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.
lundi 2 octobre 2017
The True Confessions of an Ex-Vegan
A rescued Thanksgiving turkey and me, in 2010, having been vegan for just over two years
I am a food editor who is a former hard-core vegan. Today I may eat the worldwide gamut of food, but if you had talked to me between the ages of 19 and 22, I would have turned my nose at anything containing dairy, eggs, seafood, or meat. For two and a half years of my three-year stint as a vegan, I lived in Los Angeles, the land of celebrities, yogis, and health-conscious people in general. Every corner had a vegan restaurant and green juice joint, and there was fresh kale and berries aplenty, year-round. I felt utterly convinced that I was doing the right thing for the planet, for animals, and for my health. However, all that changed when I moved to New York City upon graduating college.
I always knew I wanted to be a food writer/editor, so I packed my bags and headed to New York City to attend a plant-based culinary school. "What sort of food writer is vegan?" my mom exasperatedly questioned me. I never saw it as a limitation, even when I dined at some of the finest restaurants in the world. In fact, I believed the best chefs were the ones who could produce a vegan tasting menu full of creative, interesting flavors, rather than simply serve a plate of steamed broccoli. I still think this is true. Grant Achatz, anyone?
When I arrived in New York City, I immediately immersed myself in the vegan community. I worked as a chocolatier in a vegan chocolate/wine shop, attended yoga classes every day at a notoriously vegan studio, and joined all the vegan meetups I could. My weight (and energy) were at all-time lows, yet I attributed it to my busy schedule and the rigor of city life. The only thing I couldn't handle was the hunger. Sure, being vegan, I felt my stomach grumble every couple of hours, though in New York, I felt painfully hungry constantly.
And then, I started dreaming of steak. I mean, x-rated, slow-mo, sizzling food-porn dreams. I'd wake up in a panic and run to the kitchen to stuff myself with spoonfuls of peanut butter, pea protein powder smoothies, and leftover lentils. Despite attempting to eat every type of vegan protein known to mankind, I'd always leave the kitchen unsatisfied, salivating, and angry because I still envisioned a big hunk of charcoal-grilled steak with bloody juices seeping onto the plate.
I was in such a conflicted state. Perhaps it was part pride (I'm saving the environment; emotional, sentient beings; and myself by being vegan) and part fear (how can I face my job, my yoga studio, my vegan friends, and my vegan sister if I decide to quit?). I neglected those steak dreams for three months before I finally booked an appointment with Annemarie Colbin, the founder of Natural Gourmet Institute, who has a Ph.D. in holistic nutrition.
I told her my predicament. "I'm vegan and I'm dreaming of steak," I shamefully admitted. She looked at me amused. "Then you must eat steak," she responded matter-of-factly. I exasperatedly explained, "You don't understand. I can't just eat steak. I've made a commitment! Isn't there some bean-grain combo that can give me the nutrients I need and make these dreams disappear?!" She shook her head. "If your body is trying to tell you on a subconscious level that it needs the nutrients from a steak, then listen to it."
I didn't listen to her then. Instead, I tried to deny the truth and became obsessive about which grains to pair with which beans to form complete proteins. Nothing was working. Then, I started to dream of salmon, too. Flaky, Asian-glazed salmon with a crisp skin. Waking up from those dreams was agonizing, and I'd shlep to the kitchen to eat my sad, slimy bowl of sprouted amaranth cereal.
Right before Christmas, a few friends from culinary school planned a trip to go to a farm in upstate New York to learn how to slaughter chickens. Despite growing up around hunting camps and hunters, never in my life would I have considered killing an animal for food. I was so ravenously hungry, the thought of doing so excited me. My primal needs to hunt and eat meat were kicking in. Though I didn't join them on that trip, it was a turning point. It was time to break up with veganism.
Me, in June 2014, at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
I went home for the holidays and spoke to my vegan sister. While we were getting ready for Christmas dinner, I whispered to her, "I think I'm going to eat a steak on New Year's." Eying my ghostly complexion and exposed ribs, she didn't even blink before saying, "Yeah, that's a good idea." I don't know why I needed that green light, but I did. No one in my family, save for my sister, thought I'd actually go for a filet mignon on New Year's, until the waiter took my order, and I said, "I'll take the eight-ounce, medium." And that was that.
I watched the plate of steaming steak waltz through the dining room until it finally landed in front of me. The caramelized crust, the bloody juices, and the unmistakeable, smoky aroma matched the steak of my dreams. And that first bite - lord have mercy - that first bite couldn't have been more perfect. I danced in my seat with giddiness, feeling rebellious and relieved all at once. A lot of people claim that going back to meat can be upsetting on the stomach, but I didn't have a single problem. The same went for returning to dairy.
The biggest challenge of giving up veganism was realizing how much I had let it define me and influence my relationships. I became aware of how enraged and difficult I was. Over the past few years, I didn't have much compassion toward fellow humans, and I blamed them for factory farming and their lack of consciousness. I demanded that my friends and family go to vegan restaurants and questioned them for their eating habits constantly.
Today, I think I have a much healthier approach to food and, most importantly, to fellow humans. I tend to sway toward fresh produce, legumes, and grains, with some meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs, of course. I support my local farmers and fishers so that hopefully there will be better options in the world and fewer factory farms. Sure, wild, grass-fed, and organic is way more expensive, but it feels better to me to eat higher quality less of the time than to eat meat for every meal.
This experience taught me that my body is constantly evolving. What works in one city, in one period of my life, may not work in another. It's all about being open, experimenting, and seeking the guidance of professionals when necessary. Oh, and creating balance. The key word is definitely balance.
49 Free Templates For the Coolest Jack-o'-Lantern on the Block
Locate your nearest pumpkin patch immediately, because we have jack-o'-lanterns to carve! We're obsessed with the pumpkin templates from ThinkGeek's website - the online shop for everything nerd culture holds an annual Great Geeky Pumpkin Template Contest and the submissions are always pouring in to help readers carve clever and crafty pumpkins for Halloween.
We've gathered our favorite submissions from 2012, 2013, and 2014 that are a little bit sweet (Hello Kitty), a little bit retro (Super Mario Bros.), frighteningly hilarious (Overly Attached Girlfriend), and that even make us want to dance ("Gangnam Style"). And if you want even more pumpkin goodness, check out the emoji templates we created ourselves just for you!
For more Halloween inspiration, feast your eyes on costumed dogs and cats, the ultimate geeky costumes for humans, party decor suggestions, and the apps that'll help you turn friends into monsters or scare yourself silly.
Outlander: Here's When Jamie Will See His Son, William, Again
There wasn't a dry eye in my house during the latest Outlander episode, appropriately titled "Of Lost Things," when Jamie has to say goodbye to his son, William, who is now ostensibly the third child Jamie has lost. First he and Claire lose their baby, Faith, in France, then he sends Claire through the stones when she's pregnant with Brianna. Now Jamie has a child he has essentially helped raise, but because no one can know that William is actually the illegitimate son of the stablehand, Jamie has to leave Helwater because William's resemblance to him is beginning to show.
Lord John Grey does the best he can for Jamie - he and Isobel are going to raise William, so Jamie knows his son will always be loved, well cared for, and want for nothing. Plus, Lord John secures Jamie a pardon, which means he can return to Lallybroch without fear for his family's safety.
Still, it's a gut-wrenching goodbye, for both Jamie and us viewers. But is this the last time Jamie will ever see his son? Read on to find out, but be warned of spoilers from the books, so stop reading if you don't want to know.
The short answer to if Jamie will ever see his son again is: yes, but the long answer is that it is going to be a few years before that happens.
In book four, Drums of Autumn, Jamie and Claire have settled in America, at their own little section of land they dub "Fraser's Ridge." In 1768, when William is 10 years old, he and Lord John visit the Frasers while on their way to Isobel's estate in Virginia (Isobel has died of flux at this point). While there, John is laid up with measles, so while Claire works to heal him, Jamie and William get to have a little father-son bonding time, though William still does not know that Jamie is his father.
