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 17 août 2018
A Look Back at Obama's Close Relationship With Aretha Franklin, Including Their 2015 Fist Bump
Close your eyes and imagine we're at Barack Obama's first presidential inauguration in 2009. Aretha Franklin is performing, and America is collectively in awe to be witnessing such a groundbreaking moment in our nation's history. Obama and Franklin's connection only strengthened over the next few years, and they clearly had the utmost respect for one another. Following the sad news of Franklin's death on Aug. 16, both Barack and Michelle Obama spoke out about the 76-year-old legend's impact on the world and why she meant so much to the former first couple.
"Aretha helped define the American experience," the Obamas said in a statement. "In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade - our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human. And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance."
In addition to her musical feats, Franklin was truly an icon for civil rights and feminism. Her music inspired both movements greatly, and not only did she support activists personally, but she also financially supported the ACLU "and made sure black women wouldn't be ignored."
While many celebrities have mourned Franklin's death, the Obamas' connection to the Queen of Soul takes us back to 2008, when then-Senator Obama was campaigning in Franklin's hometown of Detroit and decided to grab the mic and sing her hit "Chain of Fools." With Franklin in the crowd, it was one of the many unforgettable moments between the two. Read on to see more moments like this and the sweet bond that Obama and Franklin shared.
Why Do We Love to Scare Ourselves? An Expert on Fright Has Some Surprising Answers
Image Source: Everett Collection
For some, Halloween is a time for sweaters and pumpkin spice everything. For others, it's a time for gory films and haunted houses. Did you ever wonder if there's a reason some people are thrill seekers and others always choose to sit it out?
Sociologist Dr. Margee Kerr did. She built her research and lecturing career out of a childhood fascination with scary stories: "I was intrigued by the unknown. I knew getting into my academic career I still needed to incorporate some of that adventure, otherwise I would be miserable." That adventure led her to globe-trot for scares to write a literal book on the topic before serving as the researcher for Pittsburgh's Scarehouse, and even appearing as herself in the sequel to the haunted house horror flick The Houses That October Built. Whether fear is your goal or enemy this Halloween, Dr. Kerr has the answers to how and why we react to things that go bump in the night - and how thrill seekers can amp up the scare power.
Dr. Margee Kerr says the "fun scary" kind of fear's physical and psychological effects can be highly rewarding. Photo courtesy of Jake Bradbury.
POPSUGAR: For starters, why do we love haunted attractions so much?
Dr. Margee Kerr: We do love it for the physical high. Our body, when it's thrust into that fight or flight mode, releases all sorts of chemicals. In the right context, mainly one of choice and entertainment, that physiological response can feel really good. We feel euphoric and strong and kind of primal. Also, when we're scared, our brain reprioritizes, so it's focused on all our physical elements. We're not getting caught up in what we have to do in the future. We're grounded more in the present. There's also this big social component. Being scared with friends creates stronger bonds. It enhances the experience. We get a sense of accomplishment. Even though we know we're safe, it feels like we've completed a challenge and made it out the other side. It also can increase our resilience and our tolerance in the moment. When we face something really challenging and intense, everything else is not going to upset us as much.
PS: Do you have any insight into the history of haunted houses?
MK: They have a varied history. A big part of it was Haunted Mansion at Disney. That was actually based off of the Winchester Mystery House after Walt Disney toured it and wanted to create something similar. The Winchester Mystery House was this house that this woman kept building on. After her husband passed, she was the heir to the Winchester estate. She had a house, and she believed all the people who had been killed by Winchester rifles, that she could act as a conduit [to channel them]. And then the Haunted Mansion influenced the creation of modern attractions today. Jaycee groups played a big role in it, too. Then volunteer firefighters started making charity haunted attractions. And so it was the big influence from Disney and then the backyard attractions that started sprouting up. Today you can see that packed history of the sort of DIY backyard attractions and then the big amusement side of it. Now there is that middle type of attractions that do, say, over 50,000 people a year. That's like Terror Behind the Walls or Netherworld.
PS: What separates those who love haunted attractions and those who won't go near them?
MK: A lot of it is our history. Some of it is genetic. Even the way our genes are expressed is so tied into our experiences and our childhood. All the different moments in our childhood when we experience fear go into creating how we give meaning to different experiences. So, if you never had any folder in your mind for "fun scary," then you might not like it too much. I grew up going to haunted houses from a very young age, so my experience with fun scary is very long and rich. I always encourage people to test themselves every few years because we do change.
PS: You helped develop the Basement at Scarehouse, Pittsburgh's premiere haunted attraction. What research was involved there and what trends do you see in immersive haunts?
MK: I haven't been at Scarehouse for a couple years, but in working with Greg Siegle, the cognitive neuroscientist, we set up the lab in the Basement and we were able to measure people['s moods] before and after they went through. Our first year of data collection will be coming out this month in the journal Emotion. But we found that mood did improve and people did feel better. In terms of haunted house trends and what I've been seeing over the past few years, a lot of people are going for more interactivity and more sense of immersion, making it more personal in a scalable way. Like at Terror Behind the Walls, you can opt in with the glow necklace if you want the more interactive experience, but if you don't, you just take it off. But there's been a lot of work in trying to make it more interactive. Incorporating puzzle elements, making it more gamified like escape rooms.
PS: The Basement allows guests to utilize a safe word. Some extreme haunts don't. Where do you think the line should be drawn in extreme haunts?
MK: I think that any commercial business that doesn't have a safe word is essentially violating the law. If they don't allow people to exit an experience, they're essentially holding someone hostage at that point. There's a range: some places don't have a safe word because they didn't think that they would need one, but if someone said, "I have to get out of here," they would respect it and let people leave. The places that don't let you leave - I don't know if they even really exist beyond tall tales and folklore - but any place that doesn't let you leave is violating the law. It's not fun anymore, and your attention shifts to actual survival. The boundaries should be communicated to guests up front. You can do that without giving anything away.
PS: How can those who hate to be scared still enjoy the season, and how can those who love thrills get the most out of it?
MK: For those who don't like to be scared, there are so many cool harvest specials and pumpkin patches. You can feel the nostalgia and the connectedness without any of the fear. And those who are really looking for a good scare, I would recommend taking the approach of saving all your money and trying to get to a really well-known and highly rated attraction, or to mix it up and do a handful of backyard attractions that aren't going to break the bank and compare them at the end of the season. For those looking for something good or new or unique, it's worth doing some research.
There you have it! Whether you'll be scaring yourself silly or playing it safe, now you have some insight on how your brain works when you're afraid . . . and how to make the most out of Halloween.
10 Women Share What an Orgasm Feels Like to Them
I think women can all agree: orgasms are awesome. Yet the experience itself might be different from woman to woman, with unique sensations that make that "O" really pop. Maybe you feel fireworks, tingling in your body, or a rapid heartbeat and dripping sweat; whatever it is, it probably feels really, really good. Here, women share what an orgasm feels like to them, so if you haven't yet had one yourself, you'll know a few possible things to expect once the time comes.
