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
Here's Why You Should Always Shop at Trader Joe's on Tuesday and Wednesday
There are plenty of Trader Joe's fun facts that would make any customer an even bigger fan of the store, and so will these secrets about what it's really like to work there. An employee who describes himself as a mate, or a manager, at Trader Joe's did a Reddit AMA ("Ask Me Anything") session in which he anonymously answered burning questions from fans on the internet. If you've wondered how good the pay is, if the notoriously nice employees are really that enthusiastic all the time, and how the employees feel when you ask to try products, read on to discover all the answers.
The employees really are always happy.
Someone wanted to know, "Why are you all so happy?" It's true that Trader Joe's employees tend to be enthusiastic and friendly all the time, so is there any sorcery or company policy behind it? The employee said, "Honestly, before I worked there and was just a shopper I was thinking the same thing . . . 'Why are all these people so damn happy, must be faking it or something.' But now that I work there I can tell you it is 100 percent genuine. We are just happy to be at work. It's a great job with great people and we get treated humanely. Need a break? Go stretch your legs. Hungry? Grab a snack. Also very flexible with leaving early/coming in late. Low pressure, low stress job that pays well = happy employees."
They LOVE when you ask to try snacks - really!
"I LOVE when customers ask to try products!!!! Yes, you get to eat as much as you want and the remainder will be given to crew members. We donate as much food as we can to local food shelters but some food does get tossed into the trash. If an item is out of code (expired) we write it off and it goes to the suitable location (trash or donated)." Just make sure it's a reasonable request. He continued, "We're not gonna grill up a steak for you, but something that you can open up and taste, yeah go for it. They'll be happy to open it and let you try. Chips, candy, snacks. Stuff you can just open and eat. Shouldn't be an issue."
Trader Joe's might never come to Canada.
At least, according to this person. When someone asked if the store would ever come to Canada, the response was, "Sadly I don't think so."
Kids can get treats if they find the hidden animal.
"Each store has a stuffed animal of some sort hiding somewhere. It's really just for kids to run around and find the missing animal, and they get a treat. Kids seem to LOVE it and parents go along with it too."
Managers have great hourly wages.
Your hourly wages might start at $10 at first, but once you move up, the pay gets even better. "There is no salary for managers other than the Captain (GM) but mates like myself are still hourly, which in my opinion is much nicer. I make $23 an hour and I work 50 hours a week, so factor in the OT and I get paid handsomely for a job I love doing and is low stress/fun. Plus the benefits are the best."
There's a reason for the quick expiration dates.
When a customer commented on the fact that the "bread has nearly immediate expiration dates," the employee explained about Trader Joe's lack of preservatives. "The best answer for this is that NONE of our products, breads included, have any sort of preservatives in them. Also if the section leader (person who orders that section, in your case - bread) does a poor job and orders too heavy then they are always having backstock which depletes slower so the new stuff becomes old stuff quick. And rotation. But I feel your pain. Thanks for the question!"
The best days to shop are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
According this employee, there are certain best days to shop at Trader Joe's. "Tuesday, Wednesday are the best days. Early morning is best time. I think it's hilarious people go on Sunday and complain that we are so busy. Right when we open is honestly the best time to go. We get fresh produce in every morning so you can get the best products, and some stuff actually will sell out for the day around 2 to 4 p.m., including perishable and non perishable items."
Don't get caught trying to take advantage of the return policy.
Trader Joe's generous return policy allows you to return any product you didn't like, even if you already opened it, and sometimes even without a receipt. But the employees can totally tell if you're faking it and are attempting to "return" an item you just found while shopping. "For example, our vitamins can run up to about $20 for a small bottle, a customer will grab it off the shelf and come to a register claiming a refund. The company knows this happens and enforces the policy, knowing well they are being frauded. It eats at my core though. The worst kind of person."
How to Navigate Pronouns in an Increasingly Gender Fluid World
Whether intentional or not, the way we speak is political.
I'm not talking about saying out loud who we voted for or what we think about health care - I'm talking about something far more basic: how we address other people. Do you default to the casual "guys" or the more old-fashioned "folks"? When speaking with a grown woman, do you ever refer to her as a "girl"? With a queer person, do you ever say "Hey, girl!" in solidarity of your shared love (actual or, worse, assumed) of RuPaul's Drag Race?
If you answered "yes" to any of those things, you haven't necessarily done anything wrong; you've just wandered into the increasingly concerning world of gendered language in an society that is becoming less and less gendered. Everywhere we look, the very idea of gender is being questioned in fundamental ways: Washington DC is granting nonbinary drivers licenses. The Tube in London is shifting to gender-neutral announcements. Target has recently announced nongendered kids clothing. Vogue confused the meaning of gender fluidity, even if it was in a well-meaning attempt to honor such notions. The good news? This is a problem with very actionable solutions.
Why Is the English Language So Gendered Anyway?
Celeste Mora knows this struggle around language and gender very well. As Grammarly's head of social media and community, she is constantly fielding questions about dos and don'ts regarding gendered language from those seeking answers to questions they may never have considered before. What are the proper ways to use the singular they? Which gender-neutral words are best to use? Are there more formal neutral pronouns?
The answers aren't that obvious and, unfortunately, English doesn't naturally lend itself to nonbinary ways of speaking. "English has a disadvantage," Mora told POPSUGAR. "We don't have a lot of gender-neutral options that sound good."
As Mora explained, this is based in English's "romantic-language roots," which makes our shift from binary to nonbinary so difficult compared to other languages. Take Turkish, Hungarian, Finnish, Persian, and more: those languages are relatively genderless.
The limited nature of the English language is exactly where frustrations form for persons who don't fit into the gender binary of cisgender males or females. C Mandler runs into this frustration frequently as a nonbinary transgender person who uses they/them/their pronouns. "The original way words were used were definitely patriarchal and cis and straight, developed by white men who wanted to create a standard of speaking," Mandler explained to POPSUGAR. "But the beauty of language is that it does have the capacity to change."
Mandler, a GLAAD campus ambassador, sees the singular "they" as a perfect fit for their identity as a person who lives "homonormatively." Moreover, they find a comfort in "they" being an everyday word. "It's already a commonplace word," Mandler said. "For all the people who say 'they/them isn't singular,' we use it all the time colloquially." An example of this is in situations when an unknown person leaves something behind. You would say something to the effect of, "I don't know who left their stuff. Hopefully they pick it up."
Cassy Olson, who is nonbinary identifying, often takes to YouTube to share their thoughts on the matter on YouTube. "People tend to be afraid of the unknown and things they aren't used to," Olson told POPSUGAR. "Pronouns, while a very small thing in our language, provide a sense of comfort and security for those who need it."
Yet, due to our understandings of the English language, less common pronouns tend frazzle some minds. Dr. Lee Airton - Assistant Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies in Education at Queen's University and founder of both They Is My Pronoun and the No Big Deal Campaign - finds this may be the result of people needing to think a little more before they speak or write. "You're making people think about something they ordinarily do not think about, and that is difficult," Airton said, before remarking that assigning pronouns and making these decisions are natural for all of us until it made known. At that point, it's seen as requiring "extra effort" in speaking. "That's very disorienting for folks," they added.
How Can You Avoid Using the Wrong Pronouns?
University of Sheffield philosophy Professor Jennifer Saul explores the intersection of feminism and how we speak and how society's operating male-first effects linguistically hurts us all. When we default to using male pronouns and terms, it necessarily excludes women from the conversation. "It does seem that people are more likely to picture a man when they encounter a term[s] like this," Saul told POPSUGAR. "Women are less likely to picture themselves in the role discussed. It's not hard to see how this could have damaging effects in something like a job ad."
"Some words carry clear derogatory meanings with them," Saul added. A good example of a charged word girl - it's an appropriate term for a female-identified child but potentially insulting or derogatory to lob at an adult women or an LGBT person. "Some members of the groups referred to use these terms affectionately and insist that this is OK," Saul said. "But . . . this sort of reappropriation is something that you have be a member of the group to do." (Even then, it might still rub other members of the same identity group wrong.)
