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
This High School Senior's McDonald's Photo Shoot Deserves a Pulitzer Prize
When Mikayla Cleckler thought about where to have her high school senior photos taken, she knew exactly where to go: McDonald's. And the result is just about the most amazing photo shoot you've ever seen - plenty of fries included. Mikayla is a 17-year-old senior at Northeast Jones High School in Mississippi, and in the words of Jana Cooley, her cousin and the photographer behind the lens, she's "McDone." To celebrate her last year of school and to document her love of McDonald's in an unexpected way, Mikayla posed with fries, a McDonald's employee, and her favorite sandwich in the epic photo shoot - and looked fierce doing it all.
POPSUGAR reached out to the photographer to hear about the inspiration behind the creative photos. Jana told POPSUGAR via email, "Mikayla is actually my cousin and one of my best friends. She texted me and asked if I would mind taking her senior pictures and I responded, 'You know we're taking these at McDonald's, right?' She is OBSESSED with their Buttermilk Chicken Sandwiches and just knowing the type of person she is, we wouldn't be doing the world justice if we didn't incorporate a little humor. We did take 'normal' senior photos as well."
Each photo is too good not to see, so read on to appreciate every McDonald's moment from Mikayla's album, and prepare to pass on the ingenious idea to all the high school seniors you know. Jana said, "I think people are lovin'" - get it? - "these photos because they aren't the 'normal' senior pictures you see, and I think we can all relate to them in some type of way." Agreed.
GLOW Up This Halloween With These '80s-Tastic Costumes Inspired by the Show
GLOW took Netflix by storm this Summer, providing us with an ample amount of laughs, drama, and a newfound fascination with '80s clothing. To celebrate the hilarious wrestling comedy coming back for season two, why not channel your favorite character on Halloween this year?
42 Epic Birthday-Cake Fails
The effort parents put into having a special birthday cake for their children is deserving of a slow-clap standing ovation. Be it store-bought or homemade, birthday cakes are basically the most important part of a child's birthday, so we do whatever it takes to get them the confectionary of their dreams (even if it doesn't always pan out). Maybe that is why I literally can't stop laughing at these birthday cake fails. I'm actually a pretty terrible cake decorator, and because misery loves company, I absolutely love all these images.
A Definitive, Ongoing List of All the People the Trump Administration Has Parted Ways With So Far
Updated on Sept. 29, 2017: Tom Price has resigned from his role as Secretary of Health and Human Services, so we've updated this post accordingly.
Original post: At this point in the Trump presidency, one fact has become incredibly clear: the former Apprentice star has no plans to stop saying "you're fired!" any time soon. Shakeups in the White House are to be expected with any new administration (especially after the opposing party has held office for eight years), but the tumult at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is starting to feel a whole lot less like strategic planning and a whole lot more like a Survivor-style reality show.
While attempting to guess who will come next on Trump's hit list is a rather futile endeavor - here's looking at you, everyone in the vicinity of the White House – what we will do is take a moment to pour one out for those who have already fallen victim to the ever-moving Trump train, both those who have been fired outright as well as those who claim to have left of their own volition. And be sure to check back here regularly, as we'll be making sure to update this page as and when the next staffer makes his or her exit.
25+ Slang Words in Spanish You Need to Know
The nuances of Spanish exist well beyond any dictionary. As if the language weren't hard enough to learn, our daily speech is full of words that have been completely redefined as slang. And to make matters even worse, those terms vary widely from country to country and even town to town - sometimes family to family.
Here, we rounded up some of the most loved and colloquially used words and phrases from across Latin America. The great part is that this slang is frequently used in more than one country! Consider yourself in the know.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below.
Prince George's School Lunch Menu Is Fancier Than a 5-Star Restaurant
For most toddlers, school lunches include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the occasional slice of pizza, and, of course, a sugar-filled juice box to top it off. But things are a lot fancier when you're British royalty, and Prince George's lunch menu can attest to that. Earlier this month, the 4-year-old prince began classes at Thomas's Battersea School in London, where although he's not allowed to have a best friend, he'll be eating like a king. We're finally getting a look at his school lunch menu, and, well, we've never felt so plebeian in our entire lives.
The school boasts an incredibly healthy menu and could easily be confused for a five-star restaurant filled with fancy options . . . and just wait until you hear about the desserts! With vegetarian varieties, fresh bread options, and a well-rounded main course, it's safe to say Prince George will be eating like a king this year. Check out a sample of some of the meals below.
- Freshly prepared authentic lamb ragout with garlic and fresh herbs; organic grated cheese with baton carrots and cucumber; steamed fiber-rich whole wheat tasty pasta.
- Freshly prepared BBQ pork strips; steamed baby corn, carrots, and mange tout; Mediterranean 50/50 couscous and quinoa.
- Freshly prepared teriyaki salmon on a bed of lentils.
- Oven-baked beef meatballs with cannellini beans in a tomato and basil sauce; grated organic cheese and fresh crudities; steamed 50/50 brown and white rice.
- Some dessert options: fresh baked waffle with a fruit coulis and single cream; freshly prepared chocolate and courgette sponge with organic custard; oven-baked oatmeal and raisin cookie served with a banana milkshake; freshly baked Portuguese egg custard tart with strawberries.
Lunchtime has never sounded so luxurious!
7 Questions to Ask Yourself (and Answer Honestly!) Before Buying a Home
Growing up, each of us was taught one lesson that we never forgot: becoming a homeowner is the ultimate American dream. As kids, we assumed that owning a home meant that you're mature, capable of being financially independent, and ready to start your family.
But eventually, we grew up - which shortly led to the realization that life is expensive and homes are, well, even more expensive. Reality Bites isn't just some '90s rom-com, it's also your mind coming to grips with the fact that you need to be ready to buy a six-figure property.
It's easy to say you need to be ready, but what does that even mean?
For a couple of years, I was anti-home-ownership forever. I figured, "Why should I buy a home that may or may not increase in value when I could rent for less and put the extra income I was saving toward investments?" I mean, wouldn't I be better off continuing to rent? I'd be avoiding stressors, like potential repairs, increases in mortgage rates, real estate crashes - the list goes on and on.
So why did I have a sudden change of heart? Was it our leaky fridge, the lack of office space, or the fact that our dinner table sits on white carpet? (I mean, who puts white carpet in an eating area?! How can I trust myself with red wine? Answer: I can't.)
I had to admit, it would be nice to come home to:
- An office.
- A guest bedroom for when friends and family visit from out of town.
- A backyard for my niece to play in.
- A backyard for my future adorable puppies to play in.
- A large enough space to entertain.
- My own everything. Me. Mine. Oh, and my husband's. I guess.
It was time for me to start looking at whether home ownership was something I could truly afford, both financially and mentally. That's when I broke out the checklist. I asked myself the following tough questions to consider when it comes to home ownership. Do you know your answers?
The 7 Best Lip Colors For Fall, All Approved by Beauty Editors
Shopping for a new Fall eye shadow palette online? Easy. You know some of the shades will work. But picking the perfect lip color without actually trying it? Not so much. Lipstick shopping is like jeans shopping: it's difficult to know what will fit (your skin tone, in this case). To help make it easier on you, we've tested the season's new lip hues to round up the best. Here, you can see what the colors look like on to know if they're worth adding to your cart. Plus, we break down ingredients, applicators, and more!
10 Food Storage Solutions That Will Make Lunchtime Easier Than Ever
If you're already growing tired of packing those school lunches, we may have found a solution for you. Ditch those stressful plastic and paper bags, and instead, start using washable and reusable lunch box alternatives. Whether you're looking for a soft lunch box that easily fits plastic containers, a bento box, or some stackable boxes, we found some great choices for you. All these food storage solutions are from Amazon, so if you see something you like, it will simply arrive to your door. Take a look at our top choices, and pick the one that will make your morning routine a breeze.
