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.
mercredi 1 novembre 2017
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.
Ellie Transformed Her Body in Her 40s With the Help of Gold's Gym
Forty-two-year-old Ellie Carter from St. Paul, MO, went through the devastating loss of her father at the same time she was diagnosed with her own serious medical issues - it was the perfect storm for gaining weight.
Ellie: Before
She fought through her medical setbacks with the help of Gold's Gym's challenges, and now she's biceps curling her kids and no longer on the three prescription medications she once needed. Here's the story of how she got her life back, plus tips you can apply to your own healthy journey.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Ellie Carter: I was tired and in constant pain and had put on a lot of weight. One day, my 3-year old said, "Mommy, come play with us." And before I could respond, my 5-year old said, "Mommy can't play with us. Mommy is tired and doesn't feel good."
At that point I realized that was not what I wanted my kids to remember from their childhood. My dad had just lost his battle with leukemia, and I had so many fond memories of the fun things he did with us growing up. I wanted my kids to have the same fond memories when they looked back on their childhood. At that point I knew I needed to make a change - for me, for my health, for my husband, and especially for my kids.
PS: What drew you to Gold's Gym specifically?
EC: I had done the 12-week Gold's Gym challenge in 2016; it worked in kick-starting my health and fitness journey. After completing the challenge last year, my dad was diagnosed with incurable leukemia, and I was shortly thereafter also diagnosed with serious medical issues. All I had gained during the challenge was quickly lost. Most of my free time was spent running around to doctor's appointments, and my nutrition consisted of whichever fast-food drive through was close and convenient.
I kept my membership throughout my medical issues. I had made great strides last year through the energy and enthusiasm I felt every time I walked in the door. So, of course, I needed to feel that energy and enthusiasm again to get my life back on track. The group exercise classes were always so engaging!
"I needed to feel that energy and enthusiasm again to get my life back on track."
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
EC: Group exercise classes keep me going! When I work out outside of those classes, I always feel like I can't do one more set. But in the group classes, the energy and constant encouragement keeps me going the entire hour!
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
EC: I target certain muscle groups on specific days, rotating each week. And I mix in cardio-only days in between the weightlifting/muscle group days.
Ellie: After
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
EC: I have a fun music playlist that get me going and in the mood. I switch up my routines to keep it from getting monotonous. And I've started involving my kids! They love sitting on my back while I plank, and they think it's a fun game when I biceps curl them.
PS: How much weight have you lost?
EC: Eighteen pounds and counting! My journey is still ongoing!
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
EC: The energy I now have, the way the stress levels have decreased dramatically, but most importantly the fact that my doctor has removed me from THREE prescription medications. Additionally, all my numbers are now in good healthy ranges (i.e., cholesterol).
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
EC: Just the use of a traditional scale.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
EC: Breakfast: protein shake blended with fruit and spinach. Snack: boiled egg, fruit. Lunch: spinach or kale salad, and some sort of a lean protein (fish, chicken, turkey) with a carb. Snack: fresh veggies and usually hummus. Dinner: lean meat, veggies, and small portion of carbs.
PS: Do you count calories?
EC: I use a meal tracker that helps me count calories. I find that if I count and watch what I eat, I'm more conscious and deliberate about sticking to a healthy routine. I eat 1,200-1,500 calories depending on my workouts planned for the day.
Ellie: Before and After
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
EC: Fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, spinach and kale for salads, fat-free Greek yogurt (for dips and dressings), and hummus.
"If I watch what I eat, I'm more conscious and deliberate about sticking to a healthy routine."
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
EC: I research the menu and plan for something healthy. If there are salads, I get low-fat/low-cal dressings, usually without cheese. If there are marinades or preps, I ask for no butter and sauces on the side. Additionally, I'll ask for a to-go box and plan to cut the portion size down since most restaurants serve you enough food for two to three meals.
PS: Do you use a fitness tracker?
EC: Yes, the Fitbit Charge HR. It has helped me track and keep an eye on my fitness level for the day, and it helps me keep track of my sleep too - that's been very important as well. I need an adequate amount of rest to feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
PS: What role did Gold's Gym play in your journey?
EC: Gold's Gym is where my fitness journey began. The employees and instructors are all so friendly and greet you with big smiles when you arrive. My kids go to Kids Klub when I work out and they LOVE it. They often beg me and bug me about when they can go again! The other people working out at Gold's Gym become familiar faces and often greet you and help keep the energy going throughout. I would definitely recommend Gold's Gym!
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
EC: Take the time to sit down and set your goals. What is your big, deep-down "why" you're doing this? Break that big goal into smaller, attainable goals. Don't expect the scale to move right away. You'll see and feel differences (energy, tightness of clothing, etc.) long before you'll see the needle on the scale move. And most importantly, don't get discouraged! It takes time!
These Are the 9 Healthiest Things You Can Order at Chick-fil-A
Look, we know you're probably at Chick-fil-A for a milkshake and a fried chicken sandwich. And who could blame you? That stuff is tempting.
But on the off chance that you're out with friends, stuck at a fast food place, and trying to make a healthier choice, we put together a few options for you; think of it as your emergency backup plan for when you're in a bind and a drive-through is the only option. At the very least, you'll be getting a significant serving of protein. If you're lucky enough to live in one of Chick-fil-A's test markets, start with one of its superhealthy new offerings like the Harvest Kale and Grain Bowl. Otherwise, try one of these nine options, available nationwide.
10 Unexpected Places to Buy Magazine-Worthy Nursery Art Online
Lots of work goes into prepping your home for a new family member, but decorating the nursery is one of the most enjoyable ways. There's something cathartic about carving out a special space for your newborn, from picking a color theme to purchasing a crib. Every detail feels important, especially the wall art because it plays a big role in setting the tone of the entire space. It's easy to resort to shopping for nursery art at the same old popular baby stores, but when you shop at the same baby decor stores as everyone else, you risk ending up with the same art as everywhere else. Luckily, there's a world of distinctive wall art for sale online - if you know where to look. We gathered up the best places to find unique, elevated wall art that will take your nursery to the next level. Check them out ahead.
I Found the Perfect Mascara For Anyone Scared to Use an Eyelash Curler
I am incapable of using an eyelash curler. Believe me, I've tried: I curled my eyelashes every day for an entire year to try to master the skill, and I still never got it right. I know my lashes can be curled. I've seen other people do it, and I know what a difference it makes. But ultimately, my lack of fine motor skills overcame my desire for perfect lashes, and I gave up.
I am lucky to have long lashes that show a lot of promise. Because they are fairly straight, the length isn't as noticeable when my lashes are sticking straight out. But coax them upward and suddenly they are the kind of lashes people notice.
However, without an eyelash curler, I need my mascara to do all of the curling, lengthening, and separating for me while also not looking clumpy - which is a tall order. Over the years, I have tried mascara after mascara that friends and POPSUGAR editors have raved about, only to be disappointed. I ask near-strangers what magical mascara they are wearing, but the magic never works on me.
