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.
lundi 11 juin 2018
What It's Like Being Transgender and Undocumented When Your Rights Are at Stake
Ximena Ospina knows all too well what oppression looks and feels like. The 23-year-old transgender activist, who was born in Cali, Colombia, is a current DACA recipient. She lives in NYC, where she's been studying sociology and business at Columbia University since September 2016. It's a major change from where she was last year: homeless, alone, and with little opportunity in the workforce. Having come to the US from her home country as a young child, Ospina has had to fight for her place not only in this country but also within the Latinx community as a transgender, undocumented woman.
Ospina first came to the US in 1999 on a tourist visa with her sister and her father's cousin. The experience was traumatic for the then-5-year-old, whose parents had already immigrated and settled in New Jersey. The family overstayed their visas but struggled financially. A year after making a home in the US, Ospina's parents made a difficult decision: to send Ospina and her sister back to Colombia for a few months while they got their finances in order. They were later able to afford to fly their children back to the States on a tourist visa, which they overstayed. That time around, the US became Ospina's permanent home.
In 2018, Ospina is helping to unite undocumented queer individuals like herself who have trouble finding their tribe. She's a scholar under Point Foundation, which helps rising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students achieve their full academic and leadership potential. She's also a regular Section Leader in New York's Pride March and a translator for the New York Immigration Coalition. Ospina, who also goes by "Undocuqueer" on social media, spoke to POPSUGAR about her journey as a transgender woman and undocumented Latinx in a country where her rights are constantly targeted - and her strength and endurance underestimated.
Image Source: Third Blade Photography
POPSUGAR: What were the first years like, living as a child in a new country that you're not from?
Ximena Ospina: It wasn't too difficult because it was the best of an immigration POC enclave, I would say. Most people were either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants. Adjusting wasn't too hard because I was surrounded by Latinxs and people of color. I didn't feel necessarily excluded from the mainstream, only in that I noticed I didn't look like anyone on TV or movies. But we also just watched so much Latinx television that it wasn't even that big of a deal. If anything, I guess my biggest struggle growing up was just my femme-ness and my queerness. Most of the violence I received was about my queerness and not the fact that I wasn't a white American.
PS: When did you come into your identity not just as a Latinx but as a transperson?
XO: I didn't arrive to a conclusion or understand myself as trans until I turned 21. I came out as bisexual in 2010 but didn't come out to my friends as trans until 2015.
PS: Did you always know growing up that you were undocumented?
XO: I knew just because it would always come up in conversation. I didn't feel shame about it. I grew up being fully aware that I was going to be forced into undocumented misery, but that didn't affect me a lot growing up.
PS: Did you experience the effects of being undocumented when you first signed up for DACA or when you were trying to pay for school?
XO: I started to feel the main effect of it probably during driver's ed, which was in high school. It was mandatory, so I knew that even if I did well in the class and if I passed the driving test, there was no point because I still couldn't get a license. But again, there were so many undocumented people in school that it was very normal. It was just stressful. DACA came out after I graduated, so that entire time, I couldn't make any money, and my parents were not interested in giving me allowances or anything. I had to sell garbage bags to groups of teachers and random stuff to members of my school just to pay for prom and the senior retreat.
Image Source: Third Blade Photography
PS: When did you first sign up for DACA?
XO: The day after I graduated high school. But I didn't get my DACA [status] until February 2013. I was happy not to be working under the table [anymore] because before I got my DACA, I was working at a warehouse and working in landscaping.
PS: Were you going to school while working?
XO: No, I wasn't. I didn't go to college right after high school. I was only going to school part-time, paying for two classes at a time in cash because the scholarships weren't [as] plentiful as they are now.
PS: Do you remember specifically what it felt like signing up for DACA? Were you nervous about trusting all your information to the government?
XO: I wasn't scared. I really just had faith in the government and everything that Democrats were saying and Obama was saying. I was just excited to be able to work and have a life - and just being able to get my own car and drive, because my relationship with my parents wasn't good, and I depended on my dad a lot for rides.
PS: What was the process like?
XO: It was a little nerve-racking because I did it all by myself. I didn't want to spend money on lawyers, and lawyers were really predatorial at that time. I was mostly frustrated to have to drop all the money [for the DACA application]. (Editor's note: an initial DACA application costs roughly $465.) That was already very painful to come by, doing all these manual-labor jobs.
PS: What would you say are some misconceptions about DACA recipients?
XO: A misconception is we deserve more sympathy than other immigrants. I feel like we're just lucky to have [immigrated] at a certain age. (Editor's note: DACA recipients must have entered the country before their 16th birthday and been under the age of 31 in June 2012 to qualify.)
"I used to think of myself as a Latinx person who happened to be undocumented but was actually part of the LGBTQ community. As I began my activism, I began to think of myself as belonging to both communities."
PS: Was this during your coming out as a transperson? Did you have to change your name in that paperwork?
XO: I actually decided that all of this - legally changing [my] birth name and gender - is going to have to happen after I've gained status, which is a really depressing thing and certainly causes me daily anxiety and depression. It's hard to live with, but I know I probably won't legally be able to change my name for a while.
PS: How would you describe your activism?
XO: I think my activism is more focused on intercommunity building more than awareness raising. My activism used to be more about awareness raising at the beginning until I realized, again, we're preaching to a choir, really. Because none of this is about awareness or understanding systems. It's really just like a very intentional forced oppression of people.
PS: Would you say there were parallels between finding your queer community and also finding your undocumented community?
XO: I used to think of myself as a Latinx person who happened to be undocumented but was actually part of the LGBTQ community. As I began my activism, I began to think of myself as belonging to both communities. As times progressed, my work got more comprehensive. I realized that it was a waste of my time and energy to fight for both communities as a whole, and [instead I fight] for the people that go through my experiences.
Image Source: Third Blade Photography
PS: Would you say that everything you're describing to me right now is what inspired your activism?
XO: I think my activism comes from my loneliness . . . from the fact that my sister left the house when I was 13 and she's never come back, really. She visits, but she wasn't allowed back into the country [from Canada] for 10 years, so I grew up without her. That upbringing created this sense of loneliness in me, and so as I became an adult and had more control of my life, I sought out these communities because I realized, yes, there is such a thing as oppression and hatred.
PS: You have experienced homelessness. One in five transpeople has experienced discrimination when looking for a home, and more than one in 10 has been evicted from their home. What do you think this country can do to lower these numbers?
XO: People who are looking for roommates have to cut the whole gender bullsh*t because a lot of my homelessness was exacerbated by the fact that people were specifically looking for cis [roommates]. What they really should do is look for roommates who won't kill them and who need the housing they're offering.
PS: Have you met a lot of LGBTQ+ people through DACA?
