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 6 décembre 2017
Here's How to Fully Turn Off Your Bluetooth and WiFi in iOS 11
With the introduction of every new software update, Apple usually manages to sneak in some much-needed features. However, the new customizable Control Center on iOS 11 is responsible for some serious headaches. As people have quickly discovered, when you switch off WiFi and Bluetooth on Control Center, it doesn't actually fully turn off these services - instead, it puts your phone right in the crosshairs of a possible security risk.
In the old Control Center, you could tap the WiFi and Bluetooth icons to turn off these services completely. Now, however, doing so just simply disconnects you from the WiFi network you're on or the Bluetooth device you're using and does not actually turn off WiFi and Bluetooth. To turn it off completely, you need to go to your Settings app and do it there. But - surprise! - there's another plot twist; not even that fully turns off WiFi and Bluetooth. If you restart your phone, go to a new location, or it's 5 a.m. local time, WiFi and Bluetooth will automatically turn on again.
On the surface, this doesn't seem like such a big deal. Sometimes people toggle those buttons on and off by mistake and then forget how to turn it back on. However, as security researcher Andrea Barisani explained to Motherboard, turning off Bluetooth and WiFi makes you less vulnerable to cyber attacks. And it's probably worth mentioning that it's also incredibly annoying. I usually turn off WiFi during my commute so that I can listen to Spotify and check my email seamlessly, but as it searches for other WiFi networks and attempts to connect them, it slows down my web surfing. Since I was so used to switching off WiFi before iOS 11 was released, it is not always easy to remember that I need to continue turning off WiFi as I walk around the city.
For Apple, the move is intentional and not a bug. It keeps WiFi and Bluetooth on so you can still use features like AirDrop, AirPlay, Handoff, and Location Services or products like Apple Pencil and Apple Watch. So, if you actually want to turn these services off, go to your Settings and do it there.
It's unclear whether Apple will "fix" this issue or simply keep it. If anything, at least now you know the possible danger and can try to remedy it yourself each day.
22 Ground Beef Recipes to Try This Week
Ground beef is a staple when you have a house full of kids, but most people don't know how to utilize it beyond the burger. There are plenty of recipes, however, that think outside the bun - literally! From mini meatloaves to comfy casseroles, there is a lot you can do with a pound of ground beef. Here, a sampling of the adventurous, delicious, family-approved meals you can create.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Obliterated the Bootstrap Myth
If you've been paying attention to politics lately, you've definitely heard the phrase "pull oneself up by one's bootstraps." The term is most often used to refer to the belief that any citizen in the United States, regardless of social or economic status, can get ahead in life on their own merit, without seeking help from others or the federal government. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who also happens to be the first Latina justice to serve on the highest court in the land, recently shared her own thoughts about the contentious talking point for many fiscal conservatives during a chat with the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program.
"There's a continuing tension in America between the image of the person who pulls themselves up by the bootstraps and the person who believes that you need a lift to get up sometimes," Sotomayor said while speaking with Abigail Golden-Vazquez, the executive director of the program. "Those people who believe that everyone must pull themselves up - they don't believe that people are entitled to help."
Sotomayor expressed her belief that sometimes we all need a lift up the ladder, "no matter how tall the heel on your boot is," especially when the barriers many minorities face are just too high to get over. "Unless you do something to knock it down or help that person up, they will never have a chance," she said.
Sotomayor also opened up about being a "product of affirmative action," sharing, "I am Puerto Rican, born and raised in the South Bronx. My test scores were not comparable to my colleagues at Princeton and Yale [but] not so far off so that I wasn't able to succeed at those institutions."
"So for me, that's a constant conversation. It's not an issue about whether someone is willing to lift themselves up. There are so many barriers that we have to bring down before we can change the outcomes."
Watch her full takedown of the bootstrap myth starting at the 45-minute mark below.
Here's How to Fully Turn Off Your Bluetooth and WiFi in iOS 11
With the introduction of every new software update, Apple usually manages to sneak in some much-needed features. However, the new customizable Control Center on iOS 11 is responsible for some serious headaches. As people have quickly discovered, when you switch off WiFi and Bluetooth on Control Center, it doesn't actually fully turn off these services - instead, it puts your phone right in the crosshairs of a possible security risk.
In the old Control Center, you could tap the WiFi and Bluetooth icons to turn off these services completely. Now, however, doing so just simply disconnects you from the WiFi network you're on or the Bluetooth device you're using and does not actually turn off WiFi and Bluetooth. To turn it off completely, you need to go to your Settings app and do it there. But - surprise! - there's another plot twist; not even that fully turns off WiFi and Bluetooth. If you restart your phone, go to a new location, or it's 5 a.m. local time, WiFi and Bluetooth will automatically turn on again.
On the surface, this doesn't seem like such a big deal. Sometimes people toggle those buttons on and off by mistake and then forget how to turn it back on. However, as security researcher Andrea Barisani explained to Motherboard, turning off Bluetooth and WiFi makes you less vulnerable to cyber attacks. And it's probably worth mentioning that it's also incredibly annoying. I usually turn off WiFi during my commute so that I can listen to Spotify and check my email seamlessly, but as it searches for other WiFi networks and attempts to connect them, it slows down my web surfing. Since I was so used to switching off WiFi before iOS 11 was released, it is not always easy to remember that I need to continue turning off WiFi as I walk around the city.
For Apple, the move is intentional and not a bug. It keeps WiFi and Bluetooth on so you can still use features like AirDrop, AirPlay, Handoff, and Location Services or products like Apple Pencil and Apple Watch. So, if you actually want to turn these services off, go to your Settings and do it there.
It's unclear whether Apple will "fix" this issue or simply keep it. If anything, at least now you know the possible danger and can try to remedy it yourself each day.
Embrace Your Inner Rey With This New Star Wars Clothing Line
We thought that Porgs would be the cutest thing to come out of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but Hot Topic's latest clothing collection with Her Universe is giving the adorable wide-eyed creatures a run for their money. Complete with a futuristic Captain Phasma-inspired jacket, cosplay-ready leggings, and even a cardigan inspired by Rey's signature desert-chic style, the line crash-landed in stores and online just in time to start planning your outfit for the film's December premiere.
In addition to the subtle, closet cosplay pieces in the line, there are also a handful of new, ultrasoft t-shirts themed around the intergalactic franchise that you'll want in your collection ASAP. Unlike pricier Star Wars-inspired clothing collections, the items in this line range from $25 to $90 - so you won't feel guilty adding them to your holiday wish list. While you might feel stumped as you check out every piece from the new slate of products, just let the Force guide you toward your favorite!
Here's What - and When - to Eat Before Working Out
When it comes to working out, it's important to feel energized, but it's not always as simple as grabbing a snack on your way out the door. Eating too close to exercise is a recipe for discomfort, but heading to the gym hungry isn't ideal either.
To learn how to maximize the potential of a workout, I spoke with nutritionist Heidi Skolnik, MS, CDN, FACSM, and author of Nutrient Timing for Peak Performance ($20) to find out what to eat and when before heading to the gym.
This Online Program Helped Tricia Lose 90 Pounds and Drop 6 Dress Sizes
Just two years ago, Tricia "hated" how she looked in photos and wasn't happy with how her clothes felt on her. She and her boyfriend were struggling to get by, and they constantly fell back to unhealthy eating habits. She knew she wanted to get her health in order, and she happened to stumble upon an online community that changed everything. Now, Tricia is down 90 pounds, feels stronger and happier than ever, and is planning on doing a triathlon next year! Here's more on her amazing story.
