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.
vendredi 6 octobre 2017
8 Things That Annoy Starbucks Baristas and 1 Thing That Doesn't
Everyone knows that annoying customer in the line at Starbucks. But could it actually be you? These are the things that are driving your barista crazy - and something that's not - according to Reddit, where Starbucks baristas don't hold back their honest opinions.
It's annoying when you . . .
- Say there's too much ice in your drink without asking for light ice.
- Ask for extra in a separate cup. Some drinks, like Frappuccinos, tend to leave leftovers in the bottom of the blender. But your barista is probably annoyed if you ask for extra in a separate cup. One confessed, "When people ask for extra in a separate cup I usually ignore them."
- Ask for extra ice and extra milk. One barista explained the frustration with one particular customer who would always order an iced tall nonfat caramel macchiato "with extra ice and extra milk," and the barista would always tell her that's essentially impossible.
- Order a cappuccino with no foam. Foam is what makes a cappuccino a cappuccino! Yet people still order Starbucks cappuccinos with no foam.
- Pour your hot coffee in the trash can. Be sure to ask for room in your coffee instead of pouring out extra in the garbage. If it's hot enough, it can melt the plastic trash bag.
- Order espresso over ice and then fill your cup with milk from the bar. Starbucks baristas have a name for this: the "Hobo Latte." Baristas see right through you when you order iced espresso in a Venti cup and then fill the rest of your cup with free milk. Just order a latte, they ask, since that's what you're making anyway.
- Order a third of a pump of syrup. Half pumps of syrup are OK, but if you get more precise than that, there's a good chance your pump will be rounded up or down.
- Call it a "Frappe." It's a Frappuccino, and your barista might cringe if you call it a Frappe.
It's not annoying when you . . .
- Stay all day! Starbucks was founded on the idea of being the "third place" between work and home, and the employees still uphold that promise. If you're someone who spends all day at Starbucks after ordering one drink and staying for hours to study or chill, you shouldn't feel like you're overstaying your welcome. One barista's response to a customer's question about this was, "You're good. Just clean up after yourself on the way out and your baristas should basically love you." Another barista let us in on a pro tip: "If you haven't already, get a gold card and you'll be able to get free refills on that coffee for the entirety of your stay."
36 Couples Costume Ideas That Are Ridiculously Cheap
If you and your boo (no Halloween pun intended) are looking for costume ideas, we've got you covered. Picking out matching costumes can be incredibly pricey, which is why we put together our favorite affordable ideas. These costumes can be re-created with items from your own closet or with a little bit of crafting. Save tons of money this year while still being creative!
The Harry Potter Studio Tour Decorated For Halloween Is - What Else? - Pure Magic
Of all the items on diehard Harry Potter fans' bucket lists, getting the chance to walk through London's Harry Potter Studio Tour is up there next to drinking butterbeer IRL and joining Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe's group chat. Although the latter is likely impossible, it's easy to score tickets to the magical tour (if you can afford a ticket across the pond, that is). If it's something that you're in the process of planning, we have just one recommendation for you: go in October or November.
The brilliant minds behind the studio tour's decorations have incorporated a "Dark Arts"-theme in honor of Halloween, lasting between Oct. 1 to Nov. 12. In addition to spectacularly creepy appearances from masked Death Eaters (who seem to be lurking around nearly every corner of the tour's eerie Forbidden Forest section), there are also over 100 floating pumpkins hovering in the iconic Great Hall set.
The pumpkins, which are reminiscent of the ones featured in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, were designed by the film series' head propmaker, Pierre Bohanna. No two floating pumpkins are alike, but all are modeled after the ones seen in Hagrid's pumpkin patch in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. If you work up an appetite while taking in the wondrous decorations, the prop department has also supplied each of the long, wooden tables in the Great Hall with a festive Fall feast of red apples, pastries, juice, cauldrons brimming with lollipops, and (you guessed it) more pumpkins.
As if the studio tour wasn't amazing enough already, right? We traveled to London to check out the Dark Arts theme for ourselves, and we can assure you that Harry Potter + Halloween = pure magic.
You Don't Have to Be a Theater Fan to Recognize Will's Younger Boyfriend on Will & Grace
Will & Grace featured a very familiar face on Thursday. During the second episode of the rebooted series, appropriately titled "Who's Your Daddy?," Jack and Will get back into the dating game with a pool of much younger men. While Jack has a little trouble attracting a 20-something, Will quickly gains the attention of an over-the-top millennial named Blake. Seriously, if you didn't laugh out loud when he hit on Will, you're lying. So, who exactly is the 23-year-old swept away by Will's "anchor man" good looks? None other than Broadway star Ben Platt.
While the actor is easily recognizable by moviegoers for his role as Benji in the Pitch Perfect franchise, he recently gained critical acclaim for his role in the Tony award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen. In fact, he actually took time off from playing the title character to make a quick cameo on Will & Grace. Even though things don't exactly work out for his character and Will in the episode, we certainly wouldn't mind another cameo in the future. Maybe next time with more singing?
How Long Does Food Stay Good When You Meal Prep? Here's a Guide
So you've washed, chopped, boiled, baked, and stored - now how much time do you have before all that hard work goes to waste and your food goes bad? It varies based on how you store it, but let's take a look at the most common meal prepped items that you're planning to store in the refrigerator.
- Cooked chicken and poultry: the rule of thumb here is about four days in the fridge.
- Cooked fish or shellfish: aim for three days, five tops.
- Cooked quinoa: about one week. Coming down to the wire? Pop it in the freezer!
- Chopped veggies: typically three to four days, but varies based on ripeness and the type of veggie.
- Cooked veggies: three to five days.
- Hard-boiled eggs: hard-boiled eggs last about a week. They don't freeze well.
As mentioned, all of this can vary, but don't underestimate the power of the smell test, either!
How Beachbody Helped This Mom of 2 Lose 155 Pounds
As a mom of two and a teacher's aide, Rachelle has always put others before herself. But after hitting 300 pounds, she knew that in order to take care of the people she loved, she had to get healthy and take care of herself first.
Rachelle: Before
She took action, knowing she wanted to take better care of little boys, and the results have payed off! Rachelle has lost 155 pounds overall - 120 in just eight months - by eating healthy with a portion-control system and by using Beachbody's 21 Day Fix.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Rachelle Hosick: I knew that I needed to lose weight and get healthy for quite some time. I had always said that I would start once I finished off that last bottle of soda or that last bag of junk food, but I always just bought more. The day that I decided I was really ready, I had just sat down with a huge glass of soda and a plate overflowing with junk food as I watched my two boys playing on the floor. I remember thinking that if I didn't do something, I wouldn't be around to raise them.
I remember thinking that this wasn't the kind of mom I wanted to be; my kids deserve to have a mom that actually plays with them. That my kids and my husband deserved better. That I deserved better than how I felt. So instead of finishing off the soda and the junk food, I got up and dumped the soda down the drain and tossed all the junk food I had become addicted to in the trash. I knew it was better to "waste" all that food than to continue wasting my life.
PS: Was there one thing in particular that contributed to your weight gain?
I was pretty heavy from like fifth to ninth grade, to the point where at my ninth grade school checkup, the doctor wanted me to go see a nutritionist to tell me how to eat. I got involved in tennis in high school and lost the weight.
I was perfectly fine with my weight and health until 2007 when I got my wedding dress in and it didn't fit with only like a month to go till my wedding. So instead of altering the dress to fit, I basically starved myself to fit into it. It worked . . . the dress fit on my wedding day, but I just went crazy with food after that. Like I was free to eat whatever I wanted and I was going to do it.