So how does one proceed in speaking about and to people in a sympathetic, supportive way? Simply seek to be polite and as inclusive possible.
Those we spoke with for this story agreed that the singular "they" is always safe to use. "It's a gender-neutral pronoun that comes completely naturally to speakers of English," Saul said. "Think about a sentence like 'When a student arrives, they should pick up a handout.' It just rolls off the tongue and doesn't feel the slightest bit awkward."
Moreover, "they" has recently earned even more legitimacy as a pronoun; AP added the pronoun to its Stylebook earlier this year. The pronoun is favored by some transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer persons but is only one of a handful of neutral pronouns, words like per, ve, xe, ze, (f)ae, and more can also be used. While it's easy to default to "they," one can never be too sure of a person's preferences. And if you're not sure? It's usually OK to just ask.
Dr. Airton echoed this, noting why asking is so important and why this can be so weird for some. "It's important to respect identities," Airton said. "These little interactions are about so much more than pronouns; they're about people feeling awkward and trying to recover. A lot of this stuff is about face-saving or feeling like you're in control."
When addressing groups, the matter can get much more complicated and, in some ways, undeniably fusty. "Things like folks - although that sounds 1955 - is good," Grammarly's Mora said. "I say 'humans,' which may not seem popular, but 'peeps' and 'people' are good too." Despite the awkwardness of these words, Mora insisted that the more we use them, the less weird they will sound.
Another gender-neutral elephant in the room when addressing groups is our favorite term, "guys." It's a difficult word to stay away from but, unfortunately, is loaded. "I would think before deploying 'guys' at will," Mora said. "The same with 'ladies.' Maybe think about it before you use it at random."
"It can be very hard to stop using some of these terms," Saul said. "I myself find the use of 'guys' for mixed-gender or even all-women groups almost irresistible and automatic, even though I try not to do it."
Along with "guys," there is a myriad of words that are both too informal and too specific. For Mora, those range from generic classifiers - like "girl," "boy," "dude," and "lady" - in addition to anything taxonomized by gender, specifically career-related. "Businessman, fireman, policeman, stuff that ends in 'man,'" Mora said. "Those are probably better to err on the side of gender-neutral alternatives. It's likely if you're writing that word, you don't know the person well because you're writing about someone you don't know."
Why Does It Even Matter? Because Respecting Other People - Like Their Pronouns - Matters
Reconsidering how we address each other in relationship to identities is a big deal, one certainly tied to politics. When linguistically tricky situations arise, both Mora and Saul agree that being aware that something is problematic is a great first step toward change.
As Saul said, instead of shaming someone who uses the wrong pronoun to address you or someone else, address it as a growing problem to be aware of. "We should be aware that this sort of usage is something that people of goodwill slip into," Saul said. "If we're going to point it out, we should point it out as a culture-wide issue not an individual failing."
When a #transgender person corrects you about their #pronoun, it can be a sign that we want to keep hanging out. A hopeful gesture.
- Lee Airton, Ph.D. (@LeeAirton) April 23, 2017
This is a sentiment everyone can agree on. Airton believes thinking this way indicates work being done - but that doesn't mean someone is off the hook, particularly if someone makes a correction. "Exercise compassion," Airton said of situations where corrections - or even explosions - happen. "Do your level best to not take it personally. I also call on my fellow trans people to have compassion as much as they can. . . . Recognize a good-faith mistake vs. intentional misgendering."
This Horror Experience in London Features 19 Chilling Shows and 2 Underground Rides
If Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is too much to handle, but you're still looking for some Halloween thrills, the London Dungeon may be perfect for you. The walk-through experience is complete with 19 interactive shows and two underground rides, all of which are open year round with the exception of Christmas Day.
The entire attraction lasts a little under two hours and features 360-degree sets, including a torture chamber and plague-ridden houses, theatrical storytelling, and special effects. Visitors will learn about London's dark history (minus the boring parts, according to the site) told with dark humor by 20 live actors who portray infamous figures like Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper. Some of the most fun sections of the tour are the rides: a vertical drop "execution" ride called Drop Dead and a spooky sail known as the Tyrant Boat ride.
A new special attraction, The Death Express, is only open during the Halloween season, beginning the first of October. Based on the London Necropolis Railway that once transported the deceased, the haunted attraction gives you a look back to the 1850s when cemeteries were overcrowded with corpses.
Halloween or not, this experience looks like the ultimate spooky attraction! Tickets start at $28 or $39 if you want to experience the adults-only after-hours tour. See photos ahead!
Heading to the NYC Marathon? Here's the Only Travel Guide You Need
Every year around this time, I start plotting my trip out to New York City to cover the marathon. In my first few years going out there, anything outside of my work schedule seemed to involve drinks, late-night shows, and decadent restaurant eats. It's a lot different these days. The only way I can stay healthy and sane during my annual trip is by throwing in a nice dose of workouts and healthy eats. And that's what's great about NYC: for every cocktail bar pushing its latest artisanal concoction, there's a new boutique fitness studio opening down the block. If you're heading there for the marathon or just have a trip in the works, let this be your guide on moderation while there.
Travel Logistics
- Who to fly: When it comes to flying to NYC, JetBlue is hard to beat. Its headquartered in New York, so it's no surprise that there are a lot of flights coming in and out of the area from the airline. JetBlue has flights to and from all major airports (JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia) around NYC, with service between the NYC area and almost 100 US cities and close to 200 flights each day.
Besides the sheer number of flights, passengers will appreciate that JetBlue has the most legroom in coach out of any airline, as well as free snack stations located throughout the plane. Runners: carbo load to your heart's desire! And because running the NYC Marathon is no easy feat, treat yourself on the way home to JetBlue's Mint Class. It's the most affordable first-class option that you'll ever come across and has flat-lie beds, allowing you to lie back and take care of that body that just ran 26.2 miles.
- Where to stay: There are a lot of great hotels in New York, but when it comes to marathon weekend, I am partial to Kimpton's Ink48. It's a short walk to the Marathon Expo at the Javits Center, and the hotel has free bike rentals, which will help keep your feet fresh for the race. During marathon weekend, there's lots of fitness-oriented amenities for guests to partake in: iPod Shuffles preloaded with playlists for your run, gluten-, nut-, and dairy-free snacks for your minibar, and running guides who will take you through sightseeing tours.
Perhaps what I love most about the Ink48 is its location; since it's on the west side of the city and just below the park, getting back from the marathon finish line is much easier compared to staying in other areas of Manhattan.
Where to Work Out
The sheer amount of workout studios in NYC is overwhelming. Because of this, I try to focus on trying new studios that don't have locations outside of NYC. If you don't come from a city with a lot of studios, definitely hit up these classic workouts who have their roots in New York: SoulCycle, Barry's Bootcamp, and Flywheel Sports. If those have been checked off of your list, make sure to give one - or all - of these a try.
- 305 Fitness: My all-time favorite workout in the city is by far 305 Fitness; I never visit without doing one of its infectious dance-cardio classes. A mix of pick-up dance cardio, high-intensity intervals, and strength training, 305 trumps other dance workouts because of its fun, party-like environment. The soundtrack is provided by live DJs and most of the class is done under a blacklight.
- SLT: In recent years, there's been an uptick in Pilates classes that verge on the border of being called Pilates bootcamp classes. To get a true NYC experience, I recommend trying SLT (strengthen, lengthen, tone). The boutique studio is wildly popular, and for good reason: the workouts are tough and truly measurable when it comes to results. Unlike other Pilates classes, you can probably expect to sweat a little, too; it's a good mix of strength training, cardio, and classic Pilates. You'll come out stronger and most likely be feeling your midsection for days.
- IMAXShift: It's kind of crazy how many indoor cycling studios are in New York. Peloton Cycle, SoulCycle, and Flywheel Sports are all good bets, but for something truly unique, give IMAXShift a try. Students ride together in a dark room with a giant IMAX screen taking them through insane visuals that will have them riding through neon-lit tunnels, city landscapes, and even space.