POPSUGAR: When did you start your weight-loss journey? What made you decide to?
Tricia Shimimura: In December 2015, I was feeling stuck. I hated how my clothes felt on me. I hated every photo I took. I hated that I always had to pray that stores carried my size. On top of all of that, I felt like my boyfriend and I were just barely able to get by financially. I still vividly remember going out for pizza (and paying $50 each time) twice in one week because we didn't have any better plans for dinner.
During the holidays, I started to look online for a healthy eating program. Somehow, I stumbled upon Fit Girls Guide. With the promise of a healthy eating plan plus an exercise tutorial, I thought that this would be a great way to restart our systems. What I didn't realize was that this program is not a "program" at all. It's a guide to living a healthy lifestyle, both inside and out. It's a mindset that takes out the body negativity and teaches you how to love yourself at every weight and every phase of your life.
PS: What was your starting weight?
TS: I weighed around 223 pounds.
PS: How much weight have you lost so far?
TS: After my first 28 days, I had lost 10 pounds. In the third month I lost eight pounds. Each month I was astounded by how my face, arms, and legs were changing. In total, I fluctuate between 85 and 90 pounds lost.
PS: How did you do it? Did you do a specific workout type or schedule?
TS: I followed the Fit Girls Guide Jumpstart program for approximately five to six months, before shifting over to the Fit Girls Guide Fitkini program for another six to eight months. I have also done the Fit Girls Guide three-month Bootcamp program. I'm now back to Fitkini because I love the workouts.
The exercises are circuit-based, although you can incorporate weights into some of the exercises and "extra credit" workouts. What I've always appreciated is that I can fit in an intensely challenging, sweaty, and heart-pounding workout within 45 minutes at the gym - and I never have to jump on a treadmill or cardio machine, which I generally find very boring.
PS: What are some nonscale victories you've experienced?
TS: There are too many to count! I love all of the photos I take, I walk the three miles to my work every day, I no longer have early onset arthritis in my knees, and I was able to save for my wedding using the money I would have spent on going out to eat. I've also gone down from a size 16 or 18 to a size 2 or 4.
My now-husband and I have also picked up some adventurous new habits, like hiking, biking, 5K races, and next Summer, a triathlon!
PS: How do you stay motivated?
TS: On days when I don't feel particularly motivated to go to the gym, the Fit Girls Community is a great way to keep you accountable and support you no matter what. Fit Girls Guide does not demand perfection, and I try not to demand that of myself either.
PS: What does a typical day of eating look like for you?
TS: Breakfast is most likely overnight "fridge oats" that consist of almond milk, oats, yogurt, fruit, and a little bit of peanut butter and honey.
Lunch almost always involves a handful of kale, roasted vegetables, beans, hummus, some sort of protein like a veggie burger, plus a whole grain, like brown rice, faro, or quinoa. In total, lunch will be approximately 400 calories.
In order to feel full and stay around 400 calories, dinners tend to be high in vegetables, beans, and other proteins - and low in things like bread and pasta. Favorites recently have included roasted zucchinis stuffed with veggies, kale, and feta, with a side of brown rice and beans. Also, our version of shakshouka involves eggs baked in a spiced tomato and red pepper sauce with fresh herbs.
I will have between 150 and 250 calories of snacks before bed, usually in the form of dark chocolate (70 percent or higher), dried dates, or some almonds or cashews. We also really like Halo Top ice cream.
PS: Any advice or tips for people on their own journey?
TS: Don't go into anything with an "all or nothing" mentality. There will be good days and bad days. Forgive yourself, be kind to yourself, celebrate every bit of progress (even if progress means walking a little more than yesterday), drink lots of water, and sleep. We never get enough sleep and it makes everything easier.
PS: Anything else you want to share?
TS: Thanks to Fit Girls Guide, I've learned how to eat well, exercise effectively, and love myself in a healthy, sustainable way. I may have bad days, but my resolve will not change - I've found a lifestyle that works and now the only way to go is forward.
The 5 Features That Make Upgrading to iPhone 8 Totally Worth It
Agonizing over whether or not to upgrade your iPhone has become a ritual of Fall. At first, it was all about timing your two-year contract period to end right at the moment the new one came out. Now that we've (generally) moved past that in phone plan land, however it's all about whether or not you think the newest features are worth shelling out for. As a result, scrolling through endless reviews with your Autumn-flavored latte in hand is just about as common as apple picking or being caught off guard by the sun setting far too early for you to catch any rays on your way home from work. So let's just cut to the chase: I've spent a whole lot of time with the iPhone 8 over the past few weeks, and I can absolutely, unequivocally say that it's totally worth it to make the switch.
My iPhone 6s has treated me well - we've spent a full two years together, after all - and while it's definitely on its last legs, the perfect case-and-screen-protector combo (found after years of intense trial and regrettable error) enabled me to skip last year's upgrade cycle. Full disclosure: I wasn't completely sold by the 7 and hadn't really been able to muster the enthusiasm needed to drag myself to the store to get a device that was eerily similar to the one that I had spent hours Candy Crushing on as I waited in line. But the 8, however. . . the 8 is worth that waiting and that line. Don't just take my (evidence free) word for it, though. Below, I've pulled together the five features that truly swayed me after getting the iPhone 8 into my hands - and, bonus, I promise you won't encounter any of that overly technical reviewspeak that tends to hijack even the most helpful of guides.
The Price
First, some real talk: anyone who says that they're totally OK with throwing down hundreds of dollars for something they don't actually love is probably lying. Second, with a starting price of $699, the iPhone 8 definitely still costs a lot - but it doesn't cross into that over-a-thousand-what-am-I-doing territory. The biggest selling point for me was being able to more effectively use the features that were introduced with iOS 11, like augmented reality (see below), but didn't quite run right on my older-model phone. In other words: you can get a whole hell of a lot more memory and a stronger processor with the 8, and it actually feels like an upgrade - so that makes the price tag worth it. And again, as much as we all desperately want the gorgeous beauty that is the X . . . the 8 feels like a different enough phone to make you feel pretty good about not spending all your savings in one fell swoop.
Augmented Reality
As I mentioned, as soon as iOS 11 rolled out, I was ON IT. But with my 6s, I wasn't able to get the sort of magic that I was expecting. With the 8, it actually makes AR feel natural and part of your everyday life - something I've never quite felt with VR. From games to home design to the most incredible photo and video editing that makes you feel like you're living in the future, the iPhone 8 has the processor that makes it feel like something that truly could be the future technology (at long last!) To get a sense of what I'm talking about, check out this rundown of my favorite apps and games that I dug into with my trusty iPhone 8.
Wireless Charging
I'll be honest: I was one of those people who figured that there was a good reason behind why wireless charging took so long to roll out and had kind of accepted that it was not an essential feature. Consider me schooled, though. Saying goodbye to annoyingly rooting behind my couch, beside my bed, and in drawers full of cords to find the right one that hadn't frayed and fit the current model - that has been one of the most cathartic things about the whole experience. Being able to calmly place my phone on a delightfully space-aged disc to bring it back to life has made me a much calmer person on a daily basis - and means that I'm not always fighting with my boyfriend for custody of the one Lightning cable in our living room. Bonus: being able to choose to charge things manually is great, too.