XO: I feel like DACA was rather inconsequential to my life in terms of how I socialize, really, or who I socialize with, until I started activism. I felt it was really important to have undocumented folks around me. It's definitely been a lot of work because undocumented queer folks . . . it's so hard for us to have spaces to come together. I'm just glad that my work basically has been to put me in touch with people like me.
PS: Is there something from the undocumented queer experience that you would want people to know about?
XO: I want people to begin to realize that the curves of political agency, or at least navigating the political climate of these days, that [undocumented queer people] are actually masters at it. I feel we hold the freaking keys to survival because we already know what it's like to fight for LGBTQ rights. And we already know how to live under that kind of pressure and that kind of hatred and that kind of demand to constantly validate yourself. I think what's more frustrating is that even the cisgender heterosexuals of the immigrant rights movement totally disregard just how much experience we have with oppression.
PS: Can you tell me how you felt the moment Trump set his sights on DACA?
XO: I wasn't surprised. I was just like, "OK, how am I going to survive now? And how am I going to make sure I show up for people who are going to be suffering?" The day he rescinded DACA, I was actually outside Trump Tower during the press statement. I was by Trump Tower protesting, yelling, the whole shebang. Because at that point I knew there was nothing else I could do except yell and let out my anger.
PS: Do you feel the pressure to have a "Plan B" if they take away DACA?
XO: I have "Plan B through Z." I don't think any undocumented person at this point doesn't have a "Plan B" . . . it's always been trying to find ways that I can apply for some sort of protection because I'm trans. My deportation is a little like a death sentence because transwomen of color in Latin America don't live past their mid-30s. They're murdered or they kill themselves from abuse. (Editor's note: according to a report by Transgender Europe, 82 percent of reported trans murders between October 2016 and September 2017 were in Central and South America.)
I'm lucky enough that I have gathered resources for myself that might possibly ensure that I can live a freelance livelihood doing what I like, but I know that's a very privileged position, and I know that a lot of undocumented queers don't have the opportunity or the option to rely on their status to survive.
30 Ways to Show Your Love (That Don't Cost a Thing)
When a relationship is shiny and new, it's easy to be intentional because you want to make sure they know you care and that you're invested. You want to show you're interested in them and the things that matter to them. Over time, though, it can be easy to just assume they know you love them and stop showing your love in clear ways.
Here are 30 ways to show your love that don't cost a thing! Reignite the flame and make it clear how much they mean to you.
11 Flicks With High School Romances to Stream Stat
We can't help but reminisce about notes passed between friends, the days of lockers and recess, and, of course, our teenage crushes. If you're feeling nostalgic about bleacher make-out sessions and prom-date jitters, then check out these movies streaming on Netflix. We promise they're chock-full of all the cliquey drama, backstabbing friends, and awkward first-date moments that made high school equal parts exhilarating and nightmarish!
Here's How You Can Set Your Fitness Tracker For More Accurate Results
Ever glanced at your fitness tracker while weightlifting and wondered why it was completely off? Your device may be fantastic for tracking heart rate and cardio, but a common weakness found across wearables is the ability to detect strength-training exercises. That's because Fitbit's PurePulse technology and Apple's similar heart sensor technology use LED lights to detect the amount of blood flow in your wrist. This provides real-time data on your heart rate and calories burned, but they're much more suited for tracking rhythmic movements like dance cardio or running. The good news is that there are tips and tricks to better optimize your device's settings to make sure your workouts are accounted for.
Fitbit Tips
- Customize your exercise shortcuts on the Fitbit app to include "Weights" as one of the Exercise options on your Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit Ionic, or Fitbit Versa. According to Fitbit, this will provide you with more precise heart rate tracking, capturing it every one second versus every five seconds.
- You can also manually log the duration of your strength-training workout directly in the app.
- Fitbit also offers a built-in interval timer that you can customize to fit your workout. It vibrates and lights up to indicate when it's time to move or rest.
Apple Watch Tips
- Select the "Other" workout option on your Apple Watch and label it as "Strength Training" at the end of your workout. It will provide you with time, heart rate, and calories for that specific session.
- When you're holding a plank, for instance, the "Other" workout will still credit you the calorie equivalent of a brisk walk, while also counting toward your all-day Activity.
If you're in a mixed-format class like Barry's Bootcamp, where you switch from the treadmill to floor, you can also manually switch between exercise modes. It may not give you a comprehensive look at your entire workout, but you can at least get more accurate snapshots of individual exercises for measuring purposes.
Despite the challenges that smart watches and fitness trackers have, San Francisco-based trainer Austin Lopez encourages all of his clients, especially his remote ones, to wear a Fitbit. At the end of each week, he has everyone send in their weekly reports for accountability and progress.
"In terms of goals, it comes down to consistency," Lopez told POPSUGAR. "The wearables help maintain consistency by notifying you of daily activity levels being reached, workout goal progress, and other healthy habits. As a trainer, it is helpful because I don't have to send hundreds of reminders a day, rather, I check in with my clients' overall lifestyle in a week's time."
When using his personal Fitbit during workouts, Austin shoots for a certain number of burned calories per session. Regardless of whether or not that number is accurate, setting a benchmark can help him gauge how hard he worked. You can do the same by giving your next workout everything you've got to see the maximum amount of calories you can burn on your tracker. Then, compare your future workouts to that data for a better look at your progress.
Overall, get familiar with your device and figure out all the ways you can tailor it to you. Its default settings may be great to start off with, but you can manipulate your Apple Watch or Fitbit past the main screen to truly use it to its fullest potential. Keep in mind that although they may not be the most accurate at all times, they're fantastic for tracking your personal activity and progress, and there's value in that alone.
The 12 Products a Beauty Editor Can't Travel Without
I don't know if it's harder to pack my clothes or my makeup when I go on vacation. Even getting ready for work at the gym in the morning feels like a challenge; I inevitably end up leaving the lip color I want to wear at home. When I travel, I like to go carry-on only, which means my makeup bag can't be too large or too heavy. Talk about a challenge. After a lot of flights and multiple overstuffed cosmetic cases, these are my picks for on-the-go beauty. Your suitcase will thank you.
20 Tiny Star Wars Tattoo Ideas Perfect For Any Fan of the Force
It's hard to escape Star Wars fever these days - though any real fan wouldn't want to. Thanks to Star Wars: Episode 8 and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, you're probably itching for a new way to show off your fandom love - like fresh tattoo ideas. While some fans want to get a large tattoo of Chewbacca or another character, others like to keep it small and to themselves. That's why we've rounded up some of the cutest ideas out there that are perfect for anyone who loves the franchise but doesn't want to broadcast it too loudly. Keep looking ahead, and this doesn't work for you, try these small Harry Potter tattoo ideas.
