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.
jeudi 5 octobre 2017
Google's New Pixel Buds Aren't Just Headphones - They Can Also Translate Any Language on the Fly
Google has a long track record of reinventing the things we know and love in a way we never knew we needed. And at the annual product launch event on Oct. 4, the company announced a brand new product that's hitting stores this Fall: wireless headphones that go by the name of Pixel Buds.
The search giant's first foray into the headphone market is as future-forward as one might expect. From touchpad audio controls that are located discreetly on the right earbud to a tiny, portable charging case that delivers 24-hours of sound, we're sold on just the tech alone. But it's the built-in software that really makes the Pixel Buds one of the most intriguing things Google has released as of late - each set comes fully loaded with the capability to completely integrate with Google Assistant, and, most excitingly, an integration with Google Translate that can translate 40+ languages right into your ears, all on the fly.
Ahead, check out some of the features of Pixel Buds in more detail. The headphones retail for $159, and they'll hit stores in November, though you can preorder from Google directly right now.
This Throwback on the Grey's Season Premiere Was So Subtle, You Probably Missed It
Don't get us wrong, we had our qualms with the Grey's Anatomy season 14 premiere. Owen's sister Megan seems a little bit too fine. Amelia Shepherd is facing a very familiar threat. And Meredith Grey may be on the verge of her next great tragedy. But for all the grief the show can cause with its pitfalls and devastations, sometimes all it takes is one small moment of nostalgia to loop us back in. In the case of season 14's kick-off, Meredith actually uses a very old Cristina quote when talking to Jo. And here's the crazy thing: the Cristina quote in question dates all the way back to the series premiere. Let's go over the glorious parallels.
In the very first episode of the series, all of the interns compete to figure out what's wrong with Derek Shepherd's young patient. As a reward, whoever finds the answer gets the honor of scrubbing in on the surgery. Meredith and Cristina decide to work together. That way, they're that much more likely to figure it out, and hey, at least one of them will get to scrub in. Meredith says she'll work with Cristina, but she doesn't even want to scrub in on the surgery . . . because she's already slept with Derek Shepherd and she's trying to avoid him.
Of course, Meredith and Cristina do end up figuring out what's wrong, and Derek tells Meredith she gets to scrub in. Cristina is dumbfounded, and her shock turns to anger when Meredith doesn't say anything to Derek about not wanting to scrub in or giving the victory to Cristina. When Meredith tries to talk to Cristina about what happened, Cristina snaps. "Don't come to me for absolution," she says. "You want to be a shark, be a shark."
Fast forward to the premiere for season 14. Meredith has decided to give Owen's sister an abdominal wall transplant. She enlists the sub-i (sub-intern) team to help find her donor, promising a familiar prize: the chance to scrub in on a once-in-a-lifetime surgery. When the intern dubbed "Glasses" finds a match, Jo swoops in and secures the family's blessing and brings Meredith in. Meredith gives the scrub-in prize to Jo, and Glasses gets upset, saying he should be the one to claim the prize. But Jo maintains that she's the one who deserves it. Just before the surgery, Jo admits to Meredith that it was Glasses who found the donor and says she's sorry. Mer responds with a familiar quote: "If you want to be a shark, be a shark. Don't apologize for it."
"If you want to be a shark, be a shark. Don't apologize for it."
It's been years since Cristina left the show, but it's still fun to see these little nodes to the show's most epic friendship every now and again. It reminds us of the rich history we have with each and every doctor on the show. Also, it just goes to show you: there may be plenty of problems with the show that bubble up over the years. But every once in a while, there's a little nod or a wink that reminds you why you loved the show so much in the first place. Now, we'll just patiently sit here and cross our fingers for Sandra Oh's triumphant return as a guest star. After all, the only one who can do a Cristina Yang quote justice is the woman herself.
Stranger Things Age Investigation: How Old Are the Kids in the Cast?
Stranger Things has taken pop culture by storm since it debuted last year, and the young cast members on the hit sci-fi Netflix series have become celebrities in their own right. So, exactly how old are the actors? Even though they play school-age kids, some of their ages IRL might surprise you. Before the second season of Stranger Things hits Netflix on Oct. 27, check out our very thorough age investigation.
75 Unique Names For Twins
Whether you're having fraternal twins or identical twins, one of the most fun parts of finding out you're about to have twins is coming up with the perfect pair of names. Get ready to be inspired by some of the most unusual pairs of names for girls, boys, and one of each!
Twin Girls' Names
- Abby and Adelaine
- Isla and Eden
- Gaia and Aria
- Cheyenne and Wynona
- Liberty and Honor
- Ruby and Jade
- Georgia and Montana
- Juliet and Helena
- Dalia and Delaney
- Ophelia and Dalia
- Ella and Lily
- Isabelle and Elizabeth
- Malika and Khadija
- Arianna and Brianna
- Megan and Morgan
- Paloma and Carmen
- Emma and Florence
- Ethel and Nellie
- Mabel and Maude
- Sienna and Sahara
- Harlow and Piper
- Tabitha and Talia
- Clarissa and Marissa
- Nora and Rayna
- Chloe and Zoey
Twin Boys' Names
- Wyatt and Canyon
- Hendrix and Lennon
- Austin and Phoenix
- Cooper and Liam
- Carter and Sawyer
- Slate and Indigo
- Sawyer and Max
- Cayden and Caleb
- Jacob and Jonah
- Chance and Chase
- Xander and Cassius
- Asher and Blythe
- Zion and Jude
- Sebastian and Vincent
- Walter and Lester
- Leon and Lewis
- Jenson and Oakley
- Colby and Flynn
- Duncan and Malcolm
- Owen and Toby
- Orson and Oscar
- Garrett and Gavin
- Finnegan and Holt
- Alec and Cale
- Levi and Ellis
Twin Girl and Boy Names
- Clementine and Indigo
- Olivia and Oliver
- April and August
- Savannah and Austin
- Rumi and Sir
- Nova and Wyatt
- Bristol and Byron
- Audrey and Afton
- Ophelia and Nigel
- Maya and Mason
- Penney and Packer
- Cleo and Collin
- Ava and Anthony
- Vivienne and Knox
- Seraphina and Lawson
- Halle and Henry
- Alana and Alex
- Luna and Quinn
- Ivy and Skye
- Reese and Rafferty
- Harlow and Holt
- Ella and Alexander
- Lila and Sage
- Blake and Caleb
- Maya and Miles
85 Halloween Costumes You Can DIY Without Going Broke
If this year's Presidential election took all your attention and you just realized we're only days away from Oct. 31, you're not the only one. We get it, Halloween has probably taken a back seat to all the drama of the debates and seeing all your Facebook friends bicker about politics non-stop. Well, now that you're tight on time - didn't you hear Halloween is basically hours away?! - we suggest you resort to easy and cheap DIY ideas if you're still looking to win points for originality at your party's best costume contest. Ahead you'll find 85 fun and unique options to tackle ASAP.
Before Heading to the Patch, Make Sure You Know What Kind of Pumpkins You're Picking
As the reigning symbol of Fall, pumpkins are a fun way to add seasonal cheer to your home. From adorning your Thanksgiving centerpiece with mini pumpkin varieties and covering your porch with a blend of different sizes, shapes, and colors to carving or painting your pumpkin for Halloween, this festive fruit adds instant Fall spirit to your home. And, of course, they're pretty tasty in desserts and main dishes as well!
Whether it's an old favorite or a new discovery, continue reading to find out which pumpkins you should be using for all of your Fall needs this season.
If You Deal With Any of These Period Symptoms, You Might Have Endometriosis
There have been a few celebrities lately who have been brave enough to speak up about their menstrual health, particularly about their battles with endometriosis. Julianne Hough, Padma Lakshmi, and Lena Dunham are some of the more outspoken women who are trying to spread awareness about this disorder, which causes the tissue that's supposed to grow inside the uterus to grow somewhere outside of it. Endometriosis affects one in every 10 women, and it's an extremely painful condition to live with.