Then in book six, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, William meets his half-sister, Brianna, though he doesn't know who she is - but she knows he is her half-brother. At the time, it is 1776 and William is preparing to fight for the British in the Revolutionary War. Book seven, An Echo in the Bone, then picks up with William, now age 18, as part of the British army. It jumps back just a few months in time to show him meeting Brianna from his perspective, then it follows William throughout his time in the war, from 1776 to 1778, when William finally meets Jamie and realizes the truth behind his paternity, because the resemblance between them is so strong now that William is a grown man.
It isn't until book eight, Written in My Own Heart's Blood, that Jamie and William finally have an honest conversation about their relationship, but as to just where William might fit into the Fraser clan (if at all, because he doesn't really consider Jamie his father), that remains to be seen as of yet in the books.
Got it?
To summarize, William may appear in season four of Outlander, because maintaining Lord John and William's relationship with Claire and Jamie is important to the overall story. But then we won't really see him again until maybe the end of season six but more likely season seven, if the show is still going (fingers crossed).
55 Real-Life Reading Nooks to Inspire Your Bookish Sanctuary
Every bibliophile dreams of two things: for somebody to make the library of their dreams come true (à la Belle in Beauty and the Beast) and a cozy spot to curl up with a book during rainy days. While we can't promise an enchanted prince who'll give you a massive room of books, we can give you some inspiration for your own reading nook! Whether you plan to burn a library-scented candle while you dive into a classic novel or want the perfect atmosphere for introducing Harry Potter to your kids for the very first time, these gorgeously styled reading areas will give you ideas for designing your book nook.
Why Outlander's Producers Completely Changed Jamie and Geneva's Sex Scene
Outlander season three arrived at a pivotal moment from the book in Sunday's episode when Jamie is blackmailed by Geneva Dunsany into sleeping with her, which leads to the birth of Jamie's illegitimate son, William, a plot point that resonates throughout the book series.
But in the books, the scene between Jamie and Geneva is controversial because she tells him to stop and he doesn't, which puts readers into the uncomfortable position of wondering if their hero has just raped someone. Fans have argued about it all over various message boards, with some flat-out saying it was rape, others arguing he couldn't have stopped and Geneva blackmailed him into it, and still others saying we shouldn't thrust our 21st-century ideas of consent onto an 18th-century man, much the way Claire objects so fiercely to Jamie laying his hands on her in season one but comes to realize he had to punish her for running off and endangering his men.
Author Diana Gabaldon addressed this scene in a 2016 Facebook post, saying that Geneva's blackmail (which is threatening the lives of Jamie's entire family) actually makes Geneva the rapist.
By the mores of the early 21st century . . . plainly Geneva is a sexual predator, and Jamie is the one who very clearly says, "No." ("No means no," right? Right? More about that in a moment . . .)
Geneva is blackmailing an innocent person, and a man who is a captive, without power or resources, coercing him into committing a serious crime (fornication with an unmarried young woman being technically a crime, even if consensual) as well as an immoral act - as well as something he patently, clearly, totally doesn't want to do and has so stated in the baldest of terms. It's obvious that it's Geneva who's committing rape, not Jamie.
Gabaldon goes on to say that "no means no" is a construct of the last 50 years and not an "immutable law of physics, true throughout all times and places." She also says that Geneva is "panicked" at the pain she experiences because it is her first time having sex, and that Jamie knows if he doesn't just do it, this encounter is going to drag on all night, so that's why he just goes ahead and gets it over with. Gabaldon also cites the facts that Geneva asks Jamie to have sex with her again after their first time and tells him she loves him as evidence that he did not rape her.
Some fans found Gabaldon's explanation satisfactory, but others argued that if you use modern standards to call Geneva a rapist, then you must apply those standards to Jamie as well - either they're both rapists or neither of them are. As you can see, it's a complicated issue, which is why the show's creators wanted no part of it, choosing instead to make the scene sexy, intimate, and tender.
"We were aware of the controversy," executive producer Maril Davis told us at the 2017 summer TCA press tour. "In the books, at some point she says no - although he does say, 'Listen, once we start, I won't be able to stop.' That doesn't make it any better, but . . . we didn't really want to tackle that. It didn't seem like such an important part of the scene. The real important part of the scene is that Jamie is forced to go to someone else's bed."
Davis went on to say that this encounter is an important part of Jamie's time without Claire, both because of his son and also because it shows what kind of man he is. That's what they wanted to convey with the onscreen version of the scene.
"Obviously, Jamie doesn't feel the way about Geneva the way he felt about Claire, but he does have a tenderness for this spoiled child despite himself because Jamie is a really caring person," said Davis. "And he knows what it's like to lose his virginity with someone more experienced, and he wants it to be a good experience for her, even if he feels like he was coerced into her bed. We wanted it not to take anything away from Jamie-Claire, but we wanted it not to feel like: 'Was it rape or not rape?' That wasn't the point. It was trying to show Jamie as a very feeling, caring gentleman at the end of the day. Even though he doesn't want to be there, he's going to try to make it the best experience for her possible."
Use This 1 At-Home Move to Banish Lower Belly Fat
Let's talk about lower belly fat. It's OK. Really. Let it out. While it is impossible to spot-reduce a certain area of the body, adding muscle and exercising can be very effective in reducing overall body fat - especially in the lower belly. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn naturally, even while at rest. Doing moves that target your lower abs may sometimes prove difficult and time-consuming, but not if you pick the right one. Here's the move you need in your flat-belly arsenal today!
About the Lower Trunk Twist
The lower trunk twist is arguably the greatest abdominal exercise not only for the lower belly region, but it also targets the obliques (the muscles that run up and down the sides of the stomach), lower back, and hip flexors. Want more reason to try it? The lower trunk twist also engages the quads and groin and is great for flexibility, so there are many benefits to doing this exercise. But we know the main reason you're here is to lose those last couple inches off the bottom of your gut, so here's how to do the move to get a flat belly ASAP!
How to Perform the Lower Trunk Twist
- Step 1: Lie on your back and place your arms to the sides with your palms down.
- Step 2: Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor.
- Step 3: Raise your knees up to a 90 degree angle.
- Step 4: Engage your core and slowly rotate your knees towards the right until they are just a few inches above the floor (but don't let them hit the floor on the way down - that will lessen the contraction of your muscles).
- Step 5: Keeping your core engaged, rotate your knees to the left the same way as above. That is one full rep.
Make sure that your back is straight and both your shoulder blades are touching the floor the entire time. According to Kendall Wood, NASM CPT, and author of Core Fitness Solution, "Use your hands as anchors to keep your knees from falling to the floor, but remember that your abs should be doing most of the work - so don't hold your breath!" If you want to kick up the intensity a notch, use ankle weights or hold a medicine ball between your knees.
With this move in your routine, you're sure to see results soon. Make sure to incorporate this exercise into your normal abdominal routine by doing 3 sets of 10-12 reps with a rest of up to 60 seconds in between each set. Have fun with it and be sure to try the more challenging variations as you advance.
Warning: This 5-Move, 5-Minute Workout May Destroy You
One of my favorite local San Francisco studios has to be Salt. The women-owned studio offers a variety of classes, some that incorporate barre and kickboxing, and others that are hardcore HIIT classes that will leave you dripping in salty sweat. I love the community aspect and that each and every workout leaves me the perfect amount of sore.
During my most recent class, we were tasked with a pretty grueling HIIT circuit after an already intense 45 minutes of class. I won't lie; there was a moment during the 50th burpee when I actually felt like I might throw up. Dramatic, maybe, but it was that hard. The beauty of this little circuit is that it lasts all of five minutes, yet you feel like a total badass once it's over. It requires no equipment, and you can do it just about anywhere. For days when you want to add an extra little something to an existing workout or you just want to fit in something quick but effective, I highly recommend adding this to your rotation.
The Workout
This is a ladder workout, consisting of three rounds. During round one, perform each move for 30 seconds without taking any breaks between exercises. During round two, perform each move for 20 seconds. During your last and final round, perform each move for 10 seconds. To make the workout most effective, you should challenge yourself to go hard and fast during each round. Between each set, allow yourself a quick break to take a sip of water and towel off, but limit your breaks to 30 seconds.
The Moves
- Fast feet
- Side skaters
- Squat jumps
- High knees
- Burpees
Keep reading to see more detailed instructions on each of the moves.
