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.
mardi 3 octobre 2017
Bite Me: 40+ Halloween Costumes Inspired by Your Favorite Foods
Halloween is the only time of the year when you can dress up as anything you want, so why not let it be your favorite food? It's time to add a little flavor to the season, so whether you're a total foodie with a sophisticated palate or a candy fiend, you're going to obsess over these costume ideas. Check out all of the edible inspiration for yourself.
Sip These Teas to Soothe Your Stomach, Lose Weight, and Get Clear Skin
Tea is a soothing Winter drink, and it can have pretty miraculous healing properties. Did you know the teabag you choose can give you a unique result? Whether your goal is calming down, perking up, or recovering, there's a tea for that.
We asked tea expert Kristina Richens - a director at The Republic of Tea, certified tea specialist from Front Range Herbal Institute, and speaker from the SF International Tea Festival - to share what she's learned from her travels to China, India, Japan, and South Africa. She spoke about which teas you should brew up for each time of the day, as well as which ones help with certain physical goals (even if your goal is just to fall asleep!).
- Supercharge Your Morning: Black or Green Tea. The caffeine content with L-theanine (present in these teas) will give you a calm state of alertness.
- Get Through an Afternoon Slump: Green Tea With Ginkgo Biloba. Kristina told us that green tea can enhance performance, while ginkgo biloba can keep your memory sharp.
- Recover After a Workout: Black Tea. A cup of black tea has 88 milligrams of potassium, which contributes to muscular recovery.
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Green Tea, Lavender, or Chamomile. Time to unwind. "Chamomile and lavender are known as nerve-soothers and calming herbs," she said. Lavender and lavender oil are great ingredients to look for when relieving anxiety, and green tea and matcha also promote relaxation.
- Snooze Soundly: Chamomile or Valerian. Soothing and mellowing chamomile and valerian root will help you slip into a peaceful slumber. Valerian root, referred to as nature's Valium, is a common ingredient in sleep supplements thanks to its relaxing properties. "Valerian is also great for drinking before bed as it won't interfere with REM sleep," Kristina said.
- Slim Down: Dandelion or Peppermint. Dandelion has been said to help eliminate excess water weight, as well as aid in digestion - a key component in weight loss. "Dandelion's use traces back to the 10th century when Arabian physicians revered the root for its cleansing properties and as a natural aid for digestion," she said. Peppermint tea can help curb your appetite and support digestion as well. In herbal blends, Kristina says to look for ingredients like "gymnema leaves, which are known as the 'destroyer of sugar' in Ayurvedic medicine," and "cordyceps, a Chinese medicinal herb, [which] may boost energy and endurance, and can help rev up your internal engine and increase metabolism."
- Clear Skin: Rooibos or Green Tea. Antioxidant-packed rooibos and green tea can both help alleviate acne, pimples, sunburns, and uneven skin.
- Soothe an Upset Stomach: Dandelion or Ginger. The dandelion root is a natural aid for digestion and has cleansing properties, while ginger root is known to settle a stomach in all its forms.
Bran May Be Game of Thrones' Greatest Villain, According to This Theory
There is no shortage of Game of Thrones theories, both far-fetched (Ned lives!) and totally plausible (Jon Snow is Azor Ahai!), but the latest theory to come out of the world of Reddit manages to be both at once. Reddit user turm0il26 proposes that Bran Stark is the Night King, and their reasoning is so sound that we're having a hard time not imagining the bittersweet showdown between Bran and Jon if this time-twisting theory turns out to be right.
Bran isn't the show's flashiest character, but he's been set up as the catalyst for nearly every major event that has transpired since season one. Think about it; if Jaime never pushes the peeping Stark out of a tower window at Winterfell, Catelyn never goes on a mission to find and kidnap Tyrion, which in turn causes the tension between the Lannisters and Starks to escalate in King's Landing, and so on. It's also unlikely Bran would ever have unlocked his abilities to warg and use his Greensight to travel through time if he hadn't lost the use of his legs. Without those abilities, Hodor (as we know him, anyway) wouldn't exist, and if you subscribe to the Bran drives the Mad King crazy with his whispering theory, then Robert's Rebellion may have gone down a little differently as well.
Bran isn't the show's flashiest character, but he's been set up as the catalyst for nearly every major event that has transpired since season one.
Still confused? Let's break it down.
The Theory
Turm0il26 proposes that after Bran realizes his powers caused Wylis to become Hodor and one day save his and Meera's lives, he will wrongly believe he can stop the White Walkers from ever existing in the first place. It makes sense that Bran will be interested in further exploring his powers in season seven. This will be especially true if the Night King and his minions bring down the Wall. It's possible that Bran will believe only he can stop the oncoming war by going far enough back in time to prevent the creation of the Night King by trying to reason with the Children of the Forest, who are responsible for plunging the dragonglass into the heart of one of the First Men.
Remember, Bran witnesses the creation of the Night King, and he experiences the touch of the ancient ice zombie while warging in season six. These two events suggest a strong connection already exists between these two characters. According to Turm0il26, the reason the Night King and Bran seem to be drawn to each other is because they are essentially the same person at different points of the same timeline. The Reddit theory reads:
"Bran goes back all the way to where the Night king was created, to warg into the human that later is going to become the Night king. He wargs into him to instead stop the 'dragonglass into the heart'-event from happening. Only he doesn't think of that the children of the forest won't recognize him from the future, and that they at that point are in war with the first men (he is gagged because of all the weird future-talk). When he realized he failed again, he tries to go back in the current timeline, but can't because he's too deep into the past and stayed too long ('it is beautiful beneath the sea, stay too long and you drown'). From here Bran gets stuck in the past (exactly as Brynden and Jojen warned him not to) and becomes the Night King."
Turm0il26 further suggests that the magic the Children of the Forest possess combined with Bran's powers would ultimately lead to corruption and madness. If all of his attempts to stop the White Walkers from existing in the first place leads to Bran being trapped thousands of years in the past, slowly losing his sense of self, he could become the villain of the piece. It's classic origin story logic: a character tries to do the right thing but ultimately ends up losing their humanity in the process.
The Evidence
Rewatch the scene where Bran witnesses the Night King's creation and take special note of Bran's reaction. Not only does his hand clench as he's watching the event unfold (which could be interpreted as a physical response to the pain), but when the scene returns to the present day in the cave, Bran's position against the rock directly mirrors that of the Night King's against the tree. Add in the leader of the White Walkers being able to touch Bran while he wargs - something no one else has been able to do, so far - and this theory becomes all the more plausible.
The Heartbreaking End
If this time-hopping theory is even close to the truth, then it's a devastating twist to Bran's story. Not only would it make him responsible for thousands of deaths, it would also mean he's fated to live out countless years of misery. Add in the part where Bran's brother, Jon, seems to be the only person capable of stopping the Night King's reign, and tears are sure to start flowing if a version of these events plays out on screen.
While the Night King does have an identity in the books - he's the 13th Commander of the Night's Watch - this is one Game of Thrones theory that's well thought out, whether it comes to pass or not. It's hard to imagine the final two seasons having enough time to fully tell such a complex time travel arc, but stranger things have certainly happened in Westeros. We'll just have to stay tuned to see if the sweet Summer child that is Bran Stark becomes the king of Winter.
