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
Warning: This Workout Will Wake Up Muscles You Didn't Know Existed
If you love a challenge and are always looking for new ways to work out, you're going to be a huge fan of AMRAP workouts. AMRAPs, short for "as many reps as possible," are timed workouts where you race against the clock to get in as many reps of a set of exercises as possible.
"When doing AMRAPs, you get to go at your own pace and really focus on technique, which allows more control over every movement," said Austin Lopez, CSCS and founder of Ausome Fit. "Because of this, you're often doing better work than you might in a high-intensity workout, where form is often sacrificed for speed." But, as you do build up your technique and form, you can challenge yourself to increase the total number of reps you complete in each round and will find yourself totally out of breath as you would during any intense HIIT session.
Ready to give it a go? Lopez grouped these moves together - jump squats, push-ups, and burpees - because they work the entire body, which helps you maximize every second spent in the workout.
The Workout
Perform each move for 30 seconds, completing as many reps as possible. After completing the third and final move in the circuit, rest for 45 seconds before beginning again. Run through the circuit a total of four times.
The 7 Exercises Everyone Should Know
As a fitness editor, I have done my fair share of workouts. Videos, classes, personal training - you name it, I've probably done it. In all of the workouts I have done, the same seven exercises appear again and again, and for good reason. Not only do these moves tend to form the foundation of more challenging variations, but they are also incredibly functional and work major muscle groups of the body.
If you're new to fitness or are just looking for a refresher, it's a good idea to get acquainted with the following exercises. Doing so will help give you the foundation to excel at more complicated moves, while also providing you the health benefits from focusing on exercises that are truly useful in everyday life. Best of all? You won't need a single piece of equipment to do a single one.
5 Fenty Beauty Highlighters I'll Proudly Slather on My Skin Every Damn Day
When I found out that Rihanna was releasing a makeup line, like most of you, I freaked the f*ck out. For starters, I'm a huge fan of her music. Secondly, I was so damn proud that a black woman had created products that represent the various, beautiful shades of brown skin. I'm also slightly biased because of my Caribbean heritage. So naturally, Rihanna is my Bajan sister in my head. But the bottom line is: I needed to get Fenty everything on my face ASAP.
Among the buzziest items from the collection are the highlighters - Trophy Wife being, arguably, the most popular one (so far). The highlighter has graced the cheekbones of influencers, bloggers, and even babies since its reveal. I've tried it out myself (you can see what it looks like here).
To call the powder "extra" is an understatement. It literally goes on like pure gold dust. But to be perfectly honest, Trophy Wife didn't scream "everyday highlighter" to me. Instead, it felt more like a collector's item that I can pull out for extraspecial occasions. But even though it wasn't my highlighter of choice, I was still able to find five illuminating products from the line that made my cheekbones pop and were suitable for everyday wear.
Ahead you can see what five different Fenty Beauty highlighters look like on my complexion, along with a review of each one. Trophy Wife may be the star of the show, but these are deserving of trophies, too.
8 Pennywise YouTube Tutorials That Will Leave You Chanting "You'll Float Too"
'Tis the season to be spooky, and their costume will be at the forefront of this month's agenda for many makeup enthusiasts. From American Horror Story to Ice Queens, there is plenty of inspiration to keep your ghoulish imagination entertained, but there might be one character that is speaking to you on a whole new horrifying level: Pennywise the Clown from It. Whether you're looking for a realistic or more glam interpretation of the clown, the following terrifying re-creations will satisfy your creepy costume needs.
Read on to watch the best tutorials we could find and learn how to easily transform into the living nightmare come Oct. 31, but be warned: the intros to the tutorials are just as creepy as the movie.
When My Dad Told Me This Story, It Changed How I Saw Him as a Parent
We were clearing the dinner table one night when my dad started to tell me the story that would permanently shift the way I thought of him. Everyone had spent the meal reminiscing, tossing out old family stories and laughing about some of our long-forgotten childhood memories. After my siblings left, Dad and I were cleaning up when he brought up the pinewood derby race we'd entered when I was in third grade. I hadn't thought of that day in years, but as soon as he mentioned the little car I'd made out of wood, I remembered.
"You were determined to make that car by yourself, so after I helped you sand it into shape, I left you to it," he said. "By the time you were done, you were so proud."
I'd turned the block of wood into a tiny bed, a miniature version of the one I slept in each night. The car was white and smooth, with a one-inch headboard at one end and a half-inch footboard at the other. Every detail had to be accurate, so I'd picked out a swatch of fabric that matched my comforter, cutting it into a small blanket and tucking a little picture of my 9-year-old face onto a cotton-ball-turned-pillow. It probably looked silly, but Dad was right. I was so proud.
On race day, we packed into a gymnasium with a crowd of fathers and daughters for an event that was much bigger than either of us had anticipated. Navigating through the group, we eventually found some familiar faces, including a neighbor who was busy securing small weights on to the bottom of his daughter's sleek, streamlined car.
In retelling the story, my dad called this out as the moment when everything turned. "My heart sank," he said. "I looked around the room at all these perfectly smooth, aerodynamic cars. It was obvious that the dads had made them, and that morning, all the men were adding weights and comparing notes while the girls played together. I realized you were the only kid who'd actually done it herself."
His eyes welled up as he painted the picture of me standing there, my long curls in braids as I cradled my little car proudly in my hands. He reminded me of the first race, of how I gave him a thumbs up when I carried my car to the start of the track and how he knew what would happen when I let it go.
I lost, of course. By a lot. As all the other cars zoomed down the track, dads and daughters screaming and cheering, mine stopped right at the bottom of the first slope. People laughed. My face grew hot, and I became suddenly, uncharacteristically shy. That sweet little miniature bed I'd been so proud of, so careful with, suddenly seemed humiliating. I was a tomboy with three older brothers, determined not to cry, so I fought back tears before running to my dad and begging him to take me home. He didn't, though, because according to the rules, each car had to race in each lane, so that day I relived the same mortification over and over again.
To be honest, I barely remembered any of this when my dad brought it up. Sure, I remembered my car, and of course I remembered losing, but the memory hadn't sat with me. I was over it the next day, back to running around the park with my best friends.
It was a different story for my dad. "The whole thing wrecked me," he said. "I was so proud of you, and my heart broke watching those races. Over and over I watched you feel humiliated, but I knew the right thing was to stay and have you see it through. I came home and I couldn't sleep, and I swore to myself that for the next year, you'd have the best f*cking car in the room."
And that I did. The following year, my dad read everything he could about pine derby cars. He worked long hours as a lawyer in those days, but when he came home late at night, he pored over the race rules, tinkered with special weights, and helped me design a cool, aerodynamic car with a shot at winning. He made sure that the car was still mine, though, letting me pick out weights and paint it myself. Come race day, we were ready, and in the end, I took first place.
Standing in my parents' kitchen, Dad's voice started to crack as he talked about that day, saying how proud he'd felt and what a thrill it had been to see my face light up after each race. "It wasn't about the winning, though. That was a bonus," he said. "I just couldn't watch your heart break again, and I didn't want you to give up just because it had been hard."
I saw it then - my dad not just as the confident, capable, brilliant guy I'd always admired, but as a parent who sometimes struggled. A parent with insecurities and vulnerabilities who sometimes just had to figure it out along the way and do the best he could. I saw him as wonderfully, imperfectly human. And it was such a relief.
I'm months away from becoming a parent myself, and as I've dreamed about the type of mother I hope to be, I've been terrified that I won't be good enough. That I won't be as good as my parents and that I won't live up to the examples they set for me. But then I think of my dad and this story, one about a day I'd hardly remembered but that he says he'll never forget. And I realize that nobody ever feels good enough, and that parenting is hard work, and that kids' hearts will break, and that your job as a parent is to help them heal and maybe teach them a little something along the way.
