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 18 décembre 2017
Moms of Tweens: Welcome to the Stinky Years
When your kid's age hits the double digits, magic happens. And by "magic," I mean the type that, like, makes funk grow in Petri dishes during science experiments.
One day you're hugging them and catch an unmistakable whiff of a rancid armpit, and at first you're horrified because you think your own deodorant must have failed you. But just as your mind is racing - you've used the same reliable brand of antiperspirant for years! - an even more horrible realization comes to you: the stank is actually emanating from your previously pleasant-smelling (or, at least, neutral-smelling) child. It's like someone punched you in the gut. Or, you know, in the nose with a big, stinky fist.
It's the not-so-sweet smell of a tween, and it's the harbinger of impending puberty, bringing with it every paranoia you have about the years to come.
Unfortunately, it doesn't stop at the pits, and you start to realize that tweens are inherently gross. They're in a weird spot where they don't fully realize the social impact that walking around like a garbage heap in sneakers could cause, so they don't really care what they look or smell like. In a little while, the allure of the first real crush will make them want to spruce themselves up a smidge, but for now, they just don't see the point.
Their feet, the same adorable little piggies you used to kiss and tickle, are now contained in socks so crusty they could probably walk to the washer themselves (ohhh, if only). Their shoes are the "before" scenario in a Febreze commercial, but you only wish you could go "nose blind."
They'll talk in your general direction, and their words will be delivered on a wave of breath so heinous that you'll wonder if it was just a very articulate-sounding fart. Then you'll realize that you no longer check their toothbrush for usage because you automatically assumed they reached an age where they could be trusted to brush responsibly - but no. Apparently you still need to remind them, using bold threats like, "Your teeth are going to fall right out of your head!" to try to get your point across. (Spoiler alert: it still doesn't work.)
Much to your dismay, you also have to remind them to use actual soap when they shower, because what seems obvious to you (or any showering person) is lost on a tween. Which is why they emerge from the bathroom smelling like a wet dog, with their hair still half-dry, leaving mounds of inexplicably soggy towels in their wake.
Because that's another thing: the slovenly nature of a tween, and all the gag-worthy scents that accompany it, doesn't stop at their personal hygiene.
Because that's another thing: the slovenly nature of a tween, and all the gag-worthy scents that accompany it, doesn't stop at their personal hygiene.
You'll find that their room is a place you visit less and less frequently as it becomes more and more depressing to set foot in. Once a cheerfully decorated haven, maybe with a few toys scattered around the floor on its messiest day, it has now turned into a festering dump. The tween's suddenly ravenous appetite and increased desire for privacy combine to make their bedroom a graveyard for every wrapper and dish they secretly spirit away. (Yes, even if you institute a "no food in the bedroom" rule. Maybe especially then.) It's like the gross-out factor of finding a sippy cup full of curdled milk in the toy box multiplied by a thousand. You'll find cereal bowls with gelatinous mush pooled thickly at the bottom, half-eaten granola bars, hardened bread, blackened banana peels, and enough dirty drinkware to require two trips to the dishwasher. Every drawer and cubbyhole becomes a trash receptacle and yet another reason to shriek, "We'll have rats!" Or roaches. Take your pick.
But there's always a light at the end of the sewer tunnel. You only have to harp on their foul habits for a year or so before they finally realize that, yes, good hygiene is indeed preferable to not giving a damn. Like anything else they've gone through, it's just a phase, and this too shall pass.
Just make sure you don't inhale too deeply until it does.
I Was a 9-Year-Old Babysitter - and There's a Good Reason We Don't Let That Happen Anymore
My 9-year-old is about as responsible as any kid his age. He always does his homework and helps out with his little brother. But he also has to be reminded to feed his turtle every day and that showering involves the use of soap. So would I entrust him with any great responsibility, like taking care of a baby? Probably not.
Yet I was exactly his age - in the fourth grade - the first time I babysat . . . for an infant. By the time I was 12, I was routinely sitting for multiple kids at a time - for babies, still in diapers and taking bottles, and their slightly older siblings, mobile and potty-training and getting into stuff. I thought I was mature back then, of course (and I probably was at least a little more equipped to handle the responsibility than my own fourth grader), but when I think about it now, a part of me is a bit appalled.
Granted, the world was a different place when we were growing up. I can remember freely roaming the mall alone when I was 7 or 8, waiting for my mom to finish getting her hair permed at Regis (and when your mom's hair closely resembles Peg Bundy's, that's a long process). Yet the thought of my kids being let loose on their own in the mall is literally laughable to me. File that one under "I would never." And letting them babysit someone else's children, at least at the age I started, isn't much more likely.
Look, I don't think kids that age are incapable - and if we could guarantee that nothing out of the ordinary would happen during the time they'd be watching another child, they'd probably be fine. But we all know that even in the care of an adult, things can go south pretty quickly. Everybody has a horror story about something their kid has done: cutting their own hair until it's an inch long, coloring all over the couch with a permanent marker, turning poop into finger paint for the wall. (That last one? Yeah. Mine.) And even though it could happen to anyone, we would automatically blame the sitter. That's to say nothing of more serious incidents, like choking or a bad cut or a broken bone. Things happen, but to saddle a young kid with the responsibility of handling any of those things seems not only kind of stupid, but also unfair.
Would I trust my 9-year-old to help entertain a baby in the presence of an adult? Absolutely. He's great with babies. When I was watching my neighbor's 18-month-old a few days ago, I asked him to help me out by keeping an eye on her while I finished up a little bit of work. He did so, dutifully and willingly, making sure she was out of harm's way (and keeping her laughing, to boot). But that was his only responsibility at the moment, and it was a simple one; he wasn't in charge of cutting up her food into small enough bites or changing a poopy diaper or any other more complex caretaking task. I was there to supervise and to take charge if anything serious happened. But to leave him alone - no matter how good he is - is putting an amount of responsibility on him that I'm just not sure he's equipped to handle. And if he mishandled it, heaven forbid, I don't think he's equipped to deal with that aftermath, either.
Maybe when he remembers to, say, flush the toilet with regularity, we'll talk about letting him take on more responsibility in the form of babysitting. But judging by the floaters I'm still constantly finding in the toilet when I go to the bathroom, that's going to be a good long while.
20 Songs From the 2000s That You'll Never Get Over
Music and food are two things that don't fail at bringing together all Latinos. If there's a plate of ceviche or tostones around, we all gather around the table. If there's music pumping through speakers, we all flock to dance, bop our heads, or even fist pump. There's no way a song like Enrique Iglesias's "Heroe" or any Aventura tune will come on the radio without everyone loudly singing every lyric. And though plenty of current songs have this effect on us all, there's no time like the 2000s. See our list of songs from that decade that you can't help but sing along to, then check out these TV shows that bring on all the nostalgia.
18 Cute Photos of Celebrities With Their Moms
Ay, mami! Most of us are obsessed with our moms - even if we don't want to admit it. Celebrities like Salma Hayek and Selena Gomez love to not only talk about their moms, but also attend red carpets and events with them. They were, after all, the ones who took them to auditions and stood by them as they made their Hollywood debuts.
In honor of Mother's Day, we rounded some photos of your favorite celebrities with their moms. Just wait until you see them; they will make your heart melt!
Jennifer Lopez and Her Mom Are 2 Peas in a Pod
Jennifer Lopez and her mom, Guadalupe Rodríguez, have always been tight. From helping her raise the #coconuts (that's J Lo's twins, in case you don't follow her Instagram as closely as we do) to traveling the world with her, Jen's mom is number one in her book.
"To this amazing force of nature!! My number one fan. My biggest cheerleader. The reason I am who I am today!! I LOVE YOU MOMMY!!," Jennifer captioned a photo she posted in honor of Mother's Day last year. So sweet. Keep scrolling to see the best photos of the mother-daughter duo.
24 Puerto Rican Dishes Perfect For Your Holiday Dinner
Whether you're hosting or attending a holiday dinner this year, one thing is for certain: you're already anticipating the food. The sky is the limit when it comes to getting creative during the holidays, especially as far as Latin holiday recipes are concerned. This year, why not zero in on a few traditional Puerto Rican dishes? From lechón to arroz con leche, we've got you covered with these 24 favorites.
