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.
samedi 15 septembre 2018
The Debilitating Anxiety Symptom No One Ever Talks About
Until only recently, I kept a big aspect of my anxiety hidden from the world because I was deathly afraid of the consequences I would suffer if I talked about it. I was already fearful of the judgment I may experience from opening up about my anxiety, but this was huge. What if people thought I was actually crazy? The anxiety of this backlash made me feel physically ill, and I felt like there was no one I could turn to who would understand.
I'm talking about intrusive thoughts, which the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland says "become obsessive, provoke fear and shame, and often lead to doubts about sanity, control, motives, character and safety." They're common in those struggling with general anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
A majority of my life has been spent dealing with anxiety, so as long as I can remember, this symptom has always affected me. I never understood why frightening images and scenarios would pop into my head, leaving me anxious and scared. I didn't know I was experiencing intrusive thoughts or why they were disrupting my reality.
People who suffer from anxiety often experience these episodes, during which they see an alarming event playing out in their head. These intrusive thoughts are frightening scenarios we create, causing us to think of harmful things we might do to ourselves or people we love.
The thing is, though, we would never act on these thoughts, and we know that, but we feel the fear as if they are really happening, and they make us incredibly uncomfortable. These thoughts are an automatic reaction and completely out of our control. Our brains become a movie reel of thoughts and actions we play out in our mind, and we can't look away.
When I was a kid, these intrusive thoughts came in the form of monsters, like the ones you see in movies. Despite knowing monsters didn't exist, they came alive in my mind and gave me physical symptoms of fear. Sometimes it would get to be too much, and I would hide under my covers and cry at night. I knew in my mind nothing could hurt me because there was physically nothing there, but I couldn't understand why these images haunted me.
I just wanted to get to my destination, but these thoughts would keep running through my mind, and I couldn't stop them.
As I gained more life experiences, my intrusive thoughts developed into other fears. Now that I was older, these thoughts turned into new scenarios, ones that felt more real. For example, when I started driving, I'd see myself veering off the road, hitting a side rail, flying off a ledge, or running head-on into a semi. I didn't really want to do any of these things. I just wanted to get to my destination, but these thoughts would keep running through my mind, and I couldn't stop them.
I've learned that these intrusive thoughts are our brain's coping mechanism for fear. They distract us from the anxiety we are feeling in real life with a fictitious event we can focus on instead. This is your brain's way of trying to help you with the anxiety you're experiencing in real life. It's as if your brain is telling you, "Look, I know you're afraid, but it could be worse, so whatever is going on isn't that bad."
Believe it or not, my childhood monsters have followed me into adulthood, and I still see them when I get anxious. Because I've been experiencing them for so long, I've mostly become numb to their effects. However, I do pay attention when these intrusive thoughts surface, as it's an indication that my anxiety is off the charts and I need to stop and assess myself.
I've opened up about it to only a few of my closest friends; one has anxiety and confirmed that she herself experiences the same thing. She thought she was crazy, like me, and didn't dare tell a soul for fear of judgment and ridicule. It was relieving to both her and me that we were not alone.
I want those who don't experience intrusive thoughts to know this is not something to be alarmed about. We are in no way looking to hurt ourselves or anyone else; we are just trying to cope with our anxiety. If someone close to you experiences these intrusive thoughts, just love and support them. That understanding will help ease the anxiety we feel from even having these thoughts. Know, though, that this is not a problem you can solve; this is a process that we will go through regardless.
If you struggle with intrusive thoughts, share them. The more we share these experiences, the better we can understand ourselves and others and the more we can help one another. Know you are not alone and you are not crazy.
For resources and information about intrusive thoughts, please visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
This Is How You Should Refuel Your Muscles After a Workout, According to a Sports Dietitian
How many times have you been at the end of a workout class and heard your instructor tell you to refuel your body with protein within a couple of hours after the class is finished? It's a popular phrase touted by trainers and fitness professionals, and it's true that protein is important to repair muscles, ultimately aiding in muscle growth.
But many people neglect another important macronutrient for your muscles: carbs. While carbs have gotten a bad rap, especially when it comes to losing weight and getting in shape, they can actually help fuel your muscles. That's because your body relies on glycogen (which is created from carbs and stored in you muscles, liver, and brain) to fuel muscles and workouts.
"During workouts, the body relies and depends on muscle glycogen," Jim White, RDN, ACSM, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, told POPSUGAR. "Having low levels of muscle glycogen . . . would negatively affect performance for high-intensity exercise." Not only can carbs help fuel your workout, but they help repair muscle tissue after exercise in a process called "muscle glycogen resynthesis."
The Refuel Formula
So when you're recovering form your workouts, it's important to eat carbohydrates, too - you need to replace the glycogen that you used in your last workout. Ideally, after a moderate to intense workout, you would be eating a combination of protein and carbs to fuel your muscles and replenish glycogen stores. If you're looking to put on muscle, Jim recommends eating a macro breakdown of 55 percent carbs, 25 percent protein, and 20 percent fat.
So throw some fruit into your protein smoothie, grab an apple and peanut butter, or snack on low-fat cheese and whole wheat crackers - the possibilities for post-workout snacks are endless.
Behold: The 10 Best Long-Sleeve Workout Tops You Can Buy
We still may be sweating out the last days of Summer, but as colder temperatures start to approach, we're already thinking about how to continue our workouts outside. This season, you can stay warm by investing in a few new workout pieces that are great for outdoor exercising. We rounded up a list of comfortable long-sleeve tops that will help regulate your temperature during your upcoming sweat sessions. Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.
