girlfriends at the track. Yet the habit remains elusive. Despite your best intentions, your spark of desire, and enough knowledge to get started, every Monday you find yourself vowing that this will actually be the week you stick to a workout plan.
I think we're making it harder than it has to be, and I think there's one habit that can change that: at the end of every workout, write down one positive takeaway.
It can be anything. Maybe you went for a run in your neighborhood and you noticed the leaves changing color in a way that made you grateful to live where you live. Maybe a song came on your playlist that reminded you of that crazy night with that one friend, which made you smile. Maybe your workout gave you the chance to think through something in your mind that's been hanging you up lately - a challenge at work or a conflict with someone you love. Maybe you were able to use the 10-pound weights instead of the eight-pound weights for the first time today, or maybe you ran for two extra minutes or did one more push-up, and maybe that made you feel really strong. Find the emotional high point of the workout - whether it had anything to do with the actual workout or not - and write it down. The writing-down part can be in the notes section of your phone, or in an actual notebook, or shared with the whole world on your Instagram, or maybe you have an accountability partner like I do and you text it to each other. However you choose to do it, write it down. Every damn time.
Are you waiting for me to tell you where to start? What workout to do? What exact regimen or plan to follow? You know what I think? It doesn't really matter. When people ask me what workouts they should be doing, I always respond by asking them what they like to do. Start there. It can be running, or yoga, or walking, or weightlifting, or cardio dance, or whatever online video strikes your fancy. Find something that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat, and don't worry too much about what exactly that thing is. You can worry about that later if you want, but here, at the beginning, start by following desire.
By starting with something that has some genuine appeal to you, and forcing yourself to find a positive takeaway every time you do it, you train yourself to enjoy it, to crave it, even. You don't need to be reminded to eat three meals a day, because eating feels good; it pays you back. Rather than thinking of exercise as a necessary evil or as punishment for an occasional indulgence, what if exercise could feel like something that paid you back? Something that left you feeling better afterward than you did before? Happier, stronger, calmer, more focused, more alive. What if the trick to making it feel that way is simply to train yourself to see how it's already doing that?
So pick an exercise that makes you happy or makes you feel strong. Do it with enough intensity that you get a little breathless and a little sweaty. When you're done, write down the best part, whatever that may be on any given day, in any given mood, during any given exercise. Set your own goals; maybe it's three times a week, maybe more. And when you feel discouraged or tempted to skip a workout or quit early, go back and read what you've written down. Sometimes the scale takes a long time to budge. Sometimes new exercises take tons of repetitions to master. It's normal to feel frustrated or tired or intimidated. But if you can focus on the good stuff, if you take the time to notice it and record it, you might be amazed to discover a different side of working out - one that can outlast a scale plateau and survive a learning curve and power through intimidation.
You might discover that you can, in fact, stick to a workout plan. And you might discover that you even like it.
HIIT the Track With This Total-Body, No-Equipment Workout
The kids are going back to school! Yay! But now time is tighter than ever. Let's not get hung up on the bad news. Let's get to work with this calorie-blasting workout that takes less time than you'd think to stay lean. If you're strapped for time but still want to get a workout in that burns mega calories, you need to consider high-intensity interval training (HIIT), one of the most efficient styles of working out. It saves you time and produces superior body results.
The benefits of HIIT are innumerable, but here are just a few:
1. You burn a lot of calories in short period of time.
According to the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), you can burn as many calories - if not more - in a shorter, more-intense HIIT workout as you would in longer, low-intensity workout. Given that time is such a precious commodity, who wouldn't want that option?
2. HIIT is epic because of EPOC.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the post-workout period called "EPOC," which stands for excess postexercise oxygen consumption, is generally a two-hour window when your body is restoring itself to pre-exercise levels. During this time, more energy is consumed by your body, which means calories burned. Because HIIT is so vigorous, the EPOC period for your body is greater. You'll burn about six to 15 percent more calories than you would after a typical moderate exercise session.
3. Get your heart pumping!
HIIT forces your heart rate to adjust to perpetually changing exercise conditions. For example, bleachers, sprints, walk, side shuffles, bleachers, sprints, walk, side shuffles, and repeat makes your heart rate fluctuate. Therefore, your heart learns to work outside of its comfort zone (the comfort zone being steady-state cardio), and your body must also adapt to these changes as well. Simply put, HIIT prepares your body for any type of physical activity and makes you an overall better athlete.
For the perfect HIIT workout, we consulted NASM-certified personal trainer Sarah Chadwell, who told us, "If you are already going to be in the school zone, you may as well utilize school facilities to get your sweat on! The perfect location for a HIIT workout is at your local high school track."
Here's Chadwell's HIIT track workout:
Workout:
- Warm up with a brisk walk or jog one lap around the track.
- Step 1: Find the bleachers. Sprint up the bleachers and then quickly walk down. Jog down to the next row of stairs, sprint up and quickly walk down. Repeat this until you run out of bleachers.
- Step 2: Get back on the track. Fast walk the curve. At the end of the track curve, stop and do 10 push-ups and 20 crunches right there on the on the track.
- Step 3: Jump up. Sprint the straight away (100 yards). Stop and do 10 push-ups and 20 crunches on the track.
- Step 4: Fast walk the curve. Complete side shuffles down the last 100-yard straight away.
Repeat this track circuit for 20-25 minutes. Challenge yourself and see how many rounds you can get through. Be sure to give your body a proper cooldown and stretch once you're finished. It aids in recovery and your legs will thank you after this workout.
With this routine, you work on full-body strength and conditioning all in one stop. Try this workout two to three times per week for three weeks and you'll see the inches start melting away. You'll even have time to spend with your kids at the end of each busy day, and you'll be able to keep up with them! Who knew the kids going back to school could also be your fittest time of the year?
Strength vs. Cardio - Here's How You Should Structure Your Workout
Ask most trainers and they'll tell you that a healthy workout routine consists of strength training, cardio, and rest days, ideally spread throughout the week. But for those of us who love two-a-days or long sessions at the gym or just need to maximize our time, the common question seems to be: Which do I do first, strength or cardio?
This was the burning question I had for Natalie Carey, certified trainer and sports nutritionist at DIAKADI Fitness. "Strength training should always come first - always," Natalie said without skipping a beat. The benefits of structuring your workouts this way are plenty, she added.
Fat Loss
If losing weight is your goal - specifically fat - weight training before your cardio session has major benefits, Natalie said. She explained that strength training increases the "afterburn effect." Your resting metabolism rate is heightened and your body is working to help your muscles recover, which results in an increased calorie burn long after the workout is over. This is an ideal place to be in when you hit your cardio session.
Diana Chaloux, CPT and owner of the online personal-training website HitchFit, is also in agreement. "When you strength train, your body utilizes glycogen (stored carbohydrates) for fuel," Diana said. "So if you strength train first and then do lower-intensity cardio immediately after, which uses fat for fuel, you create an environment in your body conducive to fat metabolism." Basically by the time you get to your cardio session, your body will be primed to burn fat at a higher rate than if you did it the other way around.
Injury Prevention
Compared to cardio, it's much easier to get injured while strength training. And strength training while tired only increases that risk, said Natalie. This is perhaps the biggest reason she advises clients to strength train before a cardio session. "You want to make sure you have the energy to perform the exercises correctly," she said. "Poor form can result in an injury that will get you off track with your training goals." Best to hit up those lunges, kettlebell swings, and push-ups when muscles are fresh!
It's important to note that even if you feel energized and unaffected by your cardio session, your body was still put through the motions and energy stores were depleted. This fatigue may cause your form and focus to be affected in ways you might not be able to notice on your own. Whatever you ultimately decide, be mindful of how you feel and do your best to know when it's time to back off.
Snapchat's New Filters Turn the Sky Into Stunning Masterpieces
Say goodbye to those cliched Snaps of sunsets and cloudless skies: with Snapchat's new sky filters, you can add a rainbow, make it a starry night, or create a beautiful sunset on any photo you take. The new feature is yet another example of the company being innovative in using augmented reality to enhance your everyday world.