50 Fun and Affordable Gifts For Three Kings' Day
As you're prepping (read: shopping) for the upcoming holiday season, you might as well get a head-start on Three Kings' Day - on Jan. 6, 2018. For those who aren't familiar with it, Three Kings' Day - or el Día de los Reyes Magos - is a religious holiday that commemorates the wise men's trek. Though the holiday is celebrated in various ways, one popular tradition involves family members and children leaving their shoes by the front door in the hopes that the magi will leave them small gifts and candy. We've rounded up our favorite shoe-sized gifts. Keep scrolling to find them.
Sofia Vergara's Hottest Looks Through the Years
Sofia Vergara is definitely a confident woman. The Modern Family actress is outspoken, not afraid to make fun of herself, a powerhouse when it comes to her career, and the ruler of any red carpet she steps on. The star proudly (and rightly so!) displays her curvy body in revealing outfits.
From her supersexy and wedding-worthy Marchesa gown at the 2015 Met Gala to the mermaid-inspired sequined Zuhair Murad dress she wore to the 2012 Emmy Awards, Sofia has been blessing us with her stunning body for years. Keep scrolling to take a look at her sexiest and most curve-showing outfits, then the workout routine she follows to stay fit.
16 Sweet Potato Recipes That'll Have Your Christmas Guests Asking For Seconds
One of the best parts of any family gathering is the food. Hands down! The family comes together in the kitchen and you're reminded of how you wish these celebrations happened more often. As you grow older, you also learn that the comfort of classic dishes - pernil, arroz con pollo, flan - can live happily, side by side, with more traditional Christmas additions. Here's where delicious and nutrient-packed sweet potato comes in, and these 16 yummy recipes will shine.
50 of the Sexiest Latinas in Hollywood
Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Mendes - that's just a few names that come to mind as some of the sexiest women to have ever walked this planet; and, yes, they all just happen to be Latina.
These stars' level of sexy is out of this world, so you will need to be seated before you start scrolling through our list of the hottest Latinas on the spotlight. It is that intense. No, we're not exaggerating.
But before you get it all wrong. These celebrities are not all sex appeal. They work hard and have paved their way in Hollywood through major achievements in film, music, and even behind the scenes as producers and directors. You'll see what we mean.
15 New Year's Eve Traditions That Might Guarantee Good Luck in 2017
Growing up Latina means that eating grapes at midnight on New Year's is as much of a tradition as watching the ball drop in NYC's Times Square. The details behind that ritual and many more good luck tricks practiced on that night may vary based on your background, but no matter where you're from, all of these seemingly weird activities have one thing in common - making sure you have the most positive year ever.
Here are some traditions you might want to rush into when the clock strikes midnight and announces the beginning of 2017 - you know, just in case! Bonus points if you somehow manage to do all of them at the same time - and if you do, please tell us how you did it.
1. Eat 12 grapes
Let's start with the tradition of all traditions: eating 12 grapes at midnight. Each grape gives you a chance to make a wish, and even if you don't believe all of them will come true, the eating contest is a staple that turns into a fun game to see who can finish their grapes faster and in under a minute.
2. Put money in your shoe
The easiest tradition for the whole family to take part in, even the smallest kids, is to fold a bill inside your shoe and keep it in there through midnight. Variations also include holding the money in your hand or in your pocket, and all supposedly guarantee wealth in the next 12 months.
3. Take a suitcase around the block
One of my favorite memories from being a kid is seeing my cousins and aunts walk around the block with a suitcase on New Year's Eve. Call it a coincidence, but the years they did that were always the years they traveled most, which is the goal of the tradition. I'm a believer!
4. Sip Champagne
OK, almost everyone does this, but toasting with family and friends to the New Year is a must in a Latin household. You better believe the bubbly will be poured at least 10 minutes ahead of midnight with everyone holding a glass in one hand and their grapes in the other.
5. Start the year off on your right foot
Literally. Receive Jan. 1 standing on . . . well, just your right foot, or your year will just not go that great.
6. Color-coordinate your underwear
This tradition is basically a combination of a mood ring and a cootie catcher - a color will determine your fate. Red is set to bring you good luck in love, and yellow is meant to sprinkle luck and prosperity throughout your whole year.
7. Wear your underwear inside out
Once you've settled on what color underwear you want to wear, make sure to wear it inside out, and then swap it back in the first few minutes of the New Year. The desired outcome here is to have plenty of clothes throughout the New Year.
8. Keep a bucket of water handy
A big part of the New Year is starting January with only positive vibes. To do this, many Latin families clean their house from top to bottom. You're taking this tradition to the next level if you also decide to throw a bucket of water out the door (or window).
9. Don't clean your home too much
Yes, you can do some spot cleaning and make sure everything is in order for the night of festivities, but sweeping is out of the question. You don't want to sweep away any good fortune.
10. Burn "año viejos"
When I explain this tradition to some of my friends, they don't understand why a doll is created just to be burnt at midnight, but like most traditions, this is in hopes that whatever/whoever did us wrong in 2015 stays in 2015. In Latin America, you can see these dolls burning in the street. In the US, you might want to create a miniature version and safely do this at home.
11. Choose your outfit wisely
Whether your tradition is to wear all white or wear a completely new outfit from head to toe on New Year's Eve, either will make sure that luck is on your side in 2016.
12. Make a New Year wish list
You might not write a wish list for Santa, but you're definitely writing one for the New Year. You want to make sure you have your list written out, so that you can read it to yourself at midnight.
13. Keep a handful of lentils
This tradition can be done in various ways: one option is to cook the lentils and eat them at any point on the Dec. 31. The second option is to put them in a baggie and hold them in your hand - or put them in your pocket. Either way, this gesture calls for a year of prosperity.
14. Put your candles to good use
Light candles on New Year's Eve as a way to make next year one you can really enjoy. Color is important here as well - red is for love, yellow will help with finances, and green brings good health. If you have kids in your family, have them blow out the candles as a way to ensure they work.
15. Sit and stand . . . then sit again and again
If you're looking to have someone put a ring on your finger in the New Year, sit and stand three times to up your chances of marriage.
20 Years of Jennifer Lopez's Never-Changing Looks in 20 Photos
If you think about it, Jennifer Lopez really hasn't changed at all in the past 20 years. She's still wearing revealing and body-hugging looks, experimenting with (read: making) the trends before anyone else, posing expertly on the red carpet, dancing her heart out on stage, and showing off her acting chops on TV and in movies. Not even her perfect, smooth, poreless skin has changed a single bit - seriously. While J Lo might not step out now in some of the iconic pieces she wore in the past, she would totally (and actually has) rocked others. Scroll ahead to see how little Jennifer has changed through the years.
Thanks to Selena Gomez, You Can Wear Your Sweatpants as Much as Your Heart Desires
Sometimes we just want to wear our sweatpants out in public, and Selena Gomez gets that. The songstress always finds a way to make her comfy sweats look street style appropriate, and it all comes down to how she styles them. Selena has been spotted wearing white sweat separates with a shearling Coach jacket, and she's also styled a bright blue jogger set by Cotton Citizen with a pair of cool high-top kicks. Keep reading to have a look at all the times Selena has worn the beloved closet staple and buy similar styles for yourself ahead.
This Latin Wedding Playlist Will Make All Your Guests Get Up and Dance!
Whether you're getting ready to marry another Latino or not, your wedding playlist has to include some salsa, merengue, and maybe even a little reggaeton. These 30 songs will have all your guests ready to get down and party - yes, even those who might not be as loose on the dance floor.
Source: Shutterstock
27 PDA-Filled Moments Between Salma Hayek and Her Husband, Francois-Henri Pinault
It has been eight years since Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek and her husband, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault, married on Valentine's Day in Venice, Italy, with their daughter, Valentina, at their side. Since then, Salma and Francois-Henri have attended countless fashion shows and art exhibitions, generally looking adorable, in love, and happy to show a little PDA.
In honor of the power couple, we're rounding up their sweetest public moments from as far back as the beginning of their courtship in 2006.