Those cars, by the way, still sit in my closet. I'm still really proud of both of them.
41 Cheap Things to Do Alone
Having company's great and all, but sometimes you just need some time to yourself. It gives you the freedom to do whatever you want, you gain a sense of independence, and most importantly, it allows you to take a break and recharge. Spending time alone can also save you some cash - if you do it right. See 41 cheap and fun things to do by yourself below!
- Listen to music.
- Binge-watch a series or have an all-day movie marathon.
- Plan your next vacation.
- People watch.
- Make yourself a romantic dinner at home.
- Rearrange your room.
- Go sightseeing in your own city.
- Give yourself a makeover.
- Make a bucket list.
- Pick up a new hobby like calligraphy or beer-brewing.
- Get lost in your neighborhood bookstore.
- Experiment in the kitchen.
- Tour a museum on free admission days.
- Work out.
- Take a long nap.
- Start a DIY project on your Pinterest board.
- Sing and dance in your underwear.
- Soak in a long, hot bath.
- Have a picnic at your local park.
- Go geocaching.
- Take a hike.
- Have a photo session around your city.
- Start a passion project or blog.
- Practice yoga at home.
- Reread your favorite book.
- Check out a free concert or festival.
- Write thank-you cards.
- Go for a long drive.
- Volunteer.
- Reorganize your closet, drawers, or bookshelf.
- Get work done (or just hang out) at your favorite coffee shop.
- Go window shopping.
- Shamelessly pig out in bed.
- Write all your thoughts and goals into a journal.
- Experiment with different beauty looks and styles.
- Watch music videos.
- Do a mind-challenging activity like Sudoku.
- Blast music and go on a cleaning spree.
- Get nostalgic and look through old photos.
- Stargaze.
- Do absolutely nothing at all.
How to Make a 3-Ingredient Bleach Alternative Shower Cleaner
Bleach can be harsh both for the environment and your lungs. If your family isn't that keen on using the heavy-duty cleaner to scrub your shower or if someone in your home is sensitive to chemical smells, we have something almost just as good. The best part: you more than likely already have all the ingredients in your home.
It takes just a little bit of elbow grease to scrub off all of the grime. Depending on the amount of grunge, you may have to do two rounds compared to the one round of bleach, but, hey, sometimes it's worth it.
19 Adult Things to Get Done Before the Year Ends
In case your New Year's resolutions went down the drain by February, lucky for you, Fall is the new reset. You know the end of this year is going to come faster than you can handle, so take care of your sh*t now before 2018 hits. We can probably guess correctly that you've been putting off a lot of adult things, but you'll only regret it by prolonging it even further. So make your life easier and finally tackle everything that's left on your list ASAP. See 19 things you should get done before the year comes to a close.
- Make a dentist appointment.
- Clean our your closet and donate unwanted clothes.
- Finally make that return.
- Use your PTO and take a day (or a week) off.
- Update all your devices instead of hitting "Remind Me Later."
- Deep clean your home.
- Make plans with that one friend you've been meaning to catch up with.
- Give your car an oil change.
- Catch up on shows you've been neglecting.
- Get back to working out regularly.
- Pay off any parking tickets.
- Cancel any unused subscriptions.
- Clean up your phone to make more storage available.
- Sign up for paperless billing.
- Sell old devices before they become obsolete.
- Volunteer.
- Pay off your credit cards (or make a giant payment).
- Delete people off social media.
- Finally call insurance or whatever other adult task you still have to do.
15 Things You Probably Didn't Know Your Google Home Could Do
Google Home's one-year anniversary is almost here, and if you're still on the fence about it, maybe finding out what it can do will change your mind. The Google Home, first announced at Google I/O in May 2016, is a direct competitor to Amazon's Echo devices that come with Alexa (including the new ones that come in fun new colors). The company is expected to possibly announce two new Google Home devices in October, so you're going to keep seeing this handy gadget around. If you are someone who owns a Google Home already, you might be encouraged to try out some of these tips for yourself to get the most out of your device.
- It responds to two different wake words. You can say both "OK, Google" and "Hey, Google."
- Set a specific music source. Pick from Spotify, Google Play Music, YouTube Music, or Pandora.
- Google anything. Since Google Home works with Google Search, you can ask it a variety of questions. Best of all, Google Assistant will remember your previous question, so you can ask follow-ups and it will know what you're referencing.
- Get help with homework and other tasks. Ask Google Home how to solve a math problem or the capital of a state.
- Add events to your calendar. Just tell Google, "OK, Google: add dinner with Erin at 7 p.m. to my calendar," and it'll do it.
- Set multiple alarms or timers. Set one timer after the other and Google Home will remember both.
- It can remember where you've left things. If you're forgetful, you can always tell Google where you've placed something. Just tell it, "OK, Google: remember my keys are on the top shelf." Then, when you're looking for them, just say, "OK, Google: where are my keys?" and it'll tell you.
- Use it with everyone in your household. Google Home supports up to six different people's accounts. This means six people can connect to the Google Home, and when they talk to the device, it'll recognize who's speaking and give them the right information and use the correct calendar, music, and more.
- Call anyone in the US hands-free and for free. Google Home can call anyone in your contacts who's located in the US or Canada. Just say the name and you're set to go. And if you use Google Home with different people in your house, it'll recognize your voice and know who exactly it needs to call.
- Adjust the volume. While you can turn down the Google Home's volume manually, you can also say "OK, Google: lower the volume to 50 percent," and it'll automatically adjust.
- Figure out a song through its lyrics. To find out what song's been stuck in your head all day, just tell Google a few of the lyrics and the song will start playing.
- Play a few games. Play Mad Libs, Lucky Trivia, and a few others with Google Home.
- Set reminders. Google Home's newest feature lets you finally set reminders that alert you both on the device and on the app. Just say, "OK, Google: set a reminder to take out the recycling every Thursday at 7 p.m.," and you'll get the alert. Google Home is also smart enough to recognize context. So, for example, if it's 8 p.m. on Friday and you say, "OK, Google: remind me to make breakfast at 8," it'll know you mean 8 a.m.
- Find out what's on deck for the day. Say, "OK, Google: tell me about my day" and Google Home will let you know the weather, what's on your calendar, and any traffic and meetings.
- Control your TV with Google Home. If you have a Chromecast device connected to your TV or have a TV with built-in Chromecast, connect your streaming platforms like Netflix to your Google Home account. Then, just say, "OK, Google: play Stranger Things on the living room TV," and it'll go ahead and do that.
Google is constantly adding new features to Google Home, so stay tuned for even more innovative tools.
Take a Tour of Flip or Flop Star Tarek El Moussa's Bachelor Pad
Tarek and Christina El Moussa have been separated for more than a year now, and during that time, Tarek has used his finely honed real estate skills to design his own abode. The Flip or Flop star invited E! News inside his Newport Beach area bachelor pad. With its whitewashed walls and high ceilings, the airy open-concept home exudes welcoming seaside vibes. And, Tarek says, is the perfect maze for his two young kids to play in.
Wide plank wood floors run throughout, and farmhouse touches add cozy warmth in the form of crossed wood planks, stair banisters, and molding on the kitchen island. Upstairs, 6-year-old daughter Taylor's room boasts not one but two bunk beds - although Tarek says she usually ends up in bed with daddy. Next door is 1-year-old son Brayden's gray-and-white-themed nursery, complete with a plush glider in which Tarek rocks him to sleep at night.
The master bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. A flat-screen TV is mounted above a fireplace, and a rustic chandelier hangs above the contemporary canopy bed. And did we mention the views? You can see the water from the upper deck in the charming abode, and we're guessing he keeps his boat - which, he jokes, he just renamed from "Flip or Flop" to "Bad Decisions" - in the nearby marina.
