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 13 mars 2018
I Tried the Pioneer Woman's Best Tomato Soup Ever Recipe and I'll Never Do Store-Bought Again
One of my ultimate cozy dinner indulgences is definitely a bowl of piping-hot tomato soup accompanied by a grilled cheese. Depending on how ambitious I felt, I used to satisfy my cravings by whipping up a delicious but slightly labor-intensive Ina Garten recipe (which requires chopping four pounds of vine-ripened tomatoes) or cave and grab a sub-par store-bought version. It wasn't until I discovered Pioneer Woman's best tomato soup ever recipe that I realized I could actually pull off great-tasting tomato soup in just 25 minutes. I made this last night after work and even had the table set and wine poured by the time my husband walked through the door, which never happens.
Leave it to Ree Drummond to come up with flavor-boosting, time-cutting hacks like adding a bottle of tomato juice, a can of diced tomatoes, and chicken bouillon for a quick and tasty soup base. The tartness of the tomatoes is balanced with a few tablespoons of sugar. Cream, basil, and parsley pull it all together at the end, adding a velvety richness that is brightened by the fresh herbs. After the first bite, it's easy to understand why more than 300 people are raving about this satisfying soup that doesn't require a single fresh tomato. If you're looking to treat yourself on a chilly night, whip this up with a side of grilled cheese. You won't be sorry.
This Is the Simple Diet Rule Katy Perry's Trainer Recommends If You Want to Slim Down
As important as it is to work out regularly if you want to lose weight, your diet is the most crucial part of getting healthy. Celebrity trainer and wellness expert Magnus Lygdback teaches this to all of his clients, whether it's Alicia Vikander, Gal Gadot, or Katy Perry. Yep, those are some pretty badass women.
"I work with a lot of strong women," Magnus told POPSUGAR. "I would love to try to help women get into the gym and start lifting - and stop having a guilty conscience when you treat yourself."
Magnus does a lot of strength training with his clients, which explains why Katy always looks slim and toned. But it's not just the work in the gym that allows her to be fit. Magnus helps women like Katy change their relationship with food, so they can be both healthy and happy. "How many women do you know who can have a slice of pizza and not have a guilty conscience? I don't know many," he said. "Food is a big part of life, and it should be enjoyed."
Obsessively eating clean six days a week and then having a whole "cheat day" doesn't align with Magnus's plan. "17 out of 20 meals should be on point, and you should enjoy life three out of 20," he recommended. "So it's up to you when you want to do those three meals out of 20, but that's my philosophy."
Additionally, one great thing about doing strength training regularly is you can "get away with more of what you eat," Magnus explained. "You burn more when you have more muscle mass." So those three meals shouldn't leave you with any guilt at all.
This philosophy seems to have been working for Katy Perry over the years! She was nominated for two Brit Awards on Feb. 21, and even though she didn't take home the gold, at least she knows how to enjoy a slice of pizza.
A Beachbody Trainer Insists These 3 Lower-Body Exercises Will Transform Your Legs and Butt
The weather is starting to get warmer, which means it's time to whip out the shorts and skirts that have been collecting dust all Winter. Naturally, that means a lot of us will wonder what kind of lower-body moves we can do at the gym to shape up our legs and booty. To get a little extra help in that department, we talked to Joel Freeman, a Beachbody Super Trainer, who gave us a few pointers.
"With lower-body stuff, if we're talking bodyweight, anything squat-related or lunges is great," Joel told POPSUGAR. "People discount lunges. They think they're not going to grow the booty, but lunges are just as important to grow the booty as well as squats."
There are endless variations of squats and lunges you can do, but Joel advised, "It's not necessary to throw a massive amount of weight and compress your spine to build your legs and booty. It's just about doing isolation exercises, and doing it the right way." Using the squat rack every now and then is fine, but you don't need to worry about tacking on as much weight as possible in order to see changes in the body.
In addition to squats and lunges, Joel said, "One of my favorites is bridge, where you're lying on your back and you're lifting your hips into the air. That's all butt and quads right there." If you want to challenge yourself further, add a dumbbell onto your lap for more resistance.
Joel also reminded us that "you can't target train." In other words, you can't exclusively do lunges, squats, and bridges and expect to see a major change in your body. You have to continue to eat healthy, incorporate cardio into your routine, and get plenty of sleep. Soon enough your lower body will show the amazing results!
Burn Calories, Build Muscle, and Lose Weight With This 10-Minute Workout
You can absolutely get in an amazing workout in just 10 minutes. This combo workout has the best of both worlds: cardio to burn calories and strength training to build muscle. All you need are a jump rope (if you don't have one, just fake it!) and a pair of medium-weight dumbbells.
The Workout
Directions: An AMRAP workout means you complete as many rounds as possible in a certain amount of time. For this workout, set the timer for 10 minutes and move through as many rounds as you can of these nine exercises, as quickly as possible with correct form. That means once you get to the last rep of deadlifts, start over again with jumping rope and keep going without any rest. It's just 10 minutes - you can do it!
Challenge yourself and use heavy enough dumbbells to make you work hard and feel your muscles burning, between eight and 25 pounds.
50 jump rope skips (single-unders)
10 dumbbell thrusters
50 jump rope skips (single-unders)
10 alternating lunges with biceps curl
50 jump rope skips (single-unders)
10 push-ups with rotate
50 jump rope skips (single-unders)
10 Romanian deadlifts
If you need directions for each move, see below.
The 6 Stretches For Anyone With Tight Hamstrings
If you run, bike, are desk-bound all day, or have been sitting in a car or plane traveling, your hamstrings could use some extra love and length. It not only feels good to stretch this commonly tight area, but hamstring flexibility is also important for the health of your back, hips, and knees. Here are six easy and essential stretches that target the backs of your legs. To avoid injury, it's best to do them at the end of a workout, when the muscles are warm.
Satisfy Carb Cravings - Minus the Calories - With These Trader Joe's Cauliflower Products
You love cauliflower because it's low in carbs and calories and so versatile in creating healthy recipes like cauliflower rice and beans and cauliflower potato salad. To make eating this amazing white veggie even easier, head to Trader Joe's - they offer so many amazing products. Their latest? This Cauliflower Pizza Crust - just a heads-up that it's in such high demand that Trader Joe's is having a hard time keeping it stocked! But try these other amazing products that are sure to satisfy your cauliflower obsession.
The Fitness Marshall's Routine to Beyoncé's "Naughty Girl" Is Sexy, Silly, and 1,000% Fun
We hoped and we prayed, and our lord and savior Queen Bey finally answered our prayers with a "Naughty Girl" dance cardio video from The Fitness Marshall. From "flamboyantly" flinging your arms to feeling yourself with sultry body rolls, this is one of our favorite dances of all time from Caleb, Haley, and Bria. Pus, there's a great calorie-burning tip in here from Caleb: "If you lip sync and pretend you're Beyoncé, you burn more calories."
