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
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.
A Passionate Open Letter to the Person Pushing Their Dog in a Stroller
Dear Dog Owner,
I'll never forget the time I began reversing my car out of a Starbucks parking lot and, true story, nearly hit a woman pushing her baby in a stroller. My heart, and the world around me, stopped. "What have I done?" I thought, panicked, but then relieved when I realized I'd seen them just in time. Understandably, the woman was upset and began yelling and gesturing at me far more kindly than I would have if I were her. But as she walked around toward the front of my vehicle, I saw that instead of a baby in the stroller, it was a dog. Now, do I go around trying to run dogs over with my car? Of course not! But I have to admit I felt deceived that even for a moment, I thought a baby's well-being hung in the balance because I hadn't seen the "mom" and her stroller behind my car.
I was pissed. Yes, I should have been more careful (people can also look where they're going more carefully), but this was a deception. Babies belong in strollers, not your four-legged friend. And if you can't (or don't want to) let them roam on a leash to explore the world around them because you think they're too special or good for such a simple task, then maybe you shouldn't have a dog in the first place.
Until science proves that things like grass and cement are too harmful for their precious paws, I'll expect them to be on the ground.
Look, I get being totally obsessed with your pet. I love my dog just as much as the next person. She's a cherished member of our family, and we can't imagine life without her. We do, however, treat her differently than our three children . . . because she's a dog. She eats dog food out of a bowl on the floor, poops outside, and sleeps in a dog bed. She also walks on a leash, both for exercise and because she. is. a. dog.
I understand there are some situations that warrant a dog being pushed in a stroller, like a broken leg or serious illness. But if they're perfectly healthy and you just choose to treat them like a pampered princess, they're probably dying to get down and run around. Again, they're animals. And I assure you they won't think you don't love them if you don't push them in a stroller or buy them expensive sweaters. In fact, I like to think they look a little bit embarrassed when they're seen in strollers. Like, "I'll never live this down at the dog park" embarrassed.
But hey, if pushing your dog in a stroller makes you really happy, I'm not mad at you. I just don't think it's necessary. I know you're living your life and not hurting anyone (except maybe your dog's pride), just don't be surprised if you get a few eye rolls or deep sighs en route to wherever it is you're going. Because yes, your dog can be considered your "baby," but until science proves that things like grass and cement are too harmful for their precious paws, I'll expect them to be on the ground.
Respectfully,
Most People
I'm That Really Laid-Back Mom, and This Is My Only Major Rule
I consider myself pretty laid-back when it comes to parenting. Mind you, my oldest is only 4, but since she was a baby, my friends and family have commented on how I treat her as though she's my third or fourth kid. She could run a football-field-length away from me at the park and I would watch comfortably from afar. As the years have gone by, I haven't found a need to change this approach and will probably continue to be this way as my kids grow up. I can't see into the future (if she's anything like me, the future holds some doozies once she's a teen), but because of the one rule on which I stand firm, I believe my kids will be able to make the right choices, and if they don't, they'll find a way to learn from them. That rule is having manners and respect.
I want them to make mistakes, because that's how they'll learn, but instead of chastising them for it, I'll support them through it.
It's expected that my children use their manners by saying the appropriate "pleases" and "thank yous," but I also expect them to behave appropriately in multiple scenarios. Respect encompasses showing consideration for their parents, all adults, and their friends, while also having respect for themselves. I think the reason I'm OK with having only one main rule as a mom is because it trickles over into all aspects of raising a kind and compassionate child.
For example, we were at the grocery store one day and the checkout clerk offered my daughter a sticker. While she's usually very good at saying thank you, she refused to say a word. There was a line of people behind us, but I calmly and firmly said, "You forgot to share your manners with this nice lady," and my daughter continued to keep her head down. The clerk gave me an "It's OK" look, to which I kindly replied, "No, she does have something she'd like to say to you." I asked my daughter if she was feeling shy, and she nodded. I told her it's OK to feel shy, but that it's important to be polite when someone does something nice for you. The whole ordeal lasted a few minutes until finally, my daughter lifted her eyes to the clerk and said, "Thank you." The clerk said, "You're welcome," then looked at me and thanked me for pushing, adding that she offers kids stickers all day and it's rare any of them say thank you, and even rarer that a parent makes them.
It may seem small or silly to some, but it's important to me that kindness not go unnoticed. If I teach my children that something as simple as getting a sticker should be acknowledged with thanks, maybe they'll understand that bigger things deserve respect as well. While I allow my children to run amok at the playground, wildly exploring and testing boundaries, I am adamant when it comes to using their manners. I like to think this approach to parenting allows my children to explore the world on their own and gain confidence and self-esteem while never doubting that I'm here for support.
I've gotten looks and sometimes even comments from other moms at the playground when my tiny toddler is climbing a piece of equipment without me helping or standing right behind her, and while I would never allow my kids to put themselves or others in any real danger, I don't think it's the end of the world if she falls. And if she does fall (and it's obviously not a bad one), I'll watch while she gets up, brushes herself off, and continues to play. I want my kids to make mistakes, because that's how they'll learn, but instead of chastising them for it, I'll support them through it.
