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.
jeudi 3 mai 2018
1 of Obama's Top Aides Reveals a POTUS Story She's Never Told Before
As President Obama's former deputy chief of staff for operations, you better believe Alyssa Mastromonaco has some stories to tell. In her new memoir, Who Thought This Was a Good Idea: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House, she shares a moving, funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching look back at the years she spent in politics and by the POTUS's side. We caught up with Mastromonaco to find out what it was really like to be one of the youngest people - and one of the few women - ever to hold her position in the White House, discuss sexism's impact on politics, and get her to share her personal hopes for what's next for Barack and Michelle Obama. She even told us a pretty charming story about President Obama's meddling in her romantic life she's never told anyone - and that includes her husband.
POPSUGAR: It's pretty clear from your book that you have a deep admiration and respect for Obama. Is it fair to say working for him made you a better person? Better at your job?
Alyssa Mastromonaco: I would say that Barack Obama not only made me a better person but made me better at my job. He's one of the most intellectually curious people you'll ever meet and really brings that out in other people. When I first got to the White House, I was super anxious all the time about not knowing the answer to every question. And Obama was actually the person who let me be me. He was like, "Alyssa's not the person who wears the Ann Taylor suit. She's not the kind of person who always says the exact right thing." And I'm a bit of a wild animal. I brought a different perspective, and I was a little bit more irreverent and casual.
PS: I teared up when I got to the end of the book and read the passage about him calling you after your beloved cat died. It was well after you'd resigned from your White House post.
AM: Just so you know, I had to reread that portion of my audiobook three or four times, because I cried every time. I, more than anybody, saw all the things that were on his plate every day. I felt other people maybe didn't realize how much a note meant that he wrote them or a phone call. But I saw his thought process behind the few moments of free time he had and how he used them. So, I knew that him taking the time to call me meant he really cared and really deeply understood how upset I was. That's what made it so meaningful.
PS: I love the anecdotes about Barack trying to set you up. It happened more than once, if I recall!
AM: There's a story I tell [in the book] about leaving Iowa, when he's telling me to email a guy that he said was into me. There was a thunderstorm, and we ended up having to drive from Ames, IA, all the way back to Chicago. So Gibbs [then Obama's senior adviser] and I were in the backseat of the PT Cruiser, and Obama kept turning around like, "Email him. Email him right now. He was not a bad-looking guy."
PS: So, wait - you were driving Senator Barack Obama around in a PT Cruiser?
AM: He was in a PT Cruiser. It was gray.
PS: What's the biggest way you saw the presidency and everything that comes with it - the responsibility, the celebrity - change Barack and Michelle?
AM: I think the external perception made them much more aware of making sure they stayed themselves. We win and it's super heady, and then a couple months later you are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but the one thing that we all believed - and that the president believed - is that you can never really buy into your own hype. Because as much as the world loves you one minute, they can be way down on you the next. I think that you would say if you looked at both of them, they kept it pretty even-keeled throughout the eight years, and he expected the same of us.
"Someone on the campaign came to me and said, 'You better get in line, because the people in South Carolina are just going to think you're a real b*tch.'"
PS: Do you keep in touch?
AM: Oh, yeah. I saw them both in Chicago [on Jan. 7], and I saw the president at Marvin Nicholson's wedding down in Florida [on Jan. 10].
PS: I know a lot of people are very excited to see what he and Michelle do next. What do you hope to see them do?
AM: There are so many kids in the world who have only grown up knowing that an African-American first family is a part of life. I think the next couple of years are going to be pretty hard to get through, so I hope that they're super visible and that FLOTUS keeps up all of her work with young women.
PS: You explicitly say part of your motivation in writing this book was to get more women interested in pursuing political careers. What in your own experience proved the need for that?
AM: I didn't have a ton of role models back in 1998. So, when I was looking to get in, it was really just looking up at all the men who were out there. When you're not seeing women - when you're breaking into anything - it's like, "Well, this is what the men do and how they act, so we're going to just emulate that behavior." I wanted young women to know that I was very lucky that I worked for people who literally let me be me. If I had ever been anyone other than me, I would have come off as a fake, a phony, a fraud, and never would have gotten where I ultimately ended up. You can be yourself and be in politics, and they should know that. That was kind of why I wanted to do it - because I didn't see any freaks in politics like me.
PS: Was there a particular moment you remember facing blatant sexism in the political world? How'd you handle it?
AM: There was a moment. It was the very beginning of the Obama campaign in January or February of 2007. I was asserting myself, and someone on the campaign - who wasn't David Plouffe or [David] Axelrod or anyone like that - but someone came to me and said, "You better get in line, because the people in South Carolina are just going to think you're a real b*tch." It was a man. I was just like, "Wow." I didn't say it, because I was so stunned, but in my head I was like, "Wow, and you're a real d*ck." That's the one moment I can really think of where I was like, "I don't think anybody would have said that to one of the guys." I wasn't even being aggressive. They were just wrong, and I told them they were wrong.
"I think that what you saw during those eight years, and in those last few weeks, was that the Obamas love people and they are going to miss them."
PS: I'm sure you have a fascinating perspective on how sexism impacted the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton - who you worked alongside when she was secretary of state.
AM: I don't think that Donald Trump treated Hillary any differently than he treated Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio. He is a deeply disrespectful person who didn't have enough reverence for the office he was running for to act humane. I never like to oversubscribe to sexism. I'd love to say, "Donald Trump is just sexist." And I do believe he's sexist, but I also believe that he also treats anyone who is his opponent in a very insane and disrespectful way. Saying, "Lock her up!" - which is insane - and calling him Lyin' Ted and him Little Marco . . . it's all really bad.
PS: What was it like from your perspective to witness the entire election cycle, this time from the outside in? Did you have FOMO?
AM: It was really hard. But the whole time, I think that we all thought that she was really going to win. So, you didn't feel that kind of FOMO like, "Oh my god, I should be there because I could make such a difference." I think we all kind of thought it was handled, and then, when she didn't win, I did feel like, "Oh, god - now I really need to be an activist." I want to be out marching all the time. I want to wear "Feminist AF" t-shirts.
PS: How did the Obamas seem in January when you saw them? I know Michelle Obama has been pretty open about feeling a sense of relief about being able to step away from the White House.
AM: The times I saw them, they were pretty nostalgic. I'll tell you two things: if you look at the video of the farewell speech the president gave on Jan. 10 in Chicago, and you look at the very end, you can tell he's taking in the moment. The thing that I think is so depressing, fundamentally, about Donald Trump is that he doesn't appreciate what's happening right now. He doesn't seem to think it's an honor. He doesn't seem to understand why we're actually super blessed to have the government we have. I also don't ever get the sense that he loves Americans. If you look at POTUS [Obama] - and I will always call him POTUS - I think that what you saw during those eight years, and in those last few weeks, was that they really love people and they are going to miss them. And that they deeply appreciate the opportunity they were given.
"Most women will want to only give their opinion only when it's almost fact in their mind - whereas dudes will pontificate a lot more. And I will tell you, I've started pontificating a lot more."
