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.
jeudi 14 février 2019
I'll Admit AJ McLean and His Wife Are Really Cute - Even Though I Wish It Were Me
As a huge Backstreet Boys fan, I always dreamed of being Mrs. AJ McLean. I still remember when I bought the Backstreet's Back album and would fast-forward through it to get to AJ's verses. Even though things didn't exactly pan out how I'd hoped, I'm glad there is another woman out there who is able to make him happy. The woman in question is none other than AJ's longtime love, Rochelle DeAnna McLean. The Backstreet Boy and hairstylist first got together in 2009, and they made things official in 2011 with a goth-themed wedding. The two have been going strong ever since and are parents to two beautiful daughters, 6-year-old Ava and 1-year-old Lyric. Most recently, they stepped out together at the Grammys, but if you take a look at their Instagram accounts, you'll notice it's overflowing with cute moments. Things may not have worked out between AJ and me, but Rochelle clearly knows the shape of his heart.
This Hilarious "7 Rings" Lisa Kudrow Mashup Works So Well, It Could Be Part of the Song
I never thought Lisa Kudrow would make an appearance in an Ariana Grande video, but this fan's mashup is too good not to share. The catchy lyrics "I want it, I got it" from Grande's "7 Rings" song on her new Thank U, Next album happen to pair perfectly with a clip from The Comeback, a former HBO comedy Kudrow starred in. The Comeback was a beloved series that followed Valerie Cherish, a former B-list sitcom actress who's itching to get back in the spotlight and agrees to chronicle her return to television after landing a new role. The show was revived for a second and final season in 2014 years after its 2005 cancellation, and any fan of the satirical series will appreciate this absurd and hilarious video idea.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson shared the video, which was originally made by YouTuber David Levitz. In it, we see Grande in her sexy pink outfits from the "7 Rings" video spliced with footage of Kudrow's character shouting "I got it!" from the pilot episode. It's pretty freakin' genius, and I personally can't stop laughing. Check out the mashup ahead, and then watch each of the full videos for more context.
Jessica Rothe and Her "Badass, B*tchy, Messy" Journey in Happy Death Day 2U
Back in late 2017, Happy Death Day stormed into theaters with its fresh and thrilling take on a well-worn story device: one person living the same day over and over again, à la 1993's Groundhog Day. Not long after the film's release, we were delighted to learn that, like Tree, we'd be remaining in this strange universe. Writer-director Christopher Landon already had an idea for a sequel by the time he finished the first film, and shortly thereafter, he was given the green light. Even though it feels like the blink of an eye, Happy Death Day 2U is about to hit theaters. And luckily, I had the chance to sit down and speak with the big star, Jessica Rothe.
While chatting with Rothe about the film, she presented more as the fully realized Tree, who has been through some serious sh*t and is kind, gracious, and open-hearted because of it. We sat down, and I immediately commended her for adding so much depth to a lead female character. Such a complex and three-dimensional character can be hard to find in Hollywood in general, and that's especially true for horror films, comedies, and horror-comedies. Tree isn't a hapless first victim, a prop, an easy kill, or a sex object. She's not just one thing: she's not the mean girl, or the girl next door, or the final girl. She's everything; she's the hero of the story, and she goes through an incredible emotional arc that really makes you care about her.
"I love that this is a girl who sees the killer, and instead of running away, picks up an ax and runs toward him screaming."
When I mentioned to Rothe how impressed I was by Tree's incredible journey (and range!), she really commended writer-director Landon. "I'm still amazed every day that Chris wrote and created such an amazingly vibrant, complex, three-dimensional, badass, b*tchy, messy, lovable human being. And that arc is something you don't see - not only in genre, but in movies for young women. You don't really get to see women start out despicable and then transform into their own hero . . . I love that she is her own hero. I love that this is a girl who sees the killer, and instead of running away, picks up an axe and runs toward him screaming."
This kind of "no f*cks" Tree is dialed up to 100 percent in Happy Death Day 2U. In one hilarious montage, Tree has to die a bunch of times in order to figure out what the hell is going on. This leads to that one unforgettable scene in the trailer, in which Tree jumps out of a plane in just a bikini. As it turns out, that was Rothe's favorite death to film, and it was pretty complicated to pull off. "It was a trust fall. Because I was just up in a plane shell, and they had mats below me, and I just had to not scream too much." Then, of course, they had to shoot her landing separately.
You don't see Tree "stick the landing" in the preview, but it basically culminates in this slow-motion shot of our fair lady, grinning and flipping off the camera while plummeting into the ground at a deadly speed. "I couldn't be on a harness because I was wearing a bikini, so the only way they could get me to do it was by building this platform," Rothe recalled. "I was on it, and they had to drop me. They had to almost dunk tank me off the platform. But in order to get the pose, I had to strike it before they dropped me, even though I was being dropped seven or eight feet. So I had to tense my body, and flip off, and make a crazy face, and then they'd count three, two, one and the floor would just drop out from under me, and I'd land on a bunch of pads, but it was oddly difficult."
Going back to that whole thing about being emotionally invested in Tree, Rothe also revealed a shocking fact about the first film: Tree was supposed to straight-up die at the end. Like, for realsies. "I die. I make it to Tuesday the 19th. I wake up - it's on the DVD extras. I filmed the scene. I wake up, and everyone's at the hospital with me, my dad's there, I'm super happy, and then Gregory's wife comes in and poisons me because I was sleeping with her husband, and I die," Rothe told me. Test audiences were furious because they had grown so attached to the character. "They were pissed. They were like, 'You made us care about this person. You can't do this. We went on this journey. We love her.'"
But here's the best part of that story: Landon decided to change the ending so audiences wouldn't have to endure Tree's permanent death. During that editing process, he had an epiphany about the sequel. "We changed it. We reshot it, and then about a month before the first one came out, Chris called me and was like, 'I have a crazy idea for you,' and he told me about it. I said, 'You're insane, but you're also the only person who could pull this off. So if you're in, I'm in.' And that's where it came from. And Chris didn't know; he said until he was in the editing bay and then he would pick up on certain little things in the film and be like, 'Huh. I wonder what a fun way to explain this would be.'"