- Y7 Studio: What's not to love about doing yoga at Y7 Studio? At 60 minutes, the class is considerably shorter than most yoga classes, but it definitely makes up for it in intensity. The heated class takes place against ambient candlelight and the moves are paced against a soundtrack. I'm especially fond of its Wednesday and Sunday hip-hop Vinyasa classes.
- CityRow: There is so much to love about rowing; namely, it's a total-body cardio and strength-training workout that is easy on the joints. But the sad truth is that it remains a neglected piece of gym equipment. For a serious butt-kicking workout, head to CityRow for a class that combines rowing intervals with strength training. You'll burn serious calories and find a new love for that oft-neglected machine.
Where to Eat
When it comes to dinner in NYC, I tend to indulge, but these are some great fast-casual spots for healthy lunches during the day.
- Hu Kitchen: If you consider yourself Paleo, dairy-free, or gluten-free, Hu Kitchen is a must. From its Bulletproof coffee to wild salmon cakes and cauliflower rice, it's a dream come true when you follow a restrictive diet. The food is prepared ahead of time, so the ordering experience is much like being at a school cafeteria, except that everything tastes amazing.
- Liquiteria: Traveling can do a number on the immune system and energy levels, which is why I always make a stop at Liquiteria whenever I am in town. One of the first cold-press juice shops to open in the city, the menu has expanded to smoothies, both acai and oatmeal bowls, and baked goods
- by CHLOE: While it's true that not everything on the menu at by CHLOE is 100-percent healthy in the traditional sense, having the option of vegan fast food is a beautiful thing. The entire menu is plant-based with such offerings as baked sweet potato fries, veggie guac burgers, and kale caesar salads. Want to indulge? Go for the mac 'n' cheese or the roasted banana bourbon ice cream.
- Wisefish Poké: Having grown up in Hawaii, I am pretty excited that the rest of the country is discovering what I've known my whole life: poké is a gift from food gods. When done right, it's incredibly fresh, healthy, and stacked with protein. I love the build-your-own bowl process at Wisefish Poké, and that the seafood is responsibly sourced.
End Bloat and Lose Weight by Drinking This Kitchen Staple
Chances are that you have a bottle of olive oil reserved for cooking, but drinking this kitchen staple can provide you with the same healthy benefits of this antioxidant-rich wonder - if not more. From a happier digestive system to banishing belly fat, here's why you should start and end every day with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- It helps fight breast cancer: A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil had a relatively lower risk of breast cancer than those women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts or a diet that was lower in fat. If the Mediterranean diet is new to you, start with this guide of which foods to eat when adopting it into your lifestyle. Besides protecting against breast cancer, the diet has also been shown to slow the aging process and reduce the risk of stroke.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease: While it may seem counterintuitive that drinking olive oil can help protect the heart from disease, multiple studies confirm the claim to be true thanks to the MUFAs, or monounsaturated fats, olive oil contains - so much so that the FDA allows manufacturers to label olive oil with this health claim. The FDA recommends consuming just around two tablespoons per day to protect the heart. Just a note that olive oil should replace saturated fats in your diet rather than add to your current calorie intake.
- It encourages weight loss: The same good fats that protect the heart from disease can also aid you in achieving any weight-loss goals you may have. Not only have MUFAs been shown to help the body feel full, but they also target belly fat. Add olive oil to your list of flat-belly foods you should be eating.
- It helps with digestion: While there isn't a lot in the way of scientific research - just a few smaller studies - olive oil is widely (and successfully) used as a homeopathic remedy to help the digestive system and ease symptoms of constipation. Acting as a lubricant of sorts, drinking olive oil is said to help things move along better in the colon.
The Best Gifts For Tweens
Not little kids, but not quite teens, tweens can be a difficult group to please when it comes to holiday shopping. But with our list of gifts, you're sure to get a smile from the biggest kids (but don't call them that!) in your life. From gifts for sports fanatics to mini fashionistas, these presents are perfect for your middle schooler who can't wait to grow up but still can't resist a cool toy or two.
5 Reasons Parents Should Never Pay Kids For Doing Chores
For many households, detailed schedules and reward systems are not only necessary to keep the family on track but also kids pitching in from a young age. However, growing up, my house was missing the elaborate chore charts - and the weekly payout that came with them.
While my friends received weekly "allowances" for completing their chores, my siblings and I had to do the work without the pay. If we wanted to save up for something, we could earn money by helping out with "extra" projects or chores, but we were never paid for daily responsibilities like emptying the dishwasher, setting the table, or sweeping the floor. My parents had very clear beliefs that, just like the adults, children should contribute to the household without being rewarded for something that they are expected to do.
Although my mom's antichore payment stance felt brutal at the time, it ended up having a lasting impact on how I now view work, finances, and responsibilities. Monetary incentives can be an effective way to motivate kids to help out, but it just fixes a short-term problem instead of necessarily setting them up for success later in life. This is why parents should separate chores from allowance instead of paying kids each week for doing what they already should be.
- It sends the wrong message. By paying kids to do daily tasks, like brushing their teeth, making their bed, or helping with dinner, you're teaching your child that everything they do in life should come with a reward. Instead of learning how to be a team player or helping out from a sense of obligation, responsibility, or altruism, their efforts are now incentive-based and always with an ulterior (ahem, monetary) motive.
- It makes chores an option. When you set up this system with kids, you're agreeing to pay them if they complete certain tasks. This is great when kids want money, but it gives them the power to opt out of those necessary responsibilities (like walking the dog) if they aren't eager for cash that week. Essentially, getting paid is a weekly or monthly bribe and a repeatedly missed opportunity to teach kids responsibility.
- It warps expectations. When you start consistently paying kids for chores and not just when they take on additional responsibilities, it teaches them to always do something with the expectation of getting something in return. This can set kids up to enter adulthood with a sense of entitlement and belief that they should always get that promotion or raise just for meeting the minimum requirements.
- It can promote micromanaging and dependence. Oftentimes, paying kids for chores requires some version of a weekly checklist as well as oversight that they completed each task. This means that instead of kids taking initiative to do what needs to be done independently, they are managed by mom or dad and start to rely on their praise (or compensation) for each task they complete.
- It muddles allowance and chores. An allowance can be a useful tool to teach kids how to use money and budget responsibly. However, when the payouts are attached to chores, it confuses the lesson and becomes something that they deserve. The focus can morph from learning to save and establish a bank account to this is money they are now "entitled to" and they can do whatever they want with it instead. Even if it is a tight month and parents don't have extra cash, that shouldn't excuse kids from contributing to the household.
An Alarming Court Case Reveals That Airplane Seat Sizes Really Are Shrinking
If you were to rank the things that Americans complain about most, air travel would almost certainly be at the very top of the list. Once upon a time in a not-so-far off past, a plane trip meant you were wooed with inflight meals, drinks, and the luxury of a free checked bag. Now, every airline seems to be hyperfocused on getting as many people as humanly possible into each and every flight that takes off, regardless of what that means for the customer experience. While on-board Wi-Fi and seat-back TVs may serve as a gimmicky distraction, it's impossible to ignore the uniquely awful discomfort of an overbooked flight - or, quite honestly, to ignore the fact that it feels like the amount of personal space you get on a plane seems to be dwindling by the day. Here's the thing, though: you're not imagining it. You really are getting a whole lot less seat for your buck - a fact that the FAA is now being forced to deal with in court on a federal level.
Back in 2015, an advocacy group called Flyers Rights filed a petition over safety concerns related to diminished seat size, but had their claim thrown out by the FAA. After two years of fighting in federal appeals court, the judge ruled in favor of the group last week. "This is the Case of the Incredible Shrinking Airline Seat," Judge Patricia Millett's July 28 opinion on the case reads. "As many have no doubt noticed, aircraft seats and the spacing between them have been getting smaller and smaller, while American passengers have been growing in size." Millet goes on to say that the original petition was thrown out without merit, as the evidence used to deny the claim was what she called "vaporous," likening it to "'a study on tooth decay that only recorded participants' sugar consumption' but did not look at brushing and flossing."