I Do CrossFit and These Are the 14 Low-Carb, High-Protein Foods I Can't Live Without
If you eat a plant-based diet like me, which tends to be rich in high-carb foods like beans, whole grains, fruit, potatoes, and whole wheat bread and pasta, the idea of going low-carb can seem near impossible. The concern is: how will you get enough protein? Fortunately, there are tons of low-carb protein sources, including the ones ahead, all of which have under 10 grams of carbs.
How to Treat the Itchy, Pimply Rash That Can Come With the Keto Diet
The ketogenic diet can be tough - cutting carbs is difficult enough, and then there are the side effects. While you're on your way to achieving whatever goals you've set for yourself, you may develop prurigo pigmentosa, commonly referred to by diet enthusiasts as "keto rash."
"Prurigo pigmentosa was first described in 1971 and is a fairly rare disorder, especially in the United States," Dr. Sarah Beth Corley, MD, MS, FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told POPSUGAR. "Although it may be that it is either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness of the condition in the Western hemisphere."
What Causes Prurigo Pigmentosa?
While the cause of the disease remains unclear, it has been linked with ketosis. "Ketosis associated with dieting or fasting has been thought to play a role in the etiology of prurigo pigmentosa by some authors," Dr. Corley said. "While these reports seem supportive of the hypothesis that the two are related, overall most patients with the disease have no association with ketosis."
A 2015 study noted that the disease is twice as common in girls and women, with the median age of onset being 25 years. The case study involved a 17-year-old white male who was diagnosed with prurigo pigmentosa after strict adherence to a ketogenic diet for a year. When he began eating more carbs (and taking an antibiotic), the rash reduced dramatically within one week.
Still, doctors have yet to determine a cause, and Dr. Corley says the rash can't be prevented.
How to Spot the Symptoms and Find Relief
"Early on, [prurigo pigmentosa] manifests with symmetrical itchy red bumps that form a net-like pattern, particularly on the back of the neck, midback, over the collarbones, and midchest," Dr. Corley said. The bumps are less likely to show up on the lower back, shoulders, and abdomen.
"Later in the course of the rash, the itchy red bumps subside. However, the person is left with dark areas in the same net-like pattern as the bumps, called hyperpigmentation," she continued. "The itchy red bumps can then begin to appear again, which makes it frustrating, as it is cyclical in nature."
If you have prurigo pigmentosa, and you're on the keto diet, a study published in the Hawai'i Journal of Medicine & Public Health suggests that the rash may not go away with changes to your diet, unless you're willing to sacrifice ketosis. If you're not, you may need to consider treatment with medication.
A board-certified dermatologist - which you can find by searching the American Academy of Dermatology's directory - may prescribe an antibiotic to clear the rash. "Minocycline, doxycycline, and dapsone are the most commonly used medications as they have been successful in clearing the eruption," Dr. Corley said. "Once the medication has been initiated, rapid improvement is typically seen with clearance of the red bumps occurring over several days to weeks."
She added that, unfortunately, even after the bumps heal, the net-like hyperpigmentation will persist.
This Is Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Don't Take a Rest Day
If you're someone who has a hard time giving yourself a break, and you've been skipping rest days, then listen up: while we admire your dedication, skipping your recovery is doing you more harm than you think. After all, rest days are when your body actually builds the muscle you've been working so hard to create.
We wanted to find out exactly what happens to your body when you train too hard, so we talked to Michelle Opperman, director of group fitness for Crunch, and Jan Milano, CSCS and sports performance coach at DIAKADI. Did you know the effects can be so severe physiologically and psychologically that there's a name for it? It's called "Overtraining Syndrome."
Want to know what Overtraining Syndrome looks like? Here's what happens to your body when you don't take time to recover from intense exercise (or endurance events!):
- Glycogen stores are depleted. Opperman and Milano both noted that your glycogen decreases. Glycogen is your body's energy source, and not something you want to eliminate. Milano says "decreased glycogen may contribute to the lowered lactate responses," meaning your muscles fatigue more quickly.
- Corticosteroids increase. We know that cortisone and cortisol (stress hormones) are not good for weight loss, and even add to belly-fat retention. Milano told us that these elevated levels also depress the immune system by inhibiting the reaction of lymphocytes to antigens (basically, the fighter cells can't fight the bad invader cells). So overtraining equals a higher likelihood of getting sick.
- Your heart goes into overdrive. "Both resting heart rate and submaximal exercise heart rate are increased," said Milano. Be nice to your heart. Take a breather.
- Your performance suffers. Opperman told us that when sufficient rest is not included in a training program, your ability to perform (i.e., continue training, growing muscle, getting stronger) plateaus or declines, because your muscles literally cannot recover and regenerate. So things just get worse and worse.
- You'll lose muscle mass. Consistent breakdown + no recovery = bye, muscles. That's the opposite of what you're trying to do, right?
- You'll feel AWFUL. The tiny tears in your muscles cannot heal, which results in inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. Opperman says the feeling will "become extreme, lasting for days." She also noted that you'll feel physically exhausted for an extended period as well, which could make it hard for you to perform your day to day functions.
- It messes with your mind. Muscular fatigue is not the only thing Opperman and Milano warned about. The fatigue and distress extend psychologically, and Milano noted that you'll notice mental changes before physical ones. "Decreased vigor, motivation, and confidence; raised tension, depression, and anger accompany an individual's recovery," said Milano.
Do yourself a favor. Go to yoga, don't skip savasana, do your cooldowns, and take a day off to recover. Need some pointers? Make sure you keep our recovery checklist handy, or try any of these recovery essentials.