Should You Tell Your Friend She's Being Cheated On?
When it comes to cheating, it's never good for the two partners or for the friends and family who might be involved. Plus, if you happen to learn of a friend's partner's affair, while he or she is still in the dark, it can make matters even more complicated. Do you tell? Do you keep it a secret? It must feel awkward to see them kiss in public or to go on double dates just thinking about what the cheater could be doing the other days of the week. Here's what to do if you find out a friend's significant other is unfaithful, thanks to relationship experts.
What Is Cheating?
First off, let's define what cheating is. There's emotional and physical, and they can influence when to tell or not.
"Emotional cheating and physical cheating can both seriously harm a relationship because both types of cheaters pursue things reserved exclusively for a partner (sexual and emotional intimacy) from others," David Bennett, counselor and relationship expert with Double Trust Dating, told POPSUGAR. "Since both can harm a relationship equally (and they both often overlap anyway), if you're going to tell your friend she's being cheated on, you should consider that both types of cheating are worth bringing up," he says.
What If You're Friends With Both?
Yikes - if you're friends with both, it's hard to choose sides. "I believe in being as honest, assertive, and neutral as possible. So, if you are equally friends with both people, I would prefer talking to the person you suspect is cheating," he said.
Let them know you think they might be cheating and it has been bothering you, and then see what they have to say. "It may be that you only know part of the story," he said. If they confirm it's true, you may even be able to convince them to talk to their partner themselves about their cheating, and the couple can begin healing or separating in the most amicable way possible without your intervention being known.
This is in contrast to a "gotcha" moment where you reveal everything to the friend being cheated on, which could lead to drama and could put you in the awkward position of possibly losing multiple friendships.
Yet, if you're closer to one friend than the other, it might be appropriate, and the relationship will survive. "If you have been friends for a long time and have a close relationship, there should be built-in trust," Kimberly Hershenson, LMSW said to POPSUGAR. "They may feel more comfortable hearing bad news since you have an established relationship," she said.
What If Your Friend Is Super Happy?
Here, maybe hold off. "The truth is that a lot of people go back to the person who cheated on them and forgive them. They end up placing blame not on the cheater, but on you, the friend who exposed it all," Bennett said.
While this isn't fair and doesn't make sense, love makes people behave strangely at times. It is very possible that if you tell your friend she is being cheated on, you might get blamed for starting trouble instead.
The Takeaway?
"I would be very cautious about getting involved in something as complicated as this," said Bennett. "The reality is that people often don't believe someone is cheating even when the evidence is clear because love gets in the way," he said, and this can leave you, the one bringing it up, to blame. "Also, many people may feel embarrassed that they are being cheated on and may be tempted to enter a state of strong denial rather than believe you," he said.
So, do what feels right, but your best chance is to speak to the cheater separately first rather than telling the friend who is being cheated on. Also, don't speak poorly of the cheater if you do tell your friend or if they break up initially. "Do not bad mouth the individual cheating just in case they work through their issues and stay together," Hershensen said.
The Top 10 US Road Trip Destinations For Families
Families looking to create lasting memories and take on new adventures together should consider planning a road trip in the States. Whether it's driving to a new destination just a few hours from home or going on a week-long getaway on the other side of the country, road trips can be affordable and fun for every member of the family. But the best part? You feel free to make your own schedule as you go, and you always wind up having a bit of old-school fun in the form of car games like I Spy and 20 Questions. From underrated small towns to iconic US cities, here are our top 10 road trip destinations for families. See you on the road!
jeudi 16 août 2018
Melanie Griffith Reflects on Her High-Profile Marriages: "I Love Them All So Much"
Melanie Griffith isn't interested in getting married again, but she also doesn't wish her three ex-husbands any ill will. The 61-year-old actress recently opened up about marriage - and divorce - in a candid interview for the September 2018 issue of InStyle. "All of my husbands, my three husbands - I love them all so much, and we're all very close," she said.
Melanie famously married Don Johnson for six months when she was 18, and the couple later remarried a decade later following her split from Steven Bauer. Despite the ups and downs of their relationship, Melanie said it was meant to be for one special reason: her daughter Dakota Johnson. "It was sort of a natural karmic thing for us to get back together and to have Dakota," Melanie said. "She was meant to come into the world, if you think about it."
Melanie also remembers her marriage to Antonio Banderas with fondness. She said marrying the actor and sharing a daughter with him, Stella del Carmen Banderas, was "more exciting than playing a part in a story." Melanie added, "You have to live your life and not just play somebody else all the time. And how can you play somebody else if you don't live your own life?"
Antonio shared a similar sentiment in an interview with People earlier this year. "Even if we are divorced, she is my family and I will love her until the day I die," he said. "We have been in contact all these years and we managed to do a separation that is very elegant."
As for the future, Melanie thinks her married days are behind her. "I really don't think it's relevant for anyone anymore," she said. "But especially if you're 60 and you have four kids and you're living the life you've always wanted. Then why get married?"
This Is Where Princess Diana Died, and It's Still Filled With Loving Tributes to Her Memory
Two decades on from her death, the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, still lingers. This Summer, thousands of people will leave tributes to her at the Pont de l'Alma in Paris, near the spot where the princess was badly injured in a car crash leading to her passing just hours later. Flowers and photos lie 'round the famous torch, which has become a memorial to the much-loved royal who died in the French capital on Aug. 31, 1997.
Diana spent her last day in Paris, flying in from Sardinia with Dodi Al Fayed on Aug. 30. The couple had been holidaying on the French and Italian Riviera aboard his father's yacht, the Jonikal, their every move followed by photographers. They headed to the Ritz Hotel, located on the central Place Vendome and also owned by Dodi's father, Mohammed al Fayed. By the time they settled into a late dinner, the famous hotel was surrounded by crowds and press. Just after midnight, with a decoy car diverting photographers at the front of the Ritz, they got into a black Mercedes Benz S280 waiting for them at the back to travel to another Fayed property in Paris.
The deputy head of security at the Ritz, Henri Paul, was at the wheel as the car left the Rue Cambon and crossed the Place de la Concorde. Photographers were already following as the vehicle headed along the Cours la Reine, running alongside the Seine, and continued along the embankment. The car was speeding as it entered the Pont de l'Alma tunnel where, within seconds, it had collided with the 13th pillar. Henri and Dodi were killed instantly.
The princess was still conscious, and the ambulance called to take her to hospital traveled slowly through the French capital to allow doctors to treat her. It stopped for several minutes in front of the Jardin des Plantes for medics to treat the princess. Soon afterward, they arrived at the Pitié-Salpetrière Hospital on the Ile de France, where the full extent of Diana's injuries was discovered. Diana had suffered a large tear to the superior pulmonary vein where it entered her heart. She was pronounced dead at the hospital just after 4 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 31.