There's some confusion out there as to what endometriosis actually looks like, and that's mainly due to the fact that we haven't been properly educated on how this condition affects women. POPSUGAR spoke with Jennifer Wider, MD, a renowned women's health expert and author, who set the record straight on what the signs of endometriosis are.
Dr. Wider says these are the most common symptoms to watch out for:
- Severe cramps
- Heavy bleeding
- Back pain during menstruation
- Pain during sex
- Pain during bowel movements or urination
"Some women have a hard time conceiving," Dr. Wider added. Endometriosis can potentially affect your fertility, particularly if it's left untreated.
Because endometriosis isn't talked about in great length in public, it's hard for many women to know when they should talk to their doctor about these symptoms, and it can even be difficult to get a diagnosis. "Many women have trouble getting the proper diagnosis, but if you have any of these symptoms and/or have a hard time conceiving, endometriosis should be on the list of things to consider," Dr. Wider told POPSUGAR.
If you find that your period is stopping you from going about your daily life - work, personal relationships, fitness, etc. - then it's definitely worth chatting with your medical provider. Even if you don't have endometriosis, it helps to get the tests done and know for sure.
Although there isn't a cure for endometriosis, Dr. Wider says there are plenty of treatments that can help you live a normal life. "Medication (pain medication, birth control pills, hormonal therapies) and/or surgery [can] manage the condition," she explained. You won't know what treatment is best for you until you speak with your doctor, though.
The 10-Calorie Hack That Adds Protein and Fiber to Your Overnight Oats
It's hard to choose between a green smoothie and overnight oats. They're both quick and delicious, but I love them for different reasons. Smoothies are great because I can get my fill of greens, and overnights oats are perfect because they're so filling. While making a smoothie one day, watching the blender spinning around the pale green creaminess, I had a brilliant idea!
Why not add spinach to my overnight oats? Before pouring the soymilk into the mason jar of rolled oats, I threw it in the NutriBullet with one and a half cups of loosely packed spinach. Once the spinach was completely ground up into the soymilk, I added it to my jar of one-half cup rolled oats along with one teaspoon chia seeds, one tablespoon unsweetened coconut, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
The one and a half cups of spinach is only 10 calories, but it adds one gram of fiber and 1.3 grams of protein, 44.6 milligrams of calcium, and 250 milligrams of potassium. It also offers three-quarters of your recommended supply of vitamin A and 30 percent of your daily folate.
And since I used cinnamon, coconut, fresh fruit, and Silk Light Vanilla Soy Milk, it tasted sweet with a touch of vanilla-cinnamon - and I couldn't taste the spinach at all! This is a must-try overnight oats hack, and it tastes good cold or warmed up. If the green color is a little unsettling, add chocolate protein powder or cocoa powder, and it'll just look like brownie batter.
Why Postapocalyptic Fiction Is More Relevant Now Than Ever Before
It's not what you think. I'm not about to start doomsaying, predicting nuclear war, fallout, or the general crumbling of society and civilization as we know it. I'm not going to tell you to start reading postapocalyptic fiction because, sooner or later, you're going to need to use it as a sort of field guide. So let's all just take a deep breath. It's going to be OK (I hope . . .).
Postapocalyptic fiction is one of those genres that has stood the test of time. I think, perhaps, it's because of the wide range the genre has to offer: you've got fiction as commercial as The Hunger Games to fiction as literary as The Road. But what makes the genre so compelling? What does it have to offer its readers? And why is it more relevant now than ever before?
1. It takes a hard look at government.
Most postapocalyptic fiction deals with government or some sort of ruling organization that has come to power out of dire circumstances. This genre asks hard questions about what type of power the government should have and what role it should play in our lives. And now, during a time of political turmoil and uncertainty, asking the hard questions about our government and those in power is more important than ever.
And what's even crazier is that postapocalyptic fiction is now manifesting itself physically in our strange political climate. Just take a look at these women dressed as handmaids from Margaret Atwood's brilliant and horrifying The Handmaid's Tale. They're not just cosplaying, folks; they're making a political statement about their rights as women and about the decisions made by those in power.
Yes, our current government is, thankfully, not what you'd find in most dystopian postapocalyptic novels, but maybe it's testing the waters; maybe it's a toddler playing with fire. While postapocalyptic fiction provides an exciting story, hopefully it might also make us more aware of the rights we need to hold dear and fight for . . . lest we all forget our glasses, stare into that solar eclipse, and go blind.
2. It's a return to the basics.
This one is pretty simple. In a society that is inundated with technology, everything moving faster with news updates, Twitter updates, status updates, so many voices, and so much going on, sometimes it's nice, even necessary, to slow down and take a break. It's a healthy practice to read about characters who, due to the world ending, are completely without the busyness we know every day. It forces us to ask questions: what would it be like if I didn't have my iPhone? What would I do without access to technology? And, more importantly, what am I allowing to have control over me?
Don't get me wrong, technology is a wonderful and amazing thing, but so is humanity. And in these hurried times, I think postapocalyptic fiction helps us to imagine a different world; it helps us picture a simpler version of ourselves; it asks the question, "What does that version look like?"
3. It's a practice in empathy.
Fiction is magic. You can be transported to different places, times, worlds, but also into different people. You can start to imagine what it might be like being an orphan in feudal Japan; being a Muslim, growing up with jihadist parents; or even being a boy wizard with an evil dark lord hunting you.
Postapocalyptic fiction is no exception. In fact, it may contain a message for our times that is more relevant than ever. In the direst of circumstances - like the end of the world! - we get to see characters making all kinds of decisions: some good, some bad. But, maybe, we start to sympathize with these characters who make dumb or selfish decisions because we've seen what they've had to go through. Again, postapocalyptic fiction forces us to ask hard questions. Are there really evil people or is everyone a victim of their circumstances? And are they forgiven because of their strenuous circumstances? I don't have the answers to these, and postapocalyptic fiction won't spell it out for you either, but at the very least, it might make you think. It might make you want to live vicariously. It might even make you look around and see if maybe you've jumped to conclusions about your grumpy old neighbor who keeps letting his dog drop bombs in your yard.
In its most pious form, fiction is a practice in empathy. And specifically in postapocalyptic fiction - when everything is taken away and the world is stripped bare - we might start to see that we're all the same. And in today's fast-paced society and precarious political environment, I think understanding this might be the one thing that could save us all. Because empathy leads to understanding, understanding leads to forgiveness, and forgiveness leads to love. Yes, it sounds like a bad bumper sticker, but I believe it's true.
The moral of the story: go read more books! And, more specifically, go read more books about the end of the world.
Tyrell Johnson is a writer and editor originally from Bellingham, WA. He currently lives in Kelowna, British Columbia, with his wife, two kids, and a Siberian Husky. His debut novel, The Wolves of Winter, is a postapocalyptic thriller out in January 2018.
Josh Hutcherson Leaves Panem Behind For Seth Rogen's Show About "Time Travel and STDs"
I'm trying to think of a succinct way of describing the plot of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's new TV show, Future Man, starring Josh Hutcherson, and this is all I've got: Hutcherson is a janitor at a lab and ends up traveling back in time with two warriors from the future (who are also somehow in a video game he plays?) to stop his boss at the lab from ever getting herpes. Because the herpes cure his boss eventually discovers goes on to destroy mankind. Mmhmm.
As, um, out there as it sounds, the trailer is pretty promising. Not only that, but the cast is killer: Hutcherson, Ed Begley Jr., Happy Endings's Eliza Coupe, Preacher's Derek Wilson, and more. To celebrate the release of the trailer at New York Comic-Con, Rogen tweeted, "Here's the trailer for FUTURE MAN, our new TV show about time travel and saving the world and also STD's!" Honestly, that's a TV show tagline I can get behind.
All episodes of Future Man drop on Hulu on Nov. 14.
12 Scary Movies From Your Childhood That Probably Made You Wet the Bed
We love reminiscing about movies from our childhood. From summertime favorites like The Sandlot and Now and Then to unforgettable classics like Mrs. Doubtfire and The Little Rascals, we could watch those nostalgic films anytime, anywhere. But in addition to all of those gems, we also got a few, well, darker ones. Most of them are also classics that we have grown to love (with all the lights on), but there was a time with certain "kid-friendly" movies just scared the sh*t out of us. In between Gremlins invading our innocent dreams and Don't Look Under the Bed affecting our ability to turn on the Disney Channel, our trust in those PG ratings was well and truly tested. Now that we've grown up (for the most part) and are able to appreciate these movies for what they are, we can look back on the terrifying moments with fondness. Keep scrolling if you dare.
