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.
vendredi 11 mai 2018
I Did CrossFit 5 Days a Week For 1 Month and This Is What Happened
I don't really want to share half-naked selfies of myself with the world, but I feel compelled to. Because after years and years of working out four to six days a week, running and training for half-marathons, sweating it out in yoga classes, and eating healthy, I have finally caught a glimpse of the kind of transformation I have been wanting ever since I can remember. And it's only been one month.
Before
This might sound like a PSA, but so what? I really do owe it all to CrossFit. I had been wanting to try it for years but through two pregnancies, working, and taking care of my two young kiddos, I just felt like I couldn't carve out the time. It was kind of a lame excuse, actually, and I realized it was high time to make the time and do something for me. So on Mother's Day 2016, I bought myself a $250 On-Ramp course for CrossFit. No it's not culty, yes the workouts are frickin' hard, and yes, the community support really is amazing and was the key to my success.
After completing that course, I decided to go all in and committed to going for one month, five days a week. Here's what happened.
- Weight down: I have been the same weight for years, trying to lose those last pesky pounds that hide my muscles and make me look softer than I'd like. I was amazed when I stepped on the scale and realized I was at the weight that I lied about on my driver's license. Down four pounds! I mean, that's huge when you don't have a ton of weight to lose. CrossFit smacked my weight-loss plateau in the face!
- Less to pinch: OK, so the scale isn't everything. I also lost at least one inch around my waist. It's not an enormous change, but I can totally tell in the photos because it's the first area of my body my eyes move to whenever I look in the mirror. I have had a belly my entire life it seems, and I can finally see it slimming down and that little muffin top diminishing. I even noticed a little definition in my obliques!
- Arm definition: While brushing my teeth a couple weeks in, I happily noticed my biceps bulging but didn't think anything of it until the month was up and people commented on my arms. "What have you been doing?" they asked. Someone else said when they hugged me, my arms felt stronger. Even the Comcast guy who came to fix my cable commented on my "guns." I also noticed more definition in my upper back.
After
- Toned thighs: I've always had lean legs, thanks to running and inherited genes from my mom, but they look even more toned and defined. I slipped on a pair of leggings and loved that I could seen my quad muscles popping out a little. Thank you lunges and deadlifts!
- Perkier butt: I also inherited a flat butt from my mom, but a month full of squats, wall balls, and kettlebell swings have turned my flat rear into a more shapely, rounder, lifted bum. My husband has noticed, too. Bonus!
- More energy: I used to run for an hour in the morning from 6 to 7 a.m., and by late morning/early afternoon, I felt completely drained. My body felt exhausted, my brain felt foggy, and all I wanted was a nap. I craved sugar and chocolate because I thought it'd give me a pick-me-up. Of course, that backfired with an inevitable sugar crash, plus the extra calories didn't help me lose weight. I didn't feel tired once during this month-long CrossFit experiment. Even after getting up at 4:50 to make my 5:45 a.m. classes, I still had more physical and mental energy.
- Less hunger: Now this surprised me. I thought all that intense cardio and heavy lifting would leave me insatiably famished. But I felt way less hungry than I did after those hour-long runs. I never ate before those early a.m. classes for fear or puking, and by the time I got home, showered, and started working, I wasn't hungry until 9 or 10. I was also inspired to eat better because I was putting in all this time and energy, and I didn't want to undo all that by devouring half a box of Wheat Thins dipped in peanut butter.
- Varicose veins diminished: I thought the bulging blue varicose vein behind my left knee was the oh-so-special badge of honor I shared with moms everywhere. But after four weeks of CrossFit, I swear, it's hardly noticeable. The increased blood flow from all that heart-pumping cardio works magic! I feel way more confident in short shorts and skirts now.
- Stronger overall: Carry three bags of groceries on each arm from the car to the house? No problem! Lifting heavier weights for just one month made me stronger and more capable of handling life's challenges. When both kids' heads accidentally collided when reaching for the same flower, CrossFit mommy power came to the rescue and I could bend down and lift 80 pounds worth of kid without my knees giving out with energy left to kiss both boo-boos! Running feels easier, previously difficult yoga poses like One-Legged Crow are doable, and come Winter, I'm excited to see how CrossFit-strong legs tackle the ski slopes.
- Confidence: It wears on you when you spend years thinking about your weight while working hard to change your body and not seeing the results you're after. Making a change that actually worked was life changing. I feel more confident and am just overall happier. I also realized that I like pushing myself and since CrossFit encourages you to to get stronger every day, I'm embracing this feeling of pride, and it's inspiring me to keep pushing myself. I see now why people become hooked on WODs. It only took one month, but I'm addicted now, too. I can't wait to see how my body changes in the months to come.
If You're Trying to Lose Weight, Stop Doing These 5 Things
While some have tried pretty shocking techniques to lose weight, there are also some common, long-held techniques that seem like a good idea - and may even work at first - but are absolutely going to backfire and end up causing weight gain. If you're on a quest to a slimmer you, avoid doing these five things.
Having a Cut-Off Time For Eating
If you've heard that you shouldn't eat past 6, 7, or 8 p.m. in order to lose weight, that's just not true. Food eaten at night doesn't automatically get stored as fat, as previously believed. What time you stop eating has nothing to do with how much weight you'll gain or lose - it's the total calories you consume in a day that matters. If you are a late-night snacker, opt for healthier options that are easy to digest.
Deprivation
Whether it's all carbs, all gluten, all sugar, all baked goods, or all whatever, certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition believes this is not a life your pizza-ice-cream-pasta-loving self can sustain. After a period of forced deprivation, most people will just throw in the towel and devour an enormous plate of whatever they're living without, says Langevin. Or, if they are able to go through a period of elimination, once they go back to eating these foods, the weight they lost will slowly creep back on. When it comes to maintaining weight loss, moderation is key.
Subscribing to a Low-Fat Diet
Going no fat or low fat was a huge trend back in the '90s, a fad that we are glad has mostly passed. Most low-fat foods are packed with sugar to add flavor, and as a result, they end up causing weight gain - especially belly fat. Also of importance is that we've since learned that eating healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and nuts can actually help to increase metabolism and can burn away belly fat. Healthy fats also fill you up longer, so go ahead and add nuts to your smoothie, avocado to your soup, or roast your veggies in olive oil.