As of right now, there's no minimum seat size set by Congress or the FAA. Earlier this year the Senate rejected a proposal that would have put a guideline in place, but was shot down by a partisan vote. But it did mean that some concrete statistics on the shrinkage, sourced by New York Senator Chuck Schumer were made available to the general public. And boy, does it paint an ugly picture: that the distance between seat rows (known as "seat pitch," or just the amount of legroom per seat) had dropped from 35 inches to 31 inches over the past 50 years, and that the size of the seat itself had gone from 18.5 inches to around 17 in the last 25. And those are averages - certain airlines are as low as 28 and 16.5, which is astonishing when considered in the context of the growing rate of obesity in the United States.
The larger question of regulation isn't likely to be dealt with soon, though. The case that was just heard in court deals explicitly with "whether smaller seats and larger passengers could have an impact on emergency egress," and while the decision forces the FAA to go back to the drawing board with how they're going to regulate this specific problem (or come up with legitimate evidence that means they don't have to), it will only be the first step toward addressing our cramped legs and sore bottoms. But there's something to be said about knowing that for once we're not all just complaining about something that's inconveniencing us - it's really happening. And maybe, just maybe, this newfound awareness will help boost the effort for travelers to get the legroom that they deserve (and, frankly, are paying for.)
Newsflash: THIS Is How You Should Actually Be Cutting Your Round Cakes
Well, it looks like we've been cutting our birthday cakes the wrong way all this time. The viral video above has brought our wrongdoing to the light of day and provides us with an unexpected alternative - one that involves rectangular slices instead of the tried-and-true triangular ones. Mathematician Alex Bellos begins the clip by explaining that cutting a cake into wedges causes the sugary dessert to dry out if left in the refrigerator overnight. Instead, he advises making your first slice right down the middle so you can push the cut halves back together to preserve your leftovers' moistness overnight - because there's nothing more disappointing than a dried-out cake!
Watch the video above to see Bellos describe why it's about time you adopt this scientifically proven cutting method. You'll definitely want to add this genius tip to your list of must-know food hacks.
Time to Binge 30 Rock, Because It's Disappearing From Netflix in October
Netflix giveth, and Netflix taketh away. Though the streaming giant is bestowing upon us a ton of exciting new titles in October (Miss Congeniality! Stranger Things season two!), that also means it has to get rid of a bunch of existing programs to make way. Unfortunately, that means everything from 30 Rock and One Tree Hill to Titanic and The Shining are bidding us all adieu.
Oct. 1
30 Rock, seasons one-seven
A Love in Times of Selfies
Across the Universe
Barton Fink
Bella
Big Daddy
Carousel
Cradle 2 the Grave
Crafting a Nation
Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest
Daddy's Little Girls
Dark Was the Night
David Attenborough's Rise of the Animals: Triumph of the Vertebrates, season one
Day of the Kamikaze
Death Beach
Dowry Law
Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief
Friday Night Lights, seasons one-five
Happy Feet
Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison
Hellboy
Kagemusha
Laura
Love Actually
Malcolm in the Middle, seasons one-seven
Max Dugan Returns
Millennium
Million Dollar Baby
Mortal Kombat
Mr. 3000
Mulholland Dr.
My Father the Hero
My Name Is Earl, seasons one-four
One Tree Hill, seasons one-nine
Patton
Picture This
Prison Break, seasons one-four
The Bernie Mac Show, seasons one-five
The Shining
The Wonder Years, seasons one-six
Titanic
Oct. 19
The Cleveland Show, seasons one-four
Oct. 27
Bones, seasons five-11
Lie to Me, seasons two-three
Louie, seasons one-five
Hotel Transylvania 2
Oct. 29
Family Guy, seasons nine-14
45 Balayage Hair Color Ideas to Inspire Your Next Salon Appointment
There's plenty of enviable hair color out there - including a bevy of rainbow looks - but we covet killer balayage highlights the most. As it turns out, we're not the only ones; this color technique is all over Instagram. If we had to guess why it's so beloved, we'd say it's because the popular method makes strands look naturally sun-kissed instead of methodically dyed.
According to colorist Lauren E. Hack, cofounder of Lauren+Vanessa salon in New York, that's because the look is painted on. "The word literally means to sweep [in French]," she explained. "You sweep the color onto the hair strand by strand." The effect resembles the hair's natural highlights. Hack told us that many of her clients bring their young daughters to the salon as examples of the soft highlights they want to mimic.
The technique is ideal for low-maintenance beauties, since the color is applied very carefully so as to avoid lines of demarcation. Thus, the dye grows out beautifully, making it easy to stretch (or even wholly disregard) the time between salon appointments.
Our favorite characteristic of balayage, however, is that it makes fine hair look thicker. "Our hair follicle is thicker at the top and thinner at the bottom," said Hack. "With balayage you are able to create the illusion that the hair is more full at the bottom by painting thin to thick highlights from top to bottom, never seeing where the color begins and ends."
To get the balayage look for yourself, meet with your colorist. "Photos are key!" exclaimed Hack. She suggests you bring images of celebrities who have your dream hair. Then, your expert can consult with you on whether or not your desired color will suit your skin tone, lifestyle, and regimen. Read on to see the technique on various blond, brunette, and red hair hues!
65 Pet Costumes to DIY on the Cheap
Yes, you found your costume, but what about your furry best friend? Read on to get inspired by some of the best DIY pet costumes around - all for super cheap!
Harley Pasternak's Best Weight-Loss Tip Is So Easy, You'll Think He's Kidding
If you're familiar with the works of celeb trainer, nutritionist, and New York Times bestselling author Harley Pasternak, you know his motto well: "Strong in the gym, lean in life." It's one of the core principles of his training style and shapes the way he gives weight-loss advice to his A-list clients like Ariana Grande, Behati Prinsloo, Amy Schumer, Katy Perry, and the Kardashians.
We've talked to Harley a few times about his fitness advice, but his best, easiest weight-loss tip of all time? "Before work, go for a walk around the block," he told POPSUGAR. "When you get home, walk around the block again." Pretty simple, right? Just a casual jaunt around your house - and with consistency, it'll contribute to some serious weight-loss success.
The Fitbit enthusiast and ambassador encourages his clients to get 10,000 steps each and every day as a means of staying mobile and active. He's mentioned before that the intensity of cardio doesn't matter as long as you're consistently moving throughout the day. Further supporting the notion that walking is the best way to lose weight, he said, "Believe it or not, a greater percentage of your calories come from fat when you walk rather than when you run." He also told us that he's been "liberated from this idea of 'How many minutes do I have to do cardio for?' - I don't care. 'How hard do I have to do cardio?' - I don't care. It's all about steps."
So now you know what to do: when you get up in the morning, just go for a brief stroll! Do the same thing when you get back from school, work, or your day's activities. Be consistent. The more you keep at it, the more success you'll have. Remember: strong in the gym, lean in life!
Queen Letizia Loves Zumba and 24 Other Little-Known Facts About the Royal
She's the first commoner to become queen of Spain, and over the 12 years she's been part of the royal family, she has been through ups (the birth of the heir to the throne of Spain) and downs (personal tragedy, including the loss of her grandmother). As a journalist she saw war and terrorism firsthand, and as a royal she has finally won the approval of her people, juggling motherhood, philanthropic work, and redefining a monarchy that was only reinstated 38 years ago. It's been quite a journey, and there is certainly more to Queen Letizia than meets the eye. Scroll ahead for 25 little-known facts about her.
This Post Shows That No Matter How Hard You Try, Being a Mom Can Be Really F*cking Hard Sometimes
There's no question about it: motherhood is hard. You can try to have the absolute perfect day, but sometimes your plans are foiled by the tiny humans running around your household. Mom of two Toni Hammer had one of those days recently and explained exactly why motherhood doesn't ever seem to get easier in a Facebook post:
I was having such a good day until 3:37 p.m. That's when my daughter and I had to leave to get her brother from preschool. Before then I had a wonderful morning with her before sending her off to school. Then I did three loads of laundry, organized the bathroom closet, made cloud bread, made a chocolate treat, made a roast for dinner. I couldn't wait for my husband to come home to a clean house, yummy dinner, and happy children. Except that's not what he came home, too. Because ever since my daughter started school she's a back talking, breakdown having, crying from 4 to 7 p.m. stranger.
