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
I Went to a Life Coach and My Dreams Actually Came True
After my wedding, I hit an emotional slump. I had heard this might happen from recently married friends who "missed" wedding planning. That wasn't the case for me. I was thrilled to break my diet and have my free time back.
But I did feel blah - like I was in a funk. Saying "I do" in front of everyone I love and going on a honeymoon to Southeast Asia was such a natural high. And you know what they say: what goes up must come down. So I found myself feeling a bit lost, and I tend to be a focused person (I'm a Sagittarius - we point and shoot arrows at targets).
To help me refocus on my goals and kick my attitude into a more positive place, I decided to work with a life coach. I met Laurie Gerber of the Handel Group during a workshop for a handful of women. We discussed our intentions, setbacks, fears, and more. We also wrote out dreams - the kind that make you feel warm and gooey inside. And it felt so good to do this! When's the last time you let yourself dream anything you wanted? And believed that it could happen? I left inspired and feeling lighter. This seemed like one way to to move forward and start getting what I want.
So I worked with Laurie during three private sessions, all done through Google Hangouts. Truthfully, I was skeptical about whether it could work. Would chatting with a motivating woman help me feel better and change my habits? (There was also a ton of homework - like hours - but more on that later!)
The answer is: yes. Yes, it did.
I am not going to share my goal or dream (it's private!), but I will tell you I had a specific one and my wish is coming true! I'm shocked, but I feel amazing, so I'm not second-guessing it. It's like I am breathing in and out new positive energy that wasn't there before. The biggest change is that I got out of my own head and took more ownership of my mind, challenges, and successes. I now feel less like things are out of my control. I know better.
Are all of my problems solved? Hell no. I tried to kick my sugar addiction, and we're still working on that one. (As I write this, I am noshing on chocolate-covered pretzels - sorry, Laurie!)
If you're thinking, Well, that sounds cool but WTF is a life coach?, I get you. It's confusing. Life coaches are not therapists. I've seen the latter and also found them to be super helpful. But it's a very different process and relationship. While my therapist didn't tell me much about himself and mostly listened to my problems and asked questions, Laurie told me stories about her past, shared her own struggles, and refused to let me just complain (a term the Handel group refers to as "weather reporting").
Instead, we broke down what I wanted my life to look like in terms of different categories, such as love, career, and self-image. Then she helped me set promises (rules) and consequences to put me on a path toward living out my "dreams." It was all very proactive.
To help break it down more, I interviewed Laurie on what a life coach actually does. (By the way, Laurie has her own life coach, too!)
POPSUGAR: What is life coaching?
Laurie Gerber: Obviously, I can't answer for all life coaches but can speak only for my group. I like to think of life coaching like being a lawyer (one of the great, honest, and straightforward ones) for my clients' dreams. If your dream is your destination, then as a coach, I'm acting as your GPS. I warn you against anything that is in your way (read: you), suggest alternate routes, bark orders, and happily help you get to where you said (once I get you to admit it) you wanted to go.
PS: How many sessions do you recommend someone does in order to experience results?
LG: Truth is, you can experience results in one session. The first assignment we give our clients is to write out your dreams in all areas of your life. It's a doozy (technical term) and a profound and deep one. You can get a total life shift out of that exercise and certainly an "ah ha" moment - or 12. However, in order to go through the whole process and have lasting results, I recommend at least six months of weekly coaching. Just like anything else you want to learn deeply and rock at, it takes practice, work, and commitment. If you wanted to learn guitar and not only learn it, but get great at it, you can't take it on half-assed. I mean, you could, obviously. But if your dream is to, let's say, perform at your brother's wedding, well, then, there are actions you will need to take to live out that dream, right? Having one lesson a month and not practicing just won't cut it. But to give you an idea of how intricate our coaching process is, it takes about two years to go through our entire method to become a Handel Group life coach.
Sure, we care about how you feel, but we care more about how you step up as author of your life and design it.
PS: How is it different from traditional therapy?
LG: Therapy has its place and life coaching has its place. They overlap in many goals, i.e., getting you happy, proud, and self-confident. And just as not all therapists are alike, not all life coaches are alike. I find that we're more action-oriented and can coach on a short-term basis. Though we're loving and straightforward, we are also wildly honest about our own lives and the first to cop to our own stuff. Not just that, but we're a bit in your face and honest. We will call you out on your BS and, in fact, we consider it our job to help you find your sense of humor about your own dark side and what doesn't work about you. We don't believe in tiptoeing. We help you shine a light on every which way you lie, blame, excuse, and aren't living true to your highest ideal. Sure, we care about how you feel, but we care more about how you step up as author of your life and design it.
PS: What does life coaching not do or deal with?
LG: Because we aren't trained to treat illness, we work best with people who are already healthy but are struggling to be successful or happy in one or more areas of their life. Our work is philosophical, spiritual (not religious), and action-oriented. People who want to make significant changes in their lives enjoy the challenge of coaching. However, people in emotional crises or dealing with mental illness or depression often find more comfort in therapy. Obviously, we can't prescribe medication.
PS: What should someone know about starting life coaching?
LG: Let me just be completely honest here. There's a shi(f)t ton of homework. [Editor's note: this is true! Don't start this if you're not ready to put work in.] But, come on, it took you a lot of years to get you where you are today - the good and the bad of it - so it's gonna take some time to unravel you. And unravel you is what we do. I wish I could say we just talk through it, but it's not so. Sure, we do a lot of talking, but you are also going to do a lot of writing. Why? 'Cause we find that we humans can talk around our problems and not see our own fingerprints on the crime scene unless we've written it ALL down. So that's what we have you do. Yes, incriminate yourselves in writing - from writing dreams in all areas of your life to rating yourself and explaining why you rated yourself the way you did to purging on paper (where you write all your thoughts in a stream of consciousness down on paper having to do with a topic where you're currently stuck). And in that purge, you get to meet your mind. Speaking of your mind having a mind of its own, we also have you keep a thought log to deal with your brand of excuses and every which way you lie.
PS: Explain this mantra: you are the author of your own life.
LG: This is one of my favorite mantras, second possibly only to "maybe it's you." What we teach you early in the onset of our coaching a client is that you're either being a "weather reporter" in your life, i.e., talking about it like you have no say over it, OR you're the author of it all. When someone is actually the author of their own life, they are accountable for every single component of it - from how their life got to where it got to whom they let into it. Unfortunately, most of us never think we put ourselves in a bad situation without being the victim of it. But truth is, when we're the authors of our own lives, there is no victim except the victim we allow ourselves to be. Once we fully, deeply understand that we are accountable for every element in our life, we can change any of it.
When we're the authors of our own lives, there is no victim except the victim we allow ourselves to be.
PS: What are some methods/tools someone can use to tune out the negative voices in their head?
LG: Mastery over your mind comes from the learned ability to chose what is best for you to think and feel. To get your own hands back on your life's remote control and press mute when your mind messes with what matters most to you. And, boy does your mind have a mind of its own. Worse, you think that voice in your head is you. How I have a client start to get their mind under new management is by first actually starting to hear what it has to say, and then writing down what it's saying.
Yes, I have you keep a thought log daily, capturing at least three thoughts a day. And not paraphrasing it, but taking dicktation (spelled purposely incorrectly). Once you get to see what your head has been doing for living, you can start to reclaim it and actually have a say over what it says. You can even name it something funny (because it is actually not you), and put in the right promise and self-imposed consequence to leash it when it rears its head.
PS: How do dreams play into life coaching?
LG: The first thing we help a client see is that they have no clue how to dream anymore. In fact, it's way sneakier of us than it is sad. You see, if we admit to our dreams, we'd have to do something about them. If our dream is to run a marathon, the steps we'd have to take are pretty straightforward, right? So if we stay dumb and numb to our dreams, we don't have to do anything even remotely scary or irksome. We can stay stuck, sad, confused all the while busily excusing and blaming others.
So, the very first assignment we give to each and every client is to dream. And not just dream in one our two areas of our lives where most of us dabble, but 12 areas of your life - from your body to your career to your love life to areas you possibly haven't thought about in years, like fun, adventure, and spirituality. Dreaming wakes you up to yourself. It gets us into the right fight. It acts as our own internal GPS, allowing us to see where we really want to go. And worse (and best), it gets us very clear of the gap between what we say we want AND what we are currently doing about it (see: excusing and blaming). As a coach, your dreams give me, your GPS, our final destination.
When you can keep a promise to yourself, you become not only proud of yourself, you can trust yourself.