This New Mom Is Applying to Jobs With Her Baby - Here's Why Companies Should Take Her Seriously
On a typical weekday, Meesha Chang is doing what countless other New Yorkers in between jobs do: endlessly perusing LinkedIn and other sites for open positions, her laptop like an inanimate appendage. Her last job, a highly coveted creative consultant position within the cultural department of a tech giant, is almost certain to attract the attention of most hiring managers. However, there is one significant detail in her application that she knows could repel some potential employers: her 5-month-old baby, Lucia.
Lucia is Chang's daughter with her fiancé, John. Round-cheeked and wide-eyed, the infant is a pleasure at home - but what about in the next cubicle over?
For the past two months, Chang has been applying to any and every position that matches her vast qualifications, but unlike her competition, she's applying with Lucia in tow. Her ideal plan is to bring her infant daughter with her to her new office every day. "I'm being very transparent about my situation," she explains. "Lucia's name has equal billing on my résumé." She even lists her daughter's qualifications - "quiet, observant nature and positive attitude" - on her résumé and in her cover letter in hopes that companies will see Lucia as not just a caveat, but an asset. She's even brought Lucia along to interviews, once in person and once over Skype, with the newborn cooing in the background. The hiring managers greeted Lucia awkwardly, unsure of what to make of the mother-daughter duo, Chang recalls.
This may seem like a pretty unconventional, maybe even bizarre, strategy for job hunting, but in Chang's view, there's no viable alternative. She prioritizes her career and motherhood equally, and she doesn't feel it's fair to have to choose between the two. "One of the most challenging things about becoming a mom for me is figuring out what kind of mom I am and can be to my child," Chang says. "I always thought I would be the kind of mom to get straight back to work. Having a child now has changed everything." For her, that means bringing her baby to work, which, to her, is not such an outlandish request.
Chang is fully aware that she is fortunate to work in a field that could accommodate babies at work and senior enough in her career that she feels comfortable making certain demands of potential employers. And she is more than grateful to have John, who helps with both baby and financial duties, while she job hunts. "I know not everyone is in this position," she acknowledges.
"We are told over and over that women can't have it all, can't be present parents and have a great career. This is not because it's impossible; it's because we don't have systems in place to provide that life."
There are parents who don't have the luxury of requesting such policies and who have to shoulder all responsibilities alone, but Chang hopes that her advocacy for babies-at-work programs will be the first step in shifting the standard in favor of more parent-friendly policies in general.
"Part of why I am pushing for companies to accommodate babies at work is so that more parents have choices in the future," she says. "We are told over and over that women can't have it all, can't be present parents and have a great career. This is not because it's impossible; it's because we don't have systems in place to provide that life."
What ends up happening, Chang points out, is women leave the workforce to care for their newborns and oftentimes don't come back for years or even decades (she refers to Lori Hill, a software developer who took a break from her career to raise her kids and reentered the workforce after 22 years). This contributes to what many experts refer to as a "brain drain" in the US workforce and economy. If only companies could see this larger picture, she says, maybe then they would be more open to more parent-friendly policies.
Since Lucia's birth, Chang has applied to a wide range of positions, from established companies to brand-new start-ups, and even a weeklong stint as the mayor of Danzhai Wanda Village in Southwest China. As expected, the responses have been mixed, but some companies have been surprisingly receptive. "I think it opens people's minds and makes them think backwards and forwards, reflecting back on their childhood and mother," Chang says, "as well as envisioning what kind of workplaces will exist in the future." One aspect of a mother-baby team she tries to emphasize to prospective employers is the symbiotic relationship between loving mother and industrious worker. "I feel my new skills as a mom are transferable," she says. "Why not have the next step in my career path work with, rather than against, my new role and instincts?"
Though she has not received an offer just yet, Chang remains undeterred. "I live by the philosophy 'where there is a will, there is a way,'" she says. "And I want to be with Lucia as much as possible during this critical time. I am a better person because of her and with her."
Babies at Work Are Becoming More CommonChang is not alone. For at least the last decade, a burgeoning movement advocating for bringing babies to work has been taking shape and gaining momentum. Though the practice is still very much a fledgling one, forward-thinking companies - such as advertising agency T3 and PR firm Vanguard Communications - are starting to catch on to the value of bringing babies into the workplace.
According to the Parenting in the Workplace Institute (PIWI), which provides resources and best-practice guidelines for implementing babies-at-work policies, more than 200 businesses in the US have adopted such policies. Founded in 2007 by Carla Moquin, the PIWI has helped dozens of companies implement babies-at-work programs.
"There is a disparity between what people expect when they think about having babies in a work environment compared to what well-structured baby programs actually look like in practice," Moquin explains. Once a company observes the overwhelming benefits, she says, "they are typically eager to make the policy permanent."
Moquin knows firsthand how valuable and life-changing these programs can be for new parents - and that many moms and dads don't have the financial and social privileges Chang has when it comes to forcing an employer's hand. In fact, Moquin herself had to return to work when each of her daughters were less than 5 weeks old.
So how does a babies-at-work program work exactly? With PIWI's help, a company starts by implementing a short-term pilot program, a month-long "experimentation" that determines what a long-term policy might look like. "Once a pilot program is in place and companies see how well it works," Moquin says, "it is extremely rare for a company not to move forward with a permanent policy."
PIWI also offers a downloadable template, which outlines a recommended checklist of things to consider, like eligibility parameters, waivers and agreement forms to complete, and rules for the parent to adhere to.
At Badger, a family-owned company that makes organic bodycare products, employees request to participate in the program and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To date, the company has been fortunate to make the program work for every employee who has requested to participate. When an employee is approved, other logistical arrangements are put into place, such as a meeting room designated to easily be converted into an office/nursery, a separate room set up specifically for mothers to breastfeed or pump, and designated voluntary, alternate caregivers within Badger for those times the parent needs a break or needs to attend a meeting.
As for Chang's ideal setup, she envisions a small space in the office not too far from her desk where her baby can play and sleep that would be private enough for nursing or pumping. But since Lucia loves being "in the mix," Chang hopes she can also keep her even closer, perhaps in her carrier under an adjustable standing desk, as she suggests. If there are important meetings where a baby's presence might not be appropriate, having an onsite sitter like the ones at Badger would be the perfect solution. And while Chang believes in the value of working closely with her work team, she also knows that a flexible work-from-home policy would be immensely helpful for any new mom.
In Moquin's experience, these programs are adopted and integrated as seamlessly as any other company policy. It typically takes a week or two of sharing the office with their baby for the parent to find their "rhythm." "This is aided by the emotional and logistical support that most coworkers are eager to provide once they find themselves bonding with the babies," she says.
The Concrete Benefits to Baby-Friendly OfficesWhile parents might be the ones overwhelmingly pushing for baby-friendly policies, data suggest that companies see tangible benefits to instituting those policies, too. According to Moquin, here are some of the ways babies at work can help businesses:
- Increasing retention
- Encouraging employees to voluntarily return to work earlier, which saves the business money
- Increasing employee morale and loyalty, not just for the parents but for their coworkers as well, making employee recruitment easier
- Increasing teamwork and collaboration due to the presence of the babies and the social dynamics they create
Several organizations with similar programs have witnessed nearly identical results. Badger has seen the benefits of babies at work firsthand and cannot envision running their business any other way. "We've seen higher morale, increased engagement, and greater loyalty among employees," says Dee Fitzgerald, Badger's Marketing & PR Manager. "Parents feel supported and come to work knowing they are embraced by a community that sees them as a whole person and cares for their well-being."
While there are inevitably going to be a few downsides, namely the occasional distraction of a crying baby, the list is minuscule compared to the benefits. "Our experience so far has been that the benefits far outweigh the concerns or inconveniences." Plus, Fitzgerald exclaims, "It's the right thing to do!"
The Nevada State Health Division, which first introduced its program in 2009, noted increased productivity, improved morale, and better communication with no formal complaints. The NSHD's program was so successful it inspired other organizations in the state, like the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and Nevada Child and Family Services, to adopt babies-at-work policies of their own.
According to a report by Society of Human Resource Management, who interviewed Virginia architectural design firm Peck, Peck & Associates on its babies-at-work program, the increase in retention is a standout benefit. "We've had people who were offered jobs [elsewhere] but stayed with us because of this," founder Dianne Peck told SHRM.