Pumpkin Spice Treats, Snacks, and More You Can Eat on the Keto Diet
If you're following the keto diet, the low-carb, high-fat diet that's helped countless people lose weight, then you may feel like you're missing out on pumpkin spice season. All of the delicious treats of the season, such as pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin spice muffins, are packed with sugar and carbs, meaning they're off-limits for keto dieters.
The good news is there are plenty of other snacks and treats that have all the best flavors of the season, but you can still enjoy on the keto diet. Take a look at our list of pumpkin spice foods you can order for yourself and indulge in guilt-free. Note: these pair nicely with a blanket scarf and puffy vest.
The 50 Best Moves to Strengthen and Chisel Your Core (Plus a Bonus 10-Minute Workout Video!)
Before you read another word, bookmark this page! It's the ultimate guide to the best ab moves, including both bodyweight moves and exercises that use equipment like dumbbells, medicine balls, and even towels. Mix and match the moves you like to create your own ab workout, and be sure to use a variety of exercises that target all areas of your core.
6 Dangers of the Keto Diet, According to Experts
The keto diet has officially dethroned all other diets when it comes to popularity, and chances are at least one (or five) of your friends has given it a try. But keto is a bit controversial - some nutritionists say it should be avoided at all costs, while others point out that it's a highly effective way to shed pounds. It's indisputable that the keto diet is an extreme one: it's designed to mimic starvation, cutting carbs and upping your intake of fat, and thereby cause the body to go into the metabolic state known as ketosis.
If you've been considering trying the keto diet, it's important to be aware of its potential dangers - especially because it can have adverse effects on people with certain medical conditions. According to experts, these are the risks associated with the keto diet.
Related: Is It Safe to Always Be in Ketosis? Here's What the Experts Say
I Consumed Fresh Ginger Every Day For 1 Week, and These Were the Results
I've always loved the flavor of ginger. Spicy and pungent, it is delicious in tea form and almost completely cuts the bitterness of vegetables in fresh juices and smoothies (adding ginger is basically the only way I can stomach beets in my juices). And while I've always known it's frequently used to aid digestion, I will humbly admit I had no idea the spice boasts such a sprawling list of medicinal benefits. The experts say ginger root is a stellar anti-inflammatory, improves heart health, eases nausea and motion sickness, helps expel free radicals from the body, and is even linked with lowering cholesterol.
If this spicy root has this much power, I just had to test it out. I decided to consume fresh ginger every day for seven days. While there are many ways to consume it, I opted to head straight to my juicer each morning for a ginger and lemon shot and continued my ritual with a cup of homemade ginger tea at night. Whipping up the tea is easy; you simply pour a cup of boiling water over a hunk of raw ginger and let it sit for a few minutes.
Related: Why You Should Add Ginger to Your Diet ASAP
I almost immediately noticed its digestive powers.
I'll be totally candid here: when it comes to bathroom habits, I've never been regular. Switching to a healthier diet certainly helped (healthier meaning I will never give up cheese), but even my favorite cruciferous vegetables can be triggers for cases of all-day bloating. The effect of fresh ginger was quick - by the third day, I was going to the bathroom at the same time every morning like clockwork. I also noticed a significant reduction in after-dinner bloating when finishing my meal (broccoli and all!) with a cup of ginger tea.
It eased my muscle pain post-workout.
I'm a huge advocate of the benefits of weight training for women, and I tend to push myself pretty hard in the gym. By midweek, I noticed that my onset soreness, while still present, felt noticeably milder than usual. I'm a firm believer in utilizing all-natural remedies in lieu of medication whenever possible. I use peppermint oil for headaches and drink raw honey when I have a sore throat. But for my workouts, I typically take two anti-inflammatory pills each morning to help ease the pain, and I can totally get behind the idea of drinking ginger instead.
Related: I Drank Ginger Tea Every Day For 1 Week to Stay Warm, and These Were the Results
I craved my evening tea.
Even for someone who loves the flavor, my morning shot was a tad too pungent for my taste. My juicer recommended adding other spices like turmeric, and in the future, I would, but I wanted to give this an accurate evaluation. But my homemade tea? Now that was a little treat I looked forward to each evening. In fact, as an added benefit, it even helped cut any late-night snack cravings.
Will I keep going?
While I'm not sure I will continue taking it in pure shot form, I definitely plan on ending my days with the tea. I couldn't believe how simple (and, frankly, how cheap) it was to make each evening, considering the holistic benefits I felt almost immediately. As I mentioned, drinking it right before bed reduced my urge to reach for a midnight snack, and if the small but mighty root continues to help my digestion and reduce post-workout pain, count me in. It might be summertime, but I can't wait to enjoy the scratch-made ginger tea in the colder months (with a little honey. . . maybe even bourbon, too).
An Expert's Guide to Intermittent Fasting For Beginners
There are a lot of diet options out there, but don't despair if you haven't found the right one for your lifestyle. Instead, consider giving intermittent fasting a try. I get it - if you're anything like me, the mere mention of fasting may send you running in the opposite direction, but I quickly turned around when I learned that intermittent fasting isn't synonymous with going hungry. Instead, the practice involves shifting when you consume your calories.
"The goal of intermittent fasting is not to decrease calories," says Sunny Brigham, MS, CNS. "You should still consume the same amount of calories, just in a smaller period of time throughout the day. Many people do it wrong by reducing calories while fasting."
Ready to get started? We've got you covered. Here's how to incorporate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle.
Stretch, Recover, Relax: This Is How to Handle a Rest Day
tBest news ever! If you want to get stronger, you have to rest. Your muscles need time to repair themselves; this is when the strengthening actually happens. Stretching your worked muscles is really important on your chill days. Take 15 to 20 minutes to give your hard working body some TLC with this full-body stretching routine.