Skipping Out on Meals
In order to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. And while reducing the number of calories in your diet is one way to do this, skipping an entire meal is not the way to go. Starving the body can slow down its metabolism and lead to overeating later. And let's face it, if you're running on empty, you won't have the energy for a calorie-crushing workout later. Beyond adopting a healthier diet in general, the best way to reduce your calorie intake is to find ways to make healthy swaps in your favorite foods and also by choosing lower-calorie foods that are high in fiber, protein, or whole grains, which can better keep you full.
Only Exercising
Working out is definitely part of the weight-loss equation, but if you think it means you can eat whatever you want, you're not going to be happy with the results. Keep in mind that a 30-minute run at a pace of six mph (10 minutes per mile) burns about 270 calories. In order to lose a pound a week, you need to burn or cut out 500 calories a day. So that means coupled with your 30-minute workout, you still need to cut out 220 calories from your diet, which most likely does not translate to eating everything in sight. Research actually proves that "abs are made in the kitchen," which means that what you eat - focusing on eating healthy portions throughout the day - can be even more important than how much you work out.
A Celebrity Trainer's Weight-Loss Rule: 3 Miles or 30 Minutes
Before trainer Kit Rich became a Pilates instructor to the stars (and healthy-lifestyle ambassador for brands like Lucy), she was just a woman trying yet another crazy, extreme, or unhealthy diet in order to lose weight. "I tried everything," she told POPSUGAR, adding that she also suffered from eating disorders and body dysmorphia. "I was desperate to lose weight. So I would do, like what most women do, those freaking crazy juice diets. I would do all these extreme things, but it always brought me back to the other extreme."
After years of yo-yo dieting, Kit finally hit on her problem: she was working out in a way that wasn't sustainable. Her solution was one that helped her lose 30 pounds and one that she still shares with her students today, whether she's teaching a private class in LA or going on tour with a musician client. Her tip? Make it manageable. Specifically, Kit says that her mantra of "three miles or 30 minutes, every day" is what helped her finally break free from weight fluctuations and keep the pounds off for good. As in: run, walk, or hike your way to three miles a day, or do a 30-minute workout instead. "I really do believe wholeheartedly that the middle road is the way to go," she says. "Anything extreme is not long-lasting."
As a former athlete, this manageable mantra helped keep Kit from burning out on her workouts when she was trying to lose weight. "I come from a background of injury, and I had knee surgery, so you can't tell me to go and take some crazy bootcamp class," she says. "Because my knee will start to hurt, and then what's going to start to happen, I'm going to freak out that I won't be able to do that for the rest of my life." Instead, just telling yourself to do something little every day can help you get a hold of your health and your weight-loss goals. "Women need to feel empowered," she says. "They need to feel like what they're doing is something that they somewhat enjoy and that they can have a grip on. And that's why I believe in this three or 30 rule."
Inspired by Kit's message? Check out all our 30-minute workouts here!
25 Amazing Butt Exercises - No Equipment Required!
You don't need to be doing tons of weighted squats to get a round, firm, butt. These effective bodyweight moves will make your buns burn - and might make it tough to walk down stairs tomorrow - but that lets you know they're working! Add these tush-toning moves into your strength-training routine, or keep scrolling to the five booty-sculpting videos at the end.
These Are All the Beverages You Can Drink When You're Doing Intermittent Fasting
Starting a new diet is always a challenge, and intermittent fasting (IF) is no different, although some (including myself) would consider IF a lifestyle rather than a diet or trend. The most common form of IF is the 16:8 formula, where you fast for 16 hours a day and eat all your meals within an eight-hour window. It may sound difficult to someone who has never tried it before, but it's totally doable!
If you speak to your doctor or a dietitian and decide that IF is right for you, you'll probably have a lot of questions about how to embark on your fasting journey. One very common question is what you can and cannot drink during your fasting window.
I've been doing IF for about seven months now, and I struggled with this in the beginning. When you first start fasting, your body looks for just about any way to cheat because being hungry is initially uncomfortable (don't worry, though, your hunger will eventually decrease over time). That means you'll probably try to drink anything and everything in sight, from soda to juice to smoothies.
But there are pretty much only three things you can drink when you're fasting:
- Coffee: Unfortunately, you can't add anything into your coffee when you're in your fasting window, like cream, milk, or sugar, because this will throw off your fasting window.
- Tea: Same thing here - tea is only appropriate if it's free of sweeteners or additives.
- Water: Whatever you do, don't skip out on drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will prevent dehydration and help curb your hunger.
That's your magical trio of IF beverages! If you find other zero-calorie beverages you like, like sparkling water or Hint water, feel free to add those to the list as well. I recommend stocking up on tasty teas that bring a little excitement into your fasting window, like rooibos, green tea, etc. Stay away from things like juice, sweetened tea and other beverages, and alcohol. If it feels impossible in the beginning to only drink the above, give it time. Your body will adjust before you know it.
7 Bathroom Updates That Increased the Value of My Home
After buying our condo three years ago, my husband and I knew we'd eventually have to redo the guest bathroom in our hallway. It had a wobbly shower insert, dated finishes, and an impractical vanity without much storage. I hated going in there. So after a couple years of saving - and avoiding the room - we decided to bite the bullet and take on a small remodel project.
A before photo of my bathroom.
An after photo of my bathroom.
Creating a bathroom that reflected my own style was one of the main goals of the project. But I also wanted to stay in budget and avoid quirky updates that would decrease the value of my home. After doing some research, I discovered where I could save - and where I should splurge.
Don't just take my word for it. I caught up with HGTV star Scott McGillivray to check my work. After talking to him, I now know which updates gave me the most bang for my buck. McGillivray is the host of Income Property and wrote How to Add Value to Your Home. According to him, "next to the kitchen, the bathroom is the most important room in the house when it comes to resale."
That doesn't mean you have to spend more to make more. There are specific updates in the bathroom that are worth the investment, and others areas where a little goes a long way. Based on McGillivray's expertise these were the seven changes that had the biggest impact on my home's value.
Change the mirror.
"My number one suggestion is to get rid of the frameless builder grade mirror over the vanity," says McGillivray. Check! I did just that. We found this modern mirror ($240) that came with the bonus of a built-in shelf to hold candles, a small vase, or guest toiletries. It also acts as a statement piece.
Choose affordable tile.
What's the best place to save when you're redoing your bathroom? Tile, says McGillivray. "There are so many great, inexpensive tile options out there. I don't know why anyone would blow their budget on high-end tile." The marble hexagon floor tile is one of my favorite details in my bathroom, but it didn't break the bank. We were dedicated to getting an affordable price and limited ourselves to looking at wholesale warehouses - not even entertaining more expensive options.