22 Rhinestone Skulls That Will Add Some Sparkle to Your Spook
Skeletons are always a winner at Halloween, but if you're a dedicated beauty junkie that loves the spooky season, you've probably done regular skeletons more than once already. So why not take the "extra" routine this year and go as a rhinestone skeleton instead?
These bedazzled skeleton looks are anything but average, and are perfect for those looking for a real challenge. Read on to get extra-inspired this Halloween and turn into a dazzling diva skull in no time.
7 Ways to Honor the Great Celia Cruz This Halloween
When it comes to iconic Latinx superstars, it's hard to get much more famous and celebrated than the great Celia Cruz. The Cuban queen of salsa is so beloved and admired that we're not surprised to find she's a popular choice for an easily recognizable DIY Halloween costume. Whether you want to draw inspiration from her carnaval stage or try to re-create her more colorful later years, here are seven ideas for the perfect Celia Cruz ensemble - all complete with the perfect dose of "Azúcar."
You'll Have the Best Run Ever by Avoiding These Foods
Whether you're tackling your first 5K or training for a marathon, it's important to fuel your body in order to kick some butt during your sweat session. While exercising on an empty stomach isn't the best idea, fueling up the wrong way before a run can cause stomach cramps, dizziness, and headaches. Check out the chart below to learn some good choices for noshing before lacing up those sneaks.
2 Hours Before
What to eat: 300- to 400-calorie meal containing carbs, protein, and healthy fats:
- Quinoa and chickpea wrap
- Whole wheat pasta with cheese and veggies
- Oatmeal with fruit and nuts
- Farro-and-tofu stir-fry
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- Greek yogurt with fruit, nuts, and granola
- Wrap filled with grilled fish, avocado, and mango
- Fruit, yogurt, and greens smoothie (or this vegan protein smoothie that tastes like a vanilla milkshake!)
- Veggie omelet with toast
What to avoid: Fibrous veggies and high-fat foods that are hard to digest:
- Broccoli, onions, and a large serving of beans
- Cream-based soups, burgers, fries, and ice cream
1 Hour Before
What to eat: 150-calorie snack containing easily digestible carbs and a little protein:
- Whole wheat toast with nut butter
- Banana and a small handful of cashews
- Whole grain crackers and hummus
- Small bowl of cereal
- Half a fruit-and-nut bar
- Cheese stick and carrots
What to avoid: Large meals and foods that are difficult to digest:
- Spicy foods
- Pears, apples, and melons
15 to 30 Minutes Before
What to eat: Small serving of easily digestible carbs:
- Half a banana
- Applesauce
- A few saltine crackers
- Raisins
What to avoid: Large serving of protein and carbs or high-saturated fat and high-fiber foods:
- Pasta
- Bagel and cream cheese
- Fried foods
- Granola or energy bar (high in calories and fiber)
Hydrating is also essential, so drink about 15 to 20 ounces of water one to two hours before working out. Sip another eight ounces 15 minutes before.
The Best Gifts For 8-Year-Olds
From cool science kits and remote-controlled planes to an updated version of the classic game of Simon, the 8-year-old on your list is ready for some fun. We've rounded up our favorite finds for the 8-year-olds in your life, whether they teeter on the edge of little-kid play or are already into big-kid games. Check it out!
Here's What Happened When I Let a Stranger Shave My Entire Face
Skincare is my thing. Every day I think carefully about what I put on my skin, what I should put on my skin, and why I haven't put that "thing" on my skin yet. Masks, serums, creams, exfoliants, moisturisers and facials are factored into my finances before adult things like health insurance and fixing my car. So you can see I really, really care about my skin.
Recently, I was invited to visit a skin clinic and gently pushed into shaving my face. How did I let this happen? That's not important. What is important is that I can't say no, especially to a lady with kind eyes and amazing skin holding a teeny blade up to my kisser.
The act of shaving one's face is called dermaplaning - a supercharged form of exfoliation that uses a scalpel blade to shave the dead skin and peach fuzz from your face - and it has become a bit of a trend in beauty circles.
Could I be guaranteed an amazing complexion post-shave? I am my father's daughter, and I see what happens to his face when he shaves daily - a 5 o'clock shadow at 10:30 a.m. isn't something I want for me.
Obviously, I wasn't too clued up on the process. I was sure my collection of beauty lotions and potions was all my face needed, but a razor? No way. However, once the blade-wielding therapist started talking me through the process, I felt more at ease. Everything she was saying didn't sound like I'd be sporting stubble for the rest of my days. "Sure! Go ahead, shave my face, why not?" I said, completely faking confidence.
Keep reading for the results...
9 Relaxing and Reviving Products From Philosophy That Your Skin Will Love This Fall
If you feel like you're in some serious need of a little R&R, don't feel like you need to rush to the nearest spa. Instead, you can pamper yourself at home. So whether you've been feeling stressed about something at work or the weather changes are taking a toll on your skin, spend a little time forgetting about everything and relaxing. Drawing yourself a warm bubble bath or treating your skin to a hydrating mask are two small things that can turn your day around. To get you started, we shopped for soothing and Fall-inspired products from Philosophy. This popular brand has a cult following who loves its strong and seasonal aromas. Check out our favorites.
19 Iconic Tom Petty Songs to Listen to Right Now
When reports that Tom Petty had died this week began circulating on Monday, the first thing we wanted to do was hear his music. The 66-year-old singer-songwriter was a legend, and whether he was solo or with his band, The Heartbreakers, his songs made us feel free, sing along, and rock out. With hits like "Free Fallin'" and "American Girl," here's a playlist of the most iconic Petty songs.
Why Season 7 of The Walking Dead Was Just Not That Great
When we were officially done with the seventh season of The Walking Dead, I was pretty disappointed. Don't get me wrong - plenty of things happen in season seven. The episodes kick off by revealing Negan's two unlucky victims, and we just watch the death toll climb from there. We literally meet a tiger! And yet, for all the progress we've made since Negan's fateful introduction, I can't help but feel like we didn't go anywhere at all.
I'm just going to say it: The Walking Dead spends a lot of season seven wasting our time. Call it filler, call it lollygagging, call it whatever. The point is, season seven drags on. In the first half of the season, we become acquainted with the various new communities: we make our way through the Sanctuary, the Kingdom, and Oceanside. We endure inexplicably long episodes where Negan shows Carl around the Sanctuary or where he ambles around Alexandria. We watch a lot of people mourn for a long period of time. In the latter half of the season, Rick finally decides to fight back and begins assembling an army and plenty of weaponry. Finally, 16 episodes after Glenn and Abraham's deaths, the war begins.
There are a couple of things that made this season crawl at an excruciating pace. One is the show's baffling decision to feature just one story per episode. When it comes to such an exciting world, it's much more stimulating to jump around. Consider a masterful show like Game of Thrones: nearly every single episode hones in on anywhere from four to six different character arcs. This is dynamic, natural, and exciting. On The Walking Dead, we don't need to watch Rick and Michonne play house for one entire episode. We want to check in on as many people as possible.
And then there's something else to consider: is the show stalling so we don't catch up to the comic books quite as quickly? It seems to me that all of season seven could have easily been sliced in half. It makes much more sense, from a storytelling standpoint, for everyone to spend four episodes mourning and then four episodes preparing for war. By the midseason finale, all hell breaks loose. Imagine the payoff of watching the war play out over a dazzling set of eight episodes, taking over the second half of season seven. Instead, we spent 16 episodes sitting on our hands and waiting - waiting for Rick to get his sh*t together, waiting for Negan to smell something fishy, waiting for something to happen.
Sure, now it's war. In a few weeks, season eight will begin and the war will start in earnest. Even so, I still can't help but feel like season seven was a whole lot of nothing.