PS:What's your advice for young women who might be interested in getting into politics but are feeling deterred - whether it's because it's still a male-dominated field or they just don't know where to start?
AM: Find someone who you really believe in - that can be at a state level. The one thing I can encourage women to do the most is to start at the state level. It is the biggest reason that the Democratic party is behind. Women generally have to start building the bench, and right now our bench is a little thin. If I were to ask you who you think will run in 2020, we're like, "I don't know. Maybe Elizabeth Warren? Maybe?" Because there aren't five or 10 people. I would encourage young women to find that person, give it your all, and leave it all on the field. The one thing I have found is that if you are sitting at a table, most women will want to only give their opinion only when it's almost fact in their mind - whereas dudes will pontificate a lot more. And I will tell you, I've started pontificating a lot more, which is very satisfying. They should not be afraid to speak.
PS: What's a piece of advice, or something Obama said to you over the years, that really stuck with you?
AM: Here's something nobody knows. When I had been dating my husband for a while, the president said to me, "When is he going to put a ring on it?" And I was like, "Oh, come on. We are so busy. We don't need to think about that." He said, "He needs to put a ring on it because you're worth it." And the thing is, I'm not even kidding you, it was about a week or two later that we got engaged. I've never told that story to my husband, either. It would be news to him. Also, what, are you going to go back to your boyfriend and say, "The president told you to put a ring on it"? The lamest thing ever.
50 Authors From 50 States - Here's What to Read From Each of Them
At a time when diverse literature is more essential than ever, it's also important to look at the diverse experiences that make America so beautiful. We've taken a look at authors who hail from each of the 50 states to see how their hometowns have influenced their work (and we felt some major wanderlust in the process). From science fiction to romance, from classic to contemporary, scroll through to see where some of America's best stories have originated. You might be surprised to see where some of your favorite authors come from (as well as who shares your own home state!).
The Unbelievably Sad Reason You Can't Pet These Puppies in Chernobyl
After the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in 1986, the area was deemed uninhabitable - for humans, at least. Wild animals have since prospered in the area, including man's best friend: dogs. When residents of Pripyat and Chernobyl evacuated, many people had to leave behind their dogs. Thirty-one years later, puppies now walk around the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), waiting for a pat on the head that will never come.
As the documentary Puppies of Chernobyl explains, the animals should be avoided at all costs, since they could carry radioactive particles in their fur. It's estimated that about 900 stray dogs exist around the area and it's unknown just how much (or little) radiation is affecting them. The dogs are receiving some care, however; organizations Four Paws and Clean Futures Fund (CFF) teamed up to spay, neuter, and vaccinate the dogs to protect power plant workers. "By neutering the strays, we will also achieve a long-term reduction in their population, improving the welfare of the dogs," Julie Sander of Four Paws said to the Vet Times. "This is important because their chances of survival are greatly reduced if their numbers increase, due to lack of food and shelter in the extremely cold Winters."
It is undeniably sad to watch the puppies frolic around Chernobyl in the documentary, but give it a watch anyways. You might feel sad enough to help them out.
People Are Using Snapchat Filters on Their Pets, and the Results Are Glorious
Spend a lot of time playing around with Snapchat's filters? You might think you're a pro, but you're not really one until you use the filters on your pets.
We're not talking the filters that just change the colors of the photo, either. We're talking the ones meant for selfies that either make you vomit rainbows or shoot light beams from your eyes. Move over, Snapcats - your moment is over. Say hello to the new kings and queens of Snapchat, who come alive with these filters.
Check out our favorite ones ahead, and don't be afraid to try it yourself. After that, be sure to master every Snapchat trick in the book.
This Awesome Graphic Lays Out the Best Literary First Lines of All Time
Some people judge books by their covers, but I judge them more by their opening lines. If the words in that initial sentence grab me, then I'll likely be hooked until the last page. Some of the most famous books of all time have had first lines that will stay with you forever. Who will ever forget Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone's hilarious introduction to the Dursleys (they were proud to say that they were "perfectly normal, thank you very much")? Or Catch-22's undeniably intriguing "It was love at first sight"? Book addicts will love this graphic that gathers opening words that made us fall in love with these classic works.
The first line (or first few lines) of the most famous books of all time
55 Stylish Pieces You Should Pack For Your Next Vacation
There's no better feeling than getting ready to head on your next vacation . . . until you have to start packing. This season, don't jam-pack your suitcase full of clothes you won't end up wearing; instead, try strategically planning ahead. Be sure to only pack the absolute necessities, like versatile dresses, comfortable shoes, and easy-to-carry crossbody bags. To make your experience even more seamless, we rounded up a list of must-have pieces that you can wear even after your trip is over. From brands like Reformation, Urban Outfitters, and Topshop, prepare to want all these items.
33 Sure Signs That You're an Empath
Do you pick up on the vibe of a room the moment you walk in? Can you almost always tell when someone is lying? Do you just generally have A LOT of feelings? You're probably an empath. You may be familiar with the spectrum of personality types between introverts and extroverts, but empaths are a whole other type of personality you may not know about. Empaths are often (but not always) more introverted, but the key aspect of the personality type is an empath's ability to relate to and absorb the feelings of other people. Empaths are extremely sensitive to their surroundings, and they are very affected by the energies of those around them.
There are positives to being an empath; for instance, they are sympathetic, caring, and understanding. They are intuitive and have the ability to influence the mood and energy around them. Empaths are good listeners and caretakers, and they are known for their compassion for others. However, being an empath definitely has its challenges. Because they are so sensitive, they can sometimes have difficulty differentiating other people's energy from their own. Commercials, movies, books, TV, the news, seeing the struggles of others - anything with an emotional element can affect empaths on a deeper level. Outside circumstances and situations can have a huge impact on the mental - and even physical - state of an empath. Empaths can unconsciously mirror other people's habits and moods, and for better or worse, they can soak up the energy around them. Empaths need to make sure to care for themselves in addition to caring for the rest of the world. Here are some signs you're an empath.
- You're extremely intuitive.
- It's easy for you to tell when people are lying.
- The energy of other people can change your own energy.
- You get "gut feelings" often (and they're almost always right).
- You often feel other people's pain.
- You consider yourself an introvert.
- You need to be near water.
- You often find yourself absorbing other people's emotions (both good and bad).
- You can get overwhelmed when surrounded by a lot of people.
- People feel like they can come to you when they have a problem.
- You're very sensitive.
- You love to be outside in nature because it revitalizes you.
- Being around certain people can make you feel drained.
- You feel physically or emotionally sick when seeing upsetting things in the news, on TV, or in movies.
- Your mood changes depending on who you're in a room with.
- You feel the same feeling around a specific person each time you see them.
- You have a big heart.
- You constantly seek answers for everything.
- You know that your energy can change the atmosphere around you.
- You go back and forth between being very expressive and very reclusive.
- You sometimes find yourself putting others' needs before your own.
- You value your alone time.
- You're a good listener.
- You deal with stomach issues and chronic fatigue due to emotional stress.