Can't help yourself? "If there's a really expensive version that you've fallen in love with use it as a feature somewhere, like over the vanity, and then surround it with a less expensive version," recommends McGillivray. He also has this advice for making less-expensive tile last: "Make sure you've got a good waterproofing system like Kerdi board underneath it. This will ensure that whatever tile you choose it will last as long as you live in the house."
Get rid of 1980s wall texture.
I was determined to rid myself of that orange-peel look on the bathroom walls. But I wondered, was the more modern clean look worth the expense? "Yes," McGillivray reassures. "If it looks dated it indicates that it might not be well taken care of, and it might put potential buyers off." It's the same with those classic blue and pink fixtures, he says. "Some people like the retro feel, but they can be a nightmare for resale value."
Opt for frameless glass shower doors.
"Two things that are seriously worth considering are frameless glass shower doors and heated floors," says McGillivray. "I wouldn't go so far as to say they always add value, but I try to include them whenever possible." While we didn't need heated floors in San Francisco, we did change out our aging frosted shower insert for glass doors and blue glass subway tile.
Increase storage.
I decided to chuck my existing vanity, which was an awkward height and had no shelves or drawers inside. I traded it for the GODMORGON / BRÅVIKEN model from Ikea, which has deep drawers and a decent amount of space around the sink.
A vanity with storage must always be considered, according to McGillivray. "Don't get me wrong, pedestal sinks are nice," he says. "But they're really only practical in small powder rooms. Get as big a vanity as the room can handle and make sure it's got plenty of storage space."
Mix high and low.
"I've never believed that you have to spend a ton of money to make a room look great and to get a good return on investment," McGillivray reassures. "Spend money and invest in high-quality items when it comes to the items you touch everyday - like faucets and hardware."
I'm happy to say I took that approach. As mentioned, I opted for the GODMORGON / BRÅVIKEN vanity, which cost $479 from Ikea. It looks remarkably like the modern high-end vanities that go for thousands of dollars. I paired this "low" item with high-end hardware. We went for sink and shower pieces from the European brand Grohe. Chances are that potential buyers will notice the quality brand name, if and when we resell.
Add non-permanent personality.
"When it comes to resale value, you always want to keep the major elements clean and simple. Stick with neutral colors," says McGillivray. But let's be honest, I wasn't selling my place tomorrow and wanted to have a little bit of fun. According to McGillivray, it's safe to personalize things like lighting, hardware, and accessories. That's what we did with our light from Cedar & Moss ($269) and print from Minted ($165).
"There's no particular accessory that adds value," McGillivray explains. "It's more about how they work together to make the space look fresh and updated." Admittedly, when it came to our accessories my husband and I didn't worry about matchy-matchy. We wanted accessories that had the same overall feel, without obsessing over whether the wood or metals matched. And here's the beauty: if the next buyer doesn't like those non-permanent details, they can always change them.
11 Supersimple Ways to Make Your Home Smell So Fresh and So Clean
Have you ever come home from a long day of work, stepped through your door, and noticed that your home smells a little musty? Between lingering food smells from the kitchen, damp towels in the bathroom, and other day-to-day activities, there are lots of things that contribute to your home smelling a little less than fresh. It happens to the best of us, but luckily it's an easy fix! DIY air fresheners, houseplants aplenty, and some essential cleaning tips are some of our favorite ways to get a fresh home that smells amazing.
The 7 Best Salads at Trader Joe's
During a busy week, Trader Joe's extensive selection of premade salads can be a real lunchtime savior. Not only are there a variety of flavorful, filling options, but at around $4 a pop, these salads are much more economical than takeout. We asked our editorial staff to chime in with their favorites; pick up a couple on your next Trader Joe's run, and let us know if we missed your go-to.
Parmigiano Reggiano vs. Pecorino Romano: What's the Difference?
While both Parmigiano Reggiano (aka parmesan) and Pecorino Romano are hard, salty, Italian cheeses that are often served grated, they're not the same nor 100 percent interchangeable. Here's what you need to know:
- Production: Parmigiano Reggiano is made from cow's milk and is aged a minimum of 12 months (two and even three-year versions are available at some cheese shops). Pecorino Romano is made from sheep's milk and is aged a minimum of five months (and up to eight).
- Region: True Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano are DOP-designated foods, meaning they are produced in a specific region of Italy according to set standards. (This ensures a consistent product.) Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced in the Emilia-Romagna region (which includes Parma, hence its name), and the Mantova provence of Lombardy. Pecorino Romano can only be produced in the regions of Tuscany, Sardinia (where much of the production occurs), and Lazio.
- Appearance: Parmigiano Reggiano is hard and golden in color, with a waxy rind stamped with "Parmigiano Reggiano" in dot lettering. Pecorino Romano is hard and white (as sheep's milk cheeses tend to be), with a waxy mottled black rind.
- Flavor: While both are salty and umami-rich, Pecorino Romano is saltier and tangy, whereas Parmigiano Reggiano is nutty and a bit milder overall. While similar in flavor, they're not interchangeable - some recipes call for a mix of the two, whereas others only call for one. We tend to heed these recommendations, but you do you.
The 16 Best Italian Foods You Can Get at Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's has some of the best hidden gems among its stocked aisles, including amazing Italian foods that rival products from artisanal markets. I take Italian food very seriously - garlicky pasta for life - and I swear by a handful of Trader Giotto's cheeses, pastas, and dried goods, not only for their quality but also for their price. Plenty of POPSUGAR editors agree with me, so I've crowdsourced all of our must-have Italian foods from Trader Joe's that you'll want to pick up when you've got plans for a wine and cheese night or you need a quick pasta dinner. Whether you're more of a gnocchi kind of girl or you live for the perfect frozen pizza, we've got you covered.
15 Wines From Whole Foods That Will Knock Your Socks Off
Picture this: you're trying to get everything ready for a fabulous party, but you're crunched for time (OK, you don't have to picture this - we have all been here). You stop at Whole Foods to get some party staples and are thinking about all the other stops you have to make and things you have to do when you get home . . . like throw your dirty clothes in a closet and do something with all the dishes that have piled up in the sink.
You're thinking you may have to phone a friend to handle the adult beverages, but you're in luck. At Whole Foods, the wine selection is quite varied, and the grocer actually has a Master Sommelier employed as its global beverage buyer. So, go ahead: pick up a sampling of wines, and impress your gathered friends with the answer when they say, "This wine is delicious. Where did you get it?"