Her sister, Lady Sarah McCorquadale, traveled to Paris with Prince Charles to accompany Diana's body home. Even as they landed at RAF Northolt, floral tributes were being left at Diana's home at Kensington Palace. The princess's coffin was taken to London and the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace, where her sons, William and Harry, said their last farewells before her funeral at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 6. Diana's hearse was showered with flowers as thousands lined her funeral route. Her last journey ended at her family home, Althorp House, where she was buried on a small island. Her grave is private and only accessible to family, but public tributes continue to pile up in Paris at the place her story came to an end.
Alison Brie's Red Carpet Evolution Will Make You Glow Green With Envy
Alison Brie is no stranger to the red carpet, with over a decade of roles in the likes of Mad Men, The Five Year Engagement, and Community under her belt. But her work on GLOW has taken her star to new heights, and her wardrobe has soared with her. As Ruth on the Netflix hit, she's forced into some of the ugliest '80s trends imaginable (and don't get us started on that hair). So perhaps it's no surprise that off screen, she likes to keep things modern and cool. Never afraid to take a look to new levels with edgy jewelry, experimental beauty looks, or statement shoes, Alison serves up a fresh new look at every event, be it a playful brocade dress worn over a classic white tee or a giant black ballgown that hides trousers underneath. Many of her looks from late 2017 and during award season came courtesy of stylist Cristina Ehrlich, who's also responsible for the chic looks we see on the likes of Mandy Moore, Mindy Kaling, and Penélope Cruz. More recently, she's been working with Erin Walsh, whose clients include Thandie Newton and Sarah Jessica Parker. Both have crafted her a wardrobe that's fearless, stylish, and always unexpected. Just take a look back at some of her best moments from the last couple of years for proof.
The 8 Big Denim Trends Everybody's Buying Into This Fall
Fall 2018's biggest denim trends are actually pretty easy to pull off, and that's because there's a flattering fit for every type of gal. Whether you're still all about the '80s and you prefer to wear a strong-shouldered blazer with tapered trousers and flashy heels, or you're a tomboy who loves a skinny pant with a racing stripe, there's a way for you to feel cool in your jeans. Some of our favorite supermodels and stars have already pointed us in the right direction with their street style, so now there's only one thing to do: shop! Read ahead to get the rundown on the latest silhouettes.
I Removed My Postmastectomy Breast Implants - and I've Never Looked Back
On Jan. 22, 2016, I walked into my sixth major surgery, this time to remove my silicone breast implants. I would like to believe this significant life decision - or "last cut," as I like to call these moments - will be the last surgery I face. It certainly has been the most impactful.
As I reflect on that day, what is most worthy of celebration is not solely the massive improvement in my physical health (which has far exceeded any hopes or expectations I had going into that operation), but the power of lining up my internal beliefs with my actions out in the world. My decision grew into the Last Cut Project and is every day strengthening into a community around bold, brave empowerment - well beyond my story.
Here's where it began: almost 22 years ago, at age 21, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was just returning from studying abroad and readying for my senior year of college when the shocking news came out of the blue. Plans to write my thesis, connect with dear friends, and explore my next steps in life throughout my senior year were all derailed by the words: "The tumor is malignant."
In the months that followed, I lived at home with my parents. My thyroid was removed, and I underwent two rounds of radioactive iodine treatment to annihilate any remaining malignant cells. I longed to be back at college with friends and in class, where I was most content. Instead, my days passed slowly, with the focus on doctors' appointments and healing.
I put forth my best effort to be happy and optimistic but was inwardly depressed and passed many hours crying alone in my bedroom - even once the cancer was gone. Because I so deeply yearned to be well for myself and the loved ones around me, I hid the painful emotions, always doing my best to keep smiling and functioning.
My doctor - and most everyone around me - upheld that implants were what made women happiest, as they felt most "normal," a word I have now come to abhor.
This began a period of disconnect in my life that would go on for years. I began outsourcing my happiness to external, societal beliefs. My choices and decisions increasingly were sourced less from a connection to an inner knowing and more from a desperate desire to feel whole and well.
Somewhere in the midst of this period, I opted to be tested for the BRCA gene due to my own cancer history and my mother's bout with breast cancer at a young age. I tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation, which indicates elevated risk of breast and other cancers. This diagnosis triggered a deeper wave of angst around my body and health that shadowed the latter part of my 20s.
When the nearly daily Emergency Room-worthy, stress-induced migraines finally forced me to claim disability leave from my job, there was no denying any attempt to live a full and fulfilled life was being thwarted by my untouched trauma. I had no idea what the future would look like for me if I remained on all the prescription medications that seemed to be keeping me afloat.
Something had to change.
In the years that followed, I dove into ongoing traditional and alternative therapies in order to heal and began to approach my health from a more holistic angle. I met a man and got married. We moved across the country and had a baby. I was doing my best to lead a present and full life.
After giving birth, I desired to be free of the frequent and anxiety-ridden testing the BRCA mutation required. I wanted to be healthy for my new child and opted for a preventive double mastectomy with breast reconstruction in 2008. Researching that choice, a quiet whisper within led me to ask about alternative options to silicone breast implants, but I was told I was too thin to use my own fat for reconstruction. My doctor - and most everyone around me - upheld that implants were what made women (and no doubt their hetero male partners) happiest, as they felt most "normal," a word I have now come to abhor. I do not recall the option of no reconstruction being presented to me, or, frankly, being considered by me at the time. I moved forward with reconstruction with an increasing level of disconnect between body and self.
This series of surgeries opened up old, untouched wounds and finally made me commit to unpacking the trauma I had ignored for years. I simultaneously began to delve deeply into therapy and to write about the prior 10 years of my life. I no longer could distract myself with intellect and action. In the years to come, I would get a divorce, close my business, end an unhealthy relationship, move, and radically change how I lived my life.
It was a watershed moment when I owned that the reconstructed breasts I had elected were making me unhappy and unwell.
When New Year's Eve 2016 came around, I anticipated a wonderful year ahead. I hoped to embody the freedom I had finally created. I had changed so much and was eager to savor my new and strengthened healthy relationships and habits. Just days later, a dear friend came over and told me she planned to remove her silicone implants. She felt they were causing her health issues. She shared research she had done about the effects of silicone in our bodies. I was still not feeling 100 percent physically, in spite of how hard I was working to take care of myself. I had been fighting a MRSA staph infection for six months. Upon hearing her story, I knew immediately I would remove these foreign bodies, which never truly felt like part of my own body. For eight years, I had praised the perkiness of my "foobs," but it was clear that I would call my doctor the next day to let them go. Three weeks later, with clarity and hope, I went through with the explant surgery.
It was a watershed moment when I owned that the reconstructed breasts I had elected were making me unhappy and unwell. My personal choice to act on behalf of what was most true to me by removing them was made with a simultaneous dedication to attach words and imagery to a process we all experience over and over in life with the creation of the Last Cut Project.