- You know and understand things, without needing any explanation.
- You are a creative type.
- You're a big animal-lover.
- You always need to know the truth and do not like deceit.
- You're a free spirit and find yourself daydreaming often.
- You're prone to mood swings (based on the environment you're in at the time).
- You're extremely open-minded and accepting of all people and lifestyles.
- You won't let a problem go until you find a satisfying solution.
- You sense things that other people miss.
40+ Recipes That Make Feeding a Crowd a Breeze
Cooking for a crowd, be it a large family gathering or a dinner party, can be a bit of a challenge. Most recipes are scaled to yield four to six servings, and while many can be doubled with some basic math, it's certainly nice to have a handful of options that can be made as is. Here, we've rounded up more than 40 recipes that serve at least eight, including a variety of casseroles, soups, and slow-cooker dishes.
The Best New Trader Joe's Products of 2018 - So Far
I try to be grateful for the little things in life, like the fact that Trader Joe's is a 10-minute walk from my apartment. Aside from allowing you to stock up on all your essentials for a fraction of the price of other grocery stores, Trader Joe's also releases new, creative products on a regular basis. Now that we're well into 2018, I wanted to highlight the best new foods you can currently spot in the aisles among the Mandarin Orange Chicken, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, and other TJ's classics.
This year has already given us gems like cauliflower gnocchi, smoky Toscano cheese, and a particularly giant chocolate chip cookie - bless you, Trader Joe's suppliers! You've likely tried many of the best new products from 2017, so the next time you plan a trip to the beloved grocery store, add the following items to your list. Personally, I'm stuffing my pantry with the Organic Italian Artisan Pasta.
14 Grocery Staples I Always Have as a 20-Something on a Budget
As a 25-year-old who has just started out in the professional world, I know how hard it can be to get your life together. You're supposed to find a job, live on your own, cook for yourself, and find the time to exercise, which, unfortunately, I don't think includes walking to the kitchen for snack breaks in between TV episodes. When you have so much going on - especially when you're on a budget - one thing that some people dread is grocery shopping. I personally love it, but it took a little practice to figure out a routine and a grocery list that worked for me. As someone who loves to cook, there are certain things I like to have on hand all the time. These are 14 budget-approved staples I always have stocked in my kitchen.
8 Must-Try Spring Recipes From Giada De Laurentiis
If you're in the mood to freshen up your cooking routine with a new batch of Spring recipes, look no further than Giada De Laurentiis's recommendations. On her new lifestyle and entertaining site, Giadzy, Giada shares her best recipes that you'd be crazy not to try. Currently, we're bookmarking the following eight recipes that you'll surely want to work into your rotation, whether you're in the mood for cheesy pasta or a fruity breakfast. Read on to discover Giada's foolproof recipes for baked lemon ziti, roasted chicken with potatoes and leeks, and more.
30 Things You Don't Realize Are Annoying Everyone Around You
We all have our own pet peeves, but I think it's safe to assume that there are plenty of universal annoyances we share. You might not even be aware that you're guilty of doing some of them yourself. Ever take a call in a quiet room? Used both armrests on the airplane or at the movie theater? Yeah, we thought so. The list of what grinds people's gears can go on and on, but we've limited ours to 30 things you don't realize are irking everyone around you. See how many you agree with (or take part in) ahead.
Kick Back, Relax, and Sip On 1 of These Magnificent Margaritas
Whether you prefer your margaritas blended or on the rocks, classic or creative (like a green tea, grapefruit, and basil option), we've got a recipe to satisfy your craving. Stock up on tequila and limes, then browse the collection, choose your favorite, and pair it with tortilla chips, guacamole, and salsa.
4 Crucial Lessons Minimalism Has Taught Me
When I graduated university and came back to the room I grew up in, I realized I had the massive job of cleaning ahead of me. I've always been quite a messy person and I used to hate cleaning. I had huge collections of perfume samples, mini shampoos, pencils, and scrap paper.
As I stood there, barely able to walk into my room, I remembered a documentary I watched on Netflix last year about minimalism. I really liked the ideas when I watched it, but didn't make the effort to apply them at the time. So I put it on again to get some motivation.
After watching about 20 minutes, I got kind of excited to start cleaning. I put on some headphones and let the audio keep playing as I started to clean up my closet. I found this very motivational, so as I continued to clean through the week, I would listen to different YouTube videos and audiobooks about minimalism.
I'm far from being a minimalist, but the simple techniques I've learned so far have already improved my outlook on cleaning (and life) so much. It's really about simplifying life and prioritizing happiness.
Here are the most useful tips I've learned:
- For every object you own, ask yourself, "Does this bring me joy?" If the answer is no, then donate or throw away the item. If the answer is yes, but you don't have any room for it, thank the item for the good times and then say goodbye. As stupid as this sounds, it actually works! Obviously, if the item brings you lots of joy and you have space for it, then keep it! This is a tip from minimalism master Marie Kondo.
- Start by letting go of the things that you have the least amount of emotional attachment to (the closet is a good place to start).
- If you're having trouble letting go of an item that you love but don't use, think about how it could be enjoyed by someone else rather than sitting alone, all sad and dusty in your closet.
- Enjoy the process of seeing immediate results as you clean!
As I kept cleaning, I started to realize that physical baggage was also emotional baggage. I realized how I was literally going through my past, deciding which memories to keep and which ones to let go of. It was also a time for self-reflection. In my past objects and clothing, I could see who I once was - how I've changed and what's remained the same. In this way, cleaning is fun; you rediscover treasures, learn about yourself, and clear your mind. And really, our environment is just a reflection of our mind - after all, we do create the spaces around us. Minimalism isn't about owning nothing; it is about reflecting on each item you own and its effect on your state of mind.
If you allow it, the principles of minimalism expand far beyond keeping your room clean into every aspect of life. The question "Does this bring me joy?" is so important not only for tidying up, but for everything we do.
Reese Witherspoon's New Crate & Barrel Line Is Filled to the Brim With Southern Charm
Let's be up front about one thing: I love pretty much everything Reese Witherspoon does. Big Little Lies? Obsessed. Publicly fawning over cute dogs? Same, queen. So when Reese's clothing and lifestyle brand, Draper James, collaborated with Crate & Barrel for a summertime-perfect collection of home decor and beachy accessories, I knew before even checking out the product photos that I would be all over it.
But the Draper James x Crate & Barrel line isn't just suited for people, like me, who love Reese Witherspoon . . . if you've got an eye for cheerful, charming decor that's perfectly suited for sipping sweet tea in the sun, you'll be obsessed, too. Check out the full collaboration ahead, then shop the line on both Crate & Barrel and Draper James.
How I Turned My Ikea Couch Into a $10,000 Designer Sofa
I don't believe you grow out of Ikea past the age of 25. I love the Swedish brand's minimalist aesthetic. And since I like to mix things up, the price point works for a design commitment-phobe like me. Despite my Ikea love, after three years, my Karlstad sofa started to look a bit sad. Since the low-profile sofa fit perfectly in my open living room, I decided to give it a designer-couch makeover instead of replacing it.