Of course, I don't want to give away the big twist. But just know that there really is a moment in the first film that directly correlates to the secret! And so, the second film was born. And shot. And reshot. And edited. And finished. After two rounds, I wondered if Rothe was sick and tired of shooting the same thing over and over again. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true: she lives for it. "I'm a perfectionist. So, I love it. It scratches this deep itch inside of me. I would even tell Chris, I'd be like, 'I need one more take,' and he'd be like, 'We've got it.' I'd be like, 'No, but just one more,' and he'd be like, 'You're going to do this 70 more times. You don't want it.'"
Then again, Rothe wasn't the one repeating her own actions over and over again. Tree does all kinds of crazy sh*t while everything else stays the same. Rothe simply had to replicate Tree's sleeping pose. "The only thing that I experienced that was super, super technical was the wake-up on the pillow. And it was even down to like, 'OK, you had this curl in front of your eye, and we need more drool on the pillow, and your lips were pushed up a bit more, and tilt your chin.' We really tried to match stuff," Rothe told me.
This is the part where she dropped another shocking tidbit: "Chris never reused a shot. So, everything you see in the film was shot new. It's not like he was like, 'Oh. We did Carter's wake-up once. We'll just use that forever.' It's different every time." It's that kind of attention to detail that really makes the film seem so special in the first place.
And finally, the obvious question I know you wanted me to ask: what about Happy Death Day 3? Oh, it's more than a possibility at this point. Of course, Universal Pictures has to green light it first. "It's very dependent on how this one does, so go see the movie!" Rothe said to me with a laugh. Then, she gave up the goods, saying Landon has definitely been marinating: "I think he has the whole idea in his head, but he's keeping it close to the chest. All I know is, whatever I'm expecting, it will be completely different from anything I could ever imagine, but I also know and trust that it will be the appropriate bookend to this wonderful journey we've gone on with these crazy people."
Just TRY to Look Away From Normani's Celestial Beauty in the Otherworldly "Waves" Video
We have a lot of feelings about Normani's "Waves" music video with 6LACK, but mostly we want to know: how does she looks so good? Is it the natural glow from being a carefree and unproblematic queen? Is it Fenty Beauty's Body Lava? Drop the skincare routine, sis!
But I digress. Normani dropped the official music video for her latest single, "Waves," on Feb. 12, several months after the record was dropped in November 2018. "Proud to finally share this with you guys. There was SO much love and hard work poured into this video. Hope you like it," Normani tweeted out when the video was released. "I kept y'all in mind the whole time working on this visual. I thank you for being patient with me. Y'all deserve it ✨"
The dreamy video features Normani and 6LACK as the two passionately pine for each other in a galaxy far, far away. The 22-year-old singer shows off her sultry signature moves with a group of four dancers, reminding us of how we could have had it all a few seasons of Dancing With the Stars ago. It's the first music video from Normani, and she has soundly proved that the wait is definitely worth it. We can't wait to see what else she'll be putting out there as her solo career launches!
It's Back to Business For Kate Middleton Following Her Glamorous BAFTAs Appearance
Following her glamorous date night out at the BAFTAs on Sunday night with Prince William, it was back to royal duties for Kate Middleton on Feb. 13, as she stepped out in London (making a serious case for the skirt suit) to attend The Royal Foundation's Mental Health in Education conference at Mercers' Hall.
The conference highlights the work done by Heads Together, a charity spearheaded by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In a tweet, Kensington Palace said, "The conference brings together delegates from health and education to discuss what more can be done to tackle mental health issues in schools in support of both pupils and staff." Get a closer look at Kate's appearance ahead.
The Big Bang Theory Cast Performed Their Final Flash Mob, and It Was "Larger Than Life"
As the end of The Big Bang Theory draws closer, the cast is making the most out of their final moments together. The crew has a history of surprising the studio audience with flash mobs over the last 12 years, but their latest one is truly larger than life. On Wednesday, Kaley Cuoco shared a video of the cast's final flash mob, which was set to none other than the Backstreet Boys' "Larger Than Life." "One of my favorite moments in 12 years," she wrote alongside a video featuring Jim Parsons, Mayim Bialik, Melissa Rauch, Kunal Nayyar, and Simon Helberg. "I told you we would go out with a bang!!" Unfortunately, Johnny Galecki couldn't participate because of his ankle injury, but he did make sure to cheer on his costars from the sidelines.
The beloved show - which is one of the longest-running staples of network TV - will likely come to an end in May this year. While the official date has yet to be announced, the reason for the show ending reportedly came down to Parsons's decision to step away. "There is no negative reason to stop doing Big Bang," Parsons previously told Entertainment Weekly. "It felt like we have been able to do this for so many years now, it doesn't feel like there is anything left on the table. Not that we couldn't keep doing it, but it feels like we've chewed all the meat off this bone. I guess at a personal level, it feels like the right time in my life." Well, at least we'll always have these hilarious Sheldon Cooper moments to remember the show by.
Relive the 13 Winning Performances From America's Got Talent
Winning America's Got Talent isn't quite like winning other reality competition shows. Not only does the winner take home a pretty big cash prize, but they also typically find themselves with a slew of offers in their specialty. Of course, that specialty can vary widely, since AGT is, at its heart, a really glitzy, scaled-up version of your elementary school talent show, where anything truly goes.
Over the years, the winners of AGT have definitely proved that to be true, as singers have taken home the title alongside ventriloquists, magicians, and other novelty acts. Before the latest season, America's Got Talent: The Champions, crowns an all-star winner, take a look back at the wacky, remarkable, and just plain talented acts that have nabbed the top spot over the past several years.
This Lady Gaga Impression on SNL Will Have You Belting "AaahhhAAHHhh" - I'm Sure of It
If you're in the mood for a hilarious Lady Gaga impression, Saturday Night Live has got you covered. On the show's Feb. 9 episode, hosted by Halsey, cast member Melissa Villaseñor belted out her best "Shallow" for Michael Che and Colin Jost. Sure, Villaseñor was really there to give her pre-Grammys picks, but do you blame her for the A Star Is Born obsession? Seems like every day more stars are coming out with their own covers of the song, so it's no wonder Villaseñor wanted to get in on the fun. Add in Kyle Mooney's Jackson Maine, and we're all off the deep end.