19 Latin Cookies Sure to Be the Hit of Your Holiday Party
Next to a little extra vacation and all the parties and gatherings, we can all agree on one of the best parts of the holiday season: the plentiful variety of desserts and cookies you can indulge in with abandon. This year, take it a step further and break away from the typical frosted sugar cookies everyone is accustomed to. We've rounded up 19 delicious Latin-inspired recipes, from Mexican polvorones to Peruvian alfajores, all of which are sure to disappear quickly. Take your pick and get baking!
10 Perfumes Your Grandma Always Talked About That Smell Amazing
If you were to catch a whiff of scents like Jean Nate or Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds today, you'd probably be transported back to memories of your Latina mom or grandma in the '80s or '90s, spritzing and dabbing while getting ready for a night of salsa dancing or just a day at home cooking and spending time with family. But those throwback perfumes don't have to just be a memory. Each is distinctive and special in its own way, and we think that just like the best vintage bags and shoes, they all deserve a moment back on the scene. Keep scrolling to see 10 old-school perfumes that we'll be wearing all season.
17 Years Later, Thalia and Tommy Mottola Continue to Prove Their Love Is Strong
Thalia and Tommy Mottola have been married for almost 17 years, and after two kids and nine Thalia albums, the couple are going strong, always right by each other's side.
Fun fact: the two were actually set up by Gloria Estefan's husband, Emilio Estefan. "He kept talking to me about a guy that he knew and I should meet him because we're like two drops of water and he kept saying the same thing to Tommy. I was like, 'What am I going to do with a guy who just got divorced and has kids?' and he was like, 'What am I going to do with a singer and an actress?'" she told HuffPost in 2011. "I was in New York for just one night, so we met for drinks and the rest is history." Clearly, Thalia and Tommy fell in love at first sight, but the two work hard at their relationship, with Thalia saying respecting each other and developing memories together are keys to their success. Their love is endless, and it totally shows in these photos.
Bella Thorne's Gym Selfies and Strong Abs Are About to Give You Serious Fitspiration
Did you promise to hit the gym every day this year, but had a hard time sticking to that resolution? Allow actress Bella Thorne to demonstrate how she managed to stick to her pledge to get fit all while working on many film and TV projects, including her new Freeform series Famous in Love.
The Cuban-American actress has been sharing her slow and steady progress with her fans on Instagram, sharing her struggles (trying to build her core strength), successes (finally seeing muscle definition), and favorite routines (from spinning to weights). While she'll be the first one to admit she has plenty of work to do - captioning photos by saying "bad form, I know" and even talking about being weak after years of skipping the gym - we admire Bella for her determination to get healthy and feel fit while juggling a busy schedule. Scroll ahead to see her best workout moments and get ready to feel inspired to grab that gym bag and tackle a sweat session.
Kate Middleton Could Learn a Thing or 2 From This Stylish European Royal
Gone are the days when queens and princesses had to be covered up in styles that made them feel constricted - Duchess Kate Middleton and Queen Letizia of Spain are just two clear examples that a royal can wear whatever she wants (even Zara). But when it comes to eclectic and adventurous looks, the queen is Máxima of the Netherlands.
The Argentinian-born ruler dresses a bit more conservatively, but still manages to play with texture, belled sleeves, scarves, and, of course, her favorite accessory: hats! Herea are just a few of the interesting looks she's worn in 2017.
17 Signs You Have a Work BFF
When you really think about it, you spend most of your life at work. You might as well get along with the people you are around most of your days. In my office, we're all pretty close - we actually want to be around each other. Pretty crazy, huh? You might even say we are work besties. Do you have a BFF at your job? Here's how to know for sure . . .
This Hot Guy's 89-Year-Old Neighbor Moved in With Him and They're the Cutest
Chris and Norma are our new favorite duo. Four years ago, 31-year-old Chris moved into the Hollywood apartment complex right across the hall from 89-year-old Norma, according to Today. She offered for him to come in for a glass of Champagne and they hit it off right then and there. Norma considers Chris to be the grandson she never had.
After Norma had to have an extended stay at the hospital, the doctors said she couldn't go back to her apartment without around-the-clock care. Chris immediately started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Norma's care, and in a month it raised over $50,000! This wouldn't be enough to take care of Norma, however, so Chris invited her and her cat, Hermes, to come live with him in his apartment.
They are so happy to be able to spend time together, and Norma is grateful for Chris's care. Take a look at all the funny and sweet moments from their time together!
27 Quotes That Will Inspire Weight Loss AND Self-Love
Making the decision to get healthy and lose weight is a big deal all in itself - so, well done! Whether you can't remember the last time you set foot in a gym or you've simply fallen off the wagon, these quotes will give you that extra push, especially when it all seems impossible. You're gorgeous anyway, but now it's time to do your body right and make it strong. If there are any takeaways, they are: everyone starts somewhere, don't compare yourself to others, and wake up every day with the purpose to kick ass!
20 Homemade Snacks to Pack on an Airplane
At the top of your list of what to pack for a trip should be something very important: snacks. Because let's face it - airplane food is not the best (there's a reason Gordon Ramsay would never eat it). Packing your favorite homemade snacks ensures you won't suffer from midflight hunger, and you'll have more energy to get through a long travel day. Skip the store-bought junk on your next trip and opt for filling snacks like smoky almonds, baked kale chips, chocolate peanut butter bites, and more homemade snacks that are fit for a plane.
31 Stars Who Made Us Feel Great About Turning 40 This Year
If you're one of the many people who turned the big 4-0 this year, you're not alone. This Is Us costars Milo Ventimiglia and Justin Hartley both hit the big milestone this year, as well as musicians Kanye West and Chris Martin. In addition to sharing the same birthday, John Cena and Kal Penn also turned 40 along with Tom Brady, Jessica Chastain, and Liv Tyler. If we didn't know any better, we'd say these stars have found the fountain of youth.
Glitter Eyeliner Is the Prettiest Way to Wear Sparkle For the Holidays
So, you've mastered the smoky eye, the winged liner, and a seductive red lip . . . unfortunately, by holiday party season, so has everyone else. If you're looking for a way to stand out this year, you're going to need a secret weapon. And for 2016, the technique you should have in your arsenal is glitter eyeliner.
Various takes on sparkly and sophisticated glitter eyeliner are sweeping across social media, dazzling Instagram beauty gurus. Even the experts are taking notice. According to Make Up For Ever's Executive Director of Education and Artistry Patrick Eichler, it's a must-try style for Winter. "The holiday season is all about shimmer, so there's no better time to turn up the sparkle in your makeup."
One of the best things about this technique is the various ways it can be customized, making it a pretty pick for less experienced gals and makeup maestros alike. For a more dramatic finish, layer the glitter liner just above a black base, add it to a smoky eye, or show off your skills with a wing worthy of Cleopatra herself.
For those seeking a more subdued style, Eichler recommends Make Up For Ever's Aqua Liners ($23), especially those with diamond finishes: "[These products] give a beautiful metallic sparkle, require no mixing, and are easy to apply. Perfect for the glitter 'newbie.'"
The finished effect can also vary due to the product chosen. Those who want a bit more sparkle can mix a glitter shadow or powder - Eichler suggests Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder ($25) - with a liquid liner or adhesive like Make Up For Ever's Aqua Seal ($21). If you really want to gleam, try the same method with loose glitter, which comes in a variety of sizes. Eichler notes that depending on whether you choose small flecks or larger chunks, "the looks [will be] different, from fairy-dust sparkle to disco-ball reflective."
Before you run to the store to snatch up some glitter, check out our favorite sparkly eyeliner looks from Instagram for inspiration.
A Cheat Sheet to Using Adaptogens to Lower Stress, Increase Energy, and Improve Digestion
Ease anxiety, boost libido, reduce bloat, enhance your skin's natural glow - do any of these benefits sound too good to be true? Well, they're not. These are all very real benefits of some magic little plants and herbs called adaptogens.
Dr. Will Cole, DC, a functional medicine practitioner from Pennsylvania, told POPSUGAR that what makes this plant family so special is that "they have a common bond of having a balancing impact on your body's immune system and hormones." Dr. Josh Axe, DC, a major proponent of natural health, echoes Dr. Cole's belief in adaptogens, especially in their ability to keep your cortisol levels in check.
