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.
dimanche 18 mars 2018
What It Means to "Dead-Name" a Transgender Person, and Why You Should Stop
Image Source: Everett Collection
In the first season of Amazon's incredible, visceral series Transparent, we meet Maura, a transgender woman who decides to come out later in her life. Maura has three kids and an ex-wife, all of whom struggle to see this new side of a person they've known for decades. During this time of struggle (and in flashbacks), we also learn what is known as Maura's "dead name" - aka the name she had prior to her transition.
In many small ways, her family shows resistance in accepting Maura's true presentation of self. It may be by using her old name or by recounting pretransition memories. Even the term "Moppa" - an amalgamation of "Momma" and "Poppa" that her kids adopt in the wake of her coming out - refuses to acknowledge that Maura wishes to be seen completely as a woman. The series shows just how crucial selecting her new name really was to Maura's transition process.
Now, in 2017, we're seeing some truly horrifying oppression against the transgender community - everything from President Trump's transgender military ban to a disturbing growing number of murders of transgender people. These are some of the more extreme examples of discrimination and mistreatment transgender people still face today, to be sure. Even so, they represent a marked ignorance about the transgender journey in general that inevitably reinforces the very behavior that breeds it. Even on the most basic level, transgender people are invalidated in ways both great and small every day. Perhaps one of the most common and easiest ways to dishonor someone's identity is to participate in what is known as "dead-naming."
"Dead-naming" is a term that involves "the practice of uttering or publishing the name that a transperson used prior to transition."
According to the Advocate, "dead-naming" is a term that involves "the practice of uttering or publishing the name that a transperson used prior to transition." Most of the time, an individual will pick a new name as soon as they begin to identify as the gender they know they are on the inside. This new name, in a way, marks the "death" of their old identity and the person they once were. With a new name, they signify a new, more truthful, and more fully realized phase of their life.
To get a better understanding of the deep significance of selecting a given name, we spoke to writer Caleb Camacho. "I think selecting a name and hearing people refer to me with that name was pretty solidifying in the transition process," Camacho, who is transgender, told POPSUGAR. "It made me feel like I was being seen as the man I was presenting myself as. When I finally got my legal documentation changed over to reflect my chosen name, it was a major deal. Yes, it's time-consuming and frustrating, but it's so worth it in the end. I no longer get strange looks when I present my ID card or license."
It's clear that choosing a new name to go with a more authentic identity is a very private and personal aspect of an individual's transition. That said, there have been several prominent and public examples of transgender people addressing how they wish to be referred to - both in pronouns and by formal names - especially in the last decade. As we already mentioned, Transparent introduces us to a transgender woman who renames herself Maura after coming out. Since Maura's dead name is Mort, her choice of name signifies a common way for an individual to self-identify after transition: to take their previous name and use a version of it that reflects their new identity.
Some transgender individuals, like Transparent producer Zackary Drucker, opt not to change their names at all. Drucker said in a 2015 interview with Dr. Drew, "[I come from] a family that always told me that I could be whomever I wanted to be, and to be proud of who I was, which is one of the reasons why I chose not to change my name." Still other individuals, like actor Colin Mochrie's daughter, Kinley, pick a new name entirely.
Image Source: Annie Leibovitz exclusively for Vanity Fair
Then there's perhaps the most high-profile transition the public has ever seen: Caitlyn Jenner's. Caitlyn came out on the cover of Vanity Fair in May 2015 and left her old identity behind. She even went so far as to explain the significance behind her choice, which is something she absolutely does not owe the public. With so many striking examples of individuals electing to go by new and powerful names, it's not difficult to understand how it's so intrinsic to their transgender identity. For Camacho, it's an important marker of honor. "For the people I've grown up with or with family members, it feels like they respect who I am when they use my preferred name," he said. "I understand that it may take some time for them to get used to it, but - to me - it's a sign of respect." On the other side of the coin, it should be easy to see how dead-naming can be harmful and even hostile.
Camacho agrees. "In my experience, dead-naming can show a lack of respect for that person's identity," he explained. "For those who have just begun their transition, especially, it can also cause pretty bad dysphoria and self-doubt and anxiety and a whole list of emotions that no one should have to deal with."
"Dead-naming can show a lack of respect for that person's identity."
Jenner's very publicized transition means she is also often dead-named, especially since she was a celebrity prior to her coming out. The common belief is that dead-naming is OK, as long as we're talking about the person in a time before their transition. The reality is, as Sam Riedel states in a crucial HuffPost article about the practice, using a transgender person's dead name at any point is an act of violence. In fact, "hearing or seeing one's old name can induce a visceral sense of terror" and, to echo Camacho's sentiment, "can be a source of profound, dysphoria-inducing anxiety."
Refusing to call someone by their new name is just the same as refusing to acknowledge their new gender identity, and it's often employed as a transphobic way to demean and deny a transgender person's true expression of self. In 2015, radio host Glenn Beck said in a rant that he would not call Caitlyn Jenner by her new name and would not call her a woman. Instead, he repeatedly used her dead name and only referred to her with masculine pronouns. It's easy to see how the two go hand in hand. The embrace of one facet of a person's identity would, logically, beget the embrace of another.
Camacho revealed that dead-naming is not so cut and dried. Oftentimes, especially at the beginning of a person's transition, it can be accidental.
"During the first couple of years of my transition, it didn't really bother me too much, especially with my family. It took a while for my family to fully accept my transition, so I was understanding of the fact that it would take time for them to get used to referring to me by my preferred name. After all, they'd spent 20-something years calling me by my dead name. Now, since I've been transitioning for [more than four] years, I get a bit annoyed if they slip up, and then I remind them that my name is Caleb. It doesn't happen too often anymore, though."
But even when dead-naming isn't intended to be malicious, it is not harmless. As Camacho notes, you can only give those around you the benefit of the doubt for so long. Furthermore, it's important to acknowledge the effect it might have in more grave situations. For instance, consider how the police often fail to use correct names and pronouns when referring to transgender murder victims, impacting the data and understanding of the violence that community faces. And in smaller moments, consider how it might deny a person the simple right and respect to live as the person they truly are. In moments like this, using a proper name and gender identity means everything.
These Photos of a Frozen Niagara Falls Are Absolutely Stunning
Even as Winter approaches its official end on March 20, frigid weather continues to pummel North America. When the East Coast was slammed by a "bomb cyclone" weather phenomenon in the first week of January, it brought snow, ice, and strong winds to the East Coast and Canada.