PS: Why do promises and consequences help people manage their happiness/goals?
LG: What I've found as a coach is that as great as we are at keeping promises to others, when it comes to ourselves, we're last on our very own list. Right? I mean, when you say to your boss or your kids, you'll pick them up at 3 p.m., you don't mean "If I feel like it" or "If nothing better comes up." But when it comes to keeping a promise to ourselves that forward our dream, i.e., work two hours a day on our screenplay, go to the gym three time per week, eat healthily, jump our mate weekly . . . good luck with that.
The ability to make and keep a promise to ourselves that is a match with our dream is what I call personal integrity. It is the alignment of your heart (your desires), your mind (your plan), and your body (your actions). It's where the rubber meets the road when it comes to your dreams/goals. When you can keep a promise to yourself, you become not only proud of yourself, you can trust yourself. Happiness, self-esteem, and personal pride come from knowing you can count on you.
Figuring out the right self-imposed consequence is a way for you to get accountable for your own dreams. So for example, if I personally am not crystal clear with a co-worker and cause any confusion, I owe that co-worker $5 dollars sent via snail mail. And, yes, all my co-workers know this promise/consequence. Is that to have me feel bad? Quite the opposite. It's in place for me to be accountable for my dream of who I want to be as a colleague. Keeping my promise of being crystal clear or paying up trumps my need for excuses or feeling bad altogether. Either be clear or pay the piper.
PS: What else should we know about life coaching 101?
LG: Discovering that you are your life's biggest obstacle and solution is actually the best bad news ever. Sure it's going to take some work (okay, fine, a lot of work), but who else is coming to save you? After all, they're YOUR dreams.
Life-coaching sessions for the author were provided by the Handel Group for the purpose of writing this story.
20 Creative Costumes For Expectant Mamas
It's time to play dress up with your bump! Halloween may normally be all about the cute kiddo costumes, but pregnant ladies have an awfully fun - and relatively rare - opportunity to dress up their bump.
Whether a mama-to-be is in the market for cute, sexy, comfy, or homemade, there are plenty of options to accessorize that belly. (All that tasty snack food isn't a bad incentive to get out of the house, either.)
Keep reading for a selection of costumes made to fit a fully expanded waistline.
The Insanely Simple, Straightforward Tip That Helps Me Stay Active
Sometimes, getting motivated can be as easy as changing your outfit. That's the lesson I learned from one of my most active, put-together friends a few years ago when we were talking about how in the world she stays in shape. She's the type of person who manages to keep up a wildly busy schedule while also eating well, maintaining a spotless house, and working out regularly, so when I asked for the secret behind her endless energy, I couldn't believe how simple and straightforward her advice turned out to be.
Put on sneakers, she said. Keep a pair by the door, and when you get home from work, put them on right away - before you can be lured in by your cozy couch or make your way to the stocked fridge. You'll find yourself moving around a bit more, she said, whether that means cleaning up around the house, doing some chores, or deciding to toss on shorts and a t-shirt to head to the gym.
I was skeptical, and I knew there was obviously more to it than a pair of sneakers. Still, I decided to give it a try.
After a couple weeks, I was sold. And listen, I'm not going to say the tip changed my life, but it . . . sort of did? That split-second decision to put on sneakers seemed to trigger a let's-get-sh*t-done kind of energy, and the conscious choice to move around - rather than plopping in front of the TV or grabbing a snack - made me much more active each day. I found myself checking things off my to-do list left and right, whether it was organizing a closet or cooking healthy meals or staying on top of the laundry pile. When I woke up on weekend mornings feeling particularly lazy, I'd force myself to put on my sneakers and I'd feel guilty if I didn't get moving.
Even better: I found myself choosing to work out way more frequently. It's as if putting on sneakers after work channeled the days of throwing on my soccer uniform after school. Once the shoes were on, I'd get a weird, surprising burst of energy (or a clearer focus?) that prompted me to finish changing clothes and go for a run, try an online workout, or head to the gym. In other words, it worked.
Her tip fell along the same lines as laying out your workout clothes the night before. Something about taking that first, small step helps to spark the next step and the next, until you eventually find yourself running around the house to finish chores or sweating it out on the treadmill. Either way, it gets you moving and feeling positive, and every little bit helps, right?
Your 2017 Guide to Year-End Tipping
You know how hectic the holidays can get. You'll soon find yourself swamped between the usual errands, finding gifts for everyone in your family, and somehow baking entire platters of treats for work parties. Sure, you're putting in a ton of extra work, but none of the holiday craziness would be possible without the help of those around you.
The busy bees that make your life easier throughout the year deserve a bit of TLC during the holidays, and you can show your postal worker, go-to hairstylist, or neighborhood barista a little extra love to show how much you appreciate them. Just follow the guide below for proper year-end tipping etiquette.
12 Recipes That Use Flamin' Hot Cheetos to Create Delicious Magic
Don't you wish sometimes you could have your favorite snack of Flamin' Hot Cheetos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Well, we're not going to say we're suggesting you do, but, well, you could do it. Add the spicy snack to tacos, quesadillas, elote, and mango paletas . . . the possibilities are right here.
Cheers to the Christmas Countdown With These 5 Boozy Advent Calendars!
I know I'm not the only one who grew up marking the countdown to Christmas with an Advent calendar or an Advent tree. But now that we're all adults, it's time to call attention to the new and improved way to celebrate the daily countdown: with boozy Advent calendars that allow you to sip your way to the holiday. While I'm not sure who deserves credit for the very first alcohol-focused Advent calendar, I do know that there are options aplenty for every type of booze your heart desires, and the creative calendars offer something a little more fun than traditional chocolates.
Aldi's Wine Advent Calendar is one of the first to catch the internet's attention this year, but sadly it's only available in the UK. But don't fret - we Americans have our fair share of options, too. The best detail of all is that you can buy all of these boozy Advent calendars online. Ahead, explore some of the best and most glorious alcoholic Advent calendars you can score this year, from wine to whiskey and gin. And if you're on a budget and feeling crafty, you can still DIY your own boozy Advent calendar!
Find Out Why Kate and Will Took Over Princess Diana's Former Apartment
Image Source: Getty / Jeff Spicer
Prince William and Kate Middleton may currently call their country house, Anmer Hall, home, but their official residence is apartment 1A inside London's Kensington Palace, where Prince Harry also resides. The trio has even more claim in the historic royal residence, though, since they also use apartment 8 as their headquarters for official duties and charitable work. The renovated space, which has ample room for meetings and plenty of areas for entertaining, was Princess Diana's home until her death in 1997.
The working apartments are situated on the opposite side of the palace from apartment 1A, which was formerly Princess Margaret's living quarters. (We got a rare glimpse inside their private space when President Barack Obama and the first lady visited.) The location is ideally suited for Kate and Will, who will make the London apartment their primary residence in 2017, when Prince George attends Thomas's Battersea School in September. And of course for Harry, who conveniently lives just steps away.
Image Source: Shutterstock
The 7 Best Vegan Items From Trader Joe's, According to an Employee
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
We came across a very exciting, vegan-focused "Ask Me Anything" this morning: the Reddit "I Work at Trader Joe's AMA," in which the Reddit user and Trader Joe's employee AyeAyeMatee (very much on theme with the Trader Joe's nautical and tropical vibes) identified as vegan and noted that they've "worked at Trader Joe's for a few years now" and have answers to "everyone's questions about the infamous grocery store!"
While we have our own favorite vegan foods at Trader Joe's, we were excited to hear what an insider thinks of the offerings. Here are the picks that the employee lists as their favorite foods:
- Frozen Vegetable Fried Rice . . . The post led with the OP's favorite frozen food: the vegetable fried rice. It's one of our favorites, too!
- . . . with the Green Dragon Hot Sauce. The fried rice dish just wouldn't be complete without a (totally plant-based) delicious hot sauce. The Green Dragon from TJ's is not only a crowd favorite, but an employee favorite as well.
- Strawberry Chia Smoothie Drink. The Trader Joe's employee listed the Strawberry Chia Smoothie as one of their favorites, and it sounds so delicious!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
- Gelatin-Free Marshmallows. "The marshmallows are the best!" said the TJ's employee. "Most marshmallows that are marketed 'vegan' are very expensive, at least $5 a bag, and TJs are around $1.99-2.99."
- Peanut Butter Pretzels. A Reddit user noted that the Trader Joe's PB pretzels were a great vegan option, and the employee concurred. "Peanut butter pretzels are great too! If you haven't tried the gluten-free pretzels, they are my favorite type of pretzel now! They're so crunchy!"