Then I tried Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara ($23) and I knew immediately that my search was over. Read on to learn why I'm obsessed with Stila Huge.
Hey Girl, You Can Now Get an ABH Contour Kit For Super Cheap at Ulta
If you're a contour connoisseur, prepare to make it rain all over Ulta - but just a little bit. That's because the megaretailer is having a super sale on Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits. We're talking discounts of upward of 50 percent on the brand's ever-popular cream and powder sculpting palettes.
Before yesterday, an ABH Contour Kit would set you back $40. But now, you can scoop one up for $20 - yes, this is like the beauty junkie's version of a happy hour. But instead of downing a few margs that will inevitably leave you waking up with a dull red face, you can throw those dollars toward a set that will lend you impossibly high, glimmering cheekbones.
And, as stated above, if you're more of a cream girl, you can also save on the brand's Contour Cream Kit ($20). Perhaps you are a special type of extra and love layering powder over cream for an intense-as-heck look. In that case, you do you and get both - for the price of one.
To recap, these kits include six shades in total: half for contouring, half for highlighting. There are three different hues (Light to Medium, Medium to Tan, Tan to Deep), which are all super blendable.
There's no word yet on how long these deals will last (or how soon things will sell out!), so we recommend getting your tuchus to a computer or an IRL Ulta store to reap the rewards of a flawless face.
We Found Fall's 9 Best Dark Red Lipsticks That Will Match Your Goth Soul
We've seen people match their lipstick to their eye makeup and rainbow hair, but glamorous goths know the best monochromatic look comes from coordinating your pout to your black heart. Whether you want to channel "the new Taylor" or your favorite grunge vlogger, there are so many ways to step into the beauty dark side.
You're no doubt familiar with the most popular blood-tinted hues out there, like Kat Von D's Damned, ABH's Vamp, and MAC's Diva. We highly recommend keeping all of those products in your vanity, but since Fall is fast approaching, we thought you might want to add a little gothic newness to your beauty bag.
That's why we found nine under-the-radar dark red lipsticks that will make you happier than that dancing pumpkin GIF. You'll probably recognize some of the bigger brands we picked, like Lime Crime and Hourglass, but many of these labels were new even to us. From bullets to balms, each offering brings something unique, and one even costs less than a PSL. Read on for our definitive guide to Fall's most emo hue.
We Can All Go Home Now, Because This Sephora Bag Costume Just Won Halloween
Makeup addicts and last-minute planning queens, please allow us to introduce you to your Halloween costume. Sure, you could bust out your go-to, black-and-white striped shirt and be Beetlejuice for the third year in the row. But if you want to switch it up, take a page out of Reddit user Lauraizm's book, and use the same stuff for a much more inspired look.
The Redditor opted to celebrate Halloweekend by dressing up as something we all know, love, and hoard: a Sephora shopping bag. In what can only be described as Halloween haute couture, Lauraizm wore a black-and-white striped dress, swiped on a bold red lip, and rocked a mountain of crimson tissue paper on her dang head.
She pulled the look together with a Sephora bag itself (since we all have - oh, I don't know - maybe like 30 of those hanging around our houses). For her face, she strobed some Fenty Trophy Wife Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter ($34) on her cheekbones and eyes, because the Fall standout product has probably graced many Sephora bags this season.
Lauraizm, this look is so fabulous, you are hereby invited to all of the Halloween parties for the rest of your life - especially if there are samples in that bag.
The Ultimate Tush-Toning Yoga Sequence
We all know that yoga can increase your flexibility, but it turns out that many poses work your butt, too. If your backside could use a little tightening, try this yoga sequence. Work through the entire series on your right side first, and then repeat on the left side.
Spin Class Hero: Newest Must-Have Gear For an Indoor-Cycling Class
Whether it's your go-to daily workout or one of the many ways you cross-train, indoor cycling is a killer way to get your heart rate through the roof, torch calories, and fire up your legs and core - all without the impact of running or plyometrics. Plus, since the boutique cycling craze sparked by SoulCycle and Flywheel hit the scene, most classes feel more like a dance party than a workout, and we're not mad about it. Get ready to cycle your heart out with the latest must-have gear to keep you cool and confident while you work that bike.
In Case You Just Want to Know, Here's How Stranger Things Season 2 Ends
Spoilers for Stranger Things season two below!
Halfway through season two, Stranger Things takes a couple of diversions, sending Eleven (aka Jane) off to Chicago to meet up with Eight (aka Kali) while Nancy and Jonathan go to Murray the Conspiracy Theorist's house in their quest for #JusticeforBarb. But once everyone is back together in Hawkins, how does the season bring everything to a head?
Back in Hawkins, Joyce, Hopper, Bob, and Dr. Owens realize the monster set everyone up, trapping workers down in the vine tunnels and sending dozens of "demodogs" snarling and lurching through the portal and into the Department of Energy building, where they proceed to feast on any person they can get their giant, sucking faces on.
The intrepid group of Will protectors works hard to escape - RIP, Bob the Brain; you're a true hero - when it meets up outside with Steve and the rest of the kids (Dustin, Lucas, and Maxine), plus Nancy and Jonathan, who have returned from their excursion. Everyone holes up at the Byers' house to try to figure out what to do about Will.
It turns out the monster is spying through Will, so they rig up an outside shed, concealing the walls and hanging bright lights in order to speak with Will without him or the monster knowing where they are. It works for a while, with Will telling them via Morse code that they need to close the portal, but eventually the monster figures out where they are and sends the demodogs after the group.
Cue the arrival of Eleven, ready to kick some demodog and Demogorgon ass with her telekinesis - though first we have to have the beautiful, tearful reunion between Eleven and her friends, even taking a little time for Mike to get angry with Hopper for concealing Eleven all these months.
But then it's time to finish this. The group splits three ways - Hopper and Eleven head for the Department of Energy so she can close the portal with her mind; Joyce, Jonathan, and Nancy take Will to Hopper's cabin to burn the monster out of him; Steve and the rest of the kids stay at the Byers' house.
At the cabin, the heat works. The monster can't handle being in Will's body when the temperature is so high, so it finally vacates the kid, leaving Eleven a clear pathway to seal the portal.
Meanwhile, Billy the Butthead shows up at the Byers' house to take Maxine home, but Steve is all, "Over my dead body," which is almost true after the beatdown he receives from Billy. Luckily, while Steve's face is distracting Billy's fists, Maxine jams some of the drugs they had been using to keep Will unconscious into Billy's neck and then threatens him with Steve's version of Lucille, telling him he better leave her alone from now on.
With Billy vanquished, the kids decide they need to help the group by drawing the demodogs away from the Department of Energy, so they basically kidnap Steve and head down into the tunnels to burn the epicenter. It works, at least temporarily, and Eleven successfully seals up the monster in its own dimension.
Cut to one month later, when Dr. Owens comes through big time with an official birth certificate that names Eleven as "Jane Hopper" so she can come out of hiding and be Hopper's daughter for real. Well done, Owens. We hope to see you again some time.