15 Ways to Feel Slimmer by Tomorrow
Slimming down takes time and dedication, but a few quick tricks can help you feel a little bit lighter in just one day. Read on to get our tips for feeling less bloated and puffy - and having a flatter belly - by the end of today!
7 Things You Never Knew About Red Lobster, Straight From an Employee
If Red Lobster is your seafood restaurant of choice, you'll love these surprising facts straight from an insider employee. POPSUGAR spoke to a Red Lobster spokesperson who let us in on little-known facts about the restaurant's history, the truth about how many Cheddar Bay Biscuits people eat every day (spoiler: a lot), and how you can save money on your next meal. Read ahead for all the intel, and if your Red Lobster cravings must be satisfied immediately try making your own Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home.
Red Lobster has been around since the '60s.
"Red Lobster first opened in landlocked Lakeland, Florida, in 1968, creating an entirely new restaurant category at a time when non-coastal communities did not have access to seafood. Since then, Red Lobster has given many people their first tastes of lobster, snow crab, jumbo shrimp, tilapia, calamari, and other seafood."
Hushpuppies used to be served instead of Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Can you imagine a Red Lobster meal without those cheesy biscuits? Up until the '90s, Red Lobster served hushpuppies at the start of every meal. Cheddar Bay Biscuits were introduced in 1992 under the name "freshly baked, hot cheese garlic bread," and the current name was coined in 1997.
And now, Red Lobster serves a TON of the famous biscuits every day.
If you could easily eat three Cheddar Bay Biscuits before your dinner, you're not alone. "The number of Cheddar Bay Biscuits served in one day equals about 13 times the weight of an average elephant," the spokesperson said. That's over 958,000 a day! All Cheddar Bay Biscuits are mixed by hand in each restaurant, and they're baked approximately every 15 minutes. Fun fact: "If you stacked the number of Cheddar Bay Biscuits served in one day it would be 203 times the height of the Eiffel tower, 137 times the height of the Empire State Building, and six times the height of Mount Everest."
There's also a sneaky Cheddar Bay Biscuits policy.
According to a Red Lobster employee on Reddit, there's a reason that your table will have an odd number of biscuits for an even number of people. "We bring one biscuit for every person at the table, plus an additional biscuit for the table. Corporate policy."
The lobsters are cooked live.
If you order a lobster dish from Red Lobster, know that your lobster will be cooked live - to order.
There's an easy way to save money.
You can totally score a freebie before your next Red Lobster outing. "Guests can join the Fresh Catch Club for deals, news, and insider invites. When you sign up, you will receive a free appetizer or dessert, special savings, a surprise birthday offer, and special occasion reminders."
The 1 thing you have to try if it's your first time is . . .
"The Ultimate Feast: Maine tail, steamed wild-caught North American snow crab legs, garlic shrimp, and Walt's Favorite Shrimp. It lets guests try a bit of everything all on one plate."
The Easy, DIY Riverdale Costumes You'll Want to Rock With Your BFFs
The Riverdale crew is one of the easiest, most recognizable pop-culture group costumes to sport in 2017. Since the buzzy CW show premiered at the start of the year, it's won over fans with its lovable cast, suspenseful storylines, and the fun nostalgia of its comic-book roots. The best part? Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica's recognizable outfits can work in all sorts of ways for Halloween. Think: individual costumes, BFF costumes, or couples costumes. (Team Bughead!) Need some help navigating your Riverdale look? We've highlighted all the necessities to make your comic-inspired costume dreams come true.
Image Source: The CW
How to Create It Yourself
For Betty:
- Cardigan
- White collared shirt
- Jeans
- Ballet flats
- Hair in a ponytail
To channel Betty, you'll want to go pink and preppy. Layer a pink cardigan over a white button-down, then keep things simple with skinny jeans and ballet flats - and a smooth ponytail, of course.
For Veronica:
- Black dress
- Pearl necklace
- Black heels
- Red lipstick
For Veronica, choose a sleeveless LBD and accessorize with a pearl necklace, black stilettos, and a swipe of red lipstick.
For Archie:
- Letterman jacket
- Red wig or temporary hair color
- Jeans
- Sneakers
It's all about the blue letterman jacket and red hair for Archie, whether that means rocking a red wig or using some temporary hair color.
For Jughead:
- Black leather jacket
- Jeans
- Flannel or t-shirt
- Chucks
- Gray beanie with DIY crown-point edges
You can get Jughead's style by sporting a black leather jacket and using scissors to cut crown-point edges into the bottom of a classic beanie. Bonus points for laying the sarcasm on thick and professing yourself a "weirdo."
Image Source: The CW
Check out the rest of our Top 10 Halloween Costumes For 2017!
The Internet Can't Handle This Kickstarter Campaign That Basically Reinvented the Tent
Every few months, there's a new product that leaves us scratching our heads and wondering where society is headed. This time around, it's the Pause Pod, a new invention that touts itself as a "private pop up space" but is really just a small tent. The Pause Pod was fully funded on Kickstarter in May and will start shipping out this Winter.
According to its founders, the Pause Pod was "inspired by the blanket forts we used to build growing up" and is meant for a variety of needs like meditating, taking a power nap, or just acting as a place to read. While some people would like to do these things in the comfort of their own home and beds, the Pause Pod is there for people who need to do it anywhere. Each Pause Pod comes with a carrying bag, a reading light, stakes to use it outdoors (sound familiar?), and a ceiling that's ready for "add-ons" like a "star sky" that shows you the stars or a "pod cinema," which is just a mount for a tablet.
Basically, this product is great for anyone who is sick of every corner of their own home and looking for an additional place to hide from the world and do everything they'd normally do – just in a new space. And for anyone who is seriously considering getting this to nap wherever they feel like it, don't worry - it comes with a foldable leg compartment, so you can lie down in it, too.
After reading about the Pause Pod, it's likely that you'll be confused as to whether or not someone actually tried to reinvent the tent. Please watch the GIF ahead and decide for yourself.
Needless to say, the internet did not take too kindly to this "groundbreaking" concept and called the Pause Pod what it really is: a tent.
They done gentrified being an introvert. https://t.co/vmIjBDgIVu
- Rob Sherrell (@RobJustJokin) September 27, 2017
"Want your coworkers to hate you even more? Check out this branded tent" https://t.co/yKU7xhMccf
- Sarah Solomon (@sarahsolfails) September 29, 2017
Um, dude, it's a tent https://t.co/uLWgKOdX6U
- Bradley P. Moss, Esq (@BradMossEsq) September 29, 2017
If you're interested, you can order a single Pause Pod now on Indiegogo for $100. But if you're already going to spend this much money, just do yourself a favor and get yourself a tent - or invest in a more comfortable bed and couch.
16 Iconic '90s Horror Movies That Still Hold Up
Ahhhh, the '90s. With its Beanie Babies, boy bands, and fanny packs; those were the good ol' days. The '90s also brought us a lot of good scary movies to watch, and as we are currently celebrating Halloween, it's a really good time to revisit some of our old favorites. Here's a rundown of the best (often we've used that term a little loosely) and absolutely '90s-est horror movies of the decade. Enjoy.
The Internet Can't Handle This Kickstarter Campaign That Basically Reinvented the Tent
Every few months, there's a new product that leaves us scratching our heads and wondering where society is headed. This time around, it's the Pause Pod, a new invention that touts itself as a "private pop up space" but is really just a small tent. The Pause Pod was fully funded on Kickstarter in May and will start shipping out this Winter.
According to its founders, the Pause Pod was "inspired by the blanket forts we used to build growing up" and is meant for a variety of needs like meditating, taking a power nap, or just acting as a place to read. While some people would like to do these things in the comfort of their own home and beds, the Pause Pod is there for people who need to do it anywhere. Each Pause Pod comes with a carrying bag, a reading light, stakes to use it outdoors (sound familiar?), and a ceiling that's ready for "add-ons" like a "star sky" that shows you the stars or a "pod cinema," which is just a mount for a tablet.
Basically, this product is great for anyone who is sick of every corner of their own home and looking for an additional place to hide from the world and do everything they'd normally do – just in a new space. And for anyone who is seriously considering getting this to nap wherever they feel like it, don't worry - it comes with a foldable leg compartment, so you can lie down in it, too.