6 of the Best New Canned Wines You'll Want to Drink All Summer Long
Canned wine is having a moment and for good reason. Companies are catching on to the fact that canned wine is not only convenient for packing on the go and for making entertaining easy, but they know that it can taste just as good as bottled wine. Along with boozy push pops, canned wine is trending, and you're going to be seeing it everywhere. I got a first-hand look of some of the best new canned wines on the market at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and trust me, these nontraditional wines stack up to even the fanciest wines that lined the festival tents. Whether you prefer red-wine-based sangria, Rosé, or Chardonnay, there's a canned wine that's going to be calling your name. Read on to discover six of the best new canned wines you can buy for picnics, beach days, and beyond, and get ready to crack open a can - no wine opener required.
Float Through the Summer on These Inflatable Pool Accessories
Summer is in the air! With the weather warming up and school finally coming to a close, it's easy to get excited about those long, lazy Summer days. Our favorite place to go during the Summer is by far the pool, and the best accessory (besides a cute swimsuit) is a pool float! So here are 10 fun pool floats from Walmart everyone can enjoy, not just the kids.
21 Reasons to Bust Out a Ramekin
If you're not making use of your individual-sized ramekins, it's about time you start: the vessel is the perfect way to go when serving dinner for two (or one, for that matter). Yes, the ramekin can be used for special-occasion foods like crème brulée, but there is a host of other dinner and dessert items one can make, too. Take a look!
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry, Cooking for Keeps, and Bev Cooks
Your Essential Wedding Registry Checklist
While getting engaged can be the happiest moment of your life, it can also be incredibly overwhelming. In the coming months, when you're planning your wedding and making arrangements to marry the one you love, there are a lot of decisions to mull over. One thing you won't have to worry about is your registry: we've created the essential wedding registry checklist! All you have to do is download it, print it, fold it up, and place it in your purse, and then you can use it as a guide when you go shopping for your registry. What are you waiting for? Get it now, or pin it for later:
This Superaffordable Furniture Set (From Target) Totally Transformed My Ugly Living Room
I wouldn't say that I hate my living room, but I really dislike it. I am fortunate enough to live in a rent-controlled apartment in San Francisco, but along with saving money comes certain sacrifices. My place has not been updated since at least the very early 2000s and it's covered in dirt-brown carpets and light brown walls (why?). After my roommates moved out, I was left with an empty, old-looking space I had no idea what to do with. Luckily, I inherited Crate and Barrel couches from a friend, which are amazing but also brown. In an effort to spruce up and brighten my space, I decided to purchase this stylish Project 62 Loring 5 Shelf Ladder Bookcase ($100) and Project 62 Loring Console Table ($130) from Target.
After seeing the pieces while walking through the home section at Target, I couldn't get them out of my head. I strolled down the aisle several more times on my annual money-wasting trip before I deciding to finally take the plunge. I loved that they were a matching set. The light oak wood with a vintage finish was the perfect accent to brighten up my room and the black iron edging matched my black kitchen table and chairs, pulling the whole room together.
I set up the bookshelf with all my favorite fashion magazines and pretty candles, adding a touch of decor and organization to the room. I decided to use the console as an entryway table in my hall leading into the living room. Never again will my kitchen counter be cluttered with mail and lost keys. Now everything has a place and stays organized. The best part: the quality. I was shocked at the sturdiness and style of these pieces considering I didn't have to break the bank for them. Every time I have guests over, they ask me where those pieces are from and are shocked when I tell them the price.
Improve your living space and try them for yourself!
Rescue Me! My Sauce Is Too Salty
We've all experienced that dreadful moment when all you can taste in a sauce is salt. Whether you reduced the sauce to a thick sludge or went a little salt happy toward the end of cooking, try to fix it with these tips before you nix it.
The antidote depends on the nature of the sauce: for French cream- or butter-based sauces, add more cream or a little brown sugar to neutralize the salt. With tomato-based sauces, brown sugar creates a sweet counterpoint. And for a lighter sauce, such as an herb-based one, squeeze in a little lemon; its acidity will help to balance out the saltiness.
The same goes for the state of the sauce, too. If a sauce has been reduced too much, then dilute it (and its sodium level) with unseasoned stock. Adding wine is another option, although it's a little tricky; if the alcohol does not cook out entirely, then the sauce will become bitter. If you choose to add wine, then be prepared to simmer the sauce for a while until the alcohol burns off.
You'll Be Hungry Just Looking at These 15 Food Pool Floats
We have an obsession with pool floats. They're fun, cute, and the ideal Summer accessory. You know what else we love? Food. So when you combine the two together, it essentially makes for the ultimate pool party. From pizza to wine to, yes, even avocados, we've got a pool float for everyone's taste. Just keep reading to shop, and float on.
More Than 40 Salads For Those Who Feel Meh About Lettuce
Salad recipes don't begin and end with a head of lettuce or a bag of mixed greens. While they have their time and place, it's easy to get bored with these delicate (in both flavor and texture) greens. Instead, make one of these exciting recipes starring everything from cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, and brussels sprouts to juicy tomatoes, crisp carrots, and even celery.
Whether You Want to Hike or Relax, Here Are 50 States of Beautiful Beaches
When I go to the beach, it's to relax and get some sun. When some of my friends go to the beach, it's to grab a kayak and get out on the water. Everyone has their different agendas when they hit the beach, so it's a good thing the US has plenty of options for providing a whole host of activities. This selection of the best beaches in every state doesn't necessarily include all relaxing beaches or all beaches filled with adventure, but each one has something great about it that makes it worth visiting. Next time you hit the road for vacation, consider making a stop at one of these beautiful locations.
18 Books to Fuel Your Wanderlust
If you suffer from acute wanderlust, and you're constantly trying to find ways to fit another trip into your schedule, then you might be addicted to traveling. No matter where the wind blows you, it's good to bring a good book along for the ride - one that will inspire you, challenge you, and make you even more excited about every new adventure. Here are 18 books, both fiction and nonfiction, that will get you in the mood to jet off to another new place, as if you needed any more convincing!
32 Things That Define Happiness
Happiness comes in all shapes and sizes, but I argue that it's most found in the little things. If you think about the moments that truly bring you joy, they're probably not the most exciting times. Instead, they're likely when you've felt peace, indulged in your favorites, or taken time to yourself. See 32 things that capture the meaning of happiness.
- Happiness is taking a long, hot bath.
- Happiness is enjoying your favorite food.
- Happiness is being around those you love.
- Happiness is waking up and realizing you don't have any errands.
- Happiness is coming home to your pet.
- Happiness is laughing so hard you cry.
- Happiness is enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.