It didn't help that at the same time I went from being super active to basically inactive as I got a job in a customer service call center where I sat the entire day. I didn't get home till 8:30 at night when my husband and I would eat and then go to sleep. Of course, I didn't feel like cooking, so we ate fast food a lot of the time. The weight just piled on.
PS: What drew you to Beachbody specifically?
RH: I decided to give Beachbody a try after my sister told me I needed to (and went as far as to loan me her 21 Day Fix set). I had seen her have great success with it, so I knew it worked for her.
When I started out on my journey, I began walking and trying to eat what I thought was healthy. I lost about 15 pounds but got super bored and began falling back into my old habits. Beachbody had an answer to all of my excuses. My excuses for not working out had always been that I couldn't afford a gym membership and if I did find some way to get one, I didn't have anyone to watch my boys. Thanks to Beachbody and 21 Day Fix, I can work out in the comfort of my own home.
"This wasn't the kind of mom I wanted to be. My kids and my husband deserved better. I deserved better."
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
RH: I love being able to go into my son's tiny little room and push play for 30 minutes and know that I got an amazing workout in. In the beginning, I used DVDs, but now I have the all-access pass to Beachbody on Demand (BOD). Thanks to BOD, I can now do my workout wherever I want. I love being able to take my laptop or phone outside while my boys play in the yard or ride their bikes in the driveway while I get a quick workout in. Sometimes they'll even join me.
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
RH: I work out every single day. Twice a week I'll have an active recovery day where I'll do yoga or Pilates.
Rachelle After
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
RH: When I don't want to get my workout in, I always try to get someone to do it with me. It is always super fun when I get my husband to join me! But the thing is, workouts don't have to be exciting. I'm not one who loves working out. If I was, I probably would have never gotten as big and unhealthy as I did. For me, I have made workouts a nonnegotiable. No matter what, I will always get a workout in. That's what keeps me on track.
PS: How much weight have you lost?
RH: I lost 15 pounds prior to Beachbody and lost another 140 pounds with Beachbody (using 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme).
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
RH: The first non-scale victory for me was being able to shop in the regular-size section at the store. I was so excited being able to buy my first size-16 pants!
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
RH: I weigh myself every morning to keep me accountable. I also constantly compare my body now to old pictures to see what kind of changes I am making.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
RH: I pretty much each every two to three hours. I start every morning with a hot cup of green tea. This is my typical eating schedule:
- 7 a.m.- Breakfast: Usually Shakeology
- 9:30 a.m. - Snack: Baby carrots
- 11:30 a.m. - Lunch: Chicken with sweet potato, butternut squash, or steamed broccoli
- 1 p.m. - Snack: Apple with peanut butter
- 3:30 p.m. - Snack: Cheese or almonds, hard-boiled eggs
- 5:30 p.m. - Dinner: Whatever I fix for my family; usually I'll save a carb, protein, and veggie for dinner
PS: Do you count calories? What's the range of calories you eat per day?
RH: No, I do not count calories. There's no need to count calories since I have the portion-fix containers. I just keep track of how many containers I have to use each day.
Rachelle: Before and After
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
RH: Baby carrots, seasonal fruit, Greek yogurt, eggs, grilled chicken, and steam-fresh veggies are always on hand.
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
RH: I usually get on the restaurant's website and take a look at their menu and find something I'd like to have an plan my day for it (so I don't go over my containers). If the restaurant doesn't have a website, I'll usually just plan for a carb, veggie, and protein. The thing with eating out is don't be afraid to make special requests. Ask for the sauce on the side, or ask to only season with black pepper to avoid a lot of salt.
"Don't wait finish that last drop of soda, don't finish that last bit of junk food, don't wait for Monday . . . go start now!"
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
RH: Beachbody's programs are the reason I am where I am today. They provided me with everything I needed to succeed and not only reach my goals, but surpass them. They provide workouts I can do in the comfort of my own home, give me a meal plan to teach me how to truly eat to fuel my body, and offer a great support system through challenge groups. I would definitely recommend giving Beachbody a try!
If you're just starting out on your journey to health, my biggest tip is to set a huge overall goal you'd like to accomplish and then set a small one to work toward. My big goal was to fit into my old wedding dress by my 10-year wedding anniversary. I didn't necessarily know what weight that would be, but I figured it would mean losing at least 100 pounds as I couldn't even get my dress on my body when I started.
My smaller goals along the way consisted of being in smaller-size jeans of different weight milestones like lose 25 or 50 pounds. And when I reached those goals, and only when I reached those small goals, I had a cheat meal. It isn't easy, but nothing worth having is ever easy! Set those small goals and just start! Don't wait finish that last drop of soda, don't finish that last bit of junk food, don't wait for Monday . . . go start now!
Burn Off Those Halloween Candy Calories With This Pumpkin Workout
Don't get weighed down by bags of Halloween candy this year; blast calories and get in the spirit with a fun and festive workout that requires one piece of equipment that you'll definitely have at home - a pumpkin! Instead of focusing on the chocolate, candy corn, and other spooky confection at your fingertips, celebrate with a workout that will tone your legs, abs, and arms. There's no need to fear Halloween anymore when you have this workout on your side.
12 Betty Boop Makeup Looks for a Sexy 'n' Sweet Halloween Costume
Today, we're traveling back in time - all the way to 1930s - to celebrate one of TV's most iconic and beloved cartoons, Betty Boop! This sophisticated-meets-coquettish character was noted for her sweet voice, flapper style, big round eyes, and bright red, heart-shaped pout. If you're going for girly, glam, and classic this Halloween, Betty Boop is definitely the way to go!
Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham's Fast & Furious Spinoff Is Officially Happening
The Fast & Furious franchise is officially getting a spinoff - and no, it's not a sequel to Tokyo Drift. It seems the chemistry between Dwayne Johnson's Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham's Deckard Shaw characters in the last action film, Fate of the Furious, was enough to inspire Universal to center a new movie around the pair's antics. Shaw, a former villain with a heart of gold, and Hobbs, a hardass U.S. Diplomatic Security Agent, will presumably team up without Dom Toretto's (Vin Diesel) family of vehicle-savvy criminals to save the world from Charlize Theron's zombie cars (just kidding, hopefully those are long gone).
No concrete deals have reportedly been made for the actors just yet, but a release date was recently solidified. The action-buddy comedy is set to hit theaters on July 26, 2019, which caused a big delay in the premiere date for Fast 9, the upcoming addition to the Fast & Furious series. The move to push back Fast 9 to Easter weekend of 2020 immediately drew the ire of cast member Tyrese Gibson, who openly bashed Johnson's decision to move forward with the spinoff at the detriment of the rest of the actors signed on to the ninth film. Johnson has yet to respond.
Universal has yet to name a director for the spinoff, but Variety reports that Shane Black is an early frontrunner. Black has plenty of experience directing big action properties, like Iron Man 3, Lethal Weapon 4, and the upcoming Predator reboot. He's also in the process of working on Doc Savage, which follows an Indiana Jones-esque adventurer in the 1930s, with Johnson attached to play the titular role.
5 Meals Tyler Florence Thinks Every Millennial Should Master
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
Listen up: Tyler Florence is about to give you a cooking lesson. I caught up with the chef and Food Network host at his classic San Francisco restaurant, Wayfare Tavern, to discuss the importance of accessible and affordable fresh fruit and vegetables (he's part of Naked Juice's #DrinkGoodDoGood campaign that donates 10 pounds of fresh produce to food deserts for every selfie posted with the hashtag) as well as to learn some cooking basics as a busy millennial. "We're talking about masterpieces. There's a couple things that are easy and quick, and things that are just good for you as a person to know how to rock. It's about having this baller cooking persona. Some things are quick and easy, and some things you're a master at," Tyler added. With that in mind, Tyler shared his five dishes you can (and should) master.