The weather left Niagara Falls, which lie both in upstate New York and in Canada, looking like a Winter wonderland. The temperatures dove low enough to freeze running water, causing parts of the falls to appear stuck in midair. The stunning photos prove that no matter what time of year it is, this natural wonder is completely beautiful. Read on to see the frozen falls at their finest.
People Are Calling Vero the New Instagram - but Is It Worth the Hype?
Seemingly overnight, my Twitter timeline and Instagram feed suddenly became filled with posts about friends who were joining some mysterious social platform called Vero. "Good lord, not another one," I thought, scrolling past the multitude of "Join me on Vero!" posts. It reminded me of the hype surrounding the launches of Google+, Vine, and Periscope - each began with fervor but eventually faded into relative disuse.
But for the sake of maintaining my own status as a hip millennial (and helping keep you in the know), I've gone ahead and done some research on Vero. What's the deal with the new social media sensation? Here's what you need to know.
What is it?
Vero is a "true social" platform that launched in 2015 as an answer to people seeking a more authentic online social experience. Vero describes itself as "a social network for anyone who loves anything enough to share it - and wants control over who they share it with. Just like we do in real life." The platform allows users to share movies, TV, music, books, places, photos, and links . . . just like most other social platforms.
How is it different from other social media platforms?
The major draw to Vero is the way it easily allows for more selective sharing. You categorize every person you connect with on Vero into one of four buckets based on your relationship: close friend, friend, acquaintance, or follower. Then, you can pick and choose which connection buckets to share each update with.
Also, because of its subscription-based model (more on that to come), Vero is an ad-free interface. When you're used to auto-play ads and endless sponsored content on your feed, it's a nice change.
Why is it taking off right now?
There are several reasons Vero has skyrocketed in popularity lately, not the least of which is the fact that Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter insist on nonchronological feed algorithms despite massive user backlash, driving many people to seek a new space for social solace. These same algorithms have also made it harder for influencers to monetize their content due to lack of visibility, so they're jumping ship in hopes that Vero will offer a better social landscape. Plus, the recent removal of the Sarahah app from Apple and Google stores has left some users with a desire for something new and exciting in the social space.
Is it actually worth ditching Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter?
According to the first batches of reviews on other forms of social media . . . no. Some of the common complaints include major user-interface issues and a general lack of posted content. Then again, no social experience is worthwhile until it attracts a larger user base, so perhaps Vero will improve as more people join.
What's the catch?
One of the buzziest points about Vero is that only the first 1 million users will be able to enjoy the app for free. People who join after the app hits its 1M-user mark will have to pay an annual subscription fee.
There has also been viral backlash about the platform's terms of service and with the controversial sources of its funding.
What are people saying about it?
Keep reading for some of the many reactions to Vero since its popularity began to soar, then get the scoop on other popular apps like HQ Trivia and #Twinning.
This 1 Accessory Makes Any iPhone Take the Best Photos Ever - No Upgrade Required
It's that time of year once again. All of the new phone models have just been announced, and as a result, we're all pinching pennies to avoid FOMO and score that coveted upgrade. But if what you're really after is a better-quality camera for your old iPhone, look no further: the DxO One camera ($499) will solve all your problems for about half the price.
Boasting 20.2-megapixel resolution, the world's smallest one-inch format sensor camera, and a wide-format lens, the DxO One connects directly into your iPhone's lightning port and integrates directly into the Apple iOS - giving you the power of a pricey DSLR camera, but letting you instantly drop your photos into your group iMessage or chuck them up on Instagram. Oh, and did we mention that it will solve every single one of those low-light problems you've got with your three-year-old phone?
Ahead, check out some of the features of this game-changing device - and be sure to check out the DxO website for additional information on what it can do.
18 People Who Are in Line For the Presidency If Trump Is Removed From Office
If you're suddenly curious as to who becomes president in case President Donald Trump resigns, dies, or is impeached, take a look at the 18 people in line for succession. Called the Presidential Succession Act, the law has a long history of changes, with the last one taking place in 2006.
The first iteration of the Presidential Succession Act in 1792 stated the Senate president pro tempore would be next in line after the vice president. On July 18, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. This act changed the line of succession in two ways; first it reinstated the Senate president pro tempore and speaker of the House to the succession plan. Secondly, it also placed the speaker of the House right after the vice president instead of the Senate president pro tempore. The last change to the act came in 2006, when the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 added the secretary of Homeland Security to the list.
In Trump's administration, here's the full line of succession.
- Vice President Mike Pence
- Speaker of the House Paul Ryan
- Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch
- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson
- Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin
- Secretary of Defense James Mattis
- Attorney General Jeff Sessions
- Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke
- Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
- Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross
- Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta
- Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson
- Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao
- Secretary of Energy Rick Perry
- Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin
- Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly
The only caveat here is that Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao isn't eligible since she was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and is therefore not a US-born citizen. While it's still uncertain whether or not we'll need to refer to this list in the future, at least we know who we can expect.
I Traded Up For the Apple TV 4K and Here's Why I'll Never Go Back
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Chelsea Hassler
I got my first Apple TV as a present; I was still working in television at the time, and my boss presented it to me as a (very, very generous) holiday gift. The supersleek, supermysterious object would quickly become something that I could not picture my life without. Not only did I use the second-generation device a lot for work, but it also meant that I no longer had to squint at my teeny-tiny laptop screen when I wanted to watch something on Netflix or Hulu, opening the floodgates of binge-watching that would remain constant for years to come. In the seven years that my Apple TV and I cohabitated together, I lived in three different boroughs of New York City, saw partners and friends come and go, and changed my career several times over. It was just in September of this year, 2017, that I tried its much, much younger sibling - the Apple TV 4K - and knew it was time to update my trusty partner in crime.
To be clear, I hadn't ever even considered upgrading my old device. It worked perfectly, so why would I bother? But when I unboxed the 4K and got it up and running, I realized the light years of tech I had been missing out on. Therefore my experience isn't one shaded by a side-by-side comparison, a judgment of what sets it above and beyond its competitors (or, for that matter, not). Instead, it's one of awe and wonder - and of falling back in love with TV all over again thanks to the help of a device that's roughly the size of a thick slice of bread.
Ahead, you'll find some of my favorite functions of the Apple TV 4K. And if you're in the market for a more thoughtful way to streamline all the many ways we get our entertainment these days and for things to be a little bit simpler in several of the most intuitive yet impossible ways, I promise you won't be disappointed by the Apple TV 4K.