True Tone
I have no clue how it is that Apple was able to get this feature to be so damn perfect, but my eyes are eternally grateful for the fact that looking at my phone is now so much more pleasant. True Tone at first is somewhat disorienting - it looks totally different than what you're used to, and you keep wanting to change it back - but it means that I'm finally looking at a Retina screen with the level of brightness that it's supposed to have (and not just guessing based on some Yahoo! Answers response I read like four years ago). Reading has never been so pleasant on a mobile device - full stop.
The Camera
As someone who has always had relatively jittery hands, it's always been a bit of a challenge to get the perfect shot on the first try. As a result, I'm constantly having to go back and delete the 249 other versions of the photo that are slightly blurry before I'm able to isolate the perfect photo. No longer! The image stabilization definitely comes in handy (especially when I'm on the run, or want to take video) and let's be honest: every iPhone camera is successively better. The colors are brighter, the light is handled better, and frankly, I'm using a whole hell of a lot less memory. This is the one point on which I knew I'd be sold (I always am!), but it was still a pleasant surprise that I was as impressed with this latest camera upgrade as I was.
In 1997 Interview, Trump Joked About Giving Princess Diana an HIV Test
In the weeks before the 2016 election, it became clear that Donald Trump had little interest in backtracking the very, very many missteps of his past. From the myriad accusations of sexual misconduct to the jaw-dropping Access Hollywood tape, we got a good long look at the deeply inappropriate way in which now-President Trump behaved in the past. And while it seemed like there would be an endless stream of reveals throughout the course of his presidency, the media has remained largely silent when it comes to Trump's absurdly vocal past - that is, until now.
On Sept. 25, an anonymous source provided Factbase with recordings and transcripts of Trump's many interviews with Howard Stern. The two appear to be friends - or at the very least, acquaintances who sought each other out for publicity purposes - and the dozen or so appearances take place between 1993 and 2015, adding up to about 20 minutes of dialogue in total. From Beyoncé to Angelina Jolie to First Lady Melania Trump, Stern and Trump discuss women in terms that are impossible to listen to without feeling sick to your stomach - but there's one segment in particular that is so stunningly vile that it's almost impossible to wrap your head around the fact that the same person who said these things now holds the highest office in America. The 1997 interview on The Howard Stern Show is really a conversation between Trump and Stern and centers on Trump's sex life in relation to the late Princess Diana.
A portion of the interview is transcribed below, and two other individuals, Robin Quivers and Kate Bohner, were present at the time and have minimal dialogue throughout. Please note that "doctor" and "test" refer to a recurring theme in Trump's appearances - Trump's penchant for requiring his sexual partners tested for HIV before engaging with them - and it probably goes without saying, but the text is borderline NSFW.
Howard Stern "Why do people think it's egotistical of you to say that you've gotten Lady Di, right? You could've gotten her, right? You could've nailed her."
Robin Quivers "Yeah, but could you have sent her to the doctor?"
Donald Trump "Of course, I don't know, maybe that one, that was a tough one."
Robin Quivers "He wouldn't answer it."
Howard Stern "Hey, Lady Di, would you go to the doctor?"
Kate Bohner "I don't think he would have asked her."
Donald Trump "Go back over to my Lexus because I have a new doctor, we wanna give you a little check up."
Howard Stern "Lady Di you would've gone out with. Not that she was not attractive."
Donald Trump "She was actually really beautiful."
Howard Stern "You think so? More beautiful than supermodels?"
Donald Trump "I thought she was supermodel beautiful. I'm telling you, I said this the other day. I said Lady Di had supermodel beauty."
Howard Stern "Really?"
Donald Trump "She had times, you know, it was interesting, she had times when she didn't look great, and sometimes you look better than anybody in the world. But she was a supermodel."
Howard Stern "I'm shocked that you say this. I can't believe it."
Donald Trump "She had the height, she had this, she had magnificent skin. She really had - she was a great beauty."
Howard Stern "And did you meet her?"
Donald Trump "She wrote me a letter."
Howard Stern "Oh, she wrote you a letter, go ahead."
Donald Trump "About a couple of months before she died, thanking me because I did a favor for something."
Howard Stern "What did you do?"
Donald Trump "Like a schmuck, I went back to work. I did - I just -"
Howard Stern "What was the favor that you did for her?"
Donald Trump "I just did her a favor. She asked me to do something, I did it, and she wrote me a really nice letter."
Howard Stern "What was the favor?"
Donald Trump "I can't tell you."
Howard Stern "Yes, you can. Please, please what was it?"
Donald Trump "It's a personal thing."
Howard Stern "Share your privates? What are you a doctor? Come on, tell me what you did, please."
Donald Trump "I did something, and then I sent her some flowers."
Howard Stern "What did you do for her?"
Donald Trump "I can't tell you."
Howard Stern "Yes, you can. Come on."
Donald Trump "But she really thanked me for the flowers more than the favor."
Howard Stern "What do you think he did for her?"
Donald Trump "I have no clue."
Howard Stern "Ever pleasured yourself to her."
Donald Trump "No, never."
In an ideal world, there would be some sort of repercussion for Trump talking about any woman like this - let alone a very famous, very well-respected woman - under any circumstance. But as he seems to be immune to responsibility, it's unlikely that these tapes being surfaced will provoke a response from Trump in any meaningful way. Instead, we have to hope that young American men aren't taking a lesson from our current president, and that at some point in the future Trump will be forced to acknowledge the real, true fact of the whole situation: this is unacceptable behavior, and it will never be considered OK.
1 of Obama's Top Aides Reveals a POTUS Story She's Never Told Before
As President Obama's former deputy chief of staff for operations, you better believe Alyssa Mastromonaco has some stories to tell. In her new memoir, Who Thought This Was a Good Idea: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House, she shares a moving, funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching look back at the years she spent in politics and by POTUS's side. We caught up with Mastromonaco to find out what it was really like to be one of the youngest people - and one of the few women - to ever hold her position in the White House, discuss sexism's impact on politics, and get her to share her personal hopes for what's next for Barack and Michelle Obama. She even told us a pretty charming story about President Obama's meddling in her romantic life she's never told anyone - and that includes her husband.
POPSUGAR: It's pretty clear from your book that you have a deep admiration and respect for Obama. Is it fair to say working for him made you a better person? Better at your job?
Alyssa Mastromonaco: I would say that Barack Obama not only made me a better person but made me better at my job. He's one of the most intellectually curious people you'll ever meet and really brings that out in other people. When I first got to the White House, I was super anxious all the time about not knowing the answer to every question. And Obama was actually the person who let me be me. He was like, "Alyssa's not the person who wears the Ann Taylor suit. She's not the kind of person who always says the exact right thing." And I'm a bit of a wild animal. I brought a different perspective and I was a little bit more irreverent and casual.
PS: I teared up when I got to the end of the book and read the passage about him calling you after your beloved cat died. It was well after you'd resigned from your White House post.
AM: Just so you know, I had to reread that portion of my audiobook three or four times, because I cried every time. I, more than anybody, saw all the things that were on his plate every day. I felt other people maybe didn't realize how much a note meant that he wrote them or a phone call. But I saw his thought process behind the few moments of free time he had and how he used them. So, I knew that him taking the time to call me meant he really cared and really deeply understood how upset I was. That's what made it so meaningful.
PS: I love the anecdotes about Barack trying to set you up. It happened more than once, if I recall!
AM: There's a story I tell [in the book] about leaving Iowa, when he's telling me to email a guy that he said was into me. There was a thunderstorm, and we ended up having to drive from Ames, IA, all the way back to Chicago. So Gibbs [then Obama's senior adviser] and I were in the backseat of the PT Cruiser, and Obama kept turning around like, "Email him. Email him right now. He was not a bad-looking guy."
