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.
dimanche 18 novembre 2018
16 Holiday-Ready Pieces We're Buying From Loft - All For Less Than $100
Loft just dropped its newest holiday collection, and it's a floral-print-lover's dream. The stylish line proves that pretty flower prints can be worn any season and for every occasion. Ahead, we curated a list of its cutest looks so all you have to do is shop. From dresses to scarves and even clutches, these picks are perfect to rock during the holidays and even to gift. The best part: they come in a wide range of sizes from petites to curvy choices and are all under $100. Keep reading to shop the amazing picks before you're too late.
17 Curve Model Swimsuit Moments That Have Us Saying, "Did Someone Turn Up the Heat?!"
Body diversity is gradually moving to the forefront in the fashion community. We're seeing models in all shapes and sizes star in ad campaigns, and saying that it feels good is an understatement. This year has been a particularly great year for body diversity with curve models like Kate Wasley, Iskra Lawrence, and Emma Sanders shaking things up with their steamy bikinigrams. In 2018, we've seen so many amazing swimsuit moments - thanks to these amazing curve models - and it's only right that we take a look back at them. Ahead you can find 17 steamy swimsuit moments that have us believing 2018 might just be the hottest year yet.
Don't Let Emily Ratajkowski's Cropped Sweater Distract You From How Sexy Her Shoe Game Is
Whether she's sporting a smoking-hot bikini or a skintight dress, Emily Ratajkowski turns heads just about everywhere she goes - including her appearance at GQ Australia's Men of the Year Awards. The supermodel hit the red carpet at Sydney's The Star wearing a Paco Rabanne checkered, unbuttoned top that gave us all a very clear view of her killer abs.
She paired the top with a silver metallic skirt in a similar pattern and finished things with a pair of silver, strappy Jimmy Choo heels that only served as a reminder of how her sexy shoe game remains unmatched. Keep reading to see more photos of Emily's look at the Men of the Year Awards, topped off with Nataf Joaillerie jewels, and to shop similar shoe styles.
These Are the Affordable POPSUGAR at Kohl's Pieces Fashion Girls Are Flippin' For
Since we love to try and test out new products - especially clothes - what better way to show off the new pieces from our POPSUGAR at Kohl's collection than to go right to the source? I enlisted the trusty opinions of our editors to uncover the best pieces from the latest drop.
Our shopping editor, Krista Jones, can't stop snuggling up in this supersoft teddy bear coat, and our social media strategist, Amanda McKelvey, is planning on buying this star-print velour sweater because it gives her major '90s vibes. Want to know the best part? All of these picks are all under $100 so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank. Read on to see all of these fashion-girl-approved pieces we can't get enough of, and shop the latest drop ahead.
24 Winter Evening Looks That Are All About Smart Layering and Still Have Sex Appeal
Styling a going-out outfit is difficult for any season, never mind one where you might be too hot or too cold. But alas, it's almost Winter, and you may still want to maintain some sex appeal without stacking on 25 layers. We feel you. We uncovered a handful of looks you can try that employ nifty little tricks to keep warm but still come off as chic. You can even dare to bare some skin if you're in a cozy bomber and sweater up top but an asymmetrical skirt and thigh-high boots down below. Read on to comb through our options and land upon the ones you know you'll be able to pull off with the clothes you already have. We'll see you at the bar, mulled wine in hand.
Kate Middleton Shopped Her Own Closet For Her Latest Royal Engagement
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took a trip to Rotherham, England on Wednesday to open McLaren Automotive's new Composites Technology Centre. For the occasion, Kate reached for one of her go-to styles: a smart, belted coat dress in her signature power color. It's the second time we've seen the duchess in this cobalt Eponine London design: she first wore it in January 2017 while visiting the Anna Freud Centre in London.
Back then, Kate teamed the chic coat with navy suede Rupert Sanderson heels, and in a case of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," she reached for those same shoes this time around, too. She did switch things up a tiny bit when it came to her clutch bag - swapping suede for leather - but beyond that, this look was a straight repeat. And why not? When a dress is this chic, of course it deserves to be worn more than once.
Princess Sofia Stuns in a Beautiful Bridal Look at a State Dinner
Princess Sofia of Sweden gave Kate Middleton a run for her money on Tuesday, as the Swedish royal family hosted the Italian president at a state dinner. Dressed in a look from bridal designer Zetterberg Couture, the princess looked stunning in a full skirt in delicate lace, teamed with a satin top with bracelet sleeves. Since this was a state occasion, she also got to wear a glittering tiara.
There aren't many occasions that bridal wear is an appropriate choice besides an actual wedding, but this is definitely one of the rare occasions when it works. The lace design harkened back to Sofia's own wedding dress, which featured long lace sleeves and appliqués, but the shorter hemline, which showed off her satin shoes, gave it a new twist. Take a closer look for yourself ahead.
Ashley Graham's Neon Pants Direct Your Attention Straight to Her Glorious Curves
Neon. Chartreuse. Nickelodeon slime. No matter what you call it, there's no denying that brightly colored green is having a major moment in the fashion world, and Ashley Graham just flawlessly demonstrated how to wear the tricky color in real life. While attending the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in New York, the model wore a look straight off Christian Siriano's Spring/Summer 2019 runway: a white crop top with pants that instantly gave us flashbacks to Nickelodeon's Double Dare.
Ashley looked like a superhero-princess hybrid as she twirled her cape-like top on the red carpet. Meanwhile, you could probably spot her pants from a mile away, as they shone bright and drew attention to her famous curves. She finished her designer ensemble with diamond hoop earrings and silver Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, letting her highlighter-esque pants totally steal the spotlight.
Ahead, admire Ashley's ensemble in all its curve-hugging, ab-baring glory, and keep reading to shop for similar pants if you're looking to get in on the slime-green trend.
J Lo Has Her Chanel Belt and Hermès Bag, but This 1 Other Accessory Ties Her to Her Man
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are taking on the world together, one afternoon at a time. While the pair might be dressed for the gym half the time, when they're all dressed up, coordinating in their best, they look like a power couple to boot. J Lo recently shared some snaps of herself and ARod traveling for business, and while she was decked out in a tweed pencil skirt, Chanel belt, Hermès bag, and PVC pumps, and he in a suit and tie, it was their aviator sunglasses that set them in sync. Jennifer's came in a rose gold visor silhouette to draw attention to her hoops - striking, yes, but too much for J Lo? Hell no. Read on to check out all the pics Jennifer shared, then shop for similar shades if you like her style.