All the kids attend the middle school Snow Ball, where kisses are shared and dances are danced. Also, Nancy makes Dustin the talk of the eighth grade by dancing with him when no one else will. It's a supersweet ending . . . right up until the camera spins upside down and shows us that the monster is towering menacingly over the school. It makes sense, because Eleven only closes the portal; she doesn't kill the monster.
The only question now is: is it time for season three yet?
39 Powerful Quotes That Will Change the Way You Live and Think
Words have power - and these inspiring quotes are guaranteed to challenge the way you think and perhaps even change the way you live.
Prepare to Be Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis's Sleek and Modern Kitchen
We expected a pro chef like Giada De Laurentiis would have a fully equipped kitchen, but what we didn't expect was for her kitchen to be this stylish. Sleek, contemporary, and full of design inspiration, Giada's kitchen is a must see. Check out what makes it so special for yourself in the slideshow ahead.
Have You Noticed Kate Middleton Always Wears This 1 Color of Nail Polish?
While we ramp up for a holiday season of bright red nail polish and glitter topcoats, Kate Middleton, like all royals before her, will reportedly refrain from such extra manis. In fact, it's actually rumored to be part of Kate's job description to keep her nails nude. According to British tabloid OK!, royal protocol demands it.
But as we've seen before, that doesn't mean Kate can't wear anything on her nails. In fact, she's somewhat of an Essie aficionado. She rocked a mix of the brand's Rose Lounge (pour one out for this sadly discontinued soft pink) and Allure ($9) at her 2011 wedding to Prince William. She's not alone in her love for the drugstore line - Queen Elizabeth has been wearing the same shade of Essie in Ballet Slippers ($9) for 29 years. This pinky nude hue was created when the queen's hairdresser wrote to brand founder Essie Weingarten in 1988, requesting a bespoke shade for her majesty.
Of course, this rule only applies to public functions (aka pretty much whenever Kate Middleton steps outside of Kensington Palace). So perhaps when she's not being watched, Kate paints on metallics and dances around like she's gone rogue à la that classic 1998 Disney film, My Date With the President's Daughter. Probably not, but a girl can dream.
Ahead, find four nude shades you can rock while you princess-wave.
How to Wear Lavender Eye Shadow, Fall 2017's Hottest Celeb-Loved Trend
We've already seen pastel purple highlighters taking off this season, and now the color trend is coming for our eyes too. At the recent InStyle Awards, both Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez arrived wearing matching lavender shadow. But they aren't the only ones: Rita Ora just wore the look at an MTV TRL visit and Rihanna did at one of her Fenty launch parties. Perhaps the trend is a result of lasting influence from the unicorn beauty phenomenon. Perhaps it's premature excitement for Winter's frosty color palettes. Either way, we're 100 percent on board.
"I love that lavender is feminine, edgy, and chic all at the same time. It really pops against brown eyes," celebrity makeup artist Jill Powell, who did Demi's look, told POPSUGAR. Inspired by the singer's lavender dress and "chic rocker vibe," she mixed together two cream shadows to create the vibrant purple hue: Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Shadows ($25) in M-90 Matte Purple and I-80 Iridescent Pink Beige. She also layered Amethyst from Kat Von D's Alchemist Holographic Palette ($32) on top to create an iridescent finish.
If you plan to try the look, Jill suggested having the rest of your makeup low-key. "I love to keep focus on one area for the most part. When bringing in colorful shadows, I love to keep the rest of the face more natural so it acts as the backdrop for the colorful shadows," she explained.
Jill also assured that any skin tone can pull off lavender. "Work with the depth of your tones," she advised. "Lighter skin tones should use lighter shades, and deeper skin tones should use deeper hues to coincide with the depth of their skin and avoid looking too light or ashy."
Now that you've got all the expert tricks, see more examples of lavender eye shadow from celebs and shop the trend at every price point ahead.
25 Splurge-Worthy Toys Under $100
Sometimes, when your kiddo has been extra good and you're feeling generous, it's nice to be able to treat them to something nice. Whether it's bringing home a fantastic report card, that they've learned to clean up their room without asking, or just because you want to spoil them this holiday season, toys definitely bring a smile to everyone's face. Any one of these fantastic toys (all of which are under $100), will give them something to really cheer about!
This Beauty Influencer Looks SO Much Like Rihanna, You'll Scream
When Patrick Starrr first teased his Fenty Beauty makeup tutorial, the behind the scenes footage appeared to feature none other than Rihanna herself. Considering Patrick has done a tutorial video with Kim Kardashian for KKW Beauty, we didn't think that was totally impossible. But, upon closer inspection, we realized it wasn't Rihanna but instead a model who bears an uncanny resemblance to the singer. Like, they could actually be TWINS.
The model is beauty influencer Andele Lara, founder of the site Grow & Glow. Scrolling down her feed, you'll find countless images that'll make you do a double take. It helps that she wears a lot of similar beauty looks as Rihanna, from blunt bangs to dreadlocks to Rihanna's signature red lips. Even fans who saw Patrick's BTS snaps were tricked.
"I've never had a career of being a 'Rihanna Look Alike' - Yes, there is a little resemblance to Rihanna but NO; I am NOT a Rihanna lookalike," Andele wrote on her website. That being said, we think she could totally pull it off.
Ahead, see some photo (and video!) proof of her jaw-dropping similarities to Rihanna.
Stranger Things: Everything We Know About Eleven's Possible Parents
Spoilers for Stranger Things season two below!
About halfway through Stranger Things season two, Eleven takes off from Chief Hopper's cabin because she learns the truth about her mother still being alive and wants more answers. Unfortunately, when Eleven arrives at her mama's house, she finds out that her mother, Terry Ives, is in what Eleven dubs a "dream circle." Eleven meets her Aunt Becky, who tells her that while Terry always believed her baby girl was alive out there somewhere, Becky always thought Eleven died in utero.
What viewers started to learn in season one (and now get more information about) is that as a young woman, Terry was involved in Dr. Martin Brenner's Project MKUltra, during which she took psychedelic drugs and was put into sensory deprivation in order to experiment with her powers. During the project, Terry unknowingly became pregnant with baby Jane (Eleven), who she was led to believe she miscarried, when in fact the doctors stole Jane from Terry as soon as she was born via Caesarean section.
Terry never stops looking for her daughter, though, and eventually finds her. In the flashback, Eleven looks to be about 6 or 7 years old. She's being held in the "Rainbow Room" at the Department of Energy along with another girl, whom Eleven later finds out is No. 8 (real name: Kali Prasad). But Terry is dragged away before she can speak with Eleven and is subjected to electroshock therapy. It scrambles her brain and puts her in a permanent "dream circle," in which she repeats the words of what happened to her over and over again: "Breathe, sunflower, rainbow, 450, three to the right, four to the left."