Here's the full routine, and do click here for a printable PDF of this stretching plan. Keep on reading for detailed explanations of each stretch.
White Chocolate Peanut M&M's Are Finally on Shelves, So Cue the Happy Tears
Classic chocolate M&M's will always reign supreme, but white chocolate fans are finally getting their moment. A new addition to the M&M's family, White Chocolate Peanut, is officially on shelves as of Sept. 14. Back in May, M&M's announced plans for the new flavor, and we've been waiting (not so patiently) for the arrival. Regular White Chocolate M&M's were introduced for the first time ever last year, and the new peanut version is the next glorious option. There's never a dull moment in the M&M's world - look out for a peanut flavor contest in 2019 that includes jalapeño and coconut.
Anthropologie's Holiday Decor Is Here, and We Want Every Cozy, Decadent Piece
Wave farewell to your savings, because Anthropologie has released holiday decor, and it's so damn whimsical and cozy we are losing our minds. From hand-blown embellished glass ornaments inspired by mermaids and cotton candy to luxurious faux fur stockings and tree skirts, Anthro is here to make your home a glistening Winter wonderland. It's a hygge holiday dream come true. See every single sequined, feathered, tasseled, and felted item ahead, and don't be surprised if you start humming Christmas carols under your breath.
50 States of Quirky Town Names
The United States is an interesting place, to say the least. With such a huge variety of people and culture and history, it's no wonder there's also a huge variety of interesting city names as well. Sure, you have the run-of-the-mill names like New York, but did you know there's a town in Utah called Virgin? Or a place in Georgia called Butts County? Those do indeed exist. For even more quirky city names, keep reading.
FYI, Amazon Has a Section Filled With Disney Halloween Goodies!
Do you love Disney? Do you love Halloween? If so, you'll need to have a seat, because we have some excellent news. We just discovered that Amazon offers all sorts of cool Disney Halloween products. Whether you need decor or something to wear, it truly has it all. We rounded up the best options you need to check out, so shop through them all and get ready for the best holiday of the year!
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!
OMG! There's a New Delicious Way to Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix at Disneyland
When it comes to Fall treats, Disneyland is not holding back this year, and if you're a pumpkin spice fan, run, don't walk to the Anaheim theme park. In addition to the pumpkin spice funnel cake fries, pumpkin spice Mickey beignets, and pumpkin spice churros, there is now a pumpkin spice milkshake - I repeat, a pumpkin spice milkshake - and we're here to give you the delicious details.
The shake is drizzled inside-out with caramel sauce and topped with a heaping pile of whipped cream, graham crackers, and pumpkin spice sugar. Because I'm not a huge fan of pumpkin spice, I had my friend Heather, a pumpkin spice aficionado, taste it as well and share her review. (Spoiler: she loved it.)
"It tasted like a pumpkin s'more," was her assessment. "There definitely wasn't any 'spice' to it. No cinnamon or nutmeg. More pumpkin, toasted marshmallow, and caramel flavors." She added that she thinks the graham crackers were what gave her a "cozy Fall campfire treat vibe." Her pro tip? Have napkins ready, because this seasonal treat gets messy!
You can pick up the pumpkin spice shake at Flo's V8 Café in Disney California Adventure for $6. The reusable light-up tire jack-o'-lantern straw (made from actual rubber tire tread!) is an additional $6 and can also be purchased at the Cozy Cone Motel. Drool over more photos of this ooey, gooey delight ahead!
13 Instant Pot Steak Recipes For Hungry Carnivores
I don't eat a lot of meat, but every so often, I just get in one of those moods where all I want to eat is some steak or ribs or a slab of beef. Generally speaking, I also don't want to wait around forever dealing with cooking it, which is where the Instant Pot comes in. You can make a variety of steak, beef, and rib recipes right in this fancy gadget, and it's simple and pretty quick.
If you're hungry for tacos or maybe a meaty pasta dish or just some straight-up ribs, we have some delicious options for you to choose from for your next dinner. Scroll through for 13 meaty ideas, but check out our vegetarian options if meat isn't your thing.
12 Good Travel Habits You Should Develop ASAP
You live and you learn - and same goes for travel. The more you do it, the more you realize mistakes you've been making and ways to make travel much easier the next time you do it. In order to save yourself money, stress, and more, develop these 12 travel habits to use for your future trips. You'll wonder how you ever traveled without practicing these routines before and during your adventures.
50 States of Quirky Town Names
The United States is an interesting place, to say the least. With such a huge variety of people and culture and history, it's no wonder there's also a huge variety of interesting city names as well. Sure, you have the run-of-the-mill names like New York, but did you know there's a town in Utah called Virgin? Or a place in Georgia called Butts County? Those do indeed exist. For even more quirky city names, keep reading.
Break the Internet With These 50+ Clever Costumes
If it were up to us, no one would need an excuse to dress up in their favorite geeky garb. But the way we see it, Halloween is the perfect chance to go all out and blow everyone else's regular ol' costumes out of the water. Maybe you're looking to dress as a Star Wars character or your favorite comic personality or a hilarious Internet cat - or maybe you're still undecided. Either way, you'll find all the inspiration you need right here.
