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.
lundi 27 novembre 2017
The Opioid Epidemic's Biggest Culprit Isn't Heroin Anymore - It's Something Deadlier
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Andrew*, an HVAC engineer, looks better than your average 37-year-old, college-educated man from Canton, OH. Clean-shaven, wearing a fitted maroon polo shirt and black dress pants. Athletic. Energetic. Flirtatious.
He sits on the patio of a local restaurant, sipping his cocktail, skimming the menu at the kind of place you take your kids to after soccer practice.
"Yesterday I had one glass of wine, today I had two. Tomorrow, I don't know," Andrew says, both hands cupped around a sweaty vodka-soda with lime. "But it's not heroin."
But it wasn't heroin two weeks earlier, either, when the husband and father of three woke up on the floor of his sober-living house to six men shaking him. They told him it took two doses of Narcan, an opioid blocker, to revive him after he overdosed on carfentanil for the sixth time this year.
It wasn't heroin, because if you ask drug users, people in recovery, medical personnel, and law enforcement, they'll tell you that drug has all but dried up in the state of Ohio, a state leading the country in fatal opioid overdoses, according to the Centers For Disease Control.
If it were heroin, it would've been made from morphine, which is derived from naturally occurring opium.
Andrew, 37, looks out from the patio at a restaurant in Canton, OH, on Aug. 18. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
Carfentanil - a synthetic form of fentanyl - is generally used to sedate very large animals, like elephants, and it's 10,000 times stronger than morphine. It's the new drug of choice for those manufacturing and selling illicit drugs in the Buckeye State, which was home to a record-setting 4,149 accidental deaths due to fatal overdoses in 2016.
Fentanyl itself is another popular option. The drug is "50 to 100 times more potent" than morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Oftentimes, drug users don't realize they aren't getting quite what they bargained for until it's too late.
Andrew noticed the switch about six months ago, when he started "falling out" - or losing consciousness - after doses he had previously considered normal.
"I was shooting up all day, every day," he said, as he stretched out his arms to show dark bruises where his veins had collapsed under his skin. And then finally, one day, he overdosed.
The casual observer probably would never know that Andrew was battling opioid addiction at this very moment, but the crisis that's hit America hard doesn't discriminate.
Drug overdose deaths have now become the leading cause of accidental deaths in the US with 52,404 fatalities in 2015, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine; 33,091 of those deaths, which equates to more than six out of 10, involved an opioid.
And it's getting worse. While official numbers aren't in yet, a New York Times preliminary report has the total number of drug overdose deaths for 2016 at more than 59,000, which it described as "the largest annual jump ever recorded in the United States."
Addiction started for Andrew in 2009, when he started taking his mother's oxycodone, which she had been prescribed after a medical procedure - he says because he "didn't want her taking all of that." He also had a longstanding Adderall prescription added to the mix.
His opioid and Adderall abuse went undetected by his wife until the Summer of 2016, when she noticed he was running out of the ADHD drug before the end of the month. After she made a call to his doctor, his prescription was revoked, and Andrew turned to cocaine. The way he tells it, his wife got fed up, took their kids, and left him, and one week later, he was shooting up heroin.
What Can We Do to Stop the Epidemic?
It's not that uncommon of a story, and it can happen to anybody. President Donald Trump addressed that issue in his press briefing from New Jersey on Aug. 8.
"Nobody is safe from this epidemic that threatens young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural communities," he said. "Everybody is threatened."
But what's debatable is Trump's view that amping up incarceration is the answer to the problem. In the same briefing, he pledged to increase federal drug prosecutions and implied he'd fight to lengthen sentences for convicted federal drug offenders. This is in stark contrast to the Obama administration's approach to dealing with drug users.
Two days later, Trump told reporters in New Jersey, "The opioid crisis is an emergency, and I'm saying officially, right now, it is an emergency. We're going to draw it up and we're going to make it a national emergency. It is a serious problem, the likes of which we have never had."
What methods the Trump administration will ultimately employ to combat the epidemic aren't exactly certain at this time.
What we do know is that his comments about "upping federal prosecutions" were made despite a preliminary report issued on July 31 by his Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. The report almost exclusively recommended addressing shortcomings in access to treatment for addicts, along with prescription drug reform and stopping the influx of synthetic opioids (like fentanyl and carfentanil) from other countries, like China.
That approach is more in line with what people who are living in the throes of the epidemic think would be helpful.
Incarceration Doesn't Work For Everyone
One of those people is Tugg Massa, 42, from Akron, OH. He's a recovering addict and founder of Akron Say No to Dope, a nonprofit organization that serves Summit County, where as many as 250 people died last year from drug overdoses. Those deaths were largely attributed to the introduction of carfentanil in the area in June and July of 2016, according to Ohio.com.
Both fentanyl and carfentanil are a whole lot cheaper on the street than morphine and heroin, he explained, which is why they're being cut with anything and everything people use to get high - usually unbeknownst to the drug user.
"It's not like it was when I was growing up," Tugg said. "Not to glorify drug use of any kind, but it's a lot more dangerous now. It's not heroin. Heroin won't even get the people out there using drugs high anymore because this fentanyl and carfentanil are so strong."
He knows what he's talking about, as someone who used drugs for 27 years. Tugg's been sober since Oct. 10, 2012, the day he was arrested for illegal manufacturing of methamphetamines.
Tugg Massa, 42, checks the call log for Akron Say No to Dope's 24/7 helpline from his organization's thrift store and boutique in Akron, OH, on Aug. 14. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
When Tugg got caught, he was making meth to support his own opioid habit. He spent two years in prison for that charge, where, despite his surroundings, he got clean and earned his GED.
"It was difficult," he said of his time there. "There's a lot of drugs in prison. I had a drug dealer on one side of my cell and a drug dealer in the other cell next to me."
Although he successfully overcame his addiction while incarcerated, he feels strongly that being locked up is not for everyone. Instead, Tugg is a major advocate for drug court, where people get the option of undergoing treatment in lieu of conviction. That means if they make it through a 12-month program, their convictions are dropped.
Treatment Is Crucial - When the Timing Is Right
Sheriff Steve Leahy of Clermont County, OH, generally agrees with Tugg about the need for more access to treatment, but also says it needs to be worked hand in hand with the judicial system.
"You can't throw everybody's ass in jail," he said. "But what you also can't do is hug your way out of it."
Sheriff Leahy speaks from experience as both a member of law enforcement and someone who has witnessed firsthand a loved one's battle against opioid addiction. His ex-wife's struggles gave him valuable insight into what might work in his community.
He points out that some people simply aren't responsive to treatment, possibly because they're not ready for it at that point in their addiction.
"I think there are just some people who do need to be in jail or incarcerated. Maybe because they're selling as a pusher or they are committing crimes and burglaries and other felonies," he said. "You have to protect the community at large. Also, with the same breath, sometimes the only way to protect an individual from themselves is by having them locked up until you can get them to a point of treatment."
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Whatever they're doing in Clermont County seems to be working. The death toll skyrocketed to 94 in 2015, placing Clermont at the top of the state for accidental overdose deaths, according to Leeann Watson, associate director of Clermont County's Mental Health Recovery Board. That figure was up from 68 in 2014 and 56 in 2013, said Watson, who is also cochair of the opiate task force. But in 2016, the number dropped slightly to 82 deaths.
One tool that Leahy believes in is his county's community alternative sentencing program, which people can choose to participate in while they are incarcerated.
The program is administered in a wing of the county jail dedicated exclusively to those who have volunteered for treatment. It's an opportunity for convicted drug offenders who are ready to tackle sobriety to make the best use of their time.
"You have to have the buy-in of the court system, which includes the probation department and other mental health and addiction specialists," Leahy said. "It's kind of a multipronged attack."
Court Programs Can't Help When Drugs Don't Show Up on Tests
Andrew, who was placed on probation in January after officers found a needle in his car when he got pulled over for speeding, hasn't had to face a choice like those convicted in Sheriff Leahy's jurisdiction yet.
Not after trying out replacement drug therapy with Suboxone and methadone; not after attending treatment facilities in both Mexico and Florida; not after witnessing two people die from opioid overdoses in his own home on two separate occasions. And not even after his own latest overdose.
When his sober-living housemates revived him just two weeks ago, the police were called and he was taken to the hospital.
If he had tested positive for drugs at the hospital, he would've been kicked out of the sober-living house and sent to jail for violating probation.
The crazy thing is, his drug test came back negative.
"I've been given a lot of grace," he says.
"Grace" for Andrew, this time, came in the form of a standard urine test that didn't detect the particular concoction of street opioids that shut down his system.
Yes, you read that right. The standard drug tests administered at many hospitals that treat overdose victims don't pick up carfentanil and the street versions of fentanyl that are killing people in record numbers.