1. Bolognese
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Tyler's method: "Three different kinds of chopped meat: ground beef for flavor, ground veal for texture, and ground pork for fat. Equal portions: a third, a third, and a third. Carrots, celery, onions, garlic, rosemary, and sage. I like to put it in the food processor and pulse it down. Sauté that stuff in olive oil, add the different chopped meats, give it a good stir, and then add tomatoes, red wine, and milk. Let it cook until it's baby-food soft. It takes about two to three hours. It takes about 15 minutes to get it into the pot and a few hours to cook, but it's a legendary pasta sauce when it's really, really good. Traditionally it's [served with] pappardelle, but it could be tagliatelle, spaghetti, whatever. I like to top it off with a scoop of fresh ricotta cheese."
Get the recipe: Tyler Florence's bolognese
2. Vinaigrette
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Tyler's method: "You have to know how to make a classic vinaigrette: it's three parts olive oil to one part vinegar. And then mustard and fresh shallots and chopped herbs. You should know how to make a vinaigrette from scratch - no question - then you can make any salad and you can modify that salad dressing a thousand different ways."
Get the recipe: Tyler Florence's arugula salad and ultimate vinaigrette
3. Pancakes
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Tyler's method: "Pancakes are super important. My 9-year-old has been diagnosed as gluten intolerant, so now we make them with Thomas Keller's Cup For Cup Flour, which is really great. Two cups flour, three eggs, two cups of buttermilk, a teaspoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of baking powder, a third of a cup of sugar, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and either lemon zest or orange zest."
Get the recipe: Tyler Florence's blueberry-banana pancakes
4. Roast Chicken
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Tyler's method: "I think roasted chicken is super important. There are a lot of different methods on how to do that, but my favorite is the low and slow technique. So you want to set the moisture and the fat and think about the skin on the outside of that. Sage, rosemary, garlic, and salt and pepper: chop it up and make a smear. Rub it all over the inside and outside of the chicken. Cook it at 200°F for two hours, and then crank the oven up to 400°F and let the skin get nice and crispy. It's a fantastic cooking technique. It should read about 155°F at the joint with a thermometer."
Get the recipe: Tyler Florence's roast chicken
5. Mashed Potatoes
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Tyler's method: "Potatoes have a really delicate, beautiful minerality to their flavor profile, and when you cook potatoes in water and you pour that water down the drain, you've extracted all the flavor of the potato. So what I do with mashed potatoes - because you finish them with cream and butter anyway, right? - is I'll take that same cream and butter and add that to the potatoes and cook the potatoes in cream and butter. So cold, peeled, chopped potatoes, cream, butter, and olive oil. I like garlic. I like sage and rosemary flavor combinations, and a little bit of thyme. When the potatoes are tender, I put a bowl on the counter and a colander inside that bowl. I pour the potatoes through the colander, and the cream will collect on the bottom. Then I'll put the potatoes back into the pot and take the potato-infused garlic cream and fold that back into the potatoes, and it's the most incredible flavor profile. It's the best mashed potato you'll ever taste in your entire life."
Get the recipe: Tyler Florence's mashed potatoes
So Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher Aren't Giving Their Kids Christmas Gifts This Year
When it comes to impressive celebrity parents, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher shoot to the top of our lists. The latest reason to love the former That '70s Show stars? They refuse to spoil their kids around the holidays.
"So far, our tradition is no presents for the kids," Kunis said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. "We're instituting it this year because when the kids are [younger than] one, it doesn't really matter. Last year when we celebrated Christmas, Wyatt was two, and it was too much. We didn't give her anything - it was the grandparents."
Their goal is to ensure that Wyatt and Dimitri don't grow up to simply expect gifts without truly being grateful for each one. "The kid no longer appreciates the one gift. They don't even know what they're expecting; they're just expecting stuff."
Their request to family members is one we could all use: "We've told our parents, 'We're begging you - if you have to give her something, pick one gift. Otherwise, we'd like to take a charitable donation, to the Children's Hospital or a pet [or] whatever you want.' That's our new tradition."
Get a Look at the Hatchimals Surprise You Can Only Buy at Target!
Since the second annual Hatchimals Day on Oct. 6 revealed the newest iteration of last year's hottest holiday toy, the Hatchimal, we've been learning more and more about the twin creatures included in the bigger, better Hatchimals Surprise eggs. Available everywhere the toys are sold are the two newest species, the Peacat and Giraven, but Target is adding to the surprise with its own, exclusive species available only via its online and in-store shelves: the Ligull.
The adorable creatures have working wings just like the Peacat and Giraven, but they sport sweet lion's manes in either pink or purple. Scroll through to see pictures of these exclusive twins, and grab your kiddos a Hatchimals Surprise Ligull Egg ($70, includes bonus Hatchimals stickers inside) today, only at Target (and don't forget to check out the Hatchimals Surprise exclusive to Walmart!).
The Weed Analogy About Gun Control Actually Makes Perfect Sense
Late-night host - and former teenage stoner - Stephen Colbert took on gun safety on the Oct. 5 episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. To make his point that we need stricter gun laws, he used a marijuana-related memory that actually illustrated the issue surprisingly well.
In the segment, Colbert took on bump stocks, which authorities say were used in the Las Vegas mass shooting. Bump stocks can be used to make semiautomatic weapons operate like automatic weapons, unleashing up to 100 rounds of ammo in seven seconds. "It's great for hunting," Colbert said, "if you've only got seven seconds to kill every animal in the forest."
But bump stocks are not regulated as firearms since they are technically "firearm parts." Colbert said that's "like when your parents find your bong, and you tell them, 'Hey, there's no weed in there now, so technically, that is a vase. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some Pink Floyd to listen to, can I have my vase back please?' That's based on a true story. My mom didn't know. She didn't know."
Sen. Dianne Feinstein has introduced a bill that would ban the sale of bump stocks, and in the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting, even the NRA has said it would support more regulation of the devices.
The Gruesome Halloween Candle Selling Out Everywhere
Love it or hate it, Halloween brings out the gruesome in everything - including home decor. Case in point: this bleeding hand candle ($35). The creepy, life-size candle seems to seep blood as it melts down from wicks on each finger, revealing a sheet metal skeleton in its wake. This graphic candle is not for the faint of heart, so you might need to put it away before having Grandma over - and that's if you can even find one in stock to purchase. The purveyor's website is long sold out, but you might still be able to find one at a brand retailer near you.
This HGTV Host Just Took the First Dance to a Whole New Level
We like to think we know a lot about HGTV's hottest hosts, but this video of Income Property star Scott McGillivray's wedding dance proves there's always something new to discover. Between the smoke machine, smooth ballroom moves, and Scott's wife's princess-like gown, we think Scott could easily moonlight as Price Charming. Check out their first dance!
Ease Tension in Your Hips and Back in Just 4 Minutes
If you have the ever-popular office job that involves sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, it can wreak havoc on your body, creating tight hips and lower back pain. Many stretches for your hips also stretch out your lower back, so these poses are like two for the price of one. It will only take about four minutes, but that's all you'll need to ease tension.
Butterfly
- Sit on the floor, bend both knees, and bring your feet together. Using your hands, open your feet up like a book, pressing your knees toward the floor with your elbows. If you want more of a stretch, extend your arms out in front of you.
- Stay here for five breaths (about 30 seconds).
Half Happy Baby
- Lie flat on your back. Bend the left knee and hold onto the outside edge of your flexed foot with your left hand. Keep your left arm on the outside of your leg.
- Gently use your upper body strength to press the left knee to the floor below your armpit. Try not to tense your shoulder or chest, but keep everything relaxed.