After reading about the Pause Pod, it's likely that you'll be confused as to whether or not someone actually tried to reinvent the tent. Please watch the GIF ahead and decide for yourself.
Needless to say, the internet did not take too kindly to this "groundbreaking" concept and called the Pause Pod what it really is: a tent.
They done gentrified being an introvert. https://t.co/vmIjBDgIVu
- Rob Sherrell (@RobJustJokin) September 27, 2017
"Want your coworkers to hate you even more? Check out this branded tent" https://t.co/yKU7xhMccf
- Sarah Solomon (@sarahsolfails) September 29, 2017
Um, dude, it's a tent https://t.co/uLWgKOdX6U
- Bradley P. Moss, Esq (@BradMossEsq) September 29, 2017
If you're interested, you can order a single Pause Pod now on Indiegogo for $100. But if you're already going to spend this much money, just do yourself a favor and get yourself a tent - or invest in a more comfortable bed and couch.
The Unexpected Way I Stopped Breaking Out After My Workouts
I've had acne my entire life. I've tried every treatment imaginable and have been to more dermatologists and estheticians than I can remember. In my 20s, I accepted that this was the way of my skin and sort of gave up. Everything was fine until my workouts started increasing - the more I worked out, the more I broke out. My face was in a constant cycle of acne; adding sweat plus a makeup-free face to the mix also began to give me horrible insecurity when I went to classes.
In my mind, I was doing everything right. I removed my makeup before stepping into a class and was quick to wash my face once the workout was over. The increase in breakouts was enough to make me quit my gym and throw out my spandex forever, but then I met Kimmy Pigliucci, founder of AES Beauty. It's an understatement to say that Kimmy has a changed my life for the better.
Often referred to as a boot camp for skin, AES Beauty only treats people who suffer from acne. Kimmy's holistic approach helps you understand that because there's no single trigger for acne, there's also no single treatment. She helped me transform my diet for better skin health, introduce the right kind of products into my regimen, and understand the role stress plays in acne. When I told Kimmy that my breakouts started to increase around the same time I was working out, she wasn't surprised.
Kimmy's approach to skin comes from the idea that the vast majority of products on the market are made with acne-causing ingredients (see the list here) - from our skin care products to our makeup and even our laundry detergent. The biggest step we can take in clearing our skin is to stop using these products. As it turned out, the more time I spent washing my face at the gym, the more time I was exposing my skin to these ingredients.
"Acne is not caused by dirt or dirty skin, and even if it was, it wouldn't matter because sweat is not made of dirt," Kimmy told POPSUGAR. "The acne process begins well beneath the surface of the skin, so a random soap at the gym may wash off sweat and residue on the surface, but just one comedogenic ingredient from the same soap can clog the inside of the follicle and contribute to the formation of acne."
In fact, Kimmy said I was better leaving on "acne-safe" makeup during a workout than washing my face with products containing these comedogenic, inflammatory ingredients. So that's what I started doing. I overhauled my entire makeup and skin care line to only include products with "safe" ingredients, and on those days where I forgot to bring my own products, I skipped using whatever wash was in the studio or the gym. More often than not, I ended up exercising with my makeup on. I also stopped using the towels provided since I had no idea what sort of laundry detergent they used.
It's been over a year now, and my skin is the best it's been in my entire life. When I do have breakouts, I can almost always trace it back to that random towel I used in SoulCycle, the facial cleanser I mindlessly used after yoga, or the piece of cheese I can't live without.
This 4-Week Challenge Will Help You Finally Conquer Push-Ups
If you struggle with doing push-ups, I feel your pain. It wasn't until a few months ago that I could actually complete a full set of push-ups on my toes. I was fit and more active than most, but I found out from my trainer that I wasn't conditioning my body in the right way to cross push-ups off of my fitness bucket list. Fast forward four months and I am proud to say that I've completed over 50 push-ups in a single circuit.
Chances are it's the same for you. What seems like an impossible exercise is probably closer to your grasp than you think, and that's where this push-up progression plan will help. Designed by Austin Lopez, CSCS and trainer at DIAKADI, the four-week plan hones in on the muscles and movement needed to work when you do a push-up.
"Push-ups require all sorts of general muscle strength, a decent amount of shoulder mobility, and a surprising amount of shoulder and core stability," Austin told POPSUGAR. "The approach of this plan focuses on all of those things. While just working on one move like a dumbbell chest press definitely has its benefits and could maybe get you there at some point, working all of the muscles at once will help you get there more efficiently."
Besides commitment, the only requirement to complete this plan successfully is that you should already be able to do the prescribed exercises without modifications. If you're unable to, expect this to take longer as you build up your strength.
Push-Up Progression Plan: The four-week schedule consists of weekly workouts that should be done three times per week. It's laid out here in text, but continue reading for photos and detailed directions of each move. For weighted moves, be sure to pick dumbbells that challenge you without sacrificing your form; think medium to heavy weights.
Week 1 / Perform 3x Week
- Dumbbell rows, 8-10 reps
- Incline push-ups, 10-12 reps
- Elbow plank, hold for 20 seconds
- Run through the above circuit three times
Week 2 / Perform 3x Week
- Dumbbell rows, 8 reps
- Up-down plank, as many reps as possible
- V-crunch, 15 reps
- Run through the above circuit four times
Week 3 / Perform 3x Week
- Incline push-ups (performed closer to the ground than in week one), 6 reps
- Elbow plank with reach, 12-16 reps
- Run through the above circuit four times
Week 4 / Perform 3x Week
- Negative push-ups (as slow as possible), 6 reps
- Side plank with hip dips, 8-12 reps on each side
- Run through the above circuit four times
Week 5
- Watch all that work come together! At this point, you should be able to do a set of three to five push-ups on your toes.
Get in on Pumpkin Spice Season Without Breaking Whole30 - This Savory Soup Is Delicious
Love pumpkin, but you're sick of sweets? Maybe you're just not that into sugary food, or you're trying Whole30 but still want to get in on the pumpkin spice craze. Either way, you need to try the Züpa Noma Pumpkin Cinnamon Sage Soup. Made from pumpkin and squash, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, sage, and ginger, this blend is high in vitamins A and C and fiber, with a touch of turmeric for reducing inflammation.
We got to try this seasonal blend here in the office, and it's every bit as comforting and delicious as it sounds. At only 170 calories per bottle, it makes a fantastic light lunch (you can drink it chilled from the container!) or part of a warm Fall meal. With nine grams of fat, four grams of protein, 19 grams of carbohydrates, six grams of natural sugar, and no added sugar, it's one of the healthiest pumpkin spice foods you'll come across this season, and it's all bottled up and ready to go wherever you are this season.
These soups are $7 a bottle and come in customizable packs of eight, so you can choose your own adventure or find some in a store near you (like Sprouts!).
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar? This Dietitian Says You Need More Protein
You probably know by now that you need to be eating a good amount of protein if you're trying to lose weight or gain some muscle. But there are plenty of people out there who aren't working toward either of those goals - and that's totally OK, too. However, if you're not watching your protein intake carefully, there's a chance that you're not getting enough of it on a daily basis, and that's when your health starts to suffer.
"When you don't consume adequate levels of protein, your body will start to break down tissues that contain the amino acids it needs in order to use them for more important functions," Dr. Nancy Steely, ND, MBA, Arbonne senior director of R&D/quality and nutrition, told POPSUGAR. "Amino acids - the building blocks of protein - are used for much more than just muscle; they are essential for formation of numerous body structures and compounds, including collagen, enzymes, neurotransmitters, hormones, and cellular structures."
That's why there are many different symptoms of protein deficiency, and some may surprise you. Here are the main signs that your body isn't getting the protein you need (and deserve).
- You feel weak and tired most of the time.
- You don't seem to be gaining muscle, no matter how much you work out.
- You're out of breath for no reason.
- You're always hungry, even after you finish eating a meal.
- Your hair and nails are dry and aren't growing.
- You have trouble concentrating.
- Your skin is dry.
Dr. Steely explained that you need protein to create red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of your body, which is why many parts of the body are affected by protein deficiency. If any of these sound familiar, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to see what you can change in your lifestyle in order to get the nutrients you need.