Uhh, We Want S'more of Ben & Jerry's New Summery Ice Cream Flavor ASAP
It may still be freezing cold in my part of the US, but I am ready for Summer. Thankfully, Ben & Jerry's is on the same page, if its new Summer-inspired flavor is anything to go by. Gimme S'more, a toasted-marshmallow ice cream with chocolate cookie swirls, graham cracker swirls, and fudge flakes, will land in a grocery store near you on March 15, and you're going to want to do yourself a favor and pick it up.
The rich and creamy ice cream tastes exactly like if a campfire s'more had been churned into ice cream and packed into a cup. The toasted-marshmallow base has a smooth, sweet flavor, and the swirls and flakes add the texture and taste of my favorite summertime treat. The best part about this, though, is it's far less messy and far less work than an actual s'more!
This Ben & Jerry's flavor is limited, though, and will probably only be in stores for the next three to four months - right into the heart of Summer. So grab a pint while it lasts!
5 Ways to Add Pizzazz to Your Scrambled Egg Routine
Whether you prefer your scrambled eggs just-barely set, dry, or somewhere in between - a topic we could discuss ad nauseam - let's agree that the breakfast staple can often benefit from a bit of jazzing up via toppings and mix-ins. Sometimes that can be as simple as a hefty handful of parmesan cheese or a sprinkling of chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or tarragon (or a combination of the two), but on days when more feels better, try one of these enticing ideas:
- Pesto, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan: Either drizzle the pesto on top of cooked eggs, or swirl it into the eggs as they cook. Add a chiffonade of basil, sliced sun-dried tomatoes (or slow-roasted tomatoes), and grated parmesan.
- Brie, chives, and mushrooms: Slice up a handful of mushrooms and cook them till browned and tender in butter, add eggs, cook until set, and then top with chopped brie and minced chives.
- Bacon, cheddar, and leek: Cook bacon however you prefer - we're partial to the hands-off approach of oven roasting - meanwhile, sauté sliced leeks in butter until translucent and beginning to brown, then add the eggs, cook until set, and top with crumbled cooked bacon and grated cheddar cheese.
- Bell peppers, caramelized onions, and Italian sausage: Remove a sweet or spicy Italian sausage from its casing, break it up into crumbly pieces, and cook it through. Remove to a plate, add chopped roasted bell peppers and caramelized onions and eggs seasoned with a pinch of paprika, cook until just set, fold in the sausage, and serve.
- Mushrooms, fontina, and truffle salt: Cook the mushrooms and eggs as in the brie, chives, and mushrooms iteration. Once cooked, top with grated fontina and a pinch of truffle salt.
Did we leave your favorite scrambled egg combination off the list? Enlighten us in the comments - we're always looking for new ideas!
This Bride's Royal Wedding Dress Is Something Straight Out of a Fairy Tale Book
Alessandra de Osma's wedding was something right out of fairy tale book. The lawyer and former model tied the knot with Prince Christian of Hanover in a lavish wedding. The beautiful ceremony took place in the bride's native country of Peru, which is where the couple first met back in 2005. Guests included royals such as Princess Beatrice, Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece, and even British supermodel Kate Moss.
For her big day, Alessandra wore a stunning high-neck gown by Jorge Vázquez. Her gorgeous gown featured delicate lace sleeves and a long train. She finished her bridal look off with an equally long veil and, of course, a diamond tiara worthy of a princess. Keep reading to have a look at the bride's stunning dress as well as pictures from the beautiful wedding ahead.
This 1 Feature on iOS 11 Could Save Your Life
With the new iOS 11, you can edit screenshots, easily share WiFi passwords, and potentially save your life in the future - all with just a few quick taps. Previously, you could give yourself an extra layer of safety by setting up your medical ID or sharing your location on Find My Friends. Now, on iOS 11, you can push the sleep/wake button five times to immediately call emergency services. It also disables Touch ID and tells any emergency contacts your location and that something might be wrong.
The feature, called "Emergency SOS," will automatically call your local emergency service number. And though it disables Touch ID, any person who tries to use your Touch ID won't get a notification that it's because of "Emergency SOS." If you're worried about your purse accidentally calling emergency services, you can also choose to turn on a "Countdown Sound." It will make it so that if you accidentally set off this feature, your phone will play a loud sound and give you three seconds to stop it from calling emergency services.
While we usually understand putting off playing with new features, this is one that every single person should set up right now. In particular, women across the internet are trying to spread the word about the Emergency SOS, as it could help someone fend off an attacker. Others believe it could save your life if you're in a car accident or in another type of disaster. Ahead, learn how to quickly set it up and then encourage your friends to do the same.
samedi 17 mars 2018
Karamo Brown on Witnessing Queer Eye's Impact: "It Has Been an Honor"
Image Source: Getty / Amanda Edwards
In February, Netflix dropped its new Queer Eye reboot, which surprised audiences with its totally real and delightful approach to the well-known TV concept. A lot of things happened over the course of one short month: the internet flooded with emotional reactions, people began to thirst over Antoni Porowski (and question his cooking skills), and we all got a little too invested in the lives of the show's other participants (congratulations on your engagement, Tom and Abby!). The momentum quickly snowballed, thus launching each of the new "Fab Five" members into the celebrity spotlight.
On March 10, I caught up with one of the guys at the Human Rights Campaign's annual gala dinner. Karamo Brown (who is very handsome and also had made a name for himself preceding the show) stopped by the red carpet to talk about the Queer Eye whirlwind and overwhelming audience response.
"You know, when you hide pieces of you, you hide the special parts as well."