Michelle Obama Gets Candid About White House Style, and We're Hanging On Her Every Word
Michelle Obama looks absolutely radiant on the December cover of Elle. In the magazine, we got to read an exclusive excerpt from her upcoming memoir, Becoming, where she revealed her White House style strategy. Michelle openly spoke about the issues she faced during her time in the White House and how all of a sudden it was her clothes making headlines, not the issues she stands for.
"I'd stepped offstage after having been moved to tears while speaking to the girls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, only to learn that the first question directed to one of my staffers by a reporter had been 'Who made her dress?' This stuff got me down, but I tried to reframe it as an opportunity to learn, to use what power I could find inside a situation I'd never have chosen for myself. If people flipped through a magazine primarily to see the clothes I was wearing, I hoped they'd also see the military spouse standing next to me or read what I had to say about children's health," Michelle wrote.
Keep reading to see more gorgeous pictures from the editorial and read more fashion-related quotes from the exclusive Elle excerpt.
Somehow, Kendall Jenner Has Upped Her Bikinigram Game Even More in 2018
Kendall Jenner is no stranger to the swimsuit life - the girl likes to show some skin and share it with the rest of the world (or at least the Instagram world). Whether she's jet-setting with her crew of bikini-loving model pals like Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin or she's just lounging on the grass all by her lonesome, Jenner never misses an opportunity to show off her bathing suit bod.
Kendall bounces back and forth between swim styles, seemingly unafraid to try any trend or silhouette. We've seen her rock everything from a high-cut throwback one-piece to a sweet gingham bikini and even a leopard print thong style. No doubt there will be plenty more swimstagrams coming down the pike from the supermodel, but for now, let's pay homage to the best she's graced us with in 2018 so far.
Steve Carell and The Office Cast Teased a Reboot During His SNL Monologue, and I'm Not OK
Looks like we're not the only ones who want a reboot of The Office. While Steve Carell tried to get through his SNL monologue on Nov. 17, his former castmates popped out of the audience with a very specific question on their minds: would he ever do an Office reboot?" Steve rejected the idea at every turn, even as Ed Helms, Ellie Kemper, and Jenna Fischer beg him to consider. "You're a real jerk!" Ellie told him, when he explains his disinterest. Even Steve's wife Nancy and his kids told him he should bring back the show.
"Feels like everybody wants this to happen. Do you guys want to see an Office reboot?" he asked the audience. Watch the video above to see the monologue in full, including the "special announcement" he shared after he brought Ellie, Ed, and Jenna on stage.
The Poster For the A Child's Play Remake Contains Some Horrifying Clues About the New Chucky
Everyone's favorite homicidal doll is ready for a play date! Thirty years after the release of Tom Holland's Child's Play in 1988, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has fast-tracked a remake. According to The Hollywood Reporter, MGM has tapped Polaroid filmmaker Lars Klevberg to direct the horror reboot with video game writer Tyler Burton Smith on board to handle the script.
Child's Play was the first of a seven-movie franchise that told the story of Chucky, a toy doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer. If you've seen the film, you no doubt remember the chills that shot down your spine when he first uttered his iconic phrase, "Hi, I'm Chucky. Wanna play?" Chucky then goes on a murderous rampage in an attempt to kill a single mom and her son so he can jump into the son's body before he becomes trapped inside the doll permanently. Obviously he fails, and the movies only get bloodier and more ridiculous with each entry. Though, honestly, the addition of Chucky's wife and kids is definitely an interesting twist to your regular killer doll series.
The new movie will be a true reboot, with Parks and Rec's Aubrey Plaza starring as single mom Karen Barclay, Gabriel Bateman as her son Andy, and Atlanta's Brian Tyree Henry appearing as Detective Norris. To celebrate the updated edition of the horror flick, which began filming in Vancouver this September, Plaza shared the first poster. Warning: it's just as creepy as expected.
If you've seen the original, then you'll no doubt recognize Chucky's ominous box. However, if you look closely, there are a few changes. For instance, the toy brand seems to have been changed from "Good Guys" to "Buddi." Also, it looks like there's a wi-fi symbol above the "i" in Buddi, which leads us to think the internet will play a part in this version of Chucky's possession (on the side of the box, you can even see instructions about connecting Chucky to a tablet, remote, or laptop).
It producers David Katzenberg and Seth Grahame-Smith will also work on the project, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 21, 2019, which just so happens to be the same release date as another toy-related film. Because of course.
Remembering the Sad Story of Ariana, Albus Dumbledore's Troubled and Ill-Fated Sister
Warning: Big spoilers for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald ahead!
The complicated thing about the Fantastic Beasts franchise is that it really fills in the blanks of the Wizarding World's history. Oftentimes, that means we're getting introduced to things that don't get a single mention in the original Harry Potter book series. Take, for instance, the Dumbledore family, which experiences a strange expansion in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. At the end of the film, we find out Creedence is actually a member of the door family: his name is Aurelius. While this is an entirely new character hitherto unheard of in the Harry Potter world, we do hear about one member of the family that definitely rings a bell: Ariana Dumbledore, Albus's ill-fated sister. Did you forget about her tragic story? That's what we're here for. The biography is available on Pottermore, but we're pulling out top highlights.
Though Ariana only gets a small mention in The Crimes of Grindelwald, she's actually a significant component of the relationship between Albus and Gellert. We learn the entire backstory during the seventh book in the series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The first part of her tragic tale largely comes from Aberforth, the curmudgeonly bartender at the Hog's Head Pub who is actually Albus's brother. In the book, he reveals Ariana was attacked by brutish boys at a very young age:
"When my sister was six years old, she was attacked, set upon, by three Muggle boys. They'd seen her doing magic, spying through the back garden hedge: she was a kid, she couldn't control it, no witch or wizard can at that age. What they saw scared them, I expect. They forced their way through the hedge, and when she couldn't show them the trick, they got a bit carried away trying to stop the little freak doing it."
