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.
mardi 9 janvier 2018
21 Baby Registry Items You Can't Live Without - All on Amazon and Under $200
If you've been putting off creating a baby registry because of the sheer volume of things people say you should absolutely buy, you're not alone. There's a lot you should get, and even more you likely can skip. To make the process easier, we've gone ahead and found 21 essentials to help get you started. While this certainly isn't everything you'll need (you'll likely learn new things once you meet your baby and see what they like and dislike), it's a great jumping-off point. So get searching and feel free to add it all to your registry . . . or cart. The best part about this list is that everything is from Amazon, so orders and returns are beyond easy.
Pinterest Predicts the 10 Biggest Parenting Trends of 2018
With more than 2 billion ideas, Pinterest is the perfect place for moms and dads to find inspiration on everything kid- and parenting-related. And find they've been doing! One in three parents uses Pinterest - and it seems they've been busy searching and saving inspiration on everything from nurseries to sustainable living. After taking a closer look at what moms and dads are looking up, Pinterest has come up with 10 trends it predicts will be huge in the new year. Check out those rising parenting trends ahead.
75 Winter Names For Your Cold Weather Baby
Seasonal baby names to reflect when a baby was born add a bit of flair to the naming process, especially in the crisp and snowy Winter. If you're having a baby in the coming season or if Winter is your favorite time of year, there are plenty of names - some obviously themed, some not so much - that could fit your little bundle of joy. From names meaning "snow" or "star" to ones inspired by the holidays and other Winter themes, there's a moniker on this list that every parent will love.
Scroll through for 75 beautiful baby names inspired by the chilliest season.
Thandie Newton Thought Breastfeeding During Her Westworld Audition Would Cost Her the Job
Thandie Newton may not necessarily be a household name, but after her recent interview with Harry Connick Jr. on his talk show, Harry, the Westworld star is sure to be a topic of conversation. The mother of three opened up to Harry about a particularly interesting aspect of her audition with the Westworld husband-and-wife showrunners.
"I actually just had my son, Booker - he was maybe 4 months old - and the showrunners Jonah Nolan and his wife, Lisa Joy . . . I was talking to [them] on Skype," Thandie told Harry. "And we started our conversation talking about Westworld, the show, and it was going on quite a long time, and I could hear my baby out the door, and he wanted to be nursed. You know how it is, ladies, when your kid needs you, everything is firing up. And I said to Jonah, 'Jonah, I'm so, so sorry, I'm going to have to bring my baby here.' And I thought: this is going to lose me the job. It's gonna lose me the job!"
Thandie continued, telling Harry that she thought Jonah would see her as "an inconvenience" - "a lactating woman" who would need special treatment on set and a ton of baby gear lying around. But like any mom, she knew she still had to put her baby first, so she decided to call her husband in with Booker during the call and risk any potential shaming that may have occurred.
"My husband brought in the baby and I ended up breastfeeding my kid while talking to Jonah . . . and then, do you know what happened? Lisa came onto the screen breastfeeding her little baby."
Seems like a casting match made in heaven! Check out the rest of Harry's interview with Thandie on Jan. 9's episode of Harry (find out where you can watch on HarryTV.com!).
50 States of Glorious Hiking Destinations
There are very few things that can compare with the thrill of hiking. From the fresh air and scenic views to the natural appreciation that can come from rambling through a trail, spending time in the great outdoors not only enhances your health and improves your mood, but it's also the gateway to everlasting adventure . . . not to mention it's the ultimate glute workout!
Whether you're seeking famous locations such as the Appalachian Trail and Yosemite National Park or more secluded trails off the beaten path, the United States gushes with outdoor glory and natural wonders. No matter the state, there is a spectacular journey waiting to be hiked, and luckily for you, we've rounded up 50 glorious options. So go ahead, grab your gear and head outside - it's time to reconnect with nature, one step at a time!
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 First and Last Lines of the Harry Potter Books Will Send You on a Roller Coaster of Emotions
The witches and wizards in the world of Harry Potter came a LONG way over the course of seven novels. If you're a hardcore fan, then it probably felt a bit like it was your own journey as well. Rereading the first line of The Sorcerer's Stone and the last line of The Deathly Hallows back to back will make you feel so many things. It's bittersweet, it's funny, it's nostalgic, and it will definitely make you smile. Or cry. Or both.
We put together the first and last sentences of all the books, and they'll remind you of everything, good and bad, that your favorite characters made it through (or didn't make it through; still not OK about the whole Fred thing, Rowling). Yet still, in the end, all was well.
Meet HQ Trivia, the Mobile Trivia Game That Will Take Over Your Damn Life
Twice a day, every day, without fail, my phone lights up with the same notification: "HQ is live! Are you ready to play?" I hear the same chime all around my office, and many of my friends promptly pull out their phones with rapt attention, ready for the chance to finally win HQ Trivia.
But . . . what is it? You've probably seen people mention it on your Twitter timeline, or maybe you've even watched the hysterical video of a woman having an emotional breakdown over winning $11 in the game. So allow me to introduce you to 2018's hottest internet phenomenon, HQ Trivia.
What is it?
HQ Trivia is an addictive live trivia game that all takes place within an app, and, bonus, comes with a possible cash prize. The games take place twice per day - noon and 6 p.m. PT - and consists of 12 questions ranging from easy to hard. As hundreds of thousands of viewers tune in, they are presented with multiple-choice options that they must decide on within mere seconds . . . and with every round, more folks choose incorrectly, disqualifying themselves.
Whichever players succeed in answering all 12 trivia questions correctly then split the cash prize - which sometimes means each winner receives mere cents, while other times it can amount to thousands of dollars!
Who can play?
Anyone with a smartphone and a fast WiFi connection can play HQ Trivia by downloading the free app (available for iOS and Android) and creating a player profile.
Who hosts the game?
There are several live HQ Trivia hosts, but most notable is quirky personality Scott Rogowsky - sometimes referred to as "Quiz Daddy." Since HQ started in Fall 2017, Rogowsky has become a cult-favorite of trivia fanatics, with some publicly lamenting his absence while he was away for his holiday break and others creating meme videos all about Scott.
How does it operate?
The trivia game comes from the app workshop of the guys who founded Vine, which explains how they know a thing or two about gaining a viral following! Moneywise, the prize pot for every game of HQ Trivia comes courtesy of venture capital.
How an Extrovert Learned to Love Being Alone
Like all extroverts, I get energy from being around people. It's how I feel both relaxed and comforted. Conversely, introverts need to be alone to recharge, but when I'm alone, I find it draining and sad, which is why I'm usually blasting podcasts or have reruns of Will and Grace playing for "background noise" when I'm by myself. I'm also a natural entertainer personality type, meaning being with people also gives me purpose.
So when I wound up living almost 2,000 miles away from my friends and family, working from home, and with a husband in the army who goes on month-long training exercises during which time he can't be contacted, I had no choice but to learn how to get that comfort and purpose from within.
I should say I am totally aware that not wanting to be alone is not a sign of great well-being. The 2018 brand of health, happiness, and self-care dictates being in tune with your body and mind and knowing yourself inside and out. Cutting away the noise, distraction, and preoccupation of others is the best way to learn all that stuff about yourself, which is why we endeavor to complete unplugged weekends and pay to sit in a silent room and just "be". But in all honesty, it's not my natural state.