"It has been an honor, I cannot tell you. There have been moments where I'm sitting on the ground crying like a baby, as if my dog just died or something," Brown told me. "But it's because I'm overwhelmed! When you get messages over and over again, from gay and straight people around the world, saying, 'Thank you, you're making the world better,' you have no choice but to feel good." But it's not just that Brown and his costars get to inspire audiences and make the world a little bit brighter. Everyone in the "Fab Five" also gets to openly and authentically own his identity in a very public way. That, in itself, is powerful. "It's been cathartic for me. You know, when you hide pieces of you, you hide the special parts as well," he said. "And so, what happens is I get to love myself and to be proud of myself holistically. And in turn, it inspires other people to do the same."
With the guys pouring out their emotions on screen in such an open way, I had to ask: what's something we don't see on screen? What happens outside of the Queer Eye episodes and between all the tears and the makeovers and the astounding life lessons? As it turns out, the group unwinds in the best way. "The four guys and I would all watch [RuPaul's] Drag Race every night, because Antoni and Tan [France] had no idea what Drag Race was." Upon seeing my shocked expression, he said, "I know!" and elaborated, "They had no idea, but they do now, and they love it. And so we would go and watch old seasons and episodes together, eating pizza." Sounds like a dream, honestly.
If you don't know what RuPaul's Drag Race is, please see yourself away from this computer and toward the closest available television set. The drag queen competition show is on the cusp of its 10th go-round and is currently airing its third All-Stars season, which gives fan favorites a second chance to snatch the crown. Naturally, I had to ask who Brown was rooting for in the upcoming All-Stars finale. "Team Shangela. I like Trixie [Mattel], but she didn't give it. She's just not giving it."
Image Source: Netflix
Circling back to Queer Eye, I needed to know: can we expect a second season? Have there been talks about more episodes of Queer Eye? When it comes to another season, Brown said, "We haven't heard yet, but we're hoping we'll hear soon, because we did get [a] whiff that it's been a big success. So we're like, 'Come on, please?' We're sending basically beg letters, like, 'Please give us another season.'" Sounds promising, right?
Before Brown went to enjoy the rest of the HRC gala, I asked him what his mission is as he moves into the rest of 2018. "I'd been an activist before I started in television, and for me, it's to inspire people to know that they have the power," he answered. "You can make so much change within your neighborhood and community, which is so important. I used to be social worker with LGBT youth, and a lot of times they'd say, 'What could I do?' And I would say, 'You could do so much. If you just inspire just one person that's next to you - to feel different, to live differently, to act differently - that's creating a ripple in the world.'" Here's hoping we get more of those ripples on Queer Eye very soon.
16 Must-Watch Films Set in Ireland in Honor of St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day is on March 17, but while the world seems to always collectively go green for those 24 hours, the holiday is really celebrated all month long. From the colored beer to the crazy outfits to hearing about everyone's great-great-grandfather coming over from the Emerald Isle, this holiday really does speak to almost everyone. And since there are so many amazing movies set in the beautiful and romantic country of Ireland, we decided to round up some of our favorites. Keep reading to see all the must-watch films, then check out these 20 insanely hot Irish actors.
- Additional reporting by Shannon Vestal Robson
7 Times Prince William and Meghan Markle Showed Us That They're Already Family
When Prince Harry got engaged to Meghan Markle in November 2017, the royal officially stopped being the third wheel at public events and engagements with Prince William and Kate Middleton. Their engagement also resulted in two new special relationships: Meghan and Kate's and Meghan and William's. While the women forged a "wonderful friendship," we just love seeing the close-knit bond between William and his soon-to-be sister-in-law. Meghan has even described her relationship with the royal family as "togetherness at its finest." In honor of Meghan's upcoming nuptials, take a look at all the times she and William proved they are already family.
You Have 36 Chances to See Beyoncé and JAY-Z's On the Run II - Here's Every Tour Date
Are you sitting down? I hope so, because the news that Beyoncé and JAY-Z are going on tour together again is enough to make anyone pass out with excitement. Music's ultimate power couple confirmed the exciting news that On the Run II was really happening on Monday via Queen Bey's Instagram, sharing a series of black and white photos featuring the couple on a motorcycle, footage from their first tour together in 2014, and an empty car in the middle of the desert. It's pretty much a guarantee that Beyoncé and JAY-Z have something wildly inventive in store for us, given both of their visionary albums Lemonade and 4:44.
If you're interested in checking them out (and why wouldn't you be? IT'S A BEYONCÉ AND JAY-Z JOINT TOUR), we have all the important dates you need to mark off on your calendar. For starters, the stadium tour will visit both the US and Europe, and kicks off in Cardiff, UK, on June 6, while the last stop will be in Vancouver on Oct. 2. Tickets officially go on sale on March 19, with presale tickets available on March 14. See each and every date ahead.