18 Signs That Prove Your Partner Is an Amazing Parent
Having a child immediately changes the relationship between new parents, but for the lucky ones, it only strengthens it. While some start to see their partner's flaws or limitations, others grow closer together and are constantly surprised by just how amazing and supportive their significant other is. Seeing how the parent of your child loves, cherishes, and takes care of your little one not only reaffirms your love for them, but also is a constant reminder of how special your family really is. When you have a coparent who not only respects you and your parenting decisions but also is dedicated and involved with your children, you should take some time to appreciate the blessings you have in your life. These are the 18 signs that prove your partner really is an amazing parent.
Get the Fixer Upper Look For Less With These Rustic Ikea Decor Finds
The Fixer Upper style has quickly become an iconic look that many fans strive to mimic in their own homes, and we can certainly see why. Each and every week, this HGTV hit features gorgeous farmhouse-chic renovations designed to perfection by Chip and Joanna Gaines. If you too find yourself wanting to Gaines-ify your own living space but don't exactly have the funds for a complete home makeover, you're still in luck! It's very possible to achieve this highly desired interior motif at a fraction of the cost. Read on for 18 of Ikea's best Fixer Upper-inspired items that are guaranteed to give you that awesome farmhouse swag for less!
It's Oct. 3 - What Is the Mean Girls Cast up to Now?
Mean Girls know that Oct. 3 is a special day, so we thought it was high time that we checked in with the cast, 13 years after they put out their hit movie. Sure, we all kinda know what Lindsay Lohan and Tina Fey are up to, but what about the minor-but-memorable characters, like Kevin G or the famous Glen Coco? We've tracked down your favorite characters to see what the actors are doing now.
Cigarette makers' court 'corrective statements' start next month
Major U.S. cigarette companies will soon begin publishing a series of blunt statements about the health risks of smoking as part of a court order stemming from a 1999 lawsuit brought by the federal government.
The Top Halloween Candy Ranked From Worst to Best
There was a time the contents in your Halloween bag meant the world to you. There were good years and bad years . . . Who can forget the neighbor who only let you pick out one Tootsie Roll or the house that had king size candies up for grabs? We're revisiting the best and the worst of our yearly candy stash, starting with the candies that still make your taste buds recoil.
Gordon Ramsay Reveals the 1 Place You Should Never Eat
Sure, Gordon Ramsay has high standards, but is there really anything he would never eat? Turns out it's more of a place where he would never eat rather than one specific food - and that's on a plane. In an interview with Refinery29, Gordon revealed his feelings about airplane food and why those feelings might be justified. "There's no f*cking way I eat on planes," he said. "I worked for airlines for 10 years, so I know where this food's been and where it goes, and how long it took before it got on board." Yikes. The man has a point - there's no denying that airplane food is not the best.
So what's a traveler to do to avoid midflight hunger, according to the world-renowned chef? If you're like him, you'll make time to stop at a nice Italian restaurant for a little meat and cheese. "A nice selection of Italian meats, a little glass of red wine, some sliced apples or pears with some parmesan cheese," Gordon says of his ideal airport snack.
Alternatively, of course, you could eat at Gordon Ramsay's very own Plane Food, a restaurant in Terminal 5 of the London Heathrow Airport. There, you'll find truffle mac and cheese, Szechuan squid, and spicy tuna tartare . . . certainly nothing that's reheated in convection ovens on an airplane.
Just When We Thought We Were Over Unicorns, These Froot Loops Pulled Us Back In
In the aftermath of the full-fledged unicorn craze, one recent food product is jumping on the bandwagon in an adorable way, albeit a little late. In Germany, Kellogg's released limited-edition Unicorn Froot Loops, with individual cereal pieces coming in pastel purple, pink, and yellow.
We first spotted the fabulous cereal on the Instagram account Candy Hunting. Though the Unicorn Froot Loops are decidedly new, they are already a big hit with local foodies and unicorn enthusiasts on Instagram. According to some initial reviews, the cereal tastes less fruity than the original flavor. Instead, the taste more closely resembles Kellogg's Honey Loops with slight hints of citrus.
On the actual taste, Associate Marketing Director Chris Stolsky clarified, "The Kellogg's Unicorn Froot Loops that we launched in Germany are the same great flavor as our Original Froot Loops – we just added a little unicorn magic to the pack!"
A Kellogg's rep also confirmed that there are no current plans to bring the trendy product to the United States, unfortunately. Peruse pictures of the epic and Instagram-ready box, ahead.
32 of the Top Pinned Halloween Costumes of 2017
Pinterest is an endless pool of inspiration, especially when it comes to Halloween. You can find awesome ideas for home decor, party games, and seasonal treats. But best of all, you can plan out your costume so that it's the most creative one you've ever worn. Pinterest released its top trending saves and searches of 2017, so take a peek at the looks ahead, and start DIYing ASAP!
This Household Product Will Stop Ants Right in Their Tracks
I woke up one morning to a trail of ants about half a foot wide running across my entire kitchen. Pro tip: do not leave a half-eaten box of pizza open on your counter overnight without shutting the window. Half crying, half on the verge of throwing up, I grabbed the only household product I had under my sink with hopes of it controlling the situation in any way. Thank god, it did.
I sprayed Lysol's All Purpose Cleaner onto the invasion, which stopped every single ant right in its tracks. I also sprayed it on the source of the problem outside the window, which prevented any more from coming in. All I had to do next was Swiffer the trail into a pile for disposal, which was one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen. When the exterminator finally arrived two hours later, there was nothing left for him to do because my ant problem was already solved.
Fast forward to this morning (about a year since the first incident) when I had to deal with a less severe situation in my bathroom, and you can bet that I used my trusted Lysol cleaner once again (though any all-purpose solution should work). I unfortunately didn't have powdered sugar and baking soda to create this ant trap, either. This time, it was less of a trail and more a scattered scene, but the Lysol made it easy to attack from every angle instead of trying to kill each ant individually. So here I am waiting for the exterminator to come tell me I did a great job again.
How Zumba Helped 1 Woman Dance Off 230 Pounds
Weight-loss success happens when you truly love to live a healthy lifestyle, as Cynthia Ortega found out. Here, she tells Zumba's lifestyle blog, Zlife, about her struggles with weight and how she finally found what works - and lost 230 pounds!
Cynthia: Before
Born and raised in Houston, Cynthia Ortega used to look in the mirror and hate what she saw. "I felt horrible and sad," she says. "I used to dread going to restaurants with my husband because I knew I wouldn't fit in the seat." Often smiling on the outside, deep down inside, she wasn't happy. She was trapped in her own body, desperately wanting to be someone else. Even her husband, who was very supportive, felt helpless.
Heavy mostly her whole life, she had never exercised and had many failed attempts with crash diets. One day, while standing in line to order pizza with her husband, a little girl pointed at Cynthia and said to her mom, "Look mom, that's a big lady!" Everyone heard it and Cynthia was mortified. In 2009, she was hospitalized with the swine flu and couldn't even fit through the MRI machine. She went into an induced coma and had to learn to walk and eat again. Due to her weight, she also discovered she had sleep apnea and diabetes.
Cynthia: Before
At a crossroads in her life, it finally clicked for Cynthia that she had to get healthy for herself and her young son who looked up to his mom and needed a positive influence. In 2013, she stumbled across a gym near her home and peeked in to see people taking a Zumba class. "It just looked like a lot of fun and something I could do." She and her friend signed up and, within one month of taking two classes per week, she lost 30 pounds! And that was just the beginning of her transformation.
Cynthia: After
Now 230 pounds lighter, she takes Zumba classes 12 times per week and puts more thought into her diet. She even started a YouTube page to chronicle her weight loss, called "BestFriendFitness" in the hopes of inspiring others out there to get healthy.