- Happiness is crossing everything off your to-do list.
- Happiness is making up after a fight.
- Happiness is discovering what you're passionate about.
- Happiness is being able to relax.
- Happiness is falling in love with a new book.
- Happiness is saying "hello" after a long time.
- Happiness is perfect weather.
- Happiness is experiencing new things.
- Happiness is doing what you love.
- Happiness is looking at old photos and feeling nostalgic.
- Happiness is feeling good about yourself.
- Happiness is helping others.
- Happiness is that warm, fuzzy feeling during the holidays.
- Happiness is having tomorrow off.
- Happiness is finally finishing a time-consuming project.
- Happiness is paying off your remaining balance.
- Happiness is feeling safe in a loved one's arms.
- Happiness is watching your favorite show.
- Happiness is catching up with an old friend.
- Happiness is achieving your goals.
- Happiness is sleeping in.
- Happiness is discovering your new favorite song.
- Happiness is buying the perfect gift for someone.
- Happiness is when someone takes care of you when you're sick.
- Happiness is gratitude.
5 Words and Phrases to Ban From Your Vocabulary to Improve Your Mental Health
Though the expression says "talk is cheap," I'm not so sure this is always true. In fact, my experience giving therapy to hundreds of people tells me that talk, in fact, can be very, very costly to our health and well-being if we're saying the wrong things. I present you with the words and phrases that should be banned from our vocabularies to improve the state of our precious mental health.
1. "But . . ."
Who knew this three letter word could be so consequential? Interestingly, "but" is defined as a word that "indicates the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated." I would go to the gym, but I'm just too tired. I would save money, but I really want that new Prada bag. The moment we utter this conjunction, it's as if we have no choice but to obey only one of our desires.
The thing about saying "but" is that it glosses over the complexity of our experiences and encourages us to think in black-and-white terms. Life is not a simple thing. As such, I encourage people to start replacing their but's with and's to help make space for the nuances of their experiences. Surely we can want to go to the gym and feel tired, can't we? The moment we start swapping 'but' with 'and,' we give ourselves a hell of a lot more wiggle room.
2. "Should"
"Should" is a word of obligation. It's also loaded with scripts from our culture, society, or family of origin that we often aren't particularly aware of. When you say you should go to the party despite feeling exhausted, for example, the idea that you should prioritize being social versus well-rested didn't come out of nowhere; somewhere along the way, you absorbed that message from somewhere or someone. The question is: Where did it come from? Who said it to you most often? Any time you hear a "should" slip out of your mouth, let it be an invitation to be curious about where it stems from and how it's affecting your day-to-day behaviors.
3. "I deserve it."
There's an air of entitlement that comes with this phrase, no? After all, it implies that you are so worthy, important, hard-working, or what have you that it would be ludicrous for you to not be rewarded. In reality, I'd argue that none of us "deserve" anything other than basic human rights. Beyond that, none of us really deserve anything. Certainly, we can feel like we've earned things, but saying we deserve something is akin to saying we expect to be rewarded and will be displeased if we aren't. Furthermore, using this phrase sets us up for a potentially damaging reward-versus-punishment mentality. For example, in saying you deserve that glass of wine after a long day, you're also implying that you don't deserve to deprive yourself. Again, this lures us into an overly simplistic, black-or-white way of thinking that ignores the complexities of our experiences. Instead of saying you deserve something, say you'd really like something instead. That way, your expectations stay in check and you resist thinking of life's happenings as rewards or punishments.
4. "I hope."
Now, when I invite you to remove "I hope" from your vocabulary, I'm not saying you shouldn't be hopeful. What I'm saying is that hoping for something implies that it's out of reach. "I hope to open my own business one day" sounds very different from "I am going to open my own business one day." Indeed, there's sense of complacency to saying you hope to do something. Hoping isn't what you need; doing is.
5. "Never" and "always"
These are absolute terms that are far too unforgiving. When we say our partner never does the dishes or that they're always late, what we're really doing is perpetuating negative (and inaccurate) self-talk and relationship cycles. Further, we stop ourselves from being able to see the positive moments in our relationship or life in general when we're so fixated on these fleeting negative moments. Even replacing "always" with "often" and never with "rarely" is a step in the right direction.
These words and phrases are so common in our everyday vocabulary that we likely don't notice how often we actually say them. But making these simple changes can have profound impacts on your mental health and overall well-being, particularly in terms of expanding your perspective and catalyzing mental flexibility.
Jennifer Lopez's Red Sequined Dress Comes With a Sexy Thigh-High Slit You're Going to Want to See
Jennifer Lopez clearly doesn't age. The songstress went on Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show where she showed off her impressive dance moves. In a hilarious segment, Jennifer and Jimmy Fallon took turns dancing very fast to "the least danceable" slow songs of the '70s. While we were impressed by J Lo's moves, our eyes were glued to her stunning sequined dress.
The singer rocked a red embellished David Koma number that sparkled as she danced. Not only did the red-hot design hug her enviable curves, but the daring thigh-high slit put her toned legs on display, too. Keep reading to have a closer look at the ruby red gown, finished with the Giuseppe Zanotti G-Heel ($895), and buy similar versions ahead.
Selena Gomez Has Something Important on Her Mind, and the World Can Read It on Her T-Shirt
Rule number one for fashion girls: always dress for the event you're attending. Selena Gomez did just that when she went rollerskating with some friends. The singer wore a yellow t-shirt with denim cutoffs and red striped socks that peeked out from her white sneakers. A denim jacket casually hung off one shoulder. Her entire look was full of retro colors, and Selena even amped up that vibe with a red lip, dark eyeshadow, and Jennifer Fisher gold hoop earrings.
You'll notice Selena also had something else on her mind that night. In silver letters, the phrase "Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman" was written across her t-shirt. Although this could allude to several things that have happened over the year (the #MeToo movement or her relationship with Justin Bieber), the top is an ever-empowering reminder that women are intelligent, badass creatures. So, in other words, don't f*cking mess with Selena. Read on for a look at her top, then shop similar graphic tees ahead.
20 Songs That'll Get Everyone on the Dance Floor at Your Next Party
We like to party - we're sure we're not alone here - and that's why we know that for a get-together to be successful, good music is in order. To save you from agonizing over the perfect playlist, we've compiled 20 songs that could be the soundtrack of every one of your many upcoming celebrations.
The number one thing all of these Latin tunes have in common is how from the first beat they'll make you want to get up and dance. There's some Pitbull, Thalia, and 3BallMTY in here, so you can trust us when we say it will live up to your expectations.