- Stay like this for five deep breaths, and then switch legs.
- Then do both legs together for another five breaths.
Pigeon
- Sit with your right knee bent and your left leg extended straight behind you. If your hips are flexible, inch your right foot away from you. Make sure your left hip is always pointing down toward the mat. If it begins to open up toward the ceiling, draw your right foot back in toward your body.
- Rest your hands on your hips or walk your hands out in front of you, allowing your torso to rest over your right knee.
- Hold here for five breaths, and then repeat Pigeon on the left side.
Double Pigeon
- Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your knee, shin, and foot on the floor so they're parallel with your pelvis. Bend your left knee and place it on top so your knees, shins, and ankles are stacked. You'll know you're doing it right when you gaze down and see that your legs make a little triangle.
- To make this pose more intense, place your hands in front of your shins and walk them out as far as you can, folding your chest toward your legs.
- Stay here for five breaths, slowly release, and then switch legs so your right knee is on top.
The Cutest Pictures of Jennifer Lopez and Her Twins Max and Emme
Over the past couple years, Jennifer Lopez has offered fans a glimpse into her life as a mom with supercute snaps of her twins, Max and Emme. She and her ex-husband, Marc Anthony, welcomed the kids in February 2008, and since then, she's shared more than a few adorable pictures of the pair on Instagram.
Back in May 2015, Jennifer opened up about motherhood when she sat down with Ellen DeGeneres. "I love my kids," she said. "I wish I would have four or five more." She added, "The fact that you get to love somebody unconditionally in that way and not even care if they love you back - you just love them so much. Like that relationship, that's the biggest blessing in the world." So sweet! Keep reading for some of Jennifer Lopez's best family snaps on Instagram, then check out her sexiest snaps since the '90s.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Why Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Is Better With The Nightmare Before Christmas Theme
The countdown to Halloween at Disneyland has officially begun, and one of the best parts about the park's holiday kickoff on Sept. 15 is the major transformation of the Haunted Mansion ride into its Nightmare Before Christmas theme. This may be a controversial opinion, but, personally, I love how festive and fun the Haunted Mansion becomes for the Halloween and holiday season, much more than when it's just a standard spooky ride.
It's vibrantly and creatively decorated (seriously, Disney doesn't miss a single detail), puts you in a happy Halloween and holiday mood, and has you humming the catchy songs from The Nightmare Before Christmas for the rest of the day. How could you choose the classic over that? Once you've been on Haunted Mansion holiday, the original ride just feels . . . boring. To prove my point, here are the best things about the themed version!
10 Halloween Decor Trends You Never Saw Coming
Sure, there are some Halloween decor staples that will never go out of style - I'm looking at you, pumpkins - but there are also more fashionable design ideas sure to scare and delight. We've decided to focus on the latter, gathering up the Halloween decor pieces that have taken over every inch of trendsetters' homes this year. Check them out ahead.
Wow, American Horror Story Had Too Many F*cked-Up Moments to Count This Week
Are you OK? Is everyone OK? We know the answer is probably no, because this week's episode of American Horror Story really did a number. In what must be one of the most f*cked-up episodes to date, we meet a "gimp" who's hanging on some hooks in an attic, watch a centipede crawl out of Ally's neck, and watch the group of clowns plunge a bunch of nails into a poor guy's head. And that's just the tip of the emotionally scarring iceberg. Quite frankly, it all makes Emma Roberts's brutal on-air stabbing look like child's play. If you can bear it, let's all rehash the most disturbing moments from this week's episode together. Maybe we can process it as a group and get some closure.
10 Telenovela Characters to Dress as on Halloween
This Halloween, if you seek a costume with the perfect amount of sass or even hope to emulate a mean as heck villain, we say you turn to telenovelas. From the ever-relevant Soraya Montenegro to Paola from La Usurpadora, some might not get your costume, but those who do will label you a genius.
Study Reveals Parents Do Have Favorites - and Moms Prefer Daughters!
If you swear up and down that you love all your children exactly the same, researchers might be calling bullsh*t on it, according to a recent study in the Journal of Consumer Psychology. And these researchers streamlined how to figure out which child is a parent's favorite rather simply: by looking at gender. They made parents answer which child they'd give money to if they could only pick one, and moms preferred their daughters and dads preferred their sons.
Here's how the study went down:
They conducted four different experiments in the US and India (to control for any cultural differences) in order to measure spending habits. In one experiment, researchers told each parent they had to give a $25 treasury bond to only one of their children. "Mothers consistently favored daughters, whereas fathers consistently favored sons. For example, parents were more likely to choose a real prize and give a real US Treasury bond to the child of the same sex as themselves," researchers said.
In another experiment, participants were given a raffle ticket for school supplies and had to decide between entering the drawing for a boy's or girl's backpack. They found that mothers chose to enter the raffle for a girl's backpack 75 percent of the time, whereas fathers picked the boy's backpack 87 percent of the time.
Regardless of culture, the results were pretty unanimous across the board. "These parenting biases were found in two different cultures and appear to be driven by parents identifying more strongly with children of the same sex as the parent," the study stated.
The researchers also explained that parents are more likely to identify with children who are the same sex as them: "This is consistent with the idea that people tend to spend money on things that align with their identity. Gift giving to one's children can be a way for parents to bolster their sense of identity and live vicariously through their children."
The most telling point? Although the participants' behavior clearly showed they play favorites, more than 90 percent of them said they didn't prefer one kid over another in an interview. So maybe everything isn't completely equal after all . . .
This Crazy Popular Eco-Friendly Beauty Line Is Now on Amazon
If you've become increasingly more aware of the ingredients in your skincare products, you're not alone - there's been a huge uptick in ingredient awareness, both from consumers and the brands themselves. Knowing what your go-to lotions and body scrubs are made of is incredibly important - many brands use harmful parabens, synthetic fragrances, and dyes in their products - and we just learned that your favorite mission-driven brand The Honest Company is now available on Amazon. That means in just two days, you can get hypoallergenic shampoo, fragrance-free lotion, and even sweet-smelling, leave-in-conditioner right on your doorstep. Natural and safe products were never easier to find.
Apple Just Gave Us a Sneak Peek at 27 New Emoji Coming Very, Very Soon
Back in July, Apple gave us a sneak peek at some of the new emoji slated to hit all devices running on iOS 11 this Fall. Now, ahead of the new emoji launching in the public and developer beta of the software starting next week, Apple has announced a whole hell of a lot more. If you weren't excited before, you absolutely should be now – and, perhaps, slightly concerned that you may be using even fewer words in your day-to-day texting than ever before.
We've got 27 (!) brand new emoji ahead for you to peruse, but as a sneak peek you can now swear without really swearing with the bad mouth smiley, avoid explaining that you're hopping in the shower real quick with a fresh-out-of-the-shower emoji, and explain that you really want to stay in tonight by simply texting an emoji takeout container. Oh, and did we mention there are wizards, mermaids, and dinosaurs coming too?
If you want to get in some early emoji action, you should hop over to the public beta sign-up today – otherwise, they'll be rolling out with the iOS 11.1 update later this Fall.
Hot Cocoa Cocoa Puffs Are About to Be Your New Favorite Cold-Weather Treat
In what is possibly the greatest idea that took far too long to happen, General Mills appears to be releasing a hot-cocoa-flavored Cocoa Puffs cereal. A photo shared by Instagram user JunkFoodAisle shows a mock-up of the new limited-edition cereal box with not much more info beyond the fact that the breakfast option is coming soon. However, after a little more searching, we found the cereal on Target's website, which means it's a very real and delicious treat that we'll be able to get our hands on any minute now.