Curious companies, if you're reading this, perhaps one particular benefit should be underlined: not only do these programs cost very little, or virtually nothing, to implement, they will actually save you money.
"If your company has an open-door policy and is invested in the well-being of its employees," Fitzgerald says, "it is a relatively easy benefit to implement with little cost and a high return." She also emphasizes that such programs are powerful recruiting tools, which saves the company money in the long run. The NSHD made a similar note in its report, calling the program a "minimal investment as long as clear expectations and rules are in place."
But families benefit too, as Moquin notes:
- Parents can be present for those critical first six months of their baby's life
- Parents and babies don't have to experience the trauma of separating in those very vulnerable early months
- Parents face lower daycare costs/more financial stability
- Breastfeeding opportunities for moms increase
Chang hopes to highlight this multitude of benefits each time she applies to a job with Lucia, who she calls "a natural Chief Happiness Officer."
Advice For Parents Who Want to Bring Their Baby to WorkAs of press time, Chang is still job searching for the right position and company that will allow her to fulfill her dual roles as mother and creative whiz. She always knew that it might be trickier to apply as a "package deal," but she remains "hopeful and curious about the outcome." In the meantime, both Moquin and Fitzgerald offer invaluable advice to new moms like Chang.
"For a new mom applying to jobs, we recommend asking the hiring manager or HR representative what kinds of family-friendly benefits they offer and if babies at work would be something they would consider providing in the future," Fitzgerald says. "If the answer is 'yes,' then you know that the company culture is family-friendly and its leadership team places a high value on the happiness and well-being of its employees."
Moquin's advice is more practical. "For new moms who already have a baby and are looking for jobs, we actually recommend that they focus on flexible or work-from-home jobs unless they have a potential employer that is already eager to implement a baby program," she advises, acknowledging that not all moms can afford the luxury of a lengthy job search for an office that fulfills all their asks. "It can take weeks to months to convince a company to implement a program."
But Chang isn't giving up on finding a full-time job in an office environment. She has a newfound tenacity bolstered by her tiny teammate. "Babies are just everything," she says. "Babies represent new hopes, new aspirations." And if that means making the case for bringing Lucia to work knowing most companies will reject the very notion, she will do it, because she genuinely believes in the value of working alongside her daughter.
"As a team," Chang wrote in one cover letter, "we can bring positive energy and change to almost any situation we encounter, and would love to bring it to you."
9 Beautiful Beaches Where Clothing Is 100% Optional
If you're one of those people who just loathes having tan lines, then may I suggest you check out a beach where clothing is completely optional? Yes, there are a slew of beaches across the world where nudity is celebrated and no one has a care in the world. You may even be surprised to know that there are some right here in the United States. If being free to bare it all sounds like the perfect way to spend your next vacation, consider one of these nine lovely locales.
Littlefinger Isn't in Westeros Anymore - He's Making Waves on Peaky Blinders
Your favorite British bad boys (and girls) are coming back soon! Peaky Blinders season four is dangerously close, with the first trailer - which you can watch below - promising blood, tears, and a whole lot of gang-fueled drama for fan-favorite character Tommy Shelby and his family. The series' fourth installment wrapped shooting in July, so here's everything you need to know about what to expect for the upcoming season. Give the thrilling trailer a watch, and then get ready for your favorite show's exciting return . . . by order of the Peaky fookin' Blinders.
When does it air?
There's still no official release date for the series, but Deadline reports that the series will air in the UK later this Fall. Based on past seasons, that likely means that Americans can expect it to hit Netflix in early 2018.
Who's new to the cast?
The gripping trailer reveals several new faces to the cast, including Adrien Brody as a menacing-looking figure and Game of Thrones actor Aidan Gillen as a new threat. Looks like Littlefinger will be terrorizing a new family now!
What will happen to the Shelbys?
When season three left off, the Shelby clan was on the outs with the law. According to The Independent, season four will pick up six months later and introduce the family to several new threats. Based on the trailer, the Shelbys look more than a bit out of their depth; we'll have to tune in to see how Tommy will connive his way out of this new mess.
These Are the Hottest Beauty Products Launching in October, According to Editors
If you're not celebrating Halloween this year, you can still go HAM with your beauty style in October. As the season gets cozier, we're ready to swap light creams for more nourishing ones, revisit our hot tools (because thank God the humidity is gone!), and try out bolder makeup looks. Here, we are sharing our favorite new product launches for October to help you achieve all of this and more. Read on for newbies from Tom Ford, Chanel, SK-II, NYX, and more!
The Part of Being Pregnant That I Wasn't Prepared For
The road to pregnancy wasn't easy for me, and I've never felt so grateful for anything. But the truth is, some moments have been easier to welcome than others. Before I was expecting, I thought a lot about carrying a baby, and when the moment finally came, I felt fairly prepared, both emotionally and physically - at least, as much as you can be. For months on end, I thought about how my life might change, how my marriage would adapt, and how my career could shift.
Mostly, though, I thought about my body.
What would pregnancy feel like? How would it change me on the inside? On the outside? I was thrilled to carry a life and to grow, in more ways than one. There would be new and unfamiliar emotional territory but also swelling and puffing and rapid, unexpected expanding. (Oh, and some severe morning sickness.) I recognized that, and I embraced it. I had those internal conversations with myself. What I hadn't considered were the conversations with everyone else.
The thing is, I wasn't quite prepared for the many, many comments that other people would make about my looks and how jarring it would be to have so many people - friends, family, strangers - focusing on my body. In my third trimester, on any given day, I hear an entire range of comments. One moment, a Starbucks barista tells me I'm "tiny" for eight months pregnant, and the next, a cashier points out to everyone in line that I'm "huge." There's the well-meaning friend who told me I'm "carrying all that weight pretty well," the neighbor who said I'm "obviously built for this," and the random guy on the bus who said I look "really, really round" these days.
On the one hand, it means a lot for people to engage and to ask me about it. Pregnancy is a wild, amazing thing, and people are excited to watch that miracle happen and talk to me about the experience. When they say I'm "huge," I know it's meant as a compliment and that they're happy to see my healthy, growing belly. And that is what I waited months to hear. Pregnancy is something I've looked forward to for a while now, and every day it feels like a gift when I put my hand on my stomach.
That said, it can be tough, too. No matter what the circumstances, it can be uncomfortable to have so much attention on your body. You're already dealing with strange physical symptoms plus some nervousness and anxiety, so when you add on the slew of hormones, it's pretty much inevitable that you'll have days when you just don't feel like your best self. And on those days, it's hard to hear that you're "getting massive" and "bigger than I thought you'd be." Some days, you just don't want to talk about your body. At all. And that's OK.
Personally, I've tried to shift my perspective to understand that even the seemingly awkward comments are meant as compliments, and when I'm having one of those days where I just can't, I make a point to steer conversations elsewhere. It's as simple (and sometimes as hard) as that.
When I'm curled up in bed and marveling over the kick, kick, kick inside my belly, one tiny miracle after another, I feel nothing except hugely thankful.
It's Easy to See Why Thousands of People Are Making This Cheesecake Recipe
Your seemingly endless search for the perfect cheesecake recipe might stop here, thanks to Pinterest. The number one classic cheesecake recipe on Pinterest is Perfect Cheesecake from the blog Simply Recipes. It's been saved 146,000 times and has been met with the approval of hundreds of commenters, including one who wrote, "This cheesecake is ridiculously delicious! The best I have ever made and probably ever had."
What makes this recipe so special? It's a perfect example of a classic done right, with no frills or shortcuts. Like any good cheesecake, it starts with a homemade graham cracker crust. The rich filling has cream cheese, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and heavy whipping cream. What takes this cheesecake to the next level is the smooth, icing-like topping of sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. The fresh fruit topping is the cherry - or rather, raspberry - on top.
If trendier renditions of cheesecake like Fruity Pebbles cheesecake or no-bake pumpkin cheesecake aren't your thing, stick to tradition and try this viral recipe that's guaranteed not to disappoint.