Watch the clips above and below to fully prepare yourself for tonight's Grammys, where "Shallow" is up for four awards.
Melissa Villaseñor impersonating Lady Gaga & singing "Shallow" tonight on SNL 😆 pic.twitter.com/3z7NbEeGHl
- LG Updates (@LadyGagaVegas) February 10, 2019
These 6 Oscar Nominees Have Already Taken Home the Gold
We can't wait to see which of this year's talented Oscar nominees go home with a brand-new statuette. Thanks to an eclectic crop of nominated films, the nominees this year are a blend of longtime veterans and fresh faces, making for an incredibly exciting award season. While Hollywood's biggest names and newcomers get ready for the big night, several of the 2019 nominees are already pros at the whole Oscars cycle - because they've been here before. Before you fill out your Oscar ballot this year, take a look at which nominees have already made at least one Oscars acceptance speech in years past!
Get Ready For a Magic Carpet Ride! Here's When Aladdin Hits Theaters
Ride-or-die Disney fans, rejoice! You're about to get your wish granted with the upcoming live-action version of Aladdin that promises an Avatar-level of blue Will Smith as the iconic Genie. If you tuned in to commercial breaks during the Grammys, you may have caught the special sneak peek trailer of the movie. Soon, we'll be able to join Aladdin and Jasmine for a magic (and maybe a little CGI-driven) carpet ride.
The Aladdin reboot is set to come out on May 24. It'll join a legacy of beloved classics that have received a live-action revamp, including Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Poppins Returns. Most Disney remakes have met with moderate success and critical acclaim, so we don't anticipate this upcoming project to be a total flop despite the sometimes-brow-raising promo material so far.
We know, we know - it keeps happening. But it was all but inevitable that the Disney classic would get a reboot treatment. After all, the original animated version of Aladdin came out almost three decades ago on Nov. 25, 1992. It's been a seminal classic for Disney fans all over the world, bringing us earworms such as "Friend Like Me" and "A Whole New World."
Plans for a remake have been around since October 2016, when Disney announced that Sherlock Holmes director Guy Ritchie would be helming a live-action Aladdin. Casting commenced in 2017, and the search for the right Aladdin would prove to be a tall order. Disney finally sealed the deal with Canadian actor Mena Massoud to portray to the titular street urchin. Once Disney found the perfect Aladdin, filming began for this "ambitious and nontraditional take" on the classic. The script, cowritten by John August, promises a nonlinear style, departing from the straightforward narrative of the original. No worries - we're still going to get all of our favorite childhood tunes. (And as a bonus, there's even a whole new Aladdin and Jasmine duet!)
With its May release date and Disney prestige, Aladdin will almost certainly be a smash Summer blockbuster. It comes out the same weekend as Brightburn, Ad Astra, and Booksmart. While these adjacent projects have big names attached to them, it doesn't look like they'll be aiming for the same family-friendly crowds as Aladdin. The first two are sci-fi thrillers, whereas the Olivia Wilde-directed Booksmart appears to be a high school comedy romp.
In fact, it looks like Aladdin's strongest competition may be the other Disney live-action remakes of Dumbo and The Lion King, which, respectively, come out on March 29 and July 19. In addition to those, there are also 10 other upcoming Disney flicks that'll probably compete with the family-friendly fantasy musical this year.
While we wait for Aladdin's release, let's all take one jump ahead to appreciate the dazzling set photos so far. And maybe even indulge ourselves in a little Disney fan theorizing? It'll certainly be a minute before we can set our sights on a blue Will Smith or hot Jafar.
O.G.: The Story Behind HBO's Prison Movie Is Truly Fascinating
In recent years, pop culture has witnessed the true-crime genre dominate podcasts, films, and series with works such as Serial, American Crime Story, and The Staircase. But seldom has the world seen a production process quite as involved as that of HBO's upcoming drama O.G., which is shot inside of an actual prison and stars real inmates. Because of the relevant and believable storyline, you may be wondering if it's inspired by a true story. Before the movie and its complementary documentary (more on that below) air, here's what you need to know about its story and groundbreaking film-making approach.
O.G. Is NOT Based on a True Story
O.G. is about Louis, an incarcerated man who was once the head of a prison gang and now awaits his impending release after a 24-year sentence. As Louis tries to save a new inmate named Beecher from trouble, he reflects upon his crime as well as the struggles of reentering society. It stars Westworld's Jeffrey Wright in the leading role, which earned the seasoned performer an award for best actor in a US narrative feature film at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.
O.G. may feel true to life, but it's not based on a singular real event or person.
The Production Is as Authentic as It Gets
While the story is fictional, the production of the film is as real as it gets. Emmy-winning director Madeleine Sackler shot the movie inside Pendleton Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in Indiana. There, she worked with the staff and inmates, the latter of whom would become her actors on set.
"We shot O.G. in five weeks, getting completely locked out one day, but we were able to make it up on a Saturday," Sackler said in an interview with IndieWire.
There were often location-related issues, but the crew adapted. Though there were obstacles, the director was surprised with how much got approved when she sent in her ideas to prison administrators. "When writing the script, I did a spreadsheet breakdown of every scene and location. I would highlight in the spreadsheet anything special about the scene," she said. "I then reviewed the spreadsheet with the prison administration, thinking we may need to cut 30 percent of the things and rewrite it. They approved all of it, which was surprising and exciting."
The Film-making Process Led to a Documentary
Sackler went into production with the intention of making one scripted movie. Prior to production, she taught a film-making workshop to 13 inmates at the prison, some of whom would become first-time actors on O.G., including Theothus Carter (above, with Wright) in the role of Beecher. While they learned about acting, editing, and shooting films, the men interviewed each other and decided that they wanted to make a film together about their stories.