36 Signs Your Partner Is "the One"
Getting to spend your life with one person is one of the luckiest things imaginable. When my husband and I were planning our wedding many years ago, I got asked a lot of questions. While everyone wanted to know about the color scheme and wedding venue, the one thing I got asked a surprising amount was: "How did you know he was 'the one'?" The answer, of course, can be pretty long-winded and personal. Even though we might love many people in our lifetime, there might also be one person who excites you and who you want to be with for the rest of your life. Finding "the one" is special. Consider these traits of a relationship that can let you know you have found that one person who will make you smile until you're old and gray.
- They make you laugh every day.
- You want to spend time with them even when you're not feeling your best.
- Doing mundane activities like going to the store is made better by having them with you.
- You think about them throughout the day.
- You both take care of each other's needs.
- You are sexually happy with them and find them attractive.
- Even if you aren't in your dream job now, they support what it takes to get there.
- Children have been discussed, and you share a similar vision of how many, if any, you want.
- All of the parents (or important friends and family members) have met.
- There aren't any secrets being kept.
- Money and spending habits are discussed and respected.
- The thought of growing old with them doesn't scare you.
- Their friends and your friends have merged into one group.
- They know how you take your drink.
- Even when you're snot-nosed and sick, they still want to take care of you.
- Fights are minimal, and when they occur, they're productive.
- There are numerous inside jokes that only you two would understand the humor to.
- The idea of planning a wedding with them sounds like fun.
- You can be your real self around them, farts and all.
- Together you can sit back and enjoy silence, knowing that you don't need words to have a good time.
- You've told them things that no one else in the world knows.
- They don't judge you when you have unconventional thoughts.
- Some nights you stay up late just to talk in bed.
- You can't imagine a future without them.
- In fact, you can't believe you've lived this long without them.
- Neither of you is particularly jealous about previous relationships because nothing could compare to yours.
- You are not annoyed by their quirks; instead, you find them endearing.
- Your relationship is built on trust and a mutual appreciation for each other.
- Difficult moments, like job loss and deaths in the family, are made more tolerable because they know just what you need to feel better.
- You like the same movies and music, at least enough to be entertained together.
- They don't let you get away with things.
- They challenge you to be the best version of yourself.
- You've talked about the future and are on the same page.
- You love your person unconditionally, even when they're being a bit of a stinker.
- Drama does not exist between you two.
- All the love songs in the world make sense now because you two have found each other.
18 Sex-Filled Films to Stream on Netflix
For when you want some good, clean onscreen lovin' that's not porn, I've found an array of sexy films available on Netflix. There are foreign flicks, romantic comedies, period pieces, and everything in between (the sheets) - perfect for solo watching or date night. So hop into bed with one of these steamy movies tonight!
Seriously Cute Harry Potter Gear That You Can Rock When It's Hot Outside
Because the Harry Potter series is set in chilly Britain and has many notable moments during the Winter season, most of the Potter-inspired merchandise on the market consists of sweaters, scarves, and long-sleeved garments. But what's a fangirl to do during Spring and Summer, when the weather outside turns warm? If you want to rep your fandom in every season, then you should say "accio!" to these tanks, dresses, and other warm-weather wardrobe finds. (We're sorry in advance for your Gringotts account.)
Geek Fashion You'll Want in Your Closet Immediately
The most incredible geek event we've ever attended? That would be the first-ever geek couture fashion show held in July during San Diego Comic-Con 2014. Fandom fashion retailer Her Universe called upon the galaxy's most stylish designers, both professional and amateur, to present their original, handmade creations on the runway. Consider it a preview of what to expect at this year's festival.
What we saw was not cosplay. Oh no, these gowns could have belonged on the pages of Vogue or at New York Fashion Week. As one of the designers put it: for those who aren't geeks, the clothing would just seem cute and unique, but for those who are geeks and can recognize the reference, the garment has a special twist.
Ultimately, the event was a competition, in which the winner will codesign a fashion collection exclusively for Hot Topic. But in all honesty, the winner was all fangirls, everywhere, who now live in a time where wearing a t-shirt to express fandom isn't the only option. Continue on for a ranking of our favorite geeky gowns from the Her Universe show!
-Additional reporting by Kelly Schwarze
Photos: Kelly Schwarze
The Best Sex Positions That'll Guarantee an Orgasm From Oral Sex
When it comes to receiving oral sex, you're probably thinking foreplay: the real sex is yet to come. However, don't be mistaken. Oral sex can be just as hot and sensual as intercourse, and if done well, it can totally lead to an orgasm. Luckily, there are a few sex positions guaranteed to help you reach that "O" early on so you can then continue your winning streak and get multiple orgasms during the main event. Here are the top positions to try during oral sex for more pleasure and access.
Use a Pillow and Spread Wide
The easiest and a classic go-to is to lie on your back with your legs spread wide and have your partner kneeling or laying on their stomach in front of you. "To make this more enjoyable and orgasm easier to reach, elevate your hips on a small pillow. This gives your partner fuller access to your entire vulva and lets them see what they are doing - no fumbling in the dark," Dr. Holly Richmond, PhD, a licensed marriage and family therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist, told POPSUGAR. "From this position, you can also adjust your hips so your partner is hitting exactly the right place on your clitoris or labia," she added. Remember, not every woman comes from clitoral stimulation, so don't miss an opportunity to be attentive to alternative erogenous zones, too.
Sit on Their Face
Face-sitting puts you firmly - or not so firmly - in charge of the experience. "Have your partner lay on their back while you straddle their head, lowering yourself down on to their mouth or tongue to the degree it feels most comfortable and at a pace that doesn't feel too rushed," Richmond said. You can take breaks if you start feeling hypersensitive (especially on your clitoris), and then go for it again when you are ready to orgasm.
Doggy-Style Oral
Doggy style for oral has enormous potential for creating some major orgasms. "Not only will your partner have a great view and be able to take verbal cues easily from you, but you can also move forward and back in the rhythm and pressure that feels best," said Richmond. "Bonus - anilingus gets top billing with this position. Don't forget the butt! There are thousands of nerve endings just below the vulva that deserve attention and can lead to multiple orgasms," she said.
Hug Your Knees and Make a Ball
"My clients report that this position is a go-to if they want to ensure they'll have an oral orgasm. It's a take on the traditional lying on your back with your partner between your legs, but instead of having your legs spread open, pull them together and bring your knees into your chest so you're in a small ball shape," said Richmond. This enables your partner to create a lot of suction on your clitoris or fully take your vulva in their mouth. You can gently rock back and forth to find exactly the right angle to get you to your O, she added.
Stand Up
Standing oral requires some skill on your part, as well as your partner's, but it can be hugely rewarding. "First of all, it's very sexy to look down on your partner and have them look up at you, making intimate eye contact or verbalizing how you want them to make you feel good. There's no room to be shy here - it's about you taking control of your pleasure," Richmond said. Many women find this "power position" incredibly erotic, she added, which leads to an amazing orgasm. "And your partner has room to move around and use their hands and fingers while you can utilize gravity to help find the right amount of pressure and resistance," she explains.