This Raleigh Sectional from Design Within Reach (pictured above) served as my inspiration. The walnut frame matched the midcentury vibe I strive for, and the light fabric color would add to the airy look in my bright living space. That sofa retails for as much as $10,000. I knew I could DIY the look for less. Read on for how I did it.
Mystery Solved: The Difference Between a Duvet and a Comforter
A quick scroll through Pottery Barn's bedding section on its website can leave any reasonable person feeling confused and maybe even a little irritated. Because what the heck is the difference between a duvet and a comforter? With all the bedding options out there, it's tempting to give up on your goal of updating your bedroom. So we are here to help with a definitive guide on the difference between a duvet and a comforter. In just a few short moments, you will be able to decide which option will work best for your style and budget. Pinky swear!
Basically, a duvet requires two components: the insert and the cover. The insert is usually white and filled with down feathers or a synthetic alternative. A duvet cover goes over the insert and is available in an endless variety of textures, patterns, and colors. Depending on the duvet cover, it will close with buttons or a zipper or perhaps even Velcro.
Now here's where things can get tricky. Some people (raises hand) have always struggled with getting a duvet insert to fit properly inside a cover. Because no matter how many times some people try to evenly spread out the insert, it tends to slide over to one side of the cover or get lumpy and bumpy and uneven. Some duvet covers and inserts come with fasteners like ties to attempt to keep the duvet even and in place. Still, it can be a struggle to keep your duvet that way after many uses. Given this common struggle, there are tons of tips and how-to videos out there, like this one from Pottery Barn, to help you master the duvet if you are determined to do so. And some people are; duvets are soft and cuddly and can provide a luxurious sleeping experience like that of a high-end hotel. You can also switch out your duvet cover to change the look of your bedroom without having to buy a new insert.
The downside of a duvet is that since you have to buy an insert and a cover, you will likely end up spending more money than if you were to buy a comforter, which is just one piece. A comforter does not have a separate insert; it's ready for your use out of the packaging. Comforters come in many materials, from cotton to linen to velvet, as well as colors and patterns. Some are even reversible so you get the versatility of two different looks. Many people prefer comforters due to their ease of use, but depending on the comforter, it may not feel as indulgent and pillowy-soft as a duvet. Both duvet covers and comforters are often machine-washable, but you may prefer to dry clean them due to their size.
In the end, whether you choose a duvet or a comforter is really just a matter of preference and how much you can spend on creating your dream bed.
6 Little Things That Could Be Getting in the Way of Your Personal Happiness
Travel and sex have been proven to make people happier, but we often overlook the more obvious influences that can affect us as well. Many times, it's the things we don't think much about that have the biggest impact. So if you're wondering why you aren't quite as happy as you want to be, you may want to consider the six things below.
- Your friends: The people you surround yourself with have more influence on your daily mood and overall happiness than you'd expect. It's important to have a strong tie to those who are positive and supportive and who can help foster a healthy social environment.
- How much you sleep: Not getting enough shuteye doesn't only affect your physical health, but it's proven to mess with your mood as well. Lack of sleep makes you cranky and restricts your ability to cope with emotions.
- Putting your dreams on the back burner: Setting your passions aside could result in an unfulfilled self, and therefore a less happier you. The best way to live a life with minimal regret is to actually take as many chances as you can to avoid the haunting "what if" question down the road. So don't be afraid to go after what you want most!
- A bad attitude: Outlook is everything! It's not as much what life throws at you that determines your happiness; it's how you choose to handle it. Optimism can be powerful, so catch yourself when you notice any negative thoughts or emotions filling you up.
- Not having a stress outlet: It's not healthy to internalize your frustrations until you've reached your boiling point. Instead, relieving stress regularly, whether it's through fitness or a creative outlet, can help you release some of that built-up tension.
- Fear: Whether it's fear of disappointing your family or fear of making a fool of yourself, fear has the ability to cripple you. By listening to that little voice in your head, you're holding yourself back from new experiences, people, and opportunities that may very well open up the door to contentment.
16 Essentials For a Long Car Ride
Going on road trips is one of the best parts of Summer. An abundance of travelers on the road could mean a longer car ride, so if you're going to embark on a lengthy road trip, then remember to bring these essential items with you.
Ask These 7 Questions at Your Next Job Interview - They Won't Be Expecting Them
There are standard questions to ask during a job interview, and then you've got the ones you really should avoid. It's obviously important to ask your potential future employer the basics, but don't bore them with the same old lines without throwing in a few things they actually really want to be asked. Here are some ideas for shaking up the interview and keeping both you and your interviewer on your toes. These will help you stand out and get remembered the next time you're job searching.
1. What's the ONE quality you hope for your employees to have?
This simple question begs a concise, definitive answer from your interviewer. It also is a great way to really get a feel for what the company you're interviewing with is looking for - and to see if it's the right fit for you. For instance, if you're a people person and love working with a team, and the "one thing" your interviewer is looking for is someone who is self-directed and can work well alone, then that may already mean the position isn't what you're looking for.
2. How does the company define and measure success?
Future employers like it when you know your professional goals and are impressed when you can be assertive about personal and team success within the company. By asking for more information about how the company measures success and recognizes accomplishments, you're subtly saying that you already plan on being a model of success in your role.
3. What is the company culture like?
Company culture is crucial. It can make or break a job for many people, so getting a feel for what the people are like at your potential place of work is must-know information. Interviewers will see that you understand the importance of office relationships and company culture by asking this question in your interview in anticipation of being hired. It's also an indicator that getting along with co-workers is important to you, and this implies that you're a team player.
4. What do YOU enjoy most about working here?
Asking someone who knows firsthand about a company is the best way to get an idea of what it's really like - so ask your interviewer! It's a polite and professional way of asking someone in an interview situation personal information, without crossing the line. It gives your interviewer a chance to talk a little bit about themselves, and it's also a great way to figure out if the position is really what you want.
5. How can I add value to the team?
Instead of asking "what is expected of me?" in an interview, it's better to phrase the question in a way that emphasizes your consideration of the company and the future potential team you'll be a part of. Ask what the vision is for the role, and then elaborate on how you think you embody that vision.
6. What is ONE challenge that comes along with this role?
Again, asking for one definitive answer is something that benefits both you as an interviewee but also helps the interviewer. It allows them to focus their answers in order to provide succinct details about the position, and it gives you a single, solid idea of what would be expected of you in the role.
7. What is a fun fact about this company?
Interviews, depending on the position you're going for, can be pretty dry. While you should never delve into extremely personal information, one way to make things a little more interesting is to ask for a fun anecdote or fact about the company you hope to work for. This gives the interviewer a break from the same old questions, while still giving you more background on the company.