If There's 1 Thing Jennifer Lopez Loves More Than Naked Dresses, It's Her Bikinis
Jennifer Lopez is never one to shy away from wearing swimsuits, whether she's hanging out on a yacht in Paris or spending time poolside with her twins, Max and Emme, and her boyfriend, Alex Rodriguez, at her Hamptons home.
It's no secret Jennifer loves to stay very healthy by eating clean and working out a lot. That shows whenever she posts a sexy photo on Instagram. It's like the 48-year-old superstar has discovered the fountain of youth or something. Her beauty and rock-hard abs are a perfect combination to have people drooling when she's in a bikini.
Now, after you wipe that drool off your face from looking at the photos ahead, make sure to check out all the dresses she's worn that were meant to be seen from the back, OK?
We Almost Forgot Selena Gomez Was With Paul Rudd When We Saw Her Combat Boots - Almost
Selena Gomez met up with some friends in NYC to see a show ahead of the Met Gala, and that included Justin Theroux and the always adorable Paul Rudd, who she starred with in The Fundamentals of Caring. Selena stuck to her essentials, which, as of late, includes a monogram Coach camera bag and some denim.
The star opted for a camel Manning Cartell trench ($899), a friendly choice for the mild weather, and suede combat boots, a sensible option for a day of walking. We were especially excited about the double buckle detail that clasped around the ankles and laces. Selena let her boots peek out from the raw hem of her jeans, teasing us, ever so slightly, so that we searched for similar pairs in a snap. Good ol' Selena - she does that to us.
Jennifer Lopez Flips Jimmy Fallon the Bird Before Channeling Backpack Kid in "Fast Dance-Off"
If you didn't think backpack kid's dance move could look sexy, allow Jennifer Lopez to convince you otherwise. She and Jimmy Fallon took turns dancing very fast to "the least danceable" slow songs of the '70s for a segment on the The Tonight Show. Of course, the super-competitive singer had to get the rules spot on, to give her the best chance at winning. But as the duo started things off with what looks like an inside joke, J Lo hilariously ended up flipping Jimmy the bird.
Though she might have been apprehensive at first, the 48-year-old star looked incredible wearing a red sequined David Koma dress on the dance floor, pulling off the moves in style. After both put on a pretty awesome show, they finished with an epic "backpack kid" interpretation dance to "Reunited," by Peaches and Herb. While J Lo nailed the move, Jimmy may have a little more practice to do before he becomes a master of the art. Watch the full video above.
From Her Engagement to 2018, This Is Queen Letizia of Spain's Style Evolution
There's a clear difference in Queen Letizia of Spain's style from the moment it was first announced that the TV reporter (then known as Letizia Ortiz) was engaged to Prince Felipe, back in 2003, to today. During her first years as princess of Spain, Letizia kept a conservative look, wearing pantsuits, high necklines, and demure gowns, much like she did during her journalist days. But in the past couple of years, the queen has taken more risks, giving her style a modern turn in body-hugging dresses, printed skirts and pants, and Disney-worthy gowns. See the royal's transformation ahead, then check out her best moments with the king.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Google Launched 3 New Photo Apps - and We're Obsessed
Google has always been at the forefront of innovation. It's no surprise, then, that as we start to hit that point when we think we've got it all, the massive company pops up with something new and exciting and just all-around awe-inspiring. The latest endeavor, released on Dec. 12, is being labeled as the first in a set of "photography appsperiments," all aimed at getting the most out of the incredibly futuristic capabilities in every mobile phone.
Ahead, check out the details on all three of the new apps - Storyboard (available on Android only), Selfissimo! (available on Android and iOS), and Scrubbies (available on iOS only). And be sure to swap phones with a friend if you can't access all three of them, because they are all worth playing around with.
This Star Wars Art Will Make You Wonder Why Disney Princesses Don't Carry Lightsabers
You're not over seeing amazing Disney/Star Wars mashup art yet, right? Good, because we found some new ones that have us senselessly fangirling all over again.
Illustrator Phill Berry recently shared his take on the Disney princesses as Star Wars characters, wherein they're rugged, lightsaber-wielding Jedi badasses.
Featuring Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel, and Belle - for now - the illustrations also include the princesses' respective sidekicks! For example, Ariel is shown with a hovering drone that is meant to resemble Flounder, and Belle is accompanied by her beau, the Beast - who in the Star Wars universe is most likely a Wookiee.
See the incredible illustrations that are kind of making us wish they cast Jasmine in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
See "World's Biggest Git" Percy Weasley in a WHOLE New Way
In the words of Ron Weasley, Percy Weasley is, in many ways, "the world's biggest git." Of the Weasley clan, the third oldest brother is always the butt of the family jokes. He is pompous, he's an overachiever, and he famously chooses his job at the Ministry of Magic over his family. Percy might be many things, but most of all, he is misunderstood. So let's talk about Percy, who is perhaps the least endearing Weasley sibling but certainly not without his strong suits.
A recent Reddit thread explored why Percy is the way he is and delved into his motivations behind both his good and his bad choices in the Harry Potter series. He doesn't always have it easy, but considering his circumstances, things aren't quite as black and white with the former head boy as they seem. And if you really think about it, he is pretty remarkable in his own way. Redditor booksblanketsandtea brought up some pretty interesting observations.
Can we talk about how an incredibly ambitious young man likely ended up in the worst possible House for him because he was terrified of disappointing his family? Can we talk about how he'd been told his entire life that to be ambitious (to be Slytherin) was a bad thing? Can we talk about how protective he was of Ron and Ginny when they came to Hogwarts? How proud he was of Ron, for besting McGonagall's chess set (because who do you think taught Ron how to play? It certainly wasn't the twins, and I doubt either Molly or Arthur had time).
Can we talk about how Percy felt more accepted and comfortable at the Ministry - where people couldn't even remember his name - than he did with his own family, who made him the butt of practically every joke, who either looked down on his goals, or couldn't be bothered to show an interest simply because it wasn't something they themselves were keen on? (And people wonder why he sided with the Ministry over his family, over Harry - who was a complete stranger and was more easily accepted than he ever was?)