Even after six near-death experiences and witnessing two fatal overdoses in his own home from opioid use in the past year, Andrew says he still can't promise he won't ever use opioids again. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
"You have to know what you're looking for," said Dr. Barry Sample, senior director of Science and Technology at Quest Diagnostics.
Dr. Allison Chambliss, assistant professor of Clinical Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, elaborated, "Fentanyl and carfentanil are structurally distinct from the other major opioids, and so do not get detected up by the routine urine opioid drug screens out there that are designed to pick up morphine, codeine, and heroin."
Even if you might have an idea what you're looking for, oftentimes the proper tests simply aren't run - either because they're too expensive or the facility where the victim is being treated doesn't have the proper equipment.
Usually it's only large reference and specialty toxicology labs that have the tools required to carry out these kinds of tests, even though they could be run on urine or blood samples, just like more general opioid tests, Chambliss said.
In Andrew's case, the standard test was apparently run, and it came back negative for opioids. He was released from the hospital and was able to go back to the sober-living facility with no probation violation recorded.
Even after that close of a call, where he narrowly escaped losing his liberty - and his life - he admits, "I still can't promise I'll never use opioids again. It's too good."
"Ready" and "Rock Bottom" Look Different For Everyone
Tugg pointed out that in his ministry of recovering addicts, "They have to come to me. I can't go chasing people down."
He shared Sheriff Leahy's sentiment that drug users have to be ready on their own, which many addicts describe as their "rock bottom" moment. For him, it was a letter from his daughter while he was in prison, asking him, "Who do you think you are?"
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Rock bottom for Jessica*, 26, from Los Angeles looked very different.
Having used drugs since the age of 13, Jessica became addicted to opioids at 16 after trading away cocaine for "tar" and not realizing that it was, in fact, heroin.
At one of her worst moments, she was homeless, on the street, doing whatever was necessary to score drugs. At another, an obsessed partner held her against her will for half a year.
Jessica says her captor forbid her from speaking to anyone else, eating, showering, or even using the bathroom outside of his presence. She finally convinced this man that her going to treatment would be better for their relationship, which is how she escaped that situation.
"When I got to treatment, I had to learn how to form sentences again. I couldn't speak. I didn't know how to raise my head and look somebody in the eye," she said. "Even just eating was a big thing. I didn't know how to do that anymore. I had to learn how to stop asking permission for things, which was really hard. That's something that I still struggle with today."
But even being held against her will wasn't what brought her to the realization that she needed to get clean.
Her epiphany came in 2012 at the age of 21, when she had "everything" in every materialistic sense of the word. She was living with a wealthy man - who supported her $400-a-day heroin habit - in a beautiful home in Southern California. She said it was hitting an emotional bottom that finally did her drug use in over a period of four months when she was trying to overdose every single day.
"It was a feeling of desperation that was something I hadn't felt before," she said. "That true desperation of, 'I have everything in the world, but I am nothing,' that's what was different this time than all the other times. I finally realized that I as a person had no self-worth."
"I would be looking in the mirror at myself, because I was an IV user, and I would shoot in my neck, so I would have to be in front of a mirror. I'd be standing in front of a mirror, looking myself in the eyes as I'm injecting my neck with heroin trying to die," she said. "Praying that you don't wake up this time, that is the scariest feeling in the whole world," she said.
Today, she's five years sober and has been working for the last two and half years at a sober treatment facility in Texas, which she credits with helping to maintain her sobriety.
The Street View of How to Fight the Opioid Crisis
Signs advertise free Narcan class outside New Beginnings, the thrift store and boutique Tugg runs in Akron, OH, in support of Akron Say No to Dope. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
It's unclear exactly what will happen to the wide-scale handling of this epidemic nationwide, if and when the opioid crisis is officially declared a national emergency, but Jessica and the other people we interviewed for this story have a wish list.
Sheriff Leahy, Jessica, and Tugg all agree that more in-house treatment facilities are crucial in this fight.
"When someone is ready to get off of drugs, we need to address that right then," Tugg said. "We need more beds. No wait time."
Jessica noted that in addition to more beds, facilities need more time.
"Long-term treatment is what's working. The 30-day treatment centers are not long enough. You can't work through all the trauma that you've caused to yourself as an addict. Your first week, you're detoxing. Your second, third week, you might be going to groups and start having emotions again, and your fourth and fifth week, you're planning your discharge already. So you've really only gotten a week of actual treatment," she said.
"Starting to form new habits takes a long time. You can't learn that in 30 days, which is why I stayed in treatment for a year and a half," Jessica said. "A lot of treatment centers are only 30 days, which is why they're always full because people, they'll go in, 30 days, get out, relapse, and go back in. The long-term places are getting people and holding them and really turning them back out to be productive members of society."
From a law enforcement perspective, Leahy would also like to see funds available for "one or two more" directed patrol officers, meaning members of law enforcement who are assigned a specific task for a particular purpose. In his community, that purpose would be to have more of a presence to help stop the flow of drugs across jurisdictional lines.
"And maybe a reinstitution of D.A.R.E. or something similar to that," Leahy said. "We can do whatever we're doing now, but we've got to get to the young people."
At the federal level, Trump alluded during his press briefing to the fact that he's talking with China about "certain forms of man-made drugs that come in."
That prospect got Tugg excited.
"We need to put sanctions on China. If they're not going to regulate what they're sending over here, then there should be sanctions against them," he said. "The fentanyl and carfentanil that's going around, they can get it right through the mail from China and get it dropped off right at their house."
Andrew says he got his last batch of opioids from his housemate, who is connected with one of the major drug cartels in Mexico. He won't say how it arrived in Ohio.
We asked what advice he would give - after everything he's experienced - to someone who was considering trying opioids for the first time today.
"I would say, 'Pull out your phone and look up epitaph, because you're gonna want to know what that word means,'" he says. "And then tell everyone you love that you love them. And then flip a quarter. Because there's a 50/50 chance you're gonna die."
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of these sources.
If you or someone you know is in need of drug-related treatment or counseling, you can reach the Substance and Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on its Treatment Referral Routing Service helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
If you're in the Summit County, OH, area, you can call Akron Say No to Dope's 24/7 hotline at 855-246-LIVE (5483).
35 Songs You'll Want to Have Your First Wedding Dance To
With wedding season in full swing, our minds can't get off of the songs that will be the soundtrack to your special day - it's not all about the perfect dress and cake. So we took on the very hard task of listening to some of our favorite Latin voices serenade us with their beautiful lyrics and love-inducing melodies to find you the most romantic tune for your first dance as a married couple. Look ahead for 35 options that perfectly explain your intense connection. Not engaged yet? These tunes are still worth a listen.
Taylor Swift Has Been Owning the Beauty Game Since 1989
Since entering the public eye in 2006 (feel old yet?), Taylor Swift has evolved into a true beauty star. It first began when she ditched her signature curly hair for a straight, shaggy lob.
Just when we thought her go-to winged liner and red lip (which remained a rare consistency in this ever-changing world) was here to stay, she shocked us all by going goth.
Now her strands are straight and her rouge is dark, but we still find inspiration from her past looks. Take a trip down memory lane with us by remembering her best beauty moments!
This Genius Video Game Is For Every Black Women Who's Tired of People Touching Her Hair
It's never OK to touch a black woman's hair without her permission. Unfortunately, that simple concept is still hard for many people to understand. That's why one Oregon-based woman has developed a video game to drive home the point, and the result is absolutely genius. Go ahead and get ready to cancel all of your plans today, because after playing Hair Nah, you're going to be addicted to this hilariously executed - and important - website.
Momo Pixel created, designed, and wrote the music for Hair Nah, which looks a lot like an '80s arcade game. Pixel is an art director for the Portland ad agency Wieden + Kennedy. Serita Wesley is a publishing producer for the same company and interviewed Pixel for the W+K-affiliated website On She Goes. According to Pixel, Hair Nah was born out of a common problem.
"I'll be walking, and a woman will reach her hands into my head," Pixel said. "I'm talking to a teammate, and a co-worker I just met is holding my hair in his hand. I'm in the checkout line, and the cashier will reach across to caress my braids." Yeah . . . not cool, people.
If you, too, constantly have to fend off would-be strand-caressers, then you will absolutely cheer while playing Hair Nah. Here's how it works.
62 Easy Slow-Cooker Recipes You'll Want to Make This Fall
While slow cookers make getting dinner (or breakfast) on the table easy year-round, there's no season we associate with the appliance more than Fall. An especially busy time of year, now is the time to lean on easy, supercozy recipes that practically cook themselves. Here, we've rounded up more than 60 recipes ranging from tailgating favorites (barbecue ribs) to Italian pastas (bolognese sauce) to pack-and-go mason jar lunches (black beans with sweet potatoes and quinoa).
dimanche 26 novembre 2017
The Best Gifts For 7-Year-Olds
Your little one is growing up, and in case you didn't notice it, he's a big kid now. From building sets that let them get creative to games that bring the whole family to the table, we've rounded up the best gifts for the 7-year-old on your list - gifts that will keep them coming back for more every day.