Image Source: Apple
The TV App
I'd always been curious about that "TV" app that appeared on my iPhone at some point over the last year, and as soon as I got started with iOS 11 and my new Apple TV, everything sort of just fell into place. It's basically where you can find everything you're looking for, all in one easy-to-find place. Once you've signed in with iOS 11, it pulls together all of your apps (like Hulu, Showtime, and HBO) and you can also add in your cable subscription to gain access to all of the programming on apps like CBS, The CW, and more. And once you watch something - or leave off halfway through an episode - it puts it in there for easy access to pick up exactly where you left off on any other Apple device.
For me, the best thing about this is the fact that it eliminates having to search for the latest episodes and where you can stream them - it puts them right in front of your face where you quite literally can't miss it, and you can essentially just live in the "watch now" section of Apple TV if you want to. For full instructions on how to set this up and get going, head on over to Apple to read more and know that I am not exaggerating when I say that it has eliminated hours of searching from my life and I couldn't be more stoked about it.
Image Source: Apple
Siri
When I said that I wasn't looking to highlight specific features that are new only to this device, I was very much referring to Siri, who honestly blows my mind (even now!). A recent convert to voice control, it almost feels like Siri was made explicitly to make browsing more easy - and to make it so that when you lose the remote control, you've always got the ability to control your TV via your mouth. Siri can do lots of things, though, and isn't just limited to "pause" or "play."
You can ask Siri to find the most recent episode of a TV show or pick up where you left off on a movie. You can rewind a couple minutes or a couple seconds, or search through what's available in the massive libraries of the streaming giants for a specific moment in time that you just have to watch again. Say "What did they say?" and she'll skip back 15 seconds in time and throw some captions up on the screen for that scene. Ask her "Who stars in this?" and she'll give you an IMDB-style rundown on the bottom of your TV screen, no iPhone required! Oh, and if you're indecisive (like me), she can also tell you what to watch based on what Apple sees as trending at that moment in time.
Image Source: Apple
4K and HDR
I'd be lying if I said that I could tell the difference between 4K and regular TV before I got the Apple TV. But I had the pleasure of hooking my box up to a real, legit 4K TV and all I can say is: holy sh*t. It's like being in an adventure that requires no glasses or special devices to traverse, and the colors are mindblowingly vivid. I'm almost - almost! - tempted to upgrade my old TV, but as the saying goes, I'm probably better taking one step at a time. And it can cost you a bit more money (Netflix has a "premium" plan that features 4K movies in all their glory), so it may not be for everyone. But if you do have a 4K TV, do yourself a favor and get an Apple TV. I promise it won't disappoint you. Even the screensaver that comes up when you've been idle too long has been upgraded to a beautiful, crystal-clear set of images that will leave you transfixed as you listen to music or talk on the phone.
Image Source: Apple
And a Few More Things
Apple recently changed its movie rental period to a whopping 48 hours (!), which means that instead of only having a night to watch a movie, you can make a weekend out of it - and it makes the rental fee feel a lot better from where I stand. And when you don't feel like watching a movie, there's also a whole host of beautiful, addictive games that have been brought into the device, which means you can play the things you love most as well as a bunch of new TV-native apps via your tiny Apple remote (or, if you're fancy, via a control which you can purchase separately). I would be remiss if I didn't mention just how smoothly the interface works. No more loading screens and clunky click-throughs - everything about using the Apple TV feels crisper, snazzier, and, frankly, more enjoyable than ever before. And finally, one of the features I love the most: since the Apple ecosystem is so efficient, I don't have to get rid of my old Apple TV. Instead, I moved it into my bedroom, which means I can pick up exactly where I left off in the living room. It may be a whole lot more rickety, but it's the sign of true progress. Apple has clearly got one eye on making all of your devices, old and new, work together - and I couldn't be happier with the result so far.
The Best Tech Gadgets of 2018 (So Far)
Looking to make your life a little easier, but not ready to commit to a full smart-home makeover? Well, you've come to the right place: from umbrellas to watches to suitcases and more, ahead you'll find all the tech gadgets we've tried out and fallen in love with this year. And be sure to check back, as we'll be updating with our newest favorites as we continue to test out the latest in consumer tech throughout 2018.
These 10 Tips Will Make Going to the Gym Easier
As we all strive to live healthier, getting fit is often a top priority. Whether you're heading back to the gym after a long hiatus or are new to the fitness scene, here are a handful of tips for making things easier. Hopefully they will help you maintain your fitness enthusiasm for months to come.
Sweat Without Staying Wet in These Fab Moisture-Wicking Workout Clothes
There is nothing worse than working up an absolute sweat at the gym or in your favorite workout class only to have to deal with wet, sticky clothes afterward. Moisture-wicking and sweat-proof gear has become more common for gym rats and casual gym-hitters alike as it proves to be all sorts of comfortable. But no matter if your clothes are sweat-wicking, sweat-proof, or any variation of the fabric, don't forget to change your clothes ASAP after working out. Sweaty clothes can put you at risk for irritant rashes, acne/folliculitis, and a bacterial or yeast infection, according to medical professionals.
Check out some of the sweat-absorbing workout clothes that can make you sweat (without it showing!) from head to toe and look stylish while you do it.
Sunday's To-Do List: Meal Prep Any of These Healthy Chicken Lunches For the Week
Meal prepping is an amazing tool when it comes to eating clean throughout the week. It saves us from last-minute fast-food binges and hangry spats with anyone who dare to come near us after work when we're too hungry to think straight. The key to successful meal prepping is variety. Stick to a few different meals so you can make sure you're not eating the same exact dishes all week, which takes as little effort as switching up veggies or cooking your carbs or proteins with different spices.
One of the most common foods used when prepping meals is chicken. It's a protein-packed poultry that can be easily cooked in tons of different ways, making it an excellent addition to your meal preps. Whether you eat your lunches and dinners straight out of your Tupperware or plate them nicely on a dish, these 20 healthy chicken meal prep ideas are bound to give you some serious inspo.
This Fat-Burning Workout Will Tone Your Entire Body - and All You Need Is 1 Kettlebell
If you don't have much experience with kettlebells, you're in the right place. Eric Leija, also known as primal.swoledier on Instagram, is a senior kettlebell specialist who created an exclusive workout for POPSUGAR - with all you beginners in mind.