69
It's a classic, but it allows both partners to receive pleasure. "For simultaneous oral sex, I encourage couples to lay on a bed facing one another using pillows to prop up arms and legs that need to be open for access. The goal is to readjust as much as needed to find maximum comfort," Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMF, CST, AASECT-certified sex therapist, sexologist, and licensed marriage and family therapist for Adam & Eve, told POPSUGAR. Maximum comfort allows for maximum surrender, and surrender is what orgasm is all about.
If none of these positions do it for you, then switch around to find the best fit. "Every person is different. Some people may want to trade in comfort for erotic excitement," said Skyler. "For example, a woman may want to sit on a kitchen countertop with her legs in the air to receive oral sex. Though her butt and legs might get a little tired, the taboo eroticism of this may be just what the doctor ordered for that ideal orgasm," she said. Do what works for you!
25 Great Geek-Approved Desk Items
A boring, predictable desk simply won't do for a savvy geek. These 25 items are guaranteed to make the inner geek in you swoon. We've got just the right items for you, whether you are looking to organize your wires more efficiently, make your space ergonomically friendly, or add a little irreverence to your cubicle.
11 Sex-Fueled TV Shows You Can Stream on Netflix Right Now
Looking for a little steamy evening entertainment? Netflix has tons of sex-filled TV shows you can stream whenever you want. We've rounded up the hottest shows that are fun to watch whether you're on your own or with a date. Check out these sexy picks!
What It's Like Being Transgender and Undocumented When Your Rights Are at Stake
Ximena Ospina knows all too well what oppression looks and feels like. The 23-year-old transgender activist, who was born in Cali, Colombia, is a current DACA recipient. She lives in NYC, where she's been studying sociology and business at Columbia University since September 2016. It's a major change from where she was last year: homeless, alone, and with little opportunity in the workforce. Having come to the US from her home country as a young child, Ospina has had to fight for her place not only in this country but also within the Latinx community as a transgender, undocumented woman.
Ospina first came to the US in 1999 on a tourist visa with her sister and her father's cousin. The experience was traumatic for the then-5-year-old, whose parents had already immigrated and settled in New Jersey. The family overstayed their visas but struggled financially. A year after making a home in the US, Ospina's parents made a difficult decision: to send Ospina and her sister back to Colombia for a few months while they got their finances in order. They were later able to afford to fly their children back to the States on a tourist visa, which they overstayed. That time around, the US became Ospina's permanent home.
In 2018, Ospina is helping to unite undocumented queer individuals like herself who have trouble finding their tribe. She's a scholar under Point Foundation, which helps rising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students achieve their full academic and leadership potential. She's also a regular Section Leader in New York's Pride March and a translator for the New York Immigration Coalition. Ospina, who also goes by "Undocuqueer" on social media, spoke to POPSUGAR about her journey as a transgender woman and undocumented Latinx in a country where her rights are constantly targeted - and her strength and endurance underestimated.
Image Source: Third Blade Photography
POPSUGAR: What were the first years like, living as a child in a new country that you're not from?
Ximena Ospina: It wasn't too difficult because it was the best of an immigration POC enclave, I would say. Most people were either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants. Adjusting wasn't too hard because I was surrounded by Latinxs and people of color. I didn't feel necessarily excluded from the mainstream, only in that I noticed I didn't look like anyone on TV or movies. But we also just watched so much Latinx television that it wasn't even that big of a deal. If anything, I guess my biggest struggle growing up was just my femme-ness and my queerness. Most of the violence I received was about my queerness and not the fact that I wasn't a white American.
PS: When did you come into your identity not just as a Latinx but as a transperson?
XO: I didn't arrive to a conclusion or understand myself as trans until I turned 21. I came out as bisexual in 2010 but didn't come out to my friends as trans until 2015.
PS: Did you always know growing up that you were undocumented?
XO: I knew just because it would always come up in conversation. I didn't feel shame about it. I grew up being fully aware that I was going to be forced into undocumented misery, but that didn't affect me a lot growing up.
PS: Did you experience the effects of being undocumented when you first signed up for DACA or when you were trying to pay for school?
XO: I started to feel the main effect of it probably during driver's ed, which was in high school. It was mandatory, so I knew that even if I did well in the class and if I passed the driving test, there was no point because I still couldn't get a license. But again, there were so many undocumented people in school that it was very normal. It was just stressful. DACA came out after I graduated, so that entire time, I couldn't make any money, and my parents were not interested in giving me allowances or anything. I had to sell garbage bags to groups of teachers and random stuff to members of my school just to pay for prom and the senior retreat.
Image Source: Third Blade Photography
PS: When did you first sign up for DACA?
XO: The day after I graduated high school. But I didn't get my DACA [status] until February 2013. I was happy not to be working under the table [anymore] because before I got my DACA, I was working at a warehouse and working in landscaping.
PS: Were you going to school while working?
XO: No, I wasn't. I didn't go to college right after high school. I was only going to school part-time, paying for two classes at a time in cash because the scholarships weren't [as] plentiful as they are now.
PS: Do you remember specifically what it felt like signing up for DACA? Were you nervous about trusting all your information to the government?
XO: I wasn't scared. I really just had faith in the government and everything that Democrats were saying and Obama was saying. I was just excited to be able to work and have a life - and just being able to get my own car and drive, because my relationship with my parents wasn't good, and I depended on my dad a lot for rides.
PS: What was the process like?
XO: It was a little nerve-racking because I did it all by myself. I didn't want to spend money on lawyers, and lawyers were really predatorial at that time. I was mostly frustrated to have to drop all the money [for the DACA application]. (Editor's note: an initial DACA application costs roughly $465.) That was already very painful to come by, doing all these manual-labor jobs.
PS: What would you say are some misconceptions about DACA recipients?
XO: A misconception is we deserve more sympathy than other immigrants. I feel like we're just lucky to have [immigrated] at a certain age. (Editor's note: DACA recipients must have entered the country before their 16th birthday and been under the age of 31 in June 2012 to qualify.)
"I used to think of myself as a Latinx person who happened to be undocumented but was actually part of the LGBTQ community. As I began my activism, I began to think of myself as belonging to both communities."
PS: Was this during your coming out as a transperson? Did you have to change your name in that paperwork?
XO: I actually decided that all of this - legally changing [my] birth name and gender - is going to have to happen after I've gained status, which is a really depressing thing and certainly causes me daily anxiety and depression. It's hard to live with, but I know I probably won't legally be able to change my name for a while.
PS: How would you describe your activism?