PS: So wait, you were driving Senator Barack Obama around in a PT cruiser?
AM: He was in a PT Cruiser. It was gray.
PS: What's the biggest way you saw the presidency and everything that comes with it - the responsibility, the celebrity - change Barack and Michelle?
AM: I think the external perception made them much more aware of making sure they stayed themselves. We win and it's super heady, and then a couple months later you are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but the one thing that we all believed - and that the president believed - is that you can never really buy into your own hype. Because as much as the world loves you one minute, they can be way down on you the next. I think that you would say if you looked at both of them, they kept it pretty even-keeled throughout the eight years, and he expected the same of us.
Someone on the campaign came to me and said, "You better get in line, because the people in South Carolina are just going to think you're a real bitch."
PS: Do you keep in touch?
AM: Oh, yeah. I saw them both in Chicago [on Jan. 7], and I saw the president at Marvin Nicholson's wedding down in Florida [on Jan. 10].
PS: I know a lot of people are very excited to see what he and Michelle do next. What do you hope to see them do?
AM:There are so many kids in the world who have only grown up knowing that an African-American first family is a part of life. I think the next couple of years are going to be pretty hard to get through, so I hope that they're super visible and that FLOTUS keeps up all of her work with young women.
PS: You explicitly say part of your motivation in writing this book was to get more women interested in pursuing political careers. What in your own experience proved the need for that?
AM: I didn't have a ton of role models back in 1998. So, when I was looking to get in, it was really just looking up at all the men who were out there. When you're not seeing women - when you're breaking into anything - it's like, "Well, this is what the men do and how they act, so we're going to just emulate that behavior." I wanted young women to know that I was very lucky that I worked for people who literally let me be me. If I had ever been anyone other than me, I would have come off as a fake, a phony, a fraud, and never would have gotten where I ultimately ended up. You can be yourself and be in politics, and they should know that. That was kind of why I wanted to do it - because I didn't see any freaks in politics like me.
PS: Was there a particular moment you remember facing blatant sexism in the political world? How'd you handle it?
AM: There was a moment. It was the very beginning of the Obama campaign in January or February of 2007. I was asserting myself and someone on the campaign - who wasn't David Plouffe or Axelrod or anyone like that - but someone came to me and said, "You better get in line, because the people in South Carolina are just going to think you're a real b*tch." It was a man. I was just like, "Wow." I didn't say it, because I was so stunned, but in my head I was like, "Wow, and you're a real d*ck." That's the one moment I can really think of where I was like, "I don't think anybody would have said that to one of the guys." I wasn't even being aggressive. They were just wrong and I told them they were wrong.
I think that what you saw during those eight years, and in those last few weeks, was that the Obamas love people and they are going to miss them.
PS: I'm sure you have a fascinating perspective on how sexism impacted the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton- who you worked alongside when she was Secretary of State.
AM: I don't think that Donald Trump treated Hillary any differently than he treated Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio. He is a deeply disrespectful person who didn't have enough reverence for the office he was running for to act humane. I never like to oversubscribe to sexism. I'd love to say "Donald Trump is just sexist." And I do believe he's sexist, but I also believe that he also treats anyone who is his opponent in a very insane and disrespectful way. Saying "lock her up!" - which is insane - and calling him Lyin' Ted and him Little Marco . . . it's all really bad.
PS: What was it like from your perspective to witness the entire election cycle, this time from the outside in? Did you have FOMO?
AM: It was really hard. But the whole time, I think that we all thought that she was really going to win. So, you didn't feel that kind of FOMO like, "Oh my god, I should be there because I could make such a difference." I think we all kind of thought it was handled and then, when she didn't win, I did feel like, "Oh, god, now I really need to be an activist." I want to be out marching all the time. I want to wear "Feminist AF" t-shirts.
PS: How did the Obamas seem in January when you saw them? I know Michelle Obama has been pretty open about feeling a sense of relief about being able to step away from the White House.
AM: The times I saw them, they were pretty nostalgic. I'll tell you two things: if you look at the video of the farewell speech the president gave on Jan. 10 in Chicago, and you look at the very end, you can tell he's taking in the moment. The thing that I think is so depressing, fundamentally, about Donald Trump, is that he doesn't appreciate what's happening right now. He doesn't seem to think it's an honor. He doesn't seem to understand why we're actually super blessed to have the government we have. I also don't ever get the sense that he loves Americans. If you look at POTUS [Obama] - and I will always call him POTUS - I think that what you saw during those eight years, and in those last few weeks, was that they really love people and they are going to miss them. And that they deeply appreciate the opportunity they were given.
Most women will want to only give their opinion only when it's almost fact in their mind - whereas dudes will pontificate a lot more. And I will tell you, I've started pontificating a lot more.
PS:What's your advice for young women who might be interested in getting into politics, but are feeling deterred - whether it's because it's still a male-dominated field, or they just don't know where to start?
AM: Find someone who you really believe in - that can be at a state level. The one thing I can encourage women to do the most is to start at the state level. It is the biggest reason that the Democratic party is behind. Women generally have to start building the bench, and right now our bench is a little thin. If I were to ask you who you think will run in 2020, we're like, "I don't know. Maybe Elizabeth Warren? Maybe?" Because there aren't five or 10 people. I would encourage young women to find that person, give it your all, and leave it all on the field. The one thing I have found is that, if you are sitting at a table, most women will want to only give their opinion only when it's almost fact in their mind - whereas dudes will pontificate a lot more. And I will tell you, I've started pontificating a lot more, which is very satisfying. They should not be afraid to speak.
PS: What's a piece of advice, or something Obama said to you over the years, that really stuck with you?
AM: Here's something nobody knows. When I had been dating my husband for a while, the president said to me, "When is he going to put a ring on it?" And I was like, "Oh, come on. We are so busy. We don't need to think about that." He said, "He needs to put a ring on it because you're worth it." And the thing is, I'm not even kidding you, it was about a week or two later that we got engaged. I've never told that story to my husband, either. It would be news to him. Also, what, are you going to go back to your boyfriend and say, "The president told you to put a ring on it"? The lamest thing ever.
These Harry Potter Nails Will Cast a Spell on Everyone - Even Muggles
Calling all Harry Potter fans: you're going to want these nails quicker than you can cast a Patronus charm. If you're a diehard Potterhead, you may have already adorned your nails with magical designs, particularly when visiting your favourite Harry Potter locations. But there is no such thing as too much wizarding world nail art!
We've rounded up some of our favourite nail art ideas, and from Christmas at Hogwarts to incredibly detailed house crests, you're sure to be inspired by these magical designs. If you don't have a steady hand and a degree in fine art, fear not, muggles. There are plenty of more straightforward designs you can try at home, from Harry's famous scar to the Deathly Hallows.
Keep reading to get inspired by these spellbinding nail ideas.
100+ Drugstore Beauty Steals, All Under $10
When it comes to your makeup bag, drugstore beauty is, well, a beautiful thing. From face wipes to lip balms to frizz serums, we've rounded up our favorite products that won't break the bank. They're all under $10, and they're all right here.