Research has shown when cortisol levels are high, there is a correlation in weight gain and inflammation. Dr. Axe also said that healthy cortisol levels are the key "to looking younger, feeling younger, and being healthy." Both are fans of taking adaptogens, encouraging their patients to consider adding them to their wellness regimens for optimal well-being, as they can help lower stress levels, increase energy, and boost immunity.
If you're interested in introducing adaptogens into your own wellness regimen, this guide is a great place to start.
Ashwagandha - the Mood-Boosting Anxiety-Killer
- Can help to ease anxiety (in small studies, it's been shown to ease anxiety up to 44 percent)
- Helps to reduce stress
- May help to promote weight loss by balancing cortisol levels
- Supports your thyroid
- Can enhance your mood
Rhodiola - the Coffee Alternative
- Boosts alertness/mental performance
- Boosts seratonin levels, boosting mood
- Can help with symptoms of depression
- Supports adrenal fatigue
- Commonly used as a coffee alternative
Pearl - Your Skin's Fairy Godmother
- Rich in minerals and antioxidants
- Great source of amino acids
- Great for your skin
- Helps keep hair nourished
Maca - the Powerhouse (in and Outside of the Bedroom)
- Boosts libido
- Can aid physical performance
- Can help boost sex drive and endurance
- Boosts mood and energy
Schisandra - the Liver-Lover
- Supports your adrenals
- Contains antioxidants to help remove free radicals from your body
- Supports cancer prevention
- Reduces stress and helps to balance hormones
- Great liver support
Cordyceps - the Fountain of Youth
- Rich in antioxidants
- Helps with antiaging
- Helps fight oxidative stress
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports your liver and aids healthy detox
Holy Basil - the Stress Slayer
- Fights fatigue and stress
- Supports cancer prevention
- Boosts your immune system
- Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol
- Supports digestion and helps to reduce gas and bloat
Ginger - the Anti-Inflammatory, Immunity Booster
- Helps with digestion
- Helps prevent nausea
- Soothes sore muscles
Ginseng - the Ancient Chinese Weapon
- Full of antioxidants
- Improves brain power
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boosts endurance
- Regulates blood sugar
Astragalus - the Immune Booster
- Boosts immunity
- Helps to prevent cancer
- Aids digestion
- Promotes heart health
Licorice Root - the PMS Problem-Solver
- Relieves PMS symptoms
- Helps alleviate pain
- Helps with adrenal fatigue and high cortisol levels
- Balances gut bacteria
- Supports your liver
He Shou Wu - Your Friend . . . With Benefits
- Believed to support your hair (getting rid of grays and hair loss)
- Can boost sexual activity
- Can boost testosterone and sperm count in men
- Supports the immune system
As you can see, adaptogens are a very powerful natural medicine, and with their growing popularity, they can now be consumed in a variety of ways. Whether it's in a powder form, like with Moondeli, Sun Potion, or Moon Juice blends; topped on toast or blended in your morning shake with spreads like Pearl Butter; or simply dropped into your favorite smoothies with liquid tonics like Bioray, they're popping up all over! Which adaptogens are you eager to try out?
43 Insanely Creative Cosplays to Inspire You
From historically accurate costumes to creative combinations of different fandoms, cosplayers always find a way to make their elaborate outfits stand out. At this year's WonderCon, held in Anaheim, CA, over the weekend, cosplayers from all over the country brought their A game. Don't let their hard work go to waste, so check out these incredible cosplays and start preparing for your next con.
These 14 Sustainable Brands Will Change the Way You Shop
The topic of sustainability is one the fashion community has been discussing for years now. But there's a difference between talking and actually doing something about it. Whether it's using environmentally friendly fabrics or paying employees fair wages, many companies are taking the necessary steps to become more sustainable.
Ahead, we've curated a list of companies with a mission to create eco-friendly designs that are just as stylish as the ones you see on the runway or at your favorite fast-fashion retailers. From Where Mountains Meet to Reformation, these are the 14 feel-good brands that have set out to change the world (and the way you shop).
Gifts So Great, Your Friends Won't Even Know They're Healthy
If you're trying to get a friend or relative to hop on board the healthy train, you want to be sure not to overstep your boundary and give a gift that could potentially offend. A fitness DVD titled Cardio For the Overweight will definitely send the message that you think they need to lose weight - not exactly spreading holiday cheer, are we?
You just want to offer a healthy gift in a way that's thoughtful, sensitive, and effective. Here are some picks that are sure to inspire a healthy lifestyle without offending the receiver.
Why Your Favorite Game of Thrones Characters Will Probably Be Separated in Season 8
With each passing day, we inch closer to the premiere of Game of Thrones season eight. Of course, with the premiere not slated until sometime in 2019, we still have quite some time. Luckily, a few choice details about the final season have started to trickle out courtesy of the HBO fantasy epic's cast. In addition to Sophie Turner's recent insight into the finale's script and how much filming they have left, John Bradley - who plays Samwell Tarly - spoke to TV Guide about the characters we'll see in season eight. Or rather, where we'll see them.
"These characters are so detailed and so rich, you can feel that you've got a pretty good handle on your character. You can predict how your character will react in any given circumstance, but when you place these characters in a new environment, it's always putting them under a microscope, and you constantly have to reexamine your character," Bradley said. "Each of the characters this year is placed in a completely alien environment at some point in the season that they've never been placed in before. The thrill is seeing how they react to it and how they respond . . . This season, I think, more than any other is stretching these characters."
The suggestion that the characters will be put in "completely alien environments" is what has us hung up - does it simply mean that we'll see Daenerys heading to King's Landing and that Jaime will make a trek up to Winterfell? Or could it mean that we'll see some of our favorite, recently reunited characters - like Dany and Jon Snow, and Sansa and Arya - separated once more? Bradley might consider that possibility a "thrill," but we're banking on the former.
Regardless of how season eight shakes out, it seems like waiting an eternity for the premiere will be worth it.
"The stakes definitely feel ramped up," Bradley continued. "We know that we've got a real job to do. This has been a part of people's lives for so many years. This is our eighth season, and we are kind of feeling the pressure to get it right because we want to satisfy people. We want to give people a payoff that they're going to be happy with. We know how militantly passionate the fans of this show can be - in a good way - and we just kind of want to give them an ending that they deserve."
These 30+ Costco Deals Are About to Make Your Holiday Shopping So Much Cheaper
Costco just released its 2017 holiday savings catalog, which means your gift shopping is about to get a whole lot savvier. New deals will be available throughout the month, but here are 30+ standouts - from snacks and kitchen appliances to furniture and electronics - from the first round of sales. Many of the deals expire in a few days, so jump on the savings while you can!
36 Celebrity Friendship Moments That Will Make You Feel Better About 2017
2017 may not have been all that we hoped for, but thankfully, we have plenty of celebrity friendship moments to be grateful for. From Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet's Titantic reunion with Billy Zane to Jimmy Fallon "bro-biking" with Justin Timberlake, this year definitely taught us what true friendship looks like. Take a look back at some of the best moments from 2017.
Net Neutrality Was Just Repealed - Here's What That Means For You
Net neutrality - or the right to a free, open internet - took a massive hit on Dec. 14 when federal regulators voted to repeal the Obama-era rules that prohibited telecommunications companies from commodifying the web into "fast" and "slow" lanes and from blocking access to certain websites and applications. With a 3-2 majority among the voting commissioners, Republicans took home a victory for the Trump administration's war on regulation. But just because it's on the Trump agenda doesn't mean that it's an issue that the GOP felt strongly about repealing. Instead, the vast majority of Americans - including four out of every five Republicans - were very much against this sort of repeal on the basis that it does far, far more harm than good. Ultimately, the driving motivation for those tasked with the decision was not making the internet better for consumers but increasing revenue for companies like Comcast and Verizon.
But what does this decision mean for us, as people who use the internet?
Firstly, it's important to note that we likely won't start feeling the brunt of the repeal in the next few weeks, or even months - at the end of the day, we're still talking about bureaucracy, and a decision of this magnitude doesn't appear on paper overnight. But once the decision has been fully entered into the federal register, internet service providers will then be able to carve out restrictions around the way we access, consume, and use the internet. At that point, companies will be able to take anticompetitive actions (slower speeds, fees for access) against platforms like Netflix and Hulu in order to drive consumers back to having monthly cable services and bundles, and, even more frighteningly, they'll be able to dictate the speed at which we can access certain parts of the web without having to explain themselves for it. That means that in a worst-case scenario, socially driven movements could have their online presence silenced (or, at the very least, slowed down) if their interests do not align with those of the cable providers, and there would be no repercussions for it.