There is a universal thread in any big life decision, or last cut moment, that connects us beyond the details of any one of our stories. We have all experienced moments in which we feel like strangers in our own lives, or in our own bodies. We all know what it is to sense incongruence between what we feel and what we do. These are the moments when we have the power to elicit change. These are the times when we can boldly and bravely act on behalf of our truths in order to do what is possible to set ourselves free and help support others in doing the same.
Every last cut evokes a desire that this one single action will set us free. If I quit this job, I will be happy. If I leave or step into this marriage, I will feel whole. The list of wistful conditions is long. Yet we live in a dynamic world. Everything within and around us is constantly evolving. We have a choice as to whether or not we dedicate ourselves to staying on the pulse of that change.
One day, that might be the decision to remove silicone implants, if resources and an internal calling collide. Tomorrow, it may be standing up for the rights of millions to have access to health care or of children to stay with their parents. It may be informing yourself of upcoming opportunities to vote, volunteer, support, speak up, and advocate beyond your comfort zone. It may be speaking up to a bully, or coaching your child to do so. It may be realizing the ways you are being a bully to yourself or others and altering those behaviors.
I have spent more than just these past years dedicated to making last cuts and making peace. It has been a long 22-year journey of physical pain and the emotional fallout that came along with a thyroid cancer diagnosis at age 21. I have loved and lost people, places, and parts of my body and ultimately committed myself to finding love and forgiveness within and all around me.
Samantha Paige founded Last Cut Project, a multimedia documentary project about those big life decisions (last cuts) made to bring us closer to living a life that feels like our own. Her book of the same name is coming out soon.
11 Disney DIY Costumes That You Can Make With What You Have in Your Closet!
With Halloween and Disney Park Halloween parties on the horizon, you might be thinking about a fun costume to wear to these festive events! What better way to show off your love of Disney than to wear an easy DIY costume that shows off your Disney style and is so easy, you can probably pull it together in about 20 minutes? We've put together 11 Disney-inspired costumes and Disneybounds perfect for all the spooky fun you're going to have this year.
You're going to need a few basic elements for most of these costumes, and I bet you have some of them in your closet or can make them pretty easily, if you're crafty. Those things are:
- a black skirt or dress
- a red skirt or dress
- a green skirt or dress
- a silver skirt or dress
- a blue skirt or dress
- a white skirt or dress
Lastly, you'll need a few extra pieces, props, and hairpieces, in addition to your go-to makeup look, to represent each character. Most of these you might already have or can get pretty inexpensively. For ideas on how to put each character outfit together, keep reading!
Yes, You Should Definitely Stay For the Credits When You See Crazy Rich Asians
The much-anticipated movie adaptation of Kevin Kwan's bestselling novel Crazy Rich Asians is here, and it definitely lives up to the hype. From the sweet love story to the important Asian representation, the movie is easily one of the best rom-coms of the Summer. While the film is filled with some dramatic moments, one of the most exciting scenes doesn't happen until the very end of the movie. Crazy Rich Asians has a quick midcredits scene that perfectly sets the film up for a potential sequel.
Warning: major spoilers for Crazy Rich Asians ahead.
As Rachel and Nick celebrate their engagement, a recently single Astrid is spotted standing at a nearby bar (she just recently left her husband after finding out he is having an affair). As Astrid stands alone at Rachel and Nick's engagement party, she ends up locking eyes with a handsome man, played by Shadowhunters star and Glee alum Harry Shum Jr.. While the moment seems like a random flirty encounter with a stranger, Shum's character, Charlie Wu, is actually a huge part of the book trilogy.
Long story short, Charlie is Astrid's past love and former fiancé in the books. While his character only has a tiny part in the first film, he would have a larger role if Crazy Rich Asians gets picked up for a sequel. In fact, producer Nina Jacobson revealed that there were originally more scenes between Charlie and Astrid in the film, but they decided to keep it short to leave the audience wanting more.
"We had originally shot more of them together, but what we found when we first started to show the movie to audiences was that, just in terms of screen time, the dissolution of her marriage and then the introduction of this wonderful new guy actually both got short shrift when you rushed it," she explained at a press conference for the film. "You felt like you weren't getting the strength that it took her to walk away from her marriage, but also the hope that you might feel about a new person. And that it wasn't just a rebound."
Fingers crossed that we'll get to see Astrid and Charlie's romance play out in future films!
11 Disney DIY Costumes That You Can Make With What You Have in Your Closet!
With Halloween and Disney Park Halloween parties on the horizon, you might be thinking about a fun costume to wear to these festive events! What better way to show off your love of Disney than to wear an easy DIY costume that shows off your Disney style and is so easy, you can probably pull it together in about 20 minutes? We've put together 11 Disney-inspired costumes and Disneybounds perfect for all the spooky fun you're going to have this year.
You're going to need a few basic elements for most of these costumes, and I bet you have some of them in your closet or can make them pretty easily, if you're crafty. Those things are:
- a black skirt or dress
- a red skirt or dress
- a green skirt or dress
- a silver skirt or dress
- a blue skirt or dress
- a white skirt or dress
Lastly, you'll need a few extra pieces, props, and hairpieces, in addition to your go-to makeup look, to represent each character. Most of these you might already have or can get pretty inexpensively. For ideas on how to put each character outfit together, keep reading!
Serena Williams on Motherhood: "Women Shouldn't Be Treated Differently" Because They Have Kids
Serena Williams, the winner of 23 grand slam titles and mom to her adorable 11-month-old daughter Alexis Olympia, has been very candid about her pregnancy and postpartum journey on social media. But in a recent interview with Time magazine, the 36-year-old mom laid her feelings about motherhood all on the table - and yep, her thoughts are spot on.
On balancing motherhood and work . . .
"I still have to learn a balance of being there for her, and being there for me. I'm working on it. I never understood women before, when they put themselves in second or third place. And it's so easy to do. It's so easy to do."
On her inspiring run at Wimbledon and her postpartum symptoms . . .
"I dedicated that to all the moms out there who've been through a lot. Some days, I cry. I'm really sad. I've had meltdowns. It's been a really tough 11 months. If I can do it, you guys can do it too."
On the discrimination she felt she faced in a tournament seeding after giving birth . . .
"It would be nice to recognize that women shouldn't be treated differently because they take time to bring life into this world."
On her breastfeeding experience . . .
"You have the power to sustain the life that God gave her. You have the power to make her happy, to calm her. At any other time in your life, you don't have this magical superpower."
On being told by a male coach to stop breastfeeding for the sake of her game . . .
"It's absolutely hard to take from a guy. He's not a woman, he doesn't understand that connection, that the best time of the day for me was when I tried to feed her. I've spent my whole life making everyone happy, just servicing it seems like everyone. And this is something I wanted to do."
On the pressure to share a post-pregnancy photo on social media . . .
"I hated that I fell victim to that. It puts a lot of pressure on women, young and old."