Jump to:
[Cleansing Wipes] [Beach Sprays] [Waterproof Makeup] [Sunscreen] [Dry Shampoo] [Mattifying Products] [Acne Products] [Travel-Size] [Body Wash] [Frizz Serum] [Hair Treatments] [Classic Glamour] [Bold Lips] [Manicure Must Haves] [Lip Balm] [Hair Oil] [Mascara] [Shampoo] [Eyeliner] [Deodorant] [Hair Spray] [Eye Shadow] [Brushes] [Blush] [Brows] [Hand Cream] [Concealer] [Red Lipstick] [Foundation]
- Additional reporting by Jessica Cruel and Kaitlyn Dreyling
Front Page Source: POPSUGAR Photography
12 Cult Products From the Body Shop That You Need to Try at Least Once
Ever since it was founded in 1976, The Body Shop has made a name for itself by offering a wide range of high-performing, budget-friendly hair care, skin care, body care, and cosmetics. But perhaps even bigger than its offerings - and another draw for consumers - is its heart. It was the first global beauty brand to take a stand against animal testing in cosmetics and takes measures to ensure products stay 100 percent cruelty-free and vegetarian (a portion are also vegan!).
The Body Shop also has a vested interest in preserving the environments from which its ingredients are sourced, using proceeds to help restore rainforests and habitats and striving to be the world's most ethical and truly sustainable global business. (Did we mention that the products are also really good, smell delicious, and are completely habit-forming?)
From the liquid peel that sold out everywhere at launch to the lip and cheek stain celebs can't get enough of, read on for some of the brand's most innovative and beloved products. Once you try them, you'll see what all the brand's hype is all about.
20 Recipes That'll Help You Stick to Your Healthy-Eating Goals
We're proponents of healthy eating all year long - with the occasional indulgence, of course. But we also know that it's hard to kick-start a commitment to sticking with a better eating program and a strong fitness routine. Another thing we know for sure? No one wants to sacrifice flavor. That's why we put together a list of 20 scrumptious versions of your favorite dishes that cut down the calories but none of the taste. Keep reading to find the recipes.
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.
39 Great Gift Ideas For 1-Year-Olds
Whether it comes in the form of crawling, scooting, or taking those first few steps, one thing's for certain - 1-year-olds are active little people! That's why it's important to provide them with toys that will satisfy their desire to explore the world around them and provide plenty of action. Check out our favorite picks, from push-along toys and blocks to shape sorters and more.
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!
NYX Just Casually Released the Lipstick-Filled Advent Calendar of Your Freakin' Dreams!
It's not even Thanksgiving yet, and we've already got the holiday season on our minds, thanks to NYX Cosmetics. The beauty brand just went all Santa Claus on us by releasing a gorgeous range of holiday goodies, including a freakin' lipstick-filled Advent calendar - yes, really. We thought regular ol' chocolate-filled seasonal calendars were pretty cool, but NYX's version is so much more festive.
The Lippie Countdown Advent Calendar is jam-packed with 24 bold, bright lip products for every day of the holiday season, including fan favorites like its silky Butter Gloss and Soft Matte Lip Creams, to name a few. The calendar opens up like a book to reveal 24 lip-shaped graphics for each day of the month leading up to Christmas. Good luck resisting the urge to open just one slot each day!
This glorious Advent calendar is now available at both NYX Cosmetics and Ulta for just $65, which averages out to roughly $3 per product - what a steal! Ahead, catch a glimpse of the limited-edition box of holiday products, and prepare to grab your credit card faster than you can say, "Ho ho ho!"
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.
17 Impossibly Accurate Trader Joe's Tweets That Speak to Your Soul
Dedicated Trader Joe's shoppers know the struggles all too well. Whether you're a hopeless sucker for the well-stocked cheese aisle, you hate yourself every time you enter the doors on a busy Sunday afternoon, or you have that one Trader Joe's product you just can't quit, you'll relate all too well to these 17 tweets from people who feel the exact same way.
25+ Recipes That Will Make Avocado-Lovers Totally Lose It
Avocados are good, and we mean good. Commonly known as "nature's butter," these are one thing you shouldn't feel guilty for wanting to add to every dish that crosses your table. They're loaded with healthy, monounsaturated fat and can be a substitute for various ingredients in baking and cooking, including oil and mayonnaise, and turn a normally unhealthy dish into a lower-calorie alternative with an increased nutritional value. Keep scrolling for over 25 scrumptious recipes hacked by avocados.
Gorgeous Gift Baskets So Easy to Copy, It's Ridiculous
No one would blame you if you never wanted to create a gift basket on your own. DIY gift baskets are pretty intimidating, since you have to find the right pieces that fit perfectly together. But the truth is, the process is much simpler than you think, and we have the proof.
In a special collaboration, Abby Larson, the editor and founder of Style Me Pretty, worked with HomeGoods to curate gorgeous gift baskets that you can easily re-create. There's one for the entertainer in your life, one for the baker, and one for the cocktail-lover, and they're equally as impressive. Just copy her same picks for an affordable, foolproof gift idea you'll want to give for years to come. There, that wasn't so bad, was it?
Source: Style Me Pretty
The Most Popular Places in Australia, According to Instagram
Instagram's most geotagged locations serve as a fairly good barometer of where the places to be actually are, judging by how social media affects tourism in the age of "If you didn't post it, did it really happen?"
Instagram has just released its 2017 year in review data, revealing Hugh Jackman is the most followed Aussie, but Chris Hemsworth gets the most "likes," and the most geotagged locations in Australia. Some places, like Bondi and the Sydney Opera House, are not so surprising - they're favorites among tourists and locals. But places like the MONA in Tasmania, and WA's Rottness Island, which were the most popular locations in their state, are more interesting.
If you're planning on booking a trip to the Land Down Under, let these top 10 places fuel your itinerary.
The 5 Features That Make Upgrading to iPhone 8 Totally Worth It
Agonizing over whether or not to upgrade your iPhone has become a ritual of Fall. At first, it was all about timing your two-year contract period to end right at the moment the new one came out. Now that we've (generally) moved past that in phone plan land, however it's all about whether or not you think the newest features are worth shelling out for. As a result, scrolling through endless reviews with your Autumn-flavored latte in hand is just about as common as apple picking or being caught off guard by the sun setting far too early for you to catch any rays on your way home from work. So let's just cut to the chase: I've spent a whole lot of time with the iPhone 8 over the past few weeks, and I can absolutely, unequivocally say that it's totally worth it to make the switch.
My iPhone 6s has treated me well - we've spent a full two years together, after all - and while it's definitely on its last legs, the perfect case-and-screen-protector combo (found after years of intense trial and regrettable error) enabled me to skip last year's upgrade cycle. Full disclosure: I wasn't completely sold by the 7 and hadn't really been able to muster the enthusiasm needed to drag myself to the store to get a device that was eerily similar to the one that I had spent hours Candy Crushing on as I waited in line. But the 8, however. . . the 8 is worth that waiting and that line. Don't just take my (evidence free) word for it, though. Below, I've pulled together the five features that truly swayed me after getting the iPhone 8 into my hands - and, bonus, I promise you won't encounter any of that overly technical reviewspeak that tends to hijack even the most helpful of guides.
The Price
First, some real talk: anyone who says that they're totally OK with throwing down hundreds of dollars for something they don't actually love is probably lying. Second, with a starting price of $699, the iPhone 8 definitely still costs a lot - but it doesn't cross into that over-a-thousand-what-am-I-doing territory. The biggest selling point for me was being able to more effectively use the features that were introduced with iOS 11, like augmented reality (see below), but didn't quite run right on my older-model phone. In other words: you can get a whole hell of a lot more memory and a stronger processor with the 8, and it actually feels like an upgrade - so that makes the price tag worth it. And again, as much as we all desperately want the gorgeous beauty that is the X . . . the 8 feels like a different enough phone to make you feel pretty good about not spending all your savings in one fell swoop.