Here's How Flaxmeal Can Help With Weight Loss
Flaxseed is one staple you should definitely have in your kitchen. Aside from one tablespoon of flaxmeal offering your daily recommended dose of omega-3s, find out how these little seeds can help you lose weight.
Healthy Fats
Flaxmeal is a great source of omega-3s, which can reduce inflammation and promote bone health. But getting your fill of healthy fats can also contribute to the feeling of satiation after a meal. In the morning, sprinkle some on your oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies so you stay full until lunchtime.
Holy Fiber!
One tablespoon of flaxmeal offers two grams of fiber, which is pretty decent considering you should aim for about eight to 10 grams per meal in order to lose weight. Certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition, recommends clients add this to meals because the fiber "can be helpful for filling power, which can definitely help with weight loss."
What is so great about flaxmeal is that when it gets wet, it expands, which makes your belly feel more full and makes it take longer to digest. Add a tablespoon to your lunchtime salad, stir it into soups or cooked whole grains, or sprinkle some on your pasta or roasted veggies. Be sure to opt for ground flaxseed (flaxmeal) because whole flaxseeds just pass right through the body undigested.
Egg Substitute
You can substitute eggs in your cookies, pancakes, and breads with a simple swap. For every egg, make a flax egg by mixing one tablespoon flaxmeal and three tablespoons water. The flax becomes gelatinous when soaked for five to 10 minutes, resembling the consistency of eggs. Compared to a regular egg, one flax egg is also almost half the calories, so if you bake a lot of muffins and protein bars, it's a huge plus when it comes to weight loss. As a bonus, a flax egg is also free of saturated fat and cholesterol.
15 Beauty Gifts For Your Boss That Just Might Land You a Promotion
There's no doubt about it - your boss is someone you really want to impress. That's the case for 9-to-5 tasks, networking and office camaraderie, and yes, even gift giving. If your boss is a beauty fanatic, any of the following gifts will help ensure you end up on the nice list this year!
Prepare to Swoon Over These Stunning Ulta Beauty Gifts
If you love beauty shopping, you know that it's hard to top Ulta Beauty. You can get everything from your drugstore essentials and prestige favorites to an incredible haircut at the one-stop shop! But this holiday season, we're swinging by to snap up the retailer's excellent gift offerings. From a Kardashian-approved highlighter to a matte liquid lip set, there are plenty of pretty treats to satisfy every single craving of the gals on your gifting list.
Women of Color Speak Out on What Victoria's Secret Did So, So Right at This Year's Show
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
It's no secret that Victoria's Secret has been criticized for not being diverse enough when it comes to selecting models for its campaigns and annual fashion show. But in recent years, that has been changing. For example, at the 2016 event in Paris, Jasmine Tookes was the third black model to wear the Fantasy Bra. And this year, Lais Ribeiro, a Brazilian model with medium skin tone, is wearing it for the Shanghai show. It seems that 2017 is the brand's most inclusive year yet!
Let's go over some stats. There are 55 models in the show, representing 20 different countries, and almost half of them are women of color. The roster includes the contracted Angels like Adriana Lima, Lily Aldridge, and Taylor Hill. But it also has everyone from Alecia Morais, a deep-skinned model with natural hair, to the fair-and-freckled redhead Alexina Graham. And there are five Asian women, including Xiao Wen, who is of Chinese descent. It would be difficult to look at this cast and not be able to find at least one woman who represents you.
"This year, Victoria's Secret is definitely one for history, because everyone has someone on the runway who they can say, 'She's from my country,' or 'She looks like me.' It means a lot to young girls watching the show."
The models themselves agree. Two of them are associated with Fenty Beauty, a fashion and beauty label created by Rihanna that is celebrated for being incredibly diverse. These Victoria's Secret models are Leomie Anderson, who starred in Fenty's beauty campaign, and Aiden Curtiss, who walked in the brand's latest New York Fashion Week show. Both are women of color and feel that Victoria's Secret has done its job this year to make the show diverse.
"I've been saying to everyone how amazing it is that I am looking around and seeing all of my friends - and girls I haven't even met yet," Aiden told me backstage at the hair and makeup test in Shanghai. "They're all so diverse, and I love that."
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
Leomie echoed that same sentiment. "It means so much to me, because this year I have been a part of so many diverse campaigns," she said. "It has just been an amazing experience to see so many of my friends chosen for the show. They're all so unique and beautiful."
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
Cindy Bruna, a woman of color who is walking in the show for her fifth time, noted how this season is different. "I am impressed," she said. "When we heard about the casting, everyone was excited, because the diversity was so represented. I am really proud to be part of it and happy for my girls."
But does that mean Victoria's Secret hit all of its markets? According to Leomie, yes, the brand did. "Everyone wants to feel represented on the runway," she said. "This year, Victoria's Secret is definitely one for history, because everyone has someone on the runway who they can say, 'She's from my country,' or 'She looks like me.' It means a lot to young girls watching the show."
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
In addition to casting this amazing pool, Victoria's Secret is customizing the beauty looks to enhance their natural hair types and blending bespoke lip colors to complement different complexions.
Lead hairstylist Anthony Nadar confirmed that, yes, many models will have the traditional sexy bombshell waves. These are created with blowouts, hair extensions (when needed), and curling irons - a combination that doesn't represent all textures and can also damage natural hair. But those who do have natural hair will get the option to rock it on the runway.
"If girls have got great curly hair, we're not blowing them out," he said. "We are just enhancing what they've already got and making it a better version."
At the hair and makeup test, I watched two stylists work Morrocanoil Curl Cream ($13) - Aiden's favorite - into her tight curls. They diffused it and went over some pieces with a thin curling iron to mimic her natural spiral. "They're making sure there are no frizzy pieces," she noted.
Aiden explained that wearing her natural hair for the show is an empowering moment. "While I prefer my hair straight, I love that they're supporting us wearing our hair natural because a lot of shows before - especially high-fashion - prefer when girls straighten their hair and damage it," she said. "It adds to beauty ideals, too. A lot of black girls or mixed girls feel like they have to have a certain look, like Eurocentric. At least for me, growing up, I felt like I should have straight hair and I still kind of feel it because I have been brought up that looking like that is beautiful."
In the past, models such as Maria Borges have been sent down the catwalk with natural hair. (And Maria is back this year!) For the Shanghai show, you can expect more natural texture and curls than in past seasons.
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
On the cosmetics side, lead makeup artist Tom Pecheux said: "It's about respecting every single unique beauty and having tools to make each girl look their best."
To complement a subtly smoky eye, he and his team will be using a handful of Victoria's Secret Velvet Matte Cream Lip Stains ($8, originally $14) to create bespoke nude lips. A rosy beige color called Adored is everyone's base shade. Then, the makeup team will leave it as the main hue or blend it with Perfection (a dusty rose), Magnetic (a soft pink), or even Love (a light mauve) to get the color to complement their skin tone. It should be noted that models wearing the Pink collection will have slightly pinker lips.
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
"We have 55 girls with different skin tones and complexions, so we want to make the best of it," Pecheux noted. "We don't want the VS girls to look identical. They have been specifically chosen because of their unique beauty so we want to keep that. We don't want soldiers."
Tune into the show on Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS to see this gorgeous beauty moment come to life on the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion show runway, filmed in Shanghai.
22 Chic Autumn Nail Colors You'll Want to Buy ASAP
Fall not only brings us cooler weather and pumpkin spice everything, it also treats us to new Autumn nail polish collections. With ranges of burnt orange, olive greens, and plums to choose from, we're spoiled with choices from the likes of Essie and OPI. Ahead, find a few of our favorite old and new colors to get your Autumn 2017 nail collection started.
23 Home Gifts to DIY For Your Secret Santa Exchange
Between office celebrations, friendly gatherings, and extended family parties, the pressure to have a supply of little gifts on hand starts to build. Besides being time-consuming, shopping for all those perfect gifts can be tiresome, and trying to keep up the spirit of giving without getting stressed out is a challenge.
If you'd like to save money while still giving unique and stylish gifts for the home, then DIY is the way to go. Here are 23 fantastic and easy DIY gifts that will make you the coolest Secret Santa in the room.
Makeup Artists Share Their Favorite Everything-Proof Primers
As with many things in life, good makeup typically starts with a good foundation. And by foundation, we mean what you put on skin as part of your skincare routine before even getting to your actual foundation to ensure that it, and everything that follows, goes on smooth and stays there.
That's why more and more makeup artists are relying on primer to cover up uneven skin and keep excessive oil at bay.
Whether you're looking for a mattifier to keep dry or a luminizer to attain that fresh, dewy glow, read on for experts to reveal their personal go-tos.