Let's talk about how maybe Gryffindor was the right House for him - because even after all this, when he was proved wrong, he had the guts to come back, to apologise to his family that he loved (and who did, of course, love him - even if they didn't really understand him). Can we talk about how brave that was? "Perfect Percy" admitting he was wrong to his Father who [he] had once idolized, and then working as a spy for the Order? Keeping that distance between he and the rest of the family in place so he could feed them info about the Ministry? Before he turned up at the last minute to help fight at the Battle of Hogwarts? About how he lost his little brother, who - if Percy had been just a minute or two later down that passageway - would have died practically hating him? About how Percy likely went the rest of his life thinking that - if given the chance - his family would rather that he had died, instead of Fred? How he himself likely wished that that had been the case? Can we talk about how Percy Weasley was, in the end, perhaps the perfect amalgamation of Slytherin and Gryffindor? Just - can we talk about Percy?
Should we give Percy a little more mercy? Maybe if Percy had been in Slytherin instead of Gryffindor, he would have been able to foster his talents differently. Maybe if he'd been able to relate to his family more and if they'd been more open to who he was despite his undeniable prat-like qualities, he would have felt closer to them despite his job at the Ministry.
But let us not forget that when it really matters, Percy comes back for his family. He bursts into the Battle of Hogwarts ready to fight alongside the rest of the Weasleys, and he does something that many people - even the beloved heroes of Harry Potter - have a hard time doing: he admits he was wrong. He initiates a reconciliation and does what he can to start to repair his relationship with his family and begin again with them all. Brave, brilliant, calculating, ambitious, and loyal. Yep, sounds like the perfect combination of a Slytherin and Gryffindor to me, too.
Finally, an Answer to This Annoying iPhone Mystery
If, like me, you're someone who gets uncomfortable talking on the phone, you're probably superthankful for the iPhone's accept/decline button when you get an incoming call. But you're probably also confused as to why you only see it sometimes. Most of the time, you may have noticed the slide-to-answer feature.
Much to the relief of introverts everywhere, the reason behind these changes has finally come to light, courtesy of Business Insider. Instead of a complicated cause, such as discrepancies between iPhone and non-iPhone users' calls, the answer is simple. If your iPhone is unlocked while receiving a call, you'll see accept and decline buttons on your screen; if it's locked, you'll get the slider. Aha!
I tested it out by having a co-worker call me twice. Sure enough, it worked the way it's supposed to. Case closed, everybody.
22 Stunning Space Tattoos That Go to Infinity and Beyond
Anyone who freaks out over the incredible things NASA does - like flying by Pluto - is most likely thinking of getting something a little more permanent to solidify their love of space. Since we understand that this love exists like no other, we've rounded up some stunning tattoos zeroing in on constellations, the solar system, and astronauts.
Enjoy the inspiration for your next permanent ink, and don't be afraid to combine your love of the outer limits with other passions, like science or Harry Potter.
Confused About Screenshots on iOS 11? Here's Every Single Tool, Explained
Every new iOS update has one thing guaranteed: an inevitable scramble to make space on your phone for it. And since iOS 11 is packing in more useful and fun things to do with screenshots, you might want to clear out even more space than usual. Along with introducing a new one-handed keyboard, a customizable control center, and other updates to your iPhone, iOS 11 now lets you do a whole bunch of new things to your screenshots including doodling on them, adding signatures to them, and cropping them before saving. Check out what you can do ahead, and don't hold yourself back from updating to the newest OS system today.
24 Dog Memes That Will Make Your Heart So Incredibly Happy
These days, it's hard not to wake up, scroll through Facebook or Twitter, and see political news everywhere. Whether you agree with it or not, it's definitely stressful to wonder every waking hour what Donald Trump will do next. Thankfully, the internet is trying to bring you happiness in the form of the wholesome dog meme.
The meme is simple: use adorable pictures of dogs and pair them with inspiring and encouraging words. Dogs aren't the only ones getting the wholesome treatment either; other memes like Kermit, Roll Safe, and more are also part of the movement.
Read some of the best wholesome dog memes ahead, and let them bring some happiness to your day.
16 Jaw-Dropping Photos to Celebrate the First Birthday of VSCO X
It's been one year since legendary photo editing app VSCO launched its subscription-based service, VSCO X - and boy, what a phenomenal year it's been. Thanks to a bevvy of tools, how-tos, and exclusive features, creators have flocked to the new community and really embraced it as their own.
"The VSCO X community is continually creating and sharing work that amazes and inspires us," VSCO X told POPSUGAR. "These images are a small glimpse into understanding the diverse kinds of photography being made - portraiture, landscape, architecture, still life, street, experimental, drone photography, and more. We love that people are creating work that they are passionate about, and we want to honor art that is personal to them."
So, to celebrate the first birthday of this glorious community of photo snappers and editors, ahead you'll find 16 of the most eye-popping stills that made their way onto the app over the course of its very first year. Happy birthday, VSCO X - and here's to many, many more.
If You Want to Stay Married, Do These 10 Things Every Day
Getting married may seem like a feat, but these days, it's staying married that is the real task at hand. In a world that moves faster than we can really handle, it can be easy to let the basic tenets and principles of good love and partnership fall by the wayside, but don't let that be your marriage! Don't let it be you who is the lazy partner. Be present and aware of your partner and your marriage each day. Do these 10 things daily, and we won't be surprised when year after year, you're collecting another anniversary gift and enjoying another solid year of love with the person you said "I do" to!
1. Forgive
The best thing you can offer anyone you love is forgiveness. Each day, forgive. Forgive your partner for the flaws and mistakes. Unless it's a major sin or breach of trust and respect, forgive. Your partner will never be perfect. He or she will always annoy you. Forgive and you will be happy and so will your spouse.
2. Touch
It doesn't have to be a hot bedroom session, but touch your partner. Each day. Hug. Kiss. Hold hands. Rub his or her back. Touch. Touch is so vital - human contact reminds us that we're there for each other, literally.
3. Acceptance
This is similar to forgiveness but different. Forgiveness is allowing your partner to make mistakes - forget to clean the dishes or say something somewhat harsh or not notice a new haircut without shutting him or her out or getting angry.
Acceptance is recognizing that, for example, your spouse may always be reluctant to push forward to work or poor at making romantic gestures but that you still appreciate all the person does do for you. Acceptance is knowing your partner is great for what they excel at and not harping at what they are not good at!
4. Gestures
Making kind gestures toward your partner, whether it's making coffee or tidying up the bed or saying she looks pretty each day, is a sure-fire way to stay married, plain and simple. Small gestures add up to so much in our intimate relationships.
5. Kiss
This is different than touch but similar. Kiss. Kiss your spouse. Personally, I think a hot, passionate kiss should be shared each day, but if that's not you, at least reach up and give that honey a smooch. Lips are delicious. Share the one thing that way back in the day at kiss one had your knees shaking and your heart fluttering.