I Tried Making Poke Cake For the First Time and Here's What Happened
One day, POPSUGAR's Fitness director, Michele Foley, stopped me in the hallway to tell me about poke cake. "Have you ever had it? It's the best. cake. I've. ever. eaten. Cherry Jell-O and yellow cake mix with Cool Whip as the frosting. Total Midwest appeal. It came out light and airy and the Jell-O gave it tartness." Poking a cake and filling it with Jell-O sounded terrible to me and boggled my mind that two seemingly opposite textures could EVER work out together. Nonetheless, if the fitness editor vouched for something so passionately, I couldn't blow it off! I had to conduct a group taste test. Despite my initial bias, I gathered the ingredients anyway and hoped for the best.
I am the biggest fan of yellow box cake, even more than homemade cake, because it's moist and ultra vanilla-y without fail. The experiment started off happily. I whisked the cake mix, melted butter (I used Trader Joe's Cultured Salted Butter, because I was feeling fancy), and eggs together and transferred the batter to a buttered casserole dish. When I pulled the cake out of the oven, the air around me smelled like the '90s and childhood birthdays. I got drunk with nostalgia before my stomach tightened with the realization that I could screw up this perfectly good cake by dumping a whole bunch of Jell-O on top of it.
As the cake cooled by the window, I turned my attention to the next step. At this time, I should probably admit that I didn't go for brand-named Jell-O. I opted for a raspberry-flavored jel dessert, since that's all my closest grocery store carried. I dumped the contents in boiling water, stirred it around, and tasted it, just to see how bad I was about to ruin my cake. Only . . . the naturally flavored jel dessert tasted like raspberry Sweetarts (if that ever were to exist) with no funny aftertaste. I relaxed a little. This experiment might go over well!
I poked the cake a little too excessively on top, because I really wanted to let that jel dessert seep into the cake, even though Kraft recommends 1/2-inch intervals. Unlike Jell-O, which sets in the fridge, this product practically gels up within minutes. Despite my best intentions, as soon as I poured it over the cake, some of it seeped into the holes, but a lot of it set on top of the cake in a thin layer. I panicked, before thinking, "Whatever! I'm just going to ice this sucker anyway and see what happens."
As I cut into the cake and took out the first slice, I did notice how moist the cake turned out. However, as you can see, this particular poke cake doesn't have the stunning fluorescent streaks that make poke cake recipes famous. I was devastated, but only for a second, because I took a bite and became a poke cake believer. First off, unlike most cakes, this one isn't sweet. It's light and refreshing, almost like you are eating clouds. Until, like me, you have two huge slices and need to loosen your belt a notch. There's no odd Jell-O consistency in the cake. All you get is the semisalty vanilla cake combined with the slightly tart raspberry flavor. The whipped topping (found in the freezer section of most groceries) offered more of a textural component than flavor; it's remarkably fluffy.
Every taster at POPSUGAR gave it rave reviews, though there was one complaint and that's the cake doesn't have any textural contrast. If you need a little crunch in your cake, add some sprinkles on top! I may have missed out on the beautiful streaks this round. I'll keep practicing until I get that skill down, because I definitely intend to make this cake again and again. I'm convinced there's no better crowd-pleaser than this "recipe."
7 Ways to Make Your Small Bathroom Feel Spacious
Designing a small bathroom can be challenging, especially if you are on a budget. The best way to make it more functional is to increase the floor space while allowing all the essentials to fit in the right way. Although renovating the entire bathroom according to your needs is a good option, it can be really expensive, mainly if you want to entirely change the plumbing. But if you are on a limited budget, you can still add a lot of space to make it more functional. Here are seven ways to do it!
This Man's Chapter-by-Chapter Harry Potter Lego Creations Are INSANELY Good
All Potterheads have their own way of showing off their love of the books and films. Lego fans are similar and will build detailed creations out of the little bricks. If you combine the two fandoms, you end up with the incredible work of Thorsten Bonsch, who re-created Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire entirely in Legos.
Bonsch, who is an adult fan of Lego (AFoL) and a MOC (My Own Creation) designer, took part in a series reimagining the books and films in Lego form. Like previous creators in the series, he combined elements from both the books and films to highlight a scene from several chapters. The result is an amazing look into the world of Lego Harry Potter.
Take your time looking through each of these Lego builds, complete with a quote from the books.
Every Emotional Photo You Need to See From Barack and Michelle Obama's Portrait Unveiling
A little over a year after departing the White House, Barack and Michelle Obama unveiled their official portraits at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery on Feb. 12. Much like the former president's time in office, the portraits are unique and unprecedented in their use of prints, vibrant colors, and personality.
Kehinde Wiley painted Mr. Obama's official portrait, while Amy Sherald painted that of Mrs. Obama. The two have made history as the first black artists to create official presidential portraits for the Smithsonian, with Wiley also being the first openly LGBTQ+ artist to do so.
"To call this experience humbling would be an understatement," the former president wrote on Instagram. "Thanks to Kehinde and Amy, generations of Americans - and young people from all around the world - will visit the National Portrait Gallery and see this country through a new lens. They'll walk out of that museum with a better sense of the America we all love. Clear-eyed. Big-hearted. Inclusive and optimistic."
The unveiling ceremony was filled with many heartwarming moments, like when Mr. Obama stopped to just stare up at the former first lady's portrait. Ahead, enjoy every emotional picture from the historic event.
We Don't Know If We're More Floored by This Hawaiian Wedding Venue or the Bride's Gown
This is what destination wedding dreams are made of. Australian couple Alana and Nick officially became husband and wife at Maui's Haiku Mill, a stunning, lush venue that turned out to be a memorable holiday location for them and their guests. "We figured we met overseas, were engaged overseas, let's get married overseas, too!" Alana told their photographer.
The couple met on a tour while sailing through the Croatian Islands and decided to wed in Maui, where they got engaged. Nick proposed at sunrise and arranged a Champagne breakfast and engagement photo shoot to follow. He really planned a romantic day out with a picnic lunch by the water and an evening spa trip.
On their big day, the bride completely stole the show. Even though the wedding venue itself will floor you, you won't be able to keep your eyes off of Alana's gorgeous gown. See the photos now!
James Comey Once Sang Beyoncé's "Sandcastles" During an FBI Briefing, Just FYI
Just as we've finally begun to accept the fact that former FBI Director James Comey is currently the bestselling author in the country, he's thrown another unexpected curveball our way: apparently, the lifelong law enforcement officer is also one hell of a pop culture fan.
Comey sat down with PBS NewsHour in advance of his televised discussion with Judy Woodruff, one that for all intents and purposes was supposed to be focused on the current administration and the No. 1 smash hit A Higher Loyalty. But first, he revealed he has no time for The Americans or Homeland, both of which aired during his tenure at the FBI - instead, he's a big fan of This Is Us, and according to the team at the PBS program, he confessed that he cries after every episode "like a baby."
As if that wasn't enough, the newly minted author went on to tell NewsHour that he's partial to the tunes that his children listen to, namely Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and, of course, Beyoncé. It's here that Comey recounted a time when he found himself singing "Sandcastles" during an FBI briefing, about a counterintelligence case that went by the very same name.
"They always have weird code names," Comey said of such cases, according to NewsHour. "It was 'Sandcastles,' and so I said 'Beyoncé!' And I was the only one in the room who had any idea what I was talking about. People were like, 'What?' I said, 'We built sandcastles' . . . Honest to God, I sung like that."