John Travolta and Olivia Newton John Recreate Their Grease Dance Moves on the Red Carpet
Grease turns the big 4-0 this year, and what better way to celebrate the iconic musical's anniversary than with a sweet reunion of its stars? Olivia Newton John and John Travolta hit the red carpet at The Academy Presents Grease 40th Anniversary event at LA's Samuel Goldwyn Theater on Wednesday, where they immediately embraced and busted out a few of their dance moves. They also snapped a few selfies with fellow guests and chatted up Mario Lopez, who arrived on a pair of crutches.
This definitely isn't the first time they've shared an adorable reunion this year, however - the pair actually linked up back in January at the G'Day Black Tie Gala, where they enjoyed a few laughs (and gave us a heavy dose of nostalgia). Although we're not sure if they discussed THAT chilling Grease theory, it certainly looks like they had a blast. Take a look at all the photos of their outing ahead!
Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne Reunite in the Breathtaking First Look at The Aeronauts
Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne's last collaboration - 2014's The Theory of Everything - earned plenty of award-season buzz and an Oscar for Redmayne, which is why we're so excited for their next film together.
Tom Harper's The Aeronauts is part action-adventure, part biopic, tracing the real-life tale of an ambitious pair of Victorian-era adventurers who rode a hot-air balloon all the way into the stratosphere in the year 1862, setting a record for the highest anyone had flown at that time (keep in mind, airplanes weren't invented until 1903). What resulted was a dramatic fight for survival. Redmayne is playing the part of scientist James Glaisher, who was an acclaimed astronomer, meteorologist, and aeronaut, while Jones is taking on the role of wealthy young widow Amelia Wren, who joins Glaisher in his quest for new discoveries high above the earth's surface.
In real life, Glaisher was accompanied by fellow scientist Henry Tracey Coxwell after the British Association for the Advancement of Science requested investigations of the upper atmosphere. They took off from the English city of Wolverhampton, and Glaisher ended up losing consciousness during their dangerous ascent. Fortunately, Coxwell was able to save them at the last minute by pulling the necessary cord with his teeth (at that altitude he'd lost all sensation in his hands), and they touched down safely in Ludlow.
It will be interesting to see how the script tweaks the Amelia Wren character to take the place of Coxwell, since it seems the studio was hoping to reunite onscreen power couple Jones and Redmayne. "A top priority for us on The Aeronauts is authenticity," said producer Todd Lieberman in a statement announcing principal photography had begun on the film. "With that in mind, we intend to do as much balloon filming in the sky as the weather will allow. This image [above] was taken after we launched Felicity and Eddie 2,000 feet in the air, performing their scripted scene, while a helicopter captured it all. We're fortunate that Felicity and Eddie have the nerve to do these stunts themselves as it authenticates our entire approach."
Regardless of the historical discrepancies, The Aeronauts appears to have a fantastic story to work with. According to the studio, the film will see the characters "discovering things about each other - and themselves - that help them find their place in the world they have left behind." Can you smell the future Oscar nominations?
Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, Has Died at Age 76
Aretha Franklin has died at age 76, TMZ reports. The legendary musician reportedly passed away on Thursday following a lengthy battle with cancer. The news comes after reports that Aretha was "gravely ill" and surrounded by friends and family at a Detroit hospital earlier this week, which sparked an outpouring of love from fellow musicians like Beyoncé and JAY Z. The singer was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, and retired from music late last year. Her last performance was on Nov. 2, 2017, for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York. Aretha is survived by her four children, Ted White Jr., Kecalf Cunningham, Clarence Franklin, and Edward Franklin.
43 Low-Fat Recipes to Help You Lose Weight the Old-Fashioned Way
The keto diet may be all the rage right now, but there are inevitably some people out there who are skeptical that eating more fat will help you become more skinny. If you're one of those people who prefers to lose weight the old-fashioned way - with low-fat meals - we have plenty of recipes for you. Inside, you'll find mouthwatering meals packed with colorful veggies and lean proteins.
From bright, zingy zoodles to flavorful oven-fried chicken, click through for 43 low-fat recipes that will give more traditional dieters peace of mind.
We Had a Frank Conversation With Johnny Bananas About The Challenge
Image Source: Getty / Tom Briglia / WireImage
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who "sort of" likes The Challenge. The MTV series has earned a steadfast fan base over its 32 seasons on the air, thanks to death-defying stunts, clever twists, and an ever-growing cast of characters. No matter how many bizarre aerial challenges MTV's team comes up with, though, it's that last thing that keeps people coming back: the players. And among those champs is the crowned king, Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio. Since making his debut on The Duel in 2006 - he memorably went home in the first episode - Bananas has appeared on 17 seasons, winning six of them.
Bananas is taking on a new endeavor as the latest host of NBC's late-night series, 1st Look, this Fall. The show airs every weekend after Saturday Night Live, and I got the chance to chat with him ahead of the premiere. And, well, I couldn't not ask about The Challenge, right? After all, Final Reckoning is in full swing! I had to know if he feared a certain someone from his past would return as his partner. How could I live with myself if I didn't get his honest opinion on Devin? What kind of journalist would I be if I didn't ask if he ever wanted to replace T.J. Lavin as the host?!
Please enjoy this extra-long interview with Johnny Bananas, and catch him on 1st Look in September.
POPSUGAR: You've done some pretty uncomfortable challenges on MTV. Has there been anything you've had to do for 1st Look that really put you outside of your comfort zone?
Johnny Bananas: How about every single second I've shot so far? When I first got the job, they were like, "We're going to have difficulty finding segments to get you out of your comfort zone." And I was like, "You most likely are because I've pretty much done everything under the sun." Well, I didn't know that they had this group of crackpot, crazy people that were literally going to think of so outside of the box and find ways and things to do to really put me outside of my comfort zone.
I had to dress in drag and strip and perform a whole burlesque act at a club in Hollywood. I had to go to a smell laboratory in Kansas City where they test deodorants, foot powders, that sort of thing, and I had to smell sweaty armpits and sweaty feet, yeah, to calibrate my nose. I got my ass handed to me by a bunch of NFL football players last week. I was in a haunted house. I didn't believe in ghosts before going in. I most certainly do now. I think one of the spirits followed me home. I just made the Rams' cheerleading squad the other day.
PS: You must get so many random opportunities coming your way, what made you say yes to this one?
JB: I actually pitched a very similar show idea to MTV a while ago. It was going to be me going around the world entering myself in crazy, zany, off-the-wall competitions and challenges and then competing in them. MTV, obviously wasn't really hot on it, but then NBC comes along and they offered me this hosting job for essentially a show idea that is very similar to the one that I pitched. It's like a dream come true. I am working, but at the same time I'm getting to do what I love and I'm hanging out with some of the best athletes in the world. I got to go to Roswell, NM, and look for the crashed alien spaceship and interview abductees. I'm getting all these amazing experiences.