Each box will be available for $3 at Target and possibly other retailers. No official word on how limited of a run this flavor option will be, so you should probably just go grab a box as soon as you can. You wouldn't want to miss out on this!
Apple Just Gave Us a Sneak Peek at 27 New Emoji Coming Very, Very Soon
Back in July, Apple gave us a sneak peek at some of the new emoji slated to hit all devices running on iOS 11 this Fall. Now, ahead of the new emoji launching in the public and developer beta of the software starting next week, Apple has announced a whole hell of a lot more. If you weren't excited before, you absolutely should be now – and, perhaps, slightly concerned that you may be using even fewer words in your day-to-day texting than ever before.
We've got 27 (!) brand new emoji ahead for you to peruse, but as a sneak peek you can now swear without really swearing with the bad mouth smiley, avoid explaining that you're hopping in the shower real quick with a fresh-out-of-the-shower emoji, and explain that you really want to stay in tonight by simply texting an emoji takeout container. Oh, and did we mention there are wizards, mermaids, and dinosaurs coming too?
If you want to get in some early emoji action, you should hop over to the public beta sign-up today – otherwise, they'll be rolling out with the iOS 11.1 update later this Fall.
6 Halloween Decor DIYs You Can Make in Less Than 10 Minutes
Just because you don't have time to deck your house out with Halloween decorations this year doesn't mean it has to go bare. Give your home some simple yet impactful Halloween flair without a major time investment by checking out our roundup of super simple Halloween decor DIYs. They look spooktastic and take less than 10 minutes to complete.
10 Cholula and Tapatío Halloween Costumes Hot-Sauce-Lovers Will Freak For
Store-bought and one-and-done Halloween costumes are easy - sometimes you just don't have time! - but we think we can all agree that DIY outfits are always the best! Plotting to find the perfect pieces in your closet, hitting the craft store for cardboard, tape, glitter, and more, while sitting at home putting everything together can't be beat if Oct. 31 is one of your favorite days of the year.
This Halloween, we have the perfect DIY costume whether you want to go solo or as a couple (or maybe even frenemies): Cholula and Tapatío. You can be the bottle or the character in the label, go simple or all out, but we can almost guarantee you'll take the prize for most original. Scroll ahead for ideas!
I Finally Found the Perfect Towel - and I'll Never Go Back
Now that my linen closet is stacked to full capacity, it feels safe and only right to share details about the towels I no longer want to live without. Full disclosure: I was first turned onto Hotel Collection's Ultimate MicroCotton Bath Towels ($15) through a PR pitch and had meager expectations, until I actually gave the free towel samples a try. Whoa.
From the first wash cycle to the first time I used them, I immediately noticed how much softer, fluffier, and more absorbent they were than any of the other towels I owned. After six months of heavy use and wash rotation - because who wants to use the crappy towels anymore? - I noticed another thing: they're remarkably resistant to mildewy funk. As someone making due in a tiny bathroom with limited ventilation and towel-hanging real estate, this was a problem for me - even with frequent laundering and vinegar cycles. These, however, are different.
The towels come in 21 shades, ranging from easy neutrals to pretty pastels and a handful of bold jewel tones. I've stocked up on vapor - a warm, pale gray that feels as versatile as white but doesn't show my makeup residue as easily. It's the lighter of the two gray options.
While the original price is $31 for a bath towel, you can score one for $15 on sale, which is what propelled me to finally stock up. Like sheets, buying high-quality towels at a price you can afford is an investment worth making. If you're looking for an affordable upgrade to your daily shower or bath routine, I highly recommend them.
The Ultimate Guide to Last-Minute Kids' Costumes
As much as we like to plan ahead, it's not always possible, and that's especially true when you're a mom. So if Halloween snuck up on you (oops) and you still need a costume for your girl or boy - don't fret! We've rounded up 80-plus ideas for you to copy. Whether you rig up an outfit from things you already have around the house, hit the store on your way home from work, or phone a friend, we hope these picks serve as inspiration. No matter if you're looking for sweet or spooky, you'll find something for every type of tot!
Heather Dubrow's Mansion Will Knock Your Manolos Off
On Bravo's Real Housewives of Orange County, viewers are gifted with a front-row view to Heather Dubrow's sophisticated and often enviable lifestyle. We have known her for years as an actress, a mom of four, and the wife to plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow. More recently, though, we have gotten to know her as a California mansion designer extraordinaire. Avid viewers of the show live for the little glimpses of her decadent new digs now that her vision is fully complete.
Heather's shared plenty of sly shots of the over-the-top and exceptionally beautiful interiors on Instagram, though there's yet to be a big reveal. Until then, these social snaps prove that every detail from her aired-in olive tree to the jaw-dropping master bath is going to wow us beyond belief. So grab a glass of Champagne and enjoy this inside look at the Dubrow abode, and we promise, it does not disappoint.
11 Spooky Halloween Mocktails Your Kids (and Pregnant Friends!) Will Go Mad For
No Halloween party theme is complete without a scary drink that gives kids and adults alike the heebie-jeebies. But let's be honest: no busy mom has the time to play "bartender" for a kids' get-together. We've compiled a list of 11 mocktail and punch recipes that take just a few ingredients and require barely any mixing but will satisfy kids' (and expectant moms') wishes for a spooky sip.
The 13 People Who Actually Care About Your Pregnancy, Ranked
Considering how much you care about your pregnancy, it's hard to imagine that not everyone feels the same way. On the contrary, the people you expect to care most about your impending baby seem to all but forget you're expecting while perfect strangers ask you more probing questions than a first-year obstetrics student during rounds.
Before you set unrealistic expectations for who should be actively excited about your pregnancy, consult this primer for a ranking of all the people in your life and how involved they'll really be over the next nine months. From your mom to your doctor, here's the definitive list of who cares most to who actually cares the least.
Surprise! Krispy Kreme Is Bringing Back the Pumpkin Spice Doughnut!
Remember when we thought Krispy Kreme's pumpkin spice glazed doughnut was only going to be around for one day? Well, surprise! Krispy Kreme is bringing it back again for October, but only on a few select days! You can get the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed after 6 p.m. on Oct. 6, 13, and 20 - in a promotion Krispy Kreme is calling Friday Night Spice - and also all day on National Pumpkin Day, Oct. 26.
The pumpkin treats will be available at Krispy Kreme shops in the US and Canada while supplies last. The seasonal doughnut is Krispy Kreme's popular glazed option with a hint of cinnamon and pumpkin spice thrown into the mix. Sounds pretty delicious to us!
124 Pumpkin Spice Offerings, Ranked From Worst to Best
Last year we tried everything and anything pumpkin spice - all told, 83 pumpkin-spice-flavored foods - to find the winners and the losers. This year, we're back at it: here's everything you can find on shelves now, ranked from worst to best.
- Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts
115+ Gorgeous Beauty Ideas From Chic-as-Hell Women in Europe at Fashion Week
As someone who has attended all aspects of Fashion Week, from going backstage to sitting front row and attending the afterparties, I can confirm that getting dressed to impress isn't easy. The struggle here is real. Runway shows attract some of the most fashionable people in the world, including models, editors, bloggers, celebrities, and buyers. Even though it can be an intimidating scene, it can also be an incredibly inspiring one.
These influencers are often ahead of the curve with their style choices - from unique hair colors to bold lipsticks and statement accessories. Here, we take a look at some of the best beauty street style looks spotted at London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks for the Spring 2018 season. You know what they say: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
8 Pennywise YouTube Tutorials That Will Leave You Chanting "You'll Float Too"
'Tis the season to be spooky, and their costume will be at the forefront of this month's agenda for many makeup enthusiasts. From American Horror Story to Ice Queens, there is plenty of inspiration to keep your ghoulish imagination entertained, but there might be one character that is speaking to you on a whole new horrifying level: Pennywise the Clown from It. Whether you're looking for a realistic or more glam interpretation of the clown, the following terrifying re-creations will satisfy your creepy costume needs.