Aberforth goes on to describe how scarred she was by the experience. She wouldn't use magic after that, but the magic wouldn't go away. So she turned it inward and eventually drove herself crazy; it would explode out of her in times of age and distress, and she couldn't contain it. That's really just the beginning of her tragedies. The patriarch of the family, Percival, attacked the boys who did the deed and landed in Azkaban. Once Dumbledore and Aberforth headed to school, their mother Kendra was left to tend to Ariana. The family moved from Mould-On-The-Wold to Godric's Hollow. Kendra wouldn't let Ariana out of the house unless it was the dead of night. Albus and Aberforth told their classmates she was too weak to attend school.
When she just 14 years old, Ariana went into a horrible rage; her magical outburst in that moment killed her mother. Albus, who had just graduated and planned a trip around the world, was forced to surrender his life and live at home with Ariana. "When my mother died, and I was left the responsibility of a damaged sister and a wayward brother, I returned to my village in anger and bitterness," Dumbledore tells Harry in The Deathly Hallows. "Trapped and wasted, I thought! And then, of course, he came." Here's where everything adds up. "He" is of course the young Gellert Grindelwald, who had arrived in Godric's Hollow for a Summer with his great aunt, Bathilda Bagshot. The two became very close and spent every waking moment together, thus leaving Ariana neglected and alone.
It all boils down to a big duel. Aberforth confronted Albus and Gellert about the situation, and a fight exploded between the three of them. Gellert used the Cruciatus Curse on Aberforth, and then it was all-out chaos. Ariana panicked, and her magic spilled out of her. Aberforth suggests she was trying to help, but she quickly lost control. From the way Albus recounts it, we're meant to assume Gellert hit her with a death curse. "Grindelwald lost control. That which I had always sensed in him, though I pretended not to, now sprang into terrible being. And Ariana . . . after all my mother's care and caution . . . lay dead upon the floor."
All this explains why Ariana is so important, even though she's been long dead by the time the events of Fantastic Beasts begin. That battle, and her consequent death, must be the reason Albus and Gellert were driven apart. And it's also the reason Albus and Aberforth's relationship was never quite the same. As for the way Aurelius factors in to all that? Guess we'll have to wait until the third movie to figure that one out. Or even longer.
Fantastic Beasts: Why You'll Have to Wait to See the Wizarding World's Greatest Duel
Warning, spoilers for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald ahead!
When we jump into Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, it's only been a few months since the events of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. After Percival Graves (Colin Farrell) is revealed by Newt (Eddie Redmayne) and Tina (Katherine Waterston) to be Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) in disguise, he's taken into custody by the American Ministry of Magic. In The Crimes of Grindelwald, the dark wizard escapes custody and travels to Europe to begin amassing a dark army.
The main crux of the film surrounds the mad dash to prevent Grindelwald from finding Credence (Ezra Miller) and harnessing the dark power of his Obscurus. Newt, who is just trying to live his best life with his magical creatures, is tasked with the job of locating Credence by the one and only Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law). While Dumbledore tries to convince Newt to travel to Paris illegally, the younger wizard raises the very important question of why the Hogwarts professor won't go after Grindelwald himself. Even though he's still pretty young in The Crimes of Grindelwald, Dumbledore is widely considered one of the most powerful wizards around. With his intimate knowledge of how the dark wizard works, one would expect Dumbledore to take it upon himself to stop his former "friend" rather than endanger the life of his former student. Turns out it's a little more complicated than that.
Throughout the film, we're given no true hint to why Dumbledore won't fight Grindelwald himself. Even the Department of Magical Law Enforcement finds his lack of action suspect, going as far as to track his magic to see what spells he uses until they can find the dark wizard. As Newt, Tina, and Jacob race to find Credence before Grindelwald can, Dumbledore takes a trip down memory lane with the Mirror of Erised. As he stares into his reflection, he sees the face of Grindelwald appear. Then the mirror shows a flashback to the two of them as young men, slashing their palms and clasping hands in what we discover is a blood oath. A vial emerges from their joined hands that contains their blood, which the current Grindelwald constantly wears on his person.
As Dumbledore explains to Newt at the end of the film, the blood oath was to swear that they would never fight one another. Considering how neither wizard has made a move against the other, it's fair to assume that a blood oath is similar to an Unbreakable Vow - if either of the two breaks the terms, they die. Newt is able to steal the vial with the help of his friendly Niffler, though Dumbledore admits he doesn't know how to break it. As the film concludes, the two head into Hogwarts for a cup of a tea and some serious brainstorming.
So, even though Dumbledore doesn't attempt to fight Grindelwald in this Fantastic Beasts installment, at least he has solid reasoning. While we don't know exactly how he and Newt are going to solve the issue of the blood oath, we do know they eventually figure it out. As all fans of Harry Potter know, Dumbledore and Grindelwald face off in 1945, engaging in what is stated as "one of the greatest duels ever fought between wizards." Dumbledore becomes the new master of the Elder Wand, and Grindelwald is imprisoned in Nurmengard until he's killed by Voldermort in 1998. Which means the remaining films will likely set the stage for the infamous battle, with its conclusion featuring in the final film of the series.
Nashville's Lennon Stella on Growing Up and Her "Graceful Evolution" Into a Solo Career
Image Source: Getty / Joe Maher
If you've watched Nashville, then you probably already know Lennon Stella's name. The 19-year-old singer and her real-life sister, Maisy, played Maddie and Daphne Conrad on the hit show and eventually rose to stardom with their addicting music covers. Now that the series has officially ended, Stella is forging her own way as a solo artist with a fresh new sound. In addition to releasing a few catchy singles, she recently teamed up with One Direction's Liam Payne and Jonas Blue for the song "Polaroid." And that's just the beginning.
Not only does she have a few concerts lined up (which are already sold out, by the way), but she also has a brand-new EP called Love, Me out on Nov. 16. I recently had a chance to sit down with the rising star at the Hyatt Centric Times Square for its first Sofar Sounds concert event, where she discussed all the exciting things she has in store and how being on Nashville helped spark her career as a solo artist.
Image Source: Getty / Jason Kempin
POPSUGAR: It's been a crazy year with Nashville ending and you pursuing a solo career. After being on the show for so many seasons and growing up in the spotlight, did you feel like you needed to reintroduce yourself to fans in a way?
Lennon Stella: Yeah, in a way, for sure. Because the music I was making on the show is so different than the music I'm making now. And the music from the show was a character. It wasn't me, so definitely. I tried to gracefully bring everyone along and have them continue being fans of my new solo stuff. But, yeah, it was definitely something I took into consideration because it is - I didn't want to have it be this shocking change. But that was always me, and I feel like I didn't ever really want it to be much of a transition anyway, just kind of more like a graceful evolution.