The collaboration would turn into the documentary It's A Hard Truth Ain't It. The film reflects upon the circumstances and choices that led to these men's imprisonments. Sackler codirected it with her students and enlisted the help of Yoni Goodman, who worked on animated sequences for the critically acclaimed Israeli documentary Waltz with Bashir.
If you found Sackler's film-making process fascinating, both the feature and documentary will be available to stream on Feb. 23 on HBO.
Abducted in Plain Sight Is Hands Down the Most Unbelievable True Crime Story We've Heard
Abducted in Plain Sight captures a case as strange as its foreboding title suggests, interweaving the horrors of child abduction with stories of extramarital affairs, aliens, and brainwashed parents. The 2017 true crime documentary now streaming on Netflix shines a light on the abduction of Jan Broberg, a young girl living in Pocatello, ID, who was twice kidnapped by her neighbor Robert Berchtold (sometimes referred to as "B"). While this sounds like a classic Forensic Files episode, there's more to the story that will truly boggle the mind. Broberg's parents, Mary Ann and Bob, not only held back from contacting authorities but also each had affairs with Berchtold and allowed him to have close contact with their daughter.
Jan's story is a disturbing one throughout - here are the shocking details that formed the basis of the documentary.
The Kidnappings
A close family friend, Berchtold (pictured below, with Jan) convinced Jan's parents to let him take their daughter to go horseback riding in the Autumn of 1974 when she was 12. He then drugged and abducted her, strapping her to a bed. Berchtold left an intercom by her bedside to convince her that she had been taken by aliens and that he needed to impregnate her to save their alien planet.
Berchtold called his brother, who called the Brobergs and told them his brother was now in Mexico and wanted their permission to marry Jan in the United States. The FBI traced the call and found them, arresting Berchtold, who only faced a 45-day sentence. Berchtold convinced Jan not to tell anyone about the mission, pills, or sexual abuse she experienced or else the aliens would hurt her family. Her parents were convinced she was not raped because a doctor said her hymen had not been broken.
While Berchtold worked at his brother's car dealership, he'd return home to Pocatello and closely contacted Jan through letters and notes. He even took her to a family fun center that he bought, where they continued "the mission" after Mary Ann reluctantly let her daughter go. In 1976, Berchtold kidnapped her again. Under his instructions, Jan, then 14, wrote a note informing her family that she was running away. Berchtold enrolled her in a Catholic boarding school in Pasadena, CA, and convinced the nuns there that he was her father, a CIA agent who'd escaped Lebanon. Authorities tracked him down after three months and took him into custody. His kidnapping charges were later acquitted due to a claim of "mental defect."
The Affairs
Berchtold held close relationships with Jan's parents to gain access to her before and after the first abduction. Prior to the first kidnapping, he told Jan's parents that he needed to spend time with their daughter for therapy. With their consent, he regularly laid down in bed next to Jan, playing inappropriate tapes and giving her sleeping pills.
Mary Ann shockingly had a long-term affair with Berchtold after her daughter was kidnapped. He even tried to persuade her into getting a divorce after explaining why he took her daughter. This wasn't the first time - before the first kidnapping, they also had sexual contact, information he used to blackmail her into signing an affidavit that said he had taken Jan with her parents' consent. Her husband, Bob, also had at least one encounter with Berchtold, during which he "relieved" his neighbor in "an act of masturbation."
The Aftermath
Berchtold was convicted once more for abusing another young girl, receiving one year of jail time. In 2004, he tried to crash one of Jan's public speaking events, prompting her to get an official restraining order against him. The following year, he committed suicide by taking heart medication pills with alcohol.
Mary Ann wrote a book called Stolen Innocence, detailing her encounters with Berchtold. She and Bob remained married until his death in 2018. Jan, now 56, has worked as a singer and actress after turning to the theater as a creative outlet. In the documentary, she voices her story with clarity despite years of traumatizing abuse while her parents, also featured, probe for sense in their shocking complicity.
Yassss! The Queer Eye Season 3 Release Date Has FINALLY Been Announced
Are you guys ready to cry all the happy tears? Because Queer Eye season three officially has a release date, and the first-look photos already have us tearing up.
The heartfelt reality show premiered its first season in January 2018 and second in June, both to widespread critical acclaim (the show won an Emmy!). Now the series will return on March 15, ready to transform the lives of style-challenged, emotionally constipated (sorry) people in Kansas City, MO. The Fab Five - Antoni Porowski (food and wine), Bobby Berk (interior design), Jonathan Van Ness (grooming), Karamo Brown (culture), and Tan France (fashion) - are all on board, so more lessons about self-love, confidence, French tucks, sulfates in shampoo, and avocados are on the way.
To celebrate the season three announcement, Netflix not only released two brand-new photos from the season but also a single that Carly Rae Jepsen wrote to mark the occasion: "Now That I Found You." Check out all three before the new episodes drop in March, ahead!
Kim Kardashian Is Getting a Sexy Start to 2019 - Are You Surprised?
Kim Kardashian never ceases to amaze us when it comes to looking sexy, and this year is no different. From her red carpet appearances to her photos on Instagram, the 38-year-old reality TV star has cemented herself as one of the hottest celebrities in the world, and she's showing no signs of slowing down. And why would she? If you've got it, flaunt it, right? Ahead, feast your eyes on Kim's steamiest moments of 2019 - so far!
You Need to Hear the True Story Behind Dwayne Johnson's New WWE Movie
The upcoming wrestling/family drama Fighting With My Family is inspired by a family who stays together . . . by wrestling together. Although the whole family takes turns in the ring, it's the young daughter who catches the eye of talent scouts and just might have the chance to make it big - complicating her relationship with her brother, whose odds aren't looking nearly as good.
Fans of WWE wrestling are used to crazy storylines and larger than life characters; who knew that the real-life story behind one of the franchise's stars was stranger than fiction, too? Produced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (who plays himself in the film), Fighting With My Family follows the movie-ready story of how the girl was plucked from obscurity and turned into the wrestling star "Paige," though not without some serious bumps along the way. Before you see the movie when it comes out on Feb. 14, read on for some of the real facts behind the wrestling family.