Although Hammer has been told by numerous other parents that starting full-day school is a big transition period in kids' lives, her patience has been wearing thin lately. "The transition to all day kindergarten is hard. She just needs to adjust. I just need to be patient. But I don't have patience. It's gone. It's shot."
What did the momma do? She had a moment of weakness and cried in her room while her husband and kids ate the dinner she slaved over all afternoon. She described the reason she hit her breaking point: "Every time I think I have a handle on it, everything changes and our world is flipped upside down and then I'm feeling overwhelmed and out of my depth all over again. And tonight I just couldn't take it."
It's true, the day certainly got the best of her, but she recognizes tomorrow is a new opportunity. "Tomorrow I'll try again. I'll work hard to listen to my kids, to meet them where they're at, to be patient and calm. I'll try again to keep the house clean, to have a home cooked meal and happy children waiting for my husband at the end of the day. But tonight I'm going to hide and cry. Because motherhood is hard."
I Made Dirt-Cheap Meals For a Week, and Here’s How I Survived
One day, while feeling particularly dismal about spending yet another $100 on groceries for the week in San Francisco, I read a post that forever changed my outlook on food expenditures: "This Story of How 1 Woman Saved $30,000 in 8 Months Will Motivate You (and Crack You Up!)." I laughed! I cried! It motivated me to get to work. While dumpster diving won't be my method of saving money on food, I had a profound realization: my fridge, pantry, and freezer probably contained enough food to feed me for "free" for at least several weeks, so I set out to only eat from items I already owned. The reserves lasted me well over a week, and in all honesty, I'm still working on clearing it out. Check yours and you'll likely discover an astonishing amount of food that's gathering dust and ice chips. Like me, you may have avoided this food for months. But, when I challenged myself to be creative, I came up with some tasty ways to straight-up survive off of it. You will too, once you read my tips.
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.
You'll Want to Oogie Boogie Over to This Cafe For Its Nightmare Before Christmas Treats
Remember that adorable cafe that had an entirely fin-tastic mermaid menu ? Creme and Sugar in Anaheim, CA, is back at it with a new themed menu, just in time for Halloween - The Nightmare Before Christmas. This darling spot is serving creepy concoctions like Oogie Boogie milkshakes, Pumpkin King hot chocolates, and Deadly Nightshade lemonade. Though these treats are scary-crazy sounding, they also look scary delicious. Scroll through for a sneak peek at the Nightmare Before Christmas goodies, and make a pit stop there the next time you're on your way to Disneyland - it's right down the road!
Holy Hell! This Running + Strength Workout Is Intense
There are weeks when all you have time for is a one-and-done workout. The kind of workout that leaves sweat dripping from every inch of your body and every muscle shaking. The kind of workout that takes less than an hour to finish, but feels like you were working out for two. This is one of those workouts. If you're short on time, but need a solid sweat session, this beginner combo workout will do you right! A mix of strength training and running, you'll be tasked to push yourself to your edge, while getting stronger, leaner, and faster!
The Workout
Start off with the 10-minute strength session, then follow it up with the beginner-friendly treadmill interval workout. Before jumping into the workout, be sure to get in a quick dynamic warmup.
Strength
Go through the below circuit, doing as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes. Feel free to modify the exercises to suit your fitness level.
- 30 jump rope single unders (if you don't have a jump rope, do lateral bunny hops)
- 10 deadlifts using a heavy set of dumbbells or weighted bar
- 15 jump squats
- 10 negative push-ups
After cycling through 10 minutes of the strength circuit, hop on the treadmill for a satisfying interval workout that alternates between jogging and walking.
Cardio
| Time | Speed | Incline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0:00-5:00 | 3.0 | 1.0 | Warmup |
| 5:00-6:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | Ladder One |
| 6:00-7:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 7:00-9:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 9:00-10:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 10:00-13:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 13:00-14:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 14:00-18:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 18:00-20:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 20:00-21:00 | 5.5 | 4.0 | Ladder Two |
| 21:00-22:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 22:00-24:00 | 5.5 | 3.0 | |
| 24:00-25:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 25:00-28:00 | 5.5 | 3.0 | |
| 28:00-29:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 29:00-33:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 33:00-38:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Cooldown |
The Most Common Car Seat Mishaps New Parents Make
Most parents don't like to admit it, but Prince William isn't the only new parent to make a car seat mistake - nearly every new parent has gone through the experience of a car seat mishap. Whether it's improper installation of the seat itself or operator error when buckling in your child, a lot of these car seat no-nos aren't obvious until you've been set straight.
With the help of our readers, as well as guidance from Sarah Tilton, Britax's child passenger safety technician and chair of the National Child Passenger Safety Board, we've rounded up 11 of the most common car seat safety issues faced by both new parents and parents transitioning their child from one car seat to another.
Read through to make sure your child's car seat is safe.
15 of Reese Witherspoon's Most Relatable Mom Moments
Reese Witherspoon isn't just a beloved and accomplished actress. She's also a devoted mom of three and this role is more important than any other she'll ever play. As Reese's stardom continues to rise in hits like Big Little Lies, it's her smallest fans at home that matter most and she isn't afraid to be a typical proud mom in her household.
From the time she got a kick at Tennessee's expense to when she captured the potty training struggles that all parents know all too well, these are 15 of Reese's most relatable parenting moments.
You'll Scream (With Joy) When You See Yankee Candle's Halloween Collection
Yankee Candles are fun to peruse (or sniff) all year long, but there's something about Fall that calls for cozy candles as decor. Obviously, we were thrilled to discover the Fall collection from Yankee Candle, but it's the Halloween candles that have us screaming with fear - ahem - joy. With their dark and moody scents (think notes of patchouli, golden amber, and black oak) and spooky holiday jars, these candles will not only freshen the air, but will also decorate your home. Take a look at the scary-good Halloween offerings ahead.
24 Acid Products That Will Make Your Skin Instagram Ready
So you've figured out what those scientific-sounding ingredients are in your favorite products and discovered the best skin and hair oils for your next DIY project. But what do you know about acids?
After the infamous peel scene from Sex and the City, many are afraid to dabble in the world of acids, but trust us - incorporating them into your regimen can yield incredible results. While some acids (particularly alpha hydroxy) are known for their resurfacing properties, others have a wide range of benefits, like reversing hyperpigmentation, controlling acne, and shrinking pores. (And don't worry: if you can buy these products at your favorite department store, they're supergentle.)
Now that you're ready to take on the world of acids, let's get started! We've got you and your complexion completely covered. In addition to decoding 24 of the hottest acids to get you clear, bright, youthful skin, we've suggested a few products to try. Read on and prepare for a totally transformed routine.
This Makeup Artist's Instagram Transformations Will Blow Your Mind
The power of makeup is real, and the following makeovers by Moscow-based makeup artist Goar Avetisyan are total proof. The 22-year-old has over two million Instagram followers, and once you see her transformation videos, you'll understand why. Avetisyan uses her skills to color correct, contour, and glam her clients to perfection. In fact, the before and afters are so drastic that it's hard to believe they feature the same women from start to finish! Prepare to be amazed by the incredible clips ahead - it's basically sorcery.
Jane Fonda and Helen Mirren Totally Owned the Runway at This Epic Fashion Week Show
Paris Fashion Week ended on a high note the night of Oct. 1. For the very first time, L'Oréal organized a beauty and fashion runway show that was open to the public, featuring 70 hair and makeup looks as well as outfits from 18 established and emerging fashion houses such as Balmain, Mulberry, and Giambattista Valli.
For the special occasion, the Champs Élysées were completely shut down, and the brand's beauty ambassadors all came together to walk down the nearly 200-feet long runway. Doutzen Kroes, Winnie Harlow, Cheryl, and Irina Shayk all strutted their stuff in different outfits, but Helen Mirren and Jane Fonda - who recently shut down Megyn Kelly when she was asked about the plastic surgery she's admitted to having had done in the past - were undoubtedly the true stars of the show. Keep reading to see more of this epic event!