PS: How would you say that being on Nashville shaped your career as a solo artist?
LS: I think being on the show really allowed me to just experiment and really create and just discover what music I wanted to make. And I think that the show - it was the biggest reason why I was able to do that because I was on the show for so long and I was able to just figure out what I don't like and what I do like. I don't think I would've done that if I wasn't on a TV show because I would've gotten so antsy.
PS: Who would you say are some of your biggest influences?
LS: Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac is my all-time favorite. Lyrically, Andy Shauf. I love his lyrics. I love The Japanese House, Julie Bella, Bazzi. Yeah, that kind of vibe when it's more the sound of the overall thing. But I think as far as songwriting, I really like Bob Dylan.
PS: You've had a few new singles out lately, but I know you're also releasing an EP. How would you describe your new music?
LS: I guess it's kind of like pop, but they have a heaviness to them for sure. I think lyrically they have just a bit of weight. Like a bit of sadness to them. There's two new songs that'll come when the EP comes, and they're a little more upbeat, but they all have a weight to them. Every song, even if it's a fun dance-y song, there's a sadness to it, which I'm just drawn to.
PS: You're very open with your fans, and I feel like you're great at interacting with them on social media. What has that been like to kind of see their positive response to your new music?
LS: I honestly sit and read my DMs nonstop. Comments and DMs are obviously so nice, but having it be specifically about something that I've been working on for so long and having it resonate with them like it does with me is just so crazy and so cool to me. Like "Breakaway," for instance. Those ones specifically are just really a hard time that I was going through, and I wrote them for myself really. And I put it out, and I didn't expect people to relate as much as they did. So many people have said that "it's like you just took the words out my mouth," and I'm just like, that's so crazy because it's like we all feel the same things. It's really cool having them out in the world, and just the overall reaction has been awesome.
PS: I feel like a lot of your comments are always like, "I feel like we're best friends."
LS: Yeah. Which is the coolest thing. Every single person that DMs me feels like we're friends, which is so cool and I will forever keep that. I mean, I hope that stays that way forever. If feels like we're all just swimming together, and I think it's a cool thing and it feels rare. With social media, it's just hard to keep that where it feels super connected, so it's really important to me for sure.
PS: Do you have any big career goals you really want to achieve in the next year?
LS: Definitely in this next year an album and get that really locked in. As of now, there's so many songs that we just kind of have that I've just been writing for so long and so many that I love. But I think just kind of writing more and getting it all out of my system and then just focusing and narrowing it down to an album's worth of stuff and packaging it all together. That's the next thing in my brain is an album and then touring the album.
The Greatest Showman Fans Are Flipping Out Over This Stunning "Rewrite The Stars" Video
Fans of The Greatest Showman know, the 2017 movie's soundtrack can easily be kept on repeat for months and months. That's why the team behind the film created The Greatest Showman: Reimagined, a companion album with covers of the original songs, sung by artists we know and love. Pink and her daughter Willow gave their heartwarming twist to "A Million Dreams," Kelly Clarkson belts out "Never Enough," and now James Arthur and Anne-Marie are sharing an exciting version of "Rewrite the Stars." The song, originally performed by Zac Efron and Zendaya, is stunning on its own, but give the music video a watch and you'll swoon on the spot.
The New Romantic's Jessica Barden on Playing a Sugar Baby and the Secret Power of Rom-Coms
The real joy of watching Jessica Barden on screen comes from her willingness to get dirty - both metaphorically and literally, in some cases.
The 26-year-old The End of the F***ing World star isn't afraid to explore the messy, gritty aspects of life that young women endure day in and day out, from getting their periods at the worst possible moment to sexual encounters that fall into a slippery gray area of consent. The latter aspect features heavily in Barden's new romantic comedy, The New Romantic, which isn't your average uplifting romance. In fact, its edgier undertones are exactly why Barden signed onto the film in the first place.
Instead of a heroine with a glamorous job in fashion and a sprawling big-city apartment, Barden plays Blake, a near-broke college senior whose sex column at the school's newspaper is so boring that it's on the cusp of cancellation. That all changes when she has a chance meeting with a fellow student, Morgan (Camila Mendes), who reveals that she pays for her luxe wardrobe and apartment by being a "sugar baby" - a young woman who receives gifts and money in exchange for spending time with (and sleeping with) a usually older man.
Frustrated with the lack of chivalrous men on her campus and intrigued by the prospect of spicing up her clips, Blake decides to try it out herself with a 30-something professor named Ian (Timm Sharp). The premise makes for an interesting reflection on the state of modern dating, sexuality, consent, and what it means to be a grown-up. As such, The New Romantic isn't just a good rom-com - it's a good film, period.
Ahead of the movie's release on Nov. 9, I hopped on the phone with Barden in between her performances in London's Pinter at the Pinter productions to discuss everything from the importance of the rom-com genre for women in film to a sex scene in the movie that she hopes will spark an important conversation.
Warning: spoilers for The New Romantic ahead.
POPSUGAR: Romantic comedies are having a moment right now, and this one especially is a little bit darker, a little edgier. Is that what drew you to the project in the first place?
Jessica Barden: I wanted to work with Carly Stone, the director, right from the beginning. I'd read about five different versions of this script before we actually got to shoot it. They were all essentially the same thing, but some of the characters had changed quite a lot. And Carly, from the second that I spoke to her, she really made it clear what her intentions were for the film. I always want to challenge myself as an actor, and Carly's vision, and the way she spoke about filmmaking, really seemed to sync with mine. Like you said, it's quite different than a typical romantic comedy. It was something that I was really interested in. Like everybody else, I will always go and watch a romantic comedy, but I feel like they're escapism in a different way than other movies. It's a much purer form of escapism. Everyone wants to fall in love. Everyone wants to have a crush, to be desirable. So romantic comedies are pure escapism in that way.
PS: Rom-coms haven't always been the most critically respected film genre, but lately they've been telling stories about women in a really incredible way, like in To All the Boys I've Loved Before and even Crazy Rich Asians. After I watched this movie, it immediately struck me that this was a story that could only have been in the hands of a female director.