Surprise! The Bachelorette's Peter Is Joining The Bachelor Winter Games
Although The Bachelorette fan favorite Peter Kraus didn't become the next Bachelor, he's definitely sticking with the franchise. The show's creator, Mike Fleiss, announced via social media on Wednesday that Peter will be on The Bachelor Winter Games, the spinoff series set to air in February opposite NBC's Olympics coverage. Based on The Bachelor Winter Games details we know so far, contestants will compete in Winter-themed athletic challenges while also (naturally) looking for love. Kraus, who hasn't yet addressed the news, will be competing alongside fellow alums from the international Bachelor and Bachelorette series. In late September, Fleiss revealed that at least 12 nations will be represented among the contestants on the show. Who's ready?!
The Weightlifting Technique That Will Change Your Body
Ever plan to go to the gym and stop dead in your tracks because you just don't know what to do? Maybe your goals are too broad? Maybe you're expecting too much? How can you really lose weight, gain lean muscle, and build your dream body with just one simple workout plan that doesn't require you move into the gym for the next year? Clearly, you're expecting too much from your efforts, right? Wrong! There is a way to reshape your body by losing fat and gaining muscle without spending countless hours in the gym. What do you have to do? Lift heavy weights to create lean muscle and lift light weights to promote fat loss. The best part? You can be in and out of the gym in less than 30 minutes each day. Here's how!
The heavy and light strength-training plan combines a couple of the most fundamental principles of lifting weights. The intention is to do an exercise for four sets with a heavy weight and low reps (up to six) and then another exercise that targets the same muscle for four more sets with higher reps (up to 12), but with a lighter weight. According to personal trainer Brian Pankau, CPT, you need to take "two to three minutes of rest between heavy [sets], and 45 to 60 seconds between lighter sets."
How does this plan work? When you lift heavy weights your muscles fatigue and ultimately grow (you won't look like a bodybuilder - we promise). From there, you work the same muscles with lighter weights to totally exhaust them, which burns more calories, creates a leaner body composition, and increases endurance. Muscles grow, body fat decreases, and you're only doing two exercises per body part. According to Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS, with this plan, "you'll burn more calories, shed fat, add more strength, and feel more energetic in daily life."
As a result of this significant caloric depletion, certified personal trainer and owner of HitchFit.com Micah Lacerte cautions that, "Nutrition will play a big role in what sort of results someone will get performing this plan, but if they are on [the proper type of diet], then this style of training will be excellent for building lean muscle." You have to make the effort to eat six small meals each day that all include some form of protein - with specific care to ensure you're getting protein before and after you work out.
While this plan can definitely work, it may not be for everyone. Pankau believes that while "fat loss is going to occur, [it may] not be fast enough for somebody with too much excess fat, so this plan is great for light and medium builds, but not really meant for heavier-set people."
What does this mean for you? For tight and toned triceps, a good combo would be overhead triceps extensions with a heavy weight and triceps kickbacks with lighter weights. For leaner, more sculpted legs, do leg presses with a heavy weight, and lunges with light dumbbells at your sides, or no added weights at all! For stronger, tighter biceps, heavy hammer curls and light preacher curls. The key is to do two moves per body part, one heavy, one light as described above. This will exhaust your muscles, promoting growth while leaning out your body. If you're in average shape, you can look way above average in less time. If you're in good shape, you may want to move to a beachfront property soon. Enjoy!
17 Star Wars Costumes That Are So Easy, It's Ridiculous
Trying to keep costume costs low is never an easy feat, but if you dress up as Star Wars characters, it can be! Hopefully these DIY ideas will give you enough inspiration - if not, you can try going as a Star Wars couple or looking at several other DIY-friendly geeky ideas.
Epcot's Guardians of the Galaxy Ride Might Actually Be a Roller Coaster!
We already knew that Walt Disney World was getting its very own Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, but the new rumor has it that it's going to be an actual roller coaster. While over at Disneyland, Guardians of the Galaxy is taking over the old Tower of Terror ride, the new attraction in Florida is settling in at Epcot in the old Universe of Energy attraction, which just recently closed.
In a post on the Disney Dining blog, though, one happy Disney fan reported that she had received a press release stating that the Epcot attraction will be a coaster. "It is being reported that a new building will be built to house the roller coaster portion of the attraction and the current building where Ellen's Universe of Energy was will now be used as the area for the ride queue," the site reads.
We have no official confirmation from Disney World itself, but we do know the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction is slated to open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
No Doubt, Pier 1 Imports Has the Coolest Halloween Decor of 2017 - See Our 21 Favorites
Halloween-lovers, you're going to need to sit down for this one. Pier 1 Imports just released its collection for the holiday, and it's incredible. These decorations feed our October-obsessed souls without being tacky or obnoxious. They're cool Halloween items you're going to get tons of compliments on. We're talking light-up pillows, jewel-encrusted skulls, and glittery pumpkins. We're so impressed by these goodies that we just might have to start decorating now. Be smart and snatch up these pieces soon - they're going to disappear ridiculously fast. Remember, it's never too early to get excited for All Hallows' Eve.
The Best Halloween Porch Decor on Amazon Prime - Because Why Wait?
As soon as Christmas in July is over, it's time to start planning ahead for Halloween. And the most impactful place to decorate is the front of your home. There's no need to get in the car and drive to the store when you can shop Amazon Prime from the comfort of your couch. In two days you can be decking out your porch or sprucing up your lawn with spooky decor. Check out our favorite pieces ahead.
How to Moonlight as a Makeup Artist For Your Engagement Photos
The purpose of an engagement photo shoot is to announce to the world that you've found the love of your life (no big deal or anything!). This photo will likely be seen in your local paper, on every social media outlet you (and your mother) utilize, and on your "Save the Date" cards or invitations. It's important to remember all this as you choose your makeup look.
According to wedding photographer Jane Shauck of IRIS Photography, "The engagement makeup should complement the feel of the shoot. For most sessions, this means a pretty natural look. I love makeup that evens out skin tone and draws attention to lips and eyes without being distracting."
I'm a professional makeup artist, so women often hire me for their wedding days. However, many opt to save money by doing their own makeup for prenuptial events and photos. That's totally fine, but I urge them to follow certain steps to create their best look.
Ahead, find six makeup artist-approved tips that will help you create that beautiful, photo-perfect look for your engagement pictures.
You're Going to Love This Tiny Babe's Fierce Wonder Woman Photo Shoot
Mary Grace Pingoy has been a Wonder Woman fan since she was a little kid; now a mother of four, Pingoy paid homage to her favorite superhero by dressing up her youngest child as the fierce heroine. In the tiniest, most adorable Wonder Woman costume (created by Johanna Medrano), a nearly 1-year-old Liliana completely rocked a full photo shoot staged by her photographer mom, who can't stop laughing at the results, as her snaps are juxtaposed with real scenes from the recent film starring Gal Gadot.
"What inspired me to do the shoot is that I absolutely love Wonder Woman and the most recent movie, and I even dressed up as her when I was a little girl," Pingoy told POPSUGAR. "Now that I have my own baby girl I thought it would be fun and cute to re-create some of the scenes with her. The results made me laugh so much and I wanted to share that joy with the world."
Although the photos made Pingoy laugh, the mom notes the significance behind the shoot stems from the fact that Liliana has three older brothers: "Though I do feel it's important for her to know her brothers cherish her and will always protect her, I also want her to find her inner strength and know she can face anything on her own should she need to."
Should You Get an Epidural? Moms Share Their Experiences
With less than two months to go before my due date, I've read a lot about my pain-management options, including the epidural. Before diving into the information out there, my general opinion went something like this: I wouldn't have a major surgery without anesthesia, so why would I shun this modern medical marvel for labor? Still, I wanted to make sure I understood the pros and cons of getting an epidural. So I did some research and spoke to real moms about their experiences, recounted below.
First, I needed to know how it works. An epidural is local pain relief that is administered by an anesthesiologist during the first stage of labor (while your cervix is dilating). The doctor puts a needle in your back in the space surrounding your spine and then inserts a catheter (a thin tube) to deliver the drugs. Once it kicks in, the lower half of your body will be numb to pain. Women in labor can typically self-administer the drug (up to a max) during labor, depending on how much they want.