6 Crazy-Good Avocado Smoothie Recipes That'll Kick-Start Your Healthy Day
Any true avocado-lover will find a way to sneak its creamy, vitamin-rich goodness into just about any meal item - even a smoothie.
That's right, just like you can turn your favorite savory fruit into a delicious chocolate pudding or a better-than-jam toast topping, you can incorporate it into your morning or post-workout drink for an extra dose of green power. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for some flavor inspiration, courtesy of food bloggers who have taste tested these recipes to perfection.
12 Good Travel Habits You Should Develop ASAP
You live and you learn - and same goes for travel. The more you do it, the more you realize mistakes you've been making and ways to make travel much easier the next time you do it. In order to save yourself money, stress, and more, develop these 12 travel habits to use for your future trips. You'll wonder how you ever traveled without practicing these routines before and during your adventures.
Find Out How Much You Should Really Be Tipping at the Salon
Tipping is a custom that allows you to express appreciation for a job well done. But when it comes to salon, spa, and nail services, it can be hard to decide who and how much to tip - especially on a color job gone wrong. And while tipping is at your discretion, here are a few suggestions on amounts to give in a variety of circumstances. See the guidelines below.
This Secret Indian Hair-Growth Formula May Finally Give You a Mermaid Mane
Anyone who has unsuccessfully tried to get their hair to grow may roll their eyes at this video in which Prachi (the vlogger behind Super Wow Style) shares a family recipe for lengthier locks. Could a simple mix of natural ingredients really make hair grow up to 30-40 percent as Prachi claims? We were a bit skeptical, too, and while we have not tried this remedy, a look at Prachi's long shiny mane and reading the reviewers' testimonials is making us reconsider. Perhaps this is the holistic answer to getting the mermaid mane of your dreams. In fact, Prachi challenges viewers to take before and after images when they test the treatment.
"People ask, 'How does you hair grow?' and I give them the same answer," she says in the video. "I learned it from my mom, and she learned is from her mother. It's an old Indian secret."
To DIY it, you'll need: coconut oil, castor oil, vitamin E, aloe vera leaves, and two bowls (one small and one large). Start by cutting up the aloe vera leaves, and then scratch it with a knife or fork to scrape out more gel. Rub the leaf on your scalp and massage the aloe gel into your roots. Use your fingers to make sure it's all over your head.
Then, in a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of castor oil with 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Pierce the vitamin E capsule with needle, extract the oil, and add it to the formula. Place the small bowl with the three oils in a larger one containing hot water. Warning: do not place the oil directly on a fire (including a stove) or in microwaves, since it can catch fire immediately.
After five minutes, the hot oil should be ready. Use your fingertips to apply it onto your scalp. Lay down on a sofa or the like and gently massage it into your scalp for two to three minutes. "This is very important to increase blood circulation for hair growth," she explains.
Once you're done, weave your hair in tight braid and sleep on it. Wash you hair in the morning. According to Prachi, you will start seeing a difference in your hair length "very, very soon."
While she does not specify how often to do the treatment, reviewers offer their successful trials.
"I tried this method exactly as she explained to and it WORKED!" one commenter said. "My hair grew about 4 to 5 inches in about 3 months! I did it 2 x per week for a month. Then 1 x per week for the next 2 months. It made my hair so healthy and strong. Everyone kept commenting on how fast my hair grew and how long it is. Before I started my hair was bra strap length. Now it is to my hips! I don't have photos to post, because I seriously hate taking photos of myself since I have gained weight (next thing to work on) but I will consider it."
Another commenter said, "I watched your video and used these products! And it works like MAGIC. I don't know how but my hair grew in a week. I used it two times a week though aloe vera was not available! But castor oil is super! Hats off!"
A third remarked, "It's amazing . . . I've seen results in just 2 wash[es] . . . My hair [ha]s became more silky and the best part it made my hair 2.5 cm longer."
So, what do you think? Is this a hoax or the most genius hair hack ever?
Let's Sit Back and Cringe at Donald and Melania Trump's Awkward Handshake, Shall We?
Since taking office, Donald Trump has earned another notable title besides President of the United States - he's also been (unofficially) dubbed the King of Awkward Handshakes. To date, he's earned the title through numerous encounters in which he just can't seem to get the simple gesture correctly, though his latest handshake flub just might be the most cringe-worthy yet.
It all went down when First Lady Melania Trump introduced her husband to the crowd during a public address on Sept. 15 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. His response after walking across the stage to the podium? A freakin' handshake. You can almost feeling the discomfort burning through the screen when Trump reaches for her hand rather than going for a hug or smooch, and it only got worse when he nudged her off the stage afterward, saying, "You go sit down, honey." Yikes.
Of course, Jimmy Kimmel simply couldn't resist snatching up an opportunity to roast the awkward moment, and he did it oh-so-eloquently, calling the whole thing the "most uncomfortable display of affection between any husband and wife this year." But it didn't stop there, as he described Trump's handshake as shutting her down "like a robot from Westworld." Daaaamn.
Kimmel went on to give viewers a faux-sentimental "tribute" to Melania and Donald's longtime love, which included clips from their most notable displays of "affection," like that time she swatted his hand away and when she gave him a death stare that could penetrate glass at his inauguration. Watch Kimmel's entire segment above to see what else he had to say about the Trumps and their most recent cringe-worthy moment.
It's Fall - Time to Get In on the Hygge Skincare Trend
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kirbie Johnson
Hygge, the Danish art of getting cozy, has taken over the past year. It's no surprise that people want to embrace chilling the hell out - the nightly news is enough to make you want to crawl in the fetal position and cry. We've seen hygge take over fashion, food, even fan-favorite series Younger. And with a little direction, you can take the art of hygge and incorporate it into your skincare routine.
Ole Henriksen, founder of his namesake brand, happens to be Danish himself and practiced the art of hygge with his family growing up. "Every afternoon, my mom would yell out, 'Boys! Hygge time!' And her three boys would run up the stairs," Ole said. "She'd bake amazing multigrain bread - we weren't allowed sweets - with coffee and milk or tea. She'd tell us about her day, and then she wanted to hear about our days in school and what plans we had for the rest of the day. Maybe in those moments you didn't think so much about it, you needed to get a little bit older to appreciate it, but we needed to nurture each other."
This concept translates into the hygge skincare regimen. It's about nurturing your skin, nurturing your peace of mind, and focusing on good-quality products. It's easy to do, although it does take some time - and that isn't a bad thing. If you enjoy going home on weekends and watching Netflix versus going out to the club, this is right up your alley. And even if you're a night owl, doing this once a week can still get you into the hygge spirit. Here's how to add a little coziness into your skincare routine.
Set the mood.
Music, lighting, and smell make a difference. Disneyland is known to pump familiar scents throughout the park for the holidays. Why? It creates an experience for its visitors. The same idea works here. Light a candle (or five). Doesn't matter what scent - choose something that makes you feel calm like lavender, feel nostalgic like cinnamon or pine needles, or lifts your spirit like citrus-based scents. Turn on some music - I prefer Billie Holiday. If you can, keep the lights low and minimal. (Just make sure you can see yourself in the mirror.) Change into the comfiest robe you own.
Relax the body.
Easier said than done, right? Take a minute to stretch. Lie on your bed, cross your left leg across your body, and loosen up your lower back; follow with the right leg. Practice Child's pose.
Indulge in your skincare routine.
First things first: wash your face. Ole suggests products that are aromatic. If you wear makeup, Ole suggests his Wonderfeel Double Cleanser ($32), which removes waterproof and longwear makeup, smells fantastic, and doesn't leave the skin feeling tight or dry. Afterward, it's mask time. Ole made a mask especially for this ritual - the Hygge Hydraclay Detox Mask ($32), which detoxes the skin and helps calm redness - but obviously choose a mask that helps target your skin issues.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Julia Sperling
Soak.