JB: That's something I emphatically agree with. I think filmmakers like Carly, and actors such as myself, are trying to branch out in representing [those stories], which I feel is especially important now. Romantic comedy is the perfect setting to place that in. It's something which is immediately comfortable to cinema-goers, so you can represent these themes where certain people don't . . . not everyone wants to be out there thinking about these things, you know? And that's alright! You don't need to force it down people's throats. I think it's really great people are doing it in romantic comedies, because it should make audiences feel safe and still enjoy it, as opposed to being like, "These are all the things that are wrong with the world."
PS: Something I also appreciated was the way the film treats the two characters of Blake and Morgan, because even though Blake is obviously more conflicted about the sugar baby arrangement, Morgan's choice to be one isn't seen as shameful. Did you gain any new perspective yourself about those kind of relationships while playing Blake?
JB: I mean, I have lots of different friends from lots of different walks of life. I've always been really free of judgment of people, especially when it comes to your sexuality or how you wanna portray that or not, or how you wanna experiment. So it didn't alter my opinion towards people who want to do that kind of work, but what you said about Morgan's situation not being about shame, is something that I loved about the film from the start as well. The film places a lot of importance on female relationships. The main relationship, really, is the one between Blake and Hayley's . . . wait, what's her name in the film again?
PS: Nikki!
JB: Yes, Nikki! Sorry, I'm doing a play and my brain is just [frazzled noise]. But there's a lot in the film about their friendship.
PS: The friendship comes off as so genuine, too. Nikki doesn't judge Blake for a second.
JB: Yeah, it's just not constructive to show women now slut shaming each other. It's not really a thing. I do actually have friends who've been sugar babies, and I've had friends who've done escort work. I do have friends who have legit done this, and I don't know anybody who would ever shame them for it. I don't really know any women who'd do that! Maybe I've just been really lucky or maybe I've just had quite a sheltered life, but I've never experienced that in real life. Women actually support each other quite a lot, I think.
PS: Did you and Hayley [Law] bond on set?
JB: We kind of became friends instantly, really. Hayley's really funny and has an amazing sense of humor and she's so smart - how could you not be friends with someone like that? [laughs] You know, it really was a very friendly set. Within your life, your most important friendships really are the female friendships you have. Even if you have a really great [romantic] relationship, or a really great partner, it's different . . . Hayley now is one of my closest friends.
PS: So I want to switch gears and talk about the sex scene between Blake and Ian towards the end of the movie, because that scene in particular affected me quite a bit. It's gutting to see your character crying as it's happening, and it's also sadly a situation that a lot of women find themselves in, trapped in that gray area of sex and consent. What was that like to film?
JB: That scene was always in the script, and it was one of the biggest things that attracted me to the film. Like you said, it's something that's really very real. There is a real gray area in sex sometimes, for whatever reason. I can't answer why that is. But it's something I found massively interesting to explore on screen, and for people to talk about. That is something that really happens to people. It's incredibly normal. It's not like this horrible rape scene or a really graphic sex scene. That is just a very realistic situation that people find themselves in. I think people, especially in their 20s, are like, "Oh, I've pushed to the edge of my comfort zone, but I don't really feel completely unsafe." What the whole movie really explores is how in your 20s, you're just constantly exploring what your comfort zone is. Sometimes you go too far, and then how do you feel at the end of it?
I mean, wow, it's such a big conversation, really. It all comes down to how we, as both men and women, have been misinformed about a lot of stuff. We come from a generation where we were told that sex is supposed to be something you do when you're married, and it's not something you're necessarily supposed to enjoy. You have to go and explore your life, and what you find comfortable in a sexual partner. So a lot of your 20s is figuring that out. I didn't want the scene to be one that looked overly horrible - I wanted it to look very real. It's something that is confusing, and then you don't really know how to talk about it afterwards.
PS: Yeah, and it's not like there's some screaming match between Blake and Ian afterwards, or a specific confrontation about how the sex was for her. She responds to it how I think a lot of young women would, and do.
JB: Exactly. We didn't want it to be a scene where there's an answer to it. We wanted it to be something that sparks a discussion. You're not supposed to answer questions in films, or tell people how they're supposed to feel. I think this is where my and Carly's ideas about what we were making was the same. I would rather make films that start a discussion as opposed to telling people how to feel about a situation. In a way, it's a theme that's in every project I've done so far. I like being in projects that make people question things, and that's exactly what I hope this sex scene does.
PS: Not long after that sex scene, Blake runs into Brett Dier's character and they end up falling in love by the end of the film. I have to admit, part of me wanted Blake to end up by herself as opposed to in another relationship, but the scene of them on the bleachers is still really sweet. Did they always end up together in every version of the script you saw?
JB: I think they did, yeah! That was Carly's way of nodding to the tone of what people expect from romantic comedies, which is really great. I think that was her experimenting with the tone a little, which I really support. To take all the risks that she does inside the movie, she had to create an overall foundation of the film that's a tried-and-true formula for a romantic comedy. Also, I mean, Brett is hilarious in that role, and I think it's right to show Blake not being completely harmed by her experience [with Ian]. I think it actually shows that she's stronger, in a way, because she hasn't been affected by her experience. She realizes that, you know, her experience doesn't mean you have to never trust men again. That there are more good guys out there than bad guys.
The New Romantic is now in theaters.
These Golden Girls Prayer Candles Honor the "Patron Saints of Miami," and I'm Cackling
Thank you, Etsy shop owner, for being a friend. Ahead of the holidays, a set of four prayer candles inspired by The Golden Girls from The Eternal Flame is taking off again after previously being spotted by Scary Mommy.
Dedicated to the "patron saints of Miami," there's a candle for each of the four main characters of the beloved late '80s and early '90s sitcom: Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia. The Sophia one might be our favorite, simply because she's inexplicably holding her pocketbook, while every other candle shows the girls holding some sort of saintly object. Each candle is fairly affordable at $13, and you can buy a set of all four for $44. Shop them all ahead!
15 Sam Heughan Gifts That Will Make You Go Wild
Do you know someone who is obsessed with Sam Heughan and don't know what to get them for the holidays? Well then, look no further. Whether you're looking for some fun Outlander memorabilia or some sexy Sam merchandise, we've got you covered. Oh, and while you're at it, snag something for yourself from our Outlander gift guide.