Read on to watch the best tutorials we could find and learn how to easily transform into the living nightmare come Oct. 31, but be warned: the intros to the tutorials are just as creepy as the movie.
So, Ross Geller Fully Predicted the Plot of Black Mirror's "San Junipero" on Friends
If you're a fan of Friends, then you know Ross Geller is very passionate about his unagi/salmon skin roll brain power, so it should come as no surprise that he basically invited the futuristic plot of Black Mirror's "San Junipero" episode. The award-winning episode of the Twilight Zone-esque Netflix series tells the story of two women falling in love in the seaside town of San Junipero in the '80s, which is later revealed to be a simulated reality where elderly people can visit and the deceased can choose to live permanently. People inhabit their younger, healthier selves in San Junipero and can live forever due to their memory chips being looked after in a large computer facility.
Well, since Friends was always way ahead of its time, Ross talks about such a futuristic society during an episode in season six. While talking to Chandler, Ross described the world in the year 2030, saying humans will be able to live forever by having their memories downloaded onto a computer. And that, my friends, is the power of unagi.
The 11 Best Halloween Decor Ideas on Pinterest
Maybe you're content just throwing some pumpkins on your front stoop for Halloween and calling it a day - or maybe you're quick to decorate with the most gory, nostalgic, or timely decorations. But if you're the type who wants to be on the cutting edge of seasonal design, then we've got the list for you: Pinterest's fastest-rising Halloween decor. Check out what's on the rise ahead.
I'm a Financial Advisor - and I Rent My Home and Lease My Car
Renee Cohen is a financial advisor whose mission is for you to love your money story.
As a successful woman in my 30s, people are often surprised to learn that my car is leased and my home is rented - especially when they find out I'm a professional financial advisor.
I am very open with my personal philosophies and my own personal financial journey with clients. When it comes to financial planning and goal-setting, everyone's situation is different. You've got to evaluate all the pieces around you to ask: "What is the best fit for me?" And for me, personally, home ownership is not something I strive for at this present time. I prefer to build my assets in other ways.
I'm definitely not against home ownership. But you don't have to own just because society says you have to own. It's OK to rent!
Why Owning Isn't Everything
My philosophy has always been that real estate is a great piece to have in your overall portfolio, but it's not the only thing to have. So many people have tunnel vision about real estate being a great asset. And it is! There are tax deductions that go along with it. But there are also a lot of complications that go along with it. And that's beyond just saving for the down payment. When you own a house, everything else is on you.
When I talk to people about saving for a house, we can't just talk about the 100 grand that you want to put down. What about that question for the plumber? When you need a painter? Furnishing the house? Most people are not going to just take all their furniture from their one-bedroom apartment into a home and call it a day.
Our generation is redefining the American dream.
Bottom line? You don't want to become house poor. I've had some clients who are now pinching pennies because they pulled the trigger on buying a property - that million-dollar condo that's not going to be their forever home - and now they're pinching pennies in other capacities. They're not diversifying their portfolio. They're not building meaningful savings.
I also live and work in LA, where real estate is notoriously expensive, which is important for people to keep in mind. Many of us saw our parents' generation get married, have kids, and buy a home. But I think our generation is redefining the American dream - especially in a market where our dollar obviously doesn't go as far as it used to.
Other Places to Save
As an advisor, I look at assets in four to five main buckets. One bucket is cash: a good emergency fund that could cover you for about six months. The second bucket is a tax-deductible bucket - a 401(k) or Traditional IRA. The third bucket is a taxable bucket, which includes nonqualified investments for your mid- to long-term goals because you don't want money sitting on the sideline in cash. You want to have some opportunity for growth relative to your risk tolerance. The fourth bucket is a tax-free bucket - the most common vehicle is a Roth IRA, but there are income restrictions, so it is important to understand how to build that bucket when you don't qualify. And a fifth bucket is real estate.
But real estate is not a liquid asset. In an emergency, what if you don't have an emergency fund and all your money is also locked up in a 401(k) or real estate?
Why I Love Leasing
My initial conversation with clients is understanding their why. What's the why? What really drives and motivates them? What's important to them in the long term? And then I can connect their "whats" and build a plan around that. But I always joke that the plan is like a car: because as soon as we're done with the meeting, it changes. It's like buying a car - as soon as you drive off, it depreciates.
In my own personal life, one thing that I love is having a new car every year. So I lease my car. I've always factored a car payment into my budget, and I'd much rather have one and be able to drive to the dealership if something goes wrong or turn it in when I want. I don't want to deal with having to sell a car. And I won't benefit from purchasing when I'm planning to get a newer vehicle so often.
The Healthiest Strategy
We should all be architects of our own financial lives based on our own personal goals and philosophies. Maybe real estate isn't right for someone. And if I'm advising women, let's talk about family life and work. Do you want to have kids? Do you want to freeze your eggs? Let's talk about the costs associated with that. There's traditional and there's nontraditional, and that's fine, and it could change for you.
As women, we want to be empowered, financially - where we're not having to make personal and professional decisions because we're beholden to the financial part of our lives. That's where I really like to help women understand all the dynamics, so we can be empowered. And that means something different to everyone.
- As told to Lindsay Miller
Recharge and Relax: Our Favorite Healthy Hotels and Resorts
Vacations are meant for relaxing, but sitting around all day can get boring pretty quickly. Whether it's a morning yoga practice on the beach, a spectacular hike, or biking through wine country, choosing a fitness-minded hotel or resort definitely has its perks. Planning your own vacation? Consider one of these fit destinations.
Related: Healthy Travel Guide
Warning: This Workout Will Wake Up Muscles You Didn't Know Existed
If you love a challenge and are always looking for new ways to work out, you're going to be a huge fan of AMRAP workouts. AMRAPs, short for "as many reps as possible," are timed workouts where you race against the clock to get in as many reps of a set of exercises as possible.
"When doing AMRAPs, you get to go at your own pace and really focus on technique, which allows more control over every movement," said Austin Lopez, CSCS and founder of Ausome Fit. "Because of this, you're often doing better work than you might in a high-intensity workout, where form is often sacrificed for speed." But, as you do build up your technique and form, you can challenge yourself to increase the total number of reps you complete in each round and will find yourself totally out of breath as you would during any intense HIIT session.
Ready to give it a go? Lopez grouped these moves together - jump squats, push-ups, and burpees - because they work the entire body, which helps you maximize every second spent in the workout.
The Workout
Perform each move for 30 seconds, completing as many reps as possible. After completing the third and final move in the circuit, rest for 45 seconds before beginning again. Run through the circuit a total of four times.
The 7 Exercises Everyone Should Know
As a fitness editor, I have done my fair share of workouts. Videos, classes, personal training - you name it, I've probably done it. In all of the workouts I have done, the same seven exercises appear again and again, and for good reason. Not only do these moves tend to form the foundation of more challenging variations, but they are also incredibly functional and work major muscle groups of the body.
If you're new to fitness or are just looking for a refresher, it's a good idea to get acquainted with the following exercises. Doing so will help give you the foundation to excel at more complicated moves, while also providing you the health benefits from focusing on exercises that are truly useful in everyday life. Best of all? You won't need a single piece of equipment to do a single one.
15 Desserts Shaped Like Sugar Skulls to Mark Day of the Dead
You know one of the most popular traditions for Día de los Muertos is preparing homemade sugar skulls to set on altars for loved ones who have passed away. But through the years, the symbol has expanded to other sweets that are not given as ofrendas but enjoyed with family. These 15 deliciously sweet recipes, from cake pops to sugar cookies, are perfect for the day of remembrance.