When it comes to how much protein the body requires to function normally, Dr. Steely told POPSUGAR, "There still seems to be some disagreement around the required amount of protein one should consume every day. The recommended US daily protein intake is about 46 grams per day for a woman age 19-30 eating 2,000 calories a day."
Of course, if you're very physically active, you'll need to eat more protein to fuel your muscles to recover from your workouts. "If you exercise frequently or are very active, you may need more protein, or if you have been fighting a bug that reduced your appetite, you could benefit from some additional protein," Dr. Steely explained. "If you are being monitored for any health condition, though, you should consult with your physician, as too much protein may not be beneficial."
After Years of Exercising, This Is the Workout That Changed My Body
When I started working out with a trainer a few months ago, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but if there's one thing I am certain of, a barbell was never part of the equation. Yet here I was, standing in front of one with my trainer off to the side asking me to do deadlifts. I was equal parts perplexed, scared, and thrilled. In all my years of working out, heavy lifting was something I had never done. Like everyone else in my life, I hopped from trendy studio to trendy studio for my workouts, and though there was a weight room at my gym, the idea of picking up a barbell on my own seemed terrifying.
I looked down at the 65-pound steel bar and then looked up at my trainer Austin (a few times in a lame attempt to stall). With no knowledge of or prior exposure to lifting, I was also dealing with the real fear that I would possibly drop this thing, along with myself, in the process. Sensing my fear, he talked me through the steps repeatedly with the right amount of encouragement, until I grabbed the damn thing and remarkably pulled it off - "with ease and perfect form," he would later tell me. I surprised myself; I was stronger than I gave myself credit for. Austin added weight to the bar at a quick pace, which I think even surprised him.
Looking back, I am not sure why I stayed away from a barbell for so many years. Sure, I wasn't exposed to it, but I also never allowed myself to even explore the idea. When I heard SoulCycle was coming to my city, I was in the very first class. When the new TRX studio moved in down the block, I couldn't wait to try it! But lifting? Nope. Despite my firm belief that women are strong AF, there was a part of me that thought of lifting as a man's world, or at least the kind of world where you go when you want biceps as big as your head. And if I am being totally honest, huge 'ceps weren't what I was looking for.
The kicker here is that it has has changed my body in a way that I never could have anticipated. I have lost more weight over these last three months than I have in the last few years. I am stronger and faster in just about every other workout in my life. And most recently, during a beach vacation, my partner commented on my butt. It was higher! Perkier! Lifted! Rounded! I went into heavy lifting with the very wrong idea that it would add bulk, yet here I am feeling my absolute best and more confident than I have in a long time. Even more importantly is the understanding that this confidence had less to do with how I look and everything to do with how I feel.
The thrill of doing something new mixed with a real sense of accomplishment has given me an exercise high that I have not felt in a very long time. Instead of being terrified of a barbell, I now give my trainer grief when we aren't lifting. Through this process, I have come face to face with my physicality in a way that has never happened. There's also a real sense of pride from seeing more weight being racked up on the bar and learning what my body is capable of handling. But more than anything, the inner confidence that I have built from this latest step in my fitness journey has helped me in all facets of my life and continues to surprise me on an almost daily basis.
Every Disney Fan Should Complete This Incredible, Edible Bucket List
If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, the abundance of food options across all four parks can be overwhelming, but rest assured that these 28 foods have been well-researched and reviewed in person so you know everything here is 100 percent worth your money (and the calories). While a few iconic treats have made the list (like the Mickey pretzel and Dole Whip), some are a little more obscure (pork nacho fries). Expect this list to be a little sweet, partially covered in gooey cheese, and just a tad bit spiked, for those partaking.
Williams Sonoma's Peppermint Bark Is Back! Get to Know the Iconic Holiday Staple
It may be way too early for you to start thinking about holiday gifts and wintry food, but that's not stopping Williams Sonoma. The company has already brought back its famous Original Peppermint Bark, so you can officially start stocking up! Just as the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte marks the start of Fall in many people's eyes, the return of Williams Sonoma's peppermint bark signals the unofficial beginning of the holiday season. It's a big deal, y'all.
This red and white tin of holiday candy doesn't just contain any combination of peppermint and chocolate - not at all. People familiar with this cult-favorite product know that Williams Sonoma's peppermint bark is the peppermint bark. It's been sold for nearly 20 years and has become wildly popular because of its high-quality ingredients; namely, Guittard chocolate. The luscious chocolate from the family-owned California company combined with triple-distilled peppermint oil lends the most incredible flavor to the bark. Williams Sonoma's Original Peppermint Bark ($28 for one tin; $52 for two) starts with a layer of melted dark chocolate poured onto a marble table, followed by a layer of melted white chocolate. The chocolate is finished with a generous layer of handmade peppermint candy pieces that contrast the creaminess of the chocolate.
When POPSUGAR learned a few Williams Sonoma shopping tips earlier this year from a company representative, we discovered just how special the peppermint bark is. Shane Brogan, senior vice president of stores for Williams Sonoma, said, "The nostalgic chocolate peppermint confection made its debut 19 years ago, and ever since then, it's become a cult phenomenon. It's been copied but never matches the original recipe, which is handcrafted using the finest ingredients, including custom-blended Guittard chocolate and triple-distilled oil of peppermint. Customers start asking about it right after Labor Day, but it makes its once-a-year appearance right around November. It's all made right here in San Francisco!"
If you're suddenly craving peppermint bark but that price makes you a little hesitant, you can cozy up with a batch of homemade hot chocolate and homemade peppermint bark . . . but the original will always be the best.
The 25 Must-Read Books Hitting Bookshelves This Fall
If there's one thing we can say for sure, it's that Summer always comes to an end way too quickly. The good news, though, is that along with leather jackets and knee-high boots come some of the most highly anticipated books of the year. From Jennifer Egan to Matthew Weiner (yes, that Matthew Weiner), and from the prequel to Practical Magic to Hillary Clinton's memoir about the election, there's something to look forward to for every single kind of reader.
So, without further ado: ahead, you'll find the 25 best books landing in stores this Fall. And honestly, these books are all so good that we'd recommend them no matter what your favorite genre may be.
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!
45 Festive Details That Make Halloween at Disneyland So Awesome This Year
If you've never experienced Disneyland around Halloween, you're definitely missing out! Even if you're not the biggest Halloween enthusiast, we promise that visiting the parks when they're festively decorated will fully get you in the spirit. You may even find yourself leaving the gates with all the adorable merchandise you swore you wouldn't touch.
Halloween 2017 is even more special at California Adventure, as the park is decked out for Halloween for the first time ever. See 45 awesome details (both familiar and brand new) that make Halloween at the Disney parks so awesome this year!
10 Game of Thrones Filming Locations That You Can Visit
Now that another season of Game of Thrones has come and gone, we're ready to experience a taste of Westeros in any way we can. According to top travel site TripAdvisor, interest in GOT-inspired vacations has skyrocketed, with 10 filming locations from the show topping travelers' bucket lists. Appropriately, at the tippy-top of the list sits the filming location for Meereen, the pyramid city where Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons get their first taste of ruling a large civilization.
If you're planning a Game of Thrones pilgrimage, don't worry about consulting a maester for advice - TripAdvisor's findings will help you go beyond the Wall and more (minus the White Walkers, of course). Add these 10 spots from Westeros and Essos to your travel agenda ASAP!
We're Emotionally Unable to Handle These Creepy Clown Makeup Looks
Sure, they have a reputation of being merry and lovable, but there's something inherently creepy about all clowns that we just can't shake. In fact, sometimes it seems like the bigger the painted-on smile, the more disturbing the clown character becomes! If you're going the clown route this Halloween, take your makeup cue from one of these insanely talented makeup artists, who've flawlessly captured that sinister jolliness. Bonus points: you'll have good reason to reach for the zanier colors in your color palettes!
P.S. If you're going for more of a Pennywise clown vibe, check out this seriously haunting roundup.
14 Easy Ways to DIY Your Very Own Shakira Costume This Halloween
Shakira and her supertoned body, sexy dance moves, sultry voice, and amazing curly hair are what we aspire to be every day, but while we work at turning into the Colombian singer, we're taking inspiration from her for Halloween.