10 Sexy Christmas Videos That Belong on Santa's Naughty List
We get it. When we think of the holidays, the word "sexy" rarely comes to mind. Between the presents, the decadent food, and the festive tunes, anything holiday-related usually makes us feel warm and fuzzy, not hot and steamy. However, there are a handful of Christmas music videos out there that may beg to differ. Case in point: Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and Destiny's Child's "8 Days of Christmas" videos. While these videos may not be as steamy as, let's say, Nicki Minaj's, something tells us Santa Claus would think twice about putting them on his nice list.
25 Supremely Sexy Instagrams That Alicia Keys Has Blessed Us With Over the Years
Over the course of her decades-spanning career, the iconic Alicia Keys has never been afraid to speak her mind. In 2016, Alicia made headlines when she authored an essay for Lenny Letter where she explained to the world why she would no longer be wearing makeup. Her heartfelt statement proved to be a robust contribution to the #nomakeup campaign that encourages women everywhere to embrace a natural look and feel confident in their bare skin. Her unwavering desire to stay true to herself is inspiring, and time and time again, we have seen her push past the typical boundaries of what defines beauty to set her own standards.
Through her past and present Instagram shots, Alicia Keys shows us that beauty and sexiness start from within. She encourages all women to celebrate themselves and nurture their spirit, regardless of what society tells them. Keep reading for a roundup of her sexiest Instagram photos of all time.
32 Flawless Gifts For That Friend Who Wishes She Were Beyoncé
Chances are you've got someone in your inner circle who is completely and utterly obsessed with Beyoncé (here's a handy guide to help you tell for sure). With the holidays fast approaching, it's time to get started on your search for great gifts for everyone on your list, including those flawless individuals who live and breathe for the Beyhive and will never stop singing "Drunk in Love" or "APES**T" at the top of their lungs. We've rounded up some fierce holiday gifts for the biggest Beyoncé fan in your life; keep reading to see and shop them all now.
20 Novels About Family That Literally Anyone Can Relate To
Whether you love them or you hate them (or a little bit of both), family is often inescapable and almost always complicated. Family dynamics provide fodder for great literature, as all readers can be brought together by the universal complexity of family drama, no matter the culture, composition, or economic status. From navigating generational differences to divvying up inheritances, here are 20 nuanced novels about family that anyone can relate to. If you're planning to complete the 2019 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge, bookmark this page to cross the "book about a family" prompt off your list!
7 Times Harry, Meghan, William, and Kate Made 2018 Seem Better Than It Actually Was
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be distancing themselves from Kate Middleton and Prince William at Kensington Palace, but when it comes to royal engagements, it's clear the Fab Four are as tight as ever. In fact, Will and Kate welcomed Meghan into the royal family even before she tied the knot with Harry when they invited her to join them for Christmas service last year. In 2018, we got a closer look at their bond each time they stepped out together, and with everything going on in the world, it was such a breath of fresh air. From Trooping the Colour to Princess Eugenie's wedding to the Remembrance Day service, look back at all the times the Fab Four delighted us with a royal appearance in 2018.
Related: This Is What You Have to Look Forward to From the Royals in 2019
These Are the Gorgeous Palaces the Queen Calls Home
It's true that being royal isn't always an easy task. You can't express most of your opinions except to the people closest to you, you have to follow a whole slew of rules covering everything from stockings to selfies, and your every move is documented by huge crowds of people. There's at least one perk, though: getting to live in a literal palace! Queen Elizabeth has lived in various palaces for her entire life, and while we don't envy some of the diplomatic tasks she has to undertake, we're definitely a little jealous of castle living.
The queen has lived in Buckingham Palace in London on and off since her father, George VI, became king in 1936. It's the official residence of the British monarch and has been since 1837, when Queen Victoria moved in. Buckingham Palace is both home and office for the queen: offices for much of her royal staff are based out of the palace, and it's where she works as well. Although it's her official residence now, it wasn't always the case. Before she was queen but after her marriage to Prince Philip, the pair lived in Clarence House, a smaller royal residence nearby. After she became queen, it became the residence of the queen mother and has also been home to Prince William and Prince Harry (it currently is the official residence of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles).
Buckingham Palace is her official residence, but the queen doesn't spend all her time there. Sandringham House, in Norfolk, is her favorite holiday residence, and she also spends some time at Windsor Castle. Balmoral Castle, located much further away in Scotland, is the most secluded royal residence, where she goes to "get away from it all" as much as a monarch can!
She might live in a palace, but in some ways, the queen is reportedly much like the rest of us. According to BT, she likes to start her day with a hot cup of tea, a morning TV show and newspapers, and a light breakfast. Her mornings consist of office and paperwork (plus walking the dogs!) before lunch. Ever the devoted monarch, she works throughout the day. Although her bedtime routine is private, as it should be, we do know one tidbit: she always writes in her diary before going to sleep, as she has since she first ascended to the throne. These details of routine don't vary much, regardless of which beautiful palace she's waking up in each day!
You'll Be Flooded With Christmas Cheer After Watching AMC's Epic Holiday Movie Marathon
If Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas schedule isn't enough for you during the holidays, AMC is on the case.
The network has announced its "Best Christmas Ever" line-up, which includes holiday programming made up of iconic films and even a few TV specials, which will air all day, every day. The month-long marathon kicks off on Monday, Nov. 26 and runs all the way through Christmas Day. So, in other words, you'll have over 600 hours of holiday-themed movies and specials at your disposal while you cozy up on the couch with some eggnog. Could be worse, right?
In addition to old school animated classics like Jack Frost and Rudolph's Shiny New Year, more modern holiday fare will be sneaking down the chimney and onto your TV screen. Expect to see Will Ferrell in all his Christmas glory in Elf, as well as movies like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Last Holiday, The Polar Express, and more. Embrace your new holiday tradition while scrolling through all the family-friendly titles ahead!
Jonathan Van Ness Brings Good Vibes and "Gay Rage" to the Comedy Stage in New Docuseries
Attention, beautiful people: the comedy scene just got way more fabulous - and funnier, too. Queer Eye's appointed groomer and hairdresser Jonathan Van Ness is breaking into the world of stand-up in partnership with Hotels.com. The booking giant chronicled Van Ness's Fall comedy tour in a new docuseries titled 10 Nights With Jonathan Van Ness. He hit up a number of cities - including Seattle, NYC, and Kansas City, MO - across the nation, bringing his humor, positivity, and bright attitude to the stage. POPSUGAR spoke to Van Ness and learned more about his love for comedy and details about the docuseries.