These $50 Ikea Blackout Curtains Gave Me the Best Night's Sleep Ever
When my husband and I first moved into our apartment, I was dead-set on white curtains. But he's a very light sleeper and requires a cave-like environment of complete and total darkness to really get a good night's sleep. Also complicating matters was that our bedroom windows are huge. Since I couldn't find exactly what we both wanted (his idea was to cover our windows with tinfoil) and our budget was tight, we went with white canvas curtains from Ikea and I fastened on cheap, janky room-darkening panels to the back of them. We made do with this subpar set-up for way too long. Finally, five years later, we were ready to invest in some legit blackout curtains.
I spent hours researching the best blackout curtains online and was prepared to dump buckets of money into transforming our bedroom into the dark cave of our dreams. Surprisingly, I kept seeing Ikea's Marjun blackout curtains pop up as an affordable contender in online reviews. Since one of the reasons for the switch-up was to replace our old Ikea curtains with something more "grown-up," I resisted going back to the tried-and-true retailer. The color options were also very limited; they only came in two colors, a gray and a brown, both with a tonal colorblock on the bottom. But the price was too good to ignore - $50 for two panels, when most of the other highly rated curtains started at $50 per panel - and the real kicker was that at 57" x 98," they were the widest and longest option out there.
So I ordered two pairs of the curtains, fully prepared to have to return them if they didn't work out. But after putting them up, we couldn't believe how well they worked at blocking the sun. The fabric also looked and felt high quality for how inexpensive they were. See the before and after below.
That night, and every night after, I struggled to get out of bed because I was sleeping so soundly. Our room was darker than ever, and it was paying off big time with well-rested nights. We were also going through a heat wave in those early days, and the curtains made a noticeable difference in the temperature of our bedroom. By reducing thermal energy loss, blackout curtains can even cut down your energy bill. This is one of the major benefits of blackout curtains according to experts, in addition to protecting upholstery and wood floors from sun-fade and keeping heat in during the Winter and heat out during the Summer.
Another bonus? My husband no longer threatens to tinfoil our windows. So I call that a win!
The Trick to Erasing Your Eyebrows For a Costume
Dark brows. Blond brows. Yes brows. No brows. No matter what type of brow you have, changing it can ultimately change the entire framing of your face, which is why enhancing them - or in this case, getting rid of them - can create an insane transformation.
Special-effects makeup can completely erase your brows without actually getting rid of them, but there's a hack you can use if you don't want to invest: a glue stick! Check out the full tutorial on how to hide your brows and transform into a vintage vamp.
The Complete Guide For Discovering the Best of Paris
Ah, Paris. With its glorious cuisine, magnificent architecture, and artistic treasures, if you ask me, there is no other city as timeless or instantly recognizable. The charm, the energy, the enchantment - this French capital really is a living dream, which is why it's no surprise so many of us spend time fantasizing about our next Parisian adventure.
But if you're ready to turn those thoughts into reality and are in need of a quick travel guide, you're in luck, as we've got the perfect fix. Combining the quintessential must-see attractions with the best hidden gems, your ultimate itinerary awaits!
This Is What Would Happen If Gossip Girl Characters Dressed Up as Disney Princesses
Spotted on the Upper East Side: Little J, B, and S decked out as Disney characters. Looks like Halloween came early for these real-life princesses.
We got to the bottom of this rumor to discover that flower-crown genius Christy Doramus (you know her as Crowns by Christy) and her fabulous team (Kate Sands and Olivia Anton)created headbands for the ultimate Gossip Girl-loving Disney fiend.
For this shoot, seen on Christy's blog, the crew features Jenny dressed as Alice (of Alice in Wonderland), Serena outfitted as Elsa, and Blair taking on Snow White.
"I was inspired by how we can use our everyday clothing to create a fun and easy Halloween costume," Christy told POPSUGAR via email. "All you need is the perfect headpiece to complete your Halloween look. We wanted to dress up as our favorite characters while channeling our inner Gossip Girl."
We also got the breakdown on how she crafted each headband.
Alice: "I attached black velvet ribbon onto a plastic headband with hot glue," Christy said. "I tightly wrapped the ribbon on a diagonal around the headband. I used the ribbon and cut pieces to make a bow shape, which I attached to the velvet headband with hot glue."
Elsa: "I picked up a tiara and jewels from a craft store. I then used thin wire and looped the jewels onto the crown at varying heights."
Snow White: "I attached red leather ribbon to a plastic headband with hot glue. I tightly wrapped the ribbon on a diagonal around the headband. I then used a variety of silver and red jewels and constructed a bow shape before attaching it to the leather headband."
If you love this idea, you can either DIY or order a customizable one from Crowns by Christy (price upon request; email hello@crownsbychristy.com).
Or just keep reading to see more images of this adorably chic costume idea! XOXO
7 Clever Halloween Costumes All Skyrocketing in Sales on Amazon Right Now
It's time to go on the great hunt for the perfect Halloween costume. If you want to know what costumes people are buying, we have the scoop. Whether you want to be something funny and clever or sexy and cute, there are thousands of options out there for you to choose from. This year, more shoppers are turning to Amazon for their costume choices. If you have Amazon Prime, that free shipping is especially attractive. We uncovered the most popular costumes the online retailer is selling in 2017. We honestly can't believe that a banana and a T. rex are in this list! These picks are disappearing fast, so get them while they're hot!
Skull Terrariums Are the Perfect DIY Project For Halloween-Loving Goth Queens
Skull-shaped succulent planters are currently dominating Pinterest in honor of the Halloween season, and we're so freakin' here for them. If you are just as obsessed with the trend and want another way to decorate your home with skulls, look no further than skull-shaped terrariums. They're a gothy alternative to those basic spherical terrariums and are super easy to make at home as your favorite pumpkin-scented candle burns in the background.
Once you've purchased your corked glass skull head (which can be found through retailers like Michaels and Etsy), all you need are some soil, pebbles, moss, and plants of choice. We suggest succulents to make your masterpiece extra Instagram worthy. Squeezing each item through the tiny opening on top of the container may be tricky, so go for smaller plants and pebbles to make things easy. Once you've carefully placed every component in the skeletal glass vessel, you'll have an edgy yet chic desktop decoration that can stay up well past the spooky holiday.
Before you roll up your sleeves and dive into this Halloween-ready DIY project, read on to see how other crafty Instagram users have made their skull terrariums for a dose of inspiration.
You'll Love These Westworld Halloween Costume Ideas as Much as Teddy Loves Dolores
We're practically all but ripping our freakin' hair out while not-so-patiently awaiting season two of HBO's Westworld. The sci-fi thriller series kept our eyes glued to the screen last year as we watched gasp-worthy plot twist after plot twist unfold within the show's fictional theme park. Although the series unfortunately won't be returning until 2018 [insert buckets of tears here], we can still fuel our obsession by repping our favorite characters this Halloween. Ahead, we've outlined exactly how to mimic the hosts and humans of Westworld - straight down to how you should act throughout your Halloween festivities. Get those fake Southern accents ready!
9 Reasons You Should Eat More Avocado For Your Mind, Body, and Spirit
We all know that avocado is arguably one of the most delicious foods around, a versatile ingredient that enlivens dishes from guacamole to toast, and even drinks like smoothies. And we've heard that it's a healthy food too, full of good fats and lots of vitamins.
But we wanted to dig down a little deeper. What, exactly, is so healthy about avocados? And how can we use this knowledge to increase our avocado consumption even further?
Here are some of the fun facts we discovered about one of nature's finest superfoods.
- They're high in "good fat." Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, which fight heart disease and can reduce potentially harmful cholesterol.
- Antioxidants are abundant in avocado. Avocados are full of antioxidants, which are believed to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Avocados are chock-full of vitamins. Amounts of the vitamins in avocado can vary, but the fruit is full of important vitamins K, C, B5, B6, and E.
- They've got protein! Unlike many other fruits, an avocado actually contains protein. The amount of protein depends on the size of the fruit, but about 100 grams of avocado contains 2 grams of protein.
- You don't have to eat avocado to reap benefits. OK, eating avocados is really good for you, but it's also a great addition to your beauty routine.