It is something I wanted to get comfortable with, though. A personal goal of sorts. Because while my husband will come back from his training and I will make new friends and eventually move back to the city, I was told once that the only guarantee in life is that you'll be spending it with yourself, so you better like it. I may or may not be paraphrasing RuPaul. Here's the plan.
Make an Alone-Time Bucket List
Feeling like you're wasting time is an anxiety trigger for many, myself included (it even has a name: chronophobia). So it's important that when you begin to have alone time (whether by choice or not) that you do something during this time. It doesn't have to be something prolific, either. If you want to do your taxes, go for it, but rewatching your favorite movie and feeling like you've had some real downtime can often be enough to make you feel satisfied. And in my experience, a sense of achievement is the antidote to feeling lonely.
Because I have the advantage of knowing when I'm going to be all on my lonesome, and for how long, I now make bucket lists of everything I want to do, see, watch and read when it's just me.
Get Out and About
Being alone in a big city is one thing - hell, in London, it's often the norm - but being alone somewhere more regional or suburban is another. But it's important that when you're going to be just me, myself, and I for a while that you get out of the house.
These are good baby-step trips:
- Take yourself to the movies.
- Do a grocery shop sans phone.
- Go to a museum or art gallery.
Capitalize on the Things Best Done Alone
When accepting his Nobel Prize, Ernest Hemingway spoke about the necessity of solitude for creativity. And as Sara Maitland, author of How to Be Alone, writes, solitude is "one of the most clearly established methods of developing that creativity." While writers, painters, and inventors often seek solitude to let their creativity flow, having solitude thrust upon us is an optimal opportunity to get creative.
I realize this looks like I've filled my alone time with to-do lists, but when you're in your own company, you only have to entertain yourself, and being able to do as you please is possibly the biggest attraction and comfort of solitude. And if it helps turn loneliness into quality alone time, I'm all for it.
19 Awesome Things to Do Alone
Sometimes we're so concerned with finding a way to fill every single minute of every day interacting with people that we forget to take a step back and give ourselves some quality "me" time. Spending time alone is a way to recharge your mental batteries and regroup - everybody needs to do it now and then! So get over your fear of missing out or your reservations about being seen somewhere solo, and embark on a mission to treat yourself to these 19 dates with yourself.
- Go to the matinee of a sad or embarrassingly bad movie. Feel no shame as you cry or swoon alone in the corner. Who cares? No one is there to see you!
- Travel somewhere new. When you travel with other people, you always end up making compromises on what sights to see, where to eat, and what activities to do. Traveling alone - even if it's just to the next town over - gives you the luxury of going at your own pace so that you're able to soak up everything about the trip that you want to.
- Take yourself on a dinner date. Bring along a book that you can't put down, and immerse yourself in good eats and good reads - really, what's better than that? Try to resist the urge to look at your phone and take your time as you enjoy ordering anything you want without anyone else asking for a bite.
- Tour a museum. Let's face it, a lot of your museum experiences probably involve a teacher, a tour guide, and a pack of rowdy kids. Set out to see every piece of art or history a local museum has, and spend time interpreting them exactly how you want to - not how the little paper pamphlet tells you to.
- Have a spa day, or get a massage. It's probably best for you to take on the steam room solo, anyway.
- Go to a bookstore and get lost. Spend hours exploring every genre of book known to the world. Better still, snag one off the shelf and plop down in a comfy chair. Close down the store trying to finish that book (hey, you'll save some cash), and leave only when the employees start giving you the side-eye.
- Binge on a TV show. There is always another show to catch up on or rewatch, and there's no one better to do it with then the one person who you know is just as excited as you are to plow through an entire series in a day.
- Go to a free concert. Find a band that you like playing in your area, or seek out someone new with a sound you like. You never know - they may be the next big thing, and you found them first. When you go to a concert alone, you spend more time listening to the music and less time worrying about everything else going on around you.
- Sing karaoke. Be bold! Pick a spot you never go to (that way you won't miss it if you can't show your face there again), and sing your heart out to a bunch of strangers. If you can do this, you can do pretty much anything.
- People watch. Go to a public place, like a park or the mall, sit back, and enjoy the show. People watching is always interesting, often hilarious, sometimes sweet, and every once in a while, it can even make you give some of the stuff you do a second thought, too.
- Indulge in some selfies. OK, as a general rule selfies should probably be taken sparingly, but every once in a while, it's healthy to get dressed in an outfit you love and shamelessly take photos of yourself that you actually like. Let yourself keep clicking until you get it right. No one is there to judge you, except maybe your dog.
- Complete a project you've been putting off. Make yourself go to a coffee shop, buckle down, and work. Update your résumé, put together a portfolio, finish your great American novel, apply to a new job or grad school, whatever. Just do it!
- Challenge your mind. Complete a crossword, sudoku, or, if you're feeling ambitious, a Rubik's Cube. If you finish them all by yourself, you get total bragging rights instead of having to share them with a partner.
- Take a hike. Spend some time with mother nature and see how the two of you get along when no one else is around. Stop and smell the roses, watch the sun set, embrace the quiet.
- Get experimental in the kitchen. If you try out new recipes on your own and mess up, the only hungry, disappointed person you have to deal with is yourself. You can work on perfecting the dish until it's just right - then serve up a flawless result the next time you're with friends, and act like it was your first try.
- Stargaze. Lay on your back and marvel at your complete and utter smallness in comparison to the rest of the universe.
- Try a new workout. Sometimes certain workouts (read: Zumba, Booty Barre, anything dance-related) can be a little bit embarrassing to learn in front of other people. Master one of these fitness skills alone, or at least work on them enough so that when you're in a class or doing it in front of your significant other, you look like you know what you're doing . . . sort of.
- Go shopping. Sometimes when you're on a shopping mission, having other people with you can slow you down or make you feel rushed. It's the worst when you're trying to be thorough to find the best deal or the perfect pair of jeans, while the person you're with is tapping their foot by the door.
- Take the longest, hottest bath of your life. Turn on some soothing music and enjoy a long soak with no fear of unwelcome interruptions.
Genius Storage Solutions to Make Your Bedroom Feel Larger - All Under $68
We don't all have the luxury of having a large bedroom that can accommodate our reading-nook dreams and walk-in closet fantasies. Bedrooms can be small and boxish, making it not only hard to turn them into an Instagrammable oasis, but to find place to put things. So whether you're looking to organize your bedside space (enough with all those cords, right?), or need help in the closet, we found bedroom storage solutions that are sure to help - and they're all under $68.
9 Unexpected Uses For Duct Tape
There's not much duct tape can't do. In fact, the adhesive was first invented during World War II for soldiers to use for repairs and creating bandages. Duct tape was then used to hold ventilation ducts together postwar - hence it's name. The strength and versatility of the tape still make it a practical household item today, and its affordability ($4) makes it especially worth having around. If you haven't included it already, add a roll to your emergency kit and earthquake kit to be prepared for anything. Check out nine purposes for duct tape you may not have thought of below.
- Make a wallet: Aside from practical functions, duct tape can also be used for DIY crafts!
- Patch holes/leaks: If you've got a burst pipe, wrap a couple of pieces around the area for a quick and effective fix.
- Rebind books: Give your worn-out reads a new life by rebinding the spine.
- Open tightly sealed jars: Can't loosen the grip on jam? Watch this trick to get it open using only two layers of tape.
- Remove lint and pet hair: Stick your hand into a loop of duct tape and pick up lint off your clothes and furniture.