At 29 years old and married for eight years, Cynthia is inspiring her husband and family members to be healthy and eat foods in moderation. "Now, when my husband takes me out to a restaurant, I don't have to care about the chairs and if I'll fit in them. I love taking selfies and when I look in the mirror I feel great." She recently went back to the doctor for some tests and stayed four extra days to find out that all her health issues had disappeared and her heart rate was that of a fit person's!
Cynthia: After
So what is Cynthia's advice to others who are suffering from weight issues? "Find what works for you and something you're passionate about. You have to be persistent. You can't expect results from one day to the next. Zumba Fitness is challenging for me. My friends think I make it look easy, but I get out of breath . . . sore . . . tired. It's something that I truly love."
Cynthia: After
More from ZLife:
Is It Harmful to Run Every Day?
Whether you're trying to lose those last 10 stubborn pounds for bathing suit season or for your BFF's wedding, when your regular 30-minute running workouts three days a week aren't doing the trick, you may decide to kick it up a notch and run every day. The scale may finally start to budge, but is it bad for your body to run every single day with no days of rest?
Working out regularly provides tremendous benefits to your body and your weight-loss efforts, especially since experts suggest exercising for 60 minutes, five days a week, if you're trying to lose weight. While running is an excellent form of exercise, you want to be careful not to overuse the same muscles and joints, which can lead to an injury and derail all your hard work.
Instead of hitting the pavement seven days a week, mix up your cardio workouts as well as the duration, and you'll continue to see results without taxing the same muscle groups. Go hiking, join a gym and take cardio classes like Zumba or indoor cycling, go for a bike ride, jump rope, do a fitness DVD, or swim. You'll end up burning calories each day to help you lose weight, but you'll also strengthen other parts of your body, which will prevent injury and make your muscles more defined. To push past your plateau, consider adding some strength training to your regimen, and when you do run, don't forget to vary your routine with intervals and hills.
Keep in mind that it's also important to listen to your body. Scheduling rest days every few days will help your muscles recover and grow stronger. You can either take off completely from sweating it out or do lower-impact workouts such as walking or gentle yoga.
These Healthy Paleo Breakfasts Are So Tasty, They Might as Well as Be Dessert
Eating a gluten-free or Paleo diet means there are so many options out there to eat delicious, healthy meals. Breakfasts are no exception, and if you're the kind of person who likes to satisfy your sweet tooth in the morning, look no further. These superhealthy breakfasts will give you everything you need in the morning - healthy fats, protein, and carbs - and, more importantly, they'll fake your body into thinking you've just eaten a decadent dessert.
25 Recipes Featuring Everybody's Favorite Protein: Ground Beef
Sometimes traditional beef is exactly what you need for your hearty dinner to truly hit the spot. The meat doesn't always deserve the bad rep it gets; in fact, it's loaded with protein and available in lean versions. Embrace the amounts of meat you can usually find in Latin recipes by whipping up classics like tacos and burgers and more unique recipes sure to please every carnivore, including soups and casseroles.
This Woman Has a Powerful Message For Parents After the Las Vegas Shooting
After yet another senseless act of violence in Las Vegas, it seems the number of truly safe places are few and far between. Whitney Fleming, a mother and blogger at Playdates on Fridays, explained in an emotional Facebook post that until we actually make a change when it comes to gun control, all that's left to do is something good for others:
There are no safe places anymore. Not our schools or churches. Not concerts or malls. Not airplanes or subways. Sometimes the monsters even lurk within the confines of our homes. There's no safe places anymore, which is every parents' worst nightmare. And while I am grief-stricken for the tragic events that occurred in Las Vegas last night while I lay peacefully sleeping in my bed, while I am grief stricken and filled with rage and nauseous with the weight of how many lives this impacted, I am not shocked.
The mom says that while the most recent mass shooting is an immense tragedy, while she grieves she'll teach her children what to do if they ever encounter a similar situation. "I will go over - again - what my children should do if they ever encounter gunfire," she said in the post. "I will explain to them when they should run, when they should hide, and when they should remain silent. I will prepare them for this world and pray they will never need to use the information. I will tell them to look for the helpers, because they are always there. I will hope they remember my tips to guide them to safety."
Most importantly, Fleming encouraged other parents to pass along the same kind message she's planning on sharing with her kids: "I will encourage them to be kind to everyone they meet, because you never know the heartache they are carrying. If only we could clearly see and know how to help those among us that are most damaged inside before they unleash their pain on others."
She has a call to action for us all. "Do something - anything - good today. Do it for someone you don't know. Do it for someone you dislike. Do it for someone because maybe, just maybe, it will stop them from hurting someone else."
We Can't Believe We've Never Noticed This Hilarious Harry Potter Detail
We've stumbled across a hilarious detail in the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix film you probably haven't noticed before. In this still from the opening, you see Harry holding a newspaper while he sits on a swing. In the movie scene, you don't get a good look at the paper before Harry is interrupted by Dudley and his cronies, and then dementors approach, causing the paper to swirl around the playground. In the movie still, however, we get a better look at the paper.
Seems normal enough. But look closer: the headline on the newspaper? "Balls Judged 'Too Big.'" Yep, we're really mature. Whether this is meant to reference Harry's reckless behavior (classic Gryffindor, am I right?), or it's the result of someone in props with a dirty sense of humor, we love this hidden joke. We also like to think Daniel Radcliffe personally requested this headline.
Update: An eagle-eyed reader spotted one more dirty pun regarding the F.A. Cup (officially called the Football Association Challenge Cup). The paper's mast reads, "Don't miss our fantastic pull-out tomorrow." Yeah, they went there.
Just when we thought we'd read every theory, plot coincidence, and Easter egg from the Harry Potter series.
The Royal Family's Nurseries Have Been Over-the-Top Dreamy For Years
With the news of baby number three on its way for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, what better time to look back at that very unique childhood environment: the royal nursery! It is where the next generation of the family forge their earliest memories and is often the liveliest, most informal, and creative heart of any royal household. It is usually comprised of a whole suite of rooms that take up a whole floor and include a kitchen, playroom, and bedrooms for the little princes and princesses, their nannies, and protection officers. Over the years, it's been offset by some very special al fresco additions, including the queen's most glamorous Wendy House ever, William and Harry's tree house, and George and Charlotte's shepherd's hut. It's time to take a tour . . .
Dunkin' Donuts Unveils This Year's Halloween Treats (and the Dancing Pumpkin Man!)
We're not sure which is better - Dunkin' Donuts' Halloween doughnuts or the brand's ever-popular Dancing Pumpkin Man. The Halloween mascot has returned this year to celebrate Dunkin's Halloween-themed treats, including a new Spider Donut, which is a classic doughnut frosted with orange icing with an eight-legged doughnut creature on top made out of a glazed chocolate Munchkin.
Other Halloween offers include Boston Scream, which is a Boston Kreme Donut with orange drizzle, Witch's Brew-Berry, which is the Glazed Blueberry Donut with purple icing, and Scary Strawberry, which is the Strawberry Frosted Donut with chocolate and orange sprinkles. All of these are available in your local Dunkin' Donuts shop now and will be yours for the taking through the end of the month. Take a page out of the Dancing Pumpkin Man's book and shimmy your way down to your local shop and pick up a spooky treat asap!