- You can substitute avocado in place of more fattening oils or butter. The California Avocado Association details how avocado can be a healthier alternative to regular baking ingredients.
- It might be a nutrient booster. The growers' group also suggests that avocado consumption could help the body absorb other nutrients from food; one study seems to support this idea.
- They're good for pregnant women. Avocados contain folate, which is essential for growing babies.
- And don't forget about the potassium. Avocados, like bananas, contain potassium, which is an important mineral to consume for a number of bodily functions and processes.
Go Ahead and Buy That Vitamix From Costco - Its Return Policy Is the Actual Best
If you aren't currently buying everything you possibly can at Costco, you should really get yourself a membership and get on it. The big-box store sells a little bit of everything, from groceries to automotive care to all your kitchen appliances. Yes, Costco has an amazing selection of kitchen appliances, and it's the place I shopped to outfit my entire kitchen in my last apartment, and the best part about it was the ability to swap out items when I changed my mind.
On one of my first trips to Costco, I bought a Ninja blender, because I'd seen all the commercials and I wanted something so coolly named in my kitchen. I brought it home, it was pretty great, but then after a few months, I realized it wasn't quite as awesome as I'd dreamed it would be. It was good, but I was coveting a Vitamix, which was also available at Costco. Several months after purchasing my Ninja, I put it in a bag and brought it back to Costco.
Let me make this super clear: I used my Ninja for several months, I did not have the box or receipt, and I was able to return it to Costco for a full refund in cash so I could buy a different one. I am not saying I recommend doing something like this, because even I can admit that it's a bit rude, but the fact of the matter is that Costco will accept your return in pretty much any time frame (with a few exceptions, like electronics and jewelry), no questions asked. Because the store is membership based, employees can use your card to search your purchases to see that you've actually bought the item, which is why you don't need a receipt.
I returned my Ninja and bought a Vitamix for triple the price and used it for several months before I realized that it was no better than the Ninja. I don't think I'm kitchen-savvy enough to know a super-high-price blender from just a high-price blender, but they basically worked the same for me, so guess what I did? I returned the Vitamix in a bag - no box, no receipt - to Costco and bought a new Ninja.
Through all of this, I was able to test out the appliances and really get a feel for them to decide what I liked and didn't like. Because of Costco's generous return policy, I ended up using this method with other kitchen appliances as well, in addition to various home goods. Like I said, I don't necessarily recommend taking advantage of Costco's extremely lax return policy, but just know that it's in place should you be wary of a large-ticket purchase. If you have any doubts, check with your local Costco to make sure you'll be able to bring an item back if you change your mind. And then take my advice and go for that big purchase.
Why I Picked a Startup Over a Corporate Job After College
I graduated college in 2012, wide-eyed and ambitious as ever. I wanted to fling myself and my new bachelor's degree into the real world and I wanted to do it fast.
Within a few weeks, I found myself at a crossroad. I had a promising interview scheduled at a major Condé Nast publication. Condé Nast had a lot to offer: competitive salary, health insurance, a large team, and of course, a world-class brand.
Just the week before, I'd met with Bridget Hilton, founder of a startup called LSTN Headphones. Her goal was to merge social enterprise and music: for every pair of headphones sold, proceeds would be donated to help provide hearing aids to someone in need.
The company hadn't officially launched yet. There was no real office. There were no employees. In fact, there was no job offer. There was an opportunity for an unpaid internship with no promise of a paid position.
I canceled my interview with Condé Nast.
My decision wound up being much easier than I expected. Ultimately it all came down to my personal needs. While Condé Nast had amazing perks, they weren't the perks I needed at the age of 22.
I needed room to grow, creative control, flexible schedules and opportunity to travel. I needed to wear a dozen different hats to figure out what I loved and what I didn't. Most importantly, I needed to be part of something I believed in. I believe that what's good for business should be good for the world. And so, I gave LSTN my all.
It's been four years since I stood at that crossroad. In that time, LSTN grew from a small operation to a multimillion-dollar company with distribution around the world. We hired more employees, moved into a large office, launched new products, entered premium retailers, partnered with major brands, and most importantly, traveled around the world to help over 25,000 people hear for the first time using proceeds from our sales.
Also in that time, I grew from LSTN's first intern to its business development director.
Startup culture is completely disruptive of traditional, corporate atmospheres. We have alternative work hours; we spend less time in the office and more time traveling. We welcome new creative solutions and discourage old, tired methods. Everything winds up either being a great idea or a great lesson.
Working at a startup is a roller coaster in every sense of the word. It's not for the faint of heart and requires an immense amount of commitment. But I knew it was what I needed, and if I could go back to that crossroad, I'd make the same decision a thousand times.
Colin Kaepernick's Mom Had the Best Response to Trump's "Son of a B*tch" Comment
On Friday and Saturday, Donald Trump lashed out at two notable sports stars who have been critical of him: Colin Kaepernick and Stephen Curry. It started on Friday night, Sept. 22, when President Trump called out NFL players like Colin Kaepernick who protest racial injustice and police brutality in America by taking a knee during the national anthem. "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners - when somebody disrespects our flag - to say, 'Get that son of a b*tch off the field right now. Out. He's fired. He's fired!'" Trump shouted.
... trump taking a veiled shot at colin kaepernick, says owner should say: "get that sonofabitch off the field right now... he's fired!!" http://pic.twitter.com/ttbOd0VrPG
- fake nick ramsey (@nick_ramsey) September 23, 2017
Trump was speaking at a campaign rally in Huntsville, AL, for Republican Luther Strange, who's running for senator in the state. Trump's comments were quickly met with condemnation not only across social media, but also in a statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who called the president's rhetoric "divisive."
"The NFL and our players are at our best when we help create a sense of unity in our country and our culture. There is no better example than the amazing response from our clubs and players to the terrible natural disasters we've experienced over the last month," Goodell wrote. "Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities."
Twitter users also reacted with a poignant response, using the hashtag #TakeAKnee, but the one person who had the best comeback was Colin Kaepernick's mother, Teresa. After Trump's statement, the proud mom tweeted, "Guess that makes me a proud b*tch!"
Guess that makes me a proud bitch!
- Teresa Kaepernick (@B4IleaveU) September 23, 2017
Her tweet has since racked up over 13,000 retweets and over 45,000 "likes" as of press time. Keep reading to see how others on the internet responded to Trump's NFL rant ahead.
We're not on the plantation anymore Chump. There will be no "buck breaking" out here. Fingers on the hand form a fist. #TakeAKnee 'til free.
- jesse Williams. (@iJesseWilliams) September 23, 2017
Dear @NFL players,
Please #TakeAKnee on Sunday.
We support your FIRST Amendment right to protest.
Sincerely,
America- Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) September 23, 2017
Funny how Trump supporters claim to support the 1st Amendment until it's a black man expressing his freedom #TakeAKnee
- Alt Fed Employee (@Alt_FedEmployee) September 23, 2017
So many hot takes that Kaep doesn't have a job because he isn't good enough from people who elected an unqualified reality star. #TakeAKnee
- Nick Jack Pappas (@Pappiness) September 23, 2017
If you're more upset about Kaepernick's protest than u are about police brutality, you should probably reread the Constitution. #TakeAKnee
- Lauramerica (@LJonasdotter) September 23, 2017
Don't allow racists to reframe #TakeAKnee as being a debate about anthem & flag. It's a protest of police brutality & racism... 🙄
- Bree Newsome (@BreeNewsome) September 23, 2017
Trump appeared to obsess about the topic the following morning by then going after NBA star Steph Curry, who has said he'd decline an invitation to Trump's White House:
Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
Among the notable responders to that tweet? LeBron James, who called Trump a "bum" for twisting the truth of the scenario.
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
- LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
As of press time, James's tweet had racked up 111,500 retweets. Trump's had less than half as many.
Workouts That Give Me Everything Running Promised (but Didn't)
There's so much to love about running - in theory, at least. It's a workout that I've always romanticized in my mind: it's just you and the road - no judgment or competition - and let's not forget that runner's high that can solve anything.