Perhaps the most surprising and heart-warming part of the house tour, however, is when Tarek reveals that he and Christina still check in on each other and "still deep down care about each other." Check out every inch of Tarek's stylish home in the video above.
15 Things You Probably Didn't Know Your Google Home Could Do
Google Home's one-year anniversary is almost here, and if you're still on the fence about it, maybe finding out what it can do will change your mind. The Google Home, first announced at Google I/O in May 2016, is a direct competitor to Amazon's Echo devices that come with Alexa (including the new ones that come in fun new colors). The company is expected to possibly announce two new Google Home devices in October, so you're going to keep seeing this handy gadget around. If you are someone who owns a Google Home already, you might be encouraged to try out some of these tips for yourself to get the most out of your device.
- It responds to two different wake words. You can say both "OK, Google" and "Hey, Google."
- Set a specific music source. Pick from Spotify, Google Play Music, YouTube Music, or Pandora.
- Google anything. Since Google Home works with Google Search, you can ask it a variety of questions. Best of all, Google Assistant will remember your previous question, so you can ask follow-ups and it will know what you're referencing.
- Get help with homework and other tasks. Ask Google Home how to solve a math problem or the capital of a state.
- Add events to your calendar. Just tell Google, "OK, Google: add dinner with Erin at 7 p.m. to my calendar," and it'll do it.
- Set multiple alarms or timers. Set one timer after the other and Google Home will remember both.
- It can remember where you've left things. If you're forgetful, you can always tell Google where you've placed something. Just tell it, "OK, Google: remember my keys are on the top shelf." Then, when you're looking for them, just say, "OK, Google: where are my keys?" and it'll tell you.
- Use it with everyone in your household. Google Home supports up to six different people's accounts. This means six people can connect to the Google Home, and when they talk to the device, it'll recognize who's speaking and give them the right information and use the correct calendar, music, and more.
- Call anyone in the US hands-free and for free. Google Home can call anyone in your contacts who's located in the US or Canada. Just say the name and you're set to go. And if you use Google Home with different people in your house, it'll recognize your voice and know who exactly it needs to call.
- Adjust the volume. While you can turn down the Google Home's volume manually, you can also say "OK, Google: lower the volume to 50 percent," and it'll automatically adjust.
- Figure out a song through its lyrics. To find out what song's been stuck in your head all day, just tell Google a few of the lyrics and the song will start playing.
- Play a few games. Play Mad Libs, Lucky Trivia, and a few others with Google Home.
- Set reminders. Google Home's newest feature lets you finally set reminders that alert you both on the device and on the app. Just say, "OK, Google: set a reminder to take out the recycling every Thursday at 7 p.m.," and you'll get the alert. Google Home is also smart enough to recognize context. So, for example, if it's 8 p.m. on Friday and you say, "OK, Google: remind me to make breakfast at 8," it'll know you mean 8 a.m.
- Find out what's on deck for the day. Say, "OK, Google: tell me about my day" and Google Home will let you know the weather, what's on your calendar, and any traffic and meetings.
- Control your TV with Google Home. If you have a Chromecast device connected to your TV or have a TV with built-in Chromecast, connect your streaming platforms like Netflix to your Google Home account. Then, just say, "OK, Google: play Stranger Things on the living room TV," and it'll go ahead and do that.
Google is constantly adding new features to Google Home, so stay tuned for even more innovative tools.
Now You Can Get That "Pizza Cutter" Wheel Eyeliner from a Drugstore
Back in February, MAC teased a genius new liquid eyeliner that had everyone talking. Instead of a felt tip or brush, it used a rolling wheel applicator that kind of looked like a mini pizza cutter. The design promised precise, consistent lines and immediately had us stoked for its Fall launch. We finally tested out the roller liner after it dropped in August and can confirm it is, indeed, mind-blowing. But, now we've got even better news: you could get it at a drugstore price.
Revlon just launched its ColorStay Exactify Liquid Liner, and it features none other than a wheel applicator of its own. Plus, at $12, it's $9 cheaper than the MAC version, so if you were on the fence about this trend, you could test it out while saving some cash.
The liner itself comes in four waterproof shades: Intense Black, Sparkling Black, Mulberry (burgundy), and Mermaid Blue (teal). We have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot more pizza cutter liners in the near future, but you can be an early adopter. Shop all of Revlon's new goods, ahead.
12 Absolutely Bonkers Halloween Looks Inspired by Lisa Frank
Though your middle school Trapper Keeper days may be long over, that doesn't mean you can't indulge in the whimsical, color-drenched world of Lisa Frank. From fanciful rainbow leopards to bubblegum-pink lips to multihued coifs of hair, the following Lisa Frank makeup looks may inspire your very own Halloween costume this year. For those who want to take things up a couple notches on the creep factor, consider a Lisa Frankenstein getup, instead!
Looking at These Photos Will Convince You Salma Hayek Can Wear Anything
When we see a funky look go down the runway during Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, we think, "Salma Hayek will probably wear that." Often, we are right, and that's because through the years we've come to know the Mexican actress's style. It's risky, sexy, eclectic, adventurous, and most of all constantly changing. One day, she can sport jeans and a t-shirt; the next, she'll be in a custom-made Dolce & Gabbana look. See what we mean for yourself by scrolling ahead to find Salma's best 2017 style so far.
18 Foolproof Ina Garten Recipes
When planning a dinner party, we often think, what would Ina do (WWID)? The consummate hostess, Ina Garten makes entertaining look easy, and her recipes have yet to fail us. We've rounded up 18 of her most tempting options, including a chocolate layer cake, retro-fabulous cheese straws, mustard-roasted chicken, and much more.
Don't List Your BFF, and Other Job Reference Rules
Job searching can be incredibly stressful. Not only do you have to worry about nailing all the tough interview questions, but your references can still play a vital part in how you're considered for a role. So, choosing the right ones is crucial. If you've worked with several supervisors, managers, and teams, it might take some thinking to decide which ones you should ask to sing your praises. Since prospective employers tend to reach out to your references in the last stages of the interview process, these contacts can be the dealbreakers in the final candidate decision.
"A reference helps an employer verify the things you said in an interview or on your résumé," explained Lauren McGoodwin, CEO and founder of Career Contessa. "We want to hear from a real person about what it was like to work with you, did you really do the things you told us, and if they would work with you again. Just like social proof helps you decide to buy something from a brand, references help us confirm that you're a great hire." So how do you decide who you should use as a reference? Keep reading for the top five things you should consider before expanding your "References Upon Request" roster.
1. Don't jump straight to the obvious options.
Who isn't tempted to put down their best friend as a reference? There isn't anyone in the world who might sing your praises higher than the bestie who has had your back since day one. "Recruiters are not naive," says McGoodwin. "They know you're going to list references that will say positive things about you so it's really unique to add someone who isn't a natural pick. You'll stand out among other applicants, too, because you were willing to add a reference to the mix that could potentially hold more credibility." So get out of your comfort zone and ask that intimidating supervisor from your college internship if she'd like to vouch for you.
2. Be understanding of your reference's lifestyle.
Your references don't have to sit by the phone all day, but they should be people who are easy to reach. That cool jet-setting supervisor from your last job might not be able to return calls easily during travel and meetings. If they live in a different time zone, let your prospective employer know so that they can send an email to set up a time to talk instead of leaving several unanswered voicemails.
3. Focus on who supervised or worked with you (not just those who were the nicest).
You might have become friends with the colleague you kept bumping into in the break room, but that doesn't mean that they'd make a good reference. Likewise, you shouldn't put anyone on your reference list who you are on friendly terms with if they don't have anything positive to say about your work. "We don't need family friends or old professors," McGoodwin says. "We want managers, colleagues, and people on other teams that you've worked with on work-related projects."