The list of cons looks longer than the pros, but the major benefit of an epidural - very effective pain relief - should not be discounted.
To understand the benefits and potential downsides, I turned to Emily Oster's book Expecting Better, which I've found to be a rational resource that cuts through all the pregnancy noise. As a professor (in economics), Oster takes an academic research approach to pregnancy questions and evaluates various studies on different topics, including pain drugs. Based on what I read in her book, as well as my the information I got in my pre-child-birthing class and from my doctor, here's how I would sum up the pros and cons of an epidural:
Pros:
- Very effective pain relief.
- It does not impact a baby's APGAR score, fetal distress, the chances that a baby will spend time in the NICU, or the ability to breastfeed.
- No increase in overall C-section rates, according to most studies.
Cons:
- Can lengthen labor, especially the "pushing" phase.
- Greater use of pitocin in labor to speed up stalled contractions.
- More likely to use instruments like forceps or vacuums to assist with labor.
- Greater chance of "tearing" or needing an episiotomy.
- Could cause mother's blood pressure to drop suddenly, which may require medication or oxygen.
- Can't be mobile during labor, and it's more difficult to walk after labor.
- Increases chance of needing a catheter to pee.
- Increases odds that the mother has a fever during labor. Because doctors can't tell if the fever is due to an infection, they will likely treat the baby with antibiotics, which may not be necessary.
- Small chance of painful headache that lasts a few days, and an extremely small risk of a dangerous infection or bleeding near the spinal canal.
The list of cons looks longer than the pros, but the major benefit of an epidural - very effective pain relief - should not be discounted. And it doesn't appear that the drugs come with any major side effects for the baby. Sill, I wasn't content with a simple list of scientific pros and cons. I decided to talk to more women who chose to have epidurals (and two who didn't), turning to my fellow POPSUGAR editors for their advice. One theme emerged: no matter what I decide, I shouldn't put too much pressure on myself to have the "perfect" birth. Here's what they told me about their experiences:
Mom 1: Pain Relief Helped Her Feel Present During Birth
"I always assumed I would go the epidural route, but when I discovered that my red blood cell count was abnormally low, my gyno told me that I might be too high risk for one if my cell count kept dropping. I began reading more about natural labor and exploring alternative methods for staying relaxed and focused during labor, which are helpful even when you have an epidural.
"I rested while my labor progressed and just tried to soak everything in. Five hours later, I was pushing and meeting my son. It was a beautiful and peaceful experience."
When the blood results showed that I could have an epidural safely, I remember feeling a huge sense of relief. It was taking everything I had in me to focus on getting through each contraction, but the epidural changed all of that instantly. My body immediately relaxed and my mind followed suit. The lights were dimmed, battery-operated candles were on, my playlist was going, and my aromatherapy diffuser was filling the room with the scent of lavender essential oil. I had my mom and sister telling stories and chatting on the sofa with coffee in their hands and my husband by my side. I had heard that epidurals can sometimes slow down labor but that didn't happen for me. I rested while my labor progressed and just tried to soak everything in. Five hours later, I was pushing and meeting my son. It was a beautiful and peaceful experience.
I have zero regrets about having an epidural and would definitely do it again. I still felt incredibly connected - both physically and mentally - throughout labor was so grateful to have the opportunity to rest and be present without going through hours of pain and physical exhaustion. In my experience, having an epidural didn't take anything away from the experience that I wanted to miss, but it gave me so much."
Mom 2: Still Felt the Effects of the Epidural 12 Hours Later
"I always felt open minded that I would most likely get the epidural. I wanted to ride it out and see how long I could go without it, but I always mentally gave myself an out. Once I got it, the pain vanished. I was comfortable, relaxed, and able to joke around with my husband and the medical team through contractions. The cons were that you aren't allowed to stand up. Since walking around was what kept labor moving for me, things really slowed down once I got the epidural. Also, because you can't feel anything, I didn't know that I had to go to the bathroom. I had to have a catheter more than 12 hours after giving birth, simply because I still couldn't feel my bladder.
"I had to have a catheter more than 12 hours after giving birth, simply because I still couldn't feel my bladder."
The best advice that I got was from my own doctor. I asked if I should have a birth plan including epidural timing and she said, 'The only birth plan you should have is to have a safe delivery and a healthy baby at the end. If you try to plan more than that, you're going to be disappointed.' Giving myself this freedom and flexibility really took a lot of stress out of labor and delivery. With no plan aside from a safe and healthy outcome, I could talk to the doctors, my partner, and make decisions as needed without anything holding me back."
Mom 3: Epidural Made Emergency C-Section Easier
"I was always planning on getting an epidural. I figured there was no reason to suffer if I didn't have to! With my first, labor was so much more intense than I could have ever anticipated and I would have gotten an epidural much sooner if they would have let me. Once I finally did get it, the relief was immediate. It was truly amazing and allowed me to rest and relax after nearly 20 hours of contractions.
Luckily I had one because I ended up with an emergency C-section, so they were able to quickly perform the surgery without putting me under general anesthesia.
In terms of people deciding whether to get one, I think it's totally personal. Maybe you don't plan on it, but then you are in the middle of crazy contractions and you feel like you need it; there's no reason not to be flexible. Maybe you know you want one and you are shocked when you're already nine centimeters and decide to go ahead without it. There's no reason to be rigid with the decision - or any part of your birth plan, for that matter, since you can't predict how things will go or how you'll feel at the time."
Mom 4: Decided Against Epidural and Says Natural Birth Was Hardest Thing She's Ever Done
"While I knew that there were many circumstances outside of my control, I did everything I could to push the circumstances in the direction of a vaginal, unmedicated birth. I did prenatal yoga, hired a doula, wrote a birth plan to inform hospital staff of my wishes to have as few interventions as possible, and declined an epidural. My avoidance of epidurals was largely because research shows that they tend to slow down labor and lead to other interventions.
Despite my intense birth preparation, I tried to keep my expectations in check. If an emergency cesarean proved necessary or an epidural became the right decision for me, I didn't want to come home from the hospital feeling depressed or defeated. A healthy baby and mother were the ultimate goal, so when the time came, I kept my focus on just getting through each individual contraction and seeing how far I could go unmedicated. The longer I labored - 26 hours of relentless contractions in total - the better I got at mentally managing the pain and the less necessary an epidural seemed until at long last I was pushing and delivering my son.
"The benefits to being epidural free were being able to move around while laboring."
The benefits to being epidural free were being able to move around while laboring. I alternated walking the halls of the hospital with soaking in a hot tub. I was able to push from more natural-feeling positions than on my back. Immediately after delivering the placenta, I got out of bed to use the restroom and I was walking to the recovery room a couple hours after that. The downside is that while laboring for more than a day, I did not get a single break. Not a second to close to my eyes, not a moment for my body to let go. Laboring unmedicated took every ounce of physical and mental fortitude I had. When my son was finally born, I was more excited to finally go to sleep than to hold him. It was the deepest level of exhaustion I've ever felt. I got the birth I wanted on paper, but, honestly, it isn't a beautiful or peaceful memory. It was the hardest, most intense thing I've ever done.
It has taken me two years to process my son's birth, and I'm now expecting my second child and ready to try unmedicated birth again. Learning from my first experience, however, I'm making a concerted effort to keep the mood throughout labor as light and joyful. I'm working with a different doula, who is known for helping moms laugh through contractions as finding that relaxing release in between them. She has told me that second births are known as the 'healing birth,' and I'm hoping that is true.
While I know part of my son's natural birth was luck (there was no medical emergency requiring intervention), there is a certain pride in knowing that I was able to stick with such a long birth unmedicated to the end. But whether or not that outweighs the experience of having a calm and painless birth is personal preference. I would advise expecting moms to educate yourselves on labor, look at all the data, weigh what about the birth experience is most important to you, and then act from there. There's no right or wrong decision when it comes to getting an epidural. The important thing is to do what's best for you, not your doctor or your mom or your spouse. You are your own best advocate, but you have to exercise that power. Figure out what you want and make sure everyone around you is on board."