It's incredibly sad for Eleven to realize what has happened to her mother, but the show definitely doesn't wrap up that storyline, even though Eleven is now officially Chief Hopper's daughter (courtesy of a birth certificate procured by Dr. Owens). Not only are there at least nine other kids who were experimented on possibly out there in the world, but the show also still hasn't completely answered the question of who Eleven's parents are.
With the way Eleven calls Dr. Brenner "Papa," the show leans heavily into the idea that he and Terry had an affair during the experiment. Is he Eleven's biological father? Unfortunately, he's the only father figure she's ever known (before Chief Hopper). But there is also a theory out there that the monster from the Upside Down is actually Eleven's father. That would explain the way Eleven and the monster interacted in season one, plus it makes sense that that's where her psychic abilities come from. It's far-fetched, but so are a lot of things about Stranger Things - heck, it says there are stranger things right in the title, so maybe this theory is on to something.
Or maybe Eleven's paternity is of no consequence to the show. But with the appearance of Matthew Modine in season two coupled with more information about Eleven's mom, we kind of expect the show to wrap up this particular mystery before it ends.
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.
10 New Food Products to Make You Feel All the Fall-ish Things
Is it just me or did the second it turned Nov. 1, a Fall-ish crisp hung in the air? Along with the sweater weather, a handful of cozy food products have been released that we're particularly clinging onto, from comforting cookbooks to warming spirits. Ready to round them up for yourself?
Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov. 5 - Here Are 4 Ways to Not Feel Like Crap
It's that time of year where we "fall back," and gaining just one little hour seems amazing, but it can really throw a wrench in your routine. When we set our clocks an hour back on Nov. 5, here are four symptoms that can affect your body and mind and how to ease the transition.
22 Things You Should Be Able to Do by the Time You're 30
I've turned 30 this year, alongside a lot of people around me, and like all big milestones, breaching the boundaries of your forgiving 20s and entering your decidedly adult 30s makes you reflect. I say reflect, but I mean panic and internally scream, "What have I done with my life?!"
Granted, not everyone feels like this (or at least they wouldn't admit it to me), but as we are part of the generation that was asked as kids, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and which then took the longest time any generation ever has to actually grow up, the pitfalls are large. Five-year-old me would have said that by 30, I would own a big house on the beach and a penthouse apartment in the city, have two kids, a husband, an amazing wardrobe, and a ground-breaking career - the kind of life magazines would interview me about to find out what I was like as a kid because they'd want to share how people should groom their kids to be as successful as me. I'm not joking; I distinctly remember practicing my interview answers.
As it is, I'm 30 and have just one of the things my child-self anticipated. Maybe half of two others, if I'm being generous to myself. The 5-year-old me set 30-year-old me up to fail. I might not have the fame, fortune, and material things of childhood musings, or even many of the things on zeitgeisty bucket lists of before-30 musts, but I can do sh*t.
Surely, if we're going to start measuring our success, it should be in our capabilities as 30-year-olds rather than what we've ticked off, right? So here's a new before-30 list. One of everything you should be able to do, and be proud of being able to do, when you hit the big 3-0.
- Stick to a Budget
If you can do this, no one can tell you you're immature. - File Your Taxes
Again, a woman with her finances sorted is a boss. - Change a Tire
A skill that will get you out of a tight situation. - Ask For a Promotion
Because confident women know their worth. - Cook a Meal
For friends, for family, for your spouse - you can do this. - Support a Friend in Need
More important than having backpacked across Europe, being able to be there for someone and help them is a valuable life skill. - Confidently Manage Small Talk
Whether to get you through a work function or make new friends, small talk is something that also helps you include others. You won't always be the new kid, but someone will. - Care For a Tiny Human
By 30, you want to be the kind of responsible person a friend can confidently ask to help them out, including taking care of their baby (or fur baby). - Manage Your Insurance
You don't have to be an expert, but having insurance and knowing what you're covered for is important. - Renegotiate a Debt
If you've landed yourself in an undesirable financial situation, know how to get help and work your way out of it. Note: this doesn't involve asking your parents. - Mix a Cocktail
Your 20s definitely taught you how to drink them, but to be a good hostess, you should also know how to mix them. - Go Unplugged For a Weekend
Your wellness is important, and you should feel confident that turning off your phone for 48 hours isn't going to ruin your life, or anyone else's. - Travel Overseas Solo
Maybe you haven't done it yet, but at least know that you can. - Write a Thank-You Card
Expressing gratitude is a true skill and one that makes the world a better place. - Do Your Laundry
Sans the help of Mom and Dad. - Troubleshoot Technology
If you don't know how to fix it, you should know how to find out how to fix it. - Write a Résumé That Gets You Hired
Up there with one of the most important abilities you can have. - Be Someone's In-Case-of-Emergency Contact
This is something you can be proud of. - Care For Someone Who Is Sick
Being able to put your own stuff aside and focus on someone else is only for grown-ups. - Keep Up to Date With Medical Appointments
You know your body is important, and keeping it healthy is priority number one. - Say No
Knowing your capabilities and not overcommitting is important. - Keep Plans With Friends
We are generation "bail," but you want to be the kind of person who honors their commitments.
A Guide For Detoxing After Halloween
Even the healthiest among us can't help but get into the Halloween fun, and while everything's good in moderation, sometimes a night of temptation means going overboard (no regrets!). Here are some ideas to detox when you're ready to get back on track.
- Drink more water: Make water consumption a priority the day after your Halloween festivities; not only will it help flush out all those indulgent decisions (that is, it'll help your hangover), but it'll give you more energy to tackle the day.
- Break the sugar addiction: Eating a lot of sugar will only make you crave it more, so your night of fun-sized celebration may be leading to mindless reaching for your candy stash the rest of the week. Ready for a challenge? If you're craving sweets, take celebrity trainer Jackie Warner's advice: take five days to wean yourself off sugar and refined carbs by eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies instead. If forgoing sugar altogether seems impossible (especially in light of leftover holiday treats), check out our tips for reducing your sugar cravings.
- Fight fatigue: Whether you hosted a Halloween party or spent an exhausting couple of hours corralling trick-or-treaters, the holiday can eat into your sleep time. To make sure you don't feel tired all day, fill your diet with these fatigue-fighting foods, and make a point to go to sleep early tonight - you may benefit from recovery sleep so you don't feel overly tired for the rest of the week.
- Eat nourishing foods: You've had enough of the processed stuff - now it's time to eat real food. Start with a nutrient-packed smoothie, go for a kale salad for lunch, and a spicy carrot detox ginger soup for dinner. Eating a produce-rich meal plan will help your body crave the good instead of all the bad.
- Move more: Get your metabolism going - and sweat out all the bad stuff - with an intense workout; if you can't bear the thought of exercise, go for a walk or do a few of these detoxifying yoga poses to get things moving.
Cool Gifts For Modern Plant Lovers
Urban dwellers with green thumbs can appreciate stylish items that bring the outdoors in. Whether it's a new addition to their indoor garden or simply a pretty token of their passion for plants, these unique gifts are sure to please.