UK/European Tour Dates
- June 6, Cardiff, UK - On sale March 23
- June 9, Glasgow, UK - On sale March 23
- June 13, Manchester, UK - On sale March 23
- June 15, London, UK - On sale March 23
- June 19, Amsterdam, NL - On sale March 19
- June 23, Copenhagen, DK - On sale March 19
- June 25, Stockholm, SW - On sale March 23
- June 28, Berlin, DE - On sale March 19
- June 30, Warsaw, PL - On sale March 23
- July 3, Cologne, DE - On sale March 19
- July 6, Milan, IT - On sale March 19
- July 8, Rome, IT - On sale March 19
- July 11, Barcelona, ES - On sale March 19
- July 14, Paris, FR - On sale March 19
- July 17, Nice, FR - On sale March 19
North American Tour Dates
- July 25, Cleveland, OH - On sale March 19
- July 28, Washington, DC - On sale March 19
- July 30, Philadelphia, PA - On sale March 19
- Aug. 2, E. Rutherford, NJ - On sale March 19
- Aug. 5, Boston, MA - On sale March 19
- Aug. 8, Minneapolis, MN - On sale March 19
- Aug. 10, Chicago, IL - On sale March 19
- Aug. 13, Detroit, MI - On sale March 19
- Aug. 18, Buffalo, NY - On sale March 19
- Aug. 23, Nashville, TN - On sale March 19
- Aug. 25, Atlanta, GA - On sale March 19
- Aug. 29, Orlando, FL - On sale March 19
- Aug. 31, Miami, FL - On sale March 19
- Sept. 11, Arlington, TX - On sale March 19
- Sept. 13, New Orleans, LA - On sale March 19
- Sept. 15, Houston, TX - On sale March 19
- Sept. 19, Phoenix, AZ - On sale March 19
- Sept. 22, Los Angeles, CA - On sale March 19
- Sept. 27, San Diego, CA - On sale March 19
- Sept. 29, Santa Clara, CA - On sale March 19
- Oct. 2, 11, Vancouver, BC - On sale March 19
25 Tricks to Make Your Bedroom Feel Extracozy
Winter is still very much in full swing, and some of us may have a few months of it left. But instead of letting the thought of dark, cold days get you down, take some time to turn your bedroom into a sanctuary. With the addition of soft, plush textures, the right color choices, and some smart design tricks, it's never been easier to turn your humdrum bedroom into a cozy Winter hideout! Discover ahead some of our favorite ways to make your bedroom feel cozier.
Why This Is the First Year I Have Real Hope For Diversity in Fashion
Working in fashion can be hard on the soul. It's not always the most thoughtful or kind industry, and it has more than its fair share of deeply rooted issues.
Top of the list of things that bother me? Diversity, or lack thereof.
Fashion has long been known as a homogeneous industry, championing mainly white, able-bodied women. The effects of this are widespread - it means that what we perceive as beauty is very singular. If you don't look like this, you can feel completely unrepresented. Lack of representation has been a mainstay problem in fashion as long as memory serves, but Fashion Week tends to highlight the gross lack of equality . . . at least until recently.
The industry is (finally) starting to use Fashion Week to showcase its progress, rather than highlight its flaws. This past New York Fashion Week was the first time I felt like there might be real hope for true diversity and representation, thanks to certain pioneers. We've seen a surge in curve models on the runway, models of color, as well as trans models and those with disabilities. Seeing this change is inspiring. It's now becoming more obvious when brands aren't inclusive.
Consider this: statistically speaking, this past season was the most racially diverse Fashion Week EVER. Harper's Bazaar also reported that 33 transgender women and nonbinary models walked in Fall's shows - an all-time high. Cheers to that!
This Fashion Week, the always-amazing Christian Siriano featured 10 curve models on his runway, including Ashley Graham. Michael Kors and Prabal Gurung also featured Graham, who is becoming one of the most in-demand supermodels.
In part, we have to attribute the progress to amazing activist models like Graham and Iskra Lawrence. These women do a double duty, not only working tirelessly as models but also being crusaders and spokespersons for the cause. Though they've had to work twice as hard, their success and popularity is a testament to change being afoot.
But even beyond including a diverse range of models in a record number of shows, there has been a seismic shift in how brands are thinking about diversity, as well as which brands are getting the most attention.
I was lucky enough to hear Becca McCharen-Tran (above right), the founder of Chromat, speak about Fashion Week. Chromat was one of the most talked-about shows this season because of its modern, chic bodywear, but also because of the inclusivity shown on its runway. Chromat, which describes itself as "Future Forward Bodywear" had nine curve models on its runway, and Charen-Tran spoke about how obvious it was for her to feature a diverse range of models. Never once in her talk did I feel like she was hitting a desired ratio, but truly that she designs for everyone and anyone.
Though the industry is making progress, there is still much work to be done. Some races are still enormously underrepresented, and brands need to include more curve models outside of the most popular faces. It's up to big brands to cultivate new talent!
Still, this Fashion Week felt like a paradigm shift. It's the new normal to be thoughtful and inclusive, and the brands that aren't stepping up are looking old, out of touch, and totally boring. The ball is in their court: either start being inclusive or get left behind in the new era of fashion.
This Cruise Sails to All 7 Continents, but the Cost Will Make Your Jaw Drop
While the idea of traveling to Antarctica may have always seemed just a tad unattainable to you, Silversea Cruise Company will make you believe otherwise. The cruise company is launching a 2020 "Legends of Cruising: World Cruise" sailing that is unlike any before it, taking travelers "on a journey that lets you set foot on all seven continents."
The itinerary includes 140 days of travel, 52 ports, nine routes, and a total of 32 countries. It's the first cruise package ever to offer such an expedition, and guests will sail in (extreme) luxury aboard the company's ship Silver Whisper.