Not Gonna Lie, This 20-Minute Full-Body TRX Circuit Is Going to Kick Your Ass
Welcome to the "TRX full-body circuit party!" This badass gym workout was brought to you by Michelle Opperman, regional group fitness director for Crunch Gyms in San Francisco.
"The TRX is an amazing tool that leverages gravity and your own body weight to perform exercises that can be made easier or harder by simply moving closer or farther away from the anchor point," Michelle told POPSUGAR. "Please make sure to always focus on proper alignment, along with keeping the straps at tension to get the most out of each exercise."
Now, for the workout! "This 20-minute workout will rock your entire body and is done in five circuits," she said. "The first three focus on full-body strength and cardio, while the last two target your core. All moves are done for 30 seconds followed by a 10 second recovery (use an app timer, phone, or watch). Repeat each circuit for a total of two rounds. Try to go even harder during the second round to push the intensity and get the maximum burn."
Michelle included four warmup exercises before you actually get into the circuits. Don't skip out on them! They'll prepare your body for what's ahead. Once you get started with the meat of your workout, you repeat each circuit twice before moving onto the next one. Descriptions for each movement are ahead.
Let's do this!
3 Simple Habits That Help Me Manage My Mental Health Every Day
If you suffer from anxiety or depression, you might find your mental health affecting different areas of your life when left unchecked. As someone who gets the blues often regardless of the time of year or what's going on in my life, I've found that the key to starting and ending every day on the right foot means relying on a few daily rituals.
Sleep More
Fatigue and sleeplessness are considered common symptoms of depression, so getting enough sleep is something I prioritize. It helps me feel less lethargic and more excited to face the day. When I'm stressed about something or going through a busy period, sleep tends to fall by the wayside, and my resulting tiredness can heighten my feelings of anxiety. Making sure I get enough sleep is as simple as setting up a bedtime alert on my iPhone that lets me know 20 minutes before I have to be in bed if I want to hit my sleep goal.
Be Active
If feeling lazy and unproductive is a trigger for you, making time to do something that gives you a sense of accomplishment can be a way around that. In the past, I've put myself down and forced myself into a punishing workout to make up for simply missing a Spin class or not getting up early enough to work out. When I know there's absolutely no way to squeeze a workout into my day and don't want to deal with the emotional fallout of feeling unaccomplished, I do small things like walk up the escalators rather than stay stationary and walk the long way home rather than get the bus.
Blast Some Music
While it may seem rude to most people, plugging my earphones in and listening to my favorite tunes helps to focus and calm me when I'm feeling particularly overwhelmed during my workday. It's also no secret that listening to music can trigger the release of happy hormones in your brain, which makes you feel loved and increases your sense of well-being.
What You Should Smell Like, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Lately, it seems like you can rep your zodiac sign in all aspects of your beauty routine. You can match your favorite highlighter or lipstick to your star sign, or take a page out of artist Setareh Hosseini's beauty book and dress up as your horoscope for Halloween. And now, the trend has come for your shower thanks to Spongellé's Zodiac Body Buffer Collection.
You probably know (and plan your love life around) the zodiac. Spongellé has broken up all 12 horoscopes into their respective elements to create celestial scrubs tailor-made to suit your sign.
Here's a quick crash course in astrology for those who only relate to Earth, Wind, and Fire on the dance floor. Air includes Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini; Earth includes Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus; Fire includes Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius; and Water includes Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio.
The scrub's lather omits a fragrance that's set to suit your sign. It can be reused for up to 15 times, or about half of your birth month. Read on to see what you should be smelling like, according to the Zodiac.
These 20 Treatments For Thinning Hair Actually Work - According to Pros
If you've noticed your hair thinning, you're not alone. "As a salon owner and hairstylist, thinning hair and hair loss are the top concerns of my clients. They all ask me how can they achieve thicker, fuller hair while finding a way to get hair to regrow," says Gabriel Samra, a celebrity hairstylist.
That said, being in good company isn't exactly comforting when you're literally watching your hair wash down the drain. While some hair loss might indicate a deeper medical issue and therefore need to be treated by a doctor, it could be due to stress or poor hair health (see here for a list of common causes), in which case hair experts say you can take matters into your own hands.
From supplements to fillers (it's like Botox for your hair), read on for some of the innovative and sometimes unusual (gelatin, anyone?) products they recommend to clients seeking thicker hair. Some of these picks have proven so successful that the experts have incorporated them into their own regimens.
After Trying This Lip Balm, I'm Throwing Away All of the Other Ones in My Purse
Author's Note: As you may have noticed, I work for POPSUGAR. But this review is a genuine take on a new favorite product and was neither requested nor influenced by my employer. I'm just really f*cking pumped about this lip balm, y'all.
Hi, everyone. My name is Brinton, and I'm a lip balm addict. As I type this, I can count at least six different types of lip balm sitting in various spots on my desk, and that's just what I can see - there are a handful of others in my purse, not to mention scattered around my apartment. From tinted to clear, potted to tubed, I've been around the block more than once when it comes to keeping my lips hydrated.
I was simultaneously struck with delight and an overwhelming craving for Girl Scout cookies - and the delight part isn't something I experience often.
When my boss, Lisa Sugar, asked me to help test and honestly review products as she developed for our new beauty line, I was most skeptical about the lip balm. How could Beauty by POPSUGAR Be Calm Lip Save ($20) possibly stand out from the countless others I've been through over the years?
But I needn't have worried about giving negative feedback on the balm - as it turns out, I should have been concerned that I'll bankrupt myself buying a million tubes of it.
For context, I judge a lip balm based on seven factors:
- Consistency: Is it so sticky that my hair will get stuck to my mouth on a windy day or make my fiancé avoid kissing me?
- Staying power: Am I going to need to reapply it every hour to keep my lips moisturized or will one swipe be good all day?
- Appearance: Few things gross me out more than when a lip product ends up looking gunky on your mouth after a few hours, so I pay very close attention to how a balm looks over the course of a day.
- Long-term effectiveness: Is this one of those shady balms that actually causes lips to become more reliant on a product or will it work to heal my perpetually chapped lips?
- Ingredients: What's actually in the balm I'm using? Since I'll inevitably get it in my mouth, I don't want an ingredients list filled with chemicals and ingredients that make me feel icky.
- Cruelty-free formula: Whenever possible, I strive to support brands that develop and manufacture products without animal testing.