77 Snacks to Satisfy Hunger, All Under 150 Calories
There's so much more to snacking than cheese and crackers! Here are 77 different mouthwatering, hunger-curbing snacks to enjoy every day of the month (and then some!) - all at 150 calories or fewer.
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."
14 Free, Fun, and Printable Wedding Mad Libs
Feel like you're in a rut with your wedding planning? Ask any bride and groom who has come before you - it can be a challenge to find a balance between keeping your nuptials traditional and finding ways to make the special day a bit more creative and entertaining for your guests. We've rounded up 14 wedding Mad Libs for you to incorporate into your big day. These various wedding Mad Libs are as fun and good-natured as they are aesthetically pleasing. In addition to that, they are so versatile. You can swap out your traditional RSVP card for a mini Mad Lib or have them available to distract guests during the dinner wait.
However you choose to use them, one thing is for sure: your guests will have fun and you will end the night with a plethora of memories unique to each and every one of your guests.
32 Fun Disney Facts From a Former Cast Member
Despite the fact that the Disney company employs thousands of people, there really aren't that many who can say they worked at one of its amazing theme parks. And if you're lucky enough to be one of those people, you know how closely guarded Disney's secrets are and how little you are actually allowed to share. I was fortunate enough (yes, I say fortunate because I loved working for the intense company that is Disney) to work at Walt Disney World for a few years while I lived in Florida, and I'm here to share just a few of the things I learned about the company, the parks, and being a cast member, but I have to do it quietly so the mouse doesn't track me down.
Surprise! Tarte Just Dropped Its Gorgeous New Holiday Collection Early
Tarte pulled a bit of a sneak attack on us all when it debuted its holiday 2017 collection, Tarte Delight, early on Sept. 1. We already got an exclusive peek at the highly anticipated Blush Book Volume III among the launches, but with more than 20 new arrivals, there is so much more goodness where that came from. The news broke on Instagram, where it was also announced that there will be free shipping on all orders through Sept.5 at 3 a.m. ET. So in case you didn't have any plans for the long holiday weekend, you better add makeup shopping to your list.
The packaging on all the limited-edition pieces is stunning, with gold accents, vibrant Moroccan prints, festive glitter, and rhinestones. There is a slight mystical seafaring theme with product names like Mermaid Kisses, Buried Treasure, and Treasured Tools. One standout is a brand-new eye shadow palette ($36) that boasts a gorgeous collection of bronzes, browns, pearls, and a crimson shade, all perfect for Fall.
Read on for more of the holiday loot ahead.
The Nightingale's Kristin Hannah Shares Exclusive Details on Her Highly Anticipated New Novel
Brenda Janowitz is the POPSUGAR books correspondent. She is the author of five novels, including The Dinner Party.
Image Source: Kevin Lynch
The wait is finally over. Ever since The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah's runaway bestseller, captured our hearts in 2015, fans have been clamoring for her next novel. With more than four million copies sold, The Nightingale wasn't just a bestseller. It was a phenomenon.
How can a writer follow up a book that resonated with so many readers? Hannah took inspiration from her own family, who homesteaded in Alaska in the 1970s. The Great Alone takes us to Alaska, 1974. It's the story of 13-year-old Leni, who learns that her father has lost another job and that her family is moving again. But this time, they are going off the grid to Alaska, to homestead 40 acres of raw land. Her father, a Vietnam veteran, thinks this will be a fresh start for their family. And Leni hopes that he is right. But they are unprepared for what it takes to survive a Winter in Alaska. And as they will quickly learn, there is no room for mistakes. The Great Alone is a story about courage and resilience and how we can survive against the most difficult of odds. Fierce, feminist, and utterly unputdownable, this is a book you won't soon forget.
We're thrilled to have this exclusive video of Hannah talking about her inspiration for The Great Alone and sharing personal family photographs. The Great Alone will be out on Feb. 6, 2018.
They're Here! 13 Editor-Approved Liquid Lipsticks You Need For Fall
The fastest way to transform your beauty look from Summer to Fall is by swiping on a liquid lipstick. Many formulas have excellent staying power and boldly pop on your pout. Whether you're looking for a warm nude or a vampy burgundy, we rounded up our favorite options for you to choose from. Not only will these lipsticks make a statement, but they will take your autumnal look to the next level. Stock up on a few right now!
Pints and Peaks: Why Bend Should Be Your Next Oregon Vacation Stop
Yeah, yeah, we get it. Portland, OR, is pretty, cool, and intriguingly weird. It has a great fill-in-the-blank with beer, biking, food, music, artisans, doughnuts, and coffee. In fact, you hear the virtues of visiting the Rose City extolled so heartily and with such frequency that you might (mistakenly) think it's the only thing Oregon has to offer vacationers.
However, Bend is an awesome alpine alternative primed to steal back some of the tourism thunder (which, by the way, they have less of than PDX). On average, the central Beaver State mountain town has 162 days of sun a year (and most locals would swear that number is now closer to 300) compared to Portland's 144, which gives you all the more time to enjoy its bevy of beer gardens, urban trails, dog-friendly restaurants, public art, and outdoorsy activities.
The area is surrounded by wooded wonderland. It's home to 22 breweries (including a granddaddy of the American craft beer movement, Deschutes), an adorable, lively downtown, and the state's longest continuous lava tube. It's even rumored that seven people move there every day. Whether that statistic is exaggerated or not, it wouldn't be hard to buy as fact given the place's many pros, most of which also make the list of reasons to plan a trip to this Pacific Northwestern playground. Here's everything you should do when you visit Bend!
83 Unreal Places You Thought Only Existed in Your Imagination
We're not kidding you - these travel destinations actually exist and aren't a figment of your imagination. Be prepared to have your mind blown as you browse through these amazing photos.
- Additional reporting by Hilary White
Rejoice, Starbucks-Lovers! Red Cups and Holiday Drinks Are Officially Back!
That faint sound you hear is the joyful exclamation of Starbucks-lovers everywhere who can't believe it's finally red-cup season! That's right, people: holiday drinks are officially back at Starbucks as of Nov. 1 at 5 a.m. local time, meaning you can order your favorite seasonal drinks and they'll come in a red cup to match. For the highly anticipated red cup this year, Starbucks went with a festive and somewhat minimal design that features stars, doves, presents, hands holding, a heart, snowflakes, and a Christmas tree.
The white background on the cups makes this year's cups different than years' past and means there's an added bonus to ordering a Peppermint Mocha - you can decorate your cup however you want! In a statement, Starbucks said, "Starbucks holiday cups and beverages will be making their debut in stores across the US on Nov. 1 at 5 a.m. local time. That means it's time to celebrate, decorate - and give good, together." Starbucks delivered the new cups along with a bag of markers to the POPSUGAR office, so that can only mean one thing: showing your creativity is totally encouraged. It's time to say goodbye to Halloween and embrace all things holiday!
The Easiest Way to Clean the Lint Vent in Your Dryer (and You Should Do It Today!)