Sadly, my running reality is the exact opposite. In all the miles I logged chasing a runner's high, it never arrived. NOT. ONCE. Three half-marathons under my belt and not once was I left feeling like a gazelle or empowered. Instead I felt defeated and questioned what was wrong with me, why was running always so hard. All of my friends loved running, so why didn't I? It took many miles, injuries, and trips to a sports doctor to let go of the idea that running was the benchmark of fitness success.
It took a few years for me to get here - and maybe a breakdown during one pitiful training run - but I'm finally OK telling myself that I am not a runner, and that's OK. Fitness is a personal journey - personal being key. There is no right or wrong way; there's only your way. Once I fully embraced this idea and hung up my running shoes for good, my life changed for the better. Along the way, I was also happy to find that all the things I craved from running were there waiting to be discovered, just not on the track.
The Runner's High: Dance Cardio
If you ever told me that dance would be my thing, I probably would have laughed. I've never been great with choreography, and I let fear hold me back from attending a dance class. On a brave day, I allowed my friends to drag me to Hipline for my first-ever dance-cardio class. I was nervous, inside my head, and made a beeline to the back of the room - but I am so glad I went. That first class and every class since has been one big ball of happiness. Instead of judgement and fear, I found pure, unabashed joy - and one hell of a workout. Here I am, finally experiencing the "runner's high" described to me by so many friends, except at a dance class! I find myself lost in the movement and the music and have a permanent smile on my face the entire time. While Hipline is my absolute favorite, I've found the same feeling of euphoria at other studios like Zumba, AKT, and 305 Fitness.
Intense Cardio: Indoor Cycling
Even if my heel was sometimes left throbbing, I always appreciated the type of workout I got from an intense running session. There is no denying that hill sprints, speed play, and running intervals get the heart rate up in a major way. You know what else does? Indoor cycling. Whether I'm at Spin, SoulCycle, or Flywheel, I know I'm in for an intense workout that will having me climbing hills and maxing out - just like I did when I ran, except this time I'm enjoying the entire process from start to finish.
Buns of Steel: Rowing
Like so many others, I walked by the rowing machine in my gym without giving it a second thought. Then I took a class at CityRow and realized what a fool I'd been. Rowing is the definition of a total-body workout; it works all the muscles of your lower body (plus your core and your arms!) while keeping the heart rate up. Unlike running, it's much easier on the joints, which is exactly what my beat-up body needed.
Becoming Zen With Nature: Backpacking
One of the things I liked most about running was getting outside. Studio workouts definitely have their place, but being outside on a sunny day can't be beat, especially when a run ended up somewhere beautful like a coastal trail. I've always been big into hiking, but in the last couple of years, I've been doing a lot of backpacking. Being out in the middle of nowhere for days on end may sound terrifying, but it's led to some of the most beautiful backdrops I've ever experienced. From a black sand beach in Hawaii only accessible to backpackers to the ever-changing scenery of the John Muir Trail, backcountry hiking has given me a glimpse of nature I would have never been able to experience otherwise.
Stress Relief: Yoga
Sadly, running only added more stress to my life, which is why I am so grateful for yoga. I was slow to come around to it, but now I can't imagine a week without taking a couple of classes. I had to find the style that worked for me, the right teachers, and a studio I loved, but once that happened, it all came into place. My regular 90-minute classes allow me to truly unwind and let go of any stress I may be feeling. It used to be hard to turn off my mind, and now I look forward to that meditative state it provides me with.
The Harmful Effects of Instant Ramen Noodles
Yes, you know that instant ramen isn't good for you, but studies have confirmed just how harmful the prepackaged food can really be. A study in the Journal of Nutrition links instant noodle consumption with heart risk, particularly in women. The researchers conducted a study in South Korea, where consumption of instant noodles is the highest in the world, with more than 10,700 people ranging in age from 19 to 64. The results? "Women who consume instant noodles frequently were found to be more likely to have metabolic syndrome - the group of risk factors, including obesity and high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes."
The harmful effects were predominantly found in women and not men. Part of the study reads, "Women - though not men - who ate instant noodles at least twice a week showed a 68 percent higher risk of metabolic syndrome," which is a syndrome that can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The high sodium content in instant noodle products is obvious, but the main culprit is the noodles themselves. In another study by Dr. Braden Kuo, director of the gastrointestinal motility laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard University, the doctor found unsettling results after testing digestion of the noodles. He used a tiny camera to study the breakdown of instant ramen noodles in the stomach and found out just how difficult it is for your body to digest the preservative-filled noodles. Warning: the photos are graphic. A preservative called TBHQ, which is found in many processed foods including Reese's and Chicken McNuggets, extends shelf life of fatty foods and makes them harder to digest. It's one of the many ingredients in Maruchan Chicken Ramen.
If you're hopelessly devoted to instant ramen (and it's a budget-friendly staple in your life), all hope is not lost. Dr. Frank B. Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard, told The New York Times, "Once or twice a month is not a problem, but a few times a week really is."
Moral of the story: eating college-friendly instant ramen is OK, but moderation is key.
3 U.S.-born scientists win Nobel Prize for Medicine
Scientists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael Young won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling our biological clocks, the award-giving body said on Monday.
Heading to the NYC Marathon? Here's the Only Travel Guide You Need
Every year around this time, I start plotting my trip out to New York City to cover the marathon. In my first few years going out there, anything outside of my work schedule seemed to involve drinks, late-night shows, and decadent restaurant eats. It's a lot different these days. The only way I can stay healthy and sane during my annual trip is by throwing in a nice dose of workouts and healthy eats. And that's what's great about NYC: for every cocktail bar pushing its latest artisanal concoction, there's a new boutique fitness studio opening down the block. If you're heading there for the marathon or just have a trip in the works, let this be your guide on moderation while there.
Travel Logistics
- Who to fly: When it comes to flying to NYC, JetBlue is hard to beat. Its headquartered in New York, so it's no surprise that there are a lot of flights coming in and out of the area from the airline. JetBlue has flights to and from all major airports (JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia) around NYC, with service between the NYC area and almost 100 US cities and close to 200 flights each day.
Besides the sheer number of flights, passengers will appreciate that JetBlue has the most legroom in coach out of any airline, as well as free snack stations located throughout the plane. Runners: carbo load to your heart's desire! And because running the NYC Marathon is no easy feat, treat yourself on the way home to JetBlue's Mint Class. It's the most affordable first-class option that you'll ever come across and has flat-lie beds, allowing you to lie back and take care of that body that just ran 26.2 miles.
- Where to stay: There are a lot of great hotels in New York, but when it comes to marathon weekend, I am partial to Kimpton's Ink48. It's a short walk to the Marathon Expo at the Javits Center, and the hotel has free bike rentals, which will help keep your feet fresh for the race. During marathon weekend, there's lots of fitness-oriented amenities for guests to partake in: iPod Shuffles preloaded with playlists for your run, gluten-, nut-, and dairy-free snacks for your minibar, and running guides who will take you through sightseeing tours.
Perhaps what I love most about the Ink48 is its location; since it's on the west side of the city and just below the park, getting back from the marathon finish line is much easier compared to staying in other areas of Manhattan.
Where to Work Out
The sheer amount of workout studios in NYC is overwhelming. Because of this, I try to focus on trying new studios that don't have locations outside of NYC. If you don't come from a city with a lot of studios, definitely hit up these classic workouts who have their roots in New York: SoulCycle, Barry's Bootcamp, and Flywheel Sports. If those have been checked off of your list, make sure to give one - or all - of these a try.
- 305 Fitness: My all-time favorite workout in the city is by far 305 Fitness; I never visit without doing one of its infectious dance-cardio classes. A mix of pick-up dance cardio, high-intensity intervals, and strength training, 305 trumps other dance workouts because of its fun, party-like environment. The soundtrack is provided by live DJs and most of the class is done under a blacklight.
- SLT: In recent years, there's been an uptick in Pilates classes that verge on the border of being called Pilates bootcamp classes. To get a true NYC experience, I recommend trying SLT (strengthen, lengthen, tone). The boutique studio is wildly popular, and for good reason: the workouts are tough and truly measurable when it comes to results. Unlike other Pilates classes, you can probably expect to sweat a little, too; it's a good mix of strength training, cardio, and classic Pilates. You'll come out stronger and most likely be feeling your midsection for days.