- Scent: This one is pretty straightforward - does the lip balm smell good? If it smells ultra synthetic or chemical, I'm not interested.
Luckily for me - and, I suppose, for all of us - the new balm blows all of my criteria out of the water. It's got a nonsticky formula that lasts all day (even through burritos, which I've tested more times than I'd like to admit), it stays consistently natural-looking without any gross buildup, and it's made with a natural, cruelty-free formula that actually treats your chapped lips rather than just lending temporary relief. But best of all, my friends, is that it smells like the very best Girl Scout cookie: Thin Mints. The instant I first applied Be Calm Lip Save, I was simultaneously struck with delight and an overwhelming craving for cookies - and the delight part isn't something I experience often.
Out of 80-plus products in the Beauty by POPSUGAR line, the lip balm is by far my favorite! It's got me ready to throw away all the rest of my lip balm collection . . . and for somebody with as many tubes of lip product as I have, that's not a small undertaking. But once I discovered that it can also be used as a treatment for dry hands and elbows, I knew I was hooked. Who can resist double-duty beauty that smells like cookies? I know I can't.
You can find Beauty by POPSUGAR Be Calm Lip Save ($20) at Ulta or on the dedicated Beauty by PS website along with the rest of the 80+ items in the collection.
11 Hydrating Balms Your Chapped Lips Will Soak Up in 2018
I have a lip balm for my car, purse, nightstand, bathroom . . . the list is endless. Needless to say, I'm a total addict, and if you are too, you know how important it is to have one you love using. To make life easier, we rounded up a list of popular and hydrating products that will help you fight off dry, cracked lips. So whether you're headed on vacation or live in a cold climate, these picks are total must haves. Shop our favorites ahead.
This Smurf-Blue Mask Will Transform the Texture of Your Skin
The volatile weather in New York City is wreaking havoc on my complexion; I've been breaking out in small bumps, and my normally well-hydrated skin is developing small dry patches all over. I turned to the Sephora Beauty Insider Community to see if I could find a solution to my troubled skin and saw that many people were suggesting the Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask ($48).
The mask contains blue tansy oil (Moroccan chamomile), a strong anti-inflammatory that soothes irritated and red skin - something most of us could really use during the harsh Winter months. However, the real heroes in this azure elixir are the white willow bark and fruit enzymes. White willow bark is a natural beta hydroxy acid, a chemical exfoliant more commonly known as salicylic acid. This ingredient smooths the texture of your skin and battles acne. The fruit enzymes act as a natural alpha hydroxy acid, which helps to exfoliate and resurface your skin.
I decided to give the mask a try and spread the gel-like product over my freshly washed skin. After leaving it on for 15 minutes and experiencing a light tingling sensation, I rinsed my face. I continued to use the mask every other day for a week and was amazed by how quickly it improved my weather-worn skin. After experiencing these impressive results, the mask has become a must have in my medicine cabinet each time my complexion becomes irritated.
10 Awesomely Affordable Wet n Wild Products - Starting at Just $2!
Wet n Wild was my go-to brand as a broke, makeup-loving high school student. I loved that I could afford to try out a different shade of lipstick, and get a ton of eye shadow all on my very small budget. As I got older and tried more expensive brands, I kept finding my way back to many of my tried and true Wet n Wild products in my massive collection.
Although I always get a look of surprise when I recommend something so affordable to my friends, they always thank me. The products just work.
Before you decide to splurge on the next $40 highlighter, or $50 eye shadow palette, consider picking up these (just as good) makeup items the next time you're at the drugstore.
This $40 Flat Iron Is a Bestseller on Amazon - Just Ask the 30,000 Reviewers Who Love It
Finding high-quality heating tools that don't cost a fortune is no easy feat. That's where this HSI Professional Glider Flat Iron ($40) comes in. It's a bestselling beauty product on Amazon, and for good reason. Over 30,000 customers have reviewed it, and 70 percent of them gave the product five stars - that's insanely good.
The iron even comes with a heat-protecting glove, travel bag, and argan oil. Buyers say that their tresses are left incredibly shiny and smooth. "High quality ceramic plates use eight HeatBalance micro-sensors to regulate the temperature and evenly distribute heat so fewer passes are needed on your precious hair," the product description states.
The straightener can get as hot as 450 degrees, and the one-inch plate is skinny enough to work with any hair length. You can even use it on bangs.
"In love with this flat iron!" one reviewer said. "Even my hair stylist wanted to steal it. The packaging was elegant and detailed, I loved every aspect of it. I've had it for the last month and it's been nothing short of perfect, it even makes these amazing curls!"
Are you sold yet? We're adding this to our shopping cart right now. It's too good to pass up.
The Dry Shampoo Method I Use to Wash My Hair Way Less Often
Washing my thick hair takes forever and is one of my least favorite chores. I've tried every dry shampoo, clarifying shampoo, and technique under the sun to try to extend my time between washes, and I've finally got my routine down. It works so well that several of my coworkers have been shocked when I revealed I hadn't washed my locks in four or five days.
The most important discovery is that I've finally found a dry shampoo that really absorbs all of the dirt and oil from my head. After reading several recommendations of the DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo ($23) on the Sephora Beauty Insider Community, I quickly switched over to this spray and will never go back.
Keep reading to find out how I successfully put off washing my hair to once or twice a week - without it looking like a greasy mess.
This Affordable Set of Facial Oils Is My Secret to Glowing, Healthy Skin
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Yi
Reviving my dry Winter skin is no easy feat, so how have I managed to score a Summer-like glow off season? Hint: it's not highlighter - it's Honey Belle's Gold Collection ($35). The organic, natural skincare line's set features three of its star products: Luxe (cleansing oil), Flora (rosewater toner), and Elixir (facial oil). Although each one is fantastic as a standalone product, they work best in combination with each other to achieve healthy, luminous skin.
After just a week of using the collection, I immediately noticed a smoother, softer, and moisturized face that I'm more confident in showing off sans makeup (like in the photo above). Now two months after putting them into practice, I'm close to retiring my former favorite products in place of these. According to some of the raving reviews online, others have noticed less visible facial scarring, fewer breakouts, and better control of their oily skin in addition to the aforementioned benefits. Here's a breakdown of each bottle!
Step 1: Luxe
This cleansing oil is gentle enough for all skin types but tough on waterproof makeup. Rather than using a harsh makeup remover wipe, apply a few drops of Luxe (starting at $14) into your palm and work through your face in circular motions using your fingertips. You'll see how easily dirt, impurities, and makeup come off. Once you're done, no need to use soap! Simply rinse off with warm water before moving onto the next step.
Ingredients: organic apricot kernel seed oil, rosemary essential oil, bergamot essential oil, and vitamin E.