- Repair tears: Most tears can easily be patched with a piece of duct tape. Whether it's a tent or a couch rip, duct tape will patch it right up and prevent the tear from growing.
- Wrap sprained ankles or wrists: Temporarily wrap the injury with duct tape to keep swelling down until athletic tape is available.
- DIY a windbreaker: If you need to whip up a rain poncho or windbreaker, tape several garbage bags together for quick coverage.
- Seal windows: Keep heating costs down by sealing off window cracks and the bottom of doors.
How Many Hours of Sleep You Need Based on Your Zodiac Sign
You may be a night owl or an early riser, but turns out, the stars might have some say in what sleeping patterns you exhibit. And no matter if you're fighting your sign's natural tendencies or not, there might just be a certain number of hours of nightly shut-eye that can keep your body balanced and well, based on the zodiac. (And, get this: the way you meditate for balance is also influenced by your zodiac sign.)
Of course, you're better off listening to your body and the stars here - even if that means hitting the hay earlier than you'd like in order to secure those extra minutes - as you might find yourself getting more sick, tired, or hostile if you're skimping on those zzz's. (And those around you will probably urge you to get some rest, as well.)
Goods news - we found out how many hours you need each night based on your sign in order to avoid being that angry, bitter customer waiting in line at Starbucks on your morning commute. Here, astrologer Joshua MacGuire shares his tips. It's pretty important to follow, as lack of sleep can damage your health long-term.
Remote Productivity: How to Stay Focused While Working From Home
As I've stated before, like it or not, the workplace is changing. As millennials continue to place value on experiences and express a need for work/life balance, we will see more of the disappearance of the traditional 9-to-5 office setting. Instead, you will see many instances where employees are given the option to work from home or remotely. You'll also see that many will opt for not working with just one company, but instead working with multiple companies in what everyone is calling the gig economy. This new way of working can be a gift and a curse because, on one hand, you have freedom and are not stuck to an office. On the other hand, this newfound freedom may decrease your productivity. So how do you stay focused while working remotely? The following are my top five tips:
1. Show Gratitude
Oddly enough, the work environment puts you in the mood to work. Because of the structure and design, most people don't have to convince themselves to start their work once they're in the office. When working remotely, it may be a little more difficult to set the right mood, especially if you would rather be doing something else. Make sure that you are not in the "I wish I didn't have to work" mindset. Start the day by showing gratitude in general for waking up, for your health, and for your ability to bring in an income. Exercise if you can, build up your endorphins, have a hearty breakfast, quiet your mind, meditate, or pray. Getting you into the attitude of gratitude helps alleviate the risk of being unmotivated and uninspired.
2. Set and Stick to a Schedule
Since you are not confined to traditional hours or a traditional office, make sure you don't just wing it. Time goes by really fast, so if you don't structure your time accordingly, you can look up and not have accomplished much. It is important that you set and stick to a schedule. Whether you decide to work eight hours straight through or break it up into different segments of the day, it is important that whatever time you have allocated for work is dedicated to just that . . . work! Make sure that your work schedule matches with your natural schedule as well. If you do your best work in the morning, set up work time to coincide with this. If you work better at night, allow your schedule to fit accordingly.
3. Remove Unnecessary Distraction
As a society that feels that it needs to be plugged in at all times, it's easy to lose focus on social media, picking up the latest headlines, or simply interacting with your Facebook friends. That's why it's important to turn off your phone when you need to work without distraction. Create a schedule for when you will check your email. Shut off any notifications you have on your phone or computer to assure that something unimportant doesn't sidetrack you. If possible, shut off the internet. Removing unnecessary distractions will allow you to stay focused and productive while working remotely.
4. Choose Your Music Wisely
Your mood can be influenced by many things: TV, the weather, and what you ate for breakfast are just some examples. Music also has a big influence on how you feel. If you decide to listen to tunes as you work, make sure that you choose sounds that are uplifting and keep you positive.
5. Set Boundaries For Your Family and Friends
Make sure that you are not scheduling your work time around social or family obligations. However, also make sure that you are setting boundaries for your family and friends so that they do not become an obstacle to your work productivity. Letting your family and friends know your work schedule is imperative to avoiding any conflict or temptation.
13 Undeniable Traits of an INFJ Personality Type
When I first read about my personality type, I felt like someone had written the description as a personal letter to me. Every word hit the nail on the head and actually helped me understand myself better than ever before. I'm an INFJ, the most rare Myers Briggs type, making up less than one percent of the population. INFJ stands for (I) Introverted, (N) Intuition, (F) Feeling, and (J) Judging. INFJs are "the advocates," with unique strengths and weaknesses that only others who share our type can truly understand. We're contradictory and compassionate, intuitive but also private and sometimes oversensitive. If you're an INFJ, you will be able to relate to these 13 traits the personality type has.
- You're a helper. INFJs are helpers who fight for what they believe in and who work to ensure the well-being and equality of others. They have strong convictions and an instinct for understanding people. However, INFJs need to remember to take of themselves, too. Their dedication to the causes they feel most passionate about is one of their greatest strengths, but it can also leave them exhausted and stressed if they forget to practice self-care.
- You are a private person. Trust doesn't always come that easily to INFJs, and they are generally very private about their personal lives. "A well-developed INFJ knows how to stay well emotionally, physically, and spiritually," says Rachel Green, director of The Emotional Intelligence Institute. "This means they know when they need to take private time to recharge their batteries but they don't stay there. They also know they have to have stimulation from the outer world and to socialize. So they develop a healthy balance between the two."
- You're extremely good at reading people. Don't try to get anything past an INFJ - they are like human lie detectors. "INFJs are known for their abilities to read people with uncanny accuracy," says Green.
- You're a perfectionist. INFJs tend to be overachievers, sometimes to a fault. They don't do anything halfway, but this perfectionism has its downsides. "INFJs too often drop or ignore healthy and productive situations and relationships, always believing there might be a better option down the road," says 16 Personalities. This perfectionism can also lead to burnouts if INFJs aren't careful.
- You're very creative. If someone has a problem, INFJs will find the solution. They are creative thinkers, which is one of their greatest strengths. "Combining a vivid imagination with a strong sense of compassion, INFJs use their creativity to resolve not technical challenges, but human ones," says 16 Personalities.
- You're compassionate. You tend to "catch" the feelings of others. INFJs are often empaths, meaning they have the ability to relate to and absorb the feelings of other people. They are extremely compassionate and are often caregivers. Not only do INFJs care deeply about the people they have allowed into their lives, but they care about the state of the world at large.
- You can be oversensitive. "When someone challenges or criticizes INFJs' principles or values, they are likely to receive an alarmingly strong response," says 16 Personalities. INFJs are vulnerable to criticism and do not like to be involved in conflict - though they will engage, if they feel strongly about the subject of the conflict.
- You're an idealist. INFJs see the world they think it should be, and they believe it's possible to improve it. They're idealists, but not "idle dreamers." INFJs don't just dream about a better world; their characteristic determination leads them to go out and make it so.
- You're both emotional and logical. INFJs are an interesting combination of traits. They are capable of being level-headed and logical, but allow their emotions to play a factor in their decision-making as well. This means that INFJs' actions reflect a unique combination of wisdom and gut feelings.
- It's all or nothing for you. INFJs don't waste their time on people or situations if they are not genuine. If they don't see a relationship going anywhere, or if something doesn't enrich their lives, they have no problems cutting it out completely. INFJs want authenticity in everything, and if it they aren't able to find it, they don't want any part of it.