- Speculoos Cookies In need of a dairy-free, egg-free sweet treat? The Speculoos Cookies are fantastic, even if you're not vegan.
- Sriracha Chips. Not necessarily a health food, but a delicious vegan snack nonetheless!
Sorry, Peanut Butter Fans, but Your Favorite Nut Isn't as Healthy as You Think
We've been told since we were little kids that peanuts are a good source of protein and healthy fat and that they make a very smart afternoon snack. Whether it's a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or sliced apple dipped in peanut butter, we're convinced that we're doing our bodies good by consuming the trusty peanut.
You might want to leave behind everything you know about peanuts, though. Dr. Frank Lipman, physician and renowned expert in the field of integrative medicine, told POPSUGAR, "Peanuts, despite the name, are actually not a nut but a legume!" That distinction matters when it comes to our health, and here's how.
"Legumes naturally contain phytic acid and lectins, both of which can weak havoc on gut health," Dr. Lipman said. "Digestive upset could show up symptomatically as issues with bowel movements, gas, and bloating, or in more severe cases, things like brain fog, anxiety, or depression, given the gut's impact on neurotransmitters in the brain."
It's simply harder for the gut to break down phytic acid and lectins, so your body has to work much harder to process peanuts. Dr. Lipman explained that this kind of stress on your digestion could negatively impact your body's immune system. He also pointed out that "90 percent of serotonin is produced in the gut," and serotonin is the feel-good chemical in your brain that promotes good moods, sleep, and a healthy appetite. So if your gut is out of whack, your serotonin production will become imbalanced.
Dr. Lipman actually leaves peanuts out of the diets he creates with his clients. At the very least this will allow them to figure out whether there is a beneficial shift in their overall health. Additionally, anyone who suffers from "major gut-related issues, such as autoimmune conditions" is highly encouraged to steer clear of peanuts entirely.
If you have any digestive issues whatsoever and you're a big peanut eater, it might be a good idea to eliminate peanuts from your diet for a while. If you suffer from strange mood swings or cravings or you have trouble sleeping, you could benefit from cleaning up your diet by nixing peanuts.
If your heart sinks when you simply think about life without peanut butter, know that there are great alternatives. "There are so many other actual nuts and seeds that are good sources of healthy fat and fiber in the diet," Dr. Lipman said. "There are many different versions of nut butters now, so you can easily make a healthy and delicious swap instead of peanut butter."
Whatever nuts and seeds you do choose to eat, Dr. Lipman recommends you consume them in raw or dry-roasted form, free of salt, sugar, and processed oils. If you still have trouble digesting them, "they can be soaked to help the body digest them more efficiently."
23 Easy Costumes You Can DIY With Just a Black Dress
If a black dress is a staple in your wardrobe, then you barely have to lift a finger this Halloween. You can wear a black dress in SO many ways even on a regular day, but this year you can DIY the perfect costume without spending any money - or even leaving your house! Here are some easy ideas for the ultimate outfit.
Owen's Sister Seems a Little Too Fine on Grey's Anatomy
Last week yielded the whopping two-hour premiere of Grey's Anatomy. Despite the fact that we had to grapple with Amelia's very familiar predicament, the grave hints about Meredith's future, and all the sexy underwear time, there's one huge conflict that prevailed over the entirety of the episodes. We're talking about Owen's sister Megan, who turns up alive and well in Seattle more than 10 years after her disappearance. It turns out Megan hasn't been dead this whole time . . . she's been in captivity. And . . . well, she's fine. Almost too fine.
Before we pass judgment on how mentally sound Megan should or should not be, let's run over the facts. A full decade ago, Megan Hunt was in the Middle East with her brother Owen and her fiancé, Nathan Riggs. We hear about this event in piecemeal narratives directly from Owen and Nathan. On the day of her disappearance, Megan knew about Nathan's affair, and Owen had urged her to get some distance. She boarded a helicopter that needed to transfer a critically injured patient. There was only room for one doctor on the helicopter, and the vehicle would fly through unprotected airspace. Megan insisted on going, since it was her patient. Nathan eventually let her go, and the helicopter completely vanished. For 10 years, there was no trace of Megan. And then, suddenly, she's alive.
Megan comes to Seattle, and from the first scene, her character seems . . . off. Even when she's on a stretcher, she makes a joke. She makes a joke! She then explains what happened: "I was not kept in that hole, I was tossed in the hole when the bombing started they were trying to protect me. Trauma surgeons aren't easy to come by in Iraq . . . I was treated really well! They'd just, you know, kill me if I left." In a later scene, she says, "I'm OK. There were some beatings in the beginning, to make sure I didn't try to escape. But, after a while, I made friends, and played cards, and did surgery, and raised my kid, and I was OK. I didn't want you to waste your life looking for me."
OK, there are a ton of red flags here. First of all, on the most basic level, I find it so hard to believe that Megan was treated well while she was imprisoned in Iraq. This is a war zone! She was captured by the other side! Even if her surgery skills were of use, I still think it's more realistic to believe they kept her in a dark cell until they needed her.
Even if Grey's could sell me a story about a lenient and comfortable imprisonment situation in Iraq - I suppose it's not impossible that she somehow encountered compassionate people behind enemy lines - I still can't believe Megan was just fine with it. I can't believe she just shrugged her shoulders, made friends, and played cards. I don't see how she was content to leave her family and her prior life behind. That she was able to relinquish everything she had known for 20-something years of her life. Even if she was treated well, I'd be more inclined to believe her number one priority was always getting home safe.
As an even more perplexing component to the whole situation, Megan returns to Seattle from her good-natured captive situation and her decision to forget about her entire life, and she's just peachy. She's cracking jokes, she's asking for iced mocha drinks. She doesn't reckon with her trauma at all. She doesn't think, hey, maybe I went through a weird Stockholm's syndrome thing back there. Nothing. There are barely two lines about it. Maybe she's pushing it down. But I imagine that someone who spent 10 years in captivity - a person who was beaten and then threatened with her life if she ever tried to escape - would have a pretty difficult time hiding the emotional toll everything took on her. I think Megan would realistically be an emotional mess.
Perhaps the weirdest part of the whole thing is everyone just goes along with it. Beyond those small moments where she glosses over her experiences, no one asks her to say more. No one orders a psych evaluation. Megan plunges herself into the drama and the gossip at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Instead of focusing on her clear trauma and her 10 lost years, it's mostly about everyone else. Frankly, it's ridiculous. It doesn't matter if she has a kid she's attached to over there. It's irrelevant that they treated her well. Ten years as a prisoner, when you're forced to forget everything you've ever known, is going to f*ck you up. And I wish they gave the character that space rather than boiling her down to misplaced jokes, marriage interventions, and more than a handful of belly laughs.
The Verdict's In - Here's What Reviewers Are Saying About Fenty Beauty's Top Products
It's only been a few days since Rihanna's highly anticipated release of Fenty Beauty came out, and the reviews on Sephora are already flying in faster than we can read. This cruelty-free brand is a hit all over our social feeds, which means it's time to try it for yourself. If you're interested in picking up some items and you're not sure where to start, we filtered through reviews to see exactly what people are saying. Whether you're looking for a supershimmery highlighter or the perfect dewy foundation, there are plenty of irresistible products to choose from. Check out these top-rated items and see what customers had to say.
Exclusive: See Every Product in MAC's Snowball Holiday Collection
We hope you've been nice this year, because MAC definitely has some new goods you'll want to be asking for from Santa. If not, prepare to be a bit naughty with your wallet. The brand's highly anticipated "Snowball" holiday collection is absolutely enchanting.
Let's start with the product lineup. There are snowflake-embossed eye-shadow singles in shimmery shades, a lip kit of 12 minis, perfume-lipstick duos, and shiny silver and gold makeup brush sets. There's even a set of gold false eyelashes that are ridiculously extra but, let's be real: if there's any time of year to really flex, the holidays are it.
The packaging is fawn-worthy, too. With gilded lipstick bullets, festive rose gold sequin makeup bags, and metallic silver and gold-bedazzled palettes, these gifts won't even require wrapping. We need to give a special shoutout to the puffball-embellished pouches, because can you even? We're shook over how cute they are, truly.
Ahead, we've got an exclusive first look at all the products and prices in the collection, launching Oct. 5. Warning: the more you scroll, the more you'll fall in love. Here's to hoping Kris Kringle is feeling extra generous this year.