The trip departs Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on Jan. 6, 2020, and includes stops in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Valparaiso, Chile; Tahiti; Fiji; Sydney, Australia; Singapore; Mumbai, India; Thailand; Jordan; Egypt; Rome; Dublin, Ireland; and Amsterdam, Netherlands - to name just a few. Perhaps most notable of all, of course, is that the cruise makes a stop at the Antarctic Peninsula.
But - and you knew there was a major "but" coming - this once-in-a-lifetime excursion might be more like a "never-in-a-lifetime" one considering the steep cost to set sail. The package includes round-trip business-class airfare, a $2,000 on-board spending credit per person, a Visa package, laundry services, unlimited WiFi, Bespoke Silversea experiences, and more. And the price? Well, prepare to shell out a lot of your hard-earned cash, because fares start at $62,000 per guest and only go up from there. But you know what? There's nothing wrong with dreaming about an epic adventure that spans across the world - one that's undoubtedly full of unforgettable experiences!
Get Excited - Disneyland Is Hosting a Star Wars-Themed Event After Hours!
On May 3, Disneyland will be hosting Star Wars Nite for its second Disneyland After Dark! event. The park kicked off its special after-hours park series earlier this year with Vintage Nite, but this time, visitors will be able to get a head-start on their May the Fourth celebrations.
The park-wide party will officially begin at 9:00 p.m. (with park mix-in starting at 6:00 p.m.) and continue through 1:00 a.m. the next day. Guests can expect special entertainment inspired by the saga as well as character encounters, themed decor and menu items, limited edition "May the 4th" merchandise, and more.
Get excited! Exclusive after-hours park access also equals shorter wait times at your favorite attractions, including Star Tours (of course), It's a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Matterhorn Bobsleds. You'll also experience the Battle of Jakku at Hyperspace Mountain, a galactic dance party, and special photo ops, to name just a few of the fun festivities.
Tickets are $99 per person (parking not included) for adults and kids three and up, and will be available online beginning March 29 or at any of the park's ticket booths. If you're a Passholder, you can snag your ticket earlier on March 27. All guests are permitted to come as their favorite character, as long they follow costume guidelines. Tickets are limited, so be sure you get yours ASAP - and don't forget to say "hi" to Rey when you're there!
39 Disney World Facts That Even Die-Hard Fans Don't Know
The happiest place on Earth also happens to be one of the most interesting. Disney World has been around for nearly half a century, and with age comes good stories - and lots of them. We've rounded up 39 Disney World secrets even die-hard fans will be shocked to discover.
If you can't get enough Disney, check out our posts full of tips and facts:
9 Relaxing Airbnbs Just Minutes Away From Your Dream Wellness Spots
Your health should always be top of mind in everything you do, including travel. Whether that means finding the hotel gym while you're away or bringing along your favorite protein powder to make smoothies is up to you, but one thing to consider is taking an entire vacation dedicated to your wellness, both mental and physical.
As the world becomes more aware of alternative medicines and ways to be healthy, we are finding more ways to take part, like yoga retreats dedicated to mindfulness and exploring salt caves to relax our bodies. For ideas on trips you can take yourself - and suggestions for Airbnbs to check out - keep reading.
Why You Should Never, Ever Check Your Luggage on a Plane
If you check luggage on your flight, you're inviting disaster along for your trip. It's not always that dramatic - sometimes it's just a mere inconvenience - but other times you're asking for more trouble than those extra pairs of shoes that made you upgrade to a larger bag are worth. As a frequent traveler, I avoid checking luggage at all costs - because I've learned the hard way. Unless I'm going on a trip spanning several weeks in the dead of Winter and need bulky sweaters and jackets to stay warm, I'm flying stress-free with just my trusted carry-on. I've had my luggage damaged. I've had my luggage lost and received it days later. I've had to switch flights/airlines last minute in order to make a connection at my next destination city and would not have been able to do so if my luggage was already on its way to be loaded onto my original plane. I've experienced the Hunger Games-like rush to grab my bag off the belt in order to make it through customs at an international airport so that I could catch the next leg of my flight. I've dealt with it all, and you probably will too if you check your bags frequently.
I know, there are exceptions to my "no checked bag" rule - if you're traveling with young children who can't lug their own bags (start them young, I say!), then you may not be able to avoid checking. Strollers, car seats - I get it. There are understandably circumstances when it can't be avoided, but if you can avoid checking, don't hesitate to. It's possible, I promise. Here's why you should keep your luggage with you on your next flight.
1. You save money.
This is a pretty significant reason to skip checking a bag, especially depending on what airline you're flying. While some airlines (looking at you, JetBlue and Virgin!) let you have your first bag (as long as it's not oversize) for free, many costs range from $25-$50 per bag for checking. Paying for a bag you have to wait in a long line to check (and one that may get lost or damaged) really feels like adding insult to injury.
2. You'll get through the airport faster.
Carrying on your luggage means avoiding the lines for checking your bags before you go through security. Many airlines allow you to check in to your flight 24 hours ahead of time (international flights can have different policies since passports are involved). You can get your mobile boarding pass and skip the wait to drop your bags by breezing past the kiosks and heading straight for security. Getting through the airport will be much less painful.
3. Your belongings are in safe hands.
You can rest assured that your valuables are in safe hands, because they are in your hands. When you need to bring items on your travels that have great worth to you, you'll have peace of mind knowing where they are at all times because you'll have control over how they are stored and transported.