- Additional reporting by Ann-Marie Alcántara
How Camilla Luddington's Role on Grey's Anatomy Inspired Her Tomb Raider Character
Image Source: Getty / Desiree Navarro
Shadow of the Tomb Raider marks Camilla Luddington's third time voicing the iconic character, and this time, we might just be getting the most realistic iteration yet. The game, which hits stores on Sept. 14, takes place a couple of months after the events of Rise of the Tomb Raider and has Lara Croft fighting her way through Mesoamerica and South America. But the remarkable thing about this installment is not that the fate of the world is at stake. This time, we're diving deeper into the psyche of Lara herself - we're seeing her grief, second thoughts, and doubts manifest on screen.
Ahead of the newest game's release, I sat down with Camilla to discuss her work as Lara. It turns out, the Grey's Anatomy actress has taken quite a bit of inspiration from the character. Lara Croft's specific brand of badassery has all kinds of real-life applications, from gym motivation to making big life decisions. Check out what Camilla had to say - there's even a connection to her Grey's character, Jo Wilson!
Image Source: Square Enix
POPSUGAR: What has it been like slipping into such an iconic character?
Camilla Luddington: So, back in 2010 - it was a long time ago - I got the call for the first game. And I remember it because I had gone in for an audition, and they didn't tell me that it was Tomb Raider or Lara Croft. The game had a code name, "Cryptids," and the character was Sarah. So when I got the call that I had gotten Tomb Raider, I literally screamed. I was so excited, because growing up, she was really the only iconic female lead in a video game that I knew of. So, I just remember thinking it was such an honor that I got to jump in the boots of Lara Croft and put my own spin on it and be part of the reboot.
PS: And going into it, what was that spin you wanted to put on her?
CL: Well, I think what was so exciting is that the initial conversation, which I believe that you can kind of see came to fruition with all three games, is that they wanted to make her much more realistic. And they wanted her to experience self-doubt, and loss, and all those things. And so she was a much more complicated character, I felt. And that, as an actress, I think is really revealing.
PS: I mean, I was even just seeing in the trailer for this one, there's a lot of tenderness and uncertainty in her character. Has this experience been different from the previous two?
CL: I think the stakes are higher, because the entire world is at risk. I think because of that, emotionally and physically, she's kind of pushed to her limit. And also, in this game, something I really enjoyed was her relationship with Joanna really grows. She sort of ends up being her Jiminy Cricket and telling her that she needs to look in the mirror and sort of see the damage she's causing and those moments are very intimate. And they're probably some of the most intimate moments we have in the game.
Image Source: Square Enix
PS: Do you think your work as Lara has influenced your other work, or even your real-life attitude in any sort of way?
CL: Yeah. I mean, I think that she's such a badass that - this probably sounds ridiculous, but when I'm working out, I literally think, "You're Tomb Raider. [laughs] You're Lara Croft." You know? "You can do another sit-up." . . . I'm like, "Come on. You're Lara Croft." So, yeah, there are moments where it kind of spills into my life.
PS: Are there ways Lara has crept into your other roles? Like even on Grey's Anatomy?
CL: That's so interesting. Yeah, on my days off on Grey's, I go in and shoot Tomb Raider, so there is literally a back-and-forth that does happen. It was interesting to me that there's a lot of Jo - Jo didn't grow up with her parents, so there's a lot of question about a lot of pain in her past, and not having that stability of what it is to have parents around her. And, of course, Lara deals with the pain, and mourning, and loss of her own parents. And so there is a similarity of them both being survivors in their own world, even if they're completely different worlds. And they both have a lot of drive. And so, yeah, there are some similarities in the characters.
PS: And what about when you're done? Do you have moments while acting that inspire you in real life?
CL: It's so funny because, at the end of the game, Lara makes a decision. And for me, personally, in my own life, it was a decision I had to ask myself: "If I was in this position, what would I do?" And I think that's what made this scene extremely challenging for me, too. Because I have sort of a similar past to Lara in that I lost a parent when I was younger. And it was an "aha" moment in a way for me, because I'd never thought if I was really in this position, what would I do? And it was interesting to question myself.
How to Create a Wedding Hashtag No One Else Will Have
There are some brides who ask guests to unplug at their wedding and some who ask guests to go all out with the photo snapping and sharing. If you're the second type of bride, you're probably already brainstorming your wedding hashtag - you know, the one phrase that guests will use on Instagram and Twitter to round up pictures of your big day.
"Hashtags are such a fun way to see all the photos from your big day that your guests took!" says Kari Dirksen, founder and lead planner of Feathered Arrow Events. "You can't be everywhere at once, so it's a great way to see everything that happened throughout the evening and reminisce on the day. I always tell clients to think of something fun and unique that combines your names in some way."
Instead of the more standard conventions you've probably seen all over the place, we bring you unique, creative ideas you haven't thought of. Of course, replace them with your own names, initials, wedding locations, and such to make them special to your big day. We're also sharing examples of how to incorporate the hashtags in your decor and signage so that your guests are all using the same one and using it for all their social snaps.
What's the best one you've seen? Let us know!
This Glitter-Filled Wedding Had Such a Sweet Surprise For the Color-Blind Groom
Mark and Darin's intimate wedding was filled with love and glitter. Their closest friends and family got to witness their union and an incredibly heartwarming moment before exchanging rings. Since Mark is color blind, Darin gave him a special pair of glasses in the middle of their ceremony that allowed him to see color for the very first time. It made their nuptials even more memorable as all the guests got to share that sweet reveal with them. And on top of that, the pair performed an amazing dance routine that blew everyone away.
See their photos!
Each Table at This Harry Potter Wedding Reception Is Based on a Hogwarts House!
A little Disney can take any wedding to the next level, but a Harry Potter wedding? Now that's magical. This DIY reception somehow incorporated J.K. Rowling's series without being corny in the least bit. The bride even got a lightning bolt tattoo on the back of her neck at her bachelorette party! See the gorgeous photos ahead.