"In this beginner kettlebell workout, all you need is one kettlebell to get a full-body pump," Eric told POPSUGAR. "This full-body single-kettlebell workout covers all the essential moves to help you build a strong, well-rounded body. This workout includes hinge, squat, push, and pull movements that will help you build well-balanced strength."
Either borrow a kettlebell from a friend or grab one at the gym - we suggest starting with an 8 kg kettlebell - because you don't want to miss out on this fat-burning workout. The first circuit is a warmup using just bodyweight moves. It's important to open up all your joints and prepare your muscles for what's ahead. You'll do three rounds of this circuit with minimal rest in between.
The main circuit is just three different movements, and you'll do five rounds in total. "Rest after you have completed the set reps for all three exercises," Eric advised. "Rest 45 to 90 seconds or until you feel ready enough to complete quality reps in the next round." Let's get to work!
If you love this workout, check out Eric's Primal Kettlebell Course for plenty of other killer sessions to tone you from head to toe.
A Calorie Comparison of Your Favorite Beers
If you're watching your waistline and enjoying an ice-cold brew, then you'll probably want to see how beers compare. The numbers may surprise you. Here's the nutritional info for one glass, can, or bottle of beer (about 12 ounces). Keep in mind that even though there may be health benefits associated with drinking alcohol, they only come with drinking in moderation. For women, that means one drink a day.
| Beer Brand | Calories | Carbs (g) | Alcohol Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amstel Light | 95 | 5 | 3.5 |
| Anchor Steam | 158 | 14.2 | 4.9 |
| Anheuser-Busch Ice Pale Lager | 171 | 12.5 | 5.9 |
| Anheuser-Busch Light Pale Lager | 95 | 3.2 | 4.1 |
| Beck's Pilsner | 138 | 9 | 5 |
| Beck's Premier Light | 63 | 3.8 | 2.3 |
| Budweiser | 145 | 10.6 | 5 |
| Bud Light | 110 | 6.6 | 4.2 |
| Budweiser Select | 99 | 3.1 | 4.3 |
| Budweiser Select 55 | 55 | 1.8 | 2.4 |
| Colt 45 | 157 | 10.8 | 5.6 |
| Coors | 149 | 12.2 | 5 |
| Coors Light | 102 | 5 | 4.2 |
| Corona Extra | 148 | 14 | 4.6 |
| Corona Light | 99 | 5 | 3.2 |
| Foster's Premium Ale | 160 | 12.5 | 5.5 |
| Guinness Extra Stout | 176 | 14 | 6 |
| Guinness Draught | 126 | 10 | 4 |
| Harpoon IPA | 170 | 15 | 5.9 |
| Heineken | 148 | 11.3 | 5 |
| Heineken Light | 99 | 6.8 | 3.5 |
| Killian's Irish Red | 162 | 14.8 | 5 |
| Labatt Blue | 153 | 5 | 5 |
| Labatt Blue Light | 111 | 8 | 4 |
| Long Trail | 163 | 18.5 | 4.6 |
| Magic Hat #9 | 165 | 14.6 | 5.1 |
| Michelob Dark Lager | 152 | 11.8 | 5.1 |
| Michelob Ultra | 95 | 2.6 | 4.2 |
| Miller Genuine Draft | 143 | 13.1 | 4.7 |
| Miller MGD 64 | 64 | 2.4 | 2.8 |
| Milwaukee's Best Ice | 144 | 7.3 | 5.9 |
| Molson Ice | 160 | 11.6 | 5.6 |
| Molson Light | 113 | 9.9 | 3.9 |
| Natural Light | 95 | 3.2 | 4.2 |
| Newcastle Brown Ale | 138 | 12.8 | 4.7 |
| O'Doul's | 65 | 13.3 | .4 |
| Pabst Blue Ribbon | 145 | 12 | 4.7 |
| Pabst Blue Ribbon Light | 113 | 8.3 | 3.9 |
| Pete's Wicked Ale | 172 | 17.5 | 5.3 |
| Red Stripe | 151 | 13.8 | 5 |
| Rolling Rock Extra Pale Lager | 132 | 10 | 4.5 |
| Sam Adams Boston Lager | 180 | 18.8 | 4.9 |
| Sam Adams Light | 119 | 9.6 | 4 |
| Sierra Nevada Bigfoot | 330 | 30.3 | 9.6 |
| Sierra Nevada Pale Ale | 176 | 14.1 | 5.6 |
| Stella Artois | 154 | 12.8 | 5.2 |
An Expert Explains Why Having Meaningful Friendships Is "Significant" to Our Self-Care
Along with staying active and managing our stress levels, self-care should also require looking at the quality of our friendships. Turns out maintaining meaningful friendships - or negative ones - has far more of an impact on our health than we'd assume. According to friendship expert Shasta Nelson, who partnered with Facebook for Friends Day, "Feeling supported is more significant to our health than what we eat and whether we exercise." Your closest friends are actually helping to boost your overall health, especially in terms of reducing stress.
In a 2006 study conducted by James Coan, PhD, a psychology professor and director of the Virginia Affective Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Virginia, the cortisol levels of 16 married women were studied using MRI scans. Researchers compared their physiological responses to an electric shock, either while holding their partner's hand, while holding a stranger's hand, or undergoing the jolt alone. Results showed that only a third of their cortisol levels lit up in the brain when they were comforted by a close companion.
"When we feel supported, it actually buffers our body from absorbing the impact of the stress."
So how do we measure the health of a friendship, or "frientimacy," as Shasta calls it? She said there are three things to keep in mind: positivity (is there more good than bad?), consistency (are you making an effort to connect?), and vulnerability (how much are you sharing?).
She also said that in order for us to feel like we're in a positive relationship, there need to be five positive feelings for every negative one. For example, if you're feeling hurt that your friend never initiates plans with you and they continue to cancel, those negative feelings will continue to outweigh the good. But once you do have an opportunity to spend time together, it puts the situation into perspective. Overall, you need to find ways to lessen stress in a friendship and boost positivity in order for it to be healthy and, therefore, lasting.
Having quality friendships becomes even more important to our health in our adult years. Shasta explained that how connected we feel to others is a better predictor of our longevity and long-term mental health than any other factor. Harvard's well-known multigenerational study that looked at the secrets to health and happiness supports this idea exactly. It found that loneliness does in fact kill, while those who are socially connected tend to live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
In the same way that valuable relationships can have a positive impact on our health, unhealthy ones can have an adverse effect. "Having unhealthy relationships is more damaging to our health than having no relationship," Shasta said. "They have ongoing stress and drama with them, so we're kind of constantly in fight-or-flight mode, which can be incredibly damaging to our well-being and our happiness."