To use the new filters, just take a photo that includes the sky. Snapchat will automatically detect the photo has the sky in the background and will let you swipe through to find a sky filter. You can expect to first see filters like a starry night or stormy clouds, but just like the 3D Bitmoji, these will change daily. The feature started rolling out to iOS and Android users on Sept. 25.
Unlike 3D World Lenses, you don't need to tap the screen to activate the filters - they just show up, like how the altitude, speed, time, and geofilters already do. Ahead, see some of the filters we've been able to play around with, then give them a try on your phone.
18 Whole30 Dinners You'll Make Well After Your Diet Ends
There are a lot of good reasons to try the Whole30 Diet; it's made up of fresh, whole foods, and free of things like sugar, junk food, and alcohol. It's a great plan for anyone looking to clean up their diet, but given the strict guidelines, meal prep is a must, especially when it comes to dinner. Gone is the ease of ordering takeout or delivery at night - trust us, that General's chicken is definitely not Whole30 approved.
If you're considering the diet for yourself, these 18 Whole30 dinner recipes are a good place to start, and the dishes easily lend themselves to leftovers for next-day lunches.
Grab Your Floo Powder - There's a Harry Potter Halloween Boutique in California
As a kid, the two most magical parts of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone were easy to choose: the secret magical marketplace, Diagon Alley, and the elaborate holiday festivities at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. Something about enchanted, floating pumpkins and a massive Halloween feast in a castle enthralled my young brain, and the idea of shopping in an outdoor mall just for wizards was just plain addictive. (And, honestly, it still is now that I'm an adult!)
So when I found out that the annual Halloween boutique at Roger's Gardens in Corona Del Mar, CA, this year is inspired by the wizarding world, I just about lost it. Called "Magic & Mayhem," the elaborate experience has it all: Platform 9 and 3/4, its own take on both Diagon and Knockturn alleys, and a huge selection of Halloween goods inspired by different aspects of the Harry Potter series. There's an Owl Emporium, a "wheezy" joke emporium, a wizarding supply store, and an apothecary that will instantly transport you right into your favorite fantasy universe. Halloween and Harry Potter?! Sign me the hell up!
Just check out these incredible photos from Roger's Gardens, then visit the Magic & Mayhem boutique before the season ends!
Disney Unveils a Whole New Slate of Holiday Celebrations at Epcot - Kinda
If you are just adjusting to the idea of Walt Disney World getting its annual Halloween makeover, then Disney's latest holiday news will throw you for a loop. Disney announced that Epcot's wintertime Holidays Around the World will be renamed Epcot International Festival of the Holidays and will showcase several new features for its run from Nov. 19 to Dec. 30.
Some notable features of the newly named festival are a collection of food booths offering seasonal dishes from several World Showcase countries, a holiday scavenger hunt game with Chip and Dale, a special fireworks show addition, storytellers who share holiday traditions from around the world, and the ever-popular candlelight processional.
Disney shared a short snippet about the new Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, and it will have you pumped for yuletide before Halloween even rolls around:
Discover a festival like no other, featuring the joyous holiday traditions of our 11 World Showcase nations. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays surrounds you in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season as celebrated by cultures near and far.
Come, delight in stirring live musical productions; savor seasonal food & beverage specialties at the expanded Holiday Kitchens; and take a festive global tour as costumed performers bring time-honored traditions to life throughout World Showcase!
Read more about the different festival offerings on the Disney World website, then book your tickets to visit between November and December!
A Sleep Physician Reveals 20 Expert Secrets to a Better Night's Rest
Sleep has never come easy to me - and I know I'm not alone with this issue. Whether it's waking up countless times throughout the night, getting up in the morning feeling as if I didn't sleep at all, or having trouble actually nodding off at night, I'm always looking for ways to improve my rest.
Dr. Nate Watson is a sleep specialist, past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), professor of neurology at the University of Washington, and codirector of the University of Washington Medicine Sleep Center. So we're going to go out on a limb and say he knows what he's talking about when it comes to sleep. He recently did an IamA on Reddit to address people's questions about how to improve their sleep habits, and his answers are so enlightening. Read on to see his helpful advice.
1. I have had issues falling asleep since I was 6. My brain wont quiet down. I am constantly thinking about something. Any tips?
"I suggest that you start a worry journal in the evening, set aside 15 minutes before you go to bed - write down your negative thoughts and then close the book, allowing you to go to bed with those thoughts on the page, not in your head."
2. How can a person determine how much sleep they actually need?
"Adults need seven or more hours, but each person is unique. You may need nine hours a night to feel rested. Take three weeks to fall asleep when you are tired and wake up refreshed without an alarm. That should determine how much sleep you need personally."
3. Why are some humans more nocturnal and others more diurnal?
"Chronotype is the notion that some people are 'morning larks' while others are 'night owls.' Much of this is genetically determined."
4. Why is that when I'm home I have to be laying down and comfortable to fall asleep and sometimes it still takes a while, but at work I can fall asleep sitting up in a chair with background noise all around?
"Sleeping better outside of your typical home environment may indicate a problem with your home sleep environment. Check out this page for a lot of info that may help."
5. Why do we sleep?
"Much of that is yet to be determined. We do know that the spaces in the brain expand to allow clearing out of the day's thoughts - like a garbage man for the brain."
6. What are some exercises (if any) you can do to improve REM sleep or deep sleep in general?
"A hot bath before bed has been shown to increase deep non-REM sleep. Some medications can reduce REM sleep (anti-depressants)."
7. I have diagnosed sleep apnea but hate the machine (can never sleep comfortably with it). Any advice ?
"1) Make sure you are of optimal weight 2) Avoid sleeping on your back to keep nasal passages clear. These are conservative measures. Other options are oral appliances custom fabricated by a dentist. There are also surgical options from ear, nose, and throat specialists. We always recommend seeing a board-certified sleep specialist to sort this out for you."
8. Do you have any tips for napping? I don't know how long it will take me to get to sleep, so how do I know when to set an alarm?
"Just set your alarm for 10-15 min. from when you lay down so you don't wake from a deeper stage of sleep and be groggy."
9. Does length of sleep have more of an affect on a person than the actual quality of it? At what point does quality and length even out?
"The bottom line is that very few people are able to succeed and be healthy on less than seven hours of sleep per night. Many who claim to get little sleep are probably exaggerating - and if they're not, I suspect that they would be even more successful, and much healthier in the long term, if their brains and bodies were fully charged with sleep. We tend to be poor judges of our alertness level, and we underestimate how we are affected by insufficient sleep. In addition, there is a ton of data to support that not getting enough sleep puts you at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more."
10. Does this length of sleep needed to feel rested differ from person to person or do we all collectively need exactly eight hours as many are told from youth?
"While most adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night, a small percentage of people function well on less sleep. If you feel refreshed when you wake up and remain alert throughout the day without needing to take a nap, then you may be getting enough sleep. But the problem is that we tend to be poor judges of our alertness level, and we underestimate how we are affected by insufficient sleep. In addition, there is a ton of data to support that not getting enough sleep puts you at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more. Try sleeping seven plus hours for a week, and I think you'll notice a more energetic, productive version of yourself that you didn't know existed."
11. Why don't I dream? Or rather why don't I remember my dreams?
"You for sure are dreaming. You only remember them if you wake from the dream. Not waking from REM sleep is good and indicates you likely have healthy sleep."
12. How does one deal with insomnia?
"If you think you may have insomnia, ask yourself the following questions: 1) Does it take you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, or do you wake up during the night and have trouble returning to sleep, or do you wake up earlier than desired? 2) Do you have daytime symptoms such as fatigue, moodiness, sleepiness, or reduced energy? 3) Do you give yourself enough time in bed to get at least seven hours of sleep each night? 4) Do you go to bed in a safe, dark, and quiet environment that should allow you to sleep well? If you answered 'yes' to all of these questions, then you may have insomnia."