20 Sexy Movies Hitting Theaters in 2018
It looks like 2018 is shaping up to be a year full of sexy, confident assassins and hot romances in movies. From Red Sparrow to A Star Is Born, we've compiled a list of the steamiest films out this year. These movies will make your body shiver with anticipation with their lurid plots and beautiful casts.
7 Totally Valid Reasons to Consider Not Having Bridesmaids on Your Big Day
When my now-husband and I were just a recently engaged couple, we started our planning process by hashing out how we'd each describe our ideal wedding day. Words like "laid-back" and "modern" came up a lot (can you tell we're millennials?), and we agreed that we both wanted the experience to be as stress-free as possible. For us, it was clear that the tradition of including bridesmaids and groomsmen wouldn't fit into the picture we envisioned.
Some friends and family were initially surprised by our decision to skip out on having a wedding party, but we look back at it as one of the best choices we made about our day. Not having to pick out bridesmaids and groomsmen saved us major stress, spared our friends of any potential hurt feelings, and ultimately helped us to create a wedding that felt decidedly low-key. If you and your partner are also on the fence about having a wedding party, read on for some damn good reasons (if I do say so myself!) to consider going without one.
12 Good Travel Habits You Should Develop ASAP
You live and you learn - and same goes for travel. The more you do it, the more you realize mistakes you've been making and ways to make travel much easier the next time you do it. In order to save yourself money, stress, and more, develop these 12 travel habits to use for your future trips. You'll wonder how you ever traveled without practicing these routines before and during your adventures.
White Chocolate Peanut M&M's Are Finally on Shelves, So Cue the Happy Tears
Classic chocolate M&M's will always reign supreme, but white chocolate fans are finally getting their moment. A new addition to the M&M's family, White Chocolate Peanut, is officially on shelves as of Sept. 14. Back in May, M&M's announced plans for the new flavor, and we've been waiting (not so patiently) for the arrival. Regular White Chocolate M&M's were introduced for the first time ever last year, and the new peanut version is the next glorious option. There's never a dull moment in the M&M's world - look out for a peanut flavor contest in 2019 that includes jalapeño and coconut.
Anthropologie's Holiday Decor Is Here, and We Want Every Cozy, Decadent Piece
Wave farewell to your savings, because Anthropologie has released holiday decor, and it's so damn whimsical and cozy we are losing our minds. From hand-blown embellished glass ornaments inspired by mermaids and cotton candy to luxurious faux fur stockings and tree skirts, Anthro is here to make your home a glistening Winter wonderland. It's a hygge holiday dream come true. See every single sequined, feathered, tasseled, and felted item ahead, and don't be surprised if you start humming Christmas carols under your breath.
50 States of Quirky Town Names
The United States is an interesting place, to say the least. With such a huge variety of people and culture and history, it's no wonder there's also a huge variety of interesting city names as well. Sure, you have the run-of-the-mill names like New York, but did you know there's a town in Utah called Virgin? Or a place in Georgia called Butts County? Those do indeed exist. For even more quirky city names, keep reading.
FYI, Amazon Has a Section Filled With Disney Halloween Goodies!
Do you love Disney? Do you love Halloween? If so, you'll need to have a seat, because we have some excellent news. We just discovered that Amazon offers all sorts of cool Disney Halloween products. Whether you need decor or something to wear, it truly has it all. We rounded up the best options you need to check out, so shop through them all and get ready for the best holiday of the year!
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!
OMG! There's a New Delicious Way to Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix at Disneyland
When it comes to Fall treats, Disneyland is not holding back this year, and if you're a pumpkin spice fan, run, don't walk to the Anaheim theme park. In addition to the pumpkin spice funnel cake fries, pumpkin spice Mickey beignets, and pumpkin spice churros, there is now a pumpkin spice milkshake - I repeat, a pumpkin spice milkshake - and we're here to give you the delicious details.
The shake is drizzled inside-out with caramel sauce and topped with a heaping pile of whipped cream, graham crackers, and pumpkin spice sugar. Because I'm not a huge fan of pumpkin spice, I had my friend Heather, a pumpkin spice aficionado, taste it as well and share her review. (Spoiler: she loved it.)
"It tasted like a pumpkin s'more," was her assessment. "There definitely wasn't any 'spice' to it. No cinnamon or nutmeg. More pumpkin, toasted marshmallow, and caramel flavors." She added that she thinks the graham crackers were what gave her a "cozy Fall campfire treat vibe." Her pro tip? Have napkins ready, because this seasonal treat gets messy!
You can pick up the pumpkin spice shake at Flo's V8 Café in Disney California Adventure for $6. The reusable light-up tire jack-o'-lantern straw (made from actual rubber tire tread!) is an additional $6 and can also be purchased at the Cozy Cone Motel. Drool over more photos of this ooey, gooey delight ahead!
13 Instant Pot Steak Recipes For Hungry Carnivores
I don't eat a lot of meat, but every so often, I just get in one of those moods where all I want to eat is some steak or ribs or a slab of beef. Generally speaking, I also don't want to wait around forever dealing with cooking it, which is where the Instant Pot comes in. You can make a variety of steak, beef, and rib recipes right in this fancy gadget, and it's simple and pretty quick.
If you're hungry for tacos or maybe a meaty pasta dish or just some straight-up ribs, we have some delicious options for you to choose from for your next dinner. Scroll through for 13 meaty ideas, but check out our vegetarian options if meat isn't your thing.