For Newbies and Veteran Yogis Alike: 50 Essential Yoga Poses
You've been thinking about starting yoga, but who can blame you for being intimidated? Especially after seeing pictures of people balancing on their hands or sitting with their legs behind their heads. We're here to ease your anxiety. This is a list of the most basic poses found in any yoga class or DVD. While some poses are more challenging than others, most won't leave you knotted up like a pretzel. Becoming familiar with these essential yoga poses will boost your confidence, but even if you're a seasoned yogi, you'll appreciate having all your favorite yoga poses all in one spot.
17 Things Your Toddler Did Today That Made You Reach For the Wine
Whether you have a threenager or are just entering those glorious toddler years, there's one thing you probably already know: this age group can be the worst. From nonsensical meltdowns to unimaginable messes, some of the stunts these kiddos pull leave their parents wondering whether they should laugh or cry. And when the toddler tactics get to be too much, many mamas are left either reaching for a glass of wine or wishing they had one. These are the hysterical things that a little one can put his or her parents through on a typical day that has them ready for a drink (or two!) ASAP.
30+ DIY Costumes 30-Somethings Will Go Gaga Over
It seems that every costume you look for online caters to the taste of 20-somethings. Miley Cyrus? No, thank you. Read on for DIY costume suggestions any 30-something would be proud to show off.
Alcohol-Infused Marshmallows Are Here to Make Boozy S'mores a Reality
Sit back, relax, and allow me to set the picture-perfect scene for you. It's a chilly Fall evening and you've got all your s'mores ingredients lined up in front of your fireplace. You bite into that perfectly melty, slightly burnt s'more while listening to the crackling fire and cozying up in a fuzzy blanket. There's nothing that could possibly make this glorious scenario even better, right? Pshh, wrong!
Enter boozy marshmallows, the alcohol-infused treat that's totally about to change your s'mores routine for the better. The Naked Marshmallow Co. makes these alcoholic cubes of delight in three tasty flavors: Elderflower & London Gin, Espresso Martini, and Raspberry & Prosecco. Each of these genius food hybrids is made by hand using all-natural ingredients. You certainly won't be catching a buzz from indulging in these melt-in-your-mouth bites, as they all contain less than three percent of each alcohol (gin, coffee liqueur, and Prosecco). But hey, it's still a pretty sweet concept to infuse freakin' marshmallows with booze, even if it is a minimal amount.
The geniuses over at Naked Marshmallow Co. are based in England, which unfortunately means that getting your hands on these cubed masterpieces may prove to be a tad tricky. They are available for purchase through online retailers like Firebox and Amazon, but both options don't currently ship stateside. We have reached out to the company for additional shipping information and will update this post with that very vital, necessary-to-life tidbit once it becomes available.
In the meantime, feel free to drool over the tasty pictures of these boozy marshmallows ahead. And maybe even consider finally calling up your Great-Aunt Beatrice in London to get on her good side and place an order on your behalf.
Ikea's Most Anticipated - and Most Innovative - Collaboration of the Year Is Finally Here
Perhaps Ikea's mostly hotly anticipated collaboration in recent years has been that with modern Danish design company Hay. Expectations were high, but the just-released Ypperlig collection does not disappoint. The sophisticated mix of refreshingly affordable home pieces demonstrate the collaborator's effectiveness at leveraging Ikea's experience with Hay's creativity to create something new and innovative.
For example, a seemingly simple sleeper sofa delivers a shockingly delightful night sleep by using a spring mattress as the seat, and a sleek "monobloc" armchair is made from a single shot of liquid plastic that takes only 30 seconds. POPSUGAR had a chance to test out this chair, and we were shocked at how light yet sturdy it was. We can also vouch that it is truly comfortable. Then there's Ikea's iconic blue Frakta bag which Hay made over to stylish effect. In short, we can't remember the last time we were this exited about an Ikea collection. Take a closer look ahead.
70 Mind-Blowing DIY Halloween Costumes For Women
Halloween is filled with scary things - ghosts, ghouls, and pricey costumes are just a few! If you're the savvy type who prefers treats to tricks, you'll opt for an inexpensive getup this Fall. However, that doesn't mean that you can't have the coolest costume of the night! Check out these 70 inexpensive options for costumes that are creepy, creative, or just plain cute.
Get Out the Griddle! Healthy Flapjack Recipes That'll Make Your Taste Buds Flip
Go ahead and serve yourself a stack! These healthy pancake recipes offer fewer calories and less fat than buttermilk flapjacks, with a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Power up your metabolism, regulate your blood sugar, and satisfy your cravings for a sweet and decadent brunch with one of these tasty twists on the traditional pancakes.
This Line From Game of Thrones Proves That Cersei and Sansa Are Very Different
The following contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season seven.
Between the bloody character deaths, new romantic pairings, and major threats to the future of Westeros that occur in Game of Thrones season seven, many fans found time to speculate about the future of the eldest Stark daughter, Sansa. For many fans, Sansa hasn't always been the show's most likable character . . . but when she admits to Jon that she "learned a lot from" objectively terrifying queen Cersei Lannister, viewers began suspecting the worst.
Combine this conversation with the way Sansa's hair has grown increasingly similar to Cersei's intricate hairstyles from early seasons, and some fans are ready to write Sansa off as an evil queen in training. But attentive Reddit user Spiral66 caught one small - but extremely telling - distinction between Sansa and Cersei that proves the two women are different in a very significant way.
[MAIN SPOILERS] An important distinction between Sansa and Cersei from gameofthrones
In season four, Sansa tells then-husband Tyrion that she can't sleep because she's plagued by visions of her family dying in the Red Wedding. "I lie awake all night, staring at the canopy, thinking about how they died," she describes to Tyrion with a look of such pain and resignation that her eyes seem empty. Sansa is haunted by the loss of her mom, brother, sister-in-law, and unborn niece or nephew and blames herself nearly as much as she blames Tyrion's family for their slaughter.
In season seven, the Redditor notes, Cersei uses an eerily similar quote to describe her own lack of sleep at night . . . but with one key difference. "I lie awake and I stare at the canopy and imagine ways of killing my enemies," the queen says.
While Sansa and Cersei's quotes are nearly identical, it shows the difference in their thinking. Sansa, who has lost most of her loved ones, focuses on the loss itself and grieves for her family. Cersei, who has lost the majority of her family too, dwells on the violent ways that she can exact revenge on the people she deems responsible for her suffering.
Commenters on the Reddit thread applauded this attention to detail, even speculating that it sets up an eventual confrontation between Sansa and her former captor.
With the cast of remaining major players in the game of thrones dwindling as the show nears its end, the likelihood of a showdown between Cersei and Sansa grows increasingly higher. Considering that Cersei's only surviving family have gone north to fight in the "Great War," that part of the Wall has crumbled, and that Sansa is the only diplomatically apt Stark in Winterfell, there will be plenty of ways that showrunners could bring Cersei and Sansa together for a final confrontation in season eight.
We can't help but wonder - if the two were to meet again, whose attitude would prove most effective? Cersei, who spends all night dreaming of cruel ways to seek vengeance, or Sansa, who simply aspires to do the best for her house and avoid more grief?
There's only one other person who we know lies awake thinking about slaughtering her list of enemies: Arya Stark. Perhaps Sansa will be able to retain her own values while also channeling Cersei's dedication to revenge by teaming up with her sister against the queen. We already know how effective Stark teamwork is against their enemies; all we need now is for the Stark girls to reunite with mama Lannister to see how it unfolds. Who else is ready for season eight?
A Subtle Form of Slut Shaming You May Not Realize You're Perpetuating
On May 23, the Trump administration put another dollar in its "Swear (that we are trying to f*ck over women) Jar" when it rolled out a new rule. The proposed legislation would amend the Affordable Care Act to allow employers to opt out of providing contraception coverage for employees if they have a "conscience-based" objection. This means that if a company has a religious or moral (or really any) opposition to birth control, it can remove free preventive coverage from the medical insurance plans it offers its employees. Because honestly, who hasn't wanted their boss and their government in their panties?
Under the 2010 ACA, contraceptives are free for women because birth control is considered a necessary component of healthcare coverage. But the Obama administration made an exception to the ACA's coverage, allowing religious nonprofits and closely held for-profit companies with religious objections to deny coverage for some - or all - contraceptive purposes. Trump's new draft rule takes this a step (or rather, a giant leap) further and is much broader in its exemption allowances, which will inevitably affect millions of women around the country. In 2013 alone, the ACA contraception mandate helped 55 million women obtain birth control and saved them $1.4 billion in out-of-pocket healthcare spending. That's $1.4 billion with a capital "B" - money that could then be spent on feeding families, higher education, securing a roof over one's head . . . ya know, the little things.