How to Get Taylor Swift's Perfect Armpits
Taylor Swift has garnered millions of followers for her catchy musical hits, celebrity feuds, ever-changing beauty looks, and . . . her armpits. Yes, there is an entire Subreddit devoted to the singer's underarms. Why have fanatics honed in on such a small part of her anatomy? Well, they do look pretty soft and smooth. Taylor obviously doesn't have any issues with dark spots or shaving scars. Grooming your underarms is a tedious task that must be done, but using better techniques for more effective results can make it a little more bearable.
- Hold it: Shave your armpits as late into your shower as possible. The warm water helps soften the coarse hair in this area, so shaving will be a little easier.
- Scrub-a-dub: Make sure you remove all traces of your deodorant with a thorough washing. You might also want to consider exfoliating with a body scrub like The Body Shop Mango Scrub ($24) for a more even shave. (Do this before flicking the Gillette, of course.)
- Up, down, and all around: I prefer using a razor with multiple blades, because with more blades working, it gets the job done a lot faster. That and you don't have to shave an already-sensitive area over and over. After lathering up with a great shaving cream, lift the arm high and start shaving. Shave up, down, and side to side. Keeping the skin taut will result in a closer shave, so pull your skin however it needs to go to create an even surface. Rinsing the blade off after every other stroke or so will also keep the razor nice and unclogged.
- Minirazor: If you encounter an area that's difficult to maneuver around or if you discover you've missed a few hairs, a minirazor should do the trick. Try Noxzema Razors For Women ($3).
- Don't be dull: It should go without saying, but make sure your razor isn't dull. Check out these tips for extending the life of your razor, and happy - or at least less tedious - shaving!
OMG, This Tarte Vault Is a Really, Really, Ridiculously Good Deal
If you're a makeup-lover, the holidays are a time of reaching for the stars, budget-wise. While your wish list might include more zeros than your paycheck does (fairy godmother, I want this 50-piece, $1,980 Tom Ford lipstick collection, and I want it now), it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, as Tarte's latest vault proves, budget beauty can be just as fabulous - and opulent.
Take, for instance, this Tartelette Vault ($100), which includes the Matte, In Bloom, and brand-new Toasted Palette, all for much less than the kits would retail separately.
If you're palette-obsessed, you probably live for the days you bring home another set of powders to add to your collection - well, imagine the delight in bringing home (or unwrapping) three! Two of the sets (Matte and In Bloom) are old favorites. Matte is somewhat of a "desert island" palette that features 12 versatile, creamy, and everyday shades.
In Bloom has the same amount of shades in similar hues but kicks things up a notch because these colors include shimmer, metallic, and darker options.
Since Toasted only just dropped earlier this month, perhaps you haven't had time to try it out just yet. But now is definitely the season for this collection of 12 burnt, fiery shades, as the shimmer options are perfect for holiday parties and feeling yourself this Fall.
Bought individually, these palettes would cost a total of $134. With this limited-edition vault, you can get things for a considerably cheaper price. We did the math, and with this deal, each shadow comes out to about $3. Of course, each of these kits will last you about two years, making the Tartelette Vault a pretty cost-effective option.
Looking fabulous for less than the price of your morning coffee? Happy holidays, indeed.
The CVS Beauty Aisle Just Got a Lot Better: 60+ New K-Beauty Products Are Coming!
Browsing the beauty aisle at your local CVS is about to get a million times more exciting because even more K-beauty products have made their debut. Last year, the drugstore giant lined its shelves with over 100 brand-new Korean cosmetic products. Now, there are more than 60 new K-beauty SKUs joining the CVS beauty department.
The new wave of items to come to CVS include a ton of of body products outfitted in adorable packaging (like body lotion in a mini ice-cream tub). There are also new cosmetic goodies like macaron-shaped cheek tint and new glosses from Peach Slices (Alicia Yoon's bespoke collection).
Needless to say, if you thought the new K-beauty aisle at CVS was good, it just got a lot better. Keep reading to see all the brand-new items and get excited to shop them now in store and online when they launch in mid-November.
If a Product Is "Natural," Is It Safe For Pregnant Women? We Uncover the Truth!
Once I got a positive pregnancy test, I quickly discovered that in addition to brainstorming baby names, I'd have to memorize a complicated list of dos and don'ts.
I took stock of what needed to change. Obviously, no more booze. But there were also subtle changes to make. I had to start asking waiters if the cheese on the menu was pasteurized and began googling mercury levels in different types of fish at the grocery store. Thankfully, my doctor gave me a handy "welcome to pregnancy" book, which listed out what types of foods, exercise, and medicines were safe, but one thing was missing: cosmetics. There was no direction on safe makeup and other personal care products. I had heard from friends who already had kids that some ingredients could be harmful to the baby. So I decided to make this my mom-to-be homework assignment. Here's what I learned.
Problems can include low birth weight and preterm birth.
"We should avoid risky ingredients at all stages of our lives; however, pregnancy may be a period in which women should be particularly careful," expert Nneka Leiba told me. She is the director of healthy living science for the Environmental Working Group. Exposure to toxic chemicals before conception and during pregnancy can have significant and long-lasting effects on reproductive health, according to both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Problems can include infertility, low birth weight, and preterm birth - the last two are relevant to expecting mothers. And if you're thinking of getting pregnant soon, it's still a good idea to start cleaning up your beauty routine.
Where to start? Any ingredient considered an "endocrine disruptor" should be off limits. These can interfere with our body's normal hormone functions. (EWG puts out a Dirty Dozen list of 12 endocrine disruptors to avoid.) Note that it's common for endocrine disruptors like phthalates to be categorized under "fragrance" or "parfum" on labels, so fragrance-free is the way to go.
In addition, you should avoid antiaging products with vitamin A, since too much could potentially lead to birth defects. Skin-lightning products are also no good, because they can interfere with the development of a fetus's skin. And it's important to talk to you ob-gyn about any prescription acne or skincare items you used before you got pregnant, as the FDA classifies some prescription as unsafe for a growing fetus. This can be a lot to keep track of. So here's how these no-go chemicals often show up on ingredient labels:
Avoid
- Retinyl palmitate and Retinol (vitamin A)
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- Dibutyl phthalate
- Triclosan
- BP-3
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- BHA and BHT
- Dioxin
- Oxybenzone
- Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA)
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Phenylmercuric salts, acetate, nitrate
- Hydroquinone or glutathione
- Fragrance/parfum
One thing I noticed in my quest to clean up my vanity: many safe-looking products contain "natural fragrance." I asked Leiba if these were indeed safe. She explained that there is no legal definition for "natural." And even if a product is 100 percent natural, that does not mean it's safe. Think about it: poison ivy is technically natural. But would you rub it on your skin?
Remember that words like "organic," "natural," and "pure" mean absolutely nothing legally.
"There are many natural elements that are known to negatively affect our health," she said. And Leiba believes there's reason to be weary of natural fragrance specifically. She explained: "A company that used 'natural fragrance' on its products has chosen to keep the specific ingredients in the fragrance mixture from you. Whether natural or not, a consumer cannot make an informed decision about what to buy if ingredients are kept a secret." In this case, ignorance is not bliss.
With all that in mind, I now read the ingredient list and look for these keywords when buying cosmetics as a pregnant lady. Again, remember that words like "organic," "natural," and "pure" mean absolutely nothing legally.
Look For
- Fragrance-free
- BPA-free
- No parabens
- No phthalates
- No DEA
Based on my experience, the following brands often have products that are safe to use. It's also a good idea to check individual products on EWG's Skin Deep Database before making the switch. Keep reading to see what's in my beauty bag now that I have a baby on the way.
15 of the Sexiest TV Shows to Stream on Netflix This Month
Steamy television has entered the mainstream after a long stay in the guilty pleasure department. For lovers of scandal and drama everywhere, Netflix has been releasing a slough of racy, exciting original series like Mindhunter and Suburra: Blood on Rome. This month, we'll see additions of much-anticipated shows like Marvel's The Punisher and Spike Lee's She's Gotta Have It on the streaming service.
Here's How to Stick to a Workout Plan Once and For All
Faced with a seemingly endless supply of trendy new workouts that all promise a better body and improved health, choosing the best one can seem overwhelming. As a doctor, I'm setting the record straight: the single best exercise program is the one that you stick with. The simplest way to do this, of course, is to focus on physical activity that you actually enjoy and avoid anything that you hate (even if every Victoria's Secret model swears by it). But beyond common sense, there are plenty of science-backed methods for sticking to an exercise program. If you've ever had grand plans of overhauling your fitness routine only to find yourself returning to your couch three weeks later, these techniques are for you.
Shorten your workouts.
Though it sounds counterintuitive, focusing on shorter bouts of exercise has distinct advantages over longer workouts. In a study among young women who were asked to start an exercise program, those who were assigned to multiple 10-minute workouts throughout the day stayed more committed than women who were asked to complete one continuous workout of up to 40 minutes. In fact, the shorter-bout group logged more total workout time and exercised more days per week compared to the longer workout group. Rest assured: the cumulative effect of exercising in short bouts has the same physical benefits as longer workouts, both in terms of weight loss and overall heart health.