If you're now freaking out about the fact that you and your best friend don't see each other often, don't panic. It's more about quality over quantity. For example, maintaining monthly lunch dates doesn't compete with spending an entire day or weekend together. Shasta also emphasized the importance of small gestures, like touching base via texts and keeping up with each other on social media. According to Facebook, there were twice as many posts about friendship in 2017 than in 2016, which gives us hope that more people are valuing their friendships more than ever.
Moral of the story: go and call your BFF ASAP - it's good for your health!
5 Things That Make Your Boobs Appear Bigger
We're all about owning your breasts and body, no matter the size, but if you'd love to see more cleavage on yourself, there are some short-term tricks to having a perkier chest.
1. Working Out Your Chest Wall
You might be thinking, "Oww!" while you work out, but you'll be thinking, "Wow!" in no time if you stick to bust-boosting exercises. "The breast tissue will not increase from your workouts, but if what you want is the appearance of a bigger chest, you can build up the muscle wall to create the illusion of a bigger bust," says Rebecca Gahan, CPT and owner and founder of Kick@55 Fitness in Chicago.
Next time you hit the gym, devote some time to push-ups. "They work the chest muscles to make your chest wall larger," says Gahan. They're so effective because they "activate multiple areas of the chest, all in one movement, while supporting your full bodyweight," she adds. For best results, mix up diamond, lateral, traveling, and even tricep push-ups and do "three sets of 20 reps at the beginning of a workout and the same amount at the end. Include this combo in a minimum of three weekly workouts."
Chest flys are another great exercise to try. "Sit on a bench in an incline position, with your feet on the ground. Extend your arms out to the side while holding dumbbells heavy enough that you cannot complete more than 15 reps in one set," Gahan says. "As if you are spreading your wings, keep your arms slightly bent as you bring the dumbbells together, without letting them touch right in front of your chest." Do three sets of 15 reps twice a week.
The last exercise in the trifecta of chest-building moves is the chest press. "Sit on a bench in a flat position, with your feet on the floor. Lower a barbell with weights (heavy enough that you cannot complete more than 15 reps) to your chest line and extend your arms until they are straight but not locked," Gahan says. Aim for three sets of 15 reps twice a week.
2. Having Sex or Masturbating
That vibrator won't just better your orgasms - it'll better your breasts, too. If you're going solo or you have an SO, taking some time for pleasure will temporarily enhance your chest size.
"Arousal will inevitably spike the heart rate, which will increase blood flow to various parts of the body. "Any sort of arousal will pump blood to the boobs, which can make them look fuller and larger - and, yes, this includes masturbation - but the effect is only fleeting and temporary, and results may vary in terms of size. Don't expect too much of a change! Once you've cooled down, so will your boobs," says Hayley Ellis, a women's health expert and nutritionist at Maple Holistics.
3. Eating Phytoestrogen Foods
Experts say there are foods that are capable of contributing to an increase in breast size. "When going through puberty, women see their estrogen levels spike, which results in breast growth. As puberty tapers off, so does the estrogen level in women's bodies, leaving breasts in the same relative size for the rest of women's lives," says Ellis.
Here's the connection: "What we conclude from this is that estrogen will grow breast size, so foods which contain a lot of estrogen are capable of entering our bodies and growing our breasts as well. The list of phytoestrogen foods includes tofu, edamame, flaxseed, and soybeans," she says. Carrots, beets, and yams work as well, but only consume them in moderation, as there are studies that talk about possible side effects of consuming too much phytoestrogen.
4. Hormonal Fluctuations
Like we mentioned, increased estrogen in the body can boost your cup size, and nothing boosts your estrogen better than pregnancy. "One of the benefits of pregnancy is larger breasts, since estrogen can stimulate milk glands and ducts to grow," says Dr. Angela Jones, an OB-GYN and Astroglide's resident sexual-health adviser. Estrogen isn't the only hormone present during pregnancy that plays a role. Progesterone and prolactin help as well, Jones says.
Birth-control pills and other means of contraception can also help "due to the extra hormones, like estrogen and progesterone," Jones says. While low-dose estrogen pills will still have some effect, you'll get a bigger boost with a high-dose pill like Yaz or Yasmin.
"It's not uncommon to notice a slight increase in breast size around the time of your period, too, primarily due to the slight weight gain that most women experience around that time of the month," the doctor explains. That temporary weight gain is - you guessed it - also related to hormonal changes.
5. Having Good Posture
This is an obvious one, but stop slouching. Good posture can make your boobs look bigger and perkier. "If your core is strong, then everything falls into place: your back is well-supported, so there is no forward lean, and your shoulders do not pronate but instead fall back," says Gahan. "This will make your boobs look larger, as they'll be pushed out, rather than shrunken inwards."
The 1-Second Hack That Will Improve Any and Every Exercise
Sometimes working out can be the best thing in the world. You feel great, you look great, and your hard work pays off in the form of the results and dream body you've always wanted. But in the real world, things don't always work that way. In fact, it takes a very long time and a lot of hard work to see the results that you want.
Aside from doing the work, being diligent in the gym and the kitchen, and staying committed to the process, there are very few other ways to get the body that you want. But there is one secret that most trainers and specialists don't advertise to just anyone. What is that secret, you ask? Pausing at just the right time when you're lifting. That's right! Stopping, and knowing when to do it during your workout, is the difference maker for many people seeking the same results as you are!
Here's How to Do It
Every exercise has a concentric and eccentric part. What does all that science mean? Simple: there's an up (concentric) and a down (eccentric) part to almost all the exercises you've followed your whole life. The key to this simple trick is to focus on the eccentric movement, or, in simpler terms, the downward motion of each set.
According to certified personal trainer Kendal Wood, CSCS and coauthor of Core Fitness Solution, "Many people allow the weight that they carry on the second part of each rep to simply swing down, and lose a lot of the benefits of the exercise in doing so." Wood told us that just letting the weight fall is only half of the exercise.
"Instead of dropping the weight, lower it to the start position slowly," said Wood. That's a normal rep. But if you want to take advantage of this key pointer for better results, you have to know when to put a pause in your rep! Halfway down through the lowering process, you should pause for a one count. "This ensures that you harness all your muscle to hold the weight at its weakest point," said Wood. "And only greater benefits come from that extra exertion."
Why Does It Work?