- You hate small talk. Not only do INFJs have an aversion to inauthentic relationships, they also hate surface-level conversation. This personality type wants to get down to important stuff, and quickly, without wasting time on pointless details. That being said, INFJs are actually gifted with language. They are often creative writers and are able to put onto paper what they can't (or won't) put into words.
- You're determined. Strong-willed, opinionated, and determined - INFJs don't back down if they care about something, and the combination of passion and persistence is a strength that makes the personality type stand out and get things done.
- You're all about the big picture. INFJs are deep thinkers who often reflect both on themselves and the world around them. They are able to see an end goal and seek out the "meaning" behind everything.
13 Top Tips For Traveling on Public Transport in London
Planning a trip to London? Don't get caught out spending too much on transport, or using the wrong routes. These tips will ensure you ride the tube (and the bus, and the train) like a Londoner.
Contactless Is Cheapest
Unless you're staying for a month or more, the cheapest and most convenient way to pay for travel is to use a Contactless card, like your debit or credit card. Just tap it on the yellow readers found on tube barriers, train and tram platforms, and buses. Travel will be capped to the same as a daily and weekly (Mon-Sun) travelcard for the zones you travel through. An Oyster card (a special card from Transport for London that you can top up with cash or load with a travelcard) is only capped daily at the moment, so it can work out more expensive over a week. However, if you're traveling from abroad it may be a worthwhile investment to avoid any foreign transaction fees on your debit or credit card. You can buy one from any station, for a refundable deposit around $6.
Don't Pay For More Zones Than You Need
If you're buying a travelcard, don't be fooled into spending a fortune on a zone 1-6 card "just in case". Unless you're planning to visit somewhere like Hampton Court Palace, it's highly unlikely you'll ever leave zones 1 and 2. Tourist favorites like Hampstead Heath, Notting Hill and Portobello, and Camden Market are all within zones 1 and 2.
Learn When to Tap Out
On the tube, DLR, and trains, you'll need to tap out as well as tapping in with your card. If you forget to do this, you could be overcharged for your journey. However, you don't have to tap out on London buses or the Croydon tramlink, as the fee for each journey is the same no matter how long you ride.
In Central London, It Can Be Faster to Walk
The tube map doesn't show the distance between stations accurately, and some tube stations are much closer than you think. This includes one of the most popular tourists journeys in London: Leicester Square to Covent Garden. You can walk this journey in minutes by heading down Long Acre, and it's much quicker than navigating the two busy tube stations (one of which has a notoriously busy and temperamental lift). Another famously close pairing is Charing Cross and Embankment. TFL has now produced a brilliant walking tube map that shows the average walking time between stations.
Don't Forget That Your Ticket Goes Beyond Just the Tube
A travelcard or PAYG Oyster or contactless card will let you travel on multiple forms of London transport, not just the tube. Sometimes getting a train can be quicker - want to go to Borough Market from the West End? A train from Charing Cross to London Bridge might be faster than trying to find a connection to the Jubilee or Northern line. You may be able to get to Richmond on a train from Waterloo in a fraction of the time it would take to ride the District Line. And don't forget buses: they'll allow you to see where you're going and get your bearings in a way the tube never will.
Some Bus Routes Make Great Budget Tours
I'm a huge London bus advocate. When I first moved to London, I didn't even pay for a travelcard, I just got a bus pass! It helped me learn the layout of the city and discover all manner of shortcuts I'd never know otherwise. If you don't fancy or can't afford an open-top bus tour, ride the top deck of a London bus and take in the sights for $2! There are loads of options, but I'd recommend two to start you off: the 10 from Hammersmith takes in Kensington, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, and Oxford Street. The 88 takes you from Camden Town down into central London, via Trafalgar Square, through beautiful Westminster down to Pimlico for the Tate Britain. Jump off there for a spot of art or stay on until Clapham Common for my favorite South London secret, gelato at Nardulli's.
London Buses Are Cash Free
Another reason to embrace contactless payment: you can no longer pay your fare in cash on the bus. You'll need to tap in on one of the card readers. The new hopper fare means if you transfer between multiple buses (or trams) within an hour, you'll only get charged once (but remember to still tap in each time), which is a bonus given that it's not unknown for them to change their destination after you've got on!
Be Careful Where You Stand
If you want to ingratiate yourself with the locals, learn the rules of public transport. Always stand on the right on escalators at stations: this allows people to rush past on the left. This is an actual rule, not just British politeness! When you get to your platform be sure to move along, don't gather at the entrance blocking other people. There are tube maps all the way along the platform if you're unsure where you're going. On buses, don't stand in the doorway, either at the exit or by the driver, for obvious reasons!
Don't Get Caught Out at the Airport
If you're flying into London, check the airport website for travel information before you set off. Though there may be Oyster barriers at airport train stations, not all routes to and from airports accept Oyster / Contactless for payment, and most airports have two train options, a more expensive "express" train and a cheaper but slower stopping service. You'll need the right ticket for the train you're on or you could face a big fine. London Heathrow is the only airport with a tube station.
Avoid Peak Time If You Can
The commuting hours of 8-9.30 and 5-7pm are very, very busy and if you're not used to the scrum, it can be overwhelming. Commuters have little time for tourists who hold them up on their way to work / home. Try to organize your day so you don't need to use the busiest stations during these times (think mainline rail connections and hubs where multiple lines meet like Oxford Circus, Leicester Square, and Bank). The worst thing you can do in the early evening is make short trips in the center of town (Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus, for example) in large groups, or with piles of bulky shopping bags. Walk, wait a bit or take a bus if you can!
Don't Stand in Stupid Places
Trains and tube carriages and buses get busy. Even if it's quiet when you get on, it won't last. Move down, take seats if they're available, and for the love of Prince Harry, please don't lean your entire body against the poles that are designed for people to hold on to!
Shhhh!
Though most people will happily help you if you have a question about your journey, in general Londoners aren't exactly chatty on public transport. You'll recognize them by their headphones, or the fact their head is stuck in a book or a newspaper. Sorry if you think that's rude, but it's just the way things are! The worst thing you can do is engage a Londoner in what you think is a friendly conversation about how busy and hot the tube is and how you "can't believe" they use it every day at rush hour.
Keep a Lid on Your Booze
There aren't many places you can't drink alcohol in London, but public transport is one of them. New rules came into place a few years ago, which mean you can get fined for carrying open bottles of alcohol on tubes and buses. Plenty of folks still take their chances, but it's probably not worth the risk. Save it until you get off the tube or bus and head for the nearest pub! The rules on trains are slightly different and vary depending on the operator.
This Video Game Might Solve All of Your Relationship Woes
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone
It feels like forever ago, but last July I fell down an insane rabbit hole with Pokémon Go. And I didn't go alone. I took my boyfriend along with me, and we religiously followed all the great things that were happening in the world as a result of the game. But once Fall rolled around, I was totally over it and actively looking for the next great thing.
I'm one of those people who can't just passively binge-watch television on the couch in my off time. I'm always playing Two Dots, completing a crossword puzzle, or scrolling through Twitter. When I dropped Pokémon Go, I lost one important thing: the competitive spirit that was built between me and my boyfriend. We used to race through the streets and secretly drop cash on items to try to outpace each other in the game. It became my mission to find something that we found equally as satisfying - and I got really lucky when that search coincided with the release of the much-anticipated Civilization VI.