From her music video outfits to her everyday casual-chic look, there are many ways to pretend to be the "La Bicicleta" singer for a night and show the world that your hips don't lie. Keep scrolling to be inspired by how real girls brought their Shakira costumes to the next level, and then check out even more fun and original costumes.
- Additional reporting by Macy Daniela Martin
Spotify Wants to Make You Feel Like a Teen Again With This New Playlist
Spotify understands that growing up ain't so easy - even if you're still a young 20-something who can still be considered a recent college grad. So to ease the pain and remind you of your younger days, the streaming company has just unveiled "Your Time Capsule," a personalized playlist full of music from when you were a teenager and in your early 20s.
There are three ways to get to the playlist: open up the Spotify desktop app and search for "Your Time Capsule"; open up the iOS or Android app and go to Browse Decades and find it there; or visit the dedicated page for it on your computer or laptop. The new playlist starts rolling out on Sept. 28 and is about two hours long - plus, to emphasize the nostalgia factor, it's only accessible to users who are older than 16. A preview of what mine looks like is below.
Spotify's "Time Capsule" playlist is another step in the company's push to help people discover new music - or, in this case, remember old favorites. It's similar to the beloved Discover Weekly playlist or the Release Radar service, both of which encourage people to find new music they might've otherwise never heard of. This new personalized playlist is just another way Spotify is trying to woo people to its service.
McDonald's New Coconut Pie Is the Best Dessert We Never Knew Existed!
McDonald's is no stranger to releasing some of the best desserts we've ever laid eyes on, but its newest coconut pie just might take the cake. The coconut-flavored pies, which are only sold in Singapore as part of the McDonald's National Day menu, reportedly have nata de coco bits inside of each bite. One Instagram user who was lucky enough to taste the hot cakes gave them a thumbs up and even noted that they went back for seconds.
That would also explain why others have complained about the coconut pastry selling out so quickly. Here's to hoping McDonald's coconut pies make their way over to the States soon so we can conduct our own personal taste test. Until then, feast your eyes on the crave-worthy photos of the coconut pie we all deserve ahead.
11 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit When Exploring Ireland
If you're seeking the ultimate road trip, it's time to pack your bags and head to Ireland. From its jaw-dropping, dramatic coastlines to its rolling hills and wild, unspoiled countryside, this small island has a big reputation for awe-inspiring beauty. And the best part? It's right at your fingertips, awaiting your discovery!
So if you're ready to hit the pavement and embrace the endless enchantment this country has to offer, ahead are 11 of the most picturesque places to visit when exploring the Emerald Isle.
See All the Cool Ways Disney California Adventure Is Getting in the Halloween Spirit
Disneyland is now twice as spooktacular! Disney California Adventure Park is getting the Halloween treatment for the first time this year, and it did NOT hold back. Cars Land, especially, is truly a spine-chilling sight to behold - i a fun, not-so-scary way, of course. From Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree to zombie cars, see every festive Disney detail ahead, and stay tuned for even more ways the parks are getting in the Halloween spirit.
Disney Revamped Its Entire Online Store and DOUBLED the Amount of Merch
Park merchandise now available online, Disney collections and collaborations, and more merchandise than ever before . . . The Disney Store online, now "shopDisney," just revolutionized your shopping experience, and we don't even know where to begin!
For starters, adult fans, get ready for some good news. The site doubled the amount of merchandise, with an emphasis on the increase in items for adults. If you love all things Disney - from house decor and fashion to toys, collectibles, and more - then get ready to get lost down the rabbit hole of the new online retail spot.
Excited yet? Well, hold on to your mouse ears, because we picked just a few of the items online that will give you a preview of what to expect. There's Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, park-themed collections, Coach, and Alex and Ani collaborations - OK, deep breaths.
Here's Everything You Need to Know About Amazon's 6 New Products
At a surprise event in Seattle on Sept. 27, Amazon announced not one but six new products. The company unveiled a series of new Echo devices and products, which are bound to dominate holiday wish lists.
The announcement came ahead of Google's rumored two new devices coming out next week: the Google Home Max and a smaller version of the Google Home. These products are also set to compete against Apple's HomePod, supposedly arriving in time for the holidays. Most of Amazon's new products are expected to ship out in October, giving you plenty of time to decide whether you want one for yourself - or as a gift for a friend.
Check out the new products ahead and decide for yourself what's worth your hard-earned money.
Practicing Portion Control Has Never Been More Fun With These Photo Food Journals
Whether you're trying to keep track of your macros or get your portions under control, this is a genius way to monitor your daily food intake. Take a pic every time you eat and add it all up at the end of the day. Bonus points for posting it on Instagram to keep yourself accountable.
2-Minute Tush-Toning Workout You Can Do While Brushing Your Teeth
Making it to the gym for a complete workout isn't always possible with our crazy-busy schedules, so you've got to squeeze a few minutes of exercise in here and there whenever you can. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking in the farthest parking spot, and doing push-ups on the counter after bathroom breaks are great ways to feel like you're doing something when you can't make it to the gym.
Another easy idea? Do squats while brushing your teeth. This gives you two minutes straight, twice a day, to work your booty when you otherwise would just be standing there zoning out. Try these different variations:
- Basic squats
- Goblet squats
- Sumo squats
- Sumo squats with calf raises
- Single-leg squats with one knee up
- Squat with side leg lift
- Squat with back kick
Or try this two-minute workout specifically devoted to teeth-brushing time. Two minutes is definitely enough time to feel the burn in your booty and thighs. So the next time you brush your teeth, blow-dry your hair, or chat on the phone, use those few minutes wisely, and get squatting!
30-Minute Belly-Fat-Melting Treadmill Workout
Spice up your cardio and target belly fat with intervals! This 30-minute treadmill workout plays with speed and changes minute to minute. And switching speeds like this not only improves your overall running stamina, but it also increases the calories you burn when the workout is over.
As always, feel free to adjust the speed up or down as necessary; just make sure you're challenging yourself. If you're looking to try running intervals but want to start a little slower, try this beginner's interval plan.
Click here for a printable version of this workout.
6 Steps to Take to Wind Down For a Good Night's Sleep
There's a lot of advice on how to create a good bedtime routine for a baby, but not so much for adults. We can take a few tips from the classic "bath, book, bed" regime that's often rolled out for infants, though. For a while I had difficulty falling asleep, and then struggled to sleep well through the night, so I made a few changes to the period before bedtime, and they made all the difference.
1. Screens Off
One of the hardest changes I made was limiting my screen time late at night, but the evidence was undeniable - on the nights when I worked on my computer right up to bedtime, it took me ages to settle down to sleep. The scientific reason to make this change is that blue light from your devices can disrupt circadian and melatonin rhythms, which basically means your body thinks it's daytime. A lot of guidelines recommend turning off screens one hour before bed, but if you can't manage that, try to turn off your electronics at least 20 minutes before your head hits the pillow. There are plenty of other things you can do in that time; here are a few that work for me.
2. Bath
I've always enjoyed the relaxing effects of a hot bath, but I tended to have one earlier in the evening. When I moved bath time closer to bedtime, I found it helped me to fall asleep. You could add essential oils that are said to have sleep-inducing properties, like lavender. If you're not a bath fan, try a shower instead. When you come out of warm water into a cooler bedroom, the drop in your body temperature sends signals to your body that it's time to rest. You also have the benefit of being clean, and we all know how uncomfortable (not to mention unhygienic) it is to sleep with makeup on.
3. Book
. . . or music or a podcast. Basically, if you still need something to help you wind down once you're under the sheets, you can try anything that doesn't involve a screen. I favor a book, and one that's not too exciting (nor too heavy), as I often fall asleep while reading.
4. Notes
In that quiet time before sleep, my brain often fills with reminders. When I used to keep my phone in my bedroom, I would use that to make notes. That's a big no-no. Not only did that then suck me into a drawn-out spiral of checking emails and social media, but it also meant I was engaging in screen time at entirely the wrong time. Now I keep a pen and notepad by the bed so I can scribble down reminders the old-fashioned way. That's one of the 12 steps I took to kick my phone habit.
5. Stretch
It's often only when I stretch out in bed that I realize how achy my body feels. I've been cramped up at a desk for most of the day, and I'm not at all good about taking regular stretch breaks during daylight hours. So I make up for it a bit at bedtime by really stretching out my legs and shoulders, in particular. Since doing this, I've woken less in the night with aches and pains. There are even yoga moves you can do in bed if, like me, you don't make time to do them during the day.