Believe in yourself.
Decades of studies on exercise psychology have consistently identified self-efficacy as the most important predictor of exercise adherence. Self-efficacy is defined as the belief in one's ability to succeed in a specific goal or behavior change, much like the "I think I can" motto of the little engine that could. Self-efficacy is, thankfully, not an inborn trait but a learned skill that can be developed through achieving small successes over time. When starting a new exercise program, set yourself up for small wins and celebrate them. Focus on the better night's sleep you may get after just one workout instead of the weight you hope to lose by the end of the month. Another way to improve self-efficacy is to find a role model you identify with who has achieved her fitness goals. Research shows this can vicariously bolster your own self-efficacy.
Make it social.
Though it's not surprising, the dramatic effect of social support on exercise is worth emphasizing. In an analysis of 44 studies on exercise adherence, researchers found that it was highest when it involved a group, like a sports team or a dance group. Drop-in fitness classes were associated with slightly lower adherence, but they were still superior to solo, home-based exercise programs. Even if home-based exercise is your only feasible option, you can still harness the power of social support by recruiting a family member or friend to work out with you or harnessing the power of an online community. Some studies even suggest that simply discussing your plans to exercise with a healthcare provider, mentor, or friend can increase your likelihood of following through with it.
Adopt other healthy habits.
A handful of studies have demonstrated that people who prioritize eating a healthy diet are more likely to be active. The theory is that engaging in one health-promoting behavior tends to inspire others, and although the link is strongest between healthy eating habits and exercise, it's likely that any healthy behavior - like getting a full night's sleep or even flossing your teeth - can increase your probability of following through with exercise.
Keep your expectations in check.
If you expect to see a physical transformation within the first few weeks of starting an exercise program, you may be less likely to keep at it. Studies of new exercisers have found that those with unrealistic expectations of physical change tended to give up when their hopes were not immediately met. Health psychologists have dubbed this the "false hope syndrome." To avoid it, remember that noticeable physical changes from a new exercise routine can take months to develop. And if your goal is weight loss, it's important to know that exercise alone - without dietary changes - typically isn't enough. What you can expect from exercise, however, are short-term improvements in mood and sleep and, in the long term, a dramatically reduced risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and several different types of cancer. How's that for motivation?
Experts Agree This Is the Best Breakfast For Weight Loss
If you're looking to lose weight, it's time to skip the cold cereal and start enjoying a comforting bowl of oatmeal in the morning.
It's backed by science: A small study found that those who ate oatmeal daily for six weeks had a greater decrease in cholesterol levels and waist size than those who ate the same amount of carbs in noodles over the same time period. It's proof that you can have your carbs and eat them, too!
It keeps you satisfied: There's no need to reach for an unhealthy convenience snack in the morning when you've got oatmeal on your side; it offers the calories and fiber you need to stay satisfied all morning long. Unlike sugary breakfast cereals full of refined carbs, the body digests oatmeal at a slower pace, keeping blood sugar levels steady, energy up, and hunger away.
It helps you time carbs right: When it comes to weight loss, celebrity trainers Bob Harper and Gunnar Peterson agree: you should eat carbs for breakfast. According to Manhattan-based nutritionist and registered dietitian Shira Lenchewski, "[carbs] are burned more efficiently in the morning than at night," so they don't go unused and get stored as fat in the body. Shira also recommends that the largest meal (higher in carbohydrates) be breakfast.
It's quick to come together: Rolled oats take well under 10 minutes from prep to bowl. It might be a little more time than that instant packet you're used too, but these varieties don't come with any added sugars often found in those flavored packets. Or there's always the option to go with overnight oats that require just a little prep the night before and are ready to eat from the fridge the next morning.
The possibilities are endless: This warming breakfast should never feel boring or blah. Liven up your oatmeal bowl with these healthy combinations that keep your meal feeling fresh, filling, and satisfying to your taste buds, too.
All the Fall Superfoods You Need to Stock Up on Now
When you think of delicious, cozy Autumn flavors, your mind might go to maple brussels sprouts or roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon . . . maybe even apple pie! Did you know that all of these ingredients have superfood qualities? From heart-healthy apples to blood-sugar-regulating cinnamon to fiber-packed root veggies, your favorite flavors are going to bring you some seriously awesome health benefits. Ahead are 15 of our favorite superfoods for Fall, and we think you'll be pretty pleased with this list. Get ready for a solid grocery shopping session!
7 Home Improvement Shows You Can Stream on Netflix Right Now
It's almost the weekend, and that means it is almost time to relax! Sure, you could go on a hike, enjoy a nice boozy brunch, or even catch up on the latest novel that's been sitting on your nightstand. But if you're in the mood for some more low-key plans (aka you just want to Netflix and chill), we totally have you covered. Read on as we break down seven of the most stream-worthy, and not to mention addicting, Netflix home shows available right now. Happy binging!
16 Fierce Zumba-Inspired Workouts on YouTube That You Can (and Should) Do at Home
Love to Zumba? Good news: you don't need a gym membership or a Groupon to get in on the hip-shaking (and calorie-burning!) fun. Plenty of certified Zumba instructors actually upload their choreography to YouTube for anyone to follow along. The obvious downside is not having anyone there to point out your mistakes, but if you have two left feet, you might just view that as a positive.
Either way, trying out a new workout is a great way to jumpstart your healthy 2017 goals! Keep scrolling to follow along as these professionals demonstrate superhot routines set to some of your favorite Latin songs. Then, turn up our extra-motivating playlist.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto
From Her Engagement to 2017, This Is Queen Letizia of Spain's Style Evolution
There's a clear difference in Queen Letizia of Spain's style from the moment it was first announced that the TV reporter (then known as Letizia Ortiz) was engaged to Prince Felipe, back in 2003, to today. During her first years as princess of Spain, Letizia kept a conservative look, wearing pantsuits, high necklines, and demure gowns, much like she did during her journalist days. But in the past couple of years, the queen has taken more risks, giving her style a modern turn in body-hugging dresses, printed skirts and pants, and Disney-worthy gowns. See the royal's transformation ahead, then check out her best moments with the king.
Wet n Wild Is Making History With an Albino Model in Its New Campaign
Thanks to Wet n Wild, your drugstore beauty aisle just got more diverse. The brand rolled out its "Breaking Beauty" campaign, which celebrates inclusivity by casting five gorgeous, nontraditional models as its faces. Wet n Wild is also making history - one of the women is Diandra Forrest, who has albinism. This is the first time a model with albinism is repping a major beauty launch.
You may have seen Diandra walk in New York Fashion Week or grace the cover of Ebony back in 2015. Now, she's joined by four other women to promote Wet n Wild's new launches, which are mostly vegan and ultra-affordable (the brand told POPSUGAR that its $9 Cushion Compact will be the cheapest of its kind on the market).
The other faces of Breaking Beauty are Michelle Zauner, an Asian-American musician; Briana Marquez, an Olympic weightlifter turned model; Mama Caxx, an amputee-rights advocate; and Valentijn de Hingh, a Dutch transgender model. As Diandra told Refinery29, being cast in a major beauty campaign fulfills her lifelong dream "to normalize what albinism is being depicted as."
That alone is enough to get us very excited, but don't forget that with a campaign comes new beauty products! Eight items are being dropped, including two foundations (one liquid and the aforementioned cushion option). Diandra said that Wet n Wild's 20-shade foundation range is exactly what she looks for as an albino woman: "When I showed up on set, I felt so comfortable . . . [the foundation] made me feel so beautiful."
Once you're done doing the happy dance over this win for beauty diversity, read on to see this newness for yourself. These products will launch in December on Wet n Wild's website and then expand to drugstores in January 2018.
Selena Gomez's New Hair Took 9 Hours and 8 Bowls of Bleach
We all collectively gasped in admiration when lifelong chocolate brunette Selena Gomez debuted a new icy blond shade at the American Music Awards. We wouldn't blame you if it inspired you to immediately book an appointment with your colorist. If you plan to take the platinum plunge, however, you should come prepared. Thankfully, the woman behind Selena's new hue filled us in on the quite grueling process.
Riawna Capri, who tag-teamed with Nikki Lee, revealed on Instagram that the "Nirvana Blonde" shade took "9 hours, about 300 foils, and 8 bowls of bleach, all with two stylist[s] working together simultaneously." DAMN.
She continued, "It was a nice, long patient process of baby fine slices, then going back and opening each foil and reapplying, but done in one sitting." Addressing fellow stylists, she assured that "anything is possible in one day, it just takes time, no other clients ha, and patience to maintain the integrity of the hair."
As for her advice to aspiring platinum blondes out there, Riawna urges you to "be VERY patient with your stylist." For hair as chic as Selena's? Anything.
Yes, Victoria's Secret Angels Get Pimples - and This Is How They Deal!