Benefits: reduces fine lines, age spots, and scars and improves skin tone.
Step 2: Flora
This rosewater toner contains high levels of vitamin C, which aids in erasing fine lines and boosts collagen levels. Flora (starting at $12) soothes acne while providing moisture and ridding bacteria. Apply liberally to your face, and use your fingertips to evenly distribute the product to your skin. It'll seal in the Luxe you used right before and immediately produce a gorgeous glow. But wait, it gets even better.
Ingredients: organic rosewater, witch hazel extract, and rosewood essential oil.
Benefits: cleanses, tightens, and tones the skin; diminishes wrinkles and pores; rejuvenates the skin; reduces acne and scarring; and keeps skin looking healthy.
Step 3: Elixir
The final step of the collection is packed with omega-3s and -6s, which results in improved skin elasticity and, therefore, younger- and healthier-looking skin. Top it all off by rubbing a dime-size amount of Elixir (starting at $15) between your palms and pat onto your face and neck. Enjoy your beaming complexion!
Ingredients: organic cold pressed hemp seed oil, grapefruit essential oil, basil essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and vitamin E.
Benefits: makes skin firmer and more hydrated, enhances dull skin, and improves skin tone.
In addition to smelling amazing and working great for all skin types (including oily skin!), the Gold Collection is also affordable. Each mini bottle (0.5 oz.) is sold separately for $12 to $14 or $35 for all three. Despite its small size, Honey Belle's set has lasted me for the past couple months, and I'm only barely halfway through the bottles.
The site recommends using twice per day, once in the morning and evening, but I've only been using mine at night while I try to get through my other products without putting them to waste. On the weekends, however, I love limiting my skincare routine to this awesome trio and leaving the house with only Glossier's Boy Brow and some mascara on. I've honestly never received so many compliments on my skin before! If you're looking for a low-maintenance skincare regimen, the Gold Collection was made for you.
5 Ways to Wear Becca's Most Iconic Highlighter
Becca is famous for creating some of the best highlighters on the market, but no hue is more iconic than Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop ($38). I finally decided to give the shade a try after seeing it recommended on Sephora's Beauty Insider Community and discovered that the beautiful color can be used in a variety of ways. Since becoming obsessed with this highlighter, these are the five ways I've been using it on my skin.
1. To highlight your favorite features
My favorite way to wear the shimmery powder is to highlight the high points of my face. I dust the light rose gold powder over my cheekbones, on my cupid's bow above my lips, and on my brow bone to make my features stand out.
2. Under your foundation
If you want to look lit from within, dust a sheer layer of the powder over your entire face with a large brush prior to foundation. Next, dot a matte foundation onto your face using a makeup sponge, and see your complexion look better than ever.
3. As eye shadow
Make your eyes stand out by spreading the buttery powder over your lids with your finger. Follow up with mascara for an easy and showstopping look.
4. As a lip topper
Want to make your lips look fuller? Put on your favorite nude lipstick or gloss, and dot a bit of the champagne powder on the center of your lips.
5. On your body
Don't stop at highlighting just your face! Take the powder all over your body by brushing it over your collarbones, on your shoulders, and down the center of your legs.
This 1 Foundation Lasts All Day on My Oily Skin
Although I've done a pretty good job of learning to control my acne-prone skin, there's still one complexion issue I've yet to conquer: my skin is oily AF. If I wear a foundation that's even a little dewy, my face looks reflective by the end of the day.
I've gotten used to my oily skin breaking down makeup, and I've had to search for products that can stand up against it. Luckily, I finally tried out Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup ($42) after seeing how many people recommended it in the Sephora Beauty Insider Community.
While I ordinarily prefer medium-coverage foundation, I would describe this one as completely full coverage and extremely matte. To sheer it out a bit, I've been mixing one or two drops of the Farsali Unicorn Essence ($54) into the product on my hand before applying it to my face with a Beautyblender ($20). The result is a gorgeous semimatte finish that lets my natural skin shine through, without wearing down by the end of the day.
The makeup looks so great on my skin that I actually had someone tell me they thought I wasn't wearing a lot of makeup the last time I wore it. I'm pretty excited I found such a long-lasting formula and definitely think this is a must-have product for anyone with oily skin. After wearing it all day, my skin looks natural and a little dewy, but never oily.
Padma Lakshmi Used to Set Her Eyeliner on Fire to Make the Color Work on Her Skin Tone
Image Source: Getty / Noam Galai
"I've been hoarding lipstick since I was about 6 or 7 years old," Padma Lakshmi told me during an interview at a New York City MAC Cosmetics store. "I have very strong, fully formed opinions about makeup." Her strongest one? "I want makeup that looks good on medium and darker skin tones as well as Caucasian skin." It's been a lifelong pursuit for the model, activist, and Top Chef host, who admits to spending much of her career bringing her own makeup to different gigs and photo shoots. So when MAC came calling on the multihyphenate to join forces for a collaboration, inclusivity remained her prime focus.
As she told me, "I just wanted to make the colors I didn't find in the marketplace when I was growing up. If you are dark skinned, you can find a lot of gray eye shadow to do a smoky eye, but can you do a colorful smoky eye?" Enter Padma's eye quads, two mini palettes chock-full of gorgeously decadent, bold colors such as a denim blue and deep purple. Those can be used alone or with her dual-ended eyeliners, which are homages to the first beauty product she ever bought.
"I'm sure the first makeup I used was an eyeliner pencil," she recalled. "In those days, you would light your eyeliner with a lighter or a match to get it to soften a little bit before you put it on. That would give you a deposit of pigment that you wouldn't get otherwise. Those of us who had darker skin had to do stuff like that. We were doing all kinds of homemade things like that to make our makeup fit our skin."
An epiphany for Padma during her earlier modeling days came when she discovered MAC products. She recalls it being the first brand that catered to her deeper skin tone. (After all, the brand's slogan is "We are for ALL ages, ALL races, ALL sexes.")
"To me, mixing spices to make a delicious dish is not dissimilar to mixing pigments to get the right color. It's a little bit of this, a little bit of that."
"It was the first company, at least to my knowledge, that did really rich, luxurious pigments that were super saturated," she said. She even remembers the moment she discovered that MAC's iconic Studio Fix Foundation had an option that worked for her, especially since Padma was used to blending different colors together to create a bespoke shade. "I still remember my old shade: it was C5. Finally there was a color that looked good for my complexion and didn't look like I had mixed colors."
Padma said that since her modeling days, the industry has thankfully become more diverse, and this collection is a celebration of that. "I think a lot of brands are embracing different complexions and different models. There are different versions of what beauty is. How boring of a world would it be if just one type of woman or man was beautiful?"