Netflix's Collection of True-Crime Movies Will Give You Thrills, Chills, and Paranoia
Do you have a fever that can only be cured by more high-intensity court scenes? Or a craving for the sound of jail doors closing? In other words, is your true-crime addiction at an all-time high? If so, we, and Netflix, are here for you. Out of all of the new and exciting content on the streaming service, its criminal thrillers based on true stories are some of the most worthwhile. From the Oscar-winning Spotlight to a campy take on the Lizzie Borden story, we've rounded up everything you need for a true-crime binge.
Keith Urban Performs "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at Nashville Vigil For Las Vegas
Spreading love from Music City to Las Vegas. Thank you, @keithurban. #vegasstrong https://t.co/udW8P2SHgw
- Nashville Tennessee (@visitmusiccity) October 2, 2017
Ever since the devastating shooting at Las Vegas's Route 91 Harvest Festival claimed the lives of 59 people and injured more than 500 others, musicians have been paying tribute to the victims the best way they know how: through song. Keith Urban, the latest star to send his love to all those affected by the tragedy, performed a beautiful rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at a candlelight vigil in Nashville on Monday. With over 600 people in attendance, Urban was joined by fellow artists like Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Alison Krauss, and Chip Esten for touching performances. Watch his above.
Say It Ain't So! Disneyland Nixes Jingle Cruise - Possibly For Good
It's sad, but true! Disneyland just confirmed that the Jungle Cruise ride won't be transformed into the Jingle Cruise this year for the holidays. The Christmas-themed overlay, which had been a staple at Adventureland for the past four years, won't be returning to the park this year, though it will still be in place at Walt Disney World, according to Travel + Leisure.
The holiday-themed additions included decorations that were scattered through the attraction, as well as subtle hints of the Christmas season in each tour guide's spiel.
But cheer up, Disneyland fans: The California park will still give the Haunted Mansion a Nightmare Before Christmas theme, as well as turning It's a Small World into a Christmas joy ride. The parks' evening shows will also still have a holiday theme, just like every year. Disneyland hasn't officially confirmed whether or not the Jingle Cruise will return to the park in the future, but we're hoping it will!
Stretch Marks, Swelling, and Skin Woes: How 5 Beauty Experts Survived Pregnancy
For some, there's no bigger high than nabbing the last Fenty Beauty highlighter in Trophy Wife before it sells out. Still, we hear having a baby is also a pretty joyous life experience. Pregnancy, however, can be a mixed bag and affects every woman differently. For some expectant moms, it's nine months of facial swelling and breakouts. Others get a major glow, reporting smoother skin and thicker, more lustrous hair.
Of course, it helps to be a beauty expert when you're trying to adapt your routine to whatever those pregnancy hormones are throwing at you. We asked celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists, and beauty vloggers - all of them mothers - to share the lessons they learned, the products they craved during their pregnancies, and how motherhood has changed their approach to beauty. Take notes, stock up on that shea butter, and remember: sweet little babies often grow up to be mischievous toddlers who like to get into Mommy's makeup.
41 Back-of-the-Arm Tattoos They'll Notice as You're Walking Away
Wrist tattoos, forearm tattoos, bicep tattoos - there are so many options when it comes to where to position your arm tattoo. And there's one more place that's often literally overlooked: the back of the arm (or a triceps tattoo).
It's the perfect spot for a vertical image, like a single flower or an arrow, though there's also enough room to fit an inspiring message or small landscape. The back of the arm is a solid choice if your tattoo isn't the first thing you want people to notice when they meet you, but perhaps the last thing they'll see as you're walking away.
The Infuriating Thing That Almost Ruined the Entire Harry Styles Concert For Me
The curtain rose to reveal the man, the myth, the legend - in all his floral-suited glory. I couldn't help (or explain) the giddiness that I felt at the prospect of seeing Harry Styles in the flesh. Except that even when the curtain rose, I still didn't get to see him in the flesh. I could only see him through hundreds of camera phones, since they were blocking my f*cking view.
The first night of the Harry Styles solo tour, I was on the ground level of the relatively intimate concert hall, crammed sardine-style shoulder to shoulder with screaming fans. Trust me, no one was more surprised than I was to find myself in this situation, considering a year or so ago I literally only knew Harry as "the hot One Direction guy who dated Taylor Swift at some point." Sorry Directioners, please don't come for me.
Anyways, what can I say? He shed the boy band thing, turned up the British rocker thing, and the rest was history for me. I went from zero to 100 pretty quickly with my Harry obsession (sue me, I really do love his solo music), so it was crucial that when he shimmied his adorable self up to San Francisco for a show, I was there to witness him in all his post-One Direction glory.
Only, I almost didn't get to witness him in all his glory the entire night, thanks to - surprisingly - his own fans. His fans, and their f*cking phones.
Full disclosure, I grew up in a generation where the coolest thing about my Nokia phone was that I could change out the covers on it to reflect my every whim. Even now after years of it being the norm, the draw of documenting every single moment of our lives on social media completely baffles and infuriates me. I want to eat my food, not photograph it.
At this concert, I truly couldn't believe how absent every single person in the crowd was.
But at this concert, I truly couldn't believe how absent every single person in the crowd was from what was happening right in front of them.
It was a sea of phones held up for the entirety of songs, pulled from the air only to send a Snap or to hurriedly add yet another slide to their Instagram stories. At first I thought that maybe everyone just wanted to get in a shot or two at the start of the show, or perhaps grab a snippet of their favorite song to share with their friends. But no, literally everyone was recording full songs.
Were these people even enjoying the music? Did they notice the details on Harry's two-piece suit, or see the indentation of his (ridiculously, painfully adorable) dimples when he flashed the crowd one of his characteristic grins? Could they taste his tangible nerves, or feel his genuine excitement when we cheered louder for his new music than for his old hits? I really don't think so, because they were too busy looking at it all through their phones instead of watching it unfold before their actual eyes.
At first it made me incredibly furious (they were blocking my view, after all), but then it just made me really sad.
Maybe you're thinking "it's just part of this generation." Maybe I seem out of touch. Maybe I sound like a cranky old woman. Maybe I'm mad because my calves are still aching from standing on my tiptoes for two full hours. I don't accept that. First of all, it's insanely rude to ruin other people's experiences for the sake of your goddamn Instagram. But more importantly, it's thoroughly disheartening to watch moments that are truly special fly by completely unnoticed, all because of this inexplicable pressure to prove we're doing something worth showing off. It's pointless.
Concerts are experiences that stimulate so many senses in the best possible ways; the feel of bass vibrations beneath your (probably sticky) feet, the sight of colorful flashing stage lights, the touch of shoulders between strangers who, for just one night, become friends united by the love of one person, or one band, or one silly song you both love so much, it hurts.
The feeling you get from one "like" on social media is fleeting. Memories last. The next time you're at a concert, take mental photos instead of iPhone ones. Put your phone away and relearn the art of living in the moment. It's a beautiful thing.
Stay-at-Home Mom Explains Why a Partner's Weekend Away Is So Frustrating
Being a stay-at-home parent can be tough, but for many of those moms and dads, the light at the end of the parenting tunnel is a weekend with their partner home so they can share some responsibilities, get a break, and, hopefully, indulge in a few moments of self-care after a long week with the kids. Of course, the partner who's at work away from home all week should get the opportunity for a break as well, but after a friend asked if it was OK to be upset that her husband planned to go on a "spontaneous boys' weekend," mom blogger Constance Hall explained why her being upset is totally validated.
"She asked me, 'Is it OK that I'm so mad? Would you be upset?' So I thought about it, from both sides," Hall wrote in a post to her Facebook page. "And the truth is that yes, I would be upset."