12 Good Travel Habits You Should Develop ASAP
You live and you learn - and same goes for travel. The more you do it, the more you realize mistakes you've been making and ways to make travel much easier the next time you do it. In order to save yourself money, stress, and more, develop these 12 travel habits to use for your future trips. You'll wonder how you ever traveled without practicing these routines before and during your adventures.
Has the "Vampire Facial" Officially Gone Too Far?
"There will be blood" sounds more like something Count Dracula would promise his guests at dinner than the basis of a popular facial treatment, but alas, it's 2018, and the world of skincare has taken a grisly turn.
But is the buzzy, nonsurgical procedure known as the "vampire facial" - which requires drawing the customer's blood, extracting the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and then injecting it back into the face via microneedling - potentially dangerous? The short answer: maybe.
As CBS News reports, the New Mexico Department of Health has recommended that anyone who has gotten the facial at VIP Spa in Albuquerque, NM, get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C immediately. This comes after an inspections report on Sept. 7, in which officials revealed that the service could have put people at risk of these infections, especially if they got the treatment in May or June. (The VIP Spa has since closed. We were unable to get in touch with the owner for comment.)
"We undertook the inspection because a client of the VIP Spa developed an infection that may have resulted from a procedure performed at the spa," New Mexico epidemiologist Dr. Michael Landen told CBS affiliate KRQE.
While there is promising research behind PRP, with evidence showing that it can speed up skin healing and boost collagen production, this news sheds light on an important, often overlooked problem: it's finding a licensed professional to inject the stuff that is key.
Ideally, you want to find a physician who has a board certification to perform the types of procedures that involve needles or blood (or scalpels or syringes). Medispas might sound like they're all cucumber water and candles, but great skin will never be worth contracting a blood-borne infection.
Charlotte Tilbury Is Now Sold at Sephora - Shop These 10 Legendary Products
True makeup lovers appreciate that Charlotte Tilbury is known for creating luxe, glamorous products that make everyone feel like a star. From creamy lipsticks to shimmery eye shadow palettes, the brand provides everything you need for a red-carpet worthy look. Good news - Charlotte Tilbury is now sold at Sephora. If you want to rack up those Beauty Insider points, shop these 10 popular essentials.
These Are the Best Natural Beauty Products You Can Find on Amazon
Natural beauty is now more accessible than ever. There are so many products available on Amazon, which means you can discover and try out the latest goodies ASAP, thanks to speedy Prime shipping. If you tend to prefer healthy, chemical-free ingredients in your cosmetics, the picks ahead actually work wonders. Just keep reading to shop our favorites.
12 Curly Hair Hacks That Will Completely Change Your Life
Having curly hair brings me such joy. The springy ringlets are indicative of my large personality, but I didn't always know how to care for my coils. About eight years ago, I was clueless about all the unwritten rules (like no more shampoo, brushes, or towels.) And the commandments vary by hair type, too. A woman with waves can't live by the same hacks that I rely on day to day for my Afro-texture hair.
That's why we've called in the curly hair experts from Devachan Salon in NYC to create a beginner's bible to curls. Stylist Eladia Lebron gave three curly editors a makeover, while divulging her best tips for every hair type. This comprehensive guide explains everything from applying conditioner to pineappling (which is an overnight curly girl trick). Get ready to achieve the best hair of your life - no hot tools required.
Blake Lively Knows How to Wear a Braid - Here's Proof
Blake Lively's hair is always something people look at when she steps onto the red carpet, eagerly anticipating what look she'll try next. While she's consistently experimenting with her color, there's one hairstyle she always seems to go back to: braids. Lively has attended many movie premieres, MET galas, and award shows with the plaited style, and it always looks breathtaking.
Ahead you'll find the best fishtails, French, and messy-braided ponytails that Lively has worn throughout her career. Get ready to bookmark them all.
10 Hair Products From Urban Outfitters That Will Give You Cool-Girl Hair
As you're shopping at Urban Outfitters for your flare jeans and band tees, don't forget to swing by the beauty section for a selection of incredible accessories and hairstyling products to complete your cool-girl look.
The retailer carries a ton of blogger-favorite brands like Ouai and R+Co, as well as harder to find brands like Good Dye Young, which will make your hair Instagram-ready.
Whether you're trying to master the elusive, effortless beach waves or wanting to step up your ponytail game, Urban Outfitters has an impressive selection of products that will elevate your hair to meet your street style needs. Ahead, you'll find the best of the store's hair products to add to your cart as you shop.
How to Look Good Naked - Without Lifting So Much as a Finger
I neglect the gym so often that New York Health and Racquet Club once called to ask if I was still alive. No one will ever call me the healthiest kid on the block; my preferred arm workout is opening bottles of wine, and my diet is probably 75 percent gouda cheese. That said, I do have an arsenal of beauty tips to keep myself looking good naked (because priorities). Keep reading to see the eight things you can do to look steamy - without breaking a sweat.
7 Editor-Approved Eye Shadow Palettes You'll Use Every Day of Fall
We are fully ready to embrace the chocolate browns, coppery golds, deep burgundies, and rich plums of Fall. It's time to make our makeup match the season. There are plenty of gorgeous palettes out there that will give you a look perfect for the months ahead. Whether you like cool or warm tones, there's a shade that will make your cosmetic-loving heart race. These are the newest releases at Sephora you should know about - get them while you can.
50 States of Quirky Town Names
The United States is an interesting place, to say the least. With such a huge variety of people and culture and history, it's no wonder there's also a huge variety of interesting city names as well. Sure, you have the run-of-the-mill names like New York, but did you know there's a town in Utah called Virgin? Or a place in Georgia called Butts County? Those do indeed exist. For even more quirky city names, keep reading.