28 Buzzy Books to Read This Spring
Brenda Janowitz is the POPSUGAR books correspondent. She is the author of five novels, including The Dinner Party.
Polar vortex, we are so over you. Thank you, next. Let's warm up just thinking about the 28 best new books of Spring, books that will warm your soul and delight your spirits. From literary to commercial, memoirs to essay collections, historical to fiercely modern - whatever you like, we've got the perfect read for you! Take a look ahead to see the latest and greatest from authors Helen Oyeyemi, Candice Carty-Williams, Jojo Moyes, Helen Hoang, and more.
Ariana Grande Recorded 3 Versions of "Thank U, Next" in Case She Married Pete Davidson
By now, you've probably heard one of Ariana Grande's most popular hits "Thank U, Next" (and if you haven't, who are you?). It quickly became a breakup song anthem because of Grande's mention of her exes and the roles they played in her life and personal growth. Some of the ex-boyfriends she calls out by name on the track include Big Sean, Mac Miller, Ricky Alvarez, and Pete Davidson - who she had broken up with about a month prior to the song's initial release. Although Grande also dropped a behind-the-scenes clip about the making of the "Thank U, Next" music video, it still seems like we're learning more about the inner workings of it every day.
Case in point: Grande recently revealed in an interview with the Zach Sang Show that she actually recorded three different versions of the song. In the first version - similar to the one we know - Grande specifically named her exes, but wasn't sure if it was too crazy. "I'm super shy when it comes to pitching wild things. So I was like, 'Is it insane if I name people and thank them directly in the song?'" she said. But her friend Tayla encouraged her to go through with it, saying, "It's gonna be a thing if you do, but I think it's brilliant and it's special, and yes - do it."
Still, Grande decided to make another version in which she kept mentions of her exes much more oblique. In that rendition, she opens with, "They say I'm too young, had too many boyfriends," instead of immediately naming her former significant others.
And then she recorded yet another version in which she sings about marrying Davidson, in case they ended up going through with their wedding. Grande said that their relationship was so unsteady, she didn't know where they were going to stand by the time the song dropped. "Things were so up and down and on and off, and so I didn't know what was gonna happen," she said. "We got back together, so I had to make a different version of it. And then we broke up again so we ended up going back."
So . . . Davidson and Grande had already broken up and got back together before they cut ties for good? And there are three varying "Thank U, Next" recordings out there? We're going to need a moment to process this. Watch Grande's full interview about the song and her new album above!
This Valentine's Day Brain-Teaser Is So Puzzling, It Might Break Your Heart
It's time to test your brain with a quick brain-teaser - but don't let this one break your heart. This adorable Valentine's Day illustration from Gergely Dudás is actually a hidden-image search that's pretty damn difficult if you ask me. The instructions ask followers to look for a "tiny heart" within a background of pink flowers, butterflies, and the occasional cute animals.
If you get stuck, don't worry! Simply swipe left to get a peek at the solution. You may groan out loud once you realize the heart has been lying in plain sight all along. If you're a fan of Gergely's puzzles, you can find more on his Instagram page and in his book Bear's Springtime Book of Hidden Things.
11 Chic Travel Pants So You Never Sweat in Your Skinny Jeans on the Plane Again
Every time I pack for a trip, I always end up taking a pair of skinny jeans that I never wear, and I've decided to give up the habit this season. During those hot Summer months, tight pants are the last thing that sound comfortable. Instead of suffering on a long plane ride or walking around a scorching city in unbearably rigid jeans, I'm going to try wearing cropped wide-leg trousers or linen pants. These pant styles can be both professional and paired with sandals and taken to the beach. If you're interested, check out these comfortable options to keep you cool.
14 Instagram Accounts For Blerd Girls Who Are Looking to Invigorate Their Timeline
Back in the day, "nerd" was one of the worst things someone could call you. Nowadays, there's a little piece of nerd pie for everyone to get in on. Folks are embracing their nerd-dom, and a lot of black people are claiming space in a community that we haven't always felt invited to. As blerds - aka black nerds - we've been building communities that center the black perspective on all things nerdy, whether that be anime, video games, or comic books.
As black women, it can be a little harder finding our ground in those communities, because there's still a stigma in being a nerdy woman - yes, this is where those pesky intersecting identities come into play. While there are definitely people and groups that appeal to all blerds, it's always nice to learn about the blerd women who are out there giving us the content we want and need. Ahead, we've rounded up a few Instagram accounts that will satisfy all your blerdy needs, and give you the community you've been looking for.
13 Romantic Books With Reluctant Heroes Who Are No Match For Love
We all know the story: two people meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after. But there's another story that us women, and women in romance, know far too well: the reluctant hero - the man who makes us swoon but won't give in because of a misfortuned past, a misconception of what it means to commit, or really any myriad of reasons. And while in reality it may make us want to pull our hair out, in fiction, it can be quite the endearing quality. So here I give you 13 reluctant heroes just waiting to be won over!
The Quirky Charm in This Wedding Will Absolutely Warm Your Heart
Do you remember that feeling of joy at the end of a really great movie? Well, Rebecca and Ryan encapsulated that in their wedding, and these cute photos are the proof. "We wanted something personal, quirky, and different. Our color palette was millennial pink with navy and splashes of other colors," said Rebecca. "We didn't have a specific theme, but we wanted to pull inspiration from the imagery of Wes Anderson's films and midcentury kitsch."
They certainly achieved this with their stunning decor, which included a hanging chuppah with real and large paper flowers. The floral arrangements did not end there, as each table had an array of vases and jars filled with flowers. Rebecca wanted to add some personal touches to the wedding, so she embroidered Ryan's pocket square, designed the invitations, and even created handmade pins for all the guests!
One of the most special parts of the ceremony was when the couple recited their vows. "Ryan had spent probably a year writing his, and I wrote mine the night before the ceremony. They were perfect and made everything so much more special," confirmed Rebecca.
This wedding had everything from a dog in a tux to doughnuts for dessert, and we are obsessed with the bride's custom denim jacket. Keep reading to see the amazing photos; the hanging floral chuppah is a showstopper!