4. Your luggage itself will be more protected.
It's no secret that your luggage isn't necessarily being handled with care. It's tossed on a conveyor belt and haphazardly transferred (after a roller-coaster ride) to the underbelly of your plane, where it will be crammed among countless other bags. While it's normal for luggage to go through some wear and tear on your travels, carrying it on means keeping it in better condition for longer.
5. It's easier to travel with less-bulky items.
If you plan on traveling from destination to destination instead of staying in one place, having a small carry-on bag is much more manageable than toting around a 50-pound bag full of things you probably don't even need.
6. You are forced to bring only what you need.
Not checking your bags means becoming a smarter packer. Because you have to optimize your bag space, you'll be more inclined to pack just the basics. You can avoid bringing along things you will inevitably realize in hindsight were unnecessary, and soon packing will be like an art form to you. Having an efficient packing system can make air travel so much less stressful.
7. You have everything you need for delays and long layovers.
If you have to camp out in the airport due to unforeseen delays, flight cancellations, or long layovers, having a carry-on with all of your belongings means having access to everything you could need during that time.
8. You don't have to wait for your bag once you deplane.
After hours of a long flight, the last thing anyone feels like doing is waiting around for that beautiful (or shrill, depending on how you look at it) beeping noise that indicates your bags are on their way down the belt. It seems like no matter how early or late you arrive to check in luggage, your bag is always the very last to come trundling down the slide. If it comes at all. Skip this process altogether and head straight out of the airport with your carry-on.
Plane Tickets to Europe Start at $89 With Norwegian Air's Awesome St. Patrick's Day Sale
There's no better way to celebrate a special occasion than with a major sale, and budget airline Norwegian Air is happy to oblige us. Norwegian is offering tickets from the US to the UK and Ireland for as low as $89 (one-way) as part of a St. Patrick's Day promotion. Yes, you read correctly: you can fulfill your European travel dreams without dipping too deeply into your savings.
The sale began at midnight on March 16 and ends March 19 at 23:59 ET/PT. The main catch is that the deal only applies to flights departing from Boston and New York, but with the money you'll save on the round trip to Europe, you could find a cheap flight to the airports included in the sale and still save a ton of cash. Keep in mind as you plan that the airports - Providence/Boston-TF Green and New York Stewart International - are trickier to get to than larger ones like JFK, La Guardia, and Boston Logan.
Travel months included are April-June and August-September 2018. Prices and travel periods offered depend on the routes you choose, so start searching for your ideal itinerary and get ready to score a deal!
Just Breathe: 10 Amazing Yoga Retreats From Around the World
There are times when life hurts . . . a lot. There are times when things get out of hand. There are times when you feel like you're spinning out of control and need to realign your center. That's when a yoga retreat can come in handy.
Whether you do yoga on a regular basis or not, the practice can help detox, debloat, and ease tension in certain parts of the body. It can also help build core strength, de-stress the mind, and relieve the effects of those stresses in the body.
Keep in mind that yoga retreats are usually set in stunning settings - from tropical rainforests to sandy beaches with inviting sunsets - that can put your mind, body, and soul at ease. Here are 10 yoga retreats from around the world to visit when it's time for a break.
36 Disney World Hacks That Will Make Your Trip Even More Magical
Want to avoid the long Walt Disney World lines in the sweltering heat of a Florida Summer? We can help with that. Some of the park's biggest fans came together on two Quora threads to offer tips and tricks for making your trip to Disney World even more magical - and more economical, too. These hacks will help you navigate the parks, find the best deals, and make the most of the happiest place on the planet.
19 Uber and Lyft Secrets, Straight From an Anonymous Driver
I spoke to an anonymous man who started driving for a living in 2014 and works for both Uber and Lyft. He has experience driving passengers throughout New Jersey and shared all of the insider secrets he's learned - but most passengers don't realize. Here are his tell-all details about Uber and Lyft and what you need to know before requesting your next ride.
1. The ratings you give seriously matter to drivers.
"If you rate us less than five stars, it's as if you're asking the company to fire us slowly. Drivers are deactivated if their rating falls below 4.5 or 4.6."
2. No matter what, you will get rated and what drivers say about you is important too.
Drivers have to rate you before they can pick up the next ride, and the driver will definitely deduct stars if you make them wait or are unpleasant. "If a passenger rating falls below 4.5, many drivers will be hesitant to pick them up. If your rating is below 4.0, it will become more difficult to get a ride at busy times. New drivers don't pay attention to ratings, but give them a couple of months of bad passengers and they all start paying attention."
3. There's a guaranteed way to get rated five stars.
Although this isn't an official company policy, if you tip in cash instead of through the app, your driver will always give you five stars.
4. Tips especially matter when you ride-share.
Tips are even more important when you pool or ride-share because drivers don't get compensated for the additional stops while the companies profit from them. "Most drivers hate Uber Pool and Lyft Line. The driver is paid as if he only took one ride although it's actually a longer ride because you're picking up and dropping off passengers as if you're a bus. For example: a driver picks up a passenger on Uber Pool and that passenger is charged $12. The driver then gets another request to pick up someone else and their ride is also $12. The driver only earns for their time in miles, so he or she could only make $5 (if nobody tips) on the ride while Uber got $24."