Welp, there you have it - once again, Comey has proven to the world that he contains multitudes. And by the way, good luck getting this stellar mental picture out of your head for the rest of the day; I can tell you pretty unequivocally it's basically taken over all the free space in my mind.
8 Killer Photography Tips From Instagram Superstars
Rather than just snapping drunken shenanigans with pals, some Instagram users are creating mind-blowing pics with just a few taps on their iPhone. Want to know how some of the most popular users do it? We scoured Instagram's interview series and found eight easy expert tips you can use the next time you fire up the app. Check them out - along with their fantastic photos - and get ready to take your Instagram feed to the next level.
Source: Instagram
Jordan Peele Used Technology to Make Obama Deliver a Fake News PSA and Honestly, We're a Little Frightened
In recent months, Barack Obama has remained remarkably quiet on the subject of current events. The former president has been seemingly biting his tongue on a whole host of subjects, from the fake news epidemic to the quality of current President Donald Trump's work in the White House. So that's why it came as a bit of a surprise when a bombshell video appeared on YouTube, showing him speaking with extreme candor about a whole lot of things.
"We're entering an era in which our enemies can make it look like anyone is saying anything at any point in time," he explains in a slightly nasal tone. "They could have me say things like . . . 'Ben Carson is in the sunken place.' Or how about this, simply, 'President Trump is a total and complete dipsh*t.'"
After the shocking comments, Obama then shifts. "See, I would never say these things," he clarifies. "But someone else would." That someone else, it's revealed, happens to be actor, writer, and director Jordan Peele, showing via split-screen that Obama never said any of these words to begin with. Wait: huh? What is going on, and how did Peele get Obama to look like he was saying these things?
The answer: the video is actually a PSA created in partnership with BuzzFeed using publicly available video technology like Adobe After Effects and artificial intelligence program FakeApp to create a "deepfake," a type of video featuring realistic face swapping that creates the illusion that a person is doing something they normally wouldn't. Deepfakes have been used in myriad ways - from altering porn to creating filters on Snapchat - and are an example of the power of facial recognition software.
As the Obama/Peele video proves, there is a very real, very disturbing potential for this technology: fake news videos like this could become a digital epidemic, a way to fool people into believing someone did or said things on film when they definitely did not. While the video sees Peele voicing this digital puppet Obama, it has been pointed out that technology will evolve soon enough to make such voice acting unnecessary since audio, too, can be faked.
Buzzfeed CEO Jonah Peretti emphasized that the motivation for making this video was to point out how easy - and inevitably common - this bogus experience will become. "We've covered counterfeit news websites that say the pope endorsed Trump that look kinda like real news," he explained. "Now we're starting to see tech that allows people to put words into the mouths of public figures."
As Peele says at the end of the video, this is a call to action to "stay woke" and a warning that technology may make such unbelievable science fictions a commonplace reality. "It may sound basic," Peele explains. "But how we move forward in the Age of Information is gonna be the difference between whether we survive or whether we become some kind of f*cked-up dystopia."
12 Tips to Make Your Instagram Stories Super Fierce
Don't worry if you're someone who's lost in the dark wondering what else you can do with Instagram Stories. Learning how to use Instagram Stories is pretty easy, but playing with the different features makes it a lot more fun. Instagram Stories is quickly catching on, even though a lot of people think it's exactly like Snapchat. Ahead, check out some tips to see what you can do to make your Instagram Story more fun.
14 Amazing Alternatives to Netflix and Chill
Over hearing about Netflix and chill? Don't worry, you're not alone, seeing as how people are coming up with all sorts of alternatives. No matter if you're celebrating Valentine's Day or planning for the day you're no longer part of the forever alone club, here are some choices that might align a little more with your interests. Hopefully someday someone will ask you to partake.
As a Storm of Health Lies and Legal Woes Converge, Trump Wants Americans to Look the Other Way
As heavy clouds roll in above, President Donald Trump is doing what he does best: attempting to get Americans to look the other way. Unfortunately for him, breaking news just keeps on pouring in, directing our gazes back toward the various smoking guns that together form the dark clouds above.
In one corner, there's Trump's former personal doctor Harold Bornstein, who revealed on May 1 that a December 2015 letter explaining Trump was in perfect health was all made up - by Trump himself. The note, which explained that the now-president was in "astonishingly excellent" health with "extraordinary" physical health and stamina, was written and released on Bornstein's official letterhead and was supported by the fact that the pair did in fact have a history dating back to 1980. But the reality, as Bornstein alleges, is that Trump dictated the letter's contents and all information therein was simply signed off on by the doctor. Bornstein also revealed an incident involving Trump personnel: his office was raided by Trump Organization lawyers in February 2017 (while Trump was sitting president!) after Bornstein shared with The New York Times that the president uses hair growth medicine.
In the other, there's the "cloud" of the ongoing Russia probe and the potential for legal proceedings. For his part, Trump has repeatedly assured the public that his relationship with his legal team is in perfect shape, even going so far as to explain on March 11 that he was "VERY happy" with his lawyers, John Dowd, Ty Cobb, and Jay Sekulow. Flash-forward less than two months, and the facts revealed outside of Trump's Twitter feed tell the exact opposite story: Dowd, the lead lawyer for Trump, resigned on March 22, and on May 2, Cobb also stepped down and will be replaced by Emmet Flood, who represented President Bill Clinton when he faced impeachment. Cobb was supposedly pushed out by Sekulow for not being aggressive enough, according to former New York City Mayor and new Trump legal team member Rudy Giuliani.
But that's not all. There's also the revelation that an early March 2018 meeting between Trump's lawyers and special counsel Robert Mueller was apparently just a room full of lawyers insisting that they are not obligated to cooperate with the federal investigation, while Mueller fired back that the president could - and would - be subpoenaed. The result of this standoff yielded a list of four dozen questions that Mueller plans to ask Trump, ranging from relationships with the Russian government to how Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been treated. These new details that have now come to light illustrate the possibility that the president could ultimately face the Supreme Court if he and his legal team do not cooperate with Mueller.
As more details emerge, Trump has, naturally, taken to Twitter to get people to look away from the increasingly dark clouds above. The now-common lingo of the president in panic mode has been nonstop, with Trump reiterating how this is all a witch hunt, an obstruction of justice "that never happened." There is "no collusion (it is a Hoax)," he said in one tweet, but as the evidence continues to mount, it's becoming increasingly difficult to see eye to eye on the president's assertions - and the storm clouds just keep rolling on in, carrying the promise of an eventual downpour.
An Evil Genius Swapped Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un's Hair and We Can't Look Away
President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong-un have remained locked in a war of words ever since the former took office, but it certainly isn't keeping the internet from poking a bit of fun at the two superpowerful men. And if the above photo is any indication, the games have just begun.