PS: We've been watching you on The Challenge for 17 seasons and thinking that maybe eventually you'd be the host! Is that something that you'd ever hoped would happen?
JB: Absolutely, I've been letting them know for a while now that hosting is the next move I want to make. The thing is, T.J. has become synonymous with The Challenge and as much as I think I would be possibly a great host for the show, that's T.J.'s thing. Now if he ever moves on, retires, whatever, I would happily step into that role. The other issue I can imagine - is let's be real - over the 17 seasons, I've made a lot of enemies on the show. I don't know how the cast would react to me being the host. Even though I would have zero dogs in the fight, they would probably still think that there's conspiracies going around and I'm still trying to manipulate the game. Which . . . I probably would do that.
PS: Can we expect any Johnny Bananas pranks on Final Reckoning?
JB: I had so much on my plate the entire season that there really was zero time for levity or jokes. Of all the seasons I've done, this was, from a mental standpoint, the most difficult thing I've ever experienced in my life. This one is brutal.
PS: Do you mean with the interpersonal relationships or with the challenges themselves?
"What a lot of people don't understand is this isn't something that happened overnight - it's taken 17 seasons, and 13 long years."
JB: Everything. The house dynamics, the relationships, the lack of relationships - at least in my opinion. I think there has been a disturbing trend over the past few seasons where I've gone from the guy no one really wanted to vibe with to the guy who is public enemy number one from day one. It's become me versus the entire house. That's the way that this season goes down, and it's going to be a pretty amazing thing to watch the house versus the immovable object.
PS: Some might say that that's a direct result of what you've done to castmates in the past. Do you think part of it is your actions, or do you think a lot of it is production whispering into their ears, "Hey, let's make this a vendetta?"
JB: No. It's not production at all. That's another misconception about The Challenge. [Viewers] think that it's scripted and it's not. Reality is stranger than fiction. You couldn't write the stuff that goes down. You just couldn't. It's all cast member animosity towards me. Some of it is stuff that I've created on my own with certain people but then there's also envy and jealousy there, too. They see where I am, and who I am, and what I've become, and the brand that I've created, and the following that I have.
What a lot of people don't understand is this isn't something that happened overnight - it's taken 17 seasons, and 13 long years. I think a lot of people don't realize that it takes hard work, and it can't be taken from me. A lot of the young guys think, "Well, if we go head-to-head against Bananas, it's a guaranteed storyline and camera-time. It's upsetting that that's a route they can take now. I think, "OK. Yeah. You can spar against me, and get rid of me, but dimming my flame isn't going to make yours any brighter."
Image Source: Getty / Mike Coppola
PS: The problem becomes that we get a season full of people who aren't established personalities and aren't that interesting yet, who just think maybe it would be a good thing to get the big players off early. And then the season isn't as good.
JB: That's the thing. I guess maybe this is why I've been as successful as I have been, and why I'm not just a fan favorite but a favorite with production: I know what's going to be good for the show. I put my producer's hat on, so it's almost like I'm a producer first and then a cast member second. Even though I might dislike a person, I know what's good for television. For example, when me and CT had our rivalry, I thought, "God, I want to get him out of here." But at the same time, it's like, "But damn, he's so important to the show. And he's so important to our viewers. He's so important for ratings." I have to put my personal [issues] aside for the sake of it being a good episode. These [new] guys are all thinking in the moment. They're not thinking long-term. If you get rid of all of [the vets], no one's going to watch. And then what's going to happen? Ratings are going to suffer, and what happens when if The Challenge isn't even renewed?
PS: One person who's been super polarizing is Devin. What are your feelings on him at this point?
JB: Devin is 100 percent an opportunist. He brings nothing to the show physically or strategically. Devin is not a player in the game, he is one of the pawns. The way he sees it is, "If I go after Bananas, and if I start this big Bananas/Devin rivalry, then I'm going to get a storyline," which is exactly what happened last season. Devin knows that without me, he doesn't exist. Devin's not the first one to come at me, there's been Jordan and even Tony. The difference, though, is he's doing it strictly for camera time and to try and make a name for himself.
PS: Social media seems to have changed the game. Have you noticed that the show has been different since cast members have started picking fights offscreen?
JB: There's more drama off the show on social media than there is on the show. It's all the time, so the show never really ends. I keep my inner circle, because that's the problem you run into that transfers over on the show. I spend so much time with the cast members [onscreen], I just don't want to be friends with them off the show. The Challenge has come back in such a big way and so many people want to be on the show now. It just used to be MTV franchises, but now you see people from Big Brother and The Bachelor. It's a lot of people wanting on the show, knowing that, "Hey, if I can start a rivalry via social media with whoever, this might increase my odds of being noticed and being cast on the show."
PS: How do you feel about MTV bringing in people from other networks?
JB: It's a double-edged sword. I can see both sides. I like the idea because it's bringing new eyeballs to The Challenge, but it's also diluting the show. The problem is you don't have the same pool to choose from; there's no Road Rules and Real World is off the air. They're going need real people to bring in. How do they do that? It's above my pay grade. All I can do is just continue to be true to who I am and keep stirring the pot.
PS: Did any part of you think maybe your vendetta this season might be Sarah?
JB: Yeah. I did. Sarah went through my head. Wes went through my head. Tony obviously did. Devin was originally supposed to be my partner. That most certainly crossed my mind, but I guess Sarah has moved on.
PS: As far as you know, is she just done with the show entirely?
JB: Yeah. I think what happened with that money grab really affected her. I think she put a lot false blame on production for it happening. She was as responsible for that happening as anybody else. There's a lot of things she could have done differently in that final. She shouldn't have trusted me as much as she did. She really shouldn't have. She should have known that regardless of what I said and the way that I acted, I am who I am. It's almost like you can try as hard as you want to domesticate a wild animal but you can't be shocked when they bite you because at the end of the day this still is a wild animal.
She tried to say that production set her up and then she tried to say that I cheated and all this other stuff. So I think there's a lot of that going on as well where she's just kind of still I don't know. I think Sarah has a tremendous amount of animosity towards the entire franchise, so I honestly I can't see Sarah ever coming back. I just really can't. I wish her the best of luck, but I think we've probably seen the last of her.
PS: Yeah. Is that a decision that you would still stand by today?
JB: Oh, 100 percent. I've never once looked at my bank account and been like, you know what? I wish there was $275,000 less dollars in here. Yeah. I stand by it.
Prepare For Waterworks: The Live-Action Aladdin Film Will Feature a New Aladdin and Jasmine Duet
The soundtrack for Disney's Aladdin is about to get even more magical! The iconic 1992 animated film is getting the live-action treatment, and it has the perfect team behind it. In addition to the star-studded cast, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (aka the music duo behind Broadway's Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, and The Greatest Showman) are teaming up with Disney music legend Alan Menken to create a few brand-new songs! The two recently dished about the music for the upcoming film to Variety, and we're already freaking out.