Mom 5: Had One Birth With Epidural and One Without
"I have given birth twice and had one delivery with an epidural and one without. I wanted to make it through the first without one, but I had back labor (where I only felt the contraction in my spine) and then just about every intervention one can have aside from a C-section. I went into the second delivery more confident that I could go without because I could actually feel the contractions in my uterus, meaning I could tell the contractions were working. During my first labor, I never felt that.
"With the epidural, since your legs are numb, you aren't supposed to stand or squat, or even walk around, so you feel a little trapped in the bed."
When I got the epidural during my first delivery, I had had my water broken and was really suffering. My contractions were beyond painful, but not helping me dilate. My labor essentially stalled. My husband and doula encouraged me to get the epidural, which worked. I slept and, after two or three hours, was ready to push.
The cons with epidural, which I feel no one really talks about, is that you have to get a catheter. Which meant I felt I was leaking urine for days after the first delivery. With the second birth, this was not an issue at all. Do what you need to do and don't judge yourself for getting an epidural, but I do think it is worth it to try to labor without one. The recovery is quicker and you have many more options for pushing. With the epidural, since your legs are numb, you aren't supposed to stand or squat, or even walk around, so you feel a little trapped in the bed.
The recovery and delivery was much quicker without the epidural, but it was also my second delivery and those seem to go more quickly and the recovery easier. With the epidural, the nurses would tell me when to push based on the monitor. Without the epidural, I was shocked that I had to actually coordinate pushing with intense contractions - I remember asking, 'Wait, what?' to much unintentional comic effect. The other cool thing is I could feel the baby working with me in labor. She broke my water and I could feel it, which was amazing."
Mom 6: Waited Until 7 Centimeters and Had a Fast Recovery
"I went in with this idea: if the birth is moving along quickly, try to go without the epidural. If it takes a long time, try to hold out as long as possible. I didn't get the epidural until I was about seven centimeters.
People told me that you recover faster and birth can happen faster without the epidural, and those were really the only reasons I thought to try it out without it. I didn't feel like there was a ton of info out there on how epidurals affect babies - and if there was, it didn't seem strong enough of an argument - so I didn't think about that too much.
Even with the epidural, I recovered pretty quickly, and my delivery wasn't unusually long. Once I had the epidural, I didn't feel a thing until the pressure of the baby coming out later, so it feels like a bit of a breeze after that. For my next child, I would like to try it sans epidural just to see for myself."
Mom 7: Epidural Helped Her Cope With Complications
"Based on friends' experiences, I understood that you can't plan for everything and that unexpected situations come up all the time. My basic plan was to go without an epidural, see how things went, and ask for one if it felt necessary. Honestly, there's enough pressure going into labor as is, and I wanted to allow myself the freedom to make whatever decision felt right in the moment.
I made it to eight centimeters without an epidural, but things started to slow down and I'd been awake for more than 24 hours, so I decided to get an epidural to rest up for the final push. That turned out to be a very, very good choice, because several complications arose and a quick episiotomy and forceps were needed to deliver my son.
Don't be too hard on yourself about going one way or the other. Staying open helped me make a decision that felt right based on the birthing circumstances, which you really can't predict until you're in the moment."
Overall, these women were happy with their choices, making me feel empowered to take a similar approach when it's my turn to deliver: I'll go in with an open yet informed mind and make a decision when I actually have a sense of what it feels like to go into labor.
This Dewy, Natural Makeup Routine Takes Less Than 5 Minutes
Fall may be upon us, but that doesn't mean a fresh-faced Summer glow is leaving our beauty routines any time soon. A sun-kissed, dewy look is easy to breeze through, making it the ideal morning makeup look as our schedules begin to fill back up. Even the most simple smoky eyes can take several steps and products to pull off, but we created this glowy look using just three products and zero beauty tools. (Yes, really!)
So no matter if you're a makeup newbie or the type of girl who's always in transit: if you have five minutes to spare, this look is for you. Even better, it's 100 percent mistake-proof, so you'll never have to break a sweat worrying about technique, anticipating potential smudge disasters, or fixating on a missed spot. See how we break down this flawless routine in the simple steps ahead.
I'm Proof That Morning Workouts Can Change Your Life
I wasn't always a morning person.
I vividly remember my elementary-school struggle to get out of bed at the ungodly hour of 7:30 a.m. In middle school, I discovered the joys of staying up past midnight and sleeping well into the morning on weekends, Summer weather be damned.
In high school, I joined the crew team, and it quickly became my life. Though most of our practices took place in the afternoon, we occasionally practiced at 6 a.m., and I took to those morning workouts with a near-fanatical devotion. Watching the sun rising majestically over the Philadelphia skyline from the Schuylkill River, I first experienced the inward thrill of feeling like the world belonged to me while everyone else was still asleep.
In college, practice took place exclusively at 6 a.m., six days a week, often followed by an hour in the weight room. The majesty of morning quickly wore off with the grueling schedule and over time became routine. Even on days off, no matter how hard I'd tried to exhaust myself the night before, I'd wake naturally by 7 a.m., staring irritably at the ceiling.
After graduation, I reverted back to afternoon workouts, simply because I could. There were no more races to win, no more depth charts to climb, no more school colors to wave. I sweated through evening yoga classes and went for runs on weekend mornings, long after the sun had risen. And then one day, my roommate joined a gym and started taking an early morning strength and conditioning class. She invited me to try it with her. I resisted and then relented.
I never looked back.
I immediately got hooked on the most obvious advantage of early morning workouts: getting it over with. I loved not having to plan out everything I ate during the day to ensure that I would be neither too full nor too lightheaded to work out in the evening. I loved having my evenings free to spend with friends. I never felt exhausted after a workout; on the contrary, I was more awake upon arriving to work than I'd ever been. Before long, if I didn't work out in the morning, I wouldn't do it at all.
When I became a Spin instructor several years later, it felt only natural to volunteer to teach the early morning classes. There is a dedicated crowd who attends regularly, and their energy and drive are what gets me out of bed in the morning. Still, nothing makes me happier than seeing a member who regularly attends evening and weekend classes deciding to give the 6 a.m. a try. Satisfaction at getting a workout out of the way is a common refrain, but over time, I hope that they start to see that it's more than that.
I hope they feel a secret triumph when they see the sun rising after their workout and know that they were up first. I hope they find that they really can take time for themselves without compromising on all that they give to other people all day long. I hope they fall in love with the feeling of walking into the studio barely awake and leaving ready to take on the world.
Of course, all of this is only possible if one can overcome the most obvious hurdle: getting out of bed. For that, I offer my two favorite pieces of advice:
1. Lay out EVERYTHING the night before.
The last thing you need when staggering half-asleep out of the house before sunrise is to feel like you forgot something, especially something like proper clothing or a water bottle that's going to make a huge difference in your comfort level in class or at the gym. Don't make it harder for yourself. Before you go to bed, when your brain is functioning fully, lay out everything you're going to need in a spot where it'll be easy to grab: clothes (right down to the socks), footwear, a water bottle, a towel, and anything else that you need to be comfortable and get the most out of your workout. This could include anything from a Fitbit to an energy bar to something you might need if you're planning to go straight to work from the gym or studio.
2. Stand up.
When your alarm goes off, hit stop (not snooze!) and stand up. Once you're up, you're likely to move, and if you move, you'll make it out the door and to your workout. I always tell my classes that if you just get yourself to the studio at that hour, you're going to workout - that's the easy part. But none of it is possible without standing up, so just start there and let that be your focus. The rest will come naturally.
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.
Prepare Yourself For an American Horror Story Binge, Because Netflix Just Added Roanoke!
While you might already be obsessing over American Horror Story: Cult, there's a lingering question about season six that still has yet to be answered: when is American Horror Story: Roanoke coming to Netflix? Well, we have some good news, and some potentially bad news.
Season six might not have been the best season from the horror anthology, but for anyone who doesn't have a cable subscription, it's probably felt like it's been quite some time since fresh AHS episodes have arrived on the streaming network. For a while Netflix only had the first five seasons of the show - Murder House, Asylum, Coven, Freak Show, and Hotel - with no Roanoke in sight. While previous seasons have typically been added a few months after they air on FX, it looked like season six was long forgotten . . . until now! As of early October, AHS season six has officially started streaming on Netflix.