As of today, I can tell you unequivocally: Civilization VI is the best thing that's ever happened to my relationship.
What Makes Civilization VI Different Than Other Games
Civilization first debuted in 1991 as a computer game that enables players to craft, build, and protect an empire over the course of time. The game revolves around keeping your empire happy and making the right decisions for them. And though it's nothing like decorating a room for your Sim, it's just as addicting. I started playing it in school after I got bored of Oregon Trail and though it's been many years since then, I know several people who play it out of nostalgia, like my boyfriend.
These days, however, Civilization looks totally different. It's focused on urban development, religious spread, and a better life span for characters. This time around, Civilization takes on an entirely new generation of gamers by making it easier to engage with your citizens and harder to just stick to autopilot. There's also the fact that it's just so damn nice to look at, as the graphics have been significantly upgraded and the gameplay itself feels more like a video game than an old-school computer game.
How I Got Hooked
Image Source: Giphy
As I mentioned earlier, I was on the hunt for a new game to play and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. The game only costs $60, a justifiable amount that was equivalent to a rowdy night out, so of course, my boyfriend and I downloaded the game. We started off in our own separate games at first but later found that one of the best parts of Civilization VI is the ability to play a game over your local network and that we could build our empires side by side without existing in our separate worlds.
Within hours, it became clear that this was a good thing for us. We shouted at the barbarians who tried to mess up our developments, warned each other about the computer players who were gathering at the borders we couldn't see past, and gloated about our respective abilities to pull ahead of the pack. It was pure and simple fun.
Was It Really That Fun Playing With Your Boyfriend?
Image Source: Giphy
Real talk: the first couple rounds we played together, I got creamed. I'm more of the build-up-your-city-type player, whereas my boyfriend is a warmonger in the extreme, and he got an incredible amount of pleasure out of coming out of nowhere and tearing down my civilization. To be fair, I found myself constantly checking the stats to make sure that I was focusing my resources on one-upping him in our shared world.
After a while, though, we realized we were spending a whole lot of time trying to trick each other and not focusing on what was going on around us. I started to leave a lot more dirty dishes than usual for the first few nights and accidentally "forgot" to take out the trash just so I could peep at his screen!
Ultimately, though, we both came to our senses. It took us a couple of days, but we figured out that the best way to approach the game was to try to beat out the computer players instead. By baiting them and sharing intel, we could quickly rise up the ranks and tackle progressively harder levels of play.
How Does This Game Make Your Relationship Better?
Image Source: 20th Century Fox
Never underestimate the ability of joint gameplay in bringing you and your significant other together. With Civilization VI specifically, you feel like you're learning something about the world you're creating and ways to improve. When you're playing side by side with a partner, you'll find yourself talking through the moves you're considering or the things you wish you'd done first. It creates an entirely different level of conversation that serves as an incredible escape from everyday life.
There are few games that allow you to do what you want and in the same universe, a feature Civilization VI has. As I mentioned, my focus in the game and the focus of my boyfriend are completely different, yet I can periodically direct my scouts over to where he's set up shop and investigate what he's got going on. It allows us to put something on Netflix, sit side by side, and not feel like we're ignoring each other. And while that sounds like such a First World problem, it's something you need to consider and often don't when there's social media to browse or solo games to play instead.
But Couldn't You Just Talk to Each Other?
Image Source: NBC
My boyfriend has a theory: the appeal of a movie or a long drive is that you don't have to make eye contact and constantly look at someone else while you're talking - and it opens up a new type of intimacy. As we're existing virtually in the game, we open up to each other more, discussing our lives freely as we scroll through our maps and saying things we might not have said otherwise if we were just sitting there trying to fill empty space. I'm not advocating a complete and utter surrender to a second screen, but there are few things more appealing than a quick round of a video game on a night where it's too cold to go out or you come home late from work. It's a break that we've woven into our lives that has helped us open up to each other more.
So Should You Try It With Your Significant Other?
Image Source: Courtesy of Chelsea Hassler
Civilization VI is the game that you never knew you needed, and it will surpass your expectations at every turn. It's a delightful, nonpolitical, only semiviolent escape that can foster a competitive relationship that enables you and your partner to achieve something individually but not alone. As we head into Winter and there's less to do outside, I can't recommend enough that you sacrifice the cost of one wild night out for many nights snuggled up on the couch together playing this game. Civilization VI can be downloaded via Steam, iTunes, or Amazon at any time, from anywhere.
What the Repeal of Net Neutrality 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.
16 Texts Only a Best Friend Can Send
You and your BFF just get each other. That's why when you text them something random, like "Do you ever feel awkward when you wash zucchini?" they won't have to think twice before answering "OMG yes. Yes I do." In a universe full of strange, weird humans, you've found the one person you can be 100 percent honest with. Read on to see 15 hilarious texts that only a best friend can send.
8 Secrets From Cruise Ship Employees
A lot goes on behind closed cabin doors on cruise ships. Are your accommodations actually clean? Do crew members even care if you're having a good time? And just how much sex is happening on board the boat? Several cruise ship employees have taken to Reddit over time to spill the beans on what life is really like when sailing the open seas, and they have some great tips for cruise-goers to keep in mind the next time they travel. Read on for details you never knew.
1. There are some major benefits (and downsides) to working on a cruise ship.
One cruise ship employee said that there were a lot of positive aspects to working on the ship. "Best parts: cheap drinks, great parties, decent pay, easy way to save, wake up in a new city/country almost everyday, great way to network, become a more confident person, etc." Employees get to travel the world! Still, not everything is great. There are understandably some downsides to living and working on a cruise ship. "Worst: guests are always right . . . ALWAYS, you have a nametag on in public areas even when you are 'off duty,' always tired from lack of sleep, food taste dull after awhile . . . " Because employees are on contract for shorter periods of time, they often work longer hours (up to 16 hours per day).
2. If you get off the ship, follow the crew!
"If you ever go on a cruise, and you get off the ship and you want to know where to eat, follow the crew. The crew knows where the cheap and good food is, where the best dive bars are, and for the most part the safest places in the area. Don't waste money at Señor Frog's like everyone else."
3. Crew members get VERY friendly with one another.
Multiple crew members seem to agree on one thing: sex between employees is definitely happening on cruise ships. One former employee said he "hooked up with like seven different people myself and I am a shy, average looking dude." Another, when asked if a cruise ship is like a "sea-orgy" where everyone bangs each other, responded seriously with "Yes, it's actually just one big bang-fest." However, relations between employees and guests are strictly forbidden and grounds for immediate termination of the cruise ship employee.
4. Pay for crew members comes with extra add-ons - and it's not all that difficult to get hired.
"We get paid daily wages and some days we work more than others. Only thing I pay for is drinks. Everything else is on them." Depending on what cruise line a person is working with, members can also potentially get discounts on cruises for personal vacations. "You don't really have any bills on board (aside from tourist traps and drinking)," said a former cruise ship employee. "It was relatively easy to get in, but I'm very good at interviews. If you know what you're doing in the field of your choice, you'll have no problem . . . "
5. Crew members really want you to have the vacation of a lifetime.
"We work extremely hard to make sure you have a vacation of a lifetime . . . Those cruise surveys are actually taken VERY serious with our company. I'm happy to say that I've been mentioned ALMOST every cruise I've worked. I also work extremely hard to make sure the kids are having the time of their lives."