"We got to write a new song for Jasmine," Paul told the publication. "Alan wrote a beautiful piece of music and [Naomi Scott] is incredible." And if you're obsessed with "A Whole New World," then you're in luck, because Aladdin and Jasmine are getting a whole new duet as well. "It's a sweet song," Paul added. Not to mention, Pasek and Paul also wrote a new verse for "Arabian Nights," which was originally written by Menken and the late Howard Ashman. It was actually one of the last songs Ashman wrote before his death in March 1991.
Refresh Your Commode With DIY Toilet Fizzies
Freshen things fast with toilet fizzies that clean and eliminate smells. And (ahem) this solution is much better than lighting a match. Personalize with your favorite scents and your bathroom will be the best-smelling spot in your home. Stash in a cute container on your commode and simply drop in a small fizzy when needed.
What You'll Need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup citric acid
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
- 15 to 20 drops essential oil
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons
- Spray bottle (optional)
Keep reading for the instructions!
The 28 Best New Books to Curl Up With This Fall
Brenda Janowitz is the POPSUGAR books correspondent. She is the author of five novels, including The Dinner Party.
Summer is great, but who doesn't love Fall? Is there anything better than curling up beside the fire with a book? OK, yes, taking a long, warm bath with a great read is pretty wonderful, too. Are you sensing a trend here? Everything is better with a book! So after you take that hay ride, grab a pumpkin spice latte and get comfortable. I've got the definitive list of what to read this season - and trust me, you're not going to want to miss a single one.
Relive the Most Jaw-Dropping Looks Ever From the MTV VMAs
If there's one event that prompts stars to let their hair down and their freak flags fly, it's the MTV VMAs. To get excited for this year's awards show on Monday night, we're looking back at some of our favorite, most provocative stars who did not disappoint when it came to the most jaw-dropping, skin-baring, and slightly ridiculous getups. Just keep clicking to view the most flamboyant fashion from VMA history.
This Triangle Brain Teaser Will Make You Want to Throw Your Computer Out the Damn Window
Another day, another baffling brain teaser that'll make you want to rip your freakin' hair out. This one hails from Twitter user @jiteshpillaai, who went viral on the social media site after sharing an illustration of a triangle with multiple lines drawn through it and asking his followers a seemingly simple question along with it: how many triangles do you see?
Say? pic.twitter.com/lrhXrWw5EP
- J (@jiteshpillaai) April 9, 2018
At first glance, the answer may appear easy to come by. Just count each individual triangle, then add up all the different combinations of the small triangles, and be sure to include the big overall shape - right? Well, the brain teaser actually left people pretty darn stumped, as the tweet was flooded with more than 700 comments with answers ranging from four to 45. If there was ever a perfectly appropriate occasion to use the infamous "confused lady" meme, it'd certainly be right now, because it accurately sums up how the internet felt while trying to figure this optical illusion out.
Image Source: Tenor
So, what the heck is the answer? Even though I staunchly thought it was nine, the correct answer is actually - drumroll, please - 18! Here's a visual explanation, in case you're having trouble wrapping your head around this.
- Neeraj✍️ (@Iam_Ineffable) April 9, 2018
Welp, looks like it's time to brush up on my math skills.
Refresh Your Commode With DIY Toilet Fizzies
Freshen things fast with toilet fizzies that clean and eliminate smells. And (ahem) this solution is much better than lighting a match. Personalize with your favorite scents and your bathroom will be the best-smelling spot in your home. Stash in a cute container on your commode and simply drop in a small fizzy when needed.
What You'll Need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup citric acid
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
- 15 to 20 drops essential oil
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons
- Spray bottle (optional)
Keep reading for the instructions!
Get to Know Fall's 8 Most Wearable Trends
If you're the type to shy away from new trends out of fear they're too eccentric, welcome Fall 2018 with open arms. Throughout Fashion Month, all we saw were familiar patterns, colors, coats, and layering tricks, perhaps just worn in new ways. The eight most prominent style statements are ones virtually anyone could pull off - and they're all ridiculously flattering, too. Brush up on the standout takeaways from the Spring 2018 season, then read our fresh report from start to finish and prepare for an eye-catching wardrobe this year that's actually remarkably comfortable.
Dirty Keto Might Sound Like a Great Idea, but Experts Say It's Not
It feels like we can't go a week, or even a detailed Facebook Newsfeed scrolling session, without hearing about someone's journey on the keto diet, a food plan where you consume a low amount of carbs and a high amount of fat so that your body goes into a state of ketosis, which helps you burn fat instead of the glucose from carbs.
"Keto is not a typical low-carb high-fat diet. It may cause your body to experience some amount of adaptation and chaos before becoming beneficial," says Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics. Plus, you've probably also heard of some of the side effects of keto, including the keto flu (where you experience fatigue, nausea, and headaches), bad breath, and dehydration. The alternative, which leads you to have some more flexibility on your eating: dirty keto.
"The difference between dirty keto and clean keto refers to the source of foods you eat on the ketogenic diet," says Dr. Luiza Petre, a board-certified cardiologist and weight-loss and management specialist. Dirty keto relies on macronutrient sources that are not of the healthiest origin, meaning processed foods, low in vegetables and fibers, explains Petre. On the clean or regular keto diet, you choose your macronutrients wisely from foods such as grass-fed organic meat, while limiting saturated fats and incorporating healthy fat sources such as avocado, olive oil, and nuts.
Before you give dirty keto a try, Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNC, a clinical nutritionist, says you must understand that dirty keto isn't really keto at all. "Will dirty keto technically help to keep you in ketosis? Maybe," says Axe. "Will you lose weight while eating crappy, albeit low-carb, foods? Possibly. Will dirty keto support a healthy body? Absolutely not." Axe says that restricting carbs doesn't mean you can eat crappy food instead of healthy options.
Is anyone a good candidate for the dirty keto diet? Petre explains that dirty keto might be an acceptable transitional stage for those used to eating junk food, who might find it difficult to make a dramatic 180-degree change. "Needless to say, a dirty keto would offset any benefits of the keto diet over the long-term, if a transition to a clean healthy keto diet does not occur," Petre adds.
This Triangle Brain Teaser Will Make You Want to Throw Your Computer Out the Damn Window
Another day, another baffling brain teaser that'll make you want to rip your freakin' hair out. This one hails from Twitter user @jiteshpillaai, who went viral on the social media site after sharing an illustration of a triangle with multiple lines drawn through it and asking his followers a seemingly simple question along with it: how many triangles do you see?
Say? pic.twitter.com/lrhXrWw5EP
- J (@jiteshpillaai) April 9, 2018
At first glance, the answer may appear easy to come by. Just count each individual triangle, then add up all the different combinations of the small triangles, and be sure to include the big overall shape - right? Well, the brain teaser actually left people pretty darn stumped, as the tweet was flooded with more than 700 comments with answers ranging from four to 45. If there was ever a perfectly appropriate occasion to use the infamous "confused lady" meme, it'd certainly be right now, because it accurately sums up how the internet felt while trying to figure this optical illusion out.