6. Breathe
Finally, when I'm still trying to nod off, I try breathing meditation. If your mind wanders, try some techniques to maintain focus, like visualizing your thoughts floating past like clouds, or focusing on the subtle sensation of breath at the tip of the nostrils, or bringing your attention to each part of your body in turn. There's also a 4-7-8 breathing technique, which can help with anxiety, too.
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!
10 Surprising Ways to Save Money in Europe
Image Source: Pexels
If you're planning a trip to Europe on a budget, chances are you'll get a lot of advice on how to save money. Some of these ideas actually work; others, like the urban legend that all flights are cheaper on Tuesdays, are, well, maybe not so accurate. Keep reading for 10 tried-and-true ways to cut on spending while you're traveling in Europe.
1. Travel With a Carry-On.
Overpackers, hear me out! Maybe you get a free carry-on with your long-haul flight. That's great! But if you're going to be flying on cheaper regional airlines while you're on your trip - for example, hopping from Paris to Rome on a Ryanair flight - you're going to get majorly charged for checking luggage. Your plane ticket may only cost you €50, but if you have luggage to check in, you could pay anywhere from €10 to €50 extra for checked bags on a Ryanair flight. Use the money you saved by not checking in luggage to eat at a delicious restaurant instead!
Another Ryanair tip: if you check in at the airport and haven't printed your own boarding pass, you'll get dinged for that as well. If possible, print your boarding pass at home before you leave or find a place to print it; you can generally print at libraries, internet cafes, or at your hotel or hostel.
2. Get a Travel Credit Card
This one is a no-brainer. Get a credit card that you can use for almost everything that doesn't have a foreign transaction fee. That means that the bank will not charge you extra for purchasing something in foreign currency. A bonus perk is accumulating miles for a free plane ticket!
3. Don't Exchange at the Airport
Old-school travelers might recommend that you exchange your currency before you step foot out of the airport in Europe.
The reality is that exchanging your cash for a new currency at the airport is a rip-off. Save yourself the high fees of a currency exchange shop and simply pull money out of an ATM. ATMs are in most airports, train, or bus stations and, of course, at banks. Some hotels and restaurants may also have ATMs, as well as markets and convenience stores. Unless your bank has a special agreement with another bank in the country you're visiting, you will be charged a small fee for pulling money out of a foreign ATM, but that fee will be less than the cost of exchanging at the airport.
4. Hostels Might Not Actually Save You That Much
Don't think that just because you're traveling on a budget you have to stay in a hostel. If you're traveling with one other person or more, it may actually be cheaper for you to share an Airbnb, a private hostel room, or a room at a hotel or bed and breakfast. Price it out beforehand; it is very possible that you could find a room at a B&B for the same cost as two beds in a hostel dorm, or that a private room at a hostel is maybe €5 more than beds in a dorm.
Don't forget to take a look at what the hostel includes in the cost you pay for a bed; not all hostels provide free breakfast, towels, showers, or lockers for your valuables. If there's not a big difference in cost between a hostel and a hotel room, but at the hotel you could get free breakfast, you could save money on food.
Image Source: Pexels
5. Buy Tickets in Advance
Some museums, galleries, castles, and cathedrals charge for entry in Europe. Oftentimes, you can save a little money by simply buying your tickets online ahead of time. Another perk is that usually means you can skip the line when you get there!
6. Or Plan a Visit Around Free Days
If you can time it right, you might be able to get into attractions without paying a dime. For example, the Louvre in Paris is free for anyone under 26 with a valid ID of any nationality after 6 p.m. on Fridays, and it's free to all visitors on Bastille Day (July 14) and on the first Sunday of every month between October and March.
The only downside is that free days also tend to be busier, so get there early or late.
7. Download Offline Maps
If you, like me, constantly rely on Google Maps in your everyday life, it can be really intimidating to think about unplugging from data and having to navigate a new, foreign, labyrinthine city such as Dublin with only a paper map and a dismal sense of direction.
Thankfully, you can download offline maps that will still show your destination, as well as your real-time location, without having to burn up all your expensive overseas data or buy less data in the first place. To download offline maps, follow these directions:
- Open the Google Maps app on your phone or iPad (whatever you will use to navigate). Make sure you're connected to the internet and signed in to your Google account.
- Search for a place. For example: Dublin.
- Tap the name of the destination at the bottom of the screen.
- In the top right corner, click on the three dots; then select "Download offline area."
- Select the area you want to download; it can be as big as an entire city, though it may be helpful only to select somewhere like the city center or another location that you will likely spend a lot of time exploring.
- Go through and find major destinations and landmarks that you may want to visit. By selecting these destinations and then saving them as a "starred place," they will be marked on your map so that you can find them even when using offline maps.
- At your destination, use the Maps app as you normally would. And instead of cashing in on tons of foreign data, go get a pint at Temple Bar!
8. Walk
The beauty of Europe is how easy it is to walk everywhere. If you're staying in a central location, you could easily spend a week in a city like London, Paris, or Brussels without paying a single dime for transportation. And there is no better way to get a feel for a new city than to walk its streets, hear the noises, smell the food cooking at a neighborhood market, step into the shops, and make small talk with the barista as you pick up a cup of coffee.
Image Source: Pexels
9. Cash in on Travel Cards
If you do need to take transportation to see different neighborhoods or sights in a sprawling city such as London, consider buying a public transport pass. London, for example, offers a Visitor Oyster card, which you can preload with credit and simply scan to get on any public transport in London. Riding the Tube or on a bus is cheaper per ride with an Oyster card than buying a new ticket every time you need to take a ride.
Alternatively, you can look into the London Travelcard, which is a card that allows unlimited travel within all six zones of London for seven days. Again, if you are staying outside the city center or will be doing a lot of sightseeing in far-flung places around the city, this could be a great option. It even includes the train between Heathrow and the center of London, so you don't even have to pay to get into London when you land. You do need to order the card in advance and have it shipped to your home, though, so if you decide on this option, make sure you order it with plenty of time to spare before your trip. And then you can hop off the plane and stroll right onto the train into London!
10. Eat Like the Locals Eat
Think about Rome. Think about all the gorgeous monuments, statues, cathedrals, and art museums you'll visit. Then think about all that delicious Italian food!
It can be tempting to go to a restaurant or cafe right next door to an attraction, especially if you're hangry, but many times you'll find that food in those places is both more expensive and less tasty. They cater to tourists, not to locals, and they'll charge more too.
Walk a few blocks away or ask for tips from locals, and you're sure to find better food and better prices.
Disneyland's Decorations For Día de los Muertos Are Just the Right Amount of Perfection
Disneyland is pulling out all of the stops to celebrate the release of Coco, out Nov. 22. At Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure, there are a ton of decorations that honor Día de los Muertos, and we're jealous of you if you have a trip already planned - if you don't, you're about to go grab your credit card and ask for time off.
While you browse around, you'll be treated to mariachi music and a delicious all-new menu of Mexican food (don't worry: everyone's favorite deep-fried elote isn't going anywhere), all while decorations honoring the Latin American celebration surround you, including Catrinas, papel picado, and sugar skulls. See 17 details from Plaza de la Familia that'll make you want to celebrate Day of the Dead at Disneyland this year.
This Is Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Don't Take a Rest Day
If you're someone who has a hard time giving yourself a break, and you've been skipping rest days, then listen up: while we admire your dedication, skipping your recovery is doing you more harm than you think.
We wanted to find out exactly what happens to your body when you train too hard, so we talked to Michelle Opperman, director of group fitness for Crunch, and Jan Milano, CSCS and sports performance coach at DIAKADI. Did you know the effects can be so severe physiologically and psychologically that there's a name for it? It's called "Overtraining Syndrome."
Want to know what Overtraining Syndrome looks like? Here's what happens to your body when you don't take time to recover from intense exercise (or endurance events!):
- Glycogen stores are depleted. Opperman and Milano both noted that your glycogen decreases. Glycogen is your body's energy source, and not something you want to eliminate. Milano says "decreased glycogen may contribute to the lowered lactate responses," meaning your muscles fatigue more quickly.