You know the bride who gets the massive zit before her wedding because she's nervous? Well, some of the Victoria's Secret Angels walking in the 2017 Fashion Show in Shanghai are those brides - theoretically speaking. When I asked them about pimple care, I expected them to admit they consistently have clean skin. Maybe it's naive, but they look like goddesses IRL!
Instead, they authentically pointed out the blemishes on their faces and got real about acne care. Keep reading to learn what these mega models do to cover zits before their big event.
22 Hot New Beauty Launches You Need to Hoard This Fall
As our bottles of sunscreen and heat-friendly makeup start emptying as Summer ends, we've got our eyes set on exciting new beauty offerings for Fall. Like sweaters and pumpkin-spice everything, these new hair, skin, and makeup goods will make you stoked for the last leg of the year. From a hair lotion that repairs split ends to sheet masks for your nails (really), keep reading to see exactly what should be at the top of your shopping lists.
The Most Popular Lipstick on Pinterest Only Costs $8
True life: I'm a prestige beauty brand sucker. I'm fancy and fabulous, which means that I've paid upward of $50 for one single lipstick. Yes, it's too much. Do I regret it? Absolutely not - my lips looked totally fire. However, according to Pinterest, one of the best and most popular shades out there retails for a very affordable $9.
As Allure reports, the photo-sharing website has noticed a spike in interest for L'Oréal Paris Infallible Paints in Spicy Blush ($9). Although it's definitely more of a lacquer than your traditional lipstick bullet, this shade has won fans over with its opaque coverage and shiny, almost vinyl-esque finish.
As one Target reviewer wrote, "I think [Spicy Blush] is a perfect color on any skin tones. It's just a perfect color for anyone, really." According to another, "These lip paints are gorgeous with amazing color payoff . . . I don't feel the need to reapply excessively." Can we get a "hell yeah" for a lunch-proof shine?
What's more, the rose hue is crazy-versatile. It's subdued and dusty enough for Fall and Winter, but just bright enough once Spring comes around again. It's almost like the white button-down shirt of lip paints - an old, reliable go-to that looks chic and polished.
This Easy DIY Proves Anyone Can Do Pin Curls Like a Pro
While I adore my curling iron (and wouldn't go on a vacation without it!), there is something to be said for being able to travel light. That's why pin curls are such an awesome solution. All you need is a bit of hair balm to create hold, bobby pins, and a blow dryer (though you can also just rely on the air and time, if needed). How easy and minimal is that?
If this technique seems intimidating, then don't worry. Hair pro Gina Schiappacasse of Hairstory, a cool downtown members-only salon, has broken down the steps in this easy tutorial. The result: those messy-sexy beach waves you crave. Keep reading, and prepare to be floored by how simple it is to do.
Cure Your Skin Care Woes and Pumpkin Cravings With a DIY Face Mask
It's officially pumpkin season! Sure, you're already hooked on pumpkin spice lattes and have made a date in your calendar to find the perfect jack o'lantern, but are you aware of the benefits that this iconic squash can provide to your skin? Packed with zinc, antioxidants, and vitamins, pumpkins protect your skin from wrinkles and age spots as well as gently exfoliating for a more radiant complexion. Don't have a pumpkin patch nearby? You can get this orange fruit (yup, it's a fruit!) in a can at your local supermarket.
- Make your base: Whisk together about 1/4 cup of pumpkin and one whole egg. The yolk adds nourishment while the white provides a subtle tightening effect to sagging skin.
- Dry skin additive: Add a few teaspoons of honey, which not only seals in moisture, but prevents breakouts thanks to its antibacterial properties.
- Oily skin additive: For an astringent effect, mix in a splash of apple cider or cranberry juice.
- Apply: Smooth the pumpkin-y potion over your face, relax for 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse to reveal a brighter, firmer, smoother complexion.
All the Places You Can Watch Fixer Upper Right Now
HGTV announced in September that everyone's favorite home improvement show, Fixer Upper, is ending after the next season. Season five will be the last set of new episodes for Texas couple Chip and Joanna Gaines. Nooooo!
Of course, it's understandable that the Gaines's might want a break. They recently revealed that they film the series 11 months out of the year, and it hasn't left a lot of time for family activities. Plus, their fame has led to several other expansive business opportunities, like their own home store, bakery, and real estate agency, so Chip and Joanna definitely have their hands full.
But if you want to keep reliving the gorgeous renovation projects (and also the Gaines's adorable family life on their Texas farm), here are your options for watching previous seasons.
- Old episodes are rebroadcast all the time on HGTV, including a marathon that is running all day on Nov. 21, the day of the season five premiere. Check your local TV listings for all broadcast times.
- A handful of episodes are available to stream on the HGTV website.
- Sling TV streaming service offers HGTV live and on-demand with its most basic package, which runs $20/mo.
- The first three seasons of Fixer Upper are available to stream on Hulu.
- The first four seasons of the home renovation show are available for purchase on Amazon Prime.
But take heart, fans. Season five will run for 19 episodes, plus the spinoff series, Fixer Upper: Behind the Design, is debuting in May 2018.
The 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Is Here!
Find a cozy nook, pull up a plush chair, and settle in with a steaming cup of something warm - the 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge is here! This year, there are 40 book prompts to broaden your reading scope and push you to actually accomplish your New Year's resolution to read more in 2018. If you're really hardcore and breeze through the main list, there are an additional 10 book prompts in the "advanced" section. We're especially excited about this year's creative new batch of prompts, which include "true crime," "a book by a female author who uses a male pseudonym," and "a book about a villain or antihero."
Before you stress about tackling all 50 books, just remember that the point of the reading challenge is to push yourself to diversify your reading (hey, we all get stuck in a genre rut!) and just have fun with it. And if you read more books in 2018 than in 2017, even better. The best part? You may even discover a new favorite book along the way!
So you've decided to take the reading challenge - what now? We'd suggest joining this Goodreads group, which is made up of more than 8,000 readers who participate in the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge every year. In addition to keeping you accountable, the group's impressively well-read and supportive members swap book ideas for the prompts and discuss their favorite (and least favorite) reads throughout the year. You'll also be able to track which books you've read and rate them on the site.
Download our printable list here (or our advanced list here), checking off the books as you go, and pin the handy graphic below for reference. Share your progress on Instagram with #popsugarreadingchallenge!
Spoiler alert: we got a little meta. So for the prompt to choose your favorite prompt from past challenges, here they are for reference: 2015, 2016, 2017.
29 DIY Gifts For All the Guys in Your Life
Not sure what to get the special men in your life for the holidays? We've totally been there and know the struggle of trying to pick out a great gift that they'll actually use, but we've got just the solution! Think about it . . . what's better than receiving a gift? Receiving a gift made specifically for you! So, in the spirit of the gifting season, we've rounded up 29 DIY gifts that aren't just suitable for your boyfriend; they're perfect for your brother and your dad, too!
11 Glitter Lipsticks That Will Sparkle All the Way Across the Room
The holidays are one of the glitziest, most glittery seasons of all. Your tree's decked out and you've got lights up, so why not play up your pout with more of the same? From sheer, Champagne-inspired gloss and twinkling topcoats to lipstick that literally catches light, these products will ensure that you're ready for all of the selfies.
How to Get Foundation Out of Clothes
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone
Countless shirts have been ruined by an innocent hug that left a large foundation smear. While your first inclination might be to reach for the makeup remover, think again. The oil, which is meant for the skin, might actually make the situation worse. Save your shirts, towels, bath mats, and more with three tips for removing foundation stains. Just keep reading for the details.
What to Pack in Your Bridal Beauty Survival Kit
Even the most prepared bride can encounter beauty mishaps on her wedding day. But you've spent so much time getting ready; it would be a shame to not be prepared in case something goes awry. So consider arranging a bridal survival kit to pack with you for the ceremony and reception. It should contain everything you need for wedding day minidisasters, from preaisle jitters to runny mascara and stained dresses. Spread the items among your bridesmaids so you'll never be without your tools in a clutch. Scroll to see what to have on hand to be prepared for every outcome or print it before your big day!
Makeup Mishaps:
- Blotting papers to battle shiny skin in your photos
- Makeup remover pads if you get misty-eyed
- Lip gloss to keep you looking polished
- Q-tips for smudges
- Eye drops to quell redness
- Facial tissues to wipe away what needs to be wiped away
Hair Hijinks:
- Hair spray for quick pickups (and clingy dresses)
- Extra hairpins for updos (but ensure the style passes a jump test, too)
- Compact mirror for periodic dance floor checkups
- Travel comb and brush
Dress Debacle:
- Clear nail polish (if you're wearing stockings) to fix runs
- An emery board, to prevent snags in case you get a jagged nail
- White chalk to cover any stains or scuffs
- Dry shampoo to keep sweat at bay under the arms and down the bride's back
- Feminine hygiene items
- Band-Aids for blisters and cuts
- Krazy Glue for heel fixes and veil tears
- Double-sided tape and safety pins to hold whatever needs to be held together together
Kissing Close-Ups:
- A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss and mints
- A sample size of your favorite fragrance
- Antacid, aspirin, and Pepto-Bismol to banish prewedding nerves and aches
Be sure to check out POPSUGAR Beauty on Pinterest, where you'll find a pin-friendly version of the above!