Over the past few years, it's seemed like the streaming giant has had a rolling yearly contract with FX. Now that Fox has cut ties with Netflix and started pulling all of its programming, it would make sense that FX's shows wouldn't be far behind. This theory gained even more traction when the following tweet from the popular (but deeply unofficial) AHS news source @ahsleak warned that seasons of the show were supposed to gradually leave Netflix between Oct. 3 and Dec. 6.
American Horror Story is leaving Netflix (Only in the USA for now).
Here's the current expected removal schedule for AHS: http://pic.twitter.com/4E6UDgJ3Al- AHS LEAKS (@ahsleak) September 5, 2017
Fortunately it looks like all of AHS's earlier seasons are still on Netflix, and don't show signs of going anywhere. Fingers crossed it stays that way, because we have a strong feeling we'll need to watch season seven again and again to fully process all of the wild storylines that are currently going down.
Westworld Season 2: Violence, Chaos, and 3 New Theme Parks
Season one of Westworld ended with a bang (well, a ton of bangs), and season two is on the way. But how do you continue a show that ends its first season with such upheaval? A few major twists were revealed in the supersized finale, opening the door for lots of possibilities for season two - though unfortunately not for Ford, RIP. Here's what we know about season two so far; stay tuned for more!
The Episode Count
"I know we're doing a second season," Ed Harris told Entertainment Weekly. "[Showrunners Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy say] we're doing 10 episodes. Probably won't start shooting until June or July. They sound pretty excited about what it's about. But I have no idea what it will encompass."
Brace Yourself for Bloodshed
When asked to speculate about what could happen, Harris added that, "I don't know, but it sure seems like there's going to be an awful lot of violence. I think all hell's going to break loose. I don't know if I join forces with the hosts, or what. But I'm happy for Jonah and Lisa. This has been something they've been working on for a long time. They have very specific plans for season two. I think they're gonna spend more time in Utah next season - they were there for two weeks last season, next season will be a month."
In a red carpet interview with TVLine at the 2017 Emmy Awards, Joy and Nolan also confirmed the new season will be more violent than ever. "In season one everything was calm. You kind of understood that the thing that was awakening within the robots could lead to some sort of outbreak," Joy said. "Now, the outbreak has happened and we find the park in a very different place. So, the entire setup is kind of a bit different." Nolan further explained that the fourth episode, which Joy directs, kicks things up a notch. "You've made it far more violent and disturbing than we ever intended," he joked. "It was quite a placid episode, and Lisa has kind of turned it into a bloodbath."
Young William May Not Return
Jimmi Simpson, who plays William (revealed to be the young version of The Man in Black), told The Hollywood Reporter in December that he hasn't signed on for second season yet, but he did say it's a "possibility" that it could change. "There are certainly stories they could tell," said Simpson. "Based on these writers' skills, if it was their intention for young William to return, I know that he would be there for solid and interesting reasons. But I think this story is told, the story of William and Dolores' love affair. I think that story, tragically, has been told."
The Arrival of More Theme Parks
On the second day of the Vanity Fair's New Establishment Summit in LA, Nolan and Joy were asked about what other parks from Michael Crichton's original 1973 film would make an appearance in new episodes, if any. Nolan went on to explain that the reason they left out Roman World and Medieval World in season one was because "we had to save something for season two."
That certainly makes it seem like robots dressed in togas and renaissance cloaks will pop up at some point soon, right? What it also does is fuel suspicion that the Samurai seen at the end of season one might have been a red herring about a potential Samurai World. In the meantime, we'll just pray for all three!
New Characters Are Joining the Fold
Gustaf Skarsgård (yes, Alexander and Bill's brother), Get Out's Betty Gabriel, Make It or Break It's Neil Jackson, and Rogue One's Fares Fares are all joining the show. Jonathan Tucker is coming on board as well as "Major Craddock, a commanding military officer," who certainly sounds like a robot in the western theme park. HBO has yet to confirm which of season one's main players are returning, but the season two trailer gives us a glimpse of Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Ed Harris, and Jeffrey Wright.
Season 2 Will Be "Defined by Chaos"
If you tuned in for the featurette after the finale, you heard Jonathan Nolan and producer J.J. Abrams talk about the episode, but they also hinted at what's to come.
"If the first season was defined by control, the second season is defined by chaos," said Nolan. "That's part of what we come to understand Ford has been planning all along . . . Ford has set in motion what he thinks is a plan. The nature of that plan is something we explore in the second season. What his intentions are: are they to let Dolores or the other Hosts escape? Are they simply to teach the human guests a lesson?"
Abrams also posed an question that will be vital to the second season: "What happens at the dawn of consciousness? What happens when you begin to actually wake up?"
The Trailer
The Premiere Date
Because it takes so much time and money to produce a season of the show, Westworld won't return until early 2018. That's OK, we'll wait.
These Flamin' Hot Cheetos Limón Macarons Will Have You Screaming "Get in My Belly"
What do you get when you mix a classic macaron recipe with Flamin' Hot Cheetos Limón? A sweet, sour, and spicy concoction you didn't know you needed, that's what. Danmi Desserts in Orange County, CA, brought to life this insane yet genius idea, and the treats look heavenly, featuring a few crunchy pieces of the snack mixed with the filling, a tie-dye-like swirl on the cookies, and colorful sprinkles on top. You can order a whole batch of the handmade macarons by direct messaging the bakery via Instagram or sending an email and have them delivered right to your home. If we haven't convinced you to try them out, just wait until you see the pictures.
18 Frightfully Beautiful Corpse Bride Makeup Looks
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride is arguably one of the most eerie cartoons every created, and has inspired some seriously gorgeous, ghoulish costumes since its 2005 debut. Emily, the sweet bride herself, is noted for her greenish-gray skin, big doe-eyes and lashes, skeleton figure, and beautiful wedding dress complete with flowing veil. These makeup artists have done a killer job re-interpreting the look on their own form, and may very well inspire your own Halloween costume this year!
19 Healthy Desserts to Satisfy Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cravings
Bite-size candies are both a blessing and a curse. They're so cute and tiny, so it seems like they can't possibly do any damage. But next thing you know, you're 17 Reese's deep, covered in golden-foil wrappers. If you have a problem controlling your candy consumption as Halloween approaches, you're not alone, and these desserts are here to curb your cravings in a healthy way. Here are 19 lightened-up dessert recipes that star everyone's favorite sweet-and-salty combo: chocolate and peanut butter.
Add These to Your Smoothie to Drop Major Pounds
To kick-start your metabolism, eating breakfast is key. It not only fills you up to help prevent mindless snacking on unhealthy noshables, but it also energizes you for calorie-burning workouts. Smoothies are one of the best breakfasts you can have, because you can throw just about anything healthy into your blender, and all you'll taste is the fruit. To maximize your weight-loss potential, add these ingredients to your smoothies.
These 33 Meal-Prep Ideas are Healthy, Simple, and Delicious
To prevent consuming every food in sight, a little preparation goes a long way. From breakfasts to snacks to lunch and dinner, if you're new to meal prepping or you're getting bored with the same old combinations, find inspiration in these simple and delicious meal-prep ideas.
Exercise and Alcohol May Be More Connected Than You Think, Study Says
There's nothing like a cold beer or a nice rosé after a long run. Two 2015 studies, however, show a close relationship between alcohol intake and physical activity, suggesting that exercise may even directly influence the amount people drink and when.
One of the studies includes research conducted by Pennsylvania State University, which looked at the lifestyles of 150 adult men and women from ages 18 to 75. Participants were asked to complete detailed questionnaires and to document their daily drinking and exercise activity using a provided smartphone app for three weeks. Volunteers continued to record their activity three additional periods throughout the year.
Results found that on the days people exercised more than usual, they also tended to drink more. Age, gender, and season didn't influence these findings. This connection, however, did not mean that exercise causes heavy drinking; more often than not, participants primarily stuck to moderate intake.