Not all is lost just yet, though. We're now facing down what's sure to be a messy, widespread battle being fought not only in courtrooms across the country but on the floor of Congress as well. Ultimately, this means that now more than ever, it's crucial that we draw as much attention to this issue as possible - through calling representatives, staging protests, and taking action through the myriad organizations that will soon spring up to fight this - because the only way to ensure that this does not get pulled off as is is to make sure that it does not leave the news. There are a number of different lawsuits that are expected to be filed, and Congress has already started receiving bills to backtrack the action. But unless constant pressure is being put on those decision makers who have the power to change net neutrality's fate, it could be pushed aside for other pressing issues or used as an inappropriate bargaining chip in an already-gridlocked Congress.
For now, make your voice heard - and don't accept the fate of a blocked, gridlocked internet. We've come way too far to let this be decided by three individuals in a hearing, and as things develop, we will be sure to provide you with any and all actions you can take to ensure that we're able to keep the internet that we all deserve.
Messenger Just Added an Augmented Reality Feature and It's Freakin' Awesome
Augmented reality - better known as AR - is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives, mainly through the apps we use the most. The most recent app to take the plunge into the world of future tech? Facebook's Messenger, which on Dec. 12 announced a brand-new AR-focused feature: World Effects. Now, instead of just sending your loved ones a static image or standard video, you can spice up your messages with 3D objects that can be dropped anywhere in the vicinity of the camera in your device.
"World Effects technology enables you to drop 3D objects into your surroundings to capture and share fun moments with your family and friends," the Facebook post announcing the new feature reads. "For example, add a 3D heart floating over someone's head and then try panning your phone's camera from side to side. Or use an arrow to point to an exact object or location in a panorama so your friend knows what you're referring to. Or better yet, add a new fun, celebratory robot to an otherwise every-day setting and spice things up a bit. (Hint: be sure to try the robot out with your phone's volume turned up - the robot plays three different kinds of music!)"
To get started with World Effect, simply open the camera in your Messenger app and scroll to the type of 3D image you'd like to drop in the scene - currently, you can choose from a heart, an arrow, a robot, several different word bubbles, and a unicorn - and then tap your screen to let it loose on the world. And here's a hot tip: there's no easier way to let a long-distance friend or family member know you're thinking about them than by sending them a video message (complete with 3D objects and all!) this holiday season - and if you're already messing around with Messenger, why not take the opportunity to have a little fun with it?
Sip on Any of These Teas to Stop Your Bloating in Its Tracks
When bloating comes out of nowhere and ruins your life day, you're left frantically searching for the best cure to banish your belly. There are actually many ways to relieve bloating, but one of our favorites is with a hot cup of tea. Certain herbs and roots have properties that can alleviate inflammation and distress in your gastrointestinal tract, therefore helping to eliminate the distention in your lower abdomen. Here are some go-to recommendations not just from us, but also from the tea experts themselves. While there may not be much scientific evidence proving that tea relieves bloating or GI issues, it can certainly be a holistic supplemental practice that helps you along the way.
Dandelion
Kristina Richens, certified tea expert and minister of commerce at The Republic of Tea, told POPSUGAR that this floral tea "can help eliminate excess water weight" and noted that "this small, yellow flower dots meadows around the world, [but] its roots are known as a powerhouse of healthy benefits" within naturopathic and homeopathic medicine. "The dandelion's use traces back to the 10th century, when Arabian physicians revered the root for its cleansing properties and as a natural aid for digestion."
Fennel
Slightly licorice-esque in taste, fennel is an anti-inflammatory and can help relax the muscles in your GI tract, which can ease an upset stomach and help with bloating.
Ginger
Ginger is something of a digestive cure-all. You can make your own ginger tea at home or brew up something in a bag. Billy Dietz, tea specialist at DavidsTea, recommends a blend called Le Digestif that combines some debloating powerhouses: "a mix of apple mint, fennel, ginger, and peppermint."
Lemon
While not a "tea" per se, a hot cup of lemon water does wonders for digestion and bloating. If you need a little more oomph in your morning hot cup, try adding some fresh-squeezed lemon to lemon-peel tea or metabolism-boosting green tea and let the distention melt away.
Chamomile
Yes, chamomile will help you sleep and de-stress, but did you know chamomile is also a powerful anti-inflammatory? Dr. Andrew Weil (creator of the anti-inflammatory diet) recommends this herbal brew for upset stomachs, indigestion, and even menstrual pain.
Krysten Ritter on Her Debut Novel, Jessica Jones, and the Power of Complex Female Protagonists
Krysten Ritter made a name for herself by portraying some of the fiercest female characters in pop culture history. It should come as no surprise, then, that her debut novel carries that same level of strength and complexity on every single page. Bonfire tells the story of Abby Williams, a Chicago lawyer who returns to her hometown of Barrens, IN, to investigate the corrupt multinational company that also happens to be the economic lifeline of her home - and finds that the scandal she's now found herself knee-deep in might have its roots in something far, far closer to her heart than she ever could've imagined.
Abby's present-day investigation is interwoven with the memories of her painful teenage years, and Ritter's prose moves back and forth between the two gracefully, demonstrating that perhaps Abby hasn't moved on as much as she might have once believed and showing the lasting effect that bullying and trauma can have on even the strongest among us. As Abby confronts her demons one by one, it becomes clear that she's one hell of a complicated lady - and a protagonist that's so damn appealing that it's hard not to read the whole book in one sitting.
I spoke with Krysten Ritter by phone on the day before Bonfire hit shelves nationwide on Nov. 7. In addition to sharing a bit more about the inspiration behind the book and her process, we spoke at length about the pressures that girls and women face in 2017 - bullying, peer pressure, and ungodly expectations among them - and what she hopes that readers will take away from her brilliant debut.
On the inspiration behind Bonfire, and how the book came to be:
"I was originally kicking it around as a TV idea; I wanted to have this strong female protagonist go back home to her small town - one that's similar to the one that I'm from - and then this crazy event happens around a bonfire, and then everybody in the town is working to cover it up. I'm from a small town, and there are parts of the country that just don't get looked at as much today. Remember that documentary, Making a Murderer? I got kick out of that, because that part of the country kind of looks like where I'm from, and what was happening to that guy and everybody kind of working together to cover all this shit up . . . I found that so fascinating, and I wanted to play with that area."
"So the idea started as a TV pitch, like a kernel of an idea, and then it grows into an 11- or 12-page treatment, and then I pitched it to my agent in addition to several other ideas. Because it had the parallel storyline of the teen set - I love teenagers, I love playing with the social life of teenagers, so that was really important to me - I wanted the book to live in the YA universe, but also be for adults. I wanted it to go either way, for it to be readable for young adults, but since we're also reading young adult books as adults, I wanted it to be both things. So their first instinct was, 'Oh, maybe you could get rid of the teen-set storyline?' and I was like, 'Well, that's kind of like the most important part.' The most important thing to me in this book is my main character, and the stuff that she's running from and going back and dealing with it. I can't just lift the parallel storyline of the teenagers; that would ruin it, that's what the whole thing is based on."
"So I was thinking more about it and I really loved this idea, and I loved the character, and I'm thinking about all these TV pitches and that everybody wants something to be based on a book - everybody is trying to option books, and selling is getting harder and harder - people are buying less and less, but if there's existing intellectual property that's proven . . . then you have a leg up. It was kind of like a sappy, savvy business idea at first to do it as a book. And then I could sell it as a TV show or a movie."
On how we can stop young girls from being bullied and how to change the narrative:
"I've thought a lot about this. There's a lot of things that we can do as women. By straight up being nicer to each other. By putting great characters like this on screen, and people feeling represented and heard and OK in their own stuff, makes people feel OK. Maybe we don't always have to wear fake eyelashes and big barrel curls. Maybe we don't have to always have a fake f*cking tan and feel pressure to look really sexy all the time. When I go out of the house, I don't have anything on my face, I have my hair up, I have like jeans and a f*cking jacket. The more we show real sides of women as they are, that's going to continue to feel normal and feel good."