Image Source: Tenor
So, what the heck is the answer? Even though I staunchly thought it was nine, the correct answer is actually - drumroll, please - 18! Here's a visual explanation, in case you're having trouble wrapping your head around this.
- Neeraj✍️ (@Iam_Ineffable) April 9, 2018
Welp, looks like it's time to brush up on my math skills.
I Channeled Kendall Jenner - and Went Braless at Work
I hopped off the bus in Times Square and started to walk toward the office. That's when he saw me. He shook his head back and forth slowly as he stared down at my chest. "Why do you do that?" the man moaned loudly. Yes, seriously. I sped up into a walk-run, suddenly feeling extremely self-conscious.
I was wearing a sleeveless turtleneck in a fuzzy mustard-colored material so as to distract from my nipples as much as possible. Clearly, it wasn't really working. Plus, a bathroom selfie I had taken in the mirror that morning confirmed it was definitely easy to make out the shape of my boobs. But when I left the house, I had been comfortable. There were no bra straps to slip off my shoulders or underwire to adjust when it dug into my skin. Honestly, I kind of liked the look. I thought my outfit - the aforementioned turtleneck plus a denim skirt with a pair of sneakers - appeared effortless. I added a pair of gold hoop earrings too, which said "polished," but my nipples were just like "whatever." "Is this how it feels to dress like a French girl?" I wondered.
But you should know the reason I decided to ditch a bra in the first place. During a brainstorm with my coworkers, I came up with the idea as an "editor experiment" based on the fact that Kendall Jenner has been all about wearing sheer tops that expose her nipple ring and supermodel sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid have followed suit. (The Hadid sisters don't have nipple rings, but they do have nipples.) And even though these ladies are more well-endowed than I am, they seem very nonchalant about going braless. When I look at their street style shots, I want to put on an outfit that appears to be so easy. "So who's going to try it?" I challenged, looking around the room during our meeting. "Why don't you do it?" someone said. Right. I had unknowingly volunteered myself to go braless, and at that point, I couldn't turn back.
So there I was the next day in a black button-down cardigan - one I usually wear with my Victoria's Secret Bombshell push-up bra. But on this day, there was more of just a sag situation going on. I styled my sweater with cropped high-waisted denim, pointed-toe flats, and artsy earrings I always get compliments on. I wasn't trying to distract from my breasts, but I was, perhaps, trying to channel Audrey Hepburn.
"I can totally tell you're not wearing a bra," my mom blurted out at dinner on this night, as we sat around the table with my cousin who was visiting, my boyfriend (who probably doesn't love that I'm writing a Tale of Two Titties to be posted online), my sister, my grandma (who doesn't even remember where she keeps her bras or what they're for), and, oh yeah, my dad. "Yes, I guess that's the point." I said, again feeling sort of uncomfortable that everyone was now staring at my chest. We're a supercasual family, so it's not like this was such a big deal. But I guess I was surprised by how often people were taking note - even when I was wearing black.
I took a final stance on going braless when the weekend came, and I was able to style my "going out" outfits more easily. Since a night out to dinner with Bae called for a pretty little sundress with complicated bow straps, it felt like such a relief not to have to worry about the placement of stick-on boobs, or as some girls call them, "chicken cutlets." There was zero panic about those guys peeking out from the sides or the top of my dress, and no chance of them slipping down when I started to sweat (partly because it's Summer and partly because the Cioppino sauce was supposed to be spicy).
Later that night, I changed into a floral tube top that cinches into a bow at the front and would absolutely have revealed all different smidgens of my bra or bralette if I had attempted to wear one. I threw on the flirty top with cutoffs and sandals and danced the night away. It felt so easy! "This is it! I am French!" I thought to myself as I kicked it to "Despacito" at the bar. Some of the people I am friends with and spend time with on the weekend did notice I wasn't wearing a bra. Jokingly, they called me names like "Titties McGee," which felt a little bit demeaning to me, but in their defense, I told them all about my experiment, and they were very supportive.
All in all, going braless is far less manageable at the workplace. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable when I was sitting in meetings with the AC blasting and my nipples were the most excited things in the room. But going braless on the weekend? Now that I can get behind - I even think it looks more elegant to make the move with a fancy gown at a wedding. Because really, messing around with boob tape is never fun, and it can cause wardrobe malfunctions and straight-up inconvenience when you're just trying to enjoy the shrimp cocktail instead of having to run to the bathroom every five minutes.
That said, going braless isn't for everyone. There are women who truly need the support of a bra on an everyday basis, and luckily for them, the look is definitely more sleek, polished, and clean. Nevertheless, I don't mind a good fashion experiment every now and then. I could have done without the 8:30 a.m. comments from the man who interrupted my walk to work, but it did help me to draw conclusions about how I felt without a bra on. I do think going a full week without one helped me feel more confident in my own skin.
Not that bra size is of much importance to me, but as a 32A, I wouldn't mind being, like, one cup size bigger. It'd be nice to fill out a bodyhugging top with a plunging neckline, instead of swimming in the material or having to secure a safety pin behind my neck to hold things in place. And I'd love to wear one of those retro-style swimsuits with a half-moon cup and underwire that provides lift. Unfortunately, I don't really have much of anything to "lift." Even so, my boobs became more visible to me during the week I went braless. As soon as I took off my shirt at the end of the day, there they were!
I discovered the natural shape of my boobs, too, because I was always staring right at them when I looked in the mirror. It turns out my boobs aren't perfect minicircles, as they appear to be when I'm wearing a bra. Without a bra, I had to support my own breasts, and I did this by wearing my head high and shrugging off the double takes and widened eyes of the people I passed on the street. I did this by paying attention to my posture. Instead of slouching, I stood up straight. Instead of hunching over at my desk, I perked my head up and rolled my shoulders back. The whole week was a sort of lesson in poise for me, and I'm proud of myself for sticking through it. I'm proud of my boobs, too.
Wow! Ariana Grande Belts It Out With James Corden During Their Carpool Karaoke
It's impossible to avoid being wowed by Ariana Grande and her vocal chops. Days after her incredible Titanic performance on The Late Late Show, the 25-year-old singer buckled up for Carpool Karaoke with James Corden, and thanks to the full video released on Aug. 15, we're floored once again by her natural talent. It looks like the duo had the time of their lives filming together, as Ariana taught James a thing or two about singing, and he returned the favor by carrying her on his back into Starbucks. She'll take one soy latte please - and make it a "grande," naturally.
When the two weren't cracking up together, they ran through some of Ariana's most popular songs like "Side to Side" and the newly released "God Is a Woman." After the video aired, Ariana tweeted at James and said their time together was "the most fun ever." Fingers crossed they team up again in the future, with even more songs from her upcoming album Sweetener!
Articles