In the 10-part series, which you can watch on YouTube, viewers will see Van Ness travel from city to city, living out his stand-up comedy dream - but they'll also see all the ups and downs that come along with starting something new. "Definitely there [have] been times where I tried out a bit, and it didn't land the way I thought it was going to land," Van Ness told POPSUGAR. "I think you see me really in the process of performing and editing the performance as I'm going. It really feels like an authentic peek into what those experiences look like."
Although he's new to the stand-up scene, the TV personality certainly isn't a stranger to comedy. Aside from giving fans a lot of good laughs on Queer Eye, Van Ness has also starred in Funny or Die's YouTube series Gay of Thrones since 2013. The show features Van Ness giving lively recaps of HBO's Game of Thrones while doing clients' hair. Through that, he met Drop Dead Diva star and comedy legend Margaret Cho and became her hairdresser.
"During the shows, I feel just so present and so energetic and also kind of in awe. I can't tell you how many times a day I'm like, 'I can't even believe this is my life.'"
But Cho saw much more in him and continuously encouraged him to pursue a career in stand-up, even though Van Ness initially pushed back on the idea. "I had impostor syndrome already because I look up to her so much," Van Ness said. "People spend their whole professional lives trying to burst onto this scene, and I didn't see that I was good enough." He finally gathered the courage to set his fears aside after filming Queer Eye in 2017 and accompanied a few friends to stand-up shows in LA, where he performed for the first time in a major way. That's when things started to click. "I was like, oh, my God. I love this so much. It's so fun. It's like a whole new medium of communication for me," he said. That's also when Hotels.com reached out to propose the idea of the docuseries.
A lot of Van Ness's comedic material comes from things he's passionate about - the Olympics, film, TV shows. He has also started keeping tabs on everyday inspirations that hit him. "I have my phone with me all the time, and I'll just write things down; like situations or jokes or bits that I think are funny," he said. And if he needs any more inspiration, he just channels "some good old fashioned gay rage."
While Van Ness admits that he usually has butterflies in his stomach right before a show, you can hardly tell; he totally captivates audience members with his confidence and inviting smile. "During the shows, I feel just so present and so energetic and also kind of in awe. I can't tell you how many times a day I'm like, 'I can't even believe this is my life,'" he said.
The overarching theme of the docuseries is to simply do what you want to do, go after what you want, and don't be afraid to fail. "There [are] just so many ways to get to your goal," Van Ness emphasized. "Just because I wasn't at open mic nights at midnight five nights a week doesn't make my path any less OK. Everyone has their own path and their own way." And that sense of self-assurance and willingness to live and learn are precisely why he's determined to "stand-up or cry trying."
Watch Van Ness on his journey to developing his stand-up career in the episodes of 10 Nights With Jonathan Van Ness ahead. Hotels.com will release an episode every other day on YouTube, so be on the lookout for the next clip! Then, see photos of him at the docuseries's premiere party in New York.
Here's How to Know If Your Winter Blues Are More Serious Than You Think
Seasonal affective disorder is usually distinctive in that it starts in the Fall or early Winter as the days grow darker and colder. If you are experiencing this sadness yourself, or someone you love seems to be, there are many ways to help them and get help for yourself.
"Experiencing seasonal depression is quite common, so I screen for it pretty regularly among my clients," said Shanthi Mogali, MD, director of psychiatry at Mountainside Treatment Center.
Dr. Mogali finds that the onset of these feelings very often begins in the late Fall, usually around daylight saving time. People both with histories of depression and without can start experiencing feelings of sadness and anxiety thanks to shorter days and less light, creating an overall seasonal affective feeling. "Psychiatrists should consider - if they're not already doing so - proactively addressing new feelings that occur with the seasonal changes with their clients," Dr. Mogali said. For people who have a history of substance abuse and depression, it's particularly important to examine what cravings look like and how they change when it gets closer to the Winter and holiday season.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder/seasonal depression include isolating yourself from peers and friends and self-medicating with substances like alcohol or prescription medications. Increased sleeping and feelings of exhaustion are other key signs. Another thing to look out for is anhedonia. "For example, if you are a social person who enjoys going to parties and networking events, and suddenly as the Winter season sets in, the prospect of those activities feels dull and disappointing - you would rather just sit at home by yourself, which is not your 'normal' - that is definitely a sign that something is up," Dr. Mogali said.
If the feelings you have during the Winter persist and get even more severe, that is a signal that something even more serious is going on. "If you're feeling hopeless and worthless, those are significant emotions associated with depression (not just the seasonal kind). Other major signs of something more serious include not being able to get out of bed and take care of yourself - perhaps you are skipping out on normal hygienic routines such as showering and brushing your teeth," Dr. Mogali said. Drinking yourself into a stupor to deal with your feelings (and being unable to stop) is another signifier for a lot of people.
And, very importantly, if you're feeling like life is not worth living, that is not seasonal blues. That is major depression.
Treatment Options
Major shifts in mood or behavior, persistent feelings of depression, the sensation that your feelings are out of your control . . . these changes must be addressed in some way. "Often, people facing depression can recognize for themselves that they need help. They realize they aren't paying their bills on time, or that they can't leave the house, or they can't take care of their medical needs or their children. Other times, someone close to the depressed person will point out the behavior patterns to them, which can trigger their understanding that they need help. Perhaps their spouse is miserable and giving ultimatums; perhaps someone in the family has started to express concern," Dr. Mogali said.
It's important that if you are experiencing serious depression, you speak with someone as quickly as possible - particularly a healthcare or psychiatric professional. "The beauty of the internet is that you have more access to resources than ever before. Go online and google therapists in your area; visit your insurance website to search for therapists/counselors in-network, or check out ZocDoc or Psychology Today," Dr. Mogali said. Start making calls and see what fits. Then set up an appointment.
Talk therapy is a foundation to recovery: it can help you peel back the layers and identify what is really going on with you and your mental wellness. "People with depression can have cognitive distortions, so addressing guilt and shame and feelings of depression with a licensed therapist can really help understand what is driving your seasonal depression. Some people have deeper issues going on, like a trauma. Talk therapy can set you in the direction of understanding if there is indeed another issue under the surface," Dr. Mogali explained.