6. Cleanliness is VERY important!
If you're worried about sanitation on cruises, fear no more - or at least fear a little less. "Crew had to wash hands entering and leaving the crew mess. Chicken, seafood, bread, and vegetables all have separate freezers and storage sections (and elevators) which are cleaned daily. It's no joke! They have people clean the little grooves in the metal going into the elevators just to give you an example." According to another crew member, the kitchens on cruise ships are, in a word, "spotless."
7. If a crew member gets sick, they are quarantined.
"If they even think you have the flu, you're in quarantine for up to a week. In your cabin. Food is brought to you in a sealed container and you. Can. Not. Leave. Period. The ship is a natural hot zone. Over 4,000 people crammed together for sometimes a week at a time, bound to happen. If the ship gets over 5 percent ill, that's when things start to get nasty. Mandatory face shield etc. Also, whenever anyone gets on the ship, they get a hand full of Purell. Mandatory. And nobody can bring food on or off. They take cleanliness very seriously."
8. The one thing crew members want cruise-goers to know . . .
"The one thing that cruisers should know is that during a port day, the crew are just like passengers. They go out and have fun! On sea days however, they work their asses off to make you have the best time of your life. They really do want to make your vacation amazing, and work hard to do so."
Here's What You Need to Know About Apple's Face ID on the iPhone X
After months of speculation, on Sept. 12, Apple finally gave us the technology we've been waiting on for years: facial recognition. That's right, the new iPhone X edition will have machine-learning-driven Face ID, giving your phone the ability to recognize your face and your face the ability to open your phone - and of course, completely doing away with the "home" button and the Touch ID feature.
Apple says that Face ID will be infinitely more secure than Touch ID; outside of any "evil twins" or genetic relatives, there's only a one in 1,000,000 chance that anyone outside of the owner would be able to unlock the phone with their face. How exactly did they do this? Well, there are a couple things going on here:
- The iPhone X comes fully locked and loaded with the TrueDepth camera system: It's made up of an infared camera, flood illuminator, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, speaker, microphone, front camera, and dot projector. Combined, the TrueDepth system creates IR dots that are pushed through neural networks to create mathematical models, which are run through in order to unlock the phone. In other words, it's light years ahead of the tech that stood behind the Touch ID mechanism.
- Touch ID can recognize you under any circumstance: The TrueDepth system (specifically, the flood illuminator) shoots light at your face so you can be recognized at any time, with any hairstyle, in any light - no matter what you're wearing. Thanks to the A11 Bionic neural engine, your phone will now learn your face, instead of your passcode or fingerprint.
- Face data is pretty damn secure: Despite some early concerns, your face data will be protected by secure enclave and is processed completely within the iPhone X - which means you're not sending any of this data to external servers, and it all lives in the phone that you own.
- You need to be paying attention to the phone in order to unlock it: So if you were concerned about it just randomly unlocking and sharing your info with the world - don't be. The owner needs to look directly at it and be paying full attention in order for it to unlock.
- Face ID works with Apple Pay: In the checkout line, you just need to look down at your phone to open it before scanning it to pay for that splurge purchase you picked up at lunch.
- Most importantly, Animoji! The new technology enables these live-action emoji to contain even your most intricate expressions.
Ahead, check out Face ID in action and explore the features that will finally be part of our everyday lives in just a few short weeks. The iPhone X will enter presale on Oct. 27 and is expected to ship on Nov. 3.
Alessandra Ambrosio's Bikini Is So Bright, We Can Spot It All the Way From Brazil
By now, we're thoroughly convinced that all Alessandra Ambrosio packed for her Brazil vacation were swimsuits. The model has been showing off one style after another (we loved this two-tone one piece) and no two designs were ever the same. As if to make her point, Alessandra recently wore a bright green leopard print bikini to the pool. The top was a halter-neck style while her bikini bottoms sat low on her hips. The unconventional neon color definitely caught our attention first, and it's one of the boldest swimsuits she's worn to date. Scroll on to see her bikini from all angles, then shop similar selections that are just as colorful.
Bring It On, Winter! We Have These 15 Recipes to Get Us Through
It's safe to say that Winter is the best season for spending a lot of time in the kitchen. For us, this year is all about whipping up the best comfort foods for warming up, and ending up with leftovers we can enjoy on lazy nights indoors. These 15 recipes are for when the air starts to get chilly, from cozy soups to filling casseroles, each with a Latin twist. Grab a comfy sweater and dig in.
55 of Jennifer Lopez's Most Jaw-Dropping Outfits Through the Years
Grab a fan and a cold beverage because you're about to see a lot of Jennifer Lopez's crazy-strong abs, toned legs, and, ahem, cleavage. The singer, actress, and producer's name is basically synonymous with the word hot, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that she's given us a fair share of revealing and sexy outfits through the past 20 years in the spotlight. Of course, there are the naked dresses (including that original Versace down-to-here Grammys dress) and '90s crop tops and low-rise pants, but there are plenty of miniskirts and backless looks as well. Keep reading to see them all.
The Evolution of Prince Andrea of Monaco and Tatiana Santo Domingo's Love
When we think of trouble-free and laid-back love, we think of Andrea Casiraghi of Monaco and Colombian-Brazilian heiress Tatiana Santo Domingo.
From the moment the royal couple - Andrea is the nephew of current reigning Prince Albert and fourth in line to the throne - began dating in 2005, after meeting through Andrea's sister, Charlotte, their love has never been complicated. The pair always seems totally zen and chill with each other, even at the most hoity-toity ceremonies. It's just clear that through their dating years, the birth of their two sons, and their wedding in 2013, Andrea and Tatiana's love only gets stronger. Scroll ahead to see what we mean by taking a look at their best moments ever.
35 Songs You'll Want to Have Your First Wedding Dance To
With wedding season in full swing, our minds can't get off of the songs that will be the soundtrack to your special day - it's not all about the perfect dress and cake. So we took on the very hard task of listening to some of our favorite Latin voices serenade us with their beautiful lyrics and love-inducing melodies to find you the most romantic tune for your first dance as a married couple. Look ahead for 35 options that perfectly explain your intense connection. Not engaged yet? These tunes are still worth a listen.
Demi Lovato's One-Piece Swimsuit Is the Flattering Type You Try on With a Huge Smile
Demi Lovato's inspiring caption about body image isn't the only draw to her bright swimsuit post. Sporting tiny, '90s-inspired sunglasses and a strapless, striped maillot that fit her gorgeous figure like a glove, the singer looked like that confident, trendy gal on the beach you admire as she struts on by. We immediately went searching for similar one-pieces with structure and perhaps an open back or a frill to make them all look twice. Demi appears to be a fan of printed silhouettes - the black and white Solid + Striped cherry design she wore a few days back inspired us to shop just as much. Ahead, check out Demi's new suit again, then shop away to make a bold statement.
You Don't Get to Keep the Furniture - and 6 Other Shocking Revelations About Being on Fixer Upper
As avid fans of Fixer Upper as we are, our knowledge of the show is limited to what we see on TV. We have no idea what it's actually like to be cast on the show and have Chip and Joanna Gaines renovate our Waco, TX, dream home. Luckily, the star of season three episode "A Big Fix For a House in the Woods" shared her story with POPSUGAR Select blogger Rachel Teodoro of Holy Craft.
Check out the seven things we were shocked to learn from her below, and for even more unprecedented insight into what it's really like to be on Fixer Upper, head to Holy Craft, where you can read the complete interview.