XO: I think my activism is more focused on intercommunity building more than awareness raising. My activism used to be more about awareness raising at the beginning until I realized, again, we're preaching to a choir, really. Because none of this is about awareness or understanding systems. It's really just like a very intentional forced oppression of people.
PS: Would you say there were parallels between finding your queer community and also finding your undocumented community?
XO: I used to think of myself as a Latinx person who happened to be undocumented but was actually part of the LGBTQ community. As I began my activism, I began to think of myself as belonging to both communities. As times progressed, my work got more comprehensive. I realized that it was a waste of my time and energy to fight for both communities as a whole, and [instead I fight] for the people that go through my experiences.
Image Source: Third Blade Photography
PS: Would you say that everything you're describing to me right now is what inspired your activism?
XO: I think my activism comes from my loneliness . . . from the fact that my sister left the house when I was 13 and she's never come back, really. She visits, but she wasn't allowed back into the country [from Canada] for 10 years, so I grew up without her. That upbringing created this sense of loneliness in me, and so as I became an adult and had more control of my life, I sought out these communities because I realized, yes, there is such a thing as oppression and hatred.
PS: You have experienced homelessness. One in five transpeople has experienced discrimination when looking for a home, and more than one in 10 has been evicted from their home. What do you think this country can do to lower these numbers?
XO: People who are looking for roommates have to cut the whole gender bullsh*t because a lot of my homelessness was exacerbated by the fact that people were specifically looking for cis [roommates]. What they really should do is look for roommates who won't kill them and who need the housing they're offering.
PS: Have you met a lot of LGBTQ+ people through DACA?
XO: I feel like DACA was rather inconsequential to my life in terms of how I socialize, really, or who I socialize with, until I started activism. I felt it was really important to have undocumented folks around me. It's definitely been a lot of work because undocumented queer folks . . . it's so hard for us to have spaces to come together. I'm just glad that my work basically has been to put me in touch with people like me.
PS: Is there something from the undocumented queer experience that you would want people to know about?
XO: I want people to begin to realize that the curves of political agency, or at least navigating the political climate of these days, that [undocumented queer people] are actually masters at it. I feel we hold the freaking keys to survival because we already know what it's like to fight for LGBTQ rights. And we already know how to live under that kind of pressure and that kind of hatred and that kind of demand to constantly validate yourself. I think what's more frustrating is that even the cisgender heterosexuals of the immigrant rights movement totally disregard just how much experience we have with oppression.
PS: Can you tell me how you felt the moment Trump set his sights on DACA?
XO: I wasn't surprised. I was just like, "OK, how am I going to survive now? And how am I going to make sure I show up for people who are going to be suffering?" The day he rescinded DACA, I was actually outside Trump Tower during the press statement. I was by Trump Tower protesting, yelling, the whole shebang. Because at that point I knew there was nothing else I could do except yell and let out my anger.
PS: Do you feel the pressure to have a "Plan B" if they take away DACA?
XO: I have "Plan B through Z." I don't think any undocumented person at this point doesn't have a "Plan B" . . . it's always been trying to find ways that I can apply for some sort of protection because I'm trans. My deportation is a little like a death sentence because transwomen of color in Latin America don't live past their mid-30s. They're murdered or they kill themselves from abuse. (Editor's note: according to a report by Transgender Europe, 82 percent of reported trans murders between October 2016 and September 2017 were in Central and South America.)
I'm lucky enough that I have gathered resources for myself that might possibly ensure that I can live a freelance livelihood doing what I like, but I know that's a very privileged position, and I know that a lot of undocumented queers don't have the opportunity or the option to rely on their status to survive.
30 Ways to Show Your Love (That Don't Cost a Thing)
When a relationship is shiny and new, it's easy to be intentional because you want to make sure they know you care and that you're invested. You want to show you're interested in them and the things that matter to them. Over time, though, it can be easy to just assume they know you love them and stop showing your love in clear ways.
Here are 30 ways to show your love that don't cost a thing! Reignite the flame and make it clear how much they mean to you.
11 Flicks With High School Romances to Stream Stat
We can't help but reminisce about notes passed between friends, the days of lockers and recess, and, of course, our teenage crushes. If you're feeling nostalgic about bleacher make-out sessions and prom-date jitters, then check out these movies streaming on Netflix. We promise they're chock-full of all the cliquey drama, backstabbing friends, and awkward first-date moments that made high school equal parts exhilarating and nightmarish!
Here's How You Can Set Your Fitness Tracker For More Accurate Results
Ever glanced at your fitness tracker while weightlifting and wondered why it was completely off? Your device may be fantastic for tracking heart rate and cardio, but a common weakness found across wearables is the ability to detect strength-training exercises. That's because Fitbit's PurePulse technology and Apple's similar heart sensor technology use LED lights to detect the amount of blood flow in your wrist. This provides real-time data on your heart rate and calories burned, but they're much more suited for tracking rhythmic movements like dance cardio or running. The good news is that there are tips and tricks to better optimize your device's settings to make sure your workouts are accounted for.
Fitbit Tips
- Customize your exercise shortcuts on the Fitbit app to include "Weights" as one of the Exercise options on your Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit Ionic, or Fitbit Versa. According to Fitbit, this will provide you with more precise heart rate tracking, capturing it every one second versus every five seconds.
- You can also manually log the duration of your strength-training workout directly in the app.
- Fitbit also offers a built-in interval timer that you can customize to fit your workout. It vibrates and lights up to indicate when it's time to move or rest.
Apple Watch Tips
- Select the "Other" workout option on your Apple Watch and label it as "Strength Training" at the end of your workout. It will provide you with time, heart rate, and calories for that specific session.
- When you're holding a plank, for instance, the "Other" workout will still credit you the calorie equivalent of a brisk walk, while also counting toward your all-day Activity.
If you're in a mixed-format class like Barry's Bootcamp, where you switch from the treadmill to floor, you can also manually switch between exercise modes. It may not give you a comprehensive look at your entire workout, but you can at least get more accurate snapshots of individual exercises for measuring purposes.
Despite the challenges that smart watches and fitness trackers have, San Francisco-based trainer Austin Lopez encourages all of his clients, especially his remote ones, to wear a Fitbit. At the end of each week, he has everyone send in their weekly reports for accountability and progress.
"In terms of goals, it comes down to consistency," Lopez told POPSUGAR. "The wearables help maintain consistency by notifying you of daily activity levels being reached, workout goal progress, and other healthy habits. As a trainer, it is helpful because I don't have to send hundreds of reminders a day, rather, I check in with my clients' overall lifestyle in a week's time."
When using his personal Fitbit during workouts, Austin shoots for a certain number of burned calories per session. Regardless of whether or not that number is accurate, setting a benchmark can help him gauge how hard he worked. You can do the same by giving your next workout everything you've got to see the maximum amount of calories you can burn on your tracker. Then, compare your future workouts to that data for a better look at your progress.