The answer to this is quite simple: more effort, more precise care to the movement, and total control of your muscles through each rep causes better results because there's nothing for your body to do but tone and tighten up. As Wood told us, "Doing this pause method for one of each set you do for every muscle group every week is almost like doing two sets instead of one." And being able to do two exercises in the space you planned to do one is a great way to ensure better results!
Let's Settle the Great Soy Debate - Is the Bean Actually Bad For You?
Plant-based diets and commitments like Meatless Mondays are on the rise, and for good reason. In addition to imparting several health benefits such as better heart health and clearer skin, reducing consumption of meat, and thereby lessening greenhouse gas emissions, can benefit the environment as well.
When reducing our intake of meat products, we often turn to soy, which comes in the forms of tofu, tempeh, edamame, miso, natto, burgers, and other products. Soy is considered to be a great plant protein source, rich in vitamins and minerals, and an excellent source of essential amino acids.
However, many avoid incorporating soy into their diets. One of the reasons could be that, due to high levels of isoflavones, soy products may raise levels of estrogen in your body when consumed. A few studies have also been conducted that may link soy to cancer growth, poor semen quality, and lower testosterone levels in men.
So should we incorporate soy into our diets or stay away from it? We spoke with a few experts to find out.
First of all, not all forms of soy are created equal. According to Carolyn Mitchell, RDN, CNSC, a registered dietitian at Sharp Coronado Hospital, "Processed forms of soy, such as soy burgers, soy energy bars, and the highly processed frankensoy products, are not good choices because the processing strips away the nutrients. Additionally, foods like these are likely to have added sugars, fats, and refined flours."
"Processed soy contains phytoestrogens that mimic the body's natural estrogen, which leads to hormone imbalance in both men and women," according to certified holistic health coach and cofounder of Raw Generation, Jessica Rosen.
Emily Bartlett, holistic health expert with a degree in Chinese medicine, and cofounder of Real Plans, a meal-planning app that serves people with dietary restrictions, tells POPSUGAR that "the levels of phytoestrogen in soy are off the charts." Additionally, "much of the soy produced in the US today has been genetically modified in laboratories [and] has been found to get in the way of digestion and increase the risk for allergy."
Foods that are genetically modified "can be dangerous when consumed because they kill off good bacteria in the gut and damage the digestive system," according to registered dietitian and clinical nutritionist Nia Rennix.
Both Bartlett and Rennix agree that fermented soy is beneficial, with Rennix adding, "Fermenting a food increases the probiotics. Soy [food] like natto is extremely healthy because it is fermented and high in vitamin K2."
In addition to probiotics and vitamin K2, Melissa Halas-Liang, MA RDN CDE, media representative for the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND), tells POPSUGAR, "Soy contains fiber, potassium, and magnesium, [which are] all important for heart health. Plus, magnesium is a mineral that is often low in the American diet and can play a role in preventing type 2 diabetes."
Although more research needs to be done on whether or not soy is good for us, it's important to read your labels and choose fermented, non-GMO, or organic whole-food sources of soy in moderation if you choose to incorporate it into your diet.
25 Healthy Foods to Eat at Night
Does this sound familiar? It's 9 p.m., dinner is a distant memory, and your stomach starts to grumble. You begrudgingly make your way to bed and go to sleep hungry because you've heard over and over that eating after dinner is a no-no.
Contrary to this outdated advice, certain foods can actually help you drift off to dreamland. You just have to choose the right foods in the right amounts. Each of these foods has the power to aid in digestion, stave off late-night hunger, or relax your body and mind. Keep the serving sizes small – just a 100 to 200 calorie snack is all you need to reap the benefits of these nutritious foods and fall asleep with a happy belly and a smile on your face.
22 Hot Guys Lifting Weights That Will Have You Booking It to the Gym, Pronto
Let's be honest: the biggest perk your gym has to offer isn't the complimentary mouthwash or the four different bikram yoga classes. It's the hot guys lifting weights. Think about it - do you catch yourself lingering outside the weight room, peering in at the exercisers and getting entranced by all the grunting? Maybe you even go inside and pretend you know how to use a lat pull-down machine just so you can ogle the throbbing muscles around you. Guess what? It's perfectly natural.
There's something mesmerizing about guys doing squats with a barbell, and then there's the CrossFit guys, who are truly a sight to behold - how are they throwing those heavy balls like they're baseballs? *Wipes sweat from brow.*
Here are 22 of the most smoking-hot weight-lifters on Instagram. Just brace yourself; you might need to catch your breath after a few slides.
Lose Weight With These 50+ Meals Under 500 Calories
No matter when you eat your biggest meal of the day, your calories should still work for you. These meals are jam-packed with nutrients - from energy-sustaining protein to disease-fighting antioxidants - while still ensuring you keep calorie counts low. Each of these comforting and filling meals is well under 500 calories, meaning you'll be full and satisfied afterward without sacrificing weight-loss goals. Check out the recipes below!
- Additional reporting by Michele Foley, Lizzie Fuhr, and Jenny Sugar
This 100-Rep, Core-Busting Workout Takes All of 4 Minutes to Complete
You're not into wasting your time, but luckily, you don't need to devote hours at the gym for a strong core. You just need to do the most effective ab-strengthening moves, and this four-minute workout has them all! You'll target your upper, middle, and lower abs, as well as your obliques.
The Workout
What you'll need: floor space, a pull-up bar, and a medicine ball
20 scissor abs
20 diamond sit-ups
20 knees-to-chest hanging from a pull-up bar
20 double crunches with a medicine ball
20 reverse crunches
Perform this workout once a day for one week and see how you feel! If you're not sure how to do each movement, see the descriptions ahead.
6 Ways to Tone Your Derriére With Dumbbells
Exercises that target your backside not only add shape and lift in your jeans and leggings, but they can also make you a stronger, faster runner. To work the glutes a little more, we suggest you grab a set of dumbbells. Look good and run faster with these effective tush-toning moves.
Satiate Your Sweet Tooth With These Under-150-Calorie Late-Night Treats
Sure, you'd love some one-on-one time with a bowl of ice cream and a spoon, but that late-night treat can pack on over 250 calories. Whether you're craving a sweet, creamy dessert, a homemade cookie, or chocolate-anything, here are healthier ways to indulge so you can enjoy your treat without a dollop of guilt.