4. Choose people who are as professional as you are.
Whoever ends up being your reference will be representing who you are, so pick out people who you find interesting and share a mutual respect with. McGoodwin also recommends including references with professional LinkedIn accounts, since employers are likely to do a swift scan of their profile.
5. Don't keep your references in the dark.
Even if you don't want to tell the whole world you're interviewing for jobs, make it a point to send your contacts a quick update letting them know that you've passed along their info upon the request of a recruiter. That small reminder will make a huge difference in how quickly and efficiently that conversation goes.
At Least 50 Dead, More Than 400 Injured in Deadliest Mass Shooting in Modern US History
At least 50 people were killed and more than 400 injured when a gunman opened fire on concertgoers at a Las Vegas country music festival on Oct. 1, police said, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.
More than 22,000 people were gathered at the Las Vegas Village, an open-air concert venue, for the Route 91 Harvest Festival. The shooter, identified by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as 64-year-old Stephen Craig Paddock of Mesquite, NV, opened fire just after 10 p.m. from his hotel room on the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay Hotel.
"We believe the individual killed himself prior to our entry," LVMP Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said, noting that a cache of weapons had been found in Paddock's room, which included 10 rifles.
The 2016 shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL - which took place less than 18 months ago - had previously been considered the worst mass shooting in US history, with 49 people losing their lives. The Las Vegas attack, with 50 known casualties as of 10:30 a.m. EST on Oct. 2, is now the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since 1949.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Has Zero Doubt That Sexism Played a Big Role in Hillary's 2016 Loss
Supreme Court Justice and noted collar aficionado Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 84 years old, and yes, she's still just as fiery as ever.
During a Sept. 26 interview with CBS's Charlie Rose, Justice Ginsburg was characteristically blunt in her assessment of the 2016 presidential election. When asked if she believed that sexism played a role in Hillary Clinton's loss to Donald Trump, her answer was straightforward: yes. Speaking in front of an audience in New York City, Ginsberg explained that she believes gender bias did play a "major, major factor" in Clinton's defeat and that she had "no doubt that it did" affect the campaign. She also made clear that there were many other factors that may have been decisive outside of sexism - but that it was sexism that played a crucial role.
Both former First Lady Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton herself have also recently spoken out about the role they believe sexism played during the 2016 election, so it seems Justice Ginsburg has at least two very powerful women behind her, supporting the same (incredibly sad but true) theory.
This Cooking Hack Will Forever Change the Way You Make Spaghetti
If you're anything like me, cooking spaghetti involves completely guessing the proper amount for a serving. I'll stand at the pot of boiling water and grab a handful (. . . plus a little more for good measure) and think to myself, "That looks right; we'll find out!" But now that I've discovered this ingenious hack, I'll never go back to my uncertain ways.
The easiest way to measure out a perfect single serving of spaghetti is to use the hole in the center of your spaghetti spoon. Just take a handful of spaghetti and see if it fits, filling in the extra space as needed, until the bundle fits tightly in the space. And voilà, you've got a perfect amount just for you. Of course, if you're cooking more than one serving, just repeat the process as needed.
Who knew that hollow center served such a purpose?! Since you'll probably already be using that spoon to grab your spaghetti noodles, it's even more convenient that you can measure with it, too. Making a solo spaghetti dinner has never been easier.
Photos of Naked Men Doing Yoga. You're Welcome.
Yoga is all about self-love and feeling free, vibrant, and full of light. Maybe sometimes you want to feel even more free, and that might mean stripping down and Down Doggin' in just your skin. Not into trying it yourself? That's OK. Seeing these photos of naked men doing yoga is just as freeing, joyful, and therapeutic as doing it yourself.
Warning: these might not exactly be #SFW, as you'll definitely see some naked butts. Then again, maybe your boss and coworkers are cool with that. In that case, perhaps you should all take five minutes from today's important meeting to peruse this together. You know. To boost work morale.
I Finally Bought the Perfect Steamer - It Saves Me Hundreds of Dollars on Dry Cleaning
For years, I have wanted a steamer, but I always put off buying one because it felt like a "want" rather than a necessity. I wear lots of blouses, dresses, and pants that get wrinkled easily, and in the past, I just sent them off to the dry cleaner. One day, I was visiting my friend before we were going out to dinner, and I realized that the dress I brought over was a crumpled mess. She rolled her steamer out of the closet, I used it for less than five minutes, and the dress was good as new.
The whole situation made me realize how silly it was that I was spending hundreds of dollars a year on cleaning services. So I headed over to Macy's to weigh out my options and went with the Salav Garment Steamer ($55, originally $80). I am totally obsessed with my purchase. All you do is fill up a little bin with water, attach it to the device, turn it on, and you're all set. It also includes an adjustable hanger so that you can easily steam your clothes. It takes about 45 seconds to heat up with up to 46 minutes of steam time. Just make sure to always hold the nozzle away from you - that steam could burn you.
Overall, the steamer is easy to use, plus it saves me a ton of time and money. My clothes look smooth and fresh regularly without the added effort of paying someone else to do it. If you have been holding off on investing in a steamer, I'm telling you to do it ASAP! The one-time purchase will last you for years. Plus it works on more than just clothes - use it for curtains and bedspreads too. I honestly can't believe I waited as long as I did.
Jane Fonda and Helen Mirren Totally Owned the Runway at This Epic Fashion Week Show
Paris Fashion Week ended on a high note the night of Oct. 1. For the very first time, L'Oréal organized a beauty and fashion runway show that was open to the public, featuring 70 hair and makeup looks as well as outfits from 18 established and emerging fashion houses such as Balmain, Mulberry, and Giambattista Valli.
For the special occasion, the Champs Élysées were completely shut down, and the brand's beauty ambassadors all came together to walk down the nearly 200-feet long runway. Doutzen Kroes, Winnie Harlow, Cheryl, and Irina Shayk all strutted their stuff in different outfits, but Helen Mirren and Jane Fonda - who recently shut down Megyn Kelly when she was asked about the plastic surgery she's admitted to having had done in the past - were undoubtedly the true stars of the show. Keep reading to see more of this epic event!
10 People Who Were Not Emotionally Prepared For That Shocking This Is Us Twist
Warning: spoilers for the This Is Us season two premiere ahead.
We knew the This Is Us season two premiere would make us shed a few tears - I mean, when does the show not? - but we were NOT prepared for the revelation that Jack dies in a house fire. Not only is it the most shocking twist on the series yet, but Mandy Moore's performance in that final scene is absolutely heartbreaking. If you found yourself bawling your eyes out and reaching for the tissues, you definitely weren't alone. Here are a few other people who were emotionally scarred by This Is Us's season two premiere.
You know what? I don't think I'm going to be able to handle this season... 😢#ThisIsUs http://pic.twitter.com/nzJ82pDNE9
- Chasity 👩🏾💻 (@chasityscooper) September 27, 2017
Are we really about do an entire season of this @NBCThisisUs because I am unprepared. MY WORD. #ThisIsUs
- Kelvin Rutledge (@MrAbsoluteZero) September 27, 2017
I FINALLY KNOW HOW JACK DIED AND I AM NOT OKAY I REPEAT I AM NOT OKAY #ThisIsUs
- claire 🌻 (@ohaiclaireee) September 27, 2017
JACK DID NOTHING WRONG, DO YOU HEAR ME, HE DID NOTHING WRONG! #ThisIsUs http://pic.twitter.com/2VoM4oe7QA
- PROFESSIONAL FANGIRL (@fyeahtv) September 27, 2017
I almost made it an entire episode without crying. Jack's addiction story may be the biggest gut-punch yet. #ThisIsUs
- Catherine McParland (@Cat_McParland) September 27, 2017
Stellar job by @MiloVentimiglia + @TheMandyMoore in final 5 mins of #ThisIsUs premiere. Heart broke when Jack confessed to his alcoholism. Heart shattered when Rebecca broke down after Jack's death. Unreal performances. Kudos.