House fires caused by dryer lint are a real thing. I don't want to add to your list of worries, so let me share a secret with you: cleaning this part of your front-loading dryer is easy. Plus, I have a great hack for you involving an empty paper towel roll. You always knew there was a use for those things! Here's the simple three-step process. Bonus: cleaning your dryer will make it run more efficiently and save you a bit of dough by saving energy.
1. Clean the Lint Trap
You should clear the lint trap, the little screen at the front of the dryer, with every load. Simply pull the lint off the screen and put it in the trash. Dryer sheets can clog the screen, making your dryer less efficient, so you should give the screen a scrub periodically - twice a year will do. Here's how: pull the entire screen out, take it to the sink, gently scrub it with dish soap and a bottle brush (be careful not to tear or puncture the screen), rinse, and dry. While it's drying, tackle cleaning the vent.
2. Clean the Vent
The vent, essentially a hose between the lint trap and the outside of your house, can become clogged with lint, too. You want to vacuum this vent, but chances are high your vacuum nozzle designed for crevices is too thick to fit down into the vent. But I found a simple solution for this issue on the blog Intentional Mom. To extend the vacuum hose, take the interior tube of a paper towel roll, and tape it onto the nozzle. You need to make it airtight so the vacuum has adequate suction. Squish the end of the tube to make it narrow, shove it down the vent, and vacuum all that excess lint.
3. Clean the Vent From the Outside
You get bonus points for this part. Find where the dryer vent hose exits your house, open the vent door, and vacuum out this end, too. I found a surprising amount of lint hanging out in the end of my vent.
Stranger Things: If You Don't Recognize Bob, You Should Be Ashamed
Image Source: Netflix
Perhaps the most winsome new character on Stranger Things season two is Bob Newby, aka Bob the Brain. He's Joyce's so-earnest-it-hurts new boyfriend, and he's chock-full of the greatest dad jokes ("I hope . . . it doesn't . . . suuuuck").
If you were racking your brain to try to figure out where you recognize Bob from, look no further - we've got all the info about this actor, who has appeared in some of the most iconic films of the past 30 years.
Actor Sean Astin made his film debut in 1985 in The Goonies as Mikey Walsh, leader of the ragtag group of kids who have a madcap adventure searching for pirate treasure, which is why it's so perfect that he's now appearing on a TV show that features so many Goonies parallels.
Image Source: Everett Collection
After a couple of solid but smaller movies - White Water Summer with Kevin Bacon, Memphis Belle with Matthew Modine (also now on Stranger Things), and Encino Man with Brendan Fraser - Astin had a breakout role in the heartwarming football movie Rudy as the titular Notre Dame walk-on football player.
Image Source: Everett Collection
After about a decade of trying his hand at directing (earning an Oscar nomination for one live-action short film, Kangaroo Court) and appearing in a few movies, Astin was once again front and center when he was cast as Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Image Source: Everett Collection
Since then, Astin has appeared in films and on TV sporadically, but he has expanded his repertoire to include voice-over work for film, TV, and video games. He has also gotten very involved in fighting for causes like equal rights, AIDS awareness and education, and mental-illness advocacy.
You'll have to find out by watching season two if Astin will reprise his role for Stranger Things season three!
What's the Real Deal With Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone has become pretty controversial in the beauty world. One minute, it's the miracle ingredient for clearing up dark spots, and the next, it's supposedly carcinogenic. It's hard for anything to be deemed trustworthy and effective once labeled as a cancer causer. Yet, through all the fuss, experts have maintained that hydroquinone remains the gold standard for erasing hyperpigmentation and age spots. So in all that toxic talk, what's the truth? We asked three experts to weigh in.
Why all the fuss?
"Much of this controversy stems from its ban in South Africa due to side effects," explained Sejal Shah, NYC cosmetic dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology. "Subsequently, other countries banned hydroquinone. It turns out that the questionable products in South Africa contained mercury and other contaminants, which more likely account for side effects being seen."
Dr. Shah further explained that there have been reports of hydroquinone causing cancer in mice when administered in high doses orally, but there are no studies to date showing that this happens in humans and with a topical application. "When properly formulated and used, hydroquinone can be extremely safe and effective, and we have numerous studies confirming this," Shah added.
Does it bleach skin?
Rachel Roff, a medical esthetician and founder of Urban Skin Rx, quickly squashed this myth. "When used within a safe strength, hydroquinone doesn't bleach someone's natural skin tone. It evens out the skin," Roff said. While it may not be proven to cause cancer, if used incorrectly, it can leave skin vulnerable to excessive sun exposure, which could mean a higher risk of skin cancer and sunburn.
"As a general known fact, side effects of skin bleaching, regardless of product or ingredient, include skin irritation and sun sensitivity," dermatologist Dendy Engelman said. There's also a condition called ochronosis, where the skin darkens. This reaction is mainly associated with high concentrations of hydroquinone that has been used for prolonged periods of time.
When do you need hydroquinone?
The main purpose of hydroquinone in skin care is as a lightening agent. "Skin lightening is performed for a variety of reasons, including sun damage. Melanin (aka pigment) is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and various topical creams are used to reduce the amount of pigment that is produced to brighten the skin," Engelman said. These include hydroquinone, which is the most common, botanical extracts, and antioxidants.
How do you use it safely?
A hydroquinone regimen should be used for no more than three to four months at a time, followed by a minimum of two months off. After the two months, if hyperpigmentation is still an issue, you can return to using hydroquinone for another three- to four-month period.
What if you just can't get behind hydroquinone?
While the experts agree that nothing works on dark spots quite as fast as hydroquinone does, there are ingredients that are just as effective. It may take longer to see results, but natural solutions like kojic acid, alpha arbutin, niacinamide, and vitamin C can help even out your skin. Something like SkinMedica Lytera 2.0, a pigment-correcting serum that is retinol- and hydroquinone-free, balances the skin's melanin production and resists triggers that cause discoloration.
22 Genius Hacks From Pinterest That Will Change How You Clean
We welcome anything that makes the task of cleaning any less painful. And when it comes from Pinterest, you know it'll be good. From genius organization tips to one-ingredient cleaning hacks, the top Spring cleaning hacks from Pinterest are total game changers. Seriously, who knew mayonnaise could remove water rings from wood flooring? Check out these 22 tips and add them to your boards ASAP.
Drift Off to Sleep With This Yoga Sequence
If you're having trouble settling down before bed, then unroll your mat and give this gentle yoga sequence a whirl. These poses are designed to bring your senses inward and to stretch the areas that are most prone to tension, so your mind and body will feel relaxed and ready for sweet slumber. Brush your teeth, slip into your jammies, turn down the lights, and start stretching.
25 Holiday-Scented Beauty Products That Will Make You Hungry Just Reading This
It's the moment all basic ladies have been waiting for: the moment we put away the tropical scents and dive head first into Fall (also known as the gateway to all things holiday). No amount of pumpkin spice proves too much as we attempt to turn our own houses into apple- and plum-scented enchanted forests.