So while this collection might be an ode to her first love - all things makeup - it definitely takes influence from her second. And that would be food! "To me, mixing spices to make a delicious dish is not dissimilar to mixing pigments to get the right color. It's a little bit of this, a little bit of that," she said.
Many of the shade names - and hues themselves - are inspired by ingredients. "Mittai is the Hindi world for candy, so that's what we called the hot magenta pink lipstick," she told me. "There's another one called Sumac, which is used a lot in Middle Eastern cooking." So is Cardamom, a light green eye shadow that lives in one of her eye shadow quads.
Hungry yet? If so, you can shop the MAC x Padma collection on the brand's website now.
This Towel Has Completely Transformed My Haircare Routine
Washing my hair is one of my least favorite chores - I have so much hair that it takes upward of 20 minutes for me to shampoo, condition, and rinse all the product out of my locks. What I hate even more is waiting for my thick mane to dry, which can take hours. Sometimes, I even wake up in the morning, nine hours after I have showered, with damp hair.
Luckily, I've finally found a miracle product that has made washing my hair way less of a pain. The Aquis Waffle Luxe Hair Turban ($40) has completely changed my postshower routine. After stumbling upon some favorable reviews from the Sephora Beauty Insider Community, I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad that I did. The hair towel dries my hair twice as fast as other ones I've tried thanks to its ultrafine fibers.
To use the turban, I flip over my head and hang the towel over it. I scoop my hair into the towel, twist it up and away from my face, and hook it to the button located at the nape of my neck. The button ensures it's hooked securely to my head, so I can do chores around my apartment without it sliding off.
It doesn't make my wavy hair frizzy, but it absorbs all the moisture from my strands quickly and easily. I haven't loved a product this much in years (and I test out a lot of products) and have even suggested it to my mom, my friends, and literally anyone who will listen. I've added about four to my collection so far, because it's literally the only thing I will use to dry my hair from now on.
MAC Will Launch Star- and Heart-Shaped Glitter Pigments That Are So Cute, We Can't Hang
You may think that cosmetic glitter is perfection in a plastic bottle and cannot get any better. Well, sometimes life surprises us. That's because MAC took its ever-popular Glitter Pigments ($22) and made the sparkle into fun shapes. Warning: these new releases are so cute, you might hurt yourself in the happy dance that's bound to ensue after seeing them.
Hot off the heels of releasing an iridescent glitter, the brand is at it again with a heart- and star-stamped iteration. This news was first scooped via an Instagram post by MAC Global Senior Artist Dominic Skinner. He wrote that the pigments are available exclusively in stores and on the brand's site.
The silver star pigment basically looks like those stickers you'd get if you were good in elementary school, and we'd gladly apply those to make any going-out eye look really pop. (Heck, we'd probably wear it on a standard Starbucks run, it's so cute.) The celestial option's fraternal twin, the heart-shaped glitter, is a great way to channel this season's trendy bubblegum-pink hue.
So go ahead, turn yourself into a human arts and crafts project with this gorgeous glitter!
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!
You Won't Believe What Disneyland Is Planning to Do With Churros
Some Disneyland fans are Mickey Bar obsessives, others are cake pop people - and then, well, there are the rest of us. Churros are easily the best handheld snack at the happiest place on earth, and the three new versions arriving to Disneyland Resort on April 13 for Pixar Fest are shaping up to be some of the greatest.
A multicolored fruity churro with lemon sugar - nicknamed The Snipe, of course - will honor Up's bold bird Kevin, and a Lots-o' Straw-"Bear"-y Churro, sold in Tomorrowland, will feature bright pink sugar and that trademark strawberry scent of the Toy Story 3 character. The most exciting of the three, though, is Frontierland's Coco churro, which comes topped with chocolate powder, vanilla bean, and salted cinnamon sugar, served with a Mexican chocolate dipping sauce that's got a smoky chipotle kick.
While a trio of new takes on the theme park favorite seems like a big step, the funky churro phenomenon has only just begun. As it turns out, there may be even more flavors on the way, both throughout Pixar Fest (which runs at both parks until Sept. 3) and at a permanent Toy Story-themed churro stand debuting within Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure on June 23. In talking to Disney's culinary team, we learned that there's going to be an "explosion" of ever-changing churros going forward, meaning that fun new flavors are no longer a seasonal thing - it's the future.
The cinnamon-sugar treat has been likened to a kind of canvas for ongoing interpretation, and we have a strong sense that a variety of different churros always for sale across Disney's two California parks - possibly even one for each land - seems to be on the horizon. We even heard rumblings from the culinary staff of possible "hidden churros" and even a "churro challenge" - seriously! - which sounds like our kind of sporting event.
It's hard not to see a parallel between these and Disneyland's overseas counterpart, Tokyo Disneyland. The beloved Japanese resort is known for selling wild and often wacky flavors of popcorn at stands across its two theme parks that change throughout the seasons. With a rotating selection of flavors like curry, soy sauce and butter, white chocolate, black pepper, and herb and tomato, park-goers are known to try them out regularly in a way that is eerily similar to our endless churro obsession.
Despite seasonal iterations of the beloved park snack being relatively new, they've exploded in popularity, with churros flavored like peppermint, pumpkin spice, and s'mores, covered in rose gold glitter or available in Cars racing colors, proving successful in the past few months alone. (It's worth noting, too, that seasonal Mickey-shaped beignets have also become crazy-popular.)
We're not entirely sure if the Anaheim park's intention is truly to offer a constant rotation of delightful flavors or if they'll just be rolled out more often, but if it happens, we are here for it. Having new iterations of churros for sale makes grabbing an old favorite that much more exciting every time we visit Disneyland, and tasty takes on our favorite Disney movies and Pixar films are always a good excuse for an anytime indulgence. Read on to see photos of the new snacks!
13 Empowering Experiences For Female Travelers
Traveling as a female in general promotes feelings of empowerment, but some destinations just downright demand it. With Women's History Month upon us, it's the perfect time to plan some travel to do just that. Just venturing into the world independently is reason enough to feel fierce, but certain trips really push the limits and require you to harness your inner awesome. Some are solo, some are in a group of your best friends (or ones you've never met), but all are a balanced gang of ideas to fuel some serious kickass mojo. We all have our own ways of being inspired, sparking that fire that makes us feel strong and empowered. There's something in this roundup for every type of woman - every type of capable, boss, independent, incredible woman out there.
4 Tips From Flight Attendants For Surviving Your Next Transatlantic Trip
I'm a passionate traveler. There are few things I'd rather do than fill up a suitcase (only halfway, gotta leave room for the gifts!) and board a flight to some far-flung destination. But, admittedly, I'm also a delicate flower. That means even the most serene and uncrowded transatlantic flight is likely to put my body and brain out of whack in nearly every imaginable way.