Anyone can understand that if women are forced to spend, on average, $1,200/year on contraception, making birth control free will aid women in taking control of their physical and financial health. In terms of securing economic freedom and bringing families out of poverty, this is paramount. As women of the 21st century, we should all be on the same page there. But we too often tend to lose our spot in the Why Birth Control Is Necessary book we were all given as fourth-wave feminists.
Whenever the discussion of birth control arises, so does one of justification. We hear our friends and coworkers exclaim that, "This is BS! I'm on the pill, but it's for acne," or, "WTF, don't these Republicans know that a lot of women take the pill for endometriosis?! Like Lena Dunham . . . ," and, "Before birth control I had the worst cramps - I need this covered!" Which are all completely valid and reasonable arguments, but they kind of miss the point.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, a whopping 86 percent of women who use birth control use it for pregnancy prevention, aka its intended purpose. And that's awesome. But for some reason, when the topic of the pill comes up, we feel we need to offer up some other explanation besides, "I would like to have sex without having a child before I'm ready or can afford one." But why? Are we trying to appease reproductive-rights foes by offering up medical ailments that can be treated with the pill? Or do we still feel that, in 2017, we cannot be open and honest about the fact that we are sexually active?
As someone who has been guilty of the "acne" disclaimer on more than one occasion, I'm going to proffer that the majority of us, whether subconsciously or not, are still not completely comfortable with announcing that we have sex. We still fear that if we reveal that we use birth control to have sex, and not babies, that we'll be considered sluts - even though we know, as millennial women, that this is an antiquated and erroneous mindset. And yet, we perpetuate the cycle of slut shaming when we continue to use "acne" as an explanation for our BC prescription. Even if the aforementioned, alternative reasons explain your prescription, we still do not need to offer them up as some sort of mechanism to remove the pill's scarlet letter.
Clear skin and cramp-less periods are awesome, but so is having sex without an unplanned pregnancy. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should be enough of an explanation for our birth control. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should not require statistics and numbers to justify. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should be enough of a reason to demand access to birth control.
Our feminist foremothers didn't fight for our sexual liberation so that we could say we have "acne." We must direct the conversation around birth control by demanding that protected sex is our right and that no other explanation is necessary.
15 Spooky Picks For the Girl Who Loves Halloween - All From ModCloth
If you love everything Halloween related, you're in luck: we found festive and cute picks that are perfect for this holiday. Instead of wearing the same old costume you likely recycle every year, try something new! We looked at ModCloth because the retailer tends to have some fun holiday gear. From theme dresses that can inspire your costume to funky socks, or glow-in-the-dark earrings, the store has a wide variety of fun choices. So, if you're feeling like you want to look spirited this month, shop some of these versatile choices. Check out our favorites.
This Horror Experience in London Features 19 Chilling Shows and 2 Underground Rides
If Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is too much to handle, but you're still looking for some Halloween thrills, the London Dungeon may be perfect for you. The walk-through experience is complete with 19 interactive shows and two underground rides, all of which are open year round with the exception of Christmas day.
The entire attraction lasts a little under two hours and features 360-degree sets, including a torture chamber and plague-ridden houses, theatrical storytelling, and special effects. Visitors will learn about London's dark history (minus the boring parts, according to the site) told with dark humor by 20 live actors who portray infamous figures like Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper. Some of the most fun sections of the tour are the rides: a vertical drop "execution" ride called Drop Dead and a spooky sail known as the Tyrant Boat ride.
A new special attraction, The Death Express, is only open during the Halloween season, beginning the first of October. Based on the London Necropolis Railway that once transported the deceased, the haunted attraction gives you a look back to the 1850s when cemeteries were overcrowded with corpses.
Halloween or not, this experience looks like the ultimate spooky attraction! Tickets start at $28 or $39 if you want to experience the adults-only after-hours tour. See photos ahead!
What Really Can Go Wrong When You Rent Your Place on Airbnb
Does opening up your home to strangers sound scary? I'm here to tell you that's it's worth the leap of faith. For the past year, I've rented my San Francisco appartment on Airbnb when I head out of town, and I've become a true believer. I love that it inspired me to become more of a minimalist. And it's made me trust in basic human decency, since all of my guests so far have been friendly and respectful of my home. It also helps pay for my vacations.
Despite all the upsides, let's be real: there's no such thing as free money. Being an Airbnb host takes work. If you're considering it, here are the nine potential downsides you should be aware of.
It Can Add Stress to Your Vacation
Renting your home while you're on vacation means you're not 100 percent on vacation.
Renting your home while you're on vacation means you're not 100 percent on vacation. You have to be prepared to send check-in and check-out messages and answer any questions that might come up. Add in a time change, and there can be some real dread when you wake up in the morning to check your phone, hoping nothing went wrong while you were sleeping.
For me, the small inconveniences are worth it, and I always let a guest know if I'll be offline for an extended period. In addition, I am sure to send as many details ahead of time and leave an extensive booklet of information in our home to proactively get ahead of questions. While I haven't used it, Airbnb also has an option to add a "co-host" to help manage your account and bookings while you're out of town.
You Can Never Predict What Might Go Wrong
Regardless of whether you handle all the communication with guests from afar, you definitely need to have someone on the ground ready to respond to any unforeseen issues should they come up. For me, this person is a local family member. A couple of times, I've had problems that required their attention, including a shower that malfunctioned and heating that went out! Luckily, my on-call savior was able to fix them with little more than a wrench and an extra set of batteries.
You Could Get End Up in a Legal Predicament
As a host, it's on you to learn your local landlord-tenant laws.
This hasn't happened to me, but I've read horror stories about vacation rental squatters. One guest in Palm Springs, for example, refused to leave (or pay!) after his 44-day booking and even threatened to sue the host for violating his tenant rights if she turned off the utilities.
As a host, it's on you to learn your local landlord-tenant laws. Often these include additional rights for any guests who stay more than 30 days. To make sure I knew what I was getting myself into legally, I called my local Rent Board to find out what my rights and responsibilities were as a short-term landlord. I also reviewed Airbnb's built-in host insurance policy, which has $1 million in liability coverage. For example, if a guest breaks their wrist after slipping on the rug, the insurance should cover any potential damages.
You Might Violate Complicated Regulations
I wanted to make sure I did everything by the book before renting out my place. So I researched my city's rules and applied for a permit, which was very time-consuming. Thanks to the rules, I have to file regular paperwork and make sure I stay within the 90-day annual short-term rental limit. If I forget to stay on top of this, I could pay expensive fees.
You Could Owe More Taxes
You must declare the money you make on Airbnb as income, and depending on your individual tax situation, this could have implications in terms of how much you owe come April. In San Francisco, I also have to pay extra business taxes each year, which amount to about 1 percent of the total value of all the possessions in my home, including furniture and appliances.
Kids Can Leave Their Marks
Our house isn't kid-unfriendly. But since we don't have kids ourselves, we've noticed that they can leave a mark. One time, we came home to permanent marker inexplicably drawn on a window (it came off easily, thankfully). And our downstairs neighbors have complained about the constant patter of running toddlers. To make things easier for everyone, we decided to not rent to groups with kids ages 2 to 12 years old.
Your Neighbors May Lose Patience
It's not just the kids that can wear on your neighbors. We've had them complain about guest parking and also music late at night (although, it did not actually come from our 60-year-old guests that time). We've found that the best thing to do is to respond to their concerns with real action, like no longer renting to kids, and by making sure they know the lines of communication are open, and they can contact us at any time with a big or small annoyance. We've also left a sign at our front door, asking guests to remove their shoes. It seems to be working out.
You'll Notice Regular Wear and Tear Sooner
The extra money we make will more than cover a new kitchen item or eventual paint refresh.
Usually, our place feels just like we left it when we come home. Over time, however, I have noticed some scratched cooking pans or scuffed walls. I try not to be uptight about it though, since I know the extra money we make will more than cover a new kitchen item or eventual paint refresh down the line.
Your Place Could Get Badly Damaged
Beyond small nicks and scratches, there is always the possibility that you end up in a nightmare scenario: a totally trashed home. That recently happened in London, where a first-time host had trouble getting reimbursed by Airbnb for about $8,000 in damages caused by a 200-person rager. She eventually succeeded. Before you host, it's important to understand Airbnb's insurance policy, as well as any renters' or homeowners' policy you might have. And keep in mind that the odds of a horrible tenant are low.