Casting Moves Fast
This cast member applied to HGTV one day and received a call from the casting agency the very next. "After that it was a quick, big, exciting blur," she told Holy Craft of the fast-paced process.
You Don't Get to Keep the Furniture
The gorgeous Magnolia Market finds Joanna fills the house with are actually just there on loan to stage the house for the big reveal. While the furniture is not included in the makeover, the homeowners can buy any pieces they want to keep - but at that point the budget is usually pretty tapped.
Chip Is Seriously Goofy
Watch any clip of the show and it's obvious that Chip isn't a serious guy, but we didn't realize that his silly personality played nonstop in real life. He kept this season three cast member and her husband laughing the entire time they filmed, giving producers ample material to choose from.
They Make Over the Entire House
Since we only see the "after" shots from a few spectacularly renovated and staged rooms on the show, we figured that these were the only rooms Chip and Joanna lent their magic to - but we're happy to be wrong. This cast member said every room in her house was addressed, but those not featured on the show were given more basic cosmetic upgrades, such as fresh paint, carpeting, and fixtures.
Joanna Is Quiet in the Best Way
Compared to Chip's outgoing personality, Joanna can come off as downright reserved in real life - but it's because her brain is constantly churning and plotting brilliant design ideas. And when she does speak, she's very thoughtful. "I was in awe of her during our real estate filming day because she was constantly thinking about different cool things about each house," the cast member told Holy Craft.
Makeovers Are High Quality
Call us pessimists, but we often assume that reality TV shows do the bare minimum amount of work required to make a home look good on camera. Not Fixer Upper - Jamie said her makeovers extended far beyond the surface and what we saw on the show. "There is not a door in my house that isn't surrounded in beautiful thick wood trim casing. They just finish out the entire project, parts you don't see on the show, to a tee," the cast member said.
You Don't Actually Become Best Friends
Joanna and Chip seem to become fast friends with everyone on the show - perhaps it's because they're all residents of close-knit Waco - and while they're super friendly in real life, it's still business and highly unlikely that they'll be inviting you over for a dinner party after filming wraps. "I think life is pretty busy for them with all this newfound success and adventures, and their first priority is obviously their family," the cast member explained.
So what does the house look like after the HGTV cameras (and the borrowed furniture) have left? See the before-and-after pictures of this cast member's house on Holy Craft.
15 People Who Were Heartbroken by Call Me by Your Name's Golden Globes Snubs
Call Me By Your Name didn't win any Golden Globe awards on Sunday despite its three nominations, and fans of the movie are not happy about it. This year's competition was stiff, and Gary Oldman, Sam Rockwell, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri beat out CMBYN in the best actor in a drama, best drama, and best supporting actor categories, respectively. If you've seen the adaptation of André Aciman's novel, you know how brilliant the movie is and how strong - no, perfect - Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer's performances are.
The film didn't even get a nod in the best original song category, and Sufjan Stevens wrote heartbreakingly beautiful songs for the film that intensify viewers' emotions even more. Despite the losses at the Globes, Call Me by Your Name is definitely coming for the Oscars (March 4), and many fans think that'll be the film's time to shine. I'm not bitter, can you tell? If you feel the same, fill your empty soul with the following 15 tweets from people who are mourning in solidarity with you.
lundi 8 janvier 2018
A Doctor Reveals Exactly How to Use Cannabis For Anxiety
Chances are you've heard all sides of how marijuana can affect anxiety. While cannabis can have a calming effect for some people, it can also induce a panic attack for others. And aside from all that, some people just don't want to experience a high or feel intoxicated at all, but they do want to reap the antianxiety effects of cannabis.
While CBD (the nonpsychoactive compound of a cannabis plant) on its own can help with anxiety and won't create any intoxication effect (read: won't make you high), we've been told by several doctors that using THC in conjunction with CBD has significantly stronger, more synergistic effects. But THC is psychoactive and can cause that intoxicated feeling. So what do you do? You want to chill out, but you don't want to feel high, right? Solution: sleep it off. Use your marijuana products at night before bed.
Dr. Jordan Tishler, MD, a Harvard-trained physician and the president of both InhaleMD and the Association of Cannabis Specialists, gave POPSUGAR this tip for using the full effects of cannabis without experiencing any intoxication side effects: "If you use a THC-forward medicine at bedtime, even though the intoxication wears off overnight, the antianxiety and antidepressant benefits last throughout the next day." Quick clarification: THC-forward would mean if you're using a product that's higher in THC than it is in CBD.
"The intoxication wears off overnight, [but] the antianxiety and antidepressant benefits last throughout the next day."
"There's very rarely a reason to dose people during the daytime," he said. "For my anxiety patients, I have tremendous success giving them a low-dose - 10 to 15 milligrams of vaporized flower around bedtime - and that's all they need."
So you don't need to be "feeling it" to get the effects you need - and why that is still remains something of a mystery. Dr. Tishler says, "That remains entirely to be explained, but I'm seeing [the results] loud and clear."
Why add THC if CBD is a great antianxiety medication on its own? "I use CBD as an adjunct to THC," said Dr. Tishler. "For the average patient, I think in terms of THC with the idea of the entourage effect: if you're using a whole plant, you use the plant or an extract; [this way] you get CBD and other supportive chemicals," he said. "CBD is more complementary." Essentially, you can get more powerful results - and because it's nontoxic and not harmful, it's definitely worth a try.
So if you live in a state where THC is legal to consume or you have a medical card that allows you to use prescription cannabis to treat anxiety, this might just be your new bedtime routine to beat anxiety.
Why You Need to Be Eating Fat If You Want to Lose Weight
The secret to dropping pounds, reducing your risk of heart disease, and feeling better overall may just be filling your plate with fats. While eating more fat doesn't mean drowning your veggies in butter, it does mean focusing on two types of "good" fats: MUFAs, or monounsaturated fats, and PUFAs (polyunsaturated fats), which include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Why are good fats so, well, good for you? For one, unsaturated fats contain disease-fighting antioxidants like vitamin E, and have been shown to help lower bad cholesterol levels to reduce your risk of heart disease. Plus, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are important for keeping many of our body functions, like our immune system and heart, in top shape. If you're trying to drop pounds here's another important reasons to embrace good fats: MUFAS have been shown to help burn away belly fat.
While MUFAs and PUFAs reign supreme, a little bit of saturated fat in your diet may not be as bad as previously thought. Recent studies have suggested that saturated fats in foods like milk, cheese, and meat may not be as harmful as previously thought, after a analysis found no correlation between a high saturated fat diet and an increased risk of heart disease. Coconut oil, a plant-based saturated fat, has actually been shown to raise levels of the "good" cholesterol, HDL, in recent studies. Current guidelines still suggest limiting your saturated and trans fats intake, however, so it's up to you to make educated decisions about how much you should eat.