The mom continued, explaining that many parents who don't stay at home with their kids don't realize the sacrifices their coparent makes by staying at home - "it's hard f*cking work and no matter how hard they work, the same amount of work is presented to them the following day" - and that the only break they get is the other parent being home, giving them some semblance of a typical weekend. She wrote:
You are the weekend, you are the break. Just knowing that [they're] not going to be the only one getting food down the kids' throats or not the only one to buckle in and buckle out every kid makes it so much easier. The kids are happier because you are home, the woman (or man) you love is happier because you are home. How crazy is that?
So the next time you want to spontaneously go away on a boys' weekend, and I'm not saying never have spontaneity, but I want you to understand why your partner may feel let down, imagine if you worked five days and just before you clocked off your partner called you and said, "By the way, you don't get a weekend this week, you're working all the way through."
You'd be kinda pissed too.
Hall ended her post by reminding work-away-from-home parents that if there's someone at home who wants them there - even if it's a little bit (OK, a lot a bit) because they need a break - they're "already winning at life."
It's Never Too Late - Shop All Your Favorite POPSUGAR Must Have Items Now
If you've ever signed up for a routine subscription box service, then you know that there is nothing as exciting as coming home to find a package waiting for you. Opening up a special surprise box that's filled with goodies makes it feel like you're constantly receiving presents. So even if you're a fan of POPSUGAR's Must Have box or you're not familiar with what makes it so special, we're here to fill you in. These hand-picked and trendy items arrive in customers' homes monthly (or quarterly, for our Limited Edition boxes), and now you can stock up on your favorite products here. Whether you're obsessed with the latest cookies and need to binge on more or you want to buy your friend a matching clutch from the February box, you can now find it all in one place. We've made it even easier for you to shop your favorite products, past and present.
Little Girls and Grown Women Will Appreciate This Moana Halloween Costume
Since its release in late 2016, Moana has delighted little kids, grandparents, and everyone in between. At the core of the adorable animated film is its titular character, a vibrant 16-year-old girl who lives on the Polynesian island of Motonui. The incredible soundtrack, particularly "How Far I'll Go," gave Moana that classic, nostalgic Disney feel. Given the strong, empowering female lead and the movie's popularity - it even rivaled Frozen! - plenty of women will be eager to sport Moana's matching ensemble for Halloween.
Image Source: Walt Disney Pictures
How to Create It Yourself
How far will you go to re-create Moana's outfit? Here's everything you'll need:
- A Polynesian-inspired skirt
- A burnt orange top
- A red or burnt orange scarf belt
- A blue pendant necklace
Start by finding a Polynesian-inspired skirt that resembles straw. In addition, find a burnt orange tank or strapless top and a scarf belt of a similar color. Complete your look with a blue pendant necklace and throw some flowers in your hair if you're feeling especially festive!
Check out the rest of our Top 10 Halloween Costumes For 2017!
You Don't Get to Keep the Furniture - and 6 Other Shocking Revelations About Being on Fixer Upper
As avid fans of Fixer Upper as we are, our knowledge of the show is limited to what we see on TV. We have no idea what it's actually like to be cast on the show and have Chip and Joanna Gaines renovate our Waco, TX, dream home. Luckily, the star of season three episode "A Big Fix For a House in the Woods" shared her story with POPSUGAR Select blogger Rachel Teodoro of Holy Craft.
Check out the seven things we were shocked to learn from her below, and for even more unprecedented insight into what it's really like to be on Fixer Upper, head to Holy Craft, where you can read the complete interview.
Casting Moves Fast
This cast member applied to HGTV one day and received a call from the casting agency the very next. "After that it was a quick, big, exciting blur," she told Holy Craft of the fast-paced process.
You Don't Get to Keep the Furniture
The gorgeous Magnolia Market finds Joanna fills the house with are actually just there on loan to stage the house for the big reveal. While the furniture is not included in the makeover, the homeowners can buy any pieces they want to keep - but at that point the budget is usually pretty tapped.
Chip Is Seriously Goofy
Watch any clip of the show and it's obvious that Chip isn't a serious guy, but we didn't realize that his silly personality played nonstop in real life. He kept this season three cast member and her husband laughing the entire time they filmed, giving producers ample material to choose from.
They Make Over the Entire House
Since we only see the "after" shots from a few spectacularly renovated and staged rooms on the show, we figured that these were the only rooms Chip and Joanna lent their magic to - but we're happy to be wrong. This cast member said every room in her house was addressed, but those not featured on the show were given more basic cosmetic upgrades, such as fresh paint, carpeting, and fixtures.
Joanna Is Quiet in the Best Way
Compared to Chip's outgoing personality, Joanna can come off as downright reserved in real life - but it's because her brain is constantly churning and plotting brilliant design ideas. And when she does speak, she's very thoughtful. "I was in awe of her during our real estate filming day because she was constantly thinking about different cool things about each house," the cast member told Holy Craft.
Makeovers Are High Quality
Call us pessimists, but we often assume that reality TV shows do the bare minimum amount of work required to make a home look good on camera. Not Fixer Upper - Jamie said her makeovers extended far beyond the surface and what we saw on the show. "There is not a door in my house that isn't surrounded in beautiful thick wood trim casing. They just finish out the entire project, parts you don't see on the show, to a tee," the cast member said.
You Don't Actually Become Best Friends
Joanna and Chip seem to become fast friends with everyone on the show - perhaps it's because they're all residents of close-knit Waco - and while they're super friendly in real life, it's still business and highly unlikely that they'll be inviting you over for a dinner party after filming wraps. "I think life is pretty busy for them with all this newfound success and adventures, and their first priority is obviously their family," the cast member explained.
So what does the house look like after the HGTV cameras (and the borrowed furniture) have left? See the before-and-after pictures of this cast member's house on Holy Craft.
Too Soon For Gun Control, Trump? As Australians, Our Experience Begs to Differ
This post originally appeared on POPSUGAR Australia.
On April 28, 1996, Tasmania, Australia, man Martin Bryant went on a shooting rampage at Port Arthur, southeast of Hobart, killing 35 people and injuring a further 23.
Then-Prime Minister John Howard had only been in the role for six weeks at the time, but his actions in the aftermath changed Australia forever, for the better.
It took just 12 days after the Port Arthur massacre for the new laws to be proposed and subsequently get passed by the Australian government.
In the days after the massacre, Howard was immediately focused on preventing another tragedy. He took steps to ensure his position of power could promote real change and introduced a National Firearms Agreement (NFA), which all Australian states and territories were quick to agree on. Within the NFA, Howard had proposed a number of new gun laws, calling to ban semi- and full-automatic rifles and shotguns and to introduce a stricter system for licensing and ownership.
The new rules for gun ownership were extensive: applicants would need a genuine reason to own a weapon - personal protection didn't count - and there would be a 28-day waiting period after purchase; each gun needed its own permit to be sold; only licensed dealers could sell the weapons; ammunition sales were restricted; and the list of requirements went on.
It took just 12 days after the Port Arthur massacre for the new laws to be proposed and subsequently get passed by the Australian government. Less than two weeks.
To sweep the newly illegal guns from society, a temporary buyback scheme was introduced, and more than one million weapons were collected and destroyed.
You know what happened after Howard's laws were introduced and enacted? Gun-related murders more than halved from 1996 to 2012, and there has been just one mass shooting since that fateful day in Port Arthur. (Note: it's considered a mass shooting when four or more people are killed by a lone gunman.)