It's well known that air travel can do a number on your health. I somehow manage to experience nearly every single woe - from dry skin and breakouts to stomach upset and extreme fatigue. (Flying can also make me very cranky, though that may simply be because I'm an underpaid journalist, so I never have the chance to take first class.)
This is why every time I travel, I marvel at how flight attendants always look so rested and happy. How exactly does that person opening your can of tomato juice manage to stay calm, fresh-faced, and presumably healthy while the airbus makes a mad dash across the friendly skies?
I decided to inquire whether there's a magic elixir flight attendants aren't sharing with their passengers. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. However, the ones I spoke with did have a few suggestions to make air travel a little less punishing. Here are their helpful tips.
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Then do it some more, said Tracye Tipps, a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines. "You must stay hydrated, not just for your skin, but for the good of your body."
One way to tell if you're getting enough water is to look at your pee. Yellow urine indicates that you're dehydrated, so get drinking. It's also wise not to get on a plane without a bottle of water. Yes, it's true, water is overpriced in airport terminals and you can't take full bottles through security. However, you can put a reusable water bottle in your carry-on and fill it up by the gate so you're able to pound some before getting on the plane. If you're willing to pay for water once through security, flight attendant Whitlie Irving from Delta Airlines recommends purchasing more than one. "When traveling through different regions of the world, I always bring two bottles of water with me: one to drink, and one to wash my face with. It can help prevent breakouts that happen due to [the] constantly changing consistency of the tap water used to wash my face with."
2. Keep it clean
While commercial air travel has revolutionized the world, it has also made people far more vulnerable to infectious diseases and less life-threatening ailments such as the common cold. Some research suggests that air travel increases one's risk for getting sick by more than 100 times. One study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA can thrive in an airline cabin for as much as 168 hours. That's alarming enough to compel Irving to never leave home without her antibacterial hand sanitizer. It's also not overkill to take a shower and change your clothes promptly after checking into your hotel. In fact, it's probably more crazy not to do that.
3. Move around, but also know when to rest
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. Unfortunately, walking up and down the aisle of a plane during your flight doesn't count for either, so you'll have to do the math and deal with that when you disembark.
Flight attendants know this. They have to find a comfortable balance between resting after long trips and moving around to stay healthy. When Tipps has overnights, she likes to go for long walks and explore the unfamiliar city she finds herself in, if the weather permits (one of the perks of traveling the world for work!). Though most hotels she stays at have gyms, it's far more enjoyable to be out and about.
However, for some people, keeping exercise a little casual provides too much temptation to cheat oneself out of a workout, so Irving suggests finding ways to prepare so you won't skip it. She plans for exercise in her hotel room. That can mean traveling with a resistance band - easy, cheap, and light to take anywhere with you - or a yoga mat. A yoga mat may be a little more bulky, though it can double as a place to sleep if you end up camping out under the stars. "If you have a workout routine, make sure it accommodates a flexible lifestyle," she said. "Download your favorite workout programs ahead of time, or make sure they're streamable to a laptop."
Additionally, Tipps adds that it's important to know when to rest. "I also enjoy my quiet time in my hotel room with the TV off," she said. "We have so much noise in our lives as flight attendants . . . airplane noise, airport noise. Just having a quiet room to slow your heart rate and pace of life down is something I enjoy."
4. Watch what you eat
A buildup of gas in the body is common while cruising at high altitudes. And it seems the higher you go, the worse the discomfort may get. Though "jet bloat" can't be avoided completely, there are ways to minimize discomfort so that after an eight-hour trip you can still wear your skinny jeans with confidence. Tipp recommends staying away from gas-producing foods such as beans and broccoli. It's also probably best to skip foods that are binding, such as dairy products and red meat. Being a frequent traveler also exposes a person to a number of different bacterium that can upset the gut, which is why most doctors (and many flight attendants) encourage probiotics. These "good bacteria" keep the digestive system in check.
But eating regular (and healthy) meals can be a challenge for anyone while traveling. "The biggest thing for eating on the go is packing our meals, since it can be easy to fall into the trap of convenient, unhealthy airport fast food," said Joshua Barber, a flight attendant with Southwest. "And stopping to eat at the airport or hotel can easily cut into your sleep time." Which is to say, packing healthy foods and snacks is the best way to avoid asking Barber for another bag of pretzels.
A Beloved Toy Story Character Is Finally Getting Her Own Ride at Disneyland
Image Source: Disney
Move over, Buzz Lightyear - this is a job only a cowgirl can do. Jessie's Critter Carousel is the newest ride coming to Disney California Adventure, giving the rootin' tootin' first lady of Toy Story her very own attraction.
The carousel itself, which will be located in the forthcoming Pixar Pier, will be themed to Jessie's iconic look with big golden details and a cow-print trim emblematic of the character's riding chaps. Inside, it will be filled with colorful animals modeled after the Crazy Critters from Woody's Roundup cartoon as seen in Toy Story 2.
Armadillos, turtles, bunnies, and raccoons bearing wide eyes and adorably goofy grins will be among the 56 critters populating the ride, bringing those 2D cutesy cartoon characters to life for the first time. And because they're the same little creatures from Toy Story Midway Mania!, it'll make for a perfect opportunity to take a victory lap on the one matching your high score. (We're already noticing a certain dose of whimsy it's bound to contain as well - the skunk in the attraction design is even facing backward!)
Jessie's Critter Carousel will be the second ride within the forthcoming Toy Story neighborhood of Pixar Pier, which also welcomes the new Incredibles-themed redesign of California Screamin' and Pixar characters from all of the classic films. Sadly, the carousel, which replaces Paradise Pier's former King Triton's Carousel, won't open with Pixar Pier's grand unveiling on June 23, but in 2019. From the looks of it, though, it'll be well worth the wait!
A behind-the-scenes peek at what the carousel characters will look like.
Image Source: Carlye Wisel
What Is Seat Pitch and Why Does It Matter When Flying?
Seat pitch isn't just desirable - it can be necessary for your safety on a plane. The term "seat pitch" essentially describes how much legroom you have and is measured by the distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of or behind it. Obviously, we all want as much as we can get. Unfortunately, seat sizes on planes really are shrinking, and it may not just affect our comfort as travelers, but also our safety in the event of an evacuation or other emergencies.