13. Are there any ethical restrictions against conducting studies to see how long people can go without sleep beyond a certain point, and what is the cutoff, if there is one?
"Rats die after about three weeks of total sleep deprivation. This is how we know sleep is essential to life. I have seen studies of 24-36 hours of sleep deprivation, but not much longer than that."
14. Did it ever happen to you that you were dreaming and you suddenly fall out of nowhere in your dream then wake up in panic thinking you just fell?
"That's called a 'hypnic jerk' and it is normal."
How is it that I wake up almost exactly one hour before my alarm goes off?
"You are probably thinking about this before you go to bed - this could be a self-fulfilling prophecy and I recommend not looking at the clock."
15. Is sleeping on your stomach bad for you? Is there anything such as a good sleeping position that keeps pressure of certain organs?
"Sleeping position is mostly personal preference, but if you can't sleep comfortably on your back, it may be a sign of sleep apnea."
16. I seem to sleep fine, but hell am I tired constantly; what's that all about?
"There are medical causes for fatigue that you should have checked out by your doctor. This could also be an indication of a sleep disorder. Sleep and sleep disease, such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, are increasingly recognized as vital to a wide variety of public health and chronic disease concerns, including obesity, hypertension, and cancer. Definitely make sure you getting at least seven hours, too."
17. Why do some people enjoy "white noise" while they sleep?
"There is some thought that white noise might replicate the sounds you heard in the womb - making it soothing for children and adults."
18. Have you studied lucid dreaming at all?
"It is something that you can teach yourself and it can be an exhilarating experience. Stephen Laberge has produced some excellent teaching materials. Check them out!"
19. How do you feel about taking melatonin before sleep? Sometimes when I take melatonin I will wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning no matter what time I go to sleep. Why is this?
"Melatonin is not a 'sleeping pill' per se and has never been FDA approved. If you take it, then take it at least three hours before your intended bedtime, if not sooner, to notice any effect."
20. Can I train my body to need less sleep?
"Sorry, no."
Your Guide to Fenty's 16(!) Mesmerizing Highlighters
It's pretty obvious that Rihanna understands the power of the glow up. So natch, her Fenty Beauty line would be riddled with highlighters of every color variation. Any beauty virtuoso knows that a good glow isn't always one size fits all - so Fenty's range that clearly hones in on the nuances and needs of a good shimmer, in both powder and cream form, is pretty incredible. There's literally one for everyone!
If you're new to highlighter, you may be wondering where to begin. Here's a decoder on all 16 highlighters in the Fenty Beauty collection.
The Tarte Palette of Your Dreams + 23 More Holiday 2017 Beauty Launches
September and October are when the key players in the beauty industry start breaking out some of their biggest, baddest, and quickest-to-sell-out products, and because we quite literally couldn't contain ourselves, we've convinced some of our favorite brands to give us a sneak peek at all the glory that's to come. From that Tarte palette we foreshadowed (yes, it's that wonderful) to the Jo Malone set representing all of your beauty #housegoals, and plenty of snowflake and snowman-clad, limited-edition goodies in between, read on for 24 items we'll be adding to our holiday lists. The good news: some of it's already hitting stores. Merry Autumn!
What It Was Like to Be a Teen in Tijuana During the '90s Drug Wars
While teenage girls in San Diego struggled with peer pressure, my biggest concern on the other side of the border was never knowing if I was dating a narco. This was my life as a teen growing up in Tijuana, Mexico, when partying among drug lords was normal. But growing up in that tough and violent environment made me a better woman and a better mom.
I grew up along the Mexican border, and like any girl my age, I would sometimes sit by the phone, waiting for a call from a boy I liked or was dating. But I'll never forget the one phone call that was like no other I've ever received. The guy called to say he wasn't going to be able to make our date on Saturday, simply saying, "I'm away." That was the last time I spoke with him. A few months later, I found out he had been killed. That last phone call had come from prison.
My experience dating or partying with narcos wasn't unusual in the '90s. This was the decade of the Arellano Félix brothers, or Tijuana Cartel, which the US government once considered one of the biggest and most violent criminal organizations in Mexico. The Mexican drug cartel brought violence to what had been a very peaceful community: my hometown. In a matter of two years, El Cártel de Tijuana had covered the streets of the border city with blood. Seeing people killed was as common as seeing a taco shop in Mexico.
But I was still like any other 17-year-old girl who wanted to party with her girlfriends and meet boys. In the '90s, the place to be was Baby Rock, a megasize club that attracted big names and people with lots of money, and I was there almost every Saturday, dressed in high heels and a Lycra dress, and wearing lots of hairspray. (Yes, I said Lycra. After all, nothing shows your curves better when dancing!)
At Baby Rock, it was common to see the richest people in Mexico, celebrities as well as drug lords. It wasn't unusual to see members of the Arellano Félix Cartel in the best seats at the club, drinking champagne. The Arellano Félix brothers were very popular among Tijuana society, and pretty girls were dazzled by the expensive cars and VIP treatment. I was actually invited more than once to sit at the Arellano Félix brothers' table at Baby Rock, but I never accepted.
I wasn't even a big fan of drinking; as a teenager, my quest was to find the love of my life - a task difficult for any girl my age, but for me almost impossible! Don't get me wrong: I was a catch, if I do say so myself. My obstacle was that any guy I dated had to pass my dad's "background check."
I have three sisters, and my dad always gave us freedom about who we dated. But in the '90s, he faced the most difficult task of his life: to protect his girls from dating drug lords. As a Latinx family, we had lots of family time, and on Sundays, it was our tradition to have breakfast together. Over breakfast, my dad would always ask me the same question: "Tania, how was Baby Rock?" I knew that what he really wanted to know was, "Who did you meet?"
I would tell him the names of the guys I met, and he would do his background check . . . meaning he would ask around who knew this or that guy, what he did, and if he was a drug dealer. At that time, it wasn't very difficult to find out who the narcos were; everyone knew where they lived, what cars they drove, where they liked to eat, etc. A few days after our Sunday conversation over breakfast, my dad would give me the results of his background check, and the answer was either "Tania, he's fine," or "Tania, you can do whatever you want, but he is a narco." I always listened to my dad. He wasn't a dictator; he was protecting me. So unless he said, "He's fine," I wouldn't date the guy; narcos were never my thing.
But it wasn't always easy to say no to dating a narco. One time, an extremely cute and charming guy (think Brad Pitt in his younger years) knocked on my door. My mom opened the door, told me I had a visitor, and said, "I don't like him." My mom's sixth sense never failed, but I dated him anyway, even though my own instincts told me to be careful. I'd heard rumors that he was a narquillo, which is someone who works for a drug lord. But every girl in Tijuana wanted to date this guy, and I felt like I was living the dream.
However, my dream didn't last long; he left me for my best friend, and they ended up getting married because she got pregnant. But at the age of 21, she found herself a widow with a child to care for because her husband, the narquillo, was kidnapped in Tijuana and killed in the most horrific way. At the time, I was working as a TV news anchor at Univision, and I learned the news before she did; I was the one who told my friend about her husband's murder. Looking back, I'm glad the narquillo left me. I was lucky.
Growing up in this very tough and violent environment taught me many lessons, one of the most valuable being that communication is the key to good parenting. My boys are only 8 and 9 years old, but just like my father asked me about my Saturdays at Baby Rock, I ask my kids very specific questions about their day at school: Who did you eat lunch with? Who did you play with? Did anyone get in trouble? Like my dad, I try to have a friendly conversation with my boys about their day, while my task is to find out if there are any "bad boys" in their school. That old saying "Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell you who you are" definitely applies here, and I want to make sure my kids can extract positive lessons from their friends instead of learning bad habits. I hope they'll do the same with their own children when they grow up.