- IMAXShift: It's kind of crazy how many indoor cycling studios are in New York. Peloton Cycle, SoulCycle, and Flywheel Sports are all good bets, but for something truly unique, give IMAXShift a try. Students ride together in a dark room with a giant IMAX screen taking them through insane visuals that will have them riding through neon-lit tunnels, city landscapes, and even space.
- Y7 Studio: What's not to love about doing yoga at Y7 Studio? At 60 minutes, the class is considerably shorter than most yoga classes, but it definitely makes up for it in intensity. The heated class takes place against ambient candlelight and the moves are paced against a soundtrack. I'm especially fond of its Wednesday and Sunday hip-hop Vinyasa classes.
- CityRow: There is so much to love about rowing; namely, it's a total-body cardio and strength-training workout that is easy on the joints. But the sad truth is that it remains a neglected piece of gym equipment. For a serious butt-kicking workout, head to CityRow for a class that combines rowing intervals with strength training. You'll burn serious calories and find a new love for that oft-neglected machine.
Where to Eat
When it comes to dinner in NYC, I tend to indulge, but these are some great fast-casual spots for healthy lunches during the day.
- Hu Kitchen: If you consider yourself Paleo, dairy-free, or gluten-free, Hu Kitchen is a must. From its Bulletproof coffee to wild salmon cakes and cauliflower rice, it's a dream come true when you follow a restrictive diet. The food is prepared ahead of time, so the ordering experience is much like being at a school cafeteria, except that everything tastes amazing.
- Liquiteria: Traveling can do a number on the immune system and energy levels, which is why I always make a stop at Liquiteria whenever I am in town. One of the first cold-press juice shops to open in the city, the menu has expanded to smoothies, both acai and oatmeal bowls, and baked goods
- by CHLOE: While it's true that not everything on the menu at by CHLOE is 100-percent healthy in the traditional sense, having the option of vegan fast food is a beautiful thing. The entire menu is plant-based with such offerings as baked sweet potato fries, veggie guac burgers, and kale caesar salads. Want to indulge? Go for the mac 'n' cheese or the roasted banana bourbon ice cream.
- Wisefish Poké: Having grown up in Hawaii, I am pretty excited that the rest of the country is discovering what I've known my whole life: poké is a gift from food gods. When done right, it's incredibly fresh, healthy, and stacked with protein. I love the build-your-own bowl process at Wisefish Poké, and that the seafood is responsibly sourced.
End Bloat and Lose Weight by Drinking This Kitchen Staple
Chances are that you have a bottle of olive oil reserved for cooking, but drinking this kitchen staple can provide you with the same healthy benefits of this antioxidant-rich wonder - if not more. From a happier digestive system to banishing belly fat, here's why you should start and end every day with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- It helps fight breast cancer: A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil had a relatively lower risk of breast cancer than those women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts or a diet that was lower in fat. If the Mediterranean diet is new to you, start with this guide of which foods to eat when adopting it into your lifestyle. Besides protecting against breast cancer, the diet has also been shown to slow the aging process and reduce the risk of stroke.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease: While it may seem counterintuitive that drinking olive oil can help protect the heart from disease, multiple studies confirm the claim to be true thanks to the MUFAs, or monounsaturated fats, olive oil contains - so much so that the FDA allows manufacturers to label olive oil with this health claim. The FDA recommends consuming just around two tablespoons per day to protect the heart. Just a note that olive oil should replace saturated fats in your diet rather than add to your current calorie intake.
- It encourages weight loss: The same good fats that protect the heart from disease can also aid you in achieving any weight-loss goals you may have. Not only have MUFAs been shown to help the body feel full, but they also target belly fat. Add olive oil to your list of flat-belly foods you should be eating.
- It helps with digestion: While there isn't a lot in the way of scientific research - just a few smaller studies - olive oil is widely (and successfully) used as a homeopathic remedy to help the digestive system and ease symptoms of constipation. Acting as a lubricant of sorts, drinking olive oil is said to help things move along better in the colon.
17 Tweets That Prove Potty-Training Is the Most Hilarious Yet Frustrating Part of Parenting
If you've potty-trained a child before, you know the hilarious hell that period of time can be. There's excitement over new undies, trepidation over the change in routine, pee all over the carpet, and poop . . . well, everywhere but the toilet. Like every other phase of parenting, it can seem like the most frustrating yet, but you'll get through it in one piece, we promise*.
Scroll through for 17 hysterical tweets from parents in the trenches of potty-training.
*You'll get through it, but maybe not without having to hire a carpet cleaner and throwing out several pairs of stained Mickey Mouse underwear in the process.
The Unbelievably Sad Reason You Can't Pet These Puppies in Chernobyl
After the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in 1986, the area was deemed uninhabitable - for humans, at least. Wild animals have since prospered in the area, including man's best friend: dogs. When residents of Pripyat and Chernobyl evacuated, many people had to leave behind their dogs. Thirty-one years later, puppies now walk around the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), waiting for a pat on the head that will never come.
As the documentary Puppies of Chernobyl explains, the animals should be avoided at all costs, since they could carry radioactive particles in their fur. It's estimated that about 900 stray dogs exist around the area and it's unknown just how much (or little) radiation is affecting them. The dogs are receiving some care, however; organizations Four Paws and Clean Futures Fund (CFF) teamed up to spay, neuter, and vaccinate the dogs to protect power plant workers. "By neutering the strays, we will also achieve a long-term reduction in their population, improving the welfare of the dogs," Julie Sander of Four Paws said to the Vet Times. "This is important because their chances of survival are greatly reduced if their numbers increase, due to lack of food and shelter in the extremely cold Winters."
It is undeniably sad to watch the puppies frolic around Chernobyl in the documentary, but give it a watch anyways. You might feel sad enough to help them out.
The Family That Dresses Up Together, Stays Together: 35 Family Costume Ideas
They say that the family that plays together, stays together, and we're thinking that the same thing applies to the family that dresses up together for Halloween! Kiddos look cute no matter what they choose to dress up as for All Hallows' Eve, but when their parents dress up in coordinating outfits, the final ensemble is memorable - and superfun.
Check out these 35 family costume ideas and let your imagination take flight for this - or the next - Halloween!
After This 30-Day Challenge, You'll Have the Best Butt Ever
Squat challenges are all the rage now, and while it certainly is an accomplishment to work your way up to 200, 500, or even 1,000 squats (yikes!), doing the same kind only works certain muscles. Here's a new challenge for you to try. It involves five different squat variations that you repeat and eventually work up to 200 reps in 30 days.
Here are instructions for the five different variations followed by a 30-day plan to get you all the way to 200. It's not advised to skip right to day 30 if you want to be able to walk the next day, so follow the plan and adjust it slightly according to your schedule and ability level. For a quick guide, here's a printable version of this Squat Challenge.
Number 1: Narrow Squat
- Stand with your feet touching. Hold your hands comfortably in front of your chest to help you stay balanced and bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply, bringing your thighs parallel with the floor if you can. Be sure to keep weight back in your heels.
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, squeezing the glutes at the top of the movement to get the most out of the exercise.
- This counts as one rep.
Number 2: Narrow Squat With Back Kick
- Stand with your feet touching. Hold your hands comfortably in front of your chest or on your hips, and bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply so your thighs are parallel with the floor. Be sure to keep weight back in your heels.
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, and lift the left leg behind you for a back kick. Lower the foot back to the floor in a narrow squat position.
- Do another squat, then straighten the leg, do a back kick with the right leg, and step the right foot back to meet the left.
- This counts as one rep.
Number 3: Basic Squat
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width distance apart, feet parallel. Hold your hands out in front of you for balance. Bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply, bringing your thighs parallel with the floor if you can, keeping weight back in your heels.
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, squeezing the glutes at the top of the movement to get the most out of the exercise.
- This counts as one rep.
Here's a video demonstrating the basic squat.