"Think about years ago, when Modern Family came out. You have this amazing, loving, supportive gay couple on screen who are amazing and fun - in people's houses every week, maybe in households who don't see that all the time. And then it becomes normal. They become used to seeing it and it's no longer a thing, and it's like, 'Great.'"
"In the past couple of years, there's been more left-of-center, not-perfect women on screen. And now we're all kind of like, 'Oh, yeah, totally.' Everyone's kind of catching on, getting on that thing, and aching for it. That creates change, even if it's only a handful of people at a time. Movies, TV, and books have a way of moving society forward, kind of subconsciously."
On the writing process and falling in love with it:
"Once I started writing, I fell so in love with the process - because it felt like all of my favorite parts of getting ready to play a great role. It felt like all of my favorite parts of character development, and I also got to do it from the comfort of my own house, at my kitchen table, or in bed. So I started with my character, and my setting, and kind of went from there."
"It started as a couple-page treatment, then an 11-page treatment, than a 15-page, 18-page outline, and then that keeps growing and it's a 40-page outline and then it moves from there to my corkboard and index cards and to me plotting out scenes. I call chapters scenes, because that's how I see them. Because I'm an actor, so I think about things in terms of scenes. My chapters are really short, too, like I get in and I get out - you know? That's me bringing my tools that I've acquired along the way in my career."
On the similarities between Abby Williams, Jessica Jones, and Krysten Ritter:
"Here's the similarity: I play both characters. I play Jessica Jones, but as far as I'm concerned, I play this role too. And I use myself as a way in, always, whether I'm writing or acting or developing or just producing. I use real feelings, then of course embellish and create and imagine and riff, and it becomes something else. But I always use myself and try to relate to real psychology, real physicality, real feelings, real visuals for my stuff to make it real. They have that in common."
"I also think that they're both strong, complicated, complex women - which I think we all are, which I think I am, and I'm sure you are. She could be compared to any messy female protagonist who isn't perfect and isn't pretty, and I think people want to see more characters like that because it's real. Because we're not just one thing. We all have some stuff, you know what I mean?"
On the research and know-how required to write a complex character:
"All of the legal stuff requires a lot of research, and a lot of putting a little 'TK' for yourself to ask for help or go back to it. And then there's overwriting, as much as possible. In doing Jessica Jones - Jessica is a private investigator, so she does a lot of investigative work - it's interesting to see how you have a character go and ask for something and not just get the right answer to be able to move forward. I would see the writers in all the episodes that I've done find clever ways of doing that. So I was already thinking about ways for Abby to get information that weren't super easy, so it didn't feel like an episode of Law & Order . . . because in that, you go through and you ask questions, and you get the right answers, and you keep going. So that's something I was kind of aware of, because I'd seen it first hand in working on Jessica Jones and reading all the scripts and seeing how clever the writers were with coming up with stuff. So it was something that was on my radar."
"But the legal stuff . . . you have to research and research and I was finding myself researching it and then immediately explaining it, like, 'Oh, this is how you get a subpoena' and then I'd explain it, and it was reading kind of like VCR instructions - but then it's like, 'OK, right, I'm writing this in detail because I don't actually know - I'm doing the research, I'm explaining it for myself, but Abby would know these things,' so ultimately it's really about overwriting it and then - something my editors were always pointing out, 'slashing it.' I would go back through and slash it, too. I'd be like, 'Whoa, this section is real boring - let's get in and get out, let's get out of this much quicker,' and throw away even more. Because when you're well-versed in a subject, you have shorthand with it. So it was kind of like doing all the research and then getting rid of it."
"And obviously the legal stuff and the corporate corruption kind of ends up being a red herring. For me, the most important thing is the emotional life. Abby ran away from her past, and now 10 years later, she's an adult and the mechanics and systems that she's put in place for herself no longer work. And that happens for all of us. So that was the most important thing for me - and the setting being authentic, and representing a real feeling of where I'm from and what was true to me."
On the beauty of short chapters in novels:
"When I'm reading a chapter and I'm in bed, or it's almost time for bed, I'll look ahead and be like, 'Oh, I only have two more pages, I'll finish this chapter.' And then I look at the next one and I'm like, 'Well, the next one's only three or four pages, so I think I'm gonna read that one too.' It kind of tricks you into keeping reading and it keeps your attention span, I think - and it also kept my attention span when I was writing it. I would work on the book in chunks of chapters. I would start with chapters one through three, work with that as if it was a self-contained story, over and over and over, write down crap, go back and rewrite it, sit on it, sleep on it, wake up, do it again, and then move on - and then start stringing it together. So even for me, working on short chapters made me feel like I could get more done or a sense of accomplishment or something."
On the pressures young girls feel today and the consequences of that pressure:
"I don't know if you saw this documentary that came out two years ago, Audrie and Daisy, on Netflix? It is REALLY hard to watch. I saw it, and it made me want to make it stop it; it made me want to speak out. It's about these two girls who were totally taken advantage of, encouraged to drink a lot - if they didn't then they were p*ssies or losers, and the boys would then get the girls really drunk, expose them, and take pictures of them. And one of them killed herself."
"And you're like - why is this happening? Why is this OK? The boys didn't even get in trouble, so why are we treating girls like this? Why are we not doing more? Why do girls feel like they have to do anything to feel pretty and liked? Why do girls have to feel like they have to do that to have value? It's just getting worse, too, with social media, with Facebook and all this stuff. It's really hard out there for girls. But culturally, we're feeling a big shift . . . and it just feels like it's gotten bad, maybe in the way that everything gets worse before it gets better. Maybe the worst is over - I don't know, I'm optimistic. But I can't help but think that there's good change happening right now."
On what's next:
"I finished [the second season of] Jessica Jones like four minutes ago, and my book comes out tomorrow . . . but I'm already thinking about ways to continue the story. Maybe it's not Abby specifically, maybe it is, I don't know - but I'd love to continue on her emotional journey. What that looks like, what's next after you do go back and deal with something that you've been burying for so long and overcome it, what's next when you take that step forward. Obviously at the end we see her driving off with Barrens in her rearview mirror . . . so again, I don't know if it's Abby. But I'd love to explore the emotional throughline of that."
Here's What Tonya Harding's Ex-Husband, Jeff Gillooly, Looks Like IRL
Image Source: Everett Collection
Now that I, Tonya is in theaters, we're finally revisiting one of the most riveting and intensely public feuds in figure skating history. When it comes to telling the "truth," the trailers for the film have already made it clear that this is a loose-at-best representation of what may or may not have really happened. Even so, it's still fun to look back at the real individuals who were involved in the scandal and to compare them to the actors and actresses who play them on screen. Case in point: Harding's boyfriend then husband then ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, who is portrayed by Gossip Girl alum and current Marvel antihero Sebastian Stan.
Stan depicts Gillooly as a quiet, initially well-meaning mess. He has clear anger problems and contributes to the cycle of physical and emotional abuse that Harding seems to be trapped in. In some ways, I, Tonya attempts to redeem Gillooly: the narrative sets out to absolve Gillooly of the crime by pinning the actual physical violence of the plan on Shawn Eckardt. It's clear there's a romanticized aspect of the domestic violence he inflicts on Harding, as well. In the end, though, Gillooly still appears to be a villain and an abuser. He even apologizes for his infamous mustache.
Image Source: Getty / Chris Wilkins
It turns out, Stan isn't far off from Gillooly in the looks department. Even the respective mustaches look pretty spot-on. As a bonus, the real Gillooly met Sebastian Stan in real life before filming began. "He picked the restaurant, so we went there, we sat down, and the first thing he said to me was, 'So, why would anyone want to do this?' Like, 'Why would you want to do this? Why would you want to be in this movie?'" Stan recalled in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "I was like, 'Oh! Well, uh, you know, the script was really great, and it's such a wild story,' and then I remember him saying something like, 'Yeah, but no one's ever gonna want to see this. No one's ever gonna pay attention.'"