We're getting intoxicated just writing about it, which is why we're excited to present to you a comprehensive gallery of all the holiday-scented hair, skin, and body products we could get our hands on.
From cider-drunk hand soaps to creamy, vanilla-drenched body lotions (and plenty of pine- and spruce-trimmed candles in between), read on for 25 products that will support your festive spirit from Fall harvest to New Year's, and sneak peek more holiday 2017 beauty offerings here.
13 Reasons Your Kid Is a Brat That Are Completely Your Fault
Parenting can feel like an uphill battle, no matter your child's age. Not only is there a lot of pressure, but it also feels like whatever you're doing is constantly being scrutinized by strangers, friends, and family.
If you're involved in your kids' lives, then you hear that you're a helicopter parent and you're raising a fragile child. If you leave your children alone and try to let them work things out on their own, then you're neglectful. It seems as though no matter what there's someone there to tell you that you're doing it wrong.
However, a lot of issues with brattiness are the parents' fault - or at least become the parents' responsibility to fix. Although children might pick up bad behavior by modeling what they see on TV or at school, parents are still to blame if they don't put an end to it or just attribute it to age.
"It's not really fair; it's just kind of the way it is," Elaine Rose Glickman, author of Your Kid's a Brat and It's All Your Fault, told POPSUGAR. "If we don't teach our kids a better way, nobody else is stepping up to do so."
The first step to breaking that bratty behavior is realizing what you're doing to contribute to it. Here, the 13 problematic things that parents of spoiled kids do.
25 Fall Makeup Ideas You Need to Steal NOW From Instagram
Enjoy your "Summer glow," beauty queens! Because before you know it, there will be a #PSL in your vampy manicured nails, and yes, Fall will be here. Listen, we know why you love Fall - the matte skin, the humidity-free hair, cozy candles, and brooding makeup colors that speak to your dark soul. So why not pull out a dark lip color this month or try out an autumnal eye makeup look? To help you get inspired, we rounded up the fiercest Fall beauty looks, already trending on Instagram!
Think Beyond the Frosty and Get These 5 Healthier Orders at Wendy's
Look: at the end of the day, fast food is fast food. Don't expect to find fresh organic produce and artisanal, seasonal plates at a drive-through. That being said, we've been doing a little digging lately to find the "least bad for you" options at places like McDonald's, Panera, Starbucks, and Taco Bell. The verdict? There are some surprisingly nutritious options, at low prices, on the go.
Next on the agenda is Wendy's. Whether you are traveling, are pressed for time, are in a pinch, or got dragged along, DROP THE FROSTY (a large glass of chocolaty goodness will run you 80 grams of sugar, which is approximately four times your daily limit). Instead, opt for one of these under-400-calorie plates.
Note: If you need a Frosty, or it's your special treat, get the junior size - 200 calories and five grams of protein, but 27 grams of sugar (yikes). It's not the end of the world, obviously, but just be conscious when you're ordering on the go, and factor it into the rest of your healthy, balanced life.
Amanda's Secret to Losing Over 100 Pounds Wasn't a Diet
Our next Before & After story comes from Amanda Fraijo-Tobin, who blogs about life after losing 130 pounds on her blog Friday Love Song, which is part of our POPSUGAR Select Fitness network. Below, she shares how she lost the weight and how she keeps it off.
Amanda: Before
Growing up, I wasn't severely overweight - sure, I had a pudgy stage, but a lot of people did! My weight wasn't something I thought much about being a kid (as it shouldn't be). My parents had good intentions, like most, but we certainly did not grow up eating very healthy. Snacks, soda, meals prepared without nutritional aspects considered. Soda became a very bad habit for me, especially as I got into my teens and didn't have anyone stopping me from drinking so many.
Fast-forward to high school - like most high school girls, I thought I was fat. Even though, in retrospect, I clearly wasn't. I didn't let it consume my life, though I was a little on the chubby side (so I thought) and I was OK with that. Looking back, I think senior year is when the trouble began for me. Stress, changes in my life, poor eating, and not exercising (hello, gym-class-not-required-after-ninth-grade!) led me to pack on some weight. Again, I already felt like a "fat girl," so I kept going with the mind-set of "This is me - this is who I am." I was married young, had my first child at 20, and of course, packed on more weight. Divorced, remarried, and two more babies later - more weight.
My weight wasn't something I paid attention to. I never weighed myself. The only time anyone took my weight was maybe once or twice a year when I had a doctor's visit - and even then, I didn't think much about it. This is me - this is who I am . . .
Amanda: Before
My husband is a type 2 diabetic. He had already been on tons of medications for several years to control his blood sugar and other problems associated with the disease. He got to the point of having to add insulin injections to his enormous list of meds. His doctor kept urging him to consider weight-loss surgery, telling him that, if he lost some weight, there was a possibility he may be able to stop taking some of his medications. This seemed like a great solution to my husband - I, on the other hand, disagreed. I told him repeatedly, this wasn't the solution. If you don't break bad habits that got you to a certain point, you could not possibly make a real change.
Insert light bulb moment. Pot calling kettle black. Even though it wasn't something I monitored, I was surely at the heaviest point of my life. I was waking up to get my son to school and collapsing on the couch for a nap once he was off. I was having random pains in my foot. I felt gross. I knew I needed to start making changes. I needed to make changes for myself, but also for my husband, for my kids. I needed to be a better example. This wasn't about vanity. This was about life, making a better life for myself and my family.
I knew this wasn't going to be easy. I had packed on the weight over the course of 10 years. I knew it was going to take some time to take it back off. I knew there would be times I would feel like quitting. But from the start, I adopted a "Today I will do what I can" kind of attitude. This went for exercise as well as eating habits. I knew all my bad eating habits were not going to disappear overnight. Slowly but surely, I made mental lists of things I was doing that were awful for my body and thought of ways to change them. Drink more water, read labels of items I was eating, etc. I had been having such severe pains in my heel that some days I could not even walk on it. Some days, I may not get through an entire workout like I wanted to - that's OK. Today I will do what I can.
Amanda: After
I chose not to be vocal about my weight-loss journey from the start. I didn't mention it to friends. My husband and my father were about the only people who knew what I was trying to accomplish. There were many days of whining on my part to my husband about aches and pains from making my body do things it wasn't used to doing. I admit I have no idea for sure what my starting weight was. I have a general idea based on the last time I had been weighed at the doctors - but my journey began about six months, and what I'm guessing, may even be more pounds later. I did not start out with a goal weight in mind. I didn't want one. I wanted to be healthier. Period. Healthy is not pounds on a scale. This is not a short fix; this is a change I will continue to make for the rest of my life.
How Did I Do It?
This is common sense, things we have heard a million times again and again. Change the way you eat. Exercise. Repeat. It's amazing to me when people want to know my "secret." I have no secret. And I find it even funnier when people feel let down by my answer. There is no magic pill. I have not dieted. I have not counted calories. I knew from the start that was not the way I wanted to live my life. This is a lifestyle change. Know that it's going to be challenging, but have faith that you can make the changes you want to.