If you have a tub, now is the time to use it. Draw some warm water and add a drop or two of your favorite body wash, which will add some bubbles and soften the skin. Sit, relax, and listen to music for about 20 minutes or until the water gets cold. Try to meditate if possible, forgetting all of your problems. If you don't have a bath, you can spend your time relaxing in the shower by giving yourself a scalp massage. This would be the time to rinse off your mask.
Center yourself.
Once you've finished bathing, make sure all remnants of your mask are gone and pat your skin dry. Lotion up and gently massage your favorite overnight facial moisturizer into your skin. Take three deep breaths, look in the mirror, and thank yourself for making time for you.
24 Halloween Tattoos That Will Put You in the Spooky Spirit All Year Long
Halloween is a true beauty girl's holiday - you get to be creative with your eyeliner, DIY adorable manicures, and break out the glitter. But those who are addicted to Oct. 31 don't have to wait all year to get their Halloween high. Instead, they can profess their wicked love with tattoos! Read on for 24 of the cutest (and spookiest!) ink ideas on Instagram.
3 Things You Need to Be Focusing on If You Want to Up Your Fitness Game
We've all been there: out of breath, over it, and ready to throw in our gym towels and never look back. Oftentimes this happens because we're not seeing progress with our workouts, at least not the kind we were expecting. What gives? To get to the bottom of what's stalling our progress, we turned to personal trainer Austin Lopez, CSCS.
More often than not, it's likely that the "overload principle" is being ignored, Austin told POPSUGAR. A basic tenet in training, the overload principle is easy to grasp and makes total sense. Put simply, we need to consistently be working harder to see change. "You have to push yourself more because the body is good at adapting to whatever you throw at it," Austin said. If you want to see changes, you need to change it up - and often. But you don't need to go into it blindly. In fact, there's a ton of evidence on exactly where you should devote your efforts.
1. Time and Frequency
You don't necessarily have to give up the classes you love or your sacred time on the treadmill; just do more of what you're already doing. This can happen in a lot of ways, said Austin. For starters, add an extra class or gym session onto your schedule. If that's not possible, try adding time to your existing workouts. Instead of a 45-minute TRX class, look for a 60-minute class; even challenging yourself to an extra 10 minutes on the treadmill can lead to results.
2. Speed
When it comes to cardio-based workouts like running, cycling, or time on the elliptical, challenge yourself to increase your overall pace. If you usually run an 11-minute mile, start to shave that down to a 10-minute mile by slowly increasing the speed of your runs. You can also work on speed by incorporating interval training into your cardio and strength workouts by alternating between a period of maxing out your efforts with a period of recovery. Think HIIT, Tabata, and tempo runs.
This type of increased intensity will also aid in weight loss, said Austin. "From an exercise perspective, interval training is the most effective way to get lean," he said. "The more intense the workout, the more the body has to recover, which translates into more calories over time." This is due to the afterburn effect (excess postexercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC), which helps to increase your metabolism, resulting in hundreds of extra calories to be burned throughout the day.
3. Load
The easiest way to think about load is to equate it with weight. Essentially you're "loading" the body up with more weight and challenging it to work harder. The next time you're in a strength-training class or at the gym, choose a heavier weight than you're used to. You may be surprised that you can actually manage more than you thought possible. If more weight seems daunting, start by doing shorter sets with less reps. "By going heavier, you'll be breaking down muscle at a higher rate, making it stronger than it was before," said Austin.
The Right Way to Incorporate Frequency, Speed, and Load
If you've hit a wall, there's no better time than now to start upping your intensity in one of these areas. While Austin's advice is to go "as intense as you can," he added that this is all relative to the individual. "The more intense you make any workout, the more unsafe it can become," he said. "Ease into it, and find out what's possible for you." While you are tasking yourself with going harder, you still want to make sure your form is on and you aren't feeling lightheaded or dizzy while working out. "Push it little by little," said Austin.
A good way to keep yourself safe is by focusing on only one of these areas at a time (frequency, speed, load). Besides preventing injury, "it's also a great way to measure your success rate because it controls one variable."
This Spectacular 4-Night Train Trip Across Canada Only Costs $397!
We're seeing a resurgence in train travel, and it's easy to understand why. It's an amazing way to take in the views of the place you're exploring. Sure, we've all seen the viral post about traveling across America by train for $213, but there's a new travel opportunity that's catching our eye.
Via Rail Canada offers a four-night, three-day trip on a train called the Canadian. The journey from Toronto to Vancouver, British Columbia, costs only $397, which is a great deal for the amount of time you get on the train. Keep in mind that the trip may fluctuate in price as it grows in popularity. The scenic route shows you all the beauty the country has to offer. "Leave the city centre behind and glide through gentle prairie fields, rugged lake country and picturesque towns to the snowy peaks of the majestic Rockies," Via Rail states on its site.
The stops on your journey include Sudbury Junction, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kamloops, and Jasper. Via Rail says it offers an amazing dining experience and huge picture windows while on your ride. Take a look at the video that will give you a taste of what this Canadian adventure is like!
The plague is 'alive and well' in Madagascar and spreading fast, warn public health officials
A deadly outbreak of the plague is spreading across Madagascar, a country that already had the highest number of cases in the world of a disease long forgotten about in the West.
This Year's Hottest Pop Culture Halloween Costumes For Women
There's still a few months until Halloween, and sure, you might not be thinking about picking your pumpkins or buying your candy, but any self-respecting Halloween-lover knows that you have to start planning your costumes early. If you care this much, we know that you're looking for the perfect, most badass, timely costume, which is why you're also probably thinking of taking your inspiration from movies and TV, so we've rounded up the hottest costumes for this year. Ladies, rev your engines.
10 Elf on the Shelf Parodies That Are Even Better Than the Real Thing
If it feels like the holiday season seems to start earlier every year, here's more proof: it's September and people are already talking about Elf on the Shelf - but not in a way you'd ever imagine. Instead, people are creating the most bizarre and hilarious parodies about Elf on the Shelf and bringing the holiday cheer four months early.
If you love (or hate) Elf on the Shelf, it's easy to create your own parody like the rest of the internet. Just come up with two random objects that rhyme and you're set to go. We're not sure these parodies embody the Elf on the Shelf spirit of encouraging good behavior in kids, but hey, it might work. Check out some of our favorite parodies ahead.
The Horrifying Reason You Should Never Wear Hair Elastics Around Your Wrist
For decades now, we've been wearing hair ties on our wrists. Not only is this the most convenient method, but it's also the only way we can keep ourselves from losing them - otherwise, the darn things just disappear. But one Kentucky woman's harrowing tale may cause you to reconsider this accessory altogether.
According to WLKY, Louisville local Audree Kopp noticed a bump on her wrist growing bigger and bigger. Though she was prescribed a course of antibiotics from her doctor, it continued to enlarge and become inflamed, so she went to the emergency room. It was there that she learned her glittery hair tie had caused three kinds of infections in her wrist.
Dr. Amit Gupta at Norton Healthcare, who immediately performed surgery on Audree, believes that bacteria from the difficult-to-clean accessory entered her skin through pores and hair follicles. If she hadn't visited the emergency room when she did, the infection could have turned into sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by bacteria in the bloodstream. "People have been known to go into a coma, your body shuts down," Audree explained. "It could have been way worse."
We already knew that there is the small (but terrifying!) possibility of being paralyzed by a dirty makeup brush, but this story is somehow even scarier. Germs hiding in gunky brushes are a given, but we never expected them to be in our innocuous hair ties. Maybe it's for the best that they get lost when we're not wearing them – they have the potential to cause serious harm.
The Truth About Using Coconut, Argan, and Other Natural Oils on Your Hair
Hair care brands are finally figuring out that healthy, natural ingredients are more effective in treating issues than synthetic junk. Good, right? As long as those hair oils actually work.
It's common to see natural oils, like argan, macadamia, and jojoba, in hair treatments, but are you getting the biggest bang for your buck with these? And what has actually been proven to work on treating hair issues? Let's take a look at the most popular hair oils and see if the touted benefits are warranted or wannabe.