Break the Internet With These 50+ Clever Costumes
If it were up to us, no one would need an excuse to dress up in their favorite geeky garb. But the way we see it, Halloween is the perfect chance to go all out and blow everyone else's regular ol' costumes out of the water. Maybe you're looking to dress as a Star Wars character or your favorite comic personality or a hilarious Internet cat - or maybe you're still undecided. Either way, you'll find all the inspiration you need right here.
- Additional reporting by Ann-Marie Alcántara
How Camilla Luddington's Role on Grey's Anatomy Inspired Her Tomb Raider Character
Image Source: Getty / Desiree Navarro
Shadow of the Tomb Raider marks Camilla Luddington's third time voicing the iconic character, and this time, we might just be getting the most realistic iteration yet. The game, which hits stores on Sept. 14, takes place a couple of months after the events of Rise of the Tomb Raider and has Lara Croft fighting her way through Mesoamerica and South America. But the remarkable thing about this installment is not that the fate of the world is at stake. This time, we're diving deeper into the psyche of Lara herself - we're seeing her grief, second thoughts, and doubts manifest on screen.
Ahead of the newest game's release, I sat down with Camilla to discuss her work as Lara. It turns out, the Grey's Anatomy actress has taken quite a bit of inspiration from the character. Lara Croft's specific brand of badassery has all kinds of real-life applications, from gym motivation to making big life decisions. Check out what Camilla had to say - there's even a connection to her Grey's character, Jo Wilson!
Image Source: Square Enix
POPSUGAR: What has it been like slipping into such an iconic character?
Camilla Luddington: So, back in 2010 - it was a long time ago - I got the call for the first game. And I remember it because I had gone in for an audition, and they didn't tell me that it was Tomb Raider or Lara Croft. The game had a code name, "Cryptids," and the character was Sarah. So when I got the call that I had gotten Tomb Raider, I literally screamed. I was so excited, because growing up, she was really the only iconic female lead in a video game that I knew of. So, I just remember thinking it was such an honor that I got to jump in the boots of Lara Croft and put my own spin on it and be part of the reboot.
PS: And going into it, what was that spin you wanted to put on her?
CL: Well, I think what was so exciting is that the initial conversation, which I believe that you can kind of see came to fruition with all three games, is that they wanted to make her much more realistic. And they wanted her to experience self-doubt, and loss, and all those things. And so she was a much more complicated character, I felt. And that, as an actress, I think is really revealing.
PS: I mean, I was even just seeing in the trailer for this one, there's a lot of tenderness and uncertainty in her character. Has this experience been different from the previous two?
CL: I think the stakes are higher, because the entire world is at risk. I think because of that, emotionally and physically, she's kind of pushed to her limit. And also, in this game, something I really enjoyed was her relationship with Joanna really grows. She sort of ends up being her Jiminy Cricket and telling her that she needs to look in the mirror and sort of see the damage she's causing and those moments are very intimate. And they're probably some of the most intimate moments we have in the game.
Image Source: Square Enix
PS: Do you think your work as Lara has influenced your other work, or even your real-life attitude in any sort of way?
CL: Yeah. I mean, I think that she's such a badass that - this probably sounds ridiculous, but when I'm working out, I literally think, "You're Tomb Raider. [laughs] You're Lara Croft." You know? "You can do another sit-up." . . . I'm like, "Come on. You're Lara Croft." So, yeah, there are moments where it kind of spills into my life.
PS: Are there ways Lara has crept into your other roles? Like even on Grey's Anatomy?
CL: That's so interesting. Yeah, on my days off on Grey's, I go in and shoot Tomb Raider, so there is literally a back-and-forth that does happen. It was interesting to me that there's a lot of Jo - Jo didn't grow up with her parents, so there's a lot of question about a lot of pain in her past, and not having that stability of what it is to have parents around her. And, of course, Lara deals with the pain, and mourning, and loss of her own parents. And so there is a similarity of them both being survivors in their own world, even if they're completely different worlds. And they both have a lot of drive. And so, yeah, there are some similarities in the characters.
PS: And what about when you're done? Do you have moments while acting that inspire you in real life?
CL: It's so funny because, at the end of the game, Lara makes a decision. And for me, personally, in my own life, it was a decision I had to ask myself: "If I was in this position, what would I do?" And I think that's what made this scene extremely challenging for me, too. Because I have sort of a similar past to Lara in that I lost a parent when I was younger. And it was an "aha" moment in a way for me, because I'd never thought if I was really in this position, what would I do? And it was interesting to question myself.
How to Create a Wedding Hashtag No One Else Will Have
There are some brides who ask guests to unplug at their wedding and some who ask guests to go all out with the photo snapping and sharing. If you're the second type of bride, you're probably already brainstorming your wedding hashtag - you know, the one phrase that guests will use on Instagram and Twitter to round up pictures of your big day.
"Hashtags are such a fun way to see all the photos from your big day that your guests took!" says Kari Dirksen, founder and lead planner of Feathered Arrow Events. "You can't be everywhere at once, so it's a great way to see everything that happened throughout the evening and reminisce on the day. I always tell clients to think of something fun and unique that combines your names in some way."
Instead of the more standard conventions you've probably seen all over the place, we bring you unique, creative ideas you haven't thought of. Of course, replace them with your own names, initials, wedding locations, and such to make them special to your big day. We're also sharing examples of how to incorporate the hashtags in your decor and signage so that your guests are all using the same one and using it for all their social snaps.
What's the best one you've seen? Let us know!
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