15 Alternative Valentine's Day Date Ideas Way More Romantic Than Going Out to Eat
In case you were wondering and have not heard the subtle whispering in your ear from your significant other or seen the obnoxiously large plush teddy bears in your local grocery store, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. You need to get a move on planning something romantic ASAP. Like most romantic holidays, Valentine's Day can feel repetitive year after year, and people begin to dread planning anything at all. As one of the most heavily overrated holidays after New Year's Eve, it's easy to feel disenchanted with the underwhelming chocolates, long-stem rose bouquets, and stuffy restaurants that have become overly predictable.
Fear not, we're got you covered with date ideas to impress your partner - they're better than an overpriced dinner reservation. After all, what's romance without a little surprise, adventure, and mystery? Try out these 15 alternative Valentine's Day dates that are far from cliché. These ideas will provide infinite opportunities for you and your beau to celebrate love your way. Because seriously, whoever invented those chocolates with the gross cherry liquor in the center clearly knew nothing.
Why Being Single on Valentine's Day Is the Best
Every Valentine's Day, I get texts from a few of my married friends that say things like, "I know Valentine's Day can be rough. Thinking of you!" I always respond with, "Awww. Love you! Happy V-Day," but if I'm being honest, I don't really get their sympathy. While I know they mean well, to me, being unattached is the way to go on Valentine's Day.
It's not that I think my loved-up friends have made a mistake, it's just they're the ones I feel a little bad for. Valentine's Day is one when expectations are extremely high and prix fixe menu prices are even higher.
I always have a great time on Valentine's Day because I don't have to deal with any of that pressure and still get showered with love. Yep, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: being single on Valentine's Day means you can have your cake and eat it too (literally!). So, if you're also riding solo this February, here are a few of the best perks to enjoy the day of love without a partner.
1. You Still Feel the Love
Sharing the love is one of the best parts about this day, and the fact that you don't have a designated valentine means you can spread your love far and wide! Text those kissy emoji to your gal pals, your grandma, your nieces and nephews, your longtime crush, and whoever else makes you smile. Blow a kiss to a firefighter, a businesswoman, or a random dog on the street. It's Valentine's Day, you're adorable, and you're completely free.
Putting this energy out there also isn't just good for your soul, you'll probably get it back in droves. By firing up your dating apps or heading out with friends, you're opening yourself up to receive that same love. On what some pessimists call "Singles Awareness Day," other nonvalentines are very much down to clown. A Tinder spokesperson confirmed this surge to POPSUGAR, saying, "Globally, Tinder saw a 10 percent increase in downloads on Valentine's Day in 2018." Hinge's Head of Communications Jean Marie McGrath also told POPSUGAR that the app sees a 10 percent uptick in dates being set up the week of Valentine's Day. Long story short? Get your flirt on and let the compliments roll in!
2. You Get to Do Whatever You Want
While couples everywhere stare intently into one another's eyes over a pricey meal in a crowded restaurant, us singles will be busy doing whatever the heck we want. I prefer a night out with some fellow single ladies, but if you're not in the socializing mood, a great way to participate is to celebrate glorious, wonderful you. Do something indulgent like buying yourself expensive sheets, taking a bubble bath, or ordering ice cream to be delivered to your doorstep (yep, that's a thing). What better way to remind yourself how great you are than to treat yourself the way you'd like to be treated? Sure, a special someone may not be in your life right at this moment, but setting expectations for how you want to be adored is a healthy, productive, and, most importantly, fun exercise that's perfectly fitting for Valentine's Day.
3. You're Guilt-Free
I don't know about you, but I've definitely known I was with the wrong person on past Valentine's Days, but stayed with them anyway because I didn't want to break up on the most romantic day of the year. I'm older and wiser now, which means I know that a mud mask and bubble bath for one is a lot better than arguing over a dinner reservation with someone who doesn't treat me well. If you're with the wrong person leading up to Valentine's Day, end it and don't feel bad or guilty about it. That might seem a little dark, but your own self-care and happiness should come first. Decide to love yourself, and that will always feel better than not being loved properly by someone else.
4. You Don't Have to Force It
You know when you get home from a nice dinner and you take off your jacket, give your date a suggestive glance, then scan the room and wonder how you can ditch your Spanx and simultaneously kill the lights so no one sees your after-dinner bloat? Sometimes you just don't feel that sexy after a big meal, which you inevitably had to have, because it's one of the many traps of a traditional Valentine's Day. We singles don't have to deal with that. Instead, we either find ourselves happily bloated with our pants unbuttoned in the comfort of our own homes or out with our buds having a relaxed time while maybe catching the eye of a stranger (if we feel like it). There's no end-of-night pressure to get busy or even look good. We can come home and let it all hang out.
So, whether you're single or attached this Valentine's Day, remember that both ways have it made. Being with a partner you truly love is awesome, but being single is pretty awesome, too.
This Video of Marie Kondo Packing a Suitcase Will Make You Rethink All the Junk You Normally Take on Vacay
If you've ever gone on vacation and overpacked, you know how frustrating the experience can be upon arriving when you open your bag to find everything crumpled. We've all made efforts to kick this bad habit to the curb, but still, there's a big difference between shoving stuff in packing cubes, and packing a suitcase correctly. In this video shot for Apartment Therapy last year, organizing luminary Marie Kondo shows us how to fix a messy suitcase. She starts by taking everything out, creating order, folding each item as tiny as possible, and then repacking it. I don't even have any upcoming travel plans but I'm tempted to book something just so I can try this.
102 Tiny Tattoos For Big-Time Besties
Take your friendship to the next level and get a tattoo with your BFF! If you're looking for something that's not too over the top, we have found some tiny tattoos that are downright adorable. Check out these small but mighty options with your bestie.
- Additional reporting by Macy Williams
KitKat Drumsticks Are a Thing, and I'm Ready to Fill My Freezer to the Brim
Break me off a piece of this ice cream cone! If you're a fan of the chocolaty wafer candy bar, get ready to take things up a level with KitKat Drumsticks. Thanks to eagle-eyed Instagramers like @snackgator, we know that this sweet treat has made its way to the frozen food section of Kroger.