Being raised in such violent atmosphere - where I heard gunshots and police sirens while trying to concentrate on a math test or hugged a devastated friend when her boyfriend was shot in the head - made me extremely vigilant, and I'm always aware of what my kids are doing. My family and I live in beautiful San Diego, but we spent a lot of time in New York City, so I'm always aware of my surroundings, and I teach my kids to do the same. I explain scenarios in which they could possibly be in danger and what they should do, such as: if you're lost and a stranger tells you they know where I am, it's not true. Run and scream for help.
Between the ages of 15 and 25, I saw it all: friends who smuggled drugs in their underwear into prison in the name of love, another who had her car "stolen" so her boyfriend could pay a debt. Some of these women learned from their mistakes and are good moms today, but I consider myself one of the lucky ones, thanks to my mom's sixth sense and my own. I'm not a widow or single mom; my husband isn't a drug dealer, in jail, or dead.
Being a border girl means being fearless. I'm a survivor of Narco Tijuana.
Don't Even Think About Halloween Trick-or-Treating Until You Read This
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but Safe Kids Worldwide - an advocacy organization dedicated to protecting kids from injury - knows all too well the very real dangers that can come from being unprepared while out trick-or-treating, even as a family.
On average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween as compared to other days of the year, and a startling 12 percent of kids 5 years old and younger go door-to-door alone, without any adult supervision. And although most parents reported having concerns about safety during this holiday in particular, only one-third of moms talk to their kids about Halloween safety.
Whether it's finding an appropriate costume, setting clear trick-or-treating guidelines, enforcing candy rules, and driving defensively yourself, we've compiled a helpful checklist of easy and effective ways to keep your kids safe every step of the way.
When to Stash or Trash Important Papers
Some of us are pack rats by default; we don't know how long to keep what we think are important documents, so we store them in boxes indefinitely. Clueless clutter makes it difficult to find something when you actually need to reference it. Stop storing trash, and get organized when you learn how long you should hold onto certain papers.
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
21 Books to Read Before They're 2017 Movies
Like any other year, many of 2017's big releases are based on books. To start thinking about what should be on your reading list - or to see books you've already read up on the big screen - take a look at all the adaptations coming in 2017!
13 Latinx Actors We Can Expect to See on the Small Screen This Fall
Fall is an exciting time for TV-lovers, as networks are premiering new shows and your old shows are returning. Now that Latinx representation is slowly increasing in mainstream television, it's getting hard to keep track of all the shows your favorite actors are starring in. To make things a little easier for you, we've rounded up all the Latinx actors you can expect to see in Fall's new TV shows, so get ready to set your DVRs.
This Year's Hottest Pop Culture Halloween Costumes For Men
It's time to plan your Halloween costumes, and if you are grasping out at straws for ideas, you've come to the right place. We have plenty of pop-culture-inspired ideas for women, so now we have the list for men. Of course, anyone could be Pennywise this Halloween (but please be careful with that costume, it's very scary). Besides that It costume of the season (I had to), here are the other timely pop culture costumes that would make for the coolest Halloween get-up!
Meal Prep and the Freezer Join Forces For 17 Amazingly Easy Dishes
If you've ever meal prepped a week's worth of food or cooked freezer-friendly meals for the future, you know how lifesaving these popular techniques can be. Life can be made even easier by combining meal prep and the freezer for foods that can be reheated and enjoyed on the busiest of days - but taste freshly made. Use this recipe list as a meal plan for the next few months, and you'll become addicted to freezer-friendly meal prep for years to come.
Step Aside, PSL - There's a New Fall-Ready Starbucks Latte in Town, and It's Incredible
Starbucks just released its newest Fall beverage - the Maple Pecan Latte - and, honestly, it gives the beloved PSL a run for its money. Before you accuse me of utter blasphemy against the sacred Pumpkin Spice Latte, hear me out. I admit to indulging in Starbucks's pumpkin-flavored latte from time to time when I'm feeling especially in the sweater-weather spirit, but the syrup is admittedly a tad too sweet and overwhelming at times. That's why the brand spankin' new Maple Pecan Latte (or shall I say MPL?) is my latest obsession.
I had a chance to try the MPL, which is the first maple-flavored drink the coffeehouse has released in US stores in 10 years, and man . . . it sure didn't disappoint! It offers warming, cozy notes of maple syrup, pecans, and brown butter, all of which complement the espresso flavors without overpowering it too much. The best part? It's topped with orange and yellow sugar granules for an added bit of texture (kind of like the Cascara Latte). Overall, sipping on the MPL basically made me feel like I was wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket while watching Hocus Pocus and sniffing a Fall-scented candle. And what's more Fall than that?!
In the famous words of those corny late-night infomercials: "But wait, there's more!" Starbucks is releasing the Maple Pecan Latte in tandem with a new array of Fall-themed cups!
They're just like those bright Spring ones that debuted earlier this year, except these come in warmer colors (teal, magenta, and orange, specifically) and are decorated with illustrations of an owl, a pie, and a pumpkin. How adorable. Can't wait to 'gram a photo of the MPL in one of these cuties.
The Best New Trader Joe's Products From 2017 - So Far
One of the best things about Trader Joe's is that it's constantly releasing new products for customers to try, and we're not just talking about the free samples. Shopping at Trader Joe's is never boring thanks to the never-before-seen foods available every month, and 2017 is already off to a fantastic start. We're keeping up with every single new offering from Trader Joe's to let you know which items are worth the purchase and which ones you should skip. Ahead, read up on all the best new Trader Joe's products of the year so far, and add your favorites to your shopping list the next time you head to TJ's.
- Additional reporting by Jamie Mieuli
Less Bounce For Your Buck: The Best Sports Bras For DD+ Girls
For ladies with big boobs, the sports bra struggle is very, very real. There's never enough support, the straps dig in, and getting them on and off practically requires a sports bra doula. Even if you've tried every sports bra your friends have recommended, your girls require special attention. Look no further: we've rounded up the best sports bras for big-busted girls so you can get your sweat on comfortably and stylishly. Cleavage optional.
This Was by Far the Best Thing I Did on My Maui Vacation
If you're planning a trip to Maui, chances are you're already a little bit familiar with Haleakala National Park. Rising over 10,000 feet above sea level, Haleakala is the highest peak on the island. It's remote and otherworldly, far away from noise and light from the surrounding area. Given all of this, it should come as no surprise that it's a major tourist destination, especially for seeing the sunrise.
There is, of course, one small catch . . . given Haleakala's location and windy drive, you'll have to start your journey to the summit around 3 a.m., which is exactly why so many decide to skip out on this spectacle altogether. Let's be real: people don't come to Maui to wake up early - waking up early is the exact opposite of living on island time! But I urge you to do it. Just set the alarm and get in your car in the pitch black and make the drive; you will not be disappointed.
My partner and I were almost those people that skipped Haleakala. It wasn't until our flight to Maui that we decided to make the early morning trek. Even now it's hard to convey the pure majesty of a sunrise on Haleakala. Mark, my partner, is an avid rock climber and has seen hundreds of sunrises on peaks around the world. As the sun started coming up through the clouds that morning, he was left speechless. Later that day, he would share with me that this was the most beautiful sunrise of his life. From a man that spends his life climbing mountains, I took that to be a pretty impressive statement.
When you arrive, it's cold and dark and hard to see or get a sense of your surroundings. But as the sun starts to peek out, the clouds come into view and you can start to see outlines of Haleakala's deep valley below and rough volcanic rock. As this happens, a park ranger performs an ancient mele oli (chant) that was once sung by ancient Hawaiian priests hundreds of years earlier. It's an emotional moment to hear nothing but the sounds of this beautiful song while the sun reveals itself over a bed of billowy clouds. It's not very often that a large group of people are moved into silence because of beauty . . . this is one of those moments. I am not being dramatic when I say this sunrise will change your life. Thinking back on it now, I can't believe we almost skipped this.