Renting the home you regularly live in on Airbnb is a "lifestyle." You have to keep things organized and guest-friendly and be ready to roll with whatever may come up while you're gone. But if you can handle that, the benefits of getting paid while you're on vacation are worth it. Take it from me.
Chances Are You Used Expired Mascara This Morning
A chilly change in season is the perfect excuse to lock yourself indoors, binge-watch Netflix, eat lots of ramen, and reorganize your makeup bag. Since expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and eye infections, it's important to replace them before they go south. A new study from Stowaway Cosmetics and Poshly found that 89 percent of women hoard old makeup "just in case." Plus, fewer than one in five of us trash mascara within the recommended three months (we're guilty, too).
Unlike food, cosmetics aren't required to have an expiration date on their packaging. Instead, you'll have to keep track of when you opened them. Most products have a jar symbol with a numeral that signifies the number of months you have until the item is no longer usable. If you have a hard time keeping track of when you've bought things, just use a Sharpie to write down the purchase date.
If you know how to take care of your cosmetics, your makeup should serve you well. But use common sense: if your gloss is gloopy, your nail polish is separating, or your lipstick has a funny smell - it's time to bid it adieu. And maybe your next life goal should be to never let crusty compacts and congealed mascara make an appearance again. See guidelines for when to replace your makeup below:
| Product | When to toss |
|---|---|
| Powders (including blushes, bronzers, and shadows) | Two years |
| Cream shadows and blushes | 12-18 months |
| Oil-free foundation | One year |
| Cream compact foundation | 18 months |
| Concealers | 12-18 months |
| Lipstick and lip liner | One year |
| Lip gloss | 18-24 months |
| Pencil eyeliner | Two years |
| Liquid or gel eyeliner | Three months |
| Mascara | Three months |
A Thank You Letter to Betsy DeVos From a Public School Teacher
Thank you, Betsy.
That sounds strange coming from a public school teacher of 15 years. Indeed, after a day of teaching fourth graders, who are diverse in every way and whose future is now in your control, saying thank you is the last thing I thought I'd say today. But thanks. On Feb. 7, 50 Republican senators voted for you, you who would not have made the cut to be hired as a tutor for their own children. Thank you, Betsy, for showing me money has power, but not over all.
I don't know if I feel worse for the senators who sold out because of the money you gave them or for the ones who sold out for free. But not everybody let their vote be bought, and that gives me hope.
Thanks, Betsy, for by showing me my fears, you clarified my beliefs. Yes, you inspire a lot of fears in me . . . will class size grow? Will Title I be cut? Will English For Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services disappear? Will special education be decimated? How will my job change? Will my students have the same opportunities for college as my generation?
Through clarifying my beliefs, you triggered my actions. Thank you for giving me more solidarity with my co-workers, friends, family, and world. In our mutual sorrow at your lack of credentials, we came together. On Tuesday, I did not eat while grading papers or planning lessons. I sat with my co-workers as we mourned the loss of our voice. During the fight to block your confirmation, so many teachers, students, and parents spoke up while calls and letters to senators were ignored and protests delegitimized.
My union never lit a fire beneath me - but you did. Thank you.
Thank you, Betsy, for inflaming my disappointment in our government. Mr. Rogers taught us to look for the helpers in any time of darkness. But it was you who made it dark enough for me to look.
I watched hours of CSPAN listening to thoughtful testimony of so many education advocates and became obsessed with ordering a bound copy of Monday night's incredible congressional record. I have never before felt so political or so united behind my party. Now I want to donate money, support the candidates I believe in, organize . . . the sky is the limit. My union never taught me this, never lit a fire beneath me - but you did. Thank you.
More than anything, I want to teach. I want to continue to teach my fourth graders that citizenship means respect for all and a responsibility for each other, to read critically, to value being informed. I want to teach them that a million small efforts will eventually be more powerful than one large campaign check. And I want to teach them that America will always return to freedom, no matter how much corruption tries to reign.
So, thank you, and good luck to you. You have no clue what you just signed up for.
This post was originally published on February 20, 2017.
Meal Prep Like a Badass (Read: Without Feeling Overwhelmed) With This 1 Tip
It seems that there are two camps of attitudes when it comes to meal prep: super excited and completely overwhelmed. I fall squarely between the two (as in, I actually love planning and cooking, but I get overwhelmed by infinitely long to-do lists). If you're anything like me and you get so excited about something that you make an eons-long task list, only to be paralyzed by the mere idea of such a long list, then try this: break it up into two days.
This might mean doing your shopping on one day and prep on the other, or starting your prep on a Saturday afternoon when you have an hour and finishing it up on a Sunday. I used to try to pack everything into Sunday - grocery shopping (at one or two markets) in the late morning, then hours upon hours of chopping, washing, cooking, baking, and storing . . . followed by at least an hour of dishes. Not going to sugarcoat it: packing all that into one day really sucks and takes the joy out of cooking and prepping for me.
If I have the time, I break it up by shopping early on a Saturday (after a workout class, if I'm being extra ambitious) and just chopping veggies and cooking quinoa (sometimes chicken, too). I keep it super simple and wash the dishes immediately after. On Sunday, my ingredients are ready to go, so I can bake protein muffins and assemble quinoa bowls while the muffins are in the oven, or put salad packs together. It seems so ridiculously simple, but this one small change has made a huge difference in my attitude and energy level for meal prep - and it definitely doesn't feel as overwhelming.
Try chopping some veggies while you're watching a movie or making your quinoa for the week while you're cooking your Saturday-night dinner. Break it up and get it done piece by piece, and you'll be a pro in no time.
This Is What Your Outdoor Space Is Missing For Fall
The Summer season always feels too short. Almost as soon as you take your patio furniture out of hibernation and get your outdoor space looking just how you want it, it's time to close it up again for the season. But outdoor living doesn't have to end as soon as Labor Day hits. Take your balcony, deck, or backyard from Summer to Fall with some of these quick additions to your outdoor space.
This Detail Could Explain How Rebecca and Miguel Get Together on This Is Us
In the first few episodes of This Is Us, it seems like Jack and Rebecca have it all together: a picture-perfect marriage, three beautiful children, a love story for the books, the list goes on. But as the series unfolds, we begin to see the cracks in their relationship and even more tragically, how their lives turn out. The show is full of shocking twists, but one of the biggest yet has to be that Jack is no longer alive in present day and Rebecca is married to his best friend Miguel. While we're still not sure how either of those things happened, guest director Regina King's latest tidbit about season two could be an indication that we'll get answers very soon.
During the Emmys, the actress revealed that we'll actually get to meet Kate, Kevin, and Randall in a different decade. Since we've already seen the Big Three as children, teenagers, and 36-year-olds, my plausible guess is that we'll finally get to see them as young adults. Not only does this mean we'll get to see Beth and Randall's first meeting and Kevin tie the knot with Sophie, but it also might reveal how Rebecca and Miguel fall in love.
Since the Big Three are still teenagers when Jack dies, it isn't far-fetched that his best friend Miguel will do all he can to help the Pearson family. But maybe as he's comforting them, he ends up bonding with Rebecca over their mutual loss. In fact, that could actually explain why the Big Three resent him so much. As they're going through these pivotal moments in their adult lives without their father, they have to watch as their mom falls for, and eventually marries, his best friend.
You'll Want to Oogie Boogie Over to This Cafe For Its Nightmare Before Christmas Treats
Remember that adorable cafe that had an entirely fin-tastic mermaid menu ? Creme and Sugar in Anaheim, CA, is back at it with a new themed menu, just in time for Halloween - The Nightmare Before Christmas. This darling spot is serving creepy concoctions like Oogie Boogie milkshakes, Pumpkin King hot chocolates, and Deadly Nightshade lemonade. Though these treats are scary-crazy sounding, they also look scary delicious. Scroll through for a sneak peek at the Nightmare Before Christmas goodies, and make a pit stop there the next time you're on your way to Disneyland - it's right down the road!
This Is the Type of Cardio Victoria's Secret Angels Do, According to Their Trainer
Although it's fun to see Victoria's Secret models walking the runway, we absolutely love seeing them work out together. These supermodels definitely hit the genetic jackpot, but that doesn't mean they don't work hard to shape their physique.
Celebrity trainer Michael Blauner has worked with countless VS Angels on their fitness routines, so he knows what it takes for them to look and feel their very best. POPSUGAR caught up with Michael and asked him the burning question we've all been wondering: what kind of cardio does he do with these women and what kind does he recommend for weight loss? The answer probably isn't what you think.