This frozen candy bar mashup takes the classic Drumstick cone, chocolate shell, and fudge center and pairs it with KitKat pieces. These Drumsticks have only been spotted at Kroger so far, but fingers crossed they make their way to other retailers soon. Even in the middle of Winter, I'm ready to buy these in bulk!
14 Velvet Furniture Pieces That Look Like a Million Bucks, but We Found Them on Amazon
Sprucing up your space doesn't always mean you need a full remodel. This year, try transforming any room by adding luxe velvet furniture pieces that will make your home look like a million bucks. These pretty pieces don't always come cheap though, so to make sure you get the best deal we shopped and found 14 hot picks from Amazon. From sofas to bed frames, prepare to want them all. Take a look at our favorites ahead.
13 Coffee Gadgets So Wildly Creative, You'll Forget How You Stayed Caffeinated Without Them
Everybody else's coffee routine will seem prehistoric once you set your eyes on these cool gadgets. From self-stirring mugs to portable espresso makers, these brilliant inventions are game changers. Make your morning a little easier, and get these products for yourself.
Costco Has Everything-Bagel-Crusted Cod Fillets, and Weeknight Dinner Will Never Be the Same
Everything-bagel-inspired foods have become increasingly popular over the last year, and Costco is getting in on the trend in a delicious way. The store is carrying everything-bagel-crusted cod fillets coated in a blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and cheddar cheese. The fish is sold frozen and all you have to do is bake it until it's crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside. Talk about a weeknight-dinner win! I'd serve this with simple roasted broccoli or greens with a Dijon vinaigrette.
The fish is from High Liner, a Canada-based company dedicated to providing responsibly sourced seafood to customers. The brand has other tasty frozen fish options including lemon pepper sole, salmon with dill sauce, and crunchy fish sticks. I'm all about that garlicky, seed-crusted cod, though. Trader Joe's widely popularized the idea of sprinkling lots of foods with the spices found on an everything bagel when it launched its $1 Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Blend, and restaurants have added menu items with similar spice blends, too. If you're all aboard the everything train, look out for this cod on your next Costco shopping trip.
You Can Now Douse Your Disneyland Pineapple Whip in Bacon Bits, and I'm Fully Salivating
When Belinda Carlisle sang that "heaven is a place on earth," I'm 99 percent sure she was preemptively referring to The Tropical Hideaway restaurant at Disneyland. The fast-casual, tiki-themed eatery, which opened its doors at the end of 2018, is the only place that offers a new salty-sweet treat park-goers can't get enough of: bacon-topped raspberry-pineapple whip. Yes, you read that correctly - bacon on top of a swirled raspberry-pineapple soft serve. *Wipes away drool from chin*
This dessert is technically a secret menu item, as you must ask the the Tropical Hideaway cashier to "spice up" your order of soft serve to indicate that you want candied bacon crumbles sprinkled on top, which costs just $1 extra. Pro tip: apparently if you ask for the bacon on the side, they give you a lot more of the smoky bits than when the employees pour 'em on themselves. Needless to say, this concoction has officially catapulted to the tippy-top of our edible Disneyland bucket list.
You Can Bring Your Cutest Tiny Bag to Coachella Because Amazon Lockers Will Be On-Site
If you're going to a music festival, you have a specific conundrum that comes when choosing your outfits. On the one hand, you want to carry as little as possible so that you're free to dance and aren't weighed down by stuff. However, on the other hand, you don't want to get caught without something you might need. Well, now you can bring your tiniest purse possible, because Amazon Lockers are coming to Coachella. That's right! If you forget something the day of the festival or just want to order things in advance because you're a music festival veteran, this is an answer to your prayers. From hair ties to an extra jacket, here are the 12 things we'll be sending to our Amazon Lockers in April.
Shop the 40+ Hottest Living Room Furniture Pieces of 2019 - You Won't Regret It
One easy way you can upgrade your living room this year is by investing in a few new furniture pieces that will totally transform your space. Whether you're on the hunt for a comfy sofa bed or a modern coffee table, we searched and uncovered more than 40 hot pieces of furniture on the internet right now. The best part: we found tons of stylish picks at every price point, so no doubt you'll find what fits in your budget. Keep reading to shop our favorites, and upgrade your home today.
Häagen-Dazs Is Releasing a Boozy Ice Cream Collection, and I Can't Contain My Excitement
You're probably not exactly craving ice cream right now due to current weather conditions, but thanks to Häagen-Dazs, that's likely about to change. The ice cream brand is releasing an all-new Spirits Collection featuring five boozy flavors, a new cookie square, and a nondairy option that are all definitely worth bearing the cold for. With flavors like Irish Cream Brownie and Bourbon Vanilla Bean Truffle, each pint is made to pair perfectly with some of your favorite cocktails. We'll cheers to that!
If you're worried about what might happen if you eat a whole carton in one sitting (we've all been there), fret not. Though these ice creams are made to taste like cocktails and spirits, each flavor contains less than 0.5 percent alcohol, so don't expect to feel buzzed after indulging. The Häagen-Dazs Spirits Collection will be widely available in freezer aisles around the nation this April. Take a look at the new flavors ahead, and start making some room in your freezer STAT.
Attention, Renters! These Temporary Wallpaper Transformations Will Inspire You to Go Bold
The thought of redesigning our homes is always nice in theory, but in all reality, painting walls and hanging wallpaper is a task that if we regret, is not easy to undo (and not one that our landlords like to take care of, either). Luckily, temporary wallpaper is here to save the day. This sticky adhesive is great for renters and indecisives alike, because just as easy as it is to stick on, it's equally as simple to peel off. Risk-taking has never been easier, and after seeing these before and afters from our friends at Tempaper, we have an idea that you'll be feeling a bit more daring. Say goodbye to the days of neutral tones and hello to the days of bright, bold, and patterned designs with these transformation pictures ahead!
128 Affordable Valentine's Day Gifts For Men in Their 20s
If you're shopping for a 20-something dude and want to get him something cool and useful this Valentine's Day, don't overwhelm yourself trying to figure out what! Be it your friend, boyfriend, or husband, any guy navigating his 20s would seriously not mind shredding through wrapping paper to open up these bad boys. Each one is $50 or less, so they're easy on your bank account, too!