- Philiana (@insidethetube) September 27, 2017
Did Jack set the house on fire? Was it an accident? I need answers! #ThisIsUs http://pic.twitter.com/CBDhP8plvB
- Meg McGuriman (@MegMcGuriman) September 27, 2017
I demand that every "This Is Us" this season end with Jack narrowly escaping death--falling piano, out-of-control ACME Fireworks truck, &c
- James Poniewozik (@poniewozik) September 26, 2017
"In a few months everything will be fine."
Cut to a few months when everything is most certainly not fine #ThisIsUs- Mattie Rowan (@theyseemeRowan) September 27, 2017
Didn't take a single breath during the last two minutes of @NBCThisIsUs. Not a single one.
- Alex Goldschmidt (@alexandergold) September 27, 2017
Nicole Lost Over 200 Pounds in 2 and a Half Years, and Yes, She Still Ate Bread
Nicole lost over 200 pounds, but before that, she almost lost her life. She shared her story with POPSUGAR in the hopes that someone will read this and know it's possible to change their life around.
Nicole has had a pretty rough life so far: she lost her mother to cancer at age 15, she was homeless at the age of 18, she was involved in emotionally and physically abusive relationships, she had trouble with alcohol, and she even ended up in the hospital with three broken bones because of an ex. He told her she'd never become anything and that no one would ever want "a fat ass like [her]." She believed him. After years of trying to love herself again, she met her wonderful husband, her best friend.
But a very stressful job and never dealing with things in the past led her into a deep depression. She confided in POPSUGAR that on Christmas Eve 2014, "I wanted to take my own life . . . I was tired of being tired."
On Jan. 4, 2015, Nicole was watching My 600-lb Life, and there was a 700-pound woman on the show who was the same age, saying she just felt like dying. Nicole shared, "I started crying at that moment," and looked at her amazing husband and said, "Enough is enough. I have to do this. And it's for me!" He said, "Nicole, I love you at 430 pounds, and I will continue to love you and support your journey."
Nicole didn't have surgery. Instead, she just began to fuel her body with good food, including carbs, fats, protein, and natural sugars. On that first day she decided to make a change, she jumped on the treadmill in her bedroom and ended up crying because three minutes was all she could do. But she didn't give up! Little by little, she started to move more and even dance. She picked up five-pound weights and gradually built up to working out five to seven days a week.
In just over two and a half years, at age 31, Nicole has dropped over 200 pounds naturally! And she's celebrated some huge nonscale victories, doing things she never could do before. She's hiking with friends, going to the movies with her husband, walking the malls to shop, and feeling stronger than ever.
Nicole said that "unknowingly, by striving to become a better me," she's in turn inspired others. She wants everyone to know that "you don't need to be 'Insta famous' to start. You don't need to be an 'experienced and knowledgeable athlete or bodybuilder.' You don't even need to own a gym membership. But you need to be prepared to follow through and do it for yourself and your health."
What Was the Least Popular Baby Name the Year You Were Born?
There's always a lot of excitement around the Social Security Administration's yearly list of the most popular baby names, but what about those least popular names that never get reported? Out of sheer curiosity, we dove deep into the archives to find the least popular baby names from 1960 to 2016 and put together a list of the names in the last slot of each year's top 1,000 names list.
Hey, maybe some of these will make a comeback . . . some, maybe not. Scroll through to see what was least popular in yours and your kids' birth years.
34 Upbeat Songs to Start Your Mornings Off Right
How you kick off your mornings often sets the tone for the rest of your day, so there's no better way than with some coffee and a good playlist. Even if you're the worst morning person, don't underestimate the power of upbeat songs to wake you up and boost your mood. Below is the ultimate feel-good morning playlist to help you have your best day ever.
- "Wake Up," Arcade Fire
- "Enchanté (Carine)," Fergie and Axl Jack
- "Feel It Still," Portugal. The Man
- "Trying To Be Cool," Phoenix
- "Best Friend," Sofi Tukker
- "Disco T*ts," Tove Lo
- "Quicksand," SZA
- "Midnight," Jessie Ware
- "Tyrant," Kali Uchis and Jorja Smith
- "It Was A Good Day," Ice Cube
- "Walking On A Dream," Empire of the Sun
- "Location," Khalid
- "Passionfruit," Drake
- "Hard to Love," Calvin Harris and Jessie Reyez
- "Woman," Harry Styles
- "White Lies," Max Frost
- "Fever," Roosevelt
- "Weight in Gold," Gallant
- "The Less I Know The Better," Tame Impala
- "Dang!," Mac Miller and Anderson Paak
- "Sunshine," Atmosphere
- "Know No Better," Major Lazer, Travis Scott, and Camila Cabello
- "Me & The Rhythm," Selena Gomez
- "Love On Top," Beyoncé
- "Rockin'," The Weeknd
- "Pursuit of Happiness," Lissie
- "King Kunta," Kendrick Lamar
- "On Hold," The xx
- "Excuses," The Morning Benders
- "Lush Life," Zara Larsson
- "Ocean Drive," Duke Dumont
- "Dog Days Are Over," Florence + The Machine
- "Love$ick," Mura Masa and A$AP Rocky
- "Sun Models," ODESZA and Madelyn Grant
Just remember: you'll need to download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists!
20 Thirsty Reactions to That NSFW Evan Peters Scene on AHS: Cult This Week
This week on American Horror Story: Cult, we were finally able to hone in on the possible identities of the clowns. We also got even more suspicious of Ivy and met Emma Roberts's Serina Belinda . . . only to watch her get brutally murdered. Oh, and did we mention that Kai (Evan Peters) masturbates in the shower while Harrison (Billy Eichner) watches? If you were a little, um, flustered by the scene, please take solace in the fact that the internet lost all chill and responded with nothing but thirst. Obviously, we had to round up the best reactions. For science.
15 Stunning Photographs For This Year's Nat Geo Nature Photo Contest
It's easy to get overwhelmed by, and lost in, the immense beauty of nature. The way incredible photos of the world around us can make us feel really is humbling - and probably a good reminder to fiercely protect our planet so future generations can enjoy it, too. If you need a quick reminder of what earth has to offer, take a look at this year's entries for the National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year contest. The yearly contest always brings together a collection of stunning images that might make you pack your bags, buy an airplane ticket, and get going.
This year's contest includes four categories that anyone can submit to: wildlife, landscapes, underwater, and aerials. The grand prize winner will score $10,000, see their winning photograph published in National Geographic, and get some love on the magazine's Instagram page. Each category will also have its own first-prize winner, who will win $2,500 and also be featured on the National Geographic Instagram page. The contest closes on Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. ET, so you still have plenty of time to submit your photos.
Ahead, see some of our favorite submissions so far, which include the photographer's caption and title for the photograph.
Forget About the Box's Instructions; Try Cooking Your Frozen Pizza Like This
If frozen pizza turns out funky for you (burnt spots, soggy bits, general mediocre outcomes), here's a tip from the internet. Forget about the back-of-the-box instructions, and instead, cook your frozen pizza like this guy. Reddit user numbahtwelve says to fully thaw the pizza and crank your oven to the hottest temperature it will go (not the broil setting). Then, cook the pizza on the rack of the oven (unless you own a pizza stone or cast-iron skillet) for five to eight minutes or until the crust crisps and cheese bubbles.