On the drive back down, definitely reward yourself by stopping at Kula Lodge. The restaurant opens at 7 a.m. every day, which is right about the time you'll get there once you leave the summit. The restaurant is situated in the mountains and has incredible views of the western side of the island. It also has the most amazing macadamia nut pancakes (with coconut syrup!) I have had in my life.
Basic Tips Before Going
- You need a permit to enter the park: To limit the size of the crowd, the national park service (NPS) now requires a reservation for each car that enters the park. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and cost $2. If you do not have a reservation, it's very likely you will be turned away; we saw this happen to another party on our drive up. In addition to the reservation, you will also need to pay for an entrance fee of $25 per car at the time you enter the park. However, if you have an Annual National Parks Pass (like we did), the $25 fee is waived. You can opt out of driving yourself and pay for a tour, but I recommend driving. It's less hectic than dealing with a large group and you have much more control of what time you want to hit the road.
- It's freezing up there, so dress accordingly: The summit of Haleakala is 10,023 feet above sea level and the sun has yet to come out - it's going to be cold. Do not be one of those tourists that shows up in board shorts and a tank top; you will freeze. Before dawn, expect temps to be around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. I felt comfortable wearing a beanie, gloves, jeans, and several wool base layers under a jacket. My partner just opted to pack his puffy down jacket.
- Find a place away from the crowds: While there are two main viewing areas, there are several short trails that will take you to areas a little less populated to watch the sunrise. We chose the Pa Kaoao Trail (a .6-mile paved road), which got us a little above the main crowds and felt even more isolated since there were maybe only 10 other people up there. Do bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to wander off from the main viewing areas.
- Check the time: Depending on where you are staying on the island, the drive to the summit will take you two to three hours. Be sure to check what time the sun will be rising when you are there. The last thing you want is to miss it because you were late!
The 1 Item I Can't Seem to KonMari but Need To
I love everything about Marie Kondo's KonMari Method of tidying up. I have followed every instruction to a T, given away 90 percent of my possessions, and developed better organizational habits than ever before. And yet, there's one thing I can't seem to give up yet: my journals. There's a section in the book - the last section - that deals with this. "Sentimentals" are the most difficult thing to purge, which is why Marie Kondo waits until readers have mastered her method before tackling them. Unlike books, furniture, or clothing, you can't replace things like hand-written cards, printed-out photos, or, in my case, journals that I've kept since I was 6 years old. How can I give them up?
My journals have documented my friendships, my heartbreaks, my journey from Texas to California, my dreams coming true, the hardships I've overcome, and how my voice has matured and changed over the years. They are my life sketched out, and I feel deeply attached to them. I have about six plastic containers full of journals. They are eyeing me, begging to be KonMaried. I've been avoiding them (for over a year now)! There have been times where I've felt compelled to trash them all. I'll pull them down from the top of my closet to start the ceremony, and then, unable to bear the thought of losing those words forever to a trash dump, I'll quickly put them back up again.
Marie Kondo's latest book, The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story, touched on the subject of journals. To paraphrase, she says that most people think journals hold memories, but the truth is, most journals are just a vessel of processing difficult emotions and releasing pent-up frustrations on paper. Memories stay with us in our heads, not journals. Keeping journals with all that negativity can make a person and house feel heavy. She recommends only keeping one journal from the happiest year of your life - that's it - then releasing the rest.
Mulling over this, I have come to realize that possessing my journals hasn't really "sparked joy" or made me feel like I'm living in the present with space for the future. I need to tackle them, too, without so much attachment. I don't know when I'll have time to read through six boxes of journals to find the one that sparks joy, but then again, I have no idea how I managed to KonMari all of my belongings. I guess I'll just take a journal on, a little bit each day. Then I can honestly say I have tackled everything and none of my past is holding me back from enjoying my present.
Harley Pasternak's Best Weight-Loss Tip Is So Easy, You'll Think He's Kidding
If you're familiar with the works of celeb trainer, nutritionist, and New York Times bestselling author Harley Pasternak, you know his motto well: "Strong in the gym, lean in life." It's one of the core principles of his training style and shapes the way he gives weight-loss advice to his A-list clients like Ariana Grande, Behati Prinsloo, Amy Schumer, Katy Perry, and the Kardashians.
We've talked to Harley a few times about his fitness advice, but his best, easiest weight-loss tip of all time? "Before work, go for a walk around the block," he told POPSUGAR. "When you get home, walk around the block again." Pretty simple, right? Just a casual jaunt around your house - and with consistency, it'll contribute to some serious weight-loss success.
The Fitbit enthusiast and ambassador encourages his clients to get 10,000 steps each and every day as a means of staying mobile and active. He's mentioned before that the intensity of cardio doesn't matter as long as you're consistently moving throughout the day. Further supporting the notion that walking is the best way to lose weight, he said, "Believe it or not, a greater percentage of your calories come from fat when you walk rather than when you run." He also told us that he's been "liberated from this idea of 'How many minutes do I have to do cardio for?' - I don't care. 'How hard do I have to do cardio?' - I don't care. It's all about steps."
So now you know what to do: when you get up in the morning, just go for a brief stroll! Do the same thing when you get back from school, work, or your day's activities. Be consistent. The more you keep at it, the more success you'll have. Remember: strong in the gym, lean in life!
I Didn't Eat Breakfast For 3 Months and This Is What Happened
My weight-loss journey has been a long one, with many mistakes along the way, including spooning peanut butter from the jar and eating too much during half-marathon training. Even after years of religiously exercising and eating right and not reaching my weight-loss goals, I thought signing up for CrossFit would be the answer. But after six months of burpees and barbells, my body hadn't transformed the way I thought it would. "Give it nine months," my fellow CrossFitters kept saying, but by the end of my eighth month, I still had the baby fat on my belly I was trying so hard to get rid of (and my baby was almost five years old!). I was beyond frustrated.
Before
So after a ton of research, I decided to try intermittent fasting (IF), specifically the 16/8 plan, where I'd fast for 16 hours and eat for eight. I'd stop eating around 7 or 8 at night, then wouldn't eat again until 11 a.m. or noon the next day, so essentially I'd skip breakfast. The photo above was taken March 1, 2017, six days after I started intermittent fasting and eight months after starting CrossFit.
After
This photo was taken May 20, 2017, just over 12 weeks after starting intermittent fasting. I was actually really surprised, getting dressed to go to my Saturday morning CrossFit class, I caught a glimpse of my belly in the mirror. I took a pic so I could compare it to three months ago and couldn't believe that the change was so visible. And I was also in disbelief because I've been weighing myself every few days since I started and because I was keeping up with CrossFit classes four to five times a week, I actually gained a few pounds, which I can see now is muscle weight!
During my first month of IF, I didn't talk to anyone about it, because skipping meals, especially breakfast, is so taboo. Experts constantly talk about how not eating in the morning will slow down your metabolism, but after reading so extensively about intermittent fasting and the success other people had and the success I had experienced in the first month, I felt compelled to keep going and to talk to more people about it.
I discovered a few people I knew who also did intermittent fasting, and I even inspired a couple friends to try it themselves. It still feels a little weird that I finally found success in transforming my body in a way that's looked down upon by so many experts. But speaking from personal experience, it's the only thing that's worked for me.
There are two main reasons I found so much success. One, IF allowed me to enjoy larger, more satisfying meals and gave me the freedom to eat what I wanted and not be as calorie-restrictive as I was with my previous daily eating schedule of three meals and two snacks.
But most importantly, reason number two, it helped me get a handle on my obsession over food and weight loss and my sugar cravings. Before IF, I never felt hunger because I was eating every two to three hours, like I was taught to. But eating that often just made me want to eat all frickin' day. I was always reaching for food, even if I wasn't hungry. Intermittent fasting taught me that it's OK to feel hungry before meals, but what's interesting is that I feel less hungry eating less often and surprisingly don't crave sweets as much. I'm more conscious about when I'm actually feeling hunger, and realized that most of the time, I was just thirsty, and drinking water is what I needed. And when I do eat, I'm more in tune with my body, recognizing when I'm full, and stopping before I overeat, instead of just finishing the food because it's piled on my plate.