A Reddit user posted a diptych of Trump and Jong-un with their hair meticulously swapped on Aug. 10, coinciding with the publication of French magazine Libération's take on the very same idea, and it features an outstandingly blond, Trump-ified version of the North Korean leader. The emergence of these memes is in line with a larger trend of face swapping and hair swapping the men and women we see on TV all the time, which began in earnest in the lead-up to the 2012 election and has evolved as the years have progressed. Here, we see the natural evolution of the swap: making everyone - and everything - look like our wispy-haired, strangely-colored president.
It's only a matter of time before we get a Trump face swap Snapchat filter, but until then, you can work your own magic online in the Trump's Hair tool. And if you're anything like us, you'll be gazing at this downright terrifying yet unbearably fascinating photo all day long.
2 Easy Ways to Find Your iPhone When It's on Silent
Like keys and pretty much every other item in your life, you can easily misplace your iPhone somewhere in your house. While you could normally just have a friend or someone call it, sometimes your iPhone will be on silent - and good luck attempting to find it that way. Thankfully, we found two ways to get the job done when the ringer isn't on.
- Use Find My iPhone - Go to iCloud.com on a desktop or laptop, sign in, and click on "Find My iPhone." The website will show the location of your phone, in case you don't remember where you actually left it. If you already know where your iPhone is, tap the dot on your iPhone; a box should appear with three options. Click the "Play Sound" button and, regardless of whether your iPhone is on silent or vibrate, a pinging sound will ring loudly. Ta-da!
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- Get a speaker or boom box - First, call your phone. After that, grab a speaker with long cords and walk around the house playing any sort of tune. If you're lucky, the speaker will start to make weird noises, and when those get louder, it means you're closer to your phone. The less loud and frequent the sounds are, the farther away you're moving from your phone.
Hopefully, now you'll always be able to find your iPhone, no matter which seat cushion it might be under. Just remember - always keep "Find My iPhone" turned on or else you might as well break out a flip phone and start using that again.
1 of Obama's Top Aides Reveals a POTUS Story She's Never Told Before
As President Obama's former deputy chief of staff for operations, you better believe Alyssa Mastromonaco has some stories to tell. In her new memoir, Who Thought This Was a Good Idea: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House, she shares a moving, funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching look back at the years she spent in politics and by the POTUS's side. We caught up with Mastromonaco to find out what it was really like to be one of the youngest people - and one of the few women - ever to hold her position in the White House, discuss sexism's impact on politics, and get her to share her personal hopes for what's next for Barack and Michelle Obama. She even told us a pretty charming story about President Obama's meddling in her romantic life she's never told anyone - and that includes her husband.
POPSUGAR: It's pretty clear from your book that you have a deep admiration and respect for Obama. Is it fair to say working for him made you a better person? Better at your job?
Alyssa Mastromonaco: I would say that Barack Obama not only made me a better person but made me better at my job. He's one of the most intellectually curious people you'll ever meet and really brings that out in other people. When I first got to the White House, I was super anxious all the time about not knowing the answer to every question. And Obama was actually the person who let me be me. He was like, "Alyssa's not the person who wears the Ann Taylor suit. She's not the kind of person who always says the exact right thing." And I'm a bit of a wild animal. I brought a different perspective, and I was a little bit more irreverent and casual.
PS: I teared up when I got to the end of the book and read the passage about him calling you after your beloved cat died. It was well after you'd resigned from your White House post.
AM: Just so you know, I had to reread that portion of my audiobook three or four times, because I cried every time. I, more than anybody, saw all the things that were on his plate every day. I felt other people maybe didn't realize how much a note meant that he wrote them or a phone call. But I saw his thought process behind the few moments of free time he had and how he used them. So, I knew that him taking the time to call me meant he really cared and really deeply understood how upset I was. That's what made it so meaningful.
PS: I love the anecdotes about Barack trying to set you up. It happened more than once, if I recall!
AM: There's a story I tell [in the book] about leaving Iowa, when he's telling me to email a guy that he said was into me. There was a thunderstorm, and we ended up having to drive from Ames, IA, all the way back to Chicago. So Gibbs [then Obama's senior adviser] and I were in the backseat of the PT Cruiser, and Obama kept turning around like, "Email him. Email him right now. He was not a bad-looking guy."
PS: So, wait - you were driving Senator Barack Obama around in a PT Cruiser?
AM: He was in a PT Cruiser. It was gray.
PS: What's the biggest way you saw the presidency and everything that comes with it - the responsibility, the celebrity - change Barack and Michelle?
AM: I think the external perception made them much more aware of making sure they stayed themselves. We win and it's super heady, and then a couple months later you are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but the one thing that we all believed - and that the president believed - is that you can never really buy into your own hype. Because as much as the world loves you one minute, they can be way down on you the next. I think that you would say if you looked at both of them, they kept it pretty even-keeled throughout the eight years, and he expected the same of us.
"Someone on the campaign came to me and said, 'You better get in line, because the people in South Carolina are just going to think you're a real b*tch.'"
PS: Do you keep in touch?
AM: Oh, yeah. I saw them both in Chicago [on Jan. 7], and I saw the president at Marvin Nicholson's wedding down in Florida [on Jan. 10].
PS: I know a lot of people are very excited to see what he and Michelle do next. What do you hope to see them do?
AM: There are so many kids in the world who have only grown up knowing that an African-American first family is a part of life. I think the next couple of years are going to be pretty hard to get through, so I hope that they're super visible and that FLOTUS keeps up all of her work with young women.
PS: You explicitly say part of your motivation in writing this book was to get more women interested in pursuing political careers. What in your own experience proved the need for that?
AM: I didn't have a ton of role models back in 1998. So, when I was looking to get in, it was really just looking up at all the men who were out there. When you're not seeing women - when you're breaking into anything - it's like, "Well, this is what the men do and how they act, so we're going to just emulate that behavior." I wanted young women to know that I was very lucky that I worked for people who literally let me be me. If I had ever been anyone other than me, I would have come off as a fake, a phony, a fraud, and never would have gotten where I ultimately ended up. You can be yourself and be in politics, and they should know that. That was kind of why I wanted to do it - because I didn't see any freaks in politics like me.
PS: Was there a particular moment you remember facing blatant sexism in the political world? How'd you handle it?
AM: There was a moment. It was the very beginning of the Obama campaign in January or February of 2007. I was asserting myself, and someone on the campaign - who wasn't David Plouffe or [David] Axelrod or anyone like that - but someone came to me and said, "You better get in line, because the people in South Carolina are just going to think you're a real b*tch." It was a man. I was just like, "Wow." I didn't say it, because I was so stunned, but in my head I was like, "Wow, and you're a real d*ck." That's the one moment I can really think of where I was like, "I don't think anybody would have said that to one of the guys." I wasn't even being aggressive. They were just wrong, and I told them they were wrong.
"I think that what you saw during those eight years, and in those last few weeks, was that the Obamas love people and they are going to miss them."
PS: I'm sure you have a fascinating perspective on how sexism impacted the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton - who you worked alongside when she was secretary of state.