Overall, get familiar with your device and figure out all the ways you can tailor it to you. Its default settings may be great to start off with, but you can manipulate your Apple Watch or Fitbit past the main screen to truly use it to its fullest potential. Keep in mind that although they may not be the most accurate at all times, they're fantastic for tracking your personal activity and progress, and there's value in that alone.
The 12 Products a Beauty Editor Can't Travel Without
I don't know if it's harder to pack my clothes or my makeup when I go on vacation. Even getting ready for work at the gym in the morning feels like a challenge; I inevitably end up leaving the lip color I want to wear at home. When I travel, I like to go carry-on only, which means my makeup bag can't be too large or too heavy. Talk about a challenge. After a lot of flights and multiple overstuffed cosmetic cases, these are my picks for on-the-go beauty. Your suitcase will thank you.
20 Tiny Star Wars Tattoo Ideas Perfect For Any Fan of the Force
It's hard to escape Star Wars fever these days - though any real fan wouldn't want to. Thanks to Star Wars: Episode 8 and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, you're probably itching for a new way to show off your fandom love - like fresh tattoo ideas. While some fans want to get a large tattoo of Chewbacca or another character, others like to keep it small and to themselves. That's why we've rounded up some of the cutest ideas out there that are perfect for anyone who loves the franchise but doesn't want to broadcast it too loudly. Keep looking ahead, and this doesn't work for you, try these small Harry Potter tattoo ideas.
36 Signs Your Partner Is "the One"
Getting to spend your life with one person is one of the luckiest things imaginable. When my husband and I were planning our wedding many years ago, I got asked a lot of questions. While everyone wanted to know about the color scheme and wedding venue, the one thing I got asked a surprising amount was: "How did you know he was 'the one'?" The answer, of course, can be pretty long-winded and personal. Even though we might love many people in our lifetime, there might also be one person who excites you and who you want to be with for the rest of your life. Finding "the one" is special. Consider these traits of a relationship that can let you know you have found that one person who will make you smile until you're old and gray.
- They make you laugh every day.
- You want to spend time with them even when you're not feeling your best.
- Doing mundane activities like going to the store is made better by having them with you.
- You think about them throughout the day.
- You both take care of each other's needs.
- You are sexually happy with them and find them attractive.
- Even if you aren't in your dream job now, they support what it takes to get there.
- Children have been discussed, and you share a similar vision of how many, if any, you want.
- All of the parents (or important friends and family members) have met.
- There aren't any secrets being kept.
- Money and spending habits are discussed and respected.
- The thought of growing old with them doesn't scare you.
- Their friends and your friends have merged into one group.
- They know how you take your drink.
- Even when you're snot-nosed and sick, they still want to take care of you.
- Fights are minimal, and when they occur, they're productive.
- There are numerous inside jokes that only you two would understand the humor to.
- The idea of planning a wedding with them sounds like fun.
- You can be your real self around them, farts and all.
- Together you can sit back and enjoy silence, knowing that you don't need words to have a good time.
- You've told them things that no one else in the world knows.
- They don't judge you when you have unconventional thoughts.
- Some nights you stay up late just to talk in bed.
- You can't imagine a future without them.
- In fact, you can't believe you've lived this long without them.
- Neither of you is particularly jealous about previous relationships because nothing could compare to yours.
- You are not annoyed by their quirks; instead, you find them endearing.
- Your relationship is built on trust and a mutual appreciation for each other.
- Difficult moments, like job loss and deaths in the family, are made more tolerable because they know just what you need to feel better.
- You like the same movies and music, at least enough to be entertained together.
- They don't let you get away with things.
- They challenge you to be the best version of yourself.
- You've talked about the future and are on the same page.
- You love your person unconditionally, even when they're being a bit of a stinker.
- Drama does not exist between you two.
- All the love songs in the world make sense now because you two have found each other.
15 E.L.F. Products Every Beauty Gal on a Budget Must Try
E.L.F. Cosmetics (aka Eyes Lips Face) launched in 2004 after founders Joey Shamah and Scott Vincent Borba noticed that even women with expensive tastes went to dollar stores for affordable cosmetics. In 2004, I was in middle school and was interested in makeup, but didn't have enough money to buy it. After learning about the brand's $1 products on a news segment, I was intrigued. I saved my pennies for weeks until I could place an order online. Not only could I finally afford to buy multiple items, but they were all cruelty-free, too.
Since then, my love of makeup (and my budget) has grown, but I have never given up my love for the brand. Today, E.L.F. is widely available in stores including Walgreens, Target, and on its website, and the line has expanded to a wide range of products between $1-$10. The high-quality assortment has consistently provided me with beauty favorites that I reach for (even over luxury brand products!) in my ever-expanding makeup collection. Read on for the standouts of the affordable brand and decide which ones you'll try first.
29 Protective Styles That Will Save You Hours of Styling Time
Think of all the things you could do if you didn't spend hours doing your natural hair each week. Hell, I could have become a five-star chef in the time I've spent twisting and blow-drying my strands! But this Spring, I'm taking a totally new approach to wash day and embracing protective styles. Luckily, #teamnatural on Instagram has provided plenty of updo inspiration to keep me supplied with ideas for months.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Summer Braids For Black Girls
A protective style is any coiffure configuration that keeps your ends safely tucked away. These hairdos require very little daily upkeep and help strands stay moisturized. On top of all that, the looks also promote hair growth since you're not pulling and yanking (causing shedding). Not to mention, your fingers are less likely to fall into early arthritis due to constant twisting.
10 Inspiring Bloggers Who Redefine Society's Beauty Standards
This year, we've been inspired by some incredible beauty influencers who've documented their journeys to self-love on Instagram and YouTube. Whether they've faced a rare disease or celebrated their body hair (or lack of hair!), these 10 bloggers don't let their unique looks let them feel any less beautiful and encourage us to be confident in our own skin, too.
Get to know the new faces defying conventional beauty standards, ahead.
7 Incredible Skincare Gadgets That Will Change Your Routine Forever - All on Amazon!
Whether you suffer from an acne-prone complexion or you're worried about aging, there are a ton of helpful tools out there to help you navigate through all your skincare issues. Picking one that's right for you is the hard part. In an effort to make your life easier, we did the hard work and shopped for you. From light treatments to stone face massagers and deep-cleansing brushes, we have you covered. Plus, everything is available on Amazon, so it will be delivered right to your doorstep. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites and find your perfect match.
If You Love Makeup, You'll Lose Your Sh*t Over the 7 Hottest Highlighters For Summer
Here at POPSUGAR, we have a serious highlighter addiction. We want to shine so bright you can see us from Mars. This Summer, cosmetic brands are bringing their A-game when it comes to shiny, shimmery products we want to put all over our faces. We curated a list of our favorite highlighter releases for you to consider, so get ready to fill up that virtual shopping cart. You'll be the most luminous goddess on the block, and we commend you for it.