5. Despite what people think, drivers have to follow the same laws - and won't get in trouble for you.
Some drivers have dash cameras in their car recording the rides, so if you refuse to put on your seat belt in the back, break open-container laws, or try to get away with not having a car seat and their car gets pulled over, they can show the cops and you'll be the one to get a ticket instead of the driver.
6. Your driver talks about you.
There are a variety of closed Facebook groups for Uber and Lyft drivers from different communities. Although this can be a great resource for advice and connections, it's also a platform for drivers to vent about their awful customers and post pictures from cringe-worthy experiences.
7. Some drivers actually like it when you cancel.
After you've requested a ride and your driver is en route, you'll typically be charged a $5 cancellation fee. Although Uber keeps a percentage of it, Lyft gives it all to the drivers. "Some drivers prefer the cancellation fee to a local ride because at the current rates you make the same money for not driving the passenger as you do for driving the passenger."
8. If you leave something, you might not get it back - but not because it was "stolen."
If someone leaves something in the car, it's usually "a big pain in the butt" for the driver because they often go out of their way to return something without the person tipping or even saying thank you. "Many drivers will simply dispose of whatever a passenger leaves in the car including cell phones, keys, and wallet. This is because they're tired of going out of their way and losing money to return an item to someone who will not compensate them for their time and effort. A driver can't get into trouble if they 'can't' locate something that you lost, but new drivers will usually go out of their way to return lost items - but after they're burned several times, they no longer do it."
9. However, there's a way to pretty much guarantee that your stuff will be returned if you forgot it.
It all comes down to that cash tip again. "Drivers do remember the passengers who tip in cash because they are few and far between. Those people are far more likely to have their items returned, but if a passenger is rude or disrespectful, they will certainly never see their item again."
10. You're most likely driving with a new employee.
What they call the "churn rate" or turnover is very high among drivers. The majority of drivers on the road are doing this job less than six months and will most likely quit before the end of the year because they are operating at a loss.
11. You're doing more than just wasting their time when you make them wait.
Drivers pretty much don't get paid when you make them wait, only $0.10 a minute in most markets, so you really are impacting their bottom line.
12. Drivers aren't making as much as you think.
"Both Uber and Lyft give upfront prices to passengers that can be as much as 60 percent higher than the amount your driver receives. The payout per mile in New Jersey is approximately $0.65 to the driver."
13. Drivers hate traffic just as much as you do.
When you're stuck in traffic, drivers only get $0.10 a minute (and in some markets less) for the additional wait time, so don't think they are secretly trying to hit traffic or aren't just as annoyed because they're getting something out of it.
14. Drivers "salivate" for surge and primetime rides.
When Uber and Lyft charge riders more because of higher demands is when drivers have a chance to make considerably more money. The app will show drivers where surge zones are on the map, and if the surge is two times the price, that's how much more the driver will earn. "Many experienced drivers will only work the surge and won't take anything at the regular rates because they are too low to actually make money. These drivers learn their market and know when it's likely to surge. These experienced drivers study this to get an idea of when it's likely to surge."
15. When you try to scam the company, you're really just scamming the driver.
"Passengers have figured out that if they rate the driver poorly and complain about the ride to Uber or Lyft, they will get credit for a free ride. Many drivers have fallen victim to passengers who are scamming for a free ride and not only does it affect the driver's star rating, but sometimes Uber will take the money back and a driver will have to argue to get paid."
16. The company plays dirty.
"I started with Lyft in April 2014 and then I was 'sloged' by Uber a week later. 'Operation slog' was what Uber called their program to recruit Lyft drivers and generally harass Lyft by requesting rides and then canceling them. An Uber corporate representative requested a ride on Lyft when Lyft was giving out free rides during their lunch. This representative got in my car and offered me $1,000 to do one ride on the Uber platform and then guaranteed me $40 per hour for the next two months. He said that he didn't want me to stop driving for Lyft but every time I turned off Uber to take a Lyft ride I would be losing money."
17. Having both apps can save you money.
"Passengers should have both apps because Uber surges more often than Lyft so during times of surge, they can check each app to see which one has a better price. Uber surges more often than Lyft, so at those times it would behoove the rider to choose Lyft."
18. One company is definitely better than the other - at least to this driver.
"Lyft is also a socially conscious company that donated free rides to breast cancer patients to go for their chemo, donated free rides through Dress for Success to help women in need get to job interviews, and has a program where for every dollar a passenger tipped in the app, they donated $1 to Meals on Wheels. That's just a small example of the type of socially responsible things that Lyft has done compared to the ethically questionable things that Uber has done over the years."
19. You're getting a good deal, so there's no need to complain about it and ruin a driver's day.
"Uber rates in most markets are about what it cost in 1974 to take a taxi in New York City. I think that's pretty damn cheap, and it doesn't get much cheaper than that to have someone pick you up in a clean car. We have a lot of passengers behaving badly or treating us poorly and it's become a major problem."
This Tearful Maui Proposal Was a Complete Surprise - Even to the Photographer!
While in Hawaii for a friend's wedding, Mike and Lara wanted to take advantage of the stunning scenery and book their own couple's session. As far as their photographer knew, the two would just be taking photos together for fun. But about five minutes into the photo shoot, Mike asked if he could do something before taking anymore pictures. He surprised both Lara and their photographer with a heartfelt proposal right on the beach! Lara immediately teared up as he got down on one knee. Every moment was captured, and they continued on with the rest of their session as a newly engaged couple.