It must be said that while gun violence was decreasing in Australia, so was non-gun violence - so while no one can definitively say that Howard's introduction of the NFA was solely responsible for the decrease in gun-related murders, it does seem hard to deny that it was the catalyst for change.
Fast forward 21 years and US President Donald Trump is going through something similar to what Howard did back in 1996. Less than nine months into his presidency, 58 innocent lives have been lost after a lone gunman fired his high-powered weapon at festival-goers in Las Vegas. People are reeling - and demanding answers.
I mourn this senseless loss of life. What will it take, #Congress, for you to act? @Everytown @MomsDemand #endgunviolence https://t.co/6HpuWk9ZLe
- Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) October 2, 2017
Right at this moment, Twitter is alight with questions from the general public and celebrities alike, and while Trump has given a well-worded statement and written a tweet offering his condolences, he hasn't said a peep about gun control.
His Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has, however, skirted the issue on behalf of the White House. When she was asked directly by a journalist if the events in Las Vegas had pushed the president to pursue tighter gun laws, she had this to say: "This is an unspeakable tragedy. Today is a day for consoling of survivors and mourning those we lost. There is a time and place for political debate but now is a time to unite as a country."
We can cross fingers that as we speak Trump is listening to his people and planning to make gun control a priority, but going off past experience and the sheer number of mass killings the US has seen in the last 20 years, we're not holding our breath.
From Sandy Hook to Mandala Bay, Las Vegas.
Timeline: 20 years of mass shootings in the US https://t.co/89T0WS225L http://pic.twitter.com/0bAZ6MiqzD- Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 2, 2017
We can't know for sure what effect stricter laws on guns will have in the US. But it's worth a try, isn't it? So that the 58 people in Las Vegas, 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, 20 schoolchildren and their teachers in Sandy Hook, and countless others didn't die in vain? I think so.
Sanders may not think now is the time for action, but we can safely say that the right time was long ago. In an effort to move forward, though, surely Howard's tenacity in the face of a crisis is a good place for Trump to look for inspiration. It couldn't possibly make things worse.
Here's Everything You Need to Know About Amazon's 6 New Products
At a surprise event in Seattle on Sept. 27, Amazon announced not one but six new products. The company unveiled a series of new Echo devices and products, which are bound to dominate holiday wish lists.
The announcement came ahead of Google's rumored two new devices coming out next week: the Google Home Max and a smaller version of the Google Home. These products are also set to compete against Apple's HomePod, supposedly arriving in time for the holidays. Most of Amazon's new products are expected to ship out in October, giving you plenty of time to decide whether you want one for yourself - or as a gift for a friend.
Check out the new products ahead and decide for yourself what's worth your hard-earned money.
Grab Your Scissors Because You'll Want to Copy This Latina's DIY Halloween Costumes
Known as emo_extremo on Instagram, California native Sydney Presley knows a thing or two about DIY, and her amazingly relatable Halloween costumes are proof.
"I'm a B on a budget and a cheapskate, so that's part of why I make my own costumes every year," she told BuzzFeed News after a tweet of her past looks went viral in 2016.
But even on a budget, we're not sure we could even come close to such masterful re-creations of Mexican culture's finer things. From snack-time favorites like Takis and Tajín to a life-size La Lotería card, see all of Sydney's expertly crafted costumes honoring her Mexican heritage.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
The True Confessions of an Ex-Vegan
A rescued Thanksgiving turkey and me, in 2010, having been vegan for just over two years
I am a food editor who is a former hard-core vegan. Today I may eat the worldwide gamut of food, but if you had talked to me between the ages of 19 and 22, I would have turned my nose at anything containing dairy, eggs, seafood, or meat. For two and a half years of my three-year stint as a vegan, I lived in Los Angeles, the land of celebrities, yogis, and health-conscious people in general. Every corner had a vegan restaurant and green juice joint, and there was fresh kale and berries aplenty, year-round. I felt utterly convinced that I was doing the right thing for the planet, for animals, and for my health. However, all that changed when I moved to New York City upon graduating college.
I always knew I wanted to be a food writer/editor, so I packed my bags and headed to New York City to attend a plant-based culinary school. "What sort of food writer is vegan?" my mom exasperatedly questioned me. I never saw it as a limitation, even when I dined at some of the finest restaurants in the world. In fact, I believed the best chefs were the ones who could produce a vegan tasting menu full of creative, interesting flavors, rather than simply serve a plate of steamed broccoli. I still think this is true. Grant Achatz, anyone?
When I arrived in New York City, I immediately immersed myself in the vegan community. I worked as a chocolatier in a vegan chocolate/wine shop, attended yoga classes every day at a notoriously vegan studio, and joined all the vegan meetups I could. My weight (and energy) were at all-time lows, yet I attributed it to my busy schedule and the rigor of city life. The only thing I couldn't handle was the hunger. Sure, being vegan, I felt my stomach grumble every couple of hours, though in New York, I felt painfully hungry constantly.
And then, I started dreaming of steak. I mean, x-rated, slow-mo, sizzling food-porn dreams. I'd wake up in a panic and run to the kitchen to stuff myself with spoonfuls of peanut butter, pea protein powder smoothies, and leftover lentils. Despite attempting to eat every type of vegan protein known to mankind, I'd always leave the kitchen unsatisfied, salivating, and angry because I still envisioned a big hunk of charcoal-grilled steak with bloody juices seeping onto the plate.
I was in such a conflicted state. Perhaps it was part pride (I'm saving the environment; emotional, sentient beings; and myself by being vegan) and part fear (how can I face my job, my yoga studio, my vegan friends, and my vegan sister if I decide to quit?). I neglected those steak dreams for three months before I finally booked an appointment with Annemarie Colbin, the founder of Natural Gourmet Institute, who has a Ph.D. in holistic nutrition.
I told her my predicament. "I'm vegan and I'm dreaming of steak," I shamefully admitted. She looked at me amused. "Then you must eat steak," she responded matter-of-factly. I exasperatedly explained, "You don't understand. I can't just eat steak. I've made a commitment! Isn't there some bean-grain combo that can give me the nutrients I need and make these dreams disappear?!" She shook her head. "If your body is trying to tell you on a subconscious level that it needs the nutrients from a steak, then listen to it."
I didn't listen to her then. Instead, I tried to deny the truth and became obsessive about which grains to pair with which beans to form complete proteins. Nothing was working. Then, I started to dream of salmon, too. Flaky, Asian-glazed salmon with a crisp skin. Waking up from those dreams was agonizing, and I'd shlep to the kitchen to eat my sad, slimy bowl of sprouted amaranth cereal.
Right before Christmas, a few friends from culinary school planned a trip to go to a farm in upstate New York to learn how to slaughter chickens. Despite growing up around hunting camps and hunters, never in my life would I have considered killing an animal for food. I was so ravenously hungry, the thought of doing so excited me. My primal needs to hunt and eat meat were kicking in. Though I didn't join them on that trip, it was a turning point. It was time to break up with veganism.
Me, in June 2014, at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
I went home for the holidays and spoke to my vegan sister. While we were getting ready for Christmas dinner, I whispered to her, "I think I'm going to eat a steak on New Year's." Eying my ghostly complexion and exposed ribs, she didn't even blink before saying, "Yeah, that's a good idea." I don't know why I needed that green light, but I did. No one in my family, save for my sister, thought I'd actually go for a filet mignon on New Year's, until the waiter took my order, and I said, "I'll take the eight-ounce, medium." And that was that.