Move Aside, Slow Cooker - These Instant Pot Recipes Will Keep Your Weight Loss in Check
When it comes to trendy kitchen gadgets, the Instant Pot is all the rage right now, and with good reason. It's versatile and convenient, and it makes for less mess and less time spent in the kitchen. As far as recipe options are concerned, the possibilities are endless, especially when it comes to cooking healthy options. If you're looking for recipes to help with weight loss, here are more than 20 options, from protein-packed staples to filling vegetarian soups.
I Traded Up For the Apple TV 4K and Here's Why I'll Never Go Back
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Chelsea Hassler
I got my first Apple TV as a present; I was still working in television at the time, and my boss presented it to me as a (very, very generous) holiday gift. The supersleek, supermysterious object would quickly become something that I could not picture my life without. Not only did I use the second-generation device a lot for work, but it also meant that I no longer had to squint at my teeny-tiny laptop screen when I wanted to watch something on Netflix or Hulu, opening the floodgates of binge-watching that would remain constant for years to come. In the seven years that my Apple TV and I cohabitated together, I lived in three different boroughs of New York City, saw partners and friends come and go, and changed my career several times over. It was just in September of this year, 2017, that I tried its much, much younger sibling - the Apple TV 4K - and knew it was time to update my trusty partner in crime.
To be clear, I hadn't ever even considered upgrading my old device. It worked perfectly, so why would I bother? But when I unboxed the 4K and got it up and running, I realized the light years of tech I had been missing out on. Therefore my experience isn't one shaded by a side-by-side comparison, a judgment of what sets it above and beyond its competitors (or, for that matter, not). Instead, it's one of awe and wonder - and of falling back in love with TV all over again thanks to the help of a device that's roughly the size of a thick slice of bread.
Ahead, you'll find some of my favorite functions of the Apple TV 4K. And if you're in the market for a more thoughtful way to streamline all the many ways we get our entertainment these days and for things to be a little bit simpler in several of the most intuitive yet impossible ways, I promise you won't be disappointed by the Apple TV 4K.
Image Source: Apple
The TV App
I'd always been curious about that "TV" app that appeared on my iPhone at some point over the last year, and as soon as I got started with iOS 11 and my new Apple TV, everything sort of just fell into place. It's basically where you can find everything you're looking for, all in one easy-to-find place. Once you've signed in with iOS 11, it pulls together all of your apps (like Hulu, Showtime, and HBO) and you can also add in your cable subscription to gain access to all of the programming on apps like CBS, The CW, and more. And once you watch something - or leave off halfway through an episode - it puts it in there for easy access to pick up exactly where you left off on any other Apple device.
For me, the best thing about this is the fact that it eliminates having to search for the latest episodes and where you can stream them - it puts them right in front of your face where you quite literally can't miss it, and you can essentially just live in the "watch now" section of Apple TV if you want to. For full instructions on how to set this up and get going, head on over to Apple to read more and know that I am not exaggerating when I say that it has eliminated hours of searching from my life and I couldn't be more stoked about it.
Image Source: Apple
Siri
When I said that I wasn't looking to highlight specific features that are new only to this device, I was very much referring to Siri, who honestly blows my mind (even now!). A recent convert to voice control, it almost feels like Siri was made explicitly to make browsing more easy - and to make it so that when you lose the remote control, you've always got the ability to control your TV via your mouth. Siri can do lots of things, though, and isn't just limited to "pause" or "play."
You can ask Siri to find the most recent episode of a TV show or pick up where you left off on a movie. You can rewind a couple minutes or a couple seconds, or search through what's available in the massive libraries of the streaming giants for a specific moment in time that you just have to watch again. Say "What did they say?" and she'll skip back 15 seconds in time and throw some captions up on the screen for that scene. Ask her "Who stars in this?" and she'll give you an IMDB-style rundown on the bottom of your TV screen, no iPhone required! Oh, and if you're indecisive (like me), she can also tell you what to watch based on what Apple sees as trending at that moment in time.
Image Source: Apple
4K and HDR
I'd be lying if I said that I could tell the difference between 4K and regular TV before I got the Apple TV. But I had the pleasure of hooking my box up to a real, legit 4K TV and all I can say is: holy sh*t. It's like being in an adventure that requires no glasses or special devices to traverse, and the colors are mindblowingly vivid. I'm almost - almost! - tempted to upgrade my old TV, but as the saying goes, I'm probably better taking one step at a time. And it can cost you a bit more money (Netflix has a "premium" plan that features 4K movies in all their glory), so it may not be for everyone. But if you do have a 4K TV, do yourself a favor and get an Apple TV. I promise it won't disappoint you. Even the screensaver that comes up when you've been idle too long has been upgraded to a beautiful, crystal-clear set of images that will leave you transfixed as you listen to music or talk on the phone.
Image Source: Apple
And a Few More Things
Apple recently changed its movie rental period to a whopping 48 hours (!), which means that instead of only having a night to watch a movie, you can make a weekend out of it - and it makes the rental fee feel a lot better from where I stand. And when you don't feel like watching a movie, there's also a whole host of beautiful, addictive games that have been brought into the device, which means you can play the things you love most as well as a bunch of new TV-native apps via your tiny Apple remote (or, if you're fancy, via a control which you can purchase separately). I would be remiss if I didn't mention just how smoothly the interface works. No more loading screens and clunky click-throughs - everything about using the Apple TV feels crisper, snazzier, and, frankly, more enjoyable than ever before. And finally, one of the features I love the most: since the Apple ecosystem is so efficient, I don't have to get rid of my old Apple TV. Instead, I moved it into my bedroom, which means I can pick up exactly where I left off in the living room. It may be a whole lot more rickety, but it's the sign of true progress. Apple has clearly got one eye on making all of your devices, old and new, work together - and I couldn't be happier with the result so far.
The Best Tech Gadgets of 2018 (So Far)
Looking to make your life a little easier, but not ready to commit to a full smart-home makeover? Well, you've come to the right place: from umbrellas to watches to suitcases and more, ahead you'll find all the tech gadgets we've tried out and fallen in love with this year. And be sure to check back, as we'll be updating with our newest favorites as we continue to test out the latest in consumer tech throughout 2018.
9 Prefilled Easter Baskets That Will Save You So Much Time - All From Amazon
Don't get behind on your holiday shopping this year! Pick up your Easter baskets early so you don't need to scramble for gifts last minute. We looked to Amazon because the site has so much to offer, including prefilled baskets that your little ones will love. You won't need to spend your time stressing over store shopping, either, because it's all delivered right to your door. From Disney-themed picks to candy-filled choices, shop our favorites.