The Parenting Blunder Caught on Tape That Made Pink Respond: "Ah, Sh*t!"
I made a thing with @AppleMusic! It's a documentary about #BeautifulTrauma – Check out this trailer http://pic.twitter.com/NfQeRwG7Sa
- P!nk (@Pink) October 5, 2017
Even before she became a mom, Pink was widely adored for her no f*cks given attitude, something she definitely hasn't lost since having her daughter Willow and son Jameson. That attitude paired with oh-so-typical parenting blunders is perhaps the reason Pink is such a beloved celebrity mom - the woman is relatable, if nothing else. In an Apple Music documentary celebrating her badass music career, particularly the making of her latest album, "Beautiful Trauma," the singer showed off that relatability tenfold when she aged her baby son by over seven years.
In a trailer for the documentary that the mom posted to Twitter, she's outlining the long process of making an album, when toward the end she slips up adding the responsibilities she has to her kids - ages 6 years and 8 months at time of filming - into the crazy mix. "Making an album is so many moving pieces . . . " she says. "So it's rehearsals and it's putting on shows, and then your 6-year-old has surf camp and your 8-year-old has a vaccination, and then your album is out."
The singer laughs after finally completing the enormous list of steps, until you hear the guy behind the camera mumble something to her, inspiring the response: "I said 8-year-old? Ah, sh*t." Of course, she continues laughing right after that; a true testament to her character and an honest acceptance of how crazy life with kids (especially when you're touring the world) can be.
If you can't laugh at how exhausted you are, are you even really a parent?
13 Ingenious Ways to Use WD-40 Around the House
If you don't already have a can of WD-40 around the house, you'll soon want to! This wonder product was developed in San Diego, CA, in 1953 and started being sold for residential use in 1958. Originally developed as an antirust protector, it soon became a household staple.
It seems that the longer WD-40 has been around, the more uses people find for it. While it's still great at preventing rust, its cleaning and lubricating applications are seemingly endless! Check out some of our favorite ways to use WD-40 around the house.
Storybook Cosmetics Is FINALLY Releasing Black Rose Makeup Brushes, and Oh Mylanta
Set your alarms, mark your calendars, and most importantly, grab your wallets, because the time has FINALLY come. After many (agonizing) months of teasers, Storybook Cosmetics is releasing its highly anticipated black rose makeup brushes! [Insert squeals and maybe even a few happy tears here.]
To refresh your memory, Storybook Cosmetics released the dreamiest makeup brushes that looked just like the enchanted rose from Beauty and the Beast right around the time of the movie's premiere earlier this year. And now that Halloween is approaching, the brand decided it was the perfect time to release a darker, spookier version of the original ones (which are still available online, BTW!). These new brushes are all black except for the crimson-red bristle ends, making for an edgy beauty accessory that even yellow-dress-donning Belle would totally splurge on.
Now, we don't have too many official details about these beauties yet, as Storybook Cosmetics announced the release with a short and sweet caption: "October 10th! LIMITED EDITION." The company has been teasing them on Instagram since the Summer, with each post sending makeup mavens into a full-on frenzy. The teasers made it look like the brushes would have a matte black finish, but it somewhat looks like the final design has a bit of a shinier finish. If they're anything like the original rose brushes, they'll come in a set of four (including a tapered highlighting brush, angled contour brush, flat-top powder brush, and dome-top powder brush) and will likely be around the same price ($55 for the whole "bouquet").
It's unclear how long these limited-edition beauties will be available for purchase, but we're predicting a quick sellout. Memorize those credit card numbers, set storybookcosmetics.com as your homepage, and prepare for Oct. 10, fellow goth queens. In the meantime, check out the teasers ahead for an up-close look at these gloriously edgy makeup brushes.
6 Reasons Dr. Vincent Is Without a Doubt the Leader on American Horror Story
This week's emotionally scarring episode of American Horror Story gave us more information than ever about Kai's crazy clown cult. Not only did we hone in on all the identities of the masked murderers, but we even got some insight into their little gatherings and their inside game. While it's clear we still don't know exactly why they're trying to incite so much fear in the community (is it just to get Kai elected and that's it?), there is one thing that, to me, seems abundantly clear: I don't think Kai's running the cult at all. I think it's Ally's psychiatrist, Dr. Rudy Vincent. And I've got plenty of reasons to help explain why.
1. He's Kai and Winter's Big Brother
When Kai finally admits his actual backstory to Beverly, he makes a shocking revelation: he and Winter have an older brother, and it's you-know-who. When you consider the hierarchical structure of the family, it makes sense that the oldest brother would be running the whole operation. Kai may seem like he's running the show, but I doubt he'd undermine his big brother if the two disagreed on something.
2. It Was His Idea to Hide Their Parents' Bodies
Really, this whole thing started because of Rudy. Kai calls his brother after his parents' whole murder-suicide situation, and it's Rudy's decision not to tell the cops. It's Rudy's decision to turn their bedroom into a tomb and Rudy's decision to keep them locked away forever. And Kai's listening to him. It makes much more sense to say that their dynamic didn't shift after that. So Kai has taken on the biggest responsibilities, but Rudy's the one who has final say on everything.
3. Kai Dresses Up With the Other Cult Members
When it comes to a boss of an evil underground organization, he doesn't get in on the action. Consider another famous cult leader: Charles Manson (who, by the way, is one of Evan Peters's characters in an upcoming episode). Charles Manson didn't really get his hands dirty. He called the shots, and all of his underlings carried out his orders. Even his most infamous crime, the murder of Sharon Tate, was carried out by his loyal followers. So why does Kai dress up with the rest of his clown clan? Maybe it's because Vincent is the real boss, commanding the operation from the safety of his scary office. It's like Kai is the district manager but Rudy's the president of the whole damn thing.
4. It Explains How the Cult Knows So Much About Ally
From the very start, the clowns seem to be very in the know when it comes to Ally's phobias. I mean, even the fact that the cult dresses up as clowns seems like something geared toward Ally's specific brand of madness. Then there are specific aspects of the clowns: consider the fact that Beverly's clown head is covered in holes, which can be linked to Ally's rampant trypophobia. The only way they'd have all this information is if Rudy is feeding it to them.
5. It Explains Why Ally Seems to Be a Target
Along the same lines, how would the cult know to focus on Ally in the first place? Why would it be so obsessed with her if there wasn't some sort of underlying motive? Clearly, Dr. Vincent has seen something in her that makes him want her. It's definitely not abundantly clear just yet, but he has to have a reason. Ally's involvement reveals Dr. Vincent two-fold: it explains why Ally is a target and why the cult is attuned to all her phobias. We just need to figure out why.
6. That Button Scene Makes So Much More Sense Now
We had an inkling that Dr. Vincent was evil pretty early on. During the third episode, he has a phone session with Ally. While they speak, he plays with five buttons that bear smiley faces. While they don't precisely match the real-life clowns (not in appearance or number), it still seems like a pretty glaring indicator of his guilt. The way he rearranges the separate buttons makes it seem like he's the true puppet master.
What do you think? Is our brain-fixer the mastermind behind this whole operation? Hopefully, all will be revealed in the episodes to come.
18 Secrets From Flight Attendants That Will Change the Way You Fly
Does a cheaper flight mean a less safe flight? What happens if your plane is struck by lightning? And why do we have to put our seats in the upright position for landing? The keepers of the answers to your burning questions are the very same people serving you cocktails and snack packs. Flight attendants see it all, and they know the ins and outs of air travel.