I watched the plate of steaming steak waltz through the dining room until it finally landed in front of me. The caramelized crust, the bloody juices, and the unmistakeable, smoky aroma matched the steak of my dreams. And that first bite - lord have mercy - that first bite couldn't have been more perfect. I danced in my seat with giddiness, feeling rebellious and relieved all at once. A lot of people claim that going back to meat can be upsetting on the stomach, but I didn't have a single problem. The same went for returning to dairy.
The biggest challenge of giving up veganism was realizing how much I had let it define me and influence my relationships. I became aware of how enraged and difficult I was. Over the past few years, I didn't have much compassion toward fellow humans, and I blamed them for factory farming and their lack of consciousness. I demanded that my friends and family go to vegan restaurants and questioned them for their eating habits constantly.
Today, I think I have a much healthier approach to food and, most importantly, to fellow humans. I tend to sway toward fresh produce, legumes, and grains, with some meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs, of course. I support my local farmers and fishers so that hopefully there will be better options in the world and fewer factory farms. Sure, wild, grass-fed, and organic is way more expensive, but it feels better to me to eat higher quality less of the time than to eat meat for every meal.
This experience taught me that my body is constantly evolving. What works in one city, in one period of my life, may not work in another. It's all about being open, experimenting, and seeking the guidance of professionals when necessary. Oh, and creating balance. The key word is definitely balance.
26 Halloween Treats That Are Cute, Not Creepy
Whether you're hosting a Halloween party, sharing treats with your officemates, or looking for a fun Fall activity, you'll want to pin a few of these festive recipes. Cute, not creepy, these treats range from ghost marshmallow treats to jack-o'-lantern cake pops and are sure to captivate your imagination.
7 Sleek and Sexy Eyeliners That Are Everything You Need For Fall
If you're starting to grow tired of repeating the same old makeup routine every morning, we feel you. This Fall, try spicing up your look by using a colored eyeliner. This simple step can turn your look around in just a few minutes. Instead of using bright colors, we shopped for some more neutral-tone and seasonally inspired hues. From burgundy red, to a deep navy, and even a metallic-like white, there are so many choices we can't get enough of. You can easily wear these shades on their own, or mix and match with your favorite eye shadows. Take a look at these top picks.
21 Reasons My Kid Can't Eat the Food I Cooked For Them
Kids have the weirdest "rules" when it comes to food and how they like their meals prepared and presented to them. The picky eating - or general "I don't like this because [insert ridiculous reason]" - phase is just one of those stress-inducing things about kids that make it very hard for us to remember why we wanted little rugrats in the first place but also result in some of the funniest parenting moments of all time.
Ahead, a variety of reasons - some of which will look suspiciously familiar - as to why your kid can't eat the meal you prepared for them. (Which is nine times out of 10 the exact thing they asked for. Kids . . . )
Halloween Decor For the Shameless Glamour Puss
If you would rather your Halloween decor elicit "oohs" and "aahs" than screams and be covered in more glitter than gore, we've got the perfect products for you. From tabletop glitz to front-door glam, find the most alluring Halloween decor you purchase online ahead.
Here's Everything You Need to Know About Amazon's 6 New Products
At a surprise event in Seattle on Sept. 27, Amazon announced not one but six new products. The company unveiled a series of new Echo devices and products, which are bound to dominate holiday wish lists.
The announcement came ahead of Google's rumored two new devices coming out next week: the Google Home Max and a smaller version of the Google Home. These products are also set to compete against Apple's HomePod, supposedly arriving in time for the holidays. Most of Amazon's new products are expected to ship out in October, giving you plenty of time to decide whether you want one for yourself - or as a gift for a friend.
Check out the new products ahead and decide for yourself what's worth your hard-earned money.
Hobby Lobby's Halloween Decor Is Here - and You're Going to Want It All
If you go all out on your Halloween decor every year, you know that it's not always cheap. Decorating your porch, setting up your mantel display, and adding accents here and there throughout your home can all add up, and it's easy to go over budget. While sometimes the payoff is worth it, there are ways you can save this Halloween. Known for its boundless inventory of crafting supplies, Hobby Lobby is actually a go-to source for chic seasonal decor at a great price. Read through for some of our favorite finds!
Whoa - Ree Drummond's New Bedding Collection Is Shockingly Stylish (and Cheap)
Whoa - Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is releasing a new bedding line on Wednesday, Oct. 4, exclusively on Walmart.com, and we have a first look! Ree told POPSUGAR, "The defining feature of my products is there's plenty of color going on and floral patterns. Not everything has to match. There are a lot of opportunities to build your own combination of things as you like them." While we all know and love her Walmart kitchen goods, Ree said, "The bedroom was the next place I wanted to go [with the collection]. I'm a bit of a low-key interior decorator, meaning I don't walk into a room and think of walls I can move and all these huge transformations. I just think, 'How can I give it a little bit of a make-over? Dress it up. Give it some personality.' I think bedding is a wonderful way to do that."
On the phone, Ree said that she's "just unpacking the boxes" of the complete bedding line, which features ruffle-edged sheets, quilts, comforters, shams, and decorative pillows. "I wanted to get the exact product the customers would get when they place their orders," Ree explained. Of all the items, Ree did name a few favorites:
"I started loving the pattern Beautiful Bouquet and Rose Garden, because I'm all about the flowers. I'm so crazy about those patterns, but I've really fallen in love with the solid quilts. There's a bright yellow, red, and teal. They look so pretty, whether you are using them as a comforter or draping them over the end of your bed. The decorative pillows are just a reflection of my soul. They are really bright, and you can throw them on the bed or even on the sofa. I've got some characters from the ranch. There's a cow surrounded by florals, a basset hound, and a kitty from the ranch. There are little hints of my real home life."
Take a look at photos of the entire collection, which ranges from $20 to $100 per item. While exact prices aren't available until the line launches, you can buy the Pioneer Woman bedding from Walmart.com and Hayneedle.com starting Oct. 4.
Ask Whatever Your Heart Desires With Instagram's New Poll Feature
Chances are you've probably sent your friends a text message asking them to pick a dress or snack for you. Sure, you're more than capable of deciding these things on your own, but it's far more fun to quiz friends about it over social media. That's why Instagram is rolling out a brand-new poll sticker feature on Instagram Stories, letting you create a story and have your friends and followers weigh in on what you should do.
The poll feature update arrives on Oct. 3 on iOS and Android and exists on Instagram Stories only (for now). It also functions a bit differently than a reply to a story; instead, you'll take a photo or video, choose the "Poll" sticker option, write your question and choices, and start to see what people are voting on. You can instantly see the results by tapping on the eye icon and seeing how many people total saw the story and who voted for what.
Ahead, see how to use the poll sticker in your Instagram Stories, and get ready to ask your friends all sorts of questions.
Baking Hero Chrissy Teigen Just Traded Her Husband's Undies For Bananas
Any home baker knows that the perfect banana bread is made with overly ripe, browned bananas to exact optimum sweetness. Chrissy Teigen, an accomplished foodie who is currently working on her second cookbook, believes this deeply - which is why she was willing to offer a lucrative trade for several ripe bananas while recipe-testing.
Chrissy tweeted a plea to her 7.5 million followers seeking browned bananas anywhere in the Los Angeles area. "I will send my assistant to your home with a signed cookbook, John's underwear and a Becca palette," she tweeted, adding that it was a real offer. Naturally, Chrissy's fans responded quickly and obsessively, all jumping at the chance to provide bananas.
All in all, the Twitter plea worked - Chrissy's "assistant" (AKA her mom) picked up five brown bananas from a local winner within the hour, and everybody was happy. Trust us, you'll want to read the entire exchange!