American Airlines is reportedly cutting down seat pitch in the economy class of its Boeing 737 Max jetliners, and United Airlines is expected to follow suit. Seat pitch can vary widely depending on the airline you fly with and the type of plane your flying on. Budget airlines like Spirit can sometimes have seat pitches as low as 28 inches, while JetBlue, Virgin, and Southwest boast larger seat pitches (30+ inches of legroom per seat in economy).
Just this week, the FAA had to face the problem of the "shrinking seat." A judge ruled in favor of the Flyers Rights advocacy group who filed safety concerns about the decreasing seat pitches. The case deals with "whether smaller seats and larger passengers could have an impact on emergency egress," which is a valid concern if the distance between seats and the amount of legroom continues to shrink.
Websites like SeatGuru can help passengers figure out what amount of seat pitch the plane they are flying on will have, so if legroom is a big concern for you, consider comparing airlines before booking your flights!
15 Awesome Things to Do in Tokyo
There is no city in the world like Tokyo. The lights, smells, colors, and sounds of the capital of Japan are anything but subdued. And with a population of over 9 million inhabitants and 20 million visitors a year, of course there are many intriguing things to do and experience here. It's a city you'll never get bored in, but also a place that has so many options, you might get overwhelmed with what to see and do first. It's great for foodies, adventure seekers, treasure hunters, and those who want a sensory overload. For a nice mixture of kawaii and traditional, here are 15 things you must do while visiting Tokyo.
See Disney's Space Mountain in a Whole New Light Thanks to This Viral Video
Disney's Space Mountain is one of the coolest rides at the parks because you get to feel like you're taking a ride through the darkness of outer space. Did you ever think about what it would be like to ride it with the lights on? Thanks to a video posted by the Theme Park University on YouTube in December 2017 that just went viral, you can experience it without actually having to do it because it's actually kind of creepy. This specific one is of the Space Mountain ride at Magic Kingdom in Florida's Walt Disney World, and after watching the video above, you will see the ride in a whole new light *pun intended*.
Proof You Can Travel and Still Have a Fun and Stay Healthy
I'm the kind of person that's always on the go. The thing is, living in New York City, there are so many opportunities to be constantly moving. From early morning yoga class to a coffee meeting, from coffee meeting to the office, from the office to a dinner date, from dinner date to OMFG get me to bed. And while it's one thing to live a nonstop lifestyle in the comfort of my own city, it's a whole other beast to take it on the road.
When a series of invites came my way that culminated in what would be a month of travel, I knew things were about to get interesting. On the agenda: Albuquerque, Hartford, Austin, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs - all within a 30-day span. Sounds like a blast, right? Right. But, here's the thing: travel can be a wreck on progress and stressful. I'm Italian, which means indulging is in my blood. I'm also really active, which means I knew that indulging for a month straight with no activity was not an option. I was on a mission to not wreck my body and mind in the process.
1. There's no time like the present to prepare
My flight to Albuquerque, the first stop on my US tour, was early morning. Standard practice for me at airports usually involves ordering an iced coffee and some sort of egg sandwich at Starbucks. Not this time around, buddy. The night before my trip, I did a quick grocery stop, grabbing a yogurt to eat for the cab ride to the airport, as well as some RXBARS to eat throughout the trip - especially in lieu of the oh-so-tempting Jet Blue blue chips. I felt strangely proud of myself for turning them down and even more proud of myself that I reached for an apple as soon as I got to my hotel (and tossed another in my bag for later). I realized that having these smaller items available to me for when hunger kicked in helped prevent me from overdoing it at meals, especially after logging a slew of miles on both days in New Mexico.
This preparation stuck with me from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, which lead to a road trip to Palm Springs. Roughly a three-hour drive, I was determined NOT to stop at In-N-Out, SmashBurger, [insert name of other popular West Coast chain, here]. So, my girlfriend and I prepped a bag, full of everything from chicken sandwiches and fruit salad to copious amounts of water (another thing I'm guilty of skimping on during vacation). To be honest, I didn't even feel tempted to stop because I was amped on our healthy eats.
2. Pick a drink, and stick with it
Oh, travel and alcohol. Austin was the first spot on my journey where drinking constantly was an option. Not only did I have a fair amount of free time by the pool but I also had a group of guy friends from college in town for a bachelor party. Translation: "Let's drink!" I made the decision to treat myself to two drinks maximum during the day. Since it was warm outside, I didn't want to be guzzling alcohol in place of water. For those two drinks, I chose rosé instead of the frozen temptations on tap.
The same temptations happened in Palm Springs. This time around, in 90-degree heat, I treated myself to a piña colada (when in Rome) as I soaked in the fun Ace Hotel vibes. But after that, I was smarter about my strategy. Doing a little more play than work while there, I made sure to choose single liquor options, which boast far fewer calories than mixed drinks and other warm-weather favorites.
3. Find time for self care
Lately, I've been on this self-care kick. I was determined to bring my essential rituals on the road with me. Writing in a journal every morning before starting my day, in silence, has been a game changer. Whether it was at 5:30 a.m. for a trail run in Albuquerque or 7:15 for an early morning breakfast in Hartford, I made sure to set my alarm a smidge earlier to give myself some quiet time.
That time also translated to the car mid-California road trip. It wasn't until I got settled and hit a 100-mile stretch of highway that I realized just how therapeutic the sound of silence could be inside the comfort of my rental Buick Encore. Granted, it had been a few years since I took a legit road trip, being that I'm a New Yorker and all who sold her car five years ago, but I never remembered it being this quiet in a cab. Turns out, Buick uses an Acoustic Laminated Glass that helps block outside noise and some sort of active noise cancellation that counteracts engine noise. Hello, mental solace. Having that time to Zen out made me ready for whatever, and whoever, crossed my path.
4. Activity doesn't have to happen in bulk
While New Mexico and Austin both allotted me chunks of time in my schedule dedicated to fitness, like stand-up paddleboarding (FYI: A mile of SUP is no joke), and biking, Connecticut and Los Angeles were the complete opposite. Being on the West Coast worked in my favor, as my internal clock had me up and functioning with the sun. My early morning habit allowed me to sneak in some morning miles or a quick HIIT workout.
The reality, though? I didn't want to spend large chunks of time working out on these trips. The solution? Quick, app-based workouts I could do in the comfort of my hotel room or by the pool, at an hour when other people weren't staring at me like WTF. My go-to choices, including Aaptiv, Fitner, and Sworkit, had great options for different scenarios. While Aaptiv offered yoga flows for those mornings where I may have had one-too-many glasses of rosé the night before, Sworkit provided a slew of bodyweight workouts that could be done in under 15 minutes. Even those quick burners made me feel like a more productive human for the rest of my day.