Some people benefit from antidepressants, but it may be better to start early, as the medication can take around six to eight weeks to become effective. "If you know you're susceptible to depression during the Winter, consider speaking to your doctor well in advance about your concerns and to make a plan," Dr. Mogali said.
For people who specifically experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), one treatment option with proven efficacy is light therapy. "It involves allocating time to sit with a special lamp that is meant to substitute natural light. Essentially, the light enters your retina and tricks your brain into thinking it is getting more light during the course of the day," Dr. Mogali said.
Natural Treatment Options
Nutrients can help; vitamin D, rhodiola, and SAM-e are all natural mood boosters. "Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with feeling blue. Make sure to eat a vitamin-D-rich diet with foods like salmon, fortified milk, eggs, yogurt, and cheese, or from vitamin D supplements," said Lindsey Bristol, MS, RD, coauthor of The Sexy Abs Diet, and registered dietitian with Swanson Health Products. The herb rhodiola rosea can help boost serotonin levels, which helps impart a sense of contentment and mental ease. "Rhodiola is also an adaptogen, which can help fight the mental and physical effects of stress. Rhodiola is tough to get from food, so look for a supplement like Swanson's Rhodiola Rosea root," Bristol said. S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) is a nutrient that's found in essentially every cell in our bodies. "It promotes vital neurotransmitter production to help optimize serotonin and dopamine. Try to get 200 to 400 mg every day," Bristol added.
Another option for people experiencing SAD - and, really, depression in general - is exercise. "Feelings of low self-confidence and unhappiness can arise when people are more sedentary, which can happen during the Winter. People should find ways to stay active during this time to benefit from the natural endorphins released through physical fitness," Dr. Mogali said.
Trouble Sleeping? An Expert Says to Avoid These 5 Foods If You Want to Sleep Like a Baby Tonight
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "More than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis." A lack of sleep can impair your alertness and concentration, can increase your risk for health problems like high blood pressure, and can even make you gain weight, according to WebMD.
Determining the reason behind your sleep deprivation can be difficult, which is why we spoke to Alon Avidan, MD, MPH, director of the UCLA Sleep Disorders Center for tips on how to improve your sleep beginning tonight. Dr. Avidan explained that simply watching what you consume in the hours leading up to your bedtime can make all the difference when it comes to the quality of your sleep. If you're tired of waking up groggy, continue reading to found out the foods and products that are more than likely messing with your sleep.
I've Been on 50 Flights in the Past 2 Years - This Is How I Don't Get Sick
In the past two years, I've been on roughly 50 different flights, across different countries, states, airlines, and airports. It's not as glamorous as it sounds - in the first year, I got the flu four times, two weeks a pop! I began to dread flying, because it felt inevitable that my frail immune system would contract whatever germs were floating around in the air of the cabin.
And it's not just me - the journal BMC Infectious Diseases published a study on the role airports play in the transmission of influenza and pandemic threats. "Nucleic acid of at least one respiratory virus was detected in 9 out of 90 surface samples" in the examined airport, meaning about 10 percent of the things you touch in the airport have "at least" one virus. Sweet.
I decided to get proactive. Through research, trial and error, product testing, and talks with doctors, I created a defense guide on how to conquer air travel without picking up a nasty bug from your fellow passengers. Here's my go-to, must-do checklist I stick to every single time I travel. And, guess what? I haven't been sick once since I implemented this plan. Fly safe, my friends.
20 Quick and Easy Salads You're Going to Want to Meal Prep Every Sunday
Salads are delicious and healthy, and the prep work that goes into making a fresh and colorful salad can be a lot of fun. Yet it can be difficult to plan out different salads to enjoy for lunch and dinner throughout the week. This leads to you getting tired of the same salad you might be packing each day for lunch. Next thing you know, you're deserting it in your cubicle and making a beeline for a grilled cheese and fries at the cafeteria.
Ahead, you'll find 20 salads that are easy to make ahead of time. From fresh vegan salads full of nourishing vegetables to protein-packed options full of flavor, you'll find it easy to customize a unique salad each time by prepping veggies, fruits, and meats on #MealPrepSunday.
Outdoor Voices Is Now at Nordstrom, And These Are the Picks We're Coveting
Outdoor Voices has been one of our favorite athleisure brands for a long time, so when we heard they were dropping at Nordstrom, we freaked out a little bit. Its signature textured compression fabric hugs you in and makes you look and feel amazing. These are the clothes you want to live in, whether you're heading out on a hike, going to yoga class, or just running around on the weekends. Its crop top bras and leggings come in the cutest, most unique colorways. These are our absolute favorite sets from the drop; wear them on their own, paired together, or mix and match. Once you try them, you'll be hooked; we know we are.
18 Healthy Dinners That Are 5 Ingredients or Fewer
We've all been there - the fridge is almost empty, the cupboard is gathering cobwebs, and that trip to the grocery store just keeps getting pushed back. In times like this, it's easy to reach for that bowl of microwavable mac and cheese or order takeout, ultimately throwing any health-conscious decisions to the wind. But rest assured the following recipes all contain five ingredients or fewer and the varying contents of your spice cabinet and are as satisfying as they are healthy.
These Weighted Blankets Have Great Reviews on Amazon, and They're Less Than $100
You know the drill: a new product lands on shelves and claims that it'll change your life, but the price tag is so astronomical that there's no way it'll fit into your budget. Such is the case with weighted blankets, which are thought to greatly ease anxiety and help you sleep. Because these blankets are carefully made to match a specific size and weight, they can run you a couple hundred dollars - but now, with their popularity reaching critical mass, more are becoming available at a lower price point.
As with any really nice, large blanket, you're still looking at a bit of a spend. But here's the good news: you can get a quality weighted blanket for less than $100. We found seven that will wrap you up like a hug without putting a squeeze on your wallet - and the reviews? They're so good.
Related: This Weighted Blanket Is "Like Advil PM For Your Whole Body"
15 Gifts For Your Friend Who Would Rather Be at the Gym Than the Office
If you're planning to tackle those get-fit goals in the New Year, you've probably already identified one glaring problem: the hours you spend at your desk each day. The more time you spend in front of your computer, the less time you have to squeeze in a workout - and resolutions are challenging enough without that extra stress. Fortunately, there are a variety of products you can add to your wishlist this holiday season that will help you get some exercise without ever stepping away from your desk. Nudge your family or treat yourself - or gift them to a fitness-loving friend.
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