Augmented Reality
As I mentioned, as soon as iOS 11 rolled out, I was ON IT. But with my 6s, I wasn't able to get the sort of magic that I was expecting. With the 8, it actually makes AR feel natural and part of your everyday life - something I've never quite felt with VR. From games to home design to the most incredible photo and video editing that makes you feel like you're living in the future, the iPhone 8 has the processor that makes it feel like something that truly could be the future technology (at long last!) To get a sense of what I'm talking about, check out this rundown of my favorite apps and games that I dug into with my trusty iPhone 8.
Wireless Charging
I'll be honest: I was one of those people who figured that there was a good reason behind why wireless charging took so long to roll out and had kind of accepted that it was not an essential feature. Consider me schooled, though. Saying goodbye to annoyingly rooting behind my couch, beside my bed, and in drawers full of cords to find the right one that hadn't frayed and fit the current model - that has been one of the most cathartic things about the whole experience. Being able to calmly place my phone on a delightfully space-aged disc to bring it back to life has made me a much calmer person on a daily basis - and means that I'm not always fighting with my boyfriend for custody of the one Lightning cable in our living room. Bonus: being able to choose to charge things manually is great, too.
True Tone
I have no clue how it is that Apple was able to get this feature to be so damn perfect, but my eyes are eternally grateful for the fact that looking at my phone is now so much more pleasant. True Tone at first is somewhat disorienting - it looks totally different than what you're used to, and you keep wanting to change it back - but it means that I'm finally looking at a Retina screen with the level of brightness that it's supposed to have (and not just guessing based on some Yahoo! Answers response I read like four years ago). Reading has never been so pleasant on a mobile device - full stop.
The Camera
As someone who has always had relatively jittery hands, it's always been a bit of a challenge to get the perfect shot on the first try. As a result, I'm constantly having to go back and delete the 249 other versions of the photo that are slightly blurry before I'm able to isolate the perfect photo. No longer! The image stabilization definitely comes in handy (especially when I'm on the run, or want to take video) and let's be honest: every iPhone camera is successively better. The colors are brighter, the light is handled better, and frankly, I'm using a whole hell of a lot less memory. This is the one point on which I knew I'd be sold (I always am!), but it was still a pleasant surprise that I was as impressed with this latest camera upgrade as I was.
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.
Find Your Signature Scent Using Your Zodiac Sign
We rely on our horoscope for everything from love advice to hairstyle ideas. You can also link your zodiac sign to your signature scent. All those personality traits from the astrology calendar can lead you to the the right blend of notes for your mood. We enlisted the help of Anne Nelson Sanford, perfumer and founder of LURKbeauty, to determine which perfume ingredients best fit each sign. Keep reading to get Sanford's in-depth recommendations from Gemini's lavender love to Capricorn's jasmine affinity. Plus, we also give you a few suggestions of what to shop based on your birth month.
Meghan Markle's Best Hair Moments Prove She's Always Been a Royal in Waiting
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement has us not only swooning over their adorable announcement but also sending our beauty-obsessed brains into overdrive about what her wedding hair will look like. We may have to wait until 2018 to find out, but we can still look back at her best hair moments so far for a few hints. She's the queen of relaxed, chic waves, and you'll probably want to re-create her go-to style immediately.
Ahead, see Megan's best mane moments that prove she was born to be a royal, with hair just as fabulous as Kate's!
20 of the Cutest "Ugly" Christmas Sweaters for Babies and Toddlers
The Christmas season is fast approaching, and there's no better time to prepare than now. It seems like every year, all of the adorable baby and toddler selections sell out too fast, and the opportunity to dress your kiddo in an adorable ugly Christmas sweater slips by. Dust off that Elf on the Shelf and get your planning started early with some of these perfectly cute "ugly" Christmas sweaters.
She's Gotta Have It Nails Why We Need More Depictions of Black Female Sexuality
Spike Lee's latest jaunt is an explosive reboot of his 1986 film She's Gotta Have It. In the sexy Netflix update, Lee really dives into the characters he created over 30 years ago in a 10-episode series that soaks in every inch of Brooklyn while telling the stories of the melanin-rich characters who live there.
Even so, truly not enough words can be said to describe the show's main character, Nola Darling, whose sexual exploits are just as timely as ever. Nola is a living embodiment of the direct opposition to any negative stereotypes ever spoken about black people and, especially, black women. She's arguably the heroine all women need and an accurate representation of the millennial woman, which is nothing short of refreshing.
She shamelessly has four lovers (aspiring rapper Mars Blackmon, played by Anthony Ramos, father and husband Jamie Overstreet, played by Lyriq Bent, model and narcissist Greer Childs, played by Cleo Anthony, and single mom Opal Gilstrap, played by Ilfenesh Hadera). Lee doesn't shy away from the fact that if she were a man juggling multiple lovers, it would make her a "player," but instead she gets labeled as promiscuous or a "freak."
Sexism is still alive and well. America's president is a self-proclaimed grabber of women's genitals and the Harvey Weinsteins and Kevin Spaceys of the world are getting called out for exerting their power to sexually harass and assault.
However, Nola is not only challenging how women are viewed when it comes to their bodies and sexuality, but she's also a living and breathing example of the lifestyle many women live that society still refuses to accept. The self-proclaimed "sex-positive polyamorous pansexual" Brooklyn artist is a single woman with agency over her own body who enjoys sex (which she has a lot of) and is unapologetically feminist.
Yet, it is 2017 and black women are not often celebrated for being sexual or even shown as multifaceted beings who are capable of so much more than a one-dimensional sexuality. Instead, black women on screen are subjects of the male gaze (Belly, Think Like a Man) or they fall prey to fetishization for being overtly sexual (Foxy Brown, Monster Ball) or they just lack of sexuality altogether (Bonnie in Big Little Lies). Usually, the roles of the sexually adventurous woman are reserved for white women when on screen, whether TV (Sex and The City, Broad City, or Girls) or film (Savages, Basic Instinct, Bad Teacher, etc.).
But if the huge success of Girls Trip this past Summer is indicative of anything, it's that black women love sex, they're tired of being possessed or objectified, and they support film and TV shows with honest portrayals of black womanhood.
In this case, not only does Nola "gotta have it," but so do other black women who expressed absolute glee at being able to see themselves on the small screen.
She's Gotta Have It is a must see. Definitely shows the perfect depiction of sexual liberation, spirituality, gentrification, double standards, art, being a black woman in society, struggling to make ends meet, and everything in between. Please please pleaseeee watch!
- coffeeshopconvos.com (@taracamille_) November 27, 2017
She's Gotta Have It on Netflix is excellent. Spike Lee came back to remind folks he was ahead of his time in the 80s. Focused on Sexual liberation and public respect for Black women before it became popular.
- TheAbstract (@AltBoosterGold) November 24, 2017
Everyone please watch "she's gotta have it" on Netflix. I feel like this bitch is me 😭 it's a great show tbh
- Art Plug 🔌 ✨ (@xEnoughSaidx) November 25, 2017
So I just started #ShesGottaHaveIt on Netflix and I love Nola so far, but I believe it's because the actress herself is stunning, and I love her art and how she lives life on her terms. Let's see how I feel as characters develop.