I Tried This Bestselling $7 Concealer, and It Made My Dark Circles Completely Disappear
I have dark circles under my eyes that just won't go away. It doesn't matter if I'm well-rested or persistent with my skincare regimen, they're always there. For over a decade now, I have been on the hunt for the perfect concealer that will cover up those pesky bags. It's difficult to find a choice that isn't too thick and cakey. On the flip side, I don't want a greasy formula that makes my mascara rub off. At long last, I have finally found the ideal option.
You would never know I have rings under my eyes because they vanish instantly.
I tried this Maybelline Makeup Instant Age Rewind Concealer ($7) and immediately fell in love with it. This pick is a bestseller on Amazon, and for good reason. It has over 4,000 reviews on the site, and 60 percent of customers give it five stars - that's pretty impressive. So why does it work so well?
The superconcentrated formula is infused with goji berry to brighten and illuminate the under-eye area while it covers up your dark circles. The soft, spongy applicator allows the formula to glide on smoothly; the product is evenly distributed across your skin. After a couple swipes, I simply tap the concealer with my finger until it's fully blended. You would never know I have rings under my eyes because they vanish instantly.
If you still need more convincing, just go look at all the customer photos. I'm begging you to give this concealer a shot. As a total makeup snob, I find myself reaching for this choice every single day. It's like a full night of sleep in a bottle! So who is going to buy it? I promise you'll be happy you did.
30+ Makeup Products Every Beauty-Obsessed Girl Should Try in 2018 - All Under $15
Amazing makeup doesn't need to cost a ton of money. There are tons of buzzy products that beauty influencers, bloggers, and artists swear by. We rounded up some of our own editor-approved must haves you should consider trying. We included lipstick, highlighter, foundation, eyeliner, brow gel, and so much more. These are the staples you'll keep on your vanity for years to come. Check them all out and consider them for yourself. They're all under $15, so you don't have to go broke over experimenting with new formulas. No more waiting! It's time to put your best face forward. Let's shop.
Don't Travel Overseas With the Wrong Hair Dryer - Shop These 7 Dual-Voltage Picks
If you're traveling abroad, there are so many important things to think about, from finding the perfect camera to making sure you have the right converter for power outlets. One thing we often overlook is our hair tools. In America, we use about 110 or 120 volts for our electricity, and in Europe, the volts used are twice as high, from 220 to 240. So if you try to use your US-made dryer overseas, it will most likely result in you blowing a fuse and often ruining your dryer.
To prevent this, many brands are now making travel-friendly dryers that come with dual-voltage options. These choices feature a button on them that you can simply switch back and fourth to change the amount of electricity they need. Take a look at our top picks.
Karl Lagerfeld's Makeup Line Is Here, and OMG, the Packaging!
When we first heard about Karl Lagerfeld launching a makeup line, we knew one thing for sure: the packaging would not disappoint. And now that his products with ModelCo have dropped at Nordstrom, we can officially say we were right! Known as a lover of all things aesthetically pleasing, Lagerfeld's line consists of wearable, useful products in loud, fun, and quirky packaging. It's a great mix of everyday essentials and experimental shades, and it's all exclusively at Nordstrom. From eyeliner stamps to a built-in mirror on all lip products, everything's been thought of. Plus, the Choupette eye palette is too cute. Just keep reading to see and shop the entire collection!
How to Successfully Shave 1 of Your Trickiest Body Parts
One could argue that shaving the back of your thighs requires the same level of deftness and agility as a professional ballerina. First, you've got to make sure the shaving cream is adequately lathered and smeared in a place you can't see, and then you must pivot almost a full 180 degrees while wielding a sharp razor. The potential for missing a spot - or worse, an accidental slice - is pretty damn high. We reached out to a few pros about the best ways to master this tricky spot.
How to Get Makeup Stains Out of Practically Anything
You might already know to use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up makeup errors and smears on your face. But what do you do if a spill has gotten on your favorite shirt, the carpet, or the bathroom tiles? Don't panic - we're here to save the day with solutions for remedying a variety of makeup messes including lipstick-stained collars, self-tanners gone awry, and foundation splattered across the floor.
In all cases, make sure to treat the stain immediately and don't throw the item in the dryer. The heat could set the stain and make it much more difficult to remove.
8 Vitamin C-Infused Products That Will Actually Improve Your Skin
In case you missed it, vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is everywhere right now - and for good reason. This buzzy superhero of an ingredient can do marvelous things for your skin, and scientists are getting better every day when it comes to creating stable, potent formulations. We'll share some of the best on the market in a sec, including all-star serums, a reparative peel, brightening oil, and a dark-circle perfector that covers while it works. First, though, let's dig into why vitamin C belongs on your beauty shelf.
"L-ascorbic acid is the only vitamin C that has age control benefits," noted Dr. David J. Goldberg, a nationally recognized cosmetic dermatologist. "Vitamin C ester provides antioxidant benefits, but not the collagen deposition and other anti-aging benefits of L-ascorbic acid. As an antioxidant, it provides protection from free radicals, helps to minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens and promotes an even skin tone."
Dr. Goldberg said that vitamin C is safe for all skin types and all ages, and that with consistent usage, "you will start to see brighter skin in as little as one week" and "visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles in a few weeks to a few months."
Keep reading to shop some of the best vitamin C-infused products on the market right now.
I Threw My Expensive Blow Dryer in the Trash After Using This One - It's THAT Good!
Expensive is always better, right? While a number of splurge-worthy items are totally worth it, it's not that way for everything. Especially when it comes to hair care.
Last Christmas I was gifted a "fancy" hair dryer that I thought would be life-changing. I don't have particularly fussy hair, so it worked just fine, but I wasn't impressed. I started to find that every time I blow-dried my hair somewhere else (at a hotel or friend's house), it looked and felt so much better. One of the times I used this Ion Magnesium Blow Dryer ($80), and when I discovered the price, I immediately bought it.
Almost instantly I forgot about my other hair dryer. I have superthin, fine, and oily hair that I wash daily. I need something that is high-powered and quick-drying for my always-running-late morning routine. This one surpassed my expectations. My drying time was almost cut in half, and my hair always feels soft after, no matter what.
The 1,800-watt dryer features three heat settings and two speeds. It's made with magnesium, which is a natural element that gets hotter even faster at a safe temperature that won't damage your hair.
If you're in the market for a new blow dryer, don't get something too cheap or too expensive. This one is the perfect price for its long-lasting and impressive quality.