7 Creative Ways to Motivate Your Kids to Do Their Homework
It's hard to get kids excited about things they don't want to do, like going to sleep, eating their veggies, and, yes, doing their homework. While some children are natural overachievers who enjoy school and relish in homework time, many children will rebel. And usually, once your child has it in their mind that they don't want to do something, it can be difficult to convince them otherwise. To help with this, we've come up with seven creative solutions to help get them excited about doing their homework (and doing it well!).
1. Make a Colorful Workstation
Any adult who has a desk knows that having a colorful, inspiring workspace can really help you with creativity and productivity. The same can be said for a child's workstation! Whether they have their own desk in their room or have a workspace in a common area of your home, decorate it with things they are inspired by (colored pencils, a fun eraser, etc.) so that homework time is more fun.
2. Give Them a Reward
Rewarding your child for doing their homework can be a little controversial, but when done right, it's very effective. Some parents choose to reward their children with food or toys, but the reward can even be as simple as an hour of TV time or a creative, fun activity. Whatever your child's natural instincts, abilities, and interests, choose a reward that will motivate them to finish their homework.
3. Praise Your Child
Rewards don't necessarily have to be tangible objects. If you're uncomfortable with physical rewards, consider using praise as a reward. Children are often concerned with pleasing their parents, so if you establish that completing homework results in praise, they may be more willing to do their homework on a regular basis.
4. Establish a Homework Routine
Most children work better when a routine is established, so consider setting aside a certain time for homework every day after school. You can also let them have an hour or so after they get home to watch TV or have a snack first.
5. Let Your Child Decide When Homework Time Is
It can be hard to make children do something they don't want to do, so letting them have some level of agency and choice when it comes to their homework can really help motivate them. Instead of telling them when homework time is, sit them down and let them choose what works best for them. Maybe your child prefers to do their homework immediately when they get home from school, whereas some children need a break beforehand.
6. Encourage Using Technology
There are likely many ways your child uses an iPad or computer that are not homework-related, but instead of telling them to put down their devices during homework time, see if there are ways they can use technology to help them. The internet can be a powerful tool for studying and research, and there are lots of apps available that can help your child with spelling, math, and other subjects.
7. Make Homework Their Responsibility
Homework is a great way to teach your children responsibility. Ultimately, the only person who is impacted by whether or not they complete their homework is your child. Make sure they understand the implications of not doing their homework and, if necessary, let them find out the hard way. Making homework your child's responsibility will help them to see the direct results of their actions.
How This Mom's YOLO Moment Disrupted the $13 Billion Lingerie Industry
"I was always skipping to work," Michelle Cordeiro Grant told me when talking about her job at Victoria's Secret as senior merchant director. "I was one of those annoying people on the subway smiling for no reason." But in 2012, she began to lose that pep in her step. "I started to love my job less and see the politics of corporate life, which is why I ultimately left Victoria's Secret," she continued. "I wasn't having fun anymore, and I needed to figure out how to have fun again."
"I knew that I wanted to start a company but needed to learn how because I had no idea." Grant took a job at startup company Thrillist Media Group soon after to see how to evolve a business firsthand. "I was able to see the business grow exponentially. I learned what to do, what not to do, and I was able to formulate how to create my own version of what startups can be," Grant explained. After three years at Thrillist and securing financial backing from investors, she went after her YOLO moment by starting her own company.
Grant walked into her new office on day one as her own CEO and only employee. With just four plain white walls and no company name, she started with a vision board. "I spent a lot of time visualizing and building out the aesthetic of the company so that when I recruited my team, I had stuff to show. I made a list of things I was fearful of and created a network. I made those people my best friends. So when something went wrong in one of my fearful areas - such as a customer service nightmare - I knew exactly who to call," she explained.
Soon after, inspired by women with wild hearts and boss brains, Lively was born.
"I wanted to start a brand where consumers actually talk about brand and community and not where they found the best markdown. I want women to wear Lively and feel something - to live passionately, to live confidently, to feel sexy and unique," Grant said. One bra has more than 40 components, which translates to 40 different suppliers. When Lively launched in 2016 exclusively online, bra styles offered were manufactured in 22 different sizes. "Not only do I want our products to be accessible in price, but also accessible to women of all shapes and sizes," she explained.
On her own terms, Grant has a goal to create a brand without any sales, markdowns, or Black Friday participation. "We want brand-lovers first and foremost, and we don't talk about price or sales in our marketing. Instead, we talk about empowering our consumers to feel sexy and beautiful," she said.
"Once we started development in China, our partners saw how unique our product actually was. We were literally cutting yoga pants and stapling them to bralettes during ideation," Grant said, laughing. "Opening our new factory this past Summer, we wanted to build a bigger factory but also incorporate our Lively ethos into everything we do."
In 2016, Lively launched with impressive sales. "I never expected to grow as fast as we did. On launch day, I was all dressed up for the press, but when we saw all of the orders coming in, I changed outfits, put on my sneakers, ran over to our warehouse in Secaucus, NJ, and spent the entire first week - morning to night - with my team packaging orders," she said.
Lively has kept its word and has not marked down any products since the site launched. Now, the brand has customers from coast to coast and an all-female staff of 14 in New York. The brand continues to build a community of strong, smart women who feel empowered and always sexy when wearing Lively's products.
Two months after launching Lively, Grant, whose daughter, Lydia, was 2 1/2 at the time, found out she was pregnant. Just a few weeks after the birth of her son, Jack, she came back to work to check on her team. "To launch a company while pregnant is bananas," Grant said, laughing. "But looking back, it was the best thing to ever happen to me."
Lively is currently going on a tour city by city to spend time with the women who have been supporting the brand. After its Dallas pop-up in January, Lively's customer base in the same location increased by 200 percent online.
Grant concluded, "A lot of people told me not start my own business. A lot of people. But I'm glad I did, because I'm skipping to work again, and I strive to create an environment where my team is, too."
26 Cakes Covered in Candy, Because You Can Never Have Too Much of a Good Thing
Want to really wow your little one at their next birthday party? Then present them with the showstopping, beyond-cool candy-covered cake of their dreams. (Trust us: candy plus cake equals kid ecstasy.) Dripping with chocolate, lollipops, marshmallows, and more, the following 26 cakes might be the definition of sugar overload, but the postcake crash will be totally worth it for that moment when your kid's eyes light up when they see one of these sugar babies. Colorful, creative, and totally kid-approved, these cakes are sure to be the hit of any party. You know you want one, so keep reading to find your favorite.
Articles