- Ashley D. (@MsAshleyDevonna) November 27, 2017
Nola's story isn't representative of every black woman, or every woman, period, but it's a stark contrast to the narratives that have been present in the media and cinema thus far, and for that, it's worth the binge.
Pinterest Searches For Hair Accessories Are Up 400%, So We Found The Prettiest Ones
Headbands, usually reserved for your Blair Waldorf Halloween costume, are back in a big way. How big, you ask? If Pinterest data is to be believed, searches for "hair accessories" are up by 400 percent. That means it's time to pull your hair back into a ponytail and get to work - shopping for your new favorite accoutrement, of course!
Of course, the term "hair accessories" applies not only to headbands, but also bows, clips, and barrettes. So, even if 'bands give you headaches, you can get in on one of the season's most fabulously girlie trends. Ahead, we've found the 16 prettiest hair accessories you can buy right now.
How I Kicked My 20-Year-Long Nail-Biting Habit For Good
"I feel sorry for your fingers." Those were the six words that came out of the woman's mouth when she took my hands to try and bless them with a manicure for my wedding. Can I get an ouch?
As painful as that sentence was to take in - especially so close to my big day - truth be told, it was just what I needed to hear to recognize how out of control my nail-biting habit had become. See, I've been a nail-biter for 20-some long years. Looking back, I can't recall how this grotesque, compulsive habit even started, but it's one that has followed me well into adulthood.
It's embarrassing, to say the least - and honestly, I don't think many people realized how much the constant urge to pick, pull, or bite at my fingernails consumed me. But really, that was my goal, because every time I'd shred my cuticles to the point where they'd be dripping with blood - gross, I know - I'd hide each wounded finger so no one would notice. Because what sane person nips at their nail (and the skin around it) until red liquid oozes out, right? To make matters worse, I would feel strangely satisfied each time this happened.
If you are also a chronic nail-biter, I'm hoping you can relate. (By hoping, what I really mean is: please tell me you've experienced similar scenarios so I don't feel too crazy.) And if by chance you are nodding your head in agreement, please know that I, too, feel your pain. What's more? I've got good news for you.
After years of searching high and low for an effective nail-biting solution - and literally trying every single program under the sun - I finally found a method that actually worked. Although it was one of the hardest challenges I've endured, I'm confident that if I can nip this nasty habit in the bud, anyone can.
So if you're ready to quit biting your nails once and for all - and, let's be real, who isn't? - your guide to beautiful hands awaits ahead!
The Social Video App of Our Dreams Has Finally Arrived
When Apple first launched Clips back in April, it was done quietly; the app was sold as an easy way to edit your videos to post on social, and though it was clearly positioned to take on juggernauts like Snapchat and Instagram, it didn't come across as anything that was revolutionary. Six months later, Clips 2.0 is open for business - and I can officially say that there is nothing quite like it available in the App Store, and I am hooked.
Clips brings all the functions of creating a video - recording, editing, reorganizing, compiling, publishing - into one user-friendly interface, making it feel like an easier version of iMovie or Final Cut. And while the value of having all these tools in one place may not have been clear in the first iteration of the app, 2.0 makes it even more obvious that this should be your go-to when you're about to shoot a video. The buttons are more clearly labeled, the app allows a full-screen viewing of the video content you're using, and it's way easier to have a friend take over the controls as you don't have to know what you're doing in order to make a masterpiece - and if their vision doesn't match yours, you can easily tinker with the footage to make it seem as though it was shot in the exact way that you wanted it. In other words, it puts the kind of high-quality editing we would expect from a professional within reach of anyone with an iPhone.
It's the features, though, that really sell the app for me. Take, for example, Live Titles. It's real-time, on-video captioning done via the technology behind Siri that is outstandingly spot-on. If for whatever reason your digital assistant can't pick up exactly what you were trying to say, you can edit it with just a few taps of your keyboard and add emphasis or punctuation where you want it. You can also change those captions to a variety of different styles, colors, and on-video placements to make it easy for anybody to see what's going on without having to turn on their sound. Or, if you're feeling really snazzy, you can just use Posters to drop in animated graphics and custom texts between scenes to say what you mean without having to speak it.
Then there's the Effects and Stickers portion of the program - tools that enable you to do things like transform yourself into a live-action oil painting or describe your day while sitting beside Minnie Mouse - which are even easier to use than ever and provide for a whole lot of ways to really set yourself apart from the other things that people are seeing on their social media feeds. It's all done in real time, too - so no need to go back and start from scratch after watching the footage playback after the fact. And there's no rendering or time-consuming "loading" screens to sit through; it's all just right there when you need it. And, bonus, you can seamlessly work on the same project on different devices with iCloud and never lose your place.
But it's iPhone X users who get the biggest update of all with Clips 2.0 - and it's one function in particular that I've found myself playing with for hours at a time. Selfie Scenes allows you to place yourself in a variety of 360-degree scenes while you're recording a selfie - that's right, this also happens in real time! - and that means you can instantly transport yourself inside the Millennium Falcon or drop into a famous painting with just one single tap. It's like the old-school Photo Booth feature where you could put yourself in a fishbowl, only you are actually part of what's going on in the scene - and it's jaw-droppingly accurate. Though there are only 10 scenes available right now, the idea is that these will be expanded upon - allowing your video diary to broadcast live from the middle of Times Square (in your bedroom) or at a French cafe (on the subway).
If you aren't sold on just how cool Clips 2.0 really is, there's one additional piece of information that might help you on your way: the app is completely free to use and can be easily downloaded in the App Store right now. So give it a spin, test the features, and see what you think; I'm fairly certain that you won't be disappointed (and, like me, you'll be waiting eagerly for the third iteration and what the team at Apple will come up with next).
60 Recipes to Help Shave Calories Off of Lunchtime
Cooking and packing up a quality healthy lunch is a good idea for so many reasons. Whether or not you're trying to lose weight, bringing your own lunch to work keeps you in charge of the ingredients that fuel your body and helps you perform at your best both at work and in the gym. Regardless of your dietary limitations and preferences, (at least!) one of these healthy recipes will fit the bill and make its way into your lunchtime rotation.
The 1 Move That Made Me a Better Mom, Instantly
I love Facebook. Like a lot. So much so that I found myself spending all sorts of time looking at it, searching it, and bringing it into just about every conversation. Something had to give. Except that I did not want to be one of those folks who says, "I'm done!" and then ridicules everyone else still stuck on Fakebook. Because the truth is that I do think that social media is a wonderful thing. Heck, I kind of love Facebook. I just needed to ease up the amount of time I was spending on it. So I decided to keep my account but delete the app from my phone. I can still check in on my computer as often as I want, but do I? Rarely. And the effect of this simple decision went far beyond improving my mental state; it also improved my maternal state. It may sound crazy, but I know I'm a better mom now that I don't have 24/7 access to my Facebook news feed. Here's why.
The Social Video App of Our Dreams Has Finally Arrived
When Apple first launched Clips back in April, it was done quietly; the app was sold as an easy way to edit your videos to post on social, and though it was clearly positioned to take on juggernauts like Snapchat and Instagram, it didn't come across as anything that was revolutionary. Six months later, Clips 2.0 is open for business - and I can officially say that there is nothing quite like it available in the App Store, and I am hooked.