Let the record show that Gillooly did, in fact, enjoy the mustache. "I think he saw a picture of me as him with the mustache, and he wrote to me and he said something like, 'Well, nice mustache! You might bring that into fashion, something I never could have done,'" Stan said. "It was funny."
Image Source: Getty / Eugene Garcia
12 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn't Know About Titanic
It's been two decades since Jack and Rose's ill-fated romance broke our hearts and turned "never let go" into the most romantic vow one could make. At the time of filming, Titanic was the most expensive movie ever made, and no one could have predicted the monstrous success headed its way. The blockbuster went on to become the highest grossing film of all time (before being dethroned by James Cameron's 2009 film Avatar), and has entered the pop cultural zeitgeist as one of the essential films to see before you die. But even after dissecting the film, its stars, and the real-life events that inspired it, there are still some things about the movie that remain endlessly fascinating. Here are 12 interesting facts about Titanic!
1. There Was Almost a Different Jack and Rose
It's impossible to imagine the film without Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, but rumor has it they were not the first choices for their characters. Gwyneth Paltrow and Matthew McConaughey were reportedly in talks to star before things fell through. With that said, don't expect James Cameron to reveal the truth. "I will neither confirm nor deny," he said. "I just don't think that's cool to talk about actors that either chose not to do it, or were unavailable, or stupidly decided that there wasn't enough meat on the bone of the character, or whatever it was."
2. Winslet REALLY Wanted the Part
In order to secure the lead role, Winslet reportedly got ahold of director James Cameron's number and called to tell him, "I just have to do this, and you are really mad if you don't cast me." She'd go on to deny doing this years later, but admitted to sending him roses with a note signed, "From Your Rose" after her audition. "Jim took a risk in casting me," she said. "A lot of my contemporaries - Uma Thurman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Winona Ryder - were much more likely candidates. I got lucky."
3. DiCaprio Got Crabby on the Set
Fourteen-hour days are rough for anyone, so it's understandable that Leo would have moments of weakness amidst his 70-90-hour work weeks. While filming that famous dinner party scene in which his character coins the phrase "Make it count," he reportedly leaned over to Kathy Bates and asked (while pointing at the cutlery),"Which one of these do I use to lobotomize myself?" A 1998 Vanity Fair article also quotes him as being less than thrilled on a different day. "[DiCaprio] was sick of the brown land, the mariachi merriment, and Cameron's big tub," the story read. So one day "he ambled over to the set, took a good look at the four soundstages, the 17-million-gallon water tank, the smokestacks rising majestically against the sky, the hordes of extras running around in period clothes - and thought, 'This is bullshit.'"
4. Cameron Was Extremely Thorough
The director went through great lengths to ensure the film's authenticity, and his thoroughness extended to the movie's characters . . . even the extras. "One night toward the climax - it was 4:30 a.m. - and the ship is dipping into the very chilly Pacific waters, and 2,000 people are scrambling toward the stern, [Cameron] yells, 'Cut!'" Billy Zane, who played Cal, recalled. "Climbs onto the deck from the crane basket swinging him around with the sky cam, goes up to an extra, who's this old lady, and says, 'You're not just running. You need to go down to the sea deck because your daughter told you she forgot something very dear, her wedding ring, and she's going down there and you gave her five minutes, and she's taken 10, and you regret making that choice.' He's giving backstory to a background artist, which elevated the moment for her and spread like wildfire to the other extras." Neat.
5. The Director Has Settled the Door Debate
The last half of the film finds Rose on a floating door, while Jack remains submerged. The moment has sparked heated a debate over the years: "Why didn't they just take turns? There was room for him on that thing," and so on. Now, consider those arguments settled because Cameron has provided the definitive answer. "Look, it's very, very simple: you read page 147 of the script and it says, 'Jack gets off the board and gives his place to her so that she can survive.' It's that simple." If the director says it is so, then so it shall be.
6. Jack Had an Unexpected Hand Double
Perhaps one of the most romantic (and most quoted) scenes of the film is when Rose asks Jack to draw her like one of his French girls. However, the hands you see on screen don't belong to DiCaprio. Since he's more of an actor than an illustrator, Cameron stepped in to do the actual sketching.
7. J. Dawson Was Real
Jack Dawson might have been a fictional character but, as it turns out, there was a J. Dawson aboard the real ship. It's a mere coincidence that the two share such similar names because Cameron didn't find out about the latter until after the film wrapped. Since its release, the real Dawson's gravesite has been extremely popular among tourists.
8. Jeremy Sisto Was Nearly Cast
Could you imagine? Nope, me neither. But before Leonardo DiCaprio signed onto the film, Clueless hunk Jeremy Sisto did a screen test with Kate Winslet. However, they didn't have much chemistry and he was soon let go. "It was exciting to be a part of the process," he said. "To be involved in something that had that kind of scope - anything James Cameron does has this huge scope to it. He's trying to push the limits on things. So I was just insanely inspired by it and a little heartbroken when the role didn't come my way."
9. Lindsay Lohan Almost Had a Part
Yep, you read that correctly. The Parent Trap star, who was 8 at the time, was supposed to play Jack's "best girl" Cora, but Cameron thought her red hair made her look too similar to Rose and her mother Ruth.
10. Celine Dion's Hit Song Wasn't Originally Planned
For the soundtrack, Cameron only wanted songs without words. Things changed when composer James Horner hooked up with lyricist Will Jennings and singer Celine Dion to secretly create a demo for "My Heart Will Go On," which Cameron loved. The song made it into the closing credits, and the rest is history.
11. Titanic Holds a Unique Record
These days, movies tend to disappear from the theater after a month and a half. Back then, they were around for months. Titanic, which was released on Dec. 19, 1997, was still in theaters when it also came out on VHS on Sept. 1, 1998. It's the first and probably only film to accomplish such a feat.
12. The Crew Was Reportedly Drugged
After a long and difficult shoot, the cast and crew were nearly ready to wrap when many of them came down with a mysterious illness. Fifteen minutes after eating lobster chowder, "the crew was all milling about. Some people were laughing, some people were crying, some people were throwing up," actor Bill Paxton recalled. "One minute I felt okay," he added, "the next minute I felt so goddamn anxious I wanted to breathe in a paper bag. Cameron was feeling the same way." It turns out that someone had spiked their food with PCP. To this day, no one knows the culprit behind it.
The Best New Character in Star Wars: The Last Jedi Dies in the First Scene
Warning: incredibly sad Star Wars: The Last Jedi spoilers below.
Resistance gunner Paige Tico is barely on screen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. She has very few lines and a sliver of backstory, and she dies mere minutes after being introduced. And yet, Paige ends up being one of the biggest highlights of the latest installment in the intergalactic franchise.
Despite her scene only taking up one one-hundredth of The Last Jedi's two and a half hour runtime, I found myself incredibly moved by her sacrifice to save the Resistance. Paige, played by Vietnamese actress Veronica Ngo, is later revealed to be the sister of Rose Tico, Finn's new partner in crime and a member of the support crew that keeps the Resistance starfighters flying. While Rose is clearly the stronger character given the fact she has a huge role, I'd argue that Paige's gut-wrenching death sets the tone for the rest of the movie.
In the opening scene, the Resistance takes a stand against the First Order by sending a fleet of bombers loaded with explosives to destroy one of Supreme Leader Snoke's biggest ships, a Dreadnought. It doesn't take the First Order long to catch on to the Republic's strategy, and they begin taking out the Republic's cumbersome, slow-moving bombers with ease. Ship after ship explodes, incinerating not only the Resistance pilots within with the bombs meant for their enemies, but also their small chance for escape. Finally, there is only one ship left with the bombs necessary to take out the First Order fleet bearing down on them. It takes a hit, but is, for the most part, intact. As it inches closer and closer to its target, the gunner aboard - Paige Tico - calls up to the pilot above to press the button that will release the bombs and destroy their enemy.
But he doesn't respond.
Paige climbs up the ladder to the cockpit and finds him knocked out on the floor. Just as she reaches for the button, which is on a small remote, their bomber takes another hit and she plummets down the ladder onto the small platform below. The remote, however, is left dangling off a ledge at the top of the ladder, 20 feet above her. With time quickly running out and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) shouting in her earpiece to get the job done, Paige - who has been incapacitated by her fall - begins kicking the bottom of the ladder, hoping that the vibrations will knock the remote off the ledge and into her hand below.