Argan Oil
This ingredient is first on the list for a reason. Argan oil has seen a surge in hair care popularity in recent years, namely due to one mainstream Moroccan-inspired product line. Yes, the oil is healthy and nourishing. It holds powerful benefits when used on most skin types. I investigated whether it delivers these same amazing results to hair.
There are certainly no shortage of articles plugging the advantages of argan oil as a hair treatment. Go ahead and google it. You'll discover a day's worth of reading. The problem is, there are no studies proving argan oil actually helps to improve hair loss, hair growth, damage, or frizziness.
While the oil does make hair look shiny, don't mistake this for true moisturization and repair. Most mainstream companies who include argan oil in products also add synthetic emollients to give hair a short-lived shiny look and smooth feel.
Castor Oil
This oil is often boasted as a hair thickener and growth promoter. But if you're seeking a remedy to thinning hair, hold off on the castor oil. While there are pictures of castor oil improving hair thickness, experts believe this may be due to the oil sticking to hair. Because castor oil is very thick itself, it can create the illusion of fullness. My advice - don't waste your money on this ingredient if you are looking to treat thinning hair.
Macadamia Oil
This oil is a favorite among natural product makers because of its smoothness and spreadability and is often used to treat and prevent dryness. While the ingredient may be beneficial for smoothing and softening certain skin types, and even as part of a healthful diet, there is no research backing its ability to prevent or repair dryness in hair.
Jojoba Oil
This is the most closely matched oil to those your epidermis produces naturally and can be an essential component in a healthy skin care routine. As for hair care? Not so much. This mild oil won't hurt locks, but it also won't provide the results you are after.
Jojoba is thought by some to moisturize hair, plus people like that it is lightweight and scentless. And, like argan oil, jojoba makes hair look shiny. But research has found it lacks the ability to penetrate the hair strand, so it cannot actually repair the hair or reverse dryness. Save this oil for skin.
Coconut Oil
This oil has made its way into everything from makeup to mouthwash so it's no surprise that it's a hair care celebrity too. But can it walk the talk?
Coconut oil is used to soften, moisturize, create shine, smooth frizziness, boost hair growth, diminish thinning hair, and add body. That's a lot of beauty benefits. The best news is that this one can deliver.
There is also research to back it up. A 2001 study by Princeton University shows virgin coconut oil has the ability to fully penetrate the human hair shaft, getting to the cortex and repairing damage where it starts. Also, government studies show the vitamin-rich oil helps to increase hair strength by reducing protein loss.
Bottom Line
Don't mess around with ingredients that aren't up to the job. Hair masks that contain high-quality organic virgin coconut oil, like St. Tropica Coconut Oil Hair Mask ($4), deliver research-backed benefits in a purely healthy product for your hair.
This Is the Most Important Tip You Need Before Going to Disneyland
As a Disneyland fanatic who frequents the park as often as my schedule and bank account allow - in addition to writing about it for my job - I sometimes have friends and family ask for my advice ahead of their Disneyland trips. Here's the most important piece of advice I always start with:
Get to the park when it opens.
Somewhere my husband and best friends are rolling their eyes right now because they know this is my favorite rant, but it's truthfully the best tip I can share with you. (Well, apart from going on rainy days, but those are harder to control.) If you want to make the most of your trip to Disneyland, you have to get there early. Look, I am not a morning person - in fact, I hate getting up early more than almost anything - but you can bet your booty that when I've paid $97 to $174 for a single day at one or both parks, I will be walking down Main Street in my Mickey ears when it opens.
Hate crowds? Want to get the most bang for your buck? Want to make sure you ride your favorite attractions? Get. There. Early. It WILL only get more crowded with every hour that goes by. I promise. "Oh, but it'll empty out during [the parade, lunch time, at night when kids go to bed] . . ." NO. It will not. I have waited in line for Peter Pan's Flight for 45 minutes right before the park closes. Kids have more energy than you think, and teens and pass-holders love late afternoons and evenings. If you want to have free rein to ride your top-priority attractions without waiting in line, get there early.
Check the park hours for the day(s) you'll be there, recheck them, look into whether you can get an extra hour with a Magic Morning, and come up with a strategic game plan for which park to start with and which FastPasses or MaxPasses to grab first. And no - don't waste time sitting down for breakfast (or worse, getting in a long line for Starbucks) or taking selfies in front of the castle. That defeats the purpose. It's all about taking advantage of those blissful first couple of hours before the suckers who DIDN'T read this article descend on the happiest place on earth.
A Definitive, Ongoing List of All the People the Trump Administration Has Parted Ways With So Far
Updated on Sept. 29, 2017: Tom Price has resigned from his role as Secretary of Health and Human Services, so we've updated this post accordingly.
Original post: At this point in the Trump presidency, one fact has become incredibly clear: the former Apprentice star has no plans to stop saying "you're fired!" any time soon. Shakeups in the White House are to be expected with any new administration (especially after the opposing party has held office for eight years), but the tumult at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is starting to feel a whole lot less like strategic planning and a whole lot more like a Survivor-style reality show.
While attempting to guess who will come next on Trump's hit list is a rather futile endeavor - here's looking at you, everyone in the vicinity of the White House – what we will do is take a moment to pour one out for those who have already fallen victim to the ever-moving Trump train, both those who have been fired outright as well as those who claim to have left of their own volition. And be sure to check back here regularly, as we'll be making sure to update this page as and when the next staffer makes his or her exit.
Dubai's Luxury Hotel Is Downright Ridiculous - Wait Until You See the Amenities
The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is so luxurious and over the top, we didn't know a place like this could ever exist. It's the stuff your fantasies are made of. Set on an artificial island just 920 feet from Jumeirah Beach, the building stands as the third tallest hotel in the world.
People widely refer to Burj Al Arab as the world's only seven-star hotel. You will agree after hearing about all the lavish perks that come with staying here. But enjoying this hotel comes at a cost; rooms start at around $1,100 per night. Check out all the amazing experiences you could have if you book a room at this hot spot in Dubai.
1 Makeup Artist's Viral Clapback to Haters Who Accused Her of Charging Too Much
At just 18 years old, Mikala Walker has already built her very own business around doing makeup. What started as a free favor for her friends quickly blossomed into a full-on side hustle, as she now does proms and the occasional bridal event.
As her skills and experience grew over the years, so did the prices she charged her clients - and rightfully so! Whereas she initially charged $20 for a full face, Mikala now prices her services at $75.
Take one look at her Instagram, and you'll instantly see that her impressive talent makes her services worth every darn penny. But alas, some trolls in the depths of the internet seem to think otherwise. When the 18-year-old used Twitter to advertise a deal she was offering for prom makeup, she got quite a few mixed responses.
Now accepting Prom Makeup Appointments! EMAIL me for bookings! mikalamwalker@gmail.com 💅🏻 http://pic.twitter.com/HCHcADtvOa
- mikala (@mikalawalker) February 22, 2017
Many people accused her of charging too much money, with one user calling the price "pretty ridiculous for the quality of [her] work" and another labeling it as "total bs." But instead of letting the haters get the best of her, Mikala responded in a subtly sassy get oh-so-fitting way: by crunching some numbers to show her followers exactly how expensive all of her makeup products really are. She tweeted a list of the various items she uses, along with a photo of her calculator showing the whopping total: $635!
The fact that people complain about my price of $75 for full face but don't realize the actual cost behind it 🙂 http://pic.twitter.com/tZHBRMMYSw
- mikala (@mikalawalker) March 2, 2017
Tons of her followers and other makeup artists quickly responded to support Mikala for firing back at the haters.
5 Printable Cardio Workouts For People Who Hate to Run
Hate the gym? Can't stand to run? Or maybe your schedule is such that your home also doubles as your fitness haven? If any of these scenarios sound like you, get excited, because we have five solid cardio workouts you can do at home - many with no equipment needed! And gym rats, don't fret. All of these workouts can be printed out and easily taken with you when you need to design a workout plan for those days that you're on the go.
Articles