His logic? Restaurants and pizza chains cook the 'za on pizza stones in commercial ovens that are set to 700°F-1000°F. This little hack emulates the professional method without the use of fancy equipment. Now, if you want to be truly fancy, brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle crushed garlic or garlic powder on it, before baking. Mmm . . . seems like a simple yet reliable hack to try for the next frozen pizza night.
Here's All the New Halloween Candy You HAVE to Try This Year
As you head to the grocery store to stock up on Halloween candy this year, be sure not to miss these brand-new products! You might want to skip the regular Skittles and M&M's for 2017's fun and festive releases from your favorite brands that trick-or-treaters haven't tried before. From exciting Target exclusives to nationally available candies wrapped in adorably spooky packaging, here's all the new candy you've got to try this year.
Teen girls at increased risk of concussions
Girls who have a head injury may take a lot longer than boys to recover. Dr. Brian Goldman looks at the implications.
Wet n Wild Is Releasing 50+ New Products For Halloween - all Under $6
Wet n Wild is making it easy (and affordable) to upgrade your costume makeup to Heidi Klum-level heights this Halloween. The drugstore brand has released over 50 new products just for the spooky occasion.
Whether you dream of dressing up as a unicorn, vampire, or '90s grunge goddess, this line has products (all under $6!) that will suit your costume needs. Crazy-colored liquid lipsticks, neon face paint, and even glitter eyeliner are now all available at your local drugstore for a limited time. Read on to see all of the products!
Vitiligo Dolls Now Exist, Because Barbie Isn't For Everyone
Sorry, Barbie, there's a new doll in town! Kay Black, the artist behind Kay Customz, has handmade customized dolls with vitiligo to bring diversity into children's lives. For children with the skin pigmentation condition, these dolls are an incredible way to boost self-esteem and remind them that they are beautiful.
While the beauty industry has made many changes to celebrate diversity, these dolls can teach children to celebrate differences at a young age. Black paints porcelain dolls with unique patterns to represent real women with the skin condition, and she was reportedly inspired by Winnie Harlow, who has vitiligo. The Canadian model was discovered as a contestant on America's Next Top Model in 2014 and has since shaken up the industry. She's never let her condition stop her from following her dreams, and these dolls can teach children to do the same.
Read on to see photos of the beautiful dolls.
Is Daenerys Trying to Pay Tribute to Khal Drogo's Signature Hairstyle? Hear Us Out
Khal Drogo may have perished in the very first season of Game of Thrones, but his spirit lives on through the "moon of his life," Daenerys Targaryen. A recent theory is taking that one step further by analyzing the noticeably long locks of the Mother of Dragons. Is Daenerys channeling her deceased boo with her full mane? Let's discuss.
On Reddit, a Game of Thrones enthusiast resurrected a scene from the first season in which Daenerys is speaking with her brother, Viserys, before he sells her off to be Drogo's wife. As they watch Drogo from afar, Viserys says, "Do you see how long his hair is? When Dothraki are defeated in combat they cut of their braid so the whole world can see their shame. Khal Drogo has never been defeated."
Clearly, Daenerys must have been taking notes because she has kept her hair long as f*ck since season one. Not only that, but she has also been sporting a similar hairstyle, although her braided variation is decidedly more intricate than Drogo's simple, segmented ponytail. Daenerys's decision to keep her hair long may be a nod to her own strength and resilience.
Nutritious food harder to access in Indigenous communities, study finds
New research that studied 11 communities in Atlantic Canada has found high rates of food insecurity, difficulties accessing traditional foods and water contaminated with trace metals and pharmaceuticals.
Creating Accurate and Positive Latino Representation “One Day at a Time"
As a young Latina actress, I had never read a description like this for a Latinx role: "A Cuban-American girl in the throes of becoming a woman. Opinionated, an idealist, a proud nerd, social justice warrior . . . Strong personality and not afraid to speak her mind."
There was no mention of her physical appearance, sassiness, or socio-economic status. Surprisingly, it was her personality and knowledge that were specified.
Intrigued, I opened the sides for this Elena Alvarez character and read scene after scene in which she was educated, fact-driven, empowered, and unafraid. She sounded like a young version of the Latina women I grew up around - heck, she sounded like me - but it was a version of us I had never seen on screen before. A range of emotions ran through me, everything from excitement about the prospect of being the vessel for this character to doubt that she or her family would ever actually make it on TV.
It's been a year and a half since I went to that original audition, and I'm now in my second season of learning from and growing with Elena. Needless to say, she has changed my life.
Being a part of One Day at a Time is not my one and only proud moment as a Latina. There are many, and since I landed that first audition, I have grown infinitely prouder than I already was and continue to be.
Elena Alvarez, One Day at a Time, and all the people involved in the making of the show are not who you would call typical Hollywood people. They are artists who want to tell real stories, who are working toward inclusivity, who want to disprove the stereotypes about Latinos and show the world that we are just as layered and important as the next human being and not just sexy maids and drug dealers. These people inspire me beyond belief and have given me an abundance of knowledge about artistry and humanity. I feel honored to represent the Latinx community while working with them on such a meaningful project that promotes acceptance, open-mindedness, and love.
You might be thinking, "But Isabella, you work on the show; of course you're going to praise it." Yes, I'm biased, but I'm not going off of my opinion alone. We've had tons of Latinx people tell us that ODAAT is the first time they've ever seen themselves on TV and that they now feel seen and represented.
What's more, I've had people of all ethnicities tell me that they also identify with the show. Although at first they doubted that would be the case, since they themselves aren't Latinx, they quickly found that to be a non-factor as they connected with the characters and the truthfulness of their stories.
ODAAT is also bringing representation and visibility to the LGBTQ+ community, those with mental illnesses, immigrants, veterans, single moms, the middle class, and so on. Being a part of something like this, something bigger than myself, makes me the proudest I've ever been - not just as a Latina, but as a human.
Starbucks Can't Keep This Dreamy Disneyland Mug in Stock
As part of its expansive You Are Here Collection, Starbucks released a brand new Disneyland mug. Though the company already had a mug inspired by Disneyland in its collection - in addition to mugs inspired by the other parks - this new version has a different color scheme and a more whimsical design.
According to several sources, the original version will soon be discontinued. Disney blogger KT The Disneybear even urged her followers to purchase the first edition while it's still available. Though it's unfortunate that the original mug will no longer be available, the new mug is decidedly splashier.
The Disneyland mug is currently available at the Market House on Main Street for $17. If you happen to find the mug in stock, consider buying it then and there as Starbucks can barely keep a supply of the mugs on hand. That being said, Starbucks does intend to continue stocking the mug as quickly as possible indefinitely. For a more in-depth look at the trendy souvenir, read ahead.
This Disneyland Holiday News Will Make Your Entire Day
With Halloween Time fun ramping up at Disneyland, we've naturally got our minds on . . . Christmas! Holidays at the park are by far the most charming time of year, with festive decorations, special events, themed treats, and more.
The very merry Holidays at Disneyland Resort starts at both parts of the park on Nov. 10 and will run all the way through Jan. 7, 2018. Guests can even attend the park on Christmas Day!
Here's what to look forward to at Disney California Adventure:
- Festival of the Holidays returns, along with Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
- World of Color: Season of Light will again will illuminate Paradise Bay with songs, lights, and a water show.
- And more to come!
Holiday Happenings at Disneyland Park:
- Sleeping Beauty's castle will be adorned with holiday decorations.
- Believe . . . in Holiday Magic fireworks show will dazzle Main Street.
- Guests can attend "A Christmas Fantasy" parade.
- It's a Small World Holiday is back!
- Haunted Mansion Holiday will be ready to spook guests starting Sept. 15.
We'll just see if this year can top 2016's festivities!