At first, her method doesn't work and all seems lost. Until (until!) Paige screams "come on" and kicks the ladder one last time. The remote falls. She clutches her gold, half-moon-shaped necklace to her chest, closes her eyes, and pushes the button. The bombs drop and destroy the First Order ship below to rapturous applause from Paige's comrades. Unfortunately it's too late for the Republic bomber - the last we see of her, she's peacefully sinking into the flames below, eyes still closed.
Before you start, no, the death of a near-anonymous new character can never compare to the shocking loss of Luke Skywalker or Han Solo. Those are characters we've had decades to admire, bond with, and fall in love with. Even so, Paige's death is emblematic of The Last Jedi's entire message and a spectacular way to begin the film. Like Luke, she makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the ones she loves most; she ensures the spark of hope for a better world continues to burn, even if she has to die for it.
We see that in action later on in the film when her sister, Rose, nearly dies herself to save the life of a new friend. "That's how we'll win," she tells them breathlessly the middle of a massive battle. "Not by fighting what we hate, but by saving what we love." It's an act of extreme bravery that echoes the earlier scene with Paige, confirming that her sister did not die in vain; Paige's death is what sets everything in motion, spurring Rose's fighting spirit on and convincing her she can be just as important of a hero as her idol, Finn. The fact that Rose and Paige get some of the most meaningful scenes in the film as women - women of color - makes their presence that much more powerful.
The Tico sisters are unquestionably a welcome and necessary addition to the Star Wars universe. They join well-written female characters like Rey, General Leia Organa, and Admiral Holdo in Rian Johnson's feminist Star Wars film, which will hopefully draw in and inspire a whole new generation of empowered fans.
Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" Remix With Andrea Bocelli Is Straight Up Magic
Ed Sheeran continues to prove he can duet with literally anyone. The 26-year-old English crooner teamed up with world-renowned Italian classical tenor Andrea Bocelli for a "Perfect Symphony" that's just straight up magic to your ears. The latest remix comes after his "Perfect" duet with Queen Bey shot to number one on the Billboard charts earlier this week.
Sheeran teased his Bocelli collaboration on Instagram before its release, writing, "Orchestral version of 'Perfect' with the amazing Andrea Bocelli comes out Friday. Orchestrated and produced by my super talented brother Matt, little gift for you all before Christmas". Listen to it in full (and on repeat as much as you would like) ahead.
Here's the Actual Footage of the Moments You See in I, Tonya
With less than a week in theaters, I, Tonya is already an award season force to be reckoned with. Coming off a smashing box office opening, the film has already received three Golden Globe nominations and five Critics' Choice nods. It's an exceptional film in many ways: it bends cinematic rules by breaking the fourth wall, it boasts an electrifying soundtrack and dazzling performances . . . and it gives a beguiling spin on the most contentious scandal in US figure-skating history.
The question in a situation like this, of course, is how much of I, Tonya can we really trust? Well, if you look back on the news coverage and other footage from the time, it's pretty clear how closely the film attempts to hew to reality. So, pushing aside the moments that might contain a dash of creative license, these scenes seem to really bring the story to life in a fantastic and realistic way.
Doug Jones, the Man Behind Shape of Water's Monster, Finally Gets to Play the Leading Man
Image Source: Getty / Jason LaVeris
There are levels to Guillermo del Toro's latest masterpiece, The Shape of Water. You just have to plunge into the world and swim deep enough to discover them. On the whole, the astonishing new film has so much going for it. It's visually dazzling, rounding out intricate sets with bold color palettes and stunning detail. And then there's the creature at the center of the adult fairy tale: a sea monster that's been discovered in the depths of the Amazon River.
While the sea monster as its own character is a remarkable sight to behold, perhaps even more intriguing is the man inside the suit. The monster is played by veteran creature actor Doug Jones. Not only does Jones have an illustrious and voluminous career that stretches nearly 30 years, but he's also appeared in a ton of other Guillermo del Toro films. They first worked together on Mimic in the late '90s, and Jones then went on to play El Fauno in Pan's Labyrinth, Abe Sapien in both Hellboy films, and, yep, the ghostly figure known as Edith's mother in Crimson Peak. But with his role in The Shape of Water, Jones is stepping into the spotlight more than ever before.
Image Source: Everett Collection
This film marks the first time Jones has played a "leading man" kind of role, so to speak. Ahead of the film's release, I spoke on the phone with Jones, who was refreshingly humble from the get-go ("It always boggles my mind that anybody wants to talk to me," he said with a laugh). Even during just this short conversation, you can tell how much Jones related to his character's story. And yes, we discussed the sexual aspect of the film, which even I wasn't totally on board with until Jones broke it down.
To be frank, I don't really think I truly understood the depth of the story until I spoke to Jones. He has a highly intelligent and beautiful way of looking at the Shape of Water, one that inevitably changes how you view the film entirely.
Image Source: Fox Searchlight
POPSUGAR: You were really put to task in this film, and in quite a unique way. What was it like getting into this character compared to all the others?
Doug Jones: I've been acting for 30 years now; much of it has been under prosthetic rubber and silicone, right? So, what made this movie different, for me, was that when Guillermo presented it - the idea to me of playing the creature in it for him - he said I was to be the romantic leading male of the movie. And I tilted my head and said, "Huh?" [Laughs] So, that was new and different for me. And it did put a certain gravity on it for me and a certain pressure and a healthy fear. I think I had a healthy fear of playing this role that really made me try to bring whatever A-game I had.
PS: I mean, what was that acting process like? How do you approach a scene as a sea monster?
DJ: I have a background as a mime all the way back in college. So having some mime training and learning that so much communication between human beings, even if you take the creature element out of it, we as humans, we communicate so much visually. But a very large percentage of our communication is visual. You can say, "Good morning, Mom." And the facial expression you put with it, the gestures you put with it, the posture, the tone of voice, it all communicates far more than those three words do, you know? So take the words away, and you still have a lot of communication. You do.
PS: Oh, absolutely.
DJ: Touch is a pure form of communication that you can't lie through. Words can be twisted and words can be faked, but touch can't be. If someone touches you with genuine affection for you, you know it and you feel it. And if they don't, you can feel that too. So when these two, this woman and this fish/man creature touch each other, there's a purity in it and a true romance that buds out of that . . . and honestly, what made it easier for me, this nondialogue communication, was playing opposite Sally Hawkins.
PS: Oh my god, she was incredible!
DJ: Oh, she's magical . . . Something [about] when the camera rolls and "action" is called, the crew goes away, the equipment goes away, and what you're left with is this beautiful human being in front of you that is living and breathing a scene like you, and you're in the moment. You're living life with her.
Image Source: Everett Collection
PS: I love that. You know, I think something that really struck me in the film, outside of the love story, was the presence of racism and homophobia. How do you think these themes weave into the primary story?
DJ: Every character in this movie is somebody other than mainstream, other than normal. Whatever was considered normal in 1962, right? You have Sally Hawkins playing the mute. That would be considered disabled, and so nobody knew how to talk to her. So, back in that era, they didn't. And her best friend, Octavia Spencer's character Zelda, is a black woman in 1962 and all that came with that. And then her neighbor across the hallway is a middle-aged gay man who is not able to say so out loud. Everybody has their issues of the day to deal with . . . We're on our own level in our own way with the obstacles of the day of being other than and different than. But instead of having to change, there's beauty that can be found in all of it.
These 21 Star Wars Gifts Are Out of This World - and Perfect For All Ages
Star Wars obsession knows no age minimum or limit, so it's the safest of safe bets for holiday gifting - especially with the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi (can you even stand it?!). Whether you need stocking stuffers for kids, homeware for your bestie, or an apron for your grandma, these out-of-this-world gifts have you covered.
25 Killer Gifts For The Walking Dead Superfans
The Walking Dead has been devastating of late (well, OK, it's always devastating), but you can still brighten up the holidays for any fan of the show with this gift guide. Whether you're looking for a replica of one of the show's badass props or some ridiculously awesome games, we've got it. No, we can't give you The Walking Dead gift you really want, so one of these gifts will have to do.
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