We've been hearing quite a lot about the power of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) lately, and we sometimes see VS Angels doing tough boxing sessions, but Michael told POPSUGAR there is another type of cardio that he suggests over everything else.
"Theoretically, long-duration lower-intensity cardio has been considered the best type of cardio workout for weight loss," he said. "You tap into stored fat more when the body uses oxygen as an energy source." This is also known as low-intensity sustained state (LISS) cardio, and it's a type of cardio that lasts a bit longer than your typical interval session, around 30 to 60 minutes.
Michael said this kind of "longer, lower-intensity workout" produces the best fat-burning capacity in your body. So rather than going for a quick circuit, think of an extended run session.
"I like to mix in very fast paced, short blasts of higher intensity cardio that develops your cardio system to a higher level," Michael said. "This way you get the best of both worlds." That also keeps you from feeling bored during these longer sessions of cardio.
Therefore, it might be a good idea to mix some LISS sessions into your fitness routine, especially if you're the kind of person who sticks to HIIT on the regular.
10 Mind-Boggling Facts That You Probably Don't Know
There is so much we don't know, and a Reddit thread featuring the most mind-boggling facts just reminded us. Users contributed little-known facts about everything from outer space to crocodiles, and we chose 10 of the most surprising ones. Get ready to get schooled on things you'll probably never need to know unless you are on Jeopardy.
How to Strengthen and Tone Your Stomach
Eating 80/20 and hitting the gym have helped you reach your weight-loss goal, but you're still trying to get rid of that little extra pooch around your midsection. Here are three things you can do every week to help you achieve a trimmer belly.
When Eating
Take an honest look at your diet and your bathroom schedule. Your belly might not be caused by fat but by air trapped in your digestive system. If you're not getting enough fiber (you need 25 to 30 grams a day), constipation can cause bloating. On the other hand, overdoing it on fiber or eating too many gas-producing foods like broccoli, apples, or beans can also make your belly pooch a bit. Thankfully, there are also foods you can eat, like blueberries, that are proven to diminish belly fat, so sip on this flat-belly smoothie or crunch on this flat-belly salad to keep you regular and help you debloat.
When Doing Cardio
Studies show that including interval training in your cardio sessions is proven to diminish belly fat. If you find that you normally stick to a consistent pace when running, biking, or swimming, mix it up by adding 10- to 60-second fast-paced or sprinting intervals - here's a 45-minute treadmill workout that does just that. High Intensity Interval Training (aka HIIT) works on the same principle as intervals, where you push to your maximum training for a period of time and follow up with a shorter rest period. Give this type of workout a try with our full-body 10-Minute HIIT Workout.
When Strength Training
Basic crunches can help tone your abs, but they only target certain abdominal muscles. Incorporate full-body exercises like variations of plank or core moves using a ball. Simply balancing on one leg on a BOSU will target your core too. Also try using different types of equipment - this 10-minute ab video features a small hand towel to sculpt your core.
Here's How Lyft and Uber Are Making It Easier to Thank Deaf Drivers
Image Source: Lyft
In an effort to ramp up the Uber and Lyft experience for deaf and hard of hearing drivers, both companies have recently taken some small but necessary steps. On Sept. 18, Lyft incorporated a new feature that texts riders to let them know their driver is deaf or hard of hearing. The text also includes a link to learn how to say "Hello" and "Thank you" in American Sign Language (ASL). And beginning on Sept. 28, every Uber rider will see a "card" pop up when their driver is deaf or hard of hearing. If the rider taps on it, they'll see different words they can learn in ASL to tell their driver.
On Lyft, the ASL GIFs will look something like this:
Image Source: Lyft
On Uber, riders will be alerted via a message, and if they click into it, a hand will spell out ASL words, which you can see here:
Image Source: Uber
Both of these new features are part of Uber's and Lyft's ongoing commitment to making life a bit easier for their deaf or hard of hearing drivers. Uber first announced in 2015 that the app would flash to let drivers know of a new ride request, as well as giving riders text-only options to get in contact with the driver.
Earlier this year in April, Lyft started to roll out notifications of new rides via the company's Amp device to drivers. It also started texting riders to let them know to contact their driver via text instead of by phone call. As part of the Sept. 18 update, Lyft kicked off a similar new function that makes the phone screen and flashlight blink to let the driver know of new ride requests.
Both companies launched the new features in honor of National Deaf Awareness Month and are working with the National Association of the Deaf to come up with ways the ride-sharing experience can be better. And from where we stand, it's definitely a step in the right direction for inclusivity.
Here's How Lyft and Uber Are Making It Easier to Thank Deaf Drivers
Image Source: Lyft
In an effort to ramp up the Uber and Lyft experience for deaf and hard of hearing drivers, both companies have recently taken some small but necessary steps. On Sept. 18, Lyft incorporated a new feature that texts riders to let them know their driver is deaf or hard of hearing. The text also includes a link to learn how to say "Hello" and "Thank you" in American Sign Language (ASL). And beginning on Sept. 28, every Uber rider will see a "card" pop up when their driver is deaf or hard of hearing. If the rider taps on it, they'll see different words they can learn in ASL to tell their driver.
On Lyft, the ASL GIFs will look something like this:
Image Source: Lyft
On Uber, riders will be alerted via a message, and if they click into it, a hand will spell out ASL words, which you can see here:
Image Source: Uber
Both of these new features are part of Uber's and Lyft's ongoing commitment to making life a bit easier for their deaf or hard of hearing drivers. Uber first announced in 2015 that the app would flash to let drivers know of a new ride request, as well as giving riders text-only options to get in contact with the driver.
Earlier this year in April, Lyft started to roll out notifications of new rides via the company's Amp device to drivers. It also started texting riders to let them know to contact their driver via text instead of by phone call. As part of the Sept. 18 update, Lyft kicked off a similar new function that makes the phone screen and flashlight blink to let the driver know of new ride requests.
Both companies launched the new features in honor of National Deaf Awareness Month and are working with the National Association of the Deaf to come up with ways the ride-sharing experience can be better. And from where we stand, it's definitely a step in the right direction for inclusivity.
The Very Clever Change the Dynasty Reboot Made to an Iconic Character
Image Source: The CW
Iconic '80s primetime soap Dynasty is coming to The CW this Fall, reimagined as a modern but still soapy nighttime soap. While the target audience of 2017's Dynasty might not be old enough to have watched 1981's Dynasty, there are some fun tidbits that the new series has inherited - or, in some cases, made totally its own. Updating the characters is one of them, and the new show has made a fun and timely change to one of Dynasty's signature characters.
Image Source: Everett Collection
Most of the characters bear the same names of the characters from the '80s series, including Sammy Jo, who was played by Heather Locklear. Here's the fun update: Sammy Jo is still called Sammy Jo but is now played by Rafael de la Fuente. The gender switch isn't the only thing; Sammy Jo (who goes by Sam mostly on the show) is gay and has a romantic relationship with Carrington scion Steve (James Mackay). Interestingly, Steve's sexuality hasn't shifted; the '80s character is also gay, though he marries Locklear's Sammy Jo.
Image Source: The CW
We can't wait to see what the new Sammy Jo - ahem, Sam Flores - cooks up, since Locklear's character was an epic schemer and kind of a gold-digger. We'll find out when Dynasty starts on Oct. 11.
Why You Should Wash Your Leggings After Every Single Workout
Doing laundry sucks, especially if you work out. If you're like us, your leggings, sports bras, and sweat-wicking tops far outnumber anything else in your life that needs cleaning (or anything in your life, tbh). The idea of washing a mountain of activewear may inspire you to wear the same leggings once, twice, maybe even three (!!!) times in a row. Don't, just don't. For the love of your fellow classmates and the health of your vagina, just back away from the idea of wearing yesterday's Spin leggings in today's yoga class.
We get it, leggings can seem deceptively clean the next day. They dry quickly, often without odor, and if the leggings are black, it can seem like they were never worn at all. Don't let this magic fool you. They may look clean, they may even feel clean, but they are definitely not clean - in fact, they are teeming with bacteria leftover from your previous sweat session. When you decide to recycle, reuse, and abuse those same pair of pants in a second workout, the heat and sweat from your body is going to give second life to that bacteria in a very disgusting way. If you've ever been in a class and smelled a disgusting, foul stench, you know what I'm talking about here: that is the smell of someone who thought it was OK to wear those workout clothes one more time.