See the sweet photos ahead!
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!
5 Nonnegotiable Rules For Hand-Me-Downs
One of the great things about having friends, family, or neighbors with children is the almost endless possibilities for hand-me-downs. Kids grow so quickly in the first few years of their lives; one moment they fit perfectly into that Winter coat, and the next it's like a tube top. But because they grow so quickly and their clothes and toys are usually only slightly worn, it seems unreasonable to just get rid of them or to keep buying them brand new items every few months. While hand-me-downs are a great way to save money and to make use out of things that still have a lot of potential, there are some steadfast rules you should always follow, whether you're the giver or the receiver.
- Check Product Recalls. The last thing you want to do is give away or receive a product that's been recalled by the manufacturer. Whether it's clothing, furniture, toys, or other items, always be sure to check that the specific product you're giving or receiving is still safe to use. This is especially important for items like furniture, car seats, and other pieces that could put your child or someone else's child in danger if they're defective.
- Make Sure They're Extremely Clean. Whether or not you realize it, giving away your child's worn clothes or used toys without washing them could spread dangerous germs, allergens, and more. And if you're the one on the receiving end of the used items, make sure you wash them, launder them, and give them a good once-over to make sure they're really clean. It's not just a matter of sanitation, either - these kinds of items could even spread pests like bedbugs, which no one wants.
- Make Sure They're in Good Condition. A beloved toy or a well-worn item of clothing may have brought you and your child lots of joy, but consider whether the item has come to the end of its life and should be discarded of in a different way. Check toys to make sure they're not broken, and make sure clothing and shoes are only lightly worn. Items with holes in them or that are missing essential pieces are not necessarily going to be useful for another child.
- Don't Give Away Your Trash. Has your child stopped using a toy because it's missing pieces or because something is broken, causing it not to work anymore? Items like this belong in the trash and shouldn't be given away to unsuspecting friends, neighbors, or family members. Also a big no-no? Don't try to hide things you're too busy to throw away in a box of otherwise good items. No one wants to be disappointed to find out that half of the things you've given them are just junk.
- Be Clear About Sizing. Always be clear about sizing with the person you're handing off your worn items to. If you tell them that you have a collection of pieces in a certain size, don't throw in a bunch of other clothing in different sizes with it. Be respectful that the person receiving the hand-me-downs still has specific needs for their children and might not want every single piece of clothing you want to get rid of.
12 Green Vegetable Recipes Your Kids Will Actually Want to Eat
As a mom of one amazing eater (my daughter recently ordered salmon and steamed broccoli at a friend's birthday dinner, providing me with one of my proudest parenting moments) and one decidedly awful one, I'm always trying to find dishes that will appeal to them both. Seriously, she loves broccoli and peas, and it's a freaking miracle if he eats even one. So if you also have a child who's wary of vegetables, especially those that are the scariest shade of green, the following 12 kid-friendly recipes are here to help. From entrée dishes that sneak in a veggie to fun green drinks, these dishes prove that while it may not be easy being green, it can be more fun to eat that way.
15 Foods Experts Say You Don't Have to Buy Organic If You're on a Tight Budget
With widespread knowledge about the benefits of shopping organic as well as the dangers of pesticides, it's hard not to feel guilty when reaching for nonorganic groceries to save money. Luckily, the following produce items - deemed the Clean 15 by the Environmental Working Group - are perfectly safe and healthy to eat when grown nonorganically.
Elizabeth Caton, brand and nutrition manager at Guiding Stars, points out that while the following foods have very little pesticide residue in their edible portions, they're still grown with pesticides. If you prefer to remain conscious of pesticide use in general, she suggests buying organic foods "to protect yourself, farmers/growers, the environment, or a combination of these." But if you're on a tight budget, these foods make it possible to eat well and save a few dollars.
15 Times Princess Diana Was Just a Regular Mom
Princess Diana has been deeply loved and idolized by people all over the world for decades, both when she was alive and in the years after her death. What's hard to remember, however - amid the glamorous balls, family scandals, and sparkly tiaras - is that, more than anything else, Diana was just a regular mom. It's obvious from her rare interviews and frequent public outings that she adored sons Prince Harry and Prince William and loved doing simple, run-of-the-mill things with them. She was also fiercely protective of their privacy. Diana's daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, has now followed her example with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. To prove the iconic royal was just like you when it came to her kiddos, keep reading for 15 moments she was a relatable mom . . . you know, minus the literal crown.
Alexa Chung x Superga's Collection Just Convinced Us We Need a New Pair of Sneakers
Alexa Chung wants you to get off on the right foot, in the most wearable of styles. The writer, model, host, designer, and all-round snappy dresser, who once played ambassador for Superga in 2011, just dropped a collection with the Italian shoe brand - and they're as practical as they are chic. Alexa showcased an expert use of puns for her tennis shoe collection, breaking the styles into subgroups. "Plain Jane" represents simple classics, while "Patent Is a Virtue" gives them a new flavor with patent, "Terry" is a slip-on mule featuring a terry towel texture, and "Smooth Operator" means silky, sexy satin.
Prices range from $79 for the classic tennis shoe to $89 for a satin Smooth Operator high-top style. (Dear credit card bills, we're sorry for all the future charges.) Read on for the full campaign, then shop the collection.
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