I also feel freedom from thinking about food. I'm not meticulously counting calories or spending hours planning out meals, food shopping, prepping meals, and cooking. I eat two big, satisfying meals a day and I'm done. It's been liberating and so good for me mentally to not be so tied to food.
Many people ask if I'm going to stick with this "not eating breakfast thing." I'm not gonna lie - some days are so tough and I get home from CrossFit and want to eat everything in my kitchen breakfast with my family at 7 a.m. But then I look at these before-and-after photos and I see that it's working. It totally inspires me to keep going, since my body isn't quite where I want it to be yet. Aside from changing my body composition, I've become a huge fan of intermittent fasting for the other benefits, such as less bloating and a clearer, more focused mind - I can't wait to see what the next three months bring.
This Year's Best Pop Culture-Inspired Halloween Costumes For Couples
Putting together one Halloween costume is one thing, but putting together a costume for a couple is, well, double the work. That's why we can at least help you out by solving the first problem: inspiration. We have tons of ideas for couples costumes inspired by pop culture, and in this list, we've narrowed it down to the most timely couples' costumes from the hit movies and TV from 2017. Grab your bae and get ready to make them the Steve to your Nancy, or the beast to your beauty.
Just Hours Old, 1 Newborn Helped Pull Off the Ultimate Surprise For His Mom
After Susan Medina and Darick Mead welcomed their first child, the new mom had no idea that there was about to be another reason to celebrate.
At just hours old, Darick enlisted his newborn's help in pulling off the ultimate surprise proposal, which left the new mom stunned. The Nebraska couple has been together for two years and Darick always teased Susan that he didn't want to get married for 40 years.
However, this new dad had a much sooner date in mind and worked with hospital staff to make their newborn's birth even more memorable. A month before Ryder's birth, Darick bought an engagement ring and let the hospital in on his idea. Shortly after Susan's C-section, nurses came in to "check on" Ryder but were actually slipping him into a personalized onesie that said, "Mommy, will you marry my Daddy?"
When they brought the baby back over, Darick was waiting by her bedside with a cushion-cut engagement ring. "I didn't expect that at all. I thought I was going to be changing the baby's diaper, looked up, and everyone had their phones out, so I was confused," Susan told POPSUGAR. "But I was super, super happy!"
14 Christmas Cocktails to Get You in the Holiday Spirit(s)
'Tis the season . . . to get tipsy! Get inspired by these festive libations that all feature vodka, like holiday punches, spiked hot chocolate, and champagne mules. Then, whip up a batch to impress your naughty "nice" list party guests.
10 Things You Can Do Today to Be Happy
Let's be honest: when it comes to negative thinking, most of us need to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves. Whether it's traffic on the freeway or the weight we've gained in our arms, we are seasoned vets at focusing our attention on all the things that we wish were somehow better or different.
As a life coach and an inspirational speaker, I am constantly being asked for quick-fix tips for inducing happiness and reducing stress. My answer is always the same: if we want to be happy, we have to learn how to turn the volume down on our negativity and shift our awareness to the parts of our lives that are working, to thoughts and ideas that make us feel inspired and uplifted.
The reason for this is that, unbeknownst to many, negative thinking is the number one cause of unhappiness in humans. That's right. It's not your lack of sleep or your cranky boss that is bringing you down, it's your thoughts about these things that cause you to be less than your naturally exuberant self.
An incredible method for shifting away from the negative and into the positive is an exercise that I call "The Flip Switch." The Flip Switch is a great tool for instant happiness, as well as for kick-starting our brains into the habit of focusing only on the thoughts that make us feel empowered and optimistic. If it is practiced regularly, The Flip Switch will benefit us emotionally, mentally, and also biologically (think endorphins, new neural pathways, and extra serotonin, oh my!) in our quest for happiness.
Application of The Flip Switch: When you find yourself drowning in a downward spiral of negative thoughts - or even just treading water in them! - this list is your life preserver. To stop negativity in its tracks, shift your attention onto one of the activities on the list below for a few minutes (or as long as you feel is necessary) when you first notice negative self-talk start to come up.
- Listen to music that you love. Music is an extremely powerful tool for shifting your mood and mindset. Just make sure to choose music that energizes and elates you.
- Call someone who understands and supports you. Hearing the voice of someone we love or a friend who gives great advice is always an instant pick-me-up.
- Get into nature. My personal favorite. There is nothing that calms and soothes me more than watching a sunset or being on the beach by my house.
- Meditate. This is a great go-to when you find yourself already pretty deep in the downward spiral. When we are stuck in negative thought patterns, the first physical shift that occurs is that we stop breathing. Shifting our focus onto our breath causes our minds to slow down and brings immediate relief.
- Laugh. Laughter is hands down the best remedy for releasing tension. Watch a silly movie or a YouTube video, or remember a joke that never gets old.
- Exercise/get in your body. When we are moving and being active, we shake up energy and shift our focus away from our mind and into our physicality. Even if this means running in place for 30 seconds or doing a silly dance in your office bathroom, I promise you will feel a difference.
- Appreciate what is around you. Look around your environment and make a conscious effort to list and appreciate everything in your field of vision that you like. Maybe it's the way the man on the subway is holding his baby, or maybe it's the photo of your parents that you keep on your desk. Negative thoughts cannot enter our minds when we are in a state of appreciation, so appreciate, appreciate, appreciate!
- Make a gratitude list. When you feel the onset of negativity, quickly turn your thoughts to everything in your life that you are grateful for. This high-vibe tactic diffuses the negativity and is like a reset button for your brain. I have a list I carry in my wallet of all the things I'm happy about - it's my secret weapon that I pull out and look at when I start to feel down.
- Do an act of kindness. Studies have shown that giving to others elevates levels of dopamine in the brain and instantly boots feel-good brainwaves.
- Create your own! You know yourself better than anyone. If the items on this list don't particularly invigorate you, just think of the things that make you smile and do that! Eat your favorite food, look at a photograph that reminds you of an awesome vacation . . . Anything that feels good is fair game.
Some items on the list may work better for you than others, so choose the activities that excite you most. You will know when you have successfully "flipped the switch" because you will a) feel better and b) feel much more neutral about the triggering issue that set off the negative thoughts in the first place.
Cheers to your newfound state of bliss, and happy Flipping!
Find more inspiration from Molly on her Instagram!
9 Things to Cut Out of Your Life to Be Healthy
Many of you are here to improve your diet and overall well-being and to start cutting certain things out of your life. But that doesn't always mean junk food or sweets - we've got some habits that might be holding you back from your healthy goals that you should definitely consider eliminating for good.
Here's what we're cutting out of our lives to have our healthiest year yet.
- Negative self-talk: Stop being mean to yourself. Just stop. You are enough! You are strong! You're capable. Start giving yourself more compliments, and make this year about no negative self-talk - ever. The more you berate and degrade yourself, the harder your year will be; you'll also have a much harder time reaching your healthy goals.
- Your scale: Look, quantifiable goals are great, but the scale can be an evil enemy, and doctors agree! If you've been obsessed with the scale and every decimal point on your weight, it's time for that thing to go. In the trash. Forever. Remember that a number on a scale doesn't reflect the hard work you're putting in, and the numbers absolutely do not define you.
- Workouts you hate: Not everyone likes running, and that's OK. Forcing yourself into a workout that you hate definitely won't encourage you to keep working out. There are alternatives to running and so many other kinds of cardio exercises. If you hate bootcamp classes, try barre. Hate barre? Stop doing it! Try yoga. If something's not working, try a new studio or new instructor. Keep going until you find something that clicks, but absolutely do not keep going to a class or attempting a workout you don't like.