Beyond a nasty stench, wearing unwashed leggings isn't great for the health of your vulva. If you wear your leggings without underwear, like a lot of us do, you're now exposing your nether regions to day-old sweat and bacteria, which can lead to uncomfortable conditions like vaginitis and yeast infections. No one wants to be itchy vagina in class, especially when clipped into a Spin bike.
If we still haven't convinced you of this one-time-wear rule, consider how much you spend on your gear. Leggings are definitely not cheap, and the best way to make them last - and keep all of their technical properties - is to care for them in the right way. Don't let sweat and bacteria build up from not washing them - this can break down the material and in some cases bring on mold. While it's insane to think you can wash you gear immediately after a workout, we recommend rinsing your clothing out with water, allowing it to air dry before you throw it in your hamper, or putting it in a bag and tossing it in the freezer. All of these methods will help kill the bacteria and calm down foul odors until your next wash.
What to Skip, What to Sip: Starbucks's Creamy, Icy Drinks
If warm weather has you craving a cool, refreshing sweet treat - inspiring you to head to your local Starbucks for a creamy drink, like the Caffè Espresso Frappuccino - before downing 380 calories in a few chilly sips, you should consider your choices. These stats will help shave calories off your order.
Caramel
| Instead of | 16-oz. Caramel Frappuccino Blended Beverage: Coffee blended with caramel sauce, milk, and ice, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce: 410 calories |
| Go For | 16-oz. Caramel Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage: Coffee blended with caramel sauce, milk, and ice: 140 calories |
| Calories Saved | 270 |
Mocha
| Instead of | 16-oz. Iced Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha: Espresso, milk, white chocolate flavored sauce, and peppermint flavored syrup on ice, topped with sweetened whipped cream: 500 calories |
| Go For | 16-oz. Iced Skinny Mocha: Bittersweet skinny mocha sauce, espresso, and nonfat milk served over ice: 100 calories |
| Calories Saved | 400 |
Vanilla
| Instead of | 16-oz. Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino: Coffee with vanilla bean powder, blended with whole milk and ice, topped with sweetened whipped cream: 430 calories |
| Go For | 16-oz. Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino Light: Coffee flavored with vanilla and blended with nonfat milk and ice: 180 calories |
| Calories Saved | 250 |
Strawberry
| Instead of | 16-oz. Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino Blended Crème: Strawberries and whole milk blended with ice and topped with a swirl of whipped cream: 370 calories |
| Go For | 16-oz. Strawberry Smoothie: A nourishing blend of natural strawberry puree, a whole banana, nonfat milk, whey protein, fiber powder, and ice: 290 calories |
| Calories Saved | 80 |
Chocolate
| Instead of | 16-oz. Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino Blended Crème: A creamy blend of rich mocha-flavored sauce, chocolaty chips, milk, and ice, topped with sweetened whipped cream and mocha drizzle: 420 calories |
| Go For | 16-oz. Mocha Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage: Coffee with rich mocha sauce blended with nonfat milk and ice: 160 calories |
| Calories Saved | 260 |
Java Chip
| Instead of | 16-oz. Java Chip Frappuccino Blended Beverage: Coffee with rich mocha-flavored sauce, blended with milk, chocolaty chips, and ice, topped with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate-flavored drizzle: 470 calories |
| Go For | 16-oz. Java Chip Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage: Coffee with rich mocha-flavored sauce blended with milk, chocolaty chips, and ice: 210 calories |
| Calories Saved | 260 |
Cinnamon
| Instead of | 16-oz. Cinnamon Dolce Frappuccino Blended Beverage: Coffee with cinnamon dolce-flavored sauce, blended with milk and ice, topped with sweetened whipped cream and cinnamon dolce topping: 380 calories |
| Go For | 16-oz. Cinnamon Dolce Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage: Coffee flavored with cinnamon syrup, blended with milk and ice: 110 calories |
| Calories Saved | 270 |
And there's other good news! For a limited time, Starbucks is offering a mini 10-ounce Frappuccino size. Learn more about just how many calories you can save here.
12 Fascinating Facts About HGTV's New Hit Show Good Bones
If you're one of the more than 14 million viewers who've tuned into the first season of HGTV's new home reno show Good Bones since it premiered in 2016, then you're probably already in love with the dynamic real estate duo of mother Karen E Laine and daughter Mina Starsiak. With a lot of sweat and a little help from their big family, these ladies are revitalizing their beloved city of Indianapolis one dilapidated house at a time - and they're having a whole lot of fun in the process. We had a chance to speak with the stars of Good Bones, which was just renewed for a third season, and we can vouch that they're as warm and playful in real life as they are on TV. Between Mina's hilarious quips and Karen's infectious laughter, here are 12 fascinating facts they shared:
1. A Casting Agent Discovered Them Through Their Facebook Page - but Mina Thought Her Call Was a Joke
Mina explained: "She kept calling my cellphone, and I thought it was someone messing with me first and trying to get our business information. But then I heard it was [a casting agent] . . . and we started a conversation about whether it was something we'd be interested in. We were like, 'Sound's like a party. Let's do it!'"
2. Renovating Houses Started as a Weekend Passion
Karen and Mina completed their first rehab in 2007, but they didn't think of it as a business until closer to 2009. "We had done our third or fourth project and we've just been growing slowly since then," Karen explained. Mina added, "Mom had a full-time job being an attorney and I also waited tables full-time, and then we did this on our days off and on the weekends."
3. Karen Always Knew They Would Make a Great HGTV Show
"Mom was cleaning out something and found a letter that she had written to HGTV years ago saying, 'You should make a show about us!'" Mina said. It seems Karen always knew that their life had all the makings of a hit show.
4. They Filmed Their Test Episode With a Flip-Cam
Good Bones might be a full-scale production now, but Mina and Karen filmed the very first episode themselves on a flip-cam. "They edited it beautifully and put it to music and sent it to HGTV," Mina explained. "[HGTV] picked us up for a pilot and that aired in May of last year." The show was then picked up for a full first season.
5. They Hail From a Humongous Blended Family
Mina is the second oldest of seven siblings ranging from ages 12 to 32. Mom Karen and Mina's father had three kids together. Then, Karen remarried and had Mina's sister, while her father went on to father four more kids in two subsequent marriages.
6. Karen Is a Lawyer
"I am still a practicing lawyer, I am sorta on sabbatical. I've gotten rid of most of my clients but I still have a few left," she explained. No doubt her legal know-how comes in handy with some of the business elements of the real estate industry.
7. Location and Price Are Paramount When Selecting Reno Homes
"If it's in our location, in one of our neighborhoods that we focus in, and it's less than $10,000, it's our house," Karen said. "We don't even need to go look at it. We'll just put in an offer and buy it."
8. They Describe Their Design Style as Vintage Contemporary
Karen and Mina try to maintain a house's original charm, while updating for contemporary times by opening up the space and adding functional touches. "When you go inside, we have very clean lines, we use all modern materials," Karen said. But she points out that their decor leans to the cozy and welcoming side. "Feeling homey to me feels vintage. No laced doilies on the arms of the couches, though - none of that," Karen joked.
9. They Support Local
The best thing about the job, according to Karen, is the opportunities the show has brought to their hometown. "We have this opportunity for local people to apply their trade and grow in their chosen career, which is a beautiful thing to watch." Meanwhile, Mina is thrilled that the show has given such exposure to Indiana and all the local shopping and dining it has to offer. "It's given people outside of the area a better picture of that Indi is actually a really cool city. So I also think it helped growth opportunities for other small businesses that way."
10. The Hardest Part About Being on HGTV Is Keeping Up With Business
You have to work at a high volume and fast clip to feature a new reno in all 12 episodes of the season. "I think our biggest challenge has been growing our business fast enough to meet the needs of HGTV," Karen said. "Mina will tell you that we put about $150,000-$180,000 into each house. So if we do 10 houses, that's $1.5 million to $1.8 million. And we didn't have that in our pockets, so that growth spurt was up."
11. They Were Recognized For the First Time at the State Fair - and It Was Great
"Our experience has been that the people we run into who see the show and like what we're doing are so nice. They're just so nice and they're just happy to meet us, but still normal. Nobody gets carried away and acts weird. Everyone's friendly. They're enthusiastic, they ask a few questions, we take a few pictures, and then we go on our way. So thank you very much to all the people who like us and watch us!" Karen said.
12. Good Bones Was Just Renewed For a Second Season
Go ahead, fall in love with Good Bones, because it's here to stay a while. HGTV just renewed the series for a 12-episode second season slated for January 2017. Until then, you can enjoy the currently airing first season Tuesday nights 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV.
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