That said, eating more fat isn't a bad thing, as long as it's done in moderation. Remember that fats, whether good or bad, are still high in calories, so be sure to keep this in mind when you plan your diet; current dietary guidelines suggest that for a 2000-calorie diet the daily intake of fat, including healthy fats, should be no more than 65 grams. Registered dietitian Julie Upton recommends replacing "low-quality carbs or other foods rich in saturated fats" with foods high in MUFAs and PUFAs to help accommodate the extra calories. Check out our list of some of the best sources of unsaturated fats below, and keep these numbers in mind while you adjust to adding more fat to your diet.
| Food | Portion | Calories | Total Fat (grams) | PUFAs (grams) | MUFAs (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almonds | 1 ounce (23 almonds) | 171 | 15.6 | 3.8 | 9.8 |
| Avocados | 1/4 avocado | 80.5 | 7.4 | .9 | 4.9 |
| Canola oil | 1 tbsp. | 124 | 14 | 4.1 | 8.3 |
| Chia seeds | 1 ounce | 137 | 8.6 | 0.6 | 6.5 |
| Dark chocolate | 1 square | 27 | 1.9 | 0.05 | 0.6 |
| Flaxseed | 1 tbsp. ground | 37 | 3 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp. | 119 | 14 | 1.4 | 9.8 |
| Peanut oil | 1 tbsp. | 119 | 13.5 | 4.3 | 6.2 |
| Pistachios | 1 ounce (49 kernels) | 158 | 12.6 | 3.8 | 6.6 |
| Safflower oil | 1 tbsp. | 120 | 13.6 | 2 | 10.1 |
| Salmon | 3 ounces cooked | 175 | 10.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Soybean oil | 1 tbsp. | 119 | 14 | 7.8 | 3.1 |
| Trout | 1 fillet | 109 | 4.3 | 1.4 | 1.2 |
| Walnuts | 1 ounce (14 halves) | 173 | 17 | 9.8 | 4.2 |
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Were the Couple We All Needed at the Golden Globes
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel led by example when they showed up wearing all black to the Golden Globe Awards in LA on Sunday. Jessica stunned in a strapless floor-length gown, while Justin cut a suave figure in a matching tux. The couple were just two of the many stars wearing all-black looks as a symbol of protest against sexual harassment in the industry. Prior to arriving at the ceremony, Justin posted a selfie of him and Jessica getting ready on Instagram, writing, "Here we come!! And DAMN, my wife is hot!#TIMESUP #whywewearblack."
It was a big night for the pair, as Jessica was nominated for best performance by an actress in a limited series for her leading role in The Sinner (sadly, she didn't win) and Justin celebrated the recent release of his single, "Filthy."
41 Insanely Awesome Organization Hacks
Read on for some of the cleverest organization DIYs and tricks that will get your home orderly in no time.
-Additional reporting by Lauren Chan
Denzel Washington and His Wife, Pauletta, Are Very at Home on Red Carpet
Two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington is no stranger to red carpets, and he's back again this year as a 2018 Golden Globe nominee for best actor in a drama. Washington plays a defense attorney and activist in Roman J. Israel, Esq., a legal thriller set in Los Angeles, which follows the lawyer as he joins a large firm and delves into the dark side of the criminal court system.
Washington and his wife, Pauletta, have been rocking the red carpet together for years, and on Sunday night, both donned all-black attire. Check out more celebrity couples on the red carpet and follow our Golden Globes coverage here.
The Complicated Reason Nicole Kidman Didn't Thank Her 2 Older Kids at the Golden Globes
Nicole Kidman had an amazing night at the Golden Globes on Sunday, taking home the award for best actress in a limited series or TV movie for her role in Big Little Lies. After taking the stage to accept her well-deserved statue, she gave a moving speech about the power of women in light of the Time's Up movement to end sexual harassment and gender inequality. She also gave a sweet shout-out to her two daughters with husband Keith Urban, Sunday and Faith, joking that they can actually watch her since she won the first award of the night. "This means my daughters are still awake, so, Sunny and Faith, I love you. I'm brining this home to you, babies!"
While her speech was emotional and amazing, Nicole obviously didn't thank her two older children, Connor, 22, and Isabella, 25, whom she adopted during her marriage to Tom Cruise. Nicole, who also didn't thank them when she won at the Emmys in September, has said very little about Connor and Isabella over the years, and while she's never revealed the exact reason, it most likely has something to do with Scientology.
"I'm a mother with adopted children. It's not about anything else other than, 'I wanted you.'"
Tom is arguably the world's most famous Scientologist, and when Nicole and Tom divorced in 2001, Connor and Isabella, who were raised in the church, decided to live with their dad and remain devoted to their religion. Because Nicole is not a Scientologist, she is deemed an "SP," or "suppressive person," by the church, which means Scientologists should cut off all contact with them.
Leah Remini, who has been exposing the church and its leader, David Miscavige, on her show Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, touched on Nicole's estranged relationship with Connor and Isabella in her book, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology. Leah said that after attending Tom's 2006 wedding to Katie Holmes, she was riding in a car with the siblings and asked if they had seen their mother recently, to which Isabella replied, "Not if I have a choice. Our mom is a f*cking SP."
Despite Nicole, Connor, and Isabella's lack of public outings, they have maintained that there is nothing but love between them. While promoting her film Lion in 2016, Nicole told Vanity Fair, "I'm a mother with adopted children. This movie is a love letter to my children. Sue [her character] is deeply maternal and full of unconditional love, which is beautiful. That's why I wanted to do it. I relate to that. I feel that for my own children who are adopted. It's not about anything else other than, 'I wanted you.' It's that deep and personal, and whatever your journey is, I'm here to love and support you. That's what I connected to."
Bella also talked about her relationship with her mom in 2012, saying, "I see her sometimes and speak to her." Then in 2016, when asked if rumors of an estrangement were true after neither Nicole nor Tom attended her wedding, she told New Idea, "Of course we talk, they're my parents. Anyone who says otherwise is full of sh*t." Connor echoed her thoughts when he said, "I don't care what people say. I know that me and mum are solid. I love her a lot. My family means everything."
While the exact nature of Nicole's relationship with Connor and Isabella is still unclear, it's obvious in the rare few times she's allowed herself to talk about them that she loves them very much. And because Scientology can cause a lot of problems for people it thinks are "suppressive," Nicole may very well refrain from talking about her two older children completely in order to respect their beliefs.
Kit Harington Kicks It With Emilia Clarke in LA After Getting Kicked Out of a Bar in NYC
Kit Harington paired up with his Game of Thrones costar Emilia Clarke at Sean Penn's annual Haiti Rising gala Saturday night. The onscreen love interests posed together for cute photos at the event, during which Brad Pitt bid a healthy $120,000 to watch an episode of the hit HBO series with Daenerys Targaryen herself; the actor dropped six figures in the hopes of winning the opportunity but was outbid by a fellow guest. Bummer!
Just one night before linking up with Emilia, Kit was thrown out of NYC haunt Barfly after drunkenly trying to play a round of pool with patrons. Apparently, Kit "started banging on the table, grabbing at pool cues, and getting in people's faces." TMZ also reported that the actor "was asked to leave and did, but came back and finally had to be physically removed" from the bar. Bummer!
Keep reading to see more photos of Kit and Emilia together ahead of the Golden Globes.
The Powerful Reason Meryl Streep Chose Her Golden Globes Date
Meryl Streep used her platform to give a voice to the voiceless at the 2018 Golden Globes. The actress, who is nominated for her work in The Post, showed up at the event with Ai-jen Poo, the director of Domestic Workers, an alliance which works toward building fairness and equality for women in the workplace. Before hitting the red carpet, Meryl took a selfie with Ai-jen, who said she was joining the Oscar award winner to shine "a spotlight on domestic workers [and] people who are particularly vulnerable to abuse in the workplace." Meryl was just one of many women who walked the red carpet with activists as their date in honor of the Time's Up movement following the recent wave of sexual harassment allegations in Hollywood. Read on to see more photos of Meryl's night out at the Globes ahead.
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