- Exercising to "fix" or change a part of your body: Working out because you "hate" your body is the worst thing you can do. Exercise makes you feel good - it celebrates your body, makes you feel empowered, and sends a rush of feel-good endorphins through your body. Working out will boost your energy, will improve your health, and can change your mood for the better, alongside so many other benefits. Celebrate your body; don't try to "fix" it.
- Kale (or that one food you just can't stand): A lot of you hate kale. So stop forcing it! You don't need kale to be healthy! Maybe it's not kale, but it's another healthy food you've been forcing yourself to eat under the pretense that it's healthy and you "need it" to be healthy yourself. This just isn't true, and if your diet consists of things you don't love, you're not going to stay on that diet for very long. For a more sustainable diet, experiment more with other healthy foods to find out what you do love. You'll be eating healthier all the time!
- Perfectionism: Striving for a goal is great; striving for perfection is unhealthy. Giving yourself unrealistic or unattainable goals is detrimental to your mental and your physical health. That desire for perfectionism can often be a defense mechanism, when you're either consciously or subconsciously protecting yourself from the judgment of others. Focus that energy on progress, not perfection, and you'll have a much better year.
- Calorie counting: This year, stop obsessing over calories, especially if it has created a negative relationship with food. Food is fuel, and we need calories to have strong muscles, strong bones, and a functioning body! There are so many ways to track your food and eat healthy without calorie counting. If you need the data and numbers to stay in control of your healthy eating, try looking into counting macros - you'll have a healthy balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates each day.
- Stress: Whether you have clinical anxiety or you've been stressing way too much, your compromised mental health can have a seriously negative impact on your health. Stress can cause weight gain, bloating, physical pain, skin problems, and more. Quite a setback for your healthiest year yet, right? To relax and cut out stress, get yourself a great therapist, or try a self-care practice like diffusing essential oils.
- Everything that is holding you back: What is keeping you from being your best self and living your best life? Is it an unhealthy relationship, a terrible job that drains you of your energy, or a deep-seated fear? Let. It. Go. Cut the people out who don't support you. Say goodbye to work that doesn't make you feel good, or worse, makes you feel bad. Remove unnecessary obligations that keep you from reaching your physical, mental, and personal goals. This is your time! Replace these things with activities that help you reach your goals, a job that fosters your creativity and empowers you, and relationships with people who build you up.
This Pennywise Makeup Tutorial Will Scare the Bejesus Out of You
If you don't like clowns and somehow have ended up here, please stop and turn around, because this makeup tutorial to create a creepy Halloween costume based on It's Pennywise is too frightening. It's not just the makeup, created by YouTube vlogger and Anastasia Beverly Hills collaborator Nicole Guerriero, but the scary carnival music playing in the background that makes this tutorial one of the scariest ones we've yet to see.
Follow Nicole's surprisingly easy step-by-step instructions using white face paint, red eye shadow, and spray blood, get yourself a red balloon and wig, and get ready to make people scream and run on Oct. 31.
Keep Bread Fresh (Practically) Forever With This Trick
Few things are sadder than tossing out a stale half-loaf of beautiful artisanal (or homemade) bread. The problem: said beautiful bread lacks the stabilizers present in commercial presliced loaves, and so it goes from rocking your world to rock-hard ridiculously fast. The solution: eat more bread a simple trick involving your freezer.
Here's what you should do:
- Within 24 hours (maximum) of cutting into a loaf, slice up the remaining bread. (Don't wait until it's already turned the corner; at that point, your best bet is giving leftovers a second life as croutons, breadcrumbs, or bread pudding.) Don't just stick the bread in the freezer unsliced. Unless your kitchen is equipped with a buzz saw, there's no chance you're going to be able to slice it without thawing the entire loaf first (trust us, we've tried).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or wax paper, arrange the slices in one layer on top of that, and put it in the freezer, uncovered, until frozen solid. (The parchment will prevent the gorgeous, moist crumb of the bread from sticking to the pan, and the single layer will prevent the slices from freezing stuck to each other.)
- Once the bread slices are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible.
- When a bread craving hits, take out just as many slices of bread as you'll eat then, and either let them thaw at room temperature, or put them directly in the toaster (they'll take about one extra minute to toast). The texture of the bread will be about 95 percent as good as fresh bread and far better than second-day, already-starting-to-go-stale bread. Stored frozen (in a resealable freezer bag), sliced bread will stay fresh and delicious for at least six months, if not longer.
I Did 20 Push-Ups Every Day For 2 Weeks and Here's What I Learned
Earlier this year, I could string together a solid 14 to 16 push-ups without stopping. It was a skill that took me quite some time to master. And by "quite some time," I mean months and months. For that, my gratitude lays with CrossFit. When I'd see them on the list of to-dos for a daily WOD (workout of the day, in CrossFit speak), I felt excitement over dread. I got to a point where I looked forward to seeing just how many I could crank out before dropping to my knees for that modification. I looked forward to watching what was four up to six, and six up to eight.
But then I hurt my back. Lifting too much weight overhead during the CrossFit Open triggered some nagging arthritis in my lumbar spine, and push-ups were one of the first things to go. Maintaining that tension in my core, rep after rep, bothered my back. Although I was taking the time to work on my core strength, I didn't want to risk the unintentional pain; I started doing push-ups constantly from my knees, reverting back to my pre-gains status. I felt like the last year of strength successes were subsiding.
Here's the thing: I'm not the kind of person to take "subpar" as status quo. So, naturally, after a couple of months of accepting this on-the-knees approach, change was imminent. The logical decision? I was going to work back to stringing together a slew of push-ups, ASAP. The plan? Rise to the challenge. Using the app Spar, I challenged three friends (including my boyfriend) to do 20 push-ups every day for two weeks. The best part is hands down the penalty: if you miss a day, Spar charges your credit card $3. Thus, I present you with four lessons I learned doing 20 push-ups a day for two weeks:
1. Not every goal has to be astronomical.
I knew going into this challenge that just because I started on this goal didn't mean I was automatically going to crank out standard push-ups easy-breezy. Setting a goal of 20 push-ups felt like a lot, but I knew that 10 would be a little too easy. So I started small. I wasn't going to crush all 20 push-ups from high plank from the get-go. So, after doing a few going through the motions from high plank to low plank, I'd drop to my knees and finish the rest of them modified. Being easy on myself made this OK. Being easy on myself made me feel like I could make positive progress. As the weeks progressed, I worked on doing more and more in the standard format before giving in to the alternative.
2. A support network makes everything better.
If I had simply challenged myself to do 20 push-ups each day, I probably wouldn't have stuck it out. Not because I don't have willpower, but because . . . let's be honest: things always get in the way. Watching my friends execute their reps (Spar makes you record a 10-second video every day when you check-in to show the challenge participants you're not fibbing), I felt motivated to do mine. The trash talking . . . well, that motivated me a bit, too.
3. When you think you can't go any more, do one more.
That's when I focused on all the things you're supposed to focus on when executing the perfect push-up: lean slightly forward, keep your shoulders stacked over your elbows, engage your core. When I felt like my triceps couldn't bear lowering my body weight back to the ground (nevertheless pushing it back up), I took a deep breath, paused, and then pushed past my comfort zone. Despite struggling before the rep, I'd say that almost always that last can-I-keep-doing-this push-up was my best.
4. The best is yet to come.
Probably the best part of the challenge was waking up to a "You lost!" email (both my boyfriend and I missed one day each, paying out a total of $3 to our friends). Within an hour, the group text was lighting up with questions like "What's next?" paired with suggestions. Sure, we all like a little friendly competition. But now that I've built up my arm strength, I'm thinking those lunges are a good idea.
In Just 1 Tweet, Nicki Minaj Clapped Back at Cultural Appropriation
Image Source: Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris
We all know that Nicki Minaj is no stranger to speaking her mind online. (That Taylor Swift-inspired "Be humble" tweet, anyone?) So on Sept. 28, the "No Fraud" singer took to Twitter to open up about her experience as a woman of color working in the fashion industry.