- Corticosteroids increase. We know that cortisone and cortisol (stress hormones) are not good for weight loss, and even add to belly-fat retention. Milano told us that these elevated levels also depress the immune system by inhibiting the reaction of lymphocytes to antigens (basically, the fighter cells can't fight the bad invader cells). So overtraining equals a higher likelihood of getting sick.
- Your heart goes into overdrive. "Both resting heart rate and submaximal exercise heart rate are increased," said Milano. Be nice to your heart. Take a breather.
- Your performance suffers. Opperman told us that when sufficient rest is not included in a training program, your ability to perform (i.e., continue training, growing muscle, getting stronger) plateaus or declines, because your muscles literally cannot recover and regenerate. So things just get worse and worse.
- You'll lose muscle mass. Consistent breakdown + no recovery = bye, muscles. That's the opposite of what you're trying to do, right?
- You'll feel AWFUL. The tiny tears in your muscles cannot heal, which results in inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. Opperman says the feeling will "become extreme, lasting for days." She also noted that you'll feel physically exhausted for an extended period as well, which could make it hard for you to perform your day to day functions.
- It messes with your mind. Muscular fatigue is not the only thing Opperman and Milano warned about. The fatigue and distress extend psychologically, and Milano noted that you'll notice mental changes before physical ones. "Decreased vigor, motivation, and confidence; raised tension, depression, and anger accompany an individual's recovery," said Milano.
Do yourself a favor. Go to yoga, don't skip savasana, do your cooldowns, and take a day off to recover. Need some pointers? Make sure you keep our recovery checklist handy, or try any of these recovery essentials.
dimanche 1 octobre 2017
32 of the Top Pinned Halloween Costumes of 2017
Pinterest is an endless pool of inspiration, especially when it comes to Halloween. You can find awesome ideas for home decor, party games, and seasonal treats. But best of all, you can plan out your costume so that it's the most creative one you've ever worn. Pinterest released its top trending saves and searches of 2017, so take a peek at the looks ahead, and start DIYing ASAP!
12 TV Shows That Can Fill That This Is Us-Shaped Hole in Your Heart
The This Is Us season premiere was this week, and we're still crying about the huge reveal about Jack's death. Even though the show is back for season two, we admittedly still want more. While we wait for the next episode, I've picked out 12 perfect shows to binge if you've fallen madly in love with every member of the Pearson family (or if you're just addicted to its emotional highs and lows).
9 Song Lyrics From the '90s That Made Absolutely ZERO Sense
Oh, the '90s. Not only did you give us the beloved Tamagotchis and Clarissa Explains It All, but you graced us with life-changing music. Even though you blessed us with the original boy bands, some of the lyrics that came with them were a little questionable. Honestly, it pains my heart to say anything negative about the musical geniuses that filled my portable CD player back in the day. After all, I couldn't imagine making it through my middle school graduation if I didn't belt out "Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C with my best friend beforehand. But sometimes it's better to acknowledge the bad so that we can move on - with these '90s stars in that special place in our hearts forever, of course.
You'd Be a Foolish Mortal to Not Get These Insanely Cute Haunted Mansion Workout Clothes
Gear up for a ghoulishly good workout (or just train to outrun some hitchhiking ghosts) in these totally badass Haunted Mansion-inspired workout clothes. From catchy taglines on tanks to wallpapered leggings, all eyes (seriously, all of them) will be on your look. These pieces will inspire a spirited trip to the gym - or maybe just a jaunt to Disneyland's New Orleans Square.
The Secret to Losing Belly Fat
While focusing on crunches will strengthen your abs, it unfortunately will not get rid of the extra fat around your waist. To get rid of ab flab, it's essential to regularly include calorie-burning cardio in your routine. And not just any kind of cardio - it's important to focus on interval training; alternating between moderate and speedy bursts of exercise is the key.
A study in the International Journal of Obesity revealed that when compared to women who cycled at a consistent pace for 40 minutes, women who worked out for 20 minutes, but alternated between eight-second sprints and 12 seconds of low-intensity cycling, lost more belly fat after 15 weeks. Work out half as long and lose more fat? Sounds good to me!
You can do intervals with virtually any type of activity. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your routine:
- Use visual goals: Run or bike at a moderate pace, and then look ahead and sprint to the mailbox that's 50 feet away, or up the hill, or to the end of the street. Once you reach your goal, reduce back to your moderate speed. After your breathing returns to normal, choose another goal to race to.
- Use time: Watch the clock and move moderately for two minutes and then zoom as fast as you can for one minute. Repeat this pattern for at least 30 minutes.
- Use music: Make an interval playlist, alternating between fast-paced peppy tunes and slower, chill tunes. Walk, run, or dance to the beat. Here's a 60-minute walk-run playlist, or for a faster-paced workout, try this 40-minute running playlist.
- Use a POPSUGAR Fitness interval workout: If you find it easier to follow a cardio routine, check out these interval workouts:
- 45-minute fat-burning treadmill workout
- Tush-toning hill repeat intervals
- 45-minute walk-run-sprint workout
- 45-minute elliptical interval workout
- 10-minute HIIT (high-intensity interval training) video workout
- 30-minute pyramid intervals
- 30-minute Barry's Bootcamp running workout
- 30-minute beginner intervals
- 60-minute walking-jogging workout
2 Simple Email Hacks That Will Make You a Better Employee
If you're searching for easy ways to grow in your career, look no further than your inbox. No, really, with a few small tweaks and the right perspective, your work email can actually become one of your best job resources. A couple years ago, I created two email folders that have helped me become a better employee.
"Review"
In a folder labeled "Review," I file away any correspondence that includes details I might want to mention during my next review. Think: positive feedback from peers, projects with impressive stats, larger presentations, plus difficult situations that were well-handled.
"Learn From This"
On the flip side, I also have an email folder that's quite literally labeled "Learn From This." That's where I keep tactful, smartly written emails from my superiors that serve as an example of how best to communicate. The folder also includes creative presentations, fun projects, and cleverly formatted reports put together by my co-workers, and I regularly refer back to the emails when I'm trying to develop a new process or initiative.
Looking for more ways to further your career? Check out books every career gal should read plus how to prepare for your performance review.
43 "Punny" Halloween Costumes That Won't Break the Bank
Blink and before you know it, Halloween will be here, so get to planning those costumes and parties ASAP. The key is a killer costume that doesn't take too much effort or money to put together, which is why we always love "punny" outfits that play on some of our favorite phrases. We've gathered some of the best ideas, from "Hairy" Potter to a "French" kiss and everything in between. Check out our picks (plus a hilarious celebrity version), and rest assured knowing you've got "best costume" in the bag.
- Additional reporting by Macy Williams
What Are Call Me by Your Name’s Oscar Chances? The Outlook Is Excellent
Call Me by Your Name has already impressed film festival audiences since it debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January, and more recently, at this month's Toronto International Film Festival. Now with its Nov. 24 theatrical release date, not only will a wider audience get to appreciate the romantic drama, it's also in prime position for award season. Call Me by Your Name is an early favorite for 2018 awards, and having seen the film at TIFF, I'm predicting that we're going to see this one go all the way to the Oscars. Here are the categories in which the movie already has high chances at getting nominations.
12 Best Dumbbell Exercises For Strong, Chiseled Arms
When you want to isolate specific muscle groups in the arms, using dumbbells is truly effective - get ready to feel the burn! Depending on your strength, grab at least two size weights ranging from five to 15 pounds so you can switch up the appropriate size dumbbells for each move.
Nicole Kidman "Politely" Tells Giada Her Food Sucks
Giada De Laurentiis appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to teach her and Nicole Kidman how to cook vegan artichoke arancini and focaccia with clementine and fennel, but it went horribly wrong. Despite the Italian chef's best efforts, Ellen and Nicole could not contain their laughter and inability to follow Giada's cooking instructions. The set producer even had to tell the trio to wrap it up!
You will giggle throughout the clip, especially when it comes to the grand taste test. Ellen and Nicole did not hide their thoughts about the cold food that has probably been left out for "like five hours." On a more positive note for Giada fans, the Food Network star told Ellen that she is planning to open up a new restaurant at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and possibly something on the East Coast.
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