66 DIY Harry Potter Halloween Costumes For the Wizards at Heart
Face it: you're a Muggle. You've fought this horrible truth your whole life, and even managed to maintain hope when age 11 passed you by with no Hogwarts letter to be found. We're adults now, and while we're (almost) one hundred percent sure that we will never be actual wizards, there's definitely no harm in imagining "what if." We've rounded up the most amazing Harry Potter costumes you can DIY - from ones that are more obv . . . ious, to the ones that only true Potterheads will appreciate. Get to work soon, because Halloween is just around the corner, and unfortunately no magic wand will be there to help you put these together - but these are so easy to do, you won't need one!
Ask Whatever Your Heart Desires With Instagram's New Poll Feature
Chances are you've probably sent your friends a text message asking them to pick a dress or snack for you. Sure, you're more than capable of deciding these things on your own, but it's far more fun to quiz friends about it over social media. That's why Instagram is rolling out a brand-new poll sticker feature on Instagram Stories, letting you create a story and have your friends and followers weigh in on what you should do.
The poll feature update arrives on Oct. 3 on iOS and Android and exists on Instagram Stories only (for now). It also functions a bit differently than a reply to a story; instead, you'll take a photo or video, choose the "Poll" sticker option, write your question and choices, and start to see what people are voting on. You can instantly see the results by tapping on the eye icon and seeing how many people total saw the story and who voted for what.
Ahead, see how to use the poll sticker in your Instagram Stories, and get ready to ask your friends all sorts of questions.
45 Lush Christmas Products You'll Want to See Under the Tree
Lush's Christmas collections are always pretty magical, but the truth is the 2017 edition is even better than what we expected. On top of some sparkly new additions to this year's festive lineup, the brand also decided to bring back three of everyone's favorite smells: Snow Fairy, Rose Jam, and Twilight. Packaging-free options were also created for nearly every limited edition product, making it easier than ever to have a waste-free holiday. Read on to discover the collection (hitting stores in October), then, while you're at at, have a look at Lush's Christmas bath bombs and gorgeous gift sets.
How to Become a Makeup Artist in a World Filled With Makeup Artists
With the advent of social media, it has become increasingly more popular to aspire to be a makeup artist. YouTube tutorials have changed the face of makeup, and everyone thinks they can be the next big thing in makeup artistry.
As a person who decided to become a makeup artist well before it was the cool thing to do, I am a little hesitant when women tell me daily that they want to be a makeup artist. I don't have the heart to tell them that "being a makeup artist" has nothing to do with creating makeup looks you see on YouTube or Instagram. Choosing to dedicate your life to makeup artistry can be a great idea, but you must be strategic in your path to take the right steps toward success.
I fell into these steps by accident. I had a long love affair with makeup, yet it was not something I ever considered as a career. After college, I worked for a nonprofit, which yielded a very small salary. I needed a part-time job to supplement my income and went to Macy's to apply for a cosmetics position.
I, like many girls today, explained to the cosmetics department manager that I was in fact a "makeup artist" who was skilled in doing my mother's and my friends' makeup. She probably saw that I was clueless but took a chance and offered me a part-time position at Clinique. I was disappointed as I was hoping for MAC or Trish McEvoy.
However, Clinique provided me with training that, in hindsight, was priceless. I knew how to apply eye shadow and blush, but previous to my Clinique training, I had no clue about human skin. Clinique educators worked tirelessly to train me about skin and all of the conditions that could affect it, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, hyperpigmentation, dryness, oiliness, and many others. With this skin education under my belt, I had the power to properly diagnose each woman who came to the counter and offer them products that would get their skin to its most optimum health. This was the first, most important thing I learned about being a makeup artist. The most beautiful makeup application in the world will look horrific on skin that's unhealthy.
After a couple of years at the Clinique counter, I was hired by Laura Mercier to be a freelance artist locally. After a short time of success in that position, I was hired to be part of Laura's freelance team for New York and Connecticut, going from store to store for events. With Laura Mercier, I learned tips and tricks from the top makeup artists in New York, including Laura Mercier herself. I also put in thousands of hours of work in the field, which no makeup class or YouTube video can possibly teach you.
My path is not for everyone. Yet there are a few things to consider before or during your jump into the cosmetics field. Ahead are some answers to common questions that women ask before they start their career.
Ease Tension in Your Hips and Back in Just 4 Minutes
If you have the ever-popular office job that involves sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, it can wreak havoc on your body, creating tight hips and lower back pain. Many stretches for your hips also stretch out your lower back, so these poses are like two for the price of one. It will only take about four minutes, but that's all you'll need to ease tension.
Butterfly
- Sit on the floor, bend both knees, and bring your feet together. Using your hands, open your feet up like a book, pressing your knees toward the floor with your elbows. If you want more of a stretch, extend your arms out in front of you.
- Stay here for five breaths (about 30 seconds).
Half Happy Baby
- Lie flat on your back. Bend the left knee and hold onto the outside edge of your flexed foot with your left hand. Keep your left arm on the outside of your leg.
- Gently use your upper body strength to press the left knee to the floor below your armpit. Try not to tense your shoulder or chest, but keep everything relaxed.
- Stay like this for five deep breaths, and then switch legs.
- Then do both legs together for another five breaths.
Pigeon
- Sit with your right knee bent and your left leg extended straight behind you. If your hips are flexible, inch your right foot away from you. Make sure your left hip is always pointing down toward the mat. If it begins to open up toward the ceiling, draw your right foot back in toward your body.
- Rest your hands on your hips or walk your hands out in front of you, allowing your torso to rest over your right knee.
- Hold here for five breaths, and then repeat Pigeon on the left side.
Double Pigeon
- Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your knee, shin, and foot on the floor so they're parallel with your pelvis. Bend your left knee and place it on top so your knees, shins, and ankles are stacked. You'll know you're doing it right when you gaze down and see that your legs make a little triangle.
- To make this pose more intense, place your hands in front of your shins and walk them out as far as you can, folding your chest toward your legs.
- Stay here for five breaths, slowly release, and then switch legs so your right knee is on top.
These Are the Top 15 Fan-Favorite Recipes From Blue Apron
How often do you actually keep the recipe cards for the meals you make through food delivery services like Blue Apron? Yes, the dishes are good, but the best of the best are worth replicating. For the month of October, Blue Apron is actually bringing back fan favorites, so you can make them again, or discover a new dinner that you'll make on a weekly rotation. Take a look at what you can expect in your boxes or simply allow these recipes to inspire your meal prep for the month. However, if you are more of a physical cookbook kind of person, Blue Apron is publishing its very first one, out Oct. 24. The Blue Apron Cookbook ($40) features 165 brand-new recipes with step-by-step photos, so you'll never grow bored of cooking dinner again!
Break the Internet With These 50+ Clever Costumes
If it were up to us, no one would need an excuse to dress up in their favorite geeky garb. But the way we see it, Halloween is the perfect chance to go all out and blow everyone else's regular ol' costumes out of the water. Maybe you're looking to dress as a Star Wars character or your favorite comic personality or a hilarious Internet cat - or maybe you're still undecided. Either way, you'll find all the inspiration you need right here.
Jump to a section:
- Social networks and tech companies
- Video Games
- Nostalgia
- Emoji
- Comics
- Star Wars
- Doctor Who
- Adventure Time
- Pokémon
- TV Shows
- Sanrio Characters
- Lord of the Rings
- Internet Memes
-Additional reporting by Ann-Marie Alcántara
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