What Diversity and Inclusion in Modeling Means to 9 Victoria's Secret Angels
With 55 models representing 20 countries cast in the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, it was bound to be the most diverse cast yet. And when we spoke with the models backstage before they show, they were feeling empowered by these stats.
Plus, lead hairstylist Anthony Nadar and Tom Pecheaux made sure to embrace the models' natural beauty and features. For hair, Nadar gave most models glam bombshell waves using a blow dryer, extensions, and a curling iron. While this style looks gorgeous on many, it can damage natural hair. So anyone who has curly hair was able to rock their god-given texture. On the makeup side, Pecheaux cocktails Victoria's Secret Velvet Matte Lio Cream Stains to create bespoke nude shades for each model.
Here, nine models weighed in on what being in the most diverse roster yet means to them.
Your 2-Week Sugar Detox
Let's not sugarcoat this (really): millions of Americans have a weight problem. One study predicts that more than 85 percent of adults will be overweight or obese by the year 2030. The culprit? Sugar. Added sugars and refined carbohydrates both have the same negative impact on our bodies. Studies are finding that sugar consumption is linked to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and depression.
As a society, we are addicted, literally. Sugar has been found to be as addictive as illicit drugs such as cocaine. Men, women, and children alike are consuming alarming amounts of sugar each year. It's in almost every processed food that we find.
The Big Question
Do you have uncontrollable cravings for pizza, chocolate, chips, cookies, ice cream? In a study, Dr. Nicole Avena of the Icahn School of Medicine lists those as the "big offenders." Avena attests that these foods "share pharmacokinetic properties (e.g. concentrated dose, rapid rate of absorption) with drugs of abuse."
Other signs that you consume too much sugar:
- You eat sugary, refined, processed foods even if you aren't truly hungry.
- You feel bloated and overly full due to overeating.
- You are hungry for the same junk food in a short period of time after eating.
Are you experiencing any or all of these symptoms? If so, it's time to take action. There are many experts, including Dr. Mark Hyman and Brooke Alpert, who will attest that you have to quit sugar completely. Doctors suggest that you treat unhealthy eating patterns just as you would any type of addiction and quit sugar cold turkey. You can help yourself by completing this two-week sugar detox that we put together with the help of Alpert.
Your 14-Day Sugar Detox Plan
It's time to get clean. First, let's address the truth: this won't be easy. You may feel sugar withdrawal, but once you get through this sugar detox, you could change your life, your health, your physique, your mood, and your energy levels forever.
Week 1:
On Alpert's plan, the first three days you will go without any added sugars including artificial sweeteners. The first four days will be the toughest. When cravings become brutal, stop and focus on why you started. Remember that fixing your diet is worth the struggle for long-term health.
Days 1-4 Meal Plan
For the first four days, you will cut fruit, dairy, and grains altogether. They can be slowly added back in after the initial portion of the detox.
Breakfast
- 3 whole eggs (made any way you choose). If you scramble them or make an omelet, add spinach, bell peppers, or other green veggies for flavor. Just no cheese!
- Turkey sausage
- Coffee - black
Snack
- 1 oz. raw nuts - almonds, cashews, or walnuts are excellent choices - OR celery sticks with almond butter or peanut butter (2 tablespoons)
- Water
Lunch
- 6-8 ounces any lean white meat (turkey, chicken, fish)
- Veggies - Eat all you want. Just choose from the nonstarchy varieties such as broccoli, spinach, green beans, cauliflower, or squash (no peas, potatoes, or carrots).
- Unsweetened tea (no artificial sweeteners)
Snack
- Celery sticks or cucumbers with hummus (1.5 ounces) OR 3 hard-boiled eggs with salt and pepper
- Water
Dinner
- 6-8 ounces any lean white meat (turkey, chicken, fish)
- Veggies - Eat all you want. Just choose from the nonstarchy varieties such as broccoli, spinach, green beans, cauliflower, or squash (no peas, potatoes, or carrots).
- Water
On day 4, Alpert says it's time to add an apple, one dairy product, and some starchy vegetables like corn or peas as sides to your lunch or dinner. You can do this each day throughout the first week.
Days 5-7 Meal Plan
Breakfast
- Use the same breakfast from above, but you can add 1-1.5 oz. cheese OR a side of Greek yogurt (no reduced-fat yogurt, no fruit bottom or blends - just plain, Greek yogurt).
Snack
- Celery sticks or cucumbers with hummus (1.5 ounces) OR 3 hard-boiled eggs with salt and pepper OR 1/2 cup berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Water
Lunch
- 6-8 oz. any lean white meat (turkey, chicken, fish)
- Veggies - Eat all you want. Just choose from the nonstarchy varieties such as broccoli, spinach, green beans, cauliflower, or squash (no peas, potatoes, or carrots).
- Unsweetened tea (no artificial sweeteners)
Snack
- Celery sticks or cucumbers with hummus (1.5 ounces) OR 3 hard-boiled eggs with salt and pepper
- Water
Dinner
- 6-8 oz. any lean white meat (turkey, chicken, fish)
- Veggies - Eat all you want. Just choose from the nonstarchy varieties such as broccoli, spinach, green beans, cauliflower, or squash (no peas, potatoes, or carrots).
- Water
Week 2:
The second week, you get to add more to your plate. Alpert attests that it's now time for one serving of berries and an extra dairy product. You may also add vegetables such as sweet potatoes or your favorite squash.
By now, changing your diet should be getting a bit easier. Stick with it! Mind over matter.
Days 8-14
Breakfast
- 3 eggs and one serving of oatmeal with 1/2 cup berries
- Black coffee
Snack
- 1 oz. raw nuts - almonds, cashews, walnuts - OR celery sticks with almond butter or peanut butter (2 tablespoons)
- Water
Lunch
- 6-8 oz. any lean white meat (turkey, chicken, fish)
- Veggies - Eat all you want. Just choose from the nonstarchy varieties such as broccoli, spinach, green beans, cauliflower, or squash (no peas or potatoes).
- Unsweetened tea (no artificial sweeteners)
Snack
- Celery sticks, cucumbers, carrots, or whole-wheat crackers with 1.5 ounces hummus OR 3 hard-boiled eggs with salt and pepper
- Water
Dinner
- 6-8 oz. any lean white meat (turkey, chicken, fish)
- Veggies - Eat all you want. Just choose from the nonstarchy varieties such as broccoli, spinach, green beans, cauliflower, or squash.
- Add 1 cup quinoa or brown rice with a teaspoon of butter OR 4 oz. sweet potato with 1 teaspoon butter
- Water
After week two, you can add starchy vegetables back in with your lunch and dinner. You may also add one serving of a clean carb to your lunches. Your lunch and dinner options would look the same after the two-week plan is over.
How to Stick With It
The way you eat must become a lifestyle. Think like an athlete. Sarah Chadwell, CPT and bodybuilder, told POPSUGAR that you should "always be conscious of what you're eating, what mood you're in when you're eating, and whether or not you're truly hungry. If you stick with a five-meal-per-day plan and eat every three hours, you should never feel deprived."
Remember that food is to nourish your body, not harm it. It seems that in our culture we celebrate everything with food. Food should not be seen as a reward. That's not how an athlete looks at food. For them, it's simply fuel for our bodies. When you learn to view it as an energy source instead of a reward or way to celebrate, eating healthfully will become easier and then become habitual.
It takes time to adopt new habits, but it's possible. How? Become the person who brings the healthy dish to every get-together. If you are struggling, hire a health or wellness coach. Join an online support group with others who are completing a sugar detox. Get your family and friends on board so that those around you are all eating the same things. There's power in numbers. Remind yourself of how good you feel and how much your health is improving. If you let it, this sugar detox can help you make a permanent change and you will live a longer, healthier life.
Healthy Desserts Are a Real Thing Because This World Is a Beautiful Place
You don't need processed or refined sugar to have a delicious dessert, and believe it or not, there are healthy desserts out there. In fact, we have at least 70!
These recipes feature one of many aspects: try our vegan, gluten-free, Paleo, low-calorie, protein-packed, or dairy-free treats to have a lightened up, seriously delicious treat without undoing your diet. And yes, there's plenty of chocolate and ice cream to be had. Dig in!
Ice Cream and Frozen Treats
Pudding
Candies and Small Bites
Cookies
Bars
Muffins and Breads
Sweet Protein Balls
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Throughout 2017, travelers took on new adventures to discover the trendiest destinations and best places to go around the world. We've compiled a list of this year's most popular travel hot spots that are buzzing all over social media. Decide which destination you want to explore and start packing!