We spoke to two flight attendants who both work for one of the top three major US airlines - they answered our questions on the condition of anonymity. From the things that annoy flight attendants to tips and tricks they practice when they're flying, these expert travelers have secrets that will calm your fears and may make you think twice before you complain extra loud about your dinner not being just right on your next flight. Read on for the juicy details only flight attendants can provide.
1. What are some things that annoy flight attendants?
"Discourteous passengers, touching the flight attendant to get their attention as we walk by, whispering (the airplane can be very loud and I'm not the best at reading lips!), complaining about weather and/or aircraft maintenance delays (we don't have any control over this, and we are just as inconvenienced as you are)."
2. Why do tray tables and seats have to be in upright position for takeoffs and landings?
"Especially the tray tables! During an evacuation, where every second matters to get away from the plane, if a tray table is down it will slow down the egress of the two passengers on the middle and window seat. If the aircraft were on fire, wouldn't you want a clear escape path to the exit? Same goes for the seat back. Any added obstacle will slow egress in an emergency."
3. What is something flight attendants wish passengers knew/understood?
"We don't choose what we serve - we simply show up and serve what's there, and if it's not there, you're not getting any. We also have no control when it comes to delays due to weather and/or aircraft maintenance. So please, be courteous to us in the event those may occur. As Captain Sullenberger said, 'Better a delay than a disaster!'"
4. What are some common myths that people believe about flying that aren't true?
"That the brace position is meant to kill you faster - I find this to be the most ridiculous myth; in a crash landing you wouldn't want to be tucked away and brace your body for impact by compacting it and covering your vitals such as neck, face, stomach, etc. Even flight attendants have a brace position, and we do it every takeoff and landing!"
5. Does a cheaper ticket/airline mean a less safe flight?
"Absolutely not! A lot of variables make up the complex formula for ticket price such as time of booking, cabin, seat, frequent flyer status and miles, airplane configuration, in-flight service on that particular flight, optional items like baggage allowance or seat assignment. Basically, all aircraft are subject to FAA regulations, and we wouldn't be in the business if safety wasn't our number one priority. Airlines are able to customize their product to their brand, but safety remains the number one focus."
6. What sort of training does a flight attendant go through?
"Training is on average five and a half weeks, most of which is unpaid. In training we learn and are tested to proficiency on certain items such as aircraft general, first aid, security, and evacuation drills. Only about four days is spent on service!"
7. What are flight attendants trained in, in terms of safety emergency situations, both plane and people-related?
"We have a lot of formal training in safety and emergency situations. Four of our five weeks of intense, six-days-a-week training was spent on safety and emergency situations. Most of our people-related situations are learned on the job. We have been hired/selected by other professional flight attendants for our ability to make good decisions and to be able to read situations and people with good judgment. So many of us are well equipped to handle these situations that come up, but sometimes it does take a second opinion of another crew member."
8. What happens when one engine goes out?
"All aircraft are certified to fly with one engine operation for a safe landing. The aircraft that fly over water are ETOPS certified. Airplanes are aerodynamic, meaning they are designed so air can easily flow around the airplane to decrease drag so they can glide in descent for an extended time with one working engine. One example is Air Canada Flight 143, which ran out of fuel at 41,000 feet and managed to glide and land without a loss of life. And then there's the all too famous US Airways flight 1549 - so in short, engine failure isn't like a flat tire, just a rare inconvenience."
9. Can turbulence make a plane crash?
"No, but it can be unsettling and even throw people about. Due to modern technology, turbulence can now easily be predicted than ever before. In general the pilots know what's ahead of their aircraft at all times, but severe turbulence does happen unexpectedly from time to time. Most turbulence-related injuries are actually to flight attendants, as we are more vulnerable being out of our jumpsuits most of the flight. The main danger to passengers is not being seated with their seat belts fastened when this unlikely event occurs or unsecured items becoming instant projectiles."
10. What happens if the landing gear fails?
"Simple, we land without it! This event is actually called a 'belly landing,' where the plane lands on the belly without the gear lowered. This event has actually happened where LOT Polish Airlines Flight 16 landed with out the gear lowered with emergency vehicles and personnel on the ground standing by. The plane landed without incident on its belly, and the flight attendants warranted an evacuation - all 231 people were evacuated via the escape slides without injury or loss of life."
11. Is it safe to fly during a thunderstorm? What happens when a plane is hit by lightning?
"Planes are designed to be hit by lightning both in the air and on the ground! Thanks to the engineers who design the plane. The skin of the aircraft acts as a conductor to keep lightning from entering the internal parts of the aircraft, such as the cabin or anything such as flight controls that may affect the well-being of the airplane, and the lightning is redirected out through the wings and tail. There may be damage to the plane (rare), but it will make a safe landing. Thanks to the engineers and plane manufacturers, an airliner has not crashed from lightning in over 45 years. From the passenger perspective, there may be a loud bang or white glow, but not to worry, the internal parts if the plane are protected."
12. What are some reasons that a flight is completely canceled rather than just delayed?
"A lot of reasons can a play a factor with this, mostly crew legality comes into play especially out of our hub cities where we don't have ready reserve flight attendants who can easily take over the flight. FAA mandates how many hours a crew can work a day in any given duty period - pilots are usually 12 hours and flight attendants are usually 16 hours. A long day's friend is fatigue and fatigue is usually where mistakes can be made. Planes have been crippled and met demise under fatigue conditions of the crew. Sometimes the delay can be so long that they cancel the flight for the day and run an extra segment the following day.
Although cancellations are becoming more and more rare, with airlines running about 90 percent completion rate of flights. The most common cancellation is weather, where planes are late or never take off to come in or they just simply can't operate a safe operation under the severe weather conditions and it makes sense to cancel the flight vs. stringing the passengers along to departure that will never happen."
13. What are some tips you have for packing light?
"My suggestion is to wear your larger coat and bulkiest shoes on the flight if possible. Also pack things that combine well together. One skirt that goes with four different shirts or a dress that can be worn for day and evening. It cuts down on the number of items you'll have to pack. Things like underwear, socks, tank tops, etc. can be shoved into boots if those are something you choose to pack instead of wear on the plane."
14. What are the essentials you HAVE to have when you fly?
"(Noise-canceling) headphones, sweater/jacket/wrap or scarf, Kiehl's in-flight spray, and empty water bottle to fill up after security checkpoint."
15. What other travel tips/tricks/secrets do you have?
"Do not depend heavily on the airline/flight attendants. Things happen, we make mistakes, and sometimes we aren't having the best day, but if you can make the flight attendants smile or laugh, you'll never go thirsty. Always anticipate delays and your own needs such as temperature - bring a sweater, dietary needs - we aren't a 7-Eleven, bring your gluten-free stuff from home, medication - keep it with you at all times, along with your wallet, keys, and passport!"
16. Any tips for beating jet lag?
"Drink a lot of water! My best advice is to get yourself onto the time of the place you're going as best you can. If I get in and it's 2 p.m. and I really want to nap, I force myself to stay awake until it's 'bedtime.' It can be really challenging, but that's why coffee exists."
17. What's the coolest place you've ever been?
"I have to say that being paid to work a flight to Maui and then getting to lay on the beach all the next day and then working the flight back is not such a rough life. As long as I have enough time, I try to get out and find some things to explore in every city. I also love Boston and NYC (places I'd never been until I got this job)."
18. What made you get into the airline business? What do those in the business love about it?
"I have wanted to be a flight attendant for a long time. I have always been drawn to the idea of traveling all over for work, the flexible scheduling, and the fact that I get to work with a variety of people. Why people stay in the airline business is due to the flexible hours and the travel benefits. And with many of the larger carriers, once you've worked with them for 15 years, you get lifetime flying benefits with that carrier."
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