Amanda: After
About two years later now and around 125 to 135 pounds down, here I am. Still chugging along. Still making it part of my life to make better decisions for my own as well as my family's health. Honestly, I still feel a little silly writing this. I have had people tell me that they think I am an inspiration, which blows my mind. But I am here to tell you: if I can do this, you can do this. All it takes is a true commitment. Am I a superfit person? No, of course not. But every day, I strive to be a little better. I am a real person who did this. I am a mom to three children with a full-time job, a husband, two dogs, and a million other things going on. It takes work. It takes time. But you can do this. Start today, one small change at a time. This is me - this is who I am. Today I will do what I can. Will you?
Do you have an inspiring Before & After story to share? Message us on Facebook, and give us a few details about your journey. We might even profile you on the site, like Amanda!
Hysterical Dad Tweets Priceless Conversations Between Him and His Daughters
Comedian James Breakwell makes sure that every tweet he sends is absolutely hilarious - by recounting conversations he has with his wife and four daughters under the age of 6. His account, XplodingUnicorn, is full of priceless 140-character encounters with his little ladies, all of whom seem to have been passed down a bit of their father's comedic ability and give new meaning to the phrase "kids say the darnedest things."
Scroll through for some of his tweets, which will undoubtedly give you stitches in your side.
These 11 Skincare Sets Under $50 Help You Get Fancy on a Budget
Fancy-pants skincare products aren't necessarily better than your drugstore favorites, but there is something about dabbing on that rich formula from that pretty gold jar with that adorable little spoon that makes your whole regimen feel extra special.
The good news is that pampering the crap out of your skin with high-end products doesn't always have to mean emptying your wallet. We found 11 totally luxurious skincare sets that are all under $50 so your skin can enjoy a little extra TLC without you feeling guilty.
Read on to find our favorites, then go ahead and treat yourself - because you deserve it.
These 10 Eyeliners Are Makeup Artist Approved and Perfect For Blue Eyes
Eyeliner was invented to accentuate and bring focus to the wearer's eye color. When that eye color is blue, the right liner can make things truly pop. If you're a blue-eyed makeup wearer, browns and golds are your most obvious choice, as warmer tones make cool ones appear brighter. Although smoky eyes don't work for everyone, if drama is what you are after, blacks and smoky grays rimmed in the waterline will offer the most contrast. Colored liner on blue eyes often works, too, as blues and plums give a softer, less severe look while complementing the different tones of the eyes.
I'm a makeup artist, and when I have a blue-eyed client who lets me craft a look of my choice, I love to create one that will make her eyes look crystal clear and piercing. Here are my top 10 favorite liners.
30 Badass Female Tattoo Artists to Follow on Instagram ASAP
If the sight of dainty body art sets your heart aflutter with the desire to get inked, then you're probably already following a few tattoo artists on social media. But finding the perfect source of inspiration for your next tat can be daunting, especially since it'll be on your body forever and there are so many styles to choose from.
A permanent piece of body art is worth traveling across the world for, so we've curated a look at the very best female artists in the business. Whether you're looking for minimalist floral pieces or geometric designs, these talented ladies are the best the world has to offer. So give them a follow and start planning your next piece; few accessories are lovelier than a well-done tattoo.
5 Things You Learn About Yourself While Running
I love doing a variety of fit activities, whether it's a HIIT class, ballet, weight training, barre, running, or what have you. Each activity has a different body and mind benefit. When I dance, I can only think about each movement and everything else melts away. When I run . . . I can think about, well, everything.
Out of all the fit things I love to do, I find I do my best thinking while running. Perhaps it's because running is something that comes automatically without much thought. Sure, you have to avoid tripping over a rock or slipping, but the movement is instinctual . . . fight or flight, right?
As I run, I find that my thoughts are clear and logical, and it allows me an emotional release. Whether I am making up solutions as I run miles or releasing feelings, I learn so much about myself while running. We all can. If we solely ran for the physical benefits, we'd probably find something easier to do, but there are so many mental benefits from running that you can't help but be addicted to what running does to your brain.
1. You Learn How You Really Feel
When you run, don't be surprised when every emotion comes pouring out of your body. Happiness and joy. Rapid quick thoughts of anxiety. Tears of sadness or joy. I can count on many fingers the amount of times I have been running and crying. Perhaps it should be my hashtag.
When I run, I release. I release my hidden feelings and not-so-hidden feelings. There is no pretension and there is no one to please. I can feel what I want and, sometimes, feel things that perhaps I don't want to feel.
It's as if there is a faucet on my head that opens up when I'm running and out rushes everything that had been contained before.
2. You Learn What to Do
Have a problem? Try running. Run for a good long time or even a short sprint and I guarantee you that, eventually, you'll find an answer to your problem.
Whether it is a relationship issue or a work issue - no matter what the case - I can usually uncover a solution or untangle some of my thoughts while running. There is really no better activity for uncovering logic than running. Any and all major decisions should be debated over while pounding the pavement, sand, grass, or treadmill.
3. You Learn How Your Body Really Feels
Whenever I run, I can tell how my body feels right away. If I am tired, I feel it. If I am sore from an intense workout the day before or sore from a bad night's sleep, I feel it.
If I feel amazing and loose and free, I feel it. If my shoulders are tight from stress . . . it's there as I run. If my abs feel great from an intense plank workout, the glory is all there.
My heart tells the truth as I run, letting out my emotions, and my body is the same. It just can't lie to me. All of my aches, pains, strengths, and victories run with me.
When you run, you know your body is either talking at you or going with you. It's almost as if your body gives you a little wellness check-up with each quickened pace.
4. You Learn How to Push Yourself
When you run, you might be doggone tired. When you run, you might really be too busy to head out, but you can't stand the thought of missing a run.
You learn how and when to push yourself.
You learn that a burn in your body can be a damn good thing. You learn that an ache in the heel means it's time to ease up.
You learn that a hot sweaty day is no excuse to stay home.
You learn how and when to push yourself.
Running is an art form of self-discipline and stamina. In many ways, it helps you master yourself, teaches you to be the best you.
5. You Learn How to Just Be
When you run, you aren't anything else or anywhere else. Just right there . . . until you have zoomed past and then you're right there.
You learn how to be in the moment. You watch what is around you. You pick up details wherever you run, yet then they float by you.
Have you ever had someone try to say hi to you as you ran?
Time after time, people say to me: "I saw you running. I screamed a billion times hello to you, but you didn't notice."
When you run, you are in your own world - in just that moment, seeking nothing ahead of you and certainly not reaching behind you.
The 10 Best Products For Making Your Blue Eyes Sparkle
Hello, you magnificent, blue-eyed beauty! If you're looking for some tips and tricks for how to make your blue eyes pop, you've landed in the right corner of the internet. After consulting with celebrity makeup artists, we're sharing the best hacks for blue eyes and also throwing out some product recommendations that are worthy of being added to your current stash. Let's just say that you should prepare yourself for an onslaught of eye-dulation.
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