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Make Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are one of those staples that are simple yet complicated to make. If you've ever screwed up a whole batch, you already know that following the recipe to a T makes all the difference, and that small changes can have a big impact. For example, using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour creates a cake-like texture, adding more brown sugar than white leads to more chewiness, and incorporating secret ingredients (like instant coffee) alters the flavor in the best way. When seeking cookie advice, who better to turn to than some of the best celebrity cooks? Here's what Alton Brown, Mario Batali, and more experts recommend.
Alton Brown: With Bread Flour
Alton Brown's "The Chewy" chocolate chip cookie recipe has a five-star rating out of more than 1,100 reviews, so you know he's doing something right. To ensure chewiness, he uses bread flour instead of all-purpose flour ("Bread flour can absorb much more liquid than all-purpose flour," he explains), one whole egg plus one yolk ("Egg whites dry out baked goods"), and a whole cup of brown sugar ("The darker the sugar you use, the chewier the cookies are going to be"). His recipe takes a little more time than average (you have to chill the dough for one hour), but if you'd rather have melt-in-your-mouth chewy cookies than firmer cookies, it's worth it.
Giada De Laurentiis: Add Hazelnuts and Toffee
Giada always takes a classic recipe and puts a slight twist on it, making us say, "Why didn't we think of that?" Her hazelnut chocolate chip cookie recipe requires toasting the hazelnuts before chopoping them, which brings out their flavor even more. With a combination of semisweet chocolate chips, supersweet toffee candy, and crunchy hazelnuts, there's a more complex variety of flavors and textures than the average chocolate chip cookie.
Ina Garten: Chocolate Chunks Instead of Chips
Ina Garten's chocolate chip cookie recipe is pretty standard, except she opts for chunks instead of chips (and extralarge scoops of dough on the pan) for maximum meltiness throughout the cookie.
The Pioneer Woman: 3 Different Ways
The Pioneer Woman has a chocolate chip cookie recipe for every mood (and every preferred level of chocolate). Her basic chocolate chip cookie recipe is "my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe when I need 'em in 30 minutes or less. It's like the Domino's Pizza of all my chocolate chip cookie recipes," she says. It's actually not so basic, though, because she sneaks in two secret ingredients: instant coffee granules and flaxseeds. Things get even more interesting with her browned butter chocolate chunk cookies, and her third recipe is on the next next level: triple chocolate cookies.
Mario Batali: 100 Percent Italian
Are you ready for the list of unexpected ingredients in Mario Batali's chocolate chip cookies? Heavy cream, olive oil, ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa powder. Batali's recipe is for traditional mostaccioli cookies, an Italian chocolate cookie popular during the holidays. As if the chocolate cookies aren't rich enough, they're topped with a smooth chocolate glaze. Needless to say, Mario's recipe is for chocolate-addicts only.
Bobby Flay: All About the Brown Sugar
Bobby Flay's chocolate chip cookies get a darker color and chewier consistency thanks to two different kinds of brown sugar (light and dark muscovado sugar). He also uses an ice cream scoop to dollop heaping spoonfuls of dough on the pan - with plenty of space in between each one - to ensure there's enough space for the cookies to spread.
Emeril: Supersized
"Why make a bunch of small cookies when you could make a giant cookie cake?" Emeril must have thought when he developed his popular giant chocolate chip cookie cake recipe. As long as you have a pizza pan, you won't have to make much more of an effort than you would with a regular recipe, and you'll have a homemade cookie cake that's infinitely better than store-bought.
Halloween Eye Makeup So Scary You Won't Even Need a Costume
With Halloween right around the corner and the pressure to find the perfect costume getting higher and higher as the days go on, we've decided to push pause and plan out what matters most: makeup. These Halloween eye makeup ideas are so cool that a costume isn't even necessary. From a simple smokey eye with bats, to the most insane Jack Skellington design from The Nightmare Before Christmas, these looks will guarantee you're the coolest person at the Halloween party. Ditch the costume and keep reading to see all these eye makeup masterpieces.
11 Pieces of Hocus Pocus-Themed Decor Sure to Cast a Spell This Halloween
Each and every Halloween, most of us (myself included) willingly make time to cuddle up to the cult classic movie Hocus Pocus to enjoy an unforgettable story about witches, black cats, spells, and a cute Californian teenager named Max. And while there are plenty of us devoted to this standard annual viewing, there is actually a whole world of decor available out there to decorate your home and take your level of fandom to the next level if you so wish. Read on, as we have selected 11 of the very best ways to add a dash of beloved Hocus Pocus to your home this upcoming season.
This Halloween Candy Graveyard Is Worth Saving Your Leftover Sweets For
Are you looking for a way to spruce up your Halloween candy? This candy graveyard will do the trick! Who can resist layers of brownies, creamy chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and every Halloween candy imaginable? This makes for the perfect party dessert, or you can grab a spoon and dig in by yourself if you're feeling brave. Happy Halloween!
The 1 Thing I Would Change About My First Year of Motherhood
My son was already well into toddlerhood when I realized my mistake. I was at the first birthday party for my neighbors' daughter, stealing sips of wine between heroic saves of my wobbly walker, when I noticed nearly a dozen women there with children exactly my neighbors' daughter's age. What a coincidence, I noted, that they would all have children born within a few weeks of each other.
I didn't recognize any of these women and in all honesty didn't think many of them were an obvious friendship match for my neighbor, but their conversation quickly captured my interest. They casually launched into discussion on everything from when to start solid food to personal details on birth recovery. After a few minutes of eavesdropping, it became apparent that they all knew each other quite well, a possibility that hadn't immediately occurred to me because they were all so different from one another.
Having many thoughts on these subjects myself and long wishing to have an outlet to explore them, I stood on the fringes feeding my son forkfuls of cake and listening in. I couldn't believe how easily they discussed these intimate topics.
As the first in my friend group to have a child, my conversations on babies usually happened at the end of a dinner party when, fueled by many glasses of wine and something akin to morbid curiosity, a girlfriend considering motherhood would ask in a hushed, confidential tone if labor was the most painful thing I had ever experienced or if it's true that you poop during delivery. While I never minded answering these questions - and in fact I was happy just to have an excuse to talk about my son's birth - I craved a two-way conversation on parenting, one that went beyond the extremes to address the everyday realities of having a newborn.
The goal of a new moms group isn't to help you make lifelong best friends; it's to give you short-term allies.
As we said our farewells at the end of the party, my husband and I commented to our neighbors how impressed we were by all the baby friends they had made in just a year, to which they responded that these were all the mothers and babies from the wife's new moms group. Suddenly everything clicked. Not only did these women's unlikely intimate relationship make sense, but I finally understood the value of a new moms group.
When my son was born, I never gave any kind of support group a chance. I had a million excuses: the women were older/younger than me, they were obsessed with breastfeeding/bottle-feeding, they were too strange/cool. The list goes on. I was so concerned with the women being different from me that I isolated myself to my own detriment. The value of a new moms group isn't in meeting similar women; it's in meeting women who are different from you and therefore have unique experiences and expertise to offer on your one big commonality: new motherhood.
Now that I've been through it once, I appreciate that birth is profound, newborns will push you to your limit, and no mother is an emotional island. Reciprocal conversation with other people going through the same thing at the same time is necessary to process, heal from, and manage these monumental changes. All that to say that with my next child, you can be sure that I will be the most enthusiastic member of the local new moms group.
15 Stunning Photographs For This Year's Nat Geo Nature Photo Contest
It's easy to get overwhelmed by, and lost in, the immense beauty of nature. The way incredible photos of the world around us can make us feel really is humbling - and probably a good reminder to fiercely protect our planet so future generations can enjoy it, too. If you need a quick reminder of what earth has to offer, take a look at this year's entries for the National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year contest. The yearly contest always brings together a collection of stunning images that might make you pack your bags, buy an airplane ticket, and get going.