- With Haley Lyndes, Krista Jones, Rebecca Brown, India Yaffe, and Lauren Harrano
I Used to Hate My Ugly Apartment, but These 10 Decor Items Totally Transformed It
I'm lucky enough to live in a rent-controlled apartment in San Francisco. That said, it hasn't been updated in over 15 years, leaving me with ugly brown carpet and dark beige walls. In an effort to spruce up my old space without doing any handiwork, I simply invested in a few decor pieces that totally transformed it overnight. From a white fuzzy carpet to a cool bed frame, these picks make for great inspiration if you're looking to refresh a room in your home. Keep reading to see my favorite items and start thinking about your next revamp.
20 Bedroom Furniture Pieces So Affordable, They're Selling Like Crazy
If you feel like your bedroom could use a refresh, you've come to the right place. Instead of spending a fortune on redoing the whole thing, try investing in a few new furniture pieces that will make it feel like new. To make sure you find your perfect match without overspending, we shopped and uncovered the hottest picks out there. The best part? Everything is under $250, so you can buy more than just one thing. Keep reading to shop.
How to Roast Vegetables to Perfection
Looking for a quick, easy, and enticing way to incorporate more vegetables into your life? Roasting may very well be just the solution you need. Not only does the blast of high heat cook vegetables to fork-tender in next to no time, but it also magically caramelizes the edges, making each bite slightly sweet and all the more enticing.
Little more than a bit of prep work and roughly 20-30 minutes of cook time separates your meal from the addition of a brightly colored, mouth-watering, and rather healthy side. And while methods vary slightly from vegetable to vegetable, follow these general guidelines:
- Preheat the oven: Aside from tomatoes and other delicate produce, which shine when slow-roasted at a lower temperature (try 200°F), most vegetables benefit from a blast of high heat, as it promotes browning and caramelization; generally, 400-450°F is a good place to start.
- Prep the vegetables: Usually this just means a quick scrub with a vegetable brush and a rough chop (1-inch cubes is pretty standard), but some produce like Winter squash requires a bit of peeling and even the removal of seeds but is still very easy to prep. For oddballs like brussels sprouts, trim off the woody stems, peel away any dried-out and tough outer leaves and halve the tiny cabbages so that they have a flat surface to rest on (flat surfaces allow the most pan contact and browning). Smaller root vegetables like carrots can be left whole (just trim off excess carrot tops).
- Season the vegetables: The easiest way to do this is to drizzle a half-sheet pan or cast-iron skillet with a healthy helping of oil (like olive, grapeseed, or canola) and toss the vegetables in the oil right on the pan; this also helps to grease the pan so that the vegetables won't stick. Afterward, generously sprinkle the whole lot with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (or any seasonings you choose to incorporate), tossing once more to coat. Also, make sure to spread everything out in a single even layer so as to promote even cooking and browning.
- Jazz things up (optional): A few sprigs of hearty herbs like thyme or rosemary can be tucked in whole or minced and sprinkled on with the salt and pepper. Alternatively, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Just make sure to line the sheet pan with parchment paper so that the sugars won't burn and stick to the pan. To ensure that the sweetener at hand evenly coats the vegetables, toss everything together in a large bowl and then spread out on the pan.
- Roast away: This will depend greatly on the density of your vegetable, the size of the pieces, and how hot you choose to heat your oven, but most will be ready to eat in about 20-25 minutes, with tougher varieties like Winter squash requiring up to 40 minutes. When trying out this method, use common sense and check often; the vegetables are done and ready to eat when they're fork-tender and have begun to brown.
Upset About the Conversation Hearts Shortage This Year? Krispy Kreme Has a Sweet Solution
It was recently revealed that Sweethearts Conversation Hearts will not be available this coming Valentine's Day following a behind-the-scenes business change that disrupted the usual manufacturing process. While we've pondered canceling Valentine's Day altogether, Krispy Kreme is offering a solution: conversation doughnuts.
Available from Jan. 30 through Feb. 14, the cheeky doughnuts will feature updated romantic phrases like "All the feels," "DM me," and so on. As far as the taste is concerned, the heart-shaped doughnuts will be filled with one of four flavors: cake batter, raspberry, strawberries and cream, and chocolate cream.
"Finding the right word can be like, I don't know . . . hard. But eating a doughnut is easy," Chief Marketing Officer Dave Skena said in a press release. "So, we printed the right words on the doughnuts for you so you can't mess this up." While we're still slightly bummed by the conversation hearts news, this alternative will surely do.
mercredi 13 février 2019
6 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Small Kids
It's not unusual for families to adopt a dog around the same time as having their own children. But are some dog breeds better suited for families with small children? We were recently asked that, so we reached out to Dr. Eva Radke, DVM, of the East San Rafael Veterinary Clinic in California to see what we could come up with.
There are various things to consider, according to Radke, aside from a dog just being a family-friendly breed. She recommends taking your own daily life into account. "Are you an active family who spends a lot of time hiking, running, and camping?" she asks. "Or do you tend to stay home cooking and enjoying movies? You will want to choose a dog whose temperament, size, and energy level best matches your family."
At the end of the day, it's also important to remember that your dog is just that: a dog. "Even the gentlest-mannered dog is still an animal with her own set of instincts and ways to express herself," Radke said. She suggests you never leave your small children unattended with the dog, just in case, and always supervise them when they're together. Your pup may always tolerate the ear and tail tugs from your kid, but you don't want to run the risk of the dog snapping one day when you aren't paying attention.
Keep reading to find six dog breeds Radke said are best suited for families, based on each breed's typical personality traits.
22 Unbelievably Cool Tech Gadgets You Never Knew You Needed - All From Walmart
To make sure you're stocked up on the hottest gadgets of 2019, we curated a list of 22 must-haves that will make your life easier one way or another. We looked to Walmart because the retailer carries many brands we love at affordable price points. From sleep lamps to automatic mops, prepare to want it all. Take a look at our favorites ahead.
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