Test subjects in the second study included lab rats that showed both exercise and alcohol increased reward-processing activity in the brain. Although individually, exercise and alcohol did not have the same effects on the rodents, the high proved to be stronger when done together. Therefore, a possible explanation to how the two are interconnected could be that we want to strengthen and prolong our post-workout highs with a drink afterward. Alternative answers could include that people are more motivated to exercise after drinking because of calorie guilt and that those who work out together are more likely to socialize outside the gym or off field.
Although results from both these studies aren't a cause for worry, they might make you more aware of that extra glass you're more likely to pour the night of your workout. So keep calm and drink on (in moderation).
Does Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Help You Lose Weight? A Dietitian's Response
You've been taking shots of apple cider vinegar (ACV), adding it to your morning glass of water, or making ACV smoothies because you heard it helps with weight loss. But does it really have that much of an impact on the scale?
POPSUGAR asked certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition, who said this is a pretty controversial topic. Leslie said that there isn't any harm in taking it regularly but that she wouldn't recommend it for a weight-loss supplement. She told POPSUGAR, "There is some evidence it can help with blood sugar levels and possibly weight loss, but we are very cautious about recommending things without a ton of evidence."
Some small studies on animals, mostly mice, show that it may promote feeling satiated so you end up eating less all day. Other studies say it may suppress the accumulation of body fat and reduce body weight, but again, that was tested on mice, not people. Taking ACV may also block starch absorption, which prevents blood sugar spikes, which in turn suppresses appetite.
These studies sound promising, but as mentioned above, there haven't been extensive studies proving that taking ACV daily will greatly impact your metabolism or help with weight loss.
This is great news if you hate drinking apple cider vinegar but have been forcing yourself to endure the sour flavor purely for weight-loss purposes. Leslie says it can't hurt to add vinegar to salads for taste or to add it to your morning lemon water, but don't jump to taking it as a weight-loss aid since more research needs to be conducted to prove it's worth it.
Translation: ACV is no magic weight-loss elixir! She suggests to "fix your underlying diet and exercise problems that are not allowing you to lose weight."
All-Time-Best Inner-Thigh Exercises
A toned inner thigh is a healthy inner thigh - attractive and strong. Show yours some love with these 18 inner-thigh exercises to get shapely legs.
10 Drag Queen Makeup Looks You Better Work This Halloween
Every damn day, drag queens serve us with undeniably fabulous makeup looks that leave us screaming "YES!" at our Instagram feed. So it makes sense that drag Halloween makeup would truly be a thing of (fierce) beauty.
From American Horror Story to Vincent van Gogh, literally any costume can be tszujed up with a little extra makeup. Even your lazy cat costume can be elevated by some strategically sweeping lipstick.
So if you're in the market to give good face this Halloween, let these 10 extra looks be your inspiration on Oct. 31. And if you don't have a Drag Race-esque glam squad, don't fret. We went ahead and pulled the key product for every costume, so all you have to do is worry about mastering how to vogue on the Halloween party dance floor.
This Shimmery, Iridescent Skull Vodka Bottle Matches Your Soul
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Iizuka
You might have seen the a skull-shaped bottle at your local liquor store or prominently placed at bars and wondered what it could be. It's Crystal Head Vodka! Before going into its iridescent-colored bottle above, let's dive into a little history. Dan Aykroyd and his artist friend John Alexander conceived the idea. They were looking for additive-free vodkas on the market and, like many entrepreneurs, when they couldn't find what they wanted, they decided to make it themselves. They created an additive-free, quadruple-distilled vodka that is filtered thorough Herkimer diamond crystal. But what also really sets it apart? Its design.
Image Source: Crystal Head Vodka
The pair decided to model the bottles after crystal skulls made out of quartz that were claimed to be pre-Columbian Mesoamerican artifacts (but were later debunked as inauthentic). Interestingly enough, while they were developing the product in 2008, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was gearing up for its release. Sensing a conflict, Aykroyd set up a meeting to discuss the issue with the film's director, Steven Spielberg. They reached an agreement, and Crystal Head Vodka was served at the premiere of the movie.
Flash forward a few years and they have now launched Aurora ($60), a stunning, iridescent new take on the classic design. The bottle is manufactured by Milan-based Bruni Glass, and each bottle is placed in a sealed chamber and electronically charged. Then two metal powders are released into the chamber and are drawn to the bottle to create the iridescent, glossy rainbow finish. Because of this, each Aurora bottle is completely unique.
As much as I do love a good drink, these bottles are absolutely stunning. I can think of a whole slew of uses for them once the vodka's gone. Personally, I'll be using this as a floral centerpiece on my dining room table. But it'd make a great conversation starter on any bookshelf, or I could even see filling it with string lights to make an awesome nightlight.
The 3 Paint Colors Joanna Gaines Is Obsessed With Right Now
If you're looking for a quick and affordable way to give your home Fixer Upper-worthy style - and who isn't? - then the first person you should consult is Joanna Gaines. The designer behind dozens of breathtaking HGTV home makeovers is no stranger to the transformative (and wallet-friendly) power of paint. In fact, she loves paint so much, she created the gorgeous Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint collection. So what hues is Joanna personally loving right now? We recently had a chance to chat with Jo, and she revealed to POPSUGAR the three paint colors she can't get enough of.
The Bedroom
"Bedrooms are a great place to take a risk and use a little more color. I would love to see a client use Weekend in their bedroom. Like weekends, this color puts me at ease. It is the calming blue of retreat and relaxation."
The Bathroom
"In a bathroom, I like the idea of using something fresh and clean, like maybe one of my favorite grays, Wedding Band."
The Kitchen and Living Room
"For high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms, I would keep things simple and use a creamy, neutral white like Shiplap with True White trim color. They create a bright, clean space and offer a versatile backdrop for decor."
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by KILZ for the purpose of writing this story.
Top Interior Designers Reveal Their Go-To White Paint
You can't click through Pinterest or Instagram lately without seeing white walls - clean, all-white kitchens, crisp white bedrooms, and bright living rooms as far as the eye can see. Classic yet fresh, white is the new gray when it comes to interior design. But there is an abundance of white paint colors on the market, and choosing the correct one for your particular room can be surprisingly tricky. The wrong hue can make your space look sad and drab. To help you pick the right white, we asked some of our favorite designers to share their go-to paint colors.
35 Halloween Decorations You Can DIY
If you love Halloween, you know that half the fun of the holiday is all the decorating leading up to it. While our favorite retail stores sell awesome seasonal items, this is the time of year to DIY it up. Regardless of whether you have any crafting experience or not, we've gathered totally doable projects that won't take all month to make. Not only are they pretty simple to create, but they also don't require an excessive supply list, either. Get in the Halloween spirit with these 35 DIY decor ideas ahead!
Every Time You Pee, Do These 3 Things to Help You Lose Weight
Quick fixes usually don't cut it when it comes to losing weight and getting toned, but this one-minute trick actually works! Take into consideration this little fact: the average woman pees six to eight times in a 24-hour period, so that's about five to seven times while you're awake. And if you have issues with your bladder (thank you, pregnancy!) or you drink a ton of water each day, your ladies' room visits are more like 10 times a day.
So this means you have six to 10 opportunities to fit in a little fitness. Every time you hit the bathroom, whether it's to pee or touch up your lipstick, do the workout below that should take about one minute.
The Workout: Complete once
10 push-ups (lower the knees if you need to)
10 squats
10 alternating forward lunges (five per side)
If you're using a public bathroom, do not get on the floor to do your push-ups! Just lean your hands on the counter, then after your lunges, you can wash your hands. Maybe you can even get some of your co-workers to do it with you! If the bathroom you're using is so public that you feel weird doing this mini workout in front of anyone, find a spot somewhere else where you can pump out this one-minute bodyweight workout without feeling self-conscious. But do it immediately after leaving the bathroom. If you wait, you're more likely to forget.
So let's say you use the bathroom six times in a day. That adds up to 60 push-ups, 60 squats, and 60 alternating lunges. That's a pretty decent workout for not hitting the gym, because remember - every minute of exercise counts!
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