Number 4: Basic Squat With Side Leg Lift
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width distance apart, feet parallel. Hold your hands out in front of you for balance. Bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply so your thighs are parallel with the floor, keeping weight back in your heels.
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, and lifting the left leg out to the side, squeezing the outer glute.
- As you step the foot back into shoulder-width distance position, squat down again. Then stand up and do a side leg lift on the right side. Lower the leg back to the starting position.
- This counts as one rep.
Number 5: Sumo Squat
- Stand with your feet wide, toes pointing out. Hold your hands comfortably in front of your chest to help you stay balanced and bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply so your thighs are parallel with the floor. Make sure to keep weight back in your heels
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, squeezing the glutes at the top of the movement to get the most out of the exercise.
- This counts as one rep.
The Plan
Unlike other squat challenges, this involves five different variations to not only sculpt your legs and booty more effectively, but also to beat boredom and prevent overuse injuries. This plan incorporates rest days, so while you can hold off on squats that day, you can (and should) still do other workouts to target your nonsquatting muscles.
The Truth Behind Boxed Delivery Meal Kits: Are They Worth It?
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim
Have you ever wondered if the boxed delivery meal kits you've been ordering are actually worth it? Well, Dr. Oz investigated Blue Apron, Plated, and more to determine if the cost, cooking time, level of difficulty, nutrition, and taste actually outweigh simply grocery shopping and meal prepping the old-school way. Here's the quick recap.
Cost
It actually costs more to grocery shop than to invest in meal kits. Jenna Wolfe, a reporter for Dr. Oz, discovered grocery shopping for the same ingredients found in a meal kit recipe costs $34 (for a couple) versus $20 in a meal kit. The reason? At the store, you're forced to buy ingredients in bulk rather than in the exact amount you need for a recipe (a whole bunch of parsley or a giant glass spice container of mustard seed). Many of us can attest that extra bunch of herbs is likely to be wasted and thrown out before being used up in other meals, and as for those spices? They often go to spice shelf purgatory, never to be used and never to be thrown out. When you buy a meal kit, you get the 2 tablespoons of herbs and 1 teaspoon of spices, for instance. And you only pay for that small amount.
Time and Level of Difficulty
You will save time (about 20 minutes) with meal kits. When grocery shopping, you must factor in the amount of time you spend at the store navigating aisles to find the exact ingredients. This took reporter Jenna Wolfe 35 minutes, versus no time picking up a package from your front door. As for the actual cooking time, the recipe cards in meal kits come with step-by-step photos and explicit instructions, assuming the cook is a beginner and needs thorough explanation. Though Jenna found these recipes to take about 20 minutes more time than the card states, it's still faster than cooking from a recipe with no images and limited cooking instruction.
Nutrition and Taste
Jenna found the nutrition to be the same, but the taste won out in the delivery kit, mostly due to the higher quality of the protein! Having tried almost all the delivery meal kits in the market, I can attest that the quality of the meat and seafood is good and they seem to last longer than store-bought meat.
Meal Kit Drawbacks
Dealing with the boxes, styrofoam, and freezer pack waste is overwhelming and a drawback. Some delivery services like Terra's Kitchen do make use of reusable boxes and have a return policy for them so you don't have to deal with all the packaging! Another thing to remember is that meal kits don't really provide enough food for leftovers.
All in all, Dr. Oz and his reporter Jenna Wolfe think delivery meal kits win out, but what do you say? Take a look at the full video down below:
Video Source: ZoCo Productions LLC
This Otherworldly Mermaid Makeup Tutorial Is as Sinister as It Is Sexy
Mermaids have taken over the beauty world, but they're not the fresh-faced ocean dwellers of your youth. Instead of sweet Ariel, we're seeing seductive sea sirens glammed up with pearls, glitter, and smoky eyes. And you better believe we're planning on re-creating their sultry style come Halloween.
Just in time to start practicing for the big holiday, Anastasia Beverly Hills has provided us with a completely new take on the mermaid beauty look. It's one part sinister, one part sexy, and 100 percent extraordinary. (We plan on copying this DIY just because it gives us the opportunity to rock our beloved Moonchild Glow Kit.) Watch, and don't be surprised if you feel shivers go down your spine as you see the transformation come to life!
Holy Hell! This Running + Strength Workout Is Intense
There are weeks when all you have time for is a one-and-done workout. The kind of workout that leaves sweat dripping from every inch of your body and every muscle shaking. The kind of workout that takes less than an hour to finish, but feels like you were working out for two. This is one of those workouts. If you're short on time, but need a solid sweat session, this beginner combo workout will do you right! A mix of strength training and running, you'll be tasked to push yourself to your edge, while getting stronger, leaner, and faster!
The Workout
Start off with the 10-minute strength session, then follow it up with the beginner-friendly treadmill interval workout. Before jumping into the workout, be sure to get in a quick dynamic warmup.
Strength
Go through the below circuit, doing as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes. Feel free to modify the exercises to suit your fitness level.
- 30 jump rope single unders (if you don't have a jump rope, do lateral bunny hops)
- 10 deadlifts using a heavy set of dumbbells or weighted bar
- 15 jump squats
- 10 negative push-ups
After cycling through 10 minutes of the strength circuit, hop on the treadmill for a satisfying interval workout that alternates between jogging and walking.
Cardio
| Time | Speed | Incline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0:00-5:00 | 3.0 | 1.0 | Warmup |
| 5:00-6:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | Ladder One |
| 6:00-7:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 7:00-9:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 9:00-10:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 10:00-13:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 13:00-14:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 14:00-18:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 18:00-20:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 20:00-21:00 | 5.5 | 4.0 | Ladder Two |
| 21:00-22:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 22:00-24:00 | 5.5 | 3.0 | |
| 24:00-25:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 25:00-28:00 | 5.5 | 3.0 | |
| 28:00-29:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 29:00-33:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 33:00-38:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Cooldown |
Holy Sh*t, Beyoncé and Jay Z's Rumored $26M Hampton's House Is Insane
Rumor has it that Queen Bey and Jay Z have just added to their already opulent real-estate portfolio with a $26 million home in East Hampton, New York. The Pond House, as their new property is known, is regal AF. It was originally built by famous architect Stanford White and was later updated and enlarged by Jeffrey Collé. As if these two esteemed experts didn't put enough thought into the home's design, the previous owner decided the house would be better if it was reoriented so the living room faced West (better to take in those Hamptons sunsets), so he had the entire home rotated 90 degrees!
The grand main house spans 12,000-square-feet and includes seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. And that's not including the 1,800-square-foot guest house complete with full kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms. An infinity-edge pool, spa, and outdoor dining terrace face 203 feet of water frontage on swanky Georgica Pond.
As for design details, not a single one was overlooked, the listing explains. From the hand-pegged parquet de Versailles floors seen throughout (and installed by French craftsmen, no less) to the 18th-century French Louis XV carved stone fireplaces to the hand-carved heated marble tubs, the home is a true palace. Take a tour of Queen Bey, Jay Z, Blue Ivy, Sir, and Rumi Carter's rumored new home in the video above.
Cindy Crawford Might Be a Supermodel, but She Bought Her New House From a Rock Star
Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber are no slouches when it comes to real estate. From their breathtaking Malibu home to the Mexican vacation compound they owned next to bestie George Clooney, everywhere this stunning couple lives is as beautiful as they are - or nearly as beautiful because, let's face it, they set the bar high. But their latest property, a Beverly Hills mansion, might rival them for best-looking thing in sight.
The modern-style abode features a bright and airy open-floor plan and was meticulously restored by its previous owner, none other than OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder and his wife, Genevieve. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom estate spans 5,386 square feet, so there's plenty of room for their budding model offspring, Kaia and Presley, to hang out. The home opens onto a beautifully landscaped backyard complete with a pool and outdoor dining pavilion.
With so much to offer, it's not surprising that the A-list couple were willing to cough up $11.625 million for the property. David Gray at Partners Trust represented the rock 'n' roll couple, who turn out to be quite talented at flipping high-end real estate, and Cindy and Rande were represented by Kurt Rappaport at Westside Agency. Check out some pictures of the breathtaking property ahead.
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