6. Listen
This is the hardest of them all - minus acceptance, I think. Listen to your spouse. Really listen. Ask questions. Every single day. Your spouse "says" so much even when he or she isn't directly saying something. Listening means hearing stuff we don't always want to hear, and listening means hearing stuff we somehow missed the day before. Just listen.
7. Ban Technology
Put aside the phone for, at the very least, one hour a night, daily. If you can put the phone away each night (and all tech), that's much, much better. Your iPhone, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, work emails, and texts won't make love to you, wipe your butt when you're old, or hold your hand when you're scared. Be present.
8. Ask
There is nothing more wonderful than someone asking how your day was. As someone who has been single for some time, I can say that with all certainty: your spouse - even if he or she isn't a talker - wants someone to ask how their day went, even if they respond, "I don't feel like talking about it." Knowing someone cares about how our day went is the most special of all.
9. Ask For Forgiveness
When you mess up somehow, each day - even in tiny ways - ask for forgiveness of your partner. Admit your limitations. Share your flaws. Be honest about who you are, what you did, and how you could be better.
10. Self-Care
Care for you. Care for yourself. Your health, physical and mental. Be mindful of your issues, no matter what they are, and be proactive. Taking care of you means you are a good partner and contributing to the relationship. When you don't care for yourself, you can't care for your spouse either!
Surprising Qualities of Your Zodiac Sign That You Don't Already Know
If you are a fan of horoscopes, chances are you have been learning all there is to know about each of the 12 signs since middle school. From what styles each sign rocks the best to the most ideal romantic pairings, your favorite magazines and websites have kept you informed about the zodiac for as long as you can remember. But what if there are some characteristics that we don't already know from our years of zodiac devotion?! Let's uncover some uncommon qualities for each sign that might even surprise the most versed astrology expert.
Polaroid Is Bringing Back These Iconic Cameras Because It's Basically 1996 Again
If you truly are living for '90s nostalgia, Polaroid has the best news for you. The incredible Polaroid 96 Cam is back. As first reported by Bustle, these iconic versions of the 600 Polaroid camera celebrate everything you know and love from two decades ago. You know, back when "The Macarena" was No. 1 on the Billboard 100. No, really.
Instead of using apps to get that Polaroid, "filtered" appearance, go back to the real thing. Put down your smartphone and pick up one of these fun cameras. The 96 Cam comes in two styles: Jazz Red and Fresh Blue, each giving off the familiar party vibes of the mid-1990s.
Keep scrolling to shop the two cameras, plus the film that works best for the 96 Cam. Whether you're planning a decades party or simply want to capture memories in a familiar way, you won't want to wait on claiming one of these for yourself.
Attention Music Lovers: Here's Why You Should Consider Investing in an Apple HomePod ASAP
The Apple HomePod has been years in the making - and now that it's totally available in retail stores and online, it's time to truly consider if the $349 price tag is worth it. While it may not be the smart home assistant of the future just yet - and if you're looking for that capability, there are other options on the market which will suit you better - there is a strong case to be made for it being the ultimate music lover's speaker. Not only is the sound quality out of this world, the HomePod also comes armed with the most incredible range of music personalization available. After spending a couple of weeks using the combination of Apple Music and Apple's smart speaker, I can officially say that it dramatically upped the quality of my music game (and, naturally, opened my eyes to a whole world of new music that I never knew existed.)
Scroll on to take a deep dive into HomePod's brilliant Apple Music-powered skills - and yes, we'll be covering not just what you need to know as a prospective buyer, but also what every HomePod owner should know about their brilliant new device.
Hey Siri, Play Some Music
With HomePod, the simplest command - "hey Siri, play some music" - opens a whole new world of music that's customized around the preferences you've entered into Apple Music. The company says that you're guaranteed to get a couple fresh tracks every time you do this, and it's a great way to get some sound going in your home without having to know exactly what it is you want to hear at that very second. But it doesn't end there: the more you tell Siri about what you do and don't like - "hey Siri, I love this!" - the better your picks will be going forward. And if you're totally over what it is you're listening to, just say "hey Siri, play something different," and voila, you'll find the polar opposite of what you were just sick of mere seconds before.
Don't Sleep on Apple's Curated Playlists
One of the most important things to note about Apple Music's curated playlists is that there are no machines involved - each and every playlist is handcrafted by human editors who love the music just as much as you do, and feel passionately about the songs that are chosen to be featured. And while the better-known feature for playlists is that you can ask Siri to play a specific kind of music or genre, it's important to note that you can also dive into a specific artist as well - for popular artists, their discography will be sliced into three categories: Essentials, Next Steps, and Deep Cuts. For a newbie, Essentials is clearly the place to start, whereas Deep Cuts will play the fan favorites that maybe didn't make it to the top of the charts but are just as good (and in some cases, even better!)
Siri Can Hear You - No Matter What
Before I brought home the HomePod, one of the things I truly struggled with when it came to my existing speakers was getting the smart assistant to hear me over the (ever-increasing) volume. Not only does HomePod blow the max volume of every single other speaker out of the water - and trust me, I did some pretty extensive testing to try and confirm that fact - but Siri also always heard my voice, no matter how loud the volume went or how crazy the music got. And that's not to say that I had to stand in front of the speaker, either; instead, I could shout from across the room and Siri instantly responded to my call. In other words, you never have to worry about having to fiddle with buttons or search for your phone, and there's no way to emphasize just how much that changes the quality of your listening experience.
Tap Into Apple Music With Your Voice
While we're on the subject of Siri, it's worth noting that there's an enormous range of information available in Apple Music that lets you ask questions about the musician, song, or album with just a couple key words. "Hey Siri, who's the lead singer of this band?" may seem like a no-brainer, but when it's a cover or something along those lines there's no need to ask a search engine or even go near your phone to get the skinny. And if you find something that you really can't get enough of - and trust me, the more you use HomePod, the more you'll find this happens - you can add it to your playlist instantly through Siri and listen to it on all your other Apple devices right away.
Finally, a Podcast Can Sound Good
One of the biggest complaints I've had about speakers as of late is the quality that's displayed when you play your favorite podcast. In general, it tends to feel flat, weird, and somewhat out of bodyish - and yet with the HomePod the quality doesn't go down, it shoots through the roof. Another game-changing podcast feature is that there's no fiddling around with third-party apps to try and find what you want to listen to - just tell Siri want you want to listen to and it instantly plays. You can also subscribe to the podcast should you choose to, and they'll automatically populate in your iOS Podcast app when there's a new episode to check out.
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