23 Whole Foods Staples For Busy People
I may or may not have chosen my apartment based on its one-and-a-half-block proximity to a Whole Foods . . . What can I say? I'm a native Texan and have been a fan for life, having grown up going to the second-ever location in Houston. Admittedly, I sometimes do feel like I'm shopping at Whole Paycheck, but I know I'm investing in my health and in high-quality brands. When it comes to the staples in my life, from milk and butter to berries and yogurt, I buy them all from Whole Foods. These are the products that always end up in my basket.
23 Chicken Recipes Made in a Slow Cooker
Some weeks work, social obligations, and household tasks pile up, making the idea of cooking a meal seem fanciful, even unachievable. When that happens, let your slow cooker be your savior. Armed with this piece of equipment, dinner can practically cook itself. Here, we rounded up more than 20 recipes made with a crowd-pleasing, affordable ingredient: chicken.
How to Not Eat Complete Sh*t When You Are Ridiculously Busy
I know I'm not alone in the struggle to eat real food while surviving a crazy busy day. Many of us can relate to getting up too early and staying up too late, trying to squeeze in a workout, weeding through a constantly clogged email inbox, furiously typing 100 WPM, trying not to neglect friendships and relationships, and remembering to breathe. But the most essential thing to the success of a day is fuel . . . and M&M's, frozen mac and cheese, and endless cups of coffee aren't sustainable forever. As I'm entering my late 20s and my metabolism is beginning to resemble a sloth's movement, I'm more than ever attempting to find the easiest and most delicious ways to eat real food. Here are some of my ideas:
Breakfast
I try to eat breakfast away from a computer. It may be my only meal of the day that's not in front of a screen. Since I'm up really early, I usually end up eating two breakfasts (one savory at 6 a.m. and one sweet around 10 a.m.).
- Whole plain Greek yogurt with berries is a filling option. I love berries because they are delicious and don't require cutting! I also love tossing puffed brown rice on top for textural contrast.
- Mornings in the office are all about avocado on whole-wheat toast. If I'm at home, I'll top a fried egg on there. In the office, sliced hard-boiled egg is another great topper.
- Microwaveable oatmeal with peanut butter and banana tastes like cookies and only takes about five minutes to make.
Lunch
Oh, lunch! How neglected you typically are! Though I wish I could get my sh*t together enough in the a.m. to pack a perfect mason jar salad, I just don't. So here's what I do instead:
- Here's what I throw in my bag: prewashed greens (I love the kind with herbs for a little somethin' extra), a whole avocado, a lemon, and either smoked salmon or shredded chicken (that I totally buy by the cupfuls from the Whole Foods salad bar or steal the leftovers off of Sunday night's rotisserie chicken at my parents' house). I keep salt, pepper, and olive oil at my desk so I can quickly whip up a lemony vinaigrette. When I'm really strapped for salad fixings, I turn to the snacks at work - a mini wheel of cheese and a handful of almonds go a long way.
- Microwaveable meals like this edamame rice are really easy to throw together and taste so fresh and light.
- I rarely have leftovers, but when I do, it's usually soup, like this green pea soup. It makes for a satisfying lunch; I just make sure to pack it properly and bring in some soup toppings like fresh herbs.
Snacks
There are so many snacks in the office - which can totally derail my plans to eat well. I try to avert my eyes from the Oreos and chips (and the mini Snickers, which are my kryptonite) to focus on these beauties:
- Radishes, persian cucumbers, and baby carrots don't really require much prep, other than a quick rinse. I dip them in store-bought hummus or homemade hummus if it's something I've recipe developed.
- Freeze-dried fruit lasts a while and is nice to have on hand when a crunchy craving hits. My favorites are cherries and raspberries.
- Jerky! My office has turkey jerky readily available, but when I plan ahead, I opt for Krave Chili Lime beef jerky.
Dinner
I'm currently taking a nighttime coding class, so I don't get home until 10 p.m. But even before those days, I would hit the gym and get home at 8 p.m. At that point, I'm starving and need something near immediately, so these are my go-tos:
- Tolerant Red Lentil Rotini is my most favorite pantry staple. Because I'm not home often, I don't usually keep raw meat available, and this gluten-free pasta has 21 grams of protein per serving! Ten times out of 10, I eat pasta like so: with olive oil, parmesan, and chili flakes. And if tender greens are in my fridge, I throw them in the pasta water during the last minute of cooking.
- The lovely Nicole Perry introduced me to this one-pan salmon recipe. It's chock-full of crispy cabbage and kale, it comes together in a flash, and it's easy to clean up. I make it on my weekend nights home.
- Millet-lentil salad dressed with whatever herbs and veggies I have on hand is another dinner staple. And bonus: the leftovers pack up nicely for lunch too.
6 Signs Your Bottle of Wine's Gone Bad
Not all wine is ideal for storing. If it's been in contact with air for too long or has a tainted cork, the liquid inside has turned and should not be consumed. Here are a handful of telltale signs that might indicate a good wine has gone bad.
- The smell is off. If a wine's aroma is moldy or resembles a musty basement, wet cardboard, or vinegar, it's turned. A heavy raisin smell is another bad signal.
- The red wine tastes sweet. If the bottle of red wine has the aroma of Port or tastes like dessert wine (even though it is neither of those two things), it has been overexposed to heat, and is therefore undrinkable.
- The cork is pushed out slightly from the bottle. That's a sign the wine has overheated and expanded within the bottle.
- The wine is a brownish color. A brown hue in red wine demonstrates that the liquid is past its prime. White wines that have darkened to a deep yellow or brownish straw color are usually oxidized.
- You detect astringent or chemically flavors. Wine that lacks fruit, is raspy, too astringent, or has a paint-thinner taste is usually bad.
- It tastes fizzy, but it's not a sparkling wine. A still wine that is fizzy or effervescent has undergone a second fermentation after the bottling and shouldn't be enjoyed.
One last word of advice: Always smell and examine the actual liquid. Although the term "corked" commonly refers to tainted wine, inspecting the cork alone will not determine if the wine has gone bad. Use your other senses. Have you ever had an undrinkable bottle of wine? How did you know it was questionable?
18 Baked Chicken Dishes You'll Love Throwing in the Oven After Work
Versatile and delicious, chicken can be cooked in countless ways. But there's something about baking the bird - covering it in a crispy breading or flanking it with tender vegetables - that keeps you coming back for more. Healthier than frying and less hands-on than pan searing, the oven method is the perfect one for wholesome, yet simple, chicken dinners. Here are 18 dishes that prove once you bake, you never go back.
100+ Cheap or Free Things to Do This Summer
When we think of childhood Summers, we think of balmy nights chasing fireflies, walking barefoot on hot sand, and hours of fun that didn't cost a thing. Just because we're adults doesn't mean we have to drop a ton of money to celebrate our favorite season! There are endless activities you can do this Summer, and we've rounded up ones that you'll love when you're feeling lazy, when you're ready to get a workout, or when you're in search of an adventure. The best part is they will barely cost you a thing!
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