7 Habits I Had to Form to Finally Lose the Weight
I've always been an active person, but when I gained 15 pounds after getting an IUD, I had to get real about my diet and workouts. I hired a personal trainer at Equinox, and remarkably, she didn't tell me to download a calorie-counting app or work me until I dropped. Her tips for weight loss proved to be practical and therefore achievable. I lost four percent body fat in three months and felt stronger than I ever have in my life. I now can squat and deadlift my weight! I can fit in my skinny jeans again. The thing is . . . I did have to makes some big changes to my daily routine to lose the weight, and now there's no going back.
1. Strength Train With Cardio
Before Equinox, yoga was my main form of exercise. Though I was going five days a week, I didn't feel like I was getting stronger. Enter my personal trainer. She recommended strength training as my number one priority followed by cardio. I strength trained two to three times a week and did cardio two times a week (usually on the StairMaster). For my active rest days, I did yoga or Pilates two times a week. I also started walking an upward of seven miles several days a week.
2. Challenge Myself at Every Workout
My trainer encouraged me to increase the weight I lifted almost every week, even just a smidge, like two pounds. I resisted at first. After all, over the holidays, I broke a capillary in my eye from lifting too much weight. However, my trainer started me out with low weights and slowly increased the amount. I surprised myself by how quickly I was able to keep up and even found myself asking for more. The same rule here applies for cardio, yoga, and Pilates. I find a little way to challenge myself each time, whether it is increasing the mileage, holding side plank for longer, or perfecting my 100 series with straight legs.
3. Cut Out Sugar
Working out is only part of the equation. Diet is even more important, my trainer told me. I had to break my sugar addiction. I decided to stop cold turkey: no sugar, honey, agave, etc. Though some people say it's the worst thing ever, saying "no" to sugar countless times throughout the day helped me feel strong, like I was in charge - not my cravings. I also had to pay attention to nutrition labels and avoid anything with more than four grams of sugar. Dried fruit, as it turns out, is a sugar bomb! As are smoothies from smoothie joints. Sugar lurks in many unexpected places.
4. Choose Protein and Fat Instead of Carbs
If unchecked, I will eat over 50 percent of my calories in carbs. But that wasn't really working out for me. Though challenging, I reframed my meals so they consisted of mostly protein and healthy fats. I would have bulletproof coffee and smoked salmon with avocado for breakfast rather than a bowl of cereal or oatmeal. For lunch, it's veggie-chicken soup or salads loaded with diced chicken or canned tuna. Dinner consists of baked fish, steak, or chicken with a plate full of veggies (usually roasted broccoli). During the in-between times when I was hungry, I skipped my usual snack of dried fruit or crackers and make a protein shake (Moon Juice Blue Adaptogen plus water) or ate a spoonful of raw almond butter instead.
5. Stop Drinking Alcohol
Over the last year, I started drinking more days out of the week than not - usually just one to two drinks, yet it was enough to cause me to put on the pounds. While weight training, I discovered that even one drink would cause my DOMS to flare up and last for days. However, if I didn't drink, I could recover very quickly, usually within a day. Though I am not 100 percent dry, I always seem to regret drinking the next day, so I've cut way back and reserve drinking for special occasions.
6. Schedule My Carbs For Before and After Workouts
"I lost 10 pounds just by scheduling my carbs around my workouts," my friend told me. Inspired by that, I wanted to follow suit, and my trainer supported that mentality. I would eat brown rice, whole-wheat crackers, fruit, potatoes, and beans before or after a workout and limited my carb intake the other times of the day. If, in the afternoon, I experienced a huge slump (and protein/nut butter didn't help), I'd have a small serving of plain popcorn for a little boost.
7. Cook Mostly at Home, but Plan For Meals Out
I prepared almost all my meals at home and kept things simple. I kept the kitchen stocked with frozen meat, canned tuna, and vegetables galore. I used an Instant Pot to make big batches of brown rice, oatmeal, beans, and lentils on Sunday to last me through the week. That said, my trainer said it's OK to have one off day of the week where you may indulge in the bad stuff, whether it be a cocktail or chips with queso, french fries, a cheese plate, etc. So, six out of seven days, I'd have an A+ diet, while the seventh day, I might indulge in a slice of pizza or an IPA. I found letting loose (just a bit) and having a cheat day helped me stay on track and feel balanced.
7 Surprising Reasons You Have Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
We all know that a night or two of minimal sleep or putting in extra hours at the office can leave you looking more tired than usual. If you're used to seeing dark, puffy eyes upon waking up in the morning, listen up: there might be a few surprising reasons those circles are forming. While you can't exactly erase the aging process, with some lifestyle changes, you can slow it down and brighten your skin - no concealer required. Ahead, two top dermatologists break down which daily habits could be culprits and how to get rid of dark circles ASAP.
The 6 Things I Do Every Sunday to Stay Healthy All Week
My Sundays are definitely not a day of rest. Far from it. It's the one day I devote to getting everything ready for my healthy week ahead. Take a glimpse into my Sunday. It may sounds a little nuts to jam-pack this much on a weekend day, but it sets me up for success. I know that if I don't plan ahead, I'm looking at skipped workouts and bowls of cereal for dinner.
Morning Workout
An early morning workout is a must for me on Sundays, not only because I teach a 9 a.m. Power Vinyasa class, but even if I didn't, I'd still make it a priority to get in a workout first thing. It energizes me all day, ensures I don't skip out, and gets me into the working-out mindset I want to continue throughout the week.
Meal Planning
I used to head to the grocery store with a big list of healthy foods. I found that not only would I grab things that never got used (RIP bunches of asparagus), but since I had no set plan, every day was a little stressful trying to scramble healthy meals together. Oftentimes I'd get home from picking up the kids at 5 p.m. and just make pasta and a bag of frozen veggies because it was easiest.
Now I take time to plan out my meals. Breakfast is simple - just a protein and greens smoothie or overnight oats. Lunch is a big salad, and I do something basic but healthy for each dinner of the week.
Here's an example of my weekly dinner plan:
Sunday: Potato Leek and White Bean Soup
Monday: Quinoa and Black Beans With Green Beans and Broccoli
Tuesday: Tofu, Veggie, and Rice (or Farro) Stir-Fry
Wednesday: Maple-Cumin Lentils Over Spaghetti Squash
Thursday: Avocado Pasta With Edamame, Tomatoes, and Roasted Cauliflower
Friday: Black Bean, Corn, and Roasted Sweet Potato Burritos
Saturday: Homemade Pizza With Roasted Mushrooms, Red Peppers, Tomatoes, Basil, and Tofu
I even write it out on a big chalkboard that I keep in my kitchen, so I can quickly glance at it in the morning and know what I need to do to get dinner done later.
Grocery Shop
Once I know what I'm making, I hit up the local grocery store as well as Trader Joe's (I love its marinated tofu and dairy-free mozzarella shreds!). I bring the kiddos along so we can not only spend time together, but so I can also teach them about healthy eating. I find if they help choose what to throw in the cart, they're more likely to eat it.
Meal Prep
Once I get home and put the groceries away, it's quite a scene in my kitchen with cutting board, knives, tons of glass containers, and veggies laid across my counter. I make 10 salads for the week (want the hubs to eat healthy too!); cut up sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and red peppers for roasting; and cut up onions and other veggies for the stir-fry, as well as white potatoes (for that evening's soup). I also cook up one cup of quinoa and one cup of rice to use for dinners later that week. Getting done whatever I can on Sunday makes a huge difference at 5 p.m. when I need to make dinner for my famished family. If I have time, I'll also prep overnight oats for the week or freezer smoothie packs.
Gym Bag Ready
Aside from regular laundry, I make a point to wash all the workout clothes I'll need for the week: sports bras, tops, running and yoga bottoms, and socks. If I'm really on the ball, I'll fold and put these things in my drawers so I can easily grab them for early a.m. workouts.
Workout Schedule
Workouts don't just happen for me since I work and have a family and house to take care of. I have to set aside time, and since my schedule can be different from week to week, it helps to look ahead and jot down on my calendar workout "appointments." It's typically a run with some TRX and yoga from 6 to 7 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, then a longer run with my mommy-runner friends on Saturday morning, and yoga Sunday mornings. If it's written in ink on the calendar, it's more likely to happen.
18 Workouts You Can Do Anywhere to Stay Fit and Sane While Traveling
Don't let holiday travel keep you from working out. After all, exercise can help reduce stress, and as fun as the holidays are, they are also stressful! Here are 18 workouts that require no equipment so you can do them anywhere - no excuses. There are cardio workouts you can do in your living room and bodyweight workouts to build strength without dumbbells. The workouts range from 15 minutes to just a little over 30 minutes, so you can find something that fits your busy schedule. Peruse through this collection of printable workouts and videos, and find one that works for you.
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