Clips brings all the functions of creating a video - recording, editing, reorganizing, compiling, publishing - into one user-friendly interface, making it feel like an easier version of iMovie or Final Cut. And while the value of having all these tools in one place may not have been clear in the first iteration of the app, 2.0 makes it even more obvious that this should be your go-to when you're about to shoot a video. The buttons are more clearly labeled, the app allows a full-screen viewing of the video content you're using, and it's way easier to have a friend take over the controls as you don't have to know what you're doing in order to make a masterpiece - and if their vision doesn't match yours, you can easily tinker with the footage to make it seem as though it was shot in the exact way that you wanted it. In other words, it puts the kind of high-quality editing we would expect from a professional within reach of anyone with an iPhone.
It's the features, though, that really sell the app for me. Take, for example, Live Titles. It's real-time, on-video captioning done via the technology behind Siri that is outstandingly spot-on. If for whatever reason your digital assistant can't pick up exactly what you were trying to say, you can edit it with just a few taps of your keyboard and add emphasis or punctuation where you want it. You can also change those captions to a variety of different styles, colors, and on-video placements to make it easy for anybody to see what's going on without having to turn on their sound. Or, if you're feeling really snazzy, you can just use Posters to drop in animated graphics and custom texts between scenes to say what you mean without having to speak it.
Then there's the Effects and Stickers portion of the program - tools that enable you to do things like transform yourself into a live-action oil painting or describe your day while sitting beside Minnie Mouse - which are even easier to use than ever and provide for a whole lot of ways to really set yourself apart from the other things that people are seeing on their social media feeds. It's all done in real time, too - so no need to go back and start from scratch after watching the footage playback after the fact. And there's no rendering or time-consuming "loading" screens to sit through; it's all just right there when you need it. And, bonus, you can seamlessly work on the same project on different devices with iCloud and never lose your place.
But it's iPhone X users who get the biggest update of all with Clips 2.0 - and it's one function in particular that I've found myself playing with for hours at a time. Selfie Scenes allows you to place yourself in a variety of 360-degree scenes while you're recording a selfie - that's right, this also happens in real time! - and that means you can instantly transport yourself inside the Millennium Falcon or drop into a famous painting with just one single tap. It's like the old-school Photo Booth feature where you could put yourself in a fishbowl, only you are actually part of what's going on in the scene - and it's jaw-droppingly accurate. Though there are only 10 scenes available right now, the idea is that these will be expanded upon - allowing your video diary to broadcast live from the middle of Times Square (in your bedroom) or at a French cafe (on the subway).
If you aren't sold on just how cool Clips 2.0 really is, there's one additional piece of information that might help you on your way: the app is completely free to use and can be easily downloaded in the App Store right now. So give it a spin, test the features, and see what you think; I'm fairly certain that you won't be disappointed (and, like me, you'll be waiting eagerly for the third iteration and what the team at Apple will come up with next).
The 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Bought My House
My house is adorable. It sits atop a tiny incline, around a tiny corner, in a tiny-but-adorable neighborhood. It has been lived in, loved on, neglected, and changed. It has been both my proudest accomplishment and my biggest regret.
I purchased the house when I was young - almost too young - and full of hopes and dreams for my future. Buying a house, it seemed, was the first step in solidifying my aspirations - so it was always a goal of mine. While I would like to say I did my research, in all honesty, my house was pretty much an impulse buy. It was affordable, big enough for a family if I wanted one, but small enough to live comfortably on my own. It had great bones and hadn't been renovated, which allowed me to put my own stamp on it. I put an offer in, it was accepted, and then the fun truly began.
In light of what I learned from the experience that followed, here are a few things I wish I had known before buying my very own home.
The Mortgage Process Is Stressful
To put this in perspective: planning a wedding for 250 people is far easier than buying a house. I'm not sure if my experience is an isolated one, but I found it insanely difficult and nearly lost my mind at several key stages during the process. There were hours spent at the bank, countless phone calls to verify information that was already given countless times, and about several hundred calls back and forth to my loan officer. The amount of information, too, was lacking, even though I asked about a million questions. While I was preapproved, I wasn't even sure that I was actually going to get the house until my lawyer sent me an email with a closing date and the amount that was due in certified funds. I swear, I must have asked at least 27 times if I was good to go.
People Aren't Easy to Deal With
Usually, in the state that I live in, you do a final walk-through before you proceed to closing. Well, there was no final walk-through - and the residents cut the power to the house. So, after I signed all this paperwork, I walked into a home that was filthy, smelly, damaged, and had some extra furniture in it that needed to be discarded. But when I called my real estate lawyer, he basically said that while he would try to get some money back, I had signed the paperwork - meaning, I bought my house as is even though I didn't see it first and had nothing to come to the negotiating table with.
When you purchase a home, you realize that no one is easy to deal with, and everyone is out for themselves. The sellers, the lawyers, the mortgage brokers, and the painters and plumbers. It's really rare that you find someone willing to work with you, or for you. Ultimately, I found that your best advocate is yourself.
It's a Lot of Work
The sheer number of things that need to be done on a daily basis is staggering. You may think that you've been cleaning your house for the past few months, but all of a sudden you notice there is dust on the walls. THE WALLS. Or your burner decides to call it quits after you get back from a trip to Mexico where you spent a boatload of money on margaritas. Or your toilet starts leaking out of nowhere. There is no super to call, and no one is tasked with managing the project. It's all you, and it's not always easy.
Taking the day off or working from home because your toilet needs some attention (or your refrigerator is leaking again) isn't always feasible and can only happen so many times before your employer starts getting irritated. And forget whole-home renovations if you're doing it alone - good luck trying to take that amount of time off.
Ultimately, everything needs attention - and your work is truly never done. You have to remember to wash the curtains. Your couch cushions lose their shape, or mold to yours. Expensive things get stained or ruined, and sometimes there is no way to get those things replaced except to shell out money and do it all over again. Not a big deal for a lamp, but it's a very big deal for a floor installation.
You May Be Able to Afford It, but . . .
There are definitely trade-offs. If I didn't own a home, I could be living like the Queen of England. Well, not really, but I would be able to travel more, eat out more frequently, get my roots done more often, and definitely spend more time at the spa.
Just because you can afford to buy home doesn't mean it's the best option for you. In addition to a monthly mortgage payment, there are a plethora of other expenses that come along with it. And some of these expenses may carry price tags that are much higher than you can afford. Even with a rainy day fund, things tend to break at the worst possible times. Or you'll realize you really should have skipped that ridiculously expensive bottle of Champagne you indulged in the second you walk back in the house from a long weekend away.
And don't forget the fact that the house also needs to be furnished and filled with cookware, kitchen gadgets, cutlery - basic things that you take for granted or don't factor in when you're signing your life away.
I wish someone had sat down with me and said, "Hey, kid, a new roof costs this and a hot water heater is this much," because while I'm not sure it would have changed my mind, I would have felt a bit more financially savvy when making such a huge decision.
How Lucky You Are to Have It
I know, I just made the American Dream sound like a gigantic pain in the ass. Well, it is. But it's your pain in the ass. Yours. No one (but the bank after four missed payments) can take it away from you. No one can match the amount of work you did to purchase it and the love you put into making it a home.
At the end of the day, I curl up with my husky on our couch (with sagging cushions from sitting on them every night), look at our scratched hardwood floor from too many games of tug of war, get slightly annoyed at the chew marks on the molding from when she was a mischievous puppy, and sigh loudly over the dirt that has bunched up in the corners of the wall or on the ceiling fan because I swear I just cleaned that. But all the while, no matter what happens or how much work it may be, I'm thinking, "Wow. I love my home."
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!
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
Articles