5. Stay at a hotel that's on the same page as you
In and out of five different hotels during the month, I hands down couldn't get enough of the Westin I stayed at in downtown Austin. If I didn't want to do a session in my room, I could head up to the gym that lead me straight to the roof deck pool. Postworkout, they also had everything I would have wanted back in New York City: pressed juices, bikes available to flush out my legs, and breakfast options that didn't make me feel like I totally wasted my time working out in the first place. The provided gym clothes, that they also offered to wash, didn't hurt either. Not around a Westin? Don't worry: loads of other favorites are jumping on the healthy stay bandwagon, including Even, Hyatt, and Dream Hotels.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Buick and The Westin for the purpose of writing this story.
That Abandoned Wizard of Oz Theme Park? I've Stayed There
Land of Oz was a Wizard of Oz-inspired theme park in Beech Mountain, NC, opened in the 1970s by imaginative entrepreneur Grover Robbins. Unfortunately, Robbins's death from cancer just weeks before the park's opening was, in a way, a dismal sign of things to come. While Robbins had been previously successful with Tweetsie Railroad - a Wild West theme park that is still fully operational today - Land of Oz seemed fated to fail. The park was simply too expansive to maintain, both physically and financially. A mysterious fire destroyed much of Emerald City, including an archival museum that housed many of the dresses Judy Garland wore as Dorothy in the film. After just a decade of tumultuous existence, Land of Oz closed.
When I read that people can now tour Land of Oz or rent it out for private parties, I immediately laughed, because not only have I visited Land of Oz - I've stayed there.
In the early '90s, Land of Oz was partially reopened, this time not as a theme park but as a development complex with various cabins that could be rented out. As a Miami native, I had very rarely experienced the type of wintry vacation that is oftentimes synonymous with the holidays. True to the Wizard of Oz narrative, my family of six tornadoed out of Miami and toward the promise of a quaint skiing vacation; we had rented a picturesque cabin at the abandoned Land of Oz. What could go wrong?
When we got to the cabin, there was a deer just frolicking in the front yard, and I remember being so amazed and excited about seeing an animal that wasn't one of the parrot variety or some tropical inhabitant. But once we walked through the front door, I guess you could say I had my reservations. It was old and creaky in a way that was almost comically creepy. The furniture definitely had that antique thing going for it, and there was a painting of a stoic, haunting woman on the wall. We inexplicably named her Rebecca, I guess to just make light of it all.
My older sisters elected to sleep together in the least scary room, while my parents stayed in the master bedroom upstairs that had the most beautiful skylight. Meanwhile, I got to stay in "Dorothy's room," complete with a pair of ruby slippers. I slept on the bottom level of a bunk bed, which just altogether made me feel uneasy about who might be sleeping on the top bunk. Dorothy, is that you? At least the room had all these old-timey dolls to keep me company.
Then things got weird. We all started noticing these quirks that we, well, didn't appreciate. At midnight every night, a little tune - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - would float down the hallway from an old cuckoo clock. Except it was so old that the song sounded distorted and unbelievably eerie; it was like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on Xanax. One evening, a surly, inebriated older man appeared at our door. His drunken and incessant knocking on the front door woke up my dad, who then just casually waited for him to leave.
At one point, one of my sisters and I decided to take a stroll down the park's old yellow brick road. We thought to ourselves, "Wow, how cute is this?" We were, simply put, lying to ourselves. A few minutes into it, we both realized how incredibly unsettling it was to be walking down this path lined with charred trees and deteriorating giant lollipops and colorful mushrooms - remnants of what was once, I'm sure, a very vibrant re-creation of the film's "Munchkin Land."
Toward the close of our trip, my sisters decided to take a look at what was in the basement, the uncharted territory of the cabin that still gives me the creeps over a decade later. The owners of the old park had long ago decided to mysteriously store many of the park's old rides and decorations in the basement of the very cabin that was being rented out to my unassuming family. There it all was: an animatronic Wicked Witch of the West, carts belonging to amusement rides, a winding yellow ramp that led somewhere else underground. And no, we did not care to find out where that might have been. Needless to say, I was clicking my heels together and muttering, "There's no place like home" more convincingly than ol' Judy Garland herself. Our return to Miami couldn't have come any sooner - although we left with quite the tale.
When I texted my sisters for this piece to ask them about our time there, one simply replied, "That place was terrifying."
This Awesome Fun Fact About Space Mountain Will Make You Love It Even More
Space Mountain is obviously the best ride at Disneyland, but we've discovered a fact that's made us love it even more. Before the attraction opened at the Anaheim park on May 27, 1977, a NASA astronaut had a hand in helping to create the favorite attraction.
Though the idea was originally Walt Disney's in the 1960s, he needed technology to catch to up his genius plan in order to make it happen. It wasn't until over a decade later that Space Mountain was finally approved, and Mercury 9 and Gemini 5 astronaut Gordon Cooper was brought onto the creative team as a consultant to make the experience seem as authentic as possible.
"He wanted to make sure that the attraction incorporated information gleaned during NASA's early space missions and that the overall experience would give Guests a realistic feeling of actual space flight," the Disneyland Resort site says.
How much cooler does Space Mountain seem now knowing that it's astronaut-approved? Thanks, Gordon!
12 Things You Should Know Before Traveling Across the Country on Amtrak
I have always fantasized about traveling across the country by train, so when my boyfriend suggested that we take Amtrak from San Francisco to New York City, I was all in. There have been many conversations around the web about what it's really like to take Amtrak for long trips, so I want to give you the most accurate and true depiction.
We decided to get a roomette for the first and longest leg of our travel on the California Zephyr. We had the small room from Emeryville (the Amtrak station right outside of San Francisco) to Chicago for two days and two nights. After a seven-hour stop in Chicago, we rode the remaining 17 hours of our journey to NYC in coach seats. In total, our tickets for two people came out to $772. Not bad considering we were traveling for three and a half days and our meals were included with the roomette.
To get all the details on what it's like to sleep, eat, and basically live in an Amtrak train while chugging across America, keep reading. There are lots of interesting details that will take you by surprise.
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.
Grab Your Oven Mittens, Because These Photos of Jennifer Lopez Are Too Hot to Handle
The phrase "Jennifer Lopez looks soooo hot" is probably uttered a billion times a day. And that's because the 48-year-old actress and singer only knows how to ooze sensuality - yes, when she steps on a red carpet or stage, but also in her everyday life, as demonstrated by the hotness that is her Instagram feed.
Bikini pictures, ab-showing photos, behind-the-scenes peeks at her revealing red carpet outfits, and lots of sultry selfies - these are just a few of the types of hot snaps J Lo loves to share with her millions of followers. Want to see for yourself? Keep scrolling for a compilation of her sexiest Instagram photos of all time.
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