AM: I don't think that Donald Trump treated Hillary any differently than he treated Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio. He is a deeply disrespectful person who didn't have enough reverence for the office he was running for to act humane. I never like to oversubscribe to sexism. I'd love to say, "Donald Trump is just sexist." And I do believe he's sexist, but I also believe that he also treats anyone who is his opponent in a very insane and disrespectful way. Saying, "Lock her up!" - which is insane - and calling him Lyin' Ted and him Little Marco . . . it's all really bad.
PS: What was it like from your perspective to witness the entire election cycle, this time from the outside in? Did you have FOMO?
AM: It was really hard. But the whole time, I think that we all thought that she was really going to win. So, you didn't feel that kind of FOMO like, "Oh my god, I should be there because I could make such a difference." I think we all kind of thought it was handled, and then, when she didn't win, I did feel like, "Oh, god - now I really need to be an activist." I want to be out marching all the time. I want to wear "Feminist AF" t-shirts.
PS: How did the Obamas seem in January when you saw them? I know Michelle Obama has been pretty open about feeling a sense of relief about being able to step away from the White House.
AM: The times I saw them, they were pretty nostalgic. I'll tell you two things: if you look at the video of the farewell speech the president gave on Jan. 10 in Chicago, and you look at the very end, you can tell he's taking in the moment. The thing that I think is so depressing, fundamentally, about Donald Trump is that he doesn't appreciate what's happening right now. He doesn't seem to think it's an honor. He doesn't seem to understand why we're actually super blessed to have the government we have. I also don't ever get the sense that he loves Americans. If you look at POTUS [Obama] - and I will always call him POTUS - I think that what you saw during those eight years, and in those last few weeks, was that they really love people and they are going to miss them. And that they deeply appreciate the opportunity they were given.
"Most women will want to only give their opinion only when it's almost fact in their mind - whereas dudes will pontificate a lot more. And I will tell you, I've started pontificating a lot more."
PS:What's your advice for young women who might be interested in getting into politics but are feeling deterred - whether it's because it's still a male-dominated field or they just don't know where to start?
AM: Find someone who you really believe in - that can be at a state level. The one thing I can encourage women to do the most is to start at the state level. It is the biggest reason that the Democratic party is behind. Women generally have to start building the bench, and right now our bench is a little thin. If I were to ask you who you think will run in 2020, we're like, "I don't know. Maybe Elizabeth Warren? Maybe?" Because there aren't five or 10 people. I would encourage young women to find that person, give it your all, and leave it all on the field. The one thing I have found is that if you are sitting at a table, most women will want to only give their opinion only when it's almost fact in their mind - whereas dudes will pontificate a lot more. And I will tell you, I've started pontificating a lot more, which is very satisfying. They should not be afraid to speak.
PS: What's a piece of advice, or something Obama said to you over the years, that really stuck with you?
AM: Here's something nobody knows. When I had been dating my husband for a while, the president said to me, "When is he going to put a ring on it?" And I was like, "Oh, come on. We are so busy. We don't need to think about that." He said, "He needs to put a ring on it because you're worth it." And the thing is, I'm not even kidding you, it was about a week or two later that we got engaged. I've never told that story to my husband, either. It would be news to him. Also, what, are you going to go back to your boyfriend and say, "The president told you to put a ring on it"? The lamest thing ever.
50 Authors From 50 States - Here's What to Read From Each of Them
At a time when diverse literature is more essential than ever, it's also important to look at the diverse experiences that make America so beautiful. We've taken a look at authors who hail from each of the 50 states to see how their hometowns have influenced their work (and we felt some major wanderlust in the process). From science fiction to romance, from classic to contemporary, scroll through to see where some of America's best stories have originated. You might be surprised to see where some of your favorite authors come from (as well as who shares your own home state!).
The Unbelievably Sad Reason You Can't Pet These Puppies in Chernobyl
After the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in 1986, the area was deemed uninhabitable - for humans, at least. Wild animals have since prospered in the area, including man's best friend: dogs. When residents of Pripyat and Chernobyl evacuated, many people had to leave behind their dogs. Thirty-one years later, puppies now walk around the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), waiting for a pat on the head that will never come.
As the documentary Puppies of Chernobyl explains, the animals should be avoided at all costs, since they could carry radioactive particles in their fur. It's estimated that about 900 stray dogs exist around the area and it's unknown just how much (or little) radiation is affecting them. The dogs are receiving some care, however; organizations Four Paws and Clean Futures Fund (CFF) teamed up to spay, neuter, and vaccinate the dogs to protect power plant workers. "By neutering the strays, we will also achieve a long-term reduction in their population, improving the welfare of the dogs," Julie Sander of Four Paws said to the Vet Times. "This is important because their chances of survival are greatly reduced if their numbers increase, due to lack of food and shelter in the extremely cold Winters."
It is undeniably sad to watch the puppies frolic around Chernobyl in the documentary, but give it a watch anyways. You might feel sad enough to help them out.
People Are Using Snapchat Filters on Their Pets, and the Results Are Glorious
Spend a lot of time playing around with Snapchat's filters? You might think you're a pro, but you're not really one until you use the filters on your pets.
We're not talking the filters that just change the colors of the photo, either. We're talking the ones meant for selfies that either make you vomit rainbows or shoot light beams from your eyes. Move over, Snapcats - your moment is over. Say hello to the new kings and queens of Snapchat, who come alive with these filters.
Check out our favorite ones ahead, and don't be afraid to try it yourself. After that, be sure to master every Snapchat trick in the book.
This Awesome Graphic Lays Out the Best Literary First Lines of All Time
Some people judge books by their covers, but I judge them more by their opening lines. If the words in that initial sentence grab me, then I'll likely be hooked until the last page. Some of the most famous books of all time have had first lines that will stay with you forever. Who will ever forget Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone's hilarious introduction to the Dursleys (they were proud to say that they were "perfectly normal, thank you very much")? Or Catch-22's undeniably intriguing "It was love at first sight"? Book addicts will love this graphic that gathers opening words that made us fall in love with these classic works.
The first line (or first few lines) of the most famous books of all time
55 Stylish Pieces You Should Pack For Your Next Vacation
There's no better feeling than getting ready to head on your next vacation . . . until you have to start packing. This season, don't jam-pack your suitcase full of clothes you won't end up wearing; instead, try strategically planning ahead. Be sure to only pack the absolute necessities, like versatile dresses, comfortable shoes, and easy-to-carry crossbody bags. To make your experience even more seamless, we rounded up a list of must-have pieces that you can wear even after your trip is over. From brands like Reformation, Urban Outfitters, and Topshop, prepare to want all these items.
Get as High as the Stars: the Best Smoking Accessory For Your Zodiac Sign
Since cannabis has been legalized and made more mainstream, there are more ways than ever to consume. Pipes, vaporizers, bubblers, bongs . . . the options are endless. And since our zodiac signs give us more insight into ourselves, they can help guide us through all of our smoking choices as well.
Each sign has their own characteristics, preferences, and dislikes, so learning more about yours can help make your smoke sesh even better. If you're a cannabis user, let the stars help you decide the perfect accessory to consume with.
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