This year's contest includes four categories that anyone can submit to: wildlife, landscapes, underwater, and aerials. The grand prize winner will score $10,000, see their winning photograph published in National Geographic, and get some love on the magazine's Instagram page. Each category will also have its own first-prize winner, who will win $2,500 and also be featured on the National Geographic Instagram page. The contest closes on Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. ET, so you still have plenty of time to submit your photos.
Ahead, see some of our favorite submissions so far, which include the photographer's caption and title for the photograph.
9 Things People With Clean Houses Do Every Day
Find yourself feigning excuses for why your friend can't pop up to your place to use the bathroom before the movie? Ever turn beet red with embarrassment when unexpected guests enter your home? It sounds like you have a messy house.
Imagine how much more enjoyable life would be if you were one of those perpetually tidy people whose homes could be company-ready with 15 minutes' notice. We wanted to turn our clean fantasies into a reality, so we researched the daily habits of people with clean houses - note the word "habits." What we learned is that it takes more than a few deep cleanings to achieve this status of cleaning goddess. It takes daily work and preparation to keep your house in a constant state of near perfection.
Read on to discover the nine habits people with clean houses do every day, and how you can adopt them to get out of the disaster zone you've been living in.
- Make Their Bed
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Before you leave the house in the morning (or better yet, before you leave the bedroom), make your bed. If you're in a rush, pull the comforter up to the pillows, and smooth it out to create the semblance of a made bed. This simple act creates a sense of order in your bedroom and sets your day off on a productive note that's likely to carry through.
- Empty the Dishwasher in the Morning
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Get the dishwasher emptied and ready to go for the day. Doing this in the morning lays the groundwork for an easy dinner cleanup at night and keeps dishes from stacking up in the sink throughout the day.
- Do a Load of Laundry Every Day
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Washing clothes on a regular schedule keeps the dirty pile from becoming overwhelming (not to mention, ensures that you'll never run out of clean underpants). Those with big families prefer doing it every morning, but if you live alone, doing laundry a couple of predetermined days a week should suffice.
- Use Baskets to Organize Things
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When there's a place for everything to go, it's easier to keep everything in its place. Scatter cute baskets throughout the house to corral your things, and add shelves to hold the big pieces.
- Don't Procrastinate
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When a box is delivered, unpack the goodies inside, and discard the packaging immediately. The same goes for dealing with spills or messes. The longer you wait, the harder they become to deal with.
- Put Away Their Clothes From the Day
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As tempting as it is to drop your clothes on the floor after a long day's work before slipping into your sweats, tidy people take the time to fold, hang, or place them in the hamper, as necessary. Do this, and your clothes and floor will both look better for it.
- Clean as They Go
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You can dramatically minimize your mess by cleaning as you go. If you rinse the cutting board while the pasta is boiling or start loading the dishwasher while the chicken is baking, the bulk of the work will be done by the time you serve dinner.
- Never Go to Bed With a Dirty Kitchen
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Resist the urge to climb directly into bed after a big meal. Take care of any and all kitchen cleanup that night - clean pots and pans, wipe down counters, etc. Not only will the mess harden and be smellier the next day (read: more challenging to clean), but waiting means that you'll have to spend your morning backtracking to make up for what you neglected the night before, instead of getting a head start on the day ahead.
- Plan Ahead
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Whether it's picking out your outfit the night before or reviewing what cleaning products you need to restock before tackling the bathrooms that weekend, you can give yourself a jump on the day by planning ahead.
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An HGTV Star Reveals the 6 Upgrades That Will Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa
If pampering yourself is high on your list of priorities (and if it isn't, it should be), a luxurious bathroom is exactly what you need. In Scott McGillivray's latest Reno to Reveal project - follow along on social media using #Reno2Reveal - he turns a small basement bathroom into a spa-like retreat fit for a king or queen. Read exactly how he did it below.
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Curbless Glass Shower Enclosure
"If you want your bathroom to feel more open, there's one sure-fire way to do it. Install a glass shower enclosure. It's way more luxurious than a shower curtain, and it removes the visual obstruction," said Scott. "In addition, I also designed the shower to be curbless, which has a significant impact. It opens up the sight lines and, when combined with the frameless glass, makes this small room feel huge."
Makeshift Steam Shower
"Within the glass shower enclosure, I added a special feature. The glass goes all the way to the ceiling and has a vent at the top that can be opened and closed. So if you feel like indulging in a steam shower, you can close the vent and allow steam to gather, and when you want a regular shower, you can open it up and allow the steam to escape," Scott explained. "Steam generators can be very pricey, but this solution allows you to get a similar experience at a fraction of the price." And don't forget that if you're creating a steam shower, you'll want to tile the ceiling so it's properly waterproofed.
Shower Bench
"No decent steam shower can be without a bench," said Scott. "To up the luxury factor, I installed a custom bench directly in the shower and tiled it to match the rest of the space. While you can bring in another type of waterproof bench, nothing looks as good as a custom built-in unit." Scott also added a built-in tile niche to hold toiletries, such as shampoo and soap.
Handheld and Rain Shower Head Options
"This bathroom is all about indulgence so I added both rain and handheld shower options. Rain showers provide full coverage when you stand underneath, so every inch of you gets to enjoy the sensation. It would be silly to have a spa bathroom and not include one. But that said, sometimes you need to wash and go so I included the handheld option for the ultimate in convenience," said Scott.
Heated Floors
No luxurious space is complete without heated floors! Scott explained, "the worst thing would be to step out of a great steam shower only to put your feet down on an icy floor. While heated floors can be expensive to install in an existing room, it's well worth considering when you're going through a renovation."
Vanity Storage
"Nothing kills serenity like clutter," declared Scott. "To avoid the problem of bottles, jars, and toothbrush holders taking over the space, I installed a large vanity with plenty of storage. Above it I hung a nice big mirror that reflects light along with two hanging pendants." As a pro tip, Scott added that you should never install lights over a mirror in a bathroom because it will cast unflattering shadows on the face.
10 Ayesha Curry Recipes You Have to Make
Like her husband's handles on the court, Ayesha Curry's skills in the kitchen know no bounds. That's why we're giving you 10 of her foolproof recipes, including a few from her cookbook, The Seasoned Life, as well as her Food Network show, Ayesha's Homemade. These recipes cover everything from sophisticated meals to cozier classics for the Rileys and Ryans in your life.
What Kind of Milk Is Really the Standard at Starbucks?
Unless you specify otherwise, your Starbucks latte will be made with 2 percent milk . . . but that wasn't always the case. When Starbucks first opened in 1971, all lattes and milk-based drinks were made with whole milk because former CEO Howard Schultz wanted use the milk that Italians drink with their coffee. "Originally, Schultz only allowed whole milk in stores," because he strove to serve only "Italian-style espresso drinks," NPR reported.
While whole milk was the standard for more than 30 years, customers began to voice their opinions and demand a change, so Starbucks "eliminated all artificial trans fat and made 2 percent milk the new standard for espresso beverages" in 2007. What's interesting is that year was the first time that Starbucks actually started carrying 2 percent. If you asked for it before then, what you really got was a blend of whole milk and skim milk made by the barista. According to the Seattle Times, "each reduced-fat latte at Starbucks was its own unique blend. Baristas poured a little from the whole-milk jug and a little from the skim-milk bottle until one-of-a-kind fat reduction was achieved."
Now, it seems crazy to think there used to be limited options for the type of milk you wanted to order in your latte. Today, Starbucks's milks include whole, nonfat, 2 percent, soy, coconut, and, most recently, almond milk - Starbucks even uses separate milk steamers for dairy and nondairy beverages. Did you know that little piece of Starbucks history?
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?
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