For years, fashion mags would change my hair for their covers but allow women of a diff race to wear the exact style on the cover. 🤷🏽♀️
- NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) September 28, 2017
As the latest face of MAC wrote, "For years, fashion mags would change my hair for their covers but allow women of a [different] race to wear the exact style on the cover."
When a fan wrote, "They can't do it now [because you're] a queen," Nicki dropped another frustrating truth bomb. "Actually, they're still doing it babe," read her last tweet on the topic. (Leaving us all to wonder - which magazine is Minaj speaking of?)
Actually, they're still doing it babe 😔 https://t.co/xF2bGZKuTx
- NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) September 28, 2017
These comments come during a Fashion Month that has been filled with comments regarding inclusivity - or lack thereof - in the industry. You may remember that earlier in September, Minaj spoke up about cultural appropriation at runway shows.
"Designers get really big and really rich off of our culture," the singer said at Philipp Plein's show. "And then you don't see a motherf*cker that look anything like us in the front row half the time."
27 Game of Thrones Season 8 Theories to Read Until the Show Returns
The following contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season seven.
Game of Thrones season seven is officially finished, and while the season left us with a lot of definitive answers about the series - like the truth about Jon Snow's claim to the Iron Throne - there are still a helluva lot of questions left to answer. Based on how the season ended, we've got quite a few theories about how the show's final installment will play out when it returns to air. We're talking deaths! Love stories! Babies! Revenge! The eighth and last season is going to be more fiery than "dracarys."
Read on for our predictions (and hopes) for next season. There will be prophecies fulfilled, hearts broken, and kill lists to complete . . . but, most importantly, Winter has come to Westeros, and the Night King isn't slowing down for anybody.
10 Chapulín Colorado Halloween Costumes to Bring Out All the Nostalgia
Ask any Latinx child of the '70s, '80s or '90s who their favorite superhero is and chances are their answer will be El Chapulín Colorado. If you grew up watching Chespirito playing the hilarious world-saving superhero on TV, seeing these perfect Halloween costumes will give you major nostalgia. The options ahead came straight from Instagram users who user their DIY powers on Halloweens past. Use them as inspiration and get ready to be "más ágil que una tortuga, más fuerte que un ratón, más noble que una lechuga, su escudo es un corazón."
7 Résumé Red Flags to Avoid
We all know how lying to your potential employer can create problems, but there are also a couple of résumé missteps you need to be aware of. Here are some red flags to avoid on your CV.
1. Spelling mistakes and other typos
If a recruiter spots typos on your résumé, she will assume that you don't pay attention to detail and you can possibly be careless, which isn't a very attractive trait for a job candidate. Keep reviewing your résumé for errors and ask at least three people to review it and give you feedback.
2. The wrong file name
Your recruiter will pay attention to this simple detail, so include your name when you're naming the file. This helps hiring managers better sort through the mountain of résumés. Just imagine trying to find a file named "résumé" among dozens of similarly named files.
3. Tacky email
Make sure you're using an email address that's professional. If you don't have one that's appropriate, create one. Also, if you're still at your current job, don't list your work email.
4. Résumé gaps
Gaps in employment are obviously noticeable, but don't fret too much about it because it's almost the norm in this economy. List what you've been doing in your time off if the activities are relevant to the position. Here are more ideas on how to fill the résumé gaps.
5. Irrelevant information
Having unnecessary information that's not related to the job is a waste of time for your hiring manager. Don't overshare - pick the right succinct sentences to showcase the skills that will be valuable in the position.
6. Being vague
It's always good to be specific and quantify your achievements so your story will be more convincing and believable. "Increased quarter one revenue by nine percent year over year" sounds a lot better than "increased revenue for the company." A résumé is always more compelling if you can back up your achievements with quantitative data.
7. Job hopping
Going through too many jobs in a short period can be a red flag for an employer. You may want to consider taking off jobs that you were only at for a month or two if they don't pertain to the position or if you already have a pretty full résumé. If you're going to include the short-term positions, be very clear about the big contributions you have made toward the company, so the recruiter will see that you have added value to all your previous jobs even if they were of varying lengths.
The Ultimate All-in-One Travel Guide
Traveling has never been so easy. Packing tricks, travel hacks, airport tips, and pretty much everything else you ever need to know about getting around can be found in one place: here. We've packaged our best travel information into one single guide so that you can bookmark it now and reference it later. Lost your passport? We've got you. Want to know how to score free booze on your flight? No problem. See 54 things you should know before your next vacation.
How Do You Get on The Bachelor or Bachelorette? Follow These Steps
Admit it. At one time or another, you've thought about what it would be like to go on one of the shows we love to hate and hate to love - The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. After all, most of us want to find that forever partner (and ride off into the sunset, preferably in a helicopter overlooking a tropical island). But what does it really take to get from just a thought to actually appearing on the hit ABC show? Here's everything you need to know!
Make Sure You Meet the Eligibility Requirements
First off, anyone related or closely connected to employees of the show aren't allowed to apply to be the Bachelor or Bachelorette, or a contestant pining to be with one of them. You also can't currently be a candidate in any type of political office or become one from when you submit your application to one year after the first broadcast of the last episode. All applicants must be single, at least 21 years old, and a US citizen or resident or foreign alien without restrictions on coming in or out of the country. Make sure you also have a passport (hello, exotic trips!) and are clean of a felony conviction, misdemeanor conviction, or restraining order. Oh, and make sure you realize that you will be on television and your life will basically be an open book. Ready for the next step?
Send in an Application, Pictures, and Video
It's time to shine! You can submit an application through mail or online, and you can even submit one for someone else! Be prepared, because it's probably more in-depth than any application you're used to. It'll ask about your salary, if you've ever filed for bankruptcy, how your previous relationships ended, etc. You can also attach your social media accounts (so finally all those cute pictures you took at brunch have a real purpose)!
Pictures are a must and a video is encouraged so you can show off your personality. They have seven suggested questions to answer in the video (from your ideal fantasy date to any special talents). However, they want you to have fun and be creative, so really get into it!
Attend a Casting Call
If you get this far (woo!), you'll probably be asked to come to a nearby major city for a casting call so the producers can get to know you in person. Depending on what happens there, you'll either move forward in the process as the casting directions narrow down the group or not be seen as a fit.
Good luck and cheers to many roses, one-on-one time, and an unbelievable journey!
These Are the Best 8 Concealers, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
Long nights, early mornings, and festive Summer evenings out can often lead to dark circles and blotchy skin. More often than not, concealer (and coffee) is your very best friend before heading out the door. But it can be pretty disappointing when your makeup coverage only lasts through two hours of your day. It can cake off or fade, exasperating the wrinkles or under-eye bags you're trying to hide.
So, we asked some of the top makeup artists in the business which concealers they rely on day in and day out, through countless photo shoots and on some of their favorite celebrity clients. Here are the concealers that they continuously go back to. Hopefully it will help you discover your new favorite magic eraser!
I'm Fully Obsessed With Hair "Strobing" Thanks to This New IGK Glitter Spray
We highlight our cheekbones, our noses, our shoulders, heck, even our earlobes. Who's to say we shouldn't start adding shimmer to our hair, too? IGK is setting out to make strand strobing a thing with its new, limited-edition glitter spray ($16), and I am 100 percent here for it. I told myself I'd save this for the holiday season, when sparkly everything is par for the course, but I lasted exactly one week before I used up the entire can.
Consider this a more elevated, wearable version of the glitter roots trend that blew up a year ago. While I loved the ethereal aesthetic of the beauty look, I couldn't help but think three things. First, the glitter looks like shiny dandruff. Sorry. Second, wouldn't it be a giant mess to pour loose glitter on your scalp? Finally, aside from a music festival, there is literally nowhere this look could work in real life.
IGK's new spray eliminated all of those